a
r;~~
1
~sa
ILi
El
1
b
i
P
I
ii::i
*nl
aci
a,
"*,r
is'
I
1
1
I
n
i:




I




















lo-


  - .,. I - 11 1 A -        A,, - -  -, -  A  ...... - -.  - I., I -.11, -  "I 11..1. 11, -  11                       A - "., "- "    " ".,. "A,\,                       i  9. AW, \\"\ \\11 '\ 1101, I \\I ' z  '11&\, ~,     \1 I',\,,\,, V 'N,\\V\                                         IXFI'INV                                          V"ON."Al.11  N Z-N  -I-,,- Awg ,,m% "09     $\l.\. I "A\Vll      I
1,      V T V T V            'V'  I., I - 'T"I          - - -    - - V V.. -           IV —r-v-lw-lv   I              I...                  - - - - -  - IV.     -   ...  A-A-.&.A.                   -,.   -.   -..


4    
4    fr
I/,fr
4, fr
4;fr
4. 'fr
/fr
/fr.4.
I/fr
4 /fr
'/fr
I/fr
4    fr
4k/fr
.4,,,fr
4 fr
4>fr
4/fr
47 fr
I/fr
i,I
4   fr
4/fr.161, 
4?I




11


a


lmTH E4


3RAERS
06~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I
%ft"


060 
Historical aild Descr~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-ij


- WIT I

V KK\,\ \ \ \ N
1, 
/fr,fr
4*$fr
4 fr
4/fr
4,
4,
4> 
4/
'fr
4/fr
4 'fr
/fr
uihuI0                                    4 /fr
4'/fr
4fr
4/fr
4fr
4/fr
4.
4' fr
4/fr
4  fr
4/fr
4  fr
4/fr
ION, 
)tlve,                                     4/fr
I.,
BRY
Sketehes
A
'3
4/


IV4/4.4
A-A-A-A-A,~~~~~~~;f


ILLUSTRATIONS OF SCENE


-AND

Portra~~~it an  BorpIea


OF SOME OF ITS


Promninent Mlen and Pioneer


CHICAGO:


H.X  R.FT"n


m
Zsc Cl C).


1 8 8 4.






1 ";o IAN
0, V W


- -   11   ,, ".L -., -     ",. -.1   I -     -  - -.. " -   - -  -  - A   - A -    ".                & -      'L., 'L  : &      I "L "    `   IL A,-.A-A. - -.1 11 -.,\. I,   N                       \,  w     '\,  1\1 '\  W'.   \,"\   ""\ \\ \" S   ~1 \\N*-l\\l'l\qW\\\\'lXj
I                                                                                                                                \    \
SOP"AINS                                       N\611,                    \\>\' INI'll"', NSW'l'l\NMX\\'l\Nll                                                            V
I  - -    I I - - -       -     -  -  -     -        I    -   -  -        -           I -    . I - -       , V     I.,.,,,,   f,         -    I I I.  -,


h


1 6
1           w
z




The reproduction of this book has been
made possible through the sponsorship of
the Grand Traverse Historical Society,
Traverse City, Michigan.
A Reproduction by UNIGRAPHIC, INC.
1401 North Fares Avenue
Evansville, Indiana 47711
' Nineteen Hundred Severity Four
Binding by
MODBRN PBtBINDING CORPORATION
Portdid, Indiana




AI


(I
I
i.i,


1


N _
I ---


CO NTE NTS.


The Traverse Region.............. 9
General  )escription.....................  9
Early  Explorers........................  14
Indian  History.........................  14
Conspiracy qWiPontiac.:................ 14
Massacre at Fort Mackinac.............. 18
First Permanent White Settlement...... 18
Indian Movements...................... 18
Land  Titles...........................  26
Indial   Treaties........................ 26
First Protestant Mission................ 26
The Mormon Kingdom.................. 29
Jalmes Jesse  Strang.................... 29
Killing  of Strang.......................  29
Grand Traverse County........... 38
Physical  Features.......................  38
Early Settlements...................... 38
Early Events.......................    38
Old Mission in 1849.................... 43
The Monroe Settlement................  43
Early Religious Activities............... 43
Organization of County................ 49
County Officers.................... 49
Bench  and  Bar.........................  49
School Matters...............          49
Village of Traverse City................. 55
Hannah, Lay & Co...............  55
Early History.......................   55
Glimpses at Different Periods........... 55
Church History............ 55
Hannalh & Lay Mercantile Co........... 55
N ews apers............................  55
General Progress.....................    55
Fife  L ake.............................  84
W alton............................. 84
Paradise..............................  84
Kingsle..................     84
M ayfield.......................         84
Westminster..................          84
Acm e.................................  84
W illiansburgh.........................  84
Summit......................   84
Other Settlemenlts..................... 84
Cheboygan County................ 95
Topographical Features................. 95
Organizationl and Officers................95
Items of Civil History................... 95
County  Bar...........................  95
Supervisors                              95
Town  Or  anizatio.....................  97
Land  Entries........................   97
Early  H istory..........................101
Clilurcl  Incorporations..................101
Statistics.............................101
Village of Cheloygan...................104
Early  History.........................104
Churches. Sc1hools and Societies........104
Miscellaneous Industries................104
Duncau City.                            104
Village of MIachkiuaw City.......     119
Early History.1........................119
Churches and Schools..............     119
General Progress.......................119
The  Inland  Routee......................122
M ullet Lake...........................122


Topinabee.............................122
Indian River and Wolverine............. 122
Emmet County...................127
General Description....................127
Early Movements......................129
Early  M issions......................... 129
The Mission Farm......................129
Settlement and Progress............ 132
School Matters........................ 132
Bar of Emmet County.................. 132
County and Town Organizations........135
Civil History......................135
County and Town Officers..............135
Little  Traverse  Bay.....................137
The Summer Resorts...................137
Village of Cross Village................. 141
History and Interests................... 141
Village of Harbor Springs...............144
General History........................144
Sketches and Legends.................. 144
Village of Petoskey..................... 153
Early History.........................153
General Progress................ 153
Newspapers..........................    153
Churches, Schools, Societies............153
Miscellaneous Interests................ 153
Charlevoix County................168
General Description.....................168
Holy Island............................168
Battle at Pine River.....................173
Mormon Troubles...................... 173
Early  Settlements...................... 178
County and Town Organization..........182
County and Town Officers...............182
First Court............................182
School M atters........................ 182
Village of Charlevoix....................186
Early  Movements.......................186
Churches, Schools and Societies.......... 186
Newspapers............................ 18
General History and Progress............186
Summer Resorts........................ 186
Village of Boyne.......................206
Bay Springs............................206
East Jordan and South Arm........... 206
Boyne Falls............................206
Ironton........................206
l.eelanaw County...........222
Physical Features.......................222
First Settlements............. 2...... 22
Settlements at Leland and Glen Arbor... 227
Development..........................227
Civil History...........................230
County and Town Organization.........230
County Officers........................ 230
First Court.......................230
Northport.......................238
Leland.................................238
Glen  Arbor.............................238
Burdickville............................238
Sutton's Bay...........................238
New MIission......................238
Provement.............................238
Antrim County....................249
General Description.................... 249


Early Stttlers and Settlements..........251
County and Town Organization..........254
First  Court..........................254
County  Officers........................254
County Seat............... 254
Village of Elk Rapids.................257
General History........................257
Churches and Schools...................257
Newspapers......................257
General Development..................265
Antrim   City........................265
Torch Lake.........................   265
Eastport.................. 265
Spencer  Creek.........................265
Cential Lake.......................... 265
M ancelona......................      268
B ellaire........................... 273
General Development.............. 278
Benzie County.................... 288
Description..........................288
Early  Settlement........................288
The Bpnzonia Enterprise................288
County and Town Organization..........292
County  Officers.........................292
County  Seat...........................292
Frankfort..............................292
South  Frankfort........................292
General History and Improvements.......292
Churches and Schools...................292
Industries...........................   292
Kalkasha Couny..................313
General Description....................313
Early  Settlement........................313
County and Town Organization..........320
County and Town Officers...............320
T he   B ar...............................320
Schools.............................. 320
Statistical...............................320
Village of Kalkaska.....................325
History and Progress...................325
Chturches, Schools and Societies........325
Newspapers.........................   325
Miscellaneous Industries................325
South Boardman........................329
Crofton, Westwood, Leetsville...........329
Wexford County.................. 335
General  Description.....................335
First Settlement........................335
County and Town Organization..........337
County  Officers........................ 337
County  Seat  Contest...................337
Wexford County Bar...............337
Sherm an...............................34
General History and Progress............342
Churches and Societies.................. 342
M anton................................342
General History........................342
Settlement and Development............342
Village of Cadillac................ 352
Early Settlement and Development.......352
Churches, Schools, Societies.............352
Cadillac  City..........................352
City  Officers...........................352
Conclusion........................... 366


I I


J


-~I


i

L


--


L


-


-




-rJ  -


c I 


1
it


CO N T E N T.-Continued.


BIOGRAPHIES.
Granl   Traverse County............
Anderson    I   M.........................  87
Arn)old   J   VW............................  91
A  iltoll  B   D...........................  71
Bauiley Clinanc!y C..................... 85
Barlnes   Sm itlh..........................  75
Barnet v  J-B...........................  93
Bartlett  WV   W..........................  92
Bates Hon, Mortgan..................... 63
Batcs   Rev  M erlltt......................  7(
Brates Thollm;as 'rT..................... G64
Beadc '   H   S...........................  45
Beadle   Jollln '.......................  77
B ell Charles  MI.........................  77
B ennett   I   E..........................  87
Bl nnett   JT  L.......................... 93
Billiings Jolii 1).......................  7!,
Blc(k Joln.......................... 4;
Bl;air R v  HoIrace.......................  89
Bodl]   Artllhur T......................... 81
Boultoil James   M.....................  86
Boe(rmalll:l M oses Jl.................... 91
Broi: lff ool Johl n   N......................  80
Broscli Franlk   F......................  78
Lro  n   ( Tcorge........................  45
Brow1\\ isonl  Di Myhron  S.................. 88
131nrkl itt   N...........................  89
Caidwe'lli 1l-obel rt.......................  81
Claiiipbell   Henry   D....................  76
C '   ~e~.JallJ m es   M.....................  87
Campbl llul Robert A......................  78
(Canjute   G( H...........................  93
Car-penlter   llobert......................  93
C arter   ])   Ej............................  81
Carver  0.;ea  1'........................  78
Chandler W illiam   A....................  92
C handler   W   8.........................  92
Chickeril,- <&   K vs(..........................  86
C lark   G oi  Ion........I.................  86
Clark   0:'............................  94
C randtill   1-   i;..........................  89
C urdy  S............................  90
C urtis   Jo.sial..........................  46
('Cutter   Asa;L  C................    80
D avis   E   A.............................  94
D evoe  W illiam   P.......................  93
Do tg-heri v  1cv  Peter...................  39
Downs  C.'i rL(.........................  92
D iiigga   W illiam   R......................  92
E llis  M artin   E.........................  78
E lmis   Julitns   K.........................  78
1.istes   C   H.............................  92
Fairba bii s  A   K.........................  46
Fell D r  Vickers.......................  83
F en is   H   A............................  90
F ife   W   H..............................  45
F in'eh   N elson..........................  87
F ollett   J   I............................  (1I
F oster   E H 1............................  85
Fowie    WVi1 iMll ) 1.........................  M0
F ulllr   Santford........................  93
("ta-'   L ovell  H.........................  77
G ermaine  C1uyler........................  83
G ibbs   J   L............................   <S9
(TiAl)s   L   K.............................8 )
GTibson   Jobn...........................  8(i
Groodale   Dr D]Dtvid   C...................  60
Grant  John  F.ancis....................  St3
Greilick  Joseph  E.:...............    81
Griffin   AWoleott F...................... 8(
H adlev   B ros............................0
Hadley   Henry   H.......................  90
HTannal I Hon. Perry..................... 75


Hallln all l Lna  &  Co..................... 57
Hnnlahl l t Lay Mercnatile Co........... 72
HRa slovsky  E   J........................ 81
Hatch  Renben  Jr.......................  77
Havilandl Joseph B..................... 76
Hiekev   William   M........................ 88
H ill   A Y................................  91
Ho  Rg  Dr J   HI.......................... 87
Hollidav\ Jesse G..................... 82
H oxs.sie  L   S............................  88


H it chin ns   J   O.........................  87
Ido Hnry....................... 90
Ingersoll Lovias  F..................... 79
Jackson   M   W..........................  93
Jackson  W illi:am   H.....................  91
Jen jings  Albert...........................  82
Jolhns im   Jolihn  D.......................  86
K en(lall  W   D.........................  93
Killn sley   Jntlsoin   W....................  89
K ingsley   C   W..........................  89
K.ag ts Robelrt........................  90
Kneelanlldl   Chalrles J.....................  71
KT vs. lr   F al nlk...........................  86
Luidtl   ElisIa   P.........................  44
Langwortl, y  H   A.....................  88
Lelachl   Dt-Wii t  C.......................  79
Leacl l MIoran  L....................... 83
L ee   Jam es............................  82
Lond(ol n   W illiam...................  81
Love Isac............................ 45
IMarti nck  J;lales N......................  82
M VCCully   Jal-tes.........................  90
M cDow- ell   W illiam.....................  72
M errill J   MI...........................  46
Monlroe JTnmes......................... 45
Monro   W illianim.......................  44
M onteithi James........................  85
M organ   B   J............................  77
MIyers Josepli A I....................... 87
Newberry    Loren.......................  82
Perrv   Johnl   A..........................  78
Perry   W `alter..........................  78
Petersoii   Peter   T......................  87
Petertvl Victor.........................  80
P hillilps   A.  F..........................  90
Pound  W as Sington.....................  82
PUlcipher  Edwhi.......................  45
Palcipher Harrison.....................  45
P ulciphei John..........................  45
Ramsdell Jonait!ian  G...................  52
R eid   W il11ia11m1..........................  87
Rober's  Geor-e  L......................  93
usI  more|  D............................  94
Stnit1h  Alen   M.........................  92
Sm ith   Jam es   E........................  86
S mith   Lym an..........................  44
Smith  W illiam   W......................  79
Sours  Josephl...........................  46
Sprao-ne   E   L.........................  64
Starr   NW illard..........................  82
St(eele George E............        77
Steven   Geo  F.......................  89
Steward   H   E...........................  79
Strang James Jeese.....................  31
Thacker  Qifincey.......................  91
Thacker  W illiam.......................  91
Titus  Clarence  0.......................  77
1Vinton   David   Jr.......................  91
W ait  Arthlutr   W........................  82
W ait   S   Edwin........................  77
W all Joihn.............................  9'3
W alter  Dr  Lewis  S....................  87
Wightmai George H................... 92
WRi 'itinman   Horace  E...................  92
W illie m   John.........................  79
W illiams Jamne;s D......................  86
W inntJie   Istaa   G........................  79
W innie   M alcolmn.......................  79
W ynkoop  Thomas......................  89
Cheboygan........................
B3ackus Lorenzo....................... 114
R iker   Sainforl......................... 115
Barber  John........................... 114
lake  H   A............................ 117
BoueC ard  Capt E   A..................... 116
Bries  P hilip............................ 114
Brown  James  J........................ 116


Carleton  George........................ ]18
Carmold & Co................... 117
Chandler Merritt............... 116
Clleboygan Banking Co................ 108
Cochrao   Josephl........................ 117
Crulmley T. J.......................... 118
D eGowiu  I   E........................... 118


Desmedt Rev Peter J.................. 109
Eddy  Samuel  S........................ 118
Farm er  A   D............................ 116
Fax   George E.......................... 118
Forsyth   Edward........................ 113
Frost George  E........................  108
G allaghler C   A.......................... 116
Gerow    Dr A   M........................ 115
Grandl Ceutral Hotel................108
Harriugton    WV illiam................... 116
H efs  W illiam...........................117
Hornme  Moses WT........................ 113
Humphrey George P.................... 108
HulIp hrIt e  W atts S..................... 114
H uston   MI   E........................... 1 8
Kesseler Matbias J....................... 117
L egtault   Albert......................... 117
Lvnn Howard...........................; 116
M aloney  J  F........................... 109)
Maloney Patrick........................109
Maultby Wnilli;am H....................114
McArtlilur Archibald............................ 107
MIcArthur VW,t A..................... 1()(
McArthur W  ill amii..................... 107
M cArtbih r W ard  B...................... 10 7
McDonald Daniel D..................... s
McDonald     Janmes W.................... 11(;
M cDonald  Jolin  F......................115t
M cDon ald   P   H......................... 118
McDonald W F........................ 11S
McGinn J W.......................... 115
M cL eod   D   N...........................ll
McQuaig J A.............         llX
McRae     Alexander.....................  U S
M etivier   Aledard........................ 114
M inier  H   J............................. 117
M urray   &  Rich......................... llS
N ewton   &   E llis......................... 104
O 'Brien   Philip..........................114
O sier  Frank........................... 117
Parcelle   L ouis  A....................... 117
Perkins Edwin    Z....................... 116
Penrin Thomas A., Al D................ l(iN
R am say   C   S............................ 117
Raynolds  G   F.......................... 117
R eid   John.............................. 118
Sammons Francis M................... 113
Sammons Jacob............... 105
Scott  W   H...........................116
Smith   Clharles R........................ 115
Smith   Thompson....................... 113
Spoouer Joseph........................ U S
Spooner  Peter.......................... 114
Stimpson  George W.................... 121
Sutherland. Prof E D............ 112
Sutton   J   P............................17
Thompson  R    M....................... 115
T odd   F   J.............................. 11S
W illets  L   I....................121
Emmet County...................
Barnes Martin V... 143
B lackbird   A   J.......................... 145
B lood   B ros............................ 165
Blood    Clarence  a..................... 165
Blood  Mtullice E..................... 165
Boitecon  Capt J   C..................... 16')
Boyd    M argaret......................... 146;
Bovee, Kelsey  &  Co................... 14.3
B ovee   L   J............................. 143
Buckley  James......................... 166
Bunmp    G   W........................... 166
Burbeck  J  M........................... 147
Burnett A    T..........................  142
B urtE  N   G.............................. 143
Cable  Flouring  Mills................. 165
Calkins  Dr H   T....................... 166
Call Cli^y   E.........................   166


Canbv  Israel........................... 152
Caskey    C   W......................... 153
Childs Geo W.......................... 168
Clark L A.............1....... 148
Coffman J S...................... 167
Cole   LV. W.............................. 166
Crosby Williuam....................... 152


s


-I


r


Ls


j


of     -  I ' 


r


i, *




- a
4 -

I
I




_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -                                                   0-Pt


CONTENTS.-Continued.


Curtis William L...............   163
Cushman D J..........................165
Davidson Charles................   147
Denel A L......................... 152
Dickinson G   W............... 152
Downing Dennis T............   147
Eaton  C  H............................ 152
Eldridge E W.........................167
Ford Charles R.................. 147
Gardner Dr John..............              166
Gardner Joseph A..................... 167
G o,ld   O  M............................166
Hall A M..................143
Halstead Benjamin T................ 152
Hampton Charles S...................148
Hampton Dr Carlos D................151
Hankey   C F...................            166
Harwood G M.......1......      166
IHathaway Albert L............. 152
H enika  C  B............................167
H ill  John   G........................... 166
Hough James A...............143
Howard   J  W..........................   168
Hungerford R it......................167
H u ted    E   B............................167
Ingalls Charles W.................. 1.47
Ingalls  Hazen..........................131
Jarman Nathan.......................131
K elseyL    A..........................  143
Ketcham Lewis B.....................168
Kilborn W    R....................         167
Kirkland Thomas.................... 166
Lawrason Alonzo...............   143
Little Dr Wi liam...................... 155
Martindale Geo B.....................143
M cCaity   A   N.......................... 67
McKenzie Deugal......................167
McManus William L............... 167
McVean A....................... 143
Metivier L G..........................142
Milor J H...................167
Morrice James L................. 152
Morris Samuel....................... 142
Pailtliorp Charles J...................165
Peiseh   P   E............................167
Petoskey  Igna  ius......................153
Porter  Andrew...........................129
Potter Rev W    S.......................158
Pyant Joseph..................... 146
Richardson Geo 0.....................168
Rollins Henry A........................147
Rose Hirarn 0.....................  154
Rose  Rozelle...........................160
Rose H 0 & Co.......................       154
Rowan   J  A   C.........................165
Seger  G...........................  153
Shier  John............................167
Shurtleff John S.....................142
Sm ith   F   J.............................168
Smith Wade B.................   152
Southard A J........................152
St Peter Joseph....................143
Toll Isaac DeGraff................... 164
Wachtel Philip B.............. 161
Wagley Capt Johnl................... 142
Wagley James E.......................143
Wagley'John Jr................  143
Weston A M.................                152
Williams Edward.......................168
Wilson A....................  152
Winsor F K..................               168
Wright Charles R................   145
Wylie J R....................167
Charlevoix County...............
Abraham Frank M..................          208
Ackert John M.........................200
Ainslie Nelson......................... 201


Aldrich Capt Alauson G..............      182
Aldrich Fred H.......................'15
Alen E F..........................210
Allen L E.............................203
Bado  r P   A............................209
Barnes J  W..................... 219
Batcheller  C  C.........................207.


I


Beardsley A J..........................207
Beauvais E B.................. 200
Bellinger C R.................20t
Bennett J J.....................2......221
Bixby      A......................... 221
Black William..........................217
Blair  Orlando..........................203
Box  Aaron..........................  217
Brown W P...........................203
Burgess Daniel C.................... 218
Carley Rufus H.................221
Carlstein  Dr J  A......................203
Charlevoix Manufacturing Co.......... 200
Chase A N................... 218
Chase  F   M.......................... 209
Clark E M...........................204
Clark  J  M.............................204
(lifford Capt Walter...................202
Cole E   A   H............................212
Cook  Edwin........................218
Cooper H C..................,....204
Cooper  Ricllh rd........................200
Corbett Roscoe L......................210
Crouter  G   W.........................201
Cruickshank A D.....................203
Darrah John E................ 220
Dixon John Sergeant............. 175
Eaton  J  M ilo........................201
Ecker  Ezra  M.........................219
Em  pey  W   F..........................213
Ernrev J Reed..........................204
Flick  Joseph  K.........................220
Fogg  F  E.............................215
Foote George, E...................... 218
Fox & Rose........................188
F ox   A m,os.............................. 188
Gillick J A.                              204
Gillick J A..........................204
Glenn & Porter.......................213
Glenn  J  C............................213
Green Edwirdl H................. 184
Grier Charles J.........................204
Hall A J................... 207
B amlin  L   C........................... 220
Hammond1I John.....................217
Harris William........................2 18
Hicks & Chase.........................209
Hicks  S  L.................. 209
H ill  Rev  L  J...........................210
Horton Samuel]..................1.81
Hull Horace....................... 203
Iddings H L-e.........................204
Ingalls B F........... 211
Inwood James.............2......... 202
Isamaii  Solomon  G....................  212
K,,at  Jam es A......................... 212
Kilhorn  John.......................... 219
Leis C G........................210
Lewis  Dr L  vi.1.........................196
Lewis William J................. 210
M aso~n  Seth  F.......................... 196
M cFellin  J  C.......................... 210
McGeagh Wi'li:n J.............. 218
McLeod Alexander J....................203
Miey H C......................... 211
Miller George W................202
Miller Hugh...........................181
M iller John..........................180
M iller  Robert.........................201
M iller  W illiam........................220
Morgan Zachariah..................... 210
Mu(dg  Andrew J................. 202
Myers A F............................204
Nel.on Thomas F.'....................   214
Nettleton D C.......................     202
Newmanl  Henry........................ 203
Newman John..........................181
Newsted John..2....................218


Nicholls  John................... 201
Norton Will A.................204
Noyes A B......................... 219
Olds Albert W.................. 219
Palmiter &  Nelson.....................214
Palmiter WF........................ 214
Parmelee Ed F...........190
Perkins R..........................210


Peterson John G................ 217
Plheteplace Capt E C................  220
Pine Lake Iron Co.....................216
Pierce  Daniel H......................  181
Porter William  H.....................180
P otter  J   E............................215
Preston Dr William   M................204
Raymond   John........................   219
Reigle J L..................  220
Salter S W......................        218
Sanderson Dr James....................   210
Schaub    J  C........................... 210
See Byron......................    202
ee S M................203
Shapton John........................218
Shapton  R  S..........................220
Smith Thomas................... 217
Smith  W illard  A......................  190
Stevens J J................... 208
Stevenson W   J......................203
Stockman M J.................181
Stoepel Lumber Co...............  215
Stohlman Henry B....................212
Stone  Jam es H.........................215
Stone Will A......................... 215
Stover Albin................    203
Strang  Charles  J.......................190
Stroud   A   J...........................219
~hatcher Samuel B....................220
ThomIpson Jamps H................... 207
United States Hotel............ 208
Upright A R..........................201
Vosburgh  W    B.........................217
W alker George.........................218
Washburni & Ackert...................200
W ashIburn  O   S.........................200
Waslhbm n James....................204
W ebb  David  T.........................220
W ebb   John   T......................... 220
Weikel Jesse.................. 213
Weikdl William J.................... 213
Whitmloyr Leonard....................     219
Williams Amos.................. 180
W illis  Isaan............................219
Willis Joseph.........................219
Willis WrrvX 1.r.........r...........    219
W isrier Oscar  F.......................202
Wood F E.....................            204
Wood Hiram D.................  204
Wood Jam-l  s E.....................204
Wooden C J................... 219
Wriglt Hira......................... 219
leelanaw (County..................
Aldrich William W...............  242
Allard  C J.............................244
Anderson Capt J C.....................    248
Barnes Gen Charles....................241
Baunimberger Fred................234
Becker F A...................238
Brooks Thomas.2'.................         237
Brown George V...................... 233
Brvant John..........................228
Bryant, John A................ 228
Cate Moses C............................237
Chase Edgar E.................. 234
Cluff Edward.......................  237
Cook  Fred  F..........................248
Cook Frederick Sr................... 229
Core Williilm..........................235
Couturier Noel.........................238
Craker George A................   229
Crowell William H.....................249
Cutler George A................ 232
Dalton John............................ 245
Dame Deacon Joseph................... 239
Dame E F...................               242
Darrow  S  C..........................  235


Dewing Jonathan.......236
Dumbrill Charles................  246
Dunkelau ( H...... 245
Dunkelau Henry J...................... 25
Ellis Barton B..........................245
Farrant  Marsh  ll.......................236
Ferris Charls E........................ 23




l


V


I
4-,
J1"
<5


1!


9          I 




, I-.


m1 (


1    46
I


I


dbm ---4


6 -I
I
I
I


1


I
I


CONTENTS.-Continued..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I




I


I


Fisher John E........................228
Foote John............................236
Franklin William H....  241
Fritz Abner S.......................238
Gagnon Samuel...............41
Geary S C.............................237
Gill William......................241
Goffar A J................ 236
Grandy A L..........     237
Greilick Brothers.......................228
Grobben  L  J...........................244
Hall Rev J B................ 238 -Hall Winthrop C......................238
Halmond Andrew................... 245
Hannaford William F............... 237
Harrington William.....................    237
Hawkins William......................235
Helm John.................                248
Heuss Michael A...................         247
Hitchcock H R.........................241
Hulme William.........................236
John Alfred.......................... 245
Jones  Cornelius.......................  245
K ahrs  C   H.............................2 8
K ehl  John............................234
Keller M..............................238
Keyes Sidney A..................          234
Lee John A............................235
Lee Valentine...................:......245
Manseau Antoine...................... 228
Mansean Antoine Jr...............           228
McFall H F..................... 235
M ebert  W illiam.......................235
Middleton George S.............. 235
Middleton Joshua B............ 234
Middleton Joshua S............. 234
M iller D aniel...........................247
Miller John I..........................228
Miller Wells B.........................247
Monroe Dr      H........................236
Morgan Jesse..........................242
Morgan N C.......................242
Murray James..........................235
Murray James...235
Nash John B.........................237
Nelson Peter...........................229
Nelson William C......................244
Nelson William   H....................242
Oberst  Charles.........................234
Parkes William.........................247
Paulus Napoleon................. 245
Payment Frank..................   235
Pettengill H  C..........................236
Pheatt    D.......................236
Pickard Adam N......................44
Pickard Nicholas.................... 247.Pickarc Simeon........................241
Pohoral Anthony.......................245
Porter John...........................228
'orter W H.......................            242
P 7bus Ralph...........................238
Ray George...........................246
Re7nolds Christopher F.................245
Ro inson Jasper........................244
Scot Andrew..................      233
Scott  John............................233
Sheridan L F.....................         246
Smidt Henry...........................235
Smith George Nelson...................224
SmithP   P P..........................248
Stebbins Edmund J.....................234
Steimel George..........................48
Steimel George Jr..................       248
Taylor Edmund P......................234
Thomas William........................234
Tobin John.........................248
Tremain Harvey........................249
Voice Joseph.....................         229
Warwick Samuel...............          242


Weyant F G........................... 244
W hite  Otis L...........................229
Wilbur Capt C E......................     242
Williams Charles W.....................237
Woolsey Chauncey......................233
Aiegler Henry..........................236


I
I






-  ---                        ` ---~  ~~     ~~    ~~     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I


Antrim County....................
Abbot Albert  S......................274
Acker Cornelius............... 284
Acker John...................    263
Adams James J.................  276
Anderson Mrs Helen M........      285
Andress John P......................272
Andress Perry........................268
Armstrong Benjamin..............285
Bagot Richard W............... 262
Bailey C E................... 265
Bailey Dr Geo H......................263
Baldwin Peter T................ 279
Barker William J............ 279
Beaver Dr Charles J............ 273
Becltold Frederick W............... 276
Bedell George.................   284
Bedell Henry  C........................282
Bender George H...............  273
Bennett Alex M................... 277
Bohnankamp Francis V.........  283
Bradford Hiram H........ 269
Brownson  Marvin A.................   282
Cameron  Archibald.....................266
(ameron William G...............266
Campbell Alexander.............. 282
Campbell John.......................287
Carpenter A   D.........................268
Chapin  Daniel J.......................287
Chapin Noah J................ 287
Church J P Cnlrran.................   263
Clow George M....................284
Conklin A B..............   264
Cook John E..................   275
Coon  L   N...................... 272
Denahy  John.........................262
Dewey George W.....................273
Dexter & Noble................ 261
Dick  Isaac F..........................286
Dickinson James P...............  277
Dougherty Arcllibald K................263
Drake Andrew J......................284
Edwards Clark  S..................... 270
Elder Ashlev  C...................286
Elder Martin M..........    285
Everingham John B..............  279
Farnham  J L..........................272
Farrand C W.........................276
Freeman  Hull........................272
Fox Richard.........................282
Grant William R........................270
Greene Mrs Alziia T................. 283
Hall Eugene B.................... 277
Handy Leander C.................. 268
Harriman John A...............   275
Hartwell John B................. 286
Hastings Robert............... 267
Hayt Warren.......................267
Hickox John Asa................ 277
Hickox William E................... 284
Hill Joel Eugene............ 65
Hill Capt Sheridan  F............... 269
Holbrook  0   J........................263
Hoppins Burgess F.............. 272
Jackson Abram G...............   286
Jackson Peter..........................272
Johnson William W.................283
Kaiser William..............264
Kemp Charles H....................272
Knight Richard................. 281
Leavitt Roswell.......................275
Lewis Rev Albert C................. 263
Lewis William C....................263
Lombard Frank W.................264
Lovejoy James...............     282
Mallory C B.................. 273
McKechnie Neil................... 272
Mc(Lachlan Peter................... 284


McLaughlin James J..................262
Mesick William S...................272
Miller Charles H.................... 269
Nichols' Reuben T.................266
Nickerson Elverton R................      272
Noble  E   S.............................261






Noble Henry H........................264
Noble Thomas H.................          264
O tis  John..........................  2  1
Parks Joseph......................      264
Passage Marshal St John.............. 268
Pearl John W..................267
Pearl  Lucius  H....................... 281
Potter  Josiah..........................270
Powers  Cyrenius.......................265
Powers Oliver J.......................265
Probasco Amasa B.....................285
Richardi Robert............              276
Rusliton Thomas M....................267
Russe'l  Charles......................281
Sacket James W......................283
Seward  George........................285
Skeels Samuel W................      278
Slussar L   E..........................270
Smalley  Peter S......................   285
Smith  Jam es...........................273
Smith Lemuel R..................... 264
Smith Dr Oliver G.....................277
Smith  Reuben  A......................  269
Sparks David F..................... 282
Stebbins Dempster H.............2....275
Stewart Henry W..................... 275
Troyer John D.........................287
Turrell Fletcher  E.....................277
Van Wert Thomas R................278
Wadsworth Abram S................... 251
Wadsworth James M...................2.76
Wil iams Fitch R......................262
W illiams  James........................ 281
Zipp   Peter............................273
Benzie County...................
Bailey  Charles  E........................289
Bailey  Lorenzo........................ 296
Banks  Albert E.........................309
Butler Abram  G....................... 307
Butler D   B............................308
Carrier Alonzo  B........................306
Carrier Chauncey T....................289
Cartwrigbt George M................302
Case  Lucius W..................... 295
Case  M orris..........................  297
Chambers William H................ 311
Coggshall William H................. 299
Collier  Charles  S..................... 09
Collins John  B.....................300
Crane Lawrence W.................... 310
Day  Robert S..........................296
Evaus Ramiro....................... 312
Forney Christian C............... 311
Francis William H....................310
Frost Eugene B.....................   309
Gillmore James M.....................306
Greenwood John................. 298
Hubbell John J........................296
Hubbell William S.................... 295
Joy Rev Amariah.....................29.
Joy William A.................... 297
Kern Fred..................... 307
Laveaux Charles......................299
Lincoln Benjamin F................. 311
M ackibbin  Stuart...................... 302
Meabon Peter S......1........    3.12
Mertz John A.............297
Miller John II.........................312
Oliver Joseph....................   299
Parker Charles HE.................... 297
Penfold Capt Jonathan.............. 311
Pettitt Rev John..................   296
Schmidt Aug   st........................312
Slyfield Dr Alonzo J................... 308
Spicer Hiram M...................298
Voorheis Charles A..................     310
Voorheis Tsaac....................... 09


Voorheis Jacob.........................307
Walkley Timothy M...................297
Wa son Fred A................... 312
Watson Thomas........................312
Whitconmb Alfred N...............296
Wiltse George W.......................311
Wiltse Hiram..........................312


--




I




I


i


-4


I




L






-


I  I1
-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ----~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r~~~ — 


hi


eI






I






CON TENTS.- Oontinued


Wiltse Marshall D.....................312
Woodward George C....................311
Woodward Henry..................        310
Kalkaska County..................
Ashdon William H.....................317
Baker John S..........................333
Beebe  A   C..........................315
Beebe D P....................314
Bigerow Samuel........................318
Bleazby Arthur A.......................323
Bockes William H.....................314
Boyd Dr F R................  328
Boyd J  L..................... 323
Burnham Allen E.....................318
Campbell James.......................331
Christian Orl inlo.................332
Clement Elisha W..................... 314
Copeland William.........     X........313
Crane Henry MI......................334
Crawford James......................332
Cronin  Cornelius.......................331
Dagle  Johln  D....................    330
Dennis & Tinklepaugli..:.............. 329
Drake Alfred G.......................332
Eckler LJ..............        332
Eckler Williaml H..................333 -Elms Dr B C..........328
Fessenden A D................. 332
G illett  Eli............................315
Goodrich 0 C.........................332
Goodwin  Elijth.........................319
Greacen  James.........................333
Halverson  Joseph.......................318
Haskin Hymen H......................317
Haynes L A..................... 316
Hill H U.............................316
Horsburg David....................... 318
Howe Bulrton S......................323
Hurley  Thomas.........................315
Jencks C C........323
Jones Burton A........................331
Kalkaska Manufacturing Co............328
Kellogg  A  T........................ 315
Kidder Mtson C.......................328
Knight George....................... 334
Lancaster Thomas....................315
Lannin Henry.................. 317
Leach  W   H...........................330
Letherbv John H F.....................314'
Mann Albert.................... 334
Manning Martin H.................... 333
M eVean  D   E.......................... 332
Moran M...............................316
Morley Col John W....................333
Nelson Robert J..................  334
Palmer Ambrose E....................331


Perkins  W illis B....................... 323
Phelps Samuel B....................... 33
Pitcher Dr Zina...................
Rainbow John E.................... 3
Ramsay  C   E.........................   3
Rickers Jacob N.................        3
Ross  Norman...........................14
Row Orange A..................3.18
Selkirk C V...........................832
Smith  George E.......................332
Smith Lumber Co......................328
Spiess John  U......................... 334
Stone Hamilton........................3,9
Sweet Charles P.......................329
Thompson R L.......................331
Totten William D............... 323
Towers  Richard...................   316
V inton  S   M............................31
W ylie  W alter.......................328
Wexford County..................
Avery   L   A............................ 346
Babcock Marti.....................       351
Bailey C B...          e.......................351
Ballon  Byron...........................366
Bennett  Albert........................ 346
Benson  John.......................... 351
Blue  George W....................  342
Bradbeer A  D..................... 365
Bradbeer  George....................... 365
Brown  James M.....................    350
Bumps C  M........................351
Canmpbell H F..................3... 349
Carpenter Isaac N..................... 342
Chase Edward M..................... 351
Clark  Lewis J..........................342
Colb s &  M itchell..................... 363
Cobbs Jonathan W.................... 363
Cole  M oses............................. 346
Connine  D  W..........................341
Cooke  David  E........................366
Corbin & Woods..................... 346
C:,rbin Dr F E..................... 346
Cummer J   &  So...................... 366
Dean  W illiam   E....................... 312
Dechlow Charl ls.................... 341
D err  W illiam........................... 346
Dunham Harrison M.................... 365
Dunham    M   L......................... 365
Duston Dr J L...................         351
Emm  ons  D   V..........................346
Fallass Hon S S...................       339
Fisher  O   H............................350
F oust J...............................  341
Foxworthy H C...................341
Fuller  Rinaldo.........................350
Gasser  &   M arr......................... 346


Gasser Sanford.......................346
Giddings J W.......................354
G ilbert  E..............................345
Gow William Macadam..................  365
Griswold H Dwight..................345
Gray  Taylor W........................342
H arger Ezra........................... 341
Haskins E Eugene....................364
Haynes James & Sons.................. 363
Herrick George E.....................366
Hopkins Frank D..................347
H untley   F   H...........................364
Jenison  F  A........................ 351
Keach  Dr  C  R.........................365
Kieldsenl Fred  S.......................363
Lamb C A................. 350
Lawson Lewis G.......................364
Long  Samuel  F........................ 365
Mansfield John........................ 363
I;Manton Mainufacturling Co..............351
Maqueston  &   Co......................   345
Mtaqueston Isaac H.................... 345
M arr   C   S...........................   346
Marthinson  &   W hite....................364
Marthinsou Charles.................... 364
Martin J B.......................      350
MIcFarlan 11 C.................... 350
Mcintyre Donald E....................364
M cM ichaeI   J..........................350
M esick  Howard.......................... 312
Methleany  Eldon  L................... 364
M eyer  H   C.............................341
M itchell  Bros......................... 363
Mitchell Austin W.............;....... 363
Mitchell George A..............          352
Mitchell William W................... 363
Mloirell  F   J........................... 345
M osser  John  G........................363
Newson Cap' L J....................363
Olsen & Herrick.................. 366
Parks William H...................... 364
R ice   D   A.............................. 365
R ose  Frank........................ 351
Russell  C   K........................... 364
Sampson Frank C...................... 365
Sloat  George  S........................351
Smith W   P...................   350
Sturtevant & Morrell...............345
Sturtevant H   B......................... 345
T eed  A   J............................ 364
Thorp  Thomas J.......................362
Vallir William.3...........           352
W allS   J..............................364
W heeler John  H........................ 343
W oods  B........................ 346
W oodwal rd  A........................... 351


I


-t


-dlF.
I


-I L4


P~~T   tP        r-  1-1-L  "I"']        0


Allen L E Rcsidence...................322
American House, Cadillac...............355
Bagot R W Residence.................. 10
Bailey C C Residence and Store......... 84
Bailey Charles E............290
Banks A E Residence................. 298
Baumberger Fred Re-idence............234
Boyd Margaret and Son............... 146
Boyne City Union School...............104
Boyne  River..........................171
Boyno River near the mouth............ 172
Butler A G Residence.................. 46
Cartwright George M...................302
Case  S  J  Residence..................... 76
Charlevoix Bird's-eye View............186
Clifford  W.........................  18
Clifton  House......................... 148
Collins J B leidence and Store.........308


Crooked  Lake.........................123
Crooked  River........................   124
Edwards Hon C S Residencee............268
Elk Rapids Town Hall.................260
First Congregational Curch...........218
Forest Scene in Kalkaska Conty........314
Fo ter E H Residence and Store........ 84
Fountain City House.................200
Fowle William Residence...............234
Fox Amos Residence................... 218
Frankfort on the Lake................. 298
Frost E B R-sidence...................308
Gardner Dr John Residece.............322
Gardner Joseph A Residence..........322
Gill William Residence.............241
Glenn J C Res'd-nce and Store.........104
Gow    W   M.............................. 64
Gow Mrs W M...................... 365


Grand Central Hotel................. 108
Grant W R Residence..................268
Green E H..........................184
Hannah & Lay Mercalltile Co Store...... 72
Harbor Point Beach....................138
Harbor Springs and Point..............144
Harriman J A Residence................260
Hill John G Residence.................154
Hill Rev  T  J  Residtnce................. 210
H oly  Island............................ 176
Indian  River..........................  124
Iinter-Lake  Hotel....................... 280
Isamnan S G Property.................   56
Jackson F E Residence...............  46
Jordan River above the bridge..........173
Jordan River below the bridge..........174
Kearney Town Hall.................. 268
Kilborn W R Store................... 167


t
*I


I -




L -
-- 1


-


VW - -,
-Al -




4                                                                       -


C ONTENTS.-Continued.


Lake View Antrim County..............270
Lake View Inland Route................122
Lewis Dr L Residence..................322
Maqueston    I  H.........................345
MarUle W L Residence................308
McGeagh William J Residence..........218
McKinnon House Cadillac..............362
McLaughlin James J Residence.......... 260
Methodist Episcopal Church............ 226
Metivier  Medard....................... 96
Mitchell George A..............352
Mitchell W W   Residence...............358
Morgan N C Residence and Store....... 241
M organ    Z.............................210
Morgan Z Residence................... 210
Nelson W H Residence and( Store........226
Northport Graded School...............226


Northport Harbor and Dook...........  239
Park  Place Hotel...................... 73
Penfold Capt J Residence............... 308
Petoskey...............................162
Petoskey    Ignatius...................... 153
Petoskev Vicinity G R & I Depot........ 155
Pound W Residence.....................  76
Railroad Statiop Bay View.............. 139
Rose H O Lime Works................. 154
Royal Palace..........................  26
Sammons F     M......................... 112
Sammons Semantha R.................. 113
School of Holy Angels.................. 68
Smith    W illard  A..............:........190
Southard A J Property................. 148
South Arm Pine Lake.................. 170
Speakers' Stand Bay View................. 139


St Joln's Episcopal Church.............. 148
Stewart Henry W.......................  275
Stockman M J Brick Block.............. 56
Strang   James J.......................  34
Sturtevant  H   B........................337
Tenting out at Harbor Springs.......... 140
Torch River......................... 266
Traverse Bay Hotel.....................226
Traverse City........................ 55
United  States Hotel................... 200
Upright A R Residence................. 176
View at Harbor Point................ 140
Wadsworth Abram S...................251
Wall S J Residence....................358
White 0 L Residence.................. 226


I -




I




e - '


I         I1Y




A            y 


PRE FACE.


All American history, whether local or general, opens amid
similar scenes, and its pictures have a common background. Dense
forest fills the space, and the moving figures are the savage and the
brute. The lakes, the plunging rivers and the placid streams are
unruffled save by the bark canoes of savage wanderers, and the
storms of heaven. Then there comes a time when the rays of
advancing civilization begin to penetrate the gloom. The approaching footsteps of the pioneer fall with equally ominous sounds upon
the ears of the savage and the brute. The contest that follows is
sometimes brief, though oftener protracted; but the interests of
civilization, the destiny of a great republic, are at stake, and in the
Providence of human affairs ultimate triumph must some time come
to the founders of homes, the builders of cities and of states.  Then
"Toil swings the ax and forests bow,
The fields break out in radiant bloom;
Rich harvests smile behind the plow,
And cities cluster round the loom."
The spot where civilization struggled with barbarism for the
supremacy is the Mecca of the historian. Thither he repairs with
hurried step, to rescue the traditions of returnless centuries and of
tribes fast disappearing. In nooks and caves and scattered mounds
he finds a multitude of characters that speak in a voiceless language
of a past out of which no other tidings will ever come. Starting
from the spot dedicated to the future by the heralds of civilization,
of social refinement and civil authority, history begins to deal with
characters and scenes belonging to its foreground.
A knowledge of the past is necessary to an intelligent understanding of the present, and a wise preparation for the future. An
inheritance, whatsoever its form, is most truly prized and wisely
guarded by the heir who is best acquainted with its cost. Without
struggle there is no triumph, without toil, no harvest, without sacrifice, no blessing. Civil liberty might seem to be an inherent right;
but human experience teaches that it has been purchased and preserved at a fearful cost. Material importance and grandeur are
also wrought out by severe process. Every ladder, no matter how
high it may reach, has its lowly rounds which weary feet have
pressed. The beautiful cities that throng and adorn this fair land
to-day may each trace its genealogy to humble parentage and lowly
birth; and from that spot leads a tangled path, along lowly ways,
from which the early conquerors of waste places have carved out
the great highways upon which the world is traveling to-day.
We stated, at the beginning, a general truth in relation to
American history; but it is also true of local history that there are
degrees of interest and importance fixed by the characteristics of
the locality treated; and this country has few localities more fruitful of inviting material for a writer's use than the far-famed Traverse
Region. The romancist might revel amid its traditions and reminis

cences, the scientist find a field worthy of his attention, and the
statistician grow bewildered with the results of years that have been
few but fruitful.
Until within comparatively a few years this region in its primitive grandeur had been the habitation of wild beasts and wilder men.
The sound of the woodman's ax had never helped to swell the
music of the woods, and the solitude of the centuries was upon the
land.
This work, as the the title indicates, is both descriptive and
historical; and as the reader peruses its pages, it should be borne
in mind that the design is not merely to provide means for whiling
away idle hours, but to gather into the compass of one durable
volume the more important facts and features of the history and
conditions of the region named.   Many of the subjects herein
treated have already been ably written upon; the early history has
been presented by many able authors; still others have discussed
the varied resources for which this region is noted, but until now
all these various interests have not been represented in one volume;
and much of the purely local history has not heretofore been written
at all.
During the year 1883, Dr. M. L. Leach, a prominent local
writer at Traverse City, wrote a very excellent sketch of early
history, which was copyrighted by Mr. Thos. T. Bates, proprietor
of the Grand Traverse Herald, and published in that paper. We
have found that sketch of great assistance, and by request of many
who had read it, and by permission of Mr. Bates very freely and
kindly given, we have incorporated parts of it in this work. We
are also indebted to other writers, whose names appear in connection with articles from their pens, including J. A. Van Fleet, M. A.,
author of " Old and New Mackinac."
We desire to acknowledge the courtesy and kindness shown us
by the editors of local papers who have manifested an active
interest in our labors, and rendered all possible aid in making the
enterprise a success.
It is also within the plan of this work to rely in part for its
attraction on the designs with which it is illustrated.
A local work like this one is designed as much for the future
as for the present, and in so far as it preserves matters of interest
or value to the localities it serves, to that extent the purposes of its
publishers are accomplished.
The field is an inviting one from whatsoever standpoint it may
be viewed, and we pass this work over to its readers, confident in
the belief that they will find it interesting to blem, in proportion as
they are interested in the region it covers.
H. R. PAGE & Co.
CHICAGO, ILL., 1884.








d-A I,GP


-M.
I,.


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


CHAPTER I.
ORIGIN OF NAMES-TRACES OF THE MOUND-BUILDERS-HYDROGRAPHY
AND TOPOGRAPHY-GRAND TRAVERSE BAY-THE HIGH CENTRAL
PLATEAU.
The following is the accepted version of the origin of the names
of the two bays from which the Traverse Region receives its title:
"The early French voyraeurs in coasting from Mackinac southward
found two considerable indentations of the coast line of Lake Michigan on the east side, which they were accustomed to cross from
headland to headland. The smaller of these they designated 'La
Petite Traverse,' and the greater, 'La Grande Traverse.' These
names were transferred to the two bays known as Little Traverse
and Grand Traverse Bays." Cheboygan County being so closely connected with Little Traverse Bay, by means of the inland route, is
regarded as belonging to the Traverse Region. The Grand Traverse
Region includes a smaller area bordering on Grand Traverse Bay.
There is probably no section of our country possessing so many
attractions as the Traverse Region. There is the charm of historic
association resting upon all its area. Here the Mound-builders
have left their traces, and its surface has been scarred by Indian
wars in the remote past. Here the cross was erected by the early
missionaries, and weather-beaten buildings erected by their successors still remain to connect us with a past that is rapidly
receding.
Dr. M. L. Leach speaks of the traces of the Mound-builders as
follows: —"There is indubitable evidence that the Mound-builders
wrought the copper mines of Lake Superior-that the work was
carried on by large bodies of men through a period of hundreds of
years-but the evidence that they established permanent settlements there is wanting. The most reasonable theory is that the
laborers spent the summer in the mines, but retired for the winter
to a more genial clime.  Hence it becomes an interesting problem
to determine the northern limit of their permanent abode.
"It is evident that they had populous settlements in some of the
more fertile districts of the southern part of the state.  Farther
north their remains are found less frequently, and are of a less imposing character.  Characteristic earthworks (whether built for
defense or for civil or religious purposes is uncertain) are found in
Ogemaw county. Mounds are known to exist in Manistee county.
That outlying colonies extended north to the Grand Traverse country, scarcely admits of a doubt. Around Boardman Lake, near
Traverse City, several small mounds formerly existed, some of which
have been destroyed in the search for relics. One small burial
mound has been opened within the village limits.
"The sites of several ancient manufactories of stone arrow-heads
have been found. In excavating for a street, on the bank of
Boardman River, in Traverse City, such a location was discovered,
marked by the presence of great numbers of chips of flint, or hornstone, the refuse of the material used for making the arrow-heads.
At Charlevoix, the soil for a foot or more in depth, on the top of the


bluff, north of the mouth of the river, contains great numbers of
these flint chips, together with some unfinished arrow-heads that
were spoiled in making and thrown away. Another well marked
site of an arrow-head manufactory, is on the farm of John Miller,
on the north shore of Pine Lake, about a mile from the village of
Boyne City.
"It may be objected that the Indians made and used flint arrowheads and stone axes, and that therefore the finding of these relics
is no evidence of the former presence of the Mound-builders.  I
freely admit the possibility that in the cases mentioned the arrowheads were made by the Indians, but I am fully convinced that
at least three-fourths of all the stone implements and ornaments
found in the United States are the work of the Mound-builders.
In regard to the pottery of the Grand Traverse country, its marking
and general appearance place it with the pottery of the Moundbuilders. As to the copper ornaments and implements, the fact
is well established that the Indians knew nothing of the copper
mines, and did not put copper to any practical use till the white
men taught them how.
"Fragments of ancient pottery, having the markings common
to the pottery attributed to the Mound-builders, are found at the
locality last mentioned, n and also within the village limits of Boyne
City, as well as sparingly in other places.
"At Charlevoix, in excavating a cellar, an ancient grave was
opened, in which was found a great number of beautifully finished
flint arrow-heads, and a quantity of copper beads.  In the same
locality, some boys, amusing themselves by running up and down
the steep bank of the 'Old River,' discovered a piece of copper protruding from the gravelly bank. An examination resulted in the
finding of two knives and two bodkins, or piercing instruments, all
of copper.
"The evidence seems conclusive that the Mound-builders, the
most ancient inhabitants of the territory of the United States of
whom we have any knowledge, had extended their scattered frontier
settlements into the Grand Traverse country. Here, perhaps, mining expeditions from the more populous south called to make their
final preparations for the northern summer trip, and here some
of the returning miners were accustomed to spend the winter.
"That ancient people have long since disappeared. Of the reason and manner of their disappearance, no record remains, except,
perhaps, a vague and shadowy tradition, which seems to imply
that they retired toward the south before the fierce and savage
race that succeeded them in the occupancy of the country."
The fame of the Traverse Region, however, is not dependent
on its past.  Its salubrious climate, beautiful scenery, and abundance of sports are of world wide reputation. But what is a more
unfailing source of prosperity, its agricultural and horticultural
capabilities, so long regarded with contempt, have been demonstrated to be of 1he highest order. As early as 1866, Prof. Winchell said: —" Beyond all controversy, the Grand Traverse Region
offers stronger attractions to capital and settlement than any other


I
I
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
I
I
I
I
I


-1


[


_,


-~111


I 




I**


-V
s


II

I 


I/ U


I


I




10


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


__ I


-
-




portion of the state or of the entire Northwest. Even the mighty
forest which has to be felled before the farmer can avail himself of
the soil, is probably less of a detriment than an advantage. Besides insuring him an inexhaustible supply of fuel, tor the labor of
cutting; besides furnishing him with a merchantable commodity
in the form of cord wood, upon which he can realize for each day's
work; besides protecting him  and his stock and crops from the
severity of the wintry blast, the forest itself is a source of food to
horses and cattle, both in summer and winter.  It is no uncommon thing for a settler to make his appearance late in autumn,
with little means but his muscle, an ax, a yoke of oxen and a
cow. He selects a spot for his dwelling, and while he fells the trees
to supply the logs for his cabin, his cow and oxen support themselves by browsing, and the milk furnished by the cow goes far
toward the support of his family. Having erected his cabin, he
spends his winter in chopping; and, in the meantime his stock
fatten themselves by browsing on the fallen timber, so that they
actually enter the spring in better flesh than they did the autumn.
In Leelenaw County a pony escaped from its owner, and subsisted
for seven years in the forest before he was caught."
Since the foregoing was written agriculture and horticulture
have become important industries, and every year is adding to the
measure of success with which they are carried on.
HYDROGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY.


i
I
I


i




i 


Hon. J. G. Ramsdell, of Traverse City, contributes the following:
An important feature in the geography of this country, and
especially of its northern portion, is the deep indentations of the
coast, formed by the numerous rivers and navigable lakes extending
back into the country from different points along the shore.
Starting from  Cheboygan, we have the chain of lakes and
streams constituting what is known as the Inland Route, which is
described elsewhere in this work.
Little Traverse Bay extends inland about nine miles, and is
nearly six miles wide at its mouth. At Charlevoix and southward
along the coast, we find Pine Lake, a body of water two miles
wide and fifteen long, extending at right angles with the great lake.
Branching from this, six miles from its foot, is South Arm, reaching
ten miles further south, both of which are navigable for the largest
vessels, tnd are connected with Lake Michigan by Pine River, a
short stream, less than a half-mile long, and now capable of navigation by vessels drawing six feet of water, and susceptible of improvement, at a light cost, so as to admit vessels of the largest
size. Next is Grand Traverse Bay, running inland forty miles,
with an average width of ten miles-separated in the center by a
narrow strip of land, known as the Peninsula, into two arms, about
four miles each in width. Branching from Grand Traverse Bay is
Old Mission Harbor, Sutton Bay, three miles long, Omena Harbor
and Northport Bay. Lying east of Traverse Bay, and connecqted
with it by Elk River, is a chain of lakes united by navigable waters,
which afford easy water communication with most of Antrim
County and a part of Grand Traverse and Kalkaska. Among these
is Elk Lake, two miles wide and ten long, and Torch Lake, two
miles wide and eighteen long, justly celebrated for the purity of
their water and the beauty of their landscape scenery. At the
head of the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay is Boardman River,
down which thousands of mill logs are annually floating from the
interior of Kalkaska and Grand Traverse. Counties, to be manufactured into lumber at Traverse City. Intermediat- between Grand
Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, in Leelenaw County, and connecting with Lake Michigan at Leland, lie Carp and Traverse
Lakes, joined together by a strip of navigable water, called Carp




Lake Narrows, making a total length of twenty miles of inland
navigation. At Glen Arbor, Glen Lake reaches back six miles inland, upon which thousands of cords of wood are annually transported to the docks on Glen Arbor Bay. At Frankfort, Crystal
Lake, two and a half miles wide, runs back to the village of Benzonia, eight miles from Lake Michigan. Betsie River, which is
open for the floating of mill logs for fifty miles, by the river
channels, empties into Lake Michigan at this place.  In Manistee
County is Portage Lake, extending back five miles from Lake Michigan, and the Big Manistee River, navigable for vessels drawing
five feet of water for one hundred miles by the river course, and
capable of floating the largest sized logs from its source, in Kalkaska County; also the Little Manistee and the south branch of
Pine River, upon which mill logs can be floated from the coumties of
Lake and Osceola. In Mason County is Big Sauble Lake and
River and Little Sauble Lake and River, affording valuable floatage
through the whole width of that county; also Pere Marquette
Lake, navigable from Lake Michigan, by boats of the largest size,
for four miles inland, and Pere Marquette River, navigable for river
crafts to the east line of Mason County. Besides the streams and
waters named there are many others, whose rapid currents and unfailing volumes furnish abundant water power for manufacturing
purposes; while the lakes, springs and brooks from which they take
their rise, and by which they are fed, afford an unusual supply of
pure water for agricultural purposes.
Commencing near the southern line, and extending along the
shore as far north as Leelenaw Point, is a succession of elevated
bluffs, ranging from two hundred to five hundred feet above the
level of the lake. These bluffs are mostly the lakeward termini of
a succession of elevated ridges extending inland and converging to a
common axis.   In the southern portion their course is about east.
northeast, varying more to the eastward as we go north, until, on
reaching town twenty-six north, we find them running nearly due
east. Passing this point, their course varies to the southward. In
the northern portion of Leelenaw their course is about south-southeast, and in Antrim and Charlevoix Counties nearly south by east.
Following the converging lines of these elevated ridges inland,
we find them centering at or near the head-waters of the Big
Manistee River, where they form a high plateau, covering a large
area, from which the larger rivers of northern Michigan take their
rise. The height of this plateau has been estimated by different
surveyors at from seven hundred to nine hundred feet above the
level of Lake Michigan.
The general character of these ridges is that of elevated table
lands, gently rolling and gradually sloping down to the river valleys
on either side. These slopes, however, are frequently intersected
by lateral valleys, which form the beds of small streams and watercourses, that take their rise in the numerous little lakes, which rest
upon the highest levels.
These little lakes, varying in size from a few acres to several
sections in extent, are so numerous, and their waters are so deep
and pure, that they form an important feature in the topography of
these elevated tables, as the larger lakes do in the topography of
the lower lands near the coast. So attractive are these lakes in
their quiet beauty, that the first settlements are always made upon
their borders.
Starting from the axis of these ridges, and following them to


their lakeward termini, we find these lateral valleys and ridges
increasing in number and abruptness as we proceed, until, as we
approach the lake, we find them broken into high bluffs and deep
ravines.
Another peculiarity characteristic of this shore is the location
at every river mouth, and upon every large point of land jutting


I
I
I
I
i
I
i
II
I
I
I




-1
I


I


4 -

v w


__ __ ~~~~~~~~~~~~_ __ 1 __ _                                                                                                                 I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I VX)       


-      I %


--   l 




L 


H


A


I,




7Z:
R4


Al,


A*z
Blow
of


RESIDENCE OF R.W. B AG OT, ELK RAPI DS, ANTRIM CO.-MICH.








vill


6
1


I
I I


6


l6 ---    ----.. --- —---------                                                                                   ' --------------------------------— p


I
I




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


11


out into the lake, of a small lake, varying from one to several miles
in extent, separated from Lake Michigan by narrow bars of land.
These lakes are supposed to be the remains of bays and inlets
once a portion of the great lake, when that was at a higher level
than now. Another peculiarity in the topography of this shore
which will be found to have a bearing upon its agricultural resources
exists in the system of terraces which are found, more or less distinctly marked, upon the borders of all the large rivers, around the
margins of the lower-level lakes, on the shores of Grand Traverse
Bay, and frequently bordering the great lake itself, especially at the
large rivers' mouths. At some points-as at Pine Lake, in the
county of Charlevoix-these terraces are so plainly marked as to
form the principal and most pleasing feature of the landscape view.
The lower terraces are usually narrow and sometimes worn entirely
away; but the higher ones often extend to a great distance inlandas at Manistee-where the upper terrace, rising about ninety feet
above the lake, extends several miles inland east of Lake Manistee,
and forms the beautiful plateau upon which the house of James
Shrigley stands. The causes which have produced these terraces,
and barred across these bays and inlets, forming them into lakes,
are interesting subjects of speculation, and will be considered when
treating of the recent geological changes which have taken place
in this region, and which have determined to a great extent the
character and quality of the soil.
It will be seen from the foregoing that the natural drainage of
the entire region is nearly complete; and, as a consequence, that
swamps and marshes are comparatively rare. What swamps there
are, are mostly covered by a thick growth of cedar, which, on
account of its great durability where other timber is liable to decay,
forms a valuable supply of fencing timber. For this reason these
swamps are being bouglht up in small quantities by the actual settlers of the country as future timber reservations for that purpose.
These swamps and marshes, being formed by springs coming
out of the hills and highlands, are free from impure or stagnant
water, and are mostly susceptible of easy drainage.
GRAND TRAVERSE BAY.
G(rand Traverse Bay, or " La Grande Traverse," as originally
named by the early French voy!ayeurs, is a bay of Lake Michigan,
indenting the northwestern shore of the southern peninsula. Its
mouth is in latitude 45~ 15' north, and its head in latitude 44~ 45'
north; its length in a straight line being 34.75 statute miles. The
average breadth is about eleven miles. The southern portion of
the bay is divided into the east and west -arms by a belt of land
from one to two miles wide, and about seventeen miles in length,
known as "The Peninsula."   The east arm has an average width
of about four and one half miles; the west arm is somewhat wider.
The height of the bay and of Lake Michigan, above the level of the
sea, is 578 feet. The depth of water in the bay is generally from
twenty to seventy fathoms. The east arm attains the greatest
depth, being about a hundred fathoms at a point opposite Old Mission, and thence as far as Petobego Lake. The maximum depth is
618 feet, and is found opposite Birch Lake and on a line between
Old Mission and the north end of Elk Lake.
The entire bay constitutes a harbor secure from all except
northerly winds; while the two arms of the bay are not seriously
disturbed by storms from any direction. The shores of the bay,
however, present a number of harbors, in which vessels may at all
times lie with the utmost security. The bay presents a coast line of


113 miles, of which forty-one lie within Leelenaw county, fifty in
Grand Traverse, and twenty-three in Antrim county.
The county of Antrim lies upon the east side of the bay, the
county of Leelenaw on the west, and the county of Grand Traverse
on and about the head of the bay.


The water of the bay is remarkably pure and clear, and objects
are easily discerned at a great depth. A beautiful view of the bay
is obtained from  the bluff at New Mission. From the semicircle
forming the head of the bay until it is merged in the lake, thirty
miles distant, there is presented to the eye an ever changing panorama of surpassing loveliness. The highlands skirting the bay,
and the islands resting upon its bosom, are here clothed with the
greenest of forests, or there evince the care of the husbandman
and the vine-dresser in well-tilled fields and flourishing vineyards.
Some time ago a lady who visited the bay described it as follows:
"Sometimes 'tis a shield of silver,
Bright in the sunshine's glow,
Reflecting the white sailed vessels,
Like a mirror fair below.
" And sometimes the lightest ripple
Dimples its waters blue,
And it rocks like an infant's cradle
The skiff and the light canoe.
"And we watch the gorgeous sunsets
Of rosy anld golden vdyes,
Till it seems that over its waters
The path of glory lies.
"When its sea-green waves are tossing,
How freshly the breezes blow;
Like the breath of life to the fainting,
In the simoon's fervid glow.
"But the wild winds wake its billows,
Sweeping with sullen roar,
Till they dash in misty fragments
Far on the sandy shore.
"All stirred by fearful tempest
Or calm ill a summer's day;
Whatever its moods may picture
'Tis beautiful Traverse bay."
Rev. S. Steele, who came to this region in October, 1859, has
described his impressions upon first visiting Grand Traverse Bay,
as follows: " From the moment of my entrance into the Grand
Traverse Bay, I was deeply impressed as never before with the
natural beauty of the scenery that everywhere met my view. I was
puzzled to understand the reason for the contrast in the condition
of things which I had left and those that now met my sight. For
weeks previous to my leaving, the fields, and even the forests had
been denuded of all their verdure, and were as cheerless as in midwinter's gloom, while here, forests, fields and flowers were in their
highest perfection of beauty and freshness. I began to query with
myself whether by some mistake I had not gone south instead of
north. From that moment I adopted the Grand Traverse Region as
my future home, and after a residence of nearly a quarter of a century, I reaffirm  my choice. For beauty of scenery, salubrity of
atmosphere, transparent purity of water and productiveness of soil,
it is among God's best gifts to man.
" I found the interior of the country without inhabitants to mar
its native beauty, the only means of ingress and egress then
being upon the bay, inland lakes and rivers, usually in small coasting boats. The only place where the commerce of the great lakes
entered was then at Northport. This port was the great emporium
of the whole Grand Traverse Region, to which all were obliged to
make in coming to, or in departing from the county unless by fraud
and misrepresentation they might be left in exile upon the Manitous,


where days and even weeks were spent in fruitless efforts to escape
from their ' durance vile. I had been recommended to make the
' Old Mission' the head of the district, fcr the satisfactory reason
that a comfortable house could there be secured. Accordingly we
chartered a small hooker' to take our family and effects from


I




I


W


I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




4C L


4*

w..'A 
I
i
I
I
i


I
Ir


I                                    --                                             -                                                                       _


- l       _




I

I ~-   -  - -- -- --  -


12


THE TRAVERSE REGION


------- ------ -- ----- - - -- -






Northport to the Mission. Early in the morning we started upon
our first voyage upon the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. At times
a light breeze would strike our sails and gently waft us over the
crystal waters and then again leave us gracefully resting upon its
glossy bosom as if to take in more fully the enchanting scenery
with which we were on every hand surrounded. It was a voyage
never to be forgotten.  At length we rounded the ' Old Mission
Point' and Old Mission, our prospective home, appeared fully in
view.  Oh, how lovely!' was the spontaneous expression of all
the voyagers as the Mission church, homes of the missionaries and
houses of the Indians in their robes of white seemed to be resting
against the higher background of green cedar, hemlock and balsam,
presenting a rich contrast of colors most beautiful and picturesque
to behold."
LEGEND OF GRAND TRAVERSE BAY.
A short distance from Hog Island, in Grand Traverse Bay, and
between it and the main land, is a diminutive island, known in tradition as the haunted island. The Indians have always held it in
great dread, never visiting it except to carry offerings with which to
propitiate the wicked spirit that haunts the place. The legend of
this haunted island has been told in verse by Mrs. M. E. C. Bates,
of Traverse City, as follows:
I am Kabeena, a young Chippewa,
And those are our camp-fires that flicker and play
And gleam with red light athwart the black nilht
On the sandy shores of Grand Traverse Bay.
Here where its ruddy radiance shines
Under the slade of these dusky pines,
Sit on the sand by my side while I tell
The wonderful story of whalt befell
A squaw, who, a hundred years ago,
Walked where these same waves ebb and flow.
You see, up the bay, how the Northern star
Looks down on an isle witl a sandy bar
That stretches out toward the mainland shore
An arrow's flight or a little more,
And guards its shores —a sheltering wall,
On which the white waves leap and fall.
A little isle-you can almost pace
Its whole length o'er in the moment's space
Of a whippowill's song as he sways and swings
On a willow bough, and flits while lie sings.
Thlere's a whispering pine with its feathery spire,
And a blasted hemlock seared by fire,
A cluster of birches white as snow
And a tangle of bushes spread below;
But never a flower in the spring is seen,
Sweet muskodeed or wintergreen,
And the wild waves wander with sob and moan
Round tle little isle so sad and lone.
Well, this squaw —she was bad, yet I do not know
What she could have done that they treated her so.
But one night in the moon of the falling leaves,
When the wild wind wanders and wails and grieves
Over the hills and along the shore,
She vanished and ne'er was heard of more.
But one who watched through the misty dark
Saw the medicine men in canoes of bark,
And in their midst through the night and storm
Saw the outlines dim of a crouching form.
Anid then as the night passed slowly on,
In tle darkest hour before the dawn,
He who Ui stened heard from afar,


From the little isle with the sandy bar,
Like an echoing call in a weird, wild dream,
The sotid of a long-drawn distant scream;
And frih.itenied 1up from his weedy bed
A loon laughed loud as lie swept o'erhead,
A lone wolf howled on a distant bill,
A screech owl hlootcd, ---and all was still.




And back, ere the dark into dawn had grown,
Came the medicine men, but they came alone.
With winter night and summer dawn
A hundred years have come and gone,
But the story is forgotten not
And the little isle is a grewsome spot;
For ever as comes a night of storm
There walks on its shores a fearful form,
And lie who sees it is wild with dreadTis the wicked squaw without a head!
u    vd wver the wild waves' rush and roar
Tha wild deathl scream rings out once more.
Thsr9 a white man's town at the head of the bay;
From the hillsides the forest has vanished away;
The wondering Indian starts to hear
The scream of the iron horse meet his ear;
But ever wild and lone, afar
Lies the little isle with the sandy ba1)r.
ICE RECORD FOR GRAND TRAVERSE BAY.




The ice record for the past twenty-six years, kept by the Grand
Traverse Her ald is as follows:
In 1859 the bay froze out but four or five miles; ice went out
March 12th.
1860, froze February 17; went out March 3d.
1861, froze January 22d; went out March 20th.
1862, froze February 15th; went out April 14th.
1863, no ice.
1864, froze February 16th; went out April 25th. The ice broke
up much earlier, but was kept in the bay a long time by northerly
winds.
1865, froze January 17th; went out April 6th.
1866, froze January 25th; went out April 6th.
1867, froze January 26th; went out April 14th.
1868, froze February 9th; went out March 17th.
1869, froze February 20th; went out April 13th.
1870, froze February 2d; broke up April 19th, but was kept in
the bay by northerly winds until the 24th.
1871, froze February 10th; went out March 10th.
1872, froze January 27th; went out April 25th.
1873, froze January 17th; went out May 4th.
1874, froze January 13th; went out May 8th.
1875, froze January 17th; went out April 29th.
1876, froze February 23d; went out April 20th.
1877, froze January 13th; went out April 23d.
1878, lo ice.
1879, froze February 14th; went out April 23d.
1880, no ice.
1881, froze January 17th; went out May 1st.
1882, io ice.
1883, froze February 3d; went out April 15th.
1884, froze January 15th.
Thus in a period of twenty-six years the bay has frozen clece,.
times in January, ten in February, onle time not given, and t;our
times not at all.
During the same period it has left the bay jive times in March,
thirteen times in April and three times in lMay.
In 1860 the bay remained frozen 15 days; 1861, 57 days; 1862,
58 days; 1863, not frozen; 1864, 69 days before it left the bay;
1865, 79 days before it left the bay; 1866, 85 days; 1867, 75 days;
1868, 37 days; 1869, 52 days; 1870, 76 days; 1871, 58 days; 1872,
88 days; 1873, 107 days; 1874, 114 days; 1875, 102 days; 1876,
57 days; 1877, 100 days: 1878, not frozen; 1879. 68 days; 1880,
not frozen; 1881, 106 days; 1882, not frozen; 1883, 71 days.
Thlese dates all rel te to the west arm of the bay and to that


i
I
i
I
I
i
I


I
- de

lap


- - --- —------------ ---  --- —- I' -----------------------






-.4 -
i


I I -
I -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


13 


portion of it visible from Traverse City.  Farther down the freezing
is usually later.
The following dates prior to 1859, axe from the records of S. E.
Wait, taken from his own notes:
1851, t, o.
1852, froze March 10th.
1853, froze March 1st.
1854, froze Januarv 25th.
1855.,,, iff.
1857, froze Januarv 20th.
1858, froze Marclh Ith.
Little Traverse Bay, Pine Lake, Mullet and Burt Lakes, and
other interesting lakes and streams are described in connection with
the counties in which they are located.  This entire region is singularlv blest in its bays, lakes and streams, all of which abound in
fish, and are visited every season by thousands of tourists and
sportsmen.
THE HIGH CENTRAL PLATE.AU
An interesting portion of the northern part of the southern
peninsula is a somewhat remarkable elevation which Dr. MI. Leach,
one of the editors of i/i,, X,,thric.t -'ar.two,,, describes as follows:
The lighl central plateau of northern Michigan is often referred to by writers who have occasion to speak of the topographical features of the country. Its character is not as well understood as it shoul be. Dr. Rominger, in his report on the geology
of the Lower Peninsula, says ( that the high plateau in the northern part of the 1peninsula has its peculiar soil, a thick uniforll  mass
of fine salnd, containing few pebbles and a small proportion of
argillaceous constituents.  Ill acordance with it is the vegetation;
the pine tree finds a congenial home in these sandy hill lands, and
their surface is overgrown with splendid forests of this tree, to the
exclusion of almost every otlier kind.  This soil, as long as some
humus is mixed witl it, may give a fair pot:to crop, or, by careful attendance, garden vegetablles can be raised, but its productiveness is so soon exhausted and its moisture so soson lost, that it can
never be used for agriculture on a large scale with any prospect of
success."  Tills statement of Dr. Rominger is of the same character as that made by Horace (reeley, many years ago, to the effect
tlhat the whole nortlern lpart of the state was worthless for farming
purposes.
Botl stateincuts, no doubt, were made withoult sufficient and
careful examination, and therefore were based oil insufficient data.
To get a clear understanding of what is lmeant by the high
central plateau, it is neuessary to glance briefly at the general
topographical contiguraltion of the Lower Peninsula.
The surface contiguration presents two grand swells, or regions
of elevation, separated by a broad valley, each having its long axis
running in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction.  The long
axis of the more southerly of these swells may be indicated somewhat accurately by a line drawn from Port Austin, near the mouth
of Saginaw Bay, to the southwest corner of Hillsdale County.  In
the north part of Oakland County, this swell attains an elevation of
five hundred and twenty-nine feet, but the highest summit is in
Hillsdale County, where it reaches an elevation of six hundred and
thirteen feet.


The valley separating this region of elevation from the more
northerly one, is accurately traced from Saginaw Bay up the Sagmaw and Bad Rivers and down the Maple and the Grand. The
ligllest part of this valley is a flat, swampy tract, in the southeast
corner of Gratiot County, where the head-waters of the Bad
River start within three miles of the eastern bank of the Maple,
and is not more than seventy two feet higher than Saginaw Bay.
The long axis of the more northerly swell may be indicated


approximately by a lie drawn through Gaylord, near the center of
Otsego County, and Bond's Mill, in the eastern part of Wexford
County.  The broad undulating summit of this swell is the central
plateau alluded to. It nowhere presents the appearance of an extensive plain, but is a confused assemblage of hills and valleys.
The hills are generally broad, smooth and rounded, but there are
exceptional cases in which their sides are too steep for tillage.  At
Gaylord the elevation of the depot of tile railroad is seven hundred
and seventy-eight feet above Saginaw Bay.  Tlhe road-bed of the
Grand Rapids & Indtiana Railroad, wheie it,'rosses tlhe southwestern
spur of the plateau, a mile and a half north of Bond's Mill. in
Wexford County, is eight hundred and thirty-two feet above Lake
Michigar n. But the railroads do not run over tile highest summits.
The highest part of the ridge in the vicinity last mentioned, is a
little more than nine hundred feet above tile lake, and it is generally believed that some of flie hills in tile northeastern part. of tlle
plateau reach an elevation of eleven hundred feet.
The ascent to tile plateau is gradual, but more or less irregllar. It3 borders are scarred bv tile streams tlhat have their sorctes
in its higher parts.  Sometimes the rivers are found flowing,
through deep and narrow ravines; sometimes tile r;avines have
been widened into broad valleys, as in the case of tlle Muskegion
and the Manistee.   The northw\estern slope is generally more
al)rupt than tile southeastern. Tle northwestern shows an ascending series of terraces, ill some places well defined anll regular': at
other points the regularity entirely disappears.  The thriviln  village of Manelona is situated on one of tlese terraces, which at
that point is several miles wide.
From the Saginaw Valley, thle Jackson, Lansing and Sagiliaw
Railroad climbs directly up the southeastern slope and then turning in a northerly direction runs for some distance netarly parallel
with thle long axis of thle general summit level, gradually rising as
far north as Gaylord. Beyond Gaylord we have no reliable data in
regard to elevation. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad crosses
the soutllwestern prolongation of the plateau in Osceola and Wexford Counties, and then runs along tile northwestern slope, rising
over the gently swelling hill spurs and descending into the river
valleys, till at Elmira it attains an elevation of six hundred and
fifty-two feet, tile highest point it reaches north of tile Wexford
summit. From the vicinity of Elmira tile descent is somewhat
abrupt toward Grand Traverse and Little Traverse Bays.
We know of no locality in tile interior of northern Miclhigan,
more worthy of tile attention of immigrants than this. There is
but one serious drawback; away from streams it may be difficult
to find water. The wells will certainly have to be deep. At Gaylord and Elmira the two railroads are only about twelve miles apart.
Nowhere in the northern pA rt of the plateau will the settler be far
from the means of transportation.
The villages of Mancelona and Alba in tile easterll part of
Antrim County, and Elmira in tile western part of Otsego Counlty,
on the line of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, are all situated
on a level terrace that runs along tile western declivity of tile great
swell of land, the top of which is the famous plateau referred to.
Elmira is 652 feet above Lake Michigan, and the altitude of tle
other two villages is not much less. Going eastward from either a
short distance we tscend a somewhat steep acclivity to a point
from 100 to 300 feet higher, when we find ourselves standing upon
the summit of the plateau, which, as an undulating, wooded plain,


stretches away many miles to the eastward.
The statement that the surface of the plateau " nowhere presents the appearance of an extensive plain ' ai; is a confused assemblage of hills and valleys," should be slightly modified.  The road
from Alba to Gaylord leads across a country that might be properly


I
i
I




91I


I I
a

r




AA


i
I


r


6-                                                                                                                                                                                     ___j     (I

- L^ -


14


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


___111_1_111_1___111__I___ L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i__l~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


called a plain, though the surface is very far from being a dead
level. From Elmira to Gaylord, on the contrary, the surface of
the country is truly " a confused assemblage of hills and valleys,"
though the hills are broad, smooth and rounded, and it is only in
exceptional cases that their sides are too steep for tillage. In some
places the surface of the country is dotted with small lakes. They
are without a visible inlet or outlet, and are simply natural cisterns,
filled with rain water. Excellent water, however, can be obtained
by digging. The wells vary in depth, but the average may bestated in round numbers at 100 feet.
The soil is excellent. In general terms it may be described as
a sandy loam, containing a large proportion of gravel, though in
some places there is so much argillaceous matter present that
clayey loam  would be more correct.   It is everywhere heavily
timbered, the most common tree being maple.
Further along, we sha1ll speAk more in detail of the climate,
soil, etc.
CHAPTER II.
THE ADVENT OF CIVILIZATION- -EARLY EXPLORERS AND MISSIONARIESINDIAN TRIBES-INDIAN HISTORY-FATHER JAMES MARQUETTEMICHILLIMACKINAC-MISSION AT ST. IGNACE-ROBERT DE LA SALLE
FATHER CHARLEVOIX-RESULT OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN
WAR —TIIE CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC.
The march of civilization has ever been westward. Its waves
have rolled over Assyria, India, Egypt, Greece and Rome, as those
nations successively rose and fell, until they lapped the shores of
Spain, France and Britain.  After being held in check by the repressive spirit of the middle Ages, it overleaped, at length, the barriers
interposed to its progress, and found its way to the shores of the
New World. Sweeping inland, the first ripple of the incoming tide
broke upon the shores of Michigan in the year 1641.
The earliest white explorers of the country which is now the
state of Michigan, were traders, priests and adventurers, who were
subjects of the king of France. The government of that country
bad moved with great energy to extend its power in America, and,
as early as 1604 French colonists had settled in Acadia, now Nova
Scotia.  Quebec was founded in 1608, and from that point, and
from Montreal, there were sent forth innumerable expeditions, led
by Frenchmen, whose object was the opening of trade or the establishment of their flag and their religion among the Indian tribes
of the remote regions stretching away from the St. Lawrence to the
Mississippi. Hunters and fur traders were in most cases the first
to penetrate the wilderness, but these were followed closely by missionaries'of the Romish church, usually accompanied by representatives of the military power of France. "The establishment of the
mission was the precursor of military occupancy. The priest and
the soldier went hand in hand; and the cross and the fler de lis
were planted side by side."
In 1641 Fathers Charles Raymbault and Isaac Jogues visited
the Chippewas at the Sault and established a mission among them.
The death of Raymbault occurred not long afterward and the enterprise was abandoned. This was the first visit of white men to
this region; but beyond that fact is of no particular significance as
tle desperate Indian wars that followed prevented any further attempts to establish missions, until more than a quarter of a century
later.


The Indians who inhabited this region have an important local
history which has been gathered by Dr. Leach into his " History of
the Grand Traverse Region " and published in the Grand Traverse
HIerald. We quote portions of that as follows:
" When northern Michigan first became known to the white


man, the Ottawas, a tribe of the Algonquin family, occupied the
region now known as the Grand Traverse country. Their origin as
a tribe is veiled in the obscurity of the past. Tradition says that
they came from the east, advancing up the Ottawa River, in Canada, and then westward by way of the north shore of Lake Huron
and the Manitoulin Islands. The reason for the migration is not
known. There may have been no special reason beyond the common exigencies of savage life, which necessitate removal, or tlhe
may have been influenced by the proximity of their fierce anld
powerful neighbors, the Iroquois, with whom they were always at
war. The advance westward was slow and gradual, being interrupted by pauses of varying duration. At the great Manitoulin
Island the tribe for a long time made their lhome.
"At the Sault St. Marie they first met the Chippewas, who inhabited the country bordering on Lake Superior. The two tribes were
mutually surprised to find that, though previously each liad had no
knowledge of the existence of the other, their languages were so
nearly alike that they could converse intelligibly. A council was
held, the subject was discussed and the history of each tribe rehearsed, but the tradition does not tell us that the mystery of tlhe
likeness of the languages and the probable consanguinity of tle
tribes was solved.
"The Ottawas were brave and warlike. As they advanced westward, they fought and vanquished those who opposed their progress; with those who were friendly they smoked the pipe of peace.
Friendly intercourse with the Chippewas and Pottawatomies resulted in the formation of a sort of loose confederacy of the three
tribes, who styled theumselves ' The Three Brothers.' Dlring tlle
period of the earlier intercourse of the whites with tlie Indians of
the Northwest, these tribes seem to have lheld undisputed possession of nearly the whole of the Lower Peninsula.
"The Ottawas remained for some time established in the vicinity
of the Straits, before they extended tlleir settlements along the
shore of Lake Michigan. During this period though they were at
peace with their immediate neighbors, they gratified their thirst for
battle by frequent warlike expeditions against distant tribes. They
often passed south around the head of Lake Michigan, and westward beyond tile Mississippi, sometimes, it is said, extending their
forays almost to the foot of thle Rocky Mountains. They brought
home many western prisoners. Some of these were called by tlhe
Ottawas Under-ground Indians, onI account of their custom of digging pits in the ground for dwellings. The Under-ground Indians
were brave and intelligent, and made excellent counselors.  The
captors often intermarried with their captives, and tlie descendants
of the latter, in many cases, were closely related to the royal families of the Ottawas. Some of the most noted Ottaw-a chiefs of later
times were descended from the Under-ground Indians.
"At that time a portion of tile present county of ELmmet was thehome of a small tribe, called tile Mush-quall-tas. Their principal
village was situated in a beautiful valley, ii tile northeast part of the
township now called Friendship. The name of the tribe signifies
'The People who Roam Over the Prairies.'  They were of Algonquin stock, as is proved by the fact that their language resembled
the Ottawa, while the tribal name and their recognized affinity to
the Under-ground Indians seem to point to a western origin. The
Mush-quah-tas were intelligent, peaceable and industrious, cultivating large fields of corn, and seldom  going on tile war path.
They had been on friendly terms with tile Ottawas since thle arrival


of the latter in the country, though it is probable that some degree
of concealed ill-will existed on both sides. It was a sad day for the
Mush-quah-tas, when, by their own foolish act, these friendly relations were disturbed.
"There was a small village of the Mush-quah-tas on the lake


I! _~..


_ __I                                       -                                                             -i                 1 




.^ l- I                                                                                                                   -


I
i
I
I
I
I


I
-A.


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


15


I


I


shore at what is now called Seven Mile Point. A small party of
Ottawas, returning in their canoes from an expedition against the
Sacs, having lost some of their comrades, as they came near the
village commenced chanting a dirge, according to the Indian custom.   The Mush-qnah-tas, hearing the distant sounds of. grief, instead of preparing to join the mourning, as would have been proper,
rashly determined to express in an emphatic manner their disapproval of the marauding expeditions of their neighbors and their
contempt for those who engaged in them. Accordingly as the
canoes touched the beach, their occupants were pelted by the young
men and boys of the village with balls of ashes wrapped up in
forest leaves.  The Ottawas retired, sullen and burning with the
spirit of revenge, and soon reported the occurrence to thei;r own
people. To the proud Ottawas, the insult was such as could only
be wiped out with blood. A joint council of the Ottawas and Chippewas was held, in which it was determined, if possible, to annihi-/
late the Mush-quah-tas.                                     /
"Living in the principal village of the Mush-quah-tas, was an old
man and his two married sons. Whether the old man, hearing of
the affair at Seven Mile Point, shrewdly surmised that the insulted
Ottawas would seek a bloody revenge, or, as the tradition seems to
imply, was impressed with a true prophetic presentiment of coming
evil, lie faithfully warned the people that their village would be soon
overwhelmed by enemies, and earnestly counseled retirement to a
place of safety. Finding his counsel disregarded, be, with his sons
and their families, removed to the shore of Little.Traverse Bay, fixing his temporary abode near the present site of Harbor
Springs.
"It may have been that a calm summer's night had nearly passed
away. The first faint glimmering of light in the east heralds the
approach of morn. The village of the Mush-quah-tas is still wrapt in
slumber.  The sleeping mother gently clasps her baby to her
breast, unconscious of the approaching danger. The maiden
dreams of her lover, the young man of glorious fets of the chase or
of war. The old brave lives over again the experiences of the youth
or dreams of the happy hunting ground to which he is hastening.
Dark forms, crouching in the shadows, are stealthily approaching
-on this side a long line of Ottawa braves, on that their friends
and allies, the Chippewas. The lines close round the doomed village. Some of the crouching figures are already at the very
doors. So noiseless and stealthy has been the approach that not
even the watchful dogs have been alarmed. Suddenly there bursts
upon the night air a sound to make the blood curdle-a deafening
chorus of demoniac yells, as if uttered in concert by a legion of frantic furies. Full well the startled Mush-quah-tas knew the fearful
import of that sound, the war whoop of their enemies, Full well they
know there is no avoiding the death struggle. The old brave reaches
for his war club, and the young man strings his bow, but their assailants are quick and powerful, and the stone hatchets are wielded
with terrible effect. Crushed and mangled they go down, slain but
not conquered. The maiden covers her face with her garment,
and quietly bows her head to the fatal blow. The mother loosens
her clasp of the frightened infant, seizes the nearest weapon, and
with the fierceness of a tigress at bay, springs upon her foes. Her
blows tell, but fierceness can not long avail against strength an(
numbers. She falls mortally wounded. Her dying eyes are turned
lovingly upon her child. A brawny warrior seizes it by the feet,
whirls it high in air, dashes it with crushing force upon the earth,


and flings its bleeding and lifeless body upon its mother's bosom.
The surprised Mush-quah-tas, taken at a disadvantage, make a
brave fight, but victory does not long waver in the balance. As the
sun rises upon the scene, all the inmates save one of that doomed
village lie stark and bleeding on the ground, or are consuming in the


I
I




rapidly burning wigwams. The revenge of the insulted Ottawas is
complete.
"This battle, says the Ottawa tradition, was one of the most
terrible ever fought in this region. Only a young man escaped,
who carried the news of the disaster to the three families at Little
Traverse Bay. Some of the Mush-quah-tas living in the small outlying villages escaped. The remnant of the tribe moved toward the
south, and established themselves near the St. Joseph River, where
for a time they enjoyed a degree of prosperity. But they were not
safe. After intercourse had been opened between the French and
the Ottawas, and the latter had been supplied with guns and axes
by the French traders, it occurred to them that these implements
would be effective in battle. Anxious to put them to the test, they
resolved to try their effectiveness on their old enemies, the Mushquah-tas, who as yet were unacquainted with firearms. Accordingly
an expedition was fitted-out, destined for the St. Joseph. As the
Ottawas approached the village of their enemies, each man carrying
a gun, the Mush-quah-tas mistook the Weapons for clubs, and came
out with their bows and arrows, anticipating an easy victory. But
they were soon undeceived, and suffered a second crushing defeat,
from the effects of which they never recovered. The tribal organization was dissolved, and the few Mush-quah-tas remaining alive
were scattered among the neighboring tribes.
"After the destruction of the principal village of the Mlush-quallhtas and the removal of the remnant of the tribe to the St. Joseph,
the Ottawas gradually extended their settlements toward the south,
along the shore of Lake Michigan.
"When, about the year 1650, the Huron settlements at the
southeastern extremity of the Georgian Bay of Lake Huron were
broken up by the victorious Iroquois, and the people scattered in
various directions, a remnant, known as the Tobacco Nation, migrated toward the northwest, and fixed their abode on the Island
of Mackinac. There they were joined by a band of Ottawas, from
the Isle des AUlumettes of the Ottawa River, the ancient home of
the Ottawa nation, and, it is said, by some Ottawas, and other Algonquins from the western shore of Lake Huron. After remaining
several years at Mackinac, and finding themselves still harassed by
their enemies, they moved again westward, and took possession of
the islands at the entrance of Green Bay. From thence they migrated southward and westward, coming in contact with the Illinois, and afterward, on the banks of the Mississippi, with the Sioux.
Quarreling with the Sionx and being driven from the country, they
retreated to Point St. Esprit, near the Islands of the Twelve Apostles, in the southwestern part of Lake Superior."
The first permanent settlement on the soil of Michigan was
made by the illustrious Father James Marquette, who arrived at the
Sault in 1668, and established himself at the foot of tlhe rapids on
the American side. The following year he was joined by Father
Dablon, and by their united efforts a church was soon built. It
was at this time that he heard of the "' Great River" and determined some day to explore it and preach the gospel to the lnations
upon its banks. It was his intention to start upon his expedition
the following fall, but a war broke out at Lapointe, to Whlich place
he had repaired, between the Sioux and the Hurons and Ottawas
and the last two mentioned tribes were compelled to leave the place.
Marquette followed the Hurons and coasting about for a time returned
to Mackinac or Michilimackinac as it was called. He probably
arrived there in 1670, and the following year made a settlement at


St. Ignace, where he established the mission of St. Ignatius. This
was the first white settlement at the Straits.
The following is an extract from a lt ei written by Marquette,
in 1671, descriptive of the island:
" Michilimackinac is an island, famous in these regions, of




I
i
I
I
i
ii
I
i
I
i
I
i
i
I


-


J


- IF


ro




9l




I




'n —%




Ah


I


I
V.


a v                          _ ~


V 


16


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-!


more than a league in diameter, elevated in some places by such
high cliffs as to be seen more than twelve leagues off. It is situated
just in the strait forming the communication between Lake Huron
and Illinois (Michigan). It is the key and, as it were, the gate for
all the tribes from the south, as the Sault is for those of the north,
there being in this section of country only those two passages by
water; for a great number of nations have to go by one or other of
these channels, in order to reach the French settlements.
" This presents a peculiarly favorable opportunity, both for
instructing those who pass here, and also for obtaining easy access
and conveyance to their places of abode.
"' This place is the most noted in these regions for the abundance of its fishes; for, according to the Indian sayving, ' This is the
home of the fishes.' Elsewhere, although they exist in large numbers, it is not properly their ' home,' which is in the neighborhood
of Michilimackinac.
"d In fact, besides the fish common to all the other tribes, as
the herring, carp, pike, gold-fish, white-fish, and sturgeon, there are
found three varieties of the trout,-one common; the second of a
larger size, three feet long and one foot thick; the third monstrous,
for we can not otherwise describe it, it being so fat that the Indians,
who have a peculiar relish for fats, can scarcely eat it. Besides,
the supply is such that a single Indian will take forty or fifty of
them through the ice, with a single spear, in three hours.
"It is this attraction which has heretofore drawn to a point so
advantageous the greater part of the savages in this country, driven
away by fear of the Iroquois.
" It is worthy of notice that those who bore the name of the
island, and called themselves Michilimackinacians, were so numerous that some of the survivors yet living here assure us that they
once had thirty villages, all inclosed in a fortification of a league
and a half in circuit, when the Iroquois came and defeated them,
inflated by a victory they had gained over three thousand men of
that nation, who had carried their hostilities as far as the country
of the Aynichronnons.
"I In one word, the quantity of fish, united with the excellence
of the soil for Indian corn, has always been a powerful attraction
to the tribes in these regions, of which the greater part subsist
only on fish, but some on Indian corn. On this account, many of
these same tribes, perceiving that the peace is likely to be established with the Iroquois, have turned their attention to this point,
so convenient for a return to their own country, and will follow the
examples of those who have made a beginning on the islands cf
Lake Huron, which by this means, ill soon be peopled from one
end to the other, an event highly desirable to facilitate the instruction of the Indian race, whom it would not be necessary to seek by
journeys of two or three hundred leagues on these great lakes, with
inconceivable danger and hardship.
" In order to aid the execution of the design signified to us by
many of the savages, of taking up their abode at this point, where
some have already passed the winter, hunting in the neighborhood,
we ourselves have also wintered here in order to make-arrangements
for establishing, the mission of St. Ignace, from whence it will be
easy to have access to all the Indians of Lake Huron, when the
several tribes shall have settled each on its own lands.
"With these advantages, the place has also its inconveniencies,
particularly for the French, who are not yet familiar, as are the
savages, with the different kinds of fishery, in which the latter are


trained from their birth; the winds and the tides occasion no small
embarrassment to the fishermen.
" The winds: For this is the central point between the three
great lakes which surround it, and which seem incessantly tossing
ball at each other. For no sooner has the wind ceased 'blowing






I


from Lake Michigan than Lake Huron hurls back the gale it has
received, and Lake Superior in its turn sends forth its blasts from
another quarter, and thus the game is played from one to the other;
and as these lakes are of vast extent, the winds can not be otherwise than boisterous, especially during the autumn."
Marquette remained with the mission at St. Ignace about two
years, and exercised control over most or all of what is known as
the Traverse Region. He is credited with having traversed the
shore, upon errands of salvation, and erecting crosses, and leaving
other memorials for admiring posterity to gaze upon. There is
however no evidence that he ever visited the region of the two
beautiful bays, or that his voice was ever heard along the shore.
Meanwhile, Marquette's project of exploring the Mississippi,
was being matured, and on the 17th day of May, 1663, hlie set out
from St. Ignace upon that expedition, accompanied by M. Joliet
and five men. The details of that journey are not important to this
work. It is only necessary to say that having returned from the
objective point of his journey he undertook to visit a tribe of Illinois
Indians in the fall of 1674, but his former malady, dysentery,
returned and he was obliged to winter on the Chicago River. In
the/spring of 1675 he was able to complete his journey and begin
his/ mission; but being again attacked by disease, he became satisfied that death was near, and he set out for St. Ignace, hoping to
reech it alive. As they coasted along the eastern shore of Lake
Michigan, he grew gradually weaker. At the mouth of the river
that now bears his name, hie peacefully passed away and was buried
by his companions. This occurred May 18, 1675, in the thirtyeighth year of his age. Two years later, and almost on the allnniversary of his death a party of Indians, whom   Marquette had
himself instructed, visited his grave which they opened, and according to their custom washed and dried the bones, enclosed them in a
box of birch bark, and carried them to St. Ignace, where they were
received with solemn ceremony, and buried in a little vault in the
middle of the chapel which he himself hlead constructed, and at the
altar of which he himself had often officiated.
The history of the mission of St. Ignatius, after Marquette's
departure is brief, though this point for more than a quarter of a
century was really the center of everything of interest in the at
that time wilderness of Michigai. During this period it contained
a garrison of about 200 well disciplined soldiers, with a fine fort of
pickets and " about sixty houses which formed a street in a strait
line."  Some six or seven thousand savages dwelt in villages near
by. There was a Jesuit mission and college, with anl unbroken
succession of Jesuit priests. The lands adjacent were cleared and
well cultivated, and a sufficient quantity of Indian corn was produced for the lse of both the French and savage inhabitants. The
town continued to flourish until some dispute arose between Cadillac,
the commander at the fort, and the Jesuits, when the former repaired
to France, where hie received a commission to establish Detroit,
which hie did in 1701. Subsequent to this date the town declined
until 1706, when the Jesuits became discouraged, burned down their
college and chapel, and returned to Quebec.
After the chapel was burned down by the discouraged missionaries in 1706, the final resting place of Marquette was entirely lost
sight of and the town ceased to be of any importance.
Some eight or ten years ago the site where the chapel had
stood was discovered, and excavations were made which resulted in
finding some fragments of the birch bark coffin in which the bones


were interred, and also small pieces of the bones. These were
carefully preserved, and since that time an association has been
formed for the purpose of erecting a suitable monument to the
memory of the much lamented missionary and discoverer.
The burning of the college and chapel, and the abandonment


I
Ii


- V
I  


tJ,_-,v


i




l
~9


_ ___I_ I


-o

II Ill I  I  ~   I.....   ~.........


-    v




**~~                        ~    ~    ~ ~~ ~~~ -<a~~~~~~~~~~~ -I~ ~ ~~ ' --- —----------------------— _-__-  -------------—, 1{ ~ /
GI I.                                                                                  I  l


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


17


of the mission at St. Ignace in 1706, was the result of Cadillac's
effort to concentrate the French interests at Detroit, which place
he founded in 1701.
A vast country had been revealed to France by the activity of
the Jesuits, which that government was anxious to possess. -During the winter of 1678-'79, Robert Cavalier de la Salle built a vessel
of sixty tons burden, called the " Griffin," and August 7, 1679, set
out in it to carry out his gigantic enterprise of perfecting the discovery of the Mississippi and the colonization of the Southwest.
He was accompanied by thirty-four men, among whom was Father
Louis Hennepin, the journalist of the expedition. August 27, they
reached Michilimackinac, the " Griffin " being the first vessel to part
the waters of these northern lakes.
The following is from Hennepin:
<" The 27th, in the morning, we continued our course northwest, with a southeast wind, which carried us the same day to
Michilimackinac, where we anchored in a bay at six fathom water.
upon a shiny white bottom. That bay is sheltered by the coast
and a bank lying from the southwest to the north: but it
lies exposed to the south winds, which are very violent in that
country.
" Michilimackinac is a neck of land to the north of the
mouth of the strait through which the Lake of the Illinois discharges itself into the Lake Huron.  That canal is about three
leagues long and one broad.
"We lay between two different nations of savages.   Those
whd inhabit the Point of Michilimackinac are called Hurons; and
the others, who are about three or four leagues more northward,
are Ottawas.  Those savages were equally surprised to see a ship
in their country; and tile noise of our cannon, of which we made
a general discharge, filled them with great astonishment. We went
to see the Ottawas, and celebrated mass in their habitation. M.
La Salle was finely dressed, having a scarlet cloak with a broad
gold lace, and most of his men, with their arms, attended him.
The chief captains of that people received us with great civilities,
after their own way; and some of them   came on board with us,
to see our ship, which rode all that while in the bay or creek
I have spoken of.  It was a diverting prospect to see, every day,
above six score canoes about it, and savages staring, and admiring that fine wooden canoe as they called it. They brought us
abundance of whitings, and some trouts of fifty or sixty pound
weight.,, We went the next day to pay a visit to the Hurons, who inhabit a rising ground on a neck of land over against Michilimackinac. Their villages are fortified with palisades of twenty-five feet
high, and always situated upon eminences or hills.  They received
us with more respect than the Ottawas; for they made a triple discharge of all the small guns they had, having learned from some
Europeans that it is the greatest civility among us. However, they
took such a jealousy to our ship that, as we understood since,
they endeavored to make our expedition odious to all the nations
about us.
4 The Hurons and Ottawas are in confederacy together against
the Iroquois, their common enemy. They sow Indian corn, which
is their ordinary food; for they have nothing else to live upon, except some fish they take in the lakes. They boil it with their sagamittee, which is a kind of broth made with water and the flour of


the corn, which they beat in a mortar made of the trunk of a tree,
which they make hollow with fire."
September 2, they set out for Green Bay. The subsequent
loss of the " Griffin," and other misfortunes harassed La Salle,
and in 1687 he was assassinated by one of his own men.
In 1695 M. de la Motte Cadillac was placed by the French, in


command' of this post. This officer soon saw %he importance to
French interests of establishing their principal post on the Detroit
River, and accordingly pitched upon the present site of Detroit,
holding out every inducement to the Indians to desert their villages
and settle in the vicinity of the new fort, while the Jesuits as
strenuously labored to thwart his plans.  In this work he was
greatly assisted by one Shaw-won-o (southern man), a brother of
the celebrated Tecumseh, who, having been educated at Montreal,
and claiming himself a great prophet, drew many, until finally
Cadillac so far succeeded as to dishearten the missionaries and cause
them, in 1706, to burn their buildings and return to Quebec, as
already stated.  At 'this.. move the government of Quebec became
alarmed, and finally prevailed on Father James Marest to return
and renew the settlement.  Shortly afterward, the Ottawas, who
were becoming dissatisfied at Detroit, began to move back to Mackinaw. In 1714 Marest succeeded in prevailing upon the French
government to send M. Louvigny and a few 3olaiers to re establish
the fort.
In 1721 Father Charlevoix visited the fort and speaks of it as
follows:
"I arrived the 28th (June) at this post, which is much declined
since M. de la Motte Cadillac drew to Detroit the greatest part of
the savages who were settled here, and especially the Hurons.
Several Ottawas have followed them; others have dispersed themselves in the isles of Castor. There is only here a middling village
where there is still a great trade for peltry, because it is the passage
or the rendezvous of many of the savage nations. The fort is
preserved and the house of the missionaries, who are not mnuchll employed at present, having never found much docility among the
Ottawas; but the court thinks their presence necessary, in a place
where one must often treat with our allies, to exercise their ministry among the French who come hither in great numbers. I have
been assured that since the settlement of Detroit and the dispersion
of the savages occasioned thereby, many nations of the North,
who used to bring their peltries hither, have taken the route of
Hudson's Bay, by the River Bourbon, and go there to trade with
the English; but M. de la Motte could by no means foresee
this inconvenience, since we were then in possession of Hudson's
Bay.
" The situation of Michilimackinac is very advantageous for
trade. This post is between three great lakes: Lake Michigan,
which is three hundred leagues in compass, without mentioning
the great bay that comes into it; Lake Huron, which is three
hundred and fifty leagues in circumference, and which is triangular;
and the Upper Lake, which is five hundred leagues."
The exact time at which the fort was removed to the south
side of the Straits, now Mackinaw City, is not known. From Charlevoix's description it would seem to have been at St. Ignace, in 1721,
but in 1760 it was found at the south side of the Straits. Some
writers suggest that the removal probably took place in 1714, when
the post was re-established. The statement of Charlevoix'that "the
post is between three great lakes" describes the position of St.
Ignace more closely than aay other point. It is, however, evident
that the removal took place several years prior to 1760.
The war between France and England for supremacy in the
new world began in 1754 and terminated in the victory of the En

glish upon the Heights of Abraham, at Quebec, September 12, 1759.
This victory gave to the English tongue and to the institutions of a
Protestant Christianity the unexplored and seemingly infinite north
and west.
It was not, however, until September, 1760, that a final surrender was made to the English, and not until September,
1761, that possession  was taken of Mackinac, by English


I


I


l
P


I




,q

i
i


j


I'   --._    _  _


I
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I


-


18


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-- - -- --- ----- --




-


troops. The English entered upon their possessions as conquerors,
and so eager were they to supplant the French that they were oblivious to their own danger. The French and Indians had lived on
terms of the greatest intimacy. They had slept in the same wigwams, joined in the same chase and shared the same privations,
until the Indians had come to regard the French as their best
friends. This being the case the Indians rose in arms to prevent
the English from taking possession of the country. They were not
able to comprehend how a victory over the French could give the
English a claim upon the red man's territory. The English were
arrogant and repulsive toward the Indians, giving them no presents,
but rather vied with each other in cheating them out of their scanty
acquisitions. The French meanwhile lost no opportunity of inflaming the Indians and impressing them with a belief that the English
were their deadly enemies.
In the spring of 1763 a scheme was matured, "greater in extent,
deeper and more comprehensive in design-such a one as was never
before or since conceived or executed by a North American Indian."
Pontiac, an Ottawa by birth or adoption, having won distinction at
the head of a numerous body of his brives at the memorable battle
of the Monongahela, contributing not a little to the defeat of Braddock's army, now smarting under wrongs both fancied and real, and
foreseeing the probable ruin of his people before the increasing
strength of the English, conceived the bold plan of cutting off all
the frontier military posts, almost at a single blow. So well were
the arrangements of the wily chieftain carried out that, in a short
time, with the exception of the garrison at Detroit, not a British
soldier remained in the region of the great lakes. This is known as
the conspiracy of Pontiac, and that portion of it involving the "massacre at Fort Mackinaw" concerns directly the territory of the
Traverse Region.
In September, 1761, Alexander Henry, the first English trader
who ventured among the Indians, arrived at the Island of Mackinac,
where he found a village of Chippewas containing a hundred warriors. He went in disguise and left as speedily as possible, crossing
the strait and landing at the fort at Old Mackinaw.
He savs in his account: —"The fort stands on the south side of
the strait, which is between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. It
has an area of two acres, and is enclosed with pickets of cedar
wood, and it is so near the water's edge that when the wind is in
the west, the waves break against the stockade. On the bastions
are two small pieces of brass English cannon, taken some years
since by a party of Canadians.
"Within the stockade are thirty houses, neat in their appearance, and tolerably commodious; and a church in which mass is
celebrated by a Jesuit missionary. The number of families may be
nearly equal to that of the houses, and their subsistence is derived
from the Indian traders, who assemble here in their voyages to and
from Montreal."
Henry succeeded in propitiating the Chippewas, but the Ottawas
of L'Arbre Croche, a strong body of whom were at Mackinaw, were
bent on mischief. The arrival of troops, however, assured him.ecurity.
Of the changes that had taken place amon7 the Indians, Leach
says:
"The Hurons had left St. Ignace, and settled at Detroit and


Sandusky, where they had taken the name of Wyandots. The mission had been transferred from St. Ignace to L'Arbre Croche (the
Crooked Tree) south of the straits. L'Arbre Croche seems to have
been used by the French as a general name for the Ottawa settlements along the shore of Lake Michigan, in the western part of
what now constitutes the county of Emmet. The village of L'Arbre
Croche proper, so named from a crooked pine tree, a conapicuous


i




I


and convenient landmark for the voyageurs coasting in their canoes
along the shore, was on the site of Middle Village of the present
day. Another landmark, conspicuous to the hardy voyageurs of
those days, was a huge cross, of cedar timber, standing on the brow
of the bluff, at what is now, from the circumstance, called Cross
Village. Whether it was erected by Father Jonois, or some one
who preceded him, is not known.  By whomsoever erected, it has
stood there till the present day, being repaired or renewed by the
willing hands of the Catholic Ottawas, when natural decay made
repair or renewal necessary.
"The Ottawas of L'Arbre Croche, under their head chief, Nesaw-kee, could muster two hundred and fifty warriors.  Many of
them were nominal Catholics. Profiting by the instruction of the
missionaries, they had made some advancement in civilization, and
cultivated the ground to a greater extent than formerly.
"South of L'Arbre Croche, in the western part of the Michigan
peninsula, there were other settlements of Ottawas, and there was
a strong band in the vicinity of Detroit, under the immediate chieftianship of tile renowned Pontiac.
"The principal village of the Chippewas in the northern part
of the peninsula, was on Mackinac Island. 'The village contained a
hundred warriors. There was another smaller village at Thunder
Bay, where dwelt their chief, Minavavana. There were also numerous settlements of the Chippewas in the Saginaw Valley and on
Grand River.
"A part of the Wyandots, as we have already seen, were living
at Detroit, and the Pottawatomies occupied the southwestern portion of the peninsula. Theoretically, the peninsula, or, at least,
the northern part of it, belonged to the Ottawas and( Chlippewas, the
former claiming the western and the latter the eastern portion, Ihe
boundary between them being an imanginary line drawn due soutl
from the fort at Mackinaw."
CHAPTER III.
THE MASSACRE AT FORT MACKINAC —DESCRIPTION OF THE FORT —A1CCOUNT BY ALEXANDER HENRY ---FIRST PERMANENT WHITEIq SETTIEMENT ON MACKINAC ISLAND ---THE WAR OF 1812 —MOVEMENTS OF
THE OTTAWAS.
The massacre at Fort Mackinac furnishes a tlheme of thrilling
interest, and it forms a conspicuous part of the history we are entdeavoring to record. Near by the site of tlhe old fort the village of
Mackinaw City is now being built, and it is to be regretted that
better care has not been taken of the spot of so much historic interest.
The massacre at this fort was a part of the "conspiracy of
Pontiac."  No better description of it has ever been given than
that given by Parkman in his "History of the Conspiracy of Pontiac," and supplemented with sone additions by J. A. Van Fleet in
his work entitled "Old and New Mackinac."  From this last mentioned work we give the description which here follows:
" In the spring of the year 1763, before the war broke out,
several English traders went up to Michilimackinac, some adopting
the old route of the Ottawa, and others that of Detroit and the
lakes. We will follow one of the latter on his adventurous progress. Passing the fort and settlement of Detroit, he soon enters


Lake St. Clair, which seems like a broad basin filled to overflowing,
while, along its far-distant verge, a faint line of forest separates
the water from the sky. He crosses the lake, and his voyageurs
next urge his canoe against the current of the great river above.
At length Lake Huron opens before him, stretching its liquid expanse, like an ocean, to the farthest horizon. His canoe skirts


I  --  ~

i
i
i
i
I
i
I
I
i
i
I
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
i
i
i
I
i
I


I
I


-9 I
I
I
I
11,
i
I
i
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
i
I


L


r.


)


Ft-.!


- --- -- -- L ____ _ ___ __ ____ __ ___


9i-.


~-,e'l 


- '- - P








I)








__v -


I




r


THE TRAVERSE REGION


19


-


the eastern shore of Michigan, where the forest rises like a wall
from the water's edge, and as he advances northward, an endless
line of stiff and shaggy fir-trees, hung with long mosses, fringes
the shore with an aspect of a monotonous desolation. In the space
of two or three weeks, if his Canadians labor well, and no accident
occurs, the trader approaches the end of his voyage. Passing on
his right the extensive island of Bois Blanc, he sees, nearly in
front, the beautiful island of Mackinac-rising, with its white cliffs
and green foliage, from the broad breast of the waters. He does
not steer toward it, for at that day the Indians were its only tenants; but keeps along the main shore to the left, while his voyageurs raise their song and chorus. Doubling a point, he sees before
him the red flag of England swelling lazily in the wind, and the
palisades and wooden bastions of Fort Michilimackinac, standing
close upon the margin of the lake. On the beach, canoes are
drawn up, and Canadians and Indians are idly lounging. A little
beyond the fort is a cluster of the white Canadian houses, roofed
with bark, and protected by fences of strong, round pickets.
"The trader enters at the gate, and sees before him an extensive square area, surrounded by high palisades. Numerous
houses, barracks, and other buildings form a smaller square within,
and in the vacant space which they inclose appear the red uniforms
of British soldiers, the grey coats of Canadians, and the gaudy Indian blankets, mingled in picturesque confusion, while a multitude
of squaws, with children of every hue, stroll restlessly about the
place. Such was Fort Michilimackinac in 1763. Its name, which
in the Algonquin tongue signifies the Great Turtle, was first, from
a fancied resemblance, applied to the neighboring island, and thence
to the fort.
"Though buried in a wilderness, Michilimackinac was still of
no recent origin. As early as 1671, the Jesuits had established a
mission near the place, 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 itself of every means to gain ascendancy over the forest tribes. Besides Michilimackinac, there were
two other posts in this northern region-Green Bay and Sault Ste.
Marie. Both were founded at an early period, and both presented
the same characteristic features-a mission house, a fort, and a
cluster of Canadian dwellings. They had been originally garrisoned
by small parties of militia, who, bringing their families with them,
settled on the spot, and were 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 a center
cf 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 Indiais near Michilimackinac were the Ojibwas and
Ottawas, the former of whom claimed the eastern section of Michigan, and the latter the western, their respective portions being separated by a line drawn southward from the fort itself. The principal
village of the Ojibwas contained about a hundred warriors, and
stood upon the island of Michilimackinac, now called Mackinac.
There was another smaller village near the head of Thunder 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 southwest of the fort. This 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






I


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 provision, besides satisfying their own wants. The Ojibwas, 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 the painted hatchet,
and had pledged themselves to join 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 resolution to make an immediate assault upon Michilimackinac. Hence the Ottawas, as we
shall also learn from Henry's account, had no part in the bloody
tragedy.  There were other tribes, however, which, attracted by
rumors of impending war, had gathered at Michilimackinac, and
which took part in the struggle.
There is a discrepancy between the official report of Captain
Ethrington, commander of the post, and Henry's statement,-the
former making the garrison to consist of thirty-five men, with other
officers; and the latter, as we shall see, of ninety. We give the
reader the facts just as we find them recorded, leaving him to reconcile this difference in his own way. Perhaps, as Parkman suggests, Henry intended to include, in his enumeration, all the inhabitants of the fort, both soldiers and Canadians.
We left Henry at the moment of his arrival at the fort. We
must now allow him to go on with his story; for he is far better
qualified for that task than we are:
"When I reached Michilimackinac, I found several other traders
who had arrived before me, from different parts of the country, and
who, in. general, declared the disposition of the Indians to be
hostile to the English, and even apprehended some attack. 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 bring a story of the
same kind a prisoner to Detroit.
" The garrison at this time consisted of ninety privates, two
subalterns, and the commandant, and the English merchants at the
fort were four in number. Thus strong, 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 disposing of their peltries in such a manner as to dissipate almost any one's fears. For myself, on one
occasion I took the liberty of observing to Major Ethrington that,
in my judgment, no confidence ought to be placed in them, and that
I was informed no less than four hundred lay around the fort. In
return, the major only rallied me on my timidity; and it is to be
confessed that, if this officer neglected admonition on his part, so
did I on mine. Shortly after my first arrival at Michilimackinac,
in the preceding year, a Chippewa named Wawatam     began   to


come often to my house, betraying in his demeanor strong marks of
personal regard. After this had continued for some time, he came
on a certain day, bringing with him his whnle family; and, at the
same time, a large present, consisting of s!ins, sugar, and dried
meat. Having laid these in a heap, he commenced a speech, in


I


i


-


de-Mm.I k7l -.1


"N   -    Q    "Y'




20


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


which he informed me that, some years before, he had observed a,
fast, devoting himself, according to the custom of his nation, to
solitude and the mortification 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
me, he had recognized me as the person whom the Great Spirit had
been'pleased to point out to him for a brother; that he hoped that
I would not refuse his present, and that he should forever regard
me as one of his family.
" I could do no otherwise than accept the present, and declare
my willingness to have so good a' man as this appeared to be for my
friend and brother. I offered a present in return for that which I
had received, which Wawatam accepted, and then, thanking me
for the favor which he said that I had rendered him, he left me, and
soon after set out on his winter's hunt.
" Twelve months had now elapsed since the occurrence of this
incident, and I had almost forgotten the person of my brother,
when, on the second day of June, Wawatam came again to my
house, in a temper of mind visibly melancholy and thoughtful.
He told me that lie hadl just returned from his winterhinl-l rou7d,
and I asked after his health; but, without answering my question,
he went on to say that hlie was very sorry to find me returned from
the Sault; that he had intended to go to that place himself, immediately after his arrival at Michilimackinac; and that he wished me
to go there along with him and his family the next morning. To
all this he joined an inquiry whether or not the commandant had
heard bad news, adding that, during the winter, he had himself
been frequently disturbed with the noise ofj' evil birds; 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 character among his
nation, and a chief.
" Referrinrg much of what I heard to the peculiarities of the
Indian character, I did not pay all the attention which they will be
found to have deserved to the entreaties and remarks of my visitor.
I answered that I could not think of going to the Sault so soon as
the next morning, but would follow him there after the arrival of
my clerks. Finding himself unable to prevail with me, he withdrew for that day; but early the next morning he came again,
bringing with him his wife and a present of dried meat. At this
interview, after stating that he had several packs of beaver, for
which he intended to deal with me, he expressed a second time his
apprehensions from the numerous Indians who were around the
fort, and earnestly pressed me to consent to an immediate departure
for the Sault. As a reason for this particular request, he assured
me 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 me
to be gone before they should grow intoxicated. I had made, at the
period to which I am now referring, so much progress in the language in which Wawatam addressed me, as to be able to hold an
ordinary conversation in it; but the Indian manner of speech is so
extravagantly figurative, that it is only for a very perfect master to
follow and comprehend it entirely. Had I been further advanced
in this respect, I think that I should have gathered so much information from this, 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 unfortunately happened that
I turned a deaf ear to everything, leaving Wawatam and his wife,
after long and patient, but ineffectual efforts, to depart alone, with
dejected countenances, and not before they had each let fall some
tears.
" In the course of the same day, I observed that the Indians


came in great numbers into the fort, purchasing tomahawks (small
axes of one pound weight), and frequently desiring to see silver
arm bands, and other valuable ornaments, of which I had a large
quar bity for sale. These ornaments, however; they in no instance
purchased; 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 particular -places of their deposit, so
that they might lay their hands on them, in the moment of pillage,
with the greater certainty and dispatch.
" At night I turned in my mind the visits of Wawatam; but,
though they were calculated to excite uneasiness, nothing induced
me to believe that serious mischief was at hand.
" The next day, being the 4th of June, was the king's birthday. The morning was sultry. A Chippewa came to tell me that
his nation was going to play at baggatiway, with the Sacs or
Saakles, another Indian nation, for a high wager. He invited me
to witness the sport, adding that the commandant was to be there,
and would be on the side of the Chippewas. In consequence of
this information, I went to the commandant, and expostulated with
him  a little, representing that the Indianl, might possibly have
some sinister end in view; but the commandant only smiled at my
suspicions."
The game of baggatiway, whiclh the Indians played upon tlhat
memorable occasion, was the most exciting sport in which the red
man could engage. It was played with bat and ball. The bat, so
called, was about four feet in lel(ngth, and an 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 perhaps
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 network 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.
At the beginning of the game the main body of the players
assemble half-way between the two posts. Every eye sparkles a(nd
every cheek is already aglow with excitement. Tile ball is tossed
high into the air, and a general struggle ensues to secure it as it
descends. He who succeeds starts for the goal of the adversary
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 the boy throws
a stone from a sling, as far toward the goal of the adversary 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 the one, now as
near to the other goal; the whole band crowding continually after
it in the wildest confusion, until, finlially, some agile figure, more
fleet of foot than others, succeeds in bearing it to the goal of the
opposite party.
Persons now living upon this island, who have frequently seen
this game played by the Indians, and themselves participated in it,
inform the writer that often a whole day is insufficient to deci(le
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 and 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.


- t 




4- 


-xa


-A
i
I


I'


m


i                                                                                                                                                                                         i




I


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


21


This game, with its attendant noise and violence, was well
calculated 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. The discipline of the garrison was
relaxed, and the soldiers permitted to stroll about and view the
sport, without 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 followed by four hundred savages, all eager, all struggling,
all shouting, in the unrestrained pursuit of a rude, athletic exercise,
no alarm was felt until the shrill war whoop told the startled garrison that the slaughter had actually begun.
Henry continues: "I did not go myself to see the match
which was now to be played without the fort, because, there being
a canoe prepared to depart on the following day, for Montreal, I
employed myself in writing letters to my friends; and even when
a fellow-trader, Mr. Tracy, happened to call upon me, saying that
another canoe had just arrived from Detroit, and proposing that I
should go with him to the beach, to inquire the news, it so happened that I still remained~ to finish my letters, promising to follow
Mr. Tracy in the course of a few minutes. Mr. Tracy had not
gone more than twenty paces from my door, when I heard an Indian
war-cry and a noise of general confusion. Going instantly to my
window, I saw a crowd of Indians, within the fort, fariously cutting down and scalping every Englishman they found. In particular I witnessed the fato of Lieutenant Jemette.
" I had, in the room in which I was, a fowling-piece, loaded
with swan-shot. This JI immediately seized, and held it for a few
minutes, waiting to hear the drum beat to arms. In this dreadful
interval I saw several of my countrymen fall, 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 sensible, of course, that no effort of my
own unassisted arm could avail against foul hundred Indians, I
thought only of seeking shelter. Amid the slaughter which was
raging, I observed many of the Canadian inhabitants of the fort
calmly looking on, neither opposing the Indians nor suffering injury;
and. from this circumstance, I conceived a hope of finding security
in their houses.
" Between the yard-door of my own house and of M. Langlade, my next neighbor, there was only a low fence, over which I
easily climbed. At my entrance I found the whole family at the
windows, gazing at the scene of blood before them. I addressed
myself immediately to M. Langlade, begging that he would put me
into some place of safety until the heat of the affair should be
over, an act of charity by which he might perhaps preserve me
from the general massacre; but, while I uttered my petition, M.
Langlade, who had looked for a moment at me, turned again to
the window, shrugging his shoulders, and intimating that he could
do nothing for me: 4 Que voudriez-vous que fj'en ferais?'
"This was a moment for despair; but, the next, a Pani woman,
a slave of M. Langlade, beckoned me to follow her. She brought
me to a door, which she opened, desiring me to enter, and telling
me that it led to the garret, where I must go and conceal myself.


I joyfully obeyed her directions; and she, having followed me up
to the garret door, locked it after me, and with great presence of
mind took away the key.
" This shelter obtained, if shelter I could hope to find it, I
was naturally anxious to know what might still be passing without..............................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Through an aperture, which afforded me a view of the area of the
fort, I beheld, in shapes the foulest and most terrible, the ferocious
triumphs of barbarian conquerors. The dead were scalped and
mangled; the dying were writhing and shrieking, under the
unsatiated knife and tomahawk; 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. I was shaken, not only with horror, but with fear. The
sufferings which I witnessed I Seemed on the point of experiencing. No long time elapsed iefore, every one being destroyed who
could be found, there was a general cry of ' All is finished!' At
the same instant I heard some of the Indians enter the house in
which I was. The garret was separated from the room below only
by a layer of single boards, at once the flooring of the one and the
ceiling of the other. I 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;' he ' did not know of any,'-answers in which
he did not exceed the truth; for the Pani woman had not only
hidden me by stealth, but kept my secret and her own. M. Langlade was therefore, as I presume, as far from a wish to destroy me as
he was careless about saving me, when lie added to these answers,
that ' they might examine for themselves, and soon be satisfied as
to the object of their question.' Saying this, he brought them to
the garret door.
" The state of my mind will be imagined. Arrived at the
door, some delay was occasioned by the absence of the key, and a
few moments were thus allowed me in which to look around me
for a hiding plate. In one corner of the garret was a heap of those
vessels of birch bark used in maple-sugar making, as I have
recently described.
" The door was unlocked, and opening, and the Indians ascending the stairs, before I 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. I could scarcely breathe, but I
thought that the throbbing of my heart occasioned a noise loud
enough to betray me. The Indians walked in every direction about
the garret, and one of them approached me so closely that at a
particular moment had he put forth his hand he must have touched
me. Still I remained undiscovered, a circumstance to which the
dark color of mv clothes, and the want of light in a room which
had no window, and in the corner in which I was, must have contributed. In a word, after taking several turns in the room, during
which they told M. Langlade how many they had killed, and how
many scalps they had taken, they returned down stairs, and I, with
sensations not to be expressed, heard the door, which was the
barrier between me and my fate, locked for the second time.
"There was a feather-bed on the floor; and on this, exhausted
as I was by the agitation of my mind, I threw myself down and
fell asleep. In this state I remained till the dark of the evening,
when I was awakened by a second opening of the door. The person
that now entered was M. Langlade's wife, who was much surprised
at finding me, but advised me not to be uneasy, observing that the
Indians had killed most of the English, but that she hoped that I


might myself escape. A shower of rain having begun to fall, she
had come to stop a hole in the roof. On her going away, I begged
her to send me a little water to drink, which she did.
" As night was now advancing, I cont;iued to lie on the bed,
ruminating on my condition, but unable to discover a source from
which I could hope for life. A flight to Detroit had no probable


-I




4 -


I


-- -                                                                                                            ' v +r~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




4 -

i
I
I
i
I


a



I                          I - - -   - -  


I


22


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


_ ___ __


-




-


chance of success. The distance from Michilimackinac was four
hundred miles; I was without provisions; and the whole length of
the road lay through Indian countries, countries of an enemy in
arms, where the first man whom I should meet would kill me. To
stay where I was, threatened nearly the same issue. As before,
fatigue of mind, and not tranquillity, suspended my cares, and procured me further sleep.
" The respite which sleep afforded me, during the night, was
put to an end by the return of morning.  I was again on the rack
of apprehension. At sunrise I heard the family stirring, and,
presently after, Indian voices, informing M. Langlade that they had
not found my hapless self among the dead, and that they supposed
mc to be somewhere concealed. M. Langlade appeared, from what
followed, to be, by this time, acquainted with the place of my retreat, of which no doubt he hal been informed by his wife. The
poor woman, as soon as the Indians mentioned me, declared to her
husband in the French tongue, that he should no longer keep me
in his house, but deliver me up to my pursuers; giving as a reason
for this measure, that should the Indians discover his instrumentality in my concealment, they might avenge it on her children, and
that it was better that I should die than they. M. Langlade resisted at first this sentence of his wife's, but soon suffered her to
prevail, informing the Indians that he had been told I was in the
house, that I had come without his knowledge, and that he would
put me into their hands. This was no sooner expressed than
lie began to ascend the. stairs, the Indians following upon his
heels.
"I now resigned myself to the fate with which I was
menaced; and regarding every attempt at concealment as vain, I
arose from the bed and presented rmyself full in view to the Indians
who were entering the room. They were all in a state of intoxication, and entirely naked, except about the middle.  One of them,
named Wenniway, whom I had previously known, and who was
upward of six feet in height, had his entire face and body covered
with charcoal and grease, only that a white spot of two inches in
diameter encircled either eye. This man, walking up to me, seized
me with one hand by the collar of the coat, while in the other lie
held a large carving-knife, as if to plunge it into my breast; his
eyes, meanwhile, were fixed steadfastly on mine.  At length, after
I some seconds of the most anxious suspense, he dropped his arm,
saying, I I won't kill you!' To this he added that he had been
frequently engaged in wais with the English, and had brought away
many scalps; that, on a certain occasion, he had lost a brother
whose name was Musinigon, and that I should be called after
him.
" A reprieve, upon any terms, placed me among the livilln, aild
gave me back the sustaining voice of lope; but Wenniw;ay
ordered me down-stairs, and there informing me that I was to be
taken to his cabin, where, and indeed everywhere else, the Indians
were all mad with liquor, death again was threatened, and not as
possible only, but as certain. I mentioned my fears on this subject
to M. Langlade, begging him to represent the danger to my miaster. M. Langlade, in this instance, did not withhold his compassion, and Wenniway immediately consented that I should remain where I was, until he found-another opportunity to take me
away.
"Thus far secure, I reascended my garret stairs, in order to


place myself the farthest possible out of the reach of insult from
drunken Indians; but I had not remained there more than an hour,
when I was called to the room below, in which was an Indian, who
said that I must go with him out of the fort, Wenniway having
sent him to fetch me.  This man, as well as Wenniway himself, I
had seen before. In the preceding year I had allowed him to take


I
I
I




I


credit, for which he was still in my debt; and some short time previous to the surprise of the fort, he had said, upon my upbraiding
him with want of honesty, that ' lie would pay me before long!'
This speech now came fresh into my mem)ry, and led me to suspect that the fellow had formed a design against my life. I
communicated the suspicion to M. Langlade, but he gave for
answer that I was not my own master, and must do as I was
ordered.
"The Indian, on his part, directed that before I left the house
I should undress myself, declaring that my coat and shirt would
become him better than they did me. His pleasure, in this respect, being complied with, no alternative was left me than
either to go out naked, or to put on the clothes of the Indian,
which lie freely gave me in exchange. His motive for thus stripping me of my own apparel was no other, as I afterward learned,
than this, that it might not be stained with blood when lie should
kill me.
"I was now told to proceed; and my driver toiluowu me close
until I had passed the gate of the fort, when I turned toward the
spot where I knew the Indians to be encamped. This, however,
did not suit the purpose of my enemy, who seized me by the arm,
and drew me violently in the opposite direction, to the distance of
fifty yards above the fort. Here, finding that I was approaching
the bushes and sand-hills, I determined to proceed no farther; but
told the Indian that I believed he meant to murder me, and that if
so, hlie might as well strike where I was as at any greater distance.
He replied, with coolness, that my suspicions weie just, and that
lie meant to pay me in this manner for my goods. At the same
time lie produced a knife, and held me in a position to receive the
intended blow. Both this, and that which followed, were necessarily the affair of a moment. By some effort, too sudden, and too
little dependent on thought to be explained or remembered, I was
enabled to arrest his arm and give him  a sudden push, by which
I turned him from me, and released myself from his grasp. This
was no sooner done, tllan I ran toward the fort with all the swiftness in my power, the Indian following me, and I expecting every
moment to feel his knife. I succeeded inl my flight, and, on entering lhe fort, I saw Wenniway standing in the midst of the area,
and to him I hastened for protection. Wenniway desired the Indian
to desist; but the latter pursued me around hlim, making several
strokes at me with his knife, and foaming at the month, with rage
at the repeated failure of his purpose. At lengtll Wenniway drew
near to M. Larlalde's house, aind, thle door belil) open, I ran into
it. The Indian followed me; but onl my entering tlle house, he voluntarily abandoned the pursuit.
"Preserved so often and so unexpectedly, as it had now been
my lot to be, I returned to my garret witlh a strong inclination to
believe that, through the will of aii overrulingl power, no Indian
enemy could do me hurt; but new trials, as I beli( ved, were at hand.
whien, at ten o'clock in the e(veilig, I waNs aroused from  sleep and
once more desired to descend the stai'rs. Not less, however, to my
satisfaction than surprise, I wa.s siumii(loed oniy to meet Major
Ethrington, Mr. Bostwick, amid Lieutenant Lesslie, who were in
the room  below.   These gentlemen 1had 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, tlie Indians having resolved on


getting drunk, the chiefs were apprehensive that they would be
murdered if they continued in the camp. Lieutenant Jemette aind
seventy soldiers had been killed; and but twenty Englishmen, including soldiers, were still alive. These were all within the fort,
together with nearly three hundred Canadians, belonging to the
canoes, etc.


I


1


p


I I


I-.T




I


L


I




-1


L
19


1~1   _     _  I_~___       _ _ ~11_1______1 --- —--         _


I




9*.-"


W- -


_ I ___ __ C _ ___ L


— I


I O




—,% ~, "C Y 




e -   Akw
I1


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


23


"These being our numbers, myself and others proposed to Major
Ethrington to make an effort for regaining possession of the fort,
and maintaining it against the Indians. The Jesuit missionary
was consulted on the project; but he discouraged us by his representations, not only of the merciless treatment which we must expect from the Indians, should they regain their superiority, but of
the little dependence which was to be placed upon our Canadian
auxiliaries. Thus the fort and prisoners remained in the hands of
the Indians, though, through the whole night, the prisoners and
whites were in actual possession, and they were without the gates.
"The whole night, or the greater part of it, was passed in
mutual condolence; and my fellow-prisoners shared my garret. In
the morning, being again called down, I found my master, Wenniway, and was desired to follow him. He led me to a Small house
within the fort, where, in a narrow room, and almost dark, I
found Mr. Ezekiel Solomons, an Englishman from Detroit, and a
soldier, all prisoners. With these I remained in painful suspense
as to the scene that was next to present itself, till ten o'clock in the
forenoon, when an Indianr arrived, and presently marched us to
the lake-side, where a caroe appeared ready for departure, and in
which we found that we were to embark.
"Our 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 we were exposed 'to a
keen northeast wind.  An old shirt was all that covered me. I
suffered much from the cold, and in this extremity, M. Langlade
coming down to the beach, I asked him for a blanket, promising
if I lived to pay him for it at any price he pleased; but the answer
I received was this, that he could let me have no blanket, unless
there were some one to be security for the payment.  For myself,
he observed, I had no longer any property in that country. I had
no more to say to M. Langlade; but presently seeing another Canadian, named John Cuchoise, I addressed him a similar request, and
was not refused. Naked as I was, and rigorous as was the weather,
but for the blanket I must have perished. At noon our party was
all collected, the prisoners all embarked, and we steered for the
Isles du Castor, in Lake Michigan.
"The soldier who was our companion in misfortune was made
fast to a bar of the canoe by a rope tied around his neck, as is the
manner, of the Indians in transporting their prisoners. The rest
were left unconfined; but a paddle was put into each of our hands,
and we were made to use it. The Indians in the canoe were seven
in number; the prisoners four. I had left, as it will be recollected,
Major Ethrington, Lieutenant Lesslie and Mr. Bostwick,.at M.
Langlade's, and was now joined in misery with Mr. Ezekiel Solomons, the soldier, and the Englishman, who had newly arrived
from Detroit. This was on the sixth day of June. The fort was
taken on the fourth; I surrendered myself to Wenniway. on the
fifth; and this was the third day of our distress.
"We were bound, as I have said, for the Isles du Castor, which
lie in the mouth of Lake Michigan; and we should have crossed
the lake but that a thick fog came on, on account of which the Indians deemed it safer to keep the shore close under their lee. We
therefore approached the lands of the Ottawas, and their village
of L'Arbre Croche, already mentioned as lying about twenty miles
to the westward of Michilimackinac, on the opposite side of the
tongue of land on which the fort is built.


"Every half-hour the Indians gave their war whoops, one for
every prisoner in their canoe. This is a general custom, by the
aid of which all the Indians within hearing are apprised of the number of prisoners they are carrying. In this manner we reached
Wagoshense (Fox Point), a long point, stretching westward into


the lake, and which the Ottawas make a carrying-place, to avoid
going arouni it.  It is distant eighteen miles from Michilimackinac. After the Indians had made their war whoop, as before, an Ottawa appeared upon the beach, who made signs that we
should land. In consequence, we approached. The Ottawa asked
the news, and kept the Chippewas in further conversation, till we
were within a few yards of the land, and in shallow water. At
this moment, a hundred men rushed upon us from among the
bushes, and dragged all the prisoners out of the canoes, amid a
terrifying shout.
"We now believed that our last sufferings were approaching;
but no sooner were we fairly on shore, and on our legs, than the
chiefs of the party advanced and gave each of us their hands, telling us that they were our friends, and Ottawas whom the Chippewas had insulted by destroying the English without consulting with
them on the affair. They added that what they had done was for
the purpose of saving our lives, the Chippewas having been carrying us to the Isles du Castor only to kill and devour us.
"The reader's imagination is here distracted by the variety of
our fortunes, and he may well paint himself the state of mind of
those who sustained them; who were the sport, or the victims, of
a series of events more like dreams than realities-more like fiction
than truth! It was not long before we were embarked again, in
the canoes of the Ottawas, who, the same evening, relanded us
at Michilimackinac, where they marched us into the fort, in view
of the Chippewas, confounded at beholding the Ottawas espouse a
side opposite their own. The Ottawas, who had accompanied us in
sufficient numbers, took possession of the fort. We, who had
changed masters, but were still prisoners, were lodged in the house
of the commandant, and strictly guarded."
A council of the two tribes followed, in which the wounded
feelings of the Ottawas were somewhat soothed by a liberal present
of plunder, taken from the whites. The prisoners seem to have
been divided, the Ottawas, because they were the stronger party, or
for other reasons, being allowed to keep the greater number. The
Ottawas soon after returned to L'Arbre Croche, taking with them
Capt. Ethrington, Lieut. Lesslie, and eleven men. They were disarmed, but, probably through the influence of Father Jonois, treated
kindly. Father Jonois performed a journey to Detroit in their behalf, bearing a request to Major Gladwyn for assistance, but that
officer, beleagured by a horde of savages, could do nothing.
In the mean time, Capt. Ethrington had found means to communicate with Lieut. Gorell, commanding the little garrison at
Green Bay, requesting him to come with his command immediately
to L'Arbre Croche. Gorell had the fortune to secure the good will
of the Menomonies, ninety of whom volunteered for an escort. As
the fleet of canoes on the way approached the Isles du Castor, warning was received that the Chippewas were lying in wait to intercept
them. Immediately the Menomonies raised the war song, and
stripped themselves for battle. The alarm, however, proved to be
false. When the party reached L'Arbre Croche, they were received
with honor, and presented the pipe of peace. After a series of
councils, to which the Chippewa chiefs were invited, the latter reluctantly consented not to obstruct the passage of the soldiers to
Montreal. Accordingly, on the eighteenth of July, the English,
escorted by a fleet of Indian canoes, left L'Arbre Croche, and going by way of the Ottawa River, reached Montreal the thirteenth
of August.


Henry after a variety of experiences finally accompanied an
Indian deputation to Fort Niagara which place he reached in
safety.
The next event of any importance was the first permanent
white settlement on Mackinac Island, which was made in 1780.






r
r


L


a I  i                                                                                                                                                                                                                   1






" a ---— Q-I                                 I —,;- | 


]




I
i
I
I
I


I




24


THE TRAVERSE REGION


For a year or more after the massacre Old Mackinaw was made a
temporary residence for Indian bands and was also occupied by the
coureurs debois. After the treaty with the Indians, Captain Howard with a detachment of troops again took possession. July 15,
1780, the troops were removed to Mackinac Island where a government house and a few other buildings had been built.  The removal
of the inhabitants from    the mainland to the island was
gradual, and tile fort was not completed until 1783.
Near the site of the fort at Old Mackinac the village of Mackinaw City has recently been built, and relic hunters still visit the
vicinity of the fort and find numerous rewards for their labors.
The removal to Mackinac Island was not because of its superiority in a commercial or military point of view, but for the security
which it afforded against the surrounding Indian tribes. Had that
one event of June 4, 1763, the massacre at Old Mackinac, never
occurred, this island would no doubt have still been in the hands
of nature, and the fort and town at Old Mackinac, where they
properly belong. Contrary to the treaty of 1783, the English held
possession of the island until 1795, when they were compelled to
give it up. The size and population of the town has varied at
different stages of its history.
In 1820 it consisted of about one hundred and fifty houses,
and some four hundred and fifty permanent inhabitants. At that
time there was no school, no religious service, no attorney, and no
physician (other than at the garrison) in the place.  There were,
however, courts of law, a postoffice, a jail and one or more justices
of the peace.
Fromn the massacre at Mackinaw until the war of 1812, the
Traverse Region was not the theater of any important evenlts. The
only inhabitants, so far as known, were the Ottawas, and such
missionaries as may hlave labored among cihem.  One of their
noted chiefs, Saw-gaw-kee, a son of the former head chief Nee-sawkee, was a firm believer in the Shawnee prophet Waw-wa-gish-emaw, or, as he is called by the historians, Elkswatawa. Tlhe
Shawnees were the leading tribe in the country between the Ohio
and the Wa)ash. Tecumnseh, a brave and sagacious warror, was
their chief, and Elkswatawa was his brother. The latter was a vile
impostor who pretended to have revelations from the spirit world.
Neither visited L'Arbre Croche in person, but the influence of the
prophet  was   sufficient to induce a deputation of Ottawas
from    that vicinity to visit the distant Indian  villages on
Lake Superior, with a message he professed to have received from
the Great Spirit, intended to rouse them against the Americans.
The territory of Michigan was in a defenseless condition when
the war of 1812 broke out. The garrison of Fort Mackinac consisted of only fifty-seven effective men, under command of Lieu.
tenant Hanks. There were but a few buildings and a small nunmber of people on the, island. Captain Roberts, commanding the
British post on St. Joseph Island, soon gathered upward of a
thousand Ottawas and Chippewas about him, and on July 16th he
embarked for Mackinac Island. The capture of the fort was accomplished without resistance, and the affair terminated without
bloodshed.  Twpo years later, when the Americans, under Col.
Croghlan, attempted to re-take the fort, they were foiled mainly by
the large force of Indians the British oeommander had again been
able to gather to his standard. In this attempt the Americans
suffered severe loss. The most shocking barbarities were practiced
on the bodies of the slain. They were literally cut to pieces by


their savage conquerors. "Their hearts and livers were taken out,
and cooked and eaten, and that too, it is said, even in the quarters
of the British officers. More than forty years afterward, when
the Indians had become friendly toward the Americans, and the
settlements of the latter had reached the Grand Traverse country,


Asa-bun, an Indian of Old Mission, used to be pointed out as one
who had been seen running about with a human heart in his
hands, which he was devouring. Another, a chief by the name
of Aish-quag-won-a-ba, was credited by the settlers, whether justly
or not, with keeping a number of scalps, the trophies of his
prowess at Mackinac, carefully hidden away in a certain trunk."
During the winter of 1814-'15 peace was concluded, and in
the spring the post was evacuated by the English, and a company
of American troops, under Colonel Chambers, took peaceable
possession.
The fortunes of the Ottawas are followed out by Dr. Leach,
as follows:
"At the close of the war of 1812, the occupation of the warrior
passed away. Quarrels with their Indian neighbors of the south
and west, and with the Iroquois of the east, had already ceased.
Thenceforth there was no opportunity to take an enemy's scalp.
The arts of war gave place to the peaceful pursuits of savage life.
There followed as much prosperity as savage life improved by the
first dawnings of civilization, in a country well fitted by nature for
the habitation of a people in just that stage of advancement, was
capable of producing. The lakes, streamrns and forests, with their
cultivated gardens of no mean extent, supplied an abundance of
food; their peltries, bartered at Mackinac, procured various articles
of comfort and luxury. The baleful effects of fire-water were yet
but seldom felt; the ruinous influence of vicious white men had
not yet begun to warp thle Indian character. The concurrent testimiony of witnesses still living goes to show that, previous to the
time when the first adventurous white men erected their cabins inll
the Traverse country, there was a degree of physical comfort, moral
culture, and social and domestic happiness amojng the Indians
far exceeding what the observation of a more recent period would
lead one to believe. Their condition was much better than that of
the ordinary American savage of the average historical writer.
" Their principal and most permanent settlements were at Cross
Village, Middle Village, Seven Mile Point, and Little Traverse; but
between the first and last of these places, wigwams, singly and inll
groups, were scattered at intervals all along the shore. A few
families had their home at Bear Creek, oni the south side of Little
Traverse Bay. There were gardens onl the height of land, a mile
or more back from    the shore, not far south of the present
village of Norwood, and a camping place, frequently occupied, onl
the shore. There were gardens onil the peninsula in Grand Traverse
Bay and a village at Old Mission.  West of the bay, a small l)and
had their home on the point afterward known as New Mission, and
another on the shore of Lake Michigan, at or near the site of
the present village of Leland.
"Their dwellings were of various sizes and shapes, and were
constructed of a variety of materials. The most substantial and
permanent conisisted of a frame of cedar poles, covered with cedar
bark. One of these, called o-maw-gay-ko-gaw-mig, was square or
oblong, with perpendicular walls, and a roof with a slope in opposite directions, like the simplest form  of frame houses among
white men. Another, the ke-no-day-we-gaw-mig, had perpendicular end walls, but the side walls in the upper part were bent inward, meeting along the middle lihue, thus forming the roof in the
shape of a broad arch. Houses of this kind were sometimes fifty
or sixty feet long, and had places for three fires. The ne-saw-wah -
e-gun and the wah-ge-no-gawn, were light but very serviceable


houses, consisting of frames of poles covered with mats. The
former were cone-shaped; the latter regularly convex at the top.
The mats, ten or twelve feet long and three or four feet wide, were
made of the long, slender leaves of the cat-tail flag   (Typha) properly cured and carefully sewed together. When suitably adjusted


I




Uz I  ---: ----. ---------,^ --- —---— _ --- - — _ -              l
t.Iv. _ w, __ _                                           - -                           I.v




I! — U —
- -                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I I


r 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


25


I


on the frames, with the edges lapping, they made a serviceable
roof. Being light, and, when rolled up, not inconvenient to carry,
they were used for traveling tents. Houses of mats were often
used for winter residence in the woods, and were not uncomfortable. The ah-go-beem-wah-gun was a small summer house for
young men, usually constructed of cedar bark, on an elevated plat —
form resting on posts, reached only by ascending a ladder. Winter
houses in the woods were sometimes built of slabs, or planks, of
split timber. They were often cone-shaped, ana were made tight
and warm. They were called pe-no-gawn.     In the woods, even
in winter, they sometimes lived in temporary wigwams of evergreen boughs, which they managed to make comfortable.
"The Indian houses were without windows. The fire was
built upon the ground, in the center if the lodge was small; or
there was a row of fires down the middle line, in a long ke-no-daywe-gaw-mig. A hole in the roof, above each fire, served for the
escape of the smoke. A raised platform, a foot or a foot and a
half high, covered with- mats, along the sides of the room, berved
for a seat during the day and for a sleeping place at night. The
mats, some of them beautifully ornamented with colors, were
made of rushes found growing in shallow lakes, ingeniously woven
together with twine manufactured from the bark of the slippery
eln.
"Ill their gardens they cultivated corn, pumpkins, beans and
potatoes. Apple trees, the seed for which was originally obtained
from the whites-either the Jesuit missionaries or the fur traderswere planted in every clearing. Wild fruits, especially choice varieties of wild plums, were grown from seed introduced from their
distant southern hunting grounds. At the time of the present
writing, fruit trees of their planting are found growing wild in the
young forests that have sprung up on abandoned fields. The
gardens were frequently some distance from the villages. The
owners resorted to them at the proper season, to do the necessary
work, living for the time in portable lodges or in temporary structures erected for the occasion.
"Though they hunted more or less at all times, winter was the
season devoted more especially to that pursuit. Then the greater
part of the population left the villages, and scattered through the
forest. The chain of inland lakes in Antrim County, having its
outlet at Elk Rapids, was a favorite resort; on account of the facilities for fishing, as well as for hunting and trapping. Many
plunged into the deeper solitudes of the forest, and fixed their
winter abode on the Manistee, the Muskegon, or the Sauble. Others
embarked in canoes, and coasted along Lake Michigan to its southern extremity, from there making their way to the marshes of the
Kankakee and the hunting grounds of northern Indiana and Illinois. Several families had their favorite winter camping place on
the northeastern shore of Boardman Lake, within the present corporate limits of Traverse City. Here the women and children remained, while the hunters made long trips in the woods, returning to camp with the spoils of the chase several times during the
winter. One principal advantage of the location was the abundance of pickerel in the lake-an abundance that seems fabulous to
the white fisherman of the present day. They were caught with
spears, through holes cut in the ice, and were an important addition to the winter supply of food.


"In spring, traders came from Mackinac, and sometimes from
other places, to barter goods for furs. Not infrequently, however.
the Indian hunter, accompanied by his wife and children, preferred
to visit the center of trade with his peltries, in person. Then,


sometimes, there was a brief but fearful indulgence of the Indian's
appetite for strong drink. At home sobriety usually prevailed.
"How   long the Jesuits continued active work at L'Arbre
Croche after the time of Father Jonois, is not known. There
seems to have been a long period during which the Indians were
left to themselves. The great cedar cross remained standing on the
brow of the bluff at Cross Village, a memorial of the devotion and
zeal of the early missionaries, but their teachings had been forgotten. It is said that when the ground was afterward re-occupied,
only one Indian could be found who could prove himself a Christian
by making the sign of the cross.
"In 1825, the Catholics sent a missiona-ry to re-occupy the long
abandoned field. Seven Mile Point was chosen as a center of operations, and a church was immediately built. The building was
about twenty feet by forty in size, constructed, like the better class
of Indian houses, of the most suitable materials readily obtainable
-cedar timbers for the frame, and for the covering cedar bark.
Seven Mile Point not proving a satisfactory location, in 1827 the
mission was moved to Little Traverse. At the latter place a church
of cedar logs was built the following year. About the same time
a similar church was built at Cross Village. The work of the missionaries was successful, a considerable number of Indians readily
becoming Catholics.
"About 1839 and 1840, the population was greatly diminished
by a sudden exodus, caused by distrust of the Indian policy of the
United States government. Fearing to be forcibly removed beyond the Mississippi, fully one-half of the Indians, it is said, took
refuge in Canada."
A melancholy interest attaches to the few scattered Indians
that remain. A writer aptly said of them: "Civilization has
thrown them out of their orbit and they seem to whirl, dazed and
bewildered, in empty space."  The industrious squaws flood the
summer market places with embroidered toys and boxes, done in
high colored porcupine quills on birch bark, and with substantial
baskets with fragrant sweet-grass braided in. Some of these are
exceedingly pretty and ingenious and are in demand as souvenirs.
Many of the dusky people have learned to know a precious stone,
and some of the choicest are brought by them to the lapidary.
AN INDIAN WEDDING.
During an Indian camp-meeting held a few years since a marriage was solemnized, which is described as follows:
The missionary called a middle-aged Indian, apparently dressed
with no more care than ordinarily, who came forward and took a
seat in front of the stand. ' A female, apparently younger than the
man, was next called from the opposite side of the congregation;
she coming and taking a seat at the left of her intended, who directed her by pointing to the seat. They sat there, she with downcast eyes, while he gazed directly in front at the group on the
stand; both wearing that expressionless face peculiar to the Indian;
until we began to wonder as to what it all meant, when the missionary (Robinson) stepped down from the platform, accompanied
by a young Indian, and bade them rise, and proceeded to perform
the marriage ceremony in the Indian tongue. There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen. The dusky bride was showily dressed, with
a colored handkerchief, turban-fashion, on her head. At the close
all knelt in prayer, after which the newly married pair arose and
returned to their respective seats in the different divisions of the
congregation.  It was certainly a most simple marriage, and


was in full keeping with the primitive manners of this strange
people.




I


V.


L


jil 


RT^


4




to - -- S


W -   a — 
6) 1r


I




I
I
I




26


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


CHAPTER IV.
ABSTRACT OF TITLE-FRENCH AND ENGLISH CLAIMS-ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS OF THE SOIL-INDIAN TREATIES-FRENCH AND ENGLISH
GRANTS —THE FIRST LEGAL GRANT-SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
SURVEYS —LAND DISTRICTS-THE TRAVERSE DISTRICT-OUTLINE
OF CIVIL HISTORY-COUNTIES LAID OFF AND ORGANIZED-CENSUS
OF POPULATION-FIRST PROTESTANT MISSION.
France and England made claims to American soil based upon
right of discovery under the law of nations. These claims were
contested for a long period and involved a tremendous sacrifice of
life and treasure. At length after a bloody and expensive war of
seven years, the thirteen colonies succeeded to the rights claimed
by those nations in the soil of the Northwest, yet there was still a
prior claim to be extinguished before a free and unincumbered title
in fee simple could be given to the lands northwest of the Ohio
River. The Indians were aboriginal inhabitants and consequently
proprietors of the soil of North America. They were energetic
and successful in defending their title and it became necessary for
the American people to perfect their fee by purchase from the Indians. Hence the successive treaties made with the original proprietors of the soil.
Following the fall of Quebec the French in 1753, by the treaty
of peace, ceded their rights in Canada and in the Northwest to the
English crown, and it in turn by the treaty of peace at Versailles,
after the revolution in 1783, cedel its rights in the Northwest to
the United States. Several of the colonies had obtained, previous
to the Revolution, certain vested rights in the territory northwest
of tle Ohlio by charters from the British crown, and hence these
lands were known by the name of " Crown Lands."  These vested
rights were ceded by tlhe several states of New York, Virginia,
Massachusetts, Connecticut and South Carolina, to whom they belonged, to the government of the Union, from 1781 to 1787, and
yet the claim was made valid by the Indians that the United
States had acquired by these several cessions the right of pre-emption only to the soil whenever the Indians chose to alienate their
title thereto.
In December, 1786, the eastern and western Indians held a
great confederate council at the Huron village on the Detroit
River, and decided with reference to the treaty with England in
1783, tlat they were no party thereto nor included in the provisions thereof.  The Congress of the United States subsequently
accepted this construction, and immediately set about quieting and
extinguishing the Indian title to lands in the Northwest.  In 1785
a treaty was made with the Wyandot, Ottawa, Delaware and Chippewa tribes, by which lands at Detroit and Mackinac were ceded to
the United States. This treaty was subsequently confirmed by
another one at Fort Harmnner, and in 1794 by Wayne's treaty at
Greenville. Tl'is last treaty also ceded other tracts of lands at
Miami Rapids, and the islands of Mackinac and Bois Blanc.
In 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan, made an important
treaty with the Ottawa, Chippewa, Pottawatomie and Wyandot
tribes, whereby the Indians ceded to the United States all the lands
lying east of the west lines of the counties of Saginaw, Shiawassee,
Washtenaw and Lenawee. In 1817 Governor Cass made a treaty
with certain of the tribes whereby the greater part of Ohio and a
portion of Indiana and Michigan were ceded; and in 1819 another
treaty was effected by which the United States quieted the title to


6,000,000 acres of land in Michigan.  In 1821, by the treaty of
Chicago with the Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawatomies, all of
the country west of the principal meridian, south of the Grand
River to the Indiana state line, and west to Lake Michigan, with
the exception of a few reservations, was ceded and confirmed to


the general government. Subsequent treaties in 1823, 1825, 1826
and 1827 extinguished the Indian title throughout the then territory of Michigan, with the exception of such reservations as were
made for special bands or tribes. Most of the Indians in the southern portion of the territory removed west of the Mississippi.
In 1836 the general government entered into a treaty with the
Chippewas and Ottawas by the terms of which, the lands of this
portion of the state were to be held for twenty years as a reservation for the Indians, at the expiration of which time they were to
move west of the Mississippi. But fourteen years later, the Indians, desiring to adopt the habits of civilization, delegated A. J.
Blackbird, of Little Traverse, with one of his people, to ask of the
government permission so to do, while they retained the privileges
of their reservation according to treaty.  This request, out of justice and duty, was granted in 1851, and four years later another
treaty was entered into, by which the time for the reservation was
extended for a term of years, and the Indians were allowed, in lien
ot lands they were to have received across tile Mississippi, to
select forty acres of land for each unmarried person twenty years
of age, and eighty acres for each man with a family.
Again, in 1872, by act of Congress, those Indians who had
become of age since the last treaty, were allowed to select forty
acres each for patent, while the lands, also, were opened to thlle
for homestead entry.   Again in 1874-'75, the reservation was
opened to all under the homestead law.
In 1859 a portion of the lands were declared to be a part of
the public domain, and a few years later still other lands were
opened to settlement.
Under the French domination in Michigan, grants of land
could be made by the French governors of Canatda and Louisiana,
which were to be confirmed by the king of France, to llalke theml
legally pass the title. The French command ints of tile posts were
also allowed to grant permissions of occupancy to settlers, a:nd
these latter sometimes occupied lands without permission fromn
any one, thus gaining a color of possessory title, under which they
claimed the full right of ownership.
When the English government came into power the Englishl
governors were prohibited from  issuing grants of land, except
within certain prescribed limits, and the English subjects front
making purchases of Indians, or settlements, without those prescribed bounds.   Grants, purchases and settlements, however,
were made, the king's proclamation to the contrary notwithstanding; and these prohibited possessions formed an important part of
the ancient land claims afterward adjudicated by the land board
of Michigan.
It is stated that there were but eight legal titles passed to
lands during the French and English occupancy of the country.
However, there was a land office established at Detroit ill 1801,
and the evidence in support of the various land claims arising in
Michigan, was gathered and submitted to Congress, which body,
by subsequent acts of relief, vested the right to their lands in all
actual settlers, who could show a reasonable color of title thereto.
The first legal grant of land in Michigan was made in 1707
by Antoine de la Motte, Cadillac, Lord of Bonaquet, Mont Desert,
and commandant for the king at Detroit, Pont Chartrain, to
Francois Fafard Delorme; and it was charged with a great many
conditions of the old feudal tenure of Europe; the rents and quit
rents were to be paid in peltries until a currency should be estab

lished, when the peltries were to be exchanged for and succeeded by
the cash of the country.
The system now in vogue in conducting the surveys of the public lands, by which the territory is surveyed into townships of six
miles square, and the townships subdivided into thirty-six sections,


I
I
I




I


la


-      No


-V


W   I 4                            ___                                                 116_ ____~_~  r
-=M.9%                                                                                    I


"q --




ii I-.
": - 'C

z ~; ~~_;.1..'~-:-..I- ~.~;-..


-- r
'',  -       —.,
i I.:, '1.1;'~~ -'i:~i
~/ i;.~: ~-~'
~21F-J;1


H      -   -


i l?%i:'i\ Z E~~I'
I' L 5': i:.Sc  r i It 8 i i,,- a, ' tP: I
Ii: r? i
r $~
~? '; i 5
r i i
i,, ii:
It 1 ii'
I i;
~t j i
I
9~\ 2
r;
J j i;; r
3 i
r;: I Is.~:
iiI
ii? I;
i.r; 2 ~
ii i illilllll:


__- u I




~~:~I ~4-nr~j~~rp~I - W'
T H E ROYAL PALAC E
RESIDENCE OF JAMES J. STRANG ON BEAVlER ISLAND FROM 1850 TO 18560.










11.


t
I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


27


one mile square each, is the suggestion and plan of General Harrison, which was adopted by the general government.
In Michigan the principal meridian of the surveys was located
on the west line of Lenawee County, where the same intersects
the Ohio state, and was run due north through the state to the
Sault St. Marie.  A base line was established commencing on
Lake St. Clair, on the line between Macomb and Wayne Counties,
and running due west to Lake Michigan, on the division lines of
the counties intervening.  Three auxiliary lines for the correction
of the surveys were run; the first beginning at the meridian on
the center line of Gratiot County, and running due west to Lake
Michigan; the second beginning at Lake Huron on the line between Iosco and Bay Counties and running due west to the lake;
and the third beginning at Thunder Bay, just south of the center
line of Alpena County, and running due west to the same general
termination. There are in the survey eighteen ranges of townships west, and sixteen east of the principal meridian, in the
widest part of the state. - The townships number eight south, and
thirty-seven north of the base line on the meridian in the lower
peninsula, and run as high as fifty-eight in the upper peninsula,
on Keweenaw Point.
The first survey of public lands in the state was made in
1816, in the eastern part thereof, on the Detroit River and vicinity, and a portion only of that surveyed brought into market in
1818, all within the Detroit land district. The northern part of
the southern peninsula was laid out in 1840.
In 1823 the Detroit land district was divided, and a land office
establlisled at Monroe.
Previous to 1820 the price of the public lands was fixed at $2
per acre, one quarter down and the balance in three annual payments. This system proved unsatisfactory, and the credit system
was finally abolished and the price of public lands reduced to
$1.25 per acre, and subject to private entry.
What has been known as the Traverse City District was created out of the Ionia District and the office located at Duncan,
Cheboygan County, with C. H. Taylor, register, and H. A. Rood,
receiver.  The first entry was made Sept. 5, 1852.  Nov. 1,
1857, Jacob Barns was appointed register, and 0. A. Stevens, receiver. March 1, 1858, the office was moved to Mackinaw Island,
and July 1st, 1858, was closed there and opened at Traverse City,
Aug. 2, 1858.   June 1, 1861, Morgan Bates was appointed
register, and Reuben Goodrich, receiver.  Refusing to "Johnsoilize" they were superseded, May 16, 1867, by L. G. Willcox as
register, and E. Anneke, receiver.  May 18, 1869, Morgan
Bates and Reuben Goodrich were re-instated in their old positions.
July 1, 1872, Perry Hannah succeeded Reuben Goodrich in the
receiver's office.  Morgan Bates died March 2, 1874, and March
23, Seth C. Moffatt was appointed to the vacant registership, and
held the position until July, 1878, when the office was discontinued
and the books and papers pertaining thereto were transferred to
Reed City, and the two offices consolidated.
When the office was moved to Traverse City, northern Michigan. was a vast wilderness. The state had already selected its
"( swamp lands " and the great reservations of the G. R. & I. and
J. L. & S. Railroads had been made. Since then several "'Indemnity " reservations have been made by the state, and the extensive agricultural college grant located. During the nineteen years
and eleven months that the office was kept at Traverse City, the


business transacted was as follows:
Acres.
Entered with warrants, act 1842...................        256.20
it         "1 "         8 1847....................  2,440.00,,,   ' " 1850.................. 16,872.29


Acres.
(      "       "    1852..................   820.00
"      "  "         1855................... 299,246.68
Total land warrant entries..................... 819,135.27
Entered with agricultural scrip..................... 155,768.37
Entered with cash................................ 320,794.13
Whole amount purchased...................... 795,697.77
Entered as homesteads.......................... 1,048,101.91
Grand total of entries at Traverse City......... 1,843,799.68
By an ordinance of the Congress of the United States, passed
July 13, 1787, the whole of the territory of the United States,
lying northwest of the Ohio River, though still occupied by the
British, was organized as the "Northwest Territory," of which
General Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor.
The ordinance of 1787 provides that there shall be appointed,
from time to time by Congress, a governor, a secretary and three
judges, who should be residents and freeholders within the territory.
It farther provides that the territory should be divided into not less
than three nor more than five states, and that "there shall be
neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory,
otherwise than in the punishment of crimes."
In pursuance of the treaty of November 19, 1794, Captain
Porter, in the beginning of June, 1796, with a detaclhment of
American troops, took possession of Detroit, entered the fort
which the British had previously evacuated, and flung to the breeze
the first American flag that ever floated over the Peninsula state.
By an act of Congress, approved May 7th, 1800, the territory
northwest of the Ohio River, was divided into two separate territories, and "all that part of the territory of the United States,
northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward of a line
beginning at the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the Kentucky
River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north until
it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and
Canada," was constituted a separate territory, to be called the "Indiana Territory,' the seat of government of which was established
at St. Vincennes, Chillicothe being the seat of government of the
Northwest Territory.  Of this territory (Indiana), General William Henry Harrison was appointed governor.
By an act of Congress, approved Jan. 11, 1805, it was provided, "that from and after the 30th day of June of that year,
all that part of Indiana Territory, which lies north of a line drawn
east from the southerly bend, or extreme, of Lake Michigan, until
it shall intersect Lake Erie, and east of a line drawn from the said
southerly bend, through the middle of said lake to its northern extremity, and thence due north to the ncrthern boundary of the
United States, shall constitute a separate territory, and be called
Michigan."
The act further provides that the territory shall have the same
form of government as provided by the ordinance of 1787, that
the governor, secretary and judges shall be appointed by the President of the United States, and that Detroit shall be the seat of
government.
On July 1, 1805, General William Hull, the newly appointed
governor, assumed the duties of his office at Detroit. On the 1th
of June previous, Detroit had been destroyed by fire. Like most


of the frontier settlements, it had been compressed within a very
small compass,-the streets scarcely exceeding the breadth of common alleys. General Hull at once turned his attention to the subject, and laid out the town in its present shape, the arrangement of
which is attributed to Judge Woodward, one of the pioneers of the
territorial court.!p
a


I,


-




-4        5


_ _ _ _ ____ __ __ ___~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


v- o


- JIl




6
)
1 i
Il


I

I
i
I


-


28


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




On the 18th of June, 1812, war was declared by Congress
against Great Britain. Previous to, and in anticipation of the declaration of war, General Hull, governor of Michigan Territory,
was appointed commander-in-chief of all the forces of the Northwest.
On the 9th of July General Hull received orders from the sec-'
retary of war to proceed with his army and take possession of
Maiden (which was the key to that portion of the British provinces), if consistent with the safety of his posts. The garrison was
weak, and seemed an easy conquest. Having arranged for the expedition, General Hull crossed the Detroit River on the 19th day of
July, and encamped at Sandwich, where the army remained in a
state of inactivity for nearly a month, when, intimidated by the hostile manifestations of the Indians, and the report that a large British force would soon arrive at Malden, without having made an attack he re-crossed the river to Detroit on the 9th day of August,
where he remained until the 15th, the day of his inglorious surrender. A provisional government was established by the British,
at Detroit, and a small force placed in the fort. On the 10th of
September, 1813, the victory of Commrodore Perry, in the battle of
Lake Erie, resulted in restoring Michigan to the Union, and on
the 2'9th of the same month, Detroit was occupied by a detachment of the army of General Harrison.
On1 Oct. 9, 1813, Colonel Lewis Cass, who had rendered essential service to the territory, was appointed governor of Michigarl. Congress, in 1823, by an act providing for the establlshment
of a legislative council, invested the territory with a more energetic and compact government. The council was to consist of
nine menmbers, to be appointed by the President of the United
States, with the consent of the Senate, from eighteen candidates
elected by the people of the territory. They, with the governor,
were invested with the same powers which had been granted by the
ordinance of 1787 to the government of the Northwest Territory.
By that act the legislative power of the governor and judges was
taken away, the term of judicial office was limited to four years,
and eligibility to office required the same qualifications as the right
of suffrage. The first legislative council of Michigan convened on
the 7th of June, 1824, at Detroit.
In 1831 General Cass having been appointed secretary of war,
lie was succeeded by George B. Porter in the government of the
territory.  During his administration, Wisconsin, which had before been annexed to Michigan, was erected into a separate territory.
On the 6th of July, 1834, Governor Porter died, and was succeeded by Stevens T. Mason.
In the spring of 1835, a controversy arose in regard to the
boundary line between Michigan and Ohio, and the right to a valuable strip of land, to which both laid claim; the former under the
provisions of the ordinance of 1787, and the latter under a prcvision iu their State constitution. Each party sent a military force
to the frontier,-the one to sustain, and the other to extend jurisdiction over the territory in dispute. A high state of excited public
feeling existed, but the most serious inconvenience suffered by
either party was the apprelension and temporary imprisonment of
a few persons. By an act of Congress, passed June 15, 1836,
the constitution and state government of Michigan were accepted
and upon condition of accepting the boundary claimed by Ohio,
she was admitted into the Union. These terms were exceedingly


unsatisfactory to ther people of Michigan, who were impatiently
awaiting recognition as a state government, having elected their
state officers in the month of October of the previous year. A
convention held at Ann Arbor, on the 14th and 15th of December,
1886, resolved to accept the condition imposed in the- proposition


of Congress, at the same time protesting against the right of Congress, under the constitution, to require this preliminary assent, a
a condition of admission into the Union.
By act of Congress, approved Jan. 26, 1837, Michigan
was declared "to be one of the United States, and admitted into
the Union on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects whatever."
By an act of the legislature, approved March 16, 1847, the
seat of government was removed from Detroit to Lansing.
Soon after Gen. Cass became governor of Michigan, lie issued
a proclamation erecting the county of Michilimackinac, of whicll
Mackinac became the county seat. The boundaries of this county
were as follows: East, by the C4leboygani Riveir; south, by the
Manistee; west, by the Manistique; and north, by Canada.  When
Michigan became a state, it was extended west to the Menominee
River, and in 1840, south co Saginaw Bay, nmalking tle north line
of Township 20 across the state, thle south   boundary of the
jurisdiction of Michilinmackinac County.  Tlhe courts were held at
Mackinac, and that village was the center of all civil tflfairs.
In 1840 the northern part of thle southernl peninisu la was laid
off into unorganized counties, <attached to thlle (counlty of Mackinac.
Most of these counties were given Indian names, as appel(Irs iin tlieir
separate histories, which were challnged in 184t3.
In 1847 the Beaver Islands were erectjed into a town\ship by
the namie of Peaiine. It was not orgtanized until 18~50) w\lien tlhe
Mormons having become numerous, estlablished aL local goverllllellt,
and occupied the offices.
The organization of Grand Trraverse was attenltted in 1851,
but owing to omissions in the act it was not coipleted niIutil 185.3.
Emmet and Clleboygan followed in 1853; Antrim tanld Icelanaw in
1868; Charlevoix, Benzie tanld Wexford in 1869, and 1 % lalliasl;sa inl
1871.
THE FIRST OCCUPATI()N.
The first occupation followed alonlg the shtores of thlis re.rio,
was that of fishing. The first Frenchmlan in tllis counitry iintri,duced the French modes of fishing by which the fish were pur —
sued to the deep waters, and thus a supply wais obtained all the
year.
As early as 1824 small quantities of whitefish;lland trout began
to be sent to Buffalo for market. The MacIt-kilac fisheries extended
from Death's Door to Middle Channlel, anld nmost of the fish at an
early day were taken to Mackinac where they were repacked and
sent to market.
About the year 1843 fishing stations began to be establisled
at other points, and in time the whole shore country was peopled
to a greater or less extent with fishermen, and with thelm, as a natural accompaniment, came traders.
Thre early fisherrmen, as a class, were a. reckless and lawless
set of men. Theywere far removed from the inflauence of civilization and the restraints of law. At a later date they were succeeded
by a more industrious class, coLmposed of ien of better hllbits,
who came there for permanent residence. It is only until quite recently, however, that the business of fishing was constituted a reat
industry, and has been more a benefit than a damlage to the region
in which it was carried on.
STATISTICAL.
In the census of 1850, Mackinac, with the twenty-one unorganized counties then attached to it, had a population of 3,598.


In the census of 1854, the counties of Emmet and Grand
Traverse first appear. Emmet is reported as follows: Peaine, 2,020; Galilee, 588; Charlevoix, 1,706; unorganized territory, consisting of some small islands and about five townships of the main
land east of Peaine, a few islands at the entrance of Green Bay,


I
I
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
iI
I
I
1
I
Ii
i
I
I
i
i
i
I
I
I
I
I
I


-1


-;A
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
II
I
I
iI
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
i!


I


wSm

- 


— ____L- 


w 




^ -*


*I.......


4-r.ries


Ir


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


29


and a very few small islands south of Charlevois, 651.  Total, 4,- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ _


and a very few imall islands south of Charlevoix, 651.  Total, 4,971. This cenlus was taken when James J. Strang was king of
the Beaver Island Mormons, and of the realm, and false returns
were made of the population, as was afterward satisfactorily
shown. The population of Grand Traverse County was 911.
According to the census of 1860 the population was as follows: Antrim, 179; Cheboygan, 517; Emmet, 1,149; Grand Traverse, 1,286; Leelanaw, 2,158.
In 1870: Antrim, 2,409; Benzie, 2,184; Cheboygan, 2,198;
Charlevoix, 1,724; Emmet, 1,211; Grand Traverse, 4,443; Leelanaw, 4,577; Wexford, 780.
In 1880: Antrim, 5,237; Benzie, 3,433; Cheboygan, 6,524;
Charlevoix, 5,144; Emmet, 6,640- Grand Traverse, 8,414; Kalkaska, 2,937; Leelanaw, 6,253; Wexford, 6,815.
The pllmary school money has been appointed to the counties
named in 1884 as follows:


No. of Children.     Amount.
Grand Traverse...................3,255         $4,364.05
Antrim............................ 2,440          3,196.40
Benzie..............................1,331         1,743.61
Clharlavoix......................... 2,716       3,557.96
Cheboygan..........................  2,926        3,833.06
Eminet.............................  2,448         3,205.38
Kalkaska..........................  1,373        1,798.63
Leelanaw.........................2.....,448    3,075.88
Wexford....................... 2,577               3,375.87
The number of children reported the year previous was:
(;rand   Traverse...........................2,990  a  gain  of 257
Antrim........................ 2,225    "    215
B]enzie..................................1,221  "  110
Charlevoix................................2,301       415
Em m et..................................   2,375    73
Kalkaska............................... 1,240        133
Leelenaw................................2,300        48
W exford.................................. 2,393 " 184
FIRST PROTESTANT MISSION.
I the entire Traverse region the period of general settlement
and development is preceded by the labors of Protestant missionaries.
The first Protestant sermon ever delivered in this portion of
the Northwest, was preached by Rev. Dr. Morse, father of the inventor of thle telegraph, onI Mackinac Island in the month of June,
1820.  Becoming particularly interested in the condition of the
traders and natives, hlie made a report of his visit to the United
Foreign Mission Society of New York, in consequence of which the
Rev. W. M. Ferry, a graduate of Union College, was sent in 1822
to explore th e field.  In 1823 Mr. Ferry, with his wife, opened a
school for Indian children which, before the close of the year, contained twelve scholars.  In 1826 th e school and little church passed
illnto thile hands of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and as Mackinac was easy of access to the Indians
of the lakes and the Upper Mississippi, it was determined to make
it a central station, at which there should be a large boardingschool, composed of children collected from all Northwestern tribes.
These children were expected to stay here long enough to acquire a
common-school education   and a knowledge of manual labor.
Shlops and gardens were provided for the lads, and the girls were
trained for household duties. The first report of the mission made
to the American Boards of Commissioners for Foreign Missions
wis at the meeting held in New York in September, 1827. It contained the following facts: Number of teachers, eight; Rev. William M. Ferry, superintendent; Mr. John S. Hudson, teacher and
farmer; Mr. Heydenburk and wife, Mrs. Hudson, Miss Eunice Osmer, Miss Elizabeth M'Farland, and Miss Delia Cooke, teachers;
there were one hundred and twelve scholars in the school, who had


been collected from the whole region extending from the white settlements south of the Great Lakes to Red River and Lake Athabasca; there had been several interesting cases of conversion;
French priests had occasionally visited the region, and opposed the
mission to the extent of their power.
During the winter of 1828-'29, a revival influence prevailed.
Thirty-three were added to the church, and ten or twelve others appeared to have become penitent for sin. Instances of conversion
occurred even in the depths of the wilderness, among the traders.
The church now numbered fifty-two members-twenty-five of Indian descent and twenty-seven whites exclusive of the mission family. The establishment continued prosperous for several years. At
times there were nearly two hundred pupils in the sclhool, anmong
whom were representatives of nearly all the Indian tribes to the
north and west.
Owing to the great expense of the sclhool, the plan was modified in 1833, the number of scholars being limited to fifty, and
smaller stations commenced in the region beyond Lake Sulperior
and the Mississippi. In 1834 Mr. Ferry was released from tlhe
mission; and in 1837, the population having so changed around
Mackinac, and the resort of the Indians to the island for pnrposes
of trade having so nearly ceased that it was no longer an advantageous site for an Indian mission, the enterl)rise was albandoned.
The mission-hlouse was erected in 1825, alnd thle churclh in
1829-'30. After the close of the mission, the property passed into
other hands, and is now used for hotel purposes.
Other missions were establislhed in various portions of tlle
Traverse Region, which are mentioned in the history of the counties in which they were located.
CHAPTER V.
THE MORMON KINGDOM-DESCRIPTION OF BEAVER ISILAND. T-l:  ISTAND AS IT APPEARED IN 1854 —EARLY HiSTORY ()IF B,EVE 1:R
ISLAND —JAMES JESSE STRANG, THE MORMOA()N KING( —Sll CONVERSION TO THE MORMON FAITH-APPOINTMENT AS PR(OPHI'ET,
PRIEST AND KING —THE EMIGRATION TO BEAVER ISLAND-( GENERAL FEATURES OF THE KINGDOM —MORMONS AND GENTILES —
BITTER HATRED OF EACH- -THE TRIAL AT DETROIT —KITLING{
OF STRANG AND EXPULSION OF THE MORMONS FROM I BEAVER
ISLAND.
Before entering upon a history of the Mormon kingdom, it is
desirable to know something of Beaver Island, upon which this
kingdom was established.  The description and early history of
Beaver Island, which we give, are compiled from authorities
searched out with great care, including articles written by Strang
himself.
The northwestern shoulder of the lower peninsula of Michigan is skirted by an archipelago divided into the three groups of
the Beaver, the Fox and the Manitou Islands. The Beaver group
embraced Big Beaver and eleven other and smaller islands. Their
inhabitants comprise a little band of semi-civilized survivors of the
Ottawa and Chippewa tribes, and a white population of traders,
fishermen and farmers, not greatly exceeding one thousand in number. The county of Manitou is divided into three organized towns,
viz' Chandler, Galilee and Peainc, the population of which in 1880,


according to the census returns, was 1,384. The Inidians are the.
peaceable occupants of comfortable homesteads bestowed upon
them by the general government. A - mc! l  colony of Germans and
Swedes successfully follow agricultural pursuits upon the Manitous.
The other pale faces form an insular community, more or less dis

JI 


L


J


I


~7
^


*- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ' 1 
II_                      IIII


WI'




g


Vs


_


rr


I
I
I I
I i
I i
i
i
i
I
I
I;!I
I I
I i
I
1:
i
i
I
iI
I
I
I
I
II
I
t
i
i
It


i
I


30


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


tiuct in its habits from the surrounding world. These islands are
valuable fishing stations, and in the season, within a circle of fifty
miles, the surface of the lake is flecked with the white sails of the
mosquito fleet, often numbering one hundred and fifty of the open,
over-grown and staunch double enders, known as Mackinac boats.
The most important of the whole group (and their names range
from vulgar Hog to classic Paros and apostolic Patmos) is Beaver
Island. It contains several thousand acres of arable land, broken
by small lakes and streams, and rising in rolling surface to a
height of over forty feet above the level of the lake. At its northern end a bay of much natural beauty opens like a horseshoe to the
east, inviting a navy to a safe anchorage. North of the entrance
rises the graceful tower of a lighthouse, with a few buildings
clustered about its base. A mile distant, and half way around the
curving shore, an irregular row of low buildings straggles along
a single street of deep and drifting sand. Here a few dwellings,
three or four stores and warehouses, and several cooper shops
form  a hamlet, once the seat of the Mormon monarchy, and the
site of the "royal palace."  This is St. James, where James J.
Strang set up his Mormon kingdom     and maintained it almost
ten years. The glory of St. James has departed; the island
nomenclature alone preserves the traditions of the fallen kingdom.
The excellent road leading into the interior is still the "King's
Highway;" the largest lake is Galilee, and the largest stream is the
River Jordan; but the king is dead and his subjects scattered.
A description of Big Beaver was made in the year 1854 by
Strang himself, as follows: "This island is the largest in Lake
Michigan, and one of the finest in the world. The harbor at Saint
James is the best in thle lakes, having an entrance eighty rods
wide, with sixty feet water, a perfectly land-locked cove of great
depth, with clay bottomn, sufficiently extensive to accommodate a
thousand vce;sels.
"St. James is the county seat of Emmnnet County, the seat of
the fishing trade for Lake Michigan, and the headquarters of the
Mormions east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a small but flourishing place, and cannot fail of getting a rapid growth.
"It is scattered in groups amidst old forest trees, on dry rising
ground, haviniig a landscape of nmatchless beauty spread to the north
anld east, which the hand of improvement will rapidly develop.
"Thle principal articles sold are fish and wood, and tile pur-;lhases are dry goods, flour, salt, cordage and lhardware. Small,inantities of lumber are made, and a great number of fish barrels.,.on0me attention has been given to boat building, and a few small
shllhooners have b)een constructed here.  There is one saw-mill;
th.ree large wharves are devoted to thle wood business.
"'There is a postoffice at St. James, the only one in Emmet
oC;unty. A printing press lhas been il, operatrion there for four
y:;,:rs, and a weelily paper is issued.
"At the southeast extremity of theisland is the new village of
Gaiilee. The only business openedi is that of getting out wood for
steamlboats. A large wharf has been built for that purpose. At the
so>,thern extremity of the island is a light-house.
"Most of the island is well adapted to agriculture, and farms
have been opered in every part. It produces all the crops usually
cultivated in New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa, in perfection.


"Stock of every kind usually raised in the Northern states have
been introduced, and thrive. The climate is adapted to grazing.
Pastures are green till Christmas; wheat does not winter-kill, and
corn is never cut off with frost. In short, it has all the advantages
of climate which islands in broad, deep waters usually possess; less
cold in winter and less heat in summer, and an exemption from
extreme and sudden changes.
"Beaver Island is well watered. It has seven lakes, varying


from a quarter of a mile to two miles in length, and brooks without
number, several of which are large enough for mill streams.
"Big River runs into Lake Michigan at Big Sand Bay. It is
eight or nine miles long, and affords water power for several mills.
There are a dozen of other streams discharging out of tlhe east side
of the island, possessing some value.  Jordan, discharging tlhe
waters of the Lake of Galilee into Lake Michigan, is tlle largest
stream, and has a fall of twenty-six feet in one mile. At a very
slight expense it can be turned into a new cllannel, and bring this
fall at one point, and furnish a most valuable water power in thle
new village of Galilee. One of the inlets of Lake Galilee aflords
a good power for a saw-mill.  There is a brook oine mile west ot
the light-house, with a good mill site on it, near tile lake sliore.
"Lake Galilee is the largest lake in Beaver Island, being two
miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide. It lays back of
Galilee, parallel to tile shore of Lake Michigani, and only a quarter
of a mile distant. It is elevated twenty-six feet albove lake Michigan
and has a depth of one hundred and forty feet. Tllis lake was
once a bay of Lake Michigan, and tile ridge between is a drift
formination of the period when Lake Michigan w~vas soime thirty or
forty feet higher than it is now.
"Font Lake, lying in tile rear of St. James, and separated by a
plain a quarter of a mile wide from St. James Clianinel, at thle north
end of Beaver, is the second lake in size, being a mile and a quarter
long, and a half mile wide. It is elevated thirty five feet above
Lake Michigan. The outlet is a beautiful little brook, sufficient
for a small water power. This brook is lost in a sand plain and
breaks out in several large springs in tlie bottom of the harbor of
St. James. It is not improbable that this lake was also lorincd by
the drift.
"The other lakes are smaller, varying from, fifty to one hundre(d
acres in extent. They are generally well stocked witl!ish, thlough
none of them have outlets. They have fine vwooded shores, with
handsome, dry beaches, and give a wonderful chal:rm to tlie
scenery.
"The face of the island is gently rolling, and elevated generally
from forty to eighty feet above Lake Michigan. Along thle west
shore is a long range of downs tiand sand  luffs, but partially covered with timber.
"Two principal roads have been opened through the Island, one
extending from St. James due south to Galilee, and the othler to
a bay one mile west of tile light-house.
"Nearly the whole island is laid out in farms, abutting upon
theme two roads, the general farm being from fifty to eighlty rods
wide, and from one to two miles long, and usually from one hundred and fifty to two hundred acres in extent. By this arrangement there is an important saving in the amount of road  nflilng,
necessary to accommodate tile country, and it will give thle country,
when well improved, a wonderful appearance of wealth and thrift.
EARLY HISTOIY OF BEAVER ISLAND.
The French of Champlain's Colony at Quebec were at Beaver
before the Puritans reached Plymouth, or the Dutch, New York.
Utensili left by them at different early periods are frequently found
Extensive fields which they cultivated are grown up to woods, and
some remain in grass.
But there are strong indications of tile presence of civilization
at a still earlier period. The French settlement in Canada dates


in 1608, but there are extensive fields on Beaver whicli have been
thoroughly cleared and cultivated; and eome very fine garden plats
remain with the beds, paths and alleys as well formed as the day
they were made, and laid out on an extended scale, on which trees
have been cut of two hundred and four years' growth-consequently


I
I
I
I


-.I


A
10
I


II


p


J )


_ __ __ __ ---
I __ _._.,_ - --- - -- -


I %


- v %V
- R 0.




. -x lr..,L




1


I


-V I
I
I


L


v ~~~~~~~ I~ -


I
I




i


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


31


these places have been abandoned and grown up to timber at least
since 1650.
But cultivated fields are generally several years abandoned before they grow to timber. These were too extensive and show too
many signs of wealth and ease to have been the work of a few adventurers.
There is room at least to believe that of the numerous
European colonies which were planted in America and lost without
their fate ever being known, some one was carried captive to this
recess of the continent, and allowed to remain in peace. The existence of such a fact is almost necessary to account for tile rapid
extension of Chaniplain's colony in this direction, for it is certain
that within three or four years after Champlain commenced the
colony of Quebec, it had extended to Beaver Island, and had a
trading house at what is now St. James.
In 1688 Baron La IIontan, Lord Lieutenant of Placentia,
passed this way on a voyage to and up the St. Peters River, of Minnesota, near the head of which lie found captives from the country
around a salt lake beyond them, having beards and the appearance
of Europeans, whom he took to be Spaniards, though they being
slaves, and in the presence of their masters, called themselves
Indians.
These captives described their country as the abode of civilization, (how could savages, from the interior of the continent, give
such a description, unless there was such a nation in their country?)
and since the country has been better known, we find the other
Indian tribes spoken of by La Hontan but none bearded and resenlbling Europeans. It can hardly be otherwise than that some
considerable settlement of Europeans came in the very heart of the
continent, and brought with them the industrial arts, whose history is unknown, and have been quite destroyed, or have melted
away in the mass of mankind, leaving but some faint and fast
passing memorials.
TIHE MORMON KING.
Janmes Jesse Stranlg was born in Scipio, N. Y., March 21,
1813. His father was a farmer, and in the year 1816 he removed
to Ianover, Chautauqua County, where James passed his boyhood.
He received the ordinary education of a country school, followed by
a short term at Fredonia Academy. This education was re-enforced by the habit of omniverous reading which a retentive memory imade useful. As a lad he was a conspicuous figure in the
rural debating clubs about his home, and by those who knew him
tlen lie is described as a young man of eccentric ideas and voluble
tongue, entirely reputable in life, with large confidence in his own
capacity, and morbidly anxious for distinction. At twelve years of
age he joined the Baptist church and was for some time an active
member. His early manhood was one of restless activity. He
worked on his father's and other farms, taught school, delivered
temperance lectures and at the age of twenty-one years commenced
the study of law with borrowed books. At the age of twenty-three
years he was admitted to tile bar, and soon after married Miss
Mary Perce, who bore him four children. Various statements have
been made as to the length of time she lived with him, one of which
to tile effect that she left him when he began to practice polygamy,
is undoubtedly erroneous. It is certain that she remained with him
on the Island until after he took a second wife, and it is probable
that she lived with him at times after that.


After his marriage he practiced law at Mayville and at Ellingtoll, edited a paper at Randolph, dabbled in politics, was postm:ster at Ellington and led a somewhat roving life, until finally he
was caught in the current of western emigration and borne to Burlington, Wisconsin, where he landed in 1848. At that place hi




I


formed a law partnership with Mr. C. P. Barnes and entered upon
the practice of that profession.
At this time the remarkable career of Joseph Smith was approaching its tragic close. Within fifteen years an obscure and
illiterate man, born in poverty and profligate in life, had established a religious sect whose creed had been accepted by over one
hundred thousand disciples, and was preached by hundreds of devoted missionaries. After ten years of stormy and perilous efforts
to obtain a home for his followers in Ohio and Missouri, he had
founded the thriving and beautiful city of Nauvoo.
In January, 1841, some of the itinerant Mormon missionaries
aroused Strang's interest in their cause and persuaded him to visit
Nauvoo, where lie found Smith at the zenith of his career. Htis
conversion was prompt and his promotion rapid. February 25,
1844, lie was baptized into the communion of tile Latter )ay
Saints; March 3 lie was made an elder and began at once his work
in the Mormon ministry. His special field of labor was inl Wisconsin. On the 24th of May, in the same year, lie wrote to Smith
"proposing the planting of a stlake of Zion ill Wisconsin, and
gathering of the saints there."  Smith replied on the 18th of June
following, saying that at first lie had disapproved Strang's scheme,
but Brother Hyrum thought otherwise, and also that God had
since made a revelation in favor of it. The letter contained what
purported to be the revelation alluded to, which clearly authorized
Strang to proceed with his scleme, and promised that the flock
should find rest with him, and that God would reveal to him his
will concerning tlhem. The letter closed witl anl intimation tlhat
Strang's duty was made plain, and that, if evil should befall
Smith, Strang should lead the flock to pleasant pastures.  Tlhe letter was mailed at Nauvoo, June 19, and received by Strang at lIurlington, Wis., July 19. In the meantime Joseph and IHyrum Smitl
had surrendered themselves to the governor of Illinois, and on
June 27, 1844, were murdered by tile mob that stormed the Carthlage jail.
No claimant of the succession to Joseph Smitli's position was
prompter or more persistent than Strang, although not even a lhlf
year had elapsed since his baptism. He claimed to have had a
vision at the very hour of Smith's death, in which the angel of the
Lord informed him that God had annointed him and set him above
his fellows, and, inl substance, that he should be their teacher,
prophet, ruler and protector. On Smith's letter and his own pretended vision, Strang rested his claim to the leadership of the Mormon church.
The struggle for the succession was vigorous and ended in
the triumph of Brigham Young. Strang was pronounced an impostor and his letter a clumsy forgery. He was excommunlicated
from the church and printed attacks upon his private character
were widely circulated.
The controversy about Strang's real position of leadership has
raged for forty years and still remains a matter of dispute. Tlat
one letter of Smith's was an unctuous utterance, whatever may
have been its true origin and meaning. Following are extracts
from it:
"The flock shall find rest with thee, and God shall reveal to
thee His will concerning them."
"I have long felt that my present work was almost done, and
that I should soon be called to rule a mighty host, but something


whispers to me it will be in the land of spirits."
"The wolves are upon the scent, and I am waiting to be offered
up."
Smith quotes from God as saying in the vision:  "And now
behold my servant, James J. Strang * * * He shall plant a
stake of Zion in Wisconsin, and I will establish it, and there shall


I


9)


A


r


I


-,,{


I_


I -


-   -- -- --   - --   -  -  --   - _ - __  _ __                  _ _       __ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_   __  ___ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~____ ~ ~ ~.9


- Vl-  l
v




-




4


p -S.


I&

__,
i -   -   ~

32


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


UI --- — - -




my people have peace and rest, and shall not be moved, for it shall
be established on the prairie, on White River, in the lands of Racine
and Walworth."
",The name of the city shall be called Voree."
"Unto Voree shall be the gathering of my people, and there
shall the oppressed flee for safety."
"Great calamities are coming on the church  *  *       but if
they gather to my city of Voree, there will I keep them under the
shadow of my wings."
"And now I (the Almighty) command my servants, the apostles and priests, and the elders of the church of the saints, that
they communicate and proclaim this, my word, to'all the saints of
God in all the world, that they may be gathered into and round
about my city of Voree, and be saved from their enemies."
"So spake the Almighty God of heaven.  Thy duty is made
plain *  *    * If evil befall me thou shalt lead my flock to pleasant pastures."
In this letter Smith added, as is variously claimed and denied,
the following postscript:
"P. S. Write me soon, and keep me advised of your progress
from time to time."
Defeated at Nauvoo he returned to Wisconsin and continued
to assert his title in pastoral letters and in sermons which he
preached at various places in that State. He soon gathered a
small body of devoted followers with whom he founded the city of
Voree, at what is now known as Spring Prairie, Wis. His disciples
were there organized into a single community, owning all things in
common and living as one family. They were called the Primitive
Mormons, and the Voree Jeratld was established as their organ.
The methods adopted by him to strengthen his supernatural claims
with his disciples were close imitations of those which Joseph
Smith had made so successful. He had also his hours of rapt
ecstacy, when divine nessengers or Omnipotence itself communicated revelat:ons, which were given to the faithful in a language
following as closely the phraseology of the Scriptures as any of the
inspired utterances of Joseph Smith, while departing less frequently
from the uninspired rules of English grammar. "As Joseph found
in the Ontario hills a golden volume in which the chronicles of the
Book of Mornion were preserved in cabalistic characters, translatable only by the crystalline Urim and Thummrnin, so James discovered in the sloping banks of the White River a long buried and
miraculously preserved record of the downfall of the great Israelitish tribe which inhabited this continent centuries ago, and whose
patriarch, in lamenting the annihilation of his people, foretold the
coming, in future ages, of a mighty prophet, who should bring
forth the record."
Subsequently Strang also claimed to have discovered other
buried metallic sheets, eighteen in number, which were called "the
plates of Laban," and were declared to have been written before the
Babylonish captivity. His translation of the characters on these
plates, supplemented by direct revelation, made up "The Book of
the Law of the Lord."
The sacred books of this sect were fourin number: the Bible, the
Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith's Book of Doctrines and Covenants
and The Book of the Law of the Lord, the Bible being recognized
as supreme, and the others as supplementary to it.


The community at Voree, under Strang's leadership, grew steadily in numbers, and in 1846 its leader determined to plant a colony
on the Lake Michigan archipelago. He was shrewd enough to
see that his plans could be better carried out if he could plant his
church on a secure temporal foundation, where it would escape the
hostility of Gentile neighbors which had proved so fatal to Smith.






-


The Voree Herald of July.8, 1847, contained an artic'e authorized by Strang, stating the policy to be adopted as follows:
"The policy which has been adopted in regard to the gathering on Beaver Islands, is that the entire islands be purchased by the
church, and divided among the saints who wibh to make their
home, as they shall severally need. Saints who have the means
offer to give the money to purchase this, land as it comes into market. Until then we are entitled to hold it by pre-emption. On
this point we have the written assurance of the commissioner of the
general land office, and several distinguished members of the
national government."
REMOVAL TO BEAVER ISLAND.
May 11, 1847, Strang, accompanied by four others, Gurdon
Brown, Nathan Wagner, R. Frederick Mills and Wnm. Savage, arrived at Beaver Island, to explore it and prepare for settlement.
Strang claimed that they were so destitute of means for the undertaking, that they were obliged to sell their blankets to pay their
passage on the little hooker that landed them there, and went
ashore with less than two days' provisions, and not one cent of
money.
Alva Cable had a trading house on Whiskey Point, and the
Rochester North West Company, of which Col. Fisk was president,
had one on the back side of the harbor. The Mormon visitors were
not well received at these houses and went into the woods and made
a camp of hemlock boughs. They then commenced a thorough
exploration of the island, living principally on leeks and beech nuts.
A stock of provisions and the use of a boat was finally obtained,
and after making a most thorough exploration of the group and
building a cabin, Strang, Savage and Wagner returned to Voree.
Brown and Mills remained, and were the first Mormons settled on
Beaver Island. During that summer several families moved to the
island but became dissatisfied with the prospect and left. At the
setting in of winter the Mormon population consisted of live men
and three families, in all eighteen persons. A few persons left for
the winter intending to return in the spring. The following winter
the Mormon population had increased to sixty-two persons, of whom
seventeen were men.
The lands were brought into market in 1848 and the first positive resistance to Mormon immigration then occurred by an effort
on the part of the other inhabitants to prevent Mormons from obtaining lands.
During the summer of 1849 the Mormon emigration to the island was considerable. Until then they had only engaged in such
labor as they could find to do for traders and others around the harbor, but at that time they commenced making a road through the
swamp into the interior of the island, where the land is adapted to
agriculture, and several families settled in the interior. A steam
saw-mill was commenced and a small schooner built. Three companies of emigrants came from Voree amounting in all to about
one hundred persons.
A conference was held at St. James in 1849, at which most
of the leading members were present, and a considerable delegation
from many of the distant churches, the effect of which was a more
favorable impression of the place, and greater confidence in its
prospects. Twelve elders went on various missions with directions
to return in the spring with their converts to Beaver. The large
emigration of this year was mostly of persons of the poorer class.


As winter approached, some apprehension was felt, lest they should
be unable to lay in a supply of provisions. The traders were A.
Cable and three associates, and Densmore and WaTd, at the harbor,
and J. Cable at the head of the Island. It could not be expected
that they would be willing to render aid and comfort to the
hated intruders upon their domain, and they announced that they


1 I


— p
I
i
iI
I
I
I
I -
I


I
fn —a, —


F


F


-


hi


_  __ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




ji


— ll




I






THE TRAVERSE REGION.


33


I




I


would sell no provisions to Mormons. Samuel Shaw went to Chicago and succeeded in making arrangements whereby the wants of
the Mormons were supplied. During the fall of 1849 they commenced building a house of worship afterward known as the Tabernacle. During the winter of 1849-'50 several collisions occurred
between the Mormons and Gentiles. The distinction of Mormon
and Gentile came into use, and a decided animosity between the
two factions increased in bitterness and rapidly matured into a
deadly hatred.
The spring of 1850 brought a large emigration of Mormons to
Beaver. The various missionaries returned, generally accompanied with a goodly number of followers. The headquarters of the
Primitive Mormons were removed from Voree to the new village at
Beaver Harbor, to which the name of St. James bad been given
in honor of its founder. The Voree iHerald was then succeeded by
the.o',rt/herl Islander, an exceedingly creditable specimen of backwoods journalism. The communistic principle was abandoned,
and the Saints became the owners of their own homesteads. In
July, 1850, the government of the church was thoroughly reorganized, by the "union of church and state," and the formation of a
kingdom with Strang as king. The nature of his claim to the royal
title is thus stated by one of his followers, Wingfield Watson, who
still lives near Boyne, in Charlevoix County.
"Mr. Strang did claim to be king only to the Mormon people,
and upon the same principle, and the same only, upon which Moses,
Melchisedec, Elijah, Elisha, Noah, Enoch, Peter, Joseph Smith,
and all the great and leading prophets of God claimed that office
since the world began, namely, by an appointment of revelation and
an ordination under the hands of angels; and as none of those persons ever proposed in any way to be king only to those who, after a
proper investigation of his claims and character, chose to receive
him as such, so it was with Mr. Strang. By virtue of this ordination he claimed to hold the conjoint kingly, prophetic and apostolic
office held by all the above mentioned personages."
In a letter written by Strang, and dated Sept. 26, 1854, in
which lie undertakes to prove his claim as the rightful successor of
Joseph Smith,he closes the argument as follows:
"Knowing as all the Saints do, that Brigham Young belongs to
another tribe, of which Moses and the rest of the prophets and apostles spoke nothing concerning the kingdom, these prophecies all
become consuming witnesses against his pretensions and a strong
support of my right to stand at the head of the dispensation.
"As first president, I have regularly presided over the Church,
and took the direction of its affairs in all the world, according to
the law of God.
"As prophet, I have foretold in the name of God the ills that
were coming on men, and directed all who received the word of
the Lord how and where to come out from among the wicked, that
they receive not of their plagues.
"I have obtained covenants and promises of God, and at his
hand obtained an everlasting inheritance for the Saints, which I
have divided among them by lot without cost or price. God is our
God, and we are his people forevermore.
"As a seer I have seen the visions of the Almighty, and as a
revelator, have received knowledge of his purposes and commandments and made them known among the children of men.
"As a translator, I have brought forth hidden treasures and revealed the old record to all who love the truth, and seek unto it.


The visions of the past, and the hidden lore of future ages are laid
by the side of present hopes and future knowledge.
"As an apostle, I have borne a faithful testimony of the kingdom and the coming of the Lord Jesus. I have fought a good fight,
I have kept the faith, I have not shunned to declare the whole coun

I




I


sel of God. In the treasure house of the Almighty there is laid up
for me a crown of glory, richer than all diadems of earthly kings.
"Of all that dwell on earth, God has made me the most happy.
From men I fear no evil. May God bless you abundantly with the
same blessings, and especially with the love of the truth."
Practically Strang's authority was supreme and absolute, and
lie ruled his people as he wished, both in spiritual and temporal
things. Anything like insubordination was not tolerated for a moment but promptly and vigorously punished. His people believed
that obedience to his commands was a duty, and his missionaries
did not hesitate at times to assert that "Strang's was the only valid
government on earth."
The general domestic regulations of his kingdom are thus described in a manuscript prepared by his wife: The discipline of
the church in the matter of temperance and morals was very strict.
The use of tea, coffee and tobacco, as well as of liquors, was prohibited. The temperance laws of the state were strictly enforced with
especially good effect among the fishermen and Indians. Polygamy
was introduced during the winter and spring of 1849. At first it
was talked of secretly and quietly among the leaders, and afterwards publicly and openly among the people. Until this time Strang
had led his people to believe that he was opposed to polygamy,
a practice which most of them looked upon with abhorrence, and
when it became known that they had been deceived in this regard
the disappointment in their leader had a tendency to weaken the
strength of his power. The introduction of polygamy was not
looked upon favorably and there were never over twenty cases of
plural marriages upon the island. No man had more than three
wives except Strang. His first wife left him in 1851 two years after he married his second; in 1852 he married a third, and in 1855
two more. No man was permitted to take more than one wife unless he showed means and ability to give them abundant care and
comforts. Prostitution and lewdness were discountenanced alike
in both sexes, and it was as necessary for a man to be careful of
his character and reputation as for a woman. By-laws for the
kingdom were adopted and published, and every household possessed a copy. They were very strict in all that regulated society
morals, and religious observances, and absolute obedience was enjoined. The seventh day was set apart as the Sabbath, and every
person physically able was commanded to attend church upon that
day. The Saints were required to pay one-tenth of all they raised,
earned or received, into the public fund, and the tithing was used
for improvements, taking care of the poor, and paying state, county
and township taxes. No other tax was levied. The doctrine of
"consecration" was earnestly preached whether it was a part of the
fundamental laws or not. Schools were organized and flourished,
and intellectual culture encouraged. No betting or gaming was
permitted but the rules were very liberal in the matter of amusements. Strang's cabin was raised to the dignity of a frontier palace by the erection of two additions connected with the main building by covered ways.
Such were the general features of the Mormon kingdom and
the circumstance of its bAoming established on Beaver Island.
With the exception of polygamy and the doctrine of consecration
of property, the system considered abstractly looked plausible
enough. It was, however, a monarchy established upon the free soil
of a republic, and in the midst of the early fishermen and traders,
the worst possible class for such an element to come in contact with.


The kingdom was no sooner established than the population was
divided into Mormons and Gentiles, and as already stated, the
animosities between the two had ripened into bitter and deadly
hatred and for three years, at least, a ceaseless warfare was carried
on. As soon as the numerical strength of the Mormons had suffi

I




1


\








_-C-i                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ' - -  a 'i. i  ii 
_-_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'                                                                                                                                                                      U,


-X




G -C


34


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


ciently increased to place them in the ascendency they pursued a
vigorous system of retaliation, and their vengeance was unsparingly
expended upon all Gentiles irrespectively.
The first notable hostility was projected by the fishermen in
1850. They planned a Fourth of July celebration at Beaver Island,
which was to reach a patriotic climax in the forcible expulsion of the
Mormons, but a formidable demonstration by the Mormons with-fire
arms and shotted cannon, brought the project to a premature close.
In the spring of 1851 the United States authorities decided to
proceed against Strang and his confederates for trespassing on the
public lands, stealing timber, counterfeiting, mail robbing, &c. The
armed steamer Michigan, was placed under orders of District
Attorney Geo. C. Bates, and with a force of deputy marshals,
sailed to Beaver Harbor. It was expected that tile service of
warrants would be resisted or evaded by the Mormons, but all the
accused promptly surrendered themselves, and a few of their chief
men taken to Detroit for trial. The testimony in tile case was.
however, taken at Beaver Island, before United States Commissioner W. D. Wilkins, by agreement between counsel, Col. A. T.
McReynolds appearing with Strang for the defense. Over one
hundred witnesses were examined, and the mass of evidence thus
collected was submitted in the United States District Court at
Detroit, before Judge Ross Wilkins, in June, 1851. The court
room was crowded and the progress of the trial was watched with
eager interest. Strang possessed great power as a dramatic orator
and, in an exceedingly effective speech before the jury, postured as
one persecuted for righteousness' sake and thle result was a verdict
of acquittal.
Nearly one hundred Mormons were arrested during the year
1851 on various charges but none were convicted.
In the fall of 1852, Mr. Strang was elected to the legislature.
There had been a new apportionment of representatives the year
previous, among the counties of the state, and though Emmet
and about twenty other unorganized counties in the lower peninsula
were attached to Mackinac for judicial purposes, yet under this
apportionment they were all included with Newaygo, Oceana, Lake
and Mason in what was designated the Newaygo District.  There
was some technicality affecting Beaver Island, and Mr. Strang was
not announced as a candidate until election day, although there
was an understanding with some of the Gentiles in other parts of
the district. There were three other candidates in the field, but
Strang received a plurality of the votes cast. An attempt was
made to arrest him and thus keep him out of his seat, but his
shrewdness was too much for his enemies and he escaped that
difficulty. Next his seat was contested, but in that contest hlie was
victorious and took his seat. During the session he succeeded in
getting a bill passed, organizing Emmet County, as elsewhere
stated. Strang affiliated with the Democratic party; in fact, the
Mormon vote is nearly always Democratic. But for his being a
Mormon, Strang would have been a bold and successful politician.
He possessed the requisite shrewdness and oratorical powers, while
his ability as a leader would have made him a power in the political arena.
With the organization of Emmet County, there was an evident
intention to use the weapons of civil law both to foster the Mormon
interests and punish their Gentile enemies. The battle at Pine
River, described in the history of Charlevoix County, was one of


the collisions brought about in a real or pretended exercise of legal
authority.
The last three years of Strang's reign was not violently
disturbed.  The Mormons had acquired a strength of numbers
that made them   a dangerous foe.   The feeling of bitterness
however, did not lessen; and if the Mormons suffered at the hands


of the fishermen and traders, in the early days of their weakness,
they fully balanced accounts in the later days of their power, when
the doctrine of "Consecration" was taught and exemplified in all
its wonderful fullness.
Meantime, the downfall of the kingdom, certain sometime to
come, was rapidly hastening. Domestic sedition and conspiracy
were maturing their legitimate fruits. Tile ruler's discipline was
at times severe and included the corporal punishment of adults in
its list of penalties. His determination to compel obedience to the
minutest regulations of church law also grew more resolute.
Polygamy had proved a source of discontent, and gave excuse for
revolt against Strang's rigid discipline in small matters.
In 1855, Dr. H. D. McCulloch, one of the most capable of
Strang's followers, an educated pllysician, formerly of Baltimore,
and a man of social position at home, but of unfortunate liabits,
became embittered against Strang and immediately began to plan
for his overthrow.
Thomas Bedford, an Englishman, lield a forumal connection
with the Mormon church, but was not at lheart a Mormon.
A bitter antagonism seems to ]lave grown up between led(lford
and Strang. The former was a rebellious subject, outspoken, and
doing as he pleased without regard to the wishes of the king. lie
was an unsafe person to be entrusted with the keeping of sCcrets
that could not be hidden from him. Strang was persistent ill tlhe
attempt to procure obedience by wily maneuvering and the system
of harassing persecutions by which recusant Mormons were
usually brought to see the wisdom of submission.
In the summer of 1855, repeated efforts were made to induce
Bedford to assist in stealing the nets of "Gentile" fisherllmen, the
object being, as he believed, to get him entangled with the Mormons
in the crime of - consecrating," and so close his mnouth as a witness.
Failing in this, they endeavored to get him to commnit himsclf ly
purchasing of them stolen nets, but hlie was too lhonest or t(oo walry
to be caughlt in that snare. Finding they could do nothing witlh
him by persuasion, they stole a part of his own goods, and then
commenced a series of vexatious lawsuits, on claims for debt, real
or pretended, attaching his fishing nets and other pioperty. It
was not their policy, however, to let the suits come to trial, and(
adjournments were had from time to time, to vex and worry him,
the attached property, meanwhile, remaining in their possession.
In the meantime, a formidable rebellion sprang up among
Strang's female subjects, which, as most of the witnesses agree in
saying, had much. to do with bringing about his overthrow. Ilc
had promulgated a law against the wearing of long dresses, and
requiring the universal adoption of the bloomer style. Most of the
women readily complied, but some, regarding it as an unwarranlted
interference with feminine affairs, indignantly refused acquiescence,
among whom were Mrs. McCulloch, Mrs. Bedford, Mrs. JohnsoID,
Mrs. Wentworth, and Mrs. Orson Campbell. It was understood
that those Mormons whose wives would not obey, were to be treated
as " Gentiles." After it became apparent that some of the women
were not disposed to yield, Strang declared in public that the law
should be obeyed, if he had to wade ankle deep in blood. The'
leaders of the revolt threw defiance in his face. Eventually, however, most of them were compelled to submit. In the course of the
vexatious lawsuits against Bedford, he had commenced a counter
suit. On the morning of the day set for trial, the justice of the


peace, one Whipple, came into Bedford's house. Mrs. Bedford was
wearing a long dress and sewing on another. When the case was
called for trial, Whipple informed Bedford that he could not have the
benefit of law, as he (Whipple) had that morning seen Mrs. Bedford
wearing a long dress, and refuqed to allow the trial to proceed.
Mrs. McCulloch being one of the leaders of the dress rebel

i
i
I
I
I
I
I




1


iL
t


I _,_..It'1I




, —I ~ ~ ~;;


V U,X.!;.
W                              I   I
I        1.          I                 I       I      i?




11 1.; 77!.. I     t,








4 -

I


(I1






--              -— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


35


lion, in keeping with the policy of reducing them to submission by
harassing their husbands, a lawsuit was commenced by Strang
against McCulloch. When a constable was sent to levy on the
goods of the latter, McCulloch is reported to have said to Strang,
"Now it is you and I for it; you will destroy me or I shall destroy
you." Strang burst into a laugh, and said he had heard men talk
before. From  that time forward, McCulloch seems to have entertained a settled determination to work the overthrow of the Mormon
power.
The losses and annoyances to which Bedford was subjected,
instead of subduing him, roused his indignation, and he became
more outspoken regarding the acts of the Mormons than before.
The Mormons had stolen a boat, for the recovery of which the
owner had offered a reward of fifty dollars. On one occasion, Bedford remarked to a young man, whom he met in McCulloch's store,
that if he wanted to make fifty dollars, he would go to Mackinac,
and give information of the whereabouts of the stolen boat. Bedord's friends were frightened at his temerity. Several persons
were present, and the remark was no doubt reported to Strang.
Whether or not there were other causes for bitterness between
Strang and Bedford and McCulloch, is not known except to a very
few, and probably never will be known.
In the evening following the remark made by Bedford about the
boat, a man called at Bedford's house, and induced him to go down
to the printing office, on the pretext that some one wished to see
him there. When near the place indicated, he was met by several
men, armed with whips-a rawhide, the teamster's whip popularly
called a "black snake," and several beech switches, toughened by
heating and twisted. Bedford was terribly whipped. The Mormon limit for whipping was "forty stripes save one." In this instance four more than the lawful number were given by some overzealous administrator of the law, but the excess was objected to as
a grave wrong by the more scrupulous of the party, and, it is said,
when the fact was reported to Strang he expressed his decided
disapproval.
Bedford returned home, took down his gun, without telling his
wife what had happened, and started to go out. Mrs. Bedford,
fearing that lie had finally been persuaded or driven to undertake
some of Strang's unlawful work, said interrogatively, "You are not
going to do anything for Strang?"  He replied, "I'll do for Strang,
if I get hold of him."  He watched that and the two following
nights for Strang, leaning on a fence, where he could see a light in
his window, for the purpose of shooting him, but without getting
an opportunity. For some time after the whipping, Strang was
constantly attended by a guard. An interview between the parties
ended with mutual expressions of defiance, Strang bidding Bedford
do his worst. The latter, however, prudently replied that he should
not do his worst. He well knew that an open attempt to punish
the king would result in immediate destruction to himself.
Bedford, McCulloch and Wentworth had evidently come to an
understanding about the murder of Strang, and by the advice of
McCulloch, the project of shooting Strang was finally deferred till
after navigation should open up in the spring. as there was no
means of escape from the island.
Soon after navigation opened Bedford and Wentworth went to
Mackinac, and procured a boat, with which they returned to the


island, in order to have means of escape at hand. For five days
after their return, both the boat and themselves were kept concealed, during which time they watched for Strang at night, but
without getting a suitable opportunity to execute their purpose.
Fearing the boat would be discovered and suspicion excited, they
concluded to appear openly. Accordingly taking the boat out some
distance upon the lake, they sailed into the harbor, as if just re

turned from  Mackinac.  In the next number of the Northern
Islander, Strang advertised the boat as one supposed to have been
stolen by Tom  Bedford and Alec. Wentworth. Soon afterward
the boat was seized by the Mormons at night, filled with stones and
sunk in the harbor.
The vexatious lawsuits against Bedford still remained unsettled.
It happened that on the day set for the trial of one of them, the United
States revenue cutter Michigan was in the harbor. Some of the officers,
willing to give Bedford the moral support of their presence, went
with him to the place of trial. The Mormon party refused to proceed, and the case was again postponed. On the next adjourned
day, the Michigan came in again, and some of the officers, as on
the former occasion, accompanied Bedford to the place of trial. As
on the previous occasion, the prosecution refused to proceed, and
the case was again adjourned.
The presence of the steamer afforded a favorable time for Bedford to carry out the murderous design for which he was impatiently awaiting. He had no doubt of their ability to effectually
put an end to the earthly career of the Mormon leader, and he
knew they would be sure of making their escape on the Michigan.
June 16, 1856, while Strang was on his way from his home
to the boat in response to an invitation fron: Capt. McBlair, lie was
fired upon by Bedford and Wentwortl, and fatally wounded. The
account of tlln assassination, which was given in the AXt/llr
islanl,,u, is as follows:
MURDEROUS ASSAULT.-On Monday last the United       States
steamer Michigan, entered this harbor at about 1 o'clock P. n.,
and was visited by the inhabitants promiscuously during the
afternoon.
"At about 7 o'clock Capt. McBlair sent a messenger (San
Barnard, the pilot) to Mr. Strang requesting him to visit him  on
board. Mr. Strang immediately accompanied the messenger, and
just as they were stepping on the bridge leading to the pierin front
of F. Johnson & Co's store, two assassins approached in the rear,
unobserved by either of them, and fired upon Mr. Strang witl
pistols. The first shot took effect upon the left side of the head,
entering a little back of the top of tie ear, and rebounding, passed
out near the top of the head.
"This shot, fired from a horse pistol, brought him down, and
he fell on the left side, so that he saw the assassins as they fired the
second and third shots from a revolver; both taking effect upon his
person, one just below the temple, on the right side of the face,
and lodged in the cheek bone; the other on the left side of the
spine, near the tenth rib, followed the rib about two inches and a
half and lodged.
"Mr. Strang recognized in the persons of the assassins Thomas
Bedford and Alexander Wentworth. Wentworth had a revolver and
Bedford a horse pistol, with which he struck him over the head and
face, while lying on the ground. The assassins immediately fled
on board the U. S. steamer, with pistols in hand claiming her
protection.
"The assault was committed in view of several of the officers
and crew from the deck of the steamer, also Dr. H. D. McCulloch,
Franklin Johnson and others, and no effort made to stop it.
"Mr. Strang was taken up by a few friends and some of the
officers of the boat, and carriel to the house of Messrs. Prindles,
where the surgeon of the steamer made an examination of his
wounds and declared recovery hopeless.


"Process was taken out for the apprehension of the assassins,
and the sheriff of the county called on Capt. McBlair for their
delivery. The captain refused to give them, up, saying that he
would take them to Mackinac and deliver them into the hands of
the civil authorities of the state there.


I
I
I
I
i




9)
I
I


I!


_ r


9




;a.
I
I
I
I
I


11.


I
I
I


I


36


THE TRAVERSE REGION


I


4The steamer left the next day, carrying off all the persons
supposed to be implicated in the affair. thus affording military protection to murderers, and overthrowing the sovereignty of civil law."
Other accounts do not differ materially from the foregoing.
One account says Bedford and Wentworth were secreted behind a
wood pile and followed him after he passed by. Also that as Bedford stepped over the body of his victim Strang seized him by the
leg and released his hold only on receiving a blow from the butt of
a pistol.
After Bedford and Wentworth went on board, claiming the
protection of the vessel, the sheriff made repeated efforts to induce
the commander to give them up, but he refused, assigning as a reason
that there was no jail on the island, and the prisoners would not be safe,
therefore he would take them to Mackinac. The shooting occurred
early in the evening, but the families of Bedford and Wentworthl
knew nothing of it till nine o'clock, when an officer and some men
from the Michigan came to assist them to carry their property
on board, preparatory to leaving the island. The next morning
six families-those of Bedford, Wentworth, McCulloch, Johnson,
who was a business partner of McCulloch, Fred Longfield, and a
German whose name ihas been forgotten-who did not think it safe
to remain after the departure of the Michigan, were received on
board, and carried to Mackinac.
On the arrival of the party at Mackinac, there was great excitement and universal rejoicing. Bedford and Wentworth were
leceived as heroes and public benefactors. The formality of surrendering them to the sheriff of Mackinac County was observed, i
and they were conducted by that functionary to the jail, accompanied by several officers of the Michigan. At the jail a spontaneous ovation awaited them. Citizens flocked in with congratulations and offers of assistance. Everytiling necessary for comfort
was placed at their disposal, and tile blxury of cigars and whisky
was not forgotten. Thle doors of the jail were not allowed to be
locked, and before night the prisoners walked out, lanld became the
guests of their friends.
Strang was removed in ta few days to Voree, attended by Betsey, his third wife, and two or three of the ellers, by whom lie was
cared for until his deatli, which occnrred July 9, 1856. IHe was
buried at Spring Prairie, Wis. His family, which consisted of five
wives and twelve cliildren, lived in that vicinity a short time and
then scattered. Some of tile brethren proposed to erect a monlument over his grave, but Mary said that was her privilege; still
she did. not do it, and since her death her children have placed a
monument at his grave and that of I"little Mary" by his side. Little
Mary was their first born, and died when about four years of age.
To her Strang was devotedly attached, and her death wrought a
change in the father that continu:ed during the remainder of his
life. Soon after that bereavement he embraced Mormonism.
Tlihe kingdom did not survive the assassination of the king.
While thle internal revolt had been gathering force, the wrath of the
Gentiles had also been increasing in int nsity, and only needed the
slighlltest friction for it to burst into fury.  The dying leader had
advised a general removal, and some had left, but a large number
still remained.
An expedition for the purpose of driving the Mormons out of
the country was immediately organized. St. Helena Island was
chosen as a rendezvous. Here a party of sixty or seventy men


was quickly assembled, all eager to lend a hand to punish the
common enemy. Nominally the party was. under the leadership
of Archie Newton; practically it was an irresponsible mob.  The
schooner,, C. L. Abel," owned and commanded by Capt. John
Wagley, now of Cross Village, was chartered to convey them to
Beaver Island.


I


The invading force landed on the west side of thle island and
took possession of St. James without any resistance.  The island
was patrolled by armed parties, who notified thle Mormons to
collect at the harbor by a certain time, witll all their effects, that
they might be sent away on the steamer Keystone Statr, which was
expected in at that time. The direst vengeance was threatened
upon all who should fail to obey. The only chance for peisonal
safety was in uncomplaining submission.     Remonstrance was
answered with curses, threats and blows.
When the Keystone State arrived on the evening of July Gtll,
thle unfortunate people were driven on board like so many slleep
destined for the shambles. But it was no part of thle policy of the
invaders to allow therm to carry their property with tlem.  That
was seized as lawful booty.  More than a hundred head of choice
cattle, horses and mules were taken, as well as boats, nets, fisl
and fishermen's supplies, and large quantities of provisions, furniture, and holuselold goods. Three stores a11d tile printing office
were rifled, and the contents added to thle plunder. The tabernacle
wCas burned and the royal palace sacked.
"( Soon after the mob came on, they took possession of thle
type and printing office of the o',rthrit Islatd'rl, tile weekly paper
of the Mormons, and set up and printed a manifesto of their grievances, so called, and circulated it around amiong tile Mormons
and Gentiles.  It was scarcely readable, and Awas gotten pll after
the style of the one set forth in Jackson County, MAissouri, by thle
mob who drove the Mormons there.     There were several bound
works in pamphlet form left in the office; some in pr{oof and vilndication of Mr. Stralng's claiims as against Brighanlll  Yong and
others; one called thle ' Diamond,' containing the letter of appointment sent bvy Joseph Smith to Mr. Strang, a little bef{ore Mr.
Smith's deatll; and another, entitled ' Tlie Prophetic Conltroveray,'
a very able work; and still anotller work eltitled ' Oliver Co(wderv's
Letters to W. W. Phelps, on the B]ringing ill of thle New Iispensation.' These, with some others, were hurled into tlie street, and
lay fluttering in the wind, all about the printing office door, in the
eyes of all passing that way.
"t A very extensive library, containing many volumes of rare
works, collected witll great pains tand no small outlay by AMr.
Strang, stood in the printing office, and of course fcll into tlle
hands of the mob.
" The property was divided among tlle invaders, as they could
agree, ostensibly to reimburse them for losses sustained by Mormon
robberies. Practically, a considerable number got more thlan. they
had lost. It is said, no doubt with truth, that some, whlo llhave
since figured as men of property, got their first start witli tile
goods that somehow fell to thieir share on this occasion.
"Had only those Mormons been robtbed and sent away whlo liad
themselves been concerned in tlie robberies previously committed
under the pretended sanction of religion, it would hhave been }but
retributive justice, even though administered by a mob; but, as frequently happens in the administr;ations of mob law, tlhe innocent
were made to suffer equally with the guilty.  Only a few families,
designated by McCullough, escaped pillage, or were permitted to.
remain upon thile island. Those whom thle Keystone State could not
carry away, were taken off by other boats, a few days later."
Of thle Mormons carried away on thle Keystone State, a part
landed at Milwaukee and the rest at Cllicago.  From those points
they scattered in various directions.


There were a few Mormon families living at Pine River. Such
as were in bad repute witlh the Gentiles left the place before the
hostile party arrived. Other Mormons who were peaceable citizens
and respected by the (Gentiles remained.
One writer, speaking of the expulsion of the Mormons, says:


I
I
I
i
I
I
II
I
II


I


[


I


r


I


I,      I


-      = ---— ~-   I-  I   ------  ----------— `~-..- I  — I~-~  -.~-I -"                                II -~-~ —C    -            ---- --                ---                --        1 r9


9r l    -




- -V
5T9


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


37


( It was another banishment from Acadia, and demands for many
of the houseless wretches driven forth on that day of retribution,
a pity as keen as the pathetic fortunes of the neutral French receive
from the readers of ' Evangeline.' "
Such is the history of the Mormon epoch; the romantic
career of a remarkable man, and his still more remarkable kingdom. Whatever may be true of the two latter, it must be admitted
that the former is chiefly conspicuous on account of the lawlessness and depredations committed during its continuance. Volumes
might be filled with accounts of acts of violence, persecution, robbery, and vengeance with which those ten years were crowded.
They were not all committed by Mormons, and there is nothing to
show that the Mormons were the first offenders. From  the first,
the other population were determined that Mormonism   should not
become established here, and to carry out that determination, any
measures, most effective in inflicting injury upon the hated intruders,
were resorted to. Then, when the tide of affairs turned in favor
of the Mormbns, they became the aggressors and carried on the
warfare until their leader was sacrificed upon his own altar, and an
infuriated mob brought to an ignominious close the Mormon kingdom. That innocent Gentiles suffered from Mormon depredations
is unquestionably true, and it is also true that Mormons, guilty only
of being Mormons, suffered persecutions from   Gentiles.   It is
further true that robberies and depredations were committed by a
class of pirates who frequented this region, which were charged
to the Mormons and there was no disposition to question these
charges.
That there is a vast amount of unwritten history connected
with the reign of Strang on Beaver Island, cannot be denied. The
" ways that are dark " were numerous, and it could not be otherwise than that such a reign would come to an inglorious close.
One in a posidon to speak intelligently of the causes of Strang's
downfall, makes the following statement:
" His removal from Voree was one of the primary causes of
his fall, for, in the words of the vision, ' there shall my people
have rest and peace, and shall not be moved.' While it remained
at Voree the church had rest and peace and prosperity.  But with
the removal to Beaver Island, Strang and his followers passed from
the dominion of Primitive Mormonism into a little kingdom of their
own, and thereby Strang became supreme ruler of the whole kingdolm, instead of head of simply a branch. Bearing indirectly on
this subject is another item of some importance. In 1846, at
Voree, Strang pronounced a curse upon certain ministers, a portion
of wllicll was as follows:  (As for those who, as gospel ministers,


have assumed to teach such damning, soul destroying doctrines
(that deceit, lying, perjury, plundering unbelievers, polygamy,
fornication and adultery are required by the command of God in the
upbuilding of His Kingdom), in the name of God and the Lord
Jesus Christ, may their bones rot in the living tomb of their flesh;
may their flesh generate from its own corruptions a loathsome life
for others; may their blood swarm a leprous life of mlotelike ghastly
corruption, feeding on flowing life, generating  chilling agues  and
burning fevers. * * * And I prayed unto God, saying, " Oh, God,
curse them not, and let me not raise my voice against my fellows."
But lie said, " ( Curse, curse, curse! I will altogether curse until
they return to me, for they have perverted my law and deceived my
servants; unto the Destroyer shalt thou deliver them, for their
prayer is sin.' "
" Yet, later, Strang fell under this very curse-in the matter
of polygamy, if nothing else."
The sum of all which is, that the Beaver Island scheme was
not for the glory of God, but the glory of Strang.
In the life of James J. Strang is exhibited a type of manhood
difficult to analyze and understand. That his intellectual attainments were of an unusually high order no one would attempt to
deny. He was a man of scholarly tastes and studious habits.   In
one of the Smithsonian reports is an able article from his pen, and
he wrote voluminously upon a great variety of subjects and,always
with marked excellence of style and clearness of logic. He gathered
a large and well selected library and his information covered a wide
range.    As a dramatic orator lie possessed great power and his ability as a lawyer was frequently exhibited. His career as A legislator
received favorable mention by the newspapers of that timne.   In a
private diary kept by him  before removing to Beaver Island are revaaled many traits of character much to be admired. But the removal to Beaver Island appears to have been the fatal step, and to
what it led has already been told.
About the year 1872 a movement to have Charles J. Strang
succeed his father was begun by L. D. Hickey, of Coldwater, Mich.,
who with S. Bennett, of Cleveland, Ohio, crowded the matter for
several years, and personal conferences were had with Mr. Strang
upon the subject. In July, 1882, he wrote a letter to the Saitts'
Hierald, a Mormon paper published at Lamoni, Iowa, in which lie
positively declined to consider the matter, and expressed the hope
that his announcement would put an end to further agitation of
that question. Charles J. Strang is now editor and proprietor of
the Charlevoita Jourinal.






- 


I


I
r


j


I


d&


I


-


'I s


IRW.,~l __


Ca4T<






A
AA'
6


I 
N

a


I


or b^


GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY.


CHAPTER VI.
PHYSICAL FEATURES —ADVENT OF PROTESTANT MISSIONARIES ---MOVEMENTS AT OLD MISSION-ARRIVAL OF SETTLERS-REMOVAL OF THE
MISSION TO LEELANAW COUNTY-THE FIRST BRIDE-MR. DOUGHERTY AS A PHYSICIAN —REMINISCENCE-AN EARLY WEDDING.
Before following out the history of any particular county or
section it is well to become acquainted with some of the distinguishing features of the territory under consideration, such as location,
topography, etc.
A glance at the map will show the location of Grand Traverse
County to be at the head of the bay of the same name, and extending about ten miles on either side, eighteen miles to the south, and
embracing the "Peninsula." A narrow strip of land dividing the
bay into the east'and west arms. It is bouinded on the north by
Leelanaw County and Traverse Bay, on the east by Kalkaska, onil
the south by Wexford, and on the west by Benzie. It has an area
of 612 square miles, and had a population in 1880 of 8,422.
There were about 1,000 acres of government, 1,160 acres of
state swamp, 1,445 acres of primary school, 520 acres of agricultural college, and 36,440 acres of Grand Rapids and Indiana railroad
land subject to entry May i, 1883.
A state road runs from Traverse City to Elk Rapids, thence
northward to Charlevoix and Petoskey. Another runs southeasterly
to Houghton Lake. The roads may be said to be in a fair condition for so new a country.
The soil varies according to locality from light sand to heavy
clay. Near the bay shore, sand predominates, although in some
places on the peninsula and in East Bay township good soil extends
to the water's edge. Pine plains are quite extensive along the Boardman Rfiver, and cedar swamps (generally reclaimable) traversed by
streams of running water, are found in nearly every township.
There are, however, some tracts of clay and clay loam. The
soil of the table land and its declivities is boulder drift of great
thickness, in some places being fifty feet in depth, having the same
mineral characteristics as that of the surface, except as it is modified by the influence of vegetation and the elements. The timber
is mainly sugar maple, beech, basswood, elm, hemlock, pine and
cedar. Wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, clover, timothy, and all Varieties of roots do well in this county. Corn in particular does much
better than would be expected in so high a latitude.
Grand Traverse is a great fruit county. Apples and grapes
are raised on all but the swamp lands, but the more tender varieties
of apples need the protection of the bay or of the more elevated
situations. Pears, peaches, plums, and cherries are very successful when proper attention is paid to the selection of the site. Thousands of bushels of huckleberries grow on the pine plains, while all
other varieties of berries are perfectly at home, either in the field or
garden. The general description of this region given on preceding
pages will apply with especial force to this county.




There is an abundance of water and that of the purest quality.
Boardman River and its tributaries water the eastern half of the
county, while there are many smaller streams and lakes in every
township. The larger lakes are: Long Lake, Green Lake, Duck
Lake, Cedar Hedge Lake, Silver Lake, Fife L/ake and Boardman
Lake, varying from one to six miles in length, Long Lake being the
largest. There is also in the northeast of Township 26 north, of
Range 10 west, a chain of lakes, of irregular form, from half a mile
to a mile in width and extending to several miles in length. The
water is of the most perfect purity, all streams and lakes being fed
by living springs. Further information may be found in the general chapter of soil, climate, etc.
EARLY HISTORY.
The history of Grand Traverse County begins in the year 1839
with the advent of Protestant missionaries and the United States
surveyors. These were the first intimations the Indians in this
locality received of rival ownership.
In May, 1839, Rev. John Fleming and Rev. Peter Dougherty arrived at the little cove, known as Mission Harbor, and landed near
where the wharf has since been built. They had come by boat from
Mackinac where they had spent the previous v, inter and had now
come to the Grand Traverse Bay region for the purpose of establishing a mission, having been sent to this country by the Presbyterian Board of Missions. From  Dr. Leach's sketch in the
Grand Traverse Herald we now quote as follows:
Of the presence of man there were no signs visible, save a
few bark wigwams, in a narrow break in the fringe of forest, from
one of which a thin column of blue smoke curled lazily upward.
They found only one Indian at the village. He informed them
that the band were encamped at the mouth of the river, on the opposite side of the bay. The Indian made a signal with a column of
smoke which had the effect of bringing over a canoe, full of young
men, who came to inquire who the strangers were and what was
wanted.
The next day, a chief, with a number of men, came over.
Messrs. Fleming and Dougherty informed him that they had come,
by direction of their agent at Mackinac. and by permission of their
great father, the president, to establish a school among them for
the instruction of their children, and to teach them a knowledge of
the Savior. The reply was that the head chief, with his men,
would come in a few days, and then they would give an answer.
On the arrival of the head chief, Aish-qua-gwon-a-ba, a council was held, for the purpose of considering the proposal of the
missionaries. At its close, Messrs. Fleming and Dougherty were
informed that the Indians had decided to unite the bands living in
the vicinity, and locate near the river, on the east side of the bay.
If the missionaries would go with them, they would show them the
intended location of their new villages and gardens, so that they
could select a good central site for their dwelling and school.
About the 20th of the month, the white men in their boat ac-. I W
-fr

i      ma




— cI


m


- -                  --- -                                                                                                                                                      I
- 0 -

6R i


xtar







 - l


R-AN'D   RALVE'RS'El
HI I GA Nt..IjEELANA-IT  coo,r 3O.N R
47  3
N.RIOW.
28
T R01
3+             ANTRI.
t6be


Im c 0
1


B1. c


-1


I
) 11.
3 
28N.
I - I-,


I S-1


 I " —,


I
3             rM;'
IFNI               11 —


-. --- r-,"-                                              rg"

/I / / I t


I / 1 /Ili /flflAF ---




Kr-T —T — -.-,   11      -14 L."=,                          - ==El'
I 4
ii                         i
T
3  1                      u.4
I     T                                    11 mwc-&q


A ''


-JFjp-JL-4L —lt- -


Pvrz- ---)z            -I ---,-  -                                       I -7T-'f=###4M


IT




P ---- -   ---                    \1,
7     -A-              17011,  Tt
L        0


I
I           I,,


__ JV/ I 9 j _
IAT7


BE


j


f,                           I
QdVrff            -     ---


Eli- -—. —  VMZ====7


Milre Au.
-18 7
hdo


iff're.Z 1,
7               I                                           +                 *El      I
1.5
T


01-1-7 w L


' F -"'p I, N I M) 4, # —I q rl. 1 k


I
F




--- -                 1
20                                                  -  ID-:,-           2
4
oul        K     'i


t


RN
2=3 —w
Fgft`
IIA
ix






write


-


I.I




Sir IV\MlQt3l.'l --- —--


d


I 1 6


I
I 'Irl


t 
JL
I
-ilno_
ql-l
IF


L- -- --


F-     - - -  I I


13


i
is                1-15
1
I      \.T


I


1
1-13 1 18
A-I-Y,!:%RLtTl
I _. J-t

-- -  I
0
m


T-I 7
I-VII I


W-1
15
-1


----


HU
3
ILI
7    -


1-1 7
1
L ---- -


-


8


i     -44 —MLA-41 (   - f m! " a  * ' A  It -    I.   i    A n.. I -                       -i ---     " f- - -        - - - -


\. S.]
"I — -


r


I
I                 o  -  "%.H    I


-T ---T


23


1%              I,                 I.
2,1. 1 19                      t 20
1
I                  I?


— F-,(    - F - B 1[   %L --- --.1


T
A-1
1 -

I


9
22




1
2-ji


4%
2+ o
0
-00


01
101


I  - - I


I-1
q


U —lF


F — " --- -Ift-      — - -                    k   i   -- -— 4:ZI -
p
4.:
i, "
F


ZII.a
4d


I




v26.7 N I.


L- I
11 - I  j  L —4-    -            -




6
I


OWS...1
Z24-= 1.-..-.-I
i
32 1
A -.


I


- I - - NN I- - )  4 0


ld
iAM
f                         i
il.11


I


' -




- - -- - -
32. 3 ---.,
gl]LI9


a
2                      25
i /-%


I Ili
I
I11
1) 14


r3 10                           27


26


I j
25 1 3 co,


29


I P
i   - i   -. i   — V). —I-I- -  -3-w

8




-4 3c WAj


SRI

27 'I




[\\-" -4                                    --          1       i          i      vi                                -4 -

90 up
26


25


35..................... 7   r   -  -   -  -   -.11"i"Ll..........................7  1


31


3




) 33.I A


3+


I - 1, - - - --
I
I 3,%         (i   "   31 -'O   32
lb               I ':        - -- A

31


I      If    -     I              F- -   --     --- u   I




- - - Lm t%.:l


---, -T,%.  RO-f - - -


qpqorld-tl-ql A


4ma6w-  —j O-






4 i 6: V, "   -:  - -—, I ' - I in T - - AU I & 4,


1 —, - - -A- jMM& -- - -- ---,W -4.


. 6
awk Is.*.,,
Ni j


I
11


3.2 A


I


W
i -


L...7
- I


A


FL41i r4;t'
I J


4

8    9   10       12
i ---q-w" r.II


11 EC    17 1 -
to I           -




I kh  a,+.


IL


— ft'IJMAM
i5       I




c -T-N,% ICfli-SAL  RSA"
17                      it                   N     -
S






 -i-3 I


it


IrI2l 6 N
q
1-4
Nt
44.- I


r                                                     -


r             x    F;4           -  =i --- -.. ft     17 - i  s-         -.It: -ft4t -            v.     i - i        vif f Iz  i     f    IP. — i    il. 1           fstf N    1         r                V


i


I     I
I.
I
I
r
I


7                 9
kk-. - ----


i
- L

-1 )
I
I
I


'G                           Ir
It)                                I 19         21   22          2
-        -— A


u


7


a, r


8


9


11
I
I
J"
i I
'N


I
T
I
II
IF.10


I,.
I::Ir I


m- -
i. H, i


q-,
2


A
25   30                7    26   2 C                                2.5  30  20    20    27        -4-5
nro        r
3?k 362         32          Pt. 35'   30                2 3                                               36 -31                                                                                 3+
2          6     5          3                                3                                3     2
S-ILGE
T --- —Il Ir 1                                            711 4 "Ve,                   I 0.1 I K RKMAN F


19
I""n- 


I..l.


-1


23 ' 24
Ikl,:


11W. I
t9:;, 2:11


-[                           -10       -1                         8




I
I.I
0.1,.T26oN.
1
fA
t
q
'tI,T.,.25,N...-.         i-        il      11        I       11    ___f          I.-        I   IL A& -   LA-IL3E. -R, AZ'-R ILAL.F_ -.AL      AA       - I 'A  I I _%,   I                       k222:2
nn W    -                       _f__                         nip _  "_ I A. lo A         I        I     I       I     V       H     i   F-                                   I I     11     '%   11   'm       -— I


F
I


15


1+


is


-— I -,
A- -I


if:11
11
i ": 41 is 0 16 15


I%
17


16


21,                                                                                    20   2t        23
9I,
'7
5   30  -.4   28   27         25 1:11        W   127   2
28         6    2                        26
PO
W    32              35    38                      35                        3+              31  32                   36


R-12 W. WEXFOBD


R.11 W                R. 10 W.'..       I%  -
ff!Ic' O.,, 9-w,*,








w~
4


— V


0Lm


wI 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


39




i




companied by a fleet of Indian canoes, crossed the bay, landing at
the mouth of the river, where the village of Elk Rapids is now situated. The Indians proposed to divide their settlement into two
villages. After looking over the ground, the missionaries chose a
location, something more than a quarter of a mile from the river,
on the south side.
The day after the missionaries landed at Elk River, the Indians'
came to their tent in great excitement, saying there were white
men in the country. They had seen a horse's track which contained the impression of a shoe. Their ponies were not shod.
Shortly after, a white man came into the camp. He proved to be
a packman belonging to a company of United States surveyors,
who were at work on the east side of Elk and Torch Lakes. He had
lost his way and wanted a guide to pilot him back to his company.
An Indian went with him several miles, returning in the afternoon with the man's hatchet in his possession, having taken it on
the refusal of the latter to pay him for his services. The next day
tile whole company of surveyors came in and encamped for a short
time at the river.
Immediately after deciding upon the location, Messrs. Fleming
and Dougherty commenced cutting logs for the construction of a
dwelling and school-house. Hard work and the discomforts of a
wilderness, the latter of which were doubly annoying to the inexperienced missionaries, filled up the next few days. Among other
evils from which they could not escape, the sand flies were a terrible torment. Finally, the body of the house was raised, the doors
and windows brought from Mackinac were.put in their places, and
the gables and roofs were covered with sheets of cedar bark purchased of the Indians.
Then an unexpected blow fell upon the devoted missionaries,
crushing the hopes and changing the life prospects of one, and
plunging both into deep sorrow. A messenger came from  Mackinac, with intelligence that Mr. Fleming's wife had suddenly died
at that place. The bereaved husband, with the four men who had
come with him, immediately embarked in their boat for Mackinac.
He never returned to the mission. Mr. Dougherty was left alone.
With the exception of the surveyors at work somewhere in the interior, he was the only white person in the country.
After the departure of his comrade, Mr. Dougherty, with the assistance of Peter Greensky, the interpreter, busied himself with the
work of finishing the house, and clearing away the brush in the vicinity. Once or twice the cedar bark of the roof took fire from the
stove pipe, but fortunately the accident was discovered before any
serious damage was done. The old chief Aish-qua-gwon-a-ba and
his wife, perhaps to show their friendliness and make it less lonely
for,the missionary, came and staid with him several days in his
new house.
About the 20th of June, Henry R. Schoolcraft, Indian agent at
Mackinac, arrived in small vessel, accompanied by his interpreter,
Robert Graverat, and Isaac George as Indian blacksmith. From
information received at Mackinac, Mr. Schoolcraft had come impressed with the notion that the harbor near the little island near
thle peninsula (Bower's Harbor) would be a suitable point at which
to locate thle blacksmith, carpenter, and farmer, that, by the terms
of tile recent treaty, the government was obliged to furnish for the
benefit of the Indians. Looking over the ground, and consulting


the wishes of the Indians, he finally came to the conclusion that
Mission Harbor was a more suitable place. Accordingly Mr.
George was left to commence operations, and Mr. Schoolcraft returned to Mackinac.
Soon after the departure of Mr. Schoolcraft, Ah-go-sa, the chief
at Mission Harbor, accompanied by the principal men of his band,
visited Mr. Dougherty, saying that most of the'Indians at that






I


place were unwilling to move over to the east side of the bay, and offering to transport him and his goods across to Mission Harbor,
and furnish him a house to live in, if lie would take up his residence with them. Convinced that, all things considered, tile harbor was a more eligible site for the mission, Mr. Dougherty 4t once
accepted the proposal. Leaving what things were not needed for
immediate use, and loading tile balance in Indian canoes, lhe was
ferried across the bay to thle scene of his future labors-tlhe place
where lie had first landed, not many weeks before, and whicll, under the name of Old Mission, has since become famnous as a center
of development in the agricultural interests of northwestern Michigan.
The next day arrange-tlments were mlade for opening a school,
with interpreter Greensky tlas teacher, in tile little bark wigwall
that tle Indians had vacated for Mr. Dougherty's use. Then followed a hard summer's work. Mr. Dougherty and Mr. (George colmmenced the construction of a house for themselves. Thle logs for
thle building were cut close along tile border of tlle harbor, floated
to a point near whlere they were to be used, and then dragged to tile
site of the building by hland. Of course, the work could never hlave
been accomplished without the aid of the Indians. Thle hollse was
covered with shllingles, such as the two inexperienced men were able
to make, and a few boards broullght from Mackiniac witli tlheir fall
supplies. The building was so nearly completd that tlie menl
found themselves comfortably housed before -wNinter fairly set in.
Desiring not to be left alone, while the Indians were absent oil
their annual winter hunlt, Mr. Dougherty induced the chief Ah-gosa and two others, with their families, to remain till sugar-makillng
timle in the spring, by offering to help them put up comfortable
houses for winter. Before they were finished, the weathler lhad become so cold that boiling water had to be used to thaw thle clay
for plastering the chinks in thle walls. Mr. Dougherty's house
stood on the bank of the harbor, east of the site afterward occnpied by the more commodious and comfortable mission house.
The chief's shanty was built on the south side of the little lake lying a short distance northwest of the harl)or. Tlie cabins for thle
other two Indian families were located aL little south of where
thle mission church was afterward built.
In the fall 1Mr. John Johnston arrived at the mission, lhaving
come by appointment of Mr. Schoolcraft to reside there as Indian
farmer. During the winter, tile mission family consisted of the
four men-Dougherty, George, Greensky, and Johnston. Mr.
Johnston brought with him a yoke of oxen, for use in Indian farming. There was no fodder in the country, unless he may have
brought a little with him. Be that as it may lie found it necessary to browse his cattle all winter.
In the spring of 1840 the log house which had been built at
Elk Rapids the previous year was taken down, and thle materials
were transported across the bay and used in tlhe construction of a
school-house and wood-shed. Until the mIissionI church was built, a
year or two after, the school-house was used for holdirng religious
services as well as for school.
In the fall of 1841 besides Indian wigwams there were five
buildings at thle mission-the school-hlouse and four dwellings. All
were built of logs, and all except Mr. Dougherty's house, were covered with cedar bark. The dwellings were occupied by Mr. Dougherty, missionary, Henry Bradley, mission teacher, John Johnston,
Indian farmer, and David McGulpinll, assistant farmer. Mr. George


was still there, and there had been another addition to the community in the person of George Johnston, who had come in the capacity of Indian carpenter. As regards race, the little community, the
only representative of Christian civilization im the heart of a savage
wilderness, was somewhat mixed. John Johnston was a half


39


I


o0


I


L


-


0 1


m


l-  I  9
__~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __                                                                     -


--




40


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


Indian, with a white wife; McGulpin was a white man, with an
Indian wife. All the others, except Greensky, the interpreter, were
whites.
NEW ARRIVALS.
In the fall of 1841 Deacon Joseph Dame and Lewis Miller
arrived. Mrs. Dougherty had previously come to the mission.
The names of Joseph Dame and Lewis Miller became intimately
connected with the history of this region.
Deacon Dame had received the appointment of Indian farmer,
as successor to John Johnston, and came to enter upon the duties
of his office. With him were Mrs. Dame, their eldest son, Eusebius F., and two daughters, Almira and Mary. Another daughter,
Olive M., came the following year.
Lewis Miller was an orphan, left alone to make his way in the
world. His birthplace was Waterloo, Canada West; the date of
his birth, September 11, 1824.  The year 1839 found him in Chicago. From that city, in 1840, he made his w;iy to Mackinac.
Here he became acquainted with the Dames.  A strong friendship
grew up between him and Mr. and Mrs. Dame. When, in 1841,
Deacon Dame received his appointment us Indian farmer, and
commenced preparations for removal to his new field of labor,
Miller, then seventeen years of age, resolved to accompany him,
more for the novelty of the thing than from any definite purpose with
reference to the future. Except the children who came with their
parents, he was the first white settler in the Grand Traverse country
who did not come in consequence of an appointment from the
Presbyterian Board or the Mackinac Indian Agency.
Eusebius and Almira Dame were in their teens; Mary was
younger. During some portion of the time for the next year or
two, the three, with young Miller, were pupils in the mission school.
Except the Catholic mission school at Little Traverse, it was the
first in the Traverse country.
About 1842, the construction of a more commodious dwelling
andl  a mission church was commenced by Mr. Dougherty. The
dwelling, since known as the Mission House, was the first frame
buil-ling erected in the Grand Traverse country.  Tile church had
solid walls, of hewn cedar timbers laid one upon another and kept
in place by the ends being fitted into grooves in upright posts. The
timbers were brought from the east side of the bay, in a huge log
canoe, or dug-out, called the Pc-to-be-go, which was thirty feet
long, and, it is said, was capable of carrying twenty barrels of
flour. At the present writing, forty years after the completion of
these structures, the mission house, enlarged and improved, is occupied as a dwelling by Mr. 1). Rushmore.  The church is owned
by the Methodist Episcopal Society of Old Mission, and is still
used as a house of worship. The little school-house, in which Mr.
Bradley tught Miller andl the yoiung Dames, in connection with
his classes of Indian boys and gir1s, was accidentally burned several
years ago.
During the next ten years, some changes occurred at the
mission. Mr. Br;adley, as teacher, was succeeded by a gentleman
by the name of Whiteside. Not liking the position, Mr. Whiteside soon resigned, and was followed by Mr. Andrew Porter.
Changes were also made, from time to time, among the em.
ployes of tle Indian agency.  Some of them remained in the
country after their connection with the agency had terminated and


turned their attention to farming and other pursuits. Among such
appear the names of John Campbell, Robert Campbell, William
R. Stone, and J. M. Pratt.  Among the earlier settlers not connected with the mission or the agency, were H. K. Coles, John
Swaney, and Martin S. Wait. O. P. Ladd and his brother-in-law,
Orlin Hughson, settled on the peninsula as early as 1850, but remained only two or three years. E. P. Ladd, having come on a


visit to his sister, Mrs. Hughson, in May, 1852, was so well pleased
witl the country that he at once determined to make his home
here. G. A. Craker arrived in April of the same year, and immediately hired out to Mr. Dougherty.
The little group of wigwams and log cabins at the harbor, had
grown to a village of considerable size. The Indians had generdlly
abandoned their early style of wigwams, and were living in houses
built of hewn logs and whitewashed on the outside. Seen from a
distance, the village presented a pretty and inviting appearance; a
close inspection did not always confirm first impressions. According to their original custom, the Indians lived in the village, and
cultivated gardens some distance away.
The gardens, or patches of cultivated ground, were of all
sizes, from one acre to six. The Indians had no legal title to the
soil. By the terms of treaty, the peninsula had been reserved for
their exclusive occupation for a period of five years, and after that
they were to be permitted to remain during the pleasure of tile
government. The period of five years had long since expired.
Their lndled property was held by sufferance, and was liable at
any moment to be taken away. The project of removing them beyond the Mississippi was at one time seriously entertained by tlhe
government, or at least it was so understood. The prospect was
not pleasing to the Indians. A deputation sent to examine their
proposed new home in the West reported unfavorably.  They determined not to be removed, preferring to take refuge in Canada, as
a large part of the Indian population of Emmet County had done
several years before.
At this juncture, the adoption of the revised state constitution
of 1850 made citizens of all civilized persons of Indian descent,
not members of any tribe.  Here was a way out of tile diffi:ullty.
They could purchase land of the government, settle down upon it,
and claim the protection of tie state and the general governmenet
as citizens. The land on the peninsula was not yet in market;
that on the west shore of the bay was. By the advice of Mr.
Dougherty, several families agreed to set apart a certain amount,
out of their next annual payment, for the purchase of land. A list of
names was made, and the chief was authorized to receive the
money from   the agent at Mackinac, which he brought to Mr.
Dougherty for safe keeping.  Having made their selections, on the
west side of the bay, some of their most trusty men were sent to
the land office, at Ionia, the following spring, to make the purchase.
If the general government ever seriously entertained the project of removing the Indians of the Traverse country beyond the
Mississippi, it was abandoned, and several townships, in what are
now the counties of Leelanaw, Charlevoix, and Emmlet, were withdrawn from market and set apart as reservations for their benefit.
Within the limits of these reservations, each head of a family and
each single person of mature age was permitted to select a parcel
of land, to be held for his own use, and eventually to become his
property in fee simple.
As already indicated, the lands on the peninsula were not yet
in market. The Indians held possession of considerable portions,
but could give no legal title to tie soil.  They could, however, sell
their possessory rights, and white men, recognizing the eligibility
of the location for agricultural pursuits, were not backward in becoming purchasers, taking the chances of obtaining a title from the
government at a future time.


The combined effect of the several circumstances narrated
above, was to cause a gradual scattering of the Indians of the
mission settlement. Those who had purchased land on the west
side of the bay, removed to their new homes. Others xemoved to
the lands they had selected in the reserved townships. Seeing that


I




r






L




- - 11 I-~ —   -
JI~             I — e~ 


e I --




<|/~
T


i
I -
- l -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


41


the Indian community at the mission would finally be broken up,
Mr. Dougherty wisely concluded to change the location of the
mission itself. Accordingly, purchase was made of an eligible tract
of land suitable for a farm and manual labor school, on Mission
Point, near the place now called Omena, in Leelanaw County, to
which he removed early in the spring of 1852.
Considering the scattered condition and migratory habits of
the Indians, it was thought that the most effectlve work for their
christianization and civilization could be done by gathering the
youth into one family, where they would be constantly, and for
a term of years, under the direct supervision and influence of
teachers.  And then, a well-managed industrial school, it was
thought, could not fail to exert, in some degree, a beneficial influence on the parents and youth of the vicinity, who did not attend,
by a practical exhibition of the advantages of education and industry. In this respect, the new location of the mission was well
chosen, being in the vicinity of those families who had purchased
land of the government, and who, it might reasonably be expected,
would profit by its example.
Mission Point had been occupied by a band of Indians, called,
from the name of their chief, Shawb-wsh-sul's band, some of whose
gardens were included in the tract purchased by Mr. Dougherty.
There were apple trees growing there, at the time of the purchase,
as large as a man's body. Tradition says that the band had inhabited the western shore of the bay for a long time, and had once been
numerous and powerful.
The manual labor school was opened in the fall following the
removal. Tle number of pupils were limited to fifty-twenty-five
of each sex. Young children were not received, except in one instance, the rule was suspended in favor of two homeless orphans.
When received into the school, the pupils were first washed
and clothed. The common clothing of both sexes consisted of
coarse but decent and serviceable material. The boys were employed
on the farm; the girls in housework and sewing. At five o'clock
in the morning, the bell rang for all to rise. At six, it called all
together for worship. Soon after worship, breakfast was served,
the boys sitting at one table, the girls at another. After breakfast,
all repaired to their daily labor, and worked till lhalf past eight,
when the school bell gave warning to assemble at the school room.
Tile boys worked under the supervision of Mr. Craker. Every boy
had suitable tools assigned him, which he was required to care for
and keep in their proper places. Mr. Craker kept the tools in
order, so that they were always ready for use, and each boy could
go to Illis work promptly. A considerable portion of the mission
farm was cleared, and afterward cultivated, by the labor of the
boys. The girls were divided into classes, or companies, to each of
which was assigned some particular department of domestic labor,
changes being made weekly, so that all could be instructed in every
department.
In the school-room were two teachers-one for the boys and
another for the girls. Miss Isabella Morrison, of New Haven, Conn.,
was for many years the girls' teacher. After her resignation, the
place was filled by Miss Catherine Gibson, till the mission was discontinued. Miss Gibson was from Pennsylvania. In tile boys'
department, the teachers were successively Miss Harriet Cowles,
Miss Beach, Mr. John Porter, and Miss Henrietta Dougherty.
Miss Cowles came from near Batavia, N. Y., Miss Beach from
White Lake, N. Y., and Mr. Porter from Pennsylvania.


Concerning thle mission, it only remains to mention that the
financial embarrassment. of the Board, growing out of the war of
the rebellion, necessitated the discontinuance of the work. The
school was finally broken up, and the mission farm passed into
other hands.


It has already been stated that Lewis Miller came to Old
Mission in company with the Dame family, more for the novelty of
the thing than because of any definite plan for the future. At that
time, the fur trade, having its center at Mackinac, was still profitable. When young Miller had been at the mission about a year, he
entered into an arrangement with Mr. Merrick, a merchant of
Mackinac, to open trade with the Indians on the bay. Mr. Merrick
was to furnish the goods; Miller to conduct the business. A wigwam, rented of an Indian, served for a storehouse at thile mission.
To carry on trade with the Indians successfully and profitably,
involved a great deal of hard labor. Frequent journeys hlad to he
made to Mackinac, and to various points along the shore, at all
seasons of the year. When the lake was open, Indian canoes or
Mackinac boats were used; when it was closed, there was no way
but to travel on snow-shoes, on the ice or along the beaclh.
Tile winter journeys were always attended with hardshlip;
sometimes with danger. Mr. Miller was usually accompanied by a
man in his employ, and not unfrequently by twol-half-breeds or
Indians. When overtaken by night, a camping place was selected
on the shore, where there was plenty of fuel at liand, and wlhere
some thicket would, in a measure, break thle fury of the wintry
wind. With their snow-slioes for shovels, thle travelers cleared
away the snow down to the surface of the ground-not an easy task
when, as was sometimes the case, it was three feet or more ill
deptlh. Tlien evergreen boughs were set up around tile cleared
space, as a further protection from the winld, allnd a thick carpet of
twigs was spread on the ground. A fire was built, the kettle hlulng
above it, and tea made. After supper the tired walnderers, eaell
wrapped in two or three Mackinac blankets, lay downii to rest. On
one of his journeys to Mackinac, in the depth of winter, Mr. Miller
and his companions waded Pine River, where Cllharlevoix is now
situalted, both going and returning.
Stopping over at Little Traverse, when on a boat jollrlley ill
December, Mr. Miller was informed by the Illndiallns tliat a vessel
had gone ashore, near the " Big Stone," oil thle south side of Little
Traverse Bay. It was already dark, but, procuring a boat lanld two
Indians to row, lie lost no time in crossing tile bay to the scene of
the disaster. He found the vessel witlhout difficulty. There was
no one remaining on board, but a liglit could be seen among tlhe
trees, some distance back from the beaclh. Making his way to it,
hlie found gathlered round a camp fire the crew of thle vessel, which
proved to be the Chamlnpion, and eighllteenl passengers. Had lie
dropped froni thle cloudls into their midst, the company would liave
been scarcely more surprised. He was ilmmediately overwhelmed
with questions as to who hlie was, where he came from, allnd especially whilere th(,l/ were. Neitlier captain, crew, nor passengers hlad
any definite notion of the locality they were in. Learning tlheir
exact position, they set about making arrangements to get out of
the wilderness. Tile captain willingly sold to Mr. Miller, at al low
price, such supplies as the latter wished to purchase. Some of
them bought boats of the Indians, and made their way to Mackinac.
A party, led by the captain, crossed Grand Traverse Bay, landing in
the vicinity of Omena, and proceeded south, on foot, along the
shore of Lake Michigan. As far as known, crew and passengers all
eventually reached their homes, but not without undergoing considerable hardship. Fortunately there were no women or children
on board the Champion.
THE FIRST BRIDE.


The first bride who came to the Grand Traverse country on her
wedding tour, was Mrs. Lewis Miller, whose maiden name was
Catherine Kiley. She was a native of Tndon, Eng.,.and, like her
husband, had been left an orphan. Somehow she had found her
way to America, and then to the oulpost of civilization at Mackinac.


0 
r


t




I


I
I
lb

42


THE TRAVERSE REGION


-


During Mr. Miller's frequent visits to that place, an attachment had
grown up between them, which finally resulted in marriage. The
wedding took place in September, 1845.
Immediately after the marriage, they set sail in the little sloop
Lady of the Lake, for their home in the wilderness. Mr. Miller
had chartered the vessel for the occasion, and had loaded her with
goods for the Indian trade, furniture, and supplies for housekeeping.
The Lady was but a bit of a craft, but she was a perfect duck
on the water, and fleet before anything like a favorable wind. The
fates, however, if the fates have anything to do with regulating
wedding trips, decreed a long and tempestuous voyage. It was the
season when the god of the winds, on the northern lakes, delights
to ornament their surface with foam-capped waves, and tantalize
the impatient mariner with variable breezes and the most disappointing kinds of weather.
The first day, they made the island of St. Helena, where they
were compelled to seek the shelter of the harbor. There were a
dozen sail or more there, waiting for a favorable change. Several
times the Lady ventured out, but was as often compelled to put
back. Finally, seizing the most favorable opportunity, she was
able to reach Little Traverse. Here she was compelled to remain
four days. The newly married couple went on shore, and found
comfortable quarters in an Indian house. The woman of the
house had been brought up in a white family at Mackinac, and
being able to understand the wants of her guests, was in a degree
successful in her kind endeavors to make their stay pleasant.
Leaving Little Traverse, the vessel reached the mouth of
Grand Traverse Bay, when she was again driven back. At the
second attempt, she was obliged to heave to, in the mouth of the
bay, the captain remaining all night at the lelm. As Miller came
on deck in the morning, dull, leaden clouds obscured the sky, and
tlie air was filled with snow fltakes. lie proposed to take the captain's place at the hlelmn while the latter should turn in for a little
rest. The captain gladly consented. Once installed in authority,
Miller made sail, and let the captain sleep till the Lady was safely
moored in the harbor at Old Mission.
A young bride, coming for the first time to the home of her
husband, naturally looks with a great deal of interest at the surroundings.  Sometimes there is disappointment.    There was
probably no serious disappointment in this case, but it is a part of
the traditional family history, that as Mrs. Miller came on deck,
that gloomy September morning, and looked anxiously out upon
the scene, beautiful in its gloominess, and saw only the forestskirted shore and the smoke curling upward from the log houses of
the whites and a few Indian wigwams, the first question she asked
her husband was, "Where is the town 2"
Mr. Miller's oldest son, Henry L., was the first white child
born in the Grand Traverse country.
MR. DOUGHERTY AS A PHYSICIAN.
During the period of Mr. Dougherty's residence at Old Mission,
there being no physician in the country he was often applied to for
medicine and advice for the sick. On one occasion, after Mr.
Boardman had established himself at the head of the bay, at the
place where.Traverse City now stands, he was called to prescribe
for Mrs. Duncan, who was keeping the boarding-house at that
place. He found Mrs. Duncan very sick. Two or three days after,
not having heard from   his patient in the interval, he' became
anxious for her safety, and resolved to get some information in


regard to her condition, and to send a further supply of medicine,
or repeat his visit.
There were some men from Boardman's establishment getting
out timber at the harbor on the west side of the peninsula (Bowers'
Harbor) which they were conveying home in a boat. Hoping to


I
I
I
I




I


get the desired information from them, and to send the necessary
medicine by their hand, he walked across the peninsula to their
place of labor. The men had gone home with a cargo. Thinking
he might get to Boardman's in time to return with them on their
next trip, he started for the head of the bay on foot, making his
way as rapidly as possible along the beach. There was no bridge
over Boardman River near the boarding-house, and, on his arrival,
the skiff used for crossing was on the other side. There was no
time to lose. Not to be delayed, he quickly entered the stream,
and waded across, the cold water coming up to his chin. Fortunately, he found his patient much improved; unfortunately, the
boat in which he had hloped to return was already nearly out of
sight, on its way back to the peninsula.
Mr. Dougherty would have been hospitably entertained, could
lie have been persuaded to remain, but he felt that lie must return
home. Not stopping to put on a dry suit that was offered himn, lie
partook of a hasty lunch and set out on his return. Some one set
him across the river in the skiff. As soon as he was out of sight
in the woods, he resolved to (ryv his clothes, without hindering himself in the journey. Taking off his shirt, he hung it on a stick
carried in the hand, spreading it to the sun and air, as lie walked
rapidly along. The day was warml, and tlie sun shone brightly.
When the shirt was partly dry, lie exchanged it for his flalnnel, putting on the shirt, and hanging the flannel on the stick. It was near
sundown when lie reached home, thoroughly fatigued, but happy in
the thought that his patient was getting well. The next day lie
was so sore and stiff as to be scarcely able to move.
Some years later, after tle removal of the mission to the west
side of the bay, Mr. I)ougherty had an adventure tllat may serve to
illustrate the wild character of the country and the shifts to which
the settlers were sometimes reduced.
While seeking supplies for his school, one spring, lie heard(
that a vessel, carrying a. cargo of provisions, lithad been wrecked on
the shore of Lake Michigan, somewhere south of Sleeping Bear
Point, and that consequently there was flour for sale there at a
reasonable price. In those days, the wrecking on the slore of
a vessel with such a cargo, while it was, as now, a misfortune to
the owners and underwriters, was not unfrequently a blessing of no
small magnitude to the inhabitants. The captain of the unfortunate craft was usually willing and even anxious to sell, at a mloderate price, such provisions as couldt be saved froim the wreck, and
the people were only too glad to buy.
Starting early one morning, Mr. Dougherty walked across the
country, to the Indian village of Che-ma-go-bing, near the site of
the present village of Leland. From Che-ma-goo-bing lie followed
the shore round the bay since marked oil tle maps as Good Harbor,
past the place afterward called North Unity, and around the point
separating Good Harbor from  what was tlheii known as Sleelpilng
Bear Bay, but since called Glen Arbor Bay, his point of destination
being the residence of John Lerue, who he knew lived on the
shore somewhere in that region.
The walk was long and fatiguing. When the shades of evening fell upon the landscape, lie had not reached Mr. Lerue's cabin.
At ten o'clock lie came to a small shed on the beacli, where some
cooper had been making barrels for the fishermen on the coast. It
was now too dark to travel, and lie resolved to pass the night there.
The air was chilly, but everything was very dry, and lie feared to
make a fire lest the shed should be burned. One less conscientious


than Mr. Dougherty, and less careful of the rights of others, would
not have hesitated for such a reason, but lie preferred a night of
discomfort to the risk of injuring a fellow being. A backwoodsman of more experience would, no doubt, have found a method to
make everything safe, while enjoying the luxury of a camp fire.




i
I


II.
4L -




I


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


43


I


Looking about for the best means of protection from the cold,
he found two empty barrels, each with a head out. It occurred to
him that these might be converted into a sleeping apartment. It
required some little ingenuity to get into both at once, but after
considerable effort he succeeded. Bringing the second barrel so
near that he could reach the open end, he worked his head and
shoulders into the first, and placing his feet and legs in the second,
drew it up as close to the first as possible. In telling the story
years afterward, Mr. Dougherty declared that he slept, and could
not recollect his dreams, but, as his business was urgent, the luxury
of his bed did not keep him long the next morning.  He was
out early, and soon found Mr. Lerue's house, which was not
far off.
He now learned what would have saved him a toilsome journey, had he known it a day earlier, that the flour had been removed to Northport, which was only a few miles from the mission.
After breakfast, Mr. Lerue guided him acioss the point that separates the bays, and he set out for Northport. Arriving there after
dark, he was disappointed with the information that the flour had
all been sold. After a night's rest, not in barrels on the beach, he
had no alternative but to return home empty-handed.
Mr. Dougherty was a graduate of Princeton theological seminary. He was a person of strong convictions, energetic and persevering in labor, in manner gentle and pleasing. His life work was
well done. Blest with a companion of superior natural and educational endowments, and the sincerity, sweet disposition and
polished manners of the ideal Christian lady, the social atmosphere
of his home produced a healthful moral effect on all who came
within the sphere of its influence. Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty were
fortunate in their children, of whom there were nine-one son and
eight daughters. Two of the daughters died in childhood. The
other children grew up to be an honor to their parents and a blessing to the communities in which their lots were cast. At the
proper age, most of them were sent East, for a few years, for the
sake of the educational advantages that could not be had at home.
The society of the early days of the Grand Traverse country, was
largely indebted to the Doughertys for the refinement that distinguished it from the coarseness too often found in border settlements.
Mrs. Dougherty died May 24, 1876. Mr. Dougherty is living
at the present time, 1883, in Somers, Wis.
Those early days had their romance, as well as their stern
realities of hardship and endurance. The first weddin? in the
Grand Traverse country would, no doubt, form a pleasing episode
in the history we are tracing, were all the incidents of the affair
placed at the disposal of some one capable of weaving them  into
shape with an artistic hand.
AN EARLY WEDDING.
It has been already mentioned that Deacon Dame's oldest
daughter, Olive M., came to Old Mission the next summer following the arrival of the family. She had passed the winter in Wisconsin, where she had been betrothed to Mr. Ansel Salisbury. In
the fall after her arrival, Mr. Salisbury came to Old Mission to claim
his bride.
Mr. Dougherty was anxious that the Indians of his flock should
profit by acquaintance with the institutions of Christian civilization.
The opportunity to show them a form of marriage recognized by
the white man's law and the church, was too important to let slip;


consequently, by the consent of all parties, it was arranged that the
ceremony should take place in public.
At a convenient hour in the morning, the little school-house
was filled with a mixed company of whites and Indians. There
was no newspaper reporter present, to describe the trousseau of the


I




I


I


bride, or the costumes of distinguished guests. We -must draw
upon our imagination for a picture of the same. We see the bride,
in simple attire, as became the occasion and the surroundings.
There are the Indian women, in their bright shawls and elaborately
beaded moccasins, and the Indian men, some of them clothed in a
style only a degree or two removed from the most -primitive undress, all looking gravely on, apparently unmoved, yet keenly observant of all that passes. The whites are dressed in their Sunday
best, which, to tell the truth, is in most cases somewhat rusty,
their hilarity scarcely veiled by the gravity inspired by the solemn
occasion. The hymeneal rite is simple and impressive-the more
impressive from the simple earnestness of its administration. Then
we see the groups of friends on the shore, waving adieus amid
smiles and tears as the newly married couple float away in their
canoe, on the bridal tour.
Mrs. Dame accompanied her daughter as far as Mackinac.
The craft in which the company embarked, was a large birch bark
canoe, navigated by four Indians. They proceeded directly across
the bay to the east shore. There the Indians got out a long line
manufactured from basswood bark, and running along the beach,
towed the canoe rapidly after them.   At   night they had
reached the mouth of Pine River, where they made their camp.
The next morning, the Indians hoisted a large, square sail, and,
running before a fair wind, they reached Mackinac at night. Mrs.
Dame returned in the canoe, with the Indians, to Old Mission. Mr.
and Mrs. Salisbury remained a few days at Mackinac, and then
embarked on a steamboat for their home in Wisconsin.
CHAPTER VII.
FIRST WHEAT RAISED-OLD MISSION IN 1849-FIRST CLEARING-AN
EARLY SCHOOL-EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN TIIE COUNTY —TiiE MONROE SETTLEMENT-SOME OF TIHE EARLY SETTLERS —EARLY MO)VEMENTS AT EAST BAY AND WHITEWATER-BEGINNIN(G OF GENERAL
SETTLEMENT —POPULATION OF DIFFERENT PERIODS-EARLY RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES-THE COUNTY IN 1862.
In 1842 the Indians on the peninsula, at the suggestion of
Deacon Dame, sent to Green Bay and bought a barrel of wheat.
That season the first wheat was sown, and a good crop was liarvested. They had no means of grinding it but boiled it as they did
their corn. From that time wheat was raised every year, and when
enough had accumulated to warrant a trip, they took it to be ground
to the mills a't Green Bay.
In 1847 operations were begun upon the present site of Traverse Cityby Horace Boardman, and in 1851 a permanent industry
was established by the firm of Hannah, Lay & Co., which is traced
out in the history of Traverse City.
In 1849 there were three stores at Old Mission, viz., Lewis
Miller, A. Paul and Cowles & Campbell. Business was conducted
at a great disadvantage. During that winter the mail arrived only
twice. In the fall a man was sent on foot for it, to Mackinac, but
on his arrival at the straits he was compelled to wait till they froze
over before he could get across to the postoffice on the island. Even
at that early day the New York lTribhu, and Oblserrer, were taken by
every family who could read.
The first clearing in tlhe county, aside from those at Old Mission, was made in 1849, about a mile west from Traverse City, on


what used to be known as the "company's garden."
FIRST SCHOOL.
In November, 1851, five young men arrived at Old Mission, in
the schooner Madeline, with the intention of wintering in the vicinity. Three of them were brothers, named Fitzgerald. A fourth


- V. v


l




A,,7


- -  I
I




7


A1


6       Fe,



..'i;


I




44


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


was called Wm. Bryce. The name of the fifth, who was employed
by the others as cook, has been forgotten. The five were all good
sailors, and three of them had been masters of vessels during the
past season, but all were deficient in education. None of them were
even tolerable readers, and one of the number was unable to write
his name. An eager desire to learn was the occasion of their coming. Here in the wilderness they would be removed from the allurements that might distract the attention in a popalous port. It is
probable, also, that diffidence arising from a consciousness of their
own deficiencies made them unwilling to enter a public school
where their limited attainments would be displayed in painful contrast with those of younger pupils.
At Old Mission, the man who had been engaged as teacher
failing to meet the contract, Mr. S. E. Wait, then only nineteen
years of age, was employed, at $20 per month and board. Bryce
and the Fitzgeralds were to pay the bills, the cook receiving his tuition in compensation for his services. The Madeline was brought
round to Bowers' Harbor, and securely anchored for the winter.
The after-hold was converted into a kitchen and dining-room, and
the cabin used for a school room. Regular hours of study were observed, and the men voluntarily submitted to strict school discipline.
Out of school hours, they had a plenty of exercise in cutting wood
and.riuging it on board, to say nothing of the recreation of snow
balling, in which they sometimes engaged with the delight of genuine school-boys. The bay that year did not freeze over till March.
Previous to the freezing, the wood was brought on board in the
yawl; afterward it was conveyed over the ice. Except by way of
Old Mission, to which occasional visits were made, the party was
entirely cut off from communication with the outside world.
Thle progress of Mr. Wait's pupils in their studies was a credit
to themlselves and their youtlful teacher. Their after history is
not lknown, except tlhat four of them were captains of vessels the
following season.I
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
Davi(d R. Curtis, a cousin of (Gen. Curtis, settled near the present site of Yuba postoffice in what is now the town of East Bay,
in 1852.
In 1853 Messrs. Voice & Nelson built a saw-mill at the head
of lEast B]ay, anll the following year sold the property to Green &
tolden wlio added steaml to the water power.
Captain F. Mullerty settled near the present site of Acme postoffice in 1853, and was followed the next year by Isaac Love, W.
H. Fife, (ilbert Ainslie, Orrin B. Paige and A. T. Allen. Among
those who came soon after were the Pulciphers, Joseph Sours,
Enos Peck, Geo. Brown and H. S. Beach, who settled in what are
now East Bay and Whitewater townships.
Among the first farmers who came to this country was Elisha
P. Ladd, of Peninsula. lie arrived at Old Mission, May 19, 1853,
and located between two and three miles southwest of the haalbor.
At that time the little grain raised there was ground at a mill
owned by Andrew Porter, on Little Traverse Bay, near where Petoskey now stands. Going to mill a distance of fifty miles in an open
boat, exposed to sudden storms and tossed about by the fury of the
waves, was no small undertaking. At one time Mr. Ladd embarked on the 3d of December with a grist and, with difficulty, succeeded in reaching his destination, but he was detained at the mill
by severe weather and violent storms until the 1st of January, when
the bay froze over and he was compelled to return home on foot


over the trail leaving his grist behind. It was customary in those
days for the colonists to stand on the verge of the bluff, overlooking
the bay, near the extremity of the peninsula, on what is now the
fruit farm of 0. H. Ellis, gazing eagerly across the watery waste,
in hope to descry a distant Rail that would bring them tidings from






I


friends in the outer world or supplies of food and clothing. This
bluff was called Lookout Point.
On the 4th of October, 1853, the schooner Robert B. Campbell,
which was built by Cowles & Campbell, merchants, at Old Mission,
was completed and launched at that place. She was built entirely
of timber obtained at the head of the bay and sailed between Chicago and Old Mission. This was the first attempt at shipbuilding
in Grand Traverse. The business, which on account of the abundance of timber adapted to that purpose, ought to have been extensively engaged in, does not seem to have prospered since. About
this time the Pishaba Indians, then inhabiting the foot of the peninsula, about eight miles north of Traverse City, built a fore-andaft schooner sixty feet in length, with deck, cabin, etc., called the
Meguzee, which sailed about the bay a few years; but as might have
been expected, she was poorly built and soon became worthless.
The schooner Arrow also, in the winter of 1850-'51, was brought
from Mackinaw to Boardman River and moored in the bend where
the small creek, on which Greilick & Co.'s planing-mill is situated,
empties into that stream, where she was cut in two and lengthened
out from forty-eight to sixty feet. She afterward ran regularly between Mackinaw and Old Mission for three years.
EARLY SETTLEMENT SOUTH OF TRAVERSE CITY,
LYMAN SMITH, thi first settler of the Traverse Region, south of
Traverse City, was born in Vermont in 1813. During is early
life he was engaged in farming, and somewhat also in lumbering.
Came to Michigan in 1836 and settled in Ionia County; moved
thence to Grand Rapids.  Married June 10, 1849, to Louisa F.
Smith, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. Came to Grand
Traverse Region in 1853, and bought lands in Section 30, Town 26;,
Range 11, and Section 25, Town 26, Range 12, where his widow
now resides. They settled on Silver Lake, where also lie bought
land, moving to what is now Green Lake Township about twelve
years later. He was for many years frequently employed in looking
lands and locating settlers. For nine months after they settled on
Silver Lake, Mrs. Smith saw but two whit wwomen — neiglhors they
had none, being the only settlers between Traverse City and Big
Prairie, the next comer being William Monroe, who settled at wlat
is now Monroe Centre in 1859. In 1861 they lost a child three years
of age, who disappeared, and of whom no trace has ever been found;
it was supposed to have been stolen by the Indians, who were constantly about, and frequently visiting the house. Mr. Smith brought
in many cattle for sale, and in this business was twenty-three times
over the trail to Grand Rapids, before the state road was opened
through. Their first coming to Silver Lake, from Traverse City,
was a two days' journey, as they were obliged to cut a road or trail
through a distance, as they were obliged to come, of eight miles.
Mr. Smith died October 9th, 1882, leaving a wife and six children,
all of whom are now living in Grand Traverse County.  The children born to them were as follows: Chas. Lyman, now with his
mother on the homestead; Fidelia C., wife of George Pierce, of
Blair; Emma, died Marclh 24, 1857, at Grand River; Albert, lost
and supposed to have been stolen by the Indians; Edd, of town of
Blair; Ella, at home; George, at Traverse City; Frank, at home..
WILLIAM MONROE, farmer, town of Green Lake, Grand Traverse
County, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1822. Came to
Michigan in 1856, to Kent County, where he made his home about
two and a half years. Came to Grand Traverse County in the fall of
1858, and located his present farm, buying four hundred acres in


Section 31, Town 26, Range 11, and Section 7, Town 25, Range
11. Has since bought other lands in the vicinity. In the spring of
1859 he brought in his family, consisting of a wife and three sons.
They came with their household goods in a sail-boat, from Grand
Haven to Traverse City, and from there by ox team along a trail,




I


I
I


I
- i
Ir

I




L
9


W I~


v I
'"2 —


_ I  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~_  _ _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 


4




a  -


I"


prss


<1r


i'


Ill


I                                                                    -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


45


I


cutting out their road, and taking two and a half days for the
journe y. There was at that time but one settler, Lyman  Smith
(located on Silver Lake) between Traverse City and Big Prairie, in
Newaygo County. The Monroe settlement now presents the appearance of an old settled country, embracing some of the finest farms
in northern Michigan. Mr. Monroe was married in 1842 to Nellie
LaRue, who died in ]868, leaving three sons, Marquis L., Theodore and James H.H all of whom reside in the vicinity of the old
homestead.  In 1877 he married Linda Smith, by whom he has
one daughter.
JAMES MONROE, farmer, of tile town of Blair, Grand Traverse
County, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1847. Came to
Kent County, Mich., with his parents in 1856, and to Grand
~Traverse County in June, 1859. Remained on- the home farm
until about 1872, when he removed to his present location. Has
one hundred and sixty acres in Sections 29, 30 and 31, of the town
of Blair.  A portion of this land was bought of the government
by his father on first coming here. He has held the office of supervisor of the town four years and was re-elected in 1884. Has also
been overseer of the poor, school inspector, and commissioner of
highways.   Was married in the fall of 1874, to DeEtte Monroe, a
native of Steuben County, N. Y.  Their only child died in 1883.
In November, 1882, Mr. Monroe lost his left arm in a hay
press.
In January, 1855, Mr. Hannah, accompanied by two Indian
packers, traveled over the trail to Croton on snow shoes, camping
at night in the woods. Their progress was much impeded by the
light snow which h ad just fallen, so that they were unable to proceed more than ten or twelve miles each day, and seven and a half
days were consumed on the route. They were constantly followed
by wolves which at night came prowling within the light of their
camp fires.  Many of the old residents tell of like excursions during those early days. Mrs. Barnes, wife of Jacob Barnes, then
register of the land office, made this trip at a very early day, on
thle back of an Indian pony, a ride which no white woman in the
Grand Traverse Region had ever before undertaken, with the exception of Elizabeth Hawkins, who came through the wilderness on
horseback to find a home on the peninsula, at a very early day,
bringing her stock of crockery in a basket on her arm.
The following personal sketches are of some of the early
settlers of East Bay and Whitewater, in which are also contained
facts of early history.
W. H. FIFE, farmer, East Bay Township, was born near
Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1823, received his education at Jefferson and
Washington College, in the same state. Was principal of the
Fifth Ward School, in Pittsburgh, several years.   Moved to
Ohio in 1849, and lived in that state till 1854, when he came to
Traverse, now East Bay Township, and located 160 acres of land
on Section 18, Town 28, Range 9, where he now lives.  Has good
buildings and orchard and vineyard. Was supervisor of Whitewater Township the two first years after it was organized, and has
held most of the offices of his township. Was assistant assessor
and deputy collector of internal revenue for the territory north of
Manistee, and reaching to the straits of Mackinac for several
years. Is a breeder of Holstein cattle. When he came to the
Traverse Region there was not even an Indian trail in what is now


East Bay Township. He helped to organize the township. He
was a teacher in the Indian school at Little Traverse three years.
Married in 1852 to Mariette Ainslie, a native of Syracuse, New
York.
GEORGOE BROWN, farmer, of Whitewater, Grand Traverse
County. Was born in the town of Randolph, Cattaraugus County,
N. Y., in 1888. His employment generally has been farming.


I
I




I


Has also been engaged in lumbering. His residence for about nine
years was in Pennsylvania. In 1854 he married Mary Langworthy,
daughter of William Longworthy, and the next year came with his
father-in-law, Philander Odell, and a young man named Leavitt,
to the Grand Traverse Region, and settled on his present farm in
Section 34, Town 28, Range 9, pre-empting his land.  This year
witnessed the first permanent settlement of what is now., the town
of Wh itewater.  There were no roads in the town or vicinity, and
supplies were brought by boat from Elk Rapids to the point nearest
the settlement, and thence packed in, being in winter, packed
the whole distance from Elk Rapids. The principal food was
corn, potatoes and fish.  Often in winter it was only potatoes
and salt. The corn w-as at first ground   in a coffee-mill, unitil
Mr. Brown obtained a more convenient hand-mill, with two
cranks, and of larger capacity. There was very little game,   but
wolves and bears were plenty. Tile second summer Mr. Brown
captured seven of the former and eight of tile latter. He h as a
fine farm of one hundred acres, eighty in Section 34, and twenty
in 33. He has eight children.
ISAAC LOVE, farmer, East Bay Township, was born inl England
in 1829. Came to New York in 1852; remained tliere t few
months; engaged as a foreman on the New York & Erie R~ailroad;
then went to Ohio, and was a contractor on the construction of a
railroad, near Cleveland. From there h e went to Canada, where
he had a job on th e Great Western Railroad.  Then went to tlie
Upper Peninsula in Michigan, and had charge of work on tile Sault
St. Mary Canal; thence to Marquette and had a gang of men
building docks, and in 1854 bought his farm of 127 acres on Section 8, Town 28, Range 9, in East Bay, that he has since lived
on. Has been highway commissioner one term. Married in 1861
to Mrs. McLaughlin, a n  ative of England.   They have two
daughters and two sons.
EDWIN PULCIPHER, farmer, East Bay Township, was borl   in
Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1806. Moved to Dodge County, Wis.,
in 1852, and to Traverse, now East Bay Township, in 1855, and
settled on Section 24,'Township 28, Range 10, where he now lives.
Owns 320 acres of land, has good buildings and an orchard of tenll
acres. Raises on an average 2,000 bushels of apples each year,
which are sent to the Cincinnati market. Married in 1832 to
Matilda Watts, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. They have
two sons.
HARRISON PULCIPHER, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in
Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1840. Went with his parents to Dodge
County, Wis., in 1852, and camle to Traverse, now East Bay Township in 1855. Since he became of age has managed his father's
farm. Married in 1874 to Addie M. Smith, a native of Emmet
County, Mich. They have two daughters.
JOHN PULCIPHER, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in
Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1838. Went to Dodge County, Wis.,
with his parents in 1852, and came to Traverse, now East Bay
Township, in 1855. Remained on his father's farm till 1874, when
he bought the farm he now lives on, which is on Section 26, Township 28, Range 10. He owns 240 acres of good land, built a fine
house in the fall of 1883, has one hundred acres improved, has a
good orchard of one hundred trees, each, of apple, peach and plum.
Has been supervisor sixteen years, and treasurer six years. Married in 1870 to Mary Hover, a native of Ohio. They have two
sons.


H. S. BEACH, farmer, Whitewater, Grand Traverse County,
was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1833. Was brought up.
to farming, which has been his pripcipal occupation. Came to
Michigan in 1856 and settled in what is now the town of East Bay.
The year following the township of Whitewater was set off from


I
I
i
I
I


-lAj 


I —a


*!;A


_  __                                                             _                                                   __                                              __


(96




v..- 
I


i
I
I


I~ --- —-           ---    - -       -----                          --


46


THE TRAVERSE REGION


Traverse Township, he being one of the organizers of the new town.
In 1869 lie moved to his present location in Section 36, Town 28,
Range 9, where he has 160 acres. He was highway commissioner
of Whitewater several terms, and treasurer of East Bay after that
town was set off. He enlisted August 27, 1864, in the Tenth
Michigan Cavalry, serving in the Army of the Cumberland. Contracted disease from which he still suffers, and is in receipt of a
pension. In 1869 he rnzrried Mrs. Harriet Merrill, who was the
mother of two children.
JOSEPH Sou:s, farmner, Whitewater, G-rand Traverse County, was
born July 4, 1820, in Rush, Monroe County, N. Y. At. the age of
twenty-one lie learned the cooper's trrade, at whic he worked for
many years. fie first came to Michigan iin 1843, settling in the
south part, of the state. Came to the Grand Traverse Region in
Allgust, 1855, being one of the first settlers of the town of Whitewater. Tlhe only settler ill town was Isaac Fundy, on Section 15,
Townshllp 28, Range 9. He is dead and his family moved away.
Mr. Sours located on Section 4, whilere he has one of the best farms and
fihlest residences in tile county. He was married in 1848 to Mary
V. Lowell, a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y.  They have five
children. Lowell, the eldest, whose farm adjoins his fattlier's, was
born in Battle (Creek, Mich., in 1852. He was' married in the fall
of 1S80 to EmllFat; Sherman. Residence on Section 4, where lie has
a farm of 1.() acres.
J.M.i. NI:M UrLL, farmer, Whitewater Township,, waas born in
Stanistead Plains, Lower Canada, in 1838. Moved Awith his parents to Monroe County, Mich., in    1839.  le'aineId in thlat
county tii 1858, when he canme to Whitewater and bouiht a farm,
where lie lived till 1862, then moved to East Bay. Enlisted in 186c;
in tie Tentlh Michigan Cavary and served in the Army of thle
Cumneianclhid  till tire close of the war. On his return home from
tlie war conti '  inued farmingL till 1hen built the only hotel in
Acme, which he ias kept mnost of tlhe time since. Sold the hotel
in the spring of 1884 and moved to his farm in Whitew-ter. Married in March, 1862, to Elizabeth P. Beach, who was born in Middlebury, Wyoming County, N. Y., in 1835. ' They have one son,
John F., who is telegraph operator at Mad River Station, Clark
Countv, Ohio.
JOHN I:,LACK, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in Scotiand in 1827 and came to Canada with hnis parents in 18f35, and
moveid to '\Visco nsin in 1850. Remained there a: few montsli, then
canme to Manistee, Mich., and was engaged in lurbering till tlie
spring of 1851, when lie came to Traverse City and was in tihe same
business till 1858, when he bought 160 acres of land on Section 30,
Township 27, Range 10, where he has carried on farmiin. and has
also been lumbering. Married in 1853 to Harriet A. Scofield, a
native of New York, who died in 1862. They had three sons and
one daughter. Second marriage in 1865 to Helen McFahliand, of
Canada. Thty have one child.
A. K. FAtIRANKS, farmer, of Whitewater, Grand Traverse
County. was boru in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1826.  Remained
there, engaged in farming, until 1861:;. He was first married to
Mary Thompson, who died in 1855, leaving one daughter, now
Mrs. William Hogle, of Whitewater. In 1859 lie married Emeline
Eastman, a native of New York, by whom he has one son, Andrew,


who resides near his father. In 1861 Mr. Fairbanks came to his
pres-ent home and bought of government the northeast quarter of
Section 2, Township 27, Range 9, of hich lihe retains eighty acres,
owning other lands in thoe vicinity. As illustrating the lack of mail
facilities, and of communication with the outer world, Mr. Fairbanks relates that on the arrival at Elk Rapids, to which place they
came by small boat from Northport in May, 1861, they were met
by the whole population of Elk Rapids, with eager inquiries of the


I
i
I
i
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I




war, and whether there had been any fighting, no news having
been received of the firing on Fort Sumter. Such evidence of
isolation from the world was not encouraging to the new comers.
Mr. Fairbanks was engaged in trapping for about two years, and
thus acquired a thorough acquaintance with the country. On his
arrival there was but one settler, William Copeland, in what is now
Kalkaska County. Mr. Fairbank's acquaintance with the country
made him authority among new comers who had frequently been
attracted to this vicinity by his representations, and he aided in the
selection of lands and the locating of a large number of families, doing
more, probably, than any other person to secure thle settlement of
this section.
JOSIAH CURTIS, farmer, Whitewater, Grand Traverse County,
was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., Nov. 22, 18411. Came
wit  his parents to Grand Traverse Region, to Old Mission, ill
1858. At the age of seventeen lie commenced working for Dexter
& Noble, continuing in their employ until about 1873, when lie
moved on his present farm  which lie purchased about 186;9. He
was married in 1873 to Josephine O'Brien. They have two sons
and one daughter.
In the spring of 1859 the lands lying in townships 28, 29 and
80, heretofore held to be an Indian reserve, were declared to be a
part of the public domain, and subject to pre-enimption and settlement the same as other government lands. This was brought
about by the united action of settlers and others interested, who
petitioned the Secretary of the Interior on tlhe subject, and by aid
of the exertions of Hon. Perry Hannah, and of Hon. Charles E.
Stuart at Washington. It was a very important measure and its
consummation was the dawn of brighter times for Grand Traverse
County. From this time on the county settled more rapidly, as the
statistics of population at different times show.
The population of Grand Traverse County at dlifferent periods
Ihas been as follows:  1880, 8,422; 1874, 5,319; 1870, 4,113; 1864,
2,026; 1860, 1,286; 1854, 900.
The population, according to the census of 1880, was distributed among tile towns as follows: Blair, 5413; East Bay, 654;
Fife Lake, 974: Grant, 522; Long Lake, 4551; Mayfield, 419; Paradise, 555; Peninsula, 849; Traverse, 2,679; Whitewater, 7-40).
EARLY RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES.
The first religious services, except thlose at thle mission stations,
were conducted by Rev. H. C. Scofield, a young Baptist minister,
who was at that time stopping at East Bay. Ile officiated at fu
nerals a few times in the winter of 1853, and p1rea;ched a few times
during the following summer.
After that, says Dr. Leach, there was no stated religious service at any point in this region till June, 1857, except at the several
Indian mission stations..
".Ah letter, written by somie person in tlie vicinity of Old Mission
to a friend in northern New York, saying that there was no clergyman in northern Michigan and asking where one could be obtained,
attracted the attention of Rev. D. R. Latham, a young local preaclier
recently licensed by the M. E. Church. Mr. Latham liad just determined to go to Kansas.  Thinking that now was perhaps the
last opportunity lie might have of seeing tlie great:lakes, be resolved
to go by the lake route, and visit on his way thle destitute communities referred to in the letter. Finding encouragement at Old Mission, lie resolved to remain there, and accordingly sent for Mrs.


Latham, who joined her husband early in October.
"Mr. Latham began to preach regularly at Old Mission on the
21st of June, 1857. The services were held in the mission church,
which had been occupied by Mr. Dougherty previous to his removal
to the west side of the bay. The first class-meeting was held on
the 19th of July, and the first class was organized on the following


i
I
I. I


I


ID. k9
fir

F6


IV
-A —         ~ -       -— ~- ---— " —   --   --- -- -  - 


Ml
-— w




(                   - - -                                                       -            -                    I                                      =        r X - - I


RES. or F. EJACKSON, FRANKFORT, BENZIE Co. MICH.


Iw
v>d; 


). I 
it


I
I


=_




I.,,


RES. OF A.G. BUTLER,FRANKFORT, BENZIE CO. MICH.


- --- --
- ---- -  -- -- -- — - -- -- I








(I!m


I


__A -0


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


47


I


Sunday,, This first church organization for white people on Grand
Traverse Bay consisted of the following persons: Roxana Pratt,
Eliza Merrill, Mary A. Wait, Jane Chandler, Myron Chandler, Peter Stewart and Joanna Stewart. The next Sunday two others were
added-Charles Avery and Catherine McCluskey. Tle same day on
which the class was formed, a Sunday-school was organized, of
which Jerome M. Pratt was superintendent. The teachers were
Miss Louisa Colburn (who was afterward Mrs. S. E. Wait) and Mr.
Latham.
"The congregation sometimes presented the scene of a curious
mixture of races and classes of people, and of an assortment of costumes that to one having a keen sense of the ludicrous might have
been sufficient to banish all thoughts of devotion. The United
States revenue cutter Michigan sometimes anchored in the harbor and remained over Sunday, when some of the sailors and marines would attend service in the church. Old Mission still had a
considerable Indian population. One Indian used to attend, wearing a large silver ornament suspended from the cartilage of the nose.
Another, Asa-bun, who was credited with having been seen eating
a human heart torn from one of the victims who fell in the unfortunate attempt of the Americans to recapture Mackinac, in the war
of 1812, was sometimes present. Another, the chief Aish-quagwon-a-ba, who was supposed to have a number of white scalps
safely hidden away in a certain old trunk, used to come, in warm
weather, clad in only a shirt and breech-cloth, and sit through the
service as stiff and sober as an old time deacon.
"In the course of the summer Rev. W. H. Brockway, on some
sort of an expedition, found his way from the southern part of the
state up through the woods to Old Mission, and falling in with Mr.
Latham persuaded him to join the Michigan conference. As there
was no quarterly conference at Old Mission to give the necessary
recommendation, Mr. Brockway took his church letter to some
Indian mission farther sbuth, probably the one in Isabella County,
where he was formally recommended to the annual conference. As
he had not been examined, however, he could not be admitted. The
next year, 1858, he attended in person, and passing the preliminary
examination, was received into the conference on trial.
"At the annual conference of 1857 two circuits were formed on
Grand Traverse Bay- Old Mission and Elk Rapids, and Northport
and Traverse City. Mr. Latham was to supply the former, and
Rev. L. J. Griffin was appointed to the latter. On learning the relative situation of Northport and Traverse City —forty miles apart —
Mr. Griffin wrote Mr. Latham, asking him to take Traverse City off
his hands, which lie consented to do. Mr. Griffin labored at Northport and Carp River, forming classes at those places, and Mr. Latham
at Old Mission, Traverse City, and Elk Rapids.
"The first quarterly meeting of the circuit of which Mr. Latham
was now the regularly appointed pastor was held at Old Mission,
the presiding elder, Rev. H. Penfield, being present.  J. M. Pratt
had been appointed class leader, and was the only official member
on the circuit; the quarterly conference therefore consisted of only
three-the presiding elder, the pastor, and the class leader. It is
said that in making out the official list Mr. Latham made the nominations, Mr. Pratt did the voting, and the presiding elder declared
the result.
"On the evening of the 14th of March, 1858, Mr. Latham
preached at Traverse City as usual, going home with Mr. Hannah,
at the close of the service, for refreshments. After partaking of a


lunch, he started for Old Mission. As a considerable distance could
be saved by going diagonally across the bay on the ice to Bowers'
Harbor,,e determined to take that route. Mr. Hannah walked
with him to the beach, and at parting cautioned him to keep away
from the shore, as the ice near it was becoming rotten and danger

ous. When about two miles on his way a dense fog came on, hiding the shore from view. Some Indians were having a dance near
the mouth of the river, in Traverse City, and the sound of their
drum could be distinctly heard. Taking it for a guide, he went
forward, walking in the direction opposite the sound. In due time
he reached the island. Finding himself near the shore, he recollected Mr. Hannah's caution and kept away, hoping that by taking
a circuitous route through the harbor he could strike the shore at
Mr. Bowers' house. In making the attempt he became completely
bewildered, and, to make matters worse, the density of the fog
increased till all objects were hidden from view. He knew that
there were several dangercus fissures in the ice in that part of the
bay, and that farther down, in the vicinity of New Mission, there
was open water. It is not a cause of wonder that his anxiety to
get on shore rapidly increased. After traveling a long time he
heard what he took to be the barking of a dog, and turned his steps
in the direction of the sound. As lie came nearer the place whence
the sound proceeded, the barking of the dog gradually changed to
the hooting of an owl. But even the hooting of an owl had a
cheering influence. He knew that the owl must be on land, and,
anxious to get on shore anywhere, lie took him for a guide, and
pressed forward. It now began to rain, but there was this reliefas the rain began to fall, the fog began to clear away. In a little
while he could discern the faint outline of the shore. Fatigued
with his toilsome walk, he stopped to rest a moment and survey
the situation, when, glancing over his shoulder, he discovered a
light in the distance, Thanking God le moved with new courage
toward the light.  But now a new danger presented itself. Suddenly, while still a quarter of a mile from the shore he came into
water two feet deep, on the surface of the ice. Shouting loudly
for help, he was cheered by answering shouts and the firing of guns
from an Indian camp on the shore, some distance from the light,
while the faithful owl, as if cognizant of the situation and desirous
of rendering assistance, kept up his hooting. With the Indians,
the owl, and the light for guides, and with the dim and shadowy
outline of the shore in view, hie moved slowly and cautiously forward, carefully feeling his way, till he found himself on solid ground,
and was received within the hospitable walls of a human habitation."
In 1866 a church was built at Yuba postoffice, in East Bay,
through the efforts of Rev. Leroy Warren, a Congregational minister, who was engaged in missionary work in this field. Religious
services, however, were held for several years prior to that time.
The construction of this church was mentioned in the EJf!ayl,,
then published at Elk Rapids, in September, 1866, as follows:
" A neat little church is in process of erection in Whitewater
Township, near the mouth of the Whitewater Creek and five miles
south of Elk Rapids. The buildiLag is after designs furnished by S.
M. Stone, Architect, of New Haven, Conn. The frame is up and
nearly enclosed. Mr. Frank Hopper, of Whitewater, has charge of
the carpenter work, glazing, &c., and will push it along to a speedy
completion. The church will be the property of the ' Whitewater
Congregational Society,' but will, we understand, be freely opened
for religious worship to Christians of every denomination. In
particular the use of the house is guaranteed to the Methodist and
Baptist brethren, who have aided in its construction, for preaching


by ministers of their own faith and order.
"i We understand that the society still needs about a hundred
dollars on its subscription list in order that the house may be completed without debt. We cordially commend them to any one who
may be able to help them in their praiseworthy enterprise.
" With the exception of one or two churches at Indian Mission,
this is the first house of worship erected in the Grand Traverse




-


i


"l


a
r


I

40


_I


"WON ---


9




6


A
IP) I L

48


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


Region; and it is well worth while to lend a helping hand to this
pioneer undertaking."
Rev. S. Steele, writing of his early experiences as pastor and
presiding elder in this region, says: "The district work then, in
1859, extended from Pine River on the north, to White River on
the south, through an almost unbroken wilderness. The work was
partially organized, but much remained to be done to give it effectiveness and success. Southward we had societies at Manistee,
Pentwater, White River and Pentwater Indian Mission. On the
bay, at places above indicated, and also at Pine River Indian mission. The Rev. D. R. Latham was continued at Elk Rapids-the
Rev. N. M. Steele was at Northport; and the Rev. Isaac Greensky
at the Pine River Indian mission. The writer was expected to
supply Traverse City and Old Mission in addition to the district
work, extending over an area of about 150 miles of lake coast.
The performance of these duties looked defiant in view of the
difficulties to be encountered in making these tri-yearly visitations,
through miles of uninhabited forest and lake coast.
"tHaving comfortably installed my family at Traverse City, in
Slabtown,' in  a ' shanty,' that the kindness of Hon. Perry
Hannah had provided, and which Mrs. Hannah was pleased to
designate as ' Palace Shanty,' in view of its superior excellence, I.began preparations for my fjist outward journey. It was my purpose to go on foot, but to this the Hon. Jacob Barnes entered his
most emphatic protest, and insisted upon my riding his favorite
pony, 'Puss.' Provided with rations for myself and pony, we
left Traverse City by 'trail.' Nothing occurred to.dispute our progress until the beach was reached at 'Herring Creek.'  Between
this place and Manistee the ' flood-wood' frequently extended so
far into the water as to endanger both man and beast in their
eft(lrts to pass it. In one of these passages a giant wave completcly immersed both horse and rider; 'Puss' was equal to the
emllergecy and swaml aslore, leaving the rider minus the crown of
his hat, which had become entangled in the top of a fallen tree far
out in the wa:ter. Having accomplished the object of my visit,
preached to the people, and encouraged the preachers to hold on,
amlid;t privations and sufferings, and replenished my own purse
with two dollars, I set my face homeward to encounter new and
more severe difficulties.
"It was early ill December. The sea upon the beach rendered
many places impassable that were easily passed upon my outward
journey. The only remedy was to find some point where the high
banl's could be scaled, and make our way over the fallen timber
upon their summit. In one instance, we came to a descent nearly
perpendicular.  'Puss' stood upon its brink and looked down its
almost fathcmless depth below, and with a convulsive twinge
looked at me imploringly as if to say: ' I never can go there,' but
there was no other way. I coaxed, I offered to go ahead, but
' Puss' refused to follow. I reached the top of a small tree that
grew upon the hillside, and bringing the long halter strap around
the tree, pulled and pushed at 'Puss' until she was failly over the
brink, and once over there was no return; then letting go the halter,
down she went, rolling and tumbling at a fearful rate to the bottom.
It was a terrible necessity which I cannot now recall without a
shudder, but performed without injury.
"Again upon the beach we soon came to'Herring Creek.'
The pent-up water upon my outward passage had now forced its


channel open to the lake. It was rushing madly on, as if in






resentment for its long Imprisonment. It was some time after dark,
and I could but dimly see; perhaps it was well that I could not.
Riding to the edge I told ' Puss' to 'go in;' she did not wait to
be pushed, but in she went, and immediately was splashing and
floundering in the rapid current.
" She made several unsuccessful efforts to land upon the opposite
side, but the steepness of the banks and the quicksand nullified
her efforts. I slid from her back as gracefully as I could into the
foaming stream. The current carried me down into the lake until
I thought that I could reach bottom, but an uncertain bottom it
was indeed. Every effort to stand submerged me completely in its
treacherous depths of quicksand. I reached the shore, but 11Gw I
can not tell, to find  Puss' anxiously waiting tie result of my
efforts to escape from the perfidious stream. Two miles more, and
a comfortable fire and a change of clothing kindly furnished by
mine host,' materially added to the comfort of my situation."
IN 1862.
We find the following allusion 't the county in February
1862: "There are three organized towns in the county, viz.:
Traverse, Peninsula and Whitewater. Traverse contains a popuilation of 500; Peninsula, 441; Whitewater, 266, making a total of
1,207. The township of Traverse embraces all that part of the
county lying south of the bay, being twelve six mile square townships. The county is sparsely settled for twelve or fourteen miles
south of Traverse City and for four or five miles east. In the
neighborhood of Silver Lake, six miles south of the bay, there is
quite a settlement of farmers, and the land in that immediate
vicinity is nearly all taken up, but still farther south and on the line
of both of the state roads, choice farming lands are open to actual
settlers for fifty cents an acre. The timber is princilally ]hard
maple and beech, and the soil is a rich sandy loam. In every
direction the county is well watered with small clear lakes and
running brooks and streams.
" The township of Peninsula comprises the entire peninsula,
which stretches out like a tongue from the head of the bay, and
forms what are called the east and west arms of Grand Traverse
Bay. It is sixteen miles long and from one to three miles wide.
The country is rolling and the soil and timber similar to those in
other parts of the county. These lands were not brought into
market until 1859, and, as a consequence its settlement and
improvement have been greatly retarded. There is a small village
at the old Indian mission, near the outer point of the peninsula,
the postoffice name of which is Grand Traverse, but it is more
generally known as Old Mission. There is an excellent harbor
there.  The Mapleton postoffice is on the main traveled road,
about half way between Traverse City and the Old Mission."
The town of Whitewater was organized in 1859. It lies east
and north of Traverse City on the main shore of East Bay. It is
fully equal in soil and timber to any part of the county, and possesses the additional advantages of a bay coast in front and Elk
Lake in the rear. These lands, like those of the peninsula, were
kept out of market until 1859, and the early settlers have been
subject to all the vexations and annoyances incident to such a state
of uncertainty. But they struggled nobly and manfully and will
soon reap the reward of their energy and perseverance. It is settled almost exclusively by farmers of the right stripe, who are just
the men wanted in a new country.


-W.


I I
D


I




84 


InIF 


-




I


I~ ---


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


49


-


CHAPTER VIII.
COUNTY OF OMEENA LAID OFF-GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY ORGANIZEDORGANIZATION COMPLETED-COUNTY OFFICERS-ACTS OF SUPERVISORS-COUNTY BUILDINGS-GOING TO MACKINAC TO VOTEFIRST TERM OF COURT-BENCH AND BAR-ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS
-AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-RAILROAD-SCIIOOL MATTERS.
In 1840 that part of the state embraced in Towns 25, 26 and
27 north, of Ranges 9, 10, 11 and 12 west, and Town 28 of Ranges
9 and 10 west, and including all the peninsula at the head of Grand
Traverse Bay, was laid off as a separate county, and designated as
the county of Omeena.
Grand Traverse County was organized by act of legislature,
approved April 7, 1851. The act reads as follows: " The people
of the state of Michigan enact, That all that portion of territory
ill tile county of Oineena, included in the boundaries hereinafter
described, be, and is hereby set off and organized into a separate
county, by the name of Grand Traverse, to-wit: Beginning at a
point on the east side of the east arm of Grand Travelse Bay,
where the township line between Townships 27 and 28 north strikes
said bay; thence running east to the range line between Ranges 8
and 9; thence south to the township line between Townships 24
and 25 north; thence west to the range line between Ranges 12
and 13 west; thence north to the township line between Township
27 and 28 north; thence east to the west arm of Grand Traverse
Bay; thence following tie shore of said.bay to the place of beginilng; and the seat of said county shall be at Boardman's Mills,
onl the east fraction of Section No. 3, in Township 27 north, of
llange 11 west, until otherwise provided.
"There shall be elected in the said county of Grand Traverse
on tle first Monday in August, 1851, the several county officers
provided by laws for the 'other organized counties of this State,
whlo shall hold their offices until the general election to be held
in tile year 1852, and until their successors are elected and
qualified.
"The election to be held in pursuance of the preceding section, shall, in all respects, be conducted and held in the manner
prescribed by law for holding elections for county and state
officers."
Tile foregoing act contained no provision for organizing a
township, and choosing inspectors of election, and it was impossible
to organize the county, it remained therefore without a legal governinent until 1853.  In the winter of 1853 an act to complete the
organization of Grand Traverse County was passed by the legislature, whicll extended the boundary so as to make it coincident
with the original unorganized county of Omeena. The act reads as
follows:
" That all that part of the county of Omeena which remained
after the organization of the county of Grand Traverse, is hereby
annexed to the county of Grand Traverse, and shall forever be and
remain a part and parcel of said county.
" There shall be elected in the county of Grand Traverse, on
the first Tuesday of May next, all the several officers to which, by
law, the county is entitled, and said election shall, in all respects, be conducted and held in the manner prescribed by
law for holding elections for county and state officers.  The
canvass of said election shall be held at the county seat of said


county, the Monday next following the election, and the officers so
elected shall be qualified and enter upon the duties of their offices
immediately, and shall continue in office until their terms of office
would have expired had they been elected at the last general election; but this section shall not be so construed as to deprive any


officer duly elected, and qualified to his office, or to authorize the
election of any one to fill his place.
" All that part of the peninsula, in Grand Traverse Bay, which
lies north of the line between Towns 27 and 28 north, shall be organized into a separate township, by the name of Peninsula, and
the first township meeting shall be held at the Old Mission.
"All that part of the county of Grand Traverse, not included in
the township of Peninsula, shall be erected into a separate township by the name of Traverse, and the first township meeting shll
be held at the county seat.
"The counties of Antrim, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Wexford, MaInistee and Leelanaw, are hereby attached to Grand Traverse for
judicial and municipal purposes.
"The county of Antrim shall be and relmain the township of
Omeena, and the name of the said township is hereby changed to
Antrim, and the next township meeting therein shall be held at the
house of Abraham S. Wadsworth.
" The county of Leelanaw is hereby erected into a township
by the name of Leelanaw, and the first township meeting therein
shall be held at the house of Peter Dougherty.
"The counties of Kalkaska and Missaukee are hereby attac aed
to Antrim for township purposes, and the county of Wexford to
Traverse for township purposes."
The first county election was held at tile house of H1orace
Boardman, on tie 4th of August, 1851. Twenty-eight votes were
polled and the following officers elected: Sheriff, William H. Ca'se;
clerk and register, L. O. Schofield! judge of probate, George N.
Smith; county judge, Joseph Dame; treasurer, Horace Boardmlan;
prosecuting attorney, Orlin P. Hughson.
A special election was again held May 9, 1853, at which
seventy-one votes were cast, and the following county officers
elected: Judge of probate, George N. Smith; sheriff, Norman B.
Cowles; clerk and register, Thomas Cutler; treasurer, Hosmer I1.
Cowles; prosecuting attorney, Robert McLelland; surveyor, Abram
S. Wadsworth.
The first regular election was held Nov. 7, 1854. Albert Tracy
was elected representative.  The county officers elected, at that
time and at the several elections since, have been as follows:
COUNTY OFFICERS.
1854: Judge of probate, Nicholas Bower; prosecuting attorney, Solomon Case; sheriff, Henry L. Brown; clerk and register,
Thomas- Cutter; treasurer, W. M. McKillip. Highest nulmber of
votes, 299.
1850: Judge of probjte, Theophilas Woodruff; sheriff, W. R.
Stone; clerk and register, Thleron Bostwick; treasurer, A. W.
Langworthy; prosecuting attorney, David C. Goodale. Higllest
number of votes, 393.
1858: Judge of probate, Curtis Fowler; sheriff, Henry 11.
Noble; clerk and register, Theron Bostwick; treasurer, David C.
Goodale; prosecuting attorney, Charles H. Holden. Highest tinumber of votes cast, 454.
1860: Judge of probate, Curtis Fowler; sheriff, W. E. Sykes;
treasurer, Morgan Bates; clerk and register, Tlleroll 1ostwick;
prosecuting attorney, C. H. Holden. In May, 18(2, Mr. Sykes
resigned the office of sheriff and E. F. Dame was appointed to fill
the vacancy. Highest number of votes, 607.
1862: Judge of probate, Curtis Fowler; sheriff, E. F. Dame;


treasurer, Morgan Bates; clerk and register, James P. Brand;
prosecuting attorney, C. H. Marsh.
1864: Judge of probate, Curtis Fowler; sheriff, A. P. Wheelock; clerk and register, Jesse Cram; treasurer, Morgan Bates;
prosecuting attorney, C. H. Marsh. For some time there was a




I


1)




F1 —~


1




I


4 - 9


I


-  --  — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'0




~ 4 4L- ib.


ml


Wmm -


1


J1




c


I


-- J.1 ~


50


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


--






-


vacancy in the office of sheriff, which was filled in February by the
appointment of Horace Persons.
1866: Judge of probate, Curtis Fowler; sheriff, Charles W.
Day; clerk and register, Jesse Cram; treasurer, Morgan Bates;
lprosecuting attorney, E. C. Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle was succeeded by
E. S. Pratt.
1868: Judge of probate; Curtis Fowler; sheriff, W. W. Bartlett;
clerk and register, Jesse Cram; treasurer, H. E. Steward; prosecuting attorney, Frederick Brown.
1870: Judge of probate, Curtis Fowler; sheriff, Birney J.
Morgan; clerk and register, Jesse Cram; treasurer, Henry E.
Steward; prosecuting attorney, Edwin S. Pratt.
1872: Judge of probate, Charles T. Scofield; sheriff, Birney
J. Morgan; clerk and register, Jesse Cram; treasurer, Henry E.
Steward; prosecuting attorney, Lovell H. Gage.
1874: Sheriff, Samuel K. Northam; clerk and register, J. B.
Haviland; treasurer, John T. Beadle; prosecuting attorney, L. H.
Gage.
1876: Judge of probate, Charles T. Scofield; clerk and register, Joseph B. Haviland; treasurer, John T. Beadle; sheriff
Birney J.' Morgan; prosecuting attorney, L. H. Gage.
1878: Sheriff, Birney J. Morgan; clerk and register, Joseph
B. lHaviland; treasurer, John T. Beadle; prosecuting attorney,
Seth C. Moffat. Highest number of votes, 1,288.
1880. Judge of probate, Henry D. Campbell; sheriff, John
Veily; clerk and register, Joseph B. Haviland; treasurer, Malcolm
Winnie; prosecuting attorney, Lorin Roberts. Highest number of
votes, 1,818.
1882: Sheriff, John J. Dunn; clerk and register, Oscar P.
Carver; treasurer, Malcolm Winnie; prosecuting attorney, Lorin,
P. Roberts; surveyor, Geo. E. Steele.
ACTS OF SUPERVISORS.
The first meeting of the board of supervisors was held
Wednesday, July 27, 1853. It was a special meeting and was held
at the store of Cowles & Campbell, in the town of Peninsula, by
request of Robert Campbell, of Peninsula, John S. Barker, Antrim
and S. G. Rice, Leelanaw. At this meeting, the following supervisors were present: Robert Campbell, Peninsula; John S. Barker, Antrim: William McKillip, Traverse. On motion of John S.
Barker, William  McKillip was made chairman of the board, and
in the absence of the clerk, Robert Campbell was elected clerk
pri ten. At this point in the proceedings the board appears to
have become exhausted, and immediately adjourned to meet at the
store of Hannah, Lay & Co., in Traverse City, on the following
day. At the next meeting the number of members was reinforced
by the presence of Samuel G. Rice, of Leelanaw, but still the board
did not feel equal to the transaction of business, and adjourned to
the following day. The third attempt was more successful, and a
resounding resolution was adopted to the effect that there being a
vacancy in the office of circuit court commissioner, the governor
of the state would promote the general welfare by appointing
Robert McClelland to said office. A petition requesting the board to
legislate against the practice of throwing saw dust in the bay, was
promptly tabled. Orlin P. Hughson having escaped from     the
custody of the sheriff while under arrest, a reward for his apprehension was authorized by the board.


A proposition was received from Hannah, Lay & Co., offering to
donate ground to the county for the use of county buildings, which
was accepted and placed on file. Another proposition from the
same firm to advance $600 for the erection of a court-house and
jail was also accepted.
It was voted to expend the $600 in the construction of a court





a


house and jail, and Robert Campbell, Wm. McKillip and Thomas
Cutler were appointed a building committee.
A special meeting was held March 7, 1854, at the store of
Cowles & Campbell, in the town of Peninsula. It was voted that
Samuel G. Rice being a non-resident of Leelanaw, was not legally
authorized to represent that town on the board. More money being
needed to complete the county buildings the board accepted a proposition from Hannah, Lay & Co., to advance $300 in addition to
the 600 already advanced, and the said amount was appropriated to
the completion of the buildings.
At a meeting held in June, 1854, Joseph Dame represented
the town of Leelanaw, as successor to Samuel G. Rice.
At the annual meeting in October, 1854, the total liabilities of
the county were stated to be $1,865.85. The equalized valuation
of real and personal property was determined as follows:
Antrim: real estate, $38,925.38; personal, $6,948.00. Total,
$45,873.38.
Peninsula: Personal, $15,315.00. No real estate.
Traverse: Real estate, $40,641.62; personal, $315.00. Total,
$40,956.62.
Leelanaw:  Real estate, $8,411.47; personal, $14,704.00.
Total, $23,115.47.
Manistee: Real estate, $64,670.04.
The amount of tax to be raised in the several towns was
determined as follows: Traverse, $327.65; Peninsula, $121.6(4;
Manistee, $517.36; Leelanaw, $184.92; Antrim, $366.99. Total,
$1,518.66.
The total equalized valuation of property in the county in
1883 was distributed as follows: Blair, $115,420; East Bay,
$231,780; Fife Lake, $242,877; Long Lake, $164,480; Green
Lake, $104,500; Mayfield, $150,070; Garfield, $255,535; Paradise, $197,520; Peninsula, $234,035; Traverse, $1,267,735;
Whitewater, $227,210; Grant, $209,333. Total, $3,395,493.
The first county buildings erected in 1854 were destroyed by
fire about eight years afterward and rooms were rented by tlhe
county. For a good many Gears the county offices were located in
the Leach building. In 1882 the question of erecting a new building or buildings, which had been agitated upon for some time,
was acted upon. The question of location then came up and a
committee was appointed to ascertain the exact location of the
county site. The report of that committee gives all the inform1ation upon that subject, and is as follows:
"Your committee appointed to ascertain where the county
seat of Grand Traverse County is located, and also what title, if
any, Grand Traverse County may have in lands supposed to lhave
been designated as a site for the court-house, would respectfully
report as follows:
" See act 141, session laws of 1851, locating the county seat
at Boardman's mills on the east fraction of section No. 3, in
Township 27 north, of Range 11 west, until otherwise provided
for. Also that Perry Hannah and wife, Albert Tracy Lay, James
Morgan and Williaml Morgan, conveyed by warranty deed, June 5,
1854, to Grand Traverse County, block No. 10, of the village of
Traverse City, conditioned that said county build a jail and courthouse thereon within twelve calendar months, and also that said
county occupy same within twelve calendar months after building
-see liber one of deeds, page 145. Also that Perry Hannah,


Albert Tracy Lay, James Morgan and William Morgan acknowledged the plat of Traverse City as shown by record of said plat
on file in the register's office of said county, Aug. 5, 1859. Also
that Perry Hannah and wife, Albert Tracy Lay and wife, James
Morgan and William Morgan did, on March 7, 1860, by warranty
deed, without reservation, convey to Grand Traverse County, block


I
i




I
I
i
I
I
I


k
I


lddL


-A?


r6


m


I


_   1    -- ----- -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1
Ipm,                                -  -. ---                               iL~




F


XE


I




THE TRAVERSE REGTON.


51


10 of the village of Traverse City. See liber three of deeds, page
204.
At the October session in 1882, the board of supervisors
adopted a resolution providing for the preliminary steps toward
erecting a county building.  It was decided to build a jail and
sheriff's residence of brick during the year 1883.  The work was
pushed forward, and at a special meeting of the board in February, the building was accepted, and the jail inspectors made their
report, from  which the following statements, descriptive of the
building, are quoted:
( The building from without, presents a fine appearance. It
is male of the best material of brick and stone, and finished in one
of the finest styles of modern architecture.  Its location on the
west end of court-house square, on the highest ground in the
village, makes it a conspicuous object in a view of the town from
from all points. If the 'common jail is a silent monitor to warn
evil doers that the law has provided a place for the punishment of
offenders,' then this site is aptly chosen.
( The building, including the basement, is three stories high.
The front is 46x32 feet, and the rear 32x32 feet. The front is designed and finished for a sheriff's residence and office. The basement in this department is devoted to heating apparatus, fuel
room, store room, wash room and cellar. The first floor to sheriff' s
office, hall and stairs, kitchen, living room and sitting room. The
second floor to bedrooms and closets. The foundation and basement walls for the whole structure, are made from  quarry stone
from Washington Island, and are twenty inches thick and cut to a
face on the inside and out. The structure above the basement is
built of cream-colored Traverse brick, with sand stone window sills
and caps and water tables from the Ionia quarries.  The outside
brick are double pressed and of superior quality and finish.  The
cornice, casings, jamb facings, etc., are of galvanized iron, and the
roof is of slate, so that the whole building is fire-proof from without as the jail is from within.
In the jail no pains or expense has been spared necessary to
make it safe from  escapes from  within and invulnerable attacks
fromi without.  The foot walls upon which the basement rests are
laid in cement, are twenty-eight inches wide, and laid one foot
below the bottom of the basement floor. The basement floor is
nad(e of grouting composed of pounded stone and cement, and is
twelve inches in thickness, and carpeted with boiler iron one-fourth
of an inch thick. The outer wall of basement is of Washington
Island limestone twenty inches thick and lined inside with boiler iron.
The walls above the basement are of brick, sixteen inches thick, and
in the second story lined with iron as in the first. The window frames
and sash are of iron set with half-inch hammered glass protected
from  without by heavy steel wire netting, and outside of this,
framed and anchored into the wall are gratings of chrome steel
bars one inch in diameter. These bars are so constructed of hard
and soft material, that they can neither be cut nor broken without
the greatest difficulty. All the bars and gratings within are composed of this material. The windov s are so arranged that ample
ventilation can be given whenever necessary. There are six cells
on each floor, 6x8 feet in size, arranged three on each side of a
corridor six feet wide and twenty-four feet long, into which the
cells open through heavy iron doors so arranged by means of bars
and levers that they are opened and closed and securely locked from
the sheriff's office.  The cells and prisoners' corridors on the first


and second floors are lined throughout with boiler iron. The
bunks, two in each cell, are also of iron. Wash bowls and water
closets are placed in the end of each of the prisoners' corridor with
proper appliances for keeping them cleansed and odorless. On
entering the jail the prisoner first passes through a doorway which


closes with an iron door. He then enters a revolving steel barred
cage which is so constructed, that while open to receive a prisoner
from without, it is closed against the prisoner within. On entering
the cage, the cage is revolved half round, bringing the opening to
the corridor which the prisoner enters.
" Between the cells and the outer wall is a corridor four feet
wide, lined on the outside and floor with boiler iron like the cells.
This corridor is for the keeper to promenade on his rounds of inspection. In the upper story the cells are not lined with iron, alnd
the prisoners' corridor extends to the outside wall, and is supplied
with bath rooms and other hospitable conveniences.
" This floor is designed for minor offenders and for a jail hospital.
" The prisoners are fed by an ingenious device, invented by
supervisor H. D. Campbell, which makes an entrance to the prisoner's room for feeding unneccessary.  The device consists of aln
iron table or tray four inches deep and sixteen wide, and in form
one-fourth of a circle. This revolves on a half-circle iron tralmway
from the kitchen to the prisoners' corridor. When revolved either
out or in, the passage through the wall is completely and effectually
closed and locked by a gravity latch or ratchet. By this device the
prisoner can be fed and dishes returned without exposing the attendant to the prisoners. A woman or child can feed one or more
without the least danger of harm or escape.  The whole busilless
is performed without leaving the kitchen.
"In the matters of warming, ventilating, sewage, healthfulness and security it would be difficult to devise or construct a more
perfect or convenient jail."
The cost of the building was about $20,000.
Until the organization of the county in 1851, the voting was;
all done at Mackinaw. It frequently happened that the names of
the candidates for office were not known until after election. In
the summer of 1854, Mr. Pratt, in company with Mr. Wadsworth,
was in Mackinaw at the time of holding the convention for the
nomination of county officers, and, as the whole Grand Traverse
Region was attached to Mackinaw for municipal and judicial purposes, they claimed the right to represent this county, although
they had not been appointed delegates, and had not in fact so
much as heard that there was to be any convention. King Strang
was there from the Mormon settlement on Beaver Island, and was
very anxious to secure the nomination of a Mr. Gregg to the office of
county judge. A private conference was held between Messrs.
Pratt, Wadsworth and Strang, at which Mr. Pratt, wlho had ininformation from southern Michigan that, according to the estimates that could be made, 0. D. Conger, then candidate for svalte
senator from this district, would probably lack about four hundreu
votes cf being elected, proposed to Mr. Strang that if they were admitted to seats in the convention, and the latter gentleman would
pledge the vote of his island for Conger, they would support Gregg
for county judge. Strang inquired how many votes were lacking
to elect Conger, and Mr. Pratt informed him that lie thought about
six hundred and thirty. Strang immediately gave his assent to
the proposal. They all went into the convention, and by mealis of
the coalition thus formed, Strang's candidate for judge received the
nomination. In the fall when the votes for senators came to be


canvassed, the returns from Beaver Island showed just 630 votes
for Conger and his election was thus secured. The contract was
fulfilled to the letter. King Strang also went to the legislature on
the strength of that same vote.
The first circuit court was held at the house of Thomas Cutler
on the 27th of July, 1858. Judge George Martin, of the Eighth
Circuit, to which this county then belonged, presiding. Ebenezer
Gould was appointed prosecuting attorney by the court. A. S


i




-lk


I


L


m


-


- -- - -                                                                                          t I Iso


- -ql


-AFc

-~  I'




I


I


52


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


Wadsworth was foreman and Dr. D. C. Goodale clerk of the firsc
grand jury. Benjamin Adsit heads the list on the record, and the
familiar names of Samuel K. Northam, Elisha P. Ladd, Henry D.
Campbell, Joseph Dame, Thomas Hitchcock and Lewis Miller follow. At that time Robert McLellan, at present a prominent and
respected farmer on the peninsula, was admitted to the bar. The
first trial by jury of which there is any record, was that of James
E. Scott, for murder. It commenced on the 24th of August, 1855,
and ended on the following day, the jury finding him guilty. He
was sentenced to imprisonment in the state prison for fifteen
years. The business of the courts was evidently dispatched with
commendable celerity in those days.
BENCH AND BAR.
The first attorney in the county was C. H. Holden, who
moved to Traverse City from Northport in the fall of 1858, having
been elected prosecuting attorney at the fall election.
Soon afterward C. H. Marsh located here, and in the spring
of 18(2 J. G(. Ramsdell moved from Northport to Traverse City,
having located at Northport in the fall of 1861.
(Ieorge P. Griswold, E. C. Tuttle, and 0. H. Mills were also early
lawyers.
In the spring of 1865 E. S. Pratt and L. D. Boynton came
here and were associated together in practice. Boynton afterward
went away, but Pratt is still in practice here,'the senior member of
the law firm of Pratt, Hatch & Davis. Mr. Pratt is a native of
Livingston County, Mich., and had recently graduated from the
law department of the Michigan University when he located at
Traverse City. He was about twenty-one years of age when lie
begani practice, and is the pioneer practitioner in the county, Judge
Ramsdell being on the bench.
L. G. Wilcox, Frederick Brown, and L. H. Gage and Reuben
Hatch, Jr., were the next attorneys, the latter in 1871 and the
others prior to that time. Then came S. C. Moffatt, H. C. Davis,
T. W. Browne, Lorin Roberts and J. R. Adsit.
Others may have been in practice here a short time. Of those
mentioned who have since moved away, Marsl is in Colorado,
Griswold in Iowa, Tuttle in New York, Boynton in Ohio, Wilcox
in Detroit. The residence of Frederick Brown is not known
to us.
The bar in 1884 is composed of the following named lawyers,
all residents of Traverse City:  S. C. Moffatt, Lorin Roberts, E. S.
Pratt, R. Hatch, H. C. Davis, L. H. Gage, Thomas W. Browne,
Jam.es R. Adsit.
Grand Traverse County first belonged to the Ninth Judicial
Circuit, and afterward to the Thirteenth, to which it now belongs.
Tli first circuit judge was Hon. Flavius Littlejohn, who was succeeded in 1866 by Hon. J. G. Ramsdell. In 1873 Hon. Reuben
Hatch, Jr., was elected to succeed Judge Ramsdell, and served one
term, when Judge Ramsdell was again elected and is still on the
bench.   Following is a brief biographical sketch of Judge
Ramlsdell:
Jonathan G. Ramsdell was born in Plymouth, Wayne County,
Mich., Jan. 10, 1830. His parents were farmers, and his boyhood
was spent at home assisting with the work of the farm. His education was chiefly received at Plymouth Seminary and Albion College. At twenty-one years of age he learned the moulder's trade
and worked at it one year. He was then in a wholesale house as
book-keeper. He then took up the study of law at Lansing and


was admitted to the bar in 1857. He held the office of circuit
court commissioner of Ingham County for a time, and was clerk of
the supreme court four years. In 1861, by request of the governor he went into the Agricultural College and lectured three
months on commercial law and rules of business. During the






I


political campaign of 1860 he visited various portions of the Traverse Region making political speeches, and had an opportunity to
become familiar with the country and its prospects. About this
time lie went to Manistee to assist his brother, Hon. T. J. Ramsdell, at a term of court. His experience as clerk of the supreme
court had afforded him excellent discipline, and while at Manistee
he made for himself quite a reputation as a successful lawyer.
Thinking that there was a good opening for a lawyer in Grand
Traverse County, he came here in the fall of 1860, but being unable to procure a house to live in went to Nortlport, where lie
remained during the winter. In the meantime lie purchased one
hundred acres of land, which is now his fruit farm, and in the
spring of 1862 built a house and moved into it. He has been on
the bench about thirteen years and his judicial career has been
eminently successful. When not serving in that capacity he has
been actively engaged in the practice of law, which has taken a wide
range. In 1878 he was chosen solicitor for the regents of the
state university in the celebrated Rose-Douglass suit, in place of
Judge Christian-y and Hon. C. L. Webber. He is one of the oldest and most extensive fruit growers in this region. His fruit
farm is delightfully situated upon irregular hillsides overlooking
Grand Traverse Bay, and his orchard now consists of 1,000 apple,
1,000 pear, 4,003 peach, 1,203 plum and 1,000 cherry trees. His contributions to agricultural and horticultural literature have been
numerous and valuable.   The chapter upon soils, climate, topography, et-., in this work, is from his pen.
His mirriage was at Lansing, in 1860, to Miss Clarissa Gould,
of Livingston County, Mich., formerly of Pennsylvania. They
have one adopted daughter, Alice. Mrs. Ramsdell, with merely
occasional practice, has come to excel finely in the art of landscape
drawing.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS.
There are, in the county of Grand Traverse, twelve organized
towns embracing seventeen townships of land, includling fractional
townships, covering an area of 300,000 acres of land. The towns,
with the year of their organization, are as follows:  Trave rse and
Penin-sula, 1853; Whitewater, 1859; Grant, 1866; Long Lake,
Blair, Mayfield and East Bay, 1867; Paradise, 1870; Fife Lake,
1873; Garfield, 1882; Green Lake, 1883.
Traverse and Peninsula were organized at the same time of
the county. Peninsula embraced the same territory as at present,
and Traverse the remainder of the organized county.
The town of Whitewater was organized by die board of supervisors in October, 1859, and embraced the following described
territory:  "All of Township 28 north, of Range 9 west, not included in the organization of the town of Milton; all tllat part of
Township 28 north, of Range 10 west, known as the Indian reservation lying east of the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay; Sections
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, of Township 27 north, of
Range 10 west. First town meeting was appointed at the house
of Henry Blake. William H. Fife was the first supervisor.
The town of Grant, embracing the territory of Township 25
north, of Range 12 west, was organized by the board of supervisors at the October session in 1866. The first election was held
at the house of William Ferguson. P. C. Hopkins was the first


supervisor.
Mayfield, embracing the territory of Township 25 north, of
Ranges 9, 10 and 11 west, and the south one-half of the Township 26 north, of Ranges 9 and 10 west, was organized by the
board of supervisors at the November session in 1867.  The first
town meeting was held November 12, at the school-house in District No. 17.


I


d-Z"


_                                                                                                                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ir-  P


- P




I


I  t
I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       I- I t


I


I I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


53


The town of East Bay was organized by the board of supervisors at the January session in 1867.  The territory embraced all
of Township 27 north, of Range 10 west, and a part of Whitewater along the east shore of the bay. The petition contained sixty
signatures, and asked that more territory be included. The first
election was appointed at a house belonging to L. Hoxie, near
Hoxie's mill. The first supervisor was J. B. Haviland.
Long Lake was organized at the January session of the board
of supervisors in 1867, and embraced the territory of Township
27 north, of Rafge 12 west.  The first town meeting was appointed at the house of Mr. Schenck, on the first Monday of April
following. The first supervisor was Benjamin H. Durga.
Tile town of Blair was organized by the board of supervisors
at the April session in 1867. The territory embraced was described
as follows:  All of Township 26 north, of Ranges 11 and 12 west.
The petition was dated Jan. 5, 1867, and signed by the following
named persons: William Motrroe, Marcus L. Monroe, Peter N.
Johnson, R. E. Stetson, W. M. Hess, M. B. Jennings, John D.
Hess, T. R. Stevens, Abram Adait, Theodore Monroe, Lyman H.
Luke, Abel Avory, S. A. Lardner, H. E. Wightman, Kendall
Bennett, J. W. Monroe, H. W. Clyde, Thomas H. Clyde, Henry
Monroe, O. F. Hadley, G. H. Wightman, Jacob Stadelbauer, W. J.
Wolfe, E. Rice, W. Saunders. Thomas H. Clyde was the first
supervisor. The first election was held at the house of Timothy
R. Stevens.
Paradise was organized by the board of supervisors at the April
session in 1870.  The territory embraced- is described as follows:
Town 25 north, of Ranges 9 and 10 west, and south half of
Township 26 north of Ranges 9 and 10 west.   The first town
meeting was appointed at the house of Charles Denniston on the
first Monday of May, 1870. The first supervisor was T. Wyncoop.
'The town of Fife Lake was organized by the legislature in the
winter of 1873, and embraced the following described territory:
Township 25 north, of Range 9 west, and south half of Township
26 north, of Range 9 west.  First election at hall of C. C. Bailey
on the first Monday of April, 1873. The first supervisor was J.
i). Johnson.
The town of Garfield was organized by the board of supervisors in January, 1882, and embraced the following described territory:  The west one-half of Section 4, all of Sections 5, 6, 7 and
8, west one-half of Sections 9, all of Sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,
34, 35 and 36 of Township 27 north, of Range 11 west; and
Sections 1 and 2, east one-half of Section 3, east half of northwest quarter of Section 3, east half of northwest quarter of Section 11, all of Section 12, and the north one-half of Section 13 in
Township 26 north, of Range 11 west, and Sections 7, 8, 17 and
18, and the west half and southeast quarter, and south half of
northeast quarter, of Section 6, in Township 26 north, of Range
10 west. First annual meeting was appointed at the house of J.
G. Ramsdell. The first supervisor was H. E. Steward.
The town of Green Lake was organized by the board of supervisors at the January session in 1883.  The territory embraced in
the organization is as follows: All of Township 26 north, of Range
12 west. The first town meeting was appointed at the house of
Kendall Bennett, on the first Monday of April, 1883.
Various changes have been made in the territory of some of
the towns and a glance at the map given on another page will show


their present boundaries.
TOWN OFFICRS IN 1884.
The officers of the several towns elected in the spring of 1884,
are as follows:
TaAVERSE:-Supervisor, Henry D. Campbell; township clerk,


James G. Johnson; treasurer, S. Charles Depres; justice of the
peace, Lovell H. Gage; commissioner of highways, James Lee;
school inspector, Lorin Roberts; drain commissioner, Thomas T.
Bates; director of the poor, Perry Hannah.
EAST BAY: -Supervisor, John Pulcipher; township clerk, Orlo
W. Green; treasurer, Albertus T. Hoxie; highway commissioner,
Winfield S. Chandler; justice of the peace, Orlo W. Green; school
inspector, Albertus T. Hoxie.
BLAIR:-Supervisor, James H. Monroe; township clerk, George
W. Clyde; treasurer, Robert Travis; highway commissioner,
Charles A. Monroe; justice of the peace, Hugh W. Clyde; school
inspector, George W. McWethy.
MAYFIELD:-Supervisor, Dewey S. Nickerson; township clerk,
Howard Webster; treasurer, Morris N. Sackett; highway commiissioner, Levi Congdon; justice of the peace, Allan Widrig; school
inspector, Chester E. Couch.
GRANT:-Supervisor, John S. Horton; township clerk, Levi
Johnson; treasurer, R. A. Earl; highway commissioner, Albert
Barwis; justice of tile peace, George H. Canute; school inspector,
Robert Dixon.
PARADISE: -Supervisor, James L. Gibbs; township clerk, David
E. Wynkoop; treasurer, Frank Dean; highway coimmissioner,
Edward A. Wall; drain commissioner, William  Spalrling; justice
of the peace, Joseph Sparling; school inspector, Eimma L. Moses;
health officer, George L. Fenton.
FIFE LAKE:-Supervisor, Jamles Monteitll; township clerk,
Edward T. Woodruff; township treasurer, John S. Olson; jistice
of the peace, Erastus B. Potter; justice of the peace to fill vacalcy,
Nathan W. Smith; highway commissioner, Dan Kent; school
inspector, Olin V. Adams; drain commissioner, Burrett J. Smith.
PENINSULA:-Supervisor, George Parmelee; town clerk, F. E.
Brown; treasurer, George W. Lardie; justices of the peace, George
L. Roberts, A. K. Montague; highway commissioner, Williami
Buchan; school inspector, E. P. Ladd.
WHITEWATER:-Supervisor, James O. Bloodgood; townsllip
clerk, Theron E. Carpenter; treasurer, David Vinton, Jr.; highwlay
commissioner, Michael Gay; justice of the peace, Jolni Cams;
school inspector, John L. White; drain colmmissioner, Almold
Young.
GARFIELD:-Supervisor, Henry E. Steward; township clerk,
Samuel E. West; township treasurer, William   Rennie; sclhool
inspector; Thomas A. Hitchcock; highway conmmissioner, JamIes
K. Gunton; justice of the peace, Dominick Dunn; justice of tihe
peace to fill vacancy three years, Nelson Hammond; justice of the
peace to fill vacancy two years, Anthony J. Wilhelm.
LONG LAKE:-Supervisor, Egbert F. Ferris; township clerk,
James D. Gitchel; township treasurer, Jeremiah M. Thomas;
highway commissioner, Eugene V. Davis; school inspector, John
Cook; justice of the peace, Josiah Pennington; justice of the peace
to fill vacancy, Henry D. Howard.
GREEN LAKE:-Supervisor, George H. Wightman; township
clerk, Willis Wightman; treasurer, William H. H. Brownson; highway commissioner, Chester 0. Morrell; justice of the peace, William  M. Hess; school inspector, Richard J. Forrest.
Census enumerators for 1884:  Paradise, J. L. Gibbs; Blair,
H. W. Clyde; Green Lake, G. H. Wightman; Grant, A. Barwis;
Long Lake, E. F. Ferris; Traverse, H. D. Campbell; Fife Lake,
E. T. Woodruff; Mayfield, Howard Webster; East Bay, John Pul

cipher; Whitewater, T. E. Carpenter; Garfield, T. A. Hitchcock;
Peninsula, town board failed to appoint and tile appointment
must be made by the governor.
During the spring and summer of 1868 the Grand Traverse
Herald repeatedly urged the formation of an agricultural society.


a


i






AC~


am


oI
b,_


m


--  -----   -— re  ---  ~1 I


54


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


Considerable interest was awakened, and June 12 of that year a call
was published for a meeting at the county clerk's office on the 8th
of July. The Herald continued to discuss the proposition, and the
meeting was well attended. Morgan Bates acted as chairmall and
R. Hatch, Jr., as secretary. A constitution was adopted, officers
elected and a society fully organized. The name chosen was
Grand Traverse Unicn Agricultural Society. The officers elected
were as follows: President, A. B. Dunlop; secretary, R. Hatch,
Jr.; treasurer, D. C. Leach; vice-presidents, E. P. Ladd, H. D.
Campbell, J. K. Gunton, J. Dean, J. Lee, G. N. Smith, R. Knight,
L. R. Smith, J. S. Dixon.
The first fair was held October 14 and 15, and was successful
beyond expectation.  There were 251 entries for premiums.  Tile
addlress was delivered by A. B. Dunlop, president of the society.
Tle officers elected for the second year were as follows:  Presiident, E. P. Ladd; secretary, R. Hatch, Jr.; treasurer, D. C. Leach;
vice-presidents, C. Fowler,Sr., H. D. Campbell, J. K. Guuton, R.
Jolirson, W. S. Hubbell, H. Monroe, G. N. Smith, J. Lee, A. B.
J. P. Brand, G. C. Lull, J. S. Dixon, A. D. Brady.
The second annual fair was held October 6 and 7, 1869. The
number of entries weas 306. Hon. Sanlford Howard delivered theI
address. The officers elected for the third year were as follows:
President, George Parmelee; secretary, R. Hatch, Jr.; treasurer, D.
C. Leachs; board of directors, Henry Monroe, S. Rushmore, Richardl Orr, E. L. Sprague, A. B. Dunlop, C. A. Hannaford, I. N.
Carpenter, Rev. J. P. L. Judson, Hugh Miller.
Tlie third annual fair was held October 5 and 6, 1870. Nuhlber of entries for premiums was 247. The addfress was delivered
by the president, George Parmelee. Officers elected for the ernsting year: President, Perry HPannah; secretary, R. Hatch, Jr.;
treasurer, R. W. Bagot; directors, W.e H. Fife, T. Wynkeeper, R.
Knight, G. C. Lull, A. B. Dunlop, Rev. G. Thompson,. Wa. S.
rIebbell, TR. M.. Walkley, T. J. Tlhorp,-Call.
There was no fair held in 1871. The fourth was held October
2 and3, 1872, tianed was the most successful one held up to that
tiime. Thle country had become better developed, and the population had consider(ably increased. Officers elected for the ensuing
year: -Presidenlt, J. G. Ramsdell; secretary, LH.. Gage; treasturer, Perry.Hannah; directors, H. W. Curtis, J. Pulcipher, H. H.
Noble, R. Knight, G. ThLomplsonl, J. Porter, L. W. Case, L. Jdsonl, lI  Miller, H. 13. Sturtevant, A. T. Kellogg,. Reeder.
Tile fair in 1873 was held October 10, 11 and 12, in colnectionll with the October meeting of the State Ponm.eological Society,
and far excee(ded aly previous fair. Officers elected for the ensuing year: President,   J. W. Curtis; secretary, L. H. Gage;
treasurer, T. T. Bates; directors, R. Knight, A. Campbell, L. W.
Case, L     P. Judson, J. S. Dixon, A. Buttars, J. K. Gunton, W. |
W. Ba.rtlett, A. T. Kellogg, H U.U. Hill, J. Lee, 0. H. White, W.
Reeder, J. J. Pollard.
In 1874 the receipts were $559.67. Officers for elnsuting year: 
President,.W. W. Tracy; secretary, L. H. Gage; treasurer, T. T.
Bautes.
The annual fairs continued to increase illn interest, but it was
felt that a county society shlould be organized, and this was finally
accomplished in 1878. Forty acres of land were purchased about
a mile east of the village, and buildings erected. The first officers


of the Grand Traverse County Agricultural Society were as follows:
President, H. D. Campbell: secretary, L. H. Gage; treasurer, J.
B. Haviland. The first fair was held October 2d, 3d and 4th, and
was a decided success.
In 1879, the number of entries exceeded that of any previous
year, and the total receipts were $997.81. The officers of 1878


were re-elected except Mr. Haviland, who declined to accept the
office of treasurer, and W. Rennie was elected in his stead.
The fair of 1880 was somewhat affected by bad weather. The
total entries were 1,307, and the receipts $764.04. The officers of
the previous year were re-elected.
In 1881, to escape the stormy weather that had been experienced the three previous years, the time for holding the fair was
fixed a week later, but the escape was only partial. The total number of entries this year was 869; the falling off from  tlhe year
previous being on account of the " off year" for fruit. The total
receipts this year were $749.25. Officers elected for the ensuing
year: President, H. K. Brinkman; secretary, J. H. Monroe; treasurer, H. D. Campbell.
In 1882 another change in time was made, and die fair was
held in September, and was fully up to the average. The total
receipts were $1,304.25. The officers of the previous year were
re-elected.
In 1883 it was found that the association wtas not legally
formed, and at a meeting held in April of that year, the organization was perfected. The officers for 1883 were as follows: I-. K.
Brinkman, president; H. E. Steward, secretary; H. D). Campbell,
treasurer.
TRAVERSE CITY RAILROAD.
For some time prior to 1871, the people of Traverse City and
vicinity had felt the necessity of railway communication, but tlie G. R.
& I. Road had not come through, and the proper time had not seemied
to arrive for connecting this region with the outside world by rail.
Some time in 1870 Perry Hannah opened a correspondence with
Gen. George W. Cass, President of the Continental IImp)rovemel1t
Company, in reference to -the matter. Facts bearing upon tle
importance of Traverse City, as a railroad terminus, were collected
and laid before Gen. Cass, and subsequently Mr. Hanlahl liad several interviews with him in relation to the matter. Tlle result was
that Gen. Cass became convinced of the merit of thle enterprise,
and entered heartily into the project. Col. J. 0. Hlndnutt, at thlat
time engineer of the G. R. & I. R. R., was directed to report to Mr.
Hannah, and proceed to make a survey of the route. Thle survey
was commenced the 8th of August, and completed on thle 15th
of September, 1871. An easy and favorable rolute wits reported.
The junction with the G. R. & I. Road was made on the northeast
quarter of Section 33, Town 25 north, of Range 9 west. Length
of road a little less than twenty-six miles.
August 2, 1871, articles of association were prepared, and tlhe
work of procuring local subscriptions commenced. Thle sum  of
$40,000 was required, and by diligent efforts the amount was
secured. October 7th the directors, except Gen. Cass, viz.; Perry
Hannah, M. Bates, E. W. Hulburd, S. Barnes, J. D. Harvey and
1). C. Leach, met and completed the organization by thle election
of the following officers: President, Perry Hannah; secretary,
Thos. T. Bates; treasurer, C. A. Crawford. Negotiations were at
once opened with the Continental Improvement Company, for th.e,
building of the road, which were concluded, and the contract made
in January, 1872. By the terms of the contract the road, statiol
houses, side tracks, &c., were to be completed by the 15th of October,
1872. The contract for grading was let to Messrs. H. O. Rose,
then of Northport, and W. W. Barton, of Leland. Nov. 15th,
1872, the last rail was laid, and at ten o'clock that evening the first


car from outside arrived at Traverse City. By the beginning of
1873 trains began to run regularly. The stations given on the
first time card were Traverse City, Mayfield, Kingsley, Walton.
The road is still operated by the same company, and has been
an important agency in enlarging the general prosperity of the
county. The cost of its construction was about $260,000. The


-


V I
la-w


- ----— il..... lll I I I Il l... E.I  II ll II......

I   -




--          @ 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


55


road is still owned by the Traverse City Railroad Co., but is operated under lease by the G. R. & I. Company.
The present officers of the company are: President, Perry
Hannah; secretary and treasurer, J. P. H. Hughart.
SCHOOL MATTERS.
Information upon school matters in the several towns is
obtained from the reports of schools inspectors for the year 1888,
as follows:
Blair: Two school districts; number of school children, 74.
There are two frame school buildings.
East Bay: Seven school districts and 250 school children.
There are seven frame school buildings,
Fife Lake: Six school districts and 352 school children. Five
frame buildings and one of logs.
Garfield: Six school districts and 244 school children. Three
frame and two log school buildings.
Grant: Four school districts and 172 school children. Three
frame school buildings.
Green Lake: Four school districts and 134 school children.
Three frame'school buildings.
Long Lake: Five school districts and 160 school children.
Five frame school buildings.
Mayfield: Five school districts and 168 school children. Four
frame and one log school building.
Peninsula: Six school districts and 315 school children. Five
frame and one log school building.
Paradise: Six school districts and 310 school children. One
brick, two frame and three log school buildings.
Traverse has but one school district and 858 school children.
There are seven frame school buildings.
Whitewater: Six school districts and 279 school children.
There are six frame school buildings.
POSTOFFICES.
The following postoffices are in Grand Traverse County;
Acmle, Bartlett, Beitier, Cedar Run, Fife Lake, Hannah, Mapleton,
Mayfield, Monroe Centre, Old Mission, Paradise, Summit City,
Traverse City, Walton, Williamsburgh, Wormwood, Yuba.
CHAPTER IX.
VILLAGE OF TRAVERSE CITY.
SITUATION OF VILLAGE-THE BOARDMAN MILL-FIRST ARRIVALSREMINISCENCE-THE FIRM OF HANNAH, LAY & CO. FOUND THE
VILLAGE OF TRAVERSE CITY-EARLY HISTORY OF THE FIRMSETTLERS IN 1851 A COMMUNITY ESTABLISHED —EARLY SUNDAY
SCHOOLS --- POSTOFFICE - VILLAGE SCHOOLS - NEWSPAPERS -
CHURCH HISTORY-GLIMPSES OF THE VILLAGE AT DIFFERENT
PERIODS-SECRET ORDERS — INCORPORATION-GENERAL PROGRESS
-BIOGRAPHICAL.
The village of Traverse City, in the year 1884, is the county
seat of Grand Traverse County, and an incorporated village of 3,000
or more inhabitants. The village is located at the head of the
west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, and is the largest town on the
bay. It is one of the oldest towns in this section of the state,
having almost entirely lost the backwoods appearance that is characteristic of new towns generally. The location of Traverse City
is one of rare beauty and healthfulness. To the north as far as the
eye can reach, is Grand Traverse Bay. The shores of this bay


are heavily fringed with luxuriant evergreens which are reflected in
the clear, bright waters with a witchery that is charming to behold.
The village is a well-built, clean and handsome town, and is
noted for the public spirit of its citizens.
The early history of this point has been so faithfully sketched


by Dr. M. L. Leach, that we quote parts of it from the Herald, in
which it was published, as follows: "Not far south of the shore
of Grand Traverse Bay, at the head of its western arm; lies Boardman Lake, a sheet of water a square mile or more in extent. From
its northwestern angle issues the Boardman River, which flows
for some distance in a northwesterly direction, then turns sharply
round toward the east, and after rurning along nearly parallel
with tile bay shore, enters the bay at a point nearly opposite that at
wlhich it issues from tile lake. Its course from the lake to the bay
is not unlike the letter V, with its sharp angle turned toward the
west. The site of Traverse City lies between the lake and the bay,
extending some distance to the south and west, and includes within
its limits that part of the river already described.
"All accounts agree in tile statement that, before the so-called
improvements of civilizition had marred the adornments of nature,
this was a most beautiful spot.  The waters of Boardman Lake
were clear as crystal. The river, without driftwood or tile iuilsightly obstructions of fallen trees, ran with a swift current
througlh an open forest of pines, which occupied all tile space be

I






TRAVERSE CITY.


tween the lake and the bay. There was no underbrush nor herbage-only a brown carpet of dead pine leaves upon the ground. So
open and park-like was the forest that one could ride through it
in all directions on horseback at a rapid pace.
"On the right bank of the river, a few rods below its exit from
the lake, just where the land slopes gently down to the water,
there was a little open space covered with grass, where the Indians
sometimes landed from their canoes. On the higher land above
were some Indian graves, of no great age, each with a stake at the
head and foot. Not far away were other graves, of a circular,
mound-like form, the work, probably, of a more ancient people.
On the northeastern slhore of the lake were a few bark wigwams,
where the women and children of some Indian families usually
passed the winter, while the men were absent on their annual
hunt. With these exceptions, there was no mark to indicate that
the foot of man had ever trod these solitudes, or that his voice had
ever been heard above the rippling music of the river or the singing
of the north wind in the tops of the pine trees.
"However, it was not the beauty of the place, nor its attractive
solitudes, so near to nature's heart, batL ibt promised advantages for
gain, that brought the first adventurous settler here.
"In 1847, Capt. Boardmali, a thrifty farmer living near Naper

1


I,...                                                                                                                                                                       I 
_ *l,* t


S. 
r     i         l




e

S


~

__
_ I ___ _ _


- -Ir -


I


I


I


L


I'


56


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


ville, 1l., purchased of the United States government a small tract
of land at the mouth of the river, and furnished means to his son,
Horace Boardman, to build a saw-mill. The latter, with two or
three men in his employ, arrived at the river in the early part of
June of that year, and immediately commenced the construction of
a dwelling. The place selected was on the right bank of the
stream, a little below where it issues from Boardman Lake, but a
few steps from the grass plat and canoe landing above alluded to.
Tlhe exact location of the building was in what is now East Street,
between the center of the street and its southern boundary, just
east of the eastern boundary of Boardman Avenue. It was a house
of modest pretensions as to size, being only sixteen feet by twentyfour, and one story high. The material for the walls was pine
logs hewn square with the broad-ax. Ill after years it was known
to the inhabitants of the village as the 'old block-house.' It was
eventually destroyed by fire.
"On the 20th of June, a week or more after Mr. Boardman's
arrival, the Lady of the Lake, owned by him and sailed by
Michael Gay, one of his employes, arrived in the mouth of the
river with supplies. There came with Gay a man by the name of
Dunham, who, having been in the bay on a previous occasion, acted
as pilot.
" After assisting for a few days in the building of the house,
Gay was dispatched with the little vessel to the Maniton Islands, to
bring on a party of employes, who, it had been arranged, should
come as far as the islands by steamer. Returning, the Lady
entered the river on the 5th of July. There came in her as passengers Mr. Gay's young wife, then only about fifteen or sixteen
years of age, and her four mz nths old baby, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan,
a hired girl named Ann Van Amburg, and several carpenters.
"Only the walls of the house had as yet been erected. The
building was without roof, floors, doors, or windows. A sort of
lean-to, or open shed, with a floor of hewn planks, had been built
for a temporary kitchen, against one side of the house, in which a
cook stove had been set up. A tent was now constructed of some
spare sails, inside the unfinished building, for the accommodation
of the two married couples and the girl. The single men shifted
for themselves as best they could. The company lived in this
manner during the remainder of the summer. The house was not
finished till the saw:mill was so far completed as to saw lumber
with which to finish it.
"It had been Mr. Boardman's intention to throw a dam across
the Boardman River, at some point not far below the lake, and build
a saw-mill on that stream. The convenience of re 'iding near the
mill had been the main consideration that determined the location
of the block-house.  After a more thorough exploration of the
country, however, and an estimate of the probable difficulties in
the way of building, he was led to modify his plan. Mill Creek, a
small stream that has its sources in the hills to the south and west
of the bay, and enters the Boardman at the western angle of its
bend, seemed to offer facilities for cheaply building a small mill,
that should answer present purposes. He therefore determined to
build on that stream, with the intention of erecting afterward a
larger and more permanent structure on the Boardman. By that
plan lie would have the advantage of the smaller mill for making
boards, planks, and timbers for the larger, thus avoiding the difficul.ty of obtaining from a distance the lumber it would be necessary
to have before a large mill could be put in a condition for service.


There was no place nearer than Manistee where lumber could be
obtained, and the Lady of the Lake was too small and too unsafe
to be relied on for bringing any large quantity such a distance. It
was not easy, at that time, to induce vessel masters to enter the
bay. which to them Was au unexplored sea.






"Immediately after the arrival of the carpenters, all hands
were set to work upon the mill. The Lady of the Lake made a trip
to Manistee after plank for the flume. When the framle was ready,
all the white men at Old Mission and several Indians came to help
raise it. It took three days to get it up. It was finally got ilto a
condition to be set running about the first of Octobel. Then solme
of the first boards made were used to complete the block-house,
which up to that time hld remained unfinished.
"It was a long walk from tile house to tile mill. Tile path
from one to the other rall along the southwestern bank of the
Boardman. For convenience of reaching it from the house, a
foot bridge of poles was thrown across the river at the canoe
landing.  This slight structure was afterward replaced by a
broader and firmer bridge, on which wagons could cross.
" In after years the saw-mill was remodeled and put to a
variety of uses.  At the present time it is still standing, but is
unoccupied. It is known among the inhabitants of the village as
the old planing-mill.' All vestiges of the bridge have long since
disappeared. The remains of the founldtions of the block-house
may still be seen.
" The mill having been completed, and there no longer being
suitable employment for tile' mechanics who had been engaged
upon it, it became necessary to provide for their conveyance 1home.
It was arranged that Mr. Boardman should take them ill the Lady
of the Lake to the Manitous, where they could get passage oil one
of the steamers that were in the habit of touching there. He
would then freight his vessel with supplies, which he expected to
find waiting there, and return.
"It was about the 10th of October tlhat the Lady of the Lake
sailed on this her last voyage.
" In the summer of 1848 a small wharf was commenced at the
shore of the bay, and a tram-way built for the purpose of transporting lumber to it from the mill. The next winter a beginning
was made toward getting out timber for the construction of the
contemplated large mill on the river. Mr. Boardman from time to
time varied his business by getting out shingle bolts, and hemlock
bark for tanning purposes, for the Chicago market. He cleared
three or four acres of land, and was successful in the cultivation of
garden vegetables.
"The summer of 1849 was marked by several incidents that
added interest to the life of the settlement. A man of the name
of Freeman came, and got out a considerable quantity of hemlock
bark for shipment, employing Indians to perform most of the labor.
The bark, of coarse, was stripped from trees growing upon government land. There was no one in this remote region whose interest
it was, or who considered it his duty, to prevent spoliations of the
public property.
" The government had found it necessary to order a re survey of
the lands in the vicinity of the bay. For same time the surveyors'
camps were pitched in the vicinity, the settlement being for them
a sort of headquarters and base of supplies.
' In the employ of Risdon, one of the surveyors, was Henry
Rutherford, afterward well known in the settlement, having his.
wife with him. Word was brought to the women at the mill, one
evening, that there was a woman in Risdon's camp. The announcement was sufficient to produce a flutter of excitement. Mrs.
Duncan had visited the ladies at Old Mission, but Mrs. Gay, since
her arrival at the river, had not seen the face of a civilized person


of her own sex, except the two who had come with her. Setting
out alone the next norning, she found her way to the surveyors'
camp, and spent the forenoon with Mrs. Rutherford, remaining to
dinner in response to a cordial invitation from the latter. The
cloth was spiead on the ground, where there was a bit of clean


Ij
I


j. 
-Ife

-a  -


4


-




l


- I

i                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 I


9




PROPERTY OF S. G. ISAMAN, SOUTH ARM, CHARLEVOIX CO.MICH.


i


I.:
I   I.


VIEW OF M.J. STOCKMAN'S BRICK BLOCK CHARLEVOIX MICH.








, - X 





THE TRAVERSE REGION.


57


____~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


grass, outside the tent, the company sitting round it in oriental
fashion. The viands consisted of pork and potatoes, fried, with
huckleberries for dessert. The next day Mrs. Rutherford returned
the visit, dining with Mrs. Gay. Mrs. Rutherford was partly of
Indian descent, nevertheless she was regarded as an important
acquisition to the society of the colony.
HANNAH, LAY & CO.
"In the mronth of May, 1850, three enterprising young men,
in the city of Chicago, entered into partnership. under the firm
name of Hannah, Lay & Co., for the purpose of carrying on the
lumber trade. The names of the partners were Perry Hannah,
Albert Tracy Lay, and James Morgan. Tlhe firm opened business
on the corner of Jackson and Canal Streets, buying their stock by
the cargo, in the harbor.
"Early in 1851 they conceived the project of having, somewhere, a saw-mill of their own for making lumber, thlus saving to
themselves the profit they were now paying to the manufacturer.
Falling in with a man of the name of Curtis, one of the mechanics
who had built Mr. Boardman's mill, they obtained from him their
first knowledge of the country on Grand Traverse Bay. In the
meantime the price of lumber had gone down to a very low figure.
Captain Boardman found that his mill, as managed by his son, v~as
not profitable. Concluding that it would be wise to dispose of the
property, lie proposed to sell it to the new firm.
"In the spring, Mr. Hannah, accompanied by William Morgan
and Captain Boardman, took passage in the little schooner Venus,
bound for the bay, for the purpose of viewing the property. The
Venus was commanded by Captain Peter Nelson, a Dane by birth,
afterwatrd well known in the Grand Traverse country, for many
years keeper of the light-house near Northport and now a resident
of that village.
"The voyage was tempestuous. After riding out a gale of
three days' duration on Lake Michigan, they finally entered the
bay, and made Old Mission harbor in pleasant weather.
" The scene before them, as the vessel rounded to in the harbor,
appeared to the tempest-tossed voyagers the loveliest ever beheld by
mortal eyes. The sun was just sinking behind the western hills,
the whitewashed houses of the Indian village gleaming brightly in
his parting rays, while the tops of the forest trees seemed bathed in
a floating mist of gold. On the bank sat a picturesque group of
Indian men, enjoying the fragrant fumes of the pipe. The women
were seen engaged in the feminine avocations pertaining to their
simple mode of life. The shouting of a comupany of children in
gleeful play, mingled with the sound of tinkling bells from a herd
of ponies feeding on the hill-side beyond, made music in harmony
with the quiet beauty of the scene. The restless spirit of the white
man had not yet brought discontent to these simple children of the
forest-the baleful effects of the destroying fire-water were yet
comparatively unknown.
" After remaining two hours at Old Mission, the Venus set sail
for her destination, the head of the west arm of the bay. The
night was beautiful, with a glorious moon shining brightly in the
heavens. When a mile out, with the vessel's prow turned toward
the north, and a gentle breeze from the south filling her sails,
Captain Nelson, who had been worn out with labor and watching
during the gale, gave directions to the man at the helm, wrapped
himself in a blanket, and lay down on the quarter deck to get a
little rest. Fatigued as he was, he seemed to have scarcely more


than touched the deck, when a loud snoring indicated that he was
in a sound sleep. The instructions given to the man at the helm
were to hold a north course till well down past the point of the
peninsula, and then call the captain, before tacking to the
west. The kind-hearted sailor, knowing how hard a time the


captain had had, and desiring to give him all possible opportunity
to rest, could see no reason why he should not guide the vessel
round the point, as tlhere was but little wind and all lIoked clear.
As he brought her round, at a sufficient distance beyond the point,
as lie supposed, sailing not more than a mile an hour, the sudden
thumping of her bottom  on the rocks alarmed all hands and
brought the captain quickly to his feet. Then such a chiding as
the poor sailor received for his disobedience of ordeis, is seldom
heard in any dialect of the Scandinavian tongue. The vessel lay
quiet, but was stuck fast. Sounding revealed the curious fact that
her keel rested on a sunken rock, with not less than twenty feet of
water all round. On making further soundings from the boat,
which was got out for the purpose, it was found that the rock on
which she rested was situated iii a pool of clear, deep water,
surrounded by rocks on all sides, and that the only way of escape
was to draw her back, by means of the kedge anchor, through the
narrow and shallow passage by which she lhad entered. Several
hours of tedious labor were required to liberate her from  her
perilous position. The captain slept no more till his vessel was
moored to the slab wharf. at the head of the bay.
"The only opening in the forest visible to the party as they
landed, was the narrow clearing which had been made for the tramroad. Following this, Capt. Boardmanl keeping well in advance,
they soon arrived at the mill. The mill was not running,. Onl
entering the house, the hands were all found there, amusing themselves with the game of old sledge. After shaking llands all round,
Capt. Boardman said to his son, ' Horace, how is this, that you are
not running the mill?' The reply was, ' Father, it was a little
rainy to-day; the boys outside couldn't work very well, and they
wanted the men in the mill to make up the number for the game;
so I concluded to shut down for a time, in order that they mi-lht
have a little fun.' This easy way of doing business did not suit
the energetic old farmer, Capt. Boardman, who was now more flJly
convinced that the property had best be sold.
"After looking over the premises for a day, a party consisting'
of Mr. Hannah, Horace Boardman, Mr. Morgan, and a man nani d
Whitcher, with packs of bllankets and provisions, set out to explore
the country and examine the timber along the Beardmnian River. At
the end of a week, Mr. Hannah estimated that they had seen at
least a hundred million feet of pine on government land open to
sale. This was a sufficient inducement to the firm to accept Capt.
Boardman's proposition to sell them  his entire interest in tIhe
property, consisting of a saw-mill, the cheap buildings that had
been erected, and about two hundred acres of land, on which the
village plat was afterward located, for $4,500.
" The first work done by the new owners, was to construct a
tram-road from the bend of the Boardman to the mill, so thlat logs
floated down the stream could be hauled out at the bend, and transported over land to the mill, whence the lumber, as formerly, could
be run down to the slab wharf for shipment.
" The next task performed, which proved to be one of no small
magnitude, was the clearing of the river, so that logs could be floated
down from the immense tracts of pine on the upper waters.. It
was not merely here and there a fallen tree that had to be removed.
In some places the stream was so completely covered and hidden
with a mass of fallen trees, and the vegetation which had taken
root and was flourishing on their decaying trunks, that no water


could be seen. Ten long miles of the channel had to be cleared
before the first pine was reached. With an energy and a steadfastness of purpose that ever after marked the transactions of the firm,
the work was pushed on till logs could b: r'-:n down the stream.
" The saw-mill had only a single muley saw. Finding from a
few months' experience that it was too small and too slow tor their.ii


I I
I


I


l


v.


I-$I


1


oip-                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I


-P


f,


r --




'4




I
1


58


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




purposes, Hannah, Lay & Co. determined to construct a new one,
to be run by steam power. A site was selected aln the narrow
tongue of land lying between the lower part of the river and the
bay, where, on one hand, logs could be floated in the stream
directly to the mill, and, on the other, the lumber could be loaded.;
on vessels by being conveyed only a short distance on trucks. The
project was executed in 1852, and the next year the mill went into
successful operation. This mill is now known as the Company's
old saw-mill.
"About the first work done in the steam mill was to saw up the
pine timber on the tract of land now occupied by the village. It
was cut into bridge timber, for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, who used it for constructing a bridge over the Illinois River,
at La Salle.
" In those days, the lumber was all carried across the lake in sail
craft. The first vessel that carried for the firm, and brought in the
boilers of the steam mill, was the Maria Hilliard. No lake surveys
had been made in the region of Grand Traverse Bay, and the masters
of vessels were guided more by guess than by charts. Amusing anecdotes are told of their experiences, one of which we repeat. The
Richmond, one very dark night, was beating up the bay against a
light head wind. On attempting to tack, for some unaccountable
reason she would not come in stays, and, as she seemed to be fast,
the captain was forced reluctantly to let her remain. When daylight revealed the situation, what was his surprise to find his vessel
lying close to a bold, wooded shore with her bowsprit entangled
among the trees.
"' When the pine in the immediate vicinity of the mill had been
worked up, Hannah, Lay & Co. commenced the system of lumbering common on the streanmsof northern Michigan, which they have
successfully pursued tup to the present time, giving employment, both
summer and winter, to a large number of men.
"In 1852, a fourth partner, Mr. William Morgan, who had
accompanied Mr. Hannah on his prospecting tour, was received
into the firm of Hannah, Lay & Co. Afterward, in 1859, Mr. Smith
Barnes, a former resident of Port Huron, was admitted to partnership in the mercantile department, but without anyconnection with
the lumber trade.
" Mr. Francis Hannal, a brother of the member of the firm,
came to the bay in the fall of 1851, with a view to becoming a
partner. After spending the winter in the settlement, he concluded
that the financial advantages of a connection with the firm would
not be sufficient compensation for the seclusion of a life in the
wilderness, and finally declined the proffered partnership. While
there, he had charge of the business of the firm.
( After Francis Hannah retired from the employ of the firl,
Mr. Lay and Mr. Hannah for several years took turns in the management of the business at the bay and in Chicago, Mr. Lay remaining at the former place during the summer, and Mr. Hannah in
Chicago, the two changing places for the winter. Finally, the oversight of their interests was permanently divided between them,
Mr. Hannah residing constantly in Traverse City, and Mr. Lay in
Chicago.
( From the commencement of their business at the bay, they
kept a small stock of goods for supplying the wants of persons in
their employ. Their first store was kept in a log building, sixteen
feet long and twelve wide, that stood by the side of the old Boardman boarding-house, near the water mill on Mill Creek. From that


they removed to a small frame building erected for the purpose on the
north side of the river, just east of what is now the corner of Bay and
Union Streets. In order to make room for a larger structure, as business increased, the building was afterward moved to the north side of
Bay Street, opposite the Bay House, and was for many years used


II
I
i
I




I


as a tin shop. A lady who went shopping to this building in 1853,
described the stock as consisting of a few pieces of calico and just
dry goods enough to supply the little community.'
"After tie erection of the steam saw-mill, it was found convenient to have some place near it, where those employes of the firm
who were without families could be accommodated with board and
lodging.  Accordingly a boarding-house was commenced in the
spring of 1854, and by the last of August was so far advanced as to
be habitable. The original building, with its subsequent additions,
occupied a site on the south side of Bay Street, a short distance west
of the corner of Bay and Union Streets, and, at the time of the
present writing, is kept as a hotel by William Fowle, and known as
the Bay House.
"A saw-mill in the depths of a wilderness previously unbroken,
built only with a view to the profit arising from the mlnufacture of
lumber where land and timber were cheap, has often turned out to be
the nucleus around which thriving settlements have grown up. In
the case before us, the modest enterprise undertaken by Capt.
Boardman and his son, and afterward greatly enlarged and energetically pushed by Hannah, Lay & Co., proved to be the laying of
the foundation for a populous and thrifty community.
EARLY SETTLERS.
"The names of all who came to the new settlement in an early
day, have not been preserved. Some remained only a short time,
and then returned to the places whence they came, or wander(-d to
other parts; others identified themselves with the interests of the
community and became permanent citizens.
"At the setting in of winter, in 1851, the following families are
known to have been in the settlement:  Michael Gay's, John
Lake's, Henry Rutherford's, Benjamin Austin's, T. D. Hillery's,
William  Voice's, Seth Norris', Robert Potts', a family named
Barnes, a German family whose itame hias been forgotten, and an
old couple of the name of Lowery. Thl following names of unmarried persons, resident at that time, have been preserved: Henrietta Baxter, who afterward became Mrs. J. K. Gunton, Catherine Carmichael, sister to Mrs. Hillery and afterward wife of H.
D. Campbell, Dominic Dunn, William Rennie, Ciiyler Germaine,
Dougald Carmichael, brother to Mrs. Hillery and Catherine, James
K. Gunton and Richard Meagher. Francis Hannah was also there
having charge of the business of Hannah, Lay & Co., D. C. Curtis,
foreman in the employ of the firm, Thomas Cutler, who hlad come
out as an engineer, to take chargu of the steam saw-mill about to
be built, and John B. Spencer, who was getting out saw-logs for
the mill and timber for building a dock, and who soon afterward
removed to Elk Rapids. Thomas Cutler's family arrived the following year. There arrived also in 1852, John Garland and two
men of the name of Evans, with families, and unmarried, Henry
D. Campbell, Thomas A. Hitchcock, R. McLellan, and Hugh
McGinnis. Dr. Charles Holton and wife came either in the spring
of 1852 or the fall previous. Dr. D. C. Goodale, with his family,
arnived in April, 1853.
"Many of the persons named came for the purpose of entering
the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co., and most of them were, at one
time or another, engaged in some capacity in the service of the firm.
Mr. Voice, who had been in the country before, contemplated, in
connection with his partner, Luther Scofield, the building of a sawmill at East Bay, a project which was soon after carried into successful execution.


"The population of the settlement was yet small. They were
surrounded and shut in by an almost impenetrable wilderness.
But few improvements not demanded by the immediate exigencies
of the lumber trade, had been attempted. Only one public roadthat from the head of the bay to Old Mission-had been opened.


I. I,
-M


-A.d  J  


- ---


I




*IIf r -




Ak~ - -SL


1


j






I


l




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


59




This road had been made in fulfillment of an agreement between
the inhabitants of the two places, entered into, probably, at the
raising of Boardman's saw-mill. The people at Old Mission were
pleased to have a mill so conveniently near, and all could see that
connection of the settlements by means of a passable road would
be a public sdvantage. The inhabitants of each settlement, by
voluntary contributions of labor, built the half of the road nearest
themselves.."The society of the settlement was peculiar. Most (,f the married people were young. The unmarried men were intelligent,
moral, and well disposed, but bent on having their full share of
sport. As not unfrequently happens in border settlements, where
'the male population is apt to greatly outnumber that of the gentler
sex, tlheir recreations sometimes assumed a somewhat mischievous
character.,"On New Year's night, in the winter of 1851 and'52,'the boys'
determined to amuse themselves by waking up, in a startling manner, tile more sedate citizens. Secretly collecting all the firearms, they found they could muster thirteen guns. With these
they went round to several of the houses firing volleys under the
windows, to thie utter consternation of the more timid inmates, who,
living in constant fear of a hostile visit from the Mormons, thought
their dreaded enemy was upon them.
"Card-plA.ying and the habits of negligence and idleness to
which it leads, had been among the causes that made Mr. Boardman's enterprise unsuccessful. In the boarding-house of Hannah,
Lay & Co. it was strictly prohibited. -Some of the young men,
however, were not to be so easily deprived of a favorite pastime. At
Austin's they found a convenient rendezvous, where card-playing
and general hilarity, though the latter was sometimes a little
boisterous, were not considered out of order. Michael Gay could
play the fiddle, after a fashion. Usually as often as once in two
weeks his services were puit in requisition, the ladies, married and
single were invited, and music and dancing, neither of them, perhaps, of the most polished kind, served to while away an evening.
"TThe first marriage in which the ceremony was performed
within the limits of the settlement, was that of James Lee and Ann
Dakin, which took place probably in 1853. William M. McKellip,
a justice of the peace, officiated.
"The first white child born at Traverse City, was Josephine
Gay, daughter of Michael Gay, afterward Mrs. Neil Morrison. The
date of her birth was May 15, 1849."
EARLY INCIDENTS.
Traverse City was laid out in the year 1852. At that time so
thick were the woods where the village has since been built, that
Mr. Lay was once lost in attempting to go from the boarding-house,
near the old water mill, to the new steam mill; and Dr. Goodale,
two or three years later, was lost in going from the store to a house
at tile foot of Boardman Lake.
The year 1853, as will be seen from what follows, was a
formative period in the history of the settlement. Religious and
educational influences were set in operation; the village doctor
arrived, a post-office was established, and the forces of civilization
were thus set in motion.
In the winter of 1852 and '53, a young man was accidentally
killed at the camp on the Boardman. Early in the following
summer, another young man was taken sick at the boarding-house.


He was kindly cared for, under the supervision of Mr. Lay, and
attended by young Dr. Holton, who, though employed in the store
of Hannah, Lay & Co., gave his attention when called on, to the
few cnses of sickness occurring in the settlement.  Comfortable
quarters were provided for the sick man in the old Boardman


boarding-house, at Mill Creek, where, after lingering for a few days
he passed away. A little later in the season, a vessel came into the
harbor, having on board a family, in destitute circumstances, of the
name of Churchill. Mrs. Churchill was taken ashore dangerously
sick, and though everything that kindness could suggest was done
by the women as nurses and Dr. Goodale as physician, she lived
only a few days. The three early victims of death were buried on
the sandy plain, not far from the margin of the bay. A thriving
village has extended its streets and buildings above their forgotten graves, all traces of which have long since disappeared.
At the burial of the unfortunate young man accidentally
killed, there was no funeral service.  At the burial of the one who
died of disease, religious services were conducted by Rev. H. C.
Scofield, a young Baptist minister, who was residing for a time at
East Bay, in charge of tile business in which his brother, Mr.
Luther Scofield, was a partner. At the funeral of Mrs. Churcllill,
Mr. Lay read the Episcopal burial service at the grave. There is a
tradition, not well authenticated, that Mr. Whitcher, who was early
in the employ of Mr. Boardman, sometimes conducted religions
services for the men, but the funeral of thle young man at the ol(l
boarding-house, is the earliest occasion, so far as we have reliable
proof, on which such services were ever had in Traverse City.
The several deahlls occurring so near together, produced, perhaps, a feeling of solemnity in the community, and a desire on
the part of some at least for regular religious services. Mr. Scofield consented to preach. An appointment was made for a certain
Sunday, at the log house which had been fitted up for a schoolhouse. Mrs. Goodale, who took an active interest in the lnatter,
went round and gave notice to the people.
To some of the residents a religious meeting was a novelty.
The children who attended went to it with something of thle feeling
of expectant curiosity with which they would have visited a travel
ing show. An amusing incident, preserved in memory by some
who were present, illustrates this fact.  While Mr. Scofield was
offering an earnest prayer, two boys watched him very attentively.
As he pronounced the amen, one of them, with a comical look,
gave his companion a punch, and said, so loud that all in the house
could hear, " There, didn't I tell you amen would be the last word
he would say?"
EARLY SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK.
One evening in the early summer of 1853, a few persons,
gathered about a tea table, were discussing current events. Tlhe
central theme of their conversation was the isolated situation of
the little community, as particularly illustrated in the burial services that had recently been conducted. The conversation naturally led to the inquiry: Can anything be done to improve this isolated social position? Mr. Lay laughingly suggested to Mrs. Goodale that she should attempt to revolutionize the morals of the youth
by establishing a Sabbath-school. She retorted that she would, if
he, or any one else would assist her. Thle tea-table repartee became earnest project. Mr. Scofield offered his assistance, and
notice was given that there would be a Sabbath-school on Sunday,
at the school-house, which all were invited to attend. The sclhoolhouse was the old log house, which stood near the present site of
the Occidental Hotel.  It had been furnished and teachers hired
by Hannah, Lay & Co., for the benefit of all the children of tlhe
place. Accordingly, on Sabbath morning the children and teachers
met at the school-house.


There were three teachers, A. T. Lay, L. Scofield, and Mrs. D.
C. Goodale, and six or eight children. These latter were eager
and curious and their inquisitiveness serioubsiy interfered with their
teachers' duties. Imagine them asking such questions as, " Where
is the Sabbath school? I don't see it."  " What shall I do now,


59
l


I
I
I


PI


I




*r __                          V - l
I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_ 


9-0 - -: 


I-[  -
-iI   P




. rxe      I,-%I       -    - -
- 60                                                                                                                          I                                                                                                                         I w








60


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


Mrs. Goodale?" etc., etc., mingled with an occasional oath, as one
happened to lose patience, and one can easily imagine that the
scene, with all its serio-comic interest, would be indelibly impressed
on the teachers' memories. The second Sabbath, teachers met at
the appointed time, but no children came.  At length, Mrs. Goodale, perhaps having a correct suspicion of the cause of their
absence, proposed that her companions should wait, while she
should go out and look for them. She found them not far off,
picking and eating huckleberries, their hands and faces all stained
with the purple juice, in which condition she managed to gather
them into the school-house. On questioning the children as to
what the parents knew concerning their doings, it came out that the
latter had all gone out for a boat ride.
Mr. Lay and Mrs. Goodale concluded that if they were only
entertaining the children for the benefit of the parents' pastimes,
they might better go home and attend to their own affairs. So
began and so ended the first Sunday-school inl Traverse City. Mr.
Lay still enjoys telling his experience as a Sabbath-school teacher.
Five years passed with fio further attempt to establish a school.
In the summer of 1858, Rev. D. R. Latham, Methodist minister,
came to the place, and the school commenced anew. There was,
by this time.a new school-house, and great interest was manifested
by all. Almost every one gave liberally to the school and church.
The ladies bought lamps for lighting the house, and the large Bille,
existing still, we think, in the village school, was also purchased for
tlie Sunday-school; and a clean house and guarded Bible gave evidence that respect was had in the hearts of all for the house of
God and his holy day.
Mr. A. T. Lay's mother presented the school with its first
library, numbering about eighty volumes.  The teachers of the
new school were Miss Belle Hannah, Mrs. D. C. Goodale, and Mrs.
Jacob Blarnes, witlh some others whose names are forgotten. Miss
Ha:nnall had charge of the school, and it numbered some forty-five
scliolars.  For four or five years Christmas gatherings were held
in tlie school-lhouse, with Christmas trees for the children, and appropriate exercises, all adding to the interest of the scllool. Many
children froin the Bohemian settlement joined the school, thereby
incurring the severe displeasure of the Catholic priest. Sundayschool papers were introduced into the school in the summer of
1858 byv the teachers.
In thle winter of 1860 Elvin L. Sprague was appointed superintendent, and the same year an addition was made to the library
of about 100 volumes, the money being raised by subscription.
The first Sunday-scliool concert was held during the summer of
1864. A very interesting address was delivered by Mr. A. B. Dunlap, in connection with the exercises by the children, which consisted in repeating texts of scripture on the subject of heaven.
That concert will always be considered by those who attended it,
as one of the best we lhave ever had.
In the spring of 1865 Mr. Sprague left the school, and it was
without any definite leader for a time; being part of the time conducted by Mr. H. R. Hulburd, and in his absence by Miss M. E.
Cram. In the summer of 1865, about seventy-five volumes were
added to the library, part of the money being raised by Rev. Mr.
Crumb, and part donated by the Mass. Sunday-school Publishing
Society.  On the first of October, 1865, Mr. D. C. Leach was
appointed superintendent. Penny collections were also commenced
this month. The school from this time seemed to keep on in the


even tenor of its way, with no days of discouragement, but many
of bright promise, until in September, 1867, church services were
suspended in the school-house. upon the completion of the Methodist church edifice, and the school was removed there.
On the 12th of January, 1868, the school met as usual in the


Methodist Episcopal Church.   Fifteen years before, the union
school was organized. Ten years before, it had been reorganized,
and had continued with little or no intermission until that 12th day
of January, 1868. The question was: Shall we continue as we
are? or shall we divide the school with the two churches? Fears
were entertained that two schools could not be sustained. All
objections were overruled however, and the school adjourned never
more to meet as during all the years past. The following Sabbath
schools were organized in both the Congregational and Methodist
churches. Each church had purchased seventy-five dollars vorth of
books for their library. The utmost harmony prevailed at these
first meetings, and the number present at eacl school was fully
eaual to tlhe attendance at the old school. The foregoing sketch is
mainly from the pen of Mr. Thos. T. Bates, editor of the HIerald.
The first physician in the village was a Dr. Babcock, and it is
said that he found business so poor that lie was obliged to stand on
the street, where the mill lhands on quitting work would pass him,
and advise them that they were bilious and must have medicine or
they would be sick.
The first regular physician to engage in practice here was Dr.
David C. Goodale, who with his family arrived in April, 1853, and
was the first postmaster in the village. -Dr. Goodale was born in
Waybridge, Vt., Nov. 10, 1809. In June, 1835, lie graduated in
the medical college at Castleton, which at that time stood in the
front rank. of the medical schools of the country. Soon after
graduating, he married Miss Charlotte Isabella Cheney, and
commenced practice in Panton. He was for many years secretary
of tlhe Addison County Medical Society, and took an honorable
place in the ranks of the profession. During the political campaign
of 1839)-'40, lie published the G('reen,ointalti l A!/ rnx. He came
west in the fall of 1852. On removing to the Grand Traverse
country, lie determined to give up practice, but the needs of thle
settlement induced him to reconsider his determination. For many
years lie was the only physician in the vicinity of Traverse City.
His death occurred Nov. 13, 1878.
TRAVERSE CITY POSTOFFICE.
In 1853 the Traverse City postoffice was (stablislied, and Dr.
D. C. Goodale, who arrived in April of that year, was appointed
postmaster. He chose H. D. Campbell as assistant. The receipts
of the office for that year aggregated the sum of three dollars,
which was expended in the purchase of an office stamp.
Up to 1853, the postoffice at Old Mission was the only one in a
vast region of country around the bay. In the winter of 1852 and
'53, Mr. Lay, while in Washington, was successful in his effort to
get one established in the new settlement. The name of the one
at Old Mission was Grand Traverse. The new settlement at the
hlead of the bay was beginning to be known as Grand Traverse
City. When Mr. Lay proposed the latter name for the new postoffice, the clerk with whom  lie was transacting the business
suggested that "Grand" be dropped, and it be called simply Traverse
City, as thle name would have less resemblance to that of the office
at Old Mission, to which Mr. Lay acceded. Thus originated the
name subsequently given to a thriving village.
The mail was carried once a week, coming to Traverse City
from Manistee. Mr. Lay was the first contractor, his compensation
being $100 per year. At first it was carried by an Indian, called
Old Joe, in a pack upon his shoulders. Before the expiration of


Mr. Lay's contract, however, the quantity of mail matter had so
increased that a horse had to be employed. Hugh McGinnis was
then engaged as carrier who cut out a trail as far as Herring Creek,
the first move in road-making between Traverse City and the lake
shore.
Previous to the establishment of the postoffice at Traverse




e) I I. -1 \
84:n ---                                                                                                                                                         - M    6


a -PI




4 -

I


— v.


4r


I


I                                              l.


— 71IVc- I

THE TRAVERSE REGION


61






-


I




City, whenever any one had occasion to visit Old Mission, he was
expected to bring, on his return, whatever mail matter was found
waiting in the postoffice there. Ann Dakin, a woman employed in
the boarding-house, had relatives at that place, whom she frequently visited. Being strong of frame and a pedestrian of great
endurance, she thought nothing of walking to Old Mission at the
end of a week's labor, returning in time Co enter promptly upon
the duties of the following week. On these visits to her friends,
she was accustomed to carry a satchel slung over her shoulder, in
which she brought back the mail for the settlement.
Dr. Goodale continued to hold the office till after Lincoln's
election to the presidency, when, in the course of events incident
to a change of administration, he was removed, and H. D. Campbell appointed his successor. Mr. Campbell took the office in July,
1861, and removed it to "Bagdad," as the cluster of shanties on the
bny shore was called. The reason for removing the location of the
office was that a suitable place could not be procured in that part
of the village located on the county site. In July, 1862, Mr.
Campbell was succeeded -by Charles H. Marsh. Mr. Marsh was
succeeded by H. P. Barker, and in May, 1869, S. C. Fuller was
appointed to the office. July 1, 1873, it was made a presidential
office. Dec. 13, 1881, Mr. Fuller's commission expired, and failing
health compelled him to resign. He was succeeded by Thos. T.
Bates. In the summer of 1882 the postoffice building was remodeled to better accommodate the increasing demands of the business.
Early in 1884 Mr. Bates resigned the office and M. E. Haskell was
appointed his successor. Mr. Haskell had been deputy postmaster
about eleven years.
GLIMPSE OF THE VILLAGE IN 1859.
Rev. S. Steele, who arrived at Traverse City in October, 1859,
has described some features of the place at that time, and the first
Christmas festivities, as follows:
"The objective point of our journey was ultimately reached,
although the most vivid imagination could not have associated the
pla.e with the name it had assumed. The city part was wholly
prospective, and to our limited view too far distant ever to be
realized. Three or four frame buildings only greeted our welcome
sight, besides a store and a saw-mill, with their usual assignments
of small shanties for workmen and their families. A postoffice, a
printing office, and also a United States land office had been
established. Yet what was numerically lacking to make a city was
supplied in the integrity, value and intelligence of its citizens which
I had not included in my estimate of its future. Indeed, it has to
me always been a problem how so many choice families without any
previous plan of action should as if by accident meet in the same
place as the organic founders of a city. It strikingly illustrates the
fact that quality more than quantity is the most important factor
in moral, social, and even in commercial life.
"Upon reporting ourselves as having come among them to
remain, Mr. Hannah, not without some inconvenience to himself,
provided us with a ' shanty,' consisting of two rooms, where we
spent one of the most pleasant winters of our itinerant life. There
were then in Traverse City society no elements of discord. Competition in business, denominational rivalry, or claims to social
supeiiority, are of more modern introduction. We met each other
in social circles, joined in the same forms of worship, singing the
same hymns, and uniting in the same petitions. The first Christ

mas formally observed in Traverse City was in the year 1859.
For real pleasure and enjoyment, we doubt whether it has ever been
surpassed, if indeed equaled, by any gathering since upon similar
occasions. Each seemed to vie with the other in the presentations
of their highest testimonials of mutual love and regard. Mr. H.
D. Campbell, then a sprightly youth, and Miss Adsit played the role




I


-T


i_


of 'Grandparents.' Little Miss Marcella Steele was their ' Granddaughter,' and Dr. Goodale, deceased, was the acting ' Santa Claus.'
The writer of this sketch was surprised with the presentation of a
live turkey festooned and trimmed for the occasion, and a purse of
gold containing $107.50, besides other less valuable presents. Not
only was Traverse City society fully represented at this festival
gathering, but the whole of the Grand Traverse Region, Elk Rapids,
Whitewater and Northport in the person of some of their citizens.
Many who then gave pleasure to our society have passed beyond
the festive scenes of earth. Among them we recall the names of
Gov. Bates, Dr. Goodale, Mr. Grant and others, yet none with more
mournful pleasure than that of Mrs. H. Noble, of Elk Rapids. She
seemed to us almost a perfect model of true womanhood, possessing
refined, ladylike intelligence combined with earnest Christian zeal
to make all happy within the circle of her extensive influence."
VILLAGE SCHOOLS.
"Dr. Goodale, recently from   Vermont, whose arrival at
Traver-e City in the spring of 1853 has already been noticed, ]ad
come to keep the boarding-house of Hannah, Lay & Co. It was a
part of the contract between the doctor and the firm that his eldest
daughter, Helen, then in the fifteenth year of her age, should t(ach
school. Her compensation was to be a dollar a week and board,
and the firm promised that if the people failed to pay the full
amount, they would make up the deficiency.
"As yet there had been no legal organization of a school district. There was no vacant house suitable for the accommodation
of a school. The best that could be done was to put in order an
abandoned and dilapidated log building, which had been coi.stiuctid
by Mr. Spencer and used by him for a stable, while;getting out
logs and timber, in the winter of 1851 and 1852. It stood in a
wild locality, some distance from the main part of the settlement,
in what is now the eastern part of the village. The exact location
is Lot 3, of Block 12, on the south side of Front Street, a short
distance east of Boardman Avenue. Under the supervision of Mr.
Lay, who manifested much personal interest in the enterprise, the
house was repaired, and furnished with such appliances as circulmstances would admit of, at the expense of the film. The door was
in the west side. There was a small window near the door, and
another at the east side of the room. A stove stood in the middle.
The teacher's desk was near the west window. A blackboard hung
against the wall. The desks were neatly made, but not painted.
The floor was loose and open, and on one occasion teacher and
girls suddenly gathered their skirts closely about them and sprang
upon the seats for safety, as a snake. with threatening looks but
harmless intent was seen leisurely coming up through one of the
chinks. The books were such as the pupils happened to have.
Reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, and geography were taught,
in the old-fashioned way.
"4 While teaching, Miss Helen lived with her father's family, in
the boarding-house, the expense of her board being defrayed by the
patrons of the school, or assumed by Hannah, Lay & Co., acoording to the contract. It was something of a walk to the schoolhouse. On the direct route, there was no bridge over the river,, except the timbers of the boom, near the saw-mill, which served as a
narrow foot-bridge, not very safe or pleasant for a timid woman to
cross, but we are told that the men in the mill, with respectful gallantry, were always on the alert to lead the schoolma'am over.


"The following list comprises the names of the pupils who
attended this first school: George, John, Thomas and Elizabeth
Cutler; Almond and Ellen Rutherford; Augusta, Clarissa and
Lucius Smith; Elizabeth Whitney; an adopted son of the Mrs.
Churchill who had recently been buried; Albert Norris. The next
summer, the school was increased by the addition of James, Will



L


I-(
r5




1


U:,,., ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


-




1.
-  I'.


II
I
i
I
i
I
I
i
I


j


62


THE TRAVERSE REGION


l


iam, John and Richard Garland; Melissa, Emma and Anna Rice,
and a girl whose name has been forgotten. Elizabeth Cutler was
the youngest pupil; Albert Norris was the oldest,. being about a
year older than the teacher.
"After the close of her first term of school, in the fall, Miss
Helen went to Chicago, where she spent the winter in study.
Returning the following spring, she was again emplofed to teach
in the log schoolhouse, at an advance of fifty cents per week on the
former wages.
"At this point, we take leave of Miss Helen Goodale, the first
schoolma'am of Traverse City, with the statement that she afterward became Mrs. T. A. Hitchcock, and, respected by a large circle
of acquaintances, has lived to see her humble school-house swept
away by the onward march of improvement, and a populous and
thriving town occupying the locality of the scene of her youthful
labors.
" During Miss Goodale's absence in Chicago, in the winter of
1858 and '54, Miss Helen Gamon, an experienced teacher, who was
visiting her sister, Mrs. Holton, taught the school. It was kept
that winter in the old Boardman boarding-house, it being more
easily reached by the children than the log school-house, when the
snows were deep."
May 11, 1854, the school inspectors of the town of Traverse
formed School District No. 1, out of the following described
territory: Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, in Township 27 north, of
Range 11 west, and Sections 7 and 8, of Township 27 north, of
Range 10 west.
The first meeting of the district was held at the store of
Hannah, Lay & Co., May 17, 1854, and the following officers
chosen: Moderator, Alvin A. Smith; director, David C. Goodale,
assessor, Thomas Cutler.
The next meeting was held in September, 1854, at the same
place as the previous one, at which David C. Goodale was chosen
moderator; Thomas Cutler, director, and James Gunton, assessor.
In the winter of 1854 and '55, the teacher was Farwell Campbell, the old boarding-house being again occupied by the school.
At the meeting held in September, 1856, the board voted to
raise $200 for the purpose of building a school-house.
It does not appear who was the teacher in the summer of 1855.
The following winter the school was taught by a Mr. Enos, in a
building which, at the time of the present writing, constitutes a
part of the hotel known as the Front Street House. In the winter
of 1856 and '57, the school was kept in a new district school-house,
which had been built, Theron Bostwick being the teacher.
The new school-house cost $250, and stood on the present
west corner of Park Place. This building was afterward moved off
and is now used for a primatry school.
In 1869 another building was erected near tihe first one, at a
cost of $1,200, and those two answered the purposes of the district
until the union school-house was built in 1877. The cost of this
building including furniture was about $7,000.
In 186;i there were 122 school children, and the number in
attendance was forty-eight.
In the summer of 1861 the school was taught by Miss Belle
Hannah, sister of Hon. Perry Hannah. Late in July that year,
three boys were drowned while bathing in the bay at the mouth of
Boardman River. Two were sons of Michael Green, and the other
was Segwick Stevens. A striking incident in connection with this


melancholy accident is mentioned by Mr. Hannah. Mr. Green,
father of two of the boys had recently been injured in the mill of
Hannah, Lay & Co., and was taken to Chicago, and placed in a
hospital for treatment. Mr. Lay, who lived in Chicago, looked after
the wants of the injured man. The day of the drowning Mr. Green,


who was then stricken with death, insisted that his attendant should
send to Mr. Lay's office, and inquire if there was any news from
his family in Traverse City, saying that he knew something had
happened, and that two of his children were lying dead in the
house. Soon afterward Mr. Hannah arrived in Chicago by boat
and was met by Mr. Lay, whose first question was concerning Mr.
Green's family, and was told of the drowning of two of Mr. Green's
children. They went directly to the hospital, but before their
arrival Green had passed away.
In 1863 H. P. Blake took charge of the sclool, with an average attendance of thirty-five. The fall term of 1866 began with
thirteen pupils. In the winter of 1867-'68, there were 130 pupils
enrolled, and three teachers. In the summer of 1868 Mr. B31lke
left, having taught five terms. The average attendance at this
time was ninety-seven.
In the winter of 1868-'69, Professor Young had charge of the
schools. There were 175 names on the register, and an average
attendance of 120. The census of 1868 showed 270 school children
in the district.
In the summer of 1869 Albert Saylor was principal.
In the fall of 1873, 212 pupils were enrolled, and in 1883, (626.
Mr. Saylor was succeeded by Mr. Saxton and lie by Mr. Nixon.
In 1872 Mr. L. Roberts came from Benzie County, and was
principal of the schools until 1880, when lie was succeeded by S.
G. Burkhead, who retires in 1884.
There are in 1884 seven school buildings and twelve teachers,
besides a principal. The school census of 1883 gave the number
of school children in the district at 868. The school board is
composed of C. J. Kneeland, director, E. P. Wilhelm, assessor,
Perry Hannih, moderator, Geo. E. Steele and E. L. Sprague.
THE GRAND TRAVERSE HERALD.
Whoever could possess a complete file of this paper would
have a more complete history of local affairs in all their details,
than can be published in any volume. The ltl,aldl was the first
newspaper published in northwestern  Michigan, and was the
pioneer agency in the development of all the forces that have made
this region what it is to-day. Its history is valuable, as showing
what is possible in pioneer journalism. The founder of the /le.ald
did not establish his enterprise in an inviting field, but he equipped
it with the moral and intellectual energy to compel success. The
paper was fortunate in its founder and in its subsequent proprietors. Its intellectual and moral standard has never wavered and
its business management has been such as to preserve its financial
reputation from  any reproach. The following historical sketch
is made in part from a sketch published in the H(erald/ January 1,
1880.
"The first number of the Grand Traverse Hlerald,,   was issued
Nov. 3, 1858, the late Hon. Morgan Bates, editor and proprietor.
It was started as a four column folio on a sheet 18x26 in size,
column seventeen  pica wide. The office was established in a
small building on the bay road on the lot now  occupied by C.
Germaine's residence.  'the fac-simile we issue with to-day's
paper will give a good idea of the appearance of the initial.
numbers.
"May 17, 1867, on the occasion of the second enlargement of
the paper, Mr. Bates said editorially:  'The first number of the
Herald was issued on the 3d day of November, 1858, without a subscriber, and with only one-fourth of a column of local advertisements.


The undertaking looked more like a madcap freak than a sensible
business enterprise. The county was then Democratic, and all the
county officers, and the register and receiver of the United States
land office (which had just been established here) were bitterly hostile to us. The only word of encouragement that we received was




A,.a  L


-


L - -......


1


1


1








THE TRAVERSE REGION


63


-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


from Hon. Perry Hannah, who welcomed our advent kindly, and
who has proved a firm and steadfast friend.'
"The Herald met with marked success from the -start. From
the first week of its issue it has never failed to pay all its employes
in full each Saturday night, and every payment for stock and material has been cash on receipt of bill.
"In 1861 a new office was built on the corner now occupied by
the lItrald, and here the paper was published until 1868, when it
was moved by its then proprietor, Mr. Leach, to the corner of Frojnt
Street and Park Place.  There it remained until June, 1879, when
it found more commodious quarters in the enlarged building at its
old stamping ground, corner of Front and Cass Streets.
"Tlle first enlargement was made May 25, 1866, when the
columns were increased two picas in width and two inches in
length. May 17, 1867, a second enlargement was made, and the
paper then appeared as a six-column folio, 24x36 in size. May 1,
1868, a third enlargement was found necessary, and the Hierald
appeared tas a seven-column paper, 26x40.   March 4, 1869, a
change was made to eight columns, but the paper remained the
same size. January 1, 1880, the fourth enlargement was made,
and the Herald was given to its readers as a nine-column paper,
size 28x44.
"Morgan Bates continued to publish and edit the paper until
the close of the ninth volume, Dec. 20, 1867, when the office was
purchased by Hon. D. C. Leach, who remained as editor and publisher until May 11, 1876. Mr. Leach then sold to Thomas T. Bates,
the present publisher, and removed to Springfield, Missouri."
In the first number of the Herald Mr. Bates stated his political
creed in tlese words:
"In politics we admit no such word as neutrality. We hate
slavery in all its forms and conditions, and have no fellowship or
compromise with it. We entertain no respect for any party or any
religion which sanctions or supports it, we care not from  what
source they derive their authority; and regard the politician, minister or layman who advocates its extension and perpetuity as an
enemy to the human race and false to the God we worship.
Entertaining these views on what we regard the great political issue
of the day, we shall support with zeal and firmness, to the best
of our ability, the Republican organization, so   long as that
party shall be true to the principles which now govern it. Are
we clearly understood?"
The,Heral. d fought slavery until slavery was dead. It upheld
the Union cause lin its darkest days, always uncompromising, staunch
and true.
As a business enterprise the Heraldl has been a pronounced
success from the beginning. It started without a single name on
its subscription books, and without local advertising, because there
was nothing to advertise, and no one to read an advertisement if
inserted. Its founder, with clear vision, saw a bright future for
Grand Traverse, and hle had not long to wait to see his predictions
verified.  Hannah, Lay & Co. began advertising Nov. 18, 1858, in
the third number issued. It was a "till forbid" ad. of two inches.
From that day to the present the firm have been liberal advertisers.
As tile country opened up and settlers came in the subscription list increased until but few weekly papers in the country have
a larger number of subscribers  The office is superbly equipped


with all the modern facilities for printing, and the paper is now issued
in the form of an eight-column quarto, well filled with reading
matter.
SKETCH OF MORGAN BATES.
HON. MORGAN  BATES, founder of the Grand Traverse ierall,
died ut his residence in Traverse City, March 2, 1874, at the age of
sixty-eight years. We quote from an obituary sketch published in


I








tile Herald, as follows: "Mr. Bates, who was a twin brother of
the late Rev. Merritt Bates, was born near Glens Falls, N. Y.,
July 12, 1806. When the brothers were.only seven years old their
mother died, and at that tender age they were thrown upon their
own resources.
"Soon after the death of his mother the subject of this sketch
went to Sandy Hill, N. Y., and became an apprent'ce to the printing business. The proprietor of the office in which he learned his
trade was Hon. A. Emmons, father of Hon. H. H. Emmons, one
of the judges of the United States District Court, and now, and for
along time past, a well-known and honored citizen of Michigan.
"We do not know how long a time Mr. Bates spent at Sandy
Hill. We know, however, that after leaving that place he worked
as a journeyman printer in Albany, New York and other places.
"In 1826, being then only twenty years old, he engaged in his
first newspaper enterprise, starting a paper at Warren, Pa., called
the Warren Gfazette. While publishing the Ga_-ette Horace Greeley
worked for Mr. Bates as a journeyman printer. At that time began
a friendship which lasted to the close of Mr. Greeley's life.
"We are not able to say precisely how long he published the
(gazette, but we find that in 1828 he took possession of the Chautauqua  pibrlli'can, a paper published at Jamestown, N. Y. While
residing at Jamestown he married Miss Janet Cook, of Argyle, in the
same state.
"After publishing the Republican some two years he removed to
New York City, and was employed in one of the large printing
offices of the metropolis. Not long after reaching the city he
worked for Greeley as foreman, as Greeley had worked for hima at
Warren.   While thus employed in Greeley's office he planned th e
typographical form of the _New Yorker which Greeley, or Greeley
& McElrath, soon after established. We have a distinct recollection
of the New' Yorker as it appeared to our youthful eyes. We thought
it a very neat and wonderfully wise paper. It was quite popular in
its day.
"In 1836 Mr. Bates came to Detroit, then in 'the far west,'
and was employed as foreman in the office of the Detroit -Advertiser. In 1839 hlie and George Dawson, now of the Albany
Journal, bought the 4Adverti.ser and Mr. Bates continued to run it
until 1844. Mr. Dawson transferred his interest to Mr. Bates some
years previous to 1844.
"The Whig party, whose policy Mr. Bates very earnestly and
ably advocated, was defeated at the presidential election that year
and the prospect for a Whig newspaper being anything but flattering, he sold the lAdertiser, and, it seems, retired from the publishing business.
"In 1849 Mr. Bates joined the army of gold seekers and went
to California. Of course, at that time, hie went by way of Cape
Horn. After an absence of two years he returned by way of the
Isthmus. But again, in 1852, taking his wife with him, he sought
the land of gold.,,Mrs. Bates' health failing, she returned in 1855 to her friends
in Argyle and died on the 19th of July of that year. Mr. Bates
remained a year longer in California. During his second sojourn
in that state hlie was for a year or more the sole owner and publisher of the.4 lta Califolrnia, daily and weekly. It was at that
time, we think, the only daily west of the Rocky Mountains.


I"Returning in 1857 he accepted a position in the auditor general's office at Lansing, which he held until he removed to Traverse
City. Hon. Whitney Jones, of Lansing, an old-time acquaintance
and friend of Mr. Bates, was then vaditor general.
While residing at Lanlsing,  Mr. Bates nmar ied Clymene C. Cole,
who died in 1874.    In 1858, Mr. Bates resolved to try the news

_ll


i


f


-MO


(r


I


r


I


I.


II


L




2"' —0


P ---4


Ir




R4-LI


r 


(C.-v
6
I
II
I I


k

]{


I11111 


64


THE TRA.ERSE REGION.




paper business again, and this time selected about as new and-wild
a region as ever a printer ventured to try his fortunes in.
Traverse City, the point selected for establishing his new paper,
was an insignificant village-if it could be called a village at allat least 150 miles from any railroad, thirty miles from any regular
steamboat route, and a hundred or more miles from even a backwoods stage route.
His history, while editor of the Herald, is contained in the
sketch of that paper. He was a man of positive opinions, and a
clear and able writer. He was one of the most successful of
journalists, a man of earnest sympathies, intense convictions, and
of plain and vigorous speech.
Mr. Bates was for eight years treasurer of Grand Traverse
County, and always discharged the duties of the office in a manner
entirely satisfactory to the people. When he left the office it was
by his own choice, declining re-nomination.
When Mr. Lincoln entered the presidential office, he appointed
Mr. Bates register of the United States land office at Traverse City.
When President Johnson "( swung round the circle," Mr. Bates, in
language whose vigor was much more noticeable than its politeness,
gave the accidental occupant of that big office plainly to understand
that neither himself nor his paper would swerve one iota from the
principles of Republicanism. As a consequence, he was removed,
and L. G. Wilcox appointed in his stead. Upon the election of
President Grant, Mr. Bates was reappointed, and continued to hold
the position till his death.
In 1868 Mr. Bates was elected to the. office of Lieutenant
Goveinor of Michigan, and re-elected in 1870. By virtue of that
office he was president of the senate. His discharge of the duties
of that position secured him the friendship and respect of the
senators and all with wholm he came in contact.
Before failing health made rest and relaxation necessary, Mr.
Bates was a man of remarkable energy and industry. There was
not a lazy muscle in his system. He was noted also for shrewdness
and business tact. His financial success here is the best proof of
this. When lie came to Traverse in 1858, he was worth, probably,
about $1,000. In fifteen years that thousand had multiplied more
than an hundredfold.
THOMAS T. BATES,
Editor and proprietor of the Herald, is a son of the Rev. Merritt
Bates, elsewhere mentioned in this work, and was born Dec. 13,
1841, at Keeseville, Essex County, N. Y. At sixteen years of age
he began life as a clerk, and the year following entered a bank at
Glens Falls, N. Y. The third year he occupied a position as bookkeeper in a large banking establishment in Memphis, Tenn. At
the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, lie came north, and in
1863 came to Grand Traverse with his parents. In 1864, he
entered the establishment of Hannah, Lay & Co. as general cashier,
resigning two years later to open a real estate office in connection
with Hon...C. Leach, whose interest in the business he purchased
in 1871. During the time that he was engaged in the real estate
business, he made himself familiar with the lands in this region,
and being deeply interested in the general prosperity of the country,
took an active and prominent part in the settlement and development of this entire region. In 1876 he purchlasd the Grand
Traverse Herald of Mr. Leach, and has been its editor and publisher since that time. Although that was the first of his making


newspaper work an occupation, yet he had been more or less connected with the Herald since 1865, and was, therefore, entirely
familiar with all its details. The Herald, under his management,
shows that the mantle of Morran Bates has fallei upon shoulders
worthy to wear it. In Decemlbr, 1881, lie was appointod postmaster at Traverde City, and resigned two years later ol) account of
- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~  ~ ~..-. --. _


I
i




the increasing business of the Herald. He has been chairman of
the Republican Township Committee since 1876, and was chairman of the county committee from 1876 to 1882, and has been a
member of the State Central Committee for the last six years. In
1867, he married Martha E. Cram, daughter of Jesse Cram, an old
resident of Grand Traverse County, and an early pioneer of Wayne
and Genesee Counties.
THE TRAVERSE BAY EAGLE.
The E'alle was the second newspaper published in the lower
peninsula north of Big Rapids and Manistee. It was started at Elk
Rapids, Antrim County, the last of March, 1864, by E. L. Sprague,
the present editor and proprietor, under the name of the 1I;k lapi1ds
Ea!ile. It first appeared as a very small folio sheet, the size being
only fifteen by nineteen inches. At the end of the first year James
Spencer became part owner and publisher, and the paper was enlarged to twenty by twenty-six inches. Jan. 1, 1866, the name was
changed to T'rarerse Bail/ ]E'ale, and the paper was enlarged to
twenty-two by thirty-two inches. In the spring of 1866 a power
press was purchased, the first in the Grand Traverse Region. In
the fall of the same year, the paper was moved to Traverse City,
and Lyman G. Wilcox was admitted as a partner, the firm being
Sprague, Spencer & Wilcox. The paper was at this time enlarged
to an eight-column folio. One year later Mr. Wilcox retired,
Sprague and Spencer purchasing his interest.
At the same time a steam engine and boiler were purchased1 to
drive the press. Previous to this, however, at the time Mr. Wilcox
became a partner, a job press was added to the office, the first
brought into this region. In 1872 Mr. Spencer's health failed,
and the management of the office devolved entirely upon Mr.
Sprague. The first of January, 1880, the paper was again enlarged
to its present size-a nine column folio. In July, 1882, Mr.
Spencer sold his interest to Mr. Sprague, the original owner and
publisher. Mr. Sprague has been connected with the paper since its
establishment, and is now the oldest editor who has been continually
in the business in this part of the State. In politics, the IPac!/le
was Republican up to the time of the presidential campaign in
which Greeley was a candidate, since which it has been Independent
or Democratic.
Mr. Sprague was born in Gill, Mass., Dec. 22, 1830. In 1836,
he removed with his parents to Washtenaw County, Mich., where
they settled. He remained at home and in the vicinity until 1853,
when he came to the Traverse Region, where he has since lived and
borne an active part in its affairs. He first located at Elk Rapids,
where he assisted in the erection of a grist-mill for the firm of Craw
& Co. He worked in the mill after it was in operation until 1860,
when he came to Traverse City, and was in the employ of Hannah,
Lay & Co., as salesman in their store for three years. He then
returned to Elk Rapids and started the  agflef as heretofore stated.
From that time to the present lie has been in the newspaper bu-iness. He was treasurer of Antrim County six years, and was
prominently identified with the early history of that county. He
was one of the early school teachers of Elk Rapids, having taught
two terms in 1858 and 1859. In the fall of 1864 lie married Sarah
E. Spencer, of Elk Rapids. Their wedding tour embraced a trip
to Traverse City, where tile marriage ceremony was performed, and
the return to Elk Rapids, which was their home until 1872, when
they moved to Traverse City, which has since been their home.


They have one daughter.
AN i jRICULTURAL PAPER.
The Northwt'e.st Far.er, a sixteen page monthly, devoted to
farming and rural affairs, was started in May, 1882, by D. t.
Leach as publisher, and D. C. and M. L. Leach, editors. The
Farmer is a valuable journal for farmers in the Traverse Region.


A 
-.D
-., 4


ii


L~




a\.-  


I




w j 


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION


65


THE M. E. CHURCH.
The first Methodist class in Traverse City was organized by
Rev. D. R. Latham on the lith day of April, 1858, consisting of
William  Fowle, Mrs. Goodale, and five others.   The mneetings
were held in the district school-house, which had recently been
built.
Mr. Latham's voluntary labors ended in the fall of 1858, at
which time he was admitted to conference and appointed to the Elk
Rapids circuit. He was succeeded at this point by Rev. W. W.
Johnson. In the fall of 1859 Rev. S. Steele came, charged with
the double relation of pastor and presiding elder.
A sketch of tile Traverse City M. E. Cllhurch, written by Mrs.
R. A. Campbell, a daughter of Mr. Steele, covers the ground so
thoroughly that we quote from it as follows: "The Grand Traverse
Heraldl of Oct. 21, 1859, says:  I Rev. S. Steele, the presiding
elder for Grand Traverse district, and minister in charge for Traverse City and the Mission, preached his first sermon here on Sunday last, and gave very general satisfaction. He has selected this
as the place of his residence, instead of the Mission.'  The only
place of shelter that could be found was one of the shanties in
' Slabtown,' a new one, consisting of three rooms and a garret,
afterwards named by Mrs. Hannah and known by the name of
' Palace Shanty.'  The district then embraced all the territory in
the lower peninsula between Mackinac on the north and Muskegon
on the south, covering an area of nearly lhalf the state. The towns
which were then in their initial or embryo state, some of which have
since obtained commercial importance, were Traverse City, Elk
Rapids, Northport, Glen Arbor, Manistee, Pentwater, and White
Lake (now Whitehall).
" During the year a class was formed, consisting of the
pastor's wife and daughter, Mrs. A. R. Steele and Miss Eugenia
Steele, Mrs. Dr. Goodale, Mrs. Smith and Baker. On the evening
of December 24, the people came out enl mlasse to the school-house
(which stood on the ground now occupied by the new part of Park
Place) and enjoyed the festivities of a Christmas tree. The occasion was one of mirth and enjoyment long to be remembered by
those present. Very interesting exercises were followed by the distribution of many valuable and pretty gifts.  Young and old were
all remembered. A card in the He ratd acknowledges for the pastor
a purse of gold of $90, and other presents added making the sum
$100.
" The lHeralhd of April 27th states: 'Rev. S. Steele left for
Detroit on Wednesday. We shall have no stated preaching of the
gospel until his return.'  During his absence the first prayer meeting (a ladies' meetingl was held in the school-house, Mrs. Steele
taking charge of the meeting, quite a large representation of ladies
being present, who assisted in singing. Two or three led in prayer,
Mrs. Jacob Barns joining by reading a prayer from her prayer book.
A Sabbath-school w,s also organized about this time, Mrs. Jacob
Barns acting as superintendent. It was during the winter of 1860
that our Bro. Rev. J. W. Miller, (a young lawyer living at Pentwater), experienced religion and was given license to preach. After
some urging and persuasion by the elder, Bro. Miller came to feel
that it was his.duty to go into active service for the Master; and
accordingly in the spring took work under the elder at Whitewater,
then only a school district in the woods, now known as Acme.
Here he labored, preaching in private houses until fall, when he
joined the conference and was stationed at Nortllport. During the


summer an appointment was made for him to preach at Traverse
City in the school-house, which with much reluctance he consented
to fill. At the appointed hour the house was full, with Mr.
Hannah, Gov. Bates and Hon. Jacob Barns among the listeners.
This first discourse, to an audience of this size, or in any place but


the homes of the people, was a severe trial to our brother, but the
Lord was with him and blessed him.  At the conference of 1860
the elder was relieved from any work but that of the district, and
Bro. J. W. Robinson appointed at Traverse City. He arrived on
Saturday, October 20, and commenced his work Sunday, October
21. I have no history of his labors, except that lie was acceptable
to tlre people and served them faithfully. Prayer meetings were
held at his own house, and I believe our Bro. Dr. Leach, participated in the same. I find these items in the H(,rald: A card of
thanks for a New Years' present amounting to $70 in cash, $5 in
sundries, as well as $10 at Christmas.  Also a recognition of the
generosity of the lumbermen in the camps. Daring HMarch he visited all the lumber camps, eight in number, which was followed by
a contribution to him of $60 from the men.
"At the conference of 1861 Bro. William Rorke was appointed
to this place.  -Ie came, a single man, and was landed by boat at
the Manitou Islands, instead of Northport, they telling him it was
but a short distance. He was obliged to pawn his watch for a man
to bring him across in a boat, after a storm of several days. He
then walked from Leland, a distance of thirteen miles through the
woods, without any supper, arriving at Northport about eleven at
night, footsore and weary, obliged to call up the elder's people
because he had no money to pay hotel bills.
"Conference of 1862, Bro. J. E. McAllister came to this work
and remained one year, preaching alternately between here and
Old Mission. I have neither reminiscence or knowledge of this
year.
" Conference of 1863, Bro. G. W. Sherman came to this
clharge remaining three years.  Bro. Jeremy Boynton was appointed elder and resided at Manistee, Rev. Steele, his predecessor, going to Grand Rapids. The Herald of Feb. 15, 1865, furnishes a card of thanks from Bro. Sherman for a donation armounting in receipts to $141 and pledges to make $159, also,;n expression of thanks to Dr. Ashton and lady, who kindly opened their
house for the occasion.
"The Herald of June 9, makes this statement: ' Rev. G. W.
Sherman is building a chapel in the western part of the village for
the use of the M. E. Sabbath school.' Bro. T. T. Bates informs
me this was used for a mission school for several years, lheld in the
afternoon. The IIerald of July 6 says:  ' Rev. J. Boynton, P.
E., will deliver a sermon on " The Rise, Progress and Peculiarities
of Methoaism," Sunday evening, July 8. A collection will be taken
at the close as a centenary offering.' Thus you see the centenary of
Methodism was observed. Again the Heralhd of Oct. 5, 1866, furnishes us this item: ' Rev. V. G. Boynton, P. E., and preacher
in charge, has arrived and entered upon his work.' Why this return to filling this charge by the presiding elder, I cannot state' but
owing to the organization of another church, presume it was because of difficulty to support both. P. E., J. Boynton, had only
served three years, but was obliged to give up active work because
of loss of voice.
"Conference of 1867, Bro. V. G. Boynton was continued as
elder, and Bro. G. C. Draper appointed pastor to this.place.
Through the efforts of Rev. G. W. Sherman the matter of the
church building was first agitated and started. He gave liberally
himself, more than he should, so in earnest was he that it should
be builded. Dr. B. D. Ashton, perhaps more than any other one,
had the burden and care of it while in process of building. In

deed but for his efforts, seconded and assisted by Gov. Bates and
his brother, Rev. Merritt Bates, it probably would not have been
pushed to completion after the materi-! w-as gathered. Through
the faithfulness and zeal of a few, and kindly assistance of a good
many, it was completed, without a spire, and finished in a very




I


> 








t
9y


A W,,,  I,,,,...,...,,....,....


- i


I                 rpo


IN )J




t. —I      U


t


9\


F


I1.


I


i                           -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -


I
I


-


I


66


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


neat and tasteful manner, ready for dedication for the use of the
M. E. Church. Although up to this date we have no record of organization, still we know a class existed, preachers were stationed,
and services held regularly for some years. At this time Dr. B. D.
Ashton, Merritt Bates, Morgan Bates and L. S. Crain were made
trustees, the Doctor serving continually in that capacity until the
present date.  He has occupied the same pew in church until
now, and himself and family have been regular attendants of worship. I think this can be said of but one other family, that of Bro.
L. S. Crain. Sunday, Oct. 13, 1867, very soon after Bro. Draper's
arrival, at 10:30 o'clock was the time set apart for the dedicatory
services. An extract from the Herald will state the result:  'The
Methodist Church in this place, just completed, was dedicated last
Sabbath by Rev. A. P. Mead, of Jackson. Mr. Mead had been
three nights without sleep, and spent the whole of Saturday night
in an open boat, on Grand Traverse Bay. Though greatly exhausted he did not shrink from tile work he had undertaken. The
dedication sermon was exceedingly able and eloquent, and made a
deep impression on the large and attentive audience. It was replete with profound thought clear and lucid reasoning and beautifully illustrated. The delivery was excellent. Above all it was
full of what the Methodist ministers of the last generation called
unction. At the close of the sermon it was announced that the
church had cost (exclusive of the spire not yet erected) $4,000,
and that of this sum $700 was yet to be provided for. Mr. Mead
proposed to raise this sum in a few minutes, and he succeeded.
When it is considered that two churches have been erected in
Traverse City the present season, that but little help had been obtailled from abroad, and that the two have cost about $10,000, we
think the result of Mr. Mead's efforts to raise $700 extraordinary,
alike creditable to him and the good people of Traverse and vicinity. We tender to Mr. Mead and the congregation he so eloquently
addressed our hearty thanks. It was almost cruel to ask Mr. Mead
to preach in the evening. It has seldom fallen to our lot, however,
to listen to a sermon we liked so well. Mr. Mead has secured himself an abiding place in the affections of Traverse City. -May blessings attend him.'
"I will state here that Mr. Hannah gave the site for the
church.
"Conference appointed for fall of 1868, J. W. Reed. Fall of
1869, W. Prouty, salary paid $512. Fall of 1870, Bro. M. B.
Camburn, P. E.; W. Prouty returned, salary $492. In 1871 Bro.
Camburn, P. E., died on his way home from conference. Bro. J.
W. Miller was appointed to fill balance of term; James Roberts
appointed pastor; salary paid, $890. ]872, Bro. J. Roberts returned; salary, $900. 1873, David Engle appointed pastor; salary
paid, $600. 1874, H. Worthington, pastor; salary, $600. 1875,
A. P. Moores, P. E.; H. Worthington returned; salary, $875.
Falls of 1876-'77-'78, Bro. M. M. Callen, pastor; salary paid in
1876, $800; 1877, $925; 1878, $800. 1879, A. J. Eldred, P. E.,
W. H. Thompson, pastor; salary, $850. Falls of 1880-'81-'82,
J. W. H. Carlisle, pastor; salary paid in 1880, $850; 1881, $850;
1882, $900. Fall of 1883, Bro. E. H. Day, pastor, W. R. Stinchcomb, P. E. Salary during the last fourteen years, running from
$492 to $900 per year, aveiaging $775 for that time.
"The following have been superintendents in Sunday-school:
T. T. Bates, E. J. Blinn, L. Avery, J. B. Haviland, W. A. Severson, M. M. Callen, M. Winne, W. H. Thompson, W. F. Griffin,


W. W. Gorball, A. Jennings.
"Class leaders are as follows: H. L. Alien, L. A. Avery, John
S. Cook, J. C. Williams, of East Bay, W. F. Griffin, William
Loudon, R. Caldwell, Hattie Griffin, Bro. Green, of East Bay, Dr.
Stanton, Euge-ia Campbell, Bro. Hall, George H. Cobb.


I


I


I


"Trustees: B. D. Ashton, Morgan Bates, Merritt Bates, L. S.
Crain, E. J. ]31inn, T. T. Bates, J. B. Haviland, Thomas Johnson, W. F. Griffin, William London, R. A. Campbell, S. G. Burkhead.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The First Congregational Church of Traverse City was organized Feb. 1, 1863. The congregation assembled at 10 A. M., and
the opening sermon was preached by Rev. C. E. Bailey, of Benzonia, from Deut. i. 28. At 2 P. M. the congregation again met for
the completion of the church organization, and were addressed by
Rev. George Thompson, on the design and membership of a church,
after which the following named persons came forward and as ented
to the articles of faith and covenant as read by Rev. C. E. Bailey,
thus organizing themselves as a Congregational Church, viz: Rev.
J. H. Crumb, Elvin L. Sprague, LeRoy C. Blood, Amos Hill, Mrs.
Maria Grant, Mrs. J. H. Crumb, Mrs. Mary Sprague, Mrs. Fannie
E. Blood, Mrs. Cecelia Hill, Mrs. Caroline McLoud. The consecrating prayer was offered by Rev. C. E. Bailey. Elvin L. Sprague was
elected deacon for the term of four years, and L. C. Blood, clerk;
after which the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered
by Revs. Bailey and Warren, and the services closed witl the beliediction by the pastor, Rev. J. H. Crumb.
On the 27th of February, 1863, the Congregational Association
met with tha church here, when this church was received to membership in the association, and after the usual exercises the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered, and the following
persons received to membership in the church: Robert Potts, Mrs.
E. Potts and Mrs. M. E. McCaige.  The church as represented by
its pastor and delegates was now recognized and received as belonging to the Association of Congregational Churches of Michigan, and
from this early and small beginning has to a greater or less extent
participated in the regular meetings and work of the churches.
Additions to its membership were gradually made and the church
strengthened.  Oct. 1, 1863, Mrs. Jesse Cram   and daughter
Martha ( now Mrs. T. T. Bates) were received as members, and at
subsequent communion seasons there were continued accessions.
Oct. 11, 1864, Cyruq M. Merrel was chosen deacon for one year, S.
B. Stout, clerk, and Edward H. Holdsworth, sexton.
At a meeting held April 11, 1865, It was voted to retain Rev.
J. H. Crumb as pastor for the coming year, alnd to raise the sum
of $200 for his support, and to ask of the Home Missionary Society a further sum of $400, and C. M. Merrel, H. Holdsworth and
S. B. Stout were appointed a committee to raise the amount.
April 24 Mr. and Mrs. Stout were dismissed and recommended to
the fellowship of evangelical churches, and Oct. 22, 1865, Mr. and
Mrs. D. C. Leach and daughter Mina became members by letter
from the Presbyterian Church at Lansing.
From this time onward there were accessions to the membership and some removals, and at the close of Rev Crumb's engage
ment Rev. R. Hatch, late of Benzonia, was engaged to preach and
act as pastor from June 1, 1866, the church voting to raise $400
for his support, and to ask the same amount from the Missionary
Society.  Nov. 9, 1866, letters of dismissal and commendation
were voted Rev. Crumb and wife, and a movement was made
toward the builJing of a house of worship, and it was voted to
make application to the Congregational Union for aid in the work.
Rev. R. Hatch and Hon. D. C. Leach were appointed a committee
to make out and forward such application. From this time until


April 5, 1867, the church seems to have prospered; at meetings
htlld ft the house of Jesse Cram  and elsewhere, several members
were received, special religious interest was manifested, special
seasons of prayer held, and on Sunday, April 7, 1867, it was decided to go forward and build a meeting-house that season, the




II




I


-


w


I I -tb


-


f?I






1 )






I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              -1         t


i


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


r,






CongregationHl Union having voted $500 aid, and accordingly
work was begun on " the new meeting-house " May 20, 1867.
Tle work of church building is stated in the records as appearing " dark and dubious," and the church united in prayer that "God
would open the way and send help," and at the monthly meeting
held August 24, " the pastor reported unexpected success in raising
funds, and all seemed to see and acknowledge the hand of God and
to be deeply thankful." By the 12th of January, 1868, the new meeting-house was completed and furnished at a cost of $5,623, and
that day was set apart for dedication services, which were conducted by the pastor, assisted by Rev. Draper, of the M. E. Church,
and Rev. Leroy Warren, and the church January 20 voted to
make a yearly collection in aid of the Congregational Union. At
this time the seats in the church were selected, but not rented or
sold.
June 6, 1868, Rev. R. Hatch was re-engaged as pastor upon
the same terms as before, and May 30, 1870, he was still in charge
of the church-the membership and interest, both financial and
spiritual, were largely increased, and the records say, " This church
was never more harmonious and prosperous; to God be all the
glory." On the 7th of August, 1871, the first good bell introdluced
into this northern country was placed in the tower of the church
at a cost of $600.
The last Sabbath in May, 1872, Rev. Hatch preached his farewell sermon, and a committee for the supply of the pulpit, consisting of Bros. Leach, Steward and Hurlburt, were appointed. Sept.
2, 1872, a call was extended to Rev. O. H. Spoor, of Vermontville,
to become pastor of the church at a salary of $1,500, which call
was accepted. At a regular meeting of the church held Oct. 31,
1873, a vote of thanks was given to Mrs. R. Hatch for her services
in securing a communion set for the church, a committee was appointed to revise the church records, and Mary Kinzie was elected
clerk and continued to act as such until Dec. 31, 1875, when Lizzie
Kellogg was elected to the office.
On Sept. 28, 1876, a meeting of unusual interest, preparatory
to the communion service, was held; and at the close of the communion service on Sunday, October 1, Rev. O. H. Spoor tendered
his resignation as pastor, explaining the causes which led to this
action. "Surprise and grief were on every face, and the people
sought their homes with sorrow in their hearts."  His resignation
was accepted, resolutions of confidence and love were unanimously adopted, bearing testimony to the four years of faithful and
acceptable work in our midst.
After the resignation of Rev. Spoor, the pulpit was for a while
supplied by Rev. E. C. Olney, who was afterward, at the annual meeting held Jan. 1, 1877, unanimously called to act as pastor, and
continued to serve as such for one year.
During this year W. S. Cr,,w was called to supply the pulpit,
and subsequently called to act as pastor by vote of the church Nov.
1, 1878, forty-six votes being cast in the affirmative and twentyeight in the negative. The society concurring, Mr. Crow was
called upon condition of uniting with this church and becoming an
ordained minister. Dec. 4, 1879, Mr. Crow was received to membership, and December 9 he was ordained to the work of the ministry-sermon by Rev. J. Morgan Smith; right hand of fellowship
by Rev. J. C. Patton; charge to the people by Rev. W. H. Thomas;
benediction by Rev. W. S. Crow.
It was during the pastorate of Rev. Crow that the articles of


faith were revised and altered, eleven members voting in favor and
ten against the proposed alteration. Mr. Crow continued to act as
pastor of the church until November 80, when he declined to accept a renewed call to remain as pastor.
On the 10th of November, 1881, a call was given Rev. W. R.




I


I


Seaver, of St. Joseph, Mo., to become their pastor, which call \as
accepted, and he commenced his labors February, 1882, and at the
present time is in charge of the church. The total membership of
the church has been since its organization, 154. There have been
thirty-nine deaths and removals, leaving a present membership,
some of whom are now absent, of 115. The work of rebuilding
and enlarging the church, with the erection of rooms especially
for church parlors, social gatherings and Sabbath-school, is now in
contemplation, and money is being raised and steps taken to carry
out the project in the not distant future.
CHURCH OFFICERS:-Pastor, Rev. W. R. Seaver; deacons, 1).
C. Leach, Geo. E. Steele, J. W. Hilton, Frank Hamilton; clerk,
James G. Johiison; treasurer, John T. Beadle.
The Sunday-school is in good working condition, and has an
efficient corps of teachers, and a membership of over 200 scholars.
The average attendance for the year 1883 was 117, the largest attendance being 179, and the smallest forty-four. The amounlt colitributed during the year has been $146.45. The interest in the
school and the contributions have been greater than at any pievious
time in its history.
OFFICERS: - Superintendent, J. W. Milliken; assistant suplrintendent, Rev. W. R. Seaver; librarian, Frank Kubeck; assistallt
librarian, Ruth Barlow; financial secretary, Julia Barlow; recording secretary, Fannie Holdsworth; treasurer, Mrs. F. Hamilton.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Tile First Baptist Church of Traverse City was organized Feb,.
12, 1870, in the old school-house located where Park Placc ILt,tel
now stands. Rev. E. Miils, of Northport, whose aid h;ld been
solicited for this purpose, was moderator of the meetin(g, and J.
Gridley, clerk.  Regular meetings were afterward held at tlhe satle
place for a time, and subsequently the church was granted the use
of the new building which is now one of the east sidle prilmaries.
At this time there were fifteen members. Rev. E. Mills was called
to the pastorate March 3 of the same year. Leach's lhall was llow
engaged for purposes of worship, and remained the regular place
of meeting until the church edifice was completed.
The church was formally recognized May 12, 1870, by a co1uncil composed of delegates from sister churches. On tllis occasion
Rev. A. K. Herrington preached the sermon and Rev. J. C. Jordan
gave the charge to the church. The pastorate of Bro. Mills was
very successful, and at its close the church numbered fifty members. He afterward often served as supply.
Rev. E. J. Stevens, of West Sutton, Mass., the next, pastor,
was called in June, 1873. Under his leadership the church proceeded to build a house of worship. The building committee were
J. Gridley, H. J. Wait and Rev. E. J. Stevens.  About this time
the church received a very valuable present-a Mason i HIamlin
pedal organ, valued at $500; it came through the agency of Mrs.
A. K. Pratt, and was the gift of the Union Band Bible Class, of
the Second Baptist Church of Chicago.
The new church edifice being completed, was formally dedicated July 26, 1874. The total cost was $3,300. Rev. A. E.
Mather, of Detroit, preached the dedication sermon..Elder
Stevens' pastorate closed April 1, 1874; ten were added to ine:nbership during this pastorate.
Rev. William Munger was called to the pastorate Jan. 23,
1875. Two years of earnest work resulted in considerable increase
of numbers; seventeen were added during this time to the meiil

bership of the church. During this pastorate the church received
valuable presents from Mrs. H. J. Davis, of Allegan, consisting, of
a carpet and marble top table.
Rev. C. H. Rhodes, of Parma, was the next pastor; he came
to the church in December, 1877. He not only preached to the




_ --- —-_\\_ I                                                                                                                                                       l


*




__                                                                                                                             I..I -a


68


TTIE TRAVERSE REGION.


church here, but also to a large number of out-stations. Twentyseven were added to membership during llis pastorate, which
closed in October, 1880.
In December foilowing, the present pastor, Rev. E. R. Bennett,
accepted the call of the church and began his labors. He also has
accomplished considerable missionary work in the outlying Districts.
Seventv-five members have been adde I to the church thus far, during his pastorate, the church property mnuch improved and the
church debt paid. The church is prosperous, harmonious and
spiritual. It sustains a large and flourishing Sunday-school.
CHURCH OFFICERS:-Pastor, E. R. Bennett; deacons, J. Gillis,
C. O. Titus; trustees, one year, C. O. Titus, H. Green; two years,
R. Hobbs, R. A. Haire; three years, J. Gillis, H. H. Burns; treasurer, J. Gillis; assistant treasurer, C. E. Green; clerk, Dewitt
Chipman; ushers, C. O. Titus, H. Green, E. Adsley.
GRACE CHURCH.
"Occasional Episcopal services and other rites of the church
were performed in Traverse City, by the Rev. A. C. Lewis, Imissionary at Elk Rapids, duriig the years 1870, '71 and '72. In 1873
the parish was organized. The proper legal documents for effecting such organization, and for becoming a body politic and
corporate, were signed by the following named gentlemen: John
F'. Grant, E. L. Sprague, L. O. Saylor, S. S. Wright, Homner P.
Daw and Frntik J. de NevenI, who gave to the coporation tlle
name of " Grace Church," and fixed on seven as the number of its
vestry. The declaration of assent to tte doctrines, worship and
canllons of the church was signed by the aforenlamed, together witlh
F. L. Furbish and Ellery C. Spinney. These documenelts were
ackhnowledged before Jesse M. Cram, notary pulblic, anid recorded im
the office of the clerk of the county on the 12th day of August, 1878.
"At a mneeting called by the missionary, Rev. A. C. Lewis, of
Elk Rapids, at the residence of L. 0. Saylor, Sept. 15, 1873, the
following namied persons were chosen the first vestry of (race
Churl11i: Johln  F. Grant, E. L. Spraguie, L. O. Saylor, S. S.
Wright, Homier P. Daw, F. J. de Neven, F. L. Furbish, who at
once proceeded to elect fromn their number tlhe following officers:
Wardens, E. L. Sprlage, Homer P. Daw; secretary, John F.
Grant; treasurer, F. J. de Neven. Tlhe church was now fully
orgalnized. Durilng the months of September, October and Novellber, 1873, missionary services were held one Sunday inll each
month inll Masonic hall by the Rev. A. C. Lewis.
"At tlle amiual mneeting onl Easter Monday, April 6, 1874, the
following lnamned gentlemen were elected vestrymen; John F.
Grant, L. O. Saylor, S. S. Wrighlt, E. L. Sprague, H. P. Daw,
F. J. de Neven, G. P. Griswold, who from their number elected the
following officers: Wardenlls, E. L. Sprague, H. P. Daw; secretary,
John F. Grant; treasurer, F. J. de Neven.
"From I)Decembler, 1873, to July, 1874, divine services were
held one Sunday inl eachl month at Campbell's hall, and from
August to October inll Leatch's hall, by the Rev. A. C. Lewis. Onl
Aug. 19, 1874, thle parish was visited lby the Rt. Rev. Bishop
McCoskry, who held servtices inll the evening in the Conlgregational
church, kindly offered for that purpose, assisted by tlhe Rev. Mr.
Bush- and Rev. A. C. Lewis.
"Onl the(6th of May, 1875, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gillespie, D.
D., bishop of western Michigan, visited the parish; divine services
were lheld in Leach's hall onl the evenings of the 6th land 7th, and
two persons were confirmed.  On tile 1lthl of December, 1875, the


bishop again visited the parish; held services in the Congregational
church in the evening; baptized four adults and confirmed six.
"No serious effort had yet been made toward the erection of
an edifice for public worship, though the subject had been frequently
spoken of anld considered. In the spring of 1876 the matter was


undertaken by the Rev. Mr. Lewis, wlio was so successful tlhat onil
the 18th of July the bishop held a service on the site selected for
the chapel, and broke ground for the same in lieu of layilng the
corner-stone-and so energetically was the building pushed forward
by the contractor, J. W. Hiltoll, that it was complted by Novenlber, and on the 12th day of that month was consecrated to the
worship of Almighty God by the bishop of the diocese, assisted in
the services by the Rev. Mr. Lewis.
"The first clergyman settled over the parish was Rev. W. H.
Sparling, who arrived and entered upon his duties at the beginning
of the year 1877. He remained in charge for two years, when
ilmpaired health compelled him to relinquish tle work. He was
succeeded in September, 1879, by the present rector, the Rev. Joseph
S. Large. Tlle present vestry is composed of the following gentlemen: E. L. Sprague, H. P. Daw, C. E. Lockwood, M. H. Holley,
H. W. Davis, E. H. P(ipe. There is one vactancy, oecasioned by
tle deatll of L. 0. Saylor.
" The Sulnday-school consists of about fifty children, with
eight teachers-the rector acts as superintendent. Thle library
contains about 300 volumes, and is presided over by two efficient
librarians.
"There are two societies connected with the parish- -tlhe
Ladies' Guild, which meets weekly, and of which Mrs. C. L. Roland
is president and Mrs. G. Hallnnah secretary and treasurer-and tlhe
Young Ladies' Society of which the rector is president, Miss Ella
Norris treasurer, and Miss Gertie Sprague secretary."
ST. FRANCIS SOCIETY.
St. Francis Catholic Society cameillto active existence in 1877
when Rev.- George Ziegler, the first resident priest, came lhere and
assumed charge. Prior to that time it was a missionary station
and had been such for twenty-five years. As early as 1855 Fathlr
Mrack camne here, and lie was followed by other priests who visited
this point one or more times aI year. About the year 1871 Fatlher
Herbstrit, who located at Sutton's Bay, used to visit lhere, built a
small church building.   In 1877 Rev. George Ziegler, recently
from Cincinnati, came here and entered actively upon tlhe work of
gathering the forces at this point. In October of that year lie
opened a school, and in 1880 enllarged the church building. In
1883 the convent building was erected, and there are now about
eighty children ill the convent slchool. Tlie society owlns a handsome property, consisting of eighteen lots. The priest's house was
built in 1881. There are about one huniidred families in tlhe parish.
LUTHERAN.
There is a.lso a Lutheran society in the village. A church
building has been erected and the society is growing stronger as tle
village increases in population.
THE VILLAGE IN 1867 AND 18(;8.
The following general lescriptionl of Traverse City, lmade in
i February, 18(37, will give thle reader anll idea of thle progress made
up to that time.   The writer said: There are two resident clergymen, Rev. Reiben Hatch, Congregational, and~ Rev. V. G. Boyntonl, Methodist. The attorneys are E. C. Tuttle, Pratt & Boynton,
and George P. Griswold. Dr. B. D). Aslhton is tlie only physiciat
and surgeon, and his practice extends over five counties. T. T.
Bates is broker, real estate agent and conveyancer. Jesse Cram,
the county clerk is insurance agent, notary public and conveyancer.
Tllis is also the home of Hon. J. G. Ramsdell, judge for this judi

cial circuit.
There are five stores.  Messrs. Hannah, Lay & Co., the
pioneers and owners of the village plat, are by far the most extensive dealers, though in the enumeration their establishment is
counted as one store, while in reality they have three large and
separate stores. They have an immense trade and employ seven

-l —






p


qqwp,)






iiU1. 1 


I








SCHOOL OF HOLY ANGELS,TRAvE:RSE CITYAMCH-.








F-. 


I 


THE TRAVERSE REGION


69


teen clerks, book-keepers and cashiers. H. R. Hulburd, who began
business here in the fall of 1866, is a general dealer in dry goods,
boots, shoes and groceries. McClellan & Vosburgh also commenced
the same fall, and keep a general store. L. W. Hubbell & Co. are
dealers in drugs and medicines on Front Street. T. Gilmore has a
grocery and provision store. Mr. Baker has recently built a store
building, and Miss Ada Sprague has a millinery and fancy goods
store.
There are four hotels: The Gunton House, kept by James K.
Gunton, is situated at the east end of town on Front Street; the
Traverse City Exchange, by John Black, and the Mansion House
by Thomas Cutler, are centrally located on Front Street, and the
Traverse City House by William Shilson is situated at the west
end of town. All of these hotels do a flourishing business, and
during tile season of navigation are crowded to their utmost
capacity.
Hannah, Lay & Co. have a saw-mill and a steam flouring mill.
We have nothing to boast of in the way of public buildings. The
court-house, which was a respectable wooden structure, was burned
five or six years ago, and on its ruins stands a small building, by
courtesy called a jail, which is scarcely ever occupied and, therefore,
answers every purpose. There is a school house building, 30x70
feet in size, which is well arranged and fitted up and in which an excellent school is kept the year round.  Two churches will be built the
coming summer, one for the Methodists and the other for the Congregationalists.
There is one watchmaker and jeweler, D. E. Carter, who is
doing a good business.
Victor Petitil has a cabinet-shop, and Robert Bancroft has a
photographic gallery. There is one tailor-shop, six shoe-shops,
one blacksmith-shop, two tin-shops, a wagon-shop, one barber and
a printing-office.
During the summer, a propeller, owned by Hannah, Lay &
Co., makes weekly trips between Traverse City and Chicago; and
they also have a small propeller, the Sunny Side, which makes
daily trips around the bay. In winter, two lines of stages run between Traverse City and Grand Haven. The distance is 175 miles
and tile trip is made in four days.
January 29, 1868, the following statistics were given, relating
to Traverse City, and were said to be very accurate: Actual population, 680. Buildings and improvements during the summer of
1867: M. E. Church, $4,200; Congregational Church, $5,800; 24
private dwellings, average cost of each, $600, total, $14,400:
Joseph Greilick & Co., planing-mill, $1,500; Hannah, Lay & Co.,
Boardman    River  dam,   $5,000;  Hannah,   Lay    &  Co.,
warehouse, $1,000; R. Goodrich, store, warehouse, etc., $2,500;
A. T. Allen, blacksmith-shop, $150.  Improvements: Gunton
House, $2,000; Morgan Bates, residence, $1,000; Hannah, Lay &
Co., store, $2,000; other improvements, $1,800.  Grand total,
$40,850.
SECRET ORDERS.
Grand Traverse Lodge, No. 200, I. 0. 0. F, was organized Dec.
20, 1872, with the following officers: N. G., E. S. Bullis; V. G., John
Titus; Sec., John Verly; Treas.,B. D. Ashton; D. D. G. M., David
Vinton.
Officers in 1884: N. G., Henry Green; V. G., Samuel Timblin;
R. S., William  Moody; P. S., D. Matleson; Treas., Thomas


Shilson.
Traverse Bay Lodge, I. 0. G. T., was organized January 19,
1876. Rev. A. P. Moors, Deputy G. W. C. of the state, gave a temperance lecture in the M. E. Church after which a lodge with fifty
members was organized.   The first officers were as follows: W.
C., E. L Sprague; W'V. T., Mrs. R. A. Campbell; Sec., Joseph






Pohoral; W. A. S., Clara E. Hill; W. F. S., A. L. Craw; Tr.as.,
J. W. Milliken; W. M., B. D. Ashton; W. D. M., Mrs. Severson;
W. I. G., Mrs. L. Soule; W. 0. G., Frank E. Wood; P. W. C., J.
F. Boyd.
Officers, first-quarter in 1884:  W. C. T., E. L. Ashtou; W.
V. T., Mrs. L. Soule; W. Sec., G. G. Bates; W. Fin. Sec.,
Miss Flora Clapp; W. Treas., Miss Anna Gilroy; W. Marshal, R. A.
Campbell: W. I. G., Miss Rosa Roberts: W. 0. G., Miss Brown.
Traverse City Lodge, No. 222, F. & A. M., was instituted Felbruary
2, 1868, with nineteen charter members.  At that time the advent
of a Masonic order was attended with a good deal of interest.  A
public dedication and installation was held at the M. E. Church, on
Thursday evening, February 20th.
The persons acting as Grand Officers on that occasion were:
Rev. J. Boynton, of Pentwater, W. G. M.; Mr. Dunham, of Manistee, D. G. M.; Rev. S. Steel, of Manistee, S. G. W.; Mr. Thurbur,
of Manistee, J. G. W.; Rev. Mr. Ellis, of Pentwater, Grand Clap.
Tile services at the church were opened with instrumental
music by Miss Leach, followed with prayer by the Grand Chaplain.  An oration upon the designs and principles of the institution was then delivered by Rev. S. Steel.
Tile new lodge w,^s then dedicated and the following officers
installed, in form:
Charles W. Day, W. M.; James D. Harvey, S. W.; Sa;muel
W. Arnold, J. W.; S. M. Edwards, treasurer; Edwin S. Pratt,
secretary; Isaac J. Winnie, S. D.; Joseph E. Greilick, J. D.; Rev..George N. Smith, chaplain; R. Johnson and (G. W. MLcClellan,
stewards; Prokop Kesselkah, tyler.
Of the nineteen charter members, seven are iow residents of
Traverse City, as follows: Jesse Cram, J. E. (Greilice;, J. 1). Hlarvey, Prokop Kesselkah, E. S. Pratt, J. G. Ramsdell, 1. J. Winnlie.
Officers in 1884: W. M., J. N. Broadfoot; S. W., A. McMallns;
J. W., H. Montague; S. D., W. G. Lawrence; J. 1)., Charles
Lambert; Sec., M. B. Holley; Treas., H. P. Daw.
Present membership, 130.
Traverse City Chapter, No. 102, R. A. M., was granted a dispensation in June, 1877, and at the January session of the Grand
Lodge, in 1878, a charter was granted. February 4, 1878, the
chapter was instituted in due form by C. J. Cruger, (i. H. P., of
Grand Rapids. The following officers were duly installed: H. P.,
J. N. Broadfoot; K., J. T. Beadle; S., H. P. Daw; C. of H., S. C.
Moffatt; P. S., J. B. Haviland; R. A. C., I. G. Winnie; M. 3d V.,
J. Verly; M. 2d V., R. Ellis; M. 1st V., J. F. Boyd; Treas.,
Thomas T. Bates; Sec., S. C. Fuller; sentinel, C. Dupicy.
Officers in 1881:  H. P., S. C. MoffAtt; K., J. T. Beadle; S.,
H. P. Daw; C. H., S. C. Despres; P. S., J. N. Broadfoot; R. A. C.,
I. G. Winnie; Sec., H. D. Campbell; Treas. Thomas T. Bates.
McPherson Post, No. 18, G. A. R., was mustered in May 21,
1881, with the following officers: C. C., Samuel Wood; S. V. C.,
Daniel Matteson; J. V. C., J. C. Boughton; Adjt.. L. H. (;age; Q.
M., I. G. Winnie; chaplain, Samuel Anderson; O. D., Levi Soule:
O.-G., J. C. Gridley; S. M., L. Roberts; Q. M. S., Philip Fcizer.
Officers in 1881: C. C. L. Roberts; S.V. C., Molroe Morse:.1. V.
C., F. B. Hodge; Q. M., 0. P. Carver; surgeon, Dr. M. L. Leach;
chaplain, S. Anderson; O. D., T. Gridley; O. G., A. S. Dobson;
Adjt., J. C. Gridley.
LADIES LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.


The Ladies Library Association, of Traverse City, is one of tile
important institutions of the place, and a testimony to the intelligence and enterprise of the citizens. The building of this association was completed and formally opened December 6, 1878, at
which time Mrs. M. E. C. Bates read a historical sketch of the
association, from which we make the following extracts:


-9


o


I


-


L


e)


I


I


_ __




— N




-II                                                                         - A




70


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


"The plan of the association originated in the mind of one
woman, and that the woman of Traverse City above all others best
calculated to organize and carry out such an enterprise-a woman,
who, to abundant means and leisure, added a vigorous will, a courage that was never daunted, and a patience that never tired. As we
sit here to-night in this pleasant hall, come to congratulate each
other on the opening of this flower of success, whose beauty is so
fair to our eyes, let us not forget her who planted the seed from
which it sprung so long ago, and watched its early, feeble growth
with such loving, tender care, but give a reverent thought to the
memory of Mrs. Morgan Bates, whose grave has grown green in
fair spring time and white with the drifting snows of winter, for six
long years. The association was the child of her love, and to its
advancement she bent every force of her strong mind while she
lived.
"Pursuant to her call, there met, in Leach's hall, one hot
summer afternoon, the 23d of July, 1869, eight ladies to talk
over the matter. These eight were Mrs. Morgan Bates, Mrs.
Ashton,   Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. Samuel        Arnold,
Misses Mina Leach and Mary Knizek, and your speaker. There
are five of that little band present here to-night, or there ought
to be, and to every one of us the scene is as vivid as if it were
yesterday. In our fancy we can feel the heated air, see the dusty
floor and benches of the almost deserted hall, and I can even remember the droning of a bewildered blue-bottle fly, that had strayed
in somehow and doubtless wondered, as lie tumbled over the dingy
windlows, what it was all about, but clearest of all, we can see the
little group of women on the front seats, vigorously fanning themselves and listening to the stirring words of our leader, as, with her
flshing black eyes and vivacious manner, she unfolded her plans
and wishes to us.  Then and there our association sprang, fullfledged, into existence.  The records of the society, on the first
page of the first volume, say: 'After remarks by various ladies, it
was moved thlt a Ladies' Library Association be organized in Travelse City. C rried unanimously.'  It was very simple after all.
We merely said: 'Let there be a Ladies' Library Association,' and
there was a Ladies' Library Association.
"Its first local habitation was in the building across the way,
lately occupied by the U. S. Land Office, the register of which was
at that time Morgant Bates. Our first books were donated, and
generously donated, by the citizens, and adding a few dollars' worth
to them out of the membership fees, we had, when our first report
was made, October 1, 1869, seventy-nine volumes, of which fiftyfour were donated.  Our first public entertainment was a free
lecture by Miss M iry Clark, of Ann Arbor, but this, pleasant as it
was, did not bring any funds into the treasury, so preparations
were soon commenced for a fancy fair and supper, which was to
come off at the Gunton House about holiday time. And it did come
off according to programme, and was a grand success, the funds of
the society being replenished to the amount of $170, gross proceeds. During the fiscal year of the society there were given also,
among lesser entertainments, an ice cream festival and a lecture by
Mr. A. S. Wadsworth, which brought the amount received this year
up to about $230, of which $140 was spent for books, and the
library increased by that and by sundry donations to 829 volumes.
"In July, 1871, the association was incorporated and became
capable of buying and selling and holding property, a power which
it improved in the fall of 1871 by buying two lots-the two lots di

rectly east of the residence of the late Dr. Goodale-and making a
part payment down on the purchase.  The event of this year was
our afghan fair-we didn't call it a lottery because that didn't sound
well. The center piece was a brilliant carriage afglau, radiant in
hue and fine in texture-by the same token you can see it any day


as it goes between Judge Ramsdell's fruit farm and town, though
worn and faded and shorn of all its former glories, it is only a relic
of better days,-and besides a large variety of fancy articles which
were disposed of by tickets. The afghan fell to the share of Morgan Bates, who donated it again to the association, and it was resold by auction and re-donated several times.  The whole entertainment brought us $190, gross proceeds.  Then there was the
big squash! Do you remember how it looked and what came of it?
The big squash weighed considerably over one hundred pounds and
took the first prize at the Agricultural Fair that fall. It was given
to some one-Mr. Leach, we think,-and after a series of vicissitudes, given to the L. L. A. for their entertainment, as a sort of a
'drive' upon that august body. But the spirit of Mrs. Bates wa.
equal to the emergency. She accepted the huge vegetable with a
profusion of thanks-and immediately made it up into an enormous
quantity of squash pies, called a squash pie social at her house and
netted the society an even twenty dollars! This was the best year
the association ever knew, its gross receipts being over four hundred dollars.
"During the year 1871-'72, there were a series of lectures delivered
by prominent citizens, among whom were the Hlon. S. C. Moffatt,
of Northport, and Judge Ramsdell and Mr. Griswold, of Traverse
City, all of which brought additions to the funds of the Association.
"In August, 1872, there came another streak of good luck,Morgan Bates and Mr. Hannah paying off the indebtedness on the
lots by presenting the society with $275, Mr. Bates giving $250
and Mr. Hannah making up the balance.    This ended the 'flush
times' of the association, the good old times that have never come
again and probably never will.
"In the fall of 1872, Mrs. Bates went east on a visit.  At the
last meeting of the library which she attended she said she could
not be happy while she waS away without news of us, and appointed
a committee to write to her while she was gone, but only one or
two letters were exchanged when the news came swift and unexpected: i Mrs. Bates is dead!' The shock was great to the entire
community, but outside her own family nowhere was it felt as in the
society which she had organized and which had grown through her
fostering care to be what it was. The members of the association
attended her funeral in a body and wore badges of mourning for
thirty days. I shall never forget the first meeting we held after all
was over, for the purpose of electing a president to occupy the place
which she had always filled. Some of us, and I was one of the
faintest-hearted, said: 'It is of no use to try to keep up our organization, —it is best to give it up now.'  A few brave-hearted souls,
first among them our present worthy president, said: 'We will not
give up! We will go on the best we can and surely, if slowly,
make our association the success she would have made it had sihe
lived!'  So we took up the burden again but we missed our old
leader sadly.
"During the next year the lsual income from memberships, etc.,
and a ser'es of socials gave us an income of under $130, while in
1874 a few entertainments brought us the sum of nearly $150, Mrs.
L. 0. Saylor contributing a valuable oil painting which netted the
society nearly $60, and Judge Ramsdell contributing flowers and
fruits which brought, at a flower and fruit festival, some $40.
"During this year a change was made in the real estate owned
by the society,-Hon. Perry Hannah buying the two lots before


mentioned, giving in exchange a lot on what was known as the
Park and $500 in cash.
"In 1875 our receipts from entertainments dwindled down to a
little over $70, and with one exception this ended the entertainment
chapter from that time till the present, 1878.
"The society was out of debt, owned a library of over 400 vol

J


___ _


I' I k




i




Ia



THE TRAVERSE REGION.


71






umes, and had about $600 out at interest, with a village lot worth
$500. Early in January, 1876, the cha;nge was made to the rooms
of the Y. M. C. A. with which body we remained, with the best of
good feeling existing between the two societies, until the Y. M. C.
A. gave up their rooms at the close of 1877.  During this time no
call had been made on tile community at large, the only money received outside of our regular income being $10, the proceeds of a
social or reception given us by tile Y. M. C. A.
"With the close of 1877 the old project of building began to
revive. It was finally decided to build and in August Messrs. Conner and West began the election of the building, which was completed and dedicated D)ecember 6th, 1878, at a cost of $1,940."
There ale in 1884 about 1,000 volumes in the library.
The officers in 1884 are as follows: President, Mrs. L. 11.
Gage; vice-presidents, Mesdames S. S. Wright, B. 1). Ashton
and WV. Pound; recording secretary, Mrs. W. Pound; financial secretary, Mrs  Thacker; assistant secretary, Mrs. C.
J. Kneeland; treasurer, Mrs. L. Soule; librarian, Mrs. J. F.
Boyd; assistant librarianl, Mrs. lB. D. Ashton.
PIONEER PHYSICIANS.
lB. 1). Ashton, physician and surgeon, Traverse City, was born
in Ohio in 1828. His youth and early manhood were spent in his
native state.  His medical studies were commenced in Brown
County. Later he studied with Dr. Edwards in Miami Medical
College, Cincinnati, and graduated at Cleveland Medical College in
1854. From then until 1862 he practiced medicine in Defiance, Ohio.
The d(octor's mlarriage was on May 7, 1856, to Miss Margaret P. Lackey, also of Defiance. She was born in Warren County, Ohio, in
1838. They have three sons, Benjamin Franklin, Charles W.,
Edwin L. In 1862 lie removed to Traverse City, Grand Traverse
County, Mich., where lie has built up and is enjoying a large and
remunerative practice.  For some time Dr. Ashton    was the
only physician in Traverse City, and his field of practice was
very wide.
Charles J. Kneeland, physician and surgeon, Traverse City,
a native of Freedoni, Portage County, Ohio, was born Feb. 10,
1846f. He received his education and enltered his profession in his
native state. He was six years a student in Hiram Eclectic Institute, (afterward Hiraml College) when our martyr President,
James A. Garfield, was principal. In 1870 lie graduated in tile
University of Philadelphia. He was a post graduate of Rush
Medical College, Chicago, in 1880. On July 12, 1870, lie was
married to Miss Estellar Udall, of Hiram, Portage County, Ohio.
She was born there May 20, 1846. They have one son, Harold
Scott. After three years medic;ll practice in Freedom, Ohio, lie
renioved( to Traverse City, Mic., and in January, 1873, entered
the medical firni of Asliton & Kneeland, where with his partner lie
enjoys a medical patronage which enlarges the more as years and
population increase. The doctor has been director of Traverse City
schools nearly eleven years, secretary of the county board of examiners nearly three years, school inspector in Traverse Township
ten years, and United States examining surgeon in Traverse City
seven years.
INCORPORATION.
Tlhe question of incorporating the village was agitated for two
or three years, aind finally ill the winter of 1881 a bill to incorporate the village of Traverse City was passed by the legislature.
The following is a copy of the r,ct:


"That the following described lands and territory, the same
lying and being within the present limits of tile township of
Traverse, county of Grand Traverse and state of Michigan, to-wit:
Lots No. 8 and 4, Section 2; Lots No. 1, 2, 8, 4 and 5, Section 8;
Lots No. 1 and 2 and southwest quarter of northeast fractional quar





ter and southeast quarter, Section 4; north half of northeast quarter,
Section 9; Lots No. 1, 13, 14 and 15, Section 10; Lot No. 1, Section 11, Town 27 north, Range 11 west; the same to be constituted a village corporate and known by the name of the village
of Traverse Citv.
"The first elpction for officers of said village shall be held on
the third Monday of April ill the year A. D. 1881, at Leach's hall,
in said village; notice of which shall be posted in three public
places in said village by the board of registration, hereinafter appointed, at least ten days previous thereto.
"H. D. Campbell and Charles S. Despries are hereby constituted a board of registration, for the purpose 6f registering voters
for the first election to be held in said village; and the said board
of registration are hereby required to meet at the office of the
county clerk, inl said village of Traverse City, on Saturday preceding the third Monday of April, A. I). 1881, and register all persons presenting themselves for registratioii, and having the qualifications of voters at annual township meetings, due notice of
which shall be given by said board in the samie mannllller ad( time
as provided in the preceding section.
"In case the said officers are not elected at the tiiiie designated
in section two of this bill, an election for officers in y l)e lad at any
time within one year from the time so designated in said sectionii
two of this bill; notice having been given as provided in said section
two of this bill.
"The said village of Traverse City shall in all things, lnot hereinafter otherwise provided, be governed by and its powers and duties defined by an act entitled 'An act granting anid defining tlhe
powers and duties of incorporated villages,' approved April 1,
A. D. 1875, and acts amendatory thereof.
"The bridges and approaches thereto now built, or tlh;t may hereafter be built within the limits of the territory described in section
one of this bill, shall be built and maintained by the township of
Traverse or the county of Grand Traverse, in the same mannier as
though said village of Traverse was not incorporated.
"The council bhall, for the purpose of improving the highways,
within the limits of said township of Traverse and outside the
said incorporated limits of the village of Traverse City, be authorized and empowered by a majority vote of all the council elect to
use such atn amount of the statute highway labor or general highway fund, as may be assessed within tile limits of said territory
described in section one of this bill, in the improvement of such
roads or highways as the said council may determine, anywhere
within said township. Said highway fund or statute    highway
labor to be expended and laid out in such manner as the said
council shall advise or determine; provided said amounot thus expended shall not exceed one-half of the aggregate aamount of said
highway fund or statute highway labor in any one year as assessed
within the limits of said incorporation; provided further in the
discretion of the said council not exceeding three-fourths of said
aggregate amount may be expended in the year A. D. 1881.
"Thle poor that are now and may hereafter become a charge
upon the township of Traverse, within the limits of said territory
described in section one of this bill, shall be maintained by the
silid township of Traverse or county of Grand Traverse, in the
same nnulner as though the said village of Traverse City had not
been incorporated."


The first charter election was held the third Monday of April,
1881; 229   votes were polled, and the following non-partisan
ticket elected:  President, Perry Hannah; clerk, Thomas W.
Browne; treasurer, M. E. Haskell; assessor, Henry D. Campbell;
street commissioner, John Kelley; constable, William J. Moody;


T


I
i






I


i


4 -



k — 0 I


" —s




.dt


-


-    ---
FI            _                                            -


I -
I ~


72


-1HE  'TRAVERSE  REGION


__II_~~~__I____I1I~~~lfI___l_~L~~ —~~~C —~~~~~~:,lsteeo; Smith Barles, Seth C. Moffatt, Homer P. Daw, Joseph
v. Haviland, James Lee, Joseph E. Greilick.
1882: —President, Perry Hannah; clerk, Hlalry C. Davis; treasurer, M. E. Haskell; assessor, Henry D. Campbell; street commissioner, John Kelley; constable, William J. Moody; trustees:
James Lee, Joseph E. Greilick, George E. Steele.
1883:-President, Perry Hannah; clerk, H. C. Davis; treasurer, M. E. Haskell; assessor, H. D. Campbell; street colmmissioner, John Kelley; constable, William Moody; trustees: Smith
Barnes, Seth C. Moffatt, Hlomer P. Daw, D. C. Leach.
1884:-President, Perry Hannah; trustees, two years: Dewitt C. Leach, James Lee, Joseph E. Greilick; clerk. Harry C.
Davis; treasurer, Myron E. Haskell; assessor, Charles E. Lockwood; street colnmissioner, Johli  Kelley; constable, William  J.
Moody.
The Traverse City Fire Departlllent dates back to the year 1877.
March 16 of that year a mleeting wLs hleld at Leacll's llall for the
purpose of effecting an orgainiz,.tioI. A few mllonlth]s prior to that


THE HANNAH & LAY MERCANTILE CO.
One of the most gratifying and creditable accomplishments in
the history of gelneral progless in Traverse City, wals the building
of a mnammoth business block by the firm of Hannah, Lay & Co.,
and its occupancy by thle Haunahl & Lay Mercantile Co. in 1883.
The history of this firm presents some remarkable anld interesting
features. From this filu have emanatted the vital forces which
lhave made the Traverse City of to-day, and while many of their
business operations have talleady been mentioned, it seems desirable to summarize them in chronological order.
The firmn of Hannalh, Lay & Co., which consists of Perry
Hannlah, Albert T. Lay, James Morgan and William Morgan, was
organized in the city of Chicago, May 1, 1850. It will, conseqllently, be tllirty-tllree years oni the 1st of May next, since this
now widely known firmi took its place ill tlle business world.  For
a year after the organliz Ltion of thle firml its business was confined
to the purchase all(l.llde of lumll)er inll Cllicago, then a miniature
town compared with its present size. A lumber yLard was leased


i5
F I,,::7::


5) i
I


I1)


)t~


THE STORE OF THE HANNAH & LAY MERCANTILE CO., TRAVERSE CITY.


tile a funlid lad been raised by subsciptilon, and two snlall engines purchased. Two hose carts lltld also beel ordered. At tllis
-neeting the Traverse City Fire Depa;rtment was orgaJlized and
officers elected, as follows: Fire imarshal, S. Barnes; atssistant,
H. D. Camnpbell; chief enginleer, W. V. Harvey'; fire inspectors,
Charles Duprey and Jolin Stevelnson. Officers for die engilnes
Wide Awake and Illvincible were aliso elected. Other 1businless relating to buildings, location, &c., was a:lso trastllcteld.
With the introduction of water works ill 1881, the fire tprotection of thle village was conmlweted.
In 1882 a state asylum for the inslale was loct'ated at, Traverse
City, and is now in course of erection.
THE OLDEST MASON.
William  McDowell, who died at Traverse City, Marchl 12,
1884, aged 104 years, was thle oldest Mason in tlie world. This
question was settled some years ago beyond dispute. He was mrude a
Mason in Lodge No. 208, Balleynmaney, county of Antrim, Ireland,
June 24, 1807. Hle was a royal arch, knight templar, knight of
Malta, ark and mark degrees, and priest, lord and knight of the
cross. He was master in 1828, resigning that year to emigrate to
Canada. He had been a resident of Traverse City three years,
living with his daughter, Mrs. Urban Barnhart, in Fernwood
suburb.


on the corner of Jacksonl and Canal Streets, nearly two mniles below
their present location, and it was the flurtllest lumber yard lp the
river, in the city.
In the spring of 1851 Mr. Hallnnahl came to Traverse City, or
rather the spot upon which Traverse,City is now built, in thle little
schooner Venus, a craft of about fifty tons burden. In comipany
witlh Horace Boardman and a Mr. Whitch;er, lie wellt up wllhat is
now known as the Boardman River, and spent several days in exiamininig the pinle region tributary thereto. Returning, lie bought
frolm the firm of Capt. Boardman what is now known as thle old
mil), on thle creek, inl the western part of the village, with some 200
acres of land, for tlhe sum of $5,500.
From 1851 to 1855 the supervision of the business here was
divided between Mr. Haunnah and Mr. Lay, each remaining six
months and then changing places with the other, who had charge in
Chicago.  As tlhe business grew in magnitude and importance this
plan was found to be inconvenient, and in 1855 Mr. Hannah took
permanent charge of the Traverse City business, and Mr. Lay that
in Chicago. This arrangement has continued to the present time,
a period of twenty-eight years.
It is not necessary to again review the details of the early lumbering operations.
In 1853 the pine was taken from the village plat and princi

~ ^


<0
41"1,,,,,,,,,, _  __  _, ~,,
I   -
I  P                       M


L




I-T




T HE  TrRAV ESI  I S REGION.


73


pally sawed into bridge timber, which was used in tile construction
of the Illinois Central railrotad bridge across the Illinois River at
LaSalle, of more than a mlile in length. Before tle job was completed, it was getting to ie so late in the fall, and it was so important that the lumber should be furnished, that tlie loggers prolonged their labors until late in tile evening, Mr. ILay holding
lanterns for the cloppers to work by.
The first store occupied by tile company was a little log building, 12x18 feet in size, situated in tile west part of tile towli, a few
feet soulh of wher e to-day stands the old building used at that
time as a boarding-house for tlie little water mill.  After tlle completion of the first steami saw-mill, the business of the colpalny
was transferred to tle spot which hlad been occupied so many
years by them. The first store here was h, little builling, now
known as the tin shop,;and which stands on the opposite side of
the road from tile Bay House. In 1859 what is now known as tlle
central or main building of the old block of wooden stores was


then editor of tle tHrald, the late Gov. Bates, upon his first trial
of the Alleghany, said:  The trip to Chicago instead of being a
terror and dread, and of ten days' duration as it often xWas in sail
vessels, is now a pleasant pastime"  In 18 61 the company built
the little steamer Sunny Side, in  )etroit, especially for the bay
business. This was the first steamer plyilng regularly upon the
bay, and was a great favorite with tile public, ald to-day there remain many very pleasant recollections among thle older residents of
Traverse City, of the pietty little Sunny Sidc. This boat did a
fine business for four seasons, when slhe was totally wrecked at
the Pine River (Charlevoix) dock, Nov. 1-1, 18i7. Tlie steamer
City of Traverse took the place of the Alcglleg:ny in 1871, arriving
at Traverse City from Cleveland, where slle wa.s built aind furlished,
on the 1st of May in that year.  She was the third steamer owned
by the company, and was built expressly for their own1 trade, anlld
has proved to be an excellent boat and a godl ilnvestmellt. Tie
original cost of the City of Traverse was $s8,o)((00,  l lad rge sums


146


I


r


PARK PLIACE HOTEL, TRAVERSE CITY.


constructed.  As tlIme,i-incess grew year after yealr the ad ljoinling
buildings were added.
In 1857 was biilt tlie preseilt steam saw-mill whicll was used
until 1879, whenl it w, entirely rebuilt and all the latest and best
mllaclinery l)ut in, alldl tlhe most ilmproved mtithods for manufacturillg lumber employed, mllaking it onle of the most complete mills in
the state. Soon after the re'moval froml the old steam  lill, in 1857,
tliat building was coinverted into a flouring-mill, for which purpose
it was used until tle erection of tleir present magnificent waterpower mill, in the year 1869.  The shingle-mill was built in tile
fall a(nd winter of 1881. Thle mill made 12,000,0000 shligles during
the past year.  Since tlie beginning of their business, this firm hlas
manufactured over 400,000,000 feet of lumber at Traverse City.
Tlie first vessel property owned by this firm  was the brig J.
Y. Scalmmon, eventually wrecked on tile Manitou Islands and a
total loss. At a later day they owned the schooner Telegraph.
Both vessels were engaged in the lumber trade between this place
and Chicago.  Their first steam craft was the propeller Allegllany,
bought in 1860 and run until the close of 1870. T'he people of
Grand Traverse thought they were almost out of the woods when
they ilad a regular weekly steamer from this port to Chicago. The


liave been spent upon her of late years in tlorolghly overlhalulill,
putting in new machinlery and entirely refitting tile boat for passenger travel, and she is, to-day, one of the finest and mlost lpopilar boats upon the lakes. She is now agail being fitted lu, at lleavy
expense, for the summer travel of 1883.
The little steamer Clara Belle was put upon tlie bay in 1875,
and had a good trade for several years, until tile business outgrew
the boat, and she was then sold and was run last season  n Pine
Lake. The steamers City of (-rand Rapids and T. S. Faxton are
now owned and run by this companyu, on the Traverse City, Petoskey and Mackinac daily line.
The glowilng poplularity of the Grand Traverse Region as a
summer resort, and the irapid increase of pleasure travel, necessitated
the opening of the new route, and also providing increased hotel
accolrmodaltion. To meet this demand Park Place Hotel was leased
of iH. 1). Campbell, and handsomely fitted ip by tlis firm and
placed hi charge of Col. J. D. Billings, and has, under his management, gained the reputation of being ore ~c the best houses in the
state. The large three story building has since been built on the
opposite corner, connected by a covered bridge with the original
building, and both are now used in the summer.


did  I. —   - -~ --- —  -        -------


I --




AteL


Ja 




1


in


Im


I                                                                                                                                                                                                                             I..  I.  f \
-                      - - -                                                - — ~  - -                         - ----------------------- -. I Q~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ l 


74


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


East Park Place was built by H. D. Campbell in 1873, and
kept by him five years.
In the spring of 1882 the erection of a mammoth brick block
was begun, and completed the following year. Ill April, 1883, the
new block was occupied, the building and business was mentioned
in the H,,rall of April 12 at great length, of which the following is
an extract:
" From 1859 until this week, Hannah, Lray & Co. have occiupied the old wooden stores which were started ill tllhat year.  As
the business increased one department after another was added,.and warehouses were built on the opposite side of the road, and
the old flour-mill was utilized for tile same purpose, and other
warehouses were built or rented in other parts of the town. But
the time had come when all this was insufficient. The business
had outgrown the accommodations.     The necessity for a ch;llange
in tile llear future was apparent several years ago, and plans were
then laid for the changes recently made.
"One year ago the erection was begun of the llmagnificent block
just completed. This block occupies what was for so many yea.rs
knowlt as the 'triangle' at the west end of Front Street, and faces
212 feet onl Front Street and 112 feet on Union Street. The south
and tlle llorth fronts and the side elevations are all of the same
leilghlt. It is, in fact, a blocl with four fronts. It is three stories
above groulnd, with a basement nine feet in thle clear under thle
elltire building. This basement is finished in keeping with the rest
of tlie building, is well lighted, front and rear, and will be used by
the varinis departments. The building is,-therefore, really, foerll
stories in heighlt.  The best quality of pressed brick (which were
all mantufactured here) are used for thle entire exterior. The caps
and cornices are of galvanized iron and tlhe sills of cut stone. The
first floor south front is entirely of iron and French plate glass,
the plates beilng from 6x12 to 9x12 feet in size. The entire building is lleated by steam, which is made in the building. There are
freight and passenger elevators runnlling from basement to fourth
story. Tlhe building will be lighted by electric lights. A walk fourteen feet wide runs entirely around tlhe block, and a permanent
awning covers the entire walk in front. The extensive grounds
connected witlh the building are all heavily clayed and graveled.
There are fourteen public entrances to the building in the two fronts
and at the sides.
"In tfhe southwest corner is placed tlhe banking office of Hannah, Lay & Co., and inll tlhe rear of this Mr. Hannah's private office.
The remainder of the west end of the building and the entire department next east is used for hardware and crockery from top to bottom. Next comes the boot and shoe department, next the dry goods
department, 50x112 feet, tlhe entire four floors being used for this
purpose togetller with furniture and upholstery. The next two
departments are devoted to groceries from basement to fourthl floor.
"Each department connects by wide arched doorways, with the
adjoining departments, so that one may pass the entire length of
the block through the different stores, without going outdoors.
Wide, easy stairways lead flor each department to thle next floor
above. These are placed at the northl end, and from tlhe first turn,
where is a roomy resting place, a fine view is had of the entire length
of the long salesroom below.
"Our space is too limited to enter into details. Suffice it to say
that this building, erected at a cost of $100,00(0, is probably the
most complete and best adapted to the business for which it is in

tended, of any in the state.
"Right here it is very proper to speak of Mr. Smith Barnes.
Mr. Barnes came to Traverse City in 1859 and became interested
in the mercantile business, taking the general managemnent of tlhat
department of the business of the firm. Mr. Barnes' peculiar fit

I


l


I


ness for what has proved to be so important a position is conceded
by all. Closely watching tile minutest details of the business, great
and varied as it is, lie is perfectly familiar w.itlh every item, and lihe
has so systemized the work that the business is carried on quietly,
pleasantly, and with perfect order. Mr. Barnes lias taken aln active
interest in the erection of the new building and lias given much time
and thought to the interior plans of tile different dcpartinents, and
with what degree of success is now apparent. It must be very
gratifying, indeed, to Mr. Barnes to note the lpresent magnificent
proportions of the business which lias, under his management,
grown from its small beginnings a quarter of a century (ago.
"For two or three weeks the work of removing the stock had
been qllietly going forward, so quietly that bulsiness was not in -any
way interrupted, and but few of our citizens were.aware of the
work being done. On Saturday, March 31st, tile grand rush was
lade, and on tlliat day a smll army of mlen was busy from
morning until nilght, and darkness canme (down upon tlle old store
deserted.
"Tlhe old buildings look low and small now; tile ceilinls arC(
low and dingy, tile rooms look (darker than tlhey us-ed t,, thle floors
are more sunken, and the office is smaller tlaill we tlhoghtl;,but to
tliose of us who have been dtilly visitants there for tnweclty years or
mlore, and to those who have stood behind counter;tltd at desk for
that titne and longer, pleasant memories cluster around thle old
spot, and in leaving it forever we feel somewhat as we felt when
leaving the old home years ago.
"Hannahl, Lay & Co. have been sign1ally successful ill securing
and retaining a most efficient corps of employes. C(:p.r* (;c(rmaince,
acting as general outside foream n, lias been with them from tihe
earliest memory of man, and is yet as youthful and efficient as ever.
The late John Francis Grant, whose deathl tlhe!Her',d recorded two
or three weeks ago, had stood at thle general book-keeper's desk for
twenty-five years. William Holdsworth who has charge of thle reml
estate department, has occupied his place for'twenty-tlitrc: years.
Chas. A. Crawford, who has general charge of the office and ballnking department has been in his position from his boylhood days,
and we draw no fancy sketch and paint no untruthlful lictuire
when we say that he is one of the best bulsiness men in the state.
Time and space fail when we attempt to note in detail tlhe great
number of employes that are engaged with tlhis firm. Filly sixty
clerks and book-keepers are required to attend to th]- lbusiness as
now conducted. Thle hleads of thle departmentsare asfollows: 'H.P.
Daw, hardware; Ej. P. Willielmi, dry goods (Mr. Wilhelm has been
with the firm for twenty years); Herbert Montague, grocery; C. 13B.
Atwood, boots and shoes; M. S. McMichlacl, furnitlrc. Jas. A.
Moore will be in charge of the central or mercantile office, Chas. A.
Crawford will remain in charge of the bank and lumber olffice,
Julius T. Hannah will assist his father in the general management
of the Ibusiness.
"If there is any one feature of the business of this firm more
worthy special notice than another, it is thile cash system which was
inaugurated by themil many years ago. Thley have always paid cash
for everything bought and for all labor performed, and ltave always
expected cash for what they have sold. This has, very largely,
done away with "dicker trade" throughout Grand Traverse, and the
benefits arising from  this excellent system have been beyond all
estimation. Founded upon the solid rock of a cashl system, Grand
Traverse has scarcely felt thle ebb and flow of the waves of financial


worry and distress that have, twice since the organization of this
firm, swept over the country, but, scarcely checked in its process,
the development of the entire region I as steadily and surely
gone on.
"Another important fact in this connection is worthy of note.




I


I


I




e 


* -  -  ---- -- -- ---  —.                   It- - 


-111




N.$-r


I~


W-!.. -- 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


75


All the large gains that have been made in the transaction of this
great firm have been used to promote the interests of and benefit
the Grand Traverse country. Nothing has been drawn away except
for the actual living expenses. Here the business centers, here the
work has been done, here the money has been paid. As a firm
Hannah, Lay & Co. have been public spirited and genelous. No
public improvement planned, one-half of the tax for which this firm
must pay, has ever been objected to or opposed by them. Anxious
to promote the best interests of the entire region they have ever been
ready to do their full share.
"Hon. Perry Hannah, the head of the firm, the best years of
whose life have been given to its service, strict and exact in all business affairs, but quick to note and reward ability and fidelity; public spirited, liberal in great matters and in small; a kind friend and
trusted counselor, is honored and beloved by all.
"Thirty-three years is a long time for a company of men to remain in business without changes, and knowing 'time waits for no
man' they have wisely concluded to organize their business into
corporations. The new store starts out with the organization of a
mercantile company, with a capital of $300,000. Perry Hannah,
president; A. T. Lay, vice-president; Smith Barnes, secretary and
treasurer, and will be known as the Hannah & Lay Mercantile Co.
It is also proposed at an early day to organize the lumber interests
into a corporation to be known as the Traverse City'Lumber Co.
with a capital of about $1,000,000. The banking business will also
be carried on and under the name of Banking House of Hannah,
Lay & Co."
An idea of the growth of the business may be obtained from
the fact that in 1860 the sales aggregated $16,000, and in 1883,
$600,000. Following are some facts in connection with Messrs.
Perry Hannah and Smith Barnes.
Mr. Hannah was born in Erie County, Penn., Sept. 22, 1824.
He came with his father to St. Clair County, Mich., when thirteen
years of age, and spent a portion of his early life in rafting logs
from Port Huron to Detroit. He was then engaged for several
years in commercial work with Mr. John Wells, of Pert Huron.
In 1846 he became clerk in the lumber yard of Mr. Jacob Beidler,
of Chicago, Ill., and continued there until 1850, when the firm of
Hannah, Lay & Co. was formed. Mr. Hannah's marriage was on
Jan. 1, 1852, to Miss Ann Amelia Flint, of New York. She was
born there Dec. 25, 1834. They have one son, Julius T. Hannah,
and two daughters, Hattie Amelia and Claribel.
PERRY HANNAH was a member of the state legislature in 1856-'57,
and has always interested himself in local affairs. He has served
twenty-eight years as moderator of the school board, has been
supervisor several years, and president of the village since it was
incorporated. He is politically a Republican, and his name has
been prominently mentioned in connection with the office of United
States senator. His liberality in all worthy enterprises is proverbial.
SMITH BARNES, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the
firm of Hannah & Lay Mercantile Co., Traverse City, was born in
Madison County, N. Y., in 1827. Since 1836 his life has been
spent in Michigan. He spent five years of his youth in Livingston
County, and about six in Oakland County. Later he spent some
twelve years in Port Huron, St. Clair County. From there he
removed to Traverse City in 1860, and became a partner in the
firm of Hannah, Lay & Co. Since that time he has had the sole
charge or general management of the mercantile department.


During his first year in the business of the firm he and one clerk
made all the sales, amounting to $16,000. In 1888 the sales were
a little less than $600,000.
la 1852 Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Lucinda M. Hart.
She died in 1870. His second  arriage was to Miss Catharine K.


Clarke, of Geneva, N. Y., in 1871. In politics Mr. Barnes is a
Republican, but steadily declines official position. He has, however,
accepted an election as member of the city council, andc has served
as such ever since the incorporation of the village. His clegant
private residence is on the corner of State Street and Wellington,
and is known as Ingleside. Nearly forty years of his life have
been devoted to commercial work and enterprise.
The mercantile interests at Walton, and lumbering operations
at Long Lake, are noticed in connection with those points.
A RETROSPECT.
In December, 1883, the Grand Traveise Ie,ald had comtlpleted
its twenty-fifth year, and upon that occasion penned a retrospect of
that period as follows: " In 1858 Traverse City was a little hamlet
upon the shores of a wild and beautiful Jbay. A few houses were
planted among the fresh pine stumps, but streets were only known
aO the recorded plat.
" On the west side of the town was the old saw-mill, theJi used
as a flouring-mill, afterward occupied by J. E. Greilick for s(veral
years for his sash and door factory. The old roll-way and track
from the mill to the bay, and the old dock, are now things of the
past. In that pait of the town were a few small houses and shanties used by the mill men and Hannah, Lay & Co's employes.
Coming east the first house was Mr. Hannah's cottage, then a small,
one story building. Next to this was the small building used for
the Herald, then the 'boarding-house,' now the Bay House, but
much smaller than now. ' The company's' store was then the little
building now opposite the Bay House. This is a building about
20x30 feet in size, and here was the foundation for the piesent
immense business of Hannah, Lay & Co. and the Halnah & Lay
Mercantile Co. The old saw mill then occupied the spot upon which
the present handsome building was erected a few yeais xa o.
" Coming across the river Front Street could boast of the
Cutler House, about half its present size, the small house just west
of'it, a small dwelling owned by D. C. Goodale, on the (old postoffice
lot, and which was burned in 1863, the 'Sprague' House, corner of
Front and Cass Streets, about half its present size, a small, square
house which would hardly be recognized now in Locust Grove
Cottage, a small two story building known to the older residents as
the ' Exchanlge' Hotel on the lot now occupied by the Fliout Street
House, the ' Fowle' House, still remaining substantially as it was
then, corner of Front Street and Park Place, and a small portion
of what is now the Occidental Hotel, then known as the Gunton
House. These, with two or three log houses near Boaidiman Lake,
and one log house near the Gunton House, made up Traverse
City. The rest was a wild plain, covered with stumps and overgrown with huckleberry bushes.   What is now known as the
* South Side' was then government land, and was entered zonl after
by Morgan Bates, lie paying $200 for 160 acres. In a few weeks
he sold to Perry Hannah for $400 and thought he had made a nice
thing out of it.
"The entire region was a wilderness. Little settlements had
been made at a few places along the lake and bay shores, but the
interior was entirely unknown except to Indians, trappers- and
surveyors. Grand Traverse, Antrim, Leelanaw and Benzie formed
one county. The only means of communication with the outside
world was by sail vessel. West and south only Indian trails penetrated the wilderness. There was not a house between Tr.tvor-e
City and Glen Arbor, and only three between this place and Manjis

tee, seventy miles distant. William Monroe was the first setthlr
south of Silver Lake, and he cut a road six miles to get to Ins
location. A few farms were opening up on the east bay tetwet 
Traverse City and Elk Rapids, as was also the case oni the peninsula.
Old Mission was then the terminus of the mail route (the office


i
- I


-1


I


0
0- M

- ~ ~ ~ IAIk
_   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i~~~~~~~~~ V




ilw


Ai
i
I




ii


I   `   -   " -  -"   -      -   -                --..  -   -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.dL
I  -----


76


THIE TRAVERSE REGION.


_ _ __I __


I


II _ ___ _   _


was then knonn as 'Grand Traverse,') and was one of the most
important places on the bay. The counties now traversed by the
G. R. & I. R. R. were unknown and an nabroken wilderness.
"At the time of which we write the entire region, including
Manistee County, probably did not contain one thousand whitepeople. There was not a laid out road in the whole region. Mails were
brought through from the south, a distance of 150 miles, on Indian
trails on the back of an Indian, or in winter by Indian dog sleds,
and their arrival at Traverse City was a noteworthy event, and % as
the subject of conversation for days after.
"This same territory has increased a hundred fold and more in
population and a thousand fold in wealth. Railroads and graded
and smoothly graveled wagon roads penetrate it in every direction;
broad, cultivated fields, handsome farm  buildings, schools and
churches are found at every turn; half a hundred thriving towns
and villages have sprung up; mills and factories give employment
to a multitude, already we are sparing from our abundance to help
feed those who are not so fortunate; a hundred thousand summer
tourists annually throng our hotels which are not surpassed in comfort and elegance by any in the state; our streams and lakes and
forests are famous for the sports they afford the fisherman and the
hunter. The choicest varieties of the tenderest fruits thrive and
ripen upon our shores, abundant crops repay the labors of the careful farmer, extensive forests of maple, elm, beech, aspen, oak and
pine prove an inexhaustible mine of wealth from which all reap benefit. Our people are peaceable, orderly, well educated, refined, supporting liberally schools, churches and the press, while our business
men are enterprising and happy."
BIOGRAPHICAL.
B.EV. MERRITT BATES, deceased, twin brother of the late Hon.
Morgan Bates, and father of Thomas T. Bates, now proprietor of
the (Grtnd Traverse Herald, died at his farm residence, near Traverse City, Aug. 22, 1869. We give herewith a sketch of his life,
written by Hon. D. C. Leach, and published in the Herald, following his death: "Mr. Bates was born at Queepsbury, Warren
County, N. Y., near Glens Falls, on the 12th day of July, 1806).
His iamother (lied at Glens Falls ill 1813, leaving four sons, and two
daughters, the oldest of whom was in the twelfth year of her age.
At her death the family was broken up and the children scattered.
He was thrown upon his own resources and commenced his life
struggle- before he had reached the age of seven years. How well
he sustained that struggle, a long life of usefulness and honor can
tell. He commenced his ministerial labors in 1827, and became a
member of the Troy, N. Y., conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He devoted thirty-six years of his life to earnest, active
and successful labor in that conference, having filled almost every
important appointment within its boundaries. He was repeatedly
stationed at Albany, Troy, Lansingburg, Schenectady, Gloversville,
Amsterdam, Glens Falls, Keeseville, and other important points in
New York, and at Burlington, Middlebury, St. Albans, Shelbourne,
Bennington, and at other places in Vermont.. He was four years
presiding elder of the Burlington District.
"In 1836 the Middlebury College conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, but he respec.tfully declined the diploma on the ground that he would not accept as a compliment what
lie was not entitled to as a right. He was a hard student and a bet

ter scholar than a majority of those who are graduates of some college. It was his custom for many years in the early part of his.
ministry to arise at four o'clock, summer and winter, and devote
three hours to study. When he was stopping at a log cabin of a
settler who could not afford to burn candles, lie pursued his studies


t
I11
r
21
II
L
I
I
I




by the light of a pitch pine knot, which is a very good substitute.
In this way he obtained not only a solid, but a classical education.
"In the first year of his ministry he received in full compensation for his labor forty dollars, and thought he was well paid. He
gave half of this to those who were poorer than himself.
"He was a positive and practical man. His opinions were convictions, and he never surrendered the right to expediency.
"He was an ardent and uncompromising anti-slavery man, and
freely expressed his opinions on that subject in and out of the pulpit,
when it was treason to the church to do so. He suffered great persecution from his own people on this account for all the years that the
Methodist Church was under the dominion of slavery; but lie
lived to see the church and the country freed from that sin and that
Satan.
"In 1863, at the earnest solicitation of his twin brother, he assumed a superannuated relation to his conference, retired from
active ministerial labor, and settled with his family upon a piece of
new land near Traverse City. In six years he made it one of the
best farms in Grand Traverse County."
JOSEPH B. HAVILAND, who;e death occurred Dec. 10, 1881, was
one of the representative men of Grand Traverse County, and an
early settler of the town of East Bay.  His death occurred at
his residence in Traverse City, of malarial fever. Mr. Haviland
was born March 23, 1836, in Raisin, Lenawee county, Mich.
March 14, 1859, he married Adaline L. Hoxsie, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. L. S. Hoxsie, afterward residents of this county.  In
1861 Mr. Haviland removed to Acme, Grand Traverse County, in
company with his wife's parents, and always considered that place
his home, although for seven years before his death he lived in
Traverse City the better to attend to his duties as a county officer.
Mr. Haviland always took an active part in all public enterprises,
and whatever lie did, in public or private life, was done with all tihe
enthusiasm of an active, energetic, strong nature. His whole life
was a busy and useful one. In 1878 he was appointed state swaimp
land road commissioner for Mibhigan, and he held the office continuously until his death, an almost unexampled case in the official
records of the state; and this long tenure of office was due to his
eminent fitness for the position and his honest, earnest, faithful
discharge of the trying and arduous duties pertaining to the office.
In 1874 he was elected county clerk and register of deeds of Grand
Traverse County, and lie was in 1880 elected for the fourth tcrm to
this position. In this office he made friends on every hand, and
was, probably, the most popular man in the county. He also held
for several years, and at the time of his death the office of assessor
of the Traverse City school district. He was also a member of the
Traverse City village council, au active and enthusiastic Mason,
and a prominent member of the M. E. Church.
HENRY D. CAMPBELL, probate judge of Grand Traverse County,
was born in Franklin Cominty, N. Y., March 11, 1831. He spent
his youth and received his education in his native state.  In
November, 1852, he came to Traverse City, Mich. He was in
the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co. for eight years. In 1860 he
engaged in agricultural enterprise, and has devoted his attention
thereto more or less ever since. On July 2, 1862, lie was married
to Miss Catharine A. Carmichael, of Traverse City. She was born
in Genesee County, N. Y., in July, 1839. They have four sons and
one daughter.  In 1871 the supervision of the mail service in


northern Michigan, in which Mr. Campbell had for several years
been engaged, demanded so much of his attention that they removed from their farm home to Traverse City. This supervision
continued until 1874. From 1873 to 1878 they conducted the
Campbell House, or Park Place Hotel. Since then his attention
has been devote i chiefly to general business and official duties.


I
i
i
I
II
I
I
I
I
I


I
11
1-4


II


I
L
12-4


-I -


A


m


I


-    l


-. X 


~~~~~~~~~I   - ---  -                               ~,I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9111-~~~~~~~~

4b


-- ~p'U




RES. OF W. POUND. TRAVERSE, ClVTY, M aICH.


RES. OF S. J. CASE, TRAVERSE CITY, MICH.








A.a


a!m.

I        I


i i,l


 ~


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


77


p.


m  I                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ~ 


Mr. Campbell has served eight years as treasurer of Grand Traverse County. He made the first settlement ever made between
that county and the state. In 1854 he made the first returns of
the Grand Traverse County board of canvassers for the state election, being chairman of the board. The county returns were from
what is now Manistee, Leelanaw, Antrim and Grand Traverse
Counties.  He is now, in 1884, serving in his tenth year as supervisor of Traverse Township. In January, 1881, he entered upon
his duties as judge of probate, and has devoted himself assiduously to that work.  He is also sole proprietor of Traverse City
water works.
REUBEN HATCH, JR., attorney at law, Traverse City, was born
illn Alstead, N. H., Oct. 11, 1847. His father, Rev. Reuben Hatch,
also a native of Alstead, was a minister in the Congregational
Church.   He and his wife, Mrs. Almira Hatch, were both
graduated of Oberlin College, Ohio.    He removed to York,
Medina County, Ohio, about the year 1850, and remained there
as pastor of the Congregational Church three or four years, and
then removed to Union City, Mich., and served in the same relation. His present residence is in Oberlin, Ohio. Mr. Reuben
Hatch, Jr., devoted his youth, first to literary studies and later to
the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in Traverse City
in the spring 1871, and has since then pursued his profession with
gratifying success. In the spring of 1875 he was elected judge of
the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, embracing the counties of Grand
Traverse, Leelanaw, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, K.lkaska and Missaukee. At the end of his term, January, 1882, he
resumed practice at the bar. He is a member of the law firm of
Pratt, Hatch & Davis. They have an extensive and growing legal
practice in the thirteenth and adjoining circuits. Mr. Hatch has
held various local offices, and is now treasurer for the new Northern
Asylum for the Insane, at Traverse City. His marriage was in
August, 1873, to Miss Esther H. Day, of Traverse City, a native of
Massachusetts.
CHARLES M. BELL, baker and confectioner, Traverse City, was
born in Hinckley, Medina County, Ohio, May 15, 1852. He came
with his parents to Stockbridge, Mich., in his infancy. From
there he went to Lansing where he received his education and
learned his trade.  Later he spent some time in traveling in
Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania, attending the centennial in
1876, and came to Traverse City, Mich., in April, 1878. He
wrought at his trade four years, and then opened his present place
of business on Front Street, as baker and confectioner, where he
commands a large and steadily increasing patronage.
LOVELL H. GAGE, attorney and counsellor at law, Traverse
City, was born in Hudson, Lenawee County, Mich., May 3, 1846.
He received his early education in his native county. His later
literary studies were pursued in Oberlin College, Ohio. One year
was spent in the service of his country in suppressing the rebellion.
He graduated in the law department of the Michigan University at
Ann Arbor, and was admitted to the bar in 1868.  His first legal
practice was in Elk Rapids, Antrim County, where he served as
prosecuting attorney, and also as circuit court commissioner.
From there he came to Traverse City and opened a law office on
Front Street, where he has a steadily enlarging practice in his profession. He has served several years as justice of the peace, and
six years as prosecuting attorney and circuit court commissioner in
Grand Traverse County. He is United States commissioner for


the Western District of Michigan. He has a wife and two children. They have a pleasant farm home one mile from the city,
with a most enticing view of the city, the bax, and the adjacent
surroundings.
GORosE E. S3TELz, a native of West Andover, Ashtabula


County, Ohio, was born Oct. 28, 1842. His ancestors were all of
Hartford, Conn. His grandfather, Zadock Steele, went from there
to West Andover as pioneer in 1806. His grandmother, Laura
Steele, was the first white woman who settled in that place.  His
father, William Steele, was the first white child born in that town.
From 1845 to 1861 he lived in Kingsville, Ohio, but then removed
to Benzie County, Mich., where he still resides. George E., the
son, received his academic education in Kingsville, Ohio. After
coming to Michigan he attended the Agricultural College at
Lansing, being the first student from the northwestern part of the
state. He had spent some twelve years in pioneer farm life, and
this gave him vim and ambition in his intellectual pursuits. Mr.
Steele has been county surveyor of Grand Traverse County two
years, when it included what is now Benzie. Later he removed to
Elk Rapids, Antrim County, and hals been county surveyor there
six years. In Benzie County he gave the name " Homestead " to
his chosen township, and was its supervisor two years, and several
years its treasurer. In Elk Rapids he has been supervisor about
four years.  In 1877 and 1878 he was the representative to the
state legislature, from the counties of Antrim, Charlevoix, Enlmet,
Mainitou and Otsego.  In 1880 lie removed to Traverse City, and
in March following became a member of the firm of Steele & Titus,
in the business of real estate, insurance and abstracts.  They are
enjoying an enlarging and remunerative patronage. His marriage
was oil Feb. 9), 1865, to Miss Lois S. Judson, of Benzonia.
She was born in Medina County, Ohio, April 24, 1843. They
have one living son, Ray, and one adopted daughter, Minlie.
CLARENCE O. TITUS, of the firm  ot Steele & Titus,. native
of New York, has been formerly a successful publisler of local
works, but is now engaged with good success in rel estate,
insurance and abstract Lusiness, on Front Street, Traverse City,
Mich.
B. J. MORGAN, proprietor livery, Traverse City, was born in
Lorain County, Ohio, in 1847. He came from his native place to
Traverse Region when fifteen years of age. He spent some years
as clerk in the Gunton House, Traverse City, now the Occidental
Hotel.  In 1869 Mr. Morgan opened a livery stable for the accommodation of the traveling public, and some three years later engaged in the sale of horses. In both of these departments lie was
met with gratifying success.  He now keeps steadily foi public use
about fifty horses, and his sales reach as high as 200 horses per
annum. In 1874 Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Carrie M.
Gunton, of Traverse City. She was born there April 4. 1854:
They have one son, Theoron, ani4 two daughters, Eva alli Grace.
He has served as sheriff of Grand Traverse County five terms, and
is in 1884 serving in his twelfth year as United States deputty
marshal.
JOHN T. BEADLE, saddler and harness maker, Traverse City,
was born in England, oni June 28, 1846, and came to Detroit,
Mich., in childhood.  He remained there until 1867, when ihe
came to Traverse City and opened his present line of business,
in which he has a steadily enlarging patronage, his sales of late
reaching to from $18,000 to $20,000 per year. Onl Feb. 14, 1876,
he and Miss Anna Thacker, of Yuba, Grand Traverse County, were
united in marriage. She Was born in Defiance, Ohio, April 4,
1851. Hie has served as clerk of Traverse Township three years,
county superintendent of the poor four years, and six years as


county treasurer of Grand Traverse County.
S. EDWIN WAIT, druggist, Traverse City, was born near- St.
Albans, Vermont, July 21, 1834. He rre -e' d with his parents to,
the state of New York in 1837. One year later they went to Ohio.
In 1846 he removed to Wisconsin, and thence in 1848 to Mackinaw
Island, Mich., and from there in 1850 to Old Mission. He spent


J


-4111

I


g - --
________________       ___, --- —----------            ---.II     1,1   1-  111 I.11.  I  L


l



1


4 ---




1


i


4




at


i                                                                                              - - I     rl*


78


THE TRAVERSE REGION


-




I


the miost of the summer of 1f54 in working on the boarding-house
of Hannah, Lay & Co., and on the county court-house, at Traverse
City. In the winter following he taught school in Ohio. From
1856 to 1860 lie had charge of the carpenter and joiner work of
Dexter & Noble, at Elk Rapids. During that summer he built a
schooner for Dr. Thos. Fearnside, in payment for a farma at Old
Mission. In 1862 lie taught the Indian school at Middle Village,
and later at Pashawba. During the summer of 1864 he built the
steamer Albatross for Dexter & Noble. From  1866 until 1871 he
was clerk for Hannah, Lay & Co. During that summer he was
clerk and steward on the propeller City of Traverse. From October, 1872, until May, 1875, lie was cashier and book-keeper in the
drug store of L. W. Hubbell & Co., of Traverse City. He then
purchased their stock, and since that time has conducted a prosperous business in drugs, medicines, stationery, mixed paints and
materials for painting, fishing tickle, &c. lie also compounds and
keeps on hlnd nmany valuable medicinal preparations. His sales
increase largely every year. His first marriage was on April 8,
1858, to Miss Louisa Colburn, of Old Mission. She was born in
Lewisburgh, Ohio, July 27, 1835, she died Jan. 29, 1867. Their
children are Ida R. (now deceased,) and Cora L. Mr. Wait's secold marriage was to Miss Ella Packard, of Racine, Wis., June 23,
1870. Their children are Minnie B., Edmond W., and C. Raymond. He has served as clerk of Peninsula, as treasurer of Elk
Rapids, and as justice of the peace.
WALTER PERRY, mercantile foreman, Traverse City, was born
in Port Huron, Mich., Feb. 14, 1858. He.left there with his
parents for Traverse City in childhood, and in later years has tiaken
an active part in the hardware and crockery business, conducted by
his father, John A. Perry, on Front Street. On Feb. 26, 1881, he
was.nm rried to Miss Minnie Gunton, of Traverse City. She was
born t!here June 16, 1861. They have one son, Julius R. They
have a pleasant residence in Fernwood, beautifully adjacent to
Boa! d man Lake.
~JOHN A. PERRY, dealer in hardware, Traverse City, was b-rn
in Chathainm, Ontario, Nov. 17, 1831. In 1853 he removed to Port
Huron, Mich., and remained eight years. From there lie came to
Traverse City in 1861. He was ten years in the employ of Hannah,
Lay & Co., and since then lihas conducted a prosperous hardware
business on Front Street. He was married Jan. 9, 1854, to Miss
Caroline Morey, also of Chatham. They have two living sons, A.
Henry and Walter.
FLRANK F. BROSCH, butcher, Traverse City, was born in Austria
Feb. 4, 1831. He came to Chicago in 1853, and about three years
later came to Traverse City, Mich. He worked for Hannah, Lay
& Co. ten years. He then took a hcoiestead and spent seven years
in farming. He thenl came to Traverse City and opened a meat
market on Front Street, where lie has a steadily enlarging patronage. He has a wife and three children. He has a beautiful
residence on tile east corner of West Bay, with most enticing
surroundings.
OSCAR P. CARVER, clerk and registrar of Grand Traverse County,
was horn in Steuben County, Indiana, April 13, 1847. He spent
his youth chiefly in the city of Angola, in that county. In December, 1863, he enlisted in Company A, 88th Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, and served his country until the close of the war in 1865.
Oni Aug. 25, 1866, he was married to Miss Pauline Dean, also of
Angola. Their children are Charlie 0. and Lilu I. In the fall of


1866 Mr. and Mrs. Carver removed to Muskegon, Mich. One year
later he located land and settled in what is now the township of
Paradise, Grand Traverse Comity, devoting some time to agriculture, and some to school teaching. Later lie engaged in mercantile
work with Mr. Mears at Sherman. Afterward, with Messrs. Mears






IV


& Harger, he engaged in mercantile business at Manton, and after
selling out his interest there engaged in mercantile enterprise,
railroad agency and railroad real estate business at SummIt.  In
1882 he was elected county clerk and registrar, and removed to
Traverse City, where he gives his unremitting attention to tile
duties of his office. In Manton Mr. Carver served as township
treasurer, and later as township clerk. He was also school inspector, justiceof the peace and postmaster. He has also been postmaster at Summit, and has been three years supervisor of Paradise
township, but resigned his official relations there when elected
county clerk and registrar.
MARTIN E. ELLIS, liquor dealer, Traverse City, was born in
Huron County, Ohio, in 1826. He removed from his native state
to Traverse City, Michdi., in 1873, and opened his present line of
business on Front Street. His marriage was in May, 1849, to Miss
Odelia H. Chamberlain, also of Huron County. They have four
sons, Charles, Frank, Elbert and Martin. Mr. Ellis has in Garfield
a farm of 220 acres of land with 150 acres under improvement.
He also owns the estate known as the Parmelee farm at Old Mission;
on it he has 116 acres of choice orclhard, consisting of apples,
pears, peaches, plums and other fruits of the finest varietie:: and
most enticing specimens.
ROBERT A. CAMPBELL, proprietor of stage line, Traverse City,
was borni in Franklin County, N. Y., Jan. 18, 1840. In 1859 he
came to Traverse City, Michdi. He was for some time in the employ
of Hannah, Lay & Co., and then spent some time in farm work.
On April 25, 1863, he was married to Miss Eugenia Steele, daughter
of Rev. Salmon and Mrs. Adelaide R. Steele, of Northport. Mr.
S. was then Methodist Episcopal presiding elder of Grand Traverse
District. Mrs. Campbell was born in Springfield, Mich., May 31,
1843. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell went to his native
place, and after an absence of three years returned to Traverse
City, where they still reside. Mr. Campbell has spent some three
years as baker and confectioner, but has given his attention chiefly
to stage business, on the Big Rapids, Cadillac, Fife Lake, Elk
Rapids, Northport, Glen Arbor and Frankfort lines. Mrs. Campbell has dealt in millinery and fancy goods, but sold out that
interest in 1881 to Mrs. Roland. Since that time she has given
special time and effort to temperance work, and has been state
vice-president of the W. C. T. U. formerly in the Ninth and now
in the Eleventh District. Their living children are Lewis H. and
Robert E. both born in Grand Traverse County. Mr. Campbell's
parents, Robert A. and Harriet E. Campbell, natives of Vermont,
but later, residents of New York state, came to Traverse City some
ten years since, and now reside with their son Robert A. The
father' is now, in 1884, eighty-eight, and the mother seventy-eight
years old.
JULIUS K. ELIMS, physician and surgeon, Traverse City, was
born in Fayetteville, Onondaga County, N. Y., Nov. 7, 1847. When
ten years of age he removed with his parents to Marshall, Mich.,
and remained there five years. They then removed to Van Buren
County, and for some years he took part in the work of the home
farm. He commenced the study of medicine in 1874, and gracf
uated from the Chicago Homceopathllic College in 1879. His first
practice of medicine was in Vicksburg, Kalamazoo County, Mich.,
and continued until January, 1881, when lie removed to Traverse
City, where he has since that time enjoyed a steadily enlarging


practice in his profession. On July 24, 1875, lie was married tMiss Clara Baker, of Allegan, Mich. She was born in- Cantorn,
Clinton County, N. Y., July 6, 1852. She went from there to
Painesville, Ohio, and removed from Ohio to Michigan in the fall
of 1867, coming to Allegan on the fourth train which came to the
place. They have one daughter, TLeo Blanch,


i                                                                                                                                                                                                                - -


I
i
I
I
I




I
I
I




-.0






J —


— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a





^


6 


M."".


I       '  - '''-                          Ila


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


79






-


H. E. STEWAD, dealer in real estate, loans and. collections,
Traverse City, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, March 6,1826.
His youth and early manhood were spent in his native state. On
Jan. 1, 1851, he was married to Miss Caroline A. Thompson, also
of Delaware County. She was born in New Jersey, Jan. 25 1828.
Their children are William T., Edson W., George W. and Carrie
Jane. They removed to Traverse Region, Mich., in 1861, and'
spent some seven years in Benzonia. Here Mr.' Steward was
engaged chiefly in agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he was elected
treasurer oi Grand Traverse County, and removed to Traverse City,
in which vicinity they still reside. He continued in that office six
years. Since then he has been interested somewhat in abstract
and insurance business, but now devotes his attention chiefly to
matters of real estate, loan and collection. He has a commodious
office on Front Street, and enjoys an enlarging patronage. He has
served twelve years as justice of the peace in Traverse City. His
home residence is pleasantly situated in Garfield. He is now, in
1884, serving in his fourth term as supervisor of that township.
DE WITT C. I.EACH, publisher, Traverse City, was born in Erie
County, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1822. He came with his parents to
Genesee County, Mich., in childhood. Several years of his early
manhood were spent in teaching. In 1849 he was elected a member of the state legislature from Genesee County. In 1850 he was
elected a member of the constitutional convention. On April 17,
1850, he was married to Miss Abigail P. Comfort, of Birmingham,
Oakland County, Mich. She was born in Southport, N. Y., Dec.
16, 1829. Their children are Mina L.,.(now Mrs. L. W. Hubbell,
of Springfield, Mo.,) and Emma L. and Hattie S., who are both
teachers. In January, 1855, Mr. Leach was appointed by Governor
Bingham as state librarian. In the fall of 1856 he was, as Republican candidate, elected to Congress from the Fourth District, which
then embraced the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula, and
all of the Upper, and was' re-elected in 1858. During all these
years, which were among the most eventful in the history of the
republic, when congressional contest was rife, at times rising to
actual personal violence, Mr. Leach stood firmly for liberty, for the
Union, for Michigan. In March, 1861, he was appointed by President
Lincoln, as United States Indian Agent for Michigan, and served
four years, without a single attempt, even by opponents, to in any
way impeach his integrity and faithfulness in that official relation.
In the fall of 1865 he removed from Lansing to Traverse City.
In 1867 he was elected a member of the constitutional convention
which met at Lansing. Shortly after this he purchased the Grand
Traverse Herahl of Governor Bates and conducted its publication
for nine years. In 1876 they removed to Springfield. Mo., but in
March, 1882, returned to Traverse City, where they still reside. He
is now publisher of the Northi'est Farmer, an interesting journal of
rural affairs. He is also engaging extensively in the cultivation of
cranberries at Walton, where he expects soon to have thirty acres
occupied in that enterprise.
LoVIAs F. INGERSOLL, surgeon and physician, Traverse City,
was born in Orangeville, Wyoming County, N. Y., March 1, 1854.
He removed with his parents to Oakland County, Mich., in early
youth. In 1874 he took the degree of B. S. in the Agricultural
College in Lansing. In 1880 he graduated in the medical department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. In 1882 he took a


special course in Bellevue Hospital, New York. His first place of
medical practice was Sutton's Bay, Leelanaw County. He came to
Traverse City in the fall of 1882, and has a growing and remunerative professional practice. The doctor's marriage was on March
11, 1875, to Miss Estelle F. Berry, daughter of Dr. Berry, of Grand
Ledge, Mich. She was born in Grand Ledge Sept. 11, 1856.
Their first born daughter, little Ethelyn, was taken from them by


I




T


I


death in 1888. The doctor's only specialtyin his practice is general
operative surgery.
WILLIAM W. SMITH, clerk   of the steamer T. "S. Faxton,
Traverse City, wds born in the state of New York August 22, 1849.
He came from his native state to Traverse City, Mich., in 1860.
Since then he has been most of the time in the employ of Hannah,
Lay & Co. On June 8, 1874, he was married to Miss Susan
Reynolds, of Ogdensburg, N. Y. She was born in Gouverneur, N.
Y., Dec. 3, 1853. Their children are Ada, Jennie, William E.,
Gracie and Iarry. His trips during the season 1881 will be
between Traverse City and Harbor Springs, touching at all intermediate points.
JOHN WILHELM, merchant, Traverse City, was born in Austria,
May 16, 1846. He came to New York City in the fall of 1852, and
remained there some six years. From there he came to Traverse
City, Mich., in the summer of 1858, and was engaged in agiicultural work until about 1866, when he entered the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co., and continued with them until 1870. He then,
with Victor Petertyl and John Shadk, spent two years in the manufacture and sale of furniture. Then for about seven years he
conducted a tobacco store and saloon. After this with other partners, he conducted a business in ready-made clothing, furnishing
goods and merchant tailoring for about three years. In 1880 he
opened a stock of dry goods and clothing and ladies' and gent's
furnishing goods on Front Street, where he has a steadily enlarging and remunerative trade. His marriage was in 1867 to Miss
Victoria Petertyl, also of Austria. Mrs. Wilhelm died in September,
1883. She leaves one son and three daughters, with her husband,
to mourn her loss.
JOHN D. BILLINGS, hotel keeper, Traverse City, was born in
Litchfield, Me., June 25, 1835. His youth was spent in his native
state, employed chiefly in farming in summer and in teaching in
winter. In 1857 he removed to Chicago, Ill., where he engaged in
mercantile business, and three years later he returned to Maine,
where he remained six years, employed chiefly in hotel business.
He then spent one year more in Chicago; and then was six years
in Missouri engaged in farming and stock raising. The next four
years he kept hotel in Chicago. In 1879 he removed to Traverse
City, Mich., and since that time has conducted the Park Place
Hotel. His marriage was on March 27, 1865, to Miss Emily
Prescott Colcord, of Hallowell, Me. She was born there April 27,
1837.   Their living children are Bertie and Ervin Colcord
Billings.
ISAAC G. WINNIE, of the firm of Winnie Bros., Traverse City,
was born in Troy, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1839. He came to Traverse City
in the spring of 1859. He spent two years in the employ of Hannalh, Lay & Co., in the woods and on the river. In the fall of
1861 he enlisted in Battery G, First New York Artillery, in the
Army of the Potomac, and served his country over three years in
the suppression of the rebellion. After the war he was with
Hannah, Lay & Co., in thieir grocery department over eight years.
In 1874 he and George F. Stevens engaged in grocery and drug
business on Front Street, and continued until 1882, when the firm
of Winnie Bros. took its present form. Ample supplies of feed,
groceries and provisions are kept constantly on hand. Teas, coffees,
sugars, syrups and spices are the specialties of the firm. He has a
wife and six children, five sons and one daughter.
MALCOLM WINNIE, of the firm of Winnie Bros., Traverse City,


was born in West Troy, Albany County, N. Y., July 18, 1842. He
came from there to Old Mission, Miuh., in October, 1856. For
about sixteen years he was enpaged chiefly in farming. Then for
some time he was engaged in other features of labor and general
business, and in the fall of 1882 he entered the film of Winnie!


j


L




I I


WrOW


--        ---  -- fIi 6.-no ---MP                                                                                                                                                                                     -?-tf -




adI
I
i
I
i
I
i
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I


is


80


THE TRAVERSE REGION


Bros., of which he is still a member. He has been treasurer of
Traverse Township five years, and is now, iu 1884, serving his
fourth year as treasurer of Grand Traverse County. He has a wife
and three sons and one daughter.
GEORGE F. STEVEN, general merchant, Traverse City, was born
in Dundee, Scotland, Feb. 19, 1839. He came from his native
country to Michigan in 1859. He spent some two years at Grand
Rapids, and in the fall of 1861 he came to Traverse City, and went
from there to Northport in the employ of Campbell & Goodrich, and
after some time returned to Traverse City in the same employ.
Later he was several years in the United States land office. He also
cleared and opened a fine fruit farmn on the Peninsula. He was also
some four years in the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co. His next
engagement was as dealer in groceries, drugs and provisions, with
Mr. I. G. Winnie, on Front Street, until 1882, when he erected a
fine, substantial block on Front Street, and opened his present
stock of general merchandise, groceries and provisions. He has a
large and remunerative trade in all departments of his business.
He has a wife and two sons and four daughters.
WOLCOTT FI. G(rIFFIN, dealer in real estate. Traverse City, w as
born in Malone, Franklin lCounty, N. Y., July 23, 1831. Ie remnoved with his parents to Ruslhford, Allegany County, in childhood. Here he received his education, and spent his youth and
early mlanhood, employed in mercantile business. On Jan. 9,
1855, he was married to Miss Lucina G. Bush, of Pike, Wyoming
Counlty, N. Y. Thfey lhad one daurighter, Ella L. Mrs. L. G. (iriffin
died May 11, 186;3. Mr. Griffin's second marriage was on June
25, 1867, to Miss Harriet J. Robinson, of Pompey, Onondaga
(Couniy, N  Y. She died Feb. 7, 1882. (n Iec. 4, 1883, he was
married to Miss Frnces E. Slussar, of Kalamazoo, Mici. She
was bor in in Taberg, Oneid;a County, N. Y., April 16, 1842. In
1869 Mr. Griffin removed from York State to Plainwell, Allegan
County, Mich., and spent about seven years employed mostly in the
grain bltsiness. In D)ecember, 1876, ie removed to Traverse City,
and after spending a short time in mercantile life, engaged in real
estate business. He iias platted the Fernwood, Second Fernwood,
Oakwood and Griffins &Y   Winnie's additions to Traverse City,
and, also that of Oak Park. These are extensive and most inviting
additions. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. (Griffin are devoted Episcopal
Methodists.
VICTOR PETERTYL, of the firm of V. & A. Petertyl, Traverse
City, was born in Boblemiia, Nov. 25, 1857. lHe caine to Michigan
in 1868. In 1869 lie went to Chicago, ll. He remained there
seven years and became a painter. He came from there to Traverse City, Mich., in 1876, and engaged in carriage painting. In
1881, with Mr. A. Petertyl, lie engaged in tle manufacture and
sale of carriages, wagons and other wheel vehicles, and also of
sleighs, cutters, &c. Their place of business is on State Street,
where they are elnjoying a large and steadily growing patronage.
JOHN N., BRA.DFOOT, dealer in agricultural implements, Traverse City, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Sept. 17, 1845. Ie
came to Albaniy, N. Y, in 1868. Thence he went to Chicago, Ill.
From there he came to Traverse City and spent thirteen years as
foreman in the blacksmith's department in the employ of Hannah,
Lay & Co. After this, with Mr. E. N. Carrier, he opened business
on State Street, in the sale of agricultural implements, steam engines, boilers, and all kinds of mill machinery. In the spring of
1884 he bought out Mr. Carrier's interest, and now conducts the


entire business, which is rapidly extending through the surrounding
country. On Dec. 24, 1870, he was married to Miss Emma Hobbs,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roland Hobbs, of Traverse City. They
hlve two sons and two daughters. Mr. Broadfoot has been nine
years worshipful master of Traverse City Lodge of Free and


Accepted Masons, and two years high priest of the Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons, and glories in brotherly love, relief and truth.
When he landed in Albany he had only ten cents in hand, yet he
has never borrowed a dollar from any person for his assistance.
All lie has secured has been by hard labor, and patient industry
and enterprise.
ASA C. CUTTER, lumberman, Traverse City, was born of New
England parentage, in Cleveland, Ohio, March 20, 1834. He came
to Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1846. He spent some tlree years in attenldance at the Union School and then four years in the Kalamazoo Seminary under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Stone. In March,
1853, he accepted a situation with Stewart, Swain & Co., of Clicago,
at their mills in Watervliet, Mich. In a short timnie ewas assigned
the full general management, and remained until 1860, when the
timber was all cut off, and what was a wilderness had become cultured farm lands with a prosperous village.  In March, 1860, lie
sailed for California andl took charge of the erection of the first
planing-mill, in San Francisco, for Mr. John Metcalf, of Chicago.
In December following he received an injury to his forearm, which
for the time greatly prevented his usual activity, but lie was offeied
full pay for lost tinle and urged to remlain until fully recovered. In
February, 1861, he sailed for Hong Kong, Clina. Thence he went to
Jeddo, Japaii, and then visited Sandwich Islands, Portland, Oregon,
and Poit Townsend, N. T., where lie witnessed the mode of cuttin
the large redwood timber into lumber, land saw  iiany  newv:Aid
novel methods of lumlbering. He then visitedl Sitka in Ahlakta.
Returning to San  Francisco lie made a tour with a pack pony
through Lower California to the city of Mexico. In returning tIo
the gulf of California lie traversed 300 miles of coast, iI thle tirection of Mazatlan. He was intercepted by the army of Maxiimilian
and spent some time in Peasta on the sea shore, where lie becanie
acquainted with the cutting and transportation of logwood, the
hardness of Mexican ebony and many other kinds of wood.  Later
he reached Mazatlan, and sailed thence to Valparaiso, Chili, visiting the lumbering operations of Handy & Curdy, formerly of New
England, the Andes Mountains, Buenos Ayres, Montevideo, and
Yerka, a lumbering point. He also visited the coffee fields at Rio
Janeiro, and the lumbering operations at Zactallan. Sailed for home
in a whale vessel, was becalmed and took an English ship to
Liverpool. From there he went to Lonldon and visited the home
of his grandparents in Essex, the English navy, and the shipyard
at Hull. He theln visited various plhces in France and Itd ]y lvnd
Egypt, and also the island of Ceylon. Later he visited many l) aces
of interest in Holland and Russia. Returning lie landed at 3Bermuda, and sailed thence for New York, and later visited nlmeeoous
lumbering operations in northern Maine, and reached Kal;lnazoo
in August, 1864. He next had charge of one branch of the lumber
interest of Mr. BMlou, of Bay City, until 1876, when lie enteled the
employ of Hannah, Lay & Co.. Traverse City. Iis diligent study
of the various kinds of wood, Fand his observations and exl-(rirnce
in manipulating lumber have given him a world-wide reput tion: 
an expert in the grading and inspection of both hard and soft weoed
lumber. He was at one time selected by the Saginaw Lumber Exchange as inspector general of state, under the inspection l;,,w of
1871 and 1872. Mr. Cutter seems to possess fine skill in tlhis peculiar trade, discerning at a glance the quality of the pine and n,1lo
of the different kinds of elm and other hard wood lumblr with
which this country abounds. His marriage was in 1868, to Miss


Hattie Hurraw, of Massilon, Ohio. They have one son and three
daughters.
WILLL M FOWLE, hotel-keeper, was born in Kent, England, in
1883, and came to Traverse City, Mich., in June, 1854. He was
for some time engaged as baker in the boarding-house of Hannah,


j


t


- - -*1~~~~~ —_~~~ —  -_ _                                                         ------                                                            -- --                                        rc~~~~~~~~~~p —






i:4




1


j


a
I




t


I I            _              -                                                                                                                                                                      -                    _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


81 


I


-


I


Lay & Co. Later he was at various times cook in their lumber
camps. In May, 1857, he took the Front Street House, named it
the Traverse City House, and conducted it some three years. Thenl,
after this, he purchased the Hedgecock premises, and for some time
kept boarders there. Later he was for three seasons cook on the
ill-fated steamer Sunny Side, and was on board when she was
wrecked at the mouth of Pine River by the fierceness of the tempest
in the fall of 1867. In the spring of 1868 he resumed charge of
Hannah, Lay & Co.'s boarding-house on Bay Street, and continued
until 1874, since which time he has conducted it on his own account
as the Bay House Hotel. He furnishes first-class accommodations
and can entertain from eighty to ninety persons. It is beautifully
located in full view of Grand Traverse Bay. He has owned a farm
at Silver Lake, but after clearing some twenty acres thereon sold it
to Mr. Campbell.  On March 24, 1854, he was mari ed to Miss
Eliza C. Stepney, also a native of England. They had one son,
William Henry. Mrs. E. C. Fowle died at her father's at Old Mission, Mich., in the spring of 1866. His second marriage was by
Rev. V. G. Boyntonl, on board the steamer Sunny Side, on her trip
to Old Mission, to Miss Mary E. Hooker, of Traverse City, Nov. 10,
1866. Thi.ir children are Arthur S. and Claiibel.  In 1855 Mr.
Fowle bought 120 acres of land in Norristown, on which he has
now about forty acres improved. He has also a thriving young
orchard of over 400 fruit bearing trees, an elegant country residence
and other good farm buildings.
E. J. HANSLOVSKY, salesman in the Hannah & Lay Mercantile
Co., Traverse City, was born in Velka, Blanice, near Prachatitz,
Bohemia, May 16, 1857. After several year.' study at the gymnasium schools at Wodnian, he was employed in one of the general stores at Prachatitz, at the age of thirteen years, and remained
four years in the employ. Having gathered quite a knowledge of
mercantile business lie now accepted a situation in a large establishlent in Vienna, Austria. Three years later he was induced by;i biother to remove to Kewaunee, Wis., in September, 1876. He
went thence to Sutton's Bay, Mich., and remained there five years als
telegraph operator and salesman. From there he came to Traverse
City in 1880 and has been ever since in his present situatiou on
Front Street. On Jan. 1, 1881, he was married to Miss Emma J.
Steimel, of Sutton's Bay. She died Oct. 16, 1881. His second
marriage was to Miss Rosa Wiener, of Minneapolis, Minn., on May
26, 1883. They have one son, Willard, born in Traverse City in
February, 1884. They have a pleasaut residence on the corner of
Seventh and Oak Streets.
JOSEPH E. GREILIcK, manufacturer, Traverse Citv, a native of
Austria, was born Sept. 11, 1834, and came with his parents to
New York City in i848, and thence to Grand Traverse Region in
the spring of 1854. After spending some years in carpenter work
and other industrial engagements he entered his present line of
business il the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, moldings and
frames, and in dr assing lumber, flooringceiling, etc., in the spring
of 1867, under the firm name of Greilick & Co., Hannah, Lay & Co.
being partneis in the business. In 1879 Mr. Greilick bought the
interests of the other parties, and since then has conducted the business solely on his own account. He is enjoying a very extensive
patronage from the city and also from the surrounding country,
one of his contracts in 1884 being the furnishing of all the mateiials in his line for the new Northern Insane Asylum in process of
erection in Traverse City.


ARTHUR T. BODLE, physician and surgeon, Traverse City, was
born in Middletown, N. Y., July 18, 1858. His youth, to the age
of fourteen years, was spent chiefly in literary study. He then
spent somle time in a real estate and insurance office, and later was
for a while salesman on the road. Some time also was spent in at





-




tendance at Wallkill Academy. In the fall of 1874 he went to
Europe, traveling through the British Isles, and returning by the
way of the West Indies. After his return he resumed his studies
in the academy, and took up the study of medicine.  Next he
made a trip into Texas and various parts of the south, and this
was followed by another tour to Europe. Returning in 1877 he
went to Chicago, Ill., resumed the study of medicine, and graduated
in the Chicago Homeopathic College in 1888. He at once received
an appointment as house physician to the dispensary connected
with the college, but resigned this position and removed to Traverse City, Mich., to engage in medical practice with Dr. J. K. Elms,
of that place. On Jan. 1, 1881, their partnership was dissolved.
Since then Dr. Bodle has continued the practice of medicine and
surgery in the office formerly occupied by the firm on the corner
of Park Place and Front Street, with gratifying success.
ROBERT CALDWELL, blacksmith, Traverse City, was born in Ayrshire. Scotland, Dec. 25, 1848. He came to Ameiica in 1873. He
spent four months in Chicago, Ill., and then came to Traverse City
and spent seven years in the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co. In
May, 1881, with Mr. William Loudon, he took the shop of Hannah,
Lay & Co. and opened a blacksmithing business under the firm
name of Caldwell & London. Mr. Caldwell was married Dec. 8,
1871, to Miss Mary McMillan, also of Ayrshire, Scotland. They
have four sons and one daughter.  They have a most inviting
residence on Eighth Street, Traverse City, one of the most pleasant
localities in the city.
WILLIAM LOUDON, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Traverse City,
was born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, Jan. 12, 1851. He
came to Traverse City, Mich., in 1872, and spent about nine years
in the blacksmith's department in the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co.
In the spring of 1881 he became a partner in the firm of Caldwell & Loudon, on Bay Street.  They not only do all ordinary
customl work, but they also manufacture and export a large number of logging wheels.  They send them  to Wisconsin and all
points in the Union where home trade demands, and also to the
southern states, to Arizona, Mexico, and even to South America.
His marrivage was in Scotland, July 12, 1872, to Miss Elizabeth
McMillan. They have four children, one son and three daughters.
Their beautiful residence on Eighth Street affords an enticing view
of ]Boardman Lake and also of Grand Traverse Bay.
D. E. CARTER, jeweler, Traverse City, was born in Genesee
County, N. Y., March 25, 1838. He removed with his parents to
Erie County, Penn., in childhood, remained there until early manhood, and acquired the profession of jeweler and watchmaker.
Later he resided in Ashtabula County, Ohio, spending between two
and three years in school, and over three years in the work of his
profession, when his health failed and be removed to Grand Traverse Region in the fall of 1862. His health soon improved, and he
opened work in Benzonia, Benzie County.  His father also came
north, and together they erected a mill on a homestead he had
taken in that county, and still has in his possession. While in
Benzonia Mr. Carter had an extensive patronage from that entire
region of country, reaching all the way to Manistee, where there
was no jeweler at that time; hence their work came to him.  In
1866, however, he removed to Traverse City and opened a jewelers'


shop, aud at once obtained a growing patronage trom the city and
vicinity, which has extended farther and become more remunerative
each succeeding year. He han continued longer in steady business
in the city than any other establishment, except Hannah, Lay. &
Co.   He is now, in 1884, about to erect a new building for business convenience, and expects to soon entertain his patrons in the
most inviting jewelers' store in Traverse Region. His stock is
kept constantly full and complete in all the various articles belong

i
I
I.1




I.I
-K


1.


I




A


I. I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I q


A- -m


ml


' 1 


\

I -




I


E


L
4!


k                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               I       n.-   -.


82


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


ing in his line of business for the ample accommodation of his
numerous customers.
ALBERT JENNINGS, attorney at law, and dealer in real estate,
Traverse City, was born in Birmingham, Oakland County, Mich.,
July 4, 1843. He spent his youth and received his early education
in hIis native county. He entered the literary department in the
Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in the Sophomore Class, in
1862, and graduated in 1865. He entered the law department in
1866 and graduated in 1868. After graduatien he engaged in
teaching, and was in charge of public schools until 1874. He was
then engaged in the practice of law in, the city of Grand Rapids
until 1880, when le resumed teaching, and continued until the
spring of 1883. He then removed to Traverse City and engaged
in real estate business. He organized the Oakwood Land Company for the platting and sale of a large tract, and is still engaged
in managing their interests and effecting the sale of lots. In his
general real estate business lie makes a specialty of the purchase
and sale of hard wood timbered lands in northern Michigan. Mr.
Jennings was also instrumental in the organization of the Oakwood
Manufacturing Company, a corporation engaged in the manufacture
of chairs and other furniture, door and window frames, and moldings, and in planing and matching lumber; and as secretary of the
company has an important part in the management of the business.
He has also been for several years engaged in journalism as a contributor to a number of important journals in the state. On June
26, 1872, he was married at Decatur, Mich., to Miss Frances A.
Toof, daughter of Rev. E. M. Toof, of the Presbyterian Church.
She was born in Castile, Wyoming County, N. Y., April 12, 1850.
They have one son, Albert T., born May 11, 1873. Religiously
Mr. and Mrs. Jennings are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and he is Puperintendent of the M. E. Sabbath-school
in Traverse City. Fraternally, Mr. Jennings is a Free and Accepted
Mason.
JAMES LEE, retired farmer and fruit grower, was born in England, March 10, 1816.   He came to Detroit, Mich., in June,
1832, and remained in that vicinity until 1858. He then removed
to Leelanaw County, purchased a farm in what is now the township of Bingham, and prepared for himself and family a pioneer
home in the waving forest. He has now about seventy acres under
cultivation. He has also nearly five acres of fruit bearing apple
orchard, -about 1,000 peach trees and some pears, and a rich variety
of grapes and other small fruits.  He has a good: dwelling and
other farm buildings. He was among the first in planting fruit
trees in that county, and also one of the first in introducing sheep.
In Bingbam Mr. Lee served seven years as supervisor, twelve years
as justice of the peace, ten or twelve years as highway commissioner, six years as school inspector, and also filled various other
offices. In 1875 he was elected from Leelanaw County as a member of the state legislature, and was re-elected in 1877.  During
that season lie retired from active farm work and removed to
Traverse City, where he still resides. He is serving as highway
commissioner of Traverse, is in his second year as justice of the
peace, and is serving in his third term as a member of the city
council. Mr. Lee's marriage was in 1839 to Miss Jane Ackley,
also of England.  They have two living children, John A. and


Sarah Jane. Mrs. Lee died in 1873. He has a beautiful city
residence on the corner of Union and Ninth Streets.
ARTHUR W. WAIT, contractor and builder, Traverse City, was
born at Old Mission, Mich., Feb. 11, 1854. He spent his youth
and-acquired a knowledge of his occupation in his native place. In
July, 1878, he removtd to Traverse City, and with Mr. M. B. West
spent some three years in his usual work as a builder. In 1879
they purchased premises on Boardman Avenue, and Mr. Wait




I


k,


I


erected a pleasant dwelling, and also the business shop whiCh 1e
still occupies  In 1881 he purchased Mr. West's interest in the
business and has since conducteil it on his own account. The
business includes scroll sawing, band sawing, turning anid the
preparation of moldings, and whatever is connected with building.
Mr. Wait's marriage was in December, 1879, to Miss Alice M.
Hazelton, of Leslie, Inglham County, Mich. Their chili.ren are
Alice M. and Arthur Edward.
WASHINGTON POUND, ra;ilroad conductor, Traverse City, was
born in Lyons, Seneca County, N. Y., Dec. 17, 1817.  He canme
to Allegan County, Mich., in boyhood, spent some time in agricultural employments, and in 1863 enlisted in the Third Michigan
Cavalry, and served his country until the close of the relellion.
Since 1869 he lie has been in the employment of the Grandl Ralpids
& Indiana Railroad Company, and since 1870 has been conductor.
His marriage was on Oct. 15, 1874, to Miss Ada J. Peabody, of
Allegan, Mich.   She was born in Allegan, Mich.  They have
been residents of Traverse City since 1875.  Theii elegant residence on State Street was erected in 1883. They have one datughtr,
Clara, born in Traverse City.
JAMES N. MAR'rrNEK, watchmaker and jeweler, Traverse City,
was born in Bohemia, Sept. 28, 1858. He came to Clevelanld
Ohio, in 1876, anld remained over three years, employed in his liofession as a jeweler and watchmaker. He had devoted six years to
the study of that business in Bohemia, and had become well skilled
in making all parts of the work by hand.  In 1879 lie removed to
Traverse City, Mich., and opened business on Front Street, where
he is enjoying a growing patronage from the city and surrounding
country.  He was married July 25, 1881, to Miss Mary Blalia, of
Cleveland, Ohio. She was born in Bohemia in 1863. They have
one living son, James, born in Traverse City, April 4, 1883.
WILLARD STARR, engineer, Traverse City, was born in Sullivan
County, N. Y., July 29, 1865. He came to Grand Traverse
County, Michi., in 1882, and engaged in engineering at Mayfield.
About nine months later lie removed to Traverse City and spent
some time in the employ of Mr. J. E. Greilick, and was afterwa. rd a
while with Mr. Lighter. Later lie spent some six months at Kingsley, and in April, 1884, came to Traverse City and entered the employ of H. D. Campbell, Esq., at the Traverse City Water Works.
JESSE G. HOLLIDAY, contractor and builder, Traverse Cit', was
born near Brooklin, Ont., Oct. 23, 1857.  He spent his youth alnd
acquired his occupation in his native country. He came to Elk
Rapids, Mich., in the spring of 1881, spent some ten months there
and then removed to Traverse City. He worked for some time at
his trade as a builder, and in 1883 lie opened his present line of
business, as a contractor and builder. His business also includes
the manufacture of door and window frames, screen doors, windows,
side-boards, cupboards and other cabinet work. His commodious
shop is on the corner of Lake Avenue and Cass Street. He has a
large and steadily growing patronage. His marriage was Sept. 10,
1879, to Miss Lucy J. Hubbell, of Myrtle, Ontario. They have
two children, Nellie and Earle.
LOREN NEWBERRY, drayman, Traverse City, was born in Wisconsin, Dec. 2, 1848. He came with his parents to Macomb County,
Mich., in 1851, and in December, 1867, lie came to Traverse City.
He spent some years in the employ of his brother, Mr. Manley Newberry, and in 1882 he commenced in his present business. He has
a large and rapidly growing patronage. He started in the business


with one horse, and now lias three rigs, and finds them necessary for
his work. He has a wife and two children. They have a beautiful
residence on the north side of Ninth Street, east of Union, affording a delightful view of Boardman Lake and of Grand Traverse
Bay.






1


L


-


-A


I


0 - -,


a' -  _~~ —                                                          I 'e,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~il
-   _..  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~v


-   Jl _




-l_            _ -  l_                                                                                    _   _    _    _   _    _   _
41:r                 T             -~~~~~~~~In-~~~" ---"u~~~~~~-..- ----— ~~~~~~~~-"-I-  -T  -----— r I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a






THE TRAVERSE REGION


83


CUYLER GERMAINE, foreman, or general outside superintendent
for Hannah, Lay & Co., Traverse City, was born in Dutchess County,
N. Y., Dec. 22, 1888. He came to Chicago, Ill., early in 1851, and
engaged in inspecting lumber for Mr. Barber, but shortly after
came to Traverse City, Mich., in the employ of Mr. Boardman.
In the fall of 1851 he entered the employment of Hannsh, Lay &
Co. He began with them in common labor, and has occupied various positions in their employ. He cleared the Boardman River of
obstructions for logging purposes, and has run logs therein for some
fifteen springs. When Mr. Germaine came to Traverse Region he
found it a vast wilderness, but he has seen the wilderness bud and
blossom as the rose. He is the only one now left of those who
commenced in the employ of Haunah, Lay & Co. when he did, being now in his thirty-third year in their employment.  His marriage was in July, 1860, to Miss Anna Gratitield, of Traverse City.
They have three sons and four daughters. Their pleasant home is
beautifully situated on Bay Street, in full view of Grand Traverse
Bay, and is one of the most enticing localities in the city.
DR. VICKERS FELL, proprietor of the Harrington Washer,
Traverse City, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1819. He
was a pioneer settler in Minneapolis, Minn., in 1851, and was one
of the first practicing physicians in that place. In December, 1882,
he removed to Battle Creek, Mich., and in November, 1883, he removed from there to Traverse City to engage in fruit growing, and
in all matters pertaining to the washer. He is now, in 1884, about
to establish a laundry on Front Street, to demonstrate publicly the
merits of the Harrington washer. He offers to sell washers (and
territory also, if desired), having nearly one-half of the United
States embraced in his patent, which has not yet been sold. He
also offers liberal inducements to active and reliable agents everywhere in his territory. Mr. Fell has been an active laborer for the
promotion of morals, temperance, liberty and all features of improvement, but he fully believes that in his present enterprise in
improving the modes of washing, there is that element of freedom
from the slavery of female drudgery which equals any enterprise,
physical or moral, in which he has ever endeavored to promote the
good of others. His marriage was on Dec. 30, 1846, to Miss Elvira
Ann Fielding, of Payson, Ill. They have four living children-two
sons and two daughters. They have also a farm of thirty-six acres
on the west side of Traverse Bay, partly in fruit orchards already,
which they expect to devote fully to orchard and other fruit-bearing
purposes.
JOHN FRANCIS GRANT, deceased, was born in Kendal, Westmoreland, England, in 1821. His occupation from boyhood was
book-keeping. He was cashier of Hankey's Bank, in London, England. Was married Jan. 9, 1849, to Maria Woodhams, of Buckinghamshire, England, and the same yfar came with his wife to
Brooklyn, New York, where they resided eight years, he being employed there as book-keeper. In 1856 moved to Lansing, Mich.,
and thence to Muskegon, where he remained one year, and then
came to Grand Traverse County, in 1857. Here Mr. Grant went
into the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co., as book-keeper, remaining
with this firm until the time of his death. Soon after coming to
Grand Traverse County he bought of the government two hundred
acres of land in Sections 8 and 9, Town 27, Range 11, where he
resided for the last twenty years of his life. He held at one time
the office of justice of the peace, but duty to his employers, which


was with him one of the first considerations of his life, precluded
him from t.king the prominent position in public life for which he
was so well fitted. He died March 16, 1888, leaving a wife, three
sons and two daughters. Mrs. Grant is now a resident of Traverse
City. The children are Effingham Howard and Francis William,
residing on their own farms, portions of the old homestead;


Charles Herbert, living in Almira, and engaged in farming; Alice
Evangelino and Jane Maud Maria, with their mother in -Traverse
City. Effingham H., the eldest son, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
in 1854. Came in infancy with his parents to Traverse County;
married in 1879 to Esther Fowle, a native of England, and has three
children.
MORGAN L. LEACH was born in Erie County, N. Y., April 1,
1821, being the eldest of a large family of children. His father
was Jeshurun Leach, and his mother was Theoda, daughter of
Theophilus Huntington, both natives of Vermont. During his
-early years the family made several removals, going first to Oak
land County, Mich., back to Erie County, N. Y., then to Strongsville, Ohio, from there to Mundy, Genesee County, Mich., and then
to Margaretta, Erie County, Ohio. In consequence of the death of
lhis father, which occurred in Margaretta, the care of the family devolved in a great measure on the subject of our sketch. Retunling
with them at the age of twenty-one to Mundy, he became a resident
of the neighborhood where several years before the family had
passed through the somewhat romantic and not unpleasant experiences of pioneer se;tlers in an almost unbroken wilderness.
Here he elngaged in various pursuits, with varying success, but
without accumulating any property, and finally turned his attention
to the study of medicine. After devoting a considerable period to
suitable preliminary studies under Dr. H. C. Fairbank, he went to
Ann Arbor in the fall of 1851, for the purpose of attending the
lectures in the medical department of the university. It was
Saturday night when lie arrived. After paying his hotel bill on
Monday morning and his matriculation fee at the college, he had
just sixty-two and a half cents left to carry him through a six
months' course. How lie was to get through was a mystery. He
went through, however, successfully, receiving help to the amount
of six dollars from friends, and coming out a few dollars in debt in
the spring, proving the truth of the adage that " where there is a
will there is a way." In the spring a friend came to him with the
offer of pecuniary assistance. He accepted the loan of a hundred
dollars, which enabled him to spend the summer in study at Ann
Arbor, in a class under Dr. E. Andrews, who was then demonstrator
of anatomy, and has since held a distinguished position as professor of surgery in the Chicago Medical College. In the fall he removed with his mother and younger brothels to Duplain, Clinton
County, and engaged in practice. On the 27th of October, 1856,
he was married to Mrs. Lemnira M. Coy, widow of Chandler W. Coy,
one of the pioneer settlers of Duplain. In the autumn of 1857,
after several years of successful practice, he returned to Ann Arbor,
attended a second course of lectures, and graduated with the degree
of Doctor of Medicine on the 25th of March, 1858, a few days before he was thirty-seven years old. On the organization of the
First Michigan Cavalry in August following the breaking out of the
rebellion, Dr. Leach, with many of his neighbors and friends, enlisted as a private in that regiment, and was soon afterward made
hospital steward. The regiment spent the fall in Washington and
the winter in Frederick, Md., crossing with Gen. Banks' forces into
the Shenandoah Valley late in the following February. Gen.
Banks, after the battle of Kernstown, having pursued the enemy up
the valley to Harlisonburg, and afterward fallen back to Strasburg,
was finally compelled to fly before the overwhelming force of Stonewall Jackson. On the retreat, when a little north of Middletown,


the wagon train with which Dr. Leach was moving, with several
wagons containing the hospital stores, nurses and sick men of his
regiment, was suddenly charged by the Confederate cavalry.
Though not required to carry arms, he had always done so; and now,
perhaps not wisely, commenced using his.revolver, attempting
almost single-handed to repel the attack. In less time than it takes


J


VI,                                           ---. -1 —  -  9r
44-                                                                                                                                                                               -- -  --:  l-op




__


qE




1


J1


FI I


i.


i~  i ii j  li  i i   i i   i iii iii i,, i i   i ii iii ii i   i i   i..
i                                                                         r  


84


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


to tell it, he was unhorsed and lay on the ground, bruised and bleeding, with a severe saber cut on the right cheek, a slight cut on each
hand, and another on the shoulder, and a bad bullet wound in the
lower part of the thigh. He was made prisoner and carried back
to Middletown, where a few days later he was paroled and left in
hospital, when Jackson in his turn had to retreat. As soon as he
was able to travel, he returned home, spent some time in Camp
Chase,. Ohio, whither he was ordered with other paroled prisoners,
was discharged on account of disability from wounds, and again returned home. In the fall of 1862, having nearly recovered fromn
the effects of his wounds, Dr. Leach received a commission as assistant surgeon in the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, then organizing at
Coldwater. He left with the regiment for Kentucky in May, 1863,
which, after participating in the stirring events occurring in that
state during the summer, passed over the Cumberland Mountains
in the fall, and joined General Burnside's command in Tennessee.
He remained with the reg'ment till the spring of 1864, when he
was detailed for service in one of the general hospitals of Knoxville.
In the course of the summer, finding his health steadily failing, he
resigned his commission and retired from the service. After the
war, Dr. Leach was engaged for some time in the construction of
State swamp land roads, and for a short time in mercantile business,
losing in the latter the profits realized from the former. The death
of Mrs. Leach in 1878 was the occasion of the breaking up of his
home in Duplain. In the spring of 1880 hle went to Charlevoix
where he remained two years and then camne to Traverse City, his
present place of residence. During the latter part of his life, Dr.
Leach has been a somewhat prolific newspaper writer, the productions of his pen being scattered through a large number of periodicals. During his residence in Traverse City he has been associated
with his brother, D. C. Leach, in the editorial work of the Nortihwest Farn.er. He has been for many years a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHAPTER X.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY VILLAGES-FIFE LAKE-WALTON-PARADISE —KINGSLEY — MAYFIELD ---WESTMINSTER —ACME -WILLIAMSBURGH —SIUMMIT —OTHER SETTLEMENTS-BIOGRAPHICAL.
The village of Fife Lake was brought into being by the building of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.  In the spring and
summer of 1872 two villages were platted, called respectively "North
Fife Lake" and "Fyfe Lake." The latter was made in June, 1872,
by J. L. Shaw and others of Grand Rapids, and the north town
was platted about the same time by Thomas T. Bates, the present
proprietor of the Grand Traverse tierald/, who purchased the land of
Hon. Morgan Bates.
Why the same name should be spelled differently by the proprietors of the two sites caused innumerable inquiries, and was at
last explained by Mr. Bates, in the Herald, as follows:
"In the year 1867 the G. R. & I. R. R. was yet far south of
Grand Traverse County and the territory now known as Fife Lake
Township was a wilderness, without roads or inhabitants. In that
year the Midland, Houghlton Lake & Traverse Bay State Road was
ordered built. Hon. G. E. Steele, now member of the real estate
firm of Steele & Titus, surveyed the line of the new road. Knowing
he was familiar with the circumstances attending the naming of the
lake now known as Fife Lake, we requested him to furnish us the


facts, and he has kindly done so,as follows:
"TRAVERSE CITY, Oct. 18, 1881.
"EDITOR GRAND TRAVERSE Herald:
"Sir:-In reply to your inquiries in regard to the name of
Fyfe or Fife Lake, I would sav that I surveyed the western division


I
I!


I


of the Midland, Houghton Lake & Traverse Bay State Road from
Traverse City to Houghto'n Lake, in the fall of 1867, in company
with Hon. D. C. Leach, of Traverse City, who went to approve of the
route as commissioner, and with William H. Fife, Esq., of Yuba,
Grand Traverse County, who went as commissioner of the Traverse Bay & Houghton Lake State Road.     The latter was to be
built by Act 471, Laws 1867, with non-resident highway money,
from some point in East Bay, probably Acme, to Houghton Lake;
but it was proposed to unite the two roads from some point northwest of the Manistee crossing and to make the survey of the latter
from that point to Acme on our return trip. This was never done,
as the snow came before we left Houghton Lake; besides we
could not get provisions.   The  road also was never built,
for in a test case the supreme court declared the act unconstitutional, and no money could be collected. The line of our survey on
Monday, the 21st of October, 1867, was extended only with much
difficulty and perseverance through thick brush and in almost constant rain, till dark obliged us to leave our instruments and follow
with quick steps the two of our party who had been sent onl to
select a camping place. By their shouts and the firelight we found
them, and almost the first question was: 'Boys, have you got water
for the camp?  Did you find the lakeT? 'Yes, we did. Don't you
see it, not two rods from us?' The shore was lined with an almost
impenetrable thicket and the camp fire mIlade darkness only darker;
but sure enough, the pine torch revealed one edgeof the clear, placid
waters of a lake the governlment surveyors had omitted to name.
By nine o'clock the 'tea' is over, the tents are ap, the drippiDng
boughs are spread, and a wet, merry party of surveyors are standing around a roaring fire, some thinking of the folks at home, some
caring more for glee.
"The foremost one proposes that the surveyor be requested to
name on his plats every lake and stream of importance onl the route.
Objected to.  Proposed again that this party name this lake 'Leach
Lake.' To which all are agreeable but Mr. Leach, who will not be thus
sacrificed and decides there is not a quorum present. He being an old
legislator of course we yielded.  Proposed again that this lake be
called and known as Fife Lake,' which Mr. Fife tries modestly to
decline, on the ground that such a Fife as he oulght not to play a
part. The plea does not avail, the rights of the American citizen
and the majority are at stake; the surveyor thinks so too, alnd Bowering he says yes; Shepherd takes a fresh chlew; Emerson tallies one
for that; Father Denniston throws up his hat and Woodbury don't
dare to vote no.  I find in my diary, written on that night, Oct. 21,
1867: 'Rained nearly all day.  Reached Fife Lake and camped.
This lake, in Town 25, Range 9, we name after Commissioner Fife.'
"Hoping that this, like all momentous questions which affect
the American people, may be settled rightly, and that every one on
their first visit to the growing village of Fife Lake may do as we
did-call for water, I am truly yours,
"GEO. E. STEELE.
"The name of Fife Lake was at once adopted, bygeneral consenit, and now appears upon all plats and state maps.  When the
railroad reached the lake, in the fall of 1872, two town plats had
been laid out.  That now known as 'south town' was platted by
the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., John L. Shaw, E. P. Vining and F. J.


Fairbrass, and was given the name of Fyfe Lake, the parties supposing that was the correct spelling of the name, as the late Hon. P.
B. L. Pierce, of Grand Rapids, then commissioner of the land department of the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., told the writer of this, at that
time, when his attention was called to the matter. The town plat
had been recorded, however, and it was too late to rectify the error.
At thle same time the *south town' was being laid out, the present
editor of this paper platted the 'north town' and named it North


I


i


I




-
a




-n


-----   -                                               _                                                                                                                                                                I




RESIDENCE AND.STORE OF E.H. FOSTER, FI FE LAKE,GRAND TRAVERSE CO. MICH.


RESIDENCE ANo STORE OF C.C.BAILEY, FIFE LAKE, GRAND TRAVERSE Co.MICH.








-V -




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


85


Fife Lake. On the early time cards of the railroad company the
name is given Fyfe Lake, but several years ago we called the attention of the officers of the road to the error, and gave the history of
the name, and since that time the correct spelling of the name is
given in all the railroad company's time tables.  The postoffice is
also correctly named —Fife Lake.
"This is, in brief, the histoiy of the name now borne by the
lake and township. The lake was named in honor of W. H. Fife,
of East Bay."
In July, 1872, Fife Lake and vi lage were described as follows:
"Fife Lake, on the west side of which the village is situated, lies
mostly in Township 25 north, of Range 9 west, being the southeast
corner of Grand Traverse County. The lake runs over the line into
Kalkaska, only a sm1ll portion of it, however, being situated in the
last named county.
Thle plats show this lake to be about one and a half miles in
diameter.  It is a beautiful sheet of water, and contains several
islands.  Pickerel, bass and other fish are found in great numbers
and of large size.
( The railhoad runs along the lake near the water's edge for
about three-fourths of a mile, thus affording passengers a fine view
as the train sweeps by.
"The village plat, at present, consists of about sixty acres, and
is owned by J. L. Shaw and others of Grand Rapids. Quite a large
number of lots have been sold, on several of which improvements:live been commenced. Messrs. Tracy and Thurber are building a
hotel on an elevated and beautiful site, overlooking the lake, the
depot-grounds and the railroad track for a long distance.  At the
present time they are putting up an L of the hotel, 20x56 feet, and
two stories high. By the time this is finished, a saw-mill will be
runningl, lumber can be had at home and they will at once proceed
to put up the main part of the hotel, 30x50 feet.
"Thompson Brothers are busily at work on a saw-mill which
they propose to have running in less than a month. A blacksmith
shop is already in working order. Other improvements are planned
and soon to be made.  The iron will probably be laid to Fife Lake
by the first of September, and the embryo village will be out of the
woods."
The mill of Thompson Brothers started up the first week in
August. The first log made 600 feet of lumber and was sawed in
thirty minutes.
In June, 1872, Mr. J. B. Lancaster came from Traverse City
and opened a stock of goods in a shanty on the state road, about
two hundred feet north of where the school-house now stands.
Mr. W. W. Bailey started a lumber camp on the state road
about seven miles from the lake in April, 1872, and persuaded his
brother, C. C. Bailey, to come to this point. He did;o and reinained at the camp until into the summer, when he built a store
on what was afterward the north plat. A sketch of Mr. Bailey's
movements is as follows:
CHAUNCEY C. BAILEY, merchant, Fife Lake, Traverse County,
was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Nov. 21, 1840. Resided from 1864 to
1867 in Milwaukee, Wis., employed as a clerk. Went thence to
Manistee, Mich., and engaged in trade with his brother. Was
burned out in October, 1871, and in the spring of 1872 came to
Fife Lake and assisted his brother to start logging camps on the
Manistee River seven miles from Fife Lake, these camps being the
furthest up the river at that time. In July, 1872, he bought the


first lot sold in North Fife Lake village and built a store, hauling
his lumber from Traverse City, twenty-one miles. He received a
part of his goods by the first train to this point on the G. R. & I.
R. R. He has since largely extended his business, carrying a complete stock of general merchandise. Mr. Bailey was town lerk


the second year after organization of the town, and has held that
office three years. Was town treasurer several terms and school
director nine years. During the war Mr. Bailey served one year
in 1862 and 1863, on the gunboat St. Clair, on the Mississippi,
Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. He was married in April, 1877,
to Lizzie S. Fuller.
The first frame dwelling on the north plat was built by Mr.
James Monteith, a sketch of whom we give herewith.
JAMEs MIONTEITH, real estate and insurance agent, Fife Lake,
was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., in 1817. Remained at
home till 1835, then went to New York City, where he was clerk in
a wholesale paper warehouse. Came to Allegan County, Mich., in
1840. A year later engaged in the dry goods trade and continued
in the business most of the time till he came to Fife Lake, in 1872,
for his health. Has lived at Fife Lake since that time. Has
been postmaster nine and one-half years, justice of the peace
eleven years, township clerk one year, and held the office of notary
public most of the time since coming to the place. Helped to organlize the town. He built the first dwelling-house at Fife Lake.
Married in 1842 to Harriet A. Livingston, a native of Fulton
County, N. Y. They have six children living.
E. H. FOSTER, merchant, Fife Lake, was boril in Otsego, Allegan County, Mich., in 1843. After receiving his education was
brought up to the mercantile business, remaining in Otsego till
August, 1872, when he came to Fife Lake. First built a store at
South Fife Lake, opened a general store and carried on business a
year and a half, then built a store at Fife Lake, where lie kept a
stock of dry goods and groceries till 1881, since that time has kept
a hardware store. Is also agent for the sale of agricultural implements, wind-mills, etc. Helped to organize the township. Was
deputy to the first postmaster in town, and had the entire charge of
the business. Has been township treasurer most of the time since
the organization. Married in 1866 to Mary Jane Maloy, who died
April 1, 1870. They had one son, E. F., who is clerk in his
father's store. Second marriage to Jennie Mathews, in October,
1871, a native of Ohio. They have one child living.
The building now occupied by Mr. Foster was built by James
Monteith and H. M. Billings, in the fall of 1872.
The postoffice was first established at the south plat, and H. B.
Thurber was postniAster.  Mr. Billings was next appointed but
about that timne lie moved away an d Janes Monteith was appointed.
The office was nioved to the north town, and Mr. Monteith held
the office until May, 1882, when he resigned and was succeeded by
J. B. Lancaster. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Lancaster was succeeded
by C. C. Bailey.
The first hotel on the north side was a log house which stood
on the present site of the Fife Lake House. The oldest hotel at
the present time is the Lake View House.
The depot was first built at the north town, but there was a
strong fight over its location, and soon after it suddenly. burned
down and as suddenly a new depot was built at the south town,
where it now stands at an inconvenient distance from the principal
business center.
The first school was taught in a little shanty at the north town
by Miss Nettie Blood, in 1874. The first male teacher was J. J.


Gage.
In 1876 a good school building was built at the south town
and two years later the one at the north town was built.
The first religious services were held in the old shanty in which
the school was taught, and afterward in a hall over Mr. C. C.
Bailey's store. Revs. Thurston, Golden, Deitz, Wyant, Heath and
Carr were M. E. preachers Xwho had charge of the class here. In
the fall of 1881 Rev. J. F. McKinley was appointed to this charge


J


AI


-I'-,,




s...


r"R


1


a


wr



mss


I                                                                                            -. I a


86


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


and has remained to the present time. Since that time an M. E.
society has been formed, having at the present time about twenty
members. In 1882 a church building was begun which it is expected will be completed in the fall of 1884.
A Congregational society was organized in 1879 with seven
members, and continued about two years. The members became
scattered and the organization was discontinued.
The United Brethren hold service every two weeks at the south




town.
"In January, 1880, mention was made of Fife Lake, as follows:
On the banks of a beautiful lake studded with majestic pines, encircled with evergreens, the beach of which ascends with a gentle
slope pleasing to the eye, and giving beauty to the scenery there are
situated two towns, each answering to the same name, each striving to hold the supremacy, and each beholding the other as a generous rival.  The lo; er town, or the town which was founded by the
railroad was built in the spring of 1872. First camie the inevitable
saloon. They increased until they numbered nine, but they have
rapidly dwindled and given 'place to more substantial materialgood dwelling houses and neat stores. These have increased, inhabitants coime in, until now you have that pleasing spectacle, a
neat little tov:n.
"The upper town is situated one-half mile abtve, on the state
road, running from Traverse City to Midland- City. It is a thriving, brisk town, containing some two or three hundred inhabitants,
three hotels, thiee stores, postoffice, and other places of business.
The morals of the place are almost unparalleled in the history of
new towns in northern Michigan. Its merchants are sober, steady
business going men, dealing on a cash basis, thus avoiding litigation-in fact, to such an extent, that in the last six years, but two
contested law suits have been entered on the court dockets. The
business of the pllce is simply enormous.  A few facts and figures
will illustrate: There are in the vicinity between twenty and
thirty lumber camips, each requiring from two to five loads per
week. Calculating that eacli load costs $40, and that is a low estimnate, you have $3,000 per week from this source alone.  Besides
this there is the lumber shipped, the railroad traffic, and the regular trade of the citizens and farmers. The Fife Lake Lumber Co.
have purchased about six hundred acres of pine land, and are erecting a saw-mill 100x30 feet in size, and expect to put into operation
a planing and lath-mill, and a sash, door and blind factory. To operate these will require fully one hundred men, and as all the men
here.now are employed, their help must be brought from abroad."
In November, 1882, the local paper mentioned the business interests of the village as follows:  "The business of the place, in
part, consists of five general stores, two drug stores, four hotels,
three millinery stores, three shoe shops, two tobacco and liquor
stores, a dry goods and clothing store, furniture store, printing
office, jewelry store, restaurant, barber shop, two large saw-mills
(one. giving employment to over a hundred hands), planing-mill,
shingle-mill, two wagon and blacksmith shops, paint shops, etc.,
etc. A logging railroad is in process of construction, for the purpose of bringing a large quantity of pine here for manufacture.
Factories for manufacturing the 'vast quantities of hardwood by
which the town is surrounded are contemplated, and doubtless will
be in operation ere long. The village has two good school-houses,
and two churches are now being erected."
The population of the village in 1884 is estimated at 1,000.
The Odd Fellows have a subordinate lodge and an encampment both of which are in a flourishing condition. The officers of
the lodge in 1884 are as follows: N. G., Chas. Hess; V. G., J. S.
Olson; R. S., I. E. Bennett; P. S., H. C. Bragg; Treas., John
Reiland; Rep. Grand Lodge, H. C. Bragg.     The encampment




I


officers are as follows: C. P., F. D. Caulkins; H. P., J. H. Hoag;
S. W., J. A. Conrad; Scribe, H. C. Bragg; Treas., John Reiland;
J. W., John Olson; Rep. Grand Encampment, M. W. Gallagher.
In the summer of 1881 the Fife Lake Eye, was started by E. B.
Dennis. In January, 1882, he sold to Ewing & Munyon. Early in
the fall of 1882 the publication of the Eye was suspended, and November 16, 1882, Mr. Dennis issued the first number of the "( ',mt"
which he still continues to publish.
In February, 1884, a Womans' Christian Temperance Union
was organized, of which the officers are as follows: President, Mrs.
J. H. Hoag; vice-presidents, Mrs. J. F. McKinley, Mrs. C. F. Lancaster, Mrs. Oakley; conrresponding secretary, Miss Lettie Adams:
recording secretary, Miss Ada Nash; superintendent of press work,
Mrs. L. C. Lovejoy; superintmndent of juvenile work, Mrs. H. M.
Moorman.
CHICKERIN(;  & KYSOR, proprietors of saw and planing-mill, Fife
Lake, built their saw-mill on Fife Lake in the fall of 1881, and
built the planing-mill the year following. Thle capacity of the
saw-mill is 50,000 fect of pine lumber l er day. They do what
planing is rcquiled by their customers. Frank Kysor, manager of
the business, resides at Fife Lake; was born in Livingston County,
N. Y., in 1843; came to Wexford County, Mich., and was engaged
in the saw-mill business near Cadillac, till 1881, when lie formed
a partnership with Mr. C. Chickering, of Grand Rapids, when they
built the mill they are now running. Mr. Kysor was mariied in
1872 to Phebe King, a native of Mentor, Ohio; they have one child.
JAMES D. WILLIAMS, phi sician, Fife Lake, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1856; came to Michigan and was educated at
Hillsdale College.  Graduated at the Eclectic Medical College,
Cincinnati, Ohio.  Came to Fife Lake, Mich., in 1880, and
since that time has been practicing his profession. Married in
October, 1881, to Carrie V., daughter of James Monteith, of Fife
Lake, Mich.
JA.MES M. BIOULTON, blacksmith, Fife Lake, was born in Glengary
County, Canada. iii 1844, remained at home till 1864, when lie
came to Vatssar, Tuscola County., Mich., where lie learned his
trade; worked there four years; in 1876 came to Fife Lake; worked
at his trade, also at lumbering.  Married in 1869), to Jane
Campbell, a native of Prescott, Ontario.  They have four living
children.
GoRnoN C. CLARK, butcher, Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County,
was born in Ohio, in 1858; was brought up to farming. Came to
Traverse City in 1862, with his parents, who settled on a farm in
what is now thle town of Garfield. He came to Fife Lake in 1883,
and here engaged in the meat trade. His father, 0. E. Clark, is a
resident of Garfield Township.
JOHN GIBSON, hotel keeper, Fife Lake, was born in Canada in
1851, came to Michigan in 1867 and worked at luinbering till 1878,
when he built a hotel, which lie rented for a year; since that time
has been keeping the hotel. Married in October, 1879, to Melissa
Orr. They have two children.
JAMES E. SMITH, saloon and billiard hall, Fife Lake, was born
in New York, in 1845; moved to Canada with his parents in 1848,
and in 1863 went to Wisconsin, and was engaged in lumbering'till
1876; he then came to Michigan and was lumbering on the Manistee
River till 1881, when he built the saloon and billiard hall, he now
occupies, also the adjoining building which he rents for a boot and
shoe store. Married in 1874 to Ada Shurtleff, a native of Wisconsilln.


They have one child.
JOHN D. JOHNSON, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes,
Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County, was born in New Hampshire iii
1888. From early life he has been engaged in the boot and shoe
business. He lived in Massachusetts five or six years. In 1854 lie


I






I








*-Z-"


W

_ __ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __ f~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


It
WI";? -. "4.  lb




- - ^,f


r*I


"A.


I


I                                                                                                                                                                r


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


87


came to Michligan, and lived at Jackson, Grand Rapids, and other
points.  In 1861 he enlisted in the Michigan Engineers and
Mechanics, Army of the Cumberland. Selved nearly three years.
Returned to Michigan and.resided at St. Joseph's until December,
1870, when he came to Fife Lake. There were then living in the
town James Hodges, Solomon Mills, John Cane, Robert Pierce,
Elias Benton and James Ward. He took up a homestead on which
he remained five years. He engaged in the boot and shoe business
in 1880. Mr. Johnson was one of the organizers of the town of
Fife Lake, was one of the judges of election at the first town meeting, and was supervisor of the town the first, three terms. Now
holds the office of justice of the peace. He was married in 1853 to
Mary C. Johnson. They have three children living; two have died.
DR. J. H. HOAG, of Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County, was
born in Green County, N. Y., in 1853. During his infancy his
parents moved to Jackson County, Mich. He was educated at Ann
Arbor, Mich., and at Hallnemann Medical College, of Chicago,
being graduated at the latter in the spring of 1883. He first came
to Fife Lake in 1880, and practiced medicine three years. After
his graduation at Chicago, he returned to his practice at this place.
He was married May 10, 1882, to Anna Dancer, native of Michigan.
Dr. Hoag's parents, as also Mrs. Hoag's, reside at Chelsea, Washtenaw County, Mich.
DR. LEWIS S. WALTER, of Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County,
was born in Pulaski, Jackson County, Mich., in 1849. His earlier
education was received in Jackson and Hillsdale Counties, his professional education at Bennett's Eclectic College, of Chicago, where
he was graduated ill March, 1876. He practiced medicine at Litchfield, Hillsdale County, until the fall of 1882, when he came to Fife
Lake, where he is now practicing. He was married December 10,
1876, to Jennie L. Hubbard, native of Pulaski, Jackson County,
Mich. They have three children.
I. E. BENNETT, clerk, Fife Lake, was born in Canada, in 1856;
came to Michigan in 1864 with his parents; they settled in Lapeer
Township, Lapeer County; he was brought up on a farm; went to
work in the lumber woods at the age of thirteen, followed lumbering for nine years, and in 1872 came through from Lapeer to Fife
Lake with a team, worked at farming a short time, then returned
to Lapeer County, where he remained a year, then returned to Fife
Lake, where lie has since lived; was engaged as a clerkin E. H.
Foster's hardware store two years, and has for two years past been
employed as a cleik by C. C. Bailey. Married in March, 1883, to
Mary Brown, a native of New York. They have one child.
PETER T. PETERSON, blacksmith and wagon maker, at Fife
Lake, was born in Denmark in 1845, came to America in 1868, and
worked at his trade in Muskegon, one summer, and worked in
northern  Michigan, till September, 1878, when lie commenced
business at Fife Like, carries on a general blacksmithing business,
also manufactures waigons and carriages.  Married in 1879 to
Georgie A. Harding, a native of Michigan. They have one child.
NELSON FINCH was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1818.
He has for the most of his life been engaged in farming, in New
York and Pennsylvania. In 1844 he was married to Mary Briggs,
a native of New York. Their three children are Adelbert and
Armenus, of Fife Lake, and Mrs. Albert Helmer, of Long Lake,
Wexford County, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Finch are living with their
son Adelbert. The latter was born in Allegany County, N. Y., in


1846. During his boyhood, his parents moved to Steuben County,
N. Y., and thence to Pennsylvania, where he was brought up.
He has been engaged in various occupations, lumbering, farming,
etc. Came to Fife Lake in 1875, and worked in the saw-mill of B.
S. White. Bought his present farm of eighty acres in Section 1,
Town 25, Range 9, in the fall of 1877. The other son, Armenus,


was born in Steuben County, in 1850, went to Pennsylvania with
his parents in boyhood; came to the Traverse Region in 1875;
worked in a lumber yard at Fife Lake, five years. Bought his
present farm of eighty acres in Section 1, Town 25, Range 9, in
November, 1876, and settled on it in 1881. Married in 1874 to
Alice Labar, a native of Tioga County, N. Y.
JOSEPH M. MYERS, farmer, Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County,
was born in Ohio in 1838. Was brought up to farming. Remained
there until 1871, except during his military service. In April
1861, he enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry under the first
call of the president for 75,000 men. His regiment served in Virginia and afterward in the Army of the Cumberland. He was
mustered out in the fall of 1861. In 1871 he came to what is now
the town of Boardman, Kalkaska County, and took a homestead
on Section 28, Town 26, Range 8.  This land lie still retains. In
the spring of 1883 he came to the town of Fife Lake and bought
his present farn of eighty acres in Section 24, Town 26, Range 8.
Mr. Myers was one of the organizers of the town of Boardman,
and its first supervisor, holding the office two years.  When he
came to the town it was destitute of the facilities of transportation
and travel which the advent of a railroad has brought.  Big
Rapids was the nearest railroad station. Traverse City, the market
town and postoffice, was distant thirty miles by trail. Much of their
supplies were packed in. Mr. Myers was married in March, 1864,
to Sophia L. Snow, a native of New York.     They have one
daughter.
J. O. HUTCHINS, of Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County, was
born in Ohio in 1843. Was brought up to farming.  He came to
Traverse City in 1869, and the same year located a homestead in
Town 25, Range 9. Was employed several years in Hannah, Lay
& Co's saw-mill. In 1878 he engaged in the saloon business at
Fife Lake, for 0. H. Ellis, of Traverse City, and purchased the
business in 1882. Has in connection with his saloon a pool hall,
and a hall for public purposes above. In 1873 he married Sarah
Smith, and has two children.
JAMES M. CAMPBELL, farmer and mason, Fife Lake, Grand
Traverse County, was born in Willett, Cortland County, N. Y., in
1847. Was brought up to farming, and also learned there the
trade of mason, at which he has been employed since he began
working for himself. He came to Fife Lake in 1878, and bought
his present farm in Section 35, Town 25, Range 9.  Married in
1879 to Annie Dowen, a native of Ottawa County, N. Y. They
have two children.
WILLIAM REID, farmer, Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County, was
born in Canada, November 19, 1835.  He came to Michigan, to
Van Buren County, in June, 1870, and to Traverse County in 1871,
reaching Fife Lake February 18. Here he homesteaded his present farm of eighty acres in Section 36, Town 26, Range 9.  With
him came his brother-in-law, Wilbur Dewey, they being the first
settlers in the township, Mr. Reid building the first house. He was
one of the organizers of the town of Fife Lake.  Feb. 26, 1864,
he married Catherine Dewey. They have two children living,
William T. and Roswell H. A daughter, Agnes Isa, died Sept. 30,
1870.
I. M. ANDERSON, farmer, Fife Lake, Grand Traverse County,
resides on Section 2, Town 25, Range 9 west, where he has a farm
of eighty acres. Born in Westmoreland County, Penn., July 16,


1842. Brought up to farming. Came to Cass County, Mich., with
his parents, in the fall of 1855. Came to Fife Lake Dec. 12, 1872,
and was for six years engaged in photographing.  Since then has
been employed in farming. Located on his present farm in the
spring of 1881. Was married in 1863 to Melvina Bowerman, a
native of Ohio, and has three children.


ET
w




4
I
I
I
I
I
- I


0 -

I
I
I
I


C


88


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


WILLIAM M. HICKEY, flarD.er, Fife Lake Township, was born
in New Brunswick in 1847. Came to Canada with his parents
when a chil l. Was brought up on a faim, and remained at home
until 1865. He then came to Lapeer, Micl., and engaged in farming and lumbering till 1871, when he moved to Traverse City,
worked there a few months, and in the fall of the same year came
to Fife Lake Township and bought a farm of eighty acres on Section 8. He works at lumbering in winter, and carries on his farm.
Has been highway commissioner five years.  Has been justice of
the peace for the past eight years.  Married in 1869 to Lydia
McIntyre, a native of Canada. They have five children.
Acme is a small rural settlement situated in the town of East
Bay, and surrounded by a rich and delightful farming country.
It has some important manufacturing interests end the usual business interests of a country village. In the following sketch of Mr.
Hoxsie are some facts connected with this point:
L. S. HOXSIE, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1813.  Moved with his parents to Cayuga
County, same state, in 1817, and came to Lenawee County, Micb.,
in 1833. Owned and carried on a farm in that county till 1864.
IHe then came to Whitewater, now East Bay, and bought a farm
where Acme postoffice now stands.  The first town meeting in East
Bay was held on his farm. He has laid out a village at Acme, and
sold several lots. A number of good houses have already been built.
There was a saw mill on his farm when he bought the place, which
was built in 1858. About the year 1874 he rebuilt the mill, which
he sold to his son John in the spring of 1884, who is building a
woolen-mill near the saw-mill. Has been justice of the peace and
higliway commissioner several years.  Married in 1837 to Mary
Underwood, a native of New York   They have eight children.
His son Albertus T. is postmaster at Acme, and keeps a general
stock of dry goods, groceries, etc.
We find the following mention of the mill of Hoxsie & Scripture, in May, 1884:
" The new woolen mill of Hoxsie & Scripture, at Acme, has.
been completed and will be ready for work by June 1st. The building is S0x(5 feet, three stories high. The machinery is of the best
make, and Mr. Scripture's large experience in this work is a guarantee that satisftaction will be given in all cases. Tie new firm
are prepared to card rolls, spin single yarn, make stocking yarn,
and to imanufacture cassimeres, tweeds, full cloth, and plain and
checked flannels, etc., etc."
H. A. LANGWORTHY, merchant, Acme, was born in Erie
County, Penn., in 1840.  Came to Old Mission, Grand Traverse
County, Mich., in 1851, with his parents; remained there until
1854, when his father moved to Williamsburg, Whitewater Township, and builrt a saw-mill, which he run till 1857. The subject of
this sketch opened a grocery in Traverse City in 1876, which he
carried on till April, 1882.  Then moved to Acme, where he is
selling dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc. Married in 1866 to
Anna E. Williams, a native of England. They have three living
children.
Williamsburgh is a rural seluement in the town of Whitewater.
Like Acme, it is in the midst of a prosperous farming community.
Several societies are well sustained, and the milling and mercantile
interests at this point are of considerable importance.
Paradise Village is located on the line of the Traverse City
Railroad, in the township of Paradise, and is a point of consider

able promise. It is of recent origin, having been platted in 1882
by Dr. Myrun S. Brownson.
DR. BROWNSON was born in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1844.
Was educated at the Literary College of South Dansville, Steuben
County, at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Bennett


I




Eclectic College, Chicago; also attending two courses at Ruah Medical College, Chicago.  During a portion of the war he was employed in Armory Square Hospital, under Dr. Bliss. He founded
the Dansville Medical Institute, and was in charge of the same.
Also edited the Home Medical Aldriser anid Medical Journal.  lie
practiced one season at Valparaiso, Ind. For the past eleven years
has been practicing in Grand Traverse and adjoining counties, making his home at Walton and Paradise, residing now at the latter
place. He has been very active in efforts to advance the business
interests of the village and the county, having started and carried
out at this point and elsewhere in the county a number of business
enterprises, blacksmithing, mercantile trade, livery, saw-mill, etc.
He built the first saw-mill at this point. In July, 1882, he platted
the village of Paradise, which has grown to be a place of about 400
inhabitants. He has the largest cleared farm in tle county, having
one clearing of 200 acres in the vicinity of the village.  Dr.
Brownson was married in 1871 to Sarah A. Rowe, and has one son.
In November, 1883, the following mention was made of the
village, which substantially covers its history:
"Perhaps no town along the line of the G. R. & I. Road has
grown more rapidly than the village founded by Dr. Brownson.
The plat of this village was made in July, 1882.  Since tlhen
its growth has been steady; from  the few buildings that then
sheltered some dozens, we now have nearly four hundred inhabitants. The small pioneer shanty has given way to fine brick and
frame buildings. Stores and mills have been erected.
"At the corner of Main Street and Brownson Avenue is the
mammoth block, erected by Dr. Brownson, which is now being
roofed. By taking a tape line and passing it around the ends of
this building, and then measuring in a straight line, you will find
that the distance around the building is twenty-six rods.  The
highest point of the roof is over sixty feet above the ground. On
entering the building we find in the basement rooms for storage,
heater, cellar, and a large kitchen and commissary room. On the
main floor will be a store 24x79, salesroom, an office and bar-room,
halls, a large dining-room, coffee-room, a fine parlor, three bedrooms, two closets, a wash-room and water closet, a pantry with a
dumb waiter which ascends to the attic story at the pleasure of the
cook. This building contains over an acie of floor room, and when
completed according to design will be one of the finest hotels in the
state. The Combination Gas Co., of Detroit, has the contract of
putting in hundred-jet gas works to light the house. A firm in
Grand Rapids will put in a steam heater to supply the house with
both hot and cold water, and also to heat the house. The hotel is
situated on a rise of ground, and the drainage is perfect. Wlhen completed, the hotel will accommodate three hundred guests.
"Attached to the hotel the doctor las completed a fine livery
barn with stable room for fifty horses.
"At the foot of Brownson Avenue the Munshaw Bros. are erecting one of the largest stave, hoop, barrel and heading factories in
the state, and also a lumber mill. They have a switch from the railroad track to their mill.  Their mill will be 40x90, with an ell
80x50, and wing 80x100. They have also a row of sheds on both
sides of the track for lumber and staves. They will erect several
large cottages. They expect to do a business of about $250,000
per year. This firm will employ a large number of men, and expect
to be in running order early in the spring.


"Dr. Brownson expects to put on the market all the land lying
between the hotel and Munshaw Bros.' factory. This will open.
some of the finest building lots in the village.
"The G. R. & I. Company is placing a siding across Main
Street beside their main track for the accommodation of Case


I
i
I
i
I
I
I
i


-1




I,it


(


j




- M-t-.


^ —y    -       ---------------------------------                                                                                                                                                    --— ~
-                                                                                    --                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (






M.





THE TRAVERSE REGION.


89




& Crotser's lumber mill, Burkit & Co., and others, who wish to
do shipping.
"The M. E. Church is again under way and will soon have
the roof on.
"Messrs. Cole & Camp, of Bronson, Mich., have purchasedalot
at the corner of Main Street and Brown:on Avenue, and are erect
ing a large store which will soon be filled with goods.
"The mill site which I. I. Smith sold to Burkitt & Co. has been
improved by the company, and a larger and better mill set in operation. This firm has one of the best mills in the place. They expect to build several new houses in the early spring."
Mention was also made of a large number of dwelling-houses
in process of erection.
Mayfield is a small village on the Traverse City Railroad, about
thirteen miles south of Traverse City.
In 1868 Messrs. Neal, Gibbs and Knight, under the firm  nime
of Neal, Gibbs & Co., commenced operations on Section 28, in Town
26 north, of Range 10 west. Their location was about thirteen
miles from Traverse City and in the midst of the forest. The site
was selected on account of the fine creek which afforded excellent
facilities for milling purposes. A saw-mill was built and lumbering
operations on a small scale begun, whlich were successfully continued. Subsequently they built a grist-mill. A store was started by
C. A. Denniston. In 1872 the Traverse City Railroad was built,
and the place became a railway station. Israel Dawdy built a hotel
called the Dawdy House. The name of Beulahl was first given to
the place. Thle postoffice was called Mayfield, and Charles Denniston was postmaster.
In 1873 Messrs. Neal and Knight sold their interests to L. K.
and J. L. Gibbs, and since that time the firm  has been Gibbs
B]ros. They hlave carried on a gener;ll lumbering and mercantile
business. There is a Methodist Church at this point, and a districtschool. Mr. J. L. Gibbs is the present postmaster. The principal
shipments are hardwood lumber and veneer. Thle name of the vil1;le lias been changed froim leulah to Mayfield.
L. K. GIBBS was born in Wisconsin in 1845, came to Mayfit 1l p)ostoffice in 1868, and since that time has been senior partner in their business. Married in the spripg of 1867 to Mary.A.
Hulmplhrey; they have four children.
J. L. GIBBS Was born in Wisconsin in 1848. Came to Mayfield in 1872, and since that time lhas been a member of the firm of
Gibbs Bros.; was elected as a representative to the legislature in
1876 from the district composed of Grand Traverse and Wexford
Counties; has been postmaster one and one half years; has been
township clerk several years, also superintendent of schools, and is
at present supervisor of the township of Paradise, and is notary
public. Married in 1883 to Addie A. Sargent, a native of Wisconsin.
D. E. CRANDALL, mill-owner, Mayfield postoffice, was born in
Belfast, Allegany County, N. Y., in 1851; went to Wisconsin in
1861, remained there till 1875, when he came to Mayfield postoffice,
Paradise Township, and worked in a mill till 1882, when he in company with his brotlher bought the shingle-mill now run by them;
theyliave one hand machine and cut about 35,000 shingles per day.
Is at present justice of the peace. Married in 1878 to Anna Haney,
a native of Wisconsin; they have three children.
Kingsley is a postoffice and station on the Traverse City Railroad. The village wats brought into existence by the building of


that road, and has now become a small center of trade. It derives
its name from Judson W. Kingsley, an early settler of Paradise
Township, in which the village is, and the pioneer of the village.
JUDSON W. KmNSLEY, of the firm of J. W. Kingsley & Son,
dealers in general merchandise at Kingsley, Grand Traverse
County, was born in Cincinnatus, Ontario County, New York,




August 17, 1830. At the age of seventeen he went to Wisconsin
and thence to Illinois, where he remained until 1865 when he
came to Michigan and bought land in    Section 8,,Town  25,
Range 10, Grand Traverse County. He spent a few years in
clearingland and farming. On the completion of the G. R. & I.
R. R. to this point he started in trade on a small scale; has largely
increased his business, and now carries an extensive and complete
stock of general merchandise; has been town treasurer several
terms, and postmaster from the first establishment of the office until 1883, when he was succeeded by his son, C. W. He has a wife
and five children.
C. W. KINGSLEY, junior partner of the firm of J. W. Kingsley
& Son, was born in Wisconsin, March 4, 1854. During his boyhood his parents moved to Illinois, where lie remained until he was
eleven years of age when lie came with his parents to Grand Traverse County. In May, 1883, he went into partnership with his
father in general merchandising; was appointed postmaster at
Kingsley in June, 1883, succeeding his father. He was married
November 13, 1880, to Mary Sweeney, a native of Ireland.  They
have one daughter.
REV. HORACE BLAIR, of Paradise Township, Grand Traverse
County, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1818. In his in-fancy his parents moved to Elmira, N. Y., remaining there until he
was eight years old, when they moved to Potter County, Pennsylvania; there he learned the trades of blacksmith and wagon waker.
In the fall of 1836 he came to Michigan, worked a short time at his
trade, and in the following June removed to St. Louis, Missouri.
There he became a preacher of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
and was engaged in preaching in that state until the fall of 1879,
when he came to Grand Traverse County and located at Kingsley
Station, on the G. R. & I. R. R. He was instrumental in organizing a Presbyterian Church of which he was for two years the
pastor. For the past two years he has been engaged in his trade
of blacksmith and wagon maker and in various other employments,
and as a local preacher; holds also the office of justice of the peace.
He was married February 14, 1839, to Flora Hawkins, of Kentucky,
by whom he had twelve children, of whom five survive her, and are
now residents of Mi-souri. His second wife, to whom he was married April 5, 1860, was Mary A. Thornton, a native of England.
N. BURKITT, senior member of the firm of N. Btlrkitt & Co.,
lumber manufacturers, of Kingsley, Grand Traverse County, is a
native of Ohio, born in 1819. When he was five years of age his
parents moved to Indiana where he was brought utip on a farm.
He was for about thirty years engaged in the saw-mill business, in
St. Jcseph County, Indiana; was married in 1849 to Mary Ann
Leonard, native of North Carolina.  They have four sons and one
daughter. One of the sons, Loren F., is the junior member of the
firm; he was born in St. Joseph County in 1858; his family consists of a wife and two children. The firm started their present
business in the fall of 1883, purchasing the mill building, and putting in machinery brought with them from Indiana.
THOMAS WYNKOOP, farmer, of the town of Paradise, Grand
Traverse County, was born in Pennsylvania in 1820. During his
infancy his parents moved to Niagara County, N. Y., where he was
brought up onil afarm. He lived in Illinois about ten years, and in
the fall of 1864 came to Grand Traverse County and homesteaded
his present farm in Section 4, Town 25, Range 10, this
being the first homestead in the town; at that time there were no


settlers in the town. He moved upon his land in December, 1865,
being preceded as a settler in the towni ty J. W. Kingsley and
William Robison. Mr. Wynkoop was firstsupervisor of the town,
and has held that office eleven terms. He was married in 1849 to
Betsy Kingsley; they have two sons and one daughter.


r

9 L


j


— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~






-


-                                          0




.0 -
I.
I
I I


I,m -


90


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


THE MCCULLY HOUSE, Kingsley, town of Paradise, Grand
Traverse County, is conveniently located near the railroad station.
James McCully is proprietor.
HENRY IDE, engineer, of Kingsley, Grand Traverse County,
was born in Niagara County, New York, in 1854; lived there until
fourteen years of age, when his parents moved to Mattawan, Van
Buren County, Michigan, where he was brought up on a farm.
In 1872 he went to Bronson, where he engaged in engineering, and
was employed in the mills of Reynolds & Williams, and Crawford
& McClellan; came to.Kingsley in April, 1884, where he is employed
ill engineering. He was married July 15, 1881, to Alice Catton.
His father, W. S. Ide, resides at Petoskey, Michigan, where he
owns farming lands and'village property; also owns property at
Kingsley.
OTTO LODGE, No. 324, I. 0. O. F., was instituted at Kingsley
Station, town of Paradise, April 3, 1879. The charter members
were Chas. A. Denniston, S. Cronkhite, J. A. Hodges, W. F. Gillett, Elon Kingsley and L. Y. Co.igdon. Ten new members were
initiated and two admitted as ancients. Officers elected as follows:
N. G., C. A. Denniston; V. G., S. Cronkhite; Sec., O. P. Carver;
Treas., James Hodges; warden, W. F. Denniston; chaplain, M. W.
Jackson. The gathering of Odd Fellows at this time is said to
have been the largest held in this region, upon a similar occasion,
Westminister is a station on the Traverse City Railroad, and
of recent origin. Its business is mainly the manufacture of hard
wood by the Hadley Bros. Manufacturing Company, a sketch of
which is as follows:
The  mill of the Hadley Bros. Mainufacturiug  Company
is located  at Westminster Station, Traverse   City  branch
of the G R. & I. R. R. It was completed in February, 1883, by
Henry H. and Levi J. Hadley, and operated by them about a year.
In February, 1884, a stock company was formed under the above
name. Its officers are Joseph H. Martin, of Grand Rapids, president, and S. E. Curdy, secretary and treasurer. The mill has a
capacity of twenty-five thousand feet of hard wood lumber per day,
and employs about sixty men.  Shipnrents are largely to Grand
Rapids, also to other points. There is at this time, the spring of
1884, about two million feet of lumber in the yard of the mill.
S. E. CURDY, secretary and treasurer of the Hadley Bros. Manufacturing Co., of Westminster, Grand Traverse County, is a native
of Oakland County, Michigan, born in 1846; was brought up a
farmer, and engaged in that occupation on the home farm until
1873, when he went to Grand Rapids and into the employ of the
Grand Rapids Chair Co., with whom he remained eight years; the
latter portion of that time being in charge of shipments. He then
aided in the organization of the Valley City Manufacturing Co., of
which he was for three years secretary and treasurer; took his
present position upon the organization of the company in February,
1884. His family consists of a wife and two children.
HENRY H. HADLEY, of the Hadley Bros. Manufacturing Company
Westminster, Grand Traverse County, was born in Livingston
County, N. Y., March 18, 1838. In 1854 he came with his parents
to Eaton County, Mich. His father's occupation being stock dealing, he was employed in that business until he was twenty-four
years of age, when he engaged in farming. For the past twenty
years he has been manufacturing and handling hard wood lumber,
principally in Grand Rapids. Was purchaser for I. L. Quimby,


of Grand Rapids, five or six years, and six and a half years with
the Phoenix Manufacturing Company. In 1863 he enlisted in the
First Michigan Engineers. Was on detached duty as topographical engineer under Col. E. M. Poe, chief of staff to Gen. Sherman.
Received a wound from a sabre bayonet at Rocky Face Creek, N.
C. Was mustered out in October, 1865. Was married March


13, 1861, to Emeline Cure, a native of Albany County, N. Y. They
have two daughters, aged fourteen and seventeen years. Mr. Hadley came to Grand Traverse County in August, 1882, with his
brother, Levi J., and bought tbe land on which the mill of the
Hadley Bros. Manufacturing Company stands, and other lands to
the amount of 1,040 acres in the vicinity. They constructed the
mill and operated it under the firm name of Hadley Bros. until
February, 1884, when the present stock company was formed.
Walton village is a small village at the junction of the G. R.
& I. and the Traverse City Railroads. The first of allytlling at
this point was in 1873, when the G. R. & I. Road was being built, as
appears in tile following sketch:
A. F. PHILLIPS, hotel proprietor, Walton, was born in Randolph County, Ohio, in 1833. Camie to Bronsbn, Branch County,
Mich., in 1859, and worked for the railroad company eight years.
Carried on the livery business four years. Was aga;in in the employ of the railroad company till 1873, when he came to Walton
Junction and had charge of a gang of men in the construction of
the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, and after the road was
completed was section foreman three years. He built the first house
at Walton and kept boarders for a while and since that time has
kept hotel. Is now proprietor of the Grand Rapids and Indilana
House. Has been deputy sheriff for two years past. Married in
1863 to Jane Taylor, a native of Ohio. They had one daughter.
His wife died in 1869. Second marriage in 1873 to Celia G. Orr,
a native of Michigan.
The Stronach Lumber Company had a depot of supplies for
their lumbering business at this point. In 1878 the firm of Halnnah, Lay & Co., desiring to make this a distributing point, lought
out the Stronach Company and established a general mercantile
business, which they still continue.
H. A. FERRIS, saloon keeper, Walton, was bornl in Yates
County, N. Y., in 1844. Was brought up on a farm. Went in
1865 to the oil regions in Pennsylvania, where lie spent five years.
Came to Traverse City in 1870 and was engaged in looking land.
Opened the first road from Traverse City to Manistee River by way
of Walton before the railroad was built. Commenced his present
business in 1880. Married in 1877 to Rosilla V. Mills, a native of
Ohio. They have two children.
ROBERT KNAGGS, hotel proprietor, Waltoin, was born in Monr3oe
City, Mich., in 1822, and in 1841 went to Bath, Steuben County,
N. Y., and attended school through the winter, and in the spring
of 1842 returned to Monroe County, Mich., and carried on fanning
one season, then engaged in butchering, which he followed in
Monroe City twenty years. He moved to Traverse City in 186(7.
The night before leaving Detroit lie was robbed in tle hotel of all
his money except some small change. When lie arrived ill Traverse City he only had eighteen cents to start with in a new place.
He soon obtained work of Hannah, Lay & Co. and was employed
by them eight years, doing carpenter work most of the time. He
moved to Walton Junction ill 1875 and opened a hotel anll 1i.;s
been in the same business ever since. Married in 1842 to El.iza
Ann Buck, a native of Steuben County, N. Y. She died in 1847.
Second marriage in 1818 to Lasira Howe, who died in 1853. Tliey
had two children. He was married the third time in 1854 to Harriet Benson. They have five children.
Summit is a manufacturing point and a station on the Traverse


City Railroad.
The Michigan Flooring and Handle Manufacturing Collmpany's
mill at Summit, Grand Traverse County, was commenced in
September, 1883, and was started to work in February, 1884. It
has a capacity of ten to fifteen thousand broom handles, and the
sawmill a capacity of ten to fifteen thousand feet of lumber per


j


I


____                            -  -   — 25


ARP-A




"A
I


I I
-A -






THE TRAVERSE REGION.


91


day. Twenty-five to thirty men are employed. The officers of the
company are iH. L. Stewart, of Tecumseh, president and treasurer;
A. W. Slayton, of the sime place, secretary, and Moses Bowerman,
Jr., of Summit, superintendent.
MosEs BOWERMAN, JR., superintendent of the Michigan Flooring and Handle Manufacturing Company, of Summit, Grand
Traverse County, was born in Lenawee County, Mich., in 1838.
Was brought up to farming and engaged in that employment and
somewhat in manufacture until lie was thirty-eight years of age.
He then engaged in milling and the manufacture of staves and
and hoops, in Lenawee County. Came to Grand Traverse County
in the fall of 1883 and selected the location for the mill of which he
has been in charge since its construction. He was married May
3, 1860, to Roxcina Haviland. They have three children living;
one has died.
Old Mission was platted in 1879 and '83 by L. N. Beers, as
Old Mission Harbor. It is quite a summer resort and chiefly noted
on account of the historic interest attached to the place. It has
already been fully described.
The Long Lake and Monroe settlements are also settlements
in rich farming communities and are centers for social and religious
activities. At Long Lake the lumbering operations of Haninah,
Lay & Co. constitute an important industry. In 1866 they located
10,000 acres of pine land and in 1871 built a mill now in operation,
cutting about 8,000,000 a year.
Scattered through the county are a number of small settlements, which furnish their neighborhoods with mail facilities and
facilities for trade.
There are the following temperance societies in the county, in
addition to the work of the W. C. T. U.: No. 424 of Traverse
City meets in the Odd Fellows' hall Saturday evening. No. 468
of Long Lake meets in Lake View hall Saturday evening. No. 480
of Kingsley meets Friday evening in Kingsley's hall. No. 482 of
Monroe Center meets in the school-house Wednesday evening. No.
498 of Walton meets on Saturday evening in the Good Templars'
liall. No. 507 of Williamsburg meets in the school-house on
Wednesda / evening. No. 522 of Green Lake meets alternate Saturday evenings in school-house for District No. 1.
BIOGRAPHICAL.,J. I. FOLLETT, farmer and lumber manufacturer, of Whitewater, Grand Traverse County, was born in the town of Dalton,
Berkshire County, Mass., in 1818. During his boyhood his parents moved to the Western Reserve, Ohio. In 1842 he went to
Indiana where he was occupied in farming and also in mercantile
and mill business for an Ohio company. Came to Michigan in
1852 and settled at Kalamazoo, where he was employed in the carpenter's and joiner's trade and various other employments, milling,
1brick making, etc. Dec. 4, 1861, he enlisted in the Twelfth Michig;tn Infantry. Served through all grades from private to captain.
Was wounded at the battle of Shiloh.  Mustered out March 6,
1866. He is now an invalid from the effects of disease contracted
in the service and receives a small pension. He came to Grand
Traverse Region in 1871 and bought a mill and several hundred
acres of land at the south end of a lake.   Mr. Follett was
married in 1842 to Calista Saxton, a native of Malone, Franklin


County, N. Y. They have had three children, two of whom have
died. Their son, James S., was born in Steuben County, Ind., Oct.
5, 1848. He has always made his home with his parents, and has
been generally associated with his father in business, and now that
his father is incapacitated by sickness, is carrying on the mill and
farm. On first coming to this section they were for six years engaged in brick making at Elk Rapids, and at the same time rebuilt






the mill which they had bought. He enlisted at the same time
with his father and in the same regiment and company and was
mustered out at the same time. He constantly refused promotion and
served through the war as a private. He was wounded at Shiloh in
the left armi and shoulder and still carries the ball in his back.
Was captured in April, 1864, and was a prisoner about ten months
at Tyler, Texas. Christmas day, 1867, lie married Julia Vayou.
They have two sons and two daughters.
DAVID  VINTON, JR., merchant, Williamsburg, Whitewater
Township, Grand Traverse County, was born in Hampshire County,
Mass., Sept. 16, 1828. At the age of ten hli was placed at work on
a farin and remained there until fourteen years of age, when he was
apprenticed to learn thle tanner's trade, at Newark, Ohio. He removed to Steuben County, Ind., and was engaged in the taniiiing
business. In 1870 removed to Williamsburg and engaged in mercantile business. He was married inl 1855 to Ruth Carpenter,
native of Steuben County, Ind., and has two sons, Frank H. and
Will M. Tlhe former is his father's partner in business, thle firm
name being 1). Vinton & Son. They carry a large and very coiimplete stock of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes and all general merchandise. Mr. Vinton represented his district in the
legislature of the state, session of 1883.
A. V. HILL, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in Canada
in 1835; remained there engaged in farming till 1872; lie then
came to Northport, Micl., and stayed through one summer, then
came to East Bay Township and bought a farm of 150 acres on
Section 23, Township 28, Range 10, where lie now lives. Marrif (d
in 1857 to Amanda Brown, a native of New York. They have three
children.
WILLIAM H. JACKSON, farmier. East Bay Township, was born in
Canada in 1813; was brought up oil a farm; remained in Canada
till 1871, whenhlie came to East Bay and bought a farm of eighty
acres on Section 29, Township 28, Range 9, where he now lives. Ill
addition to his farming, he is putting down wells and erecting the
Manville, Bird or turbine wind-mills, as farmers may choose.
Married in 1864 to Eliza Wright, a native of Canada. They have
four children.
WILLIAM THACKER, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in
Essex County, New York, in 1797. About the year 1815 went with
his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio. After becoming of age he was engaged in buying and butchering cattle for several years, and for
some time was a farmer. He cleared up a farm in southern Ohio
in 1848; moved to northern Ohio, where lie bought a new farm,
whihli lie cleared up and lived on till 1862, when lie came to
Traverse, now East Bay Township, and bought 240 acres of land
on Sections 19 and 20, Township 28, Range 9, where lie remained
till his death, Aug. 22, 1878. Married Dec. 13, 1818, to Hester
Beatty, a native of Ohio, who died in 1844. They had a family of
seven children. Second marriage in September, 1844, to Mary W.
Lackey, a native of Ohio. They had six children.
QUINCEY THACKER, farmer, East Bay Townshlp, was born June
9, 1849, in Defiance County, Ohio; camine with his parents to East
Bay in 1862, and for the past sixteen years has had. the managemnent of the farm; has been township treasurer six years, sulerinteindent of schools for four years. Married May 1, 1879, to Mae L.
Arnold, a native of Michigan. They have two children.
J. W. ARNOLD, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in Rhode


Island in 1832; moved with his parents to Cayuga County, New
York, in 1837. They remained in that county till 1845, when they
moved to Washtenaw County, Mich., where lie lived till 1854, when
lie came to Elk Rapids and worked for Dexter & Noble in a sawmill till 1868. He then bou:ght a farm of eighty acres on Section
31, Towiislhip 28, Range 9, wliere he now lives. Has been a higl:

A'T


I


_ W


I


(9




1
'1


el


a
I




I
I
I
i
I
i
I
I
I
i
i
I




]


92


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


way commissioner three years. Married Jan. 29, 1865, to Amelia
L. Langworthy, a native of Orleans County, New York. They
have two sons and two daughters.
WILLIAM R. DURGA, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in
St. Lawrence County, New York, in 1827, moved with his parents
to Hillsdale County, Mich., in 1810; remaining in that county till
1849, he returned to St. Lawrence County, N. Y.; there bought a
farm, where lie lived till 1852, then went to California, remaining
three and a half years, engaged in mining a portion of thle time;
helped to build the first railroad in California in 1856, returned to
New York, stayed there till 1860; the following year moved again
to Hillsdale County, Mich., and in 1862 came to Whitewater, now
East Bay Township, and bought 600 acres of land in Sections 29 and
32, Townsliip 28, Range 9, which is his present home; has good
buildings and 120 acres improved; for the past thirteen years has
been lumbering besides managing his farm; owns a saw and shingle
mill, and e;glty five acres of land in Whitewater Township; has
been juitice of the peace two years, highway commissioner three
terms; tnlisted in August, 1864, and served till tie close of the
war; married in 1849 to Harriet Place, a native of New York.
They have twvo sons and two daughters.
C. II. EsTKs, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in Massachusetts in 183f; Inoved to Lenawee County, Mich., with his
parentis in 1838; remained in that county till 1858, wlen he came
to Whitewater, now Ea;st Bay Township, and bought 127 acres of
land; returned to Lenawee County and lived till 1863, when he
m oved to LEast Bay and located a lhorestead. of 173 acres more,
where he now lives; has been supervisor one year, clerk four years,
treasurer two yea.rs, highway co(tmissioner four years and justice
of the 1p)acettC tie past two years; imarried in 1858 to Caroline E.
Hoxsie, of Lenawee County, Mich. Tley have four children.
WrIIAl, A. (.CHANDLER, farmer, East Bayy Township, was born
in Genesee Comtuty, N. Y., in 1819: lie came to Michigan and settled in Leinawee County; reimained there a few years, then moved
to Walslten:lawv County, thence to Flusliiing, Genesee County, Mich.,
in 1845; was there englfed in farming and milling till 1864, when
he cae;t   to fEa st tBay Townjship and settled oll Section 4, Township
26, RlU{nge 10. Marriedl in December, 1811, to Fanny Green, of
New York. Ttley llha  one daullghter and three sons. His wife
died in 1819. Sec(nd manrriage in 1850 to Margaret Newman, of
Pelnnsylvania.
W. S. CHANDI.ER, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in
6enesee County, Miic., in 1845; came to East Bay in 1864, where
lie has lived ever since, except a short time in Fife Lake Township,
where le located a homestead in 1870; bouglt the farm he now
lives on near Acne in 1880, where he owns 267 acres; has fine
large buildings; keeps twenty-five cows on his farm and sells the
milk in Traverse City; has been engaged in logging about thirteen
years for Hannah, Lay & Co.
A    -.LE:N M. SMIT, farmer, East Bay Township, was born in
Ashtabula Coitmty, Ohio, in 1838; followed farming in that state
till 1862, when lie come to Traverse, now East Bay, and settled on
Section 82, Township 27, Range 10, which lie took up as a homestead; owns 160 acres, has cleared eighty acres. The township was
not organized till several years after he caml in, and there were no
laid out roads nearer than Traverse City. Married in 1861 to
Emma Jane Allamon, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. They have three
children.


GEORGE H. WIGHTMAN, farmer, Green Lake, Grand Traverse
County, was born in Canada in 1844. His parents moved to
Wayne County, Mich., when he was about three years of age.
There he learned the trade of carpenter with his father. Enlisted
in August, 1861, in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics.


Re-enlisted at the end of his first term of service, and having a
furlough of thirty days assisted his father in moving to Traverse
County.  Was promoted sergeant, and when Sherman'- army
started on its march to the sea, was with nine other non-commissioned officers of his regiment detailed as topographical ergineers
under Col. Poe, chief of staff to Gen. Sherman, serving in that
capacity through the march. Was mustered out in the fall of 1865,
and calne to Traverse County, vhere he bought his present farm in
Section 25, Township 26, Range 12, in 1866; was elected supervisor
of the town of Green Lake in 1883 on tlhe organization of the
town and re-elected inl 1884. Held the office of justice of the
peace two and a half terms. He was married August 18, 1866, to
IMaiietta Norton, a native of Indiana.  They haye five children.
HORACE E. WIGHTMAN, carpenter and joiner, of Green Lake,
Grand Traverse (ounty, was born in Oneida County, New York, in
1810. In llis boyhood his parents moved to Canada, and when lie
was fifteen years of age to Wayne County, Mich. He lived there
five or six years and returned to Canada, where in 1833 lie married
Ann Quick, a native of Canada. After a residence there of about
fifteen  years lie came again to Wayne County, Mich., and
lived there until 1863 when lie came to his present location.
Resides on Section 25 of the town of Green Lake. Located 160
acres mlost of which lie has divided amonig his children. Mr.
Wighltman is a natural mechanic, and learned his trade practically
early in life, perfecting himself in its theory after his marriage, and
has followed the occupation of carpenter and joiner most of hlis
life. He has held the office of justice of the peace several terms.
His children are George H., residing in the town of Green Lake, of
which lie is supervisor; Willis, residing with his father; Mrs. Wn.l
1. H. Brownson, of Green Lake, and Mrs. Chlas. Monroe, of Blair.
W.. W. BARTLETT, one of the pioneers of Mayfield and vicinity,
was born in Massachusetts, June 1, 1834.   When lie was two
years of age his parents moved to Chaultauqua County, N. Y., and
six years after to Pennsylvania.  le learned the trade of cabinetmaker and worked at it there until 1864 when lie camie to (;rand
Traverse County, and took a homestead in what is now the town
of Mayfield; worked at his trade at Silver Lake one year. Was
elected sheriff of the county in 1869 and served one term. Was at
same time deputy United States marshal, Western District of
Michigan, serving as such four years. Returned to Mayfield and
built a mill, which lie still owns and operates, oil Section 18. It
was completed in March, 1872. It has a capacity of 10,000 feet of
lumber per day, manufacturing also lath and shingles. Mr. B. was
justice of the peace two terms; has been notary public many years,
school diiector nine or ten years, and member of school board most
of the time since the district was organized. Was married in 1854
to Elizabeth M. Saxton, a native of New York. They have four
children, four have died. Mr. B. has been postmaster of the Bartlett postoffice since its establishment in 1880.
CHARLES DOWNS, deceased, was born in Edwards, St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., in 1822. At the age of about nine he went with
his parents to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and in 1836 to Converse,
Calhoun County, Mich., moving to Barry County, town of Maple
Grove, two years later  He was brought up a fanner and always
followed that employment. He was married in Maple Grove, January 6, 1852, to Ruhamah C. Newton, of Cattaraugus County, N.
Y. Came to Grand Traverse County in 1860 and bought the land
on which his widow now resides, in Section 7, Town 25, Range 11,


being one of the earliest settlers in this part of the county; there
he bought 240 acres. He was four years highway commissioner o
Traverse Township, his duties taking him frequently into what is
now Leelanaw County.     The first winter of their settlement here
they suffered extreme hardship.  The cattle, having no food, were


-


-




L 


4 -!%


W

is- 


F  r                                                                           -"%~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




'4{~


I
I
I




THE TRAVERSE REGION


93


turned out to forage for themselves, and on one occasion Mr,
Downs while searching for them barely escaped death, reaching
home in an cxlausted and badly frozen condition. They lost two
childlen by deatl not long after their coming here, and so isolated
were they from the world that no one could be found to conduct
the funeral services, and the bodies were laid in the grave with only
the silent prayers of the bereaved parents. Mr. Downs died May
3, 1884, of consumption, after a sickness of fifteen years, during
tie last five of which he was unable to labor. Of their six children
but one daughlter, Ruic Belle, survives, remiaiinig with her mother
on tlie homestead.
ROBERT CAR:PENTEL, farmer, of Mayfield, Grand Traverse
County, was l)oin in Ontario County, N. Y., in 1839. Lived there
until lie was fourteen, when lie removed to Branch County, Mich.,
and remlained there and in Calhoun County until he was twentyone. Enlisted in the fall of 1861 in the Eleventh Michigan Infantry, serving ill the Army of the Cumberland. Was in the battles
of Stone River, Missionary Ridge and Chickamauga, and under
Sherman as far as Atlanta. Was slightly wounded at the battle of
Stone River. Was mustered out in October, 1864. Lived in Calhoun County until the spring of 1870, when lie moved to Humboldt
County, Nevada. In 1876 lie returned to Calhoun County, Mich.,
and remained there about five years. In 1882 lie came to his present home in Section 7, town of Mayfield. He was first married in
November, 1864, to Harriet M. Wilder. His present wife, to whom
lie was iarried( in 1877, was Alice M. Dexter, who in 1866 came
witll her mliotller, a widow, to wliat is now the town of Green Lake.
where the latter took a homestead, to which after her death her son
perfected title.  Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have one son, William
Dexter. Mrs. Carpenter was a native of St. Lawrence County, N.
Y. Slhe taught school for eleven years in Grand Traverse and
Becnzie Counties.
AV. 1). KENDALL, farmer, 'Grant, Grand Traverse County, was
born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1833; moved to Erie
County, Pa., with his parents when a clild, and soon after to Hillsdale County, Mich.; from there to Indiana, where he lived until
1855), when ie moved to Kalamazoo County, Mich., where he remlained eingaged in farming till 1865, when he came to Grant
Township and took up a homestead of 160 acres, where lie lived
till 1881, when lie bought the farm he now owns, on Section 85.
Married in 1863 to Bethany King, of Massachusetts; they have six
children.
G(. 1. C.CANUTE, farmer and mill owner, Grant, was born in
HIerkilnir County, N. Y., in 1832; remained in that county till 1840
when lie moved to Steuben County, N. Y., where lie learned the
trade of blacksmith, which business lie followed for several years.
Moved to lonia County, Micl., in 1872; followed his old business
till lie came to Graut in the fall of 1880, and bought 400 acres of
land directly in the center of Grant Township; lie built a steam
saw-mill on his land in 1882; owins 1,000,000 feet of standing pine;
capacity of mill about 5,000 feet per day. He now holds the office
of justice of the peace.  Married in 1861 to Mary MI. Schell, of
Jefferson County, N. Y.; they have five children.
J. L. BENNETT, farmer, Grant, was born in G, nesee County,
N. Y., in 1826; moved to Michigan in 1856 and lived iin St. Joseph
County one year, thenl moved to Kalamazoo County and bought a
farm; remained on his farm in that county till the winter of 1865
when lie moved froml Kalamazoo County to Grant, Grand Traverse


County, V;ith ox teams, and from Newaygo to Grallt, a distance of
sixty miles; cut the road through and camped out nights, being
seven days making the journey. In the month of January lie settled on Section 84; took up a homestead of 160 acres; has since
bought 160 acres more. The township was not organized till three


years after lie moved in.  Married in 1847 to Lucinda Estes, of
Genesee County, N. Y.; they have seven children.
WILLIAM P. DEYOE, farmer, Paradise Township, was born in
Columbia County, N. Y., in 1800; went at the age of six years witl
his parents to Charlotte River, thence to Greene County, N. Y.,
where lie began life for himself. Married in 1824, to Elizabeth
Hogeboom; they had seven children, three now livingl; one daughter, Mrs. George Brown, now lives in Paradise Township. He
moved from Greene County to Clarence, Erie County, N. Y., and
from there moved to Branch County, Mich., in 1835, and was
engaged in farming. Moved in 1848 to Illinois, where lie lived till
1863, whenl lie camle to (trand Traverse County, Mich., and took up
land under the homestead act, on Section 12, 25, 11, in Mayfield
Township, which lie still owns. Moved to Kingsley Station in 1883;
has held several township offices.  Second manriage, to Agnes
Becker; they have six children.
SANFORD FULLER, flarmer, Garfield Township, w1as 1orn in St.
Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1842; came to Elmira, Benzie County,
Micli., in 1866, and located a homestead, where lie lived till 1869;
lie then came to Traverse Township, now Garfield, and bought tlhe
farm lie now ownls; helped to cut the state road through from Traverse City to Northport in 1863; was one of the first highway
commissioners in Elmira Township; there were only two dwellings
built in the township when lie moved in. Married March 6, 1865,
to Elizabeth Hardman, a native of England, who died Jan. 10,
1884; they had three children.
J. B. BARNEY, farmer, Garfield Township, was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1829; was brought up to farming; moved to Wisconsin in 1855,-and was engaged in the produce ai;d fruit business,
and spent about five years teaching. Canme to Old Mission, Grand
Traverse County, in 1874, and was enigaged in fruit raising for five
years, then came to Garfield Township and settled on Section 6;
carries on his farm in summer and teaches in winter; has been
school inspector for two years past. Married in 1853, to Sarah C.
Perkins, a native of Vermont; they have three daughters and one
son.
M. W. JACKSON, farmer, Paradise Township, was born in Noble
Comiunty, Ohio, in 1842; was brollghlt up on a farm, and remained in
Ohio, till June, 1861; lie then enlisted in the Twenty sixth Ohio
Infantry, and served a few months in western Virginia, and afterward till the close of the war in the Army of the Cumberland;
was engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge,
Franklin Tennessee, Shiloh, Stone River, and in all the battles of
his regiment; the regiment being mustered out of service in Texas,
in 1865; came to Traverse City in 1868, took up 160 acres of land
in Fife Lake Township; remained on his land a short time, then
went to Traverse City, and was engaged in the photograph business
one year. Moved to Wisconsin, where he remained four years, and
in 1871 bought 440 acres of land in Paradise Township; has built
a good house and barn on Section 30, and has cleared 150 acres,
mosc of which was marsh land, which by draining has made the
best of meadow; lhas been township clerk two terms. Married in
1872 to Roxa A. Humphrey, a native of Wisconsin; they have two
SOnls.
GE(Or((;E L. ROBERTS, farmer and fruit grower, Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, was born in Kaskaskia, Ill., March
16, 1821; came to Old Mission in August, 1868, aind bought a fine
place on tlhe shore of Tri;verse Bay, where he is engaged in farming


and raising fruit; lie is secretary of Peninsula Farmers Club; the
view from his residence is very fine, and many people from the
distant cities visit Old 1Mission during the summer season.
JOHN WALL, farmer, Paradise Township, was born in St.
Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1833; brouglht up on a farm   and


j




*e I                                                                                                                                                                                                                III

1




3~

94


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


remained in the same county till 1858, when lie went to Illinois;
there bought a farm which he carried on till 1865, when he came to
Paradise Township and took up a homestead of 160 acres on Section 6; has eighty acres cleared; has built a good brick house, also
good barn; has planted an orchard; the township was not organized till about five years after lie came in.  Married in 1858 to
Laura Beach, a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y.; they have
two sons and two daughters.
D. RUSHMORE, of Old Mission, Grand Traverse County, was
born in Greene County, N. Y., in 1815. In his boyhood his parents
moved to Ontario County, N. Y. He was for many years engaged
in trade in Syracuse and Fairport, N. Y. Came to Micligan in
1868, and settled in Ingllam County, where lie was engaged in
farming. Came to Old Mission in the fall of 1874, and bought his
present place, in Section 31. He was married in 1837, to Eliza
Ann Culver, of New York, who died in 1845, leaving a son and a
daughter. In 1848 lie married Catherine Vosburg; they have one
daughter. Mr. Ruslhmore has. two cottages in a beautiful location,
looking out on Old Mission Harbor and East Bay, and fronted by a
fine lawn shaded by a beautiful grove of maples. Though not
keeping a regular hotel, Mr. R. accommodates the traveling public,
and during the summer season has his houses filled with visitors,
witll whom this llas become a favorite resolt.


0. E. CLARK, farmer, Garfield Township, Grand Traverse
County, was born in New York in 1830. At the age of four years
he went with his parents to the Western Reserve, Ohio, where le
lived until 1862, being occupied in farming. In 1862 lie came to
Traverse City, and located his present farm of 160 acres in Section
8, Town 26, Range 10. In October, 1864, lie enlisted in the First
Michigan Light Artillery, serving mostly in the Department of the
Gulf; was mustered out in July, 1865. He has held the office of
justice of the peace tell years; was married in 1856 to Ellen Farley,
a native of Pennsylvania, and has two daughters and three sons.
E. V. DAVIS, farmer, Long Lake Townslip, was born in Truxton, Cortland County, N. Y., in 1826; moved to Ohio with his
parents in hi.i infancy; thence moved to Oakland County, Micl.,
at the age of eigliteon years learned the trade of iron molder in
Ann Arbor, Michigan; worked at that business about two years;
tlhen went as a sailor to Rio Janiero, South America; on his return
settled in Baltimore, Md.; worked there at his trade twelve years;
came to Traverse City in 1862, and located a homestead on Section
11, in Long Lake Townsllii, where lie now lives; has been township treasurer most of the time since the town was organized.
Married in 1851 to Ethlelinda Price, a native of Maryland; they
have one son Charles, who is a professor of chemistry, in a college
in Colorado; also have two da(ughters.


BROOK TROUT..j


'U 
-.











T
3 C..14
C
T


Kitly
(kl-l J-A-'Nplr
A-3, TIN"31    32  33............
U; AL NK
5         3    2




I


I


a      9      'J         1 12  1
1- ' ---


i


R


i. -            ---— T —
17                       13  1
1 16 ".4
I -V% -Agr" - 41 -W-;


IT,
'17
JKA Icif U AY XN41W-ll


38
N




19
3%)






- IM: 1 541






I


IT

- INT
13   2    2+ i
I


-1


T
-4-I


-t-Nmr


I                        i                        i


29


I motor


-S —
I
4


I




-- - ---41 -

- I        I   L
IW,"


-T- -- -
31.32    33 1 34!
1          1


1 -

I     I                        'A
13                               R
I
a- 1      33  _3         3           2
li




5 -

I.1.


6 -

t


I I       -  ---- I               I - -- --       1. -       -t -




-1 ". - I    %Lt-lj%-t -


OY6SR! A
33   34
4    3
1, -


7 -25 - T1030,
JL
1  35    36 'I. 31 -2-   -I    1 6
fl


32 


1
28.


27


I - -
1\ - -\ I3




I-  -                   I.       --— T —                                     I,+,    I I     p           t
k,    3       2    i  I     "      1  5                              IL
I- -- i                                                I


I


5   +        1 2.1
- v           ____w
-t=M    I Im


- -4-J.-4 -



I --       --    -- ---              -   -F -- -- -
SKVNK                                                                                                      1
7                   l(I                          8      9            -nl                                10     11           I
AICE                         - - -- -I,-          \1 --.   I                                                                                                                     I




I-       " -' 1 9  10   I     I-LI
1 7%.* 1 8,.,               11 1 -12


rA n
15  14, 13    is   17  16       14                    -i5  1+    19
T                                                                                                        1+  13
37
N                2.23  24            21 -112- 23         20   21            24 -1-9 20   2        23  2+
2         30  29  2        2              29  28  2   1-4,26
3r,                                                                                30   '29  2   27       25
XfffleUIL
31             +  35        31 32   33                        2 33   3   35    6    31  3   3        3    36
-d
6                                   +                       5   4   3              6
17                n. f-112  7       9,                               lo
8   9                               10   11  12
13   18  17                          17       15   14-.
T                                                                                               m       L -1.+ 13
X    1.9                    +  19   20                      19  20   21  22   2 3  2+q  9   20
30               — 2' 6     30
so                26   2.5'.     29  28   27-               29
36           33  3+   35
31.32                      31  32   33
6                                         3   2         6        +
A
-12                       -— "'12         9    la       12   7    8   9
is                             17   -6N          -13   IS' 17  16    15                1   16            13
3 3                                                                                                          14
N   19  20   2                      20  21   2.2  &.3 I,.21 -2   23   2+       -20  21    2       24,
27   26                     27        5    0  2    28
L2L                 3.0                                                                           25
32       3+   35  9     31   2                                                 31   2        3+  35   36
31'
6        4                                                        IONIC
7        9   10   n         7                           7   8   )9            12




I


I


'V
-A
0
t- I


11


WA
4
94


1
114
cl.
T
33
w


I


I
I -
I.1
I'll






17


I


I


i     I
19    20 1 21     12.23
-        I      I     i     I


i    -   -                        -    -  -  -  -  -I  -  - -
I.. 19                   22                   19    20       el    22.1




4i —


-4 

— i 


Id 71


-— iF


1.20
29
K AICIV -I


N
21
21


23
26
1


I Is      1-7  6                           I'
1     14  1           I       1       5, Is.               Iran,
i                                                        I
-- -- -    - - -4. -                     -.. -                -  -..


I
0,9                26           30. 27     26   25. 25
-ft Mr      Zs, 1 a        'I., I                              ir      -   (,


-ILAL IL-1 I AILT I V" 1 f S. XXt'Q-M                I P I x W  1/1                       %iL
3
31  32   33   3+    35                     3* 36-.36             73            36   31        33
5                                         2
6        +        2
Wbi
110                       9. 10                                     12   7              IM  u
la   It                13        1.7  16 1-15       13            is   15
17   IS'.13 rA
L-Wr 41
IS  20        P. 2                                       19            29                           22 23- 2+
2+                                        2N                       20
30  2Q-/ 28   27       25                 27        2                      P-6  25             28  )274f 26
3+       3              3                                4, 3' 36
31    2  33   34   35  36             33             6         2  3    W    35
V,
-W-_v          a a A-                           AM


17 16 15
-         -1         4
11 I


I


-— t



r

I


A


u


IF R In Ws - E


&'R"W.o


RI W. C -


U.IMUWTCrTI"7E.-' I — — E;U



Si I,I - (a


CHEBOYGAN COUNTY.


CHAPTER XI.
BOUNDARIES —TOPOGRAPIICAL FEATURES-ORGANIZATION OF COUNTYCOUNTY OFFICERS-FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS-LOCATING THE COUNTY SEAT-MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF
CIVIL HISTORY-THE COUNTY BAR-FIRST ATTORNEYS-LIST OF
SUPERVISORS.
Cheboygan County is bounded on the north by Lake Huron
and the Straits of Mackinaw: on the east by Lake Huron and
Presque Isle County; on the south by Otsego and Montmorency
Counties, and on the west by Emmet and Charlevoix Counties. It
has an area of 792 square miles, and had a population in 1880, of
6,524, whicl), however, is nearly doubled in 1884.
The surface of the country is greatly diversified, level plains
being found in some localities and rolling lands in others, the hills
on the borders of the lake sometinies rising to a height of two
liundred feet. It is watered by the Rainy, Black, Pigeon, Cheboygan, and Maple Rivers, also by Cheboygan, Black, Mullet, Burt, and
Douglass Lakes. Several of these lakes are navigable, affording
excellent opportunities for transportation of wood, bark, etc., and
tlhe rafting of logs.  The streams furnish good water power in
various places.
Tile soil is composed of red clay in some portions and sand
and clay loam in others, generally rich and productive. The timber
consists of maple, beech, pine, cedar, hemlock, poplar, elm, and
basswood. The principal crops are wheat, corn, oats, hay, potatoes,
and vegetables, all of which are successfully grown. Apples, plums,
cherries, and berries de well, but peaches and pears are not as
successful.
There were 7,741 acres of government, 14,712 acres of state
swamp, 9,220 acres of primary school, 5,408 acres of agricultural
college, and 67,593 acres of Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw railroad
land subject to entry May 1, 1883. Unimproved lands can be had
at from $3 to $1( per acre, while improved farms are lield at from
$15 to $60.  A state road runs from Cheboygan to Petoskey, and
one from Cheboygan to Rogers City.  Other roads of more recent
construction traverse the county.
The lumbering interests are very extensive, employing at remunerative wages a great many men, and as fast as the land can
be cleared new farms are being developed, which add yearly to the
wealth and resources of the county. Fishing is also extensively
engaged in.
The Michigan Central Railroad (Mackinac division) passes
through Cheboygan, and lake vessels of the largest size enter
its two harbors, one of which is in Cheboygan proper, the other
at Duncan City, a mile distant.  The railroad was built in 1881.
A valuable feature of this county is its large lakes, Burt and
Mullett Lakes being specially worthy of mention.  They both derive their names from the surveying engineers, Mr. Burt and Mr.
Mullett, who surveyed the adjoining lands. These gentlemen made
the surveys between 1840 and 1848. They made their home at the
Metivier House, on Mackinac Island, which was then kept by


Medard Metivier, who purchased the hotel from the old John Jacob
Astor Fur Company, who had previously used it as their place of
business. Burt Lake is nine miles in length and five miles in
width; Mullett Lake is twelve miles long and from five to eight
miles wide. They reach in depth from the shore to sixty and ninety
feet respectively.
The water is clear as crystal, mostly fed by springs. They are
the Ihabitat of various kinds of fish, such as white, pickerel, bass,
trout, muskallonge and the kinds generally found in Lakes Huron
and Michigan.
Cheboygan River is the outlet of the chain of lakes, Mullett, Burt, and through Crooked River into Crooked Lake, thus extending, with their connecting rivers, over a hundred miles into the
interior of Cheboygan and adjoining counties, and traversing vast
forests of valuable pine and hard wood timber, and also passes
through a rich agricultural district. At a distance of about threefourths of a mile from its mouth, the flow of the river is arrested
by a dam which affords an excellent water-power.  Locks prevent
obstruction to navigation. About three miles above the dam is the
junction of the Cheboygan and Black Rivers. The river banks are
high with a sloping ascent.  The soil is a mixture of gravel and
clay, the latter predominating. Thrifty crops and a vigorous growth
of timber give evidence of its fertility. Ascending Black River in
a southeast direction, about twelve miles, Black Lake is found. a
body of water about ten miles in length and six miles wide. Its
eastern shore is within seven miles of Hammlond's Bay or Lake
Huron.
Near Black Lake is Long Lake, which empties into Black
River.  Its waters contain a great abundance of fish, affording
the finest of angling. Ascending the Cheboygan River about four
miles above the junction, the broad expanse of Mullett Lake appears in view. It is a most beautiful sheet of water, about twelve
miles in length and five miles wide. Its waters are of the crystal
clearness and abound with fish. The shores ascend gradually, and
beyond are successive rises of ground. At the head of this lake is the
entrance to Indian River, which is three miles in length and forms the
connection between Mullett and Burt Lakes. The latter is twelve
miles in length and six miles wide.  It receives as tributaries
Maple and Crooked Rivers. Crooked River proceeds from a lake of
the same name which in turn receives a river which takes its rise
within about a mile of Little Traverse Bay. Tributary to these
lakes are several rivers from the south which drain a water-shied
which embraces Otsego, Montmorency, Cheboygan arid a part of
Emmet Counties.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
In the year 1840 all that portion of the state lying north of
the line between Towns 36 and 37 north, and east of the line between Ranges 4 and 5 west was laid off al a separate county to
be known and designated as the county of Cheboygan, and attached
to Mackinac County for judicial purposes.  In the same vear all
that portion of the state in Towns 33, 34, 35 and 36 north, Ranges


I
i


t1




'I








L
Y 


IZ a


I


T"1 


1_ 1




^ t —9\


Va


i
I
i
I
i
I


96


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


1 east, and 1, 2 and 3 west, was laid off as a separate county to
be known and designated as the county of Wyandot, and attached
to Mackinac County for judicial purposes.
The name Cheboygan is of Indian derivation. Cha-boi-gan,
was the Indian name of the river. The original word, Chlabuwelan,
signifies " a place of ore."
In the year 1849 the county of Cheboygan was organized by
the legislature into a township, to be known as the township of
Sheboygan.   In 1850, by an act of legislature, the name of the
town of Sheboygan was changed to that of Inverness.
In the year 1853 the counties of Cheboygan and Wyandot
were consolidated and organized into one county, to be known and
designated as Chleboygan County, and so much of Range 4 west as
had been included in Cheloygan County  was detached from the
same and annexed to Emmet County.
The act under which the county was organized is as follows:
SECTION 1.  The pe1ople,(f the state of Michigan enact, That the
counties of Chel)oygan and Wyandot shall be organized ill  one
county, by the name of Cheboygan,  and the inhabitants thereof
entitled to all the rights, privileges, and immunities to which by
law the inhabitants  of other organized counties are entitled.
SEC. 2. There shall be elected in the county of Cheboygan,
on the first Tuesday of May next, all the several county officers to
which by law tile said county is entitled, and said election and the
canvass shall, in all respects, be conducted and held in the manner
prescribed by law for holding elections and canvasses for county
and state officers: I'r- oidedXl,  That the canvass shall be held in the
village of Duncan, in said county, on the Monday next following
said election; and said county officers shall be immediately qualified, and enter upon the duties of their respective offices, and their
several terms of office shall expire at the same time they would
have expired had they been elected at the last general election:.Ad, j'orieflltftrther, That until such county officers are elected
and qualified, the proper officers of the county of Mackinac shall
perform all the duties appertaining to the officers of said county of
Cheboygan, in the same manner as though this act had not
passed.
SEC. 3. Thle board of canvassers of said county, under this
act, shall consist of the presiding inspector of each township therein, who shall organize by appointing one of their number chairman, and another secretary of the board, and shall thereupon proceed to discharge all the duties of a board of county canvassers,
as in ordinary cases of elections for county and state officers.
SEC. 4.  The county of Cheboygan shall have concurrent
jurisdiction upon Lake Huron, and Thunder and Saginaw Bays,
with the other counties contiguous thereto.
SEC. 6. The county seat of Cheboygan County is hereby
fixed and established at the village of Duncan, on Cheboygan
River, in said county.
SEC. 7. The counties of Presque Isle, Alpena, Montmorency,
Otsego, Crawford, Oscodo, Alcona, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Roscommon are hereby attached to the county of Cheboygan for judicial
and municipal purposes.
SEC. 8. This act shall take effect immediately.
Approved Jan. 29, 1858.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
The first officers were elected at a special election held May 1st,


1855, for the term of service commencing January 1, 1855. They
consisted of the following named:
County clerk, James S. Douglass; register of deeds, Hiram A.
Rood; judge of probate, Bela Chapman; sheriff, Medard Metivier;
county treasurer, Bela Chapman; prosecuting attorney, Samuel H.


Price; circuit court commissioner, Samuel H. Price; county surveyor, Hiram L. Burr; coroners, Richard Knigllt, Lorin P. Riggs;
fish inspector, Daniel L. Strang.
The following list is of principal officers elected since the organization of the county:
1855 —Sheriff,  Medard Metivier; clerk, James S. Douglass;
register, Hiram A. Rood; treasurer, Bela Chapman; probate judgce,
Bela Chapman; prosecuting attorney,    Samuel 1i.  Price. Total
vote, 65.
1856-Sheriff,  Moses W. Horne; clerk, James S. Douglass;
register, Medard Metivier; treasurer, W. M. Belotte; probate judge,
Hiram A. Rood; prosecuting attorney, Hiram A. Rood. Total vote,
55.
1858 —Sheriff, John S. Riggs; clerk, Daniel L. Strang; register, Daniel L. Strang; treasurer, James F. Watsolln.  Total vote, 79.
1860-Slleriff, Moses W. Horne; clerk, Lorenzo Backus; register, William Bartholomew; treasurer, James F. Watson; probate
judge, William H. Maultlby.   Total vote, 9'1.
1862-Sheriff, Moses W.    Horne; clerk, Francis  Sammons;
register, William Bartholomew; treasurer, Lorenzo Backus; prose.
cuting attorney, Lewis Betz. Total vote, 45.
1864-Sheriff, William E. Maultby; clerk, Francis Sammnos;
register, Peter McDonnell;     treasurer, William   Smlith; probate
judge, William H. Maultby, prosecuting attorney, Moses W. Hornie;
Total vote, 84.
1866-SlSheriff, Medard Metivier;  clerk and register, A. D.
Woolston; treasurer, Charles Brannock.    Total vote, 123.
1868-Sheriff, William A. Gray; clerk and register, A.. D).
Woolston;  treasurer, Charles Brannock; probate judge, Willilam
H. Maultby; prosecuting attorney, John Barber. Total vote, 21(0.
1870-Sheriff, Peter A. Paquin; clerk and register, A. D.
Woolston; treasurer, William H. Maultby; prosecuting attorney,
Daniel R. Joslin. Total vote, 310.
1872-Sheriff, Peter A. Paquin; clerk anld register, Medard
Metivier; treasurer, William H. Maultby; probate judge, George
W. Bell; prosecuting attorney, Watts S. Humphrey. Total vote, 424.
1874 —Sheriff, George Paquette; clerk and register, Medard
Metivier; treasurer, William   H. Maultby; prosecuting attorney,
Watts S. Humphrey. Total vote, 324.
1876-Sheriff, George Paquette; clerk aind( register, MAedard
Metivier; treasurer, William  H. Maultby; probate judge, J. P.
Sutton; prosecuting attorney, James J. Brown. Total vote, 707.
1878-Sheriff, William W. Strohn; clerk and register, Medard
Metivier; treasurer, Watts S. Humphrey. Total vote, 727.
1880-Sheriff, Charles H. Nuite; clerk and register, Medard
Metivier; treasurer, Watts S. Humphrey; probate judge, Edwin Z.
Perkins; prosecuting attorney, Frank Shepherd.  Total vote, 1,247.
1882-Sheriff, William    Harringtop;   clerk  and  register,
Medard Metivier; treasurer, Edwin Z. Perkins. Total vote, 1,255.
The first meeting of thile board of supervisors was hleld at the
office of the county clerk Oct. 8, 1855. Jeremiah Woolston was
chosen chairman. The assessment rolls were examined and equalized. The aggregate personal and real estate assessed was $55,-'
826. The board decided to raise the following sums: To cancel the
indebtedness of tlhe county, $87.40; to defray current expenses,
$133.91; the amount of mill tax required by law, $55.32. Total,
$276.63.
In 1876 tlie total equalized valuation in the county was $1,

846,952.
In 1883 the total equalized valuation in the county was $83,578,000.
COUNTY SEAT.
The county seat was first located at the village of Duncan,. VI


I


1


\


-  ---                                       ---




I'




-A
~~~~ 9ut?/Z44~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~








t
4


I
I


II-;q





I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


97


-


which place at that time was making a gallant effort to become a
metropolis. It was destined to be shorn of its prestige as a shire
town, for at a meeting of the board of supervisors held Aug. 9, 1856,
a resolution was adopted setting forth that the interests of the
county required the removal of the county seat. The town of Inverness was designated as the most suitable place to which the
county seat should be removed, and the last Saturday in September,
1856, as the time when the question of removal should be submitted to the qualified electors of the county. The results of this election were as follows: In the town of Duncan 17 votes were cast, 13
of which were for removal and 4 against. In the town of Inverness 27 votes were cast, all of whicl were for removal.
The first session of the circuit court was held in the United
States land office at Duncan, July 22, 1856, and was presided over
by Judge Samuel F. Douglass. Judge Douglass was succeeded by
Judge B. F. H. Witherill.
James S. Douglass, the first circuit court commissioner, was
admitted to the bar in a somewhat different manner in those early
days from the course now taken. It was necessary in order to
carry on the business of the circuit court in 1857 that a commissioner be appointed. So Judge B. F. H. Witherill asked Mr. Douglass, the man regarded as being the most eligible, whether he had
studied law, had read Blackstone or Kent? He replied, "No."
The judge handed him a copy of Blackstone and a pair of green
spectacles, and told him to read it at once. After perusing its pages
a few minutes to become posted as best he could upon the points of
law of which it was necessary he should be informed, thle judge
asked him a few questions, and he was admitted to the bar and appointed to the office of circuit court commissioner.
The first jail was in the second story of Bela Chapman's house,
where court was held after its removal from Duncan. In 1858 a
log jail was built by H. N. Stevenson. Its dimensions were 20x24
feet, and it stood between the present court-house and the jail. The
present brick jail was finished in 1880.
Tile present court-house is the first one built in the county.
It was built in 1869 by J. F. Watson. It is a two-story frame
lbilding 28x55 feet in size, with couit-room above and county offices
below.
OFFICERS OF THE COURT IN 1884.
J. G. Ramsdell, circuit judge; Medard Metivier, cleik; J. P.
Sutton, deputy clerk; Frank Shepherd, prosecuting attorney; Williami A. Clark, Jr., circuit court commissioner.
Officers in attendance are as follows: William  Harrington,
sheriff; William A. Lynn, under sheriff; George H. Todd, deputy
sheriff.
The bar of the county is composed of the following persons:
Bell & Adams, James J. Brown, Humphrey & Perkins, H. H.
Saunders, Fred Fife, George E. Frost, Frank Shepherd, J. P. Sutton.
The first attorneys who located in the county for the practice
of law were Daniel R. Joslin, who came here in April; George W.
Bell and Watts S. Humphrey in May, 1869. D. R. Joslin, Esq.,
had his office in the second story of C. Stevenson's house on Main
Street. Messrs. Bell and Humphrey had their first offices in Sammons' block, corner of Main and Third Streets, in the village of
Cheboygan.
SUPERVISORS IN 1883.
Burt, W. N. Cross; Benton; F. M. Sammons; Beaugrand,


James Barclay; Duncan, Thomas McKervey; Ellis, Edwin Beebee;
Grant, J. Jarvis; Inverness, F. X. Passeno; Mentor, W. H. Watkins; Munro, George Heilman; Nunda, A. McPhee; Tuscarora, S.
Kissinger.






CHAPTER XII.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS-FIRST TOWN OFFICERS-FIRST ENTRIES OF
LAND IN THE SEVERAL TOWNSHIPS.
In the y(ar 1853 all that part of the town of Inverness lying
east of the middle of the main channel of Mullet Lake and Cheboygan River, and a line extending due north from the mouth of said
river to the north bounds of the county was, by the legislature, organized into a separate town to be known as the town of Duncan.
These two towns, Inverness and Duncan, continued to be the only
organized towns in the county until the year 1860.
The town of Burt was organized by the board of supervisors
in the year 1860, and comprised so much of Cheboygan County as
was embraced in Townships 33, 34, 35 and 36 north, of Ranges 1
east, and 1, 2 and 3 west. In 1862, Township 36 north, of Range
1 west was detached from Burt, and annexed to the town of Duncan by the board of supervisors, and in the year 1869, Township 36
north, of Range 1 east, was also by the board of supervisors detached from the town of Burt and annexed to the town of
Duncan.
The town of Grant was organized in 1870 and embraced all
that part of Township 38 north, of Range 1 west, lying east of the
Cheboygan River; Township 38 north, of Ranges 1 and 2 east;
Sections 1 to 12, inclusive, in Township 37 north, of Range 1 west;
Sections 1 to 12, inclusive, in Township 37 north, of Range 1 east,
and Sections 4 to 10, inclusive, in Township 37 north, of Range 2
east. I1on. Geo. W. Bell, of whom these facts are obtained, says
that there was evidently a mistake in the organization of this town.
The action of the board of supervisors, if it did anything, organized
the township of Grant from the territory above mentioned, which,
of course, would have the effect of leaving the balance of the territory embraced in the old town, and not included in the above
description, under the same organization as before, in the town of
Duncan. The action of the board would also have the effect to
take from the town of Inverness those parts of Sections 6, 7, and 8,
in Township 37 north, of Range 1 west, that lie west of Cheboygan
River. It would seem, however, that it was not the intention of
the board to accomplish any such thing, as the officers of the
town of Duncan as it had previously existed, continued to exercise the duties of their several offices in the territory organized
into the town of Grant, and the citizens of the other poition of
the territory of the old town of Duncan, proceeded to and did,
as they supposed, complete the organization of the town of Grant
by the election of the proper officers. Neither the towns of Duncan
or Grant attempted to exercise any control over that portion of Inverness above mentioned, which by the action of the board was
made to constitute a part of the town of Grant. In 1879 the towns
of Duncan and Grant were reorganized by act of legislature, and the
difficulty heretofore existing was remedied.
The town of Benton was organized by act of legislature
in 1871, from fractional Township 38 north, of Range 1 west.
The town of Beaugrand was organized by the board of supervisors in 1871, and embraced Townships 88 and, 39 north, of
Ranges 2 and 3 west, which, territory was detached from the town
of Inverness.
Tuscarora was organized by act of legislature in 1877, and embraced Townships 84 and 35 north, of Range 3 west, then forming


a part of the township of Burt.
The town of Nunda was organized by pc+ 'f legislature, in 1877,
and embraced Townships 33 north, of Ranges 2 and 3 west, then
forming a part of the town of Burt. In 1879 this town was vacated
and the territory attached to the town of Tuscarora. In 1882 the


-


D


I
I


F


J


I


l


J ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -.4


I  I n _-Jl  




.4 -
I


I
i
I
I
I
I


II
(j


98


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


present town of Nunda was organized, embracing Township 83
north, of Range 2 west.
The town of Munro was organized by the board of supervisors
at a meeting held in October, 1878, and embraced Township 87
north, of Range 8 west, then forming a part of the town of
Inverness.
The town of Ellis was organized by the board of supervisors in
1881 and embraced Township 33 north, of Ranges 1 east and 2
west, and 84 north of Ranges 1 east and 1 and 2 west.
The town of Mentor was organized in 1882, embracing Townships 34 north, of Range 3 west and 88 north, of Range 3 west.
The town of IHebron was organized by the board of supervisors,
December 4, 1883.   It was ordered that Township thirty-eight
(38) north of Range three (8) west, be detached from the township
of Beaugrand, in said county, and that the same be erected into a
new township, to be called and known as the township of Hebron,
the first annual meeting thereof to be held at the school-house on
Section eleven (11), Township thirty-eight (38) north, Range three
(8) west, in said township, on' the first Monday in April, A. D. 1884,
and that Ephraim Francis, Charles Halman and Charles Shanks,
three electors of said township, shall be inspectors of election.
Waverly was organized by the board of supervisors, December
4, 1883. It was ordered that the territory described as Township numbered thirty-five (35) north, of Range one (1) east, be
crected alnd organized into a new township, to be called and known
as the township of Waverly, that the first annual meeting therein
shall be held at the school-house of District No. 5 of what
is now tle township of Burt, in said Town 35 north, of Range 1
east, on Monday, the seventh day of April next, and that W. H.
Bush, 0. S. Merrill and W. M. Gillis, three electors of such township, be inspectors of election.
The town of Mackinaw was organized by the board of supervisors at a meeting held December 4, 1883. It was ordered that:
Towmship numbered thirty-nine (39) north, of Range three (3) west,
be erected and organized into a new township, to be called and
known as the township of Mackinaw; that the first annual township
meeting therein shall be held at what is known as Shepherd's Hall
at the village of Mackinaw City, in said township, on the first Monday of April next, and D. B. Notson, G. W. Stimpson and W. H.
Willetts, three electors of such township, be inspectors of election.
It was also ordered that the next township meeting in the township
of Beaugrand, from which such new township is taken, be held at
The school-house on Section 25, Town 38 north, of Range 2 west, in
said townslip of Beaugrand.
FIRST TOWN OFFICERS.
The first ofticers of the several towns were as follows:
INVENRN ESS -Supervisor, Jacob Sammons; clerk, H. N. Pease;
treasurer, R. McLeod
DNcAN- iLpervisor, Jeremiah Woolston; clerk, James J.
Douglass; treasurer, David J. Wilson.
BURT-Supervisor, Lorin P. Riggs; clerk, John Heaphy, treasurer, Joseph Ossegon.
GRANT —Supervisor, John Wiley; clerk, William H. Thomas;
treasurer, Joseph Derashia.
BENTON-Supervisor. F. M. Sammons; clerk, Robert Micklejohn; treasurer, Andrew Rapin.
BEAUGRAND-Supervisor, Oliver Beaugrand; clerk, Charles R.


Kniffin; treasurer, Ronald F. McDonald.
TUscARORA-Supervisor, E. A. Faunce; clerk, John McDon'ald,
treasurer, -    Cox.
MUNRO-Supervisor, George Hielmann: clerk, Martin Horan;
treasurer, Joseph Blank.


MENTOR —Supervisor, W. H. Watkins; clerk, A. W. Eck; treasurer, H. D. Spencer.
ELLIS-Supervisor, Joseph Passeno, clerk, Joseph Pilley;- treasurer, Thomas R. Hungerford.
NUNDA-Supervisor, Alex McPhee; clerk, Robert Burrows;
treasurer, Tlomas Burrows.
FIRST LAND ENTRIES.
TOWN 33 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST.
Section 9, John T. Mott, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 10, Canal
land, May, 15, 1855; Section 11, Canal land, May 15, 1855;
Section 12, Henry Glover, Oct. 7, 1856; Section 13, John T.
Mott, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 14, Canal land, May 15, 1855; Section 14, John T. Mott, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 14, I. E. Richardson, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 15, Canal land, May 15, 1855; Section
18, Henry Glover, Oct. 7, 1856; Section 19, Henry Glover, Oct. 7,
1856; Section 22, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 23, Canal
land, May 25, 1855; Section 24, Canal land, May 25, 1855;
Section 24, Henry Glover, Nov. 17, 185(6; Section 25, t-enry
Glover, Nov. 17, 1856; Seciion 27, Canal land, MaIly 25, 1855.
Section 29, CanaLl land, May 25, 1855; Section 29, 1. E. Richardson, Sept. 20, 18635; Section  (), Henry Glover, Oct. 7,
1856; Section 31, Canal land, May 15, 1855; Section 31, Henry
Glover, Oct. 7, 1856; Section 32, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 32, I. E. Richardson, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 36, IHenry (;lover,
Oct. 7, 1856.
TOWN 34 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST.
Section 3, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 3, I. E. Richardson, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 4, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 4, I. E. Richardson, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 18, Canal land,
May 15, 1855; Section 20, Henry (rlover, Oct. 7, 1856; Section
21, Henry (lover, Oct. 7, 1856; Section 24, Henry Glover, Oct. 7,
1856.
TOWN 35 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST.
Section 7, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 18, Canal land,
May 25, 1855; Section 19, Alfred A. Dwight, Nov. 18, 1856; Section 30, Ira Davenport, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 30, Henry Glover,
Nov. 17, 1856; Section 33, I. E. Ricllhardon, Sept. 20, 1865; Section 33, Dodge & Phelps, Sept. 20, 1865.
TOWN t(8 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST.
Section 1, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 2, Francis
Palms, Nov. 15, 18(65; Section 6, L. Defoe, Nov. 1, 1856(; Section
10, Francis Palms, Nov. 15, 1865; Section 11, Francis Palms, Nov.
15, 1865; Section 12, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 13,
Francis Palms, Nov. 15, 1865: Section 23, Francis Palms, Nov. 15,
1865.
TOWN 37 NORT1, RANGE 1 EAST.
Section 4, Ira Davenport, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 6, 5. H. Price
and F. P. Fisher, Dec. 20, 1855; Section 8, Ira Davenport, June
30, 1863; Section 9, H. Glover, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 17, Ira
Davenport, June 80, 1863; Section 18, Ira Davenport, JinIe 80,
1863.
TOWN 38 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST.
Section 29, Edward Paquette, Dec. 27, 1865; Section 31, S.
H. Price and F. H. Pitkins, Oct. 15, 1865.
TOWN 38 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST.
Section 31, David Preston, Sept. 6, 1866; Sectionl 31, Sanford Baker, Archibald C. Thomson, Robert Patterson, Oct. 13,


1866; Section 82, William Bond, Oct. 7, 1874.
TOWN 38 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST.
Section 19, Charles W. Butler, March 9, 1859; Section 22,
Abigail Lampey, Sept. 19, 1851; Section 25, Charles Bellant,
Dec. 10, 1856; Section 28, Alex. McLeod, Oct. 30, 1849; Section


1-37
i


------ ---   -   _,   _,   ---  ----- -   - --    ---             ---                  -     L   _       -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- -o


S. —*




.

4 -



1


I


a,

I,     I


7' t -0


I




THE TRAVERSE REGION


99


28, Orrin Smith, Sept. 15, 1847; Section 28, J. W. Duncan, Aug.
22, 1851; Section 29, J. W. Duncan, Aug. 22, 1851; Section 29,
James Norton, June 1, 1847; Section 29, Jacob Sammons, Oct. 18,
1846; Section 29, James F. Watson, Nov. 9, 1865; Section 30,
William Bellott, June 14,1851; Section 30, James F. Watson
Nov. 9, 1865; Section 30, William Bellott, Nov. 9, 1858; Section
30, James S. Douglass, Dec. 1, 1858; Section 31, William Salenstall, Jan. 19, 1852; Section 31, Francis Evans, Nov. 2, 1846;
Section 31, Orrin Smith, Sept. 15, 1847; Section 31, John Gilvey,
Nov. 23, 1853; Section 31, Jacob Sammons, Oct. 13, 1846; Section 31, Moses W. Horne, Sept. 28, 1847; Section 32, Thomas
Evans, June 7, 1847; Section 32, R. Ritchie, July 15, 1851; Section 32, Jacob Sammons, Oct. 13, 1846; Section 32, S. Legault,
Aug. 5, 1859; Section 32, P. O'Brien, Nov. 6, 1865; Section 33,
George Tasker, June 17, 1851; Section 33, Alex. McLeod, Oct.
30, 1849; Section 33, J. W. Duncan, Oct. 30, 1849; Section 34,
J. W. Duncan, Oct. 30, 1849; Section 35, J. and A. D. Woolsan,
May 14, 1855; Section 36, Sylvester Sammons, July 13, 1865;
Section 36, S. H. Price and F. P. Fisher, Oct. 16, 1855.
TOWN 37 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST.
Section 1, Ira Davenport, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 1, A. A.
Dwight, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 2, J. H. Hill and D. D. Oliver,
April 6, 1854; Section 2, C. Brannack, Oct. 8, 1863; Section 3,
James F. Watson, Oct. 14, 1865; Section 5, Randall McLeod, Oct.
4, 1848; Section 5, Peter McDonald, May 26, 1855; Section 5,
Malcom Statker, Dec. 23, 1853; Section 5, Malcom Statker, July
11, 1853; Section 5, Malcom Statker, July 11, 1853; Section 6,
Reuben Chapman, Sept. 21, 1850; Section 6, Bela Chapman,
Sept. 21, 1850; Section 6, J. W. Duncan, June 25, 1853; Section
6. Charles Brannack, June 14, 1865' Section 7, T. Henry Maultby,
Sept. 26, 1865; Section 7, Cbristian Schall, May 20, 1858;
Section 7, J. J. Douglass, Sept. 28, 1857; Section 7, L. R. Brockway, July 10, 1865; Section 7, M. Schields, Sept. 12, 1865; Section
7, John 0. Reilly, May 25, 1865; Section 7, Sophia Schwark, Feb.
1, 1865; Section 8, Catharine Hamill, Aug. 1, 1851; Section 8,
Charles A. Hamill, Aug. 1, 1851; Section 8, Denis Fisher and I.
Belmore, Dec. 16, 1854; Section 8, John Cameron, May 17, 1852;
Section 8, C. Legault, Sept. 3, 1851; Section 8, Margaret Armall,
June 17, 1851; Section 8, D. Paquin, Nov. 9, 1858; Section 8,
M. Dousman, March 20, 1850; Section 9, J. W. Duncan, April 17,
1852; Section 10, J. W. Duncan, Oct. 13, 1854; Section 10, S.
Legault, June 9, 1857; Section 10, C. Legault, Nov. 18, 1859;
Section 11, J. W. Duncan, Oct. 13, 1854; Section 12, J. W. Duncan, Oct. 13,1854; Section 12, A. A. Dwight; Nov. 17, 1856; Section
14, J.W. Duucan, Oct. 13, 1854; Section 14, MaglainEnault, March
23,1864; Section 14, Oliver Beaugrand, Nov. 15, 1865; Section 15,
Jeremiah Woolsten, April 26, 1855; Section 16, Bellona M. Gulpin,
March 16, 1865; Sec:ion 17, Alex Hudson, Jan. 8, 1855; Section
17, William  Hudson, May 29, 1857; Section 17, Lorenzo D.
Wheelock, Aug. 8, 1857; Section 17, George Kitchen, Sept. 14,
1857; Section 17, William Curran, Nov. 20, 1855; Section 17,
John Bellmore, Aug. 7, 1852; Section 17, George Kitchen, Nov.
28, 1859; Section 17, William Smith, Nov. 9, 1858; Section 18,
George Kitchen, Sept. 21, 1857; Section 18, John Bellmore, Aug.
7, 1852; Section 18, William Smith, March 29, 1858; Section 18,
Thomas Beaugrand, Aug. 7, 1852; Section 18, William Smith,
Nov. 6, 1865; Section 19, Oliver Paquiette, Aug. 1, 1851; Section
19, Henry David, Aug. 1, 1851; Section 19, Jolhn Larew, April 20,


1865; Section 20, E. H. Carter, Aug. 17, 1865; Section 20,
Fidelia Strvethten, Oct. 30, 1851; Section 20, Loreuzo Thomas,
Oct. 30, 1851; Section 20, E. J. Cdrter, Nov. 11, 1864; Section
21, N. Young, Oct. 30, 1851; Section 21, Christena Nelson, May
17, 1855; Section 22, Robert Ewers, July 5, 1856; Section 22,


John Queenman, Oct. 28, 1856; Section 22, Adolphus Pokah, Aug.
3, 1855; Section 26, Adolphus Pokab, Aug. 3, 1855; Section 26,
Frank Fisher, Nov. 3, 1865; Section 26, C. Legault, Nov. 3, 1859;
Section 27, Adolphus Pokah, Aug. 3, 1855; Section 27, M. Enault,
Sept. 10, 1855; Section 27, C. Legault, Nov. 1, 1859; Section 30,
Charles W. Butler, March 9, 1859; Section 36, J. F. Watson,
March 1, 1865.
TOWN 37 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST.
Section 1, C. W. Richardson, Sept. 6, 1866; Section 1, J. Defraud, Sept. 24, 1866; Section 1, Patrick Marlow. June 8, 1865;
Section 2, Mat. Lalomad, Nov. 11, 1865; Section 2, C. W. Richardson, Sept. 6, 1866; Section 3, C. W. Richardson, Sept. 6, 1866;
Section 3, John Burnish, Sept. 5, 1866; Section 5, Charles Brannock, Nov. 21, 1865; Section 10, C. W. Richardson, Sept. 6, 1866;
Section 10, Samuel Sherwin, Aug. 29, 1855; Section 10, John F.
Burnish, June 30, 1866; Section 11, C. W. Richardson, Sept. 6,
1866; Section 11, J. Burnish and R. Meiklijohn, Oct. 13, 1856;
Section 11, John F. Burnish, June 30, 1856; Section 12, S. R.
Brockway, July 10, 1865; Section 12, Robert Meadowcroft, Sept.
9, 1855; Section 12, J. S. Douglass, Nov. 26, 1856; Section 13,
M. Giva, Oct. 3, 1865; Section 14., Samuel Sherwin, Aug. 29, 1855;
Section 14, Martin Foster, Nov. 9, 1865; Section 14, C. W. Richardson, Sept. 6, 1866; Section 14, J. B. Tinker, March 16, 1857;
Section 15, Samuel Sherwin, Aug. 29, 1855; Section 15,- C. W.
Richardson, Sept. 6, 1866; Section 15, Hiram A. Rood, June 23,
1858; Section 15, Hiram A. Rood, Nov. 14, 1857; Section 15,
Robert Meadowcroft, Aug. 8, 1855; Section 15, J. Woolston, Aug.
8, 1855; Section 16, Charles Bellant, Nov. 1, 1866; Section 21,
Robert Meadoweroft, Aug. 8, 1855; Section 22, J. Woolston, Aug.
8, 1855; Section 24, W. S. Flinn, Oct. 26, 1857; Section 24, H. S.
Averill, June 18, 1866; Section 21, S. Nieporth, May 18, 1866;
Section 24, James F. Watson, June 21, 1866; Section 24, S.
Nieporth, Aug. 10, 1865; Section 24, L. D. Wheelock, April 14,
1866; Section 24, Thomas Richardson, Nov. 17, 1864; Section 25,
William Davenport, Jr., Oct. 6, 1866; Section 26, J. Jameson,
Aug. 28, 1857; Section 26, M. E. Stall, Nov. 25, 1865; Section 26,
C. Stephenson, Sept. 5, 1854; Section 28, G. La Duke, Nov. 11,
1865; Section 33, J. La Duke, June 24, 1866; Section 33, Richard
Scott, Nov. 11, 1865; Section 33, R. F. McDonald, Jan. 2, 1866;
Section 34, Leonard D. Carlee, Oct. 25, 1866; Section 34, John
Heaphy, Sept. 26, 1866; Section 35, Lauren & Riggs, Aug. 10,
1850; Section 36, Laureii & Riggs, Aug. 10, 1850.
TOWN 36 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST.
Section 3, Hiram Rood, June 13, 1857; Section 3, J. W.
Duncan, Aug. 2, 1851; Section 7, Robert Meadowcroft, Aug. 16,
1855; Section 7, J. Woolsten, Aug. 29, 1855; Section 8, J.
Woolsten, Aug. 29, 1855; Section 18, Baker. Thomson & Co., May
15, 1867; Section 20, Baker, Thomson & Co., May 15, 1867;
Section 28, Orrin Towle, July 14, 1856; Section 30, Baker.
Thomson & Co., May 15, 1867; Section. 31, Price & Fisher, May
26, 1856; Section 33, R. McLeod, July 17, 1850; Section 34, R.
McLeod, July 17, 1850; Section 34, Chailes Bellant, Nov. 9,1865;
Section 34, Baker, Thlomson & Co., June 30, 1867; Section 85, B.
C. Milliken, Dec. 17, 1867; Section 36, Baker, Thomson & Co.,
Jan. 30, 1867.
TOWN 35 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST.
Section 2, A. Lafave, Sept. 22, 1866; Section 2, A. P. Newton,


Sept. 7, 1866; Section 3, Charles Bellant, Jan. 25, 1866; Section
4, J. W. Duncan, Oct. 13, 1854; Section 6, Charles Bellant, Nov.
9, 1865; Section 6, C. Davison, Nov 10, 1866; Section 7, J.
W. Duncan, April 17, 1852; Section 7, T. Johnson, Aug. 25, 1851;
Section 9, C. Davison, Nov. 15, 1866; Section 10, Charles Bellant,
Nov. 9, 1865, Section 10, C. Davison, Nov. 10,~1866; Section 11,. r


F


t.




I.


-


I




Im Nd
44 I I~

1


I
i
I


II


i
I
I
I
I,




100


THE TRAVERSE REGION.








Oliver Beaugrand, Aug. 25, 1866; Section 11, C. Davison, Nov. 15,
1866; Section 11, A. La Jave, Ag. 8, 1866; Section 12, Oliver
Beaugrand, Aug. 25, 1866; Section 12, Oliver Beaugrand, Aug. 25,
1866; Section 18, Oliver Beaugrand, Aug. 25, 1866; Section 13,
C. Davison, May 28, 1867; Section 14, C. Davison, May 28, 1867;
Section 15, C. Davison, Mny 28, 1867; Section 17, Baker, Thomson
& Patterson, March 19, 1867; Section 18, C. Davison, Nov. 15,
1866; Section 19, Joseph Webwetura, Oct. 23, 1866; Section 19,
C. Davison, Nov. 15, 1866; Section 20, C. Davison, Nov. 10, 1866;
Section 22, Robert Meadowcroft, June 16, 1856; Section 22, C. W.
Richar2son, Oct. 80, 1866; Section 22, C. Davison, Nov. 10, 1866;
Section 22, C. Davison, Nov. 15, 1866; Section 21, C. W. Richardson, Oct. 30, 1866; Section 24, C. Davison, Oct. 30, 1806;
Section 25, C. Davison, Nov. 15, 1866; Section 26, W. A. Butler,
Dec. 24, 1866; Section 26, C. W. Ricliardson, Oct. 30, 1866;
Section 26, C. Davison, Nov. 10, 1866; Section 27, Robert Meadowcroft, June 6, 1856; Section 27, Samuel HI. Row, Nov. 15, 1866;
Section 27, C. Davison, Nov. 15, 1866; Section 28, C. Davison,
Nov. 15, 1866; Section' 30, R. C, Rennick & D. Whitney, June 19,
1867; Section 35, C. Davison, Nov. 15, 1866; Section 36, C.
Davison, Nov. 15, 1866.
TOWN 36 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST.
Section 1, Francis Chevielier, Dec. 27, 1865; Section 1, A.
Legault, Nov. 13, 1865; Section 1, Dorcas Fayeft, June 12, 1865;
Section 2, A. Legault, Nov. 13, 1865; Section 4, J. W. Duncan,
July 30, 1855; Section 4, J. R. & Co., Nov. 20, 1856; Section 5,
Medard Metivier, April 20, 1851; Section 8, Chlarles Reed, Oct. 4,
1856; Section 8, Medard Metivier, April 20, 1851; Section 9, C. J.
Wilson, June 17, 1851; Section 12, Francis Chevielier, Dec. 27,
1865; Section 17, S. Brockway, Oct. 11, 1857; Section 17, J.
Tuck, June 15, 1861; Section 18, William Hudson, Aug. 4, 1865;
Section 20, S. B. Gleason, Nov. 6, 1855; Section 29, J. W. Duncan,
Sept. 28, 1853; Section 32, J. W. Duncan, Sept. 28, 1853; Section
33, A. W. Wright, Sept. 15, 1856.
TOWN 35 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST.
Section 4, Samuel Medbury, Sept. 22, 1865; Section 5, Jeremiail W. Duncan, Sept. 28, 1853.
TOWN 34 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST.
Section 10, Henry Glover, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 11, Henry
Glover, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 12, Canal land, May 25, 1855;
Section 13, Canal land, M:ay 15, 1855; Section 22, Henry Glover,
Nov. 17, 1856; Section 23, Ira D)avenport, Nov. 17, 1856; Section
24, Ira D)avelport, Nov. 17, 1856; Section 25, Ira Davenport,
Nov. 17, 185;; Section 28, Ira Davenport, Nov. 17, 1856.
TOWN 33 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST.
Section 9, J. Burton, June 11, 1855.
TOWN 88 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST.
Section 4, John Hetherington, June 12, 1866; Section 23,
James F. Watson, Nov. 13, 1865; Section 23, S. Legault, Nov. 2,
1859; Section 24, C. W. Butler, March 9, 1859; Section 24, James
Fb Watson, Nov. 13, 1865; Section 25, Thomas E. Doughty, June
7, 1859; Secsion 25, Samuel Dodd, Jan. 19, 1865; Section 25,
Charles Bellant, Nov. 17, 1864; Section 25, C. H. Brannook,
June 18, 1865; Section 25, F. N. Bellau, Oct. 4, 1859; Section
25, Samuel Dodd, Aug. 30, 1865( Section 25, Moses W. Home,
Jan. 80, 1866; Seltion 26, John H. Ferrelle, April 19, 1865; Section 26, Oliver Beaugrand, March 9, 1865; Section 26, C. H. Bran

nock, Jan. 14, 1865; Section 81, C. W. Richardson, Sept. 16,
1866; Section 81, Edgar Conkling, Nov. 8, 1869; Section 33, C.
H. Brannock, Nov. 21, 1865; Section 84, C. H. Brannock, Dec. 8,
1862; Section 84, C. H. Brannock, March 8, 1865; Section 85, C.
W. Richardson, Sept. 6, 1866; Section 85, Oliver Pauquett, March
23, 1866; Section 85, L. W. Young, Feb. 27, 1866; Section 86,


I
I
I
I
I








W. Belote & L. Backus, March 27, 1857; Section 86, S.S. S.ammons, May 29, 1866; Section 36, C. Stevenson, May 10, 1866;
Section 36, John Barber, Jlne 13, 1865; Section.P6, John Barber,
Oct. 28, 1864; Section 36, Oliver Pauquett, Oct. 28, 1864; Section
36, A. R. Dodge, Aug. 8, 1865; Section 36, James F. Watson,
Nov. 13, 1865; Section 36, Chloe Ann Rice, May 23, 1865; Section 36, N. Hanel, July 17, 1866; Section 36, B. W. Loomis, Jan.
6, 1865; Section 36, Peter Spooner, Jan. 5, 1863.
T'OWN 34 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST.
Section 2, C. Davison, May 7, 1867; Section 10, Baker,
Thomson & Co., May 1, 1867; Section 12, C. Davison, Dec. 22,
1866; Section 14, A. P. McMaster, Jan. 8, 1867; Section 22, A.
P. McMaster, Jan. 8, 1867; Section 26, A. P. McMaster, Jan. 8,
1867; Section 33, D. A. Pettibone, Jan. 19, 1867; Section 34, D.
A. Pettibone, Jan. 21, 1867; Section 36, H. E. Benson, Nov. 14,
1866; Section 3C, Burrows & Rust, Oct, 18, 1867; Section 36, D.
A. Pettibone, June 19, 1867.
TOWN 33 NORTH, RANGE 2 WEST.
Section 2, H. E. Benson, Nov. 15, 1866; Section 2, D. P. Pettibone, June 21, 1867; Section 2, Burrows & Rust, Oct. 18, 1867;
Section 22, Burrows & Rust, Oct. 18, 18;'7; Section 24, Burrows &
Rust, Oct. 18, 1867; Section 26, Burrows & Rust, Oct. 18, ]867;
Section 34, Burrov s & Rust, Oct. 18, 1867; ection 86, IBu1rows &
Rust, Oct. 18, 1867.
TOWN 33 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST.
Section 10, John L. Woods, June 12, 1869; Section 12, C. L.
Ortman, Oct. 19, 1871; Section 14, Ephraim Nelson, Sept. 9, 1871;
Section 14, Ephraim Nelson, Oct. 6, 1871; Section 14, John L.
Woods, June 12, 1869; Section 14, Ortman & Rotlleschilds, Oct.
19, 1871; Section 31, Ephraim Nelson, Sept. 9, 1871; Section 32,
Ephraim Nelson, Sept. 9, 1871.
TOWN 84 NO)RTI, RANGE 3 WEST.
Section 4, David Sllith, Oct. 20, 1871; Section 4, William E.
Dodge, Jan. 14, 187().
TOWN 35 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST.
Section 12, J. W. Dtlncan, Feb. 4, 1854; Section 13,.J. W.
Duncan, Oct. 13, 1854; Section 13, J. W. Duncan, July 19, 1853;
Section 13, Robert Meadowcroft, Aug. 16, 1855; Section 14, J. W.
Duncan, Oct. 13, 1854; Section 26, William Scott, July 27, 1850;
Section 27, William Scott, July 27, 1850; Section 27, M. Spooner,
July 5, 1855; Section 28, M. Spooner, Nov. 19, 1855.
TOWN 36 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST.
Section 2, J. W. Duncan, July 4, 1853; Section 5, Anthony
Kawortimmkong, Dec. 8, 1872; Section 6, Julius A. Austin, Sept.
21, 1853; Section 6, Antoine Shananakett, Jan. 7, 1867; Section
7, Antoine Shananakett, Jan. 7, 1867; Section 8, Joseph Shalmonaquett, Sept. 13,1872; Section 8, Frances Shamonaqnett, Sept. 13,
1872; Section 17, Isaac Shamonaquett, Sept. 13, 1872; Section 18,
Ignace Kawbenaw, Sept. 18, 1872; Section 18, Moses Nanggashaw,
Sept. 13, 1872; Section 19, Joseph An-say-gon, Aug.19,1872; Section
20, Joseph Nofitagnaha, June 17, 1852; Antoine Kannonishgaw,
July 2, 1855; Section 23, J. W. Duncan, Sept. 25, 1854; Section
24, J. W. Duncan, Sept. 25, 1854; Section 25, J. W. Duncan,
June 11, 1853; Seetion 28, to the governor of Michigan in trust
for the Indians of whom Kic-shago-way is chief, Jan. 3, 1849;


Section 28, Joseph Au-say-gon, Aug. 19, 1871; Section 29, to the
governor of Michigan in trust for the Indians of whom Kic-shagoway is chief, Jan. 8, 1849; Section 81, Match Oki-ba-nagust, May
2, 1854; Section 88, Samuel H. Price, Sept. 12, 1854.
TOWN 87 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST.
Section 16, John and Thomas Charlton, March 10, 1872; Section 26, J. W. Duncan, Sept. 19, 1853; Section 27, J. W. Duncan,
Sept. 19, 1858; Section 82, Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 33,


I
i
I
I
i
I
i




I
I
I
I
I
I I:1


— J


I                                                                                       -------


I


r                                                                                                                                                                                                  -IRW


i ^




A-: — - -:,. %=

*
1


j


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


101


I


Canal land, May 25, 1855; Section 84, James lM. Turner, Aug. 19,
1874; Section 84, J. W. Duncan, Sept. 19, 1858.
TOWN 38 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST.
Section 1, Charles R. Kniffen, Jan. 9, 1875; Section 2, Charles
R. Kniffen, Jan..9, 1875; Section 5, M. Reddy, June ]0, 1875;
Section 7, James M. Turner, Aug. 25, 1874; Section 17, W. H.
Calkins, Sept. 8, 1875; Section 18, Charles Stimpson, Aug. 19,
1875; Section 18, M. L. Thatcher, Oct. 19, 1875; Section 22,
James M. Turner, Aug. 25, 1874; Section 23, James M. Turner,
Aug. 25, 1874; Section 32, E. B. Cook, Jan. 1, 1875; Section 33,
Samuel D. Romain, Aug. 19, 1874; Section 34, Samuel D. Romain,
Aug. 19, 1874; Section 35, Samuel D. Romain, Aug. 19, 1874.
TOWN 39 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST.
Section 7, Edgar Conkling et al., Oct. 8, 1853;' Section 18, Edgar Conkling, (ct (al., Oct. 8, 1853; Section 19, Edgar Conkling et al.,
Oct. 8, 1853; Section 19, 0. hM. Barnes, Aug. 19, 1874; Section
20, Mark Flannigan, Aug. 19, 1874; Section 20, Duncan Doty,
Aug. 19, 1874; Section.26, Jared Dingman, Aug. 19, 1874; Section 28, J. A.Wendell, April 27, 1858; John Hoban, Aug. 22, 1874;
Section 29, Thomas Hoban, Oct. 1, 1874; Section 30, John Hoban,
Aug. 22, 1874; Section 34, Jared Dingman, Aug. 21, 1874; Section 34, William Devine, Jan. 26, 1875; Section 35, Jared Dingman, Aug. 21, 1874; Section 36, G. H. S. L. by Charles Wilson,
Oct. 10, 1874.
CHAPTER XIII.
EAIIRLY MOVEMIENTs-FIRST LIGHT-HOUSE-FIRST LAND OFFICE-AN
ANCIENT RELIC-STATISTICS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-INDIAN VILLAGE-CHURCH INCORPORATIONS-POSTOFFICES-LUMBER
STATISTICS.
In the Manitawauba Cjhronicle, the first newspaper published
in the village of Cheboygan, is given an account of an Indian battle which occurred upward of two hundred years ago at the mouthl
of Cheboygan River, between the Ottawas living at St. Ignace and
the Ausegumugs living at Pequodenonge or Old Mackinac.
For some actual or fancied injury which the Ausegumugs received at the hands of the Ottawas, the former crossed the straits
and while the warriors of the Ottawa tribes were absent, massacred
two of their women who were at work in the fields.
Upon returning the Ottawa braves formed a band and determined to cross the straits and avenge the death of these women. Tlhe
Ausegumugs had by this time departed upon an expedition against
some tribes living farther toward the south, and the Ottawa chief.
tain, disdaining to avenge himself upon helpless women and children,
followed their trail as far as the mouth of the Cheboygan River.
Here he ordered his men to conceal themselves until their enemies
should return. After a few days of weary watching and waiting,
the unsuspecting Ausegumugs appeared upon the beach, covered
with the dust and dirt of their long and fatiguing journey.
It was a sultry August day. The sun was sinking down in the
western horizon. Thile face of proud Huron, free from frowns, was
like glass in bright sunlight; not a zephyr was astir; not a leaf
dared to move; no sound broke upon the ear save the noise of the
distant waterfall or the occasional chirping of the little bird in
the dense forest shade, but a stillness of death reigned
over land and sea. Witlh no thought of danger or death,


the  tired. warriors now     plunge  into the  sparkling waters
to bathe and refresh themselves previous to pursuing their
journey homeward, but while in the midst of this delightful exercise, the shrill war-whoop of the Ottawa braves broke nature's stillness, and told them that death had all the time been lurking in the


adjacent thickets. The Ottawas now rushed into the water, and
the tomahawk and scalping-knife, terrible in the hands of a savage,
were made to do effective work upon the helpless Ansegumugs.
Old Huron grew red with anger, but still the work of death went on,
until of all that band not a warrrior was left to carry the sad news
back to Pequodenonge.
This was an event of more than two centuries ago, and is a
type of many similar events which transpired in this region during
the sway of the red man.
There are incidental notices of Cheboygan River during the
time of the French and English war, and also during the terrible
English and French and Indian wars, of which Pontiac was the
leader.
The first settlers in the country located on the Cheboygan
River near its mouth, as stated in the history of Cheboygan village.
As in all this lake country where fishing was engaged in the manufacture of fish barrels was a pioneer industry. Lumbering soon
followed, and some of the early settlers came to work in the mills
and subsequently settled upon land or engaged in other pursuits.
In the summer of 1850, L. P. Riggs settled on Mullet Lake,
and the following year Medard Metivier settled on the same lake.
Peter McDonald came about this time and soon afterward settled upon his firrm in the town of Duncan.
Charles Bellant came about 1852 and worked at lumebering;
then settled upon a farm in the town of Beaugrand. Oliver Beaugrand was also an early settler in the same town which was named
in honor of him.
Adolphus Paquin settled in Duncan, and Charles Brannock
kept the light-house for a time, and then located in Inverness.
William H. Maultbylocated il Inverness, E. E. Dodge, John
LaRue, August Grimm, Sebasti'n Nepot, Michael Shields, Jacob
Wilson and George Laprelle.
John Vincent was also an early settler in Beaugrand.
William  Stewart and William Hudson in Duncan, and Cyril
Legault in Grant were also early settlers.
H. N. Ball, Donald McDougaland Robert Micklejohn were also
early settlers.
7 James Madison Starks was one of the characters of an early
day. He was a native of Virginia, and came to Cheboygan from
the north shore where he had married a half-breed. He was the
first to administer the rite of baptism by immersion in the Cheboygan River. He was in the liabit of immersing his wife about
twice a week, after which he would put her in bed and dry her
clothes by the file. He afterward removed to Wisconsin.
There were two Mormon families among the'early settlers,
named Chessman and Wheelock. The former had five wives, but
the latter was only able to keep one. Chessman moved away and
Wheelock became a permanent resident of the county.
The first grist-mill in the county was built by a man named
Campbell, who came here at an early day, and was in the employ of
the American Fur Company. It afterward fell into the hands of
Michael Douseman, who resided at the time on Mackinac Island.
The mill was located on the south shore, east from Old Mackinaw, on
Douseman's Creek. It ceased running in 1839.
The next mill, and the first after settlement in the county began, was one erected by William  Myers, near the water mill, in
1860.  He obtained the stones, which were French burr, from
Douseman's Creek, where they had lain some time after Douseman's


mill had gone into ruin, and placed them in this mill, and used
them there about five years, when he took them to his mill in 'the
township of Grant.
The first mail route in the county was from  Saginaw to Sault
Ste. Marie, via Cheboygan, established in 1846.


I




-I




[W


t


v


" -,V


PI




-    4


II '                                                              " I''''


aa.k


_




I


I


I




TI




102


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


It took two weeks to make the trip. Dog trains were used as
conveyances.
In 1852 there was a road cut for a tramvway in a direct line
with thle water mill, near the dam, to Duncan Bay. J. W. Duncan sent a number of Swedes from Chicago to work on the road.
They brought the ship fever with them and quite a number of them
died.
In 1858 a road was cut through from Chleboygan to Duncan
Bay, and in 1870 this road was straightened.
THE FIRST LIGHT-HOUSE
was the Cheboygan light, located on the mainland, in the township of Duncan, about one and a half miles from Duncan City, and
opposite to the south point of Bois Blanc Island, and from Old
Fort Mackinac on the mainland northwest by west ~ west sixteen
and three-quarters miles. Latitude north 45 deg., 40 min., 9 sec.,
longitude west 81 deg., 24 min., 86 sec., and marks the east entrance into tile south channel of the straits of Mackinac, which at
this point is three miles wide.  It was constructed in 1851, by
Messrs. Rhodes and Warner, of Ohio, under the superintendence
of Capt. Shook, of the U. S. engineers.
It was a brick round tower, with spiral stairs, resting on stone
foundation, separate from thle dwelling; height about forty feet
from the foundation. William Drew was the first keeper.
On account of water washing away the foundation and rendering the house unsafe, it was taken down and the present one was
constructed.
Clleboygall Light, No. 592, of the list of United States Lights
for 1876, was built in 1859, on the site of thle former one, which
was taken down, being considered unsafe. It is a fixed white light
of thle fifth order of lens, varied by white flashes, one minute and a
half between them. It is visible twelve statute miles distant. The
tower is on the keeper's dwelling, which rests on a stone foundation.
The tower is thirty-tlhree feet high from the base to the focal'plane.
The ligllt itself is thirty-seven feet above the level of the lake.
The arc illuminated is s. w. I w. b. n'd to e. 3 s. The first keeper
of this house was George Lavine. This is the only one in the
county.
THE FIRST UNITED STATES LAND OFFICE
for this region prior to the organization of this county was the
Genesee District land office, and was located at Flint, Mich. In
1855 it was transferred to Duncan. In the winter of 1857 and 1858
the-office, comprising the books, papers and fire-proof safe, were
conveyed on a sleigh to Mackinac Island by Medard Metivier.
From thence the office was some time after removed to Traverse
City, and still later to Reed City.
AN ANCIENT RELIC.
Some time during the year 1881 men working upon thle railroad bed tlhen being constructed, dug up an ancient and interesting relic onl Mill Creek, a short distance from Mackinaw City. It
consists of a piece of thin copper, nine and a half inches square,
upon which is engraved in a rough manner the following inscription:
Here Lieth the Body of
John Annanl Late Corpl
in the 2nd Battnl 60th Regt
Wlho departed this Life feby 10
Anno Domini 1771
Aged 51 years.
There are tlhree lholes ill each edge of the square, which would


indicate tllhat it had been nailed to a board, and it was probably used
in place of a head stone to mark the grave. If it had been used
as a plate on the coffin it would have been deeper in the earth. It
is remarkable that after so long a lapse of time this plate should
be recovered in so good a condition. Unfortunately it was slightly


damaged by being struck with the mattock in the hands of the
workman who dug it up, but it was straiaghtened out so tllat the
inscription is perfectly legible.
The first wheat sown in the county was Nov. 2, 1851. Horatio Nelson Ball sowed wheat sent by J. W. Duncan, of Chicago, on
one and a quarter acres of land, about twelve miles from Cheboygan. The stumps were on the land, and a previous potato crop hlad
been taken off it. The grain was reaped in the following season,
and measured fifty-one bushels and one peck, and was sold to J. W.
Duncan. Mrs. Ball made the first cheese, in 1849 or 1850.
The first brick yard in the county was owned by Joseph Young,
and was located on the cast side of thle river.
Agriculture progresses slowly in a lumbering region, and this
was true in Clieboygan County. For many years there was but little business of any kind carried on in the county. In 1860 the
population of the county was only 517, and but 483 in 1864. Between thaLt year and 1870 the population increased to 2,197, but
the increase wais principally at Chleloygan village. In 1874 the
census sliowed a population of 3,070, alnd in tliat tilne only a few
persons had settled in the fllluinlg districts. II 187 t tle fland in
the eastern part of thle county came into mlarket and settlers began
to come in, and in 17(6;-'77 thle glener;l settlement of the county
began.
In 1874 there were 201 farmns in tile county; number of acres
in farms, 72,196; number of acres of taxable land, 285,352.0(6;
number of acres of improved land, 2,898.
In 1873 the farm products raised in the county were as follows: Bushels of wheat, 1,851; corn, 204; potatoes, 14,900; tons
of hay cut, 1,229; pounds of wool slieared, 745; pounds of lutter
made, 5,390; pounds of maple sugar made, 4,501.
From the statistics of 1881 relating to the farms and farm
products of the state of Michigan, we gather the following statistics
of Cheboygan County: Lands in farms in 1881-Acres improved,
5,909; unimproved, 20,996; total acreage, 26,906; total number of
farms 292, averaging 92.14 acres per farm. This is exclusive of
cities and townships of wllich the reports do not show the number
of farms or acres, Benton Township not being included in the report. The following is the report by townships, showing the number of farms. acres per farm, acres improved, acres unimproved and
the total average:
TOWNSHIPS.       |            k 
Beaugrand......    20   469     1,401 1,870         93 50
Burt"..........    18   251     2,026 2,229        126( 50
Duncan.........    10    579     843 1,422             79
Ellis............   9    59      914    978        108  11
Grant..........    80 2,062     4,894 6,936         86 70
Inverness.......   95 1,854     4,797 6,651         70 01
Munro..........    28   345     3,160 3,505        125 18
Tuscarora.......   24    290    2,982 3,272        136 33
In 1880 there was 193 acres in wlheat, yielding 8,795 bushels;
85 acres in corn, yielding 3,477 bushels of ears; 507 acres in oats,
with a yield of 8,971 bushels; 2,087 acres in grass, yielding 2,023
tons of hay; 3 1-2 acres of barley, 44 bushels yield; 273 acres in
peas, 3,572 bushels yield; 209,083 acres potatoes, yielding, 22,062


bushels. This is exclusive of Benton Township for which no report
is given.
The following is the report of the live stock of the county in
1881, 6 months old and over: Horses, 331; milch cows, 355; cattle
other than milch cows, 375; hogs, 256; sheep, 254; number of


I,)


j


I


L


1^




4-4.


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


103


I


sheep shen red in 1880, 204; yielding 1,345 pounds of wool. The township of Benton is also omitted in this report. This omission makes
a great difference in the showing of the county, especially in horscs,
as most of the extensive lumber operators reside in Benton Township, including McArtlhr, Smith & Co., Thompson Smith and Cheboygan Lumber C mpanv, the heaviest operators in this section.
The population in 1880 was distributed as follows: Beaugrand,
594; Benton, 2,792; Burt, 340; Duncan, 270; Grant, 773; Inverness, 1,027; Munro, 140; Tuscarora, 588.
COUNTX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Fritlly, January, 18, 1878, in response to. a call signed by
some sixty leading farmers and citizens of Cheboygan County, a
meeting was held at the court-house to take steps toward organizing a county agricultural society. The meeting wsas called to
order by Moses W. Horne, and upon motion Rev. Charles P.
Whitecar, at that time pastor of the M. E. Church, was elected
chairman, and C. S. Ramsay, of the Tribunle, secretary. After a
general discussion of the subject, W. Chandler offered a resolution
to the effect that a county agricultural society be organized, and the
resolution was unanimously adopted.
Upon motion a committee of three, consisting of Col. H. G.
Davis, W. S. Humphrey and A. B. Riggs, was appointed to draft
by-laws and constitution and report at an adjourned meeting to be
held two weeks from that day.
Upon motion it was voted that aboard of directors, consisting
of one member from each organized township and three from the village of Cheboygan, should be elected. The following persons were
elected: Benton, Moses W. Home; Inverness, William B. Ellis; Duncan, William Stew rt; Burt, Thomas Crump; Grant, L. K. Weston;
Beaugrand, James Barclay; Tuscarora, E. A. Faunce; Nunda,
Thomas Jamey; village of Cheboygan, Robert Patterson, H. G.
Davis and Watts S. Humphrey.
Friday, February 1, 1878, the adjourned meeting was held, the
attendance being good. W. S. Humphrey, from   the commlittee
appointed the previous meeting on org:lnization, reported articles of
association which were adopted, as was also the constitution as reported by the same gentleman.  After collecting the one dollar
necessary to mlemberisip) from.; large number present, tl.e (lection of officers took pl.cee with tlie following result: Presidentt,
Robert Patterson; vice-president, W. B. Ellis; secretarty, C. S.
Ramsay; treasurer, A. R. Do]lgc; auditing cominitte?, G. 1). V.
Rollo and A. B. Riggs.
Tle first fair, iunJer the auspices of the Cheboygan County
Agricultural Society, was held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and
28, 1878, on the grounds of the Cheboygan Horse Association. The
society had erected a building especially for the anticipated exhibit,
but the result showed that those in charge had greatly underestimated thle amount of room required to accommodate an exhibit of such
magnitude as tle farmers brought in, the building proving too small.
The exhibit was a very encouraging one, the display of fruits, vegetables, grain, etc., being a very finl one, and surprising to many
who attended. Tile display of live stock was good, and atlracted
much attention, the fancy department was attractive and interesting.
There was a total of 151 entries made in classes for which premiums were otfered, il addition to which were a great many entries
made only for the purpose of exhibition, and which added very
much tothe success of the exhibit and to the interest of the fair.


The receipts were just about enough to pay premiums and expenses,
which, considering it was the first fair, was thought to be quite a
success.
At tle annual met ting, held at the court-house, Monday, January 13, 1879, the following officers were elected: President, Robert Patterson; vice-president, Moses W. Home;. secretary, C. S.


I
I
I
I




-


Ramsay; treasurer, H. G. Davis, auditing committee, G. D. V.
Rollo and A. R. Dodge.
At this meeting the time of holding the anUnal fair was changed
from September to the first week in October.
The second annual fair was held in the court-house and on the
grounds adjacent thereto, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 2, 3 and 4, 1879. Notwithstanding the weather was very unpropitious, the display was in some respects an improvement over
the first fair, more particularly in the grain and stock departments.
The wet weather discouraged many from attending, and the membership tickets sold fell considerably below that of the previous year,
and when the board figured up the receipts and expenditures it was
found that financially the fair had not proved a success, and th;lt
only 50 p r cent of the premiums could be paid. The number of
entries was greater than at the first fair, and the exhibit consisted
of a much greater variety.
At the next annual meeting, held Saturday, Febmuary 21, 1880,
tlhe following officers were elected: President, Robert Patterson;
vice-president, Moses W. Home; secretary, Frank Shepherd; treasurer, William  Stewvart; auditors, G. D. V. Rollo and A. R.
Dodge.
The third annual fair was held at thle Cheboygan Driving Park,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, September 29! and 30, and October 1, 1880. Again was the society unfortunate as to weather, the
first two days being very stormy and disag reable. The result was
disastrous as far as the exhilit was concerned, though the articles
exhibited were highly creditable to the county. The races Thursday
and Friday afternoons attracted quite a large attendance, so that
finanmially it was more of a success than the fair of the previous
year, all premiums awarded being paid in full.
At the;annual meeting, held January 10, 1881, the following
officers were elect(d: President, F. M. Sammons; vice-president,
P. H. McDonald; secretary, Frank Shepherd; treasurer, M. W.
Iorne; auditors, W. B. Ellis and C. S. Ramsay.
The fourth annual fair was held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 6, 7 and 8, 1881, nnd as far as the exhibition was concerned was the best that had been given in tle county. The farnmers became interested in the matter and as a consequence every
township in the county but two was represented in thle display, and
the universal verdict was tlht the exhibit would hiave done credit to
many of the older settled and muore populous counties of the state,
and visitors from the southern part of the state compliment the.ociety, the farmers and Cheboygan County on the fine displ;y made
in all departments. But again wet weather was the rule and as a
consequence the attendance was small, so that financi lly the fair
was not so much of a success as it deseived. In accordance with
an amendment to the constitution, adopted at a previous annual
meeting, the election of officers took place on the second day of the
fair with the following result: President, W. S. Humphrey; vicepresident, Thomas Richardlson; secretary, Jacob Walton; treasurer, M. W. Home.
The fifth annual fair was held at Cheboygan Driving Palk,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 18, 19 and 20,- 1882.
The grounds had been especially prepare and everything done to
insure a successful exhibit, but from discouragement at the previous fairs, from tlhe unpropitious weather, or from some other cause,


the farmers of the county did not take the interest in the success of
the fair that they should have done, and che result was the exhibit
was not so good as that of the year previous,; the quality was there
but the quantity was lacking.
The sixth annual fair was held on the grounds of the Driving
Park, September 26, 27 and 28, 1883.
Officers in 1883:  President, Jacob Walton; vice-president,


iI
I
i
i
I




I


-1




t


WC2Y_-      -----




]

J


I




I






104


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


_                       _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~L_~~~~~~


William B. Ellis; secretary, H. J. Miner; treasurer, M. W. Home;
auditors, Frank Shbrheld, E. Z. Perkins.
SCHOOL MATTERS.
The following information is taken from the school inspector's
report of 1883:
Town of Benton: Number of districts, 3; total number of
school children, 1,181; number of school buildings, 3; total indebt
edness, $8,000.
Town of Burt: Number of districts, 5; total number of school
children, 126; number of school buildings, 5; total indebtedness,
$800.
Town of Beaugrand: Number of districts, 3; total number of
school children, 381; number of school buildings, 3; total indebtedness, $1,179.60.
Town of Duncan: Number of districts, 1; total number of
school children, 74; number of school buildings, 1; total indebtedness, $21.
Town of Grant:-Number of districts, 7; total number of
school children, 312; number of school Buildings, 7; total indebtedness, $1,260.94.
Town of Ellis:-Number of districts, S; total number of school
children, 33; number of school buildings, 2.
Town of Inverness: —Number of districts, 4; total number of
school children, 411; number of school buildings, 4.
Town of Mentor: — Number of districts, 5; number of school
children, 70; number of school buildings, 5; total indebtedness,
$875.00.
Town of Munro:- Number of districts, 8; total number of
school children, 122; number of school buildings, 8; total indebtedness, $584.00.
Town of Nunda:-Number of districts, 8; total number of
school children, 54; number of school buildings, 8; total indebtedness, $705.
Town of Tuscarora: -Number of districts, 5; total number of
school children, 215; number of school buildings, 5; total indebtedhess, $1,874.70.
THIE HEMLOCK EXTRACT FACTORY
is situated on Mullet Lake, about seven miles from Clheboygan.
It was formerly owned by Newton, Ellis & Buckingham. It was
built in 1878, burned down in July, 1875, and rebuilt in May, 1876.
It is now owned by Newton & Ellis, and is an important and prosperous industry.
INDIAN VILLAGE
is located on Section 28, Township 36 north, of Range 3 west,
and is in tlhe town of Burt. It was surveyed in the year 1818. In
1849 the state of Michigan purchased of the United States government sections 28 and 29, and it was deeded to the "governor of
Michigan in trust for the Indians of whom Kic-shago-way is chief."
There is a Roman Catholic Church and a school-house at the village.
Their cemetery is near the church.
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS.
In addition to the church organizations mentioned in connection with tile villages, there ale the following:
The Riggsville M. E. Church was duly organized at a meeting
held at Richardson's school-house July 26, 1878. The following
persons were elected trustees: Edward S. Riggs, Samuel Embury,
Henry V. Massey, D. Riggs, A. B. Riggs.
The First Congregational Church of Rondo, town of Mentor,


was duly organized as a corporate body in September, 1883. The
articles or *sec,_i'tion were signed by the following persons: 0. B.
Thurston, Wmin. Bliggs, Giles S. Briggs, C. H. Hoffiman, Emma
Hoffman, Sarah G. Briggs, S. J. Pike, W. H. Briggs, Mariah Briggs,
Mary Briggs.


The First Congregational Church of Wolverine was org;nlized
as a corporate body in September, 1883. The articles of aEsociation were signed by the following pej sons: Allisha Burrows, Geo.
A. Mulholland, Maly A. Roaney, M. E. Roaney, W. W. Caster, C.
J. Brook.
POSTOFFICES.
The names of tile postoffices in Cheboygan County are as follows: Cheboygan, Sova, Ball, Mullet Lake, Riggsville, Topinlabee,
Koehler, In-liau River, Biart Lake, Rondo, Mentor. Wolv, ine,
Mackinlaw City.
CHEBOYGAN LUMBER OPERATIONS, 1883.
Thompson Smitll: Sawed lumber, 26,000,000; on dock, 10,500,000; lath, 10,000,000.
William Smith: Sawed lumber, 7,000,000; lath, 3,000,000.
W. & A. McArthur: Sawed lumber, 14,000,000; on dock, 500;000; lath, 2,000,000; pickets, 30,000.
Southern Michigan Cedar & Lumber Companlly: Sawed lumber, 4,000,000; on dock, 1,000,000; shingles, 8,000,000; shingles
on dock, 1,000,000.
Quay & Son: Sawed shingles, 2,500,000.
J. B. McArthur: Sawed lumber, 7,500,000; onl dock, 1,000,000.
Nelson & Bullen: Sawed lumber, 20,000,000; onl dock, 2,000,000; lath, 2,000,000.
Young & Co.: Sawed lumber, 2,500,000; on dock, 700,000.
Mattoon, Ogden & Co.: Sawed, 8,500,000; onI dock, 1,200,000.
There are also a few smlall miils in tlhe county not included in
this list that would slightly increase tlhe aggregate product for
the year.
CHAPTER XIV.
VILLAGE OF CHEBOYGAN.
LOCATION OF VILLAGE-EARLY HISTORY —ORIGIN AND HISTORY ()F THE
BUSINESS OF W. & A. MCARTHUR —BEGINNING OF GENERAL BUSINESS —CHEBOYGAN CHURCHES —SCHOOL HISTORY —SECRET ORDERS
— CHEBOYGAN NEWSPAPERS —INCORPORATION OF TE l VILLAGECHEBOYGAN POST OFFICE —BANKING-HOTELS —MISCELLANEOUS
INDUSTRIES-DUNCAN CITY —HISTORY OF THOMIPSON SMIITH'S OPERATIONS.
Cheboygan village is tlhe county seat of Cheboygan County.
It is situated onl the south shore of Lake Huruin. at the mouth of
the Cheboygan River, and near Duncan Bay, whicll affords a( safe
harbor for vessels in stormy weatlher. It is distant frCmln Mat kinac
Island eighteen miles, and from Detroit 332 miles, and from Chicago 358 miles.
The village is built on a plain which has a gradual ascent back
from the lake affording pleasant building sites.
The village lies in full view of a large expanse of Lake iHuron,
Directly opposite is the island of Bois Blanc, which stretclhes in a
direction parallel with the main shore for a distance of fifteen miles.
Between the shore of the mainland and the island tlhe water channlel has an average width of seven milus, and forms the south passage of the Straits of Mackinaw. This is the most direct chlannel
connecting the waters of Lake Huron with those of Lake Michiigan.
With the numerous vessels usually in sight a most mnaglificent


view is formed. In front stretches the white beach of Bois Blanllc,
with a background of dense evergreens, the tall pines and hlenilocks
standing in bold relief against the sky. The atmosphere is usually
very transparent, and sometimes a mirage is formed by- which a
counterpart of the island appears floating in the air, weaving fan

1


I


re)


I 


44=-P


4 - ---- ----                  -- --- - -- - - - -
1    -- I  -     - 


r

-. l        -


4






RES.& STORE OF J. C. GLENN, EAST, JORDAN CHARLEVOIX CO.MICH.


BOYNE CITY UNION      SCHOOL, COR. PARK & MAIN ST~
ERECTED A. D. 1883. M. 0. COOK. ARCHITECT.








.a.
II
I


I 
a



THE TRAVERSE REGION.


105


tastic shapes, and waving linea. of reflected objects which assume
constantly changing forms, or slowly disappear. By this optical
illusion passing vessels appeal voyaging in the air, and the distant
trees, cut midway in two, vanish slowly away as if their brancles
had become feathered wings. To the right is Dancan Bay, with its
fine harbor and projecting docks, which are loaded with piles of
lumber. The tall smoke-stacks of the mills roll out the murky
breath of the hungry furnaces, whicl, after the manner of such,
devour sawdust with an appetite that would astonish Vulcan himself. Away to the left in a northwesterly direction, just beyond the
extremity of Bois Blanc, tower the outlines of -Mackinaw Island.
On a clear day the snow-white walls of the fort and its buildings
may be clearly seen, with the heights of Fort Holmes and Robinson's Folly as a background, while further to the left is the narrow
passage of the Straits.
EARLY HISTORY.
The first visit to any part of Cheboygan County that is connected with subsequent history was made in July, 1845, by Jacob
Sammons and Moses W. 'Horne, who came over to Cheboygan in a
sail-scow called the " Bunker Hill," commanded by Captain Moses
Nason. They went up the river a little ways and cut a pine tree,
from which they made staves and took them to Mackinac. That
was the first pine tree ever cut in the county as far as known.
The first settlement was made in the spring of 1846, when
Jacob Salmmons brought his family and settled in a house lie had
built on what is now Water Street, between First and Second
Streets.
Mr.'Sanmmons was born near Syracuse, N. Y., in the year 1804.
In 1833 lie removed to Chicago, and remained there until 1841,
wlen lie removed to Mackinac, where lie carried on the business
of coopering.
Soon after Mr. Samm`ons' family were settled, Alexander McLeod arrived, and built a log-house twelve feet square, covered
with hollow logs. There were two brothers, A. and R. McLeod,
who came from the State of New York for the purpose of lumbering, bringing with them men, machinery, tools, etc.
The" Bunker Hill" was tlhe first sailing vessel coming into
the Cheboygan River.
The first cooper was Mr. Sammons, who established his shop
wheI) lie first settled here, in 1816, near his house on Water Street.
Mr. Sammons had employed for him M. W. Home, Anson Delmadge, Jamen Starkley and others. The first named, Moses W.
Horne, made the first fish barrels in the county in 1846.
There was a blacksmith shop opened in 1846 by two men
named Ring and Marble, who remained here but a short time.
One of tlese men, Ring, and perhaps both, were engaged in the
nefarious business of manufacturing counterfeit coin, ten and fifty
cent pieces. Mr. Medard Metivier saw the apparatus they used
when discovered. They did not stay very long, but left for parts
unknown.
Peter Ln Belle was the first blacksmith who worked at this
branch of industry in the county, in 1848. His shop was owned
by Alexander McLeod, and stood on the west side of Main Street
below  Thir I Street, near the corner. It was afterwards torn
down.
The first saw-mill in the county was built in the winter of


1846-'47, by A. and R. McLeod, some ten rods above the present
McArthur Mill. It had two old-fashioled upright saws set in
frames and a lath-mill attached to it. It cut in its best days from
ten to fifteen thousand feet of lumber in twenty-four hours.
Mr. Sammons continued the coopering business until 1848.
In the winter of 1848-9 he and Peter McKinley built the first steam
saw-mill hlere. It was situated at the mouth of the liver and liad


two upright saws, capable of cutting from eight to twelve thousand
feet of lulber in twenty-four hours. It was kept in running order
for ollly a few years and then allowed to go into decay.
In 1853 Mr. Sammons moved to Mullet Lake and engaged in
farming. In 1855 lie was appointed keeper of the light-house,
which position lie retained about two years. He died Oct. 27,
1859. His wife died June 15, 1874. The children born to them
were Francis M. Sylvester, Sarah, Mary, Imogene, two daughters
nAmed Martha, one of whom died before the other was born, Elsie
L., John C., Jacob and Charles. Seven are yet living.
The first child born in the county was Martlla Jane, daughter
of Jacob and Chloe Sammons, Feb. 8, 1847.
The first ship carpenter was John Vincent, who located liere
soon after Mr. Sammons. He built the first vessel of any kind
built here, which was a sloop-rigged scow, called at that time the
" Elizabeth," constructed in 1847, by John Vhncent, for Alexander
McLeod & Co., for use in constructing the dam up near the water
mill, and was afterward purchased by Captain H. F. Todd, and
refitted into a craft to sail on the lakes.
The next was a schooner-built scow, named the " D. R. Holt,"
length eighty-four feet keel, twenty-two and one-half feet beam,
and six feet hold, constructed in 1848, also by John Vincent, for
A. R. McLeod & Co. Its first cargo was twenty-eight cords of
stone from Cheneaux for Waugosllance light-house.
The first steamboat touching at Cheboygan was the " Stockman," in 1851. About the same time it brought over a pleasure
party from Mackinac Island and landed at Duncan. The first
steamboat that entered the Cheboygan River was the " Columbia,"
Captain Pratt, in 1851. It ran from Sault Ste. Marie to Green
Bay. It brought three cows, one for M. W. Horle and two for
M. Metivier. These were the first cows in the county.
The first marriage in the county and village was Alexander
McLeod, Esq., to Miss Catharine Barron, in Anlgust, 1850, by
Jacob Sammons, Justice of the Peace, in the log house of John
Vincent, located then on Main Street, nearly opposite where Nelson & Bnllen's store now stands.
Doubtless the next marriage that occurred was tlat of Hiram
L. Burr, to Miss Martha Dodge, in the same year or not long after.
The "ceremonies" were held in the " Globe" boarding-house, conducted by Alexander McLeod, justice of the peace, who asked the
couple "if they wanted to get nmrlied real bad?"  They replied
that they did. " Then," said "his Honor," "I pronounce you
man and wife," and that was about all there was of the "cerellony."
The first village street through the villag( was Main Street,
which was laid out in the year 1850. The road prior to this time
ran near the river, about where the Benton House, Fountain
House, M. W. Home's residence, and Bullen & Nelson's store now
are, and thence to the water mill.
The first bridge below the dam across the river was built in
1850, by Messis. Duncan & McLeod. In 1862 a swing bridge was
built at Third Street by J. F. Watson and F. M. Sammons.
Port of entry was established at Duncan in 1866, by act of
Congress passed June 20, 1866, with Levi Chapman as deputy
collector. The office was changed in 1876 to Cheboygan, since
which time C. S. Ramsay has been deputy collect( r.
The old wharf out in the lake at the mouth of the river, was
constructed in 1861, by F. M. Sammons, H. F. Todd and George


Stevenson, contractors, for Harrison Averill. Some time after
one midnight, a part of it floated off while full of wood, with Mr.
Stevenson on it, and thus lie became captain by the necessities of
tlhe case, though doubtless lie had no certificate as such. He soon
discovered a boat attached to his "ark," so lle took it and made




-


I r




I


-


L


I -




a


a
I"


II


-d            t.


m _ 


- fu -


106


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


for the shore and waked up the people, who went oat and saved
most of the wood. The remains landed at Dunean. The dock
was rebuilt in 1868, by F. M. Sammons, and made somewhat
larger. In the spring of 1876 it followed the example of its predecessor, floated off and went ashore at Duncan.  It afterward
went to pieces. A part of the roof is used as a roof for a small
dwelling-house near the river.
The first tug to enter Cheboygan River was the Frank C.
Ferro, owned by Charles Bellant, Captain Clark, Zachariah Lawrence, engineer, in the year 1867. It carried passengers as well
as towed vessels. It was the first boat to go above the locks, to
Vorce & Barker's mill, in 1870, and then returned. It was the
first tug belonging to a resident of this county.
The first steamboat connection made regularly with Cheboygan was the side-wheel steamer Marine City, in 1869; John Robinson, captain; James Reed, engineer; C. A. Chamnberlin, clerk, and
Alf Welfalne, steward. It sailed then between Cleveland, Detroit
and Mackiilac Island, touching here each way.
The first deaths in the county and village were Emma Jane
and Martha, daughters of Jacob and Chloe A. Sammons, the first
Nov. 25, the last, Dec. 12, 1816, both by small pox, when quite a
number of persons died of the same lisease.
The first cemetery was located in 1846, on Water Street, on
lot No. 41 of Jacob Sammons' plat of Cheboygan village, in the
rear of the lot on the southwveit corner of Water and Third
Streets.
The remains of Jacob Sammons, his.two children, Martha
and Emmna Jane, a wife of Alonzo Cheeseman, and others were
buried there.
The first shoemaker was James Triggs, in 1852. His shop
was on the river shore, nearly opposite where Mr. Horne's house
nlow stands.
The first fire was a story and a half dwelling which belonged
to and was occupied by Cyril and Stanislaus Lepault anld family,
situated on the east side of Cheboygan River, one mile above the
site of the present water mill, which was burned down in May,
1850. Loss about $700, destloying everything.
ORGANIZATION OF BUSINESS FORCES.
We come now to speak of the real origin of permanent progress and prosperity in Cheboygan, and of the organization of the
forces which Lave given shape and direction to its career.
It is often the case that the projectors of enterprises which
afterward are developed into important magnitudes, are compelled
by death or other causes to leave their work before the harvest
time has been reached. This was true of Cheboygan.
As already mentioned on preceding pages, the first mill built
here was erected by A. & R. MIcLeod in 1846-'47.  This was the
water mill which stood above the present mill of W. & A. McArthur.
These gentlemen built a dam and secured large tracts of land and
planned for extensive lumbering operations. They also built the
docks at Duncan Bay. Subsequently, the MoLeods were succeeded
by the firm of J. W. Duncan & Co. Thle upright saws in the
water mill were changed to muley saws and a siding mill added to
the main building. In 1853 a large mill was completed at Duncan.  In 1854 Mr. Duncan died, and after a year or two the
estate went into court and busi.ness operations ceased.
For the next ten years there was practically no progress.


Nothing occurred to warrant a hope that a business center might
sometime be built up at the mouth of th river. It Wts not in the
natural order of things, however, that so favorable a location for
business operations slhould remain permanently unimproved; and
it did not.
John R. McArthur, Lucius Southwick, Geo. W. Swan and


John F. McDonald were residents of Livingston County, New
York, and in the spring of 1865 visited Cheboygan for the purpose
of examining the property of the Duncan estate.  Whe result of
their investigation was a purchase of the property which conbited
of 14,000.atres of pine land, the water mill, tlhe mill, buildlings,
and property at Duncan and land about the mouth of the Cheboygan River.
The firm wIas organized under the title of McArthur, Southwick & Co., and consisted of the four men lheretofore mentiolned.
Aftt.r the completion of the purchase, Messrs. McAitlJutr and(
Swan returned loome, while Messrs Southwick and McDonald remained to carry on operations here.  They repaired the mill and
dam, built a shingle-mill and began the manufacture of lumb(r
and shingles. This was the beginning of a permanent foundation
of Cheboygan.   It will be observed that as the organizati.on of
this industry became perfected, the various elements of a business center combined, and by 1869 the village began to take
shape and grew rapidly.
In July, 1866, William McArthur purchased Mr. Southwick's
interest.  This gentleman was a son of John R. McArtiiur, and
an extensive contractor on public works. He resided at this time
at Mt. Morris, N. Y. During the fall of 1866, a portion of the
property, consisting of about 1,200 acres of land, including the
DunIcan property and some in the village, was sold to Messrs.
Sanford Baker, Archibald Thompson and Robert Patterson, and at
this point the history of Duncan diverges.
In 1867 Ward B. McArthur, a nephew of Jolhn R. McArthur,
and at that time a merchant in McHenry County, Ill., purchased a
part of John F. McDonald's interest.
During 1867 they organized the Cheboygan Slack Water Navigation Company under an act of legislature passed Marlch 25th of
that year.  They beganll the construction of their works in 186;8,
and completed them in 1869.   They consist of a canal eighteen
feet wide and eighty feet long, with a lift of nine feet.  The tolls
of the first year of its operation were $1,500.  This was one
of the most importrnt improvements that has been made in the
county.
About this time and prior to the canal improvement, William
Smith, of Westfield, N. Y., purlchased the interest of John R.
McArthur and Geo. W. Swan, and Geo. W. Cuylcr, of 'Palmyra,
N. Y., purchased the remaining interest of Jolhn F. McDoilald.
The firm was reorganized under tlhe title of McArtlhur, Smith &
Co. During 1868 a new saw-mill was built, with a capacity of
about ten million feet of lumber a season.  Since that time various improvements have been made and the capacity considerably
increased. The product of the mill ranges from twelve to sixteen
million feet of lumber a season.
In 1869 the shingle-mill was changed to a grist-mill whihl is
still inll operation.
In 1870 Archibald McArthur a brother of William, purchased
a part of William Smith's interest.  Tlhe next clhnge in tlie p'rsoltnel of the firm was occasioned by thle deaths of Messrs. Smith
and Cuyler.  After the death of tlie former his interest was represented by his sons, C. R. and Wdlliim, to whom it was beqleathled
by will. Charles R. Smith also owned an individual interest.
In 1875-'76 the dock and warehouse business was started.
This is still continued, and is an importhnt factor, not only il the
operations of the firm, but in the general business of the village.


The firm deal largely in coal, salt, liree, wood, etc., and furjish as
good dockage facilities as are found on the lakes,
In 1879 occurred the death of Ward B. McArthur, and in
June, 1882, William and Archibald McArthur purchased the entire business, and the firm changed to W. & A. McArthur.


- VA


-I 1


I


F = 


W-40


J




I


4-    i


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-1


~r


I -




__


I~


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


107


During these years pine lands have been purchased, and the
energies of the firm directed to the improvement of their interests,;ind to aiding in the general progress of the village. In 1870 a
large store building was erected a and an extensive mercantile business established. Dwellings and other buildings have been erected
from time to time, and in 1881 upwards of twenty buildings lelong
to the property of the firm, constituting a very important part of
tile village in which they are located.  Tile firm have an extensive
lumber yard in Chicago, in charge of Archibald McArthur, who
resides in that city.
Such is a brief sketch of a great industry which must be regarded as the parent of Cheboygal, and which has infused life and
vigor through all the veins and arteries of progress during nearly
a score of years.
A glance at the j,'r.onn'l of these firms is proper in this connection. John R. McArthur 'was of Highland Scotch descent, and
a native of Cooperstown, N. Y. His principal business was that of
contractor on public works, but lie was also interested in lumbering
-and farnning. His residence at thl time lie acquired interests at
Cheboygan wAls at Mt. Molrris.  He died in 1870, at Rochester,
N. Y.
Lucius South wick was a prominent grain dealer in Livingston
County, N. Y., and was at tlhe head of the society of Shakers.
John F. McDonald is still a resident of Cheboygan, and is
mentioned elsewhere in this work.
William  McArthur, resident member of the firm, was born in
Steuben County, N. Y., but most of his early life was spent at Mt.
Morris. At the age of twenty-one years lie began his business
career at getting out timber for the New York market. At the
time lie purchased an interest in the business at Cheboygan, he had
1eenl for several years a contractor on public works, and in company
witlh two brothers still carries on that business, the firm  being
McArthur Bros. This firm. has carried on extensive operations,
builing railroads and other public works. As already stated he
lprchase(l an interest here in 1866, but did not remove here witl
his family till 1873. Since that time he has given his personal
attention to the management of operations at this point. He is a
man of thorough business discipline, aud pursues a liberal policy in
matters which affect the public welfare. His enterprise is manifested in many public improvements which he has carried out
either individually or in behalf of the firm. The buildings and
property of the firm  not only bespeak excellent business management but are of a character that reflect credit upon the community.
Ward 1]. McArtllhur (lied Dec. 11, 1879, leaving a wife and
seven children. He was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., Oct. 11,
1823. In 1818 lie located in Chemung, Ill., where lie engaged in
business, and was a prominent citizen of the place. In 1867 he
became interested in the business at Cleboygan as already stated,
and for several years was the only member of the firm who remained liere winters. In 171 lie built his residence, which at
that time was the finest in the place.
Archibald McArthur was born at Mr. Morris, N. Y., and p:evious to becoming a paitner in this business was in business with
his brother William. He removed to Chicago from New Jersey,
where lie hadl been engaged on public works, and now attends to
the lumltr yard and interests of the firm in that city.


In the year 1869 the various professional and business interests
of a village began t) be represente.l here. The medical profession
had a epresu ntative in Dr. A. M. Gerow, who located here in 1868.
The legal profession was represented by D. R. Joslin, George W.
Bell and Watts S. Humphrey, who settled here in the spring of
1869. The march of progress, however, was not rapid, and as late


as 1874 the population of the entire county was only 8,070. The
village at this time wls as unpromising in appearance as could be
imagined. Uncouth and unkempt it straggled along the river and
gave no promise of the Cleboygan of 1884.
The firbt millinery store was opened by Mrs. A. J. Rogers, in
May, 1867, on Main Street, below Second.
The first jewelry store was opened by A. Fexer, in May,
1868.
The first harness shop was op(-,td by H. Tuttle, in 1871.
August Rosenblad was the first tailor, in 1868.
The first barber shop and gents' furnishing store were opened
by M. J. Kesseler, in the spring of 1869.
The first drug store was opened by Dr. A. M. Gerow and F.
M. Sammons, in July, 1869.
The first sidewalk and board fence was constructed in the
summer of 1869, by W. W. Stroll, in front of his house, on the
northwest corner of Main and Division Streets, being a strip along
Main Street of eighty-eight feet in length.
The first planing-mill was built in 1871, by Kemp & Long.
The first dentist was A. L. Curtis, who came iere in 1871.
The first hardware store was opened by J. F. Hall, in May,
1872.
The telegraph office was opened in August, 1872. C. W.
Farr was then and is now the operator.
The first flour and feed store was opened in 1873 by George
P. Langdon.
The first furniture store was started in 1873, by Curtis Abel.
The first buick building was built in 1874, at a cost of $8,000.
Street lamps were established and first lighted in May, 1876.
The first livery stable was started in 1873, by Palmer &
Kephart.
The ordinance directing sidewalks to be built was passed by
the council June 17, 1871.
The harbor improvt eents to en;able steamers and vessels navigating the lakes, to approach the village through Cheboygan River,
were began in 1870, in accordane with acts of Congress, and appropriations made for the same. In June, 1870, the survey was
made by General Cram, and the dredging was commenced under the
superintendence of Roys J. Cram.    These improvements are
continued. The channel has now a width of about two hundred
feet.
INCORPORATION UNDER A VILLAGE CHARTER.
In 1871, by special act of legislature, fractional Sections 26,
30, 31 anl(l 32, in fractional Township 88 north, of Range 1 west,
was constituted a village. In 1875 it was re-incorporated under a
general law of 1873, but some portions of the law having been declared unconstitutional, the village went back to its original charter.
In 1877, however, it was re-incorporated under the general law of
1875.
The first charter election in the village was held May 9, 1871,
at which time 115 votes were cast. The first officers were as follows:   President, W. P. Maiden, M. D.; recorder, H. H. Kezar;
trustees: Ward B. McArthur, David Smith, Paul R. Woodard,
James N. Reiley, Charles Bellant, Ephraim  Nelson; treasurer,
Lo enzo Backus; assessor, S. Legault; marshal, Peter Paquin, who
seived for two months, then resigned, and M. W. Horne was appointed for and served the balance of the term.


Presidents of the village for the several years since 1871 have
been as follows:  1872, A. P. Newton; 1873, A. P. Newton; 1874,
John McKay; 1875, A. P. Newton; 1876, A. P. Newton; 1877,
W. W. Strohn; 1878, W. W. Strohn; 1879, J. J. Brown; 1880,
James W. McDonal l; 1881, James W. McDonald;- 1882, James
W. McDonald.


I.1


I


_e


-


'II,




__A        9     I


uld —


1


6
~;.


11,
a -


f

- --


108




k


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




Officers in 1888-'84: President, George E. Frost; trustees,
Watts S. Humphrey, W. E. Smyth, H. A. Blake, R. Robinson, J.
B. McArthur, T. T. Van Arsdale; marshal, Howard Lynn; clerk,
C. J. Hunt; treasurer, J. E. Cueny; attorney, George W. Bell.
GEORGE E. FROST, president of Cheboygan village in 1883-'84;
was born at Pontiac, Mich., in 1851. He studied law in Detroit,
and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He remained there engaged
in practice until May, 1879, when lie removed to Cheboygan and
established himself in the practice of law, which lie successfully
continues. In the spring of 1883 he was elected president of the
village, and re-elected in the spring of 1884, being the first Republican ever elected to that office. He has held the office of circuit
court commissioner, and at the present time is United States
commissioner for tile Eastern District of Michigan. Mr. Frost is a
young man of recognized ability and integrity, and already occupies
a prominent position at the bar and in the community.
CHEBOYGAN POSTOFFICE.
A postoffice was first established at Clieboygan in 1846, and was
named Duncan. It retained that name until 1870, when it was
changed to Cheboygan.   The first postmaster was R. McLeod.
Since Mr. McLeod, the postmasters have been Bela Clhapman,
Medard Metivier, Lorenzo Backus, W. M. Belot.te, Francis Sammons, C, A. Brace, John Ford and Geoige P. Humphrey, the
)resent incumbent.
The first mail route in the county, was the Saginaw and Sault
Ste. Marie. During the winter months dog trains were used to
convey the mlail.
GEORGE P. HUMPHREY, postmaster at Cheboygan, is a native of
Perry, Wyoming County, N. Y. At an early aglie e removed with
his parents to Michigan, and settled near Lansing. He lemained
in that vicinity ultil 1862, when lie enlisted in Company A,
Twentieth Michigan Infantry. In September, 1864, he was taken
prisoner amid was an inmiate of Saulsbury prison until March, 1865.
The following June lie received his discharge and letiined home.
The following year lie took a position in the register's office of
Ingiham County, where he remained until tIle spring of 1870, when
lie came to Clieboygan, his brother Watts S. Humphrey having
settled there a year previous. For abdut two years after coming
hlere, he was engaged hunting pine lands. From 1876 to 1881, he
carried on business at the dock, now Baker's dock. In June, 1882,
lie received the appointment of postmaster. His family consists of
a wife and three children.
BANKING INTEREST.
In the spring of 1875, Mr. G. V. D. Rollo came to Cheboygan
from Cincinnati, and engaged in the banking business. W. F.
De Puyv was associated with him until some time in 1878, aiid the
style of the firm was G. V. D. Rollo & Co., until Mr. De Puy sold
out, when it was changed to Rollo & Hitchcock. In February,
1882, that firm was succeeded by the Cheboygan Banking Company,
which has since carried on business. In 1883-'81 this company
erected a fille brick building, two stories in height, at the corner of
Main and Division Streets, for its use. This building is the finest
of any yet erected in the village, and is a great improvement to the
appearance of the principal street. The cappings are of stone,
and the designi is an attractive specimen of modern architecture.
HOTELS.
The first stopping place for travelers at Cheboygan, was the


old boarding-house built by Messrs. A. and R. McLeod, for the
men working in their mill. It was given the name of "Globe
House."  About in 1851, Oliver Paquette kept a hotel in a small
building on Main Street, opposite the present store of Nelson &
Bullen. The first building designed and kept as a hotel, was built
by Medard Metivier in 1854, and called the Cheboygan House. It


was kept by Mr. Metivier about two years. Since that time it has
expelienced many changes, and is now a p.trt of the Spencer House.
The Grand Central is the leading commercial hotel in the
village, at the present time. It was built by C. Mills, and kept by
him until the summer of 1882, when the property was purchased
by J. M. French, who for some time had kept a popular resort
house near the city of Detroit. The Grand Central is a three
story frame building well arranged for hotel purposes.
There are also the Benton, Cass, American, Fountain City and
other smaller hotels in the village. A new brick hotel is being
erected il 1881.
The first castings made in the county were made by Mr. H. A.
Blake, in a shop connected with the saw-mill of Watson & Blake,
in the year 1870. Not long afterward, Messrs. Blake & Perry
started a foundry and machine shop oil Main Street. About four
months after the business was started, Mr. Blake purch ised Mr.
Perry's interest, and has carried on the business alone since that
time, increising the capacity of his works as business has demai nded.
Murray & R Ii   1 also carry on a, foundry and nmaclhie shop,


0^fl  OXSI


I
I
I.1 I


I




Ir,2
F


GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL.


started by J. N. Perry, in 1873. Murray & Rich succeeded Mr.
Perry in the fall of 1882.
The boiler works of William Hess were built by him in 1880,
and are in successful operation, giving employment to about twenty
men.
In 1869 or 1870 SLtton Bros. built a mill above thie dam and
operated it for a time. It was, afterward ownedl by Williiam Smith.
After his death it was operated by C. R. Smithl, until 1882, when
it burned. Shortly afterward a new mill was built by William
Smith, and is now operated by him.
Maittoon, Ogden & Co., a:nd Young & Co. also hIlve mills a
short dist nce from tihe village.
The Novelty Works of A. R. Thaycr were built in the spring of
1883, and are in successful operation.
The South Michigan Cedar ammd Lumber Conmpany was organized in the fall of 1881, and their saw-mill built in the winter of
1882-'83. The mill is located in thie town of Beaugrand, and its
annual product is about six million feet of lumlber and about the
same number of shingles. Time company also deal in fence posts
and railroad ties. W. J. Watson is secretary and treasurer of the
company. The headquarters of the company are at Cbheboygan
village.
The saw-mill of thie Cheboygan Lumber Company is situated
near the mouth of the liver, and was built in 1880. This company
succeeded the firm of Bullen & N. Ison in 1879. W. H. Bullen is
president; E. Ntlson, secretary and treasurer.
The planing-mill of Smith & Adams, one of the most extensive establishments of its kind in this part of the state, was built in
thle fall of 1881, by the present owners. It is located on the lake


I_.


w 'li? 1:1= Ir.




6!
3


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION


109


sllore, in thle village of Cheboygan, and furnishes employment to an
average of twenty men. Smith & Adams are also proprietors of
tile North Shore line of boats, and own the propellors Messenger
and A. C. Van Raalte.
There are a large number of smaller industries which contribute to the general prosperity of the place.
BREWING COMPANY.
Tile Northern Brewery, located at Cllheboygan, is one of the important and prosperous industries of that part of Michigan. The
business was established in January, by J. F. Maloney and Patrick
Maloney, under the firm namne of J. F. Maloney & Bro. They
purchased tile ground and erected the buildings necessary for their
business. They manufacture about forty barrels of beer a day, but
aire soon to enlarge their works in order to meet the rapidly increasing denlands for their beer, which already has a wide reputation
for its excellence, and is a favorite in tile market. The proprietors
are men who lhave had extensive business interests in northern
Michigan.   Both are natives of Ireland, and emigrated to this
country in 1857. In 1867 James F. Maloney started in thle grocery
business in Detroit, having worked his way along in the world from
d,t- labor a(t whatever offered itself. In 1875 he came to Cheboy"an and opened a grocery store. Sometime later he was joined by
Ilis brother Patrick Maloney. They also traded along the shlore,
and had three stores and an interest in a bottling works at Au
Sable. They had an kIterest in two boats which were employed in
trlade. Upon starting their brewery, they retired from the grocery
business. They are enterprising and thorough business men, and
lire destined to build lup an extensive industry advantageous to
themselves and important to the locality in which it is situated.
Tlhe growth of the village since 1880 has been very rapid. The
ce1insus of that year gives 2,792 population in the village and town,
and in 1881, a population of 5,000 is claimed, Permanlent ilmprovements are being malde, and the future of tile village is most
p   lomising. For the fiscal yeatr ending June 80, 1880, the customs
receipts were $1,808.85, and for 1883, they were $6,519.23.
The opening of railroad communication in 1882, by thle extension of the Jackson, Lansing   & Saginaw Road to Mackinaw
City, was an' important event il tile history of the village, and gave
it new impetus to its prosperity.
CHURCH HISTORY.
ST. MARY S CATHOLIC CHURCtH.
The history of St. Mary's congregation comprises three
periods.  1st, from  1852 to 1859 it formed a station; 2d, from
1859 to 1868 it forined at mission; 3d, frol   1868 to tile present
tinme it ihas constituted a parish.
Tlhe first Roman Caitholic services were lleld inl 1852, bv Rev.
A. 1). J. Piret, who said lnass in tile house ownled by Charles Bellant, whicl, stood oni what is inow the southwest corner of Third
and Water Streets, directly opposite the Benton House.
Fathier Piret was at Belgian by birthl and was then residing at
Mackinac Island. He was the first priest to die and be buried in
Chlleoyg an. There were but four or five families here at tile time
of hlis first visit, but besides these were a number of young men
working in the mill who attended services.
After this time Rev. Angelles VanPamel, an Indian missionary
came over from Lit.e  Traverse Village. Once lie was accompainled


by Rev. Bishop Le Fevre, of Detroit, and tin Indian chief and.
twenty other Indians from Little Traverse, at which time he said
mass anld baptized several children in the house of Philip O'Brien,
on the farm owned by Peter McDonald.
Father N. L. Lriffratll also visited here and wais succeeded by
Father P. B. Murray.


I




Thle first attempt at building a house of worship resulted in
thle erection of a frame which, after a struggle witll tle elements,
was finally blown down aud removed across the river to a lot on
Peter McDonald's farm, where thle effort to provide a house of
worship was made successful.   This building is still standing, a
relic of tlie past.
In 1859 St. Mary's congregation became a mission, numbering
at this time about tilirty-five families; Father Murray wals resident
priest at Mackillac Island, and was frequently conveyed to and from
Cheboygan by Medard Metivier, nlow -a resident of Chllboygan village. He wits succeeded by Fatlhle Zorn.
The first church bell hunl    and used ill tile county  was
brought hlere by Father Murray and put up ol thle cllhapel.
In October, 1868, thle cong(retgatioln havilng increased to about
seventy families, besides its part of tile floating population, Rev.
Charles L. De Ceiuninck wais appointed its first resident pastor, land
tile congregation became ia parish. As soon as Father De Cenllinck
was well settled here lie set about workigi for tlie erection of a nlew
church edifice, tlhe old ole being much too small, besides beilng too
far relloved from tile center of population. Several sites were proposed ad ll muchll discussion indulged ill as to their respective merits;
among others a two-acre lot offereLd Land properly deeded by McArthur, Smith & Co. lmet withl so much favor alnd ground was broken
upoll tile samie; still the site of the cornler of Fifth and. Church
streets prevailed, and ill 18t9) the present churchl edifice was beguni
and gradually carried forward to completion as tile means of thle
congregation would permit. The buildin,, wais 55)x100 feet in size
aside from tile vestibule and sauctuary. It was considercl   a wild
undertaking at tile time and wLas strongly protested agaisllt, onl thle
ground tl;t tlhe congregation would never require so large a place
of worship. Stibsequellt history, however, confirtms tile wisdom of
tile paLstor ill prepAring at clhurch e-lifice adapted to thle future necessities of thle congreg(atioln.
Ill 1875 Flather D)eCeunick  wi1s succeeded by Rev. John Vani
Gennlip, whose piet-y and zeal are \ell r1temembered. Inl 1881 lihe
erected ta school building anld a house for thle Sisters. In tlie fall of
that year St. Mary's scllool was opened'l under directio    ( of the
Sisters.
In1 February, 18t2, Father VainGellnlip was succeeded by Rev.
Peter J. Desrlt dt, whlo ill tlie fall of 1882 ladded tswo nlew and large
roomlis to the school,,ivingl tlie buildlil a seating capacity of 320
pupils.
Wheni thle first churcll waLs built a burial grolllld was set apart
for thle members of the conlgregation ill tle imllnediate vicinity of
tlhe chlapl. When tile new clhurch was erected, a new gronrod was
procured, but it wa[s found unlldesirable, llnd in 1874 a new ground
of six acres was obtained b1y donationi, Clarles Bellanlt giving three
acres, Peter McDonil two acres and David Htudsonll one acre. This
was properly platt(d, and on November 15, 1874, blessed anId dedicated to Cath.lic lburial.
Rev. Peter J. Desmedt, thle present pastor, was lolrn ill Oostnieuwkeske, West Flanders, Belgium, Novemllber 8, 1844. In 1870
lie enligrated to America; was first loca;ted at Lexinigton, Mikchigan.
Subsequently lie was located at Detroit, \Newport and Hubbardlston.
In February, 1882, he came from tile ]:itter place to Cheboygan.
Father Desmedt is a gentleman of scholarly alttailnments, liberal
views, and is extremely popular as a citizen of tile communllllity.


METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Thile First Methodist Episcopal church of Cheboygan was organized October 19, 1868, b)y Rev. V. G. Boyingt-on, presiding
elder of Grand Traverse district, at which timle a board of trustees
was elected and the necessary business tor the formal organization
of a church was transacted. A class had been formed on the 17th




I, eI
el  9


I                                  II                   ll    I III                 I - - - -   - - - - -  - -


I...A                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  - 




-,I
4 — "


I -


0i




110)


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


of the same month by Rev. William Riley, whlich consisted of five
members, viz: William Riley, F. A. Riley, Arthur M. Gerow,
~Lewis Weston and M. J. Weston, after which ten others were
added, viz: Charles Page, Chloe A. Rice, Barbara A. Buel, Samuel Embury, Almeda Embnuy, Sophia Schwartz, H. V. Massey,
Margaret H. Massey, A. D. Farmer an1 H. P. Fanner. The first
hoard of trustees was composed of William Riley, A. M. Gerow
and F. M. Sammons.
The first building committee was composed of F. M. Sammons, R. Patteison and M. W. Horne. This committee was appointed Aug. 7, 1869. During this year the upright building of
the parsonage was completed.
In August, 1872, the church edifice was dedicated. The first
pastor was Rev. William Riley. He was a zealous and faithful minister of the gospel, and was the first Protestant minister here to
perform  the rite of baptism, the marriage ceremony and bury the
dead. He was succeeded September, 1870, by Rev. J. A. Van Fleet,
who remained one year aand was succeeded by Rev. J. A, Wheeler.
It was'during Mr. Wheeler's pastorate that the church building
was completed and dedicated. Mr. Wheeler was succeeded September, 1872, by Rev. S. L. Hamilton, who remained two years.
September, 1874, Rev. J. W. H. Carlisle was appointed to this
charge, remaining one year and was succeeded by Rev. W. H.
Ware. September, 1876, Mr. Ware was succeeded by Rev. Alonzo
Rogers, who,' after a few months withdrew and joined the Congregational Church. Rev. G. D. Newcomb was employed to supply
the church during the remainder of the year. September, 1877,
Rev. C. P. Whitecar was appointed to the charge and remained
one year, being succeededl September, 1878, by Rev. A. P. Morrison,
who remainied one year.
September, 1879, Cheb ygin, with other adjacent territory
within the jurisdictioii of tile Michigan conference, w,as ceded to
the Detroit conference, and at that time Rev. Newel Newton was
appointed to this charge. In 1880 lie was succeeded by Rev. W.
M. Campbell, who remained until 1883, wheni lie was succeeded by
Rev. T. B. Leitli.
In Marih-li, 1891, thle work of repairing and remodeling the
church building was commenced.    A room for Sundtay school,
prayer and cl:ass meetings was added, and general repairs made upon the building. The church was reopened July 10, 1881, about
$1,400 having beon expenled in improvements.
The classes at Indian River and Riggsville were the direct outgrowth of the church in Cheboygan.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
In the fall of 1871 Rev. J. L. Maile, a Congregational minister,
held services in Ciheboygan wlichl led the way to the organization
of a society.
Dec. 18, 1871, a meeting of citizens was held at the courthouse for the purpose of taking measures toward the support of a
Congregational Church.
An executive committee was appointed, and William H. Bunker was elected treasurer.  There were present at this meeting,
Messrs. W. H. Bunker, J. P. Sutton, H. A. Blake, J. N. Perry,
Rev. J. L. Maile, S. Widrig, John Long, Charles Frane, Thomas
Clark, H. M. Airth, M. Buck, J. G. Spiller, C. A. Brace, J. J. Barker, Mrs. and Miss Gary.


Meetings were held from time to time until July 27, 1872, at
which time the Congregational Church of Christ in Cheboygan was
organized. Articles of association were adopted Sept. 6, following.
The following named persons were the first members of the church:
William H. Bunker and wife, Charles S. Ramsay and wife, J. G.
Spiller and wife, Mrs. Sophronia Mattone, Simon Widrig and wife,








I




Mrs. Jane A. Campbell, Mrs. Margaret McDonald, Mrs. Catharine
Gary, Mrs. Julia Hamel, Miss Hattie Penman.
The articles of association were signed by the following named
persons: C. S. Ramsay, J. G. Spiller, W. H. Bunker, Simon Widrig, Charles Page, Margatet P age, Mrs. Catharine Gary, Miss Harriet Penman, Mrs. Jane A. Campbell, George W. Bell, H. A. Blake,
Mrs. Jane Clark, Mrs. Margaret A. McI)onald, J. L. Maile, Jasper
J. Barker.
The society was invited to occupy the Methodist Church and
did so.
Nov. 8, 1874, a new church building was dedicated. It is a
frame structure 36x60 feet, having a seating capacity of 350.
In lhe spring of 1876 Rev. J. L. Maile v as succeeded by Rev.
R. M. Thompson. In the fall of 1879 Rev. Thompson was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Parker, who remained but a short time, and
in the sprini of 1880, by Rev. C. A. Marsh, and lie by Rev. A. H.
Lowery. In September, 1882, Rev. Charles Hartley entered upon
the 1),storate and continued that relation until the winter of 1884,
when lie resigned.
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CIURCIH.
In the year 1878 thie Rv. W. W. R tfter was alppointed missionary to Cheboygan, and services were held in tile town hall until the
summer of 1880; during this time the church prospere(d, mnid in
the spring of 1880 the members and friends determined to erect a
place of worship, and with that object in view went to work in
earnest, and in the month of September tile building beinig completed, but not furnished, it was duly consecrated by thle RLv. Dr.
Harris, bishop of the diocese.
In October of the same ye;ir tlhe church was duly organized
under the laws of the state, and the first vestry chosen, viz.: William McArthur, Samnuel S. Eddy, William Crane, William E. Sniyth,
William Seott, Frank Shepherd, Ephraim Smith and Samuel II.
Taylor, who at their first meeting elected William Craue, senior
warden; Samuel S.Eddy, jun or warden; Frank Shepherd, treasurer,
and Samuel H. Taylor, secretary.
The church being organized, and no longer a mission station,
the Rev. W. W. Rafter left the mission and the Rev. L. C. Rogers
was chosen rector of the parish, and continued so until the Easter
of 1882.  The rectorship was tlien vacant until Se,ptmnlber, 1882,
when the lI-te Rev. J. H. Magoffin was chosen rector.
The seating capacity of the church is about 160, and it is considered one of the neatest in the diocese, situated on South Huron
Street, inl a pleasant part of the village, and was erected at a cost
of <,bout $1,400.
Soon after its completion it was neatly and tastefully furnished
by the ladies, and heating apparatus (hot tair furnace) put in.
The church being thus completed, in tile summer of 1882 it
was decided to build a rectory, anid again the members and their
friends went to work, but did not succeed in m:aking a commiencement until tile fall of the year. It is now being pushed forward to
completion and is expected to be ready for occupancy by June 1st.
The estimated cost is between $1,600 and $1,700, all of which is
now subscribed, with the exception of about $250.
In connection with the rectory, and for the use of friends living at a distance, there is a good barn erected at a cost of $375.
The church lot was the gift of the late George W. Cuyler, Esq.,
of Palmyra, N. Y., a former member of the firm of McArthur,
Smith & Co., of this place.


A sad event in the history of the society was the death of Rev.
J. H. Magoffin, which occurred in November, 1883. He was a gentleman greatly beloved in the community, and his usefulness in the
church was of a high degree.
The church now is in a flourishing condition, and at the pres

- 46 -

- I
le


r"e.j








I
Op



THE TRAVERSE REGION


111


cut time is in good financial standing, being entirely out of debt
and owning a property valued at $6,000.
Tlhe present rector is Rev. J. M. Curtis.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Tile First Baptist Church of Cheboygan was organized Aug. 1,
1880, with fourteen members. One month later an ecclesiastical
council, composed of Rev. E. L. Little, of Alpena, Rev. S. Graves,
D. 1., of Grand Rapids, Rev. E. R. Bennett, of Jonesville, and
Rev. Myers, of Battle Creek, met in Cheboygan and organized the
church as a regular Baptist Church. The church adopted the New
Hampshire Declaration of Faith, and at once entered upon a prosperous and useful career. For nearly three years this church has
been a beneficent moral force in the community. The church is
indebted for its organization and present prosperity to the abundant blessing of God upon the earnest and devoted labors of the
late Rev. H. A. Conrad, who was pastor of the church from its
organization until his death, which occurred Jan. 21, 1883. Under
the leadership of this good man, the spiritual and temporal prosperity of the church was very marked. The membership increased
from fourteen to forty. The place of worship was changed from a
hall to the comfortable chapel now occupied and owned by the
church. In Mr. Conrad's death the church was greatly bereaved,
but by no means disheartened. As soon as practicable they made
arrangements to secure another pastor. Willis G. Clark, recently
from the Baptist Seminary at Louisville, Ky., was called to succeed Mr. Conrad. Mr. Clark has been with the church since April
1, 1883.
LUTHERAN CHURCH.
St. Thomas Lutheran Church of Cheboygan dates from the
fall of 1881, when meetings were first held by Rev. S. Otto, who
is still pastor of the society. The society started out with fourteen
members, and services were held il the Baptist Church about a
year. A small building was then used while the society was erecting a church building. Their building was dedicated in May, 1883,
and cost about $600. There are at present fifteen members.
INDEPENDENT.
A religious society under the name of the Independent Church
has for some time held services at the opera house. Rev. R. M.
Thompson was pastor until the spring of 1884, and the society,
though not incorporated, had a large membership, and has been in
a flourisling condition.
SECRET ORDERS.
MASONIC.
During the spring of 1870 the Masonic brotherhood of Cheboygan, then consisting of thirteen persons, undertook the organization of a Masonic lodge, presented a petition therefor to the
proper authority, and on the 4th of June of that year a dispensation was granted to William H. Bunker, John McKay, Jasper J.
Barker, Ward B. McArthur, George W. Bell, William H. Planigan,
I. Smith Bockes, William Devine, James N. Riley, Henry A. Blake,
William Downing, Richard Downs and E. G. Sovereign, and appointing William H. Bunker, W. M., John McKay, S. W., and Jasper J. Barker, J. W. A meeting was held Aug. 6, and the organization perfected by the election of William H. Flanigan, S. D.,
William Devine, J. D.; George Bell, secretary; Ward B. McArthur,
treasurer, and J. N. Riley, tyler.


The first regular communication was held Aug. 10, 1870, and
work regularly commenced. A charter was granted them Jan. 12,
1871, by the Grand Lodge of the state of Michigan, then in session
in Detroit; designating the organization as Cheboygan Lodge, No.
283, F. & A. M. At the first regular communication of the lodge


under its charter, held Feb. 1, 1871, officers h-ere elected as follows:
William B. Bunker, W. M.; William H. Flanigan, S. W., Watts S.
Humphrey, J. W.; E. Nelson, S. D.; William Devine, J. D.;
George W. Bell, secretary; W. B. McArthur, treasurer; Charles F.
Soutllom, tyler.
From the first organization of the lodge until Dec. 25, 1881, its
meetings were held over Post & Van Arsdale's old hardware store,
since which time they have been held in the third story of the Bennett Block, where the fraternity have spacious and convenient halls,
parlors and waiting-rooms, and which were furnished during the
past year at an expense of between $900 and $1,000.
W. H. Bunker was master of the lodge from its first organization until December, 1872; E. Nelson, from  December, 1872, to
June, 1874; George W. Bell, from June, 1874, to December, 1882;
G. G. Wharton, from December, 1882, to December, 1883. The
secretaries have been as follows:  George W. Bell, from organization to December, 1871; A. M. Gerow, from December, 1871, to
December, 1872; J. J. Barker, from December, 1872, to June,
1874; J. P. Sutton, from  June, 1874, to December, 1879; J. C.
Wooster, from  December, 1879, to December, 1881; J. P. Sutton,
from December, 1881, to the present time.
The lodge has had a total membership of 119. Officers il 1884:
George G. Wharton, W. M.; E. O. Penny, S. W.; Joseph Cochran,
J. W.; J. P. Sutton, secretary; J. B. McArthur, treasurer; C. W.
Farr, S. D.; W. E. Perrin, J. D.
Cheboygan Chapter, No. 109, of R. A. M., held its first meeting
Dec. 2, 1882. Names of charter members: F. E. Martin, A. J.
Paddock, J. P. Sutton, J; C. Wooster, W. H. Bunker, H. Graves,
M. A. McHenry, A. P. McKinnon, A. R. Thayer, R. Robinson, G.
P. Humphrey, J. G. Spiller.
Sixteen members added since organization, making now a
total of thirty members.
The chapter meets in the hall of Cheboygan Lodge 283 on the
Friday on and after the full moon of each month, that being the
regular meeting. Special meetings are held at the order of the High
Priest.
Officers elected in January, 1883, are as follows:  H. P., A. J.
Paddock; king, J. P. Sutton; scribe, F. E. Martin; cap. host, H. G.
Graves; P. S., A. R. Thayer; R. A. C., M. A. McHenry; G. MI. 3d
vail, J. G. Spiller; G. M. 2d vail, A. P. McKinnon; G. M. 1st vail,
R. Robinson; secretary, J. C. Wooster; treasurer, George P.
Humphrey.
ODD FELLOWS.
Temple Lodge, No. 331, I.O.O.F., was instituted Oct. 3, 1879,
by Grand Herald W. W. Wilson, of Alpena, acting as special
deputy grand master. The first officers were as follows: N. G.,
F. J. Breslin; V. G., J. Homer Parker; Sec., William Saulson;
P. S., Thomas Crow; Treas., W. H. Scott., The charter members
were as follows: Frank J. Biestlin, William Saulson, Henry
Bamen, Thonias Crow, S. Widsig, John A. Bartram, W. H. Scott,
J. H. Parker, and Reuben H. Mosher.  The lodge first met in the
Masonic hall over Post & Van Arsdale's old store, and subsequently
rented a hall and fitted it up for their own use. In December,
1883, they moved into a new hall, fitted up expressly for their use,
in the Backus Block. The hall is elegantly furnished and well
adapted to the uses for which it is designed. The lodge is in a
prosperous condition, and has a large membership.  The principal


officers in 1884 are as follows~ N. G., Frank Shepherd; V. G., J.
H. Tuttle; Sec., A. G. Boggs; P. S., J. C. Wooster; Treas., I.
E. DeGowin.
UNITED WORKMEN.
Benton Lodge, No. 108, A. 0. U. W., was organized Aug. 81,
1881, by Deputy Grand Master Dunton. The charter members






KI




4
A j 




t




I. 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9~

li r.




-


W.-&
6
I


m


I

_ _


112


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


were as follows: H. J. Miner, C. J. Kitchen, W. G. Boggs, I. S.
Cooper, J. H. Welch, Geo. G. Wharton, B. H. Begole, John L.
Jewel, W. E. Perrin, B. J. Vanderbilt, E. O. Penny, C. A. Perrin,
T. A. Perrin, C. S. Ramsay, J. M. Wilcox, J. H. Tuttle, J. F.
Ford, F. M. Sammons, P. M. Lathrop, J. E. Clarke, N. W. Lyons,
Geo N. Case.   The following were the first officers: P. M. W.,
Charles J. Kitchen; M. W., John F. Ford; foreman, H J. Miner;
overseer, W. G. Boggs; recorder, B. H. Begole; receiver, W. E.
Perrin; financier, Geo. G. Wharton; guide, I. S. Cooper; inside
watchman, B. J. Vanderbilt; outside watchman, John L. Jewel.
Officers in 1883: M. W., H. J. Miner; foreman, C. S. Ramsay;
overseer, J. H. Tuttle; recorder, B. H. Begole; receiver, W. H.
Boggs; financier, E. O. Penny; guide, N. W. Lyons; inside watch,
M. W. Smith; outside watch, J. E. Clark.
Officers in 1884: Master workman, C. S. Ramsay; foreman,
J. H. Tuttle; overseer, F. Shepherd; recorder, George Case;
financier, E. O. Penny; receiver, George Case; guide, W. W.
Smith; inside watch, Alex Gerow; outside watch, George G.
Wharton.
The present membership of the lodge is about sixty.
GRAND ARMY POST.
Ruddock Post, No. 221, G. A. R, was mustered in February,
1883, with the following charter members: T R. Clark, William
Harrington, Jacob Wilson, C. Kriedman, C. Kriedman, Jr., H.A.
Blake, W. H. Crawford, Jacob Post, W. S. Humphrey, Geo. P.
Humphrey, H. W. Hodges, N. Vanlin, Fred Siegel, C. S. Ramsay,
Paul Fasseft, Robert Braham, J. P. Sutton, E. Francis, J. Myers,
Marlin Horan, John Vincent, Benjamin Vincent. There are in
1884 about thirty-five members, and this number will probably be
soon largely increased. Thle principal officers are as follows:
Commander, H A. Blake: S. V. C., Geo. P. Humphrey; J. V. C.,
J. Myers; O. G., J. R. Clark; O. D., J. P. Sutton; quartermaster,
C. Kriedman, Sen.; Adjt., Charles Geyer; chaplain, W. H. Crawford.
VILLAGE SCHOOLS.
The first school-house iu Cheboygan was built in 1848, and
stood on what is now the northeast corner of Main and Pine
Streets. The first school numbered twelve pupils and was taught
by Miss Harriet McLeod.
In 1851 the school building was removed to the present corner
of Main and Division Streets, and subsequently to the corner of
Main and Pine Streets, where it is now doing humble duty as an
appendage to the Grand Central Hotel.
For a good many years the school had no very permanent
abiding place, and occupied several buildings, some of which are
still standing, while others have been remodeled.    The first
teachers were female and were obliged to prosecute their labors
under many disadvantages.   The school, however, kept pace with
the general progress of the place, and when in 1869 a new era of
prosperity set in, steps were taken for creating and organizing a
graded school in the district. The necessary two-thirds vote of
the electors present being obtained, the next step was the election
of a board of six trustees instead of three, which resulted in the
election of the following persons: Philip Bries, David Smith, M.
W. Horne, Francis Sammons, Daniel Wheelock, and John Barber.
The necessity of providing suitable building accommodations for the district next received attention. It was voted to erect


a building to cost not less than $10,000.  The proposed building
was an enterprise of large magnitude for the village, then in its infancy, and various meetings were held, at which plans were discussed before any real progress was made. Finally bonds were
issued, the money raised, and the present union school-house was
completed.   It  is constructed of brick; dimensions, 48x66;


I
I
I




cost, $10,000; location, Pine Street, west of Huron Street.  The
first corps of teachers therein were as follows: Principal, Piof. O.
B. Weed; intermediate department, Miss M. Morey; primary department, Mrs. Borredell Buck.
The first school board were Messrs. J. P. Sutton, J. Long, A. M.
Gerow, J. W. Linderman, H. A. Blake and F. AM. Sammons.
The first session held there was in August, 1873.
In 1866 the average daily attendance for the district was
thirty-one.  Amount received from  the primary school fund,
$47.20.
In 1875, average daily attendance forty-six. Amount received
from the primary school fund, $68.16.  In 1883 the total enrollment was 416. Amount received from the primary school fund,
$915.34.
The early teachers and principals have been as follows: W.
C. Flagg, Thomas Halloway, Abbie N. Ward, M. E. Marshall,
Sarah Horne, Geo. Robinson, Ellen M. Burt, M. J. Shea, Emma
C. Sammons, Mina Linderman, Mary E. Reed, D. R. Joslin, Abbie
Bockes, W. J. Woolsey, O. B. Weed, Albert Sayler, G. J. Steadman,
E F. Grant, 0. B. Weed, E. D. Sutherland.
PROF. E. D. SUTHERLAND, principal of the schools since the fall
of 1881, was born in Scotland, and came to America with his
parents in 1856. He received his literary education at the Normal
school in Toronto, Canada. He devoted three and one-half years
to the study of medicine, at the Toronto School of Medicine. For
several years he had charge of a model school, devoted to the
training of teachers, in Canada, and from 1878 to 1881 had charge
of the high school at Sterling. From there came to Cheboygan to
enter upon the duties of principal of the schools here. He has
continued the study of medicine, and at the close of the school
year in 1884 will devote a year to medical lectures and hospital
practice, at the end of which it is his intention to enter practice at
Cheboyan. Prof. Sutherland is a gentleman of high culture and
a very successful teacher. His labors inll the schools at Cheboygan
have been eminently successful and satisfactory.
CHEBOYGAN NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper published in the county was the laxita'ra, a
Chro'ticle, published weekly, in Cheboygan, in 1871, by Dr. W. P.
Maiden.   Mr. Thomas Bently was the printer.   It was a sheet
12x18 inches. There were issued only twelve numbers, when it
ceased. Dr. Maiden is now a practicing physician at Alpena.
The Cheboygan 'Fr'ee 1''ess was started inll January, 1876, by
Thomas Bently and James J. Brown, the latter being editor. It
was Democratic in politics. Its publication was discontinued after
a time and the material sold.
Tlie only two newspapers now published in the county are the
ANorther, Trs ible and Cbeho,/<qa I I I crat, both first-class local
newspapers, conducted with more than average ability and both liberally sustained.
The Northern Tlribune was started by William Chandler, in July,
1875. The office was first located onl Third Street, and was moved
from there to the corner of Division and Main Streets, and still
later to its present location on Main Street. In January, 1882, C.
S. Ramsay and C. J. Hunt purchased interests in the office, and became actively identified with the paper, Mr. Ramsay as editor, and
Mr. Hunt in the mechanical department. In the summer of 1882
Merritt Chandler became interested in the business. In the spring


of 1883 the Tribune Company was organized.  Rev. R. M. Thompson, who had become a stockholder, succeeded Mr. Ramsay as editor,
Mr. Hunt remaining at the head of the mechanical department.
The Tribune has been a growing institution, both in its business
and editorial management. It is now a five column quarto in its
regular form and size while frequent supplements largely increase




I


i


I t


I a
fii


-I










i
1~ ~, : ~
~2,.
~'-i!~~.~ ~~: *~
'':$,
~~~~r~~ ~:,,::
-?in;'
" 'iL~ '-~: ~


~~'
~~i.~ ~~


CHEBOYGAN MICH.




- ~ ~
i...: ~.
i
i ''~
r ~~:  ~;~ ~~
~~' ~':t''
-:( —


0- J5 'ri~c~~%  7 -Zrh


CHEBOYGAN, M?CH.








-.-c


q
(r


XIlt


F U-                                                                               L-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Cp.11


co


g
I




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


113


I


its reading and advertising space during the year. It is Republican
in politics and has an excellent reputation among the papers of
the state.
The Cheboygan l)emtocrat was first issued February 12, 1880,
by Forsyth & Bunnell. At the end of six months Edward Forsyth
purchased Mr. Bunnell's interest and has been editor and proprietor
of the paper since that time. The paper is Democratic in politics
and has advanced from a very small beginning to an important position both as to its journalistic rank and its business. At the beginning its entire outfit did not exceed one thousand dollars in value,
and in 1881 the offi.e is equipped with all the printing facilities
of a first-class office. In the fall of 1883 Mr. Forsyth erected a
building in which the ] Iemcr'at is now located. The paper when
first issued was 24x36 inches in size. It has been several times enlarged being now a nine column folio, and its space largely increased
by the issue of extra pages. It is soon to be again enlarged to furnish the additional space required by its advertising patronage.
Mr. Forsyth is a son of.a prominent hardware merchant in Bay
City, and began learning the printer's trade in an office at Flint,
in 1870. He has steadily followed the business since that time, and
for a time was engaged with Mr. McMillan, now editor of the Bay
City T'ribune in the publication of the Bay City ( rs.err'. In 1880
lie came to Cheboygan and started the eI)lecrat as above stated.
DUNCAN CITY.
It has already been stated in connection with the early movements at what is now Cheboygan village that Messrs. A. & R. McLeod built docks on Duncan Bay about the year 1850. They were
succeeded by J. W. Duncan & Co. In 1853 Mr. Duncan completed
a lmill at Duncan Bay and planned extensive operations, but the
following year he died and after a year or two the estate went into
the courts and business operations c3ased.
In 1865 the property was purchased by the firm of McArthur,
Southwick & Co. In the fall of 1866 they sold the Duncan property, including about 1,200 acres of land and some village propeity,
to Messrs. Sanford Baker, Archibald Thompson, and Robert Patterson, who took hold of the business munler the firm name of Baker,
Tflompson & Co. This was really the beginning of Dancan City as
a business point. For ten years or more the property had lain idle,
and the buildings were little more than wrecks. The new firm immediately put the property in condition to be operated. In 1868
Messrs. Tlhompson and Patterson sold their interests to Mears &
Co., of Chicago, and the firm was changed to Baker, Mears & Co.
In 1870 Thompson Smith, of Toronto, Canada, purchased the interest owned by Mears & Co., and two years later Messrs. Baker
and Smith divided the property, Mr. Smith retaining the Duncan
property, and Mr. Baker taking other property. Mr. Smith was
born in the city of Toronto in the year 1808. His father was a native of the state of New York and a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. In 1837 Mr. Smith engaged in lumbering and has continued
in that business to the present time. He is a mmn of original business methods and in the management of his vast business operations permits no departure from his business rules. Duncan City
contains two saw-mills, several docks, a large store and about one
hundred buildings, all the property o' this firm. There are shops
for manufacturing nearly everything needed in the manufacture of
lumber; a foundry and machine shop, harness, wagon, and black

smith shops, and facilities for doing various other kinds of work.
Mr. Smith has expended upwards of half a million of dollars at this
point. About five hundred men areemployed and an average of
twenty six million feet of lumber annually manufactured. The
firm also own two tugs and one vessel. Mr. Smith's will is tle law


of the village. He will not allow the sale of any kind of liquor within the limits of his domain. The buildings are owned by him and
rented to tenants, so that lie controls the entire property. Attempts
have frequently been made to get a foothold in the place for the
sale of liquor but it can never be done while Mr. Smith lives. He
is assisted in the management of the business by two sons, Ephraimi
and Egbert A. The former came here in 1879 and the latter in August, 1883.  Both have built handsome residences on the Bay shore.
The village was platted but the plat has never been re orded. Duncan City was a pioneer point. The county seat, custom house,
land office and post-office were first located here, and subsequently
removed. It is less than two miles distant from Cheboygan village,
and is in reality a suburb of that place.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
FRANCIS M. SAMMONS, son of Jacob Sammons, the first settler
in Cheboygan County, was born near Syracuse, New York, ill the
year 1834. In 1846 he joined his parents at Cheboygan, having
spent a year with an uncle in Illinois.  July 4, 1857, he married
Samantha R. St. John, of Cheboygan. They have nine children. At
an early day Mr. Sammons used'to buy fur and in that pursuit traversed nearly the whole region between the Saginaw Valley and th e
Straits. His principal occupation has been mercantile business,
lumbering and contracting. As is seen in thle history of Cheboygan
County there have been but few public enterprises with w hich lie h as
not been connected. He was one of the contractors for building
the old wharf in 1861, also the Third Street bridge. In company
with Dr. A. M. Gerow, he opened the first drug store in the village.
He was also one of the contractors for opening the route to Crooked
Lake, lie having been the first to conceive the idea of carrying the
mail over that route. He held the offices of county clerk and town
snupervisor several terms and was school director and moderator
about twenty years. In these capacities lie rendered thle public
very valuable service in organizing the affairs of the town and establishing a prosperous school system. He has been from its beginning a prominent member of the Greenback party, and was a
candidate for representative to the state legislature in 1878.
Notwithstanding long public service Mr. Sammons has preserved
his popularity with the people of the county.  He has recently become interested in the farm lands of Dakota.
MOSES W. HORNE, deceased, one of the earliest settlers of Cheboygan County, was born at Wolfborough, N. H., March 17, 1820.
In 1815 he went to Mackinac Island from  Chicago where lie had
been at work for a short time. In 1846 lie came to Cheboygan and
worked part of that season at coopering, and made the first fish
barrels made in the county. That fall lie pre-empted fifty-four
acres of land, be and Jacob Sammons being the first to take up
land in the county. He then returned to his native state, and
Dec. 17, 1846, married Sarah T. Bunker. They have had six
children, three of whom are now living. In 1847, accompanied by
his wife, he returned to Mackinac and in December, 1850, they
settled in Cheboygan. Mr. Horne was the second sheriff elected in
the county, and was again elected in 1864. He also held the office
of marshal of the village for several years. Mr. Horne has been
one of the active pioneers in the work of general development and
progress. He was instrumental in starting tile first Sunday school
in tile county, and was very active in carrying forward to a suc

cessful termination the efforts to build a Methodist Church. During late years Mr. Home's business interests have been mainly in
village real estate and pine lands. He has been a-valuable contributor to all efforts towards advancing the general welfare of the
village and county. His death occurred in November, 1883.


I


4 -

Ikil


b-   r 




ad- _L


L.)


-4.
i
i
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
I
i
I
I
i
I


I,m


]


114


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
I
i
I
I
i
I




MEDARD METIVIER was born at Lacadie, CaDada, Sept. 25,
1815, of French parentage. His father was an architect and
builder, and Medard's early years were spent in assisting him and
in attendance at school. In May, 1836, being about twenty-one
years of a:e, he left hlome and came to the States, locating at
Rochester, N. Y. There he was engaged in a soap and candle
factory, and afterward in a fruit garden. He remained at Rocllhester until November, 1837, when he removed to Grand Rapids,
Mich.,,and remained until August, 1839. He then went to Mackinac Island, where lhe remained twelve years and carried onl a
cooper shop, and a portion of the time kept a hotel. During his
residence there lie held the offices of slieriff and coroner, each two
terms. Jan. 2, 1842, lie married Rosalie Hamel, at Mackinac.
They hiave had eleven children, eight of wlhom, four sons and four
daughlters, are now living in Cheboygan. In the spring of 1851
they removed to Chleboygan County and settled upon land bordering on Mullett Lake, where they remained about two years, In
1854 Mr. Metivier built a. hotel, called the Cheboygan House, and
kept it two years. Tlls was the first hotel built in the village and
is now:s part of the Spencer House. At the first county election
in 1855 lie wVts elected sheriff, and the following year register of
deeds. in 1855 lie succeeded Beta Chapman as postmaster, and
reta;lined the office until 1861. In 1872 hle was elected clerk and
register of deeds of tlhe county, and hlas held those offices continnously to the present tirne. As a public officer he is exceedingly
popular. Mr. Metivier is a veritable pioneer of northern Michigan,
having been a resident of this part of the state well toward half a
century. Hle has had to do with all the onwaid movements of i
Cheboygan, as will be observed during a perusal of these pages.:He is a prominent mrlember of the Catholic Church and has been
during the hiistory of St. Mary's Church at Cheboygan.
WILLI.AM H. MAULTBY, one of the pioneers of Cheboygan
County, was born in tlhe city of Cork, Ireland, Oct. 25, 1809. In
the summer of 1828 hle emigrated to America and settled in Verimont.  May 41, 1831, hle married Cynthia A. Branack, at Fairhaven, Vt., and in 1833 they removed to the state of New York.
Ite was a cooper by trade and followed it for several years. In
1851 lhe settled in Cheboygan County, living first on the west side
of the river oln land purchased of J. W. Duncan. lie thenr purchased a place in tlhe town of Inverness, where he still resides.
Tlhey llave hadt( three children, two sons and one daughter, all of
whomr are now living. His wife died May 7, 1873. Mr. Maultby
has hlad more or less to do with county affairs since its organization,
having been probate judge, county treasurer and is now deputy
treasurer. HIe is well known and highly respected in the county.
LORENzo BACKUS, one of thle pioneers of Chleboygan County,
was born at (Groton,, Tompkins (County, N. Y., in the year 1809.
When about thirteen years of age, hle removed to Cayuga County,
and after remnaining there about three years, removed to Erie
County. In tlie spring of 1835 hle married at Evans, Erie County,
and removed to soutlhern Miciigan. In 18.14 he removed to
Mackinac. In 1847 lie first visited Chleboygan, and built a house
for W. M. Belotte. He then returned to Mackinac and remained
until 1849, whllen lie removed his family to Cheboygan and settled
here permanently. He finished the first steam saw-mill built at
this point by Jacob Sammons and Peter McKinley. He then followed carpenter work for a time and afterward, in company with
W. M. B1elotte, built a portable saw-mill. He was elected county


clerk in 1860 and county treasurer in 1862, holding each office one
term. Mrs. Backus died in 1879. She is well remembered by the
early settlers in connection with pioneer life. For some time she
was the only physician in the settlement. Being an excellent
nurse she obtained some information of the use of medicine and


was enabled thereby to be of much service. Mr. Backus has erected
several buildings in the village  In 1883 he completed twhe Backus
Block, containing two stores, and centrally located for Lblsiness
purposes.
PETER SPOONER, one of thle early settlers of Cheboygan County,
was born near Montreal, Canada, in the year 1882. In 1853 lie
settled in Cheboygan, where lie still resides. He first -workled a t
lunmbering, and thien ran a mail boat to Mackinac for eleven years,
a portion of which time he also kept hotel il wllat is noW tlle
Spencer House. Mr. Spooner in those days waits a-in idispensable
individual in the community, doing a little of everytling for everybody. In 1868 lie stalrted the first meat marlket in Chltlboyrll,
which lie continued to operate for three years. He thlen ln ioved
on his farm on thle Cheboygan iRiver, and remained there nine
years, after which lhe came back to thle village and lept a bl) oardingllChouse tliree years. After another year on thle farin lie return-ed
to the village. Since May, 1883, lhe.has kept thie Ameical, HIonse,
but still owns his farm on the river.
PHILIP O'BRIEN, a pioneer of Cheboyugan, was 1born in Il',nllld
in the year 1815. In 1847 lie emigrated to,No(va Scotia, and in
1850 came to Chleboygan. In 1851 lhe was marUried alt zal.ack;i1c
and went to live above the lam onll a part of thle farnm nlow owlned
by Peter McDonald. He was thle first settler alaove tlie (lda:l-. tie
worked at lumbering more or less until tle brelaking out of tlie
rebellion. In 1861 lhe enlisted in tihe Third Michigan  Btlll  tery.
He wa.:s a good soldier, but his service was ctut slhort by a w\(v;luind att
the battle of Corintlh, which resulted ill the loss (f hIis riihft arrL.
In the spring cf 1862 he received an honorablle discflarge amLd returned home.    He now lives ill the village of Chel)(boyganl. Jl;is
family consists of his wife and five childrenl, foir sons fanJ1d oIe
daughter.
PHILIP BRIES, onle of the pioneers of Chleboygan, was born in
Belgium  in tlhe year 1817. He served in tlhe army fromn 18.)38 to
1844. Oct 21, 1847, he married Marie Struyf. In the spring of
1856 they emigrated to this country, reaching Mackinac i}.Nnly of
that year. The following autuni) they removed to Clb(,yg}n,
where they still reside. Mr. Bries was a cooper by traide and lh s
pursued that avocation to the present time. li 1.;58 lieh built a
house, still standing on Main Street, which was 'ltheir home for
twelve years. This worthy couple struggled with the ihardldhips and
privations of pioneer life, but by industry andi frugality acquired a
competency for old age.
JOHN BARBER, a pioneer of Chleboygan, awats bo   in tlhe st.te (of
Vermont in 1824. At an early age lie removed with his parents to
the state of New York, and in the fall of 1850 came to Cheboygan
and worked at lurlbering, for tlhe firni of J. W. )Duncati & C o.  le
remained with themi as foreman of tlheir wood operatiolns xnitit ti t
failure of the firm. When McArthur, Smith & Co. l)ega, iterationls here he went into their employ and lhas remlained wit}l 1,li,
business through tle clangres of firm, and is nowv connlected withll
W. and A. McArthur. He was married August, 1856, at CtheboygIan, to AInie Mahloney. They have three daughters. Mr. iari:r
is a man of high standing in thle community, ani([ one of th: fe[w
pioneers of thle earliest days yet living.
WATTS S. HtUMPHREY, attorney aIt Chleboygal, is one of the
prominent lawyers of northern Michigan; is a native of Perry, Wyoming County, N. Y. At an early age lie removed to Michigan
with his parents who settled near Lansing and were one of thle pio

neer families in that section of the state. In 1862 he attempted to
get into the army but was rejected on account of being too young.
The following year he was more suc essful and enlisted in the Second Michigan Cavalry. In 1864 he was wounded and sent to the
hospital. In the spring of 186f5 he left the hospital and was mus

i




L


I
-Ah




I -


1


I
I


I






THE TRAVERSE REGION


115


tered out of service. It is worthy of note that as soon as he was in
comfortable pecuniary circumstances he declined to longer receive
the pension to which lie was entitled, and which he had drawn up
to that time. After the war, being broken in health, he pursued
the study of law at Lansing, and subsequently entered the Michigan
University, from which he graduated in 1869. An extensive lumberman then proposed to him that he locate at Cheboygan, and when
not occupied with law business, to hunt pine lands. Mr. Humphrey
acted upon this suggestion and arrived in Cheboygan, May 7, 1869,
being one of the first lawyers to settle there. During the first year
lie spent a portion of his time locating pine lands; and since then
has dealt extensively in pine and farming lands, and is also engaged
in lumbering. Very soon after becoming located here he secured a
lucrative practice which has continued to increase, and in which he
has won a wide reputation as a successful lawyer. He has held the
offices of prosecuting attorney and treasurer of the county, besides
other minor offices.  He is an active member of the Republican
party.
JOHN F. MCDONALD, a pioneer business man of Cheboygan, was
born in Canada, but removed to the state of New York as early as
1848. In the spring of 1865, he came to Cheboygan in company
with John R. McArthur, Lucius Southwick and George W. Swan.
These four men purchased the property of the Duncan estate and
engaged in lumbering, under the firm name of McArthur, Southwick & Co. Mr. McDonald remained a member of the firm nearly
three years, and helped lay the foundation of permanent prosperity
in Cheboygan. After selling his interest in that business he engaged
in the grocery business near the town line bridge which he still continues. When he purchased the property, the only building upon it
was an old cooper-shop which he fitted up as a store. He has since
erected a comfortable building for a store, and a fine residence upon
the opposite side of the street. He has a wife and ten children. Mr.
McDonald has been, and is, a successful business man, and one of
reliable citizens of the place.
SANFORD BAKER, who appears in the history of Cheboygan as
one of its most extensive business men, was born in Oneida County,
N. Y., in the year 1811. At twenty years of age he removed to
Jefferson County, where he remained eight years. He then went
to Canada and located upon an island which took its name from
him nand is still known as Baker's Island.  Here he built a sawmill and operated it very successfully for several years, when the
interests of his business requiring a change of location, he removed
to Bellville where lie continued the manufacture of lumber with
the same success that he had previously enjoyed     In 1866
he sold his mill property in Canada, and was possessed of
a fortune amply sufficient for the remainder of his life. In the fall
of 1866 he visited the Saginaw Valley, and from there followed up
the shore to Alpena. Wishing to examine the lumbering prospects
on the Cheboygan River, he, in company with others, made the trip
to Cheboygan in a Mackinaw boat. The village of Cheboygan at
that time consisted of a few scattering buildings, several huts, and a
mixed population, numbering in all about 250 persons. On this
trip lie was accompanied by Robert Patterson and Archibald Thompson. While here they purchased the bay property of McArthur,
Southwick & Co., and also entered other lands in the county. The
new firm was Baker, Thompson & Co., and at that time Mr. Baker's
connection with Cheboygan began, although he still owned extensive
land interests in Canada. In 1872 Messrs. Baker and Smith divided


the property, Mr. Smith retaining the mills and dock property, and
Mr. Baker having the lands of the company, on the west part, consisting of Cheboygan village lots.
Mr. Baker at one time owned about 200 acres of land in the
village and about 10,000 acres in the country. In 1877 he disposed


of his interests in Canada, and removed his family to Cheboygan.
About two years later he built his family residence. His family
consists of a wife and two children, one son and a daughter.
A. M. GEROW, MA. D., is the pioneer physician of Cheboygan.
He was born in Lenox County, Canada, in 1845.  After studying
medicine three years in Canada he came to the States and entered
the Buffalo Medical College, at Buffalo, N. Y., from which he graduated in 1868. He practiced for a few months at Galena, Ill., and
then came to Cheboygan, arriving here in June, 1868. In July,
1869, he, in company with F. M. Sammons, started the first drug store
in Cheboygan. His practice increased as the population multiplied,
and lie came to be recognized as a leading physician in this part of
the state, which position he still retains. He has taken an active
part in public matters and in the general growtl of the place. lie
was for some time county superintendent of schools, and is now
chairman of the county board of examiners and school director.
During his residence in Cheboygan he has built four dwellings and
four business buildings, one of which, a substantial brick block on
Main Street, was built during 1883.  He was one of the original
members of the M. E. Society, and one of the first trustees. lie is
one of the men who have contributed liberally to the growth and
prosperity of Cheboygan.
J. W. McGINN, banker, Cheboygan, is a native of Canada, and
came to Cheboygan in 1867 from Port Huron.  For several years
he engaged in lumbering and real estate, and whatever could be
done profitably. He started out in life wholly dependent upon his
own exertions for success, and had no capital to operate with when
he came to Cheboygan. He applied himself with energy and industry to building up a fortune, and so far, has been very successful.
Upon the organization of the Clieboygan Banking Company he became the principal stockholder, and manager of the business. Hie
has been a trustee of the village three years. He is still largely interested in real estate.
CHARLES R. SMITH, a prominent business man at Cheboygan,
is a native of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, N. Y. His father, William Smith, came to Cheboygan in 1867, having become a member
of the firm of McArthur, Smith & Co., a history of which is elsewhere given. Charles came the following year, being at that time
eighteen years of age. From 1868 to 1872 he had charge of the
books in the office of McArthur, Smith & Co. In 1871 he purchased
an interest in the business, and received an additional interest by
will upon the death of his father which occurred in 1876. In 1879
lie disposed of his interest in that firm. From 1877 to 1882 he
operated the mill known as the Smith Mill.  In 1879-'80, in company with his brother, William Smith, he built the large hotel on
Mullet Lake, called the Mullet Lake House, at a cost of $42,000.
In 1880 he organized the Inland Navigation Co., and has operated
the line since that time, he being the principal owner. He is a
member of the firm of Smith & Adams, proprietors of the North
Shore Line of propellors; and also proprietors of a large planingmill, elsewhere mentioned in this work.
R. M. THOMPSON, editor of the Northern TriUlmc, is a native of
Ripley, Ohio, and has been engaged in the ministry since the fall of
1860.  He was first pastor of a Congregational Church  near
Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently organized an Independent
Church at Newport, Kentucky. In 1876 several persons who had
been under Mr. Thompson's ministry in Ohio, having removed to
Cheboygan, induced him to come here, which he did, and preached


for the Congregational society from 1876 until 1879, but was never
settled as pastor, although urged to do so. An Independent Church
was organized and Mr. Thompson preached for that society until
the spiing of 1884. In the spring of 1883 he purchased an interest
in the Northern Triblune and became editor of the paper, and in con





\


j                                 -   [lb I'


*G




I


i


II.
N

a. +p


I                                                                                                                                                                                 -,I a z ---   Cm


116


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


sequence of the duties of that position was obliged to temporarily
suspend ministerial work. Mr. Thompson is a popular speaker and
has been successful in his ministerial work, and is equally successful in journalism.
JAMES J. BROWN, a prominent member of the Cheboygan County
bar, was born in the city of Detroit il the year 1840. He studied
law there and was admitted to the supreme court in 1864. He immediately engaged in practice which he continued very successfully
about nine years. From 1868 to 1872 he was city attorney of Detroit.  In 1873 he came to Cheboygan, and with a reputation
already established soon took a leading position both professionally
and politically. He held the office of prosecuting attorney from
1876 to 1880, and has also been president and clerk of the village,
circuit court commissioner, and has held other minor offices. He
was at one time the candidate of the Democratic party for circuit
judge but was defeated. Mr. Brown is particularly distinguished
as an orator and elocutionist. His reputation as a reader is well
established, and he is frequently called upon to fill engagements in
various parts of the state.
THOMAS A. PERRIN, M. D., a prominent physician and citizen
of Cheboygan, was born in Brantford, Canada, in 1811. He spent
five years pursuing the study of mirfdicine, and then came to the
States in 1864. In 1866 lie came to Cheboygan and engaged in
the mercantile business, which he continued several years. In 1873
lihe graduated at Ann Arbor, and engaged in the practice of medicine, which he has since continued with marked success.    For
several years lie carried on the diug busiliess, but his increasillng
practice requiring his whole attention, lie sold that business in the
spring of 1883. He has held several local offices, and is one of the
leading citizens of the county. In 1881 his brother, Charles A.
Perrin, became associated with him in practice, since which time
the firn llas been I'errin Brothers.
M EIRITT C(HANDLEIt, Cllebovgan, is a native of Adrian, Mich
In the fall of 18741 le cauile to Cheboygan, from Cass County, and
engaged in lumbering. In 1876 he took the contract to build the
Presque Isle and Little Traverse state road. In addition to the
work upon this road(l, lie has been engaged in lumbering and real
estate, having located upward of 50,000 acres of state lands. He
still owns a large quantity of lands, mostly in Presque Isle County,
and has done much toward bringing settlers into that county. lie
is also a stockholder in the Nort/h',r Trib/uce, published at Chleboygan. His family consists of himself and wife.
C. A. GALLAGHER, dealer in groceries at Cheboygan, is a native
of Ireland. At an early age lie came to America with his parents,
who settled in northern Michig an. In 1871 he came to Cheboygan
and worked in the woods. Then lie was fireman on a tug two
seasons. In 3 876 he went into the grocery business on Main Street,
opposite the postoffice. In the spring of 1880 he sold out and
followed other business until January, 1883, when lie again engaged
in the grocery business, which lie still continues. Mr. Gallagher
has takeni an active part in local matters, and has held the offices of
town treasurer, supervisor, and member of the village council. He
was chairman of the board of supervisors one termn, and in the fall
of 1879 received the nomination for member of the legislature, onl
tlhe Democratic ticket, but was defeated at the election. lie was
one of the first to advocate water works for the village, and has
been a member of the board of water works commissioners since
the board was created. He has a wife but no children.


HOWARD LYNN, marshal of the village of Cheboygan in 1883,
is a native of Yates County, N. Y. In 1855 his parents removed
to Michigan. In 1874 lie came to Cheboygan from St. Clair, and
carried on a meat-market until the spring of 1883, when he was
elected marslhl of the village. He has a wife and one son. Is a


member of the Masonic'fraternity. Mr. Lynn is a superior public
officer.
EDWIN Z. PERKINS, judge of probate and treasurer of C(eboygan
County, was born in Ingersoll, Canada, and1 first came to Cheboygan
in 1877. The following year lie graduated at the Micliglan University, and immediately entered upon the lpractice of law in
Cheboygan, as a partner of Watts S. Humphrey.   In the fall of
1880 lie was elected probate judge, and treasurer in 1882.
JAIMES W. MCDONALD, son of Peter McDonald, a pioleer of
Cheboygan County, was born at Cheboygan in 1853. He spent
four years in Detroit, two of which lie spent at book-keeping, ind
two years lie was engaged as teacher in a colmmercial college. After
returning to Cheboygan, lie engaged in the hardware business, tlle
firm being McDonald & Cueny. He was three times elected president of the village, and held that office during the years 1880-'81-'82.
He has also been a menber of the village council. He is ai
business man of prominence and popularity, and gave excellent,
satisfaction as a public officer. He lhas a wife and two children.
W. H. SCOTT, merchant tailor, Cheboygan, is a niative of
Canada. In the fall of 1878 lie went to Cheboygan fromn Rochester,
N. Y., where lie had been for some time englaged as cutter in a
merchant tailoring establishment. Upon locating at Ciheboygain,
he engaged in the merchant tailoring business, which lie still continues, occupying the leading position inl that branch of trade. Mr.
Scott is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of l  ionor
and Royal Arcanum Societies.
A. D. FARMER, a native of Vermont, removed to Chebovyga
from Wisconsin, in the spring of 1860. I-e had been engaged in
the mercantile business. Ile rem:ntined a short time, a}id then went
away. He afterward spent a short time here, and went awtay again,
after which he settled here permanently.  -le was engaged in the
boot and shoe business, until his death, whlich occurred Sept. 3,
1869. His widow and two children, Charles I). Farmer, and Mrs.
J. E. Nichols, remain ill Clieboygni. Ch:nrles 1). Farimer was born
in Wisconsin, and after the death of his father continued tlei boot
and shoe business until 1880, when lie closed out his stock, and
since that time lias been principally engaged in tlle lotel business.
He is a menmber of thle Odd Fellows fraternity.,Has,; wife but no
children.
CAPTAIN E. A. BOUCHA.RD, at present master of tlhe propeller
Messenger, is a veteran of the lakes. He was born on board a
vessel, near Green Bay, Wis., and has followed the water fromn a
child. He first took command of a vessel in 1857, and continued
in that capacity until the breaking out of the war of tlhe rebellion.
In Jully, 1861, hlie enlisted in thle navy and continued in the service
as long as there was any fighting to be done. In September, 1865,
after tle war had closed, lie was honorably discharged, and returned
to his home on the lakes. In 1878 lie removed his family to
Cheboygan, which place is now his home. From this port he hlas
commanded the Mary Van Raalte, and since the spring of 1883,
the propellor Messenger. Hle has a wife and three children. Is a
member of the Odd Fellows, Royal Templars, and Good Templars.
Captain Bouchard's reputation as a brave and efficient vessel
master has long been established.
WILLI.AM HARRINGTON, sheriff of Cheboygani County in 1883, is
a native of the state of New York.    In 1864 he enlisted in
Onondaga County, N. Y., and went into the army as a member


of the Second New    York  Cavalry. He remained in service
until the close of the war, when lie returned home. In 1869 lie
settled in Cheboygan, and in 1876 removed to a farm in the town of
Burt. At the fall election in 1882, he was elected sheriff of the
county on the Republican ticket, and is a most capable and efficient


-


_I
_ _ 1______1_1_____ _ _______


L _


d- -A


II  r




ta   L.' -xI


a —


10


I_[[


]




l       - --


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


117


public officer. He still retains his farm consisting of 170 acres in
the town of Burt.
H. J. MINER, clothing merchant, Cheboygan, is a native of
Clinton County, N. Y. In 1876 he came to Cheboygan from
Detroit, and was first engaged as salesman in a general store.
After a short time he became a partner in a general mercantile
business. In the spring of 1880 lie engaged in the clothing and
merchant tailoring business, in a store on Third Street. In
December, 1881, he removed to his present store in the Bennett
Block. Mr. Miner was the first to start an exclusive clothing store
in Cheboygan. He does a large business and is one of the most
enterprising merchants in the place. He is a prominent member
of the Odd Fellows, Masonic, and Ancient Order of United Workmen societies.
JOSEPH COCHRAN is a native of Ottawa, Canada, and came to
the states in 1867. In 1874 lie came to Cheboygan from  Flint,
and worked at lumbering in the woods and on the river. He then
engaged at carpenter work for a short time, when he entered the
employ of Smith Bros., in their planing-mill, and has remained in
that business to the present time. The business is now carried on
by Smith & Adams, and Mr. Cochran is foreman pf the mill. He
is also an architect, and among others made the plans for the
Mullet Lake House and for the new hotel at Cheboygan. He has a
wife and three children.
WILLIAMI HESS, proprietor of the boiler works at Cheboygan, is
a native of Manitowoc, Wis. He learned the trade of boiler making
in Milwaukee, and in the spring of 1879 located in Cheboygan.
In 1880 he built his present works and commenced business, which
lie has successfully operated to the present time. At times he
employs as many as twenty men. His work is noted for its
excellence and his business is rapidly increasing
FRANK OSIER, proprietor of the Benton House, Cheboygan, is
a native of Potsdam, N. Y. In the spring of 1867 he located in
Cheboygan, where he still resides. After coming here, his business
was that of contractor and builder, and for a time carried on a
sash and door factory. Hie was the first proprietor of the American
House, and has been proprietor of the Benton House since the fall
of 1883. He has a wife and three children. Is a member of the
Odd Fellows fraternity.
ALBERT LE(GA.JLT is one of the pioneers of Cheboygan County.
He was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1846, and in 1850 came to
Cheboyganl witlh the Legaullt family. For a considerable portion of
the time since hlie began to do for himself, he has been engaged in
farningi. He kept the Cass House four years, and is now part
owner of the tug T. MA. Bradley. He has a wife and six children.
C. S. R.AMSAY, deputy collector of customs, at Cheboygan, is a
native of Springfield, Ohio, and came to Cheboygan from Detroit,
in 1871. He engaged in lumbering and continued in that business
for some time. In the fall of 1876 hlie received the appointment of
deputy collector of customs, which office hlie still holds. In January,
1882, lie became editor and part owner of the Northern T'ribulle.
He continued its editor until the spring of 1883, and is still a
stockholder in the company. Mr. Ramsay is a leading member of
the Congregational society, and occupies a prominent position in
political and other public affairs.
G. F. RAYNOLDS, cashier of the Cheboygan Bank, is one of the
representative business men of that place. He is a native of Canton, Ohio, where he was disciplined in banking business. In the


winter of 1882 he removed to Cheboygan, and was one of several
stock holders who purchased the banking business of Rollo &
Hitchcock, and the new organization started business with Mr.
Raynolds as cashier, which position he now occupies.
J. P. SUTTON, attorney at law, Cheboygan, was born in the


state of New Jersey, but at an early day removed to Michigan with
his parents, who settled in Oakland County. At the breaking out
of the war he raised a company and went into service as captain of
Co. H. 7th Mich. Inft. At the expiration of his term of service lie
returned home, but soon afterward went to California and finally to
Texas. In the spring of 1869 lie came to Cheboygan, and has
been prominently identified with the affairs of the village arid
county ever since. He has held various public offices, including
that of probate judge, and has been a justice of the peace for many
years, and also deputy county clerk. Mr. Sutton is a lawyer by
profession and a member of the county bar, but his time and attention are principally occupied with the various public positions he
is called upon to fill. He has been active in educational matters
and has contributed liberally to the welfare of the public schools.
He was married in 1862 at Orion, Oakland County, Michigan, to
Mary E. Shadbolt, of that place. They have two children.
H. A. BLAKE, foundryman. at Cheboyganl, was one of the early
lumber manufacturers of Cheboygan. He is a native of Bethel,
Vermont, but afterward removed to Whitehall, N. Y. In June,
1868, he came to Cheboygan, and in company with a Mr. Watson
built a saw-mill, the frame of which is still standing on the river
above the dam. The firm of Watson & Blake operated the mill
about two years and then sold it to Nelson & Strohn. At sixteen
years of age Mr. Blake had learned the machinist's trade, 'and in
1870 made the first castings made in the county, ill a shop connected with the saw-mill. After going out of the lumber business,
he built a foundry and machine shop onil Main Street, which business he still continues, having very  materially increased tle
capacity of his works since the business was first started. During
the first four months of the business the firm was Blake & Perry;
since that time Mr. Blake has carried on the business alone.
MATHIAS J. KESSELER, one of the pioneer business men of Cheboyg an, is anative of Prussia, and emigrated to America in 1854.
His parents first settled in Ohio, but in 1861 removed to Michiganl
and located onl the St. Clair River. Fromi there Mr. Kesseler went
to Alpena, and in June, 1869, settled in Cheboygan and opened the
first barber shop inll the village. fte occupied the second floor of
Sammon's block onI Main Street. kNot long afterward lie erected
the building now occupioed by Louis A. Parcelle as a drug store. Mr.
Kesseler occupied that building for several years, and in it opened
the first gents' furnishing store inll the place. In 1881 hie erected
the large building, a portion of which he now occupies. June 5,
1872, hlie married Sophia Metivier, daughter of Medard Metivier,
one of the pioneer families of Cheboygan. They have four children.
Louis A. PARCELLE, druggist, Cheboygan, is a native of Virginia, and of Spanish descent. He settled in Cheboygan in 1880.
In the spring of 1883 hlie purchased the drug stock of Dr. C. P. t/ill
and continues that business at the present time. Mr. Parcelle is a
young man of more than average business ability, and is considered
one of the soundest business men in Cheboygan. He is enterprising and encourages all measures calculated to benefit the community.
CARMODY & Co., liquor dealers, Cheboygan, is composed of
Daniel Carmody, James Duggan and James Workman. The firm
dates from the spring of 1882, in which year the building they now
occupy was built. Daniel Carmody is a native of Canada, and
came to Chebovygan from Ohio in 1876. He has been engaged in


the liquor business here since that time. James Duggan is a native
of Quebec, and has lived in Michigan ele-;cr_ o'ars. He is a timber
inspector for a Canada firm, and has been a resident of Cheboygan
since the spring of 1880. James Workman is a native of Canada,
and came to Cheboygan in 1879, from Lake Superior.   He has


&L


I ^; lo


% -        -V




I


j


0 -I
I
I
I
I
I




118


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


been connected with lumblering for eighteen years, and is now tile
agent of a Canada film of lumber and timber dealers.
JOSEPH SPOONER, dealer in fresh and salt imeats, Cheboygan, is
the pioneer butcher of the county. He is a native of Montreal,
Canada, and went to California in 1863. Ill tle winter of 1867 lihe
removed to Cheboygan, where he soon afterward opened the first
meat market in the place ill company with his brother, Petel
Spooner. He lhas continued that business to the present time, and
has an extensive patronage. He lias a wife -and nine childreln, five
sons and four dalughters.  They have buried one son.     Mr.
Spooner is one of the reliable business men of thle place.
GEOR(;E CARLET)ON, manufacturer of brick at Cheboyrgan, is a
native of the state of New York. In tlie fall of 1880 lie came to Chlleoygall from Clyde, Ohio, and engaged in tile manuflacture of brick.
He has facilities for manufacturing by steam power, and his woriks
lhave a capacity of 20,000;I day. Mr. Carleton lials been elrgaged
in the manufacture of brick.about sixteen years, and is aln expert
at thle business. IHe served about four months iln the arily during
tle war witll tle 169th Ohio Vol. lnft. He has a wife l)ut no
children.
JOHN REKI:1, of the firm of Reild  Co., dealers in groceries,
provisionrs, etc., Cheboygan, is a native of Ionia, Micligan. Ill the
fall of 1877 lie moved to Cheboygan from Detroit, and was employed
as saleslllan until the fall of 1882 whlen he engaged in business
witli George Thomas, of Owosso, the firml being Reid & Co. Mr.
Reid is Mi ellterprising business man.
F. J. Ton), SOll of H. F. Todd, one of tlle pioneers of Cheloyg:an, was born at Mackinac, alld removed to Clleboygan with
llis parents ill 1;867. iHe started out at an e[arly age to establisl a
business for himself, t.ind sold confectionery at the dock tand acted
as sallesman in stores. At one time lie lurcllhased all interest in a
vessel and salied two seasons. In 1880 lie opened a confectionery
store and al'terwtrd added at bakery to his business, whllich is now
knowln is thle Peerless BMakery. He does a large and prosperous
business wliicli is tlle result of his own indlustry and energy.
GEOMI;E  ' EE. FAX, merchalnt tailor, Cheboygan, is a native of
Montreal, C(anada. In1 the spring of 1881 lie went to Cheboygan
from Detroit, and for several months was in the employ of W. H.
Scott. IIe then had an interest in the merchant tailoring department of H. J. Miner's business, which continued until May, 1883,
when lie engaged alone in business. He is a popular business man.
DANIEL D. MCDONALD, lumberman, Cheboygan, is (a native of
Ontario, Canada. He went to Detroit in 1858, and afterward removed to Alpena where lhe was engaged exploring for pine. In
18(9 lie settled in Cheboygan, where lhe continued his business,
afterward dealing in timber and standing pine. He is still engaged
in woods ranging for the J. L. & S. Railway Company, and is also
interested in thle manufacture of logs and timber for foreign markets.
Mr. Mcl)onald is a lumblerman of long experience, and is well
known in this part of tile state.
I. E. DE GoWVIN, dealer in groceries, provisions, etc., Cheboygan, is a native of the state of New York. IIe first went to Cheboygan in 1878, and remained a short time. In June, 1879, he
settled thlere permanently. In April, 1881, lie engaged in his
present business, and is now one of the leading merchants of the
place. He is clerk of the town of Benton, and a prominent member
of the Odd Fellows fraternity.
M. E. LIUSTON, pattern maker, Che1oygan. is a native of Elk

hart, Ind. He served in the army in Company D, 136th Indiana Volhnteers, four months during 1864. In May, 1878, he


settled in Cheboygan, and engagaed as pattern maker at tile Blake
foundry. He is a nmember of the Odd Fellows fraternity. Mr.
Histon is a sliillful mechanic and a respected citizenl.
P. H. MCDONALD,, son of Peter McD)onald, o(le of tlie earliest
settlers of Cheboyganl County, was boin in Irelinid in 1848. In 1849
his paieilts settled in Cleboygan, whleie lie 1has reainea d to tle
present tinme. Ilis principal business has s  een lumbtl'eing aid
farmingi(. Ite was married il 1876, and has two children.  ite is
-tt present prolprietor of the Cass House.
SAM11 EIL S. EJI))Y, malnager of thle store of W. & A. McArtuilr,
is a native of Sarato;ga, N. Y. IIe first entered the mercantile pursuit in 1864, and camne to Clleboygan froll Chicargo ill tlie winter
of 1880. Is a mlelmber of the Odd Fellows fraternity ald St. Jamues
'EpTiscopal Chllurcl. Mr. Eddy is-a man of high stallding ill the
conlmmunity.
W. F. MCDON.ALD, liquor dealer, Cheboyganl, is a  inative of
Canada. Ile served in tle arnly two years, early during tlie war
of the rebellion, and in 18(;63 received his dischalrge tand came to
Michigan. He lived several yealrs at 1-Harrisville, losco Coulty,
where lie was ellgaged ill keeping iotel. InI thle spring of 1876 lie
settled in Cheboygan, and engaged ill thle liquor business, wlhiclh lie
still continues.
T. J. CRUMLEY, lumberman, CIheboygar, was boll:1t, Toronto,
Canada, and came to Michigan in 1863 from Lower CanLllad, whlere
he had worked on the St. Francis River. He located at Alpenla,
and worked in tlie woods. In the fall of 1868 lie settled in Clieboygan, where lie worked in the woods for a timle, lnd then Cleg.lged
in lumbering for himself, which lie still continules. He lias La wife
and six children, four daughters and two sons, hLavincg buried one
sonl. Il 1884 Mr. Crumley is building a colmmodioous brick lhotel
onl Third Street.
ALEXANDER McRAE, dealer in liquors, Cheboygan, is la nativa
of Claniada, and first settled ill Allpena. In 1876 he removed to
Cheboyglan, alnd worked at lumbering for several years. In1 tle fall
of 1881 lhe engaged in tie liquor biusiness, whlicli lie still continues.
J. A. MCQUAmIG, dealer in liquors, cigars, etc., Chebloygan, is *1
native of Canada, and settled il Cheboyrtganl ill 1877, whlere lie
worked at lumlbering. In 1880 lie engal.ged in business, opposite
the Benton House. In November, 1883, lie removed his blsinless
to the Bellant Block on tlie west side of the river.
D. N. McLEOD, proprietor of McLeod's Exclhanlge, Cleboygan,
is a native of Canada, and settled inl Cheboygan ill 1875. He was
first engaged at lumbering in the woods, and afterwards kept tile
Benton House. In the fall of 1883 lie exchanged tle B3elton
House for his present place, near the postoffice, wlhere lie deals in
liquors, cigars, etc.
MURRAY & RICH, proprietors of a foundry and ma clhiue shop,
Cheboygan, succeeded J. N. Perry, in tlle fall of 1882. Tlie business was first established by Mr. Perry in 1873. Thle firm is conmposed of Andrew and John W. Murray and Fred E. Rich, all of
whom Care practical machinists and good business men. They have
built up a large and prosperous business, and hlave thle reputation
of doing excellent work  Audrew and John Murray are natives of
Washtenaw County, Michdi, but for several years before coming to
Cheboygan were employed at Saginaw, where they learned their
trade. Fred E. Rich is a native of Bangor, Me., where hle learned


his trade. He was also engaged in Saginaw five years prior to
comaing to Cheboygan. They are young men of excellent business
habits, and. are meeting with deserved success.


i
I
I
I.

I


w --                                                                                                                                                                                              ----                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Oe



--.w -


Ir


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


119


CHAPTER XV.
VILLAGE OF MACKINAW CITY.
LOCATION-ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS-EARLY HISTORY OF THE PROJECTED VILLAGE-YEARS OF WAITING-THE BEGINNING IN 1870
-EARLY RELIGIOUS WORSHIP-THE SCHOOL-INCORPORATED AS
A VILLAGE UNDER A CHARTER-GENERAL PROGRESS.
The village of Mackinaw City stands upon historic ground,
and the events which gave this point a conspicuous place in history
have been narrated upon preceding pages.
The village as a reality is of recent growth, but as a projected
enterprise dates back to the early years of progress in northern
Michigan.
In the year 1857 Edgar Conkling and Asbury M. Searles, as
trustees of the proprietors of Mackinaw lands, inaugurated a movement for building up a business center upon the south shore of the
Straits.  The principal office was at Cincinnati, Ohio, and the
names of the owners and.amount of their individual interests are
as follows:
Edgar Conkling, Cincinnati, 0., owner of............ 9-16
Asbury M. Searles,  "     ("   " "(............ 1-8
S. H. Burton, Trustee for Mrs. Jane M. Messick, Cincinnati, 0. 1-8
James C. Conkling, Springfield, Ill., owner of............ 1 8
John Reeves, Cincinnati, 0., owner of............1-16
8-8
Mr. Conkling was the largest owner and the leading spirit in
the enterprise. His enthusiasm and confidence in the project were
unbounded, and certainly no more captivating scheme was ever
spread upon paper than that which contemplated the building of an
important business center at this point. During the summer of 1857
ground was surveyed and platted for a village by R. C. Phillips, a
civil engineer, and in October of that year a pamphlet of about fifty
pages was issued by the trustees. This pamphlet contained a mass
of information relative to this point, together with plats and maps,
and a large edition was printed and circulated.  An early writer
ihad uttered the following prophetic opinion:  "If one were to
point out on the map of North America a site for a great central
city in the lake region, it would be in the immediate vicinity of the
Straits of Mackinaw. A city so located would have the control of
the mineral trade, the fisheries, the furs and the lumber of the entire northl.  It mighlt become the metropolis of a great commercial
empire. It would be the Venice of the Lakes."
The projectors of Mackinaw City believed they were founding
such a metropolis.
The pamphlet referred to contained an announcement of the
trustees to the public, and also Ale report of the surveyor, Mr. Phillips. We give them herewith, as they define the enterprise as it was
outlined at that time.
TO THE PUBLIC.
The undersigned, trustees and proprietors of the lands of, and
adjacent to (" Mackinaw City," have the pleasure of presenting for
the consideration of the capitalists, business men and others,
what they will concede to be, upon investigation, the most reliable
point for investment and settlement, now available in the west or
north.
Mackinaw evidently occupies the most commanding natural
position for a city of the first claas; surrounded as it is, by a widely


extended territory, abounding in elements of the greatest wealth,
affording the utmost encouragement to the manufacturer and meclhanic in their widest diversity of employment, and without the
possibility of a competing city in any direction nearer than Detroit
on the south.








They feel, from what has been so truly and ably said by E. D.
Mansfield, Esq., a gentleman well and favorably known for his ability and habits of close investigation and comparison, that nothing
more is left to be said, but to set forth the policy which they have
adopted, and design to carry out, the more efficiently to promote
the interests of this location, and at the same time to aid in the development of die vast resources of the surrounding region.
From the map it will be seen that the streets are laid out
eighty feet in width, and the avenues one hundred, and one hundred and fifty feet, respectively. In the deed of dedication of these
to the public, provision is made for sidewalks, fifteen feet width on
each side, to be forever unobstructed by improvements of any kind,
shade trees excepted, thus securing a spacious promenade, worthy
of a place destined to become a principal resort for pleasure and
health. Provision is also made for the proper use of the streets and
avenues by railroad companies, adequate to the demands of the
business of the city.
The lots, with the exception of those in fractional blocks, are
fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, thus affording ample room for
permanent, convenient, and ornamental improvements.
The park now laid off embraces the grounds of the old "Fort
Michllimackinac," sacred in the history of the country.  These
grounds, now in their natural condition, are unequaled for beauty
of surface, location, scenery, soil, trees, etc., by any park in any
city in this country; and when'the skillful hand of the horticulturist has marked its outline and threaded it with avenues and foot
paths, pruned its trees and carpeted its surface with green, it will
present the very perfection of all that constitutes a park delightful.
The character of the soil (it being a sandy loam, with sand and
gravel underlying it) renders it capable of the easiest and most
economical improvement, securing walks always dry, hard and
smooth.
This park, with suitable blocks and lots for county and city
buildings, market houses, schools, etc., will be duly appropriated
to these uses, whenever the proper authorities are prepared to select
suitable sites; and lots for churches and institutions of learning
and charity will be freely donated to parties contemplating early
improvement. Thus the trustees propose to anticipate, by avoiding
the errors of older cities, the wants of Mackinaw City in perpetuity, and free forever its citizens from taxation for any grounds required for the public good. They also design to place it in the
power of the general government to secure, by like donation, at an
early day, the grounds necessary for such fortifications as the wants
of the country and commerce may require, on the simple condition
of speedy improvement. This liberal policy, it is believed, will
best promote the true interests of the city and country, and at the
same time be productive of the greatest pecuniary profit, both to
the original proprietors, and to all others who may make investments at this point.
It is also within the purposes of the trustees, to expend a large
portion of their income from sales, in providing for the public
wants, by the erection of docks at the most important places, and
by the establishment of ferries, in view of which they have secured
the land on the opposite side of the Straits. And they will aIso, as
their means will justify, make loans to aid parties in the establishment of manufactories, &c.
Building materials of great variety and in abundance are at
hand.   Lumber can be had for the mere cost of preparation, and


the soil at no very distant point is suitable for making bricks; while
for immediate use, Milwaukee can furnish the articles of the best
kind in any quantities. The shores of Lake, Superior abound with
exhaustless quantities of granite, sand stone and marble; and limestone and sand are on the spot.


-=,U




I


j2




t




— sl~'T




4-l


N 


h

I


120


THE    TRAVERSE      REGION.
-   __ _   -   __   ~~~~~~I


There are three harbors, the most eastern of which is well
known to navigators, as affording perfectly safe anchorage at all
times; and when suitable docks are built, they will offer unusual
advantages to commerce.
The surface of the city itself is unrivaled, having a natural
grade suited to city wants, and the soil being a sandy loam with
sand and gravel underlying it, will form the cheapest and best
foundation for streets and avenues.
Evergreen and other trees of full growth now cover the grounds,
affording a healthful and delightful shade, and capable of varied
embellishment, without the delay incident to artificial growth. The
grounds adjacent to the city are of the same character, gradually
ascending until an elevation of seventy-five or a hundred feet is
attained, affording the finest views of the lakes and neighboring
islands.
The following are the terms on which the trustees propose to
sell the property which they have subdivided into lots, as represented in the subjoined plat of the city. Notwithstanding the superior facilities of this point over hundreds of others in the West,
where lots have readily been disposed at ten, twenty, thirty, and
even fifty dollars per foot, the trustees, in order to give impetus to
the growth of Mackinaw City, and to afford a margin for others to
profit by, propose to all settlers who will immediately improve the
property by the erection of mills, hotels, dwellings, manufacturing
and printing establishments, docks, &c. &c., to donate the lots necessary for such purposes, subject to the choice of the parties themselves; and to those who desire to profit by the inevitable advance
of property contiguous to their own improvements, the trustees
will sell lots on long time, if desired, at the unprecedentedly low
price of five dollars per foot, front.
Capitalists and non-residents, desiring to avail themselves of
the advantages of such a developing policy, and to invest upon a
real estate basis, promising a rapid appreciation in value, can possess
themselves for a very limited time, of lots, at the same low price
of five dollars per foot.
The title to this property is unquestionable, having, within five
years, been derived directly from the United States Government, as
will be seen by reference to a title pamphlet issued by the undersigned for the information of parties interested.
Applications by letter will receive prompt attention. Asking a
careful perusal of the annexed report on the subject, from the pen
of E. D. Mansfield, Esq., we submit the matter to public investigation.
EDGAR CONKLING,    Trustees.
A. M. SEARLES,
CINCINNATI, Oct., 1857.
MESSRS. E. CONKLING, AND A. M. SEARLES,
Trustees of Mackinaw City Company,
GENTS:-Having completed my surveys of "Mackinaw City"
and the surrounding lands belonging to your company, at your request I herein embody briefly the result of my observations. "Mackinaw City," situated on the south side of the Straits, and upon the
northern extremity of the southern peninsula of Michigan, occupies
a position at once admirably adapted to the conveniences and necessities of a great city, and susceptible df easy and commensurate
improvement.    The land rises gradually from the water's edge,
until it attains an elevation of about forty-four feet, just sufficient


to secure certain drainage from every point, with very little expense
in the grading of streets, while there is no portion of it subject to
overflow of water.
By reference to the accompanying map of the city, its topographical features will be indicated by the figures at the corner of
blocks, whizb figures denote their elevation in feet, respectively,


I
I
I
I
I
t
0
1
11
F
I
I
i




Iabove the level of the lake. The lands west of the city plat conI tinue to rise until a height of seventy-five feet (75) feet above the
lake is attained. Fiom almost all parts of these lands conlnanding views are obtained of the surrounding lakes, the Straits and the
numerous adjacent islands. That portion set apart as a park is
covered with a beautiful growth of various evergreen and other
trees, whikh only require the skillful hand of the horticulturist to
render the place beautiful beyond description. The prospect from
this site is particularly fine, and hardly to be equaled by that of
any public park in the country, not excepting the far-famed Battery
in New York, which is similarly situated. Looking westward, Lake
Michigan is spread out in the distance, with the island of St. Helena in the northwest. Immediately north appear the Straits, and
beyond, their northern shore, while Mackinaw, Round and Bois
Blanc Islands dot the waters to the northeast and east, and the
south channel of Lake Huron stretches away as far as the eye can
reach, forming together a scene of unsurpassed natural and varied
beauty.
The soil of the city site is a sandy loam, saud and gravel, mx;ed
with fragmentary limestone, underlying it, forming a perfectly dry
and clean surface, admirably adapted for streets of a compact and
reliable foundation, without the expense of paving.
The health of this locality, like that of the surrounding islands,
is proverbial. The invigorating and pleasant breezes which prevail
here have been the theme of the inhabitants, and of the thousands
of visitors who annually flock here for health and pleasure. This
testimony is confirmed by the fact that doctors find no encouragement in this whole region and are regarded as mere myths.
Ample and safe harbors are found adjoining your lands on the
east, north and west.  A reference to the city plat, and the United
States charts of the Straits, will show you the depth of water at a
great number of points-a depth sufficient for any vessels that navigate the lakes.  The eastern bay is well known to navigators as
affording excellent anchorage and a safe retreat in time of storms.
I have seen more than twenty vessels at anchor here at one time
while a storm was prevailing.  The northern and western bays are
scarcely inferior, and, altogether, cannot fail to render <" Mackinaw
City" a place of favorite resort and secure retreat by the hundreds
of steamers and sail vessels which are constantly traversing the
Straits of Mackinaw.
Limestone for building purposes is abundant in your high
lands, which, with the timber covering the same, furnish ample
facilities for ready and substantial improvements.
I have also made surveys south of Mackinaw and in the vicinity
of Little Traverse Bay, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan,
and have, therefore, had a good opporturity to see the country and
to judge of its capabilities to promote the growth and prosperity of
a city. I find the surface to be slightly rolling, or undulating, having an elevation above the lake of from seventy to one hundred and
fifty feet. At a distance of half a mile to one and a half miles
from the coast, the land is of an excellent quality generally, and
improves uniformly as you go inland, as far as I have explored it.
The timber consists mainly of sugar maple, wild cherry (red), beech,.
poplar, ash, oak, white cedar, Norway and other pines. The soil
is a deep sandy loam, very warm, and producing luxuriantly.
Upon the whole, I can not but congratulate your company on
the site you have been so fortunate as to possess for a prospective
city, affording, as it does, almost unexampled facilities for settle

ment and improvements, while at the same time its commercial
advantages, being at the center of an immense agricultural and mineral district, with many other minor pursuits inviting to human
industry, give ample promise that in the onward development of the
mighty northwest, it must become a great central metropolis.




1.


I


t


I


-




I


mo - i


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.


ql


t




AA R        L


-  a       I   i                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I-  






I


^


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


121


The lakes being near one and a half feet.higher than usual,
will, of course, on receding, increase the depth of your water lots,
my survey showing the present water line. Your lands on the opposite point of the Straits, and embracing the whole shore, I also
surveyed and find similar in character to the south side, and well
suited for the termini of railroads and ferry, the main channel of
the Straits being near the south shore.
Yours truly,
R. C. PHILLIPS, (iril En!lineer.
CINCINNATI, Sept. 30, 1857.
After vigorous but unsuccessful efforts to found a city, Mr.
Conkling became convinced that the project was matured at too
early a time. The time had not arrived for extending railwaylines
to this point, and without railway connection a business center of
any importance is impossible. Mr. Conkling, however, never lost
faith in the ultimate success of his enterprise, and after waiting
and watching nearly a quarter of a century died in December, 1881,
a few days before the first railroad to this point was opened.
From 1857 to 1870 the village plat was undisturbed. In 1869
Mr. Conkling made arrangements to build a dock, and the contract
was let to Mr. F. M. Sammons, of Cheboygan. In January, 1870,
George W. Stimpson moved here from Cheboygan, having a contract to get out dock timber and 20,000 cedar posts. A small log
house built for use of men working on the dock was the sole and
solitary tenant of the site. Mr. Stimpson built a log house where
the Stimpson House now stands, and became the first settler of the
village.
George W. Stimpson was born in Somerset County, Me., in
the year 1829. He was married April 5, 1849, to Miss Elvira A.
Pillsbury, at Palmyra, in that state. Mr. Stimpson was a farmer,
and in 1868, having several sons, decided it would be best to move
into a new country where land was cheap. He accordingly removed with his family to Cheboygan, and kept the Cheboygan
House about a year. While there he watched opportunities for securing desirable tracts of land and made several purchases. In
January, 1870, he came to Mackinaw City, as heretofore stated,
and engaged in getting out timber and posts. He also handled a
lot of cord-wood for Mr. Conkling, and engaged in the wood trade
on his own account. His house being the only one at this point,
it became the stopping place for people who came here. The first
religious services in the place were held in that house, and the first
Sunday-school organized there. Mr. Stimpsoni was constantly on
the alert for desirable land, and whenever there was an opportunity
to secure a valuable water front or good farming land he purchased.
The consequence is that lie has become possessed of a large amount
of valuable la'ud in the vicinity. For several years he has carried
on fishing quite extensively, and for this business his water frontage is invaluable. Mr. and Mrs. Stimpson have six children, four
soilns and two daughters. Charles and Forest J. have farms near
Mackinaw City; George Stimpson is a veterinary surgeon at Quincy,
Ill., and although a young main, has become distinguished for skill
and remarkable success in his profession. He graduated with honors from the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Canada, in
1882, and located at Quincy, Ill., where he has already acquired an
extensive practice. He is strongly endorsed by WVilke's Spirit of the
T'imes, and is already in the front rank of his profession. John and
Ida are at home, and Lydia is the wife of B. C. Milliken, of Cheboygan. Mr. Stimpson has engaged in various business enter

prises, and has continued to keep hotel to the present time. In
1880 he built the present Stimpson House, a large and conveniently
arranged frame building. He has accumulated some valuable and
interesting relics from the old fort, among which is a set of charms
consisting of a key and two charms, made of silver. Upon the ring


is the date 1563 and the letter " M," upon the charms are engraved
emblems, such as the heart and horn of plenty. He has also a
silver cross, broad-axe, tomahawk, and a great quantity of beads.
These were all found within a few years by parties digging in the
soil in the vicinity of the old fort.
While the dock was being built the men engaged upon that
work helped to relieve the place of its solitude, but that was soon
finished.
L. I. Willets was the next person to become a permanent resident of the place. He came here in April, 1870, and purchased a
lot. During the summer he had a store building put up, and in
September removed here and brought his stock of goods. Mr.
Willets was born in Orleans County, N. Y., but removed to Branch
County, Mich., with his parents when quite young. In 1863 lie
was married at Coldwater, Mich., to Miss Elizabeth Fetterly. They
have no children. Mr. Willets lived two years in Illinois, and then
removed to Greenville, Mich., where he followed the business of
painting until his removal to Mackinaw City in 1870.
July 1, 1871, the postoffice of Mackinaw City was established
with Mr. Willets as postmaster, and he has continued to hold the
office to the present time. He has carried on his mercantile business, and has taken an active interest in promoting the welfare of
the place. He is a man of good education, and has been a leading
spirit in educational matters, and taught the school in 1873 and
1874. He is superintendent of schools at the present time.
With the building of the dock and the business interests of
Messrs. Stimpson and Willets, a beginning was made, but beyond
that nothing was done for several years, and it still continued to
look as though the greatest fame of this point would come from the
past.
RELIGIOUS WORK.
Religious worship was introduced into the village of Mackinaw
City as soon as the first home was established. In February, 1870,
Elder Riley, of the M. E. Church at Cheboygan, came to the place
and preached in the log house of George W. Stimpson that had
been recently finished. There were a number of men at work upon
the dock, and every person in the vicinity attended the services,
filling the house to its utmost capacity. Shortly afterward Rev.
Van Fleet came over from Mackinac Island, and preached in the old
dock-house. In March Rev. Father De Ceunick came up from Cheboygan and held services in the old boarding-house. After the work
on the dock was finished, aud the laborers went away, there were
but few persons left at this point, and there was no preaching service held again until the summer of 1881, when the Presbyterians
sent Rev. Cook from Harbor Springs once a month. He held services at the Stimpson House, and a Sunday-school was organized
with Dr. Henry Conkling, superintendent. Soon after a church
society was organized. The first local pastor was Rev. Peoples, and
the present one is Rev. Marsh. Dr. Henry Conkling and his wife
took an active interest in the welfare of the church, and in 1883
the society succeeded in building a house of worship. It was dedicated free from debt Sept. 26, 1883. This is the only religious organization in the village.
DISTRICT SCHOOL.
In the summer of 1871 application was made to the board of
school inspectors of the town of Inverness for the organization of a
school district. The application was signed by the following named
persons: G. W. Stimpson, Charles Stimpson, James Nickelson,


William Wright, G. W. Conrad, L. I. Willets, Octave Terrian,
Lewis St. Andrew, Francis Dufney, John Kadott. July 8, 1871,
School District No. 1 was organized, and the first meeting of the
voters of the district was held at the house of George W. Stimpson,
July 29, of the same year. William Wright was elected moderator;


F
I


L.


q p -


Cc~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




. 4 ---


I


b.

-


122


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


George W. Stimpson director, and George W. Conrad assessor. A
school was kept during the following autumn in a log building that
had been built by Mr. Conkling. The school was taught by Lydia
J., daughter of George W. Stimpson, and there were seven pupils.
George W. Conrad taught in 1872, and L. I. Willets in 1873 and
1874; Luella Smith taught in 1875 and 1876; Millie Wilson, 1877;
Fred Bunker, 1878, and Mary Minet part of a term in 1878; Ella
Eastman, 1879; Luella Smith, 1880. There was no school kept
during the year 1881, and in 1882 the school was taught by Jessie
Lomax; Miss Clark in 1883 and 1884. The school was kept in
temporary buildings until the fall of 1883, when a school-house was
completed.
In December, 1881, the Mackinaw division of the Michigan
Central Railroad was completed to Mackinaw City, and railway communication with the outside world was established. In July, 1882,
the G(rand Rapids & Indiana Railroad had completed its line from
Petoskey to this point, and the future prospects of the place assumed a more hopeful hue. In 1882 it was thought advisable to
organize under a village charter and push forward local improvements.
VILL GE CHARTER.
At a meeting of the board of supervisors held in December,
1882, application was made for an order incorporating the hereinafter described territory into a village, to be known as Mackinaw
City, to-wit: Lots one (1) and two (2) of fractional Section seven
(7) and Lots one (1) and two (2) of Section eighteen (18), all in Town
thirty-nine (39) north, Range three (3) west, Gheboygan County,
Michigan.
The petition was signed by the following named persons: E.
C. Campbell, James Shepherd, E. M. Sutherland, S. B. Chamberlain
A. Laquea, M. H. Dunham, Chas. Goodell, L. I. Willets, James
Converse, W. A. Johnston, F. S. Badge, Charles Bart, James Fox,
W. M. Carpenter, R. G. Taylor, Benjamin F. LaRue, John H.
Kintcel, Ed. Cuberson, George Gane, G. W. Stimpson, M. D. Ferry,
F. J. Stimpson, H. L. Loomis, Charles Stimpson, F. L. Pierce, J.
S. Apt, Henry Conkling, G. W. Kelker, A. D. McKay, James Bell,
James K. Sizeland, George H. Todd, W.T. Waite, A. Torrey, John
Paden.
This petition was granted by the supervisors.
In the winter of 1883 tle village was reincorporated by act of
legislature, approved April 10, 1883, under the general law relating
to villages passe- in 1875.
The first charter election was held in the spring of 1883, and
the following officers elected: President, John Padden; clerk E.
M. Sutherland; treasurer, Samuel Chamberlain. Trustees: James
Shepherd, James Fox, William Carpenter, John Andrews, James
Ball,-Mercier.
1884:   President, John  Padden; clerk, E. M. Sutherland;
treasurer, Samuel Chamberlain. Trustees: James Ball, James
Shepherd,-Mercier, James Fox, D. B. Notson, J. Richards.
Considerable activity was exhibited during 1882 and 1883. A
number of buildings were erected, and streets were graded. August,
1882, a signal station was established, with F. R. Day as observer.
In March, 1883, he was succeeded by Dudley B. Notson, who is
still in that position. This station ranks as first-class and a central
office of sub-station.


The growth of the place is hindered by legal complications affecting the title to a portion of the village lots.  When this hindrance is removed it is thought the village will continue to prosper.
The village plat lies in both Cheboygan and Emmet Counties, but
the village is built in Cheboygan County.
This place is the central point of early history, and or years
was the center of trade for this great northwest region. Nature has


made it a geographical and commercial center, and wliat it mlay yet
become is for the future to answer. The once famous metropolis
of the Ottawas and Ojibwas, where the feet of thousands of warriors shook Pe-quod-e-nong (Mackinaw) while dancing their war
dances,.and goilg forthl painted and plumed to war, nlay yet see the
time when it will be to the whites what it then was to tliem.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE INLAND ROUTE —HISTOIRY OF THE ENTERPRISE —DESCRIPTION OF
THE LAKES AND) RIVERS ---MULLET LAKE HOTELS —TOPINABEE AND
THE HAY FEVER RESORT —INDIAN RIVER AND WOLVERINE.
THE INLAND ROUTE.
The Cheboygan tand Emmlet (County lake and river navigation
improvement is one of the mlost important enterprises ever successfully carried out in northern Michigan.
In April, 1874, Mr. Frank M. Sammons conceived the idea of




I


LAKE VIEW ON INLAND ROUTE.


carrying the mail through Cheboygan River, Ildianl River and Burt
Lake, to a point in Crooked River, near the state road. In Soptember of that year he went up to the mouth of Indian R.ver, with
a span of horses and four men (two whites and two Indians) nnd
ploughed and scraped the bar going into Burt Latke, working in
water at places from sixteen inches to three feet deep, and imade a
channel through which the tug Maud Sammons passed into Burt
Lake, carrying supplies for lumber camps. Finding the enterprise
of conveying the mail through this route too much to accomplish
single-handed, he suggested to William McArthur the advisability
of attempting inland navigation on a broader scale. As a result of
this suggestion, Messrs. McArthur, Smith & Co. and Thompson
Smith decided in 1874 to make an attempt to secure it. They expended labor at the entrance of Burt Lake in forming the piers to
the amount of about $3,500. The undertaking being found rather
too large for private means, no work was done in 1875. This project culminated finally in August, 1875, in the idea of securing, the
aid of the state, by 'means of appropriation of swamp lands.
Through the persistent energy of the Northern Tribtne several
public meetings of the citizens were held, at which measures wele
adopted resulting il i, preliminary survey being made and a delegation going to Lansing, who laid the matter before the Board of


J






-AC --- —---------— ~~-~ —* --- -- b  ^ --- —--- -  -I --- —-------— *   q ^
i~_ i,....,!             _


al- r




ICt-sL


- A-J. I  0.


I_.VA,


2L



---------— I- --------------------— ` ---` --- —--------


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


123


I


-   ~      ~       ~      ~     ~      ~      ---------- -----------— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Control of state swamp lands. A survey was ordered by the State
Board in October, 1875. In December the Board made an appropriation of $20,000 in swamp lands to do the work. Contracts for
doing the work were let in February, 1876, to F. M. Sammons,
David Smith and 0. B. Green.  The route opened for navigation
is between Lake Huron, at Cheboygan, through Cheboygan River,
Mullet Lake, Indian River, Burt Lake, Crooked River and Crooked
Lake, making a distance of about forty-five miles. ' The depth of
water to be obtained is five and a half feet into Burt Lake and five
feet into Crookzd Lake. Active operations were commenced on the
work June 25,1876. William Chandler, Esq., was appointed local
commissioner, and the work rapidly progressed to completion.
The trip from Conway Springs at the head of Crooked Lake to
Cheboygan is an exceedingly romantic and interesting one. Crooked
Lake is about five miles in length. It is famous for its bass fishing
and the numerous delightful localities for camping places along its
shores. A sportsman' writes as follows with reference to this lake
and its surroundings:
"I cannot begin to do this lovely lakelet justice; suffice it to say
that we found it beautifully located in the forest primeval, with only


I             -     


of the glorious birds of freedom. I hurried to the boat with my
prize, but had hardly started when another came wlirling in the
the air above, and seizing my gun I let fly the No. 8's, and, by all
that's holy, fetched him to the ground. Whew! two American
eagles in five minutes!!! How big we felt! I've chased the antelope over the plains and shot theml with my Winchester rifle;
stalked deer and elk in the mountain parks of Colorado, and hunted
buffalo on the vast prairies of Kansas, but I do not think I ever
felt so exhilarated as then. The next morning my companions declared I was muttering in my sleep 'American eagles!-one flying!
— No. 8's!' etc.
"At the end of the fortnight we struck tents and departed silently
but happy. The time had passed like a dream of blissful contentment-aye, a summer night's dream. Think of this, ye who fish
for suckers and catfish in the swamp streams of Indiana, and in the
roily waters of the Kankakee-the experience of one who has cast
his line in the sunny south, in the streams of the far west, and in
our own beautiful Michigan, reads like a very fairy tale.
"No flies to bother you as up in Canada —no 'skeeters nor any
no-see'ems-nothing to mar the pleasures-no hot, stifling nights

CROOKED LAKE.


a patch of new clearing upon the banks, and one small house at its
foot-a very gem in a silver setting.
"Fastening our boat to the limb of a fallen tree, we proceeded
to catch a supply of minnows. After which, having rigged lines
ready for business before leaving shore, we thought it time to see if
any bass were around. I put on a minnow, made a cast, and the
bait had scarce got out of sight ere it was taken with a rush. Four
casts succeeded, and, in rapid succession, four fine bass came out to
interview me. After securing eleven from that tree top, we unhitched and paddled to another part of the lake, taking them, fish
where we might. Right there we camped a fortnight, making our
camp as comfortable as could be and enjoying one constant dream
of delight. Fifty rods from camp we could catch all the minnows
we wanted, enticing them by means of some bait placed in a landing net, and, turning to the other side of the boat and casting into
deeper water, capture bass in the greatest profusion. They were
so thick that we caught all we needed in an hour a day, and even
then returned to the water all fish weighing less than two and a
half pounds. We had grand sport, for the black bass is really a
game fish. We also enticed from their native element several
pickerel, which averaged eight pounds each.
"Around this lake, we observed a number of American eagles
circling, -and, one day from my perch in the top of a tree, I shot one


no clammy dews —no dark miasma creeping into the system-but
rest-sweet sleep at night and a dreamy existence by day.
" Wllat wonder, then, that the fisherman who has visited northern Michigan loves to dream of the halcyon time, and again looks
forward to the lovely June days when the trout riseth to the fly on
the waters, and the worm squirmeth in anticipation of the hungry
fish that lieth waiting under some log for just such a juicy fellow;
when the grayling striketh hard and sharp for your bait, and waiteth for the disciple of Izaak in the Sturgeon and Pigeon Rivers;
while in every running river, in every crystal lake, the gamy black
bass jumpeth for whatever bait may be offered on the invitingly sharp
look, let it be frog, mouse, minnow, Dobson's hell-gramite, or any
other thing."
"The staunch little steamer upon which you have embarked
soon carries you safely across Crooked Lake and brings you to
the head of Crooked River, wlich is the outlet of Crooked Lake.
This river is seven miles in length and flows iu a northeasterly
direction. The scenery is picturesque. True to its name the river
is very crooked. So much so that it is navigated with difficulty in
soMne places.
"Crooked River empties into Burt Lake, one of the prettiest
lakes ever looked upon by the tourist.  It is nine miles long by
five miles wide, the length extending north and south. Crooked,


j




I:- I kg
--  ~   I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~M0


-
_ _


-


4      r",




a;.M.


I
W

V.


F

_________  _______ ~  ~~~~~ I (a3


124


THE TRAVERSE REGION.






-


Maple and Sturgeon Rivers, all large streams, pour their waters
lavishly into this lake.  Maple River is the outlet of Douglass
Lake, which is two miles north of Burt Lake. All of these lakes
and rivers are full of fish.
"Having crossed Burt Lake you enter Indian River, which is
five miles in length. The country along this river is not the best
in the world, but the scenery is beautiful.
"Indian River empties into Mullett Lake, which is the largest
lake of the series, being twelve miles long and from five to eight
miles wide. Pigeon and Indian Rivers enter into this lake. Sev4.u. '"   W ''?1?
kl.lk~~




of Mullett Lake, on a narrow peninsula between that and Burt
Lake, only two miles wide, on the Mackinaw division of the Michigan Central R. R., over which (during the resort season) there
are run daily two passenger trains each way, from Detroit and
Chicago, with sleepers and no change of cars, (besides local trains)
all stopping at this station, the depot of which is within twenty
rods of our lands.  Topinabee is 479 miles from Chicago; 263
miles from Detroit; thirty miles south from Mackinaw Island;
thirteen miles south from Cheboygan, Mich.; and about twenty-five
miles north and east of Petoskey.  There are daily mail and telegraph facilities.  Daily connections with Cheboygan by boat and
cars, with the through lines of steamers from Buffalo, Cleveland
and Detroit, to Milwaukee and Chicago. During the summer
season there is a daily line of steamers each way, from Mackinaw
Island to Oden, making connection with the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R. to Petoskey.  This route is called the Inland Water
Route, and is from Mackinaw Island across the straits to Cheboygan, up through Cheboygan River and Mullett Lake to Topinabee,
thence through Indian River, Burt Lake, Crooked River and
Crooked Lake to Oden, a station on the G. R. & I. R. R., about
eight miles north and east of Petoskey, and is a very popular route
for tourists. It is one of the best points in northern Michigan for
fishing with hook and line, and bass, pickerel, pike and white fish
are abundant in the lakes, and fine trout and grayling streams not




i
i
-I






I


CROOKED RIVER.


eral good hotels are located at different points around it. This
lake, too, is full of fish, and its shores abound in game.
"The outlet of Mullett Lake is Cheboygan River, six miles in
length. Three miles down, Black River, which is as large, if not.larger than the Cheboygan, empties into the Cheboygan.  Black
River is the outlet of Black Lake, which is about the size of Mullett
Lake. From the junction of Black River with the Cheboygan the
stream is much wider and deeper than before, and a continuation
of mills of various kinds line its banks until you reach Cheboygan."
Upon Mullett Lake are a number of resort hotels, the most
extensive of which is the Mullett Lake House, built by C. R. and
William Smith in 1879-'80. It is in the town of Burt, and
is situated on the shore of the lake. The cost of the property was
$42,000.
The inland route was opened by a boat called the Valley
Queen, which ran two seasons.  In 1880 the Inland Navigation
Co. was organized by Mr. Charles R. Smith, of Cheboygan, and
three boats were run until 1883. The two boats now upon the line
are the " Mary " and the "( Northern Belle."
TOPINABEE.
Topinabee is the name of a station on the Mackinaw division
of the Michigan Central Railroad, but is becoming better known as
a popular summer resort on Mullett Lake. The location has all
the desirable features of a favorite resort. It is on the west shore


INDIAN RIVER.




far distant.  Plenty ot game in its season, deer, ducks, geese and
partridge.
The grounds are a beautiful natural park, rising in terraces to
a height of over one hundred feet, and are covered with second
growth timber, from ten to thirty feet high, consisting of pine,
spruce, balsam, poplar, oak of different kinds, and maple, and
carpeted with wintergreens, trailing arbutus, sweet ferns and low
bush huckleberries.
The history of this point is substantially as follows: In the
summer of 1880 Mr. H. H. Pike, a veteran hotel proprietor at
Niles, Mich., purchased eighty-five acres of land at this point, and
subsequently made another purchase of twenty acres.. This land
is in Sections 29 and 30, in the town of Burt, and lies along the


L


-
p"

I


-


- ~ ~ ~- I r, LI


l-~V I-_ 


_W


-"I




-A   5)


~4


J
i 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


125


shore of Mullett Lake. Mr. Pike is a native of Burlington, Vt.,
and as early as 1859 located at Niles. With the exception of about
five years he has been engaged in the hotel business for the past
forty years. In 1866 he built the Pike House at Niles, and kept
it until the summer of 1883. For a number of years he had been
in pursuit of a desirable location for a summer resort, and had
visited various points with a view of purchasing a site, but did not
succeed in doing so.  In the summer of 1879 he made a trip over
the Inland route and was favorably impressed with the surroundings of Mullett Lake. Tie railroad had not at that time penetrated
this section, and he watched the progress of the line that was to
extend from Bay City to Mackinaw City.  In the summer of 1880,
being satisfied as to the location of the road, he made the purchase
as already stated. In October, 1881, he began the erection of a
hotel, and finished it in July, 1882.  It was named the Pike
House, and immediately opened, though Mr. Pike did not move
here with his family until June, 1883.  The house is situated between the railroad and the lake, and the grounds are being laid
out with walks and rendered attractive. The building is three
stories in height and is 22x66 and 22x46 feet in size.
The railroad was built in 1881, and the depot built in January, 1882. Mr. Phelps, chief engineer of the road, named it Portage,
from the fact of this being the narrowest point between Mullett
and Burt Lakes. There being so many places of that name it was
thought best to adopt one less frequently used, and Mr. Pike suggested a number of names, among which was Topinabee, the
name of a chief of the Pottawatomie Indians, and which was
finally adopted.
In January, 1882, a postoffice was established at this point,
and D. P. Stofer was postmaster. The office was first kept in the
log building built by the railroad company, and afterward in the
Pike House. Jeremiah McCarthy, the present postmaster, came
here in January, 1883, from Otsego County, and bought out
Samuel Mills, who had a store building and a stock of goods.  In
February following, he was appointed postmaster, and since that
time has kept the office in his store.  Mr. McCarthy is a native of
Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1862.  He had lived in
Otsego County twelve years.
The first station agent and operator was George W. Kilmer.
In June, 1883, he was succeeded by J. E. Kilborn, a native of
Chautauqua County, N. Y.    He had been telegraph operator at
Mason and Mackinaw City.    Mr. Kilborn is popular with the
people of the locality, and is attentive to his duties.
Mr. Pike has platted thirty-six acres, and is making an active
effort to bring this point into prominence.
THE NORTHERN HAY FEVER RESORT ASSOCIATION
have selected a location at this point, and it is now expected that
improvement will be begun in the summer of 1884. This association was organized and incorporated Sept. 24, 1883, under chapter
125, law of 1871, with a capital stock of $2,500, divided into one
hundred shares of $25 each. The following officers have been
chosen:
President, George L. Pratt, Ridgeway, N. Y.; secretary, E.
L. Downey, Middleport, N. Y.; treasurer, George Brown, Gaines,
N. Y. In March, 1884, a circular was issued by the association,
from which we quote as follows:  "There are thousands of people
in the United States, who are the suffering victims of hay fever,
who are annually obliged to flee to some place of refuge, and spend


an eighth or one-sixth of their time there, or suffer hay fever with
all its horrors. This annual pilgrimage, which must be continued
through lfe, so far as we know, assumes to be a matter of serious
importance with many of us, whether we can earn enough during
the five-sixths of the time we are at home, to live, and pay our


expenses at a place of refuge. It is also a question of serious importance to us, that where we spend one-sixth of our time
that we are able to surround ourselves with the comforts and conveniences of a home.
"With all these questions pressing for years on us 'victims,' it
is strange that some organized attempt has not been made heretofore, to avail ourselves of the advantages to be secured by associated
effort. To meet this want for ourselves a few of us have made a
new departure, and organized an association with $2,500 capital
stock, in one hundred shares of twenty-five dollars each. Over onequarter of the stock is already subscribed at this date, before
issuing our prospectus or advertising our plans to the public at all.
The association has located at Topinabee, and have a contract for a
fee simple title of forty acres of land on easy terms, for it is really
a gift. The conditions are, that when the association erect tell cottages, of the value of $150 each or more, on the first twenty acres,
in the years of 1884 and 1885, they obtain a deed of the land, and
the last twenty acres when the same number and value of cottages
are erected thereon in the years 1886 and 1887. The location is
one of the best, if not the very best in northern Michigan, taking
all considerations into account,
"Any person subscribing tour shares of the stock of the association, and paying fifty per cent on the same or fifty dollars, is entitled to a choice of any lot not before set off on the books of the
association, in the order of his subscription, free of rent or t;Lx, and
half fare rates to and from Topinabee over all the lines of the M.
C. R. R. for himself and family. The maximum fare from Buffalo
to Topinabee and return is $14.90; Chicago, $13.25; Toledo, $9.30,
and all intermediate points according to distance.
'-The association will give fifteen year leases of lots to build
cottages on, to those who do not wish to subscribe for stock, at ain
annual rental of from three to eight dollars, according to the location,
and the persons holding leases, after erecting a cottage thereon, are
entitled to same privileges of half fare rates, over the lines of the
M. C. R. R. as those holding stock. The grounds will be surveyed early in the season of 1884, and ready for occupancy.
"When the whole one hundred shares of stock are taken, no
more will be issued, and the title of the land vests in the owners of
the stock, and with the improvements made, must inevitably advance double and treble in value.
"Although the association was organized primarily in the interests of hay fever victims, we are willing and desirous of sharing
its benefits with summer resorters, and we cordially invite them to
join our association and enjoy its advantages. We note it as a fact,
that the summer resort season closes about the time the hay fever
season begins, and we wish to suggest to summer resorters and
hay fever sufferers, living in the same neighborhood, to join in buying stock or leasing a lot, and build and furnish a cottage in partnership, and the summer resorter occupy it until a time agreed
on, say about the middle of August, and the hay fever sufferer
after that date, and that would divide the expense, and in that way
use the cottages four or five months each year instead of one or
two months. This will reduce the cost of a couple of months' rest
and recreation, in the cool and bracing air of northern Michigan,
to a minimum, and is as cheap as living at home, with the cost of
railroad fares and cost or rent of cottages only added.
"The directors have decided to expend all that is necessary of
the money received on subscription of stock, for improvements of


the grounds, bringing water to the grounds in pipes from a spring
near by, elevating it to a reservoir on the high ground by wind
power, and deliver it in pipes and hydrants at convenient points
for use on the grounds, and also use it for a fountain in the park.
It is also contemplated to build a reading and lecture room. The


t


-4r'




F
I
I


I "


I


I

I


126


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




M. C. R. R. will build a good and substantial dock, and all steamers will stop at Topinabee. They will also improve and grade their
lands (100 feet wide) through the park, equally as well as we do
ours.
"Although the association has provided in their by-laws for
building a hotel if necessary, yet it is not their intention to do so.
They expect to make provision for board for transient visitors, at
about $1 per day or $5 per week. Tile president of the association is authorized to offer a fee simple title of a lot of land near
our grounds to a respectable, responsible person who will engage to
erect a hotel thereon, to accommodate our transient visitors at
moderate prices for board. Correspondence about the matter is
solicited, for if satisfactory arrangements can be made to accommodate transient visitors, the association will not build a hotel.
"There are responsible parties at Cheboygan and other points
near, who will erect cottages on the grounds, built after plans and
specifications, and do it by contract. Tents can also be purchased
or rented for use next season, until cottages can be erected. The
management will see that such accommodations are ready for use,
by any who wish to spend the next season at Topinabee, who
notify them of the fact, and will aid in any way they can in putting
persons who wish cottages built by contract in communication with
contractors."
The land selected is owned by Thompson Smith, of Duncan
City.
Parties are also negotiating with Mr. Pike for ground upon
which to build a sanitarium.
Back of Topinabee in the town of Burt is some of the finest
farming land in the state. The town was settled mainly in 1877 -'78, and a large number of good farms have been made.
VILLAGE OF INDIAN RIVER.
This village is located on Section 24, in the town of Tuscarora,
and is a station on the Mackinaw division of the Michigan Central
Railroad. The village-lies upon both sides of Indian River, near
the shore of Burt Lake, and is about midway between Petoskey and
Cheboygan, on the Inland Navigation Route. The history of the
village is substantially as follows: In the spring of 1876, David
Smith, Jackson Corey, S. P. Hayes, M. A. McHenry and John B.
Clark, came to this point and located. Mr. McHenry was a native
of Steuben County, N. Y. He had served in the war from 1862
until the close of the war in 1865, with Company F, Fiftieth New
York Engineers. In 1865 lie came to Michigan and located first
at Saginaw. He afterward removed to St. Louis, and was principally engaged in looking land. As early as 1872 lie located a
homestead in the present town of Mentor, and was familiar with
the lands in the county. It was his opinion that the railroad would
cross the river at this point, and thereby make a good village site.
He had the descriptions of the land, and induced John B. Clark to
enter land for a homestead at this particular point.
In 1878, F. E. Martin, also of St. Louis, and Mr. McHenry,
purchased of Mr. Clark 152 acres, upon a portion of which the
village has been built. Mr. Martin is a native of Branch County,
Mich., and had been engaged in the stave business at St. Louis.
Mr. McHenry had built a house on the south side -of the river
where the water tank now stands, and kept hotel. Early in the
summer of 1879 Mr. Martin put up a store building, and opened a
general store. Mr. 0. S. Heyden came here from St. Louis, to
manage Mr. Martin's business. He was also a native of Branch


County. About this time a postoffice was established, with Mr.
Heyden postmaster. Mr. Heyden was a civil engineer, and in
1879 surveyed a village plat for Mr. Martin, which was recorded in
1880. In the spring of 1881, Mr. Martin removed to this place
from St. Louis, and assumed the management of his business


interests. Mr. Heyden put np a store building, and E. S. Warren
put in a stock of goods. About this time a visitor to the village
mentioned it as follows: "Its growth has been of ullexpected
rapidity, and, from present indications, is of a permanent nature.
The people have all the advantages of those in larger places, with
the exception of a church of some kind or other, and perhaps the
time is not far distant when some denomination will make a start,
and a neat little chapel will be added to the improvements of the
place. There are two large stores, the largest owned and managed
by F. E. Martin, who is, in fact, the pioneer and founder of the
town; lie has in his store an immense stock of goods, comprising
all things needed by the people in that vicinity. His trade has
increased to such an extent that lie has been compelled to have
more room for his goods, and he is now putting up a larger and
more convenient two-story frame building. Mr. E. S. Warren is
the proprietor of the other store, and has his shelves well filled
with goods. Although he has been there but a few weeks his trade
has been constantly on the increase, and he feels certain that his
coming will not prove a 'wild goose chase.' Mr. D. Parsons has
a saw-mill a little farther up the river, and furnishes employment
to a large force of men the year round, and thereby is a great help
toward the upbuilding of the place. Mr. McHenry is the genial
'mine host' of all the weary and hungry that come along,, and the
good wholesome meal he sets before them would put to blush some
of the more aristocratic hotels in the state. Mr. John Doyle is in
charge of the saloon owned by Jerome Fosdick, and certainly keeps
an orderly place, and has in stock the best brands of wines, liquors
and cigars that he can get. R. G. Archer has recently started a
barber shop at the village, and can give those wishing it a clean
shave or a good hair-cut. For the benefit of pleasure seekers,
Thomas Dagwell has built, and keeps ready to let, several row and
sail boats, so that, whether your trip be that of business or pleasure,
you will find all the accommodations at Indian River village you
can elsewhere in the northern part of the state, even to mosquitoes."
The railroad was built in 1881, and in 1882 Mr. McHenry built
the McHenry House, a large and attractive hotel that would be a
credit to a much larger village. The present proprietor is Benjamin
S. Heliker, who rents the property of Mr. McHenry.
The saw and shingle-mill of Darius Parsons was moved here
inl 1878. Daniel Keeney has a saw and shingle-mill built in 1883.
There is also a mill on Burt Lake, owned by John Parker.
In 1880 H. G. Graves moved here from  St. Louis, and has
been in the employ of Mr. Martin. He is deputy postmaster, Mr.
Martin having succeeded Mr. Heyden as postmaster.
School District No. 2 was organized in August, 1881, and
was first designated No. 11. The school-house was built that year.
There is a Methodist Episcopal church building now in the
course of erection.
STEPHEN KISSINGER, merchant, is a native of Summit County,
Ohio. In 1880 he moved to the town of Tuscarora, from Reed
City, Mich., and settled upon a homestead. In February he moved
to the village, and succeeded O. S. Heyden, in the mercantile
business. He is supervisor of the town and does a flourishing
business in his -tore.
Oak Hill Cemetery contains five acres and was laid out in 1882.
In 1883 Mr. McHenry platted an addition to the village, and
in the spring of 1884, Messrs. Martin and McHenry are each
platting other additions to the village, which indicates that the


place is enjoying a sure and healthy growth.
The village is prettily situated, and the location is favorable
for a business center. Its founders are men of energy and good
business tact, and are doing all in their power to advance thl
material interests of the village.


-


-o-,


vi -^


--                               ~ -- I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ I


l



I




I




I
I
II




Wauc.roshan


I I


I                  -
I                I
i
20;    24
i
I
-   It                                                I; It 1
i                I


PI        -11
2f  "  -?.r.
i
-4
JU;  36


T
27              25
S/                             Af




t
# 0       -    ji;/(
##-,,, i.. p
I "!:.1 11!, j I I


Isle cle ux CY04 e


- -
Iv
YJ.L —
It, r
2


i
20      2/              21       2#
p 0.
2j      T7      26      '2.7,
JT
61      f        4      3        2
is      7                                11      12
El-.-   0.
Ir
F      T E-
20      71
79       29      211     26      25
3-f?.t;/   36


IL
I
I
I
I 




-::=Jt:=-                       -1


R p -
A
CarpLal
i
if     /Y      W    I
I


r



i
1  i..
i
- T ---
a       P.   T- to
i —l
/7   1   /a       15
-— 


L


-- - - 7f7
i           -1
A           L
/I     F2  I
p


20
28
32
f-9
29


iT, 19, X
27
26     2s
12
If
24 T 3 7. N.
26     2S
U      36


/if


9


IEAr
i       i
I -




29   1  20


1
11
I
I
I


—.2
I_— 7 I
I,
1     27           26
1 -







1
J2!     ja
i.. J - - -




I


I as
i -




I  I    I   t
I, \...........
J
2 77
xx   1    41
73
P7                                                                                                                                            6. N.
LTaw
EA                                             *FA
20   I  21       22      23      24              "an      27                               /.t
Ayr    Po.              Brutv_,
F
29              27                       30    1  24              77,6       2S                       24   i 27 =7/26        2.5
_7_77
3       33      Jf       its     36      31   i: Yr       33      34      3S       36      V                                J.S
L
67       S       4'     1.7
TR.AV                                                            0
12
den
"o
7.9                      26
L             F
if


L ---  L" l i


Lt —f    I I  -F; iff  N.7
ikt-10                      d--L


I


--- i -...
I
c        0        0     II                                         I                     - A
Ir        r'        0      L,                k                 2
I                                                            4 M                                                  T
I         1


7


I;    11
I
II I
aI


law
oil
F
Li
WV                          V. W.                        vqc   71'  A  -R                               C   0     r -V    T


r-7i.."V.






A


^.r


er t~  -                                                                                                                       F




1


THE TRAVERSE REGION


127


Tuscarora Township, in which the village is located, contains
excellent farming land, and is settled with an enterprising class of
farmers. The Ohio settlement, consisting of about forty families
from Ohio, located here in 1877 and during the. next few years,
and the land is being rapidly improved.
WOLVERINE.
This is a post village and station on the Mackinaw division of
the Michigan Central Railroad. The village is located in the town
of Tuscarora. It was platted in 1881, and was mentioned at the
time as follows: "The location is a most excellent one, being on the
railroad, on Sturgeon River at the junction of the west branch with
the main river and in the midst of some of the best farming land
in the county. The new village is called Torry, and is in the
township of Tuscarora, and situated in Section 6, Town 33 north,
of Range 2 west, on land owned by Daniel McKillop. It was
platted by John M. Sanborne, a surveyor of Otsego County, and as
platted consists of seven blocks  The lots 66x132 feet.  The
streets run at right angles and are all of good width. The new
village can already boast of a postoffice, that of Wolverine being at
that point. Mr. McKillop offers to sell lots at very low figures.


- -




Torry is midway between Indian River and Vanderbilt stations on
the railroad, being ten miles south of the former and about the
same distance north of Vanderbilt. Crops of all kinds in the
vicinity are most promising this season and it is claimed the wheat
cannot be beat. Tuscarora is fast becoming the most productive
township in our county and this section of that town is among the
best and most rapidly developing portion. A large number of new
settlers have located this season and new houses are going up and
new farms are being cleared.
"Berry, Gagnier & Co, of Berryville, Otsego County, who have
had a portable saw-mill located on the west branch of the Sturgeon
River for some weeks sawing ties for the railroad, shut down a week
or so ago, but expect to start up again in a short time and saw for
about a month longer, when they contemplate moving their mill
and locating it at Torry and engage in supplying the demands of
the settlers in that section for lumber and building timber of all
kinds."
The name of the village has since been changed to Wolverine.
It is a small settlement and does quite an amount of local business.




I




0. 1.


EMMET COUNTY.


CHAPTER XVII.
LOCATION-SOIL, TIMBER AND STREAMS-AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES —
CLIMATE-RAILWAY STATIONS AND POSTOFFICES.
Emmet County is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan,.and immediately south of the Straits of Mackinaw, in latitude
between 45~ and 46~ north. This county is noted for its great extent of coast; including Little Traverse Bay, it has nearly sixty miles.
It is bounded on the north by the Straits of Mackinac, on the east
by Cheboygan, on the south by Charlevoix and Little Traverse Bay,
and on the west by Lake Michigan. It has an area of 414 square
miles, and had a population in 1880 of 6,689.
There were 2,344 acres of government, 4,550 acres of state
swamp, 2,773 acres of primary school, and 160 acres of Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railroad lands, subject to entry May 1, 1883.
A state road extends from Charlevoix, in Charlevoix County,
to Petoskey, thence northeast to Cheboygan; one runs east from
Petoskey to Presque Isle County, on Lake Huron; one also runs
from Petoskey southeast to Gaylord, Otsego County; another runs
from Boyne City, in Charlevoix County, to Clarion, to intersect the
last named road, and still another runs from Harbor Springs in an
easterly direction to intersect the first named road.
Lumbering is an important industry on the Maple and Carp
Rivers, also along the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. Ties,


posts, tan-bark, and telegraph poles, are gotten out in large quan.
tities. The fishing industry is by no means an inconsiderable one;
a number of men and boats are employed in this business at Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad crosses the county on
its way to Mackinac, and a branch extends from Potoskey to Harbor Springs. Little Traverse Bay, and the resorts along its banks,
have become famous, owing to the wonderful climatic advantages.
The following map is furnished by the Petoskey Record, and is
designed to show the relative position of Emmet County and Little
Traverse Bay, including the resorts around the bay.
SOIL, TIMBER AND STREAMS.
Emmet County is noted for its fertility of soil, and immense
growth of hard wood timber. The general surface is characterized
by ridges, extending north and south. There are four of these
ridges or ranges of hills, commencing on the north side of Little
Traverse Bay. Two or three miles from the east shore of the lake
commences the first range, rising to an altitude of about 350 feet,
then descending gradually to a valley varying from one mile to two
miles in width. Then commences another range like the first, running parallel, and also descending into a valley. So on to the
fourth range, which reaches an altitude of some 600 feet above the
water in the lake. The valleys are undulating, and vary in altitude from 100 to 800 feet. Many parts of these ridges are table
lands, where the very best farming lands are to be found, with


1


l


A


I


_-m


- -- --






__ —


- vz —Ivw




E




l


128


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


great fertility of soil, and susceptible of the highest state of cultivation, while the hills are equally fertile, but better adapted to fruit
or for grazing purposes. The valleys include the meadow lands,
which are much the same character of soil as the ridges, and are
adapted to all the varied purposes of agriculture. The general
character of the soil throughout the county varies from a grey to a
black sandy loam, which reaches from one foot to three feet in
depth, with a subsoil of clay; beneath this, clay, limestone, and
gravel. This sandy loam is strongly impregnated with lime.
Throughout the entire county limestone rock is to be found in
abundance everywheie upon the surface, with outcroppings of limestone ledges, indicating unmistakable evidence of great strength of
soil.
The region immediately around Little Traverse Bay, and extending in a narrow belt across the southern part of Emmet
County belongs to the old Devonian age, and is known in the geological charts of Michigan as the "Little Traverse group."  The
northern part of the county belongs to the corniferous period.
The flora of Emmet County is very rich. Not only is the face of


poses, and is susceptible of slack water navigation; it also has sufficient fall for milling purposes. The improvement of Crooked
River for navigation, in connection with Maple River, is aiding development of the entire eastern portion of the county. The next
stream of any importance is Bear Creek, entering into Little Traverse Bay at Petoskey. This stream has a magnificent water power,
which, however, is only partially developed. It has its source in
Bear Lake, in Charlevoix County. These, with one other stream,
entering the Straits on the north, of sufficient size and fall to be
utilized for manufacturing purposes, comprise all of any importance in the county. One other stream, however, deserves a passing
notice, having its source three miles from the bay, and emptying
into it at Seven Mile Point. This stream has its source in three
large springs, descends 150 feet to the bay, and is constant, with
sufficient strength for manufacturing power. When improved, it
will be of great importance to that portion of the county.
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES.
The agricultural resources of this county, when properly developed, will not be exc(lled by any in the state. All the staple




the country covered with a dense forest of magnificent hard wood
trees, but a wonderfully luxuriant undergrowth of wild fruit, vines,
and flowers, make our woods a paradise for the botanist.
The timber is principally maple, beech, linn or basswood,elm,
and ash, maple being the most common of all. Pine and other
varities grow in some localities, bnt not in sufficient quantities to
make them   an object of special mention. Great quantities of
bird's-eye maple grow in this county, but it is confined to a great
extent to the smaller class of timber, yet a sufficient quantity exists of the larger growth to make it an important article of manufacture, and it will be a source of wealth to the farmer. In some
parts of the eastern and northern portions of the county are extensive cedar swamps or flats, furnishing an. inexhaustible supply
of timber for fencing, cooperage, and other purposes. They are
supplied with the purest spring water, and are sufficiently elevated
to be easily drained. When cleared of their dense growth of timber, they can be easily converted into the finest grazing and meadow
lands in the state.
The county, though well supplied with fine springs of pure water,
is not noted for its exwnsive streams. Maple River, the principal
stream, heads on the north, and bears south through the eastern
portion of the county, emptying into Crooked Lake, east of Little
Traverse Bay. 'This stream  is sufficiently large for rafting pur

products of agriculture grown in the north are produced here in
abundance. Wheat, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat and corn all succeed above the average of districts considered more favored as to
climate, with the exception of corn.
The soil seems to be admirably adapted to the successful raising of root crops. Potatoes, turnips, ruta bagas, carrots, &c., all
succeed beyond the expectation of the most sanguine. Some of
these lands were cultivated by the French and Indians a centuryago,
and these crops are produced on these old farms, and consequently
such productiveness is nof to be attributed to new and strong
ground.
The following table, giving the average yield of the mission
farm at Cross Village, is taken from the records kept by Father Weit
kamp for a long series of years and is entirely reliable. It may be
stated also that the land in the mission farm is not exceptionally
good. There are thousands of acres of better land within the county. For tiwenty years the areraqe yield per acre upon the mission
farm has been of
Wheat............................80 Bushels
Oats................................ 60   6
R ye................................27
Barley..............................26   "
Potatoes........................ 00
Beets............................ 400 






k
- L
5>F*


-


qqpnmm%

--— r"




A
— A!l 


a 


W-!N

I


-              I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


129    I


Carrots.......................   400 bushels
Turnips............................500      "
Ruta Bagas......................500 
Timothy    Hay....................... 21    tons.


CLIMATE.
The meteorological record, carefully kept for over a quarter of a
century at the convent in Cross Village, justifies the statement, that
while the heat is never so great in summer, the cold is ntecer so severe, as in southern Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio.
During thle winters of 1883 and 1881, both unusuaU y severe, the
mercury did not reach so low a point by 103 as recorded for cebtral
Ohio and Indiana. The winter of '71-'72 was marked by extreme
severity all over the west and south, as falr as Nashville, Tennessee,
the thermometer standing as low as 25~ and 30~ below zero, and
even 323 below in Kansas and St. Louis. At the same time it only
reached 14~ below zero at thleIsland of Mackinaw, according to the
record of the Rev. Mr. Stonex, the Episcopal minister of that
place. Take the winter of '74 —'75, which was marked with extreme
severity over the entire continent, carrying thle thermometer down
at different times to 25~ and 30~ below zero, at points four hundred
miles to the south of us, and gradually intensifying northward until
it reached 52' below, at Sparta, Wiscollsiu, one hundred and fifty
miles south of us; 46 below at Grand Rapids; 363 below at Traverse City; 313 below at Petoskey; and 2S' bl1ow at Little Traverse; showing tlht on the west side of the ljIke ths cold intensified
as it went north, but on the east bide of tile lake it moderated,
proving conclusively that here the influence of the waters unite.
This county lies near the junction of the three great lakes.
East and west the water is tmore than double the extent of the land.
A southwest wind brings a water influence of over one hundred and
eighty miles; a direct west wind, including Green Bay, of one hundred and ten miles; while a northwest wind sweeps over Lake Superior, then seventy miles over Lake Michigan. A northeast, east,
and southeast wind is from off Lake Huron. Here the influence of
thle waters unite, and will forever prevent extreme changes.
RAILWAY LINES AND STATIONS.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana R-ilroad was built to Petoskey and
commenced business in the spring of 1874. In 1876 it was extended to Bay View and in 18S2 to.Iackinaw City. The line from Bay
View to IMackinaw City is known as the Granll Rtpids, Indiana &t
Mackinaw line. The branch to Harbor Springs ws finished in
1833.   Tihe following 1 Linl1 railsv.y stations are in  Emmet
County: Clarion, Petoskey, Bay View, Harbor Springs Junction,
Conwvay, Oden, Albnson, Brutus, Pellston, Levering, Carp Lake.
On the line to Hairbor Springs, Weque-tonsing and Bay View.
POSTOFFICES.
The following are names of postoffices in Emmet County:
Alanson, Ayr, Bliss, Brutus, Carpenter, Carp Lake, Conway, Cross
Village, Ely, Epsilon, Good Hart, Harbor Springs, Littlefield,
Lonsdale, Oden, Pellston, Petoskey, Pleasant View.
CHAPTER XVIII.
EARLY MOVEMENTS-CATHOLIC MISSIONS-EARLY HISTORY OF BEAR
CREEK-ARRIVAL OF ANDREW PORTER —REv.' W. H. GUTHRIE'S
DIARY-THE MISSION FARM — COMING OF HAZEN INGALLS-PRESENT OWNER OF THIE MISSION FARM.
The location and chorography of the territory now embraced
within the limits of Emmet County encourage the belief that only a
fragment of its early history has been preserved. What people
may have crossed its domain or tarried here, or wlhat scenes may
have been enacted are quest ions still waitif; g to be answered.


It is our purpose to take up the county from the point where it


begins to emlerge fiorm the mists of tradition, and trace the history
of its progress.  Earlier events have been sketched upon preceding pages.
Tlie points most prominently atssociated with Indian andi missionlry history are L'Arbre Croche, Cross Village, Seven Mile
Point and Little Traverse. L'Arbre Crochlle, meaning crooked tree,
was a short distance above Middle Villagre. At that point stood a
tall, crooked pine tree, which occupied an elevated position and
could be seen far out upon the lake. Tile name was some time applied to the entire region along the shore. Running back to the
year 1825 we find tne Catholics returning to re-establish missions
that had been abandoned. First a church was built at Middle Village, and in 1827 the mission was moved to Little Traverse. About
this time a church was built at Cross Village.
In 1853 business began at Little Traverse, and in 1855 Father
Weikamp established the convent at Cross Village. In 1852 an
important movement was inaugurated at Bear Creek, which was
continued until merged in the greater enterprise of modernl progress.
EARLY HISTORY OF BEAR CREEK.
The early history of Bear Creek is almost entirely confined to
matters connected with the Presbyterian mission, which was established in the year 1852. The name Bear Creek is applied to tlhe
region in the vicinity of the mouth of tile stream known by that
name. The Indian name is Muhquhl Sebing.
Dr. M. L. Leach, of Traverse City, and Rev. W. S. Potter, of
Petoskey, have both written narratives of what transpired at this
mission, and we quote portions of each: "About thle year 1851 the
number of Ottawas and Chippewas living at this point was increased
by the coming of several families from Old Mission, where Rev. P.
Dougherty had been laboring. Shortly after a request was made to
Mr. Dougherty that a school might be established at Bear Creek.
By order of the Presbyterian board, under whose authority hlie was
acting, Mr. Dougherty visited them in the winter of 1851 and '52,
and made so favorable a report that the board determined to accede
to their request, and Mr. Andrew Porter, who had previously spent
some time as teacher at Old Mission, was appointed for the work.
"Mr. Porter, with his family, left his home in Pennsylvania
early in May, 1852, arriving at his destination the first of June.
From Mackinac he came in Capt. Kirtland's vessel, thle Eliza Caroline, the captain bringing him for a very small sum. Mr. Dougherty had previously sent a vessel with a cargo of lumber for the
construction of the necessary buildings. The pile of lumber on
the beach served to guide Capt. Kirtland to the proper landing.
Onleaving the vessel, the party were kindly received by the head
man, Daniel Wells, or Mwa ke-we-nah, whom the band afterward
elected chief, and who, a few years later, laid down his life for tlhe
country in the war of the rebellion. He placed his best room at
the disposal of Mr. Porter, till the mission house could be built.
"The place selected for the mission was on the high land west
of Bear Creek, half a mile back from  the bay. How to get the
lumber to the spot, was a problem that caused some anxiety. The
only domestic animal in the settlement that could be put to such
work was a single pony, and the only vehicle was a cart, and then
the new road which had recently been cut through the forest by the
Indians was too rough and uneven for a wheel carriage of any kind.
The anxiety, however, was soon removed by the announcement that
the Indians of Little Traverse were offering their assistance. Soon
after, on a set day, about seventy men and seven ponies with 'sled


ears,' were found to have come together on the beach, ready for
work. The ponies did very well, but more than half the lumber
was carried up the hill to the site of the proposed buildings on the
shoulders of the men.
"Mr. Porter found the Indians uniformly kind. He never failed


J






I


4-;.....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            -                               1          I"


A



WC


c
I


ON


LX


i                                                                                                                                                      lI  A


180


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


to secure their services, when the services of a friend were needed.
On first coming among them, he and his family threw themselves
upon their honor and honesty, never turning a key to prevent them
from stealing, and, though they were then poor and often hungry,
the confidence reposed in them was not betrayed.
"The mission board adopted the plan of giving to the pupils in
the school a generous lunch every day at noon. There seemed to
bea necessity for this, as the corn soup, (min-dah-min-ah-boo,)
which was the principal food of the Indians, could not be conveniently carried with them; and then it was found by experience that
if they were allowed to go home for dinner, which was not generally
practicable. as most of them lived too far away, they were not likely
to return the sam d(lay.
"For a long time the Indians took a deep interest in the school.
This statement is illustrated by a touching incident, related by Mr.
Porter. Joseph Na-bah-na-yah-sung, or as he named himself, Gibson, a boy about ten years old, while the school was suspended for
sugar making one spring, had the misfortune to break both bones
of the leg between the anlle and the knee. When the school
opened again he was still unable to walk. With a womanly devotion that stands as a living argument against the doctrine of the
total depravity of human nature even in those we call savages, his
mother and sister alternately carried him three-quarters of a mile to
school every day on their shoulders. If inquiry be made into the
life and fate of the boy thus highly favored, it only remains to write
-and let it be written among the records of the honorable deadthat Se died, as many other noble men died,. by cruel starvation in
Andersonville prison.
"There were many hindrances to success which it seemed impossible to remove or entirely overcome. Some of these were incident to the Indian mode of life. There was of necessity a long
vacation in the season of sugar-making, during which the village
was deserted. In planting time the school was small, though never
entirely closed. At the proper season for peeling cedar bark, collecting rushes for mats, or picking strawberries, raspberries, or
huckleberries, the Indians would leave by boat loads, taking their
children with them. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the children
made commendable progress, considering that they had to learn a
new language, the teaching being done in English. Many learned
to read and write very well, and some made more or less advancement in arithmetic and geography. The success, however, was
scarcely what the parents anticipated, and some degree of discouragement was the result. Add to this the fact that influences
adverse to the education of the masses, emanating from the Catholic
missions at little Traverse and Cross Village, at length began to be
felt by the whole Indian population of the vicinity, and it is no
wonder that the interest in the school fell to a lower degree of intensity than that manifested at the beginning."
In October following Mr. Porter's arrival, a Sabbath-school was
organized, social prayer meetings were soon established, and religious work fully inaugurated. But as yet there was no preaching,
for Mr. Porter was a layman and not a preacher. Mr. Dougherty,
however, visited the mission occassionally and preached by means
of an interpreter to the Indians, conducted communion services and
administered baptism.
This condition of things continued until the spring of 1855,
when Rev. H. W. Guthrie, now of Chillicothe, Ohio, was appointed
by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions as missionary to


Bear Creek and Middle Village. Dunng the year 1856 Mr. Guthrie
organized a church, wtich after various experiences and changes
is now known as the "First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey."
When first organized there were sixteen members, which within
two years was increased to twenty-five.


In June, 1882, Rev. W. S. Potter received a letter from Mr.
Guthrie, touching upon his experiences whiles here, which we give
herewith as follows:
REV. W. S. POTTER:
Dear Brother: —In compliance with your wish that I should
write to you concerning my participation in the work in Little
Traverse Region, I submit the following:
A  student of the Western Theological Seminary, I was
licensed April 10, 1855, and on May llth set out for your field,
then mission stations of our board. I went under commission of
the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.  On arrival I immediately began the work of preaching by an interpreter, twice or
three times a week, as opportunity offered, and continued thus until
the last of August, when I returned to the Seminary to spend
another term in study.
My stated places of preaching were Bear River (now Petoskey)
and Middle Village, eighteen miles north by direct way, or twentyfive miles around the bay.
At Middle Village I found Mr. J. C. Turner and wife; at Bear
River, Mr. Andrew Porter, his wvife, sister and mother, all of
whom at both places were devotedly serving the Master's work in
mission schools.  Besides teaching they advanced the cause in
various ways; their presence, example and life were efficient elements.
Mr. Porter rendered much medical advice and help to the
Indians, his knowledge of their habits and language giving him
great power.
During the summer of 1855, in going from point to point, I
occasionally went in a canoe or a fishing boat; sometimes I went
all the way by land around the bay on an Indian pony, frequently
I walked the fifteen miles and then crossed the bay in a boat.
Without reflection on the past but for the guidance of others in
the future, I give now as my judgment that such excessive labor or
exposure is in no vise the best policy. It may sound well to
distant ears as pious enthusiasm and self-sacrifice, but the sequel
of suffering contains no romance, besides, years of labor are thus
sometimes cut off for the future.
In my journal I find the following: April 8, 1856: This
evening preached a sermon at Allegheny City on trial, in view of
my ordination to the gospel ministry.
April 9th, ordained. Tuesday, May 8, started in return to
Indian work.
Resuming the labors of the preceding summer, I put in the
time much as before, with the addition of the study of the Ojibbeway language, in which I made some progress, aiming especially at
an understanding of its construction, and by the help of a good
interpreter, prepared, 'as I thought, a very correct grammar in
manuscript.
I remained until November, 1857; and labored assiduously,
though untiringly, to promote the welfare of the poor Indian,
preaching, visiting, conversing and ministering as opportunity
offered.
Just here a few extracts.
Friday, July 25.-Made the long journey from Muhquh Sebing
(Bear River) to Ah-pe-tU-whu-yuh-e-ing (Middle Village) in company with Mr. T.; we went around the bay twenty-five miles, and
had one little pony, and rode and walked alternately.
Aug. 2d.-To day, after preaching, three presented them

selves and professed faith in Christ, two of them leaving the Roman
Catholics.  One I baptized, also two children of Indian parents,
after which, pursuant to previous announcements, I organized a
Christian church at Bear River, now Petoskey, consisting of sixteen
members (six white and ten Indian), calling it Muhquh Sebing, or
Bear River Presbyterian Church.


\. I....  *.....  *,.. *... _.. --- I  w   ^






I
I
I


I,
I
I
'I -


~


B


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


131


I


Friday, Sept. 19th.-Preached at Middle Village. Saturday,
Sept. 20th. —Preached.  Sabbath, Sept. 21st.  Preached twice
and administered baptism to two Indians, one man and one woman,
also administered sacrament of the Lord's Supper.  One of the
aforementioned was a daughter of Mr. Petosegay (Sunrise I believe),
an Indian who then lived at the mouth of Bear River, after whom
the place is now called Petoskey.
Friday, Nov. 7th.-One thought that has occupied my mind
for some time, is the possibility of having a religious paper for this
people, with alternate columns of Indian and English.
My work was continued until Nov. 4, 1857, without any
special change or interruption. The trials, privations and hardships we all experienced can scarcely be realized by those now in
the field, as a few brief extracts may show.
Friday, Jan. 16th, 1857.-To-day received mail, the first since
the 27th of last November, more than eight weeks.
Tuesday, Feb. 10th.-Very cold, mercury 16~ below zero.
Came home on horseback, eighteen miles, without much suffering,
except that my face and right arm were some frosted.
Monday, Feb. 16th.-Am imuch exhausted from hard labor.
*  *  * Last Wednesday, prayer meeting, good attendance.
Friday went to Cheboygan and preached first gospel sermon in the
place.  Returned home Saturday, preached twice yesterday.
Three remained to inquire. X One is to be received, the others return.
Tuesday, Feb. 24th.-Am again permitted to record the goodness of God. In his infinite mercy he allowed me to visit Middle
Village again on Thursday last, to preach on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and to ordain and install an elder. Preached on
Sabbath; received two young men (one white and one Indian) into
the church, baptizing one; administered sacrament of the Lord's
Supper, and preached again in the evening.  I would thank God
and take courage; to whom be all the praise evermore. Amen.
Monday, March 2d. —Very cold, mercury 17~ -below zero.
Yesterday cold and very stormy, yet good attendance in the morning, but in the evening not so many present.  Goodly number at
monthly concert this evening. But I may not exterd this already
lengthy paper.
Nov. 4th.-I set out for Pittsburg; was driven by storm to
Beaver Island; remained there a few days and preached several
times.
Some time after Mr. Porter's arrival, a Catholic mission was
established at this point. It was the intention to build a church
upon the high ground, but Mr. Porter would not permit them to
cross his domain, and a building was erected on the shore of the
bay. It was a small frame building, and is still standing a silent
monument of the past.
For a considerable number of years after Mr. Guthrie's departure, the Bear Creek Church had no settled pastor. Mr. Porter
continued his school, and the building in which he conducted it is
still standing on the mission farm. He also continued his religious
work among the Indians, and kept up the church organization.
During the continuance of the mission, the Indians made
steady improvement in the art and practice of farming.  In 1852
there was only one pony and one plow among them. The surface
of the ground in their small fields was strewn with the trunks of


fallen trees, among which cultivation was carried on with no implement but the hoe. Afterward, when they had to some extent
been provided with teams and farming utensils by the government,
according to treaty stipulations, their fields were cleared and plowed.
Oats, wheat, corn and potatoes were the principal crops. Of the
last two, enough was usually raised to supply their own wants and
leave a surplus for sale.  Unfortunately the men. sent to that local

ity by the agents of the government as Indian farmers, whose duty
it was to instruct them in the art and practice of farming, were
frequently too shiftless to do anything but draw their own salaries.
A well remembered case will illustrate the statement. The Indians
had become dissatisfied with one of this kind, and resolved, if possible, to get rid of him. Accordingly an old chief was delegated to
present a complaint to the agent, which he did in the following brief
terms: " For the first year or two he would sometimes come out to
the field where we were plowing, take hold of the plow handles and
go half across the field, and then would say I I am hungry,' and
return to the village and remain there the rest of the day; but now
he never comes near us at all." As the so-called farmer, who was
sitting by and heard the complaint, had no defense to make, he was
promptly discharged.
For the first two or three years the expense of the mission was
borne wholly by the Presbyterian board. After the establishment
of Indian schools by the government, the one at the mission was
adopted by the agent as a government school, and the usual salary
was paid to Mr. Porter as teacher. About 1871 the government
funds set apart by treaty for the benefit of the Indians being exhausted, and the board finding itself straitened for means, the mission was discontinued. The landed property of the establishment
passed into other hands, and in 1875 Mr. Porter returned to his
Pennsylvania home. The place is now occupied by Mr. Nathan
Jarman, and is still known among the older residents of Petoskey
as the mission farm.
Mr. Porter was for a long time justice of the peace and judge
of probate. He was very popular with the Indians, and it is said
had become so accustomed to their ways and habits that he was no
longer contented after white people settled about him. In 1870 his
mother, who was living with him, died at the age of ninety-six
years. Hazen Ingalls was then living near by, and at Little Traverse were three or four white people. Mr. Porter, however, called
about him his Indian friends and conducted the funeral services
himself. By means of strings a long pole was fastened to the rude
coffin, and with Indians as pall bearers, his aged mother was
buried in the grave he had dug near by.
HAZEN INGALLS was the first settler who came to Bear Creek
for the purpose of making a home, and to apply his industry to
local development.  He came from Jefferson County, N. Y., to
Lee'auaw County in 1859, and from that time until 1866 lived
about four miles from Northport. In the spring of 1866 he bought
the water power and saw-mill, then standing, of Messrs. Fox &
Rose. The saw-mill, a small affair, had been built by Harvey
Porter, a brother of Andrew Porter, about the year 1862. Mr.
Irigalls moved into a house that had been built by an Indian, and
engaged in farming and operating the mill. Afterward th' mill
was changed into a grist-mill. He also kept a small store for tlheir
own convenience and to furnish Indians with supplies. At the
time the village of Petoskey was started in 1873, Messrs. Ingalls and
Porter were the only white people in this vicinity. Mr. Porter
used to run a small grist-mill on the present site of W. L. McManus' saw-mill. Mr. Ingalls was born in the state of Vermont in
the year 1802, and is still living on the high bank of the creek,
where he first located in 1866. He is engaged in the milling
business with one of his sons.


In 1873 the village of Petoskey came into existence. The
postoffice was removed to the new settlement, and the name Bear
Creek is applied either to the town or the stream that furnishes a
splendid water power, much of which is yet to be utilized.
NATHAN JARMAN, present owner of the " Mission Farm," was
born in Northamptonshire, England, May 5, 1841. Came to this
country in May, 1856, and settled in Lorain County, O., where he


J..dL

I


-5 


-


__"'                           ''I w,........ __  __..




l


(i




I

]


132


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




was engaged in farming. Came thence to Charlevoix County in
1866, and settled in the town of Eveline. Moved to Emmet County
in March, 1873, and located on the " Mission Farm."  He bought
the farm in the fall of 1880. Has 112 acres, about one-half of
which is within the limits of Petoskey village.  About twelve
acres are platted. In March, 1868, he married Isabella Bartlett,
who died in 1881, leaving four children. His second wife was Rebecca H. Lee; they have four children. When Mr. Jarman came
to Bear Creek, Andrew Porter, in charge of the Indian mission, and
Hazen Ingalls, were the only settlers at this point.
From a position a little above the business portion of the village of Petoskey, looking to the southwest, one may see about a
mile away a series of beautiful green fields, sloping in graceful succession down the hillEide. From their appearance one can readily
see that, unlike most other fields in the vicinity they have been cultivated for many years. These fields make up what is familiarly
known as tile "B lission Farm."
CHAPTER XIX.
EARLY SETTLEMENT-HARDSHIPS OF THE FIRST HOMESTEADERS —STATISTICAL INFORMATION —GENERAL PROGRESS —SCHOOL MATTERS —
BAR OF EMMET COUNTY.
The general settlement of the county and the development of
its agricultural resources were delayed by the f;,ct of the lands of
the county being held subject to the Indian treaty. In August,
1874, the eastern tier of townships came into market, and April 15,
1875, the remainder of tile county was thrown open to actual settlers. At that time the white population of tile county was about
150. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad had just opened a
highway of travel and transportation through the county, and tlhe;illage of Petoskey had just entered upon its career. Upon tlhe
date named the books were opened at the U. S. Land Office at
Traverse City, and so great was the.rush for land tlhat over 800
claims were entered during the first three days. Under an act of
Congress soldiers in the late war could homestead 160 acres of land
while a citizen could homestead only eighty acres, consequently a
greater portion of the land was taken by soldiers who settled upon
homesteads of 160 acres. During the summer and fall of 1875 a
steady stream of immigration poured into the wilderness of Emmet
County, and wilderness it indeed was. There was not a road in
any direction in the woods except one state road to Cheboygan.
The settlers who came in scattered over the county so that settlemenit was general, and the woods resounded with the sturdy strokes
of tile woodman's ax, and log cabins were set in the numerous
openings in thle wilderness.
This was during tile liard times that prevailed throughout the
country, and many people were driven to seek homes in a new
country where but little capital was required to obtain a start. It
is always true that the first settlers in a new country, especially
upon government lands, are men with comparatively no means.
in this county nearly all who came in were without any more than
money enough to get themselves located on their land, and all began tile race for a subsistence together. Tilere were no settlers be.
fore them who hid storehouses from which new comers might borrow. The rush of settlers continued tlhrough thle summer of 1876,


and most of them had no idea of the trials and hardships incident
to pioneer life. They supposed they would be able to obtain employment, and could earn enough to support themselves the same
as in older localities. But all were consumers, and none-had yet
come to be producers, and all were too poor to hire work done. The


I


consequence was that early in the winter of 1876-'77 their supplies
were exhausted, their money gone, and actual destitution of even
the bare necessaries of life prevailed. This fact became known,
and measures were taken for the relief of those who were destitute.
As early as October, 1876, the Democrat, published at Petoskey, explained the situation, and urged the importance of public action in
the matter. The leading men of tile county interested themselves,
committees were constituted, and supplies were obtained and distributed among the needy homesteaders. The board of supervisors
also mide provision for rendering aid to those in the several townships, and the appeals in behalf of the destitute met with liberal
responses both from abroad and at home. There were some who
feared that the reputation of the county would be injured by the
fact of such destitution coming to the knowledge of the outside
world, but those fears were groundless as subsequent hlistory proved.
The next year people with more or less money began to come in,
and an era of prosperity and growth was begun th:Lt to thle present
time has continued without abatement, as the statistics indicate.
Between the years of 1875 and 1880 the population ofthe county
was increased to 6,640, which was divided among the several towns
as follows: Bear Creek, 2,763; Bliss, 192; Center, 265; Carp
Lake, 109; Cross Village, 452; Friendship, 465; Littlefield, 267;
Little Traverse, 1,029; Maple River, 164; Pleasm; View, 418;
Readmond, 516.
The school census of the year 1882 gave thle number of scliool
children in the several towns as follows:
Bear   Creek...................................  896
B liss....................................  75
Carp   L ake................................  32
C enter...................................  45
Cross   Village.............................  118
Frieud-hip..................................  119
Littlefield.............................;1
Little   Traverse............................  392
Maple River..................................  56
Pleasant View........................... 117
Readmond..................................  153
T otal................................  2,064


*V


mb




The aggregate valuaatou of real and personal property in 1859
of the three towns was as follows: Little Traverse, $6,697.15; La
Croix, $3,631.10; Bear Creek, $5,840.08. Total, $16,168.33.
The amount of state tax apportioned to the county in 1860 was
$56.17.
In 1831 ths aggregate vatluatioa of the coiuty was $38,461.
In 1873 t'ie v-0litti,)as of the county by towaslhip were as fol



lows~
Acres. Valuation. Personal. Total.
Bear Creek.... 11,532  48,000   6,680  $54,680
Little Traverse. 10,385  52,856  7,650  60,50(;
Cross Village.. 54,223 200,094  14,858  214,952
Pleasant View.. 1,440   2,861  1,802    4,663
Friendship..... 5,786  14,323   1,049  15,372
Maple River... 12,179  20,438    560   20,998
Grand   total.........................$371,171
In 1879 the aggregate valuations by townships were as fol
lows:
Bear Creek.........................$,111,292   50
Cross Village........................ 122,064  67
Little   Traverse.......................  57,360  00
Littlefield..........................  20,294  00
Center..............................  17,147  22
Friendship........................  31,124  00
Readmond.........................  41,600. 00
Bliss...............................  28,220   58




[9






w —


IIII III I I


-ab




1


3r




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


133


Maple  River........................  26,513  00
Pleasant View...................... 19,280 92
Total valuation................. $474,896 89
In 1882 the aggregate valuations were as follows:


Bear  Creek..................
B liss........................
Carp  Lake.................
Center.....................
Cross Village.................
Friendship...................
Littlefield....................
Little Traverse................
Maple River.................
Pleasant View................
Readmond................


Acres.
22,707
14,988
27,710
15,739
20,445
22,000
11,798
14,750
23,800
13,923
20,116


$372,265
63,770
115,462
63,657
108,055
100,800
51,149
210,395
95,847
59,275
91,290


The following are the valuations for the year 1883:


Acres.
Bear Creek..............  23,924.40
Bliss......................  15,476.46
Carp  Lake................  28,280.46
Center...................  19,168.75
Cross Village............... 18,236.62
Friendship................. 21,891.08
Littlefield..............   12,418.22
Maple River................ 22,957.00
Pleasant View.............. 21,117.72
Readmond................. 20,845.05
Little Traverse............ 16,308.25
Total.................220,624.01


$428,485
72,298
117,090
96,531
140,607
102,350
57,679
105,654
98,974
97,325
258,213
$1,575,206


PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF EMMET COUNTY.
The following is furnished by Rev. W. S. Potter, of Petoskey,
secretary of the County Board of School Examiners:
The success and permanence of our republic are conditioned by
the virtue and intelligence of its people. According to the American idea, the source of all authority is the popular will, expressing
itself through the ballot. The ideal of excellence in our government will be attained when the exercise of the universal franchise
shall be guided by the conscience and wisdom of our citizens. For
the establishment and maintenance of virtue we look chiefly to
such agencies as the church, the home, the influences of good society, and to that natural sense of honor and love of justice never
wholly wanting in the breast of man.
For the diffusion of intelligence and the training of the mind we
must look chiefly, so far as the masses are concerned, to America's
grand free school system.
In the development and application of this system the success of
Michigan has made her conspicuous among her sister states. Among
the counties of the peninsular state, Emmet is but a child in age,
development and experience.  And yet this circumstance is not
wholly a disadvantage; for if her progress has not reached as yet
the results attained by many older counties, nevertheless it must be
conceded that youth is a hopeful period. Our possibilities are not
so much behind us as before us. We have a future full of promise.
These observations are unquestionably true when applied to the
public school system of Emmet County.
It is our purpose to sketch this system in brief, setting forth such
points as are most likely to interest your readers in the Grand
Traverse Region.
We shall notice first the obstacles which our public schools have
encountered in this county.
Among these prominently appear difficulties of a financial
character.
A large part of the lands of this county were homestead lands.


From the nature of the case such lands are almost always preempted by people of moderate means; by people who, having lost
their fortunes elsewhere, have come to the new country to retrieve
them, or by young people just beginning to build up their fortunes.
For these very obvious reasons there has been but little money in
the county available for school purposes.
It is the misfortune of a new country that many of the financial demands upon its citizens arrive when they are least able to
meet them. Forests must be removed, dwelling-houses and other
farm buildings must be constructed, highways must be laid out,
farms must be provided with stock and implements of labor, while
the general necessaries of living must also be obtained.
To these expenses must be added the cost of school grounds
and buildings, school furniture and books and apparatus, and the
continued expense of teachers' wages.
These have been obstacles of no small size and importance.
But to the praise of the enterprise and intelligence of our people be
it said, these obstacles have been met with courage, patience and
success.
Another obstacle has been encountered in the difficulty of securing thoroughly trained and efficient teachers in a new country.
At first there were of course no graded or high schools in the
county, where our own sons and daughters could be educated and
fitted for teaching. It may therefore be said without reflection on
the natural abilities of our teachers, that many of them have undertaken their work without full and adequate preparation. And for
financial reasons mentioned above it has been impracticable as yet
for our district officers to offer teachers such wages as would enable
them to incur much expense in qualifying themselves for teaching.
This county has also suffered from the imperfection of the
school laws with regard to the supervision of the schools. As the
law has been for many years, and now is, the schools have been
supervised by township officers, with the possibility, and in some
cases the certainty, of an annual change of officers. It is evident
that a new country suffers more than an older one from the evils of
such a system of supervision. It seems certain that our schools
would be more efficiently superintended by a county officer. There
are twelve townships in this county, and it is only a truism to'say
that it is easier to find one man thoroughly competent and responsible for the work of supervision than it is to find twelve. Under
the supervision of one man the school system of the county would
be a single unit, whereas it is now twelve units.
Responsibility would then be concentrated upon one man, and
the sense of accountability for the faithful performance of duty
increased. We venture to say that the present system of county
examining boards is a good one, but would be much improved if
some one of the board should be made practically a county superintendent.
But notwithstanding these obstacles we are able to report a
very gratifying progress in the public schools of this county.
The period covered by the history of our schools is about ten
or twelve years. During this brief period the number of districts
has increased from less than six to about sixty. New districts-are
constantly forming and old ones being reconstructed to suit new
exigencies.
At first the school-houses were almost invariably built of logs;
now at least one-third of them are frame buildings, and the old
ones are rapidly giving place to new and attractive structures.


As the financial condition of the people improves the fact soon
becomes manifest in improved school buildings and better furniture
and apparatus. There exists a commendable tendency to curtail
expenses 'iu other directions sooner than in the direction of the
schools.






r




e.-H                 '                                                         -                          '                '1


134


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-   - -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A marked improvement has occurred in the selection of superior text books for our schools. The most modern and approved
books have been very generally adopted.
The county examiners have strongly urged the advisability of
uniformity of text books in the schools, and their effoits have been
largely successful.
But perhaps the most notable advance is seen in the improvement of the teachers themselves. It has been the policy of the
board of county examiners to gradually elevate the standard of
teachers' qualifications in their examinations.  The results have
been most salutary. Teachers secure a much better preparation for
their work than formerly. Their services command a more liberal
remuneration. The schools are much better taught, and as a natural consequence the progress of the scholars is much greater.
The efficiency of our teachers is greatly increased by the system of state institutes under the direction of the state superintendent of public instruction. One of these institutes is held annually
in the county, conducted either by the state superintendent or by
competent educators appointed' by him.
Tile purpose of the institute is chiefly to instruct the teachers
in the methods of teaching and school management.
The teachers of this county also enjoy the advantages of a
flourishing teachers' association. There are annual and semi-annual
meetings of the association, at which papers are presented and discussions occur on topics assigned with special reference to the particular needs and progress of the schools of this county.
There are ft present two graded schools crowning the public
school system of the county. One of these is located at Petoskey,
has a school census of about 800, employs nine teachers, has a
high school, has a systematic course of study including several of
the languages and a considerable number of the sciences, studies
in English literature, etc.
Tile other graded school is located at Harbor Springs, has a
school census of about 850, employs four teachers, and has a systematic course of study. These two schools are doing a good work
in preparing young men and women of our own county for teaching. It is probable that graded schools will be established at no
distant day at Cross Village and Pellston.
Under these favorable conditions the improvement of our teachers has been quite marked.    Ex-Superintendent Cochran, at a
recent institute in this county, paid the teachers the compliment of
saying that in personale and intelligence they were equal, and perhIps superior, to the average of the state.
Needs of the schools of Emmet County: It cannot be otherwise than that many needs should exist in the public schools of this
county. Their brief history, the newness of the country and the
imperfect development of our resources account for the existence of
such needs.
We need time for the development of the wealth of the county
that more funds may be available for school purposes. Teachers'
wages are still comparatively low. The schools are generally deficient in apparatus, such as globes, maps, books of reference, etc.
Mere money for school buildings is needed. The school grounds
are generally in need of much improvement.
The continual elevation of the standard of teachers' qualifications will be necessary for some time to come.
The establishment of libraries, and the enlargement of those
already established, are improvements greatly to be desired.


The greater dissemination among the teachers of school literature, such as treatises on the methods of teaching, educational jour.
nals, etc., is an obvious neccessity.
But the greatest need of all is better supervision of the schools.
Nothing could stimulate the teachers more in their work, noth

ing could improve the methods of teaching and school ntanagement more than the frequent, regular and intelligent superintendence of the schools by a thoroughly competent person. The-number of licensed teachers in the county is sixty-five.
Number of teachers making teaclling a permanent profession
estimated at twenty.
Number of normal school graduates teaching in the county,three
Members of the board of county school commissioners: J. L.
Morrice, Harbor Springs, chairman; Rev. W. S. Potter, Petoskey,
sec:etnry; A. L. Deuel, Harbor Springs.
Number of public examinations of teachers held annually in
the county, four, viz: Two regular at Harbor Springs, the county
seat, on the last Friday of March and October, respectively; and
two special at such points in the county as thle board shall determine.
Finally, it may be said that there is a progressive spirit in educational affairs among the people of Elmmet County. Their zeal
is fully commensurate with their ability. They are determined to
take high rank among the counties of this great state in the development and success of their educational institutions.
Judge Shurtleff, of Cross Village, taught the first school in the
county, outside the Indian or mission schools.
The total school census for 1883 was 2,518.     Per cent of
census enrolled in schools, seventy-six; per cent of enrollment in
average attendance seventy-five. There are fifty-eight districts in
the county, and two graded schools.
The following information relating to school matter is taken
from reports of school inspectors for the years of 1878 and 1883.
Bear Creek, year 1878:     Five school districts, two frame
school-houses, two of log and one shanty. Number of school children, 416.   For the year 1883: Nine school districts, nine frame
and one log school-houses. Number of school children, 1,035.
Bliss, year 1878: Two school districts, sixteen -school children, no school buildings. Year 1883:     Three school districts,
ninety-five school children, one frame and two log school-houses.
Center, year 1878: Two school districts, seventy-nine school
children, no school buildings.   Year 1883:   Seven school districts, 120 school children, six school buildings.
Pleasant View, year 1878: Five school districts, 100 school
children, one school building. Year 1883:    Six school districts,
155 school children, six school buildings.
Readmond, year 1878: Two school districts, forty-nine school
children, two school-houses of log.   Year 1883: Seven school
districts, 187 school children, five school buildings.
Little Traverse, year 1878: Four school districts, 266 school
children, three school-houses. Year 1883: Four school districts,
468 school children, four school buildings.
Friendship, year 1878: Four school districts, eighty-four school
children, one school-house. Year 1883: Six school districts, 136
school children, six school-houses.
Cross Village, year 1878: One school district, 148 school children, no school-house. Year 1883: One school district, 152 school
children; no school-house.
Carp Lake, year 1883: Two school districts, thirty-seven school
children, one school-house.
Littlefield, year 1883: Four school districts, sixty-one school
children, four school-houses.
Maple River, year 1883: Four school districts, 102 school
children, four school houses.


EMMET COUNTY BAR.
The first person to locate in Emmet County as now organized,
for the purpose of practicing law was Charles R. Ford, who removed to Harbor Springs, then Little Traverse, in the fall of 1874,
and at the election that fall was elected prosecuting attorney. JHe




l


1:I


J




i.








THE TRAVERSE REGION.


135


was a mall of varied pursuits, and left the county suddenly, after a
checkered career of about two years.  D. R. Joslin came from
Cheboygan in the winter of 1875 and located at Petoskey. Soon
after C. J. Pailthrop settled in Petoskey, and in the fall of 1875 J.
G. Hill located at tlhe same place.  The next were Turner and
Andrews, A. J. Southard and George W. Stoneburner, who located
at Little Traverse. Mr. Joslin remained only a few years and removed from tlhe county. C. J. Pailthorp is now the senior member of the bar.
The bar in 1884 is composed as follows:  Petoskey:  C. J.
Pailthorp, J. G. Hill, Clay E. Call, Jay L. Newberry, M. S. Gtorge,
Ira G. Mosher, Ezra C. Barnum, H. F. Higgins, David Herron,
John Mosher, R. C. Dart, D. C. Paige.
Harbor Springs:   Benjamin T. Halstead, Wade B. Smith,
George W. Stoneburner, Allhonso J. Southard, Andrew L. Deuel,
William Crosby.
CHAPTER XX.
EMMET AND CHARLEVOIX COUNTIES LAID OFF —CHANGE OF NAMESCOUNTY ORGANIZATION IN 1853-EARLY TOWNS-REORGANIZATION
IN 1855-EARLY CIVIL HISTORY —CO)INTY OFFICERS-ORGANIZATION OF TO)WN —TOWN OFFICERS.
In 18410 the county of Tonedagana was laid off, consisting of
tlat part of the state north of Township 36 north, and west of
Range 4 west, and tlle county of Kishkonko, consisting of that part
of the state between Tonedagana on the north and Township 32 on
the south, and west of Range 3 west.
In 1843 these names were changed to Emmet and Clhalevoix;
the former in honor of Robert Emmet, the eloquent Irish patriot,
and the latter in honor of Pierre Francois Xavier Clarlevoix, one of
the early French explorers and missionaries. Delta and Michilimackinac were cut off on the north, leaving their northern boundary along tlhe northern boundary of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
These counties renained unorganized and attached to Michili-- ackinac until 1853.
In 1847 the township of Peaine was erected, embracing the
territory of the Beaver Islands. In the course of that year three
meetings were held to elect town officers, but did not succeed in effecting a regular organization. In 1851 the Mormons elected all tle
officers and had full control of affairs.
In the winter of 1853 James J. Strang, the Mormon leader,
was a member of the state legislature and succeeded in securing tle
passage of a bill uniting the counties of Emmet and Charlevoix
and organizing them under the name of Emmet. The act so far as
it related to county organization is as follows:  "The people of the
state of Michigan enlact: That the county of Emmet shall be orgarnized and the inhabitants thereof entitled to all the rights, privileges
and immunities to which by law the inhabitants of other organized
counties of this state are entitled.
('There slall be elected in the said county of Emmet, on the
first Tuesday of Ml;y next, all the several county officers to which
by law saitl county is entitled; and said election and the canvass
slall in all respects be conducted and held in the manner prescribed by law for holding elections and canvasses for county and
state officers:  Provided, That the canvass shall be held at the
village of St. James, in said county, on the Monday next following


stid election; and said county officers shall immediately be qualified
and enter upon the duties of their respective offices, and their several terms of office shall expire at the same time that they would
have expired had they been elected at the last general election;
And provided further, That until such county officers are elected


and qualified, the proper county officers of the county of Mackinac
shall perform all the duties appertaining to the said county of Emmet,
in the same manner as though this act had not passed.
"The board of canvassers of said county, under this act, shall
consist of the presiding inspectors of election from each township
therein, who shall organize by appointing one of their number
chair:lan, and another secretary of said board, and shall thereupon
proceed to discharge all the dllties of a board of county canvassers,
as in ordinary cases of election for county and state officers.
"The county of Emmet shall llave concurrent jurisdiction upon
L;ike Michigan and Green Bay with tle other counties contiguous
thereto.
"All the islands, bars, rocks and lands under water contiguous to
the said counties of Emmet and Charlevoix, land within the state of
Michigan, not heretofore, by any legislative enactment, included
within the body of any county in said state, together with so mnucll
of Range 4 west as was heretofore included in Cheboygan County,
are hereby annexed to said county of Emmet and shall for all purposes be deemed   and taken to be within and a part of said
county.
"The county seat of said county shall be fixed by the board of
supervisors of said county.
"The register of deeds of the county of Eimmet shall, on the
request and at the expense of the persons interested, copy from the
records in the office of the register of deeds at Mackinac, all records
of deeds and instruments in writing conveying, or in any wise limiting or affecting the title td any real estate in the county of Emmet
as hereby organized, and the copies so made slihll be mllade and
deemed and taken to be original records for all purposes whatsoever."
The act was approved Jan. 29, 1853, and was to take immediate
effect.
At the same time the towns of Peaine, Galilee and Charlevoix
were organized.
The township of Peaine extended so as to include rocks, bars
and land under water contiguous to Beaver Island.
Galilee included all that part of Peaine in Towns 37 north, of
Ranges 10 and 11 west, and south half of Town 38 north, of
Ranges 10 and 11 west.     The first election was appointed at
Ludlow Hill.
The township of Charlevoix included all of the county of
Charlevoix, and the first township meeting was appointed at the
house of Galen B. Cole.
The history of the next two years contained nothing of local
interest outside of the Mormon history already given. In 1855 it
was determined to secure better protection to interests on the mainland, against tlhe Mormons.    To accomplish this   Theodore
Wendall, late of Mackinaw, and John S. Dixon, now of Charlevoix,
went to Lansing and succeeded in securing the passage of a bill
reorganizing Emmet County so as to include its former territory
except the Beaver group and north and south Fox and territory
west of same. The first election was held at Little Traverse on
the first Tuesday in June, 1855.
Under this act the towns of Little Traverse, La Croix, 'Bear
Creek and Old Fort Mackinaw were organized.
Little Traverse embraced all the county south of township line
between Townships 36 and 37 and embraced by Ranges 5, 6 and 7
west. The first township meeting was held at the Indian school

house at Little Traverse, on the first Tuesday in May.
La Croix embraced all the county;uULL of the township line
between Townslips 36 and 37 north, and west of range line between Ranges 4 and 5. The first town meeting was held at the
Indian school-house in the village of La Croix.


-I




1


e)  I-i -
4ls::- 




4^


i
I
I


l%Am


1 -I


=


I                                                                                       - 


-   e.,:.


136


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


Bear Creek embraced Township 31 north, of Ranges 4, 5
and 6 west.  The first election was held at the house of Andrew
Porter.
Tihe town of Charlevoix embraced Township 31 north, of
Range 8 west, and Township 33 north, of Ranges 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9 west. The first town meeting was held at the house of John S.
Dixon.
Old Fort Mackinaw was intended to include all of the county
north of township line between Townships 36 and 37, and embraced
by Range 4 west. The first town meeting was appointed at the
house of Francis Lalond. This town, however, was not organized,
there being no white inhabitants in the territory at that time.
The county seat was established at Mackinaw City, but thle
county business was transacted at Little Traverse until 1867, when
thle county seat was removed to Charlevoix, and in 18;68 the supervisors met at that place. There was strong opposition to the county
seat being removed to Charlevoix, and in 1868 the county seal and
somle other property mysteriously disappeared. Dennis T. Downing was county clerk and was supposed to be instrumental in their
removal.   Anl action for embezzlement was brought against him,
but in 1869 the county of Charlevoix was organized and the county
seat of Emmet returned to Little Traverse, where it still remains.
Tlhe circumstances connected witlh the Downing case are told in the
early history of Charlevoix County.
That part of Emmet County north of the line between Townships 36 and 37 north, and embraced by Range 4 west, was originally a part of the unorganized county of Chelboygan, and was
attached to Emmeet Countty when Chleboygan County was organized in 1853.
Thle first meeting of thle board of supervisors was held in
October, 1855, but there is no record of it among the county documents. The first election was not observed in any township but
Charlevoix, where Galenl B. Cole was elected supervisor, and of
course lie constituted the board of supervisors. In the following
autumn thllis board of one man proceeded to construct several nlew
townships-in the county. The record, which looks innocenton the
face of it, is found in the appendix to tlhe session laws of 1857,
where Galen B. Cole, as chairman of tlhe board, and George T.
Preston, as county clerk, certify that tlhe several acts for tlhe organization of the new townships were passed by a majority of votes of
all the members elected to the board of supervisors, uponl due notice and application according to law, at an adjourned sitting of the
aLnnual-meeting of the board of supervisors the 22d day of October,
1855.
The first supervisors' meeting recorded in the journal was held
Oct. 12, 1857, but only two of the three supervisors were preselnt,
and no business was done. Tlhe principal business transacted by
the early supervisors was the equatlizatio) of assessment rolls.
In 1869 the territory was divided and Chalrlevoix County
organized, but no new towns were organized in Eminet County
until 1876.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
The officers of Emmet County elected for tle several terms
since 1855 have been as follows, as nearly as can be learned from
the records. In some instances there have been special elections for
some reason, and at other times vacancies have been filled by the


board of supervisors. In 1883 the office of treasurer became vacant
and J. L. Morrice was elected by the board of sulervisors to fill the
unexpired term of E. J. Palmer. Tile list is as follows:
1865: —Clerk, C. R. Wlight; register, A. J. Blackbird; probate judge, J. G. Turner; sheriff, Thomas Smith. Highest number of votes cast at this election was forty. This was a special
election held in November.


I


I


I


I


1856:-Clerk, Michael Kewa; register, Joseph G. Turler;
treasurer, Lewis Petoskey; sheriff, John Anman; probate juldge,
Andrew Porter. 162 votes cast.
1857:-Clerk, A. J. Blackbird; register, J. G. Turner; treasurer, Lewis Petoskey; sheriff, John   Newman; probate judge,
Andlew Porter. Twenty-seven votes cast.
1858:-Sheriff, Joseph Pyant: treasurer, Louis Mesllinim;
~ register, Horace Hall.
1859, special election in April: —Clerk, Augustin ti:;nilin;
treasurer, Louis Mleshllinil.
1860': -— Clerk, Dennis T. Downing; register, Francis Tab saslh;
treasurer, Louis Meshininm; sleriff, Joseph Pyaiit; probate judge,
Henry G. Graveratt.
1862: — Clerk, Josephl Succon; register, Plaul Wasson; treasurer,
Louis Mesllinim;   shleriff, Joseph Pyant; prosecuting attorney,
Richard Cooper; 225 votes cast.
1864: —Slleliff, Alexander McGtulpin; register, Josepli Pyant.
This was a special election held in April.
1864, general election:-Cleik, Dennis T. Downing; register,
Joseph Pyant; treasurer, Louis Meshinim; sheriff, Alexander
McGulpin; probate judge, Dennis T. Downinig.
1868: -Sheriff, Joseph Pyant; clerk, Dennis T. Downing; trea'surer, Louis Meshinim; register, Andrew J. Blickbird; probate jud,,ge
Dennis T. Downing; prosecuting attorney, Edward H. (reell.
1870:-Sheriff, B. F. Ingalls; clerk, Henry A. Rollins; reIgister,
A. T. Burnett; treasurer, John Wagley; probate judge, Dennis T.
Downing.
1872:-Sheriff, B.F. Ilgalls; clerk, Henry A. Rollins; register,
A. T. Burnett; treasurer, Charles Davidson; prob-ate judge, John
S. Shurtleff.
1874:-Clerk and register, Henry A. Rollins; treasurer, Johll
Wagley; sheriff, Liberty J. Ingalls; prosecuting attorney, Charles
R. Ford.
1876: —Sheriff, B. F. IngaJlls; clerk anld register, IHenry A. Rollins; treasurer, James M. Burbeck; prosecuting attorney, Charles
J. Pailthorp; probate judge, John S. Shltrtleff.
1878: —Shedif, A. W. Aldrich; clerk, William  t. Bowser; register, James Buckley: treasurer, Israel Canby; proseclttin  attoriney.
Clay E. Call.
1880: —Sheriff,George W.Dickinsonl; clerk,Williani 1t. lBowser;
register, Jamies Bucldey; treasurer, Israel Canby; prosecuting at
torney, Andrew L. Deuel; 1,415 votes were cast.
1882:-Shleriff,George W. Dickinson; clerk,Albert L.tathlaway;
register, Thomas Quinlali; treasurer, E. J. Palner; probate judge,
William Crosby; prosecuti1ng attorney, J. (. Hill.
TOWN ORGANIZATION.
The present territory of Emmiet County was originilly divided
into three town organizations, viz: Bear Creek, Little Traverse
anid La Croix. The name of La, Croix was in 1875 chan ged to
Cross Village. New towns have been organized from time to time
as follows:
The town of Friendship, comprising the territory of Township
36 north, of Ranges 6 and 7 west, was organized by the board of
supervisors in the winter of 1876, and the first township:meeting
was held the following April. Tihe petition to tlhe board was signed
by the following persons:
Charles Tanner,         Sylvester W. Ingalls,
I. Canby,               Thoman F. Cooli,


Oliver Bortmiss,        John M. Coots,
Thomas Hised,           J. L. Morrice,
Michael Kewog,          George W. Peterman,
I ewis Kewoy,          E. A. Harding,
Marion L. Bidwell,      Solomon Lewis,


4
I


- fr


4a


I




~w


-"'_  _ _ ~      _ _  ~      __  I         ___              ~
i iiii.......m II           { III I  IIIll I —L-~  _I-  III I  I.  li _ II II _  i i  -- min  I.... I  I


49


7




ad                                                                                                                                                                                                                 - W
Q.


I
I
i
i
I
i
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I
i
i
i
i
I
i
I
I
i
i
I


-1


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


137


John K. Stutesman,    F. C. Lamphete,
William Clark,        Lewis Garven,
John Jackson.
The town of Maple River was orgavizel in 1876, and the first
election held April 3. Horace M. Wilcox was the first supervisor,
F. L. Powell, clerk, and A. S. Weil, treasurer.  The territory of
Maple River comprises Township 36 north, of Range 4 west, and
Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, north half of 10, and west half of 15, 16,
17, 18, in Township 35 north, of Range 4 west.
The town of Bliss was organized by the board of supervisors
at a meeting held Oct. 9, 187(0. The territory embraced was Town
38 north, of Range 5 west. The first annual meeting was appointed at the house of John Leatherman, on the first Monday in April,
1877. Charles S. Barton, Luther A. ]Bliss and Charles Eastman
were appointed inspectors of election. The town was named in
honor of Mrs Bliss, wife of the first settler in the town.
The town of Pleasant View was organized by the board of supervisors in the winter of 1876, and the first election held the following April. It comprises the territory of Township 36 north, of
Range 5 west. The names of freeholders wlio signed the petition
are as follows:
Eli Culler,         J M. Lett,
Enos M. Warble,     Web Hickmon,
Jonathan Mellot,    William Thompson,
Henry Augden,       William Dunnom,
Thomas Ellis,       V. G. Connor,
William Huston,     C. D. Hampton.
The town of Readmond was organized by act of legislature,
approved March 22, 1877, and comprised the territory of Township
37 north, of Ranges 6 and 7. The first annual meeting was appointed at tlle house of Robert Johnston, on the first Monday in
April, 1877.
The town of Littlefield was organized by act of legislature, approved March 22, 1877, and comprised the territory of'Township
35 north, of Range 4 west, and Township 34 north, of Range 4
west. The first annual meeting was appointed at the house of
Squire Phillips, on the first Monday of April, 1877. In 1881 Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17 and 18, and the west half of Sections
10 and 15 in Township 35 nor.ll, of Range 4 west, and so much of
Sections 2( and 21 in said Township as lie north of Crooked Lake,
was detached from Littlefield and attached to Maple River.
The town of Center was organized by the board of supervisols,
at the January meeting in 1878, upon petition of W. W. White and
sixteen others. Tlhe first election was held at the house of Clark
Harkins, in April following. The inspectors were Isaac Palmer,
MA. B. Reynolds and Samuel Midgley. The territory of Center comprises Township 37 north, of Range 5 west.
The town of Carp Lake was organized by the board of superxisors in October, 1879. The application was made by Alpheus B.
Handricks, Octave Terrien, Samuel Ells, and nine others, freeholders of the township of Cross Village, in the county of Emmet
for tile organization or erection of the territory comprising Towns
88 nortl, of Range 4 west, and 39 north of Range 4 west, being
now a part of tile township of Cross Village, in said county, into a
new townslip to be called the township of Carp Lake. It was provided that tle first township meeting thereof shall be held at the
house of Jacob Ells, on Monday, the 5th day of April, in the year
of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty, and Al

pheus B. Handricks, Hugh Kilpatrick and James B1ll were appoi nted inspectors of election.
The town of Egleston was organized by the board of supervieors in March, 1884. The description of territory and names of
petitioners were given in the petition as follows:


To detach Township 37 north, of Range 4 west, from  Cross
Village Townsllip of saidcounty, and erect and provide for tle organlization of a new township to be called Egleston, and to embrace
the following described territory, to wit: Township 37 -north, of
Range 4 west. Dated this twenty-eighth day of January, A. D.,


1884.


Allen C. Wrigllt,     J. St. Peters,
J. M. Morris,         E. M. Cole,
W. W. Loomis,        James A. Hough,
John Wachtel,         Louis La Croix,
Soren Olson,          A. M. Hall,
Charles A. Watters,   0. H. Shurtleff,
L. S. Jennings,       Samuel Morris,
NV. A. Sl:ephard,     A. L. Burnett,
A. B. Spery,          N. G. Burtt,
E. J. Town,           W. Mi. Shurtleff,
Robert Shideler,      John Shurtleff,
A. McLachllin,        Allen I)u Paro,
A. MI. LeBaron,       John Wagley.
TOWN OFFICERS IN 1883.


Center:   Supervisor, Charles H. Swaitout; clerk, Samuel
Midgley; treasurer, Cllarles Cook.
Cross Village:-Supervisor, James E. Wagley; clerk, Francis
Tobasash; treasurer, A. Jones.
Bear Creek:- Supervisor, James Buckley; clerk, A. J. Hulntley;
treasurer, 0. B. Finlay.
Bliss: -Supervisor, Frank Keiser; clerk, Joel Stearns; treasurer, Henry C. Garber.
Carp Lake: -Supervisor, J. D. Rawdon; clerk, Joselph Sanders;
treasurer, Conrad Schmnalzried.
Friendship:-Supervisor, James L. Morrice; clerk, Jesse F.
Carmien; treasurer, David S. Kaylor.
Pleasant View: -Supervisor, George 0. Richardson; clerk, Allgustus C. Willis; treasurer, John Warren.
Little Traverse: -Supervisor, Henry Bechtel: clerk, Alva
Thompson; treasurer, Fred Main.
Maple River:-Supervisor, Scott Williston; clerk, Titus 13.
Snyder; treasurer, George W. Green.
Littlefield:-Supervisor, George W. Drake; clerk, Htenry L.
Drake; treasurer, M. J. Bolen.
Readmond:-Supervisor, Job Rohr; clerk, Eugene Foote;
treasurer, Andrew McCourt.
In the town of Friendship, James L. Morrice was appointed
treasurer of the county, and Philo H. Budlong was appointed supervisor to fill the vacancy.
CHAPTER XXI.
LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY-NOTED SUMMIIER RESORTS-B1AY VIEW.THE,:
RUSTIC PULPIT-WE-QUE-TON-SING-HARBOR POINT-IIAY FEVE R
RESORT-PELLSTON AND ITS FOUNDER —HSTORY OF BRUTUS.
This beautiful bay extends inland from the coast line of Lake
Michigan about nine miles, and is six miles broad at its mouth
The water is clear and pure, and contains great quantities of fish
The scenery about the bay is romantic and the whole region is full
of legendary interest. Upon the north and south shore are the
villages of Harbor Springs and Petoskey, and Harbor Point.  Weque-ton-sing and Bay View are famous summer resorts. The beauties of this region have been chanted in prose and verse by numerous writers who have visited the locality and experienced an ecstasy
of delight at what they beheld. The Indian name is We-que-tonsing, meaning a small bay.
One visitor speaking of Little Traverse Bay, says: '  Little
Traverse Bay has for me an inexhaustible charm.  On a cloudless


-v

-i I
9


V


w.


e) I 1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JL.




main
I 'I
i
i
I. I


I


1


138


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


August morning, under a lilght soutlhwest breeze, tle water varies
in color, according to depth, from  the deepest hornblende to tlle
palest apple-green, and tile ripple in tlle wake of a vessel glitters
with emeralds and diamonds. Then there are dreallly days, when
a blue mist bangs over the wooded liills tliat encircle it, and tile
bay sleeps motionless, like a mirror upturned to tlle milky sky.
Sometimes, even in summiter, wild and Sllddlell squalls arise, making
a landing at the Petoskey pier dalngerots or evell impossible. In
the morning everythiling may be calm and lovely, anld before noon
thle entire bay, with tlie exceptlion of tlie sllnig l;i:rbor at Little
Traverse village, will be lashed into tile wildest cotlnitvoti,,Il. Tllere
is an old pier just lbove tile mouth of Bear Rivler, oil whlict' I lov)e
to stand and feel, as well as see, tile lusty breakers clhase each othler
in shore, creating anl undertow whicll tou,,ld tt test te skill of tlhe
Ilmost daring surf bather."
Another visitor writes of tlie sunsets; on the bay, atst follohwxs:
( Thle sunsets oil tile bay are enlllgh to tlllrow an artist',s soul iL-to
ecstasy. Come with me. Yon(ier is th          lle ll  iieati as, dlisv,


tile sunset pictures. Southl of us. near tile beach, amid thle evergreens of the old ' council ground,' are tile tents of thle Richmond
guards.   Their silk flags bow (gentlv, and tllheir band discourses
imost exquisite -music.  Behind tlhem, the same wooded terraces,
brolien by thle fertile slopes of Old Mission aud other farulS. Now
turn the boat and look to thle west —the wide, watery, luminoius
west. See sapphire, and f alame, ad pearl, and blue, and amethyst
-(Mole dazzling, iridescent arch up to tle deep blue of tile zenithl
Acres of golden refulgence spau tlie horizon, and tinge thle forest
on eitllhe- side.  Our oars break liquid rullies wherever tlley strike.
Tlie colors cllange, the shadows dee)en, and early lights beginl to
twinkle oult from tlhe villages across tle bav.  Trile suIn is a ball of
fire dropping into tile wave, and one brave botat with a single snowy
stil goes out ill tle patli of glory as if it miglt ride" Over tle suuset bltr
ligllt iiito  hleavell."
IITTLE TRAVERlSE tRESO)RTS.
Tlie region of Little TraverseZ lB)ay iaZs;Il e;tdy bIecoeCI  flmolllllS




-Ah; -E


IHAI)BOR 'POlINT BEACH.


just rounding North Point, colillg ill from Macl,:ac. T'ie ferries
are steamiing over fromlll Iittle TIravese,   (coirtesv;iilr as thv comlle.
The Grand Rapids, a sNwNift propeller from Traverse (C.ity, is irycaldy
in harbor. Tall ma,,sted schooners:sre oltltiied agarinlst tlie glowiing
sky, and somle laden sllips of t;le fleet coMnO i to cast anchor folr
the night.  Canoes and pleasture yachlts, Nwit their singing-, clihattitig
crews are on every side.    Let us join tlhese aindll   row olt )nidwa-ty,
for a bird's-eye view of thle lovely scene. Sweep Nwithl yo:,,r glalce
the circle of the hills, and it is one continuous gallery of beatuti
ful pictures.  The white line of pebbly beach, thle green slope and
chalky bluff, then terrace above terra;ce —village, farm and forest,
until the outlying line of sentinel trees are crowned with the reflective pink and gold of tile westelll wrld.  Nowli.ere liave I seen
such responsive skies. Lakes Huron and Aicllig,. rarely fail to bid
each other good night and goo1d uortniug. Over tliere, to the north,
are dim wreaths of smoke rising clouidward. The practical observer
will tell you it is from burning brush in a clearing, but I know it is
a council fire lighted by invisible hands, and the spirits of departed
braves people the shadows, lidden from unanointed eyes. On bluff
and pier and bridge and veranda, are gay groups, come out to see


I as a: summller resort.  Hither;have come religious atssociations,
pleasure seekers, and invAlids to enjoy the charlling scelery and
tle health giving atmlospphere.  Three associatiols mhave plnllted
Smllmler villages upon tlie shores of tlie bay, viz:  Bay Vilrw, Welque-tonl-sing anil Harbor Point, whlch were establishlled in tic order
BAY VIEW.
This delightful retre:.t is a suburbl of Petoskey, being locatcd
only a short distance from the village. MaILny features cormnbille to
make it a m1ost attractive resort. The land rises from tile bay ill
natural terraces which afford delightful sites for residences.  Thlese
terraces rise one above the other until the crown of tile anmphitheatre
lifts its giant maples imore than 200 feet above thle level of the lake.
High up), in a hill side, is Pis(gah Sprin(g, from whichll walter is carried in pipes to the villas below.  The groundls are handsomlely
laid out in builqing lots and numerous parks, and thle avenues wind
and circle in graceful curves.  There is a railroad depot with express and telegraph offices, and a dock at which all boats touch.
Sometime in September, 1875, the citizens of Petoskey first
learned that the Methodists of Michigan were desirous of selecting a




i


I


0 -

a-        IL

THE TRAVERSE REGION.


139


site somewhere in the state, for the purpose of holding annual camp
meetings, and also to make a summer resort.  Soon after a cominittee, consisting of ten leading members of the M. E. Church, from
different parts of the state, were appointed to select a suitable site for
this purpose, and in November of that year, this committee decided
on locating at Bay View, at that time a dense forest. The land
was then owned by a number of individuals, but Petoskey people,
well knowing what an advantage it would be to this place to have
a state camp ground permanently located here, at once took hold of
tile nmatter, and by liberal donations on the part of citizens, enough
money was raised by subscription to purchase the land, the price
paid being nearly $3,000, the tract comprising 330 acres.  The
G. R. & I. R. R. Co. agreed to furnish money to buy this land,
providing payment for so doing would be guaranteed, which was
done by a few leading citizens, and as fast as the money was collected in on subscription it was paid over to the company.
W. G. Hinman, of the land department of the G. R. & I. R.


--- 
I,      tT
"I




Connable, now postmaster, and presented by him    to the camp
meeting association. Mr. Conllnable had been a great sufferer from
asthma, and in 1877 came to Petoskey froni Jacklison to try the
effect of this climate upon his malady.  Soon after colllillng here
lie was restored to comparative health, and decided to remtainl permanently.   Being. deeply interested in religious mnatters and a(
member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, lis inte-est was
enlisted in the success of tile camp imeeting association at Bay View,
and he conceived the idea of colnstructi)ng a rustic pulpit for the
speakers' stand. After diligent searching lie found a; lirelc tree
about a foot in diameter with a smaller hemlock tree growinlg upon
each side, with their roots grown together and firmly interlaced.
These trees, wheii cut off at a suitable distance from tile ground,
were suitably fashioned for a pulpit-stand, witl lamp or flower


I
I




A
9)
9
I
I




I/      STATION, BAY VIE.
RAILROAD STATION, BAY VIEW.


R. Co., first selected the site chosen, and to this gentleman, H. 0.
Rose, Abner S. Lee, Archie McMillan, and a number of our leading citizens, is due much credit for the part they performed in establishing this institution. The railroad company did much toward
furthering this project. It was first deeded to J. M. Matheney, and
by hiln to the Michigan State Camp Ground Association of the
M. E. Church.   By the conditions of this deed tine association
agree to hold all annual camp meeting on these grounds, for fifteen
successive years, and during that time to expend in erecting cottages, laying out streets, parks, grading, and in other ways improving the grounds, not less than $10,000. If these conditions are
complied with, at the expiration of fifteen years the association
will then hold the land in fee simple.  If at any time, however,
within this period, the association elect, by the payment of $4,000
the land becomes their own, the same as if the above conditions
were complied with.
In 1876 the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad was extended to
that point, and the first meetings were held on the grounds. Tile
first commenced on Tuesday, August 1st. The dedicatory sermon
was preached by Rev. E. H. Pilcher, president of the association.
The number of cottages has increased until a good sized village
has grown out of the enterprise. During the winter silence reigns
and the place has the appearance of a deserted city, but in summer
the cottages are filled and life and activity throng the place.
THE RUSTIC PULPIT.
One of the most unique and interesting objects to be seen at
the Bay View camp ground is the rustic pulpit made by Ralph




SPE \KER S STAND, BAY VIEW.
stands at each side, the roots bracing the stands so firmly tlhat no
joints or addlitionlal work wfas inecessary. The surface was finished,
and the tops improved bly rustic tlimulmings, so that when completed
it presented a beautiful and unique appearance. Tile design is
perfect, and being of natu;al formation is an interesting curiosity.
Dining the exercises upon thle grounds ill tile sulmmer of 1878, Mr.
Connable made a formal piresentation of this gift to the association,
and Rev. S. Reed received it with a suitable response on belhalf of
the association. In style it confollrms to the sulrroundings, and as
an altar of Christian worship it expresses the devout gratitude of
the donor to the Great Giver of good for his restoration to health.
WE -QUE "TON-SING.
This resort is located on the north side of Little Traverse Bav,
about three-fourths of a mile east of I-arbor Springs. It comprises
eighty acres of lalLnd, do(nated to the association by the citizens of
Harbor Springs.  Half of the tract lies about twenty feet above the
water, the remainder beinga ani elevated plateau, nearly one hundred
feet above the level of the lay.
In the summer of 1877 Revs. McCord, of Allegan, and Essex,
of Elkhart, visited all the points along Grand Traverse and Little
Traverse Bays with the idea of selecting a location for the establishment of a resort where worn-out.luw shwelhtcring  humanity
could repair to recover heal-lk and enjoy rational recreations.
After an impartial survey of all points, they decided that Lit

J


L


I


I


I-I ----     -                                            `~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- -                -- - -- It


09


Im


r-7r


6     rl-"




___-   ____r --  r ----r


- —  — -—  —" —I- I --- —- I- --- --


140)


THIE TRAVERSE REGION.


I-  -   -      --- -  ~` — 


tie Traverse possessed greater attractions than any other place, and
so reported to the synod which met that fall. In accordance with
this report it was decided at a meeting held in Elkhart in tile fall
of 1877 to accept the gift of the citizens of Harbor Springs of eighty
acres of land situated on the harbor shore. An association was
then and there formed for the purpose of improving thle grounds
and selling or leasing lots to parties desiring to put up cottages.
In the spring of 1878 work began on the grolnds, numerous
lots were sold, and a large boarding-louse erected. July 17, 1878,
the grounds were formally dedicated, Hon. Schuyler Colfax delivering his famous address on Abrahamr Lincoln  The organization
was not fully completed until the summer of 187(. August;th a
business ineeting was held and L. H. Trask elected president; H.
H. Pope, secretary; H. H. Dennis, treaslurer. Streets have been
laid out, and a number of cottages erected.
The Indian name of tlis place was Wa-abii-kang, meaning
a white gravelly shore.  The association evidently did not consider this as musical as the one adopted.
HARTBOR POINT.
Harbor Point is on the opposite side of Harbor Springs from
We-que-ton-sing. It adjoins the village of Harbor Springs, and


The fancifll Indian legend of how a portion of this peninsula
was once an is;llnd, and afterward became united to the mainland
is given in thie history of Haibor Springs. It is piobablyv fact
that the entire point is the result of tle action of wind and wave,
and the same forces are at work building on little by little every
year.
This resort is sometimes called the Lansing resort, and its
location came about as follows: In August, 1878, 4t party of Lansing people visited the spot and camped out. They were so
deliglited with the location and tlhe Imaiy ilvantages it possessed,
that eefore they left they began making   lrrangements for the
purchase of tie point, of Rev. Father.Wei amnp, of Cross Village, tlhe
owner of the land.  They were successful in tlheir negotiations, a(nd
proc(eded wilh the necessary steps of establishing a permanent resort. August 28, 1878, a stock company wats organized under the
statute for park associations, and the filst officers were as follows:
President, 1. F. Simons; secretary, N. B. Jones; treasurer, IEugene
Angell. The original number of stockholders was nileiteen, and
the. capital stock $2,500), but so popaular did the resort become that
the capital stock was subsequently increassd to il0,00(), of which
each stockholder holds $100. The gitounds were lil d0 ou1t with
winding walks and drives, and the uliderbrush cleare(d away. A






r


I


VIEW AT IHARBOI POINT.
comprises some fifty acres, jutting out into the bay for a mile, being sixty rods in width at thle,bse, and narrowing gradually to a
few rods in width at the apex in tle bay. The land is high and
rolling, and is covered with a fine growth of beautiful young trees,
forming a park hllici for natural beamlity is rarcly excelled. On
either side the beacli is covered witlh clean white said, and gently
slopes to the water's edge. (n one side ti e water is quiet, and
for many feet from the sliore is shallow, thus affordintg excellent
facilities for boAtting and still bathing. On the other side a beautiful surf is almost incessantly rolling, formed by a fid1 sweep from
the clear and sparkling waters of the lake as they roll into the bay,
and here is surf batlingl unsurpassed anywhere unless it be at some
of the favorite ocean resorts.
This long and narrow wooded peninsula extending into the
bay completely wards off the wind and storm from the north side,
thus constituting the safest and most capacious harbor on the lakes.
A vessel once ensconced under the lee of this protecting point, is absolutely safe, not only from the eiements, but there are neither
shoals or treacherous rocks to be shunned, as the bottom of the bay
away from the slore is a bed of limestone, the water being of a
uniform depth of fifty or sixty feet, and in numerous places 100
feet.


TENTING OUT AT iARBOR SPIING(S.


hotel, dock, boat, and bath lhouses, etc., were built, an1d e:ac(h year
improvements have been iadded and new cottages erected.
HAY FEVER RESOItT.
The Western IHay Fever Association has its headquarters at
Petoskey. The association was organized September 5, 1882, andl
designated Petoskey as thle most favorable resort for hay fever sufferers. Members of the association, however, stop at various points
on Little Traverse Bay. The officers of tie association in 1884 arc
as follows: President, Col. Lorenzo James, Montgomery, Ala.;
vice-president, Col. J. A. Andrews, Cincinnati, Ohio; secretary, A.
Kephart, Berrien, Mich.; treasurer, F. J. Belknap, Petoskey, Micl.
PELLSTON.
A station of the above name on the Grand Rapids & Indiana
Railroad, is a place of considerable prospective importance on account of its location, being situated very near the geographical center of the county. The place was founded by William H. Pells, of
Paxton, Ill., and the founder of that place. Mr. Pells was born at


AI


_.. — I-~..  _ ------------------ ~~ --- —- ------------— ~ ---  --------- - I I i_


a l.     - - - _ _   _ _ _ _ _   _ _   _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _




I


0.
I
I
I


I 'I'%

I
I


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


141


Poughkeepsie, N Y., in the year 1818. At fourteen years of age
he went to western New York, and for many years was the principal business man at Ridgeway Corners, Orleans County. At this
point he carried on an extensive and prosperous business, and became largely interested in real estate operations. In 1872 he went
to Ford County, Ill., and founded the village of Paxton. In 1876
lie purchased 13,000 acres of land centrally located in Emmet
County, and began selling to settlers. During the first year about
1,500 acres were sold in this way.
In 1882 the railroad was extended to the Straits, and in September of that year he laid out a village on the line of the road and
in the centre of his tract  He built a boarding-house and hotel,
and soon after a store and other interests followed. There are
two mills, postoffice, and the usual buildings that form the nucleus
of a village. The mills belong to Shepard & Jennings, and John
Wachtel is postmaster. Mr. Pells is giving his attention to prormoting the interests of his village, and in inducing settlers to locate
upon his land. Pellston is in the newly organized town of Egleston, and its prospects for the futuie are exceedingly promising.
BRUTUS.
Brutus was the pioneer project of what is now Maple River
Township. It would have been the name of the village had the
village grown, but a hotel and postoffice were the most important
interests that centered at that point. The site was located upon
the northeast quarter of Sectioa 23, Town 36 north, of Range 4
west, wvhere the Little Traverse and Cheboygan state road crossed
Maple River, eighteen miles distant from Petoskey. The founders
were A. S. Lee and 1). R. Sherman. Eally in September, 1874,
Mr. Lee cut the first tree upon the site, and shortly after a hotel
was built, and named the " Brutus House." The nearest white
settler at that time was nine miles distant. That fall a postoffice
was established, and Mr. Lee appointed postmaster. The following year Mr. Lee removed t6 Petoskey, and a year later Mr. Sherman removed from the county. When the railroad was extended
north it passed one and one-half miles to the west of Brutus and the
postoffice was removed to the line of the road.
CHAPTER XXII.
VILLAGE OF CROSS VILLAGE.
LOCATION OF THE VILLAGE —A HISTORIC SPOT-THE BENEVOLENT,CHARITABLE ANI) RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF ST. FRANCIS-FATHER WEICAMP —EARLY SETTLERS-THE POSTOFFICE —VARIOUS INTERESTS
-BIOGRAPHICAL.
This village is located in Township 38 north, of Range 5 west,
and in the town of the same name. The location of the village is
very fine, being upon a high table land sixty or seventy feet above
the water level. The view from the village facing the lake is quite
imposing, the eye taking in a very large expanse of water and also
a number of islands, the largest one, Beaver Island, about twenty
miles distance, and famous in the early history of the state as the
home of a troublesome colony of Mormons. The country surrounding it is unexcelled for agricultural purposes. No finer potatoes
can be produced on the continent than grow in the sandy soil of
this region. Fruit of all kinds is also abundant. The village is
the most central point of a large area of country which contributes


to its commercial prosperity, and should it secure railroad communication, as it sometime must, is destined to become a place of considerable importance.
The village is vested with a romance of location and history.
It was at this point that the early missionaries established a mis

I


I


I


sion, though the exact date is not known. About the first object to
attract the attention of the vibitor is a huge wooden cross about
thirty feet in height, standing near an old weather-beaten church.
This cross has been standing since the first mission was established; when one succumbs to tile elements another is constructed
to take its place. From this cross the town was first named La
Croix, and in 1875 changed to Cross Village. The old church,
abandoned in 1868, was built about the year 1848. Since about
the year 1827 there has been no intermission in work of the mission
at this point.
It is not known how long this has been an Indian camping
ground and village. The Indian village, however, was under the
bluff on the shore of the bay.
In 1840 Alexander Gascon, a French Canadian by birth, came
here and built a log house and cooper-shop. At tlat time Father
Pierce was the only white man here. A few years later a saw-mill
was built a short distance north of the village. In 1847 L. G.
Metivier came here from Mackinac,and operated the mill about a year.
The location of thle convent at this point was the next enterprise of any importance. This has been for upwards of a quarter
of a century the most noticeable feature of the place, and one of the
most noted institntions in the county. The proper name of this
institution is the "( Benevolent, Charitable and Religious Society of
St. Francis." It was established by Rev. Father JolIu B.. Weicamp, in the year 1855. He was born in Prussia, April 5, 1818,
and emigrated to America in 1850. He remained in Chicago about
five years. In 1855 he came to this region, and first purchased
Harbor Point, but afterwarL decidel upon a location at Cross Village. He came here and fitted up the old saw-mill already mentioned. He got out logs and sawed some lumber with this mill.
Subsequently lie erected a steam-mill. Tile buildings were completed in 1857, and the work of the institution begun. In 1859 a
school-house was built. The buildings have been greatly enlarged
and improved since the convent was established.
The buildings of the convent consist of a chapel, dormitories,
schools, barns, a saw and grist-mill, carpenter and blacksmith
slops, engine house, slleds, etc. Nearly everything which is used
on the place, from the wine which tlhey drink to the wooden slloes
that the nuns wear, is made on the premises.
One "brother" runs the engine, another is the carpenter,
another tile blacksmith, another lhas charge of the horses, another
of the c;ttle, etc. The nuns work in the field, hoeing and harvesting, the same as the men. They all work early and late, day in
and day out.   The convent contains an immense auditorium,
which is so arranged that tle audience, made up mainly of the
people of the villAge, the choir, vh\ich is in the gallery opposite the
pulpit, the monks seated by themselves, aud the nun1s also seated
by themselves, can each see the officiating priest, while neither can
see the other. The building was so constructed that the nuns
could do washing, cooking, etc., etc., without even coming in sight
of the male portion of the establishment.
A little distance from  the main building is a small building
where Father Weicamp makes it a rule to spend some time in each
day in meditation. A collection of human skulls and other similar
relics has been gathered together in this building, while underneath
the floor, in the center of the building, is an empty grave, which
the reverend Father dug with his own hands. The object of the
grave was both remote and immediate. 'Remotely, it was designed


by the reverend Father as his own final resting place; but immediately, it was intended, with the liberal collection of skulls and
other human bones, to turn his meditations into the right channel.
The institution owns about 2,000 acres of land, about eighty
acres of which are cultivated. The convent farm has a wide repu





- V.


I M


__ 


MRPI

rl 1
mzr


- I
I


L




-I I
O  F& -- 6)


-I ( 


T H E   AVRE  lt




I
I
I
I
"a





142


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


ri


tation for the excellence of its management, and the remarkable
crops that every year are harvested. Some statistics are given at
the opening of the history of this county.
The buildings are handsomely located just north of the village
facing the lake. At the entrance to the broad avenue that leads up
to the convent stands a small house with windows in front, and in
this building is a fall length image of Christ on the cross. Just
above the door of the convent is the figure of St. Francis, tlhe
patron saint of the institution.  Outside the convent grounds and
near the village is tile school of St. Francis, which is free to all.
Theie is also a school in the convent where children belongiiing to
thle institution are taught. The average number in the convent
is about thirty.
Since it was first established the convent has been the central
figure in the place, and Father Weicamp, the chief ruler of the Indians, who are mostly Catholics.  During the next ten years after
it was founded, the village was visited by peddlers and slmall trademen, but the first pertmaniient enterprises were inaugurated by Captain John Wagley, in 1865.
CAPTAIN JOHN WAGLEY is a pioneer of northern Michigan and
one of the oldest settlers of Elmmet County. He was born near
Pittsburgh, Pa., June 16, 1822. In the summer of 1843, being
then twenty-one years of age, lie removed to Michigan, coming by
the lakes and landed on the island of Mackinac. For three years
lie was engaged in fishing and sailing. Feb. 5, 1846, lie was
married by Judge Shurtleff to Miss Margaret Valier.       The
same year lie bought his first vessel, the s6hooner William, which
he sailed three years. He followed sailing and fishing on the north
shore until 1855, when lie moved to Green Bay and kept hotel a
year. In 1856 he moved back to Mackinac and went to Buffalo,
where lie bought the schooner Abel. About the first work done by
the schooner was to carry eighty armed umen to drive the Mormons
from  Beaver Island. With the Abel, Captain Wagley did a very
successful business until 1859, when lie scld her and bought the
Industry. During 1863 and 1864 lie sailed for a Mackinac firm
and in the fall of 1865 came to Cross Village an I bought out William Stoddard, who had started a small store. In 1867 lie began
the constructioin of the first dock at this point. It was finished in
1869 at a cost of $8,000, and was carried away by the water,
together with thirty cords of wood, before it was used. In 1870 lie
built another dock which stood several years. He was also one of
the builders of the present dock, and afterward sold his interest to
Mr. Bovee, the present owner. He has a wife and eight children.
Two sons are engaged in business at Cross Village, as elsewhere
mentioned. Captain Wagley is a veritable pioneer in all the
business interests at Cross village, and has expended a comfortable
fortune in trying to build up the place. There are but few pioneer
experiences in which lie has not shared.
A. T. BURNETT, merchant, Cross Village, was born at Plymouth,
Ashtabula County, Ohio, and is one of the earliest pioneers of
Emmet County. In 1863 lie went to Harbor Springs with Captain
Fargo and engaged in fishing and selling goods. Harbor Springs
at that time was an Indian village. He remained there about five
years and kept the postoffice a portion ot that time. In the fall of
1868 hlie removed to Cross Village, then an Indian village, and was
in the employ of Captain Wagley selling goods. In 1869 these gentlemen succeeded in getting a postoffice established, with Mr.


Burnett as postmaster, the salary being twelve dollars a year. He
held the office until 1873. In the fall of 1877 he engaged in the
mercantile business for himself. He has been prominently identified
with the affairs of the county, having held the office of clerk and
register of the county two terms, and has also been supervisor and


town treasurer. His wife is a daughter of Captain Wagley, one of
the early pionels.  Tliry have three children.
SAMUEL MORRIS, a Prussian by birth, camie here as e early as
1868 peddling goods, and in 1870 located here permanlently. He
put up a small building for a store. He has remained here since
that time, l having been engaged in mercantile and real estate
business. The store building now occupied by N. G. Burtt lie
built in 1870.  He has also built several other buildings.
Ini 1870 Captain Wagley wanted a school started in the place,
and prevailed upon Judge Shurtleff, a pioneer teacher whom lie had
known for many years, to come and teach a school. That was the
first district school taught in the county.
JOHN S. SHURTLEFF, for the past fourteen years a prominent
citizen of Cross Village, was born in Rutland County, Vt., in the
year 1819. His father was a native of Massachusetts and of Russian descent. HIis mother was also a native of New England but
of Irish descent, her father being a professor in the university at
Dublin. He was a soi of a.nobleman, but compelled to leave the
country for writing against the government.  He came to America
and was afterward pardoned, but did not return to his native land.
In 1841 Mr. Shurtleff visited a brother at Cleveland, Ohio, and
then proceeded to Mackinac Island, and for imany years was engaged in the mercantile business and teaching.  lie is one of the
pioneer school teachers of northern Michigan, and has spent in all
about sixteen years of his life in that profession, having taught at
Mackinac, St. Ignace, Cheboygan and Cross Village. InI 1870 lie
came to Cross Village upon the request of Captain Wagley, to teach
a school through the winter, and at the expiration of his termi decided to remain.  In 1871 lie was appointed judge of probate, and
was continued in that office ten years, being succeeded by tlhe present
incumbent Jan. 1, 1881. He has also held the offices of supervisor,
justice of the peace and superintendent of schools, aild has taught
school seven years at Cross Village. Of late his business has been
in real estate. In 1842 lie married Mary Blaiichard at St. Ignace.
She was born at St. Ignace in tlhe year 1825, and was the first
white clhild born Ihlere. Her fat]her was a native of Vermlont, and
her mother of Minnesota. Her fatllr, Isatac Bllaiichard, was a
soldier in the war of 1812, and removed to Mackinac in 1816. Ile
was commissioned a lieutenant in the militia by G(ov. Lewis Cass in
April, 1827. Mrs. Shurtleff was appointed postmistress at Cross
Village in 1873 and still retains the office, thle duties of which are
attended to by a son. From 1873 to 1880 the office was kept at
the house and a cigar box constituted the equipment. The salary
was twelve dollars a year. They have hlad four chillren, and have
buried a son and daughter. The two remaining children, 0. 1I.
and W. M. Shurtleff, are merchants carrying on business under
the firm  name of Shurtleff Bros. The first named is the eldest,
and settled in Cross Village in 1873. For about sixteen years lie
was engaged in sailing and trading along the shore, and visited
Cross. Village as early as 1862. He has held the office of deputy
sheriff several years, and is also deputy United States marshal and
special agent of the custom  service. He has a wife and two children. W. M. Shurtleff came to Cross Village with his parents and
was engaged in real estate business until June, 1880, when the present firm succeeded 0. H. Shurtleff, who started it in 1878. This
firm erected a business building in 1883 which contains the only
hall in the village.


L. G. METIVIER, Cross Village, is one of tile early settlers in
northern Michigan. He was born at St. Johns, Canada. In 1844
he removed to Mackinac Island, where he was engaged making fish
barrels, being a cooper by trade. As early as 1847 he came to
Cross Village and operated a saw-mill that had been built a short
distance above the village. He operated the mill about a year and


I


L.


V -71


_   ------  _I-                 I 




I
I
I
I
I
I
ii
I
I
I


I
i
I
I

1
1
11
i
I
I


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION


143


then returned to Mackinac. In 1853 he was appointed keeper of
the light-house at Presque Isle, and remained there eight years,
when he again returned to Mackinac. In 1870 he located permanently at Cross Village, where lie still follows his trade. He
has a wife and seven children. He has held the office of town
treasurer and justice of the peace, the last named for eight years.
He is brotller of Medard Metivier, a pioneer of Cheboygan
County.
CROSS VILLAGE POSTOFFICE.
In 1869, through the efforts of Captain John Wagley and A.
T. Burnett, a postoffice was established at Cross Village, with A. T.
Burnett as postmaster. The office was kept in tle store and the
salary of the postmaster amounted to the sum of twelve dollars per
aimum. Tlle mail was carried by anl Indian and was received
weekly. Prior to tlhat time the nearest postoffice was at Harbor
Sprilgs. In 1873 Mrs. Mary Shurtleff was appointed postmistress
and still holds that office. For several years the office was kept at
her hlilse and a cigar box furnished ample accommodations for the
conttelts of the mail pouch. The office is now kept at the store of
Shurtleff Bros., and is attended to by W. M. Shurtleff. The office
ranks fourtl class.
(;RAND ARMY POST.
(;eoige Washington Post, G. A. R., No. 106, was established
in March, 1883. It lias about thirty Inelbl)ers and the following
officers: Comr anllnder, C. H. Swatrtout; senior vice-commander,
Henry L. Green; junior vice-commander; Z. D. Ransom; chaplain,
Iyman MII1l'r; officer of the day, Daniel W. Root; officer of the
guard, Frank Tallasash; adjutant, M.. Barnes; quartermlaster,
J..   ). )1bois; sergeant imajor, L. S. Davis; quartermaster sereatll, Lew\is Schrader.
3()VEE, KELSEY & CO.
Tlis firmn is composed of L. J. Bovee, L. A. Kelsey and AMcVean. The two former reside at Le Roy, N. Y., and the latter
at Cross Village. The lumbering interests of this firm constitute
tle most irmportant industry at this point, and give employment to
a large number of men. The mill is situated under the hill on the
shore of tlle lake, and was built in 1879 by Mr. L. J. Bovee. Mr.
Ielsey became a partner in operating the mill, and the firm was
Bovee & Kelsey until October, 1881, when A. McVean, who had
previously been engaged in farming at LeRoy, N. Y., became a
partner and tie firm was changed to Bovee, Kelsey & Co. Mr.
McVean remoeved to Cross Village and has since that time had
suplervision of the business at this point. The mill cuts about
2,500,0(00 feet of hard wood lumber a season, which is shipped to
liuffa;lo. Tlie firm gives employment to an average of about forty
menl. There is a large boardilng-louse situated near the mill that
was built in the summer of 1881. Mr. Bovee owns considerable
timber land and tlle dock near the mill. During the winter season the principal activity of the place is kept up by the operations
of this firm. Fifty or sixty teams are kept busy drawing logs from
the woods, and lumber from other mills which manufacture lumber
for tlis firm. The mill is a circular, and is 38x125 feet in size.
The American House was the first hotel in the village. It was
started and is still kept by Lewis S. Davis, who came from Genesee
County, N. Y., in the summer of 1879.
N. (G. BURTT, one of the prominent business men of Cross Village is a native of Allegany County, N. Y. He removed to Michigan in 1856 and for several years was an extensive farmer in Barry


County. His health failing he was obliged to seek a different climate and on that account located at Cross Village in October, 1879.
He shipped a stock of goods from Chicago and opened a store in
the building he now occupies. The firm was Crandall & Burtt during the first six months, but at the end of that time Mr. Crandall


retired, and Mr. Burtt I:ts continued the business alone. He has a
wife and four children.
JAMES E. WAGLEY, Cross Village, is a son of Cdpt. Johni Wagley, a pioneer of Cross Village. He was born at Mackinac Island in
1857, ald removed to Cross Village with his parents. In 1880 he
engaged in the mercantile business, the firm being Pier & Wagley.
Thils firm continued in business until December, 1881, wlien they
sold out to the Iresent firm of HIough & Wa;gley. Since that time
lie has beeni in the real cstate business. IIe his held tlie office of
supervisor five terms and has also been justice of tlhe peace.
JTAMr:s A. tioI(rH, of the firm of Hlolgh & Wagley, (ross Village,
is a native of Hastings County, Canada. In 18(09 Le went to Genesee County, N. Y., and the foliowing year relmoved to Saginaw
Mich., where lie was agent for an eastern lumberman. Ii February, 1880, lie located at Cross Village and wls in tlle employ of A.
T. Burnett for about a year and a half. In December, 1881, lie engaged in the mercantile business with John Wagley, Jr.. and purchIsed the stock of Pier & WVacley. IIis wife is a daughter of Capt.
Wagley, one of the plioneers of' northern Michiganl. They lhave two
children. He las held tie offile of treasurer of the tiwulship.
JoHN WJAG(,EY, Jr., son of C.Apt. Jolh  Wgley, the pioneer of
Cross Village, was born in Mackinaw County, and early followed
the footsleps of his father by taking up tile avocation ot fishing and
sailing.  He came to Cross Village with his parents in 18661.  In
December, 1881, he engaged in the mercantile business witl Jamles
A. Hlough, the firm being Hough & Wagley, successors to Pier &
Wagley.
MARTIN V. BARNES, Cross Village, is a native of Monroe County,
Mich. In 1855 he removed to Leelanaw County. Jn '83;1 lie enlisted in Company G, First New York Light Artillery, llnd was in
service tliree years during the war of the rebellion. In tile fall of
1880 he removed to Cross Village from Harbor Sprinigs where lie
resided about three years. He was one of the pioneers of Petoskey,
and was inl the employ of Fox, Rose & Butiars at a, time when that
wats tlie only store at Petoskey. He las a wife and one child.
A. M. IALL, Cross Village, is a native of Charlotte, 1Eatoll
County, Mich. In 1879 1he removed to HarLor Sprirlng, and in tlhe
spring of 1882 to Cross Village, where lie carried on at confectionery
store and billiard room.  In 1883 lie erected a two story building
and engaged in the liquor business. He has a wife andl two cliildren.
G(EO. B. MARTINDALE, hardware merchant, Cross Village, is a
native of Grand Rapids, Mich. In June, 1883, lie removed to Cross
Village from liarbor Springs, and opened a hardware store, tlhe first
in thle village.
JOSEPH ST. PETER, Cross Village, is one of the early pioneers of
northern Michigan. He was born ill Canada in 1881. In 1848 lie
came to Michigan and located at Saginaw and ill 1860 removed to
Mackinac Island. He engaged in fishing and pursued his avocation along the shore. In 1867 lie located permanently at Cross
Village where he has since resided following fishing on  a large scale.
In 1881 lie built ani elegant residence upon an elevated site overlooking tile lake. He has a wife and two children. Mr. St. Peter
is very successful in his business and enterprising in public matters.
ALONZO LAWRASON, farmer in the town of Bliss was born in
Canada. In 1853 he came to Michigan and settled in Lapeer County.
He served four years in the army during the war of the rebellion, with tie Seventh Michigan Infantry and Tenth Michigan


Cavalry. He was wounded in the right leg at the battle of Fair
Oaks. His rank was sergeant. In the fall of 1875 lie settled in
whatis now Bliss-Township, and was the first to make a settlement
in the town. During the winter of 1875-'76 his family were the
only inhabitants of the town. He located a homestead of 160 acres


J


-   --                                                                                   --                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             --                                         --                               --- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t;L~~~~~~~~~~~


- I




-W -
I


I IW

144


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


r


in section 23, and has now 89 acres improved, that being the largest improvement in the town. He has a wife and four children.
The village is beginning to wear off the weird and ancient look
that has clung to it so long. During 1883 Shurtleff Bros. erected
a store building in tile second story of which is a public hall. A
number of other buildings have recently been built for business
purposes, and still others are projected for 1884. The population of
the village is about 500.
CHAPTER XXIII.
VILLAGE OF HARBOR SPRINGS.
SITUATI()N OF THE VILLAGE-EARLY HISTORY-RICHARD COOPER AND
CHARLES R. WRI(;HT —SKETCHES OF ANDREW J. BLACKBIRD AND
MARGARET BOYD —ONE OF THE EARLY TRADERS —EARLY MOVEMENTS —BEGINNIN(; OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES-CHURCHES AND
SCHOOLS - NEWSPAPERS -- INDJUSTRIES —THE VILLAGE INCORPORATED —THE LEG(;END OF DEVIL'S POND-AN EDITOR'S SOLILOQUYSUMMER RESORT —BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Harbor Springs is an incorporated village in the town of Little
Traverse. It was formerly called Little Traverse and has been the
county seat of Emmet County nearly tlirty years.
The village is situated on the north side of Little Traverse
Bay, upon a beautiful harbor formed by Harbor Point, a narrow


these waters as to the well-known bracing and exhilarating effects
of the atmosphere.
The land rises from the water some ten or fifteen feet, and is
then almost perfectly level, thus making an unrivaled location for
tile business portion of the town. Back of this flat, parallel to and
at a distance of from fifty to sixty rods from the beach, rises an
abrupt bluff, seventy-five or a hundred feet in height. This is followed by a second plateau, diversified by a succession of terraces,
affording fine building sites for residences. A small trout brook,
starting from springs at the foot of the bluff, winds its way across
the lower fiat and flows into the harbor.
Harbor Springs is so situated that the raw winds are excluded
by the hills, and the warm land breeze tempered by passing over
several miles of water. This accounts for the fact that the mercury
invariably indicates greater regularity here than at any other point
in the vicinity where observations have ever been m.lde.
The view from the bluff is beautiful and picturesque.  Directly
below lies the village upon wllicll the charm  of rich legendary
history still rests. The harbor is always smooth, often so much
so as to perfectly reflect the foliage of the harbor point. Steamers
and vessels lie at the dock, or are anchored in the harbor, and skiffs
and sail boats dot the waters. Beyond the harbor point the bay is
flecked with here and there a dash of white in the pleasant summer
days, but when swept by fierce, autumlnal winds, boiling and foam

HARBOR SPRINGS AND POINT-PETOSKEY AND BAY VIEW IN THE DISTANCE.


peninsula, nearly a mile in length, that projects into the bay, and
enclosing a beautiful sheet of water about three-fourths of a mile in
width. The location is an admirable one for commerce, being
nearly on the line of lake traffic, and having one of thle best harbors
on the whole chain of lakes. It is the small bay that gave the
place its Indian name of We-que-ton-sing, a name since appropriated by one of the neighboring resorts.
The harbor shore is a pebbly beach, washed by waters of such
crystal purity that fish and other objects are plainly visible upon
the bottom at a depth of from thirty to fifty feet. All along the
water's edge are large springs, from which gush streams of water
as clear as air, and only twelve or fourteen degrees below the
freezing point. Had the Spanish explorer who searched the wilderness of Florida for the mythical fountain of perpetual youth turned
his attention in this direction, his search would not have been
entirely in vain. The health renewing properties of these waters
are almost marvelous. Many visitors to this locality ascribe their
rapid improvement in health and strength as much to the purity of


ing in the fierce war of elements. To the west the sky meets the
waters of Lake Michigan. Across the bay, the thriving village of
Petoskey rests upon the hillside. Upon the opposite shore cultivated
farms appear at intervals, while the distant hills stretch far back
inland, in an  undulating expanse of apparently unbroken forest.
There are many regions which      boast of wildness and more
romantic scenery, but when a portion of the forests have given
way to cultivated farms, it will be difficult to find a more pleasing
picture than that which presents itself from the bluff at Little
Traverse.
The authentic as well as legendary history of the place is full
of interest. Pieces of ancient crockery have been found here indicating that it was once a stopping place of the extinct race of Mound
Builders on their journeys from Mexico to the Lake Superior mines.
It is not known that it was ever in very early times an important
Indian village, but it has unquestionably been a camping ground
much frequented.    "It was in this quiet retreat that several of the
noted chiefs of the war of 1812 spent their declining years, and


l


4-=.,


k ----------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                                                                            +


~   l




;
~


I
I1.1.


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION


145


I


here for years they assembled their people by hundreds to receive
their annuities from the general government."
We have already shown in the general history of the county,
that about the year 1827, the C]tholics removed from Seven Mile
Point to Little Traverse, and built a church of cedar logs and
covered with bark. This was built by Rev. Father Peter Do Jean,
who was the first resident priest at this point. Twelve or fifteen
years later, the present church bullilding was erected by the side of
the old log building. This edifice is now an antiquated structure,
and is full of interest to strangers who visit the place. Rev. Father
Zorn, the present priest, has been here for more than a quarter of a
century. Among the acts of Father de Jcan, worthy of remembrance, may be mentioned his founding of a liquor law which
prohibited the use and sale of liquor, and which was rigidly
enforced until about tile year 1854.
The year 1853 is the earliest point of continuous operations
related to the present village. Prior to that time Mackinac traders
lIad sent goods here at various times for the purpose of trading
with Indians, but none-remained any considerable length of time.
In the fall of 1853, Richard Cooper, now a citizen of Charlevoix, arrived here on the trading schooner Eliza Caroline, and
opened a store for Captain Kirtland.  He had previously been
engaged in fishing at Beaver Islands, but had returned to his
lione in Genesee County, N. Y.
At the time of Mr. Cooper's settlement at Little Traverse,
the fishermen had already established themselves at several poinlts
on the northern part of Lake Michigan, but there were none at
tlhat place. That same fall, however, was marked by the arrival of
Charles R. Wright, Albert Cable, and James Moore. Wright and
Cable at first stopped onI the point; the others in the village.
Fishing at that time was perhaps more profitable than it has
been during a later period; at all events, the testimony of those of
the early fishermen who still remain agrees as to the fact that fish
were much more plentiful then than now.     Pound nets were not
used.    After they came into common use, there was a sensible and
rapid diminution in the quantity of fish.
Some who came to the country in those earlydays to fish,
remained as permanent citizens; but generally the fisherman was a
transient person, establishing hinlself anywhere on the shore where
there was a promise of success in his pursuit, and readily changing
his location as immediate interest seemed to dictate. Associated
with the fishermen, wherever they were numerous, were always a
number of coopers, who found employment in making barrels for
the fish.  Sometimes the    cooper's shop  was in the immediate
vicinity of the fish shanties; sometimes, for the convenience of
obtaining material, it was located at a distance.  The material for
barrels was derived from timber growing on the public lands, which
was looked upon as lawful plunder.   Small trading establishments,
like that of Captain Kirtland under the management of Mr. Cooper
at Little Traverse, sprang up at various points, drawing their
custom from both the fishermen and the Indians. A few small
vessels, or "hookers," found a lucrative business in trading from
place to place, selling supplies and purchasing fish. Not unfrequently whisky was a principal article of trade. It is remembered
to the credit of Captain Kirtland that he never sold whisky to the
Indians or took advantage of them in business transactions.
At the time referred to, the Indians were much more numerous


in the vicinity of Little Traverse than at a later date, and that place
remained for many years to all intents and purposes an Indian
village, the only white inhabitants being a few fishermen and traders.
Mr. Cooper removed to Charlevoix about the year 1867. Mr.
Wright afterward spent several years on Beaver Island, but has
recently returned to Harbor Springs, and is the only white man in






I


the village who was here as early as 1858. We give herewith a
a brief biographical sketch of him as follows:
CHARLES R. WRIGHT, a pioneer of northern Michigan, now a
resident of Harbor Springs, was born in Onondagn County, New
York, in October, 1825. In the spring of 1846, desirous of locating
in a new country, he came to northern Micligan, and first visited
Mackinac Island. After remaining there a few weeks he went to
Beaver Island and remained until the fall of 1852, making fish
barrels. By this time the Mormons had got possession of the
island and he removed his family to Charlevoix. He was accolmpailied by a man named Ctble. They thought it would be a valuable location and intended to enter the land in the spring, but before that time it was secured by a Mr. Bush, of Lansing. They
remained there until the following fall when they came to what is
now Harbor Springs, then an Indian village. Mr. Wright erected
a cooper shop and dwelling on the point where he remained about
three years, making fish barrels. He then returned to Beaver
Island where hle remained until 1881, carrying oni a general mercantile business.  In the summer of 1881 the family removed to
Harbor Springs where they now reside. Mr. Wright was president
of the village in 1883-'84. In 1848 he married Catharine Brooks
on Beaver Island. They have eighlt children. Henry and Alien
Wright are engaged in the mercantile business at Harbor Springs,
occupying a building erected by them in 1888. Charles Wrighllt is
in the jewelry business, having been in business for himself about
a year. At the special election in the fall of 1855 Mlr. Wright was
elected clerk of Emmet County.   While a resident of Beaver
Island he held various local offices and represented Manitou County
in the legislature one term.  After nearly thirty years hlie ihas returned to the spot where he made fish barrels when only Inditans
and fishermen occupied the site. Where he built his little cabin and
shop on the point is now one of the finest summer resorts in
northern Michigan. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Wright received
the appointment of postmaster of Harbor Springs.
A. J. BLACKBIRD.
The subject of this sketch is one of the Ottawa Indians who
early in life adopted the habits of civilized life and obtainled a fair
education. He is a son of Makatebinessi, and brother of Aarlgarlet
Boyd also mentioned herein. He does not know the place or (late
of his birth, but thinks hlie was born south of the Traverse Region
about the year 1820. In the fall of 1827 his father came to Little
Traverse, and he remembers that the old log church was built that
year, and that Rev. Fathler De Jean came there as the first resident
priest. At an early age hlie learned the trade of blackslilithing and
worked at it some time. He had learned enoughl of the modes and
manners of civilized life to have a desire for knowledge, and he determined to secure an education. With this purpose, he went to
Twinsburg, Ohio, where he entered school. He remained there
and pursued his studies until he had a fair education and then returned to Little Traverse. He subsequently attended the State
Normal School at Ypsilanti. While there he began the-preparation
of a grammar in the Indian language, but was induced by his
teachers to delay work upon it until he finished his studies, and his
labors upon it were not resumed. In 1851 he was delegated by the
Indians to visit Detroit and Lansing in their behalf. He made the
journey to Detroit on foot and a portion of the way was obliged to
wear snow-shoes. The journey was attended with much hardship
from fatigue and hunger. In 1861 he was commissioned post

master at Little Traverse and held that office until 1877.  He was
the first register of deeds elected in the county and has held.various other local offices. He was for several years special interpreter, and has always occupied local prominence on account of his
relations with both races. He has acquired some property and en

I
I:


9p 
I


I


j


-




-      --                                                        -                                                                                                                           I




^ - '   -


- - - z
Is —


k9.


7    L




IcTL


t,


f 1                                                                                                                                                                 -  -~


146


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




joys the confidence of all classes. He has a wife aud four children.
He is now engaged in the preparation of a book designed to give in
English the meaning of Indian words in common use.
MARGARET BOYD.
"Aunt Margaret,"as she is familiarly called, is a noted personage
of the place. Her Indian name is Ogabejigokwe, meaning "woman
of all day." She is a daughter of Makatebinessi, or Black Hawk.
He died several years ago at nearly one hundred years ot age.
Aunt Margaret is an Ottawa Indian, born at Little Traverse nearly
seventy years ago; she looks ten years younger. She claims to be
the daughter of a right royal line of Ottawa chiefs, and her patrician origan is evinced by the carriage of her head, the flash of her
eye, and the beautiful smallness of her hands and feet. When she
was nine years old the missionaries took her from her wild northern
home to Cincinnati, and placed her in a convent school, where she
remained five years.  She is fairly well educated, has read a good


courtesy and converses intelligently upon all matters relating to her
race of people:
ONE OF THE EARLY TRADERS.
Joseph Pyant, now a resident of Harbor Springs, is one of
the early traders, and one who endured a great variety of experiences.
He was born at Mackinac in the year 1808.
Mr. Pyant passed the best years of his life in the arduous
labors of a trader, meeting with many thrilling and perilous experiences. He was born at Mackinaw about seventy-five years ago.
At thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to a baker living upon
the island. He remained with him about four years, when he entered the employ of John A. Drew, who was at that time conducting quite an extensive trade with the Indians; The first trip he
made was by boat along the shore of Lake Michigan as far south as
the mouth of the St. Joe River. On their way back Drew stopped
at the mouth of Grand River and sent Joseph up the stream as far
as the junction of Grand and Maple Rivers, with instructions to
exchange goods from the pack lie carried for sugar and furs.
Tile articles which the traders carried were ammunition, knives,
cloths and ribbons, and various other ornaments which were well
calculated "the savage breast to soothe."  At that time every Indian of any importance carried upon his person a small silver mine,
made up into different kinds of trinkets. Broad bands of silver
encircled his bravwny arms; massive pendants of solid metal hung
from his ears; and the fine broadcloth mantle which he wore was
nearly covered with disks, crescents and ovals of silver, which glittered and jingled as the wearer moved about.
Joseph and his employer returned tb Mackinaw after a very
successful trip lasting several weeks, stopping at the mouth of every
river to trade with the Indians.
He then made a visit to Canada, and in the fall of that year
hired out to Rix Robinson as a trader.
He was sent to the junction of the Grand and Maple Rivers,
where he had his headquarters and base of supplies for three successive years, remaining there from September until June.
His store was near where the village of Muir now stands, and
situated upon a high hill, called the "Arthursburg."  The raill'oid
has since been built along the l;.se of the lbill, and two villages now
overlook the lovely valley.  The whole character of tle scene has
been changed since the young trader was established there; yet he
can now describe the location as correctly as can the writer; who
lived within half a mile of the hill for several years.
From  Maple River, Joseph made trading trips into the surrounding country, carrying a pack of his stores and receiving p;iy in
furs or sugar.
He made several trips each season to the Saginaw valley. On
one occasion he was lost for four days; and as an illustration of the
pleasures of trading life, we will relate the story as told to us.
Early in the winter of the first season he was at Maple River
he set out for the Saginaw country. He took with him an Indian
guide. It was stormy weather, and in some manner the guide Lecame confused, and they lost their way. They had no guns and no
way of getting food. The provisions they carried were soon exhausted and they had to go without.
On the fourth day they struck the trail of two men, and believing that help was near they hurried ull for several miles until


they found where two other tracks had entered the trail. Carefully
examining the tracks they found to their dismay that they were
their own, and that they had been traveling in a circle. A disagreement now arose as to the direction to be taken; the Indian wishiugto go one way and Joseph the other.
Joseph began to think that his guide was treacherous, and that
his object was to starve him to death, and then appropriate his




It.MARGARET BOYD AND SON.
deal, and speaks English perfectly. Her influence over the Indians
of the district is almost unbounded; and her work for the church,
in the way of making translations of its books into the Ottawa
language, has l.e n very important.  Her sympathies are entirely
with her people. Their degradation humiliates her; while over the
wrongs they continue to suffer at the white man's hands, she is full
of indignation. In the autumn of 1876 she made a journey to
Washington in the interest of a number of Indian families who
had. purchased a tract of government land in Cheboygan, and had
failed to receive their deeds. She had an interview with the President, who, she says, listened to her with the utmost courtesy, and
assured her that everything should be made right. Afte.r their
business talk was concluded, President Grant took her on his arm,
and conducting her into another apartment, introduced her to his
wife and several other ladies, stumbling a little over her long Indian name, which we will not attempt to reproduce in English letters.
When she went to Washington she took a basket of her work
and selling it along the way, paid the expenses of her journey.
She taught the first government school at Little Traverse, and continued teaching until within a few years. She lives in a comfortable house in the village where she receives visitors with great


j
I!w 


l6




-  -------— ~~~~~~~~~~~ ---~11~~~~~~~11111111 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I IP,


4


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


147






I


I


pack, which he still carried, though weak with hunger and fatigue,
consequently, though ho followed the guide for some distance, he
soon made a pretext of fixing his snow-shoe to lag behind; and as
soon as the Indian was out of sight lie struck out at right angles
to the path they were pursuing.
He traveled on as rapidly as possible until just at night lie
found where a deer had been killed and dragged off through the
snow. Hurrying along as fast as his failing strength would permit
him, he soon arrived alnost completely exhausted at an Indian
lodge, where he received a ready welcome.
A gun was fired to attract the Indian guide, and lie soon appeared, having taken tile back track and followed Joe as soon as lie
found lie was not behind hii.
They remllined at the hospitable Indian's for several days, being
fed on broth at first until their stomachs would allow them to partake of more substantial food.
Joe lhas passed many years in tlle trading business, and met
with many escapes. He has lived on leeks and maple sugar for
days, but he thinks lie never was so near starvation as lie was at the
close of that memorable day in the woods of the Saginaw valley.
Mr. Pyant was sheriff of this county from 1858 to 1864, and
was again elected in 1868. He was also register of deeds two
terms. He has livel at this place since 1855.
EARlLY MOVEMENTS.
Dennis T. Downing came late in tlhe fifties, and for many years
was at prominent character,. lie held the office of county clerk
several terms, and his records are the most complete ever found in
(arly days. Tlie clerk's book wlvich lie kept is in the form of a
diary, and every official act which lie performed is recorded under
the proper date. lie was a man of considerable ability, and figured
conspicuously in the movement which resulted in temporarily removing the county seat from Little Traverse to Charlevoix. He
sold goods liere, and also taught government. school. He died
about the year 1871. Mrs. Davidson was also at teacher in the
governm:net school.
In 1860 Charles l)Davidson, a Buffalo man, engaged in buying
fur, began coming to Little Traverse. lie was accompanied by
his nephew, Henry A. Rollins, wlho was born in Buffalo ill the year
1848, and was brought up by Mr. Davidson. 'Tlie latter followed the
lakes several years and afterward was engaged in business in Chicago.
They continued to visit this point winters until 1870, when
they removed here to live permanently. Capt. Davidson opened a
general store, and Mr. Rollins assisted in the store. Capt. I)avidson died in 1873, and Mr. Rollins continued the business until
1876. He was clerk and register of thle county six years, deputy
clerk four years and has held various other offices. He is at present a member of theo firm of Burbeck & Rollins, general real estate
dealers, insurance agents, etc. When Capt. Davidson's family
moved here in 1870 the family of Mr. Downing was the only white
family living in the village. Mr. Rollins for a few years was tlhe
heaLd of the village and county. He held a portion of the county
offices by election and the others as deputy, had the only storeic in this
part of the county, and was monarch of the realm. lie was a
clear-headed business man, possessed of good judgment, and tlhe
affairs that came within his control were well managed. Mr.
Rollins, although considerably under forty years of age, is the
pioneer business man of Harbor Springs.
About the year 1863, Capt. Fargo was here fishing and selling


goods. Mr. A. T. Burnett, now a merchant at Cross Village, carried
on the store for Capt. Fargo, and remained here about five years.
In 1861 a postoffice was established with A. J. Blackbird as
postmaster. He held the office until succeeded by Mr. Clark in 1877.
The great tide of immigration in 1875-'76, after the land of






I


the county was thrown open to settlers, also opened the way for the
incoming of business interests.
J. M. Burbeck had his real estate and abstract butsiness started
in 1871. He had visited the place in 1878, and in 1874 located
here permanently. Mr. Burbeck is a pioneer of the Traverse Region,
having had much to do with the development of Leelanaw County
as early as 1854. He was born at Plainteld, Sullivan County, N.H.,
in the year 1818. In 1836 lie went to Wisconsin, wlere lie worked
at the carpenter's trade. In 1854 lie went to Northport, Leclanaw
County, and was one of the firbt settlers of that county. He
carried on mercantile business at tlat place, but was afflicted with
rheumatisni, whicll became so bad tas to nearly incapacitate him
for business. In the slummer of 187 hlie visited Harbor Springs,
and did some work in the register's office. lie then retulned to
Northlport, but the following winter lie was urged to return to liarbor Springs, and was promised the use of the records for tlle purpose of nmaking a set of abbtract books. le immcdiately located
liere and opened an abstract office. He also did mlore or less real
estate business, and erected sevtral buildings. lie lhas leld the
offices of county treasurer, justice of the peace inid village treasurer.
He still carries on thle abstract busiuness, and is also a member of
the firm of Burbeck & Rollins, real estate dealers and insurance
agents. iHe lias a wife and one daughter.
Early in 187- Charles W. Ingalls arrived, amid eCngged in the
real estate busiitiss, the irn t at thiat time being C. W. Ingalls &
Son. Mr. Infglls was born at Bristol, (raftoii County, N. 1t.,
April 21. 1812. In 1838 lie removed to Michigan and settled in
Ionia County, where lie was extensively engaged in business for
many years, carrying on farming, mill business, and general
merchandising. In December, 186(3, lie enlisted in Company I,
Twenty-second Recgiment Michigan Infantry. Afterward promoted
to captain of the Second Regiment. He was disabhled in 18(;61, and
resigned. In the spring of 1874 lie came to Emmet County oand
was actively engaged in locAting soldiers upon hlomesteads after the
lands of the county came into marklt, and has continued to carry
on real estate business to tIie present tinme. When Mr. Ingalls settled in Harbor Springs there were but two stores iii thie plcc, and
less than half a; dozen white people.
Tlhe only stores tit tills tilnme \eel a genleral store by Henry A.
1o(llin, taid a; grocery by Phiilo Chlrysler.
Charles R. Ford located here in thie fall of 187,1, and wtas
elected prosecuting attorncy of tlhe county. lie wats a cigar-maker,
preacher, lawyer, and fa victiim of tempnltationl. lie only remainied
about two years and left for otlier fiehlds. It is said that lie was
drowined in 1883.
In thle spring of 1875 l)r. C. 1). IHampton located here and enigaged in tile practice of medicine. lie is still a resident of tlie
village. l)r. Tlhurston was also an early physician.
Thomntas & Bell and (1. L. Smith kept hotels.
In July, 1875, it waits noted that 11. A. Rollins was building a
new warehouse upon his dock; P. Chrysler was building I fish
house and frcighlt house at thle ferry-boat landing, and C. R. Ford
had begun the erection of a new house intended for it hotel. The
school wits being kept by ma Mr. Meaker. of Clan Lake.
The first Sutindty-school picnic was held Monday, July 5th, of
this year. During the summer several buildings were erected, and
Isaac Brower opened a lumber yard. Amoing the new residences
were those of Dr. Hampton, M. F. Drake, E. Harding and Mr.


Moore. In the fall W. W. Bowen removed from Petoskey to Little Traverse and opened a grocery and drug store.
A union Sunday-school \ as organized during this year. C. W.
Ingalls was the first superintendent. He w.is succeeded in the fall
by W. W. Bowen.


____






I




I


I


mm~1I                                                                             -    -                                                              --------- 




Ow


I
I
i
I
Ii
I


I
i
11,


t LA


I___FT


i
I
I
Ii
I
i
I


-


I




148


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


In the winter of 1876 W. E. Parker built a saw-mill on the
bay shore, and during the year Col. G. W. Dickinson built the Emmet House. The first graded school at Little Traverse was taught
this year by Charles S. Hampton, the present editor and proprietor
of the Northern IlndI(lndent.
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER.
The Harbor Springs IRlublican was the first newspaper published in the village. It was started in May, 1876, by Warren
Bowen. Mr. L. A. Clark did the mechanical work, and the following September purchased the office. The Ilepublicanc was started
as a six-column folio, and has been since enlarged to a six-column
quarto, its present size. The paper has been and is Republican in
politics, and a staunch advocate of local interests. Its circulation
is very large, and its general business prosperous. Mr. Clark has
continued editor and proprietor since he purchased the office. He
is a native of the city of Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of thirteen
years he began to work at printing at Hillsdale, Mich., and has followed printing and journalism most of the time since. April, 1861,
lie enlisted in Company A, Twelfth Indiana Regiment, and was in
service about two years. He was than transferred to the government bureau of printing at Nashville, Tenn., where lie remained
until the close of the war. In the spring of 1876 he came to Harbor Springs from Missouri. In May the ieputblican was started by
Warren Bowen, and Mr. Clark did the mechanical work. The following September he purchased the office, and has conducted it to
the present time. The paper was started as a six-column quarto
and is now a six-column folio, and has an u'nusually large circulation. In 1877 he was appointed postmaster, which office he held
until the spring of 1884. He is also president of the Harbor
Springs Novelty Works and Saw-Mill Company, and has extensive
farming interests in the county. He has a wife and one son. Mr.
Clark has labored zealously to advance the public welfare of Harbor Springs and Emmet County..
In June, 1876, a number of the people of the Methodist persuasion, met at the residence of W. W. Bowen, and perfected a Sabbath-school organization, officered as follows: W. W. Bowen, superintendent; G. W. Seger, assistant superintendent; H. Martin,
secretary; Edward Furgerson, librarian; Millard Smith, treasurer;
W. W. Bowen, chorister and Miss A. Barber, assistant.   This
movement was followed a little later by the organization of a church
society.
July 4th, the centennial anniversary was observed by a general
celebration in the village, the following being the programme of exercises: Officers of the day: President, C. D. Hampton; orator, C.
S. Hampton; reader, Frank Wells; historian, C. W. Ingalls; chaplain, J. J. Cook; marllhal, G. W. Dickinson.
ORDER OF EXERCISES: -National salute at sunrise. At 8 o'clock
A. M., a Centennial Pole will be raised and the Star Spangled Banner flung to the breeze.  At 10 o'clock A. M., the people will repair
with their baskets to the grove near the Charlotte House, where
they will be entertained according to the following
PROGRAMME OF THE DAY.
Chairman, Dr. C. D. Hampton.     Prayer, by the chaplain.
Music, by Glee Club. Reading Declaration.   Music.   Oration.
Music. Poem. Dinner. Music. History of county. Toasts and
responses. Music. Benediction.  Sack race after exercises.
Among other business interests in the summer of 1876 were:


Manning F. Drake, harness maker; C. Perry, gunsmith; the Charlotte Hotel, G, L. Smith, proprietor; Turner & Andrews, lawyers.
G. W. Segerand E. B. Hasted, builders; Perry Manning, mason;
H. Furgerson, barber; John Quick, and McLaren & Stevens, blacksmiths. During the season A. J. Blackbird erected a building for


the postoffice. Heretofore the office had been kept in the kitchen of
his dwelling-house.
HARBOR SPRINGS CHURCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal society was first started in September,
1876, and was one of the early Protestant organizations in the
county. Steps toward erecting a house of worship were immediately taken, but the building was not finished until 1882. The
pastors have been Revs. J. M. Whitney, C. B. Holding, E. G.
Stevens, E. F. Newell, E. Marble. There are about forty members
of the society.
The Presbyterian Church dates from June, 1878, and the first
pastor was Rev. John J. Cook. In 1881 the name was changed to
the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs, and during that
year a church building was erected. It was dedicated December 18,
1881.  The building cost $1,200 and was free from debt when dedicated. The pastors since Mr. Cook have been Revs. J. Clements,
E. M. Ellis and A. H. Gaston. There are about thirty members.
The Baptist society was organized in 1879 and the first pastor
was Rev. T. S. Parmelee. A church building was erected in 1883
and dedicated December 12th. There are about sixty members.
The present pastor is Rev. L. J. Trumbull.
St. John's Episcopal society was started after resorters began
to visit this point.  A neat chapel was built and dedicated in July,
1883. The ground was donated by Dr. Crandall, of La Porte, Indiana, and Parker & Southard, of Harbor Springs. The building
was a free gift of Chirles S3ott, of Connecticut. A sketch of this
building appears in this work.
The Catholic Church, which is a central figure in the history of
the place, has already been mentioned.
THE NORTHERN INDEPENDENT.
This paper was started in 1878 as "( The Emmet County ldepenldent," in what was then the Indian village of Little Traverse.
Charles S. Hampton was editor and proprietor. and Benton Bement, a newspaper man of ability and experience, was publisher.
They published a lively, enterprising, seven-column folio three years,
when Mr. Bement's contract expired. With the beginning of volume five, June, 1882, the paper was enlarged to an eight-column
folio, improved in several particulars, and the name changed to
The Northern Indepnlenlent.
In spite of all the difficulties and obstacles incident to the publication of a paper in a new and sparsely settled region the liIni'lepdet has steadily grown in strength and public favor. It was started
with less than a five hundred dollar outfit, and its office was the old
weather-beaten trading post building. It now occupies a spacious
and convenient building of its own on Main Steiet, has a fully
equipped newspaper and job office, including steam presses, etc.
During the summer of 1883 the publisher issued a six-coluimn daily
paper called "( 'le D)aily/ lesortr," which was so well received by
the public, and especially by the summer visitors, that it is his intention to continueits publication every summer.
CHARLES S. HAMPTON, proprietor of the Independent, was born in
the towaship of Medina, L3nawee CJunty, S ptem'er 10th, 1856.
His parents are Carlos D. and Cornelia C. Hampton. His earliest
recollections are of Texas, where his parents moved in 1858, and
whence they were driven out as Union refugees in 1862.
His first schooling was received at Hudson where his parents
lived four years, removing to Muir when he was ten years old.
In 1872 he entered Adrian College, from which institution he grad

uated in 1875. The same year he was engaged as principal of the
first graded school ever taught in Petoskey, and the following year
organized and taught the first graded school ever held in Little Traverse. He has been identified more or less with educational work
ever since, and is president of the Emmet County teachers' associa

j


l


-




I


0-3.II -,




I


^~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IA
iaapui-; ---t^^iflffmfl-ifl.. ',^iyll).. t;..'..4^)t^ ' + ' ga' A '*'>* en A S > ' ~-'  v ''


J.A.C.ROWAN, PROPRIETOR.                   PETOSKEY, MICH.


Si JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
HARBOR SPRINGS, MICH.


I


I


FLOURING -MILL OF A.J.SOUTHARD, HARBOR SPRINGS, MICH. BUILT IN 1879.


_ 








*   A


%I


4.
1


~ f


l — -1             I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A -~ IP


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


149


__


tion. He was twice elected justice of the peace, the first time the
year he was twenty-one, and was nominated for the legislature by
the Greenback party in 1880, but declined.
In the spring of 1878 he started the publication of the Enrumet
C.untly Independent, at Little Traverse, and has made his paper one
of the most successful and influential in northern Michigan.
IN THE \EAR 1878.
In the summer of 1878 some of the business interests of the
village were mentioned as follows:
The most extensive business operations are carried on by Mr.
W. E. Parker.  In addition to a large store of general merchandise,
Mr. Parker owns and runs a first-class saw-mill. He is also engaged in the purchase of bark, wood, wheat, and every product that
the country supplies, which is shipped to western markets.
A. M. Weston came here during the present year from Albion,
Michdi., and immediately commenced the erection of a store building,
which hle completed and stocked with a fine assortment of general
merchandise. He has a large and steadily increasing trade, and is
deserving the confidence bf the public.
In 1877 Mr. E. H. Martindale opened a store for the exclusive sale of hardware and building materials.
Our photographers, Lathrop & Co., have a well arranged gallery, with facilities for making all the different kinds of pictures.
Mrs. J. M. Burbeck supplies the ladies of this vicinity with
everything in the line of millinery goods.
A blacksmith shop owned by W. E. Parker, is in active operation, under the supervision of J. Gardner, an efficient disciple
of Vulcan. Wagons and sleighs are made and repaired in the same
building.
The jewelry business is represented by Mr. S. Marsh, who also
conducts a bakery. Another bakery and confectionery store is kept
by Dr. Ulark, next door to Martindale's.
Philo Crysler still keeps a stock of groceries and liquors at the
Ferry House, and is also engaged in the ferry business between
this place and Petoskey. The latter business was first commenced
in a sail boat, and persevered in through good and bad times, until
he was enabled to put on the steamer M. W. Wright.
While speaking of the ferry business, we will not forget the
North Star, under the management of William Sullivan, who came
here during the present season, and informs us he has come to
stay. Thle Star is a lively boat, and uender its present management
is doing a good business.
The hotels number three: Tlhe Emmet House, kept by G.
W. Dickinson; the Star, by J. P. Smith; and the Charlotte House,
byG. L. Smith. In the spring, the Emmet House was enlarged
one-half, but still has been insufficient to meet the demand. The
other hotels have likewise been crowded to their utmost capacity,
and a large proportion of the visitors to this place have had to seek
board with private families.
The legal profession has three representatives: A. J. Southard,
J. S. Andrews, and G. W. Stoneburner.
Not the least important branch of business is that of dealing in
real estate, tas people are constantly coming here to purchase or
locate land. This business is carried on extensively by J. M. Burbeck, A. J. Southard, R. S. Thomas, James Bell, J. S. Andrews and
A. J. Blackbird.
The tonsorial artist is Henry S. Ferguson, who has worked up


a fair business, which is steadily increasing.
The newest branch of business is that of a meat market, conducted by Henry Comstock. This is something that is much needed, and adds much to the convenience of living in Little Traverse.
L. A. Clark, postmaster, is the proprietor of the first newspaper started in this village, the Little Traverse Republican, which


I


has recently been enlarged to a seven-column paper. He also
keeps an assortment of stationery, confectionery, etc., and is agent
for the American Organ Company, and also for the Hamburg line
of steamers for all parts of Europe.
The lIdelpeden t was established June 4, 1878.
GRAND ARMY POST.
Richardson Post, G. A. R., No. 13, was mustered in May 11,
1880, by H. H. Holton, of Grand Rapids, and the following officers.duly installed: Commander, Benjamin Whitaker; S. V. C., C. W.
Ingalls; J. V. C., Perry Manning; adjutant, George W. Stoneburner; Q. M., Henry Slabaugh; sergeant, C. D. Hampton; chaplain,
M. F. Drake; O. S., C. A. Ingalls; O. G., George W. Seger; Q. M.
S., Isaac Wade; S. M., Enos Warble. There are in 1884 about
ninety-four members. Officers in 1884: Commander, C. D.
Hampton; S. V., Samuel L. Barber; J. V., S. J. Rome; Q., F. F.
Main; sergeant, C. D. Hampton; 0. D., W. H. Harris; chaplain, C.
W. Ingalls; O. G., Conrad Zoll; adjutant, A. L. Hathaway; S. M.,
C. E. Judd; Q. M., S. N. Therry.
The new school building on the bluff was built in 1877. The
principal in 1884 is M. C. Ladd.
The flouring-mill was built in 1879 by A. J. Southard and W.
E. Parker. It now owned and operated by Mr. Soutlhard.
The banking business was established by A. J. Southnrd. in
January, 1882, and is still carried on by him.
The saw-mill built by W. E. Parker is now operated by Thomas
Neil.
A tooth-pick factory and a foundry are among the recent additions to the industries of the village.
Lake Park Hotel, a large resort house, was built in 1883. It
is a four-story building, and so situated as to command a fine view
of thle bay.
The village is having a steady and healthy growth. The business men take an active interest in encouraging industries, and in
promoting the general prosperity of the village. The opening of the
railroad to connect with the Grand Rapids & Indiana Road at Petoskey in 1880 gave the place increased facilities for travel and
transportation, and was an important auxiliary to local progress.
Since 1879 the traces of earlier days have rapidly disappeared.
The village is spreading beyond the former limits, and the foundation of its prosperity is being strengthened every year.
HARBOR SPRINGS NOVELTY WORKS.
This industry was projected in 1883 and organized under the
title of the Novelty Works and Saw Mill Co. Tlhe members of the
corporation are L. A. Clark, president; A. J. Holmes, vice-president; W. W. Bowen, secretary; C. S. Barton, treasurer, and George
W. Seger and A. D. Rice. The works are located on the shore of
the bay, and commenced operating early in 1884. All kinds of
turned goods and hard and soft wood lumber are manufactured.
INCORPORATED UNDER A VILLAGE CHARTER.
In the winter of 1881 a bill to incorporate the village of Harbor Springs, was passed by the legislature, and is as follows:
SECTION 1. Th/ people of the state of Michi!/al enlact, That
all that territory situate and being in the township of Little Traverse, in the county of Emmet and state of Michigan, and described
as follows, to wit: The south half of the southeast quarter and
the south half of the southwest quarter of Section 12 and Lot
1, and the northeast quarter of Section 14 and all of Section 13 except that portion which is known as the grounds of


the Hnrbor Point association, and which lies south of a line commencing at Station 0, or northeast corner of Lot 23 of Glenn's
survey of the lands around the village of Little Traverse, running
thence south twenty-seven degrees west, fifteen chains and twenseven links to the margin of Little Traverse Bay, all in Township


TV



a4fiL.


I    I ~  _ I             I   p l3i-=- —, ~. — ^IC~- --— iIi —1 —~~~-~1 ~-~


150


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


35 north, of the Range 6 west, and the west hlalf of the northwest quarter of Section 18 in Township 35 north, of Range 5 west,
be and the same is hereby   constituted a village corporate, to be
known as the village of Harbor Spiings.
SEC. 2. The first election of officers of said village bhall be
held on thle second Tuesday in April, in the year one thousand eigllt
hnndred and eighty-one, at the circuit court, room in said villige,
notice of which shall be posted in tlree of the most public places
in said village, at least ten days before the time of said election,
which notice shall be signed by five freeholders in said village.
SEC. 3. James M. Burbeck, William J. Clarke, and Benton
Bemenit, are hereby constituted a board of registration for tle purpose of registering the names of voters for the first election to be
held in said village, alnd said board of registration are llereby required to meet at tle court room in said village, on the Saturday
previous to tlhe second Tuesday of April, eighteen llutdred and
eighty-one, and register all persons presenting themselves for registration, and ihaving the qualifications of voters at allnual township
mee-tngs; notice of which. meeting shall be posted in four of the
most public places in said village, at least ten days before said meetilng and sliall be signed by said board of registration.
S;E(c. 4. ThIe said village of Harbor Springs shllll in all things
Inot le reiln otllerwise  provided, 1)e governed and its powers and
duties detilled by mlu act entitled "An act grantilng and defining the
powers gand duties of incorporated villages," appproved April first,
eighteen hlnldred1 alnd seventy-five, and amendments thereto.
SiC:. 5. Iln clase tlhe said officers are not elected at tlie time
ldesignated in Section 2 of this act. an election umay be held at any
tiile witiin one year from the time designa.ted in Section 2 of tlis
act, cnil notice beilng give l as provided in said Section 2.
Tire first charter election was held in Alpril, 1881, and resulted
in thle election of the following officers:  President, C. 1). Hani)pton; clerk, _E. lemnit; treasurer E. J. Palmer; assessor, W. It.
Miller; eonI1tadle, Merritt Scott: trustees, W. W. Bowen, W. E.
Plarker, N. uhinm;ian, J. MI. Blrbeck, 1. Canlvy and E. HI. Martindale.
()iticers elected  e.cll year since 1881, as follows: —
1882: -president, A. T. Long; clerk, F. C. Wells; treasurer,
Elias Phlner; trustees, (. W. )icktinson, A. L. Deuel, W. J. Clark.
18,;: — President, C. R. Wright; clerk, S. _'[arner; treasurer,
J. M.. l3Burbeck; trustees, MI. J. Erwin, 'E. Parker, P. ryvsler.
1881:-President, C. R. Wright; clerk, S. M. ILarner; trustees, C. W. Caskey, W. H. Lee, C. 1). Hampton, W. ]i. Smith.
street comiissioner, d(1. Furguson; assessor, A. I,. D)euel; treasurea1, J. M. Burb)eck; constab)le, John Swift.
THE LEGEND OF lDEIL S POND).
BIack of tie saw-mill, near tlIe base ot Harbor Point, is a little
pool or pond. There is a tradition tliat at one time a chlannel at;
this point separatted thle point from thle mnain land, and the little
pool is atll that is now left of the chlannel.  There is a legend connected withl this channel and pool, which is known to) many of tihe
Indians, and which is related as follows:
Upon the island of Mackinac dwelt a great spirit who ruled over
tlhe region of thle Straits and bestowed on the Indians of this entire
region either blessings or curses, as his ownl sweet will and tle exigencies of the case demanded.
The name of this supernatural ruler was Potchinonge, and
liis commands were executed by a ]a(and of lesser spirits of varying


capacities for good and bad, and 1ll of whom made the " fairy
island " their home. Tley constituted quite a colony, and were at
the time before the advent of the pale face quite familiar with the
ordinary inhabitants of the earth.
Oft did the bands of Ojibwa Indians, returning from victorious


vwars, see thle lofty forlml of Potchinonge stanlding upon tlme brow
of tlhe bluff, his hands extended in welcome. And when night
w'as folding her mantle around the rugged promIonltories of tihe
island, tle evening mists were peopled wit!' wttid, uncanny forms
that swayed to and fro, keeping time to tle measutres of mllore tlhan
earthly music.
Alongo tlese strange beings tlie }bet land lriglte-st wtas
Wakasamoque, the great chief's only daulghter.  She was tlhe good
angel of tlie Indians, mlany of wlhoml owed their rood forltue il,
hunt'ng and1 fishing, and even their lives, when ovelrtak(e:ntl  tlie
gale in their frail bircllen canoes, to her power eoxer the ielmelits
and tlhe readiness with whicl she exerted it in assisting unfortunate
nortals. She was more fiamiliar with the people of earthl thani
were tlie others of her kind, and often enteired tleir lodges or sat
wit thlen by tie canmp fire at light.
With tlie Indians whio lived onl tlIe tmainlanld near xwhere tlie
village of St. Ignace now stands, was a younlg chief called Wendebajig.  None were of such comely form, so fleet of foot, or so successful in tlchsechae as hle.
In time it camiie to the ears (,f Potchiino:onle tllint his (dautllter
went often amo.ng the mortals, and thlit tle young chlif was t11e
cause.  The great ruler was highly incensed. A miarriiage bet-ween
his dauglhter aid the yoiug native was as imuch out of character as would be that of a imillionaire's danughter witl a( w(oo
chopper. He at once summonehd hiis daugriter aind iil!normted her
(probatbly m1uch is a father would nmowadays) that suc1lh a 11esa1 -liance was not to be thougllt of, land that all nonsense s. ithll tie
youn-g Ihidian must be broken off.  Potehiilonge lha(i alie;tdy 1pri'lised hlis daughter's hand to the Matchlimamitol, the I r tit spirit of
the south, whose power was only equaled 1,v his evi1 teeds,.  I 1
hoped thus to win tlie favor of time "t hallhty Southllro" aI l so
advalnce hi.s interests; in much the samie mtlnner Is our neme:chmlits
mnarry their (ldaigllters into other coninmorcial or blankirg houses iO
secure their credlit.
But love was as indepenldent of plarclnti will thlit as it, is now;
and, as usual, oppl)sition omlly urlade tlie lmatter wx)rse. J-! 1cThe upshot
of the whiol(e mnatter w\as that W akltasaloq(llue threw  a mni 'i, spell
around her lover, rendereeing hiim invisible anld imnir:ti  th emll I1 -blarking ili a canoe they stole away froma friei t( ai  ki tlred, alnd
stiarted out inm search of a nexvw home.
At tlre time when these events took pl:.c tIhe su rrounidiags
here were very different. Instepid of aI beau tifnil pnin asul. siheltering a spacious mland lovely harbor, there was only i, low wolod(d
isltmnd, separated from the shoie of the la by  a stretch of opel
wVater.
iere tlie twain landed, anld up)on tlie wvesterli end ot 11 ins;,rlad
Wenodebajig built his lodge.  Tire sides were of stoine,:nd(i te roof
of bark, while the 'walls were hnllllr with thle skins of anliin:Ls sLi ii
in. ch ste.
And hiere they dwelt in lhappiness aMd peace. lFor a lolng tile,
nothing happened to disturb tilerm, laid iit tlheir fancie.ld -ecrillitx
they imagined that they vhad been forgotten.  But sucd:w'Is '~o t,
tihe (ase.
One eveniilg when Wendebajig returned from  across the baxy,
his canoe loaded with thle gamie lie lhad slaii, lie vwas aimaziedl to timid
a deep pool where his lodge Irha  stood, and oe tihe,bank, smlmiling


mockingly upon him, was Matchirmnllitoll.
In anlswver to tile lulsbalnd's pletading inquliries, Matchilnalnitou
informied him that lie had taken lier below tlme waves to (dwell in a
submalrine palalce, but lie sinetringly promised to restore lier lwhen
the channel between tile island and tie mainland \was replaced by
solid earth; then lIe disappeared beneath tile water.
For weeks the distracted husband waited upon tlie beach, but


I
I
i
I


I


I.




1


I
i


i'                                                                                                                 — i     n




4M- _



Iq


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


151


though th ttaunting face of the evil spirit at times appeared above
the waves, he saw no more the one he loved.  At last he set to
work to accomplish the task which should surely restore him lbis
bride, for according to the legends, a " great spirit," however bad,
cannot break his word.
Ages rolled away, and as a result of Wendebajig's labor the
channel became gradually mnore shoal and narrower.
At last, after centuries of labor, a reef of sand stretched from
shore to shore, the-island was a peninsula, and the harbor was
formed.
The land grew steadily in extent until it now covers the entire
channel, except the deep pool in whose dark depths Matchimanitou's
remains are concealed.  And the tireless worker is moving a great
sand hill slowly but surely toward this pond.
When the swift autumnal gales sweep over the lake, and the
waves lash the shore of the portage, the shadowy form of Wendebajig can be seen on the beach as he throws aloft a shower of sand,
which is blown up the long hill and over its abrupt crest, pouring
down the other side to help fill the basin.
Some of the Indians living here, can remember when Matcllimanitou's voice was heard from the pond shouting derisively at
the indefatigable toiler, and until very recently it was necessary to
quell his spirit by occasional incantations and firing of volleys into
the pond, accompanied by the other ceremonies of " shooting the
devil."
Since the building of the mill he has never been seen nor
heard. Thus runs the legend of Matchimanitou and Wakasamoque
and Devil's Pond.
AN EDITOR S SOLILOQUY.
In the spring of 18S2, the old building that was built by
Richard Cooper about the year 1854, was removed.  The editor of
the Independent bade the old landmark good-by as follows:
The old building on the beach which was erected as a trading
post nearly thirty years ago, and which has been used as a store,
county jail, residence, printing office, boat house, cooper shop and
depot, has at last succumbed to fate and the ceaseless march of
progress.
For years it was the center for a region extending twenty
miles in every direction. Vessels landed at the dock in front of it,
and the long, low building with the flag pole at the end was the
first object that met the eye of a person entering the harbor.
One-morning, about seven years ago, we arrived at the dirty,
sleepy little Indian village, composed entirely of log and block
louses, many of them roofed with bark and fenced with palisades,
aind without a new board or even a bright shingle to be seen. We
called at this building and received some information from an
obliging, generous, out-spoken, devil-may-care young fellow, who
was running all the county, township, and school district offices,
and running many of them in better shape than they sometimes
have been since.
Looking at the many new buildings that have since sprung up
on the site of the tumble down Indian huts, we can scarcely recollect how the town looked then.  One by one the old landmarks
have disappeared.
The Indians often sit upon the bluff and look down upon the
busy town which the white man is building upon the shores of the


lovely harbor, where the wigwams of their ancestors stood, where
they were born, and where they lived 'their careless, idle, happy
life; and who can wonder that their eyes grow dim and the stolid
features settle into sterner lines, as they think of the changes
time has wrought?
The march of improvement is irresistible. One by one the
links that bind us to the past are broken.  We rejoice in the pros

perity that has come upon the place, but we can scarcely suppress
a sigh to think that the last reminder of the tradition and legends
of the poetical past will soon disappear.
The old building which braved the elements for thirty years,
having been struck by lightning twice, and on fire several times,
has been pulled down to make room for the new and tasty depot
erected beside it. The destruction is typical of the change from
the business of Indian canoes and Mackinaw boats to tile rushing
energy of the iron steed.
SUMMER RESORTS.
Harbor Point and We-que-ton-sing are suburbs of Harbor
Springs, and during the summer season contribute greatly to the
activity of the village. The bluff that towers above the village is
a favorite spot with all tourists, as' from its summit is to be
obtained a view that is unsurpassed in grandeur and beauty. The
two resorts named have already been described on preceding
pages.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CARLOS D. HAMPTON, M. D., was born in Ontario County, N.
Y., April 1, 1821. In 1832 his parents, James and Prudence
Hampton, removed with their large famnly to what was then considered the wilderness of the west, and settled three miles west of
where the village of Tecumseh now stands. After securing the
best education offered by the district schools and the Tecumseh
University, he taught school and studied medicine, completing his
medical education at the Cincinnati Medical College. He began the
practice of his profession at West Unity, Ohio, in 1815, and soon
after removed to Medina, where he entered into partnership with
Dr, David Brown. This partnership proved so satisfactory that
the following year he formed another, this time for life, with Miss
Cornelia C. Drown, oldest daughter of Appolos Drown, one of the
earliest pioneers of Lenawee County, and the first militia captain
in the state of Michigan. In the fall of 1858, Dr. Hampton's
health had become so impaired by the demands of his large practice that he decided upon a change of climate, and moved to Hunt
County, Texas, where hie purchased a tract of land, and went into
the business of stock-raising. When the secession of Texas was
being discussed, he took an active part, and at the peril of his life,
stumped the northern part of the state in a vain attempt to pievent his adopted state from taking that fatal step. This action
made him a marked man with the secessionists, and after hostilities began they made several attempts upon his life. Finally, yielding to the solicitations of his anxious friends, lie left Texas, and
under pretense of going to join the rebel army, he at last succeeded,
after numerous narrow escapes, in getting through to the Union
lines, where he enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. In October,
1862, ten months after her husband left, Mrs. Hampton decided,
against the earnest protests of friends, who thought it impossible
for her to get north, to try and make her escape from Dixie. Shrewdly deceiving the suspicious rebels as to her real intentions, she disposed of some of their stock and household goods, and with her
three boys, aged respectively fourteen, ten and six, started to drive
700 miles through a country devastated by war, and infested with
bands of bushwhackers and guerrillas. After a thrilling experience
she at last found protection under the old flag at Memphis, and was
soon among her friends in Michigan, where the first information


as to her husband's whereabouts was received. Resigning his position, he returned and settled with his family at Hudson, where he
enlisted as surgeon of the new Fourth Michigan Infantry, in the
summer of 1864. After his regiment was finally-mustered out,
he removed to Muir, where he resided until the spring of 1875.


-


I 


- I


j.-.......




-.)I6     -
I


IIIPt -


152


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


when he became a pioneer in the village of Little Traverse. When
the town was incorporated as Harbor Springs, he was elected village
president, and for several years ha3 been county superintendent of
the poor.
A. J. SOUTHARD, banker at Harbor Springs, is a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and came to Michigan with his parents
when three years of age. Upon arriving at an age when he began
to lay plans for the future, he took up the study of law, and was
admitted to practice in Shiawassee County, in April, 1865. After
practicing a short time, lie made a trip west to look after some
business interests. In 1867, having returned, and having acquired
a large farm in Ionia County, he settled upon it and carried on
f;rming about three years. In 1876 he came to Harbor Springs
from Portland, and practiced law for a time, but gradually drifted
out of law as other interests required his attention. In 1879, in
company with WV. E. Parker, he built the flouring-mill, of which
he is now exclusive owner, having purchased Mr. Parker's interest.
He has extensive real esttte interests, and owns the mill dock; also
an interest in the other dock,'and a large tract of water front. In
January, 1882, he engaged in the banking business, which he still
carries on. The building in which his bank is located was built
by him in 1881. He is a very successful business man.
ISRAEL CANBY, representative' in 1883, from  the district composed of Cheboygan, Emmet and Charlevoix Counties, was born in
Logan, Ohio, and is now fifty years of age. Was raised on a farm,
and received a good common school education. Soon after he becamIe of age the farnm was disposed of,,Id with other ilelllbers of
the family lie moved to the county seat, where lhe t ok chlare of a
railroad, freight and. ticket office, continuing itl that occupaltion
three years. He thenl engaged in the nilling business until the
wa;r of the rebellioln  In April, 1861, lie enlisted, and was elected
captain of his companvy. Tlie company was assigne] to the Twentythird Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After serving three years and four
months, was mustered out by reason of expiration of term of
service. He was then engaged in various occupations with varied
success until in 1872, he was obliged to abandon active employmelnt
by reason of a chronic complaint contracted in the army. In 1874
he came to Northern Michigan for his health, and in the spring of
1875 sett!ed on a homestead in the towin of Friendship, Emmret
County, where lie resided three years. Was elected three times
supervisor of that town, and also elected two terms county treasurer. Prior to the expiration of his second terma as county treasurer
lie was elected upon the Republican ticket representative in the
legislature of 1882-'83.
ALBERT L. HATHAWAY, clerk of Emmet County, is one of the
pioneer farmrers of the county. He is a native of Waslhtenaw
County, and served with distinction in the civil war. He entered 
the service Feb. 12, 1863, as sergeant of the Eighth Cavalry. Jan.
18, 1864, was promoted first lieutenant; taken prisoner during
Stoneman's raid, Aug. 12, and exchanged Sept. 27. Dec. 27, 1864,
promoted to captain, and mustered out of service Sept 22, 1865.
In 1876 he removed from Livingston County to Little Traverse
Township, where lie located 160 acres of land in Section 11, being
one of the earliest farmers in tlie county. He has held the offices
of clerk, treasurer and supervisor of the township, and in the fall of
1882 was elected county clerk. He has a wife and five children.
G. W. DICKINSON, sheriff of Emmet County, is a native of Warren, Ohio. He was in the civil war from its beginlingl  until its


close. In 1861 lie enlisted in Battery E, of the regular army, and
was in the service until March, 1865. His rank was lieutenantcolonel. In 1875 he removed to Harbor Springs, and the following
year built the Emmet House, which he kept about three years. In
1883 he engaged in the livery business, which he still continues.


I
i
i
i
I
i
I




I


In the fall of 1880 he was elected sheriff o: the county, and reelected in 1882. He has also held the office of trustee of the village. He has a wife and three daughters.
BENJAMIN T. HALSTEAD, attorney, Harbor Springs, is a native
of Brooklyn, N. Y. He graduated from the Indiana Ulniversity in
1876, and was admitted to the bar in Barry County, Mich., in June,
1880. In 1882 he removed from Barry County to Harbor Springs,
and engaged in the practice of his profession, which lie successfully
continues. He holds the office of justice of thle peace. Has a wife
and one son.
WADE B. SMITH, Harbor Springs, is a native of Ingham County,
Mich. He studied law at Jackson, and was admitted to the bar in
March, 1876, at Mt. Pleasant. In December, 1880, lie removed to
Harbor Springs, and opened an abstract office. He is a memberrof
the bar of the county, and holds the office of justice of tle peaice.
WILLIAM CROSBY, judge of probate of Emmet Colnty, is a
native of Steuben County, N. Y. In 1866 hle was admitted to the
bar in Oceana County. In the summer of 1879 lie purchased 110
acres of land in Section 17, Little Traverse TownsIhip, upoen whic}h
lie located. His residence is delightfully situated withtin a short
distance of the village. In the fall of 1880 lie was elected judge of
probate on the Republican ticket. He has a wife and two c( ildren.
Hie is prominently identified with the interests of the county.
JAMES IL. MORRICE, treasurer of Emmet County, is one of the
first settlers of Friendship, and oiie of the pioneer farmers of the
county. He is a native of Ionia County, Michigan. Ii 1875 lie
removed from there to the town of Frienllslhip where lie purchased
a fairn in Section 15.  -le has leen one of thl lealini en, in the
affairs of tlhe town and hlts held the offices,f treasurer, clerk ad
supervisor. He was appointed treasurer to succeed MIr. Palmer itn
1883.  -Ie is also a iiemuber of tlie board of county examiners.
A. L. I)EuEL, attorney, Har)bor Springs, is a native of Oaklantl
County, Michigan.   After leavirg school lie followed  tetchlingl
about six years. In the spring of 188() lie gradluated front the law
department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and s!lortly
after rcmove( to Harbor Springs an d engaged in the praetice of
law. tle has held the office of prosecnt'ng attorlney of the coiltyv,
and is also a member of the village school boar-d aid the board of
county examiners. Mr. Deuel is a prominent Repi:ldtcanl   Hii
family consists of himself and wife.
C. II. EATON, hardware merchant, Harbor Springs, is; native
of Niagara County, New York. In tlhe summer of 1851 lie removed to Michigan and settled in Clinton County. In Septenber,
1861, lie enlisted as al member of Company BI, rTllirdl Mich]iga:
Cavalry, and was in the service until the close of tlhs war.  In the
summer of 188:3 1he removed to Harbor Springs, and succeededl F.
II. Martindale in the hardware business. The style of tlie firml is
C. I. Eaton & Co. lie has a wife and three children.
A. M. WESTON, a prominent merclhant of Hit rhor Springr i: a
native of Catyuga County, New York. In 18(66 lie removei to
Michigan and settled in Kaluamazoo. In thle spring of 1878 hli removed to Harbor Springs from Albion, Calhoun County, wherl- t:e
had been engaged in the mercantile business.  At Harbor Splilng,
lie opened a store in a small building 18x40 feet in size- As his
business increased he has enlarged the building until in 1884 hie
occupies two large store rooims with a general stock of merchandise.
Mr. Weston is a successful business man and one of the leading
merchants of the county.  Iie has a wife but no children.


A. WILSON, Harbor Springs, is a native of Sheboy-gan, Wisconsin.  In September, 1879, he removed from    that place to
Harbor Springs and engaged in the fish-catching business which he
still continues. He has a wife and five children. Mr. Wilson does
a large and successful business.


I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I




-9


I Q


j p


-  ----   -----------            ----------                                                                                                                           -- --          -i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Z-.. A


F\:




I -j'I                                                                                      l-                                                                                                 -_.p
'V -f I  8       -                                                                                                                                                                         -1 I fl l!


1


I




J


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


153


_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


G. W. SEGER, member of the Novelty Works and Saw Mill Company, Harbor Springs, is one of the pioneers of the village. He is
a native of Redford, Wayne County, Michigan. August, 1862, lie
enlisted in Company D, 'wenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, and was
in the service until June, 1865. In an engagement on the Weldon
Railway he received eight gun-shot wounds. The injury though
serious was not fatal. In 1874 lie removed to Harbor Springs from
Reed City. He is a carpenter and millwright by trade, and has
charge of the operation of the Novelty Works, in which he is a
partner. He has a wife and three children.
C. W. CASKEY, builder and lumber dealer, Harbor Springs, is a
native of Barry County, Michigan. In 1880 he removed from
Allegan to Harbor Springs and engaged in business as contractor
and builder. He also has a lumber yard at Harbor Springs and
another at Point St. Ignace.  He carries on an extensive business
and has built most of the cottages in this vicinity and at Mackinaw
Island. He has a wife and four children.
CHAPTER XXIV.
VILLAGE OF PETOSKEY.
LOCATION OF VILLAGE-IGNATIUS PETOSKEY-BEGINNING OF THE VILLAGE —H. O. ROSE & CO. —EARLY MOVEMENTS-VILLAGE PLATS
PROGRESS IN 1875-FIRST NEWSPAPER-CIURCH HISTORY-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION —FIRST BANK AND BANKER —THE VILLAGE
IN 1879-THE VILLAGE INCORPORATED-SECRET ORDERS-A MEXICAN VETERAN-VILLAGE SCHOOLS —MISCELLANEOUS INTERESTSBIOGRAPHICAL.
This village is built oal the southeast shore of Little Traverse
Bay, and upon the line of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.
The population in 1884 is about 3,000.
The situation of the village site is peculiarly interesting and is
contemplated with feelings of admiration by all visitors.  The bay
has already been described; from its curving beach paved with
corals and agates, a vast amrnphitheatre rises by a series of terraces to
a distance of two hundred feet above the level of the lake. The
village climbs from the water's edge in a southeasterly direction up
these graceful heights, from the summit of which the view is
beautiful beyond description.  Over the entire village the eye
sweeps across the bay, and to the lake beyond, gathering in a greater
variety of natural beauty than is often found. One writer describes the site as follows:
"If we are out in a boat on the bay and look in toward the
land, we perceive that Petoskey occupies a series of picturesque
undulations that spread out on either hand, and rises to the rear in
the form of an amphitheater.  A lofty limestone cliff flanks the
town on the west. Its top is crowned with trees, among which are
discovered the tents of many vacation tourists who are 'camping
out.' Behind them rises an overtopping eminence, dotted with
pretentious villas of wealthy residents. From the verge of this
cliff the outlook is superb. Across, five miles distant, is the ridge


of hills that line the opposite side of the Little Traverse Bay.
These sweep round in a symmetrical curve to the head of the bay
two miles to the right, and then follow the hither shore until they
rise and terminate in the cliff on which we stand.
"All along in that direction, as far as sight can reach, we can
trace the white line of the pebbly shore limned against the green
of the hills; and then from the base of our cliff in a sweep of two
miles or more to the left in the form of a crescent, ending in a


wooded point. Tree-covered hills slope gently back and upward
from the beach, and pretty cottages peep out from among their
branches. The principal part of the town lies in the'bowl of the
amphitheater, from which a practicable road leads through a ravine
to the long pier which projects from the hollow of the crescent into
the bayI. This pier gives additional character and life to the scenery."
The rapidity with which the village has matured is one of the
remarkable features of its history, which had its beginning in the
year 1873. The buildings are substantial and tasty, and the
whole village wears a finished appearance not usually acquired in
so short a time. The roumantic beauty of its location and the
healthfulness of the climate have brought the place into prominence as a summer resort and every season the village and vicinity
are visited by thousands of people in pursuit of health and comfort.
IGNATIUS PETOSKEY.
The village was named in honor of one of the original proprietors of the soil, and who had spent more than fourscore years
of his life in this vicinity.  In the year 1787 lie was born at the
mouth of a little creek near where the city of Manistee now stands.
His father, Nee-i-too-shing, (the Eirly Dawn) with others of his
tribe, went down the lake shore into the south country hunting and


IGNATIUS PETOSKEY.


trapping, as was their custom. On their retune, well laden with
skins and game, they camped at Little Creek, near the mouth of
the Manistee River. Here wats born the "patron saint" of the village.
Nee-i-too-shing put back the deer-skin door of his rude lodge and
looked up at the morning sky. Bright shafts of sunlight shot up
like streaks of flame lighting the eastern woods. Just then the first
cry of his new-born child came to his ear, and he named him Peto-se-ga, which, translated, is "the Rising Sun."  The home of the
Chippewas was the region about Little Traverse Bay. The -.lodge
of Nee-i-too-shing was about seven miles north and west of the
present village of Harbor Springs.
When Pe-to-se-ga was twenty-two years old, he took for his
wife the daughter of a near neighbor-Keway-ka-ba-wi-kwa.
Thev planted an apple orchard, the remains of which may still be
seen.
The missionaries gave him the name Neyas, ancd he was afterward persuaded that Neyas was an abreviation of Ignatius, and
thus it became Ignatius Pe-to-se-ga, and later, when a village was
to be named, the last name was changed to Petoskey.


1






— o -
I


I -


154


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


-




When the government decided to try the experiment of schooling some of the brightest Indian children, Pe-to-se-ga sent his two
oldest sons to a school in northern Ohio. It was a Protestant
school and the priest objected and finally declared lie must bring
the children home or he would be excommunicated. His wife,
womanlike, sided with the priest, and Pe-to-se-ga yielded, but so
impatient did he become of such arbitrary rule he left the spot
where he had spent forty-three years of his married life, and moved
with his family across the bay and settled on the south shore, upon
land now comprised within the limits of the village. He and his
sons owned neaily all of what is now the village of Petoskey. But
the trouble did not cease. Protestant mission services were held
within reach, andl Pe to-se-ga attended with his children. Mrs.
Pe-to-se-ga would none of it, so she left her husband and
went with his brother to her own relatives on the north side of the
bay.
The chief took another wife. Several years passed, but the
mother-love in the dusky breast overruled all other considerations,
and Mrs. Pe-to-se-ga came back to her family, and the woman who
had usurped her place was dowered and sent forth. They had
fourteen children, of whom eight sons and two daughters are still
living. Mrs. Pe to-se-ga died in April, 1881, at the age of eighty.
six years. He still lives in the village, ninety-seven years of age,
although his appearance does not indicate that advanced age.
BEGINNING OF THE VILLAGE.
The operations at Bear Creek have already been narrated in the
early history of the county, but other than geographical conlection
they had no relation to the village that has since grown up, and
had not other and later influences combined to make this particular
spot a center of activities, the associations of the locality might
never have vested a populous community with historic interest.
Of the early movements of the village we will iiow proceed to
speak.
The building of the Grand Rapids ani Indiana Railroad was
the incentive to the development, of the natural resources at this
point and its improvement as a village site. Messrs. H. 0. Rose
and Amos Fox had been pioneer business men in the Traverse
Region nearly twenty years and had already laid the foundations of
Northport and Charlevoix. They had traded at Little Traverse,
now Harbor Spiings, and were familiar with this entire region.
Knowing of the vast limestone formation on the shore of Little
Traverse Bay, they purchased about two hundred acres of land at
this point. In the summer of 1873 the railroad to this point was
approaching completion, and Mr. Rose came here for the purpose of
beginning business. The material for his house was got out at
Traverse City and shipped here by boat.
The firm of H. O. Rose & Co., consisting of A. Fox and H. O.
Rose, first commenced selling goods in this place in a small log
building near the residence of Ignatius Petoskey in June, 1873. At
that time they were obliged to land their goods with a scow as there
was no dock. Afterward, in the fall of 1873, they commenced the
front portion of the present store near the site which it now
occupies. In October, 1874, Mr. H. O. Rose, wishing to devote
his time more to the development of the lime manufacture, made a
change by which the store came into the possession of Fox, Rose &
Buttars, consisting of Amos Fox, of Charlevoix, Hiram O. Rose, of
Petoskey, and Archie Buttars, of Charlevoix, Mr. Buttars taking
the sole charge of this store and also the one which they had at


Charlevoix. In the summer of 1875, finding that their constantly
increasing business demanded more room, they rebuilt the old
store, making some addition which gave them room enough at that
time.
Their store when first built stood in what is now Mitchell


I




Street, and was afterward removed to its present location. The
building has since been enlarged to meet the requirements of an increasing business. In February, 1882, Messrs. Fox & Bose dissolved and the business was carried on by Rose & Buttars a short
time, and they were succeeded by the present firm of Rose Bros. &
Co. This firm is composed of Eugene L. and Perry W. Rose, and
an interest in the store is owned by H. O. Rose. The two brothers
are sons of Lorenzo A. )Rose, of Branch County, and a brother of
H. O. Rose. Lorenzo A. Rose used to bring cattle here to sell and
has been a frequent visitor to the place. Perry came here in 1875
and was clerk in the store for Fox, Rose & Buttars. Eugene came
in 1877 and was also clerk in the same store. In December, 1882,
the present firm of Rose Bros. & Co. succeeded Rose & Buttars.
We give herewith a brief biographical sketch of Mr. H. O.
Rose, as follows:
HIRAM 0. ROSE, a pioneer of the Traverse Region, was born in
Niagara County, N. Y., in the year 1830, and removed to Coldwater, Mich., with his parents. In 1852 lie went to California,
where, in company with Mr. Amos Fox, now of Charlevoix, he was
engaged in mining. The partnership between Messrs. Fox and
Rose lasted through a period of twenty-eight years, and during all
that time no written agreement was ever made, and no individual account of moneys used was ever kept. Each had the
fullest confidence in the other, and when they came to dissolve
their partnership they sat quietly down together, made a division of
their property and thus ended without delay or trouble the long
partnership that had been concerned in extensive business operations throughout the whole Traverse Region. Before going to CaliforniA Mr. Rose had worked two years in a printing office at Coldwater. In 1854 he went to Northport and purchased the wharf
privilege owed by Deacon I)ame, and finished the dock that had
been begun. This was the first dock in Grand Traverse Bay at
which a. propeller could stop. The following year he sold a half
interest to Amos Fox. Mr. Rose was the first treasurer of Leland
Township, which at that time embraced all of Leelanaw and Benzie Counties, and lie was obliged to traverse nearly the whole territory to collect the annual tax which did not exceed $600 in
amount. The early business interests were developed mainly by the
business enterprise of Messrs. Fox & Rose, as is narrated in the
general history. They carried on mercantile business and, dealt
in wood, etc. In 1864-'65 they built the first dock at Charlevoix,
and started the first store there. Their business at that point was
the same as at Northport.   Mr. Rose remained at Northport
eighteen years, and lived a short time at Traverse City. In 1872
he built the Traverse City branch railroad, and in 1873 removed to
Petoskey. The material for his house was got out at Traverse City,
ready to be put together and brought by boat to Petoskey. Ile had
purchased two hundred acres of land bordering on Little Traverse
Bay, and in 1874 laid out the village. In 1873-'74, as a member
of the firm of Fox & Rose, lie built the first dock at this point and
started the first store, and was the pioneer in all the principal
business interests of the place, and which are mentioned in the general history of the place. His principal business interests have
been the development of the extensive lime quarries bordering on
the bay, general merchandise, building of the dock, the erection of
the Arlington Hotel, and dealing in wood, bark, etc. He was the
first president of the village, and has been a leading spirit in
all the public activities that have combined to give the village its


present proportions. Few men have done as extensive and efficient
pioneer work as Mr. Rose. Three villages stand upon foundations
which lie was instrumental in laying, and his business operations
still continue to constitute an important factor in the progress and
prosperity of Petoskey. In 1856 he was married to Juliette Bur

I






I
I


Oe'


I


I


-


re              rl

-1
11




REs.&GROUND3,OF' JOHN G.H ILL, PETOSKEY, MICH.


I I


I    11                                   I  1 I   -    I   --   I  I        -    -,      -,       --.  -.,. I, ----   -.-         1-.   I   '.1-   I   -,: -   - -,..   -.1


jJ4


--- - -     I


H.0. RoSE'S LIME WORKS, PETOSKEYI MICH.




I~




.NWt


2+


-


6 q


L
4 -

a4                                                                                                                                                                                                  p


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


155




beck, daughter of James M. Burbeck, one of the pioneers of Northport, and now a resident of Harbor Springs. They have two children, both daughters. In 1882 Messrs. Fox and Rose divided their
property, Mr. Fox taking the property in Charlevoix County, and
Mr. Rose that in Emmet County.
Going back to the summer and fall of 1873, the movements of
that time were few and confined to arrangements for tlie future.
Messrs. Shaw ail McMillan purchased a tract of land and platted
it, but the plat was not lecorded, and a new one had to be made the
following year. "Some time during the early part of the summer
of 1873, Mr. G. L. Smith, familiarly called "Pa Smith," built a
board shanty on the lluff near where the stairs are now located,
and called it the Union House, this being the first house built by a
white man on tlhe site of this village. The Union House may now
be seen utilized as a wood-house on tile back end of the residence
at the north end of Howard Street.
In June, 1873, Dr. Williaml Little, a physician at Reed City,
being 'in feeble health, stairted north upon a hunting and fishing
tour, hoping to be beniefited by the climate and camp life.  At
Traverse City he met Mr. H. O. Rose, who was just starting for the


sisting of a postoffice, hotel, drug store, general store, one physician
and several saloons.
Mails were brought from Travelse City and Charlevoix by
carriers. It is related that when the postoffice was removed from
Bear Creek, the mail was brought in a cigar box, and for soma
time the postal business at this point was carried on in a dry goods
box,and the facilities were ample for the requirements of the business.
Mr. Rose enclosed his house during the xiinter, but did not
finish it until the following spring.
Notling of importance was done during the winter.     The
season of year was unfavorable to building, or the necessary pioneer
work of any sort, and the railroad did not begin to run trains for
regular business until the following spring.
Dr. Little represented a variety of pioneer interests in the days
of Petoskey's infancy, but was not permlitted to see the grand transformation so quickly wrought. His health became worse and he
died at (Grand Rapids, Michl, Nov. 19, 1875, at the age of thirtythree years. The following notice of his death was published in
tlie )emoicraot at the time:
"Dr. Little was born in I)arlington 11  )rliam County, Canada,


— w
TI
i


R


I I


a_._


F


qp


PETOSKEY. VICINITY OI G. It. & I. EPO()T.


present site of Petoskey, by boat, with a stock of goods. Dr. Little
came with him, and camped out on the bay shore. He was so
much improved in health during his stay that lie resolved to locate
at this point. In October the rail was laid to this point, and
November 1st, Dr. Little's family arrived by train. He put up a
temporary building to live in near where the Occidental Iotel now
stands. January 1, 1874, the frame was raised for the "Rose
House," the first regular hotel in Petoskey, and fiorl which the
Occidental has grown. Shortly after the buildilng was finished and
opened as a hotel. Dr. Little, knowing that a physician would
have but little business in this new place, brought a stock of drugs
and opened a drug store in the office of the hotel. Prior to their
coming, a postoffice had been kept at Bear Creek, and Andrew
Porter was postmaster. In January the office was removed to Dr.
Little's house, and the name changed t6 Petoskey, Dr. Little being
postmaster.  Dr. Little was accompanied by his brother, who
carried on the hotel for a time after the doctor's death.
W. M. Everett also arrived from Traverse City in the summer
of 1873, and put up a building for a restaurant and saloon, where
G. Fochtman's saloon now stands.
The village now had a foothold and partial equipment, con

where he lived until lie was twenty-two years of age, at which time
lie was married to Miss Amnnie Devitt, of the same place. He
afterward chose the mnedical profession for a life work, and came to
Ann Arbor, and attended the medilCl school, graduating with high
honors the 27th of Marcl, 1867; lie then attended the Rush
Medical College of Chictago, and received a diploma from  that
institution, Feb. 8, 1868. Mrs. Little remained the entire time
with the doctor during his studies.   Few  men wlio practice
medicine ever attain the proficiency to which lie reached, although
few know in this town of his skill on account of his ill-health,
being unable to practice medicine to any great extent. He commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Ionia, in this state,
where lie met with merited success, but thinking if he could live in
some other climate, he might become free of his complaint, the
neuralgia, he came to this place, and with undaunted courage
and an unlimited amount of perseverance, lie commenced the
erection of the Rose House, of which lie was proprietor until the
time of his death. Few know the difficulties he was obliged' to
labor under, with no communication with the outside world except
by teams, througli an almost trackless forest for a distance of seventy
miles. But through his perseverance the railroad found upon its


r


- -- --








-


156


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


ir


arrival at this place in the spring of 1874, a comfortable hotel
awaiting them, and to-day his hotel stands second to none in northern Michigan. Probably his hard work and exposure which he was
obliged to undergo, hastened instead of alleviating his sufferings;
this fall his disease became so very painful that lie thought perhaps
if lie could only get to Florida, lie might recover, and accordingly
on Thursday of last week he arose from a sick bed and started on
his journey in search of health, and the best wishes of our people
went with him. When he arrived at Clam Lake, he partook of
dinner, and said he felt better; upon his arrival at Grand Rapids he
ate a hearty supper and apparently was better.
"On Friday morning announcement was made that the doctor
was worse and Mrs. Little had gone to him, still we hoped for the
best until afternoon a dispatch was received which told us that
Dr. Little was no more, which cast a gloom over the entire community. While Mrs. Little had lost a loving husband, and little
Mav a kind father, at the same time cur village had lost one of its
most honored citizens, a man who was always foremost in every
enterprise pertaining to the interests of our town, and the advancement of those interests."
After the death of Dr. Little, Mrs. Little was commissioned
postmistress, and continued in the office until January, 1880, wbhen,
she was succeeded by Ralph Connabl!e, the present postmaster.
Mrs. Little is now the wife of Thomas Kirkland, a prominent
citizrn of the village. Her management of the office was satisfactory to all, and she might have continued to hold it still longer
had she desired.
The year 1874 was a preparatory period. In, the spring the
railroad was finished to this point and opened for regular business.
Messrs. Rose & Co. built a dock for their own and public use, so
that highways of travel and transportation were opened by rail and
water. They began the manufacture of lime, and platted the village
of Petoskey. Shaw & McMillan also replatted their tract and
placed it upon record; it being the first addition to the village of
Petoskey.
Early in the season Mr. D. J. Cushman, an experienced hotel
man, came here from Otsego, and built the original part of the
"Cushman House." He has kept it from that time to the present,
increasing its size and accommodations, as the growth of business
has required.
Some misunderstanding arose between Shaw & McMillan and
the railroad company, about the quantity of land they were to have
for depot and other purposes, so that a new plat had to be made.
The company flinally received more land than was contemplated in
the original plat, and the Cushman House building had to be
moved back while it was in the process of construction. The Rose
House was completed, and was not moved, although the building
still projects a trifle onto the land owned by the railroad company.
August 8, of this year, 1874, Dr. Little printed and issued the
first newspaper in the county. It was about 4x6 inches in size and
was called The Iletoskey City lVeekly Times. Only one number was
printed.
O. D. Tracy, H. G. Walit and Mr. Carmichael came during the
summer, and in the fall A. Bunnell, L. C. Watson, James Buckley,
now in the hardware business, and M. F. Quaintance arrived.
A few others may have come in during the year. Mr. Quaintance
came as local agent of the railroad company, which position he still
retains.


During the latter part of 1874 the first school was established.
It was taught by Mrs. Allie in a board shanty, that stood north of
the ground now occupied by the new Shirk Block. This building
served a variety of public purposes, such as school-house, church
and hall, and when no longer needed was sold in 1875 at auction,


the price paid being thirty-seven dollars. L. C. Watson and A.
Bunnell opened grocery stores in the fall of 1874.
The year 1875 gave the village a general business start. -Early
in the winter the first lawyer arrived in the person of D. R. Joslin,
who hlad already been a pioneer at Alpena and Cheboygan. April
80th the first number of the Emmet County De)mocarat was issued
by Rozelle Rose, and local happenings began to be recorded.  During this month C. J. Pailthorp, now the senior attorney in the
county, located here for the practice of law, and immediately took a
leading position in public affairs.
The I)emocrat at the close of its ninth volume, in 1884, alluded to the time of its birth, and thie condition of the village in April,
1875, as follows:
" At the time of its birth the entire white population could not
ex-eed 150 souls within its borders; of these, about 125 were
located here in this village, two families at Cross Village, one at
Brutus, the balance at Little Traverse-now Harbor Springs. At
that tim3 Emmnet County had three organized townships, Bear
Creek, Cross Village, anl Little Traverse. The board of supervisors was composed of A. U. Dickerson, J. H. Shurtleff and Paul
Wasson, an Indian from Little Traverse. Since thlat time it has
watched the growth and development of the surrounding country
wit'l a great decree of pride. It has seen townships settled and
town governmenlts organized until at present writing the entire territory embraced within the borders are fully equipped with all the
michinery necess ry to the successful government of its people.
E;tch township cut up into school and roal districts, witli good
comfortable school buildings in each district. The business men
were Fox, Rose & BalttArs, generl  detlers, with Tom Qlinillan at
the head of the store; A. Bunnell, E. VanMeer, J. Watson & Son,
dealers in groceries; H. G. Wait, dealer in hardw,;re and groceries;
John McNeill, meat market, Loveless Blayney and E. J. Gifford,
dealers in lumber; Mrs. H. A. C-tmlpball, millinery; Ctshmllln
House, Rose House, and City Hotel,,aud Tracy H)use — now Spencer & Peister's store-were open to the public; H. 0. Rose & Co
manufacturers of lime; Shaw & McMillan, dealers in real estate;
W. H. Kelley and Jay Scrafield, barbers; W. H. Kaye, boardinghouse; George C. Ferris, blacksmith; M. F. Quaintltnce, station
operator; George S. Richmond, land looker; Ben Dean, painter;
M. H. Dunham, shoemaker; C. J. Pailthorp and D. R. Joslin, lawyers; W. Little, physician. This we believe comprised the entire
business carried on here at that time, exceptit be nine different
places where intoxicating drinks could be bought. We have endeavored to give everything as it was at that time so far as business
is concerned. Now we would be glad if we could picture to our
readers the appearance of the village. Not a street graded, stumps
and logs pushed aside far enough to admit of a team passing along
with care. Not a rod of sidewalk in the village, not a lot fenced
and nearly all of the houses standing upon pegs, devoid of paint or
chimneys, with the light shining through the cracks when the lamp
was lighted in tile evening. On Lake Street, the building farthest
west was the one now occupied by Buckley & Daggett; to the
eastward was the one used by H. G. Wait opposite Smith's barn.
No building of any kind to the east of that  On Mitchell Street not
a building west of the railroad except a half-roofed shed that stood
near where the bank now stands. To the eastward one could throw
a stone from the railroad almost to the farthest house or building.
No regard was paid to streets by teams or foot passengers, for all


went the nearest possible way to reach any desired point. The entire village was simply a few straggling, scattering shanties, that to
be dignified by the name of a village would almostbe a libel upon
the name.,'Tlhe people were happy, industrious and were not divided into


J


-




- ^


I   —.                                                                               IIP


1


j,ej


THE TRAVERSE 'REGION.


157


a-                '~


cliques or factions; everybody was friendly with everybody, and depended upon each other for amusement and entertainment, and no
one felt above or better than their neighbors.  Those are thlings
that are left to older and larger villages when they begin to assume
metropolitan proportions."
Dr. B. B. Sudworth came here from Kalamazoo and put up a
building in which he opened a drug store which he carried on in
connection with his practice.  Other early physicians were Drs.
Carroll, Baker, Bisby and Hood. Tile oldest physician ill the village in 1884 is Dr. H. T. Calkins. There was a time at an early
day when it was thought a good opening existed here for another
physician.  Mrs. J. A. C. Rowan was at that time correspondent
for a Grand Rapids paper and in one of her letters stated that a
good physician was needed in Petoskey.  The ink upon the paper
was scarcely dry before a medical immigration set in and continued
until the village had the appearance of being the scene of a medical
convention. A short time however sufficed to reduce the number to
what the demands of the locality required.  William M. Everett
sold his business to John Shier, and started the first livery barn in
the village. G. W. Bump came from Maple Hill and put up a building in which hlie opened a grocery store.  W. T. Latham started a
clothing store.  C. B. Henn)ika started the first furniture store in
the place.  J. S. Coffman put up a frame building 16x30 feet in
size and opened the first jewelry store in the place.  E. Kinney
opened a boot and shoe shop. I. L. Austin opened a flour and feed
store.  Gemmil & Kilbourn purchased the old government gristmill site and put up a saw and grist-mill. E. Foglesonger also built
a saw and grist-mill; J. G. Hill came this year and was the third attorney in the place.  Other business places were J. Watson & Son,
groceries; H. G. Wait, hardware; A. Bunnell, groceries; A. S. Lee,
real estate; A. O. Hutchins, dining hall; L. McKinnon, restaurant;
T. B. Hamilton, meat market; John McNeil, meat market; Bond &
Ingalls, general store; J. M. Quick, blacksmith; J.K. Brown, eclectic physician; Burt J. Hall, painter; G. S. Richmond, land looker;
William Abbott, gunsmith; J. Counant, restaurant; A. N. McCarty,
billiard room; William Allen, bakery; G. C. Ferris, blacksmith; Mr.
Fix, blacksmith; W. H. Kelley, barber; Loveless Blayney, lumber
dealer; N. J. Tracy and Co., real estate dealers.
During the summer Shaw & McMillan purchased a tract of
land bordeling on Bear Crt{ k, and built a dam. Mr. Blayney also
built a dam across the cleek and bitilt a planing-mill and factory.
Tlhat building is the one now owned by Blood Bros., on the bay
shore.
E. Foglesonger built a saw-mill onl the site of the old Ingalls
mill.
Tlie first quarterly meeting of the M. E. Church was held
June 11, 1875. Services were held in Mr. Blayney's mill, and conducted by Rev. J. W. Miller, presiding elder. Mrs. J. A. Rowan
furnished the organ, which was taken to the mill on a hand cart
belonging to Mr. Bump. Mrs. Rowan was the first music teacher
in the village.
In August, 1875, the progress of the place was summarized as
follows: 118 houses, three hotels,.ten stores, six saloons, one
bakery, blacksmnith shop, two physicians, two lawyers, two churches,
three lime kilns, and one manufactory nearly ready for operation.
There were three dams across the river.
The first white child born in the village was a daughter to Mr.
and Mrs. Stanley Carter.


The first sewing society in the village was organized in tihe
summer of 1875, with Mrs. J. B. Hutchins president.
The new school building on Howard Street was built during
the fall, at a cost of about $2,000, and the first graded schools
were in charge of Charles S. Hampton, now editor of the Indepetl

east at Harbor Springs.  The schools were not regularly graded
under the state law until some years later.
Early in 1876 the Methodist camp meeting association located
at Bay View, and gave an additional impetus to the prosperity of the
village.
In connection with an account of the Centennial celebration,
July 4, 1876, the Demtoc.rat also contained mention of the village
as follows:
"' Since the railroad was finished the town has been built and
now consists of more than two hundred dwelling-houses and stores,
and contains a population of about seven hundred. Of the business
places there are seven dealers in dry goods and groceries, two milliners, one in hardware one in drugs, one in furniture and two in
meat. Of the trades, we have one tinner, one gunsmith, two jewelers, several carpenters, shoemakers and painters, and four bltcksmiths. Professionals, four physicians and three lawyers. Dealers
in real estate, three. In addition to this are the lime works of H. O.
Rose, three saw-mills and one planing establishment.  The town
also contains six hotels and several saloons.  We hlave one church
and one school edifice and another church will be bnilt next season.
The place is connected with Traverse City and all interlmediate
points, by the steamer A. C. Van R:alte; witlh Little Traverse, by
the steamer M. W. Wrighlt; with Mackinaw,,y thle steamer Music,
and the propellers of the Northerln Transit Conmpany afford direct
communication with Chicago, Buffalo and all points on the lakes.
"The Methodist society last winter located the state camp meeting grounds near this place, and purchased about three hundred
acres of land for their use about one mile north of town, which
they have already commenced to improve.  Tile Grand Rapids &
Indiana Railroad Company have extended their road to the camp
grounds and the society will hold its first meeting this season."
Religious, educational and social interests received a liberal
measure of attention, and we find an unusual degree of activity in
promoting the welfare of each.  The church was one of the first
institutions planted in the new community.
CHURCH HISTORY.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Petoskey has a history
extending back to the Bear Creek mission, established in 1852.
Soon after that the Presbyterian society was duly organized, and
that society reorganized is now the First Presbyterian Church of
Petoskey. In June, 1882, Rev. W. S. Potter, pastor of this church,
preached a historical sermon, from which and other authorities we
give the following sketch of this society.
Rev. George W. Hutchins, formerly pastor of a Congregational
Church in southern Michigan, became one of the early residents of
Petoskey, and preached most of the time until the fall of 1875.
The first services were occasional and held at various places in the
little hamlet.
In May, 1875, articles of association were adopted, and arrangements made to proceed at once to build a house of worship.
May 11th, the committee met and elected D. R. Joslin, chairman,
H. O. Rose, treasurer, and W. H. Kaye, secretary. It was voted
that the trustees should proceed to erect a church on Lot 1, Block
8, of Shaw & McMNillan's addition, which lots those gentlemen
had offered to donate the society. Rev. John Redpath, who had


been located at Cadillac, had come to Petoskey at the request of the
proper presbyterial authorities with a view of assuming charge of
the interests here. He came regularly commissioned by the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions and directed his energies to the
building of a church.   He labored with tireless zeal collecting
funds and directing the important enterprise of church building.
During this time Rev. G. W. Hutchins acted as pastor of the society. Mr. Redpatll also preached. While the church was in proc

I






-1


*


I


I




6




N" 


A'


7/f

a                        ft


-  -                                                                               -- ---- -      --   -- -  - - ---                                                                     r.       PI~~~~~~~~~~~L~rl.a-.


158


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


ess of construction the congregation worshiped in various lhlls
and other accessible places in the village. Particular mention is
made of a temporary, rough board building, situated on Howard
Street, immediately in the rear of the building formerly owned by
Mrs. Campbell, and now occupied by Mr. Byram, as a clothing
store. This rude structure has perhaps the honor of being the first
Protestant Church erected in Pet)skey. Worship was also held in
Loveless Blayney's planing-mill, in McMillan's Hall and in the
depot.
The foundation of the building was begun about the 1st of July,
1875. A generous interest was manifested in the enterprise by all
the citizens, and money, labor and material were liberally contributed. The corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies
August 19th.
In the fall of this year, 1875, an effort, led by Rev. G. W.
Hutchins, was made to organize a Congregational Church in Petoskey. A ministerial council was held October 28, at which it was
decided that such a project was not expedient. Mr. Hutchins was
commended to the sympathy of the people to the extent that they
should compensate him for services already rendered.
From Rev. Mr. Potter's sketch we now quote as follows:
"Early in the winter of 1875 and 1876 the church was sufficiently advanced to admit of services being held in it. By the summer
of 1876 the church was completed, with the exception of some small
details, which have since been attended to.
" Wednesday, the 23d of August, 1876, was a memorable day
in the calendar of our church. The presbytery of Grand Rapids
met according to appointment in the newly finished edifice, and
dedicated it to tile service of Almighty God.
" It seemed well, and truly a matter of thankfulness that amid
the early struggles and privations of the pioneer town the cause of
God had not been forgotten. It was most appropriate and blessed
that the church spire should rise amid the busy surroundings of the
embryo city, pointing men to the heavenly and eternal city.
" Very truly did some Petoskey correspondent of the Grand
Rapids Ea(!le, over the initials W. A. F., say of the services of that
occasion: ' The solemn and appropriate dedication of their beautiful
sanctuary to the true God, on the morning of Wednesday, 23d inst.,
together with the accompanying services of the evening, was an
epoch in the history of Presbyterianism in Petoskey that will prove
a greater blessing to them and their children than they can now
perhaps realize.' This was a truly prophetic utterance.
"The date of the dedication was also the date of the definite
reorganization of the churcl, although practically the Bear River
church had been insensibly merged into the First Presbyterian
Church of Petoskey the year before. At this time the Bear River
or Mission Church contained only twelve members, six whites and
six Indians.
"On the evening of the day of dedication, the following persons were received into the church by letter: Joln Parsons, Dr. J.
J. Hood, Mrs. Annie Little and Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Gale,
making the whole number seventeen.
" From this it will be seen that our present Presbyterian
Church is not a new organization, but a continuation of the former
Bear River Mission Church, with a change of name.
"The period between the dedication of the church and the departure of Mr. Redpath in the fall of 1877 was not marked by any
very important event. The church found the possession of a pleas

ant edifice of great advantage. It began to assume a more settled
and organized condition. Its progress was assured. The ministrations of the pastor were arduous and faithful, and not without
substantial results. It gives me pleasure to be able to speak with
great appreciation of the work accomplished by Mr. Redpath for


this church and this village. His work was of such a nature as to
make itself more and more appreciated as the years go on. I may
also say that to him is chiefly due the erection of no less -than five
church edifices in northern Michigan, at the following places, viz.:
Cadillac, Boyne Falls, Crofton, Boyne City and Petoskey.
" The importance of this branch of church work in a new
country cannot be over-estimated.
"' In the autumn of 1877 Mr. Redpath felt it to be his duty to
accept an offer to preach to the Presbyterian Church at Big Rapids.
He now exercises efficient pastoral charge over the churches of Boyne
Falls, Boyne City and Westwood.
"In view of the departure of their pastor, the church now in.
vited Rev. John J. Cook, then pastor of the Presbyterian Church at
Little Traverse, and now of the Presbyterilan Church of Crooked
JLake, to serve them as temporary supply. Though zealous and
faithful, the duties of his own field and the distance between the
two churches hle was serving, rendered Mr. Cook's labors very
arduous and difficult. From a letter which I received before coming
to Michigan, I learned that he longed for the coming of a pastor to
the Petoskey church, who should relieve him of a part of his
responsibilities. Mr. Cook supplied the pulpit about nine months,
closing his labors here on the arrival of the present pastor, June
14, 1878."
The list of members who united prior to June, 1878, is as follows: Mrs. Elizabeth Mennonaqot, Mrs. Nnnie E. Little (now
Mrs. Thomas Kirkland), Thomas Hastings, Mrs. Thomas Hastings,
James Finety, Mrs. James Finety, Robert Taylor, Mrs. Robert
Taylor, Mrs. Anna E. Smith, David Hastings, Mrs. David Hastings,
Miss Allie Cushman, Mrs. Alexander M. Ross, Alexander M. Ross.
On the evening of June 20, 1882, the present pastor of the
church having preached to this congregation as stated supply for
four years, was, in pursuance of a call extended to and accepted by
him a short time previous, regularly installed as p;astor of this
church   In accordance with the form of government of the Presbyterian Church, a committee of presbytery had made arrangements
for the occasion.
The Rev. J. M. Cross, of Grand Haven, the moderator of the
presbytery, presided, and presented the constitutional questions.
The Rev. Herrick Johnson, D.D., L.L.D., (,f Chicago, preached
the sermon from II Timothy, ii, 15, " Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly
divining the word of truth."
The Rev. George Ransom, of Muir, Mich., gave the charge to
the pastor, which contained much sound and appropriate advice.
The Rev. Aug. Marsh, of Cadillac, delivered the charge to the
people, which was received with great favor.
The Rev. Theo. D. Marsh, synodical missionary, offered the
installing prayer..
Other ministers were present, most of whom took part in the
services. Among these may be mentioned Rev. John Redpath, of
Boyne Falls, Rev. J. J. Cook, of Hinman, Rev. Henry Johnson, of
Grand Haven, Rev. D. A. Jewell, of Ionia, and nearly all the pastors of the local churches.
REV. W. S. POTTER, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of
Petoskey, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Dec. 30, 1850. His
education was begun in the district school and continued at a select
school, a high school at Verona, a seminary at Whitestown, and a
four years' course at Hamilton College, graduating from the latter


in 1875, at twenty-four years of age. As a student, he attained a
high rank of scholarship and was valedictorian of his class both at
Whitestown and Hamilton. In 1878 he graduated from the Auburn
Theological Seminary, and during the course supplied churches at
Knoxborough, Norwich Corners, and Throopsville. June, 1878, he






V


I




r ""J,


THE TRAVERSE REGION:


159


came to Petoskey at the request of Dr. Henry Kendall, secretary of
the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions. June 20, 1882, he was
regularly installed as pastor, having previously accepted a call extended to him.  July 21, 1875, at Veiona, N. Y., he married
Celia E. Case, of that place. They have two children. Mr. Potter's
ministry has been blessed with very gratifying results, and he has
a strong hold upon the affections of the community.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH also dates back to missionary efforts among the Indians. A historical sketch of the society
by Charles L. Fraser is as follows:
"During the winter of 1874-'75, Rev. George W. Cole, of the
Charlevoix charge of the M. E. Church, came here once in four
weeks to preach to the Indians, who had a little log church, just
west of our village, with a class of about a dozen persons. On one
of these occasions he preached the first sermon ever preached in Petoskey, in the old log house belonging to Lewis Petoskey, and standing where now his present residence is located.
"The following summer Rev. J. A. Wood visited the place at
intervals, preaching to, and collecting together the few scattered
brethren who had left other church homes, but had as yet found
none here. He organized the first class of some seven or eight
members, with Benjamin Tatem (now on a homestead near Odin),
for a leader. In the spring of the same year, 1875, Rev. George
W. Hutchins was sent here in the interests of the Presbyterian
Church and organized a Union Sabbath-school, which met in the
only public house in town, a small, rough, board shanty school-house
standing just at the rear of Messrs. Shirks' new block, and in the
summer following, by the request and with the assistance of certain
young ladies, of whom were notably Miss Carrie Latham, now Mrs.
Hibbard Ingalls, Miss Jessie Wescott, now Mrs. C. J. Pailthorp,
Miss Lydia Ingalls, now Mrs. Thomas, Miss Cora Wight, now Mrs.
0. Watson, W. W. Bowen, now of Harbor Springs, organized a
Methodist Episcopal Sabbath-school, which for a time met in the
aforesaid school-house, and which was ever, from the beginning, full
of life and growth, and formed an effective adjunct of the church.
In the fall of 1875, Rev. William L. Tilden, pastor at Charlevoix,
arranged to come and preach to us once in three weeks until the
spring following, and then, till the end of the conference year, once
in two weeks. In the fall following, 1876, Rev. Robert Bird, of the
Detroit Conference, was sent here in the double capacity of pastor
of the church and superintendent of the grounds of the Bay View
Society then just organized.
"He erected the hotel at Bay View, and saw the foundation of
this church laid during his year with us. The people at Bay View
were invited here at the laying of the corner-stone, and came with the
understanding that there was to be no collection taken on the ground.
But when they found that the expense-$16-of bringing them here
had been met by this society, they raised the amount by collection
and refunded it. At this time the church membership consisted of
thirty-six members, including three probationers, most of them poor,
and none even approximately wealthy. A board of stewards was
organized, consisting of C. L. Fraser, Martin Kirwan, W. W. Williams, Lucy Bump, and Sarah E. Fraser, to which, not long afterward, there were added George Vanness and William Batt. Mrs.
Sarah E. Fraser was made recording steward, and Mrs. Ellen Kirwan treasurer. And the first board of trustees elected was composed as follows: Christopher Couch, Charles L. Fraser, and
Martin Kirwan, of the members, and George W. Bump and Charles


J. Pailthorp, who were not members. The site for our church was
a gift obtained largely through the instrumentality of the presiding
elder, Rev. J. P. Moores, and Rev. William L. Tilden, from Messrs.
John L. Shaw and Archibald McMillan.
"The foundation of the church was built six feet wider and ten


feet longer than the present structure, and it had been intended by
Rev. Bird to have a fine center spire at the south end; but Rev.
Tilden, who followed Rev. Bird, thought it impracticable to erect
an edifice of so large dimensions, and had it contracted to its present dimensions and finished with a corner spire. In order to complete the house, it was found necessary, in addition to a gift of $100
by the Church Extension Society of our church, to borrow $200
more of that society. This debt has been paid, but another contracted at about the same time to make previously contemplated
repairs, so that we may be said never to have Leen out of debt. We
have received varied annual sums from the Mission Fund of our
church, with which we have for the most part met our current expenses, though on church building and repairs, we have kept
about $200 in debt, a matter it is hoped, by another year, we shall
be able to blot out. After two years' service as our regular pastor,
Rev. Tilden was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Sly, who after three years'
pastorship over us, was, by itinerant economy of our church, taken
to another field of labor, and Rev. 0. B. Whitmore, our present pastor, sent to us."
The Presbyterian, Methodist and Catholic societies occupied
the ground until about 1879. Early this year the Evangelical Association and United Brethren organized and held services in the
school-house. W. F. Sanders was pastor of the former and D. P.
Dorrance of the latter. The German Methodists organized and
built a church in 1881. The Evangelical Association also built a
church.
An Episcopal Society was formed in 1880 and named the St.
Barnabas Mission.
The First Baptist Church was started in May, 1881, and its
full organization completed the following August, with nine members. Meetings are held in Mitchell Hall, no house of worship having yet been built. The pastors have been Revs. T. S. Parmaleeand
L. J. Trumbull. There are now about twenty-six members.
The Roman Catholic Church of Bear Creek was an early missionary station and is mentioned in the early history. The weatherbeaten house which was their original place of worship is still standing on the south shore of the bay. The small enclosure attached is
their burial place, and the paper flowers and 'gay streamers that
adorn the rude crosses, attest the softening influences of Christianity. The present church building was erected in 1880, and consecrated on Christmas Day by Rev. Father Zorn, of Harbor Springs.
In July, 1881, a congregation was established with Rev. Graf as
resident priest. There are about one hundred and fifty families
in the congregation. In January, 1882, a school was opened that
is in charge of Philip Schmitt.
MARQUETTE AVENUE.
In the early days of the village a sign-board was erected over the
old trail running through the railroad park, and where the Arlington
Hotel now stands. Upon the board was an inscription as follows:
"Marquette Avenue. Original trail between Detroit, Grand Traverse
and Mackinac, traveled by hundreds of Indians, and over 200 years
ago by Father Marquette, the famous missionary and explorer."
The trail was distinctly visible for some distance, and there are nimerous persons through this section of the country who have traveled
the trail, and in many places its course is marked by a narrow, deep depression caused bythe passage of hundreds and thousands of feet. It
ishardly probable, however, that the feet of Marquette ever pressed
this trail. The romantic interest of tradition is heightened by sup

posing that such was the case, at the same time such an admission
would conflict with more reliable history. Many of these traditions,
like relics from the Holy Land, have to be continually manufactured
to supply the demand. If Marquette had traveled all the devious
ways that tradition has led him, and been buried in the number

PI )


i 0


r


j.


t


4-!.


I


-. - K,;- L




I


I

I


-


l


160


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


less graves over which admiring posterity has wept, he would have
needed to possess the quality of ubiquity both in life and death.
THE CENTENNIAL IN PETOSKEY.
July 4, 1876, the national anniversary was observed for the first
time by a general celebration in Petoskey. An elaborate programme
was prepared anti successfully carried ihrongh to its end. H. O.
Rose was president of the day. Rozelle Rose read the Declaration
of Independence, and addresses were delivered by C. J. Pailthorp,
D. R. Joslin, and John G. Hill. Toasts were responded to by
Thomas Butler, R. P. Thurber, and Rev. Mr. Brockway, of Albion,
and C. L. Fraser gave a history of Emmet County. The village of
Petoskey, at that time, was only a Ihamlet, and Emmet County had
but just entered upon its career of progress and development. The
full programme of exercises for the occasion published at tile time
was as follows:
In commemoration of the 100th birthday of our glorious
nation, and to do honor to the memory of those who struck for liberty and right, and founded this great republic, and to those who
hazarded their lives and fortunes to maintain it, with one impulse of
national pride and feeling we will come together to celebrate the
day that gave us birth and placed us in the rank of national greatness.
Officers of the Day: H. 0. Rose, president; A. McMillan,
vice-president; C. B. Henika, marshal; D. R. Sherman and L. J.
Ingalls, aids; Rev. John Redpath, chaplain.
Committee on Arrangements: H. G. Wait, R. Rose, C. L.
Fraser, Dr. B. B. Sudworth, A. S. Lee.
Committee on Toasts: D. R. Joslin, J. G. Hill, Thomas
Quinlan.


-


ORDER OF THE DAY.




Firing salute at sunrise.
Raising of liberty pole at 8 A. Al.
Procession formed at 10 A. M. under the direction of the marshal-soldiers and sailors of the late war at tile head of the prccession-and march to the grave at the foot of Lake Street.
Called to order by the president.
Prayer by the chaplain.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence by R. Rose.
National air by the choir.
Oration by C. J. Pailthorp.
Music by the band.
Basket picnic.
Toasts and responses by D. R. Joslill and others.
Music.
Reading of the history of the county by C. L. Fraser.
Music and salutes.
Address to the soldiers and sailors of the late war by J. G.


I






cold we could stand it no longer, we would slap them together and
start the blood in circulation again."
The paper was a six-column folio when started but at tlie end
of six months was increased to a seven-column folio.
The Democrat was published a few months in the Dickerson
store and then the office was removed to a little building 16x18 feet
in size, which stood just south of Mr. Rose's present residence, at
the corner of Mitchell and Petoskey Streets. The same building is
now performing the humble duties of a wood-house, at the rear of
Mr. Rose's house.  He occupied that building for some time, and
then removed to the main street.
MR. ROSE was born in tile town of Pike, Wyoming County,
N. Y., in the year 1817. After beginning active life for himself he
engaged in farming. In 1869 he was obliged to seek a change of
occupation and climate, on account of his health, and for that purpose removed to Michigan, and settled in Plainwell, Allegan
County. At that place' he was engaged in the drug and insurance
business, and afterward was connected with the newspaper at that
place. In 1875 he removed to Petoskey and started the first newspaper published in the county, as already stated.
Tile first money he received in his business liere was from the
late Dr. Little, and the first job of printing was a quantity of envelopes for James M. Burbeck, of Harbor Springs.
The ])remocx'at has been, as its name indicates, Democratic in
poltics, and lias been diligent in promoting the interests of the
village and county in which it is published.
The Petoskey City Ilccordj  owes its origin mainly to James
Buckley, now a hlardware merchant in the village of Petoskey. In
the summer of 1878, Mr. Buckley associated with him  George A.
Mosher, a practical printer, and June 20th issued the first lnumber
of the Petoskey City llecor(,i1 a seven-column folio paper, bearing
the practical motto, " For your good and onr profit."  Tlie paper
from its start presented a neat alppeara ce, Mad wa.~; highly creditable as a journlalistic enterprise. Tlie first of January, 1879), Mr.
Buckley withdrew to engage in other business, and Mosher & Gibson became proprietors.  In the summer of 1879 tile paper was
enlarged to an eight-column folio.  Mr. Gibson remained in the
business but a short time, and was succeeded by Frank M. Pray.
In December, 1880, Mr. Pray withdrew and Mr. Mosher continued
the business alone a few weeks. In January, 1881, C. E. McAManlns
purchased an interest and the firm became Mosher & McManus.
In September, 1881, F. S. Freenman -succeeded Mr. McManus.
Mr. Mosher remained until November, 1882, when lie withdrew
from  the paper.  Mr. Freeman published the paper until April,
1883, when lie sold the office to Capt. J. C. Bontecon, the present
editor and proprietor. The  lc/r:,,   is now a seven-column quarto,
and has dropped tile word " City " from its head line.  It is a Republican newspaper, and is conducted with marked ability and
enterprise.
Capt. J. C. Bontecon was born at Bristol, Rhode Island, in the
year 1838.  In April, 1861, he enlisted as private in Company G,
Second Kentucky Infantry. Was promoted to second lieutenant,
then first lieutenant, and in the fall of 1862 was commissioned
captain of the Second Ohio Regiment.  About that time he was
captured and remained prisoner about eight months. In the fall of
1863 he resigned, but soon afterward re-enlisted in the Tenth Ohio
Independent Battery, and remained in the service until August, 1865.


In 1870 he came to Michigan and from 1877 to 1883 was actively
engaged irn temperance work, first in Iowa and Illinois, and after-.ward in Michigan, as chairman of the State Red Ribbon Committee, and agent of the State Temperance Alliance. In April, 1883,
he became editor and proprietor of the Petoskey RIecordl, as already
stated.


-9




0
I
I


l,2


Hill.
Centennial dance on the green.
PETOSKEY NEWSPAPERS.
April 30, 1875, the first number of the Emmet County ])em,crat was issued by Rozelle Rose, the pioneer editor and publisher
in the county.   Some of the difficulties attending the work of
publishing a newspaper at that time were mentioned by Mr. Rose
in his columns at the expiration of the first six months, as follows:
" Few know the difficulties we were obliged to undergo in order to
get established two months prior to July. When we first came to
Petoskey with our outfit, we were unable to procure a room suitable for our business, but through the courtesy of Mr. A. U. Dickerson, who kindly allowed us to go into his store, which was neither
lathed nor plastered and without a front; in order to fix that we
boarded it as far as we could without making it too dark, and went
at work with a determination to succeed. When our fingers got so




)


"7=


I
-   --   _ --  __                               ___                                                                                          I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


-
r


i


-_




0
k


ME


qF7


6
1


I:1 -


I-                                                                                              -A~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




=


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


161


THE FIRST BANK.
The first bank in Emmet County was established at Petoskey
in the spring of 1878 by P. B. Wachtel, now of the banking firm of
Curtis, Wachtel & Co. From his father and others who had come to
Petoskey,Mr.Wachtel, then at St. Mary's,Penn., learned something of
the village, and having a taste for banking, decided to embark in that
enterprise at this point. Accordingly, in May, 1878, he arrived in
Petoskey and established business in the frame building on Mitchell
Street, now used as a store, next to the Ad Fochtman Block. The
building was only partially finished, and lie put it in order for a
comfortable banking office. His capital was small, but a bank
was needed in the place, and people soon found Mr. Wachtel to
be a man of sound business judgment and strict integrity, and
those qualifications were capital quite as important to success as
actual currency. His deposits at the end of the first year amounted
to about $17,000.
We give in this connection a brief biographical sketch of Mr.
Wachtel.
PHILIP B. WACHTEL was born at Centreville, Elk County, Penn.,
in 1851.  His education was principally obtained in the public
schools, graduating from Clearfield, Penn., after which he took a
commercial course at Iron City College at Pittsburgh.  He started
for himself as a telegraph operator, and at the age of twenty
ye:;rs was private secretary to J. D. Ellison, superintendent of
Little Miami Division of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, & St. Louis
R. R. at Cincinnati, Ohio. Before he was twenty-one years of age
lie entered into partnership with his father in the hotel business at
St. Mary's, Penn.  He continued there until 1878, when they sold
their property and came to Petoskey, as already stated.  He was
one of the first trustees of the village, and was twice elected vicepresident of the board. In the fall of 1880 he was the Democratic
nominee for representative in the state legislature, and although he
received an unusuall/ large vote, was unable to overcome the Republican majority, and was defeated. He has a wife and two children, a son and daughter. During 1883 lie built his present residence, which is delightfully situated on the bay shore, overlooking
the waters of Little Traverse Bay.
During the first two years Mr. Wachtel's father was interested
with him in the banking business.  At the end of that time his
interest was purchased by Thomas Quinlan. Prior to this change
Mr. Wachtel had erected the building at the corner of Howard and
Mitchell Streets, still occupied in part by the bank. In September,
1882, Mr. Quinlan sold his interest to Messrs. W. L. Curtis, of
Kalamazoo, and J. R. Wylie, of Allegan County, and the firm was
changed to Curtis, Wachtel & Co. This firm now carry on a general banking business.
THE VILLAGE IN 1879.
An idea of the village in June, 1879, may be obtained from
a sketch made at that time as follows:
The population of the village, according to an unofficial canvass recently taken, which perhaps is rather below the real figures,
places the inhabitants within the corporation at 1,152, 626 of whom
are east of the railroad track, which cuts the town in twain, while
most of the balance are between the railroad track and Bear River
on the west, which empties itself into the bay at this point, furnishing one of the most mnagnificent water powers in this section of
the state, which has been utilized at several points by the erection


of mills and other manufacturing establishments, leaving a large
surplus yet to be operated. A larger number of substantial buildings are being biult this season than at any other previous time in
the history of Petoskey, among which are several business buildings, an extension to the depot, etc., with many others in contemplation, which will be built and ready for occupancy before another


winter. Since the establishment of the Methodist resort at Bay
View, and the summer influx of visitors at this point, the facilities
for accommodating the traveling public have been yearly increasing
until we now have hotel and boarding-house accommodations
superior perhaps to that of any town of the same size in the state.
THE HOTELS,
commencing at the east side of the town, are the Ozark, O. D.
Tracy, proprietor; the Lake View House, John McNeill; the Occidental, C. B. Persons; the Cushman House, D. J. Cushman; the
Clifton, J. A. C. Rowan; the American, Peter Bremmeyr; the
Wenks House, John Henderson; and the Farmers' Home, C. Zoll.
There are several private boarding-houses that accommodate
one or more families during the summer months, but the houses
that are fitted up with special reference to the business, and make
a specialty of it, consist of four, whose proprietors are George
Clark, Division Street; J. P. Benedict, Mitchell Street; E. J. Gifford, Lake Street; and Mrs. Mary Randall, corner Lake and Petoskey Streets.
The mercantile establishments are B. F. Brown, groceries,
provisions, feed, etc.; H. G. Wait, groceries, provisions, boots and
shoes, hardware, and dealer in cord wood and tanbark; Robert Snyder, confectionery, canned goods, vegetables and fruits; H. W.
Booth, drugs, medicines, and liquors; J. F. Wachtel, jewelry store;
E. J. Kearney, dry goods, fancy goods, groceries and notions; A. N.
McCarty, liquors, cigars, etc.; C. B. Henika, furniture store; Ad
Fochtman, groceries, dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, leather
and findings; Fox, Rose & Buttars, general merchandise, including
all lines; John Shier, liquors, cigars, etc.; J. H. Milor, crockery,
glassware, boots and shoes, and notions; Petoskey Brotliels, groceries, dry goods, etc.; Van Duyne & Whitney, groceries, canned,
goods, clothing, hats and caps, fishing tack'e; C. Carmichael, dry
goods, groceries, boots and shoes, clothing, gents' furnishing goods,
fishing tackle, Indian curiosities, etc.; E. J. Gifford, bakery, confectionery and fruits; Mrs. A. Little, blank books and stationery;
Hiram Parker, groceries, etc.; S. Goldman, dry goods, clothing and
notions; Watson Brothers, tin shop and hardware store; Fred Guenther, cigar store and factory; Mrs. S. P. Bunnell, dry goods; Bunnell & Foles, groceries, provisions and feed, also dealers in cord
wood and tanbark; George W. Bump, groceries, provisions, crockery, etc.; Harwood & Clark, drugs, medicines, paints, oils and
liquors; J. S. Koffman, jewelry store; Baziel Petoskey, dry goods
and groceries. In addition to these, H. Colby is erecting a building
on Mitchell Street, which he will occupy as a hardware store.
Of lawyers and doctors, the supply is fully equal to the demand. The attorneys are John G. Hill, Pailthorp & Newberry,
Clay E. Call, and M. L. Hopkins. The physicians, J. J. Hood,
H. T. Calkins, and T. Slenou, the latter of whom has recently located here. The dentists are F. Crabbs, and D. A. Burnett.
Barbers, J. Scrafield and Jerry Bell. Real estate agents, A. S.
Lee, B. F. Ingalls and George Richmond, besides several who deal
in real estate, but do not make the business a,pecialty. Abstract
office, Pailthorp, Newberry & Buckley. Banking house, P. B.
Wachtel & Co. Photograph artist, R. N. Jones, who has. lately
purchased a building on Railroad Avenue, and is fitting up a gallery. Merchant tailors, W. J. Orser and Robert Jones. Milliners,
Mrs. M. R. Taylor, Miss Ella Cross. Mrs. S. Mosher; dressmakers,
Miss Ella Cross, Miss S. Van Ness, Mrs. C. Bemiss, Mrs. P. Brambley.


The newspaper and job printing offices are the )Detocrat, R.
Rose; and the lRecord, Mosher & Gibson. The news depots, J. H.
Milor, Lake Street, and W. W. Horton, Occidental Hotel, supply
the literary public with outside newspapers, magazines, and periodicals.


JD


- V


F - -


W.,W. -


I


s9


VK




f 


- l


- — _                                                                     \ ^.
vco


162


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


The meat markets are Max Spangenberg, Shaw & Owen, and
B. T. Friend & Co.
The principal resident builders are W. F. Barnes, E. B. Husted and H. M. Case; the painters, King & Lampson and Richardson & Tillotson.
Two good lumber yards are in operation, which supply either
by manufacture or importation most of the lumber used here and
in the vicinity. One of these yards is operated by W. R. Kilborn,
the other by W. L. McManus & Co.
A livery stable on Lake Street is undler the management of
George Kent.
Fish are purchased, packed and shipped extensively from the
extensive fish house of McCormick & Connable, near H. 0. Rose's
dock.
The manufacturing establishments not otherwise enumerated
are the saw-mills of Merrill & Co., and McManus & Kilborn, the
planing-mill of W. L. McManus & Co., the grist-mills of Jackson,
Ingalls and J. A. Gardner, the latter in process of erection, the
handle factory of Forbes & 'Baker, the blacksmith shops of Nels
Carson, David Hastings, Reuben Fix, and James Hall, tho slio?


INCORPORATED UNDER A VILLAGE CHARTER.
So rapid was the growth of the village that in the fall of 1878,
the question of incorporating the village began to be agitated.
November 80, 1878, a public meeting was held at McCarty's Hall
for the purpose of taking action in the direction of obtaining a
charter. A committee consisting of John G. Hill, H. 0. Rose, A.
5. Lee, W. M. Everett and George S. Richmond, was appointed to
draft a map of the territory to be incorporated and take such other
steps as were necessary. The boundaries of the territory were described as follows: Commencing at the west eighth line of Section
6, on the shore of Little Traverse Bay, thence south 111 rods to
quarter line, thence east 40 rods, thence south 80 rods, thence east
80 rods, thence south 80 rods to section line between Sections 6 and
7, thence east 380 rods, thence north 1 mile to 'town line, thence
west 80 rods, thence north on the quarter line of Section 32, Town
35 north, Range 5 west to a point on Little Traverse Bay, thence
westerly along the shore to place of beginning, including nearly two
sections of land.
Hon C. J. Pailthorp, representative in the legislature from thlis?istrict, ha4l charge of to mrnttcr, and in February, 1879, secured


I


I




-


I


PETOSKEY..0 -

shops of E. Kinney, M. H. Dunlham, and G. O. Kemp, the harness
and shoe shop of B. Rogers, the boat shop of W. J. Cook, the
lime kilns of H. O. Rose & Co., the cabinet shop of Andrew Lindell,
the wagon shop of John G. Kopf, and the brickyard of William
Allbrigllt.
The bulk of the express and draying business is performed by
Latham & Son, who employ five horses and three drays.
There are two church buildings, the Methodist, Rev. W. L.
Tilden, pastor, and the Presbyterian, Rev. W. S. Potter, pastor,
and.a Catholic Church in contemplation, for which the site has
been secured, and a portion of the material placed on the ground.
The societies are Petoskey Lodge, No. 282, I. O. O. F., 13. F.
Ingtalls, N. G.; C. B. Henika, secretary; and Durand Lodge, No.
344, F. & A. M., J. Buckley, W. M., and A. S. Lee, secretary.
The former have a new hall nearly completed, on Mitchell Street;
the latter occupy rooms above Fox, Rose & Buttars' store.
The municipal government is organized as follows:.President, H. O. Rose; trustees, P. B. Wachtel, C. B Henika, A. Bunnell, L C. Watson, D. J. Cushman, and A. N. McCarty. Clerk, M.
F. Quaintance; treasurer, Thomas Quinlan; street commissioner,
P. Bremmeyr; assessor, A. S. Lee; marshal, B. F. Ingalls; village
attorney, J. G. Hill; health officer, H. T. Calkins; constable, C. L.
Johnston.


the passage of a bill granting the charter to the village, and which
is as follows:
SECTION 1. 7'h/e pwople, qf' the state, otf Mlichi/an, enact, That the
following lands and territory in the townships of Bear Creek and
Little Traverse, County of Emmet, and described as follows, to-wit:
commencing at the northwest corner of lot No. 3, Section 6, Town
34 north of Range 5 west, running thence south 111 rods to the
southwest corner of said lot No. 3, thence east on the quarter line
running east and west through said Section 6 forty rods, thence
south 80 rods, thence east 30 rods, thence south 80 rods to the section line, thence east on the section line between Sections 6 and 7
and 5 and 8, 360 rods to the southeast corner of the southwest 1 of
the southeast ~ of Section 5 in said town and range aforesaid,
thence north on the east eighth line of said Section 5 to the nortlheast corner of te nortest    of the northeast  of said Section 5,
thence west on the section line to northwest corner of northwest
quarter of northeast quarter said Section 5, thence north on the
quarter line of Section 32, Town 35 north, of Range 5 west, to the
shore of Little Traverse Bay, thence southwesterly and along the
low water mark of said bay to the place of beginning, be, and the
same is hereby constituted a village corporate, by the name of the
village of Petoskey.
SECTION 2. The first election for officers of said village shall


1


i


-  -  -   -   -  -


— An 7 


I


kr
— 4


% a- 




lo — — b —   -------------


1


j




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


163


I


be held on the fourth Tuesday in April, 1879, at the Clifton House,
of said village, notice of which shall be posted in three public
places in said village by the board of registration hereinafter appointed, at least ten days previous thereto.
SECTION 3.   George Richmond and George Wetmore are
hereby constituted a board of registration, for the purpose of registering votes for the first election to be held in said village, and said
board of registration are hereby requested to meet on the Saturday
preceding the fourth Tuesday in April, 1879, aforesaid, and register
all persons presenting themselves for registration, having the qualifications of voters at annual township meetings, and shall meet at
the Clifton House for the purpose of registering said voters as aforesaid, due notice of which shall be given by said board in the same
manner and time as provided in the preceding section.
SECTION 4.   Tlie bridge or bridges now built, or that may
hereafter be built across Bear River within the territory described
in Section 1 of this act, shall be built, maintained and continued
as heretofore by the Township of Bear Creek at large, in the same
marmier as though said village were not incorporated.
SECTION 5. Thle said village of Petoskey shall in all thiings,
not herein otherwise provided, be governed by, and its powers and
duties defined by  "An act granting and defining the powers
and duties of incorporated villages," approved April 1, 1875.
SECTION 6. In case the said officers are not elected at the
timte designated in section two of this act, an election for officers
may be had at any time within one year fromn the time designated
in said section two of this act on notice being given as provided by
section two of this act.
Ill the first moments of becoming a corporated body, the
citizens of the community rarely fail to be filled with a patriotic
desire to promote the general] welfare, regardless of political majorities, and the voters of Petosl]ey were not an exception. It was
agreed that a citizens' ticket should be nominated, and a public
meeting was he'd for that purpose. A committee was appointed
and a ticket made, but it failed to meet the views of all the voters
and by thle time of the election, three tickets were in the field. The
election was held the fourth Tuesday in April as provided in the
charter, and 200 votes were polled. The report of the election
given at the time is as follows:
Three tickets were in the field, none of wlichl were partisan
tickets. One ticket was nominated at the citizens' meeting, Saturday, by a conference committee, consisting of three from each
party. These nominations were afterward endorsed by the meeting. Thle nominations failed to give entire satisfaction, and an informal meeting was held Monday fternoon, which was also nonpartisan, at whiclh some modifications were made in the original
ticket. The third ticket was the original ticket, with the exception
of a change in two of the trustees. Ticket No. 2 was the winning
ticket, as will be seen by the vote. Politically classified, the Democrats lhave the president and two of the trustees, three of the trustees are Republicans, and one a national, with a Republican clerk,
Democratic treasurer, assessor and street commissioner, and a Republican constable. Below we give the vote, less the scattering and
defective, of which there were several:
President-1H. O. Rose, 195.
Trustees (two years)-L. C. Watson, 197; A. Bunnell, 187; P.
B. Wachtel, 140; H. H. Dunning, 53.
Trustees (one year)-C. B. Henika, 140; A. N. Mc(arty, 138;


D. J. Cusliman, 140; J. S. Coffman, 60; Charles Carmichael, 52;
C. J. Pailthorp, 46.
Treasurer —Thomas Quinlan, 184; G. W. Bump, 59.
Clerk —M. F. Quaintance, 135; G. M. Harwood, 62.
Assessor-Abner S. Lee, 188.


Street Commissioner-Isaac L. Austin, 199.
Constable-Joseph A. C. Rowan, 198.
The village officers since 1879 have been as follows:
1880: President, H. 0. Rose; clerk, Henry Gibson; treasurer,
Thomas Quinlan; assessor, M. J. Whitney; street commissioner,
I. L. Austin; constable, L. Herrick; trustees, A. N. McCarty, D.
J. Cushman, W. M. Everett, L. C. Watson, P. B. Wachtel.
1881: President, Isaac D. Toll; clerk, Clay E. Call; treasurer,
G. W. Bump, assessor, 0. N. Finlay; street commissioner, E. W.
Eldredge; constable, L. Herrick; trustees, A. N. McCarty, D. J.
Cushman, C. F. Hankey, W. M. Beckham, H. C. Piester.
1882: President, I. D. Toll; clerk, Clay E. Call; treasurer, G.
W. Bump, street commissioner, Elmer' Gage; assessor, Hiram
Parker; marshal, J. E. Graham; constable, 0. B. Finlay; village
trustees, C. F. Hankey, tH. S. Lay, O. M. Goold, William   M.
Beckham, S. A. Ammlack.
1883: —President, C. J. Pailthorp; clerk, Dougal McKenzie;
treasurer, John H. Milor; assessor, Rozelle Rose; trustees, Samuel
A. Ammack, James Buckley, O. M. Goold, Thomas Kirkland, H.
S. Lay, W. L. McManus.
1884:-President, William L. Curtis; clerk, Dougal McKenzie; treasurer, Orrin B. Finlay; assessor, C. B. Henika; trustees,
Thomas Kirkland, W. L.     McManus, James B]uchkly, George W.
Bump, Byron W. Stark, R. H. Htungezford; street commissioner,
Lambert Trask; constable, D). R. Tripp.
The water works were built in the summer of 1881, at a cost
of $20,000. Bear River furnishes the miotive power. A "Knowles"
pump, manufactured by the Knowles steam pumpl) works, is the
one in use, and is capable of forcing 20,000 gallons aLn hour. Tlhe
pump house, in a grove west of the river, is a neat structure. Tlhe
well has a capacity of 40,000 gallons per hour.  The water is filterel through 100 feet of sand and gravel, thus rendering it pure
as a crystal.  The reservoir holds 1,400 barrels, is situated a lalf
mile from the pump, and has an elevation of 216 feet.
The hydraulic power is in excess of that used for the works,
and as it is owned by the village, will be a source of revenue. These
works are believed to have no parallel anywhere, in affording the
purest water at lea;st cost, and will, in time, become a paying investment.  They were constructed under the immediate supervision of the council, in the summer and autumnn of 1881, from planls
furnished by A. C. Tekell, C. E., and John L. Shaw, of Grand
Rapids. The council consisted of Col. Isaac D. Toll, president,and
Messrs. Beckham, Lay, Piester, McCarty, Cushman, and Hankey.
Wm. L. CURTIS, president of tlhe village in 1884, is a member
of the banking firin of Curtis, Wachtel & Co., and one of the most
successful business meni in northern Michigan. He is a native of
Kalamazoo County, and was engaged in farming and other business in that county until 1882, when he removed to Petoskey to
engage in the banking business.   He is also a member of the
banking firm of Wylie, Curtis & Co., at Kalkaska. He was elected
president of the village at the spiing election of 1884, without opposition.
SECRET ORDERS.
PETOSKEY LODGE, No. 282, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Petoskey, June 8, 1876, by D. D. G. M. Peter C. McKay, of Kalkaska, assisted by members of Kalkaska lodge. The first officers
were as follows; D. R. Sherman, N. G.; P. N. Ferguson, V. G.;
Frank W. Webster, secretary; George Cushman, treasurer.   The


lodge started out with a membership of twenty-three. In 1879
the lodge built a hall in which its meetiriz r:-: still held. Officers
in 1884:  P. G., L. Plamondon; N. G., J. G. Braun; V. G., S.
Rosenthal; R. S., C. B. Henika; treasurer, William Kepke.
DURAND LODGE, No. 344, F. & A. M., was organized Wednes

l 


__


I            --                  7                                            -     -         -                                                                                                                                                                                                                  -     -    -   -                        -                                  b >,-S


1 M 1


I  e  - l




i:


I
1 V
s


-


I


i [11 m i, iiii i ii ii ii iii ii......:/:


I_____ ____ _ _ ____ _ _ _ _ ___ _ _ _ I I _ _


164


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


_ _   _I _C_I__ _I ___ __


- -


-




day evening, Sept. 26, 1876, with twenty-four charter members.
The first officers were as follows:  A. L. Hathaway, W. M.;
C. J. Pailthorp, S. W.; James Buckley, J. W.;H. O. Rose, Treas.;
A. S. Lee, Sec.; R. Rose, S. D.; J. A. C. Rowan, J. D.; J. Holland, tyler. A hall was fitted up over the store of Fox, Rose &
Buttars where meetings were held.  Feb. 27, 1877, the officers
were duly installed and the loige instituted by D. G., M. McVean,
of Kalkaska. assisted by Rev. J. R. Savage, P. P. McKay, A. C.
Beebe and C. S. Edwards, of the same place. An address was delivered by Rev. J. R. Savage upon the subject of Masonry. The
lodge has a membership in 1884 of about sixty-five. Present officers:  W. M., Jamnes Buckley; S. W., Liberty Iingalls; J. W.,
Levi Cole; Sec., Clay E. Call; Treas, A. McCatrty; S. D., A. C.
Bowman;. J. D., F. G. Ross; tyler, Daniel Tripp.
EMMET CHAPTER, NO. 104, R. A. M., was instituted Feb. 25,
1880.   Officers:  H. P., O. T. Blood; king, Jamnes Buckley;
scribe, C. J. Pailthorp.  There are in 1884, about fifty members.
Officers in 1884: HI. P., O. T. Blood; king, Willard Smith; scribe,
B. W. Stark.
PETOSKEY COUNCIL, No. 52, R. (& S. M., was instituted Sept. 13,
1881. Officers: T. I. M., L. W. Cole; D. I. M., J. A. C. Rowan;
P. C. of W., John H. Milor.      The officers in 1881 are the
same except P. C. of W. is W. F. Lawton. There are thirty-five
members.
IVANHOE COMMANDERY was granted a dispensation in May, 1883,
with the followilnlg officers:  E. C., A. L. Hiathaway, C, C. J.
Pailthorp; C. G., James Buckley. There are thirty seven members.
A. 0. U. W., No. 106, was organized Aug. 12, 1881, by Special D)eputy Grand Master Workman, H. W. Dunton, with about
twenty rmemibers. The officers elected were as follows: P. Mi. W.
Levi Wilcox; M. W., W. R. Kilborn; foreman, El]ner G-age; Overseer, A. A. D. McKessov; recorder, E. C. Barnum; financier,
Levi Herrick; receiver, Clark L. Tousley; guide, J. E. Walrond;
inside watceman, Frank Wegemrner; outside watchmani, Alex Ca mpbell; trustees, Theodore Stafford, A. H. Tyler, and S. A. Pratt.
There are in 1884 about fifty-thlree members.   Officers:  P.
M. W., L. Plamondon; M. W., C. L. Tousley; foremana Orrin
Finlay; overseer, I. L. Stafford; recorder, R. C. Dart; finadcier,
E. Gage; receiver, F. Ruddiman.
PETOSKEY POST, No. 170, G. A. R., was mustered in Aug. 11,
1883, by Dr. Rush J. Shank, medical director of the department
of MAichiigan, assistel by Capt. W. I. Miller, of I{-irbor Springs,
Capt, Thomas Ellis, officers of the guard, and Adjt. George W.
Stone, of the Lansilig Post. There were present for muster fiftly- 
eiglht mien and tlhe following officers were duly elected and installed, |
viz:  Commander, J. A. C. Rowan; Sen. Vice-Com., A. W. 
Aldrich: Junior Vice-Corln., C. B. Henika; adjutant, J. C. Bontecon; quarterimaster, JTames Buckley; surgeon, Dr. T. Sleinon;
officer of the day, George Richardson; officer of the Guard, H.
M. Wilcox; sergeanit-major, T. M. McCabe; Q. M. sergeant, George
Bumnp. An interesting feature of the occasion wats an original
poem by Col. Isaac D. Toll, of Petoskey.
VETERAN OF THE MEXICAN WAR.
ISAAC DE GRAFF ToLL was born Dec. 1, 1818, in Glenville,
three miles from   Schenectady, N. Y. His parents Philip R. and
Nancy D. Toll, were of the first families of the old Knickerbockers
of the Mohawk Valley, and his birthplace was on the family lhome

stead of two centuries. With his parents lie removed to Ovid, in
the same state, in 1825, where he received an academic education,
and was admitted to the sophomore class of Union College, but was
immediately withdrawn from the college to accompany his father,
who in 18384 removed to St. Joseph County, Mich., and located in
Centreville, where he engaged in mercantile and manufacturing


I
I
I
II
II
II
i
I
I




I


business. Isaac assisted his father, and at the age of twenty-one
years was elected town assessor, and subsequently supervisor. In
1816 he was elected to represent St. Joseph County in tlhe lower
house of the state legislature. His record as a member of that
body was unusually brilliant. He was placed upon important committees. As chairman of the committee on militia, he framzed what
was said by the Detroit press to b- the best bill. for the organize;tion
of the state militia that Michigan ever had. This bill subsequently
became a law. In 1817 he w.is elected to the state senate, where
he still further distingaishei himself as an able and influential
legislator. At the close of the session lhe accepted a capt(,incy in
the Fifteenth United States Infantry in the war withl Mexico, and
returned home. He assistel in raising a companyand welt tlhrough
the cltmpxign with General Szott from Vera Crlz to the city of
Mexico, distinguishing himself at Riconada Pass, Contreras, Churubusco and Molino del Rey, and with his regimnent garrisoned at
Chepulltepec. In 1849, as a candidate for the constitutional conven
tion of the state, he received every vote in his own t.ownship but
three. In 1854 he received the appointment of examiner of patents
at Washington, and held that position until 1861. In April of th:At
year there was general alarm in Waslhington oln account, of thile attitude of the disloyal element. At a meeting lield in the pittentoffice building of which Mr. Toll was chairman, it was decided to
enroll those of the interior department who milght volut:aieer for tlle
purpose of defense. Mr. Toll was elected cecmmmndm,,Lut of vollunteers, and also an honorary muember of tlhe National lRifles of Walshington. In the summner of 1861 hle wts succleeded in tli;e ptatent
office by one of the dominant political party, alfltiom:t is pronounced patriotism and the ability withl which hle li}ad d ile
the duties of his office caused a strong pressutre for his l'r(letetiIon.
Since thlen hle has been minilly in the walks of private life, altlhoulgh
frequently called upon to represent local interests. Jalll. t}, 18: t1,
he was married to Julia V., daughter of Hon. Chdarles M1orti, of
Detroit, a well-known andl distinguished citizen of the st:ate. Three
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Toll —Anna J., who diedl ill:infanlcy; Charles Philip and Julia Josephine. Mrs. Toil ciaed at  Ia v
River April 14, 1865, in the thirty-sixth year of her:gr:.
In the spring of 1880 he removed to Petoskey: b;iving, found
the climate here beneficial to his health. HeIt buil iti: cotfortable
residence upon a high terrace, from vwhichl point a beantifuil view
of the village anld bay is obtained. Col. Toll is an excellent speci
men of the old-sclhool gentlemrai, courtly and genial il mlIanners, of
scholarly tastes and habits. He lhas been twice elected president of
the village, and it was during his administration tlat water works
were introduced. Althoutgh his political affiliations (tre with the
Democratic party, lie is very popular witch botli parties, and has
been the one selected to deliver addresses upon the mosft important
occasions. I-e is a matl of broad and patriotic views, and Lone,who
is respected and honored.
SCHOOLS.
The schools of Petoskey lbelong to School District No. 1 of the
town of Bear Creek.    The first school taught by Mrs. Allie and the
building of the IHoward Street building have already been mientioned.
When the latter building was opened the schools weie divided into
primary and grammar departments.      In 1881 the question of building another school building was considered by the board, and at a
meeting held July 25, 1881, the board voted to submit to a vote of


the electors of the district the question of issuing bonds to the
amount of $2,500 for the purpose of purchasing a site and erecting a school building thereon. The voting took place and twentyone ballots were cast, of which seventeen were in favor of bonding
the district and four were against it. Lots 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Block
5 of Shaw & McMillan's third addition to the village of Petoskey


__ _ __ _ __ __ __I_/_II___C


I
i
i
i
I


i


— 46
I


k
C
^


__


I




40


- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I  - -, ~ _ _   ___    _       __                  __   1 1
_ '"-  - I II_  I  I~ -_ I..... I  II..... I   II ~........


I


1-0 -

L&


%C a.




MV.


II.
a -


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


165


g


were designated as the school-house site, and steps toward the
erection of the new building were immediately taken. It was completed and the work of grading tho yard, putting in pipes, etc.,
accomplished the following year.
In November, 1879, it was voted to attach Sections 32, 33, west
half of 34, west half of 27, south half of 22 and 28, Town 35 north,
of Range 5, to the district.
In 1881 the schools were regularly graded under the laws of
the state. The first principal under the graded system was Thomas
H. Clayton, who was succeeded in the summer of 1882 by John T.
Ewing, the present principal. There are now nine teachers, and
in 1883 additional room had to be secured to accommodate the increasing number of pupils. According to the school census of 1883
there were 754 persons of school age in the district. The trustees in
1884 are as follows: W. L. Curtis, C. J. Pailthorp, C. B. Henika,
Thomas Quinlan, H. T. Calkins. Officers of the board: Director,
W. L. Curtis; moderator, H. T. Calkins; assessor, Thomas Quinlan.
THE CUSHMAN HOUSE.
In the summer of 1874 Mr. D. J. Cushman, who had been in
the hotel business at Otsego, came to Petoskey and built the original part of the Cashman House. Ther3 were not even the outlines
of a village here at that time, the entire settlement consisting of
not more than a dozen houses. The opening of this country by
the railroad led Mr. Cushman to believe that this point was destined
to become of importance, and subsequent events have confirmed the
correctness of his prophecy. Mr. Cishlman is a native of Canada,
and came to Michigan in 1856. Since locating in Petoskey he has
taken an active interest in the growth and prosperity of the village.
He has held the office of village trustee, and is a member of the
Masonic fraternity. The hotel has grown in dimensions as increasing business demanded, and is now a large and well appointed hotel.
It is conveniently and pleasantly situated, being near the depot and
overlooks the village.  The proprietors in 1884 are Cushman &
Judson.
THE CLIFTON HOUSE.
This is one of the leading hotels of Petoskey. The owner and
proprietor, J. A. C. Rowan, is one of the pioneers of the village.
He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., and in April, 1875, removed to Petoskey from Kendall County, Ill. He was a mechanic,
and during the first three years worked at building and whatever
offered itself. At the time lie located here there were only about
100 white citizens in the county, and the village consisted of about
a dozen houses. Mrs. Rowan taught the first writing school, and
was the first music teacher in the place. In 1880 lie rented a building built by Mr. Garvin, and engaged in the hotel business. Subsequently he purchased the property and rebuilt the house, making
a three-story building, surmounted with a mansard roof, and furnishing it as its large patronage required. Mr. Rowan is one of
the men who served his country during the war. He enlisted in
1862 in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Illinois
Regiment, and was in service until the close of the war. His rank
was that of sergeant. He has a wife, three daughters and one son.
TIIE ARLINGTON."
This is one of the finest resort hotels to be found in northern
Michigan. It was completed and opened in July, 1882, and is
owned by the firm known as H. O. Rose & Co. It is situated near
the shore of the bay, a short distance from the depot, and com

mands a fine view of the bay. From the upper stories of the building tfe range of vision takes in the shores of the bay with the
great variety and grandeur of their scenery, and in the distance the
expanse of Lake Michigan. The building is four stories in height,
contains 115 rooms for guests, and cost $60,000.


THE CABLE FLOURING-MILLS.
In 1879 Mr. Joseph Gardner purchased a tract of fourteen
acres of land lying on Bear Creek, and erected a flouring-mill upon
the high bank of the stream. A dam was built across the stream,
and the power transmitted to the mill by means of a cable; hence
the name " Cable Mills."  Mr. Gardner operated the mill a short
time and then sold it to C. F. Hankey. The mill originally had
two run of burr stone. Soon after purchasing the property Hankey
Bros. changed the mill to the new process of stone grinding at an
expense of $4,000. In 1883 the roller process was added and the
building enlarged at a cost of $5,400. This was the first roller
mill of as small capacity as seventy barrels a day in the state. In
Jannary, 1881, Mr. J. J. Hankey purchased an interest in the
property, and the firm became Hankey Bros., who still own the
property.
BLOOD BROS.
This firm is composed of Maurice E. and Clarence C., sons of
O. T. Blood. The latter is a native of Middlesex County,'Mass.,
and for fourteen years was dealing in agricultural implements in
Kalamazoo County. He has a wife and three sons and two
daughters. One daughter is wife of Dr. H. T. Calkins, a prominent physician of Petoskey. The three sons are the two above
named and Charles W., also connected with the works. Maurice is
an inventor and resides at Sycamore, Ill. He has recently invented
a self-binding harvester upon which lie has secured patents in this
country and in Europe. In 1878 they came to Petoskey and purchased the site of their works, which had formerly been occupied
with a machine shop. They made the necessary additions and
alterations for operating a saw-mill and general turning works, and
began running in 1879, since which time they have done a successful business. Tley employ an average of twelve men, and arc
building up an important industry.
The steam  planing and turning works of E. B. Hilsted were
first started in 1879, and have since been considerably enlarged.
W. L. McManus first built a planing-mill at this point in
1876, and in 1883 erected a large building for another mill. IHe
carries on a saw-mill and planing-mill and does an extensive
lumber business.
There are also the Ingalls saw and grist-mill, and the wooden
ware factory of F. K. Winsor, built in 1883.
WATER POWER.
Within tie corporate limits of Petoskey is a fall of nearly 100
feet in Bear River, a stream of considerable size which, being the
outlet of Bear Lake, flows with steady volume throughout the year.
At present the enormous water power is utilized only by two salwmills, two grist-mills, a wooden bowl factory, handle factory,
machine shop, and the city water works. There is room with
power to spare, for a large number of manufacturing establishments.
For the manufacture of every variety of goods into which wood
enters largely, there is no better point in the west. The finest
hard woods in the world are accessible and abundant, and facilities
for transportation are good.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
CHARLES J. PAILTHORP, attorney at Petoskey, was born Dec. 25,
1848, at Mt. Morris, Genesee County, Mich.     He received a
common school education, and in 1873 entered the law department


of Michigan University, from which he graduated in the class of
1875. In the spring of that year lie removed to Petoskey and
commenced the practice of law. He was the second attorney to
locate in Emmet County, and at once took a leading position in
public iffairs. tie has held the office of prosecuting attorney for


l




-*        -I'l


~I


4


I..


166


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


the county, and also the office of United States Commissioner for
the Western District of Michigan. In the fall of 1878 he was
elected on the Democratic ticket, as representative in the legislature
from the district comprising the counties of Antrim, Charlevoix,
Emmet, Otsego and Manitou.     In the spring of 1883 he was
elected president of the village of Petoskey, and served one term.
Mr. Pailthorp is now the senior attorney of the county, and a
member of the law firm of Pailthorp & George.
JOHN G. HILL, prosecuting attorney for Emmet County, was
torn near Rochester, N. Y., Nov. i, 1836. He removed with his
paients from  Rochester to De Ruyter, Madison County, N. Y., and
from there to Bellisle, Onondaga Co., in said state. In 1848 they
removed to Michigan and settled in the town of Texas, Kalamazoo
County. His parents were farmers, and he spent his time until
twenty-one years of age, assisting upon the farm, attending school
in the district, and at Kalamazoo College, and teaching. He read
law four months with Judge J. A. Simonds, of Sycamore, Ill., and
afterward completed his legal studies with Hon. I. R. Sherwood, of
Kalamazoo, now one of the supreme judges. He was admitted to
the bar in the supreme court at Detroit, April 27, 1861. Since that
time he has been engaged in law practice and farming.    He
removed to Petoskey in the autumn of 1875.   lie was the first
village attorney, and held that office two terms, and was elected
prosecuting attorney for Emmet County in the fall of 1882. He
was a candidate for the legislature at the fall election in 1876, on
the Democratic ticket, and was defeated by a small majority. He
has a wife and two children.
JOHN GARDNER, M. D., Petoskey, was born in Ontario, Canada,
Feb. 10, 1842. He was brought up on a farm, and at an early age
studied surveying and civil engineering. IHe graduated in this
profession and followed it a short time until he received an injury
to his knee, which crippled him for life. After regaining his health
he studied medicine. In 1868 he graduated from the Rush Medical
College, Chicago, and in 1872, from St. Louis. He first located in
practice in California, where he remained about a year., wh.en he
received an appointment as surgeon in the Fiji Island service. He
remained in that service three years, after which lie located in
Huron County, Mich. He did a successful business there until the
great fire, when his drug store, library and all lie possessed was
destroyed. In December, 1881, lie removed to Petoskey, where he
has established an extensive practice. He lihas a wide reputation
as.a skilLul surgeon. He has a wife and three childreln.
C. F. HANKEY, one of the owners of the Cable Floutring Mills,
Petoskey, is a native of Germany, and emigrated to this country in
1848. In August 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Tenth Illinois
Infantry, and continued in the service until July, 18(53. He was
with Grant for it time, and commanded a company in Sherman's
famous march to the sea. He was for several years located at
Danville, Ill. where he did an extensive business as contractor and
builder. In the spring of 1880 lie removed to Petoskey and
purchased the Cable Mills, which are elsewhere mnentioned in this
work. He has a wife and five children. Mr. Hankey is a; very
successful business man.
JAMES BUCKLEY, hardware merchant, Petoskey, was born in the
city of Detroit, Dec. 19, 1840. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C,
Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and was in the service three years. In
October, 1874, he removed to Petoskey from Big Rapids, and for a
time was engaged at carpenter work. In 1878, in company with


Geo. A. Mosher, he founded the Petoskey Record. In July, 1881, he
purchased an interest in the first hardware store in the place, and
still continues in that business, the firm at present being Buckley &
Daggett. Mr. Buckley has borne a prominent part in the affairs of
the county, and has held the offices of register of deeds, town


clerk, village trustee, highway commissioner, supervisor, and
chairman of the board. He has a wife and one child.
H. T. CALKINS, M. D., Petoskey, is the pioneer physician of
the place. He was born at Germantown, N. Y., July 1, 1839. He
received his medical education at Louisville, Ky., where lie graduated
in 1869. He practiced two years as assistant surgeon in the regular
army, and afterward located at Grand Rapids, Mich. lie removed
from there to Sparta, and afterward to Fife Lake. In January,
1878, lie located at Petoskey. liHe has a wife and two children.
Dr. Calkins occupies a prominent position in his profession, and is
one of the leading citizens of the place. He is a member of the
school-board and has always been actively interested in educational
matters.
G. M. HARWOOD, druggist, Petoskey, is a native of Syracuse,
N. Y. In 18706 he removed to Petoskey from Genesee County,
Mich., and engaged in the drug business. His first store was in a
franme building 12x22 feet in size. He removed to his present
location in the fAll of 1880. He has been agent of the express
company two years. Has a wife and two children. Mr. Harwood,
although a young man, is one of the pioneer merchants of the place.
In 1879, in company with A. C. Clark, he erected the first brick
business block in the village. He has a handsome residence which
lie also built.
CLAY E. CALL, attorney, Petoskey, is a native of Allegany
County, N. Y. He studied law in Inghlam County, Mich., where
le was admitted to the bar in 1876. He practiced in that vicinity
until the fall of 1878, when he removed to Petoskey. lie has held
the offices of justice of the peace, prosecuting attorney, village clerk,
village attorney and United States court commissiolner. Mr. Call
is a Republican in politics, and is prominently identified with the
affairs of the county.
THiOM.AS KIRKLAND, of the village of Petoskey, was born in
Scotland and emigrated to this country in the year 1836. He was
for many years a resident and business main of KalamL;zoo County.
In 1879 lie removed to Petoskey, having become interested in real
estate in the village and vicinity. He holds the office of village
trustee in 1883-'81. His wife was the widow of the late Dr. Little,
one of the early pioneers of the place. Mr. Kirkland lias been a
successful man, and now devotes his time to his real estate interests.
L. W. ComLE., druggist, Petoskey, is one of the leading business
men of Emmniet County. He is a native of Oakland County, his
parents being prominent pioneers of that county. In September,
1880, Mr. Cole removed his stock of drugs from Greenville, Oakland County, to Petoskey, and now has one of thle largest mercantile establishments in the village, and is a leading citizen of the
county. lie has a wife and five children.
0. M. GOOLD, hardware merchant, Petoskey, is a native of
Orleans County, N. Y. In the spring of 1862 lie enlisted in the
Seventeenth New York Battery and served in the army until the
close of the war in 1865. In September, 1879, lie remioved to
Petoskey and since that time has been identified with tlhe merial:tile interests of the place. Since December, 1883, he lias been a
member of the firm of Belknap & Goold. 11e was trustee of the
village in 1883-'84. Ias a wife and three children.
G. W. BUMP, one of the pioneer merchants of Petoskey, was
born in the town of Dix, Schuyler County, N. Y. In 1862 lie enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment, New


York Infantry, and served in the war of the rebellion until tlhe
close of the war. In June, 1875, he removed to Petoskey from
Grand Rapids, Mich., and engaged in the grocery business in a
building upon the site of the one his store now occupies. He has
held the offices of town treasurer, village treasurer and county


-


--   --        -— ~~~~~~~~~~~~ — --








11431 W M)490113d 9133WIS 113HDJLIW
'OVSHOWSBOO0 'S31i91n9 SNO9VM'AN3NIH3VW '111W 1 9143110f "UNION3
'SIN3W~3ld ll ivaniinoiH9V19tl NI 'Wl31lf3G 1VVIN39'NHOGPI I 'H A'


AI 


__
rcd-UI:;.~i;
T""*4u


-,ql i,lIw.,,.1,;II


IU.:


s


ii


4, _____
A.


To,, M —'_


II ~_
il~. ~i~_ll
CI~'::~
f.~
~;


_`.........


ll;-i  e




AiTry.


I-<

- I


I..7.9
19


A




I






THE TRAVERSE REGION.


167




-


I


superintendent. The last named office he held seven years. He
has a wife and one child.
C. B. HENIKA, of the firm of Henika & Tousley, furniture
dealers, Petoskey, is one of the pioneer merchants of the place.
He is a native of Ontario County, N. Y., and is a man who has
made his own way in the world, He was located in Allegan
County for some time, where lie was engaged as builder and in other
enterprises. In 1875 he removed to Petoskey and opened the
first furniture store in the county.
WILLIAM L. MCMANUS, Petoskey, is a native of Canada, and in
1872 went to Traverse City, where he worked at lumbering for
Hannah, Lay & Co. In the spring of 1876 he located at Petoskey
and built a planing-mill on Bear Creek. For several years he
leased the Kilbourn saw-mill, which he afterward purchased. In
1883 he erected a large building for a planing-mill near the railroad. Mr. McManus cuts nearly three million feet of lumber a
year, and does a business of about $50,000 a year. He has a wife
and seven children. Was village trustee in 1883-'84. Mr. McManus is a successful business man, having risen by his own efforts,
beginning as a laborer and now doing a large and prosperous
business by which he has amassed a handsome property.
J. H. MILOR, dealer in boots and shoes, Petoskey, is the
pioneer boot and shoe merchant of the village. He is a native of
the state of Illinois. He served in the quartermaster's department
of the army about eighteen months. In the spring of 1879 he removed his stock of boots and shoes from Greenville to Petoskey,
and opened a store in tile building now occupied by Spencer &
Piester. In 1882 lie removed to his present commodious quarters.
His family consists of a wife and two children. He has held the
offices of village trustee and treasurer.
J. S. COFFMAN, jeweler, Petoskey, started the first jewelry store
in Emmet County. He is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa. In April,
1875, he removed his stock of goods to Petoskey from Ionia County,
After reaching here lie built a board building at the corner of Lake
and Petoskey Streets. The size of the building was 16x30 feet. In
this he started business in June following. He removed to his
present location in 1881. Mr. Coffman began in Petoskey with no
capital but has been very successful in his business, and now has
an extensive stock in Petoskey and is also half owner of a jewelry
and drug store at Mackinaw City. He has a wife and two children.
JOSEPH A. GARDNER, Petoskey, was born in Albany, N. Y., in
the year 1816. Jan. 18, 1837, lie married Elizabeth W. Smith in
Albany County. Tile following spring they removed to Michigan
and were among the early settlers in Oakland County. In February, 1879, they removed to Petoskey. Soon after coming here
Mr. Gardner purchased fourteen acres of land on the river and
built the Cable flouring-mill, one of the pioneer industries of the
village, which he afterward exchanged for other village property.
He also purchased land on the shore and in 1880 opened Gardner
Street extending from the dock to the Windsor mill. Mr. Gardner's
business has been building mills and selling mill machinery. He is
now retired from active business and attends to his real estate
interests. They have two daughters.
JOHN SHIER, liquor dealer, Petoskey, was born in Ireland and
emigrated to America in 1853. He first settled in Pennsylvania
and afterward went to Canada. In 1865 he came to Michigan, and
in April, 1875, removed to Petoskey from Big Rapids. That spring
he finished the building he now occupies, and engaged in the


liquor business, which he still continues. Mr. Shier is one of the
prosperous business men of the village.
P. E. PEISCH, one of the pioneers of Petoskey, was born in
Lancaster, Pa., and is of Russian descent. In 1875 he came to
Petoskey from Stanton, Montcalm County, and for a time was en







gaged in a bakery. He baked the first loaf of bread baked in a
bakery in Petoskey. Soon after coming here he took up 160 acres
of land in Section 22, Bear Lake Township, where lie subsequently
removed, being.one of the early settlers of that town. He devotes
hi.s attention chiefly to the culture of berries and fruits, in which he
has been very successful. Mr. Peisch served his country about
three years during the war. He enlisted in 1861 in Company K,
Thirtieth Indiana Regiment.
E. W. ELDRIDGE, one of the early settlers of Petoskey, is a
native of the state of New York. In 1844 he removed to Michigan
and located at Flint. In 1862 he was married at Flint to Grace A.
Gilbert, of Port Huron. In the spring of 1876 lie removed to
Petoskey, where lie still resides. He is a mason by trade and follows that occupation. He built his home on Michigan Street in
1880. They have four children, three daughters and one son.
A. N. MCCARTY, one of the early settlers of Petoskey, is a
native of Washtenaw County. He is one of the few men who participated in the war of the rebellion from its beginning to its close.
He first enlisted in 1861 for three months and soon after re-enlisted
in the Second Michigan Cavalry and served until thle close of the
war. His rank was that of second lieutenant. In the spring of
1875 he removed to Petoskey from Cadillac and engaged in the
liquor business, which lie still continues. He has held the office of
trustee of the village two terms. He has a wife and one daughter.
W. R. KILBORN, dealer in agricultural implements and mill
machinery, Petoskey, is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. In
the spring of 1878 he came to Petoskey from Illinois, and engaged
in the lumber trade.  He operated a steam  saw-mill until 1880,
when lie built a large office and warehouse and engaged in his
present business. Mr. Kilborn is one of the active business men
of the county, and is doing an extensive business.
DOUGAL MCKENZIE, clerk of the village of Petoskey and justice
of the peace, is a native of Beverly, Canada. In 1855 he removed
to Ingham County, Mich.    In September, 1861i, he enlisted in
Company B, First Michigan Cavalry. At the second battle of Bull
Run he received a wound by which lie lost his left arm.  In June,
1880, lie removed to Petoskey from Lansing. He holds the offices
of justice of the peace and clerk of the village. Hle has a wife
and four children.
R. H. HUNGERFORD, lumber dealer, Petoskey, is a native of
Concord, Jackson County, Mich., and for many years was engaged
at lumbering and farming in that county. In the fall of 1881 lie
removed to Petoskey and purchased a lumber yard which he carries
on. He also owns a farm in his native county. He has a wife
and four children. Mr. Hungerford has been and is an active and
successful business man.
E. B. HUSTED, proprietor of the steam planing-mill and turiining works at Petoskey, is a native of Castile, Wyoming County,
N. Y. In 1875 he located at Petoskey, having previously been a
resident of Grand Rapids. He engaged in business as contractor
and builder.  In 1879 he started a steam planing-mill in connection with his other business, and afterward added a turning works.
He has built up a large business and gives employment to an average of thirty men.   His family consists of a wife and one
daughter.
J. R. WYmLI, banker, at Petoskey, is a native of Martin, Allegan County, Mich. He carried on business at his native place for


a time, and afterward took up the study of law. In 1878 he graduated from the law department of Michigan University, and engaged in the practice of law at Grand Rapids, where he remained
until the fall of 1882, when he removed to Petoskey and became a
member of the banking firm of Curtis, Wachtel & Co. He is also
a member of the banking firm of Wylie, Curtis & Co., at Kalkaska.




I
I
I
i
I
i
Ii
I
I
i
i






6
1 a A


I
I.11


_., I s, O::," 


0-e0




l
I
I
I


kI


- b


168


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


F. J. SMITH, liveryman and mail contractor, Petoskey, is a
native of St. Clair County, Mich. At the age of twelve years he
was left an orphan, and obliged to take care of himself.  In 1864
he enlisted in Company H, Fourth Michigan Infantry, and was in
tile service until the close of the war. In 1873 he began the livery
business at Ortonville, Oakland County, his stock consisting of two
horses and an equal number of old buggies.  He prospered in his
business and in 1875 began the business of mail contracting. In
the summer of 1882 he removed to Petoskey and opened a livery
stable and operated mail routes. He now owns livery stables at
Petoskev, Boyne Falls, Boyne and Charlevoix, and is the largest
mail contractor in the state. He holds the office of deputy sheriff.
Has a wife and three children.
F. K. WINSOR, manufacturer, of Petoskey, Emmet County, is
a native of Rhode Island. He spent fifteen years in southern
Michigan engaged in manufacturing lumber and shingles. tie
came to Petoskey in April, 1883, and the following fall built a
factory for the making of wooden ware.  It started work the first
of the following January. It has a capacity of twenty dozen bowls
per day. This is to be increased and machinery put in for the
manufacture of other ware. Six men are employed.  The factory
is located oil Bear Creek, in the village of Petoskey. It has an excellent and unfailing water power. The wood used is mostly hard
maple, with some birch.
J. W. HOWARD, proprietor of the Bay View House, at tBay
View Resort, is a native of New York, born in 1839.  He wil:s
brought up to farming.   In August, 18B2, he enlisted in the
Fiftieth New York Mechanics and Engineers, serving with tlihe
Army of the Potomac.  Took part in the battles of the Wilderness. Built pontoons for Hancock's corps and for other corps of
tile army.  -le was mustered out at the close of the war, in JunIe,
1865.  Married in March, 1860, to Plicebe J. Bowes, of New Ycilk
State. Mr. Howard manages during the summer months tlie Bay
View House, which is beautifully located at the head of the bay,;t1ld commands a fine view of the bay and lake.  Since the erection of Winsor's wooden ware factory he has been its foreiman.
EDIWARD WILLIAMS, Bear Creek, Emmet County, Mici., ways
born in Liverpool, England, in May, 1848. Came to New York
Xwitll this parents in 1849, and to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1850, and in
1857 moved to Allegan County, Mich., and remained there till


1875. He then came to Petoskey and lived a few months while
building his house on his homestead on Section 14. He now has
120 acres of fine land. Has built a house, and has the best barn
in this part of the county. He did the first chopping and clearing in his part of the township. Has been higllway commissioner
three years and superintendent of schools one year.  Married in
1874 to Mary Ann Clemens, a native of Canada.  They have two
children, Bessie and Freddie, who was the first white boy born between the arms of Bear Lake.
GEORGE W. CHILDS, a well known hotel proprietor, is a native
of the state of New York. For fifteen years he was in the hotel
business at Stanton, Montcalm County, Mich., where he still owns
and rents a hotel building.  In the summer of 1883 Mr. Childs
rented the United States Hotel, at Boyne, Charlevoix County, and
removed to that place from Stanton.  He was also interested in
the banking business at Boyne. In the spring of 1884 lie disposed
of Iiis interests at that place and removed to Petoskey, where lie
now resides.
LEWIS B. KETCHAM was born in Hancock County, Ohio, in
1846. Married Miss Lucinda E. Morey, of Branch County, in
1868. Mr. Ketcham was engaged in farming for some time in
Michigan, and afterward in Iowa, and traveled extensively through
the west for his wife's health.  He was engaged in lumbering in
Eaton County, but losing his mill by fire he moved to Emmet
County in 1883, and built a mill in the township of Friendship,
called the Town Line Mill. He employs about ten men and handles
from ten to twenty-five thousand feet per day. Mr. Ketcham lias
one child living and two dead.
GEORGE O. RICHARDSON is a native of New York. l;llisted
Auig. 29, 1862, at Rc-hester, N. Y., in Company K, Tiirteentl
New York Volunteer Infantry. Lost a limb by the bursting of a;
shell [at the first battle of Fredericksburg.  Wa.s discharged -t
Emory Hospital, Washington, D. C., March 10, 1863, for dis.tibility.  In 1876 lie moved from  Kalamazoo County to Elmlmlet
County. He was elected supervisor of Pleasant View in 1880(,;iud
again in 1883. Married in 1862 to Miss Frances Wilson, of New
York.  They have seven children living Lnd onlle (lead.  Mrs.
Richardson was appointed postmistress in 1879, whic-hI office she
still holds.


- qrb


I 


-l P


- -












H               ~ox
"II  F     ~~~~~21  22.  23  1491 20  21.\2  23 2+9 2     2     1
2                        23,  24~~~~~~~~'  0  2 2 12   5
8  27  26.5,  30  9  28  K  0_0_9       2  2
A  1126 F            26,  'B  29 R~~~2
33          Fl 1  32  1  3  35  3 1  32  33 3+  '35  36
1.3  18 ~    156                                                    5iwL1  '~  ~i —
fi'sheppu'       f  I4kJ.N    7dL'k     II        W(N  \\\2                         -
23  2+J  19,2012  22  f  12+4119  20  1 ~~~~~~~~~ IF  5   d 2f
30  2  28  2  25 j 30 29  8>1< ~~~~~~~~~~~~    ~>~c    29 22    2 
4  53  3  32    -L   35  L26                              to3~3I ~ ~ 6 4~3   3 '+ 3   b
1.3 ~ ~ ~  FF~       6      16  3  2   1  ).
23  19 1-   21  22 2312  ~    3  1 ''  3  2
5  30                 3   \                   29 2   2  26'  25


I' Y,
3".20     21   -22  23   2
30 2  2$I2.7[~b      25
I.                      N N
17        1.5  I  I 
< /  -A-~~~~~  - -  -  33
30        As    7   2b   25i
- -    - ~prinovdfrP. 0.<
I 1  2  3    +    '   36
-,of i,  -I
_021         23:3L 32  3  3:3     3  2




A    -N, RVII W. 71




A  NRVIIW.T             - R I W                   "RVW. C    (E-I OTSE~GO R IVW.     e


r (.


I






q,




-
1.




- -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


CHARLEVOIX COUNTY.


CHAPTER XXV.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION-PINE LAKE- ROUND LAKE-SOUTH ARMJORDAN AND, BOYNE RIVERS —HOLY ISLAND-VALLEY OF THE
JORDAN.
The county of Charlevoix is bounded on the north by the
county of Emmet and Lake Michigan; east by Cheboygan and
Otsego; south, by Antrim, and west by Lake Michigan.  It has
all area of 396 square miles and a population in 1880, of 5,115.
Tile surface of the county is rolling and in some parts decidedly
hilly.  The soil varies from a light sandy to a heavy clay, filled
with calcareous matter. The subsoil is of as varied a nature as that
of the surface.
Sugar maple, elm, beech, basswood, ash, hemlock, and cedar
timber, is found in great quantities throughout the county.
The principal crops are winter wheat, oats, corn, hay, clover,
potatoes, and root crops. The summer resorts at Charlevoix furnish an excellent market for.all sorts of garden vegetables.
All fruits do well, excepting grapes and peaches. The hardier
kinds of apples are especially successful. Charlevoix County is at
the northern extremity of the celebrated Michigan fruit belt.
There are no government lands in the market. There were
311 acres of state swamp, 1,995 acres of primary school, 3,525
acres of agricultural college, and 42,285 acres of Grand Rapids
& Indiana Railroad land, subject to entry May 1, 1883.
As Pine Lake is navigable for large vessels, the timber business is an important enterprise in this county. Wood, ties, fenceposts, hemlock bark, and logs are cut during the winter, and are
shipped during the winter to Chicago, Milwaukee, Racine, and other
lake ports. There are several saw-mills in the county.  An iron
furnace at Ironton, on Pine Lake, furnishes employment to a large
number of men. The fishing industry is also a considerable one.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad crosses the county from
north to south, and a railroad is expected at Charlevoix in the near
future.
The famous resorts on Pine Lake have contributed largely to
the development of the county, and are thronged every summer
with admirers of the beautiful scenery and delightful climate of
Charlevoix County.
The map of Charlevoix County, given on another page, shows
that the county is already well supplied with good roads, which are
one of the important agencies in the development and improvement
of a new country.
In tht number and beauty of inland lakes, Charlevoix County
is without a rival, and its resources are so abundant and varied that
it is destined to become one of the richest and most attractive
counties in the state. All its villages are charmingly located, and,
though young, are enjoying a marked.degree of prosperity.




I


PINE LAKE.
Pine Lake is confessedly the loveliest of all the many that adorn
this picturesque part of Michigan.
At the center of the promontory between Grand and Little
Traverse Bays a small river used to wend its serpentine course into
Lake Michigan. It was named See-pe-wa, or Green River.   This
stream was only about a quarter of a mile in length and came
out of a small round lake, which wits connected by a river about
sixty rods in length with Long Lake. Various names have been
applied to these lakes and streams, such as Green Lake, Mormon
Lake, and finally Pine Lake and Pine River were adopted and gave
to the surrounding country the name of the Pine River and Pine
Lake region.  Tile river has been made navigable for the largest
vessels and Round and Pine Lakes connected by an artificial channel.
Round Lake is a park-like body of water, covering an area of
about thirty acres, upon the shores of which are situated the thriving village of Charlevoix, and two popular resorts, thle Chicago and
Charlevoix.
Pine Lake stretches east and south some twenty miles. About
five miles east it divides, South Arm extending as its name implies,
south to the distance of some five miles. Into the finger end of
the south armn flows the Jordan Rivei, the famous trout stream.
The shores of this lake are bold and its waters deep; it embosoms
some beautiful islands, is indented by numerous promontories, separated by deep bays and harbors, and presents as grand natural
scenery as the eye of man ever belleld.
In 1865, long before any one ever thought of locating a summer resort in this locality, Prof. Winchell, then state geologist, in
one of his published reports said:
" From the foot of Pine Lake a scene of surpassing loveliness
presents itself. We land, perhaps, upon the wharf at the mouth
of Pine River. Before us is a sandy slope, on the left of which we
discover the usual features of a new settlement.  Beyond is the
forest. It is a pleasant October morning, however, and we follow
the well-beaten road through the fresh clearings which stretch out
for about a mile inland. We emerge from a screen of forest trees
and find ourselves standing upon an elevated bluff overlooking as
lovely a sheet of water as the sun ever shone upon.  You    feel
almost a transport of delight in emerging so suddenly from. the
depths of the habitual forest into a prospect so vast, so gentle in its
features, so delicate in its tints, and so glowing in the sunshine of
a fair October morning. Far away to the southeast for fifteen miles
stretches the placid, smiling surface of the water, its white and pebbly shore chasing the contour of the hills in all its meandering sinuosities. The verdant ridges rise on every side from the shining
shore line, and hold the lake in their enchanted embrace, while rounded hill-tops bubble up in rapid succeseio,,cross the retiring landscape, till hill, vale, and sky, green, purple, and blue, dissolve together in the blended hues of the distant horizon."


I..$
-




rl~4


14


-je


r

__


---- — I
~ — (*




t,


oIl..,                                                                                                          I _, __- -r t1




I
I


170


TJEE TRAVERSE REGION.


The spot from which Prof. Winchell viewed the scene which he
so vividly described, was near where John S. Dixon's residence now
stands. The village of Charlevoix then consisted of a dock, a rude
store and a boarding-house.
Few  localities enjoy such excellent facilities for boating.
Through the summer, Pine Lake is usually as placid as a river,
while Round Lake, lying like a sparkling gem between the resort
and the village, and protected from winds by the encircling hills, is
always safe for small row boats. At all hours of the day the trim
boats of the retort fleets may be seen gliding swiftly over the silvery
bosom of thege lakes, oftenest propelled by oars in the hands of boys
and girls, who thus mingle the most healthful exercise with romantic enjoyment.  Those who crave the more thrilling sport of yachting may take a fifteen-mile sail up Pine Ltke, or turning their prow
westward, glide out of the harbor into Lake Michigan's broad expanse, and thus dance over the waves along the wooded shore, or
push out into the lake until the place of starting hAS dropped behind
the horizon, thus securing all the effects of a sail in mid-ocean.
The whole Charlevoix region is famous for its excellent fillinggrounds.  Isaac Walton himself would have reveled in his favorite


At its entrance is the village of Ironton, and at it3 head are the villages of East Jordan and South Arm.
It is here that the river Jordan comes in, one of the most famous trout streams in the country. In reality it is little more than
a turbulent rapid brook, somewhat larger than the Boyne. It may
be ascended eight or ten miles by a canoe or a small skillfully managed boat. The following graphic description of a trip up the Jordan, is interesting in this connection:
" The party who went up the Jordan yesterday, having entirely exhausted their stock of a Ijectives, offer a ten dollar chrome
to any one who will invent a new one which will adequately express
their admiration.
So ran the notice posted this morning in the hall of the Resort Hotel.  Ever since we came here people have been telling us
we must see the most celebrated trout stream of these regions, and
we have replied, with easy indifference, that we would see about it,
and finally only deci led on the trip in haphazard fashion.
Forgive us, beautiful Jordan! we came, we saw, and we were
conquered.  We shall never speak of you with indifference again.
We rose early, and after a somewhat hurried breakfast, listened to


I
I
i
I
i
I
i
I
I
I
i
I
i
I
I
I




I
I


j I


SOUTH ARM, PINE LAKE.


sport on the lakes and along the rivers and streams that are found
in this locality. In their season, lake trout, black bass, pickerel,
perch, and herring abound in the lakes, while the gamy speckled
trout, the fisherman's chief delight, mike the cold waters of the Jordan and Boyne Rivers as well as the several smaller tributaries of
Pine Lake, their favorite haunts.  No rivers in the lower peninsula
have acquired so famous a reputation for their choice trout as the
Jordan and Boyne. Sportsmen come hundreds of miles every year
to enjoy the rapture of capturing these lively beauties, and even
though they may fail to come in the season for a great catch, so enchanting is the scenery along the rivers, so invigorating is the air of
this northern climate, and so novel the experience of camp life, while
pursuing their piscatorial sports, that none return without feeling
richly repaid for their trip. Those who spend the season at these
resorts have the advantage, however, of sportsmen, who come'to
try the pastimes for a few days only, as they are enabled to choose
the best days in which to gratify their angling tastes.
SOUTH ARM AND JORDAN RIVER.
The South Arm, like many of the lakes in this region, is riverlike in appearance, being long and narrow, and is bordered by the
high, rounded, heavily wooded hills, characteristic of the country.


the dock. Up comes the little steamer Nellie Booth, and we step
aboard, the captain swings up his hat, the people shout, and we are
off. Before us lies beautiful Pine Lake, all dimpled and smiling in
the early' sunlight, while we sit on the deck in the fresh morning
air, admiring tle glories of nature, and drawirn  in new life with
every breath.
"About two miles from Charlevoix the steamer turned suddenly behind a point, and entered that part of the lake known as the
South Arm. This is about sixteen miles long and from one to two
wide, so that it somewhat resembles a broad river. Its scenery is
varied and rich, but so entirely different from the main lake that it.
seems like a distinct sheet of water. The Jordan comes in at the
very head of the arm, and we reached it about half-past eight. Our
bolt, which had been towed belind the steamer, was brought round,
and, stepping over thi side, we ware soon safely seited-two ladies
and a gentleman, besides the guide, who was to take us safely up the
river, with its rapid current, its snags and eddies.  In a few moments we had reached it, and he was pulling with a long, quiet
stroke against the stream.
( We had been fortunate in the day, its incidents and our corn
pany; we were not less so in our guide. Parrish was a 'character.'


J
el




1


19


e;I




Gi
I'


I _.


-   -   -  - --    --        -                       ~ T  *
I                                                                                         fi Pt


11


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


171


\


III


I~larlevois  and  toltl  us  he  had  poled  on  the  river  for  seventeen


He came early to that part of the country-though he is now at
Charlevoix-and told us he had poled on the river for seventeen
years, which we could well believe, for there was not a tree, nor a
snag, nor a ferny bank, nor a trout pool, but what seemed to him
an old familiar friend. What a quaint forest fllvor there was to all
his stories; of how the Jordan was named by a good old Methodist,
Amos Williams, who was one of the earliest settlers, and how he
built a large bark canoe on the banks of the stream, and when he
launched it called it the ' Good Ship Zion;' of the early settlers and
their loneliness; of how these waters once swarmed with grayling,
called!,y the natives ' river fish;' of tile deer that came down the
runways to drink, and with beautiful lifted head and frightened dark
eyes are sometimes seen by excursionists coming suddenly round a
curve; of wonderful catches of fish, and head-first tumbles of unlucky slportsmen into the icy pools. All this with homely simplicity,
but brightened by a quick appreciation and a certain sense of the
fitness of things.
( After about a mile.of rowing, the low wet banks are left behind, the scene grows wilder, and tangled unbroken   forests extend
to the very water's edge.  The rush of the river now becomes
stronger,  and, looking down through its crystal c'earness, you see
the golden sanded shallows, the black logs, the swaying, velvetygreen moss fit for a Naiad's bower, and the deep pools in which a
silver flash now and aginu shows where the trout are lying.  Dipping over the side, we found the water so icy-cold that we could bear
colnttct but a moment; and now we wished to drink of it, but found
our guide had forgotten his cup. Just then we saw, under overhanging branches, an anchored boat, and a tent gleaming whitethrough l the trees.  Pushing on shore to borrow a cup, we entered
into conversation with the campers, who proved to be Southerners,
flying from the summer heats and the yellow fever. The men
were absent fishing, and a.sun-burned little maiden, blowing soap
bubbles, a woman cooking the dinner, and a grave dog, playing
guardian, were the only occupants.
( How we drank of the delicious water; how many times that
day one of tie party played Hebe, and filled up the nectar of the
gods for my lady Venus and my lord Jupiter!
"After two miles of rowing, the current becomes so swift that
the oars can no longer be used, and now be-ins the most delightful
part of the trip. Parrish stands erect in the stern of the boat, spare
and gray-haired, but sinewy and supple withal; in his hands he
h olds a long pole, tipped witI iron, which h e strikes now on the
bottom, now against a log, still preserving his steady, unswayed attitude. Without a splasl, without a jar, the boat moves up the
rapids as if by imagic. No sound breaks the deep stillness, save
Nature's own-the clear call of an unseen bird, the cool splash and
ripple of thle stream, a kingfisher flapping heavily from bank to
bank, little breaths of wind murmuring through the tops of the tall
hemlocks and white cedars as if they were whispering about these
strange intruders on their solitudes.
" Half reclining on the bottom of the boat, crushing out the
fragrance from the hemlock boughs strewn beneath you, you see, as
you round each curve, fresher, wilder beauties opening on either
hand. Sometimes the mighty hemlocks almost meet above your
h ead, sometimes your path seems utterly choked up with waterlogged timber and uprooted trees, till you glide suddenly through
some narrow channel; often you bend low to pass under a squirrel


bridge-a tall cedar fallen from bank to bauk.
"* The prevaiing tint of these woods is dark, but it serves as a
strong background for the brighter colors. Vivid green moss is
everywhere, and out of it grows all manner of plumy grasses and
wandering vines.  The golden rod is just beginning to enrich the
wilderness with its prodigal wealth; and here and there that torch


of the woods-the cardinal flower-burns its red flame to light its
shadowy nook. Many delicate, and to us, strange varieties of fern
dipped their long fronds in the water on the skirts of the forest, hke
fringe upon a petticoat, as the merry Rosalind hath it.
"( We had now nearly reached our destination, for though it is
possible to ascend the stream for thirteen miles, it is not possible to
do so in one day, and we were to content ourselves with a six-mile
trip.  In that short distance the river rises a hundred feet; thirty
feet in this last imile.
"* On reaching our landing place, we walked for a quarter of a
mile on a beautiful wood path, and suddenly came out into a clearing, in the midst of which is the well-known Webster's, a large log
tavern, where we found a comfortable resting place and a good dinner. After an hour's rest and a ramble in the woods, we returned
to the boat, and were soon shooting down the current; indeed, so
rapid was our course, that we made frequent stops, lotll to lose the
charm of that wild beauty. Yet, in truth, we can never lose it.
To tie kind thought that planned that day's excursion, we owe a


BOYNE RIVER.


whole gallery full of pictures that will have the advantage of never
being dimmed by time.
( We reached the steamer just in time to go aboard, and after
a quiet ride over the lake, the sunset and our party reached Charlevoix together, both fiery red in the face from a long doy upon the
water. What the sportsman fi nds in the Jordan I do not know.
We found in it wonderful beauty, for we sought those woods simply
as the outlawed duke and his forest rangers sought the wilds of
Arden- to fleet the time carelessly, as they did in the golden
world.' "
BOYNE RIVER.
The Boyne River received its name, as already stated, from
" Uncle" John Miller, the first settler near its mouth.  The river
empties into the head of Pine Lake at the village of Boyne.  Next
to the Jordan it is th e most noted trout stream in this part of the
state.  It also affords a great variety of picturesque scenery.
We find the following statement regarding the Boyne:  " When
thile water of the lakes washed thel foot of the upper -terrace, Pine
Lake extended a long way up the valley of the Boyne. Afterward,
previous to the last subsidence of the waters, the river was a broad,


1


I


^'"-t 9
b(b  ~ I I                                                                                        -                                                          -   I I (s.4;A 




1


a


Vm~!

I..


I]


172


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-






shallow, sluggish, lagoon-like stream, spreading over the whole area
of the narrow valley, over the bottom of which it deposited evenly
the sediment brought down by its tributaries. As the valley was
filled up it was gradually converted into a marsh. The decaying
semi-aquatic vegetation that grew upon it, mingling with the deposit of the river mud, formed what is now the low peaty bottoms
along the present streams. When the last subsidence occurred, the
river cut down through this peaty formation, assuming its present
dimensions and character."
Ascending the river, at the present time, a short distance above
the village of Boyne, a little lake with marshy shores is passed
through. If it is early in the season, there will probably be found
in it a quantity of ship timber, saw-logs and railroad ties secured by
a boom, over which the boat must be dragged. Then the passage
is between low banks, covered with flags, sedgy grasses, and such
plants as delight in a soil of vegetable mould saturated with water,
with a forest of cedars and other coniferous trees on either hand.
Further up the trees come close down to the water, hanging their
gnarled and tangled branches over the stream.
There is this peculiarity in the history of both the Boyne and
Jordan Rivers: Less than twenty years ago both streams were
alive with grayling, while a speckled trout was rarely seen. The
grayling gradually disappeared, and the trout increased in a corresponding ratio till the streams were literally full of the latter fish,
and the grayling were so scarce as to become a curiosity. Then,
as the fame of the streams became widely spread, and they were
frequented by sportsmen, the number and size of the trout were
diminished. The grayling have entirely disappeared.
HOLY ISLAND.
This island, situated in the south arm of Pine Lake, is a historic and interesting spot. It was set apart by the "Saints" as a
place for holding the " Feast of First Fruits," in the summer of
1855. At that time it was an isolated spot where the feastings and
revelries could go on undisturbed by Gentile settlers.  These
fe.ists commenced on the first Stbbath after the full moon in August each year and generally continued several days. One of the
principal articles of food was a roast ox or other animal, large
enough to feed the multitude assembled.
Strang had explored the Pine Lake region, and his reports to
the Northbern Islander the official Mormon newspaper on Beaver
Island, gave the place great value in the eyes of the Saints, and
Holy Island was to become sacred, and devoted only to the worship of God. There was an evident intention to make it the future
headquarters of a colony of Saints to be established on Pine Lake.
The foregoing account is furnished by Charles J. Strang, editor
of the Charlevoix Jornal, and a son of James J. Strang, the
Mormon leader.
Holy Island is situated about one and a half miles south from
Ironton. It is delightfully located, and in the summer season is a
charming retreat for resorters, it being covered with clusters of
evergreen and white poplar. Its owners, Col. O. F. Wisner, of
Charlevoix, and Nelson Daniels, of Wacousta, Mich., have, during
the past year, made great improvements on the island, by way of
trimming it up and clearing off the rubbish, so that now it presents a most attractive appearance.
The island contains a trifle over eleven acres, and is laid out


into lots of sixty feet front on a line drawn through the center of
the island north and south, a distance of eighty rods; said central
line being thirty feet wide. These lots extend back to the water
on either side of the island. Steamers can pass on either side of
the island, which, therefore, commands a fine view of the traffic of
Pine Lake: The distance from Charlevoix is about eight miles.
It is not surprising that the Mormon king chose this spot as the






retreat of the Saints. It is the intention of Messrs. Wisner and
Daniels to build a club-house here, they having reserved several
lots for that purpose. The central avenue is to be opened from
shore to shore and various other improvements made. Several
lots have already been purchased, and there is every reason to believe that this will become a popular resort. Upon another page
in this work may be seen an excellent sketch of this island.
VALLEY OF THE JORDAN.
This interesting portion of the country is described as follows
by Dr. M. L. Leach:  'The Jordan alluded to in this article is
not the far-famed river of the east, flowing from the foot hills of
Anti-Lebanon and falling into the Dead Sea, but the less known,
clear, sparkling trout stream, that is made by the -union of a hundred rippling brooks, whose sources are well up toward the high
central plateau of northern Michigan, and goes dancing down to
the south arm of Pine Lake. Nor is it of the trout we propose to
speak, though they are there in great numbers and lucky people




ir


r


BOYNE RIVER, NEAR THE MOUTH.
catch them, but of the wild, picturesque valley, its soil, productions
and agricultural capabilities.
The valley is a continuation of the depression in which lies
the south arm of the lake. It was fashioned, no doubt, by the
same force, or combination of forces, that, in the glacial period,
scarred the rocky crust of the earth with immense furrows, ground
the loosened material to the consistency of drift, spread it irregularly over the valleys and plains or piled it up in fantastic heaps
and gave the present general configuration to the surface of the
country.
In going up the valley, one travels in a southeasterly direction.
The rise is very gradual at first, but afterward more abrupt. At
John B. Webster's, near Mount Bliss postoffice, about six miles
up, the river is only thirty feet higher than at its mouth. Tile
valley varies in width from one mile to several. On either hand
it is bounded by what would have been an undulating table-land,
had it not been cut through and through by lateral ravines, in
each of which flows down a rivulet or larger stream from the heights
above to the river below, thus converting it into a range of hills.


1


L




I


-


I


I:o


II -    V



C
itle


'6
I


_.

I... --- —   -  c,   I-                                                                            ---   -                               ----— t~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ c _~l+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I
I
I
I
I I


11.


I




I
I
I


I




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


173


From the foot of the hill, as a general rule, the land slopes almost
to the margin of the river. In places, however, level plains of
considerable extent intervene, and sometimes a single hill is seen
standing alone in the valley, having been cut off from the adjacent
table-land by the origintal eroding force.  Such a hlill, of small size,
surrounded by a phlin, stands on the cultivated part of Mr. Webster's farm. It is, perhaps, seventy feet high, and at its top does
not exceed half an acre in extent. A similar hill, but higher and
of greater lateral extent, is seen northwest from Webster's. The
road to East Jordan village passes over it. Tle top is an undulating table-land and is occupied by two or tliree excellent new
farms.
The interior of tle hills which form the boundaries of the
valley, for a considerable height above their b;se, consists of rock
in place belonging to tlle group of Michigan light shalcs. This
interesting fact we proved by personal observation, visiting out

it is not so compact as to be difficult to work. Its general character is that of a tolerably heavy clay loam. There are limited
artas of light, sandy soil, but they are the exception, and not the
rule. On the whole it seems to be well adapted to the production
of grass. If there is an undeveloped tract of land anywhere in
the Traverse Region specially well adapted to dairy farming, it is,
in our opinion, the valley of the Jordan and the adjacent hills.
CHAPTER XXVI.
FISHERMEN AT PINE RIVER-"THE BATTLE AT PINE RIVER"-HASTY
DEPARTURE OF THE FISHERMEN —ARRIVAL OF MORMO(N FAMILIESJOHN S. DIXON AND FAMILY ARRIVE —BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
MR. DIXON —TROUBLE WITH THE MORMONS-TEMPORARY REMOVAL
)F MR. DIXON AND FA.MILY.
The earliest history of Clarlevoix County centers about the
present site of the village of Charlevoix, known at an early day as
Pine River. At this point, as at all the lake fronts, the first comers
were fishermen, who plied their avocation of catching fish during
the summer and making fish barrels in the winter. As at other
places, the fishermen were a migratory class, though some who
came here to fish at an early day remained and engaged in the
permanent pursuits of general progress and development.
A scrimmage between the fishermen and a company of Mormons, dignified by the title of "the battle of Pine River," was the
first event of any unusual character connected witl tle locality.
As early as 1852, and perhaps earlier, there were fishermen
located about Pine River, and in the spring of 1853 quite a colony
was collected there. Captain T. D. Smlith h]ad an establishment in
the bay, southwest of the mouth of the river, between it and Piu!e
River Point. There were four lnore west of Smith, between hill
and the poilt, three at the mouth of the river, and one half a mile
farther inorth.  Tlese were not simply bachelors' homes, but
contained families of women and children.  Thlere were also two
othler families in thle vicinity, and other fishermen.
At tis time Charlevoix County belonged to the county of
11niEmet, which had just been organized by the Mormons, under
authority of an,act of tile legislature passed tile previous winter.
Tle Mormons were in possession of the county offices, and an
attempt on tlle part of the sheriff to subp(pna three men at Pine
River, to serve as jurors, resulted in the "battle at Pile River,"
wlhicl was the only event of any interest that occurred prior to the
attempts at permanenlt settlement.
This difficulty occurred on the 13tl of July, 1853. Two
versions of it are given; one by the Mormons and another by tle
Gentiles, both of which we give. It is claimed by the latter tlat
two men named Hull and Savage were fugitives from Beaver
Island, who mlade their escape by pretending to embark, with
Strang's approval, for Drummond's Island, where he proposed to
plant a colony. Once on the lake, they had laid their course for
Pine River, and asked the protection of the fishermen. Tile fishermen liad promised protection, provided the fugitives would help
to protect themselves.
"One of the fishermenll,   ie   o, named  had lhad a seriolls
difficllty with the Mormons. To get Hull, Sav.age, and Moon into
tleir power, seems to lhave been thought important by tlle Mormon
leaders. Knowing that either stratagem or force would have to be


employed, they still thought it prudent to proceed under color of
law. The time of the sitting of the circuit court at St. James was
chosen for the execution of the project. An armed party, accompanied by an officer with a subpoena for the three 'men, embarked
for Pine River.


JORDAN I2IVE\;R, ABOVE THE, BRI1DGE.
crops landl blrilngig away specimens at Ipoints a; hin1ired alndl thirty
feet above the river and a hundred and sixty feet above Lake
Michigan.   The soil of tle tops of the hlills varies froin a light,
sandy loam to a heavy clay loam, the latter being the more common.   The steep lhillsides, as well as the belt of sloping land along
tleir btase, are true bowlder clay, nad(e up in great part of material
furlisled by tle (lisintegration of tile shales that once filled tlle
valley. Nea. ler tlie river the clay }has a tlicker covering of muck,
11nd thl sulrf;j.c  bing il nearly tlevel, retaills slfficielnt moisture to
give it tle chIaractec r of;I s lwampl). In tlhe extremue lower part of
tile valley, especially on tie west side, extensive beds of lmarl of a
stiff, puttv like consistence, coustitute tie sub-soil under i; striatum
of muck, supporting a heavy growth of tilmber, but they disappear
long before reaching Webster's. In some places along the bases
of the hills the surface of the ground is strewed with granite
bowlders where, at tile close of the glacial period, the last icebergs
grounded, and, as they slowly melted, dropped their stony freight.
The soil, as already intimated, is made up largely of clay, but


4


11


40_


c-  --  ----  I  — I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,


-W-k



IC I


Oa
i




a                                                                                                            UW7 —.-  ~-. ---L  ~~


I


-


174


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


"There was a quilting at the house of a fisherman named
Morrison, at the mouth of the river, on the south side, at which all
the women of the settlement were assembled. Some of the men
had gone up Pine l ake. Nearly all the others were in the 'other end
of the town,' as the westernmost houses in the settlement were
called. Two boats were seen approaching, heading for the mouth
of the river. It was noticed that they seemed careful to keep close
together. One of the fishermen had a spy-glass, by the aid of
which lie was able to count the strangers. There were nine men in
each boat. The circumstances looked suspicious, and the fishermen
determined to ascertain at once the object of the visit..
"Between them and the river there was a stretch of beach
where it was difficult to pass between the water and the bank.
Launching a boat, ten or twelve men, seizing their weapons, sprang
into it, and rowed past the difficult place. Then they landed, and
proceeded on foot, following the beach till they reached the sand
hillocks, when they turned into the woods, where they struck a path
that led over the bluff and down to Morrison's house. The Mormons had arrived before them, and had been blustering about,
declaring they would have what they came after or they would wade
in blood. The women were terribly frightened. On the arrival of
the fishermen, the Mormons ceased their threats, and said they had
not come to make any trouble, but insisted on having the three men
for whom they claimed to have subpoenas. They were at once
distinctly told they could not have them. This was followed, as
the fishernnen learned from the women the purport of the Mormon's
threats, by an intimation that the best thing- they could do was to
leave immediately, and that if they did not go voluntarily, they
would be made to go. The Mormons prudently consented to leave,
and went to their boats. Among the fishermen was a young man,
named Louis Geboo, who had lived a year or two on the island, and
now recognized some of his former acquaintances in the Mormon
party. Thinking the danger of a collision was over, young Geboo
started for the beach, where the Mormons were embarking, for the
purpose of speaking to those lie had formerly known. Whlen half
way to the beach, it occurred to him that, as a matter of precaution,
he ought to know that his gun was ready for effective- use. Stopping a moment to examine it, lie heard the sound of a gun, and
felt the bullet strike his leg. He learned afterward, from his
acquaintances in the Mormon party, that the shot was fired from a
horse pistol by Jonathan Pierce, one of Strang's 'hard-fisted men,'
who accompanied the act with the exclamation, 'We are running
away, like a set of cowards; I'll let them know that I'm not afraid.'
As Geboo started to limp back to his own party, hle latter opened
fire on the Mormons, who got away with the utmost haste, and
were soon beyond gunshot., There is no evidence that they returned
the fire. Three of their number were severely wounded. The
fishermen manned a boat, and went in pursuit, and followed them
until they were picked up by Ihe bark 'Morgan.'"
Louis Geboo is still a lesident of Charlevoix.
Another account, written by James J. Strang, July 14th, the
day following the battle, and published in the Detroit Daily Adc'ertiser, is as follows:
"The sheriff of Emmet County went to Pine River to summon grand jurors, who had been duly drawn, and who resided there.
He went with two boats and fourteen men, all unarmed. As the
party was about to re-embark, after completing their business, they
were attacked by forty men who opened a brisk fire of musketry


upon them from the bluff. They could make no resistance, but hurried off in their boats. They were then pursued by three boats for
fifteen miles which kept up the fire upon them the whole time they
were within range. At this distance the sheriff and his party weretAken up by the bark Morgan, Capt. Stone commanding, and so the






affair ended. Six of the sheriff's party were wounded, but none, it
is thought, mortally."
Further particulars were furnished by Captain Stone of the
bark Morgan, as follows:
"BARK MORGAN FROM SAGINAW FOR CHICAGO.
"July 13th, 6 o'clock P. M., 1853.
"Off head Beaver Island, fifteen miles from the main, opposite
Pine River, Mich., wind S. S. E. light and clear. Heard reports
of fire-arms and loud shouts as of a general melee, on the main.
Directly saw two small boats coming off from the settlement at
Pine River. Immediately saw another large fish boat in pursuit of
the two ahead, all apparently filled with men. A brisk fire was
kept up from   the rear boat upon the two others. As they approached, saw there was trouble ind excitement. The two boats
ahead were endeavoring to get clear from the more powerful assailants in the larger boat, which was fast gaining on them, keeping
up a brisk running fire without receiving a shot in return. In this
condition the two head boats approached within hailing distance of
us, and begged us to take them on board and afford them protection.
JORDAN RIVER, BELOW THE BRIDGE.
I assented and they came on board. The boat in chase, now about
fifty rods distant, ' threw up' and lay on their oars, ceased firing,
and hailed us, forbidding my receiving the ' cursed Mormons ' on
board, that they were pirates, deserved death, etc., to all of which
I mildly replied that the affair was rather an exciting one, and that
I could not permit them to approach any nearer the vessel in their
present excited state, at which they held a short consultation and
then rowed back to Pine River. Upon an examination of the
wounded and inquiring into the affair, I ascertained the following
facts:  The party consisted of fifteen men, among which were the
high sheriff of the Mormon county, Beaver Island, and other officials, citizens, &c., all Mormons or adherents of the Latter Day
Saints, six of whom from their severe wounds will probably fall
martyrs to their faith. From all appearances they had a narrow
escape from their infuriated pursuers. Rifle balls had shattered
and riddled their boats, and had indiscriminately broken legs,


arms, thighs, etc., of the boat's crew, but miraculously escaped
taking effect in vital places.
" After the eicitement had somewhat subsided and the wounded
had been cared for, I obtained the following information in relation to the difficulty.  It appears that Beaver Island is settled


j
e)


G 


0 4                                                                                                     itr- - -------  -


0


-es F




41, -.                                                                                                    J                                     - -- --


UI., _


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


175


with a majority of Mormons. By late legislative acts a county has
been organized, and the inhabitants have proceeded to elect officers
etc. Thle Mormnons being in the ascendency, of course carried the
election. The Gentiles being beaten, came to the determination to
be non-actors; claimed no organization, and would not recognize
the authority of Mormon law."
The remainder of Capt. Stone's account. relating to the co'lision is substantially the same as that given given by Strang. On
arriving at Beaver Island the party went ashore in their own boats.
The only matter at issue in this affair is that of motive, but be
yond that we cannot see that there was anything of importance or significance in a free fight between a company of Mormons and a lot of
fishermen, except its association with the present site of Charlevoix
village. Of the, final result of the affray there is no doubt; the
fishermen, fearing they would be attacked by an overpowering number of Mormons, hasti:y left the place and scattered in vaiious directions. At the circuit court held at St. Jamt s shortly after, several parties were indicted but none were ever arrested.
We confess to having been somewlhat amused while reading
various acvounts of the scrimmage, in which its details are ninutely described and (xplained with all the earnestness and painstaking positiveness that might appropriately be expunded upon the
battle of Gettysburg; the amusing features of such narratives arc
brought out into.bolder relief when it is remembered how decidedly
"mixed" are all the features of a free fight.
Pine River appears to have remained an abandoned settlement
after the hasty departure of the fishermen until the spring of 1854
when George Preston and family arrived from Beaver Island, and
took possession of one of the houses on the north side of the river,
and at once set about clearing land and making arrangements for
a permanent home.     They found everything in and around the
houses just as the folmer occupants had left them. Soon after the
arrival of Preston, Galen B.'Cole and family arrived from the South
Fox Island. They came in a small schooner called the (" Dolphin,"
and took possession of another of the vacant houses as a temporary residence. This was the commencement of the Mormon settlement at this point, both Preston and Cole being Mormons.
Through the early part of the summer Preston had got the logs
and lumber together, erected a house and had it almost completed
when fire got into the woods and in the course of its march burned
his new house to the ground. He immediately set at work and by
fall had a new house built. In the fall Medad Thompson and family and Widow Ring arrived, and in the spring of 1855 Adam See
and Daniel Alvord came, all of whom were additions to. the Mornmon
settlement.
On thle 11th day of May, 1855, Mr. John S. Dixon and family
arrived at the mouth of Pine River in the little schooner " Emeline," which had been chartered to bring him from  Old Mission.
The party consisted (of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon and their three children, Mr. Wolcott, who had come with a view to a business partnership with Mr. Dixon, and Frank May, a young man who had
been hired at Nortlhport.
Mr. Dixon's purchase of a considerable tract of land, lying on
Pine River and Round and Pine Lakes, had been consummated a
year before, and lie had left Lansing with the intention of occupying it; but receiving at Ma,'kinac information, which he deemed
reliable, of the depredations of the Mormons and the danger he


would incur by attempting to settle in the territory over which they
claimed jurisdiction, he had been induced to defer his project, and
had passed the year at Old Mission. Within that time, he had visited Lansing, while the legislature was in session, and procured
the  ns.asn. e of an act for the reorganization of Emmet County.
By the terms of the act, the islands of Lake Micligan which had


been a part of Emmet were detached from it, and organized into
a new county, called Manitou. The object of the move was to prevent all legal interferelnce with the affairs of Emnmet by Strang and
his followers.
No sooner were Mr. Dixon's party and effects landed on the
beach, thla-n the captain of the " Emeline," who was in bad odor
with the Mormons, fearing an attack, set sail, and the schooner soon
disappeared in the distance. Mr. Dixon had brought with him a
considerable amount of supplies, including a small boat and a
quantity of lumber. Of the latter a temporary residenice was built
on the beach, in which the family remlined for the next three
days. The current of the river was so rapid that the boat, when
loaded, could not be propelled against it, and the banks were so obstructed by Gverhanging trees, brushwood, and fallen timber as to
make towing impossible. The three 4days were spent in clearing a
path along the south margin of the streami, tllen, by towing, the
family and goods were transported up the river, and landed on the
north shore, just wher the stream leaves Round Lake.
On Mr. Dixon's arrival at this point he found a small Mormon
settlement. It is not surprising that these people, who held to a
common religious faith and constituted a settlement by themselves, should look with distrust upon new comers who were Gentiles, in view of the troublles which had heretofore been of frequent
occurrence between the two elements. They regarded Mr. Dixon
with suspicion, and plainly indicated that lie was not welcome.
There had been several fishermen's shanties on his premises. One
of them was still standing and in a good state of preservation when
he landed from the Emeline, and lie had hoped to occupy it, but
before he succeeded in getting up the river withl his goods it was
torn down.  However, he soon had it so far rebuilt as to be al)le
to occupy it as a temporary dwelling.
Before continuing the narrative of events we will give a brief
biographical sketch of Mr. Dixon, as lie has occpied a conspicuous
position in the history of Charlevoix.
JOHN SERGEANT DIXON, the original proprietor of the site of
Chlarlevoix village, was borln in Mexico, Oswego County, N. Y.,
Aug. 24, 1818.  His father was Rev. David R. Dixon, a graduate
of Yale College, and a Presbyterian clergyman at Mexico.  The
boyhood days of the subject of this sketch were spent at home,
working upon a farm which his father owned, and attending the
district school and academy.  At fifteen years of age he entered
the Oneida Institute, where lie took a four years' course and graduated in 1837. At twenty years of age lie removed to Lenawee
County, Mich., where lie taught slchool.  He followed teaching in
Michigan and Ohio until about the year 1854.  July 1, 1846, lie
married Phoebe S. Pratt at Orwell, Ashtabula County, Ohio.  She
was born at Lyme, Connecticut, in the year 1820, and had removed to Ohio with her parents in 1832. Mr. Dixon found it
necessary to try a change of climate and occupation oin account of
ill-health, and while teaching at Lansing, Mich., purchased of Mr.
Bush 212 acres of land in Section 26, in what is now Charlevoix
Townsliip. Upon a portion of this land the village of Charlevoix
was originally platted and built. In the spring of 1854 they removed to Old Mission where they remained a year.  During that
year Mr. Dixon went to Lansing to aid in securing the passage of
a bill by the legislature to re organize Emmet County so as to detach tlio territory of Beaver Island. In the spring of 1855, as
already stated, Mr. Dixon removed his family to Pine River, as it


was then called, and established them in a small log house that
stood not far from the present lumber office of John Nicholls.
There were only four or five families living in the vicinity at that
time. Mr. Dixon had an ox team and did some work on his land
during that season. The following fall, on account of troubles be



' I


e



I      v




AdJ -


_                                                                                                                                                                                    \rlll~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-  - 


O-i




I
- I
7r

176


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


_                                           _   _   __ __I_       _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


tween the Mormons and Gentiles, he thought it best to temporarily
leave the neighborhood, and accordingly removed his family to
Northport, where they remained a year. He bought a lot there
upon which he built a house, and during the year taught Indian
school. In the fall of 1856 they returned to Pine River and lived
in a house on the bank of the lake, and engaged in the conflict witlh
poverty that was so common to the early settlers.  Being in poor
health he was not equipped for the struggfe as were those whose
robust frames and toughened muscles enabled them to successfully
defy the severest toil and hardships. He worked some on his land,
made hoops and taught Indian school.   He was called upon to
discharge public duties, and has held the offices of justice of
the peace, county clerk, superintendent of schools, and in 1863-'6t;
represented the Grand Traverse district in the legislature. In 1866
Mr. Dixon platted the village of Charlevoix. His residence, however, has always been on the banks of Pine Lake, where in 1872
Ihe built the commodious dwelling which is now the family howme.
They have had five children, four of whom are now living, viz:
Frances P., Joseph R., Charles and Junius S. Joseph is a surveyor and carries on the farm. Frances P. is the wife of D. C.
Nettleton, of Charlevoix; Charles is at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and
Junius is being educated. In the early history (f the Pine Lake
Region will be found an account of the dangers to which Mr. and
Mrs. Dixon were exposed during the time of the Mormon troubles.
At that time he was hung in effigy upon gallows erected on the
shore of Lake Michigan. The circumstances are related elsewhere
in this work.  With the exception of Medad Thompson, Mr.
l)ixon's family is the oldest in the county.  As already stated, Mr.
Dixon's early life was devoted to study and teaching, and the
scholaylv habits thus acquired have followed him through life. Mr.
Dixon and wife have bleen pioneers in the fullest meaning of that
word.  The changes wrought upon their possessions have been
great, and a clarming village has grown up before their door.
The first town election in the town, of Charlevoix occurred the
last Tuesday in May. There were ten votes cast by the following
named persons: Galen B. Cole, Geo. F. Preston, James Young,
Calvin Thompson, Hiram Thompson, Medad Thompson, F. J. May,
John S. Dixon, S. Chambers and Mason Kidder.   Galen B. Cole
was elected supervisor, and the town board was composed entirely
of Mormons.
Mr. Wolcott, seeing there was likely to be continual trouble
with the Mormons, threw up the project of a blminess partnership,
and }eft the place.
For a few weeks, the current of events seemed to run smoothly,
no ripple on the surface being caused by anything of greater importance than the loss of a new lumber wagon and three sugar
kettles, said to have been stolen by tlhe Mormons. The wagon had
come on board a vessel by way of Mackinac.  It was not immediately put together for use, but, with the kettles, was stowed away
in an old shanty, uned for an out-house. Tu o weeks after!,having
occasion to use it, the theft was discovered.  On mentioning the
loss to some of the AMormons, they denied, with a calmness and
self-control that was almost convincing, having any knowledge of
it. Two of the women, however, when the subject was spoken of
in their presence, by their visible agitation convinced Mr. Dixon
that they were in the secret. Careful inquiries and' the course of
subsequent events seemed to make it certain that nearly all the
nmen in the vicinity were privy to the theft. Some of the women,


particularly the two alluded to above, had strenuously opposed and
denounced the proceeding. Mr. ) xon eventually recovered the
w;.gon and two of the kettles, which were found on Beave.r Island,
after the breaking up of the Mormon settlement.
A few weeks after the incidents already mentioned, the Mor

mons held their celebration on Holy Island, it being what they
termed a feast of first fruits.  The party from Beaver Island, consisting of about fifty men and women, with Strang among them,
made the journey in boats, and spent the night on tile island
which has since been known by the name of Holy Island.
When they returned, the next day, Mrs. Dixon noticed that
sonime of the boats were towing long timbers.  Mr. Dixon was
absent. As the boats, with the timbers in tow, passed down the
river in front of the house, in chliarge of a few men, the other meimbers of the party filed along the path, back of the house, toward
the mouth of the river, hliving landed from the boati at the residence of one of the Mormon families, on the shore of Pine Lake.
Suspecting mischief, and being somewhat alarmed, Mrs. Dixon resolved to ascertain what was going forward. A Mormon rinighbor
to whom she applied declined to give her any information, but
said if she wished to go andl acertann for herself shle would not
be harmed. Following the party down toward the mouth of the
river, she found that they had crosse1l to the south side, and were
standing in a group, on an elevation, with Strang in their midst.
Some of the men were busying themselves with drawing the timbers
out of the water, and one was bringing a spade. Asking what
they were going to do, she received for reply that they were about
to erect a gallows, on which should be hanged all who violated their
laws. Frightened at what seemed impending danger, Mrs. I)ixon
returned to the house.
After the Mormons had gone the gallows was found standing,
with four roughly carved wooden images of men hanging by the
neck, and another standing erect on the frame. On one of them
was the figure of a coffin, drawn with red chalk, and three men
walking away from it, with this inscription: "Dixon, successor to
the Pine River murderers, in his dying hours abandoned by his
friends."  On another was the inscription, "May his days be few,
and bis name be lost and blasted fram among men. God hear our
prayers, and those of our wives and children, for vengeance."
In August the Mormons were re-inforced by the arrival of
Richardson, Bickel, Page and Nickels from Beaver Island.
In the course of the summer, Mr. William  Sterling, his wife
and infant child, arrived from Elk Rapids, and were received into
the house occupied by the Dixons.
Messrs. Dixon and Sterling conceived the project of building a
staw-mill on Pine River. It was proposed to build a dam on thel
lower river, at some point letween Round Lake and Lake Michigan.
It was thought advisable that the margin of the stream and of
Round Lake should first be cleared of driftwood and fallen timber,
which could be conveniently accomplished only by the aid of a scow.
Accordingly, a quantity of clear stuff pine plank, for building a
scow, was brought from Elk Rapids and piled up on the bank of tile
river ready for use.
Soon after the lumber was received, it happened that both
men were absent on business, Mr. Dixon at the mission at Bear
Creek and Mr. Sterling at Mackinac. Frank May had left Mr.
Dixon's employ some time before, so the women and children were
alone.
Saturday night the lumber was stolen, or so much of it as
could be loaded into a boat, and the remainder thrown into the
river. Mrs. Dixon and Mrs. Sterling, who were afraid of violence,
spent the night in watching, and saw the men carry away their
Limber, but thle premises were not otherwise disturbed. Mrs. Ster

ling repeatedly declared that as soon as daylight appeared she would
take her baby and endeavor to make her way to Bear Creek by following the beach. It was evident that both women could not gowith all the children' they would never be able to get through. Mrs.
Dixon, being a rapid and enduring pedestrian, proposed that Mrs.


Jr1


- v


Q p


* --


__ ___ T _I


r


he w









HOLY ISLAND, PINE LAKE,CH4ARLEVOIX CO. MICH.


RES. OF A. R. UPRIGHT. CHARLEVOIX, CHARLEVOIX CO. MICHIGAN.








4 -

-%


F


11.
R

l'


I ra


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


177


Sterling should remain with the children, while she should undertake the hazardous journey, promising that if the Lord would let
her go through, she would send help that should reach Mrs. Sterling
by nine o'clock in the evening. Mrs. Sterling had the good sense
to see the wisdom of the plan, and finally consented to the ariangement.
In the morning as soon as it was light enough to see to travel,
Mrs. Dixon, armed with the pistol, set out on her journey to Bear
Creek. It is fully eighteen miles from the point of starting, now
Charlevoix village, to the mission farm at Bear Creek, nenr the
present site of Petoskey, by the nearest wagon road of modern
times. At tle time of which we write, there was no road-not
even an Indian trail that a woman could follow. Mrs. Dixon's
only way was to go down to the mouth of the liver and then follow
the beach through all its sinuosities to her destination.
Those who in the-primitive days of nortlleru Michigan performed long foot journeys on the beach could tell, if they were to
speak, how the bendings of the shore in and out add to the distance.
They could tell, too, of difficulties attending that mode of travel, of
which their descendants, never having been driven to it by necessity,
have no just conception. Sometimes the traveler strikes a stretch
of smooth sand, packed by the receding waves to the solidity of a
pavement, that answers to his tread with a sharp, ringing, metallic
sound as he moves easily and rapidly forward. Then for miles
loose sand, drifted about by the wind in which bis feet sink at
every step, makes even the slowest progress toilsome. Piles of
drift-wood, fallen timber and overhanging trees, gnarled and
twisted into fantastic forms by the fury of the elements, obstruct
his way. Jutting crags block up the passage. Perpendicular precipices rise fiom the very margin of the lake, leaving no room for
even the narrowest path. Often he must take to the water or, if it
is above his depth, leave the beach and face his way through thickets almost impenetrable, on- the land. The beach as a highway,
however, has one excellence in advance of ordinary new country
roads-on it the traveler can not lose his way.
Once on the beach, Mrs. Dixon pressed rapidly forward, wading
round obstructions, where the water was shallow, in preference to
climbing over them. It seemed to take less time, and time was
precious. The prints of ler husband's feet were seen in the sand,
where lie lad passed along a day or two before. Finding the tracks
was like meeting company on that lonely shore. At Kah-gah-chewing there had formerly been an Indian settlement. It was now
deserted. Here she lost her husband's tracks. Thinking he might
have left the beach for a trail, she sought for them in vain in the intricate net-work of the grass-grown and almost obliterated paths of
the village. Returning, she pursued her way along the beach, feeling more lonely than before. Beyond Kah-gah-che-wing a vessel
had been lost. It was known that a company of men, had been for
some time at work there, trying to raise the wreck. She had hoped
to find them, but their camp was deserted. Further on, where perpendicular cliffs rise from the very margin of the water, she could no
longer follow the beach. Ascending to the top of the bluff, she
found the country covered with a dense, tangled swamp, which it
seemed almost impossible to penetrate. No path could be found,
but go through she must. For full three hours, as she estimated
the time, she struggled onward, being careful to keep within hearing


of the sound of the waves dashing against the foot of the cliff.
When, finally, she emerged into more open ground, her pistol was
lost, her shoes were nearly torn off her feet, and her clothing hung
in shreds about her person. When within three miles of Bear
Creek, she came upon an inhabited wigwam. Making the old Indian, Pa-ma-saw, understand that she wished to go to Mr. Porter's,
he kindly sent with her a little boy as guide. Path there was none,


but only a blind trail, such as none but an Indian or an experienced
ba'kwoodsman could follow.
It was communion day at the Mission, Rev. Peter Dougherty
being present to officiate. The congregation were just collecting at
the chapel for afternoon service, when Mrs. Dixon arrived. It was,
perhaps, 1 or 2 o'clock P M. The interest excited by her appearance and tier story of the doings at Pine River, broke up the
meeting for the time. Mrs. Dixon was quickly provided with refreshments by the ladies of Mr. Porter's family. Mr. Porter held a
consultation with the Indians as to what it was proper to do. The
result was a decision that three Indians, well armed, should man one
of their boats, and return with Mr. and Mrs. Dixon immediately.
The party were not long in getting off. The wind was fair, and
they arrived at Pine River a little before nine o'olock in the evening.
During Mrs. D;xon's absence, Mrs. Sterling, with an inganuity
and courage which, if she had been a man, might, under favorable
circumstances, have made her a leader in the devices and intrigues
of war, lIad adopted an artifice to deceive the enemy with a false
show of force. Disguising herself in her husband's clothes, she
walked about where she would be likely to be seen by some of the
Mormons, changing the suit several times in the course of the day
to give the impression that there were several men stopping at the
house.
The pl.ank stolen or thrown into the river by the Miorilons on Saturday night, had been piled on the south side of the river. There
was another pile on the north side, nearly in front of the house.
Thinking that the marauders would return for it under cover of
Light, Mr. Dixon and his Indian allies organized a watch. In the
middle of the night a sound was heard, such as might have been
made by carelessly moving the lumber. The Indians immediately
gave the alarm. On going out, Mr. Dixon saw several men near the
pile of plank. Hailing them, he was answered in a voice which he
recognized as Mr. Sterling's, notwithstanding the effort of the speaker
to disguise it. Mr. Sterling, returning from Mackinac, had reached
Bear Creek a few hours after the departure of Mr. Dixon's party.
Learning the state of affairs at home, and fearing, as Mr. Dixon
had done, a return of the marauders, he had hired some Indians
with a boat to bring him through. On landing, presuming that
somebody would be on guard, he had ventured to indulge in the
somewhat dangerous amusement of causing an alarm by pretending
to move the lumber.
The next morning, Messrs. Dixon-and Sterling resolved to make
an effort to recover the stolen property. One of the Indians was
induced to accompany them with his boat in the proposed expedition
up PineLake. The others returned to Bear Creek. The three men
were well armed. On their way up the lake, they met two Moimons coming do(wn. On being questioned, they denied all knowledge of the missing property. At the mouth of Porter's Creek, the
lumber was found on the beach, and near it the oars and one of the
thwarts of the missing boat. The boat could not be found. Two
Mormons who were present, like the two met on the lake, denied
all knowledge of the theft, and asserted the lumber was their own
brought by themselves from Beaver Island. The boat in which the
party had come was too small to carry away all the lumber. Taking a part of it, they prepared to return. When all was ready, Mr.
Sterling still lingered on the shore. In response to Mr. Dixon's
earnest request to come on board, lie proposed that Mr. Dixon and


the Indian should proceed homeward in the boat, while he should
walk along the shore. However, Mr. Dixon's earnest entreaties at
last induced him to enter the boat. He then confessed that his object in remaining was to kill the Mormons and recover the stolen
boat. The plan he had contemplated was to shoot one of them,


L
tmm


L-CP --- —~I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ —   -- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -




i&-.;i


4


j


II                                                                                                                                                                   -


178


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


then threaten the other with death, to make him reveal the place
where the boat was concealed, and finally kill him also.
During Mr. Sterling's stay at Pine River,he was inclined to resort
to sanguinary measures in the contest with the Mormons, but was
overruled by the milder counsels of Mr. Dixon. The latter insisted
that personal violence should not be resorted to, except in case of
necessary self-defense. Finally, convinced that the project of
building the mill could not be carried out in peace, and his wife being
unwilling to remain longer, Mr. Sterling dissolved his connection
with Mr. Dixon, and left the place.
In the meantime, the Mormons at Porter's Creek comnenced
a suit against Dixon & Sterling, before a Mormon justice of the
peace at Pine River, for the value of the lumber they had seized
and brought home from the former place. The defendants, thinking the plaintiffs would have everything their own way in the trial
of the suit, thought it better to settle the claim by paying for their
own property than to risk the result. The matter was accordingly
arranged to the 'atisfaction of the Mormons.
While the project of biilding the mill was still entertained, a
correspondence had been opened with Mrs. Dixon's brother, Mr.
Charles Pratt, of Ashtabula, Ohio, who had some interest in the
original purchase of the land, with a view to his becoming a partner in tle undertaking. After Mr. Sterling's departure, and before
Mr. Pratt's arrival, Mr. Dixon ]laving become thoroughly discouraged by the constant annoyance of the Mormons, and feeling
his inability to successfully oppose force to force, or otherwise protect his property against their thieving depredations, reluctantly
came to the determination to abandon the settlement. He accordingly wrote to Mr. Lewis Miller, at Old Mission, to send a vessel to
carry him away.
One morning the family were awakened at an early hour by the
shrill whistle of a steamboat.  It came from the little steamer
Stockman, which had arrived at the mouth of the river, having on
board Mr. Pratt, his sister, and two hired men he had brought with
him. Soon after the landing of Mr. Pratt's party, a small sloop appeared, commanded by Capt. Sheppard, and having on board Mr.
Schetterly (a son of -Dr. Schetterly) and one or two more, sent by
Mr. Miller to Mr. Dixon's relief.  In view of the addit;onal
strength brought by Mr. Pratt's party, the question now,rose
whether it would be better to go or stay.  The day was sopect in
consultation.  The conclusion arrived at was that Mr. and Miss
Pratt, with Mrs. Dixon, the children, and one of the hired men,
~should embark for Northport at once, while Mr. Dixon and the
other man should remain, at least for the present. The plan was
immediately put in execution. Mr. Dixon remained alone for a few
weeks, till his crop of potatoes was dug and disposed of, when he
joined lis family at Northport.
These depredations occurred at a time when the Mormons were
bent upon revenge for wrongs done them at an earlier day. It is
only just to state that the word Mormon, as applied to individual
offenders in the cases mentioned, should not be considered in its
broad meaning, for there then were and still are professors of the
'Mormon religion living in this vicinity, whose claims to esteem and
confidence have never been questioned. The general relation between the Mormons and Gentiles we have reviewed in the history
of the Beaver Island Mormons, upon preceding pages.


AL==Moan=.


CHAPTER XXVII.
THE WINTER OF 1855.' 56-DEPARTURE OF THE MOR.MONS IN JUNE,
1856 —ARRIVAL OF SETTLERS-REMINISCENCE OF MR. AND MRS.
JOHN MILLER-OTHER SETTLERS ARRIvE AT PINE RIVER-SCATTERING SETTLEMENTS ARE MADE IN THE COUNTY-PERSONAL MENTION OF PIONEERS.
The withdrawal of Mr. Dixon left the Mormons in quiet possession of the place. Winter was drawing near and as they had not
raised enough to supply them until spring, it was necessary for
some one to go to the Beavers for supplies. George Preston procured a small vessel called the "( Maid of the Mist," owned and
sailed by Jonathan Pierce, and made the trip over.  Whel they
had their load aboard and ready to sail for the river, the wind was
averse accompanied by snow and rain. It being late in the season,
and Mr. Preston anxious to return to his family before winter
would close in, they did not wait for the wind to change or the
storm to abate, but started to return. What happened to them was
never known, as none of the crew ever reached shore to tell the
tale. The boat was afterward found below Little Traverse, also the
trunk belonging to one of the party. The names of the men who
were lost were Capt. Jonathan Pierce, George Preston, David See
and Horace Bump.
The winter following was excessively cold. In February ice
formed from the mainland to the Beavers solid enough to hold up
teams, and a highway of travel was established.
In June, 1856, occurred the assassination of Strang, and the
forcible expulsion of the Mormons from Beaver Island speedily followed.  Those at Pine River, or most of them, left at the same
time.
ARRIVAL OF SETTLERS.
Quoting now from Dr. Leach we have the following narrative
of events:
"( The driving out of the Mormons left Medad Thompson and
his family the only inhabitants at Pine River. However, they were
not long alone. About the first of August, 1856, a sail might have
been seen coming round the point from the direction of Little Traverse, and heading for the mouth of the river, with a number of
persons on board.   It proved to be the ' Rover,' carrying as
crew and passengers Samuel Horton and family, and two young
men-John Newman and Archie Buttars.
" Mr. Horton had left Toledo in the' Rover' with the intention
of coasting round the lower peninsula of Michigan and up Grand
River, to Grand Rapids, where two of his sons were living. Getting short of provisions, he put into Pine River in the hope of obtaining a supply. Here adverse winds induced him to remain for several days. It is said that, getting weary of the delay, he finally determined to start on a certain day, if the wind was fair; if not, he
would take it as an indication that Providence had ordered that his
home should be beside the bright waters of Pine Lake. On the
day appointed, the wind was unfavorable for proceeding on the
voyage, and accordingly tile prow of the ' Rover' was turned toward
the head of the lake. He selected a location at the head of the
charming sheet of water that has since been named in his honor,
Horton's Bay, where he found an improvement, which had been
made by the Mormons previous to being driven off. Newman and
Buttars, who seem to have been for some time drifting aimlessly
about the world, became permanent residents of the country, the


latter taking up his abode at Pine River, and the former remaining
for some time at Horton's Bay.
", The ' Rover' was for many years the largest craft on Pine
Lake. On account of her peculiar build and somewhat dilapidated
condition, she was the object of many witticisms, but however un



x- -


1I -.aI
I
I.A -


4


i(. )b
i I P


THE TRAVERSE REGION


179


seaworthy she may have been, judged by accepted nautical standards, she carried many a load of staves and hoops from Pine River
to the Beaver Islands, and, in return, brought provisions in safety
to those who would Lave 'been left in destitute circumstances, had
she been cast tway.
"After the Mormons were driven off, Mr. Dixon, who, since his
expulsion from Pine River, had remained at Northport, resolved to
return. He first visited Beaver Island, where he was successful in
recovering the greater part of his stolen property. This he conveyed to Pine River, and then returned to Northport for his family.
At the latter place he fell in with Mr. John Miller, afterward familiarly known as 'Uncle' John Miller, who with his wife and two
sons had come from Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in
search of a home in the west. It was arranged that Mr. Miller
should take passage in Mr. Dixon's boat, and the two families sailed
for Pine River in company.
"After stopping a short time at Pine River, Mr. Miller and his
family were conveyed to their new home by Mr. Dixon in his boat,
arriving at 11 o'clock at night. The location which had been selected was on the north shore of Pine Lake, near its head, in the
vicinity of the present site of Bay Springs. The place had been
occupied by the Mormons, 'who had made a clearing, built a log
house and planted some crops.
"Mrs. Miller relates a curious dream she had before leaving
Oswegatchie, the fulfillment of which she recognized in the circumstances of their arrival at their new home.  She saw in her dream
the log house, as it actually was, with a-roof made of troughs, as
the settlers sometimes made them where boards were scarce, with
a trough inverted on the ridge in place of weather-boards. In front
of the house was what appeared to be a swamp. She thought they
built a fire on the floor in the house.  Then the man who brought
them there took the end board out of his wagon box to close an open
window, and said to her that she would never want while she remained there. The features of the man were indelibly fixed in her
memory. When, at Northport, she first caught sight of Mr. Dixon
on the wharf, she recognized him at once as the person she had
seen in her dream, and pointed him out to her husband as such.
Arriving at their destination, everything appeared as she had' seen
it. What she had taken to be a swamp, however, was the lake, hidden by a row of evergreen trees along the beach. They did build a fire
on the floor, or, rather, on the charred remains of the floor, which
had already been partly consumed by accident or design. Then Mr.
Dixon brought, not the end board of a wagon box, but the center
board of his boat, and with it closed a window, to keep out the
night air. We are not informed whether Mr. Dixon then actually
spoke the words attributed to him or not, but his prophecy as heard
in the dream made such a deep and lasting impression on Mrs.
Miller, that, many years after, when, by the building up of the villages of Boyne City and Bay Springs, their land was made valuable
and tempting prices were offered for it, she steadfastly refused
to sell."
Soon after settling on their land Mr. Miller gave the name of
Boyne to the river after a river of the same name in his native
county.
John Newman worked a short time at Horton's Bay and afterward became the first settler of Marion Township, where he still
lives.


At the closing in of the winter of 1856-'57 there.were four families in the Pine River region-those of Medad Thompson, J. S.
Dixon, Samuel Hortor. and John Miller-and the two young men,
Newman and Buttars.   Mr. Buttars soon went to Elk Rapids,
thence to Traverse City and Northport, and did not return to Pine
River until 1869.




During the season of 1857 there were a number of arrivals,
A. A. Corwin, J. R. Dean, Frank May and a man named Hyde.
One day in October there came to anchor off the mouth of
Pine River a small schooner named the Sonora. Her passengers
consisted of the late Seth F. Mason, and M. J. Stockman, now a
resident of Charlevoix, with their families.  Pine River was a
shallow and rapid stream, filled with fallen cedars, and overhung
with branches. The household effects of these two families were
transferred up stream in a flat bottomed boat, and landed on the
north bank of the river just above where the bridge now stands.
The level plateau where Charlevoix now stainds was covered with
brambles and bushes, and was unadorned by any human habitation.
The shores of Round Lake were as rude nature formed them,
and upon the bosom of the beautiful little lakelet only the smallest
sail-boats were ever seen, and then at rare intervals. Mr. Dixon
and Mr. Medad Thompson were the only white settlers in the vicinity, and the only building that could be seen from Round Lake
was the small log house which stood near the present mill, and into
which both families moved until another house could be erected.
This house had been built by Messrs. Stockman anld Mason, who
first came in September and then went back after their families.
Sometime during the winter John Mason and William Stockman started on foot through the woods for Point Au Barques, and
in the spring of 1858 Stockman returned with a small boat belonging to Mr. Mason. In a few days he took another boat and went
back after a family by the name of Beebe, and a man named Cross.
In the spring of 1858 came Hugh Miller, J. Beebe, and a man
named Cross, and in the fall of the same year Richard Williams
and two men named Cochran and Childs. D. H. Pierce came in
1857.
Of this number only five-Mason, Stockman, Miller, Pierce,
and Williams-became permanent residents.     May and Hyde
stopped at Advance during the summer of 1857, but in the fall
left for some other locality. The former, who had been in Mr.
Dixon's employ during his first season at Pine River, had since
married. A daughter, born to him while at Advance, was the first
white child born in the vicinity of the head of Pine Lake. Dean
and Corwin settled near Horton's Bay, but left the country in 1859.
Williams, Cochran and Childs settled at Advance Williams soon
left, but afterward returned to Pine River. The other two, after
remaining aLout a year, removed to Northport. Beebe and Cross
retired from the settlement in 1859. The former, as he was leaving,
met with a terrible affliction, in the loss of his wife and two children, by the capsizing of a sail boat, on the reef at Pine River
Point. It was quite late in the fall when Justice Beebe started,
consequently the weather was stormy and bad. The boat in which
he set sail was small, and besides himself. wife and two children,
and household effects, he had a large hog. It was nearly dark
when he started, and rounding West Point the boat capsized, and
all on board were precipitated into the water. Mr. Beebe succeeded in reaching shore with the lifeless body of his wife, but his
two children were swept away and never again seen. This tragic
event and the departure of so many had a depressing effect. upon
those who remained. They could raise but little, and they were far
removed from mill and market. There was something done in the
way of fishing and getting out hoops and staves.
The winter of 1857-'58 was a severe one and many of the settlers found the meal in the barrel very low before spring opened.


Northport was the nearest point at which provisions could be obtained, except what little could be obtained at Bear Creek.
Hugh Miller made an improvement on some railroad land in
the present town of Hayes. Failing to make satisfactory arrangements with the railroad company, he abandoned his claim and not


j


t.


I


I


s --


-


_ A7-21.




d


t- — =a                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 -
i                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 I


I




I


I




180


THE TRAVERSE REGION.






I


long afterward moved to his present location near the village of
Charlevoix.
Pierce located on the north shore of Pine Lake some.six miles
from Pine River.
Wm. H. Porter was the first permanent settler at Advance.
He first came to the place in 1859, selected his land, which he
purchased of the U. 8S. government, and then went to Bear Creek,
where he remained until 1865. In the latter year he returned to
Advance, and built a saw-mill, and afterward a grist-mill, where
the village now stands, on the stream named in his honor Porter's
Creek.
Amos Williams was the first settler at the head of the south
arm of Pine Lake. The exact date of his arrival is not known,
but he was already there in 1862. At first he " squatted " on what
he supposed to be government land, but which proved to be the
property of a railroad company. - He afterward took a government
homestead.
Williams is remembered.as the owner of a large canoe, or
dug-out, made from the trunk of a pine tree, which he christened
the Old Ship Zion. At the same timne, Hugh Miller owned a craft
of the same sort, named the Leviathan, and an old gentleman of
the name of Holland a sail boat known as the Bucephalus. These
three vessels, with the Rover, brought in by Mr. Horton, seem to
have bequeathed their names to history as among the most famous
of the earliest fleet traversing the waters of Pine Lake.
Mrs. John Miller relates that, in 1858, her oldest son, Hugh,
being absent in the employ of Mr. Porter, at Bear Creek, Mr. Miller and the youngest son, James, went away with a boat to obtain
supplies. Stress of weathercompelled them to remain away longer
than had been anticipated, and for fourteen days she did not see
the face of a human being.
In June of the same year, shle got lost in the woods, and laid
out two nights. Slhe had gone out in the morning after her cows.
Usually, when the cows were started, they would go directly home,
and Mrs. Miller had fullen into tLe habit of depending on them for
guidance. On this occasion, for some unaccountable reason, they
took a wrong direction, and she soon became aware that she was
lost. Slie kept with the COWF, living upon milk. When they laid
down at night, she too laid down, with her back against one of
them, assuming that position for the sake of warmth, and for the
purpose of being awakened if the cows should again start on their
wanderings. She had learned from observation that at the time
of the longest days in June, when shadows are shortest, she could
step exactly the length of her own shadow at twelve o'clock. On
the second day while measuring her shadow in this manner to see
if it was noon, she discovered a glittering object among the dead
leaves on the ground. It proved to be a shiut button, and further
search revealed the remains of an old flannel shirt. Then she remembered that two land-lookers, who had been entertained at her
house some time before, had mentioned throwing away their flannel
shirts in the woods, several miles up the Boyne. Concluding that
she must be several miles east of home, she took the sun for a
guide, and drove her cows in a westerly direction till sunset. Then
the cows laid down to rest, and she with them, for a few hours.
After the moon had got up high enough to be a convenient guide,
she traveled awhile by moonlight, and then laid down for another
rest. In the morning she was cheered by the distant blowing of
horns and firing of guns. Understanding the sounds to be the


welcome signals of a searching party, she seized the bell carried
by one of the cows and rang it with all her might in response, but
was unable to make it heard.   Soon afterward she came upon
and recognized the survey marks of the original line of the Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railroad, which she knew was only two miles or


I
I
I


I


I....... _                                                                                                                                                                                I!


a little more from home. Pushing on as well as she might, she
was cheered and encouraged by a repetition of the signals -of the
searching party. This time, by a vigorous ringing'of the bell, she
was able to attract their attention. They proved to Le a party of
Indians from Bear Creek. Mr. Miller had gone over to the mission for help. Thle party had crossed Bear Lake in their canoes,
firing guns and blowing horns as they landed on the south shore.
Not hearing any response they proceeded to the house where Mr.
Miller provided a breakfast. Then two of them had started up the
Boyne in a canoe, while the others proceeded eastwardly by land.
Mrs. Miller would, no doubt, have finally reached home without
assistance, but the dusky faces cf her friendly rescuers were none
the less welcome after a lonely sojourn of two days in tile forest.
John Miller wits borrn in Ireland, Oct. 10, 1811, and emigrated
to America in 1823. He settled in St. Lawrence County, New
York. December 25, 1840, he married Harriet Russell, who was
born in Canada in the year 1824. They have' had two sons, Hugh
R. and James R. The latter was drowned Dec. 26, 1869, while crozsing upon the ice near tile head of Pine Lake. Hugh has remained
upon the farm and also has a farm of his own adjoining his father's
which he carries on. He hlas been active in the early affairs of the
town, and was instrumental ill establishing the first school. John
Miller was the first postmaster at Boyne. Mr. andl Mrs. Miller
have bravely endured the hardships of pioneer life, and tile location which they selected in the depths of the wilderness has become one of the most beautiful building sites in the whole Pine
Lake region.
In 1858 Alanson G. Aldrich and family removed to Pine
River from Beaver Island, and the following year he identified the
grayling in the Jordan an.clBoyne Rivers, he being the first to discover the fact of their ilnhabitilng those streams. Orrin Campbell
also came at the same time.
In the winter of 1860-'61 W. M. Holland bargained for a privilege on Mill Creek owned by Medad Thompson and Hatgh Miller.
He erected a saw pit and sawed the plank for his flumne by hand.
The inhabitants turned out and assisted in getting out the timber
and building the dam. He worked in the snow and water for some
time but at last became discouraged and abandoned the project.
This was a great disappointment to the setttlers who had been
greatly encouraged at the prospect of a mill.
It must be borne in mind that, although the year 1860 is comparatively a recent date, yet, when applied to this locality, it was
long ago. Traverse City and Northport were small places, but
they afforded markets and were organized communities. Little
Traverse was only an Indian village, and Cheboygan a straggling
hamlet. Charlevoix County was bounded by lake and wilderness,
and the few settlers who were here were completely shut in from
the outside world.
The next moyement in the county was the beginning at Charlevoix village. From 1865 to 1867 a few settlers came into the
county and located south of Pine River, and scattering settlements
were made in other portions of the county.
EARLY MOVEMENTS.,.
In the summer of 1867 Rev. A. J. Sensabaugh organized the
first class on what was then the Antrim Circuit, at the house of
A. D. Brady, in the town of Marion. J. Clark was appointed class
leader, and the following named persons comprised the class: J.
Clark, Eliza Clark, A. D. Brady, Martha Brady, Charles Hogan,


Jane Hogan, William and Geo. Clark.  Rev. James Inwood, who
lived in that neighborhood, used to hold meetings frequently.
The class was continued with varying interest until a few years
since it was suspended.
Barnard, in the town of Marion, was a point of some expec

I.1


I


I


1


L




I


"- -___ --- — 1 — -         ^ --- —--— -  ^[le




I Z. M. 




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


181






I


tations. The site of the proposed village was located on a creek,
which afforded a mill privilege. It was also located on the state
road.  Barnard Burns located there about 1865, and a postoffice
was established and took his name.
West of Barnard, in the town of Norwood, was the Inwood
settlement, where Rev. James Inwood lived.   He was a local
preacher, and now lives in the village of Charlevoix.
NORWOOD is a small village situated upon the shore of Lake
Michigan, in the town of Norwood. In the year 1866, 0. D.
Wood, Orwin Adams and L. H. Pearl, under the firm name of 0.
D. Wood & Co., came to this point from Antrim City, and built a
dock. Before it was completed Mr. Pearl sold his interest to the
other partners, and erected the hotel known as the Eagle House,
and the residence now owned by Mr. F. Gugles. Messrs. Wood &
Adams went on and built a saw-mill, store and boarding-house.
In the fall of 1866 William Harris, still a resident of the place,
arrived and kept the boarding-house for Wood & Co.  About 1869
the mill property passed into the hands of H. N. Ballard and D. F.
Barber.  They operated it a while and sold to Mr. Morse.  He
sold to F. J. Meech, and he to Gugles, Nash & Co., who came from
Wisconsin.  The first postmaster was William  Harris, and the
present incumbent is F. J. Meech. The village has the usual interests of rural settlements, but has never attained any importance
as a business point.
ADVANCE is a small hamlet on the south shore of Pine Lake,
about four miles from Boyne. There is a dock, two mills and two
or three stores. The location is attractive and the place is surrounded by a good farming country.  The beginning at this point
has already been mentioned.
HORTON'S BAY, named from Samuel Horton, its first settler, has
a dock and one or two stores.  Quite a trade in wood and bark is
carried on. The bay is exceptionally beautiful, and the settlement
is upon one of the finest village sites to be found anywhere, but it
has not seemed to have the right geographical location for a
village.
PIONEERS.
We give herewith brief biographical sketches of some of the
pioneers of the period we have been reviewing. Others are mentioned in other parts of the work.
SAMUEL HORTON, one of the pioneers of Charlevoix County,
was born at Long Point Bay, Canada, in 1800. At the age of
twenty-three he went to Ohio, where he resided until 1856, when
lie moved to Michigan and located on Section 6, Town 33 north,
Range 6 west, on11 what is now known as Horton's Bay, being the
first settler at this point. Much of the land which lie then entered
he has sold off in small tracts, and a village has sprung up here,
the beginning of which was a mill built in 1876. He was married
in 1827 to Sophia Adams, and has had thirteen children, of whom
nine, two sons and seven daughters, are now living. He has now
seventy-six descendants; children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Mr. Horton has practiced medicine somewhat since
1819, commencing practice in Huron Pounty, Ohio. His physical
and mental faculties are still remarkably well preserved for one of
the advanced age of eighty-four years. He still resides at Horton's
Bay.
DANIEL H. PIERCE, farmer, of Hayes Township, Charlevuix


County, is one of the pioneers of the county. He was born in
Cicero, Onondaga County, N. Y. Came to what is now CQharlevoix
County in the spring of 1857 when 'there were but three or four
settlers in this section of country. Hle has taken an Active part in
the public affairs of his town, and has held the offices of supervisor
and town clerk. His residence is in a beautiful location on the
shore of Pine Lake, sheltered ou the north by the bluff. Near his




i




house is a beautiful spring of water, clear as crystal, boiling up
through the sand, and adding much to the value as well as the
beauty of the place.  Mr. Pierce's family consists of a wife and
three children.
M. J. STOCKMAN, a pioneer of Charlevoix Village, was born in
Lorain County, Ohio, in the year 1833.  When ten years of age
his parents emigrated to Michigan. He began fishing when a boy,
and followed it in Huron County. In July, 1854, he was married
at Collingwood, Ohio, to Lottie A. Moses. In September, 1857, in
company with Seth F. Mason, he came to Pine River, now Charlevoix. He was in poor health and came to this point to follow fishing, in hopes that the change of climate would be beneficial, and
the result exceeded his expectations. He f;xed up a house that had
been occupied by a Mormon family, and stood near the present site
of the Nicholls saw-mill.  The following month, October, they
brought their families.  The families of Medad Thompson and
John S. Dixon were in this vicinity, but Mr. Stockman is the
oldest resident in the village limits of Charlevoix.  He followed
fishing exclusively for several years, and has always been interested
in that occupation. In October, 1862, lie enlisted in Company A,
Independent Ohio Volunteer Sharpshooters, und remained in the
service until the close of the war, being mustered out July 19,
1865.  In the summer of 1872, in company with a man named
Norris, he started the first hardware store in the place.. They
carried onl business in a little barn near Round Lake.  After a few
months Mr. Norris withdrew from the firm, lind Mr. Stockman
carried on the business alone until 1883, when the present firm of
Stockman & Iddings began. In 1880 lie erected the large two
story brick building in which the. business of the firm is now
carried on. For many years Mr. Stockman has been one of the
leading business men of this region, and has acquired large business and property interests. He owns two steamers which run
upon the lakes engaged in passenger traffic. He was the first
town clerk in 1858, and held various local offices, among others
that of register of deeds for three years.
HUGH MILLER, one of the early settlers of Charlevoix County,
was born in Ireland in the year 1820. At the age of four years lie
came to America with his parents and lived for several years in
St. Lawrence County, N. Y. In May, 1811, at Ogdensburgh, N.
Y., lie married Sarah H. Mayne. They have had seven children,
three of whom are still living. In the summer of 1857 they set
out to find a home in the then new country of northern Michigan.
They first located in what is now Hayes Township, in the spring of
1858. Through a mistake he found lie had located upon railroad
land, and only remained about a year. They then removed to the
village and remained until the fall of 1860, when they located on
Section 35, in Charlevoix Township, about a mile and a half from
the present village of Charlevoix. They now have 190 acres of
land, sixty acres of which are well improved. In the summer of
1870 they built their present dwelling, which is a large and well
arranged farm-house.   Mr. and Mrs. Miller have experienced
pioneer life in all its severity. They began life with nothing but
stout hands and willing hearts, and the meal in the barrel was
often low and the comforts of life scarcely known. Both were
prudent and industrious persons, who cared more for tuture comforts and independence than present privation. So they toiled and
saved, and in time their sacrifices were rewarded. Mr. Miller has


become one of the foremost farmers in the county.  They have a
beautiful home overlooking Pine Lake, and are surrounded by all
t'le comforts of life.
JOHN NEWMAN, the first settler in what is now Marion Township, was born at Whitehall, N. Y., in the year 1832. He first
came to the Traverse country in 1856, when lie went to Horton's


-.~


— a
I


i


F


t --


F

— qp


j I I 


-


-*q


k- 


Im


lkI


v- 


1"V




g


4
Is


4
I I


01 -7.


-


r


182                                  THE TRAVE
Bay. He remained there a iuhort time making sap buckets, and
then went to Medad Thompson's, who had settled near the present
village of Cliarlevoix. He remained there and helped at making
maple sugar the following spring. He then went to Beaver Island
and remained about six months when he returned to Pine Lake.
June 9, 1858, he married Hariet A, daughter of Medad.Tompson, one of the first settlers of this region. They have five children.
In 1859 he built a log house on his land in Section 2, now Marion
Township, and they settled in their new home in the wilderness.
It was pioneer life, indeed. Mr. Newman chopped about his home,
made hoops and barrels through the minter, and in the. spring
made sugar. In those days he went to Beaver Island for supplies,
and sometimes a week's time would be required to make the trip.
It was necessary to lay in sufficient supplies in the fall to last
through the winter. Their log house was at that time the only
one in what is now Marion Township. There were no neighbors
and no roads for several years. They have 109 acres of land,
thirty acies of which are imjproved. In 1883 Mr. Newman built a
large and substantial farm-house near the old log home, which is
still standing. He has held the offices of justice of the peace,
supervisor, clerk and other minor offices.
CAPT. ALANSON G. ALDRICH, of Clharlevoix, was born in Wayne
County, Mich., April 27, 1836. At the age of twelve years he engaged in sailing, and has made it almost his exclusive employment.
On Aug. 4, 1855, lie was married to Miss Anna Griffith, of St.
James, Beaver Island. She was born in Montreal, Canada, Sept.
17, 1838. Their children are Edvardo, Henry E., Sarah T., Lizzie
A., Ella, Willie A., Eva, Ernest and Anna L. From 1856 to 1858
they resided in (Grand Rapids. From there they removed to the
thriving town of Charlevoix. They have a pleasant residence on
Main Street, with a fine view of the surrounding town. The captain has served seven years as supervisor of Charlevoix, and two
terms as sheriff of that county. He was also four years assistant
assessor and deputy collector of internal revenue. He identified
the grayling fish in the Jordan and Boyne Rivers in the spring of
1859.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
COUNTY OF KESKONKO LAID OFF-NAME CHANGED TO CHARLEVOIXCHARLEVOIX COUNTY ORGANIZED-COUNTY OFFICERS FIRST ACTS
OF SUPERVISORS-FIRST COURT-THE PIONEER LAWYER-ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS-TOWN OFFICERS-SCHOOL MATTERSPOSTOFFICES.
In 1840 that portion of the state lying in the Towns 33, 34, 35
and 36 north, and west of the line between Ranges 3 and 4 west,
was laid off as a separate county and designated by the name of
Keskonko. In 1843 thle name was changed to Charlevoix, in honor
of Pierre Francois Xavicr de Charlevoix, one of the early French
missionaries and explorers, who was born in 1682 and died in
1761.
In 1853 the counties of Emmet and Charlevoix were organized
under the name of Emmet, and provision was made for organizing
the town of Clarlevoix to embrace the territory of the county.


When Emmet Connty was re-organized in 1855, the territory of
Charlevoix Township was described as follows: Township 34 north,
of Range 8 west and Township 83 north,'of Ranges 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9 west. The first township meeting was appointed at the house of
John S. Dixon. The circumstances of this election have already
been related.  Tle result was that as there was no other town
meeting held in the county, Galen B. Cole was the only supervisor
and constituted the board, which at an annual meeting in October,


1 I. 


RSE REGION.


a


1855, elected several new towns, of which Evangeline and Eveline
were two. The record of proceedings is signed by Galen]3. Cole,
as chairman of the board, and Geo. T. Preston as county clerk. It
has been considered-a significant fact that both of these men were
Mormolns, and the argument made that this legislation by a one
man board was in the inteiest of some deep and dangerous scheme.
Such may have been the fact, but as there are other instances on
record in other counties where there were no Mormons, and yet one
supervisor constituted the board and transacted business, this circumstance cannot be regarded as constituting a prinria.faci case.
In the appendix of the session laws of 1857 may be found "An
act to divide the township of Clarlevoix in the county of Emmet,"
Section 2 of which reads as follows: That part of the township of
Charlevoix in the county of Emmet contained in Ranges 6 and 7
west, which lies to the southwestward of the main chalnnel of the
lake known as Green Lake, Long Lake, Pine Lake or Lake Mormon,
shall be organized into a separate township by the name of Eveline,
and the first township meeting shall be held at the house of William
Bieklc on the first Tuesday in April next. Passed by a majority
of votes of all members elected to the board of supervisors, the 22d
day of October, 1855.
It is also recorded that the board of supervisors of Emmlet
County at the annual meeting held Oct. 22, 1855, passed a resolution providing as follows: That that part of the tovnship of
Charlevoix in the county of Emmet known as Town 33 north, of
Range 5 west, so much of Town 33 north, of Range 6 west as lies
to the southeastward of the main channel of the lake known as
Green Lake, Long Lake, Pine Lake or Lake Mormon, shall be organized into a separate township by the name of Evangeline, and
the first township meeting shall be heldlat the house of Reuben T.
Nichols the first Tuesday in Apiil next.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
In the winter of 1869 a bill was passed by the legislature organizing the county of Clarlevoix. The act reads as follows: That
the county of Clharlevoix consisting of the following described
territory, to wit: Townships 32 north, of Ranges 4, 5, 6 and 7 west;
Townships 33 north, of Ringes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 west; the south
half of Townships 34 north, of Ranges 4, 5 and 6 west, and all of
Townships 34 north of Ranges 7 and 8 west be, and the same is
hereby organized into a separate county by the name of Charlevoix,
and the inhabitants thereof shall be entitled to all the privileges,
powers and immunities, to which by law the inhabitants of other
organized counties in the state are entitled.
There shall be held an election in the several townships in said
county on the first Monday in May next, for the purpose of electing
county officers, to which by law the said county may be entitled,
whose term of office shall expire on the first day of January, 1871,
and when their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.
The county canvassers, under the provisions of this act, shall
meet on the second Tuesday succeeding the day of said election, as
herein appointed, in the township of Charlevoix in said county, at
the house of John S. Dixon, or such other place as may be agred
upon and provided by said board and organize by appointing.one of
their number chairman, and another secretary, and shall thereupon
proceed to discharge all the duties of a board of county canvassers
as in other cases of the election of county officers, as prescribed by
the general law.


The said county of Charlevoix, whien so organized, shall be
attached to the representative district composed of the counties of
Mason, Lake, Manistee, Grand Traverse, Leelanaw, Manitou,
Antrim, Otsego, Crawford, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Wexford, Benzie,
and of the thirty-first Senatorial, and fourth Congressional districts.






-1


~- Ib


-   ll   _




. I. A


<r


11,
79 -

0          fi-


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


183


The said county when so organized shall be attached to the
thirteenth judicial circuit.
The secretary of state is hereby directed to furnish the township clerk of the township of Charlevoix with a certified copy of
this act, and it shall be the duty of said clerk to give the same notice
of the election to be held under the provisions of this act that is required by law to be given by the sheriff of organized counties.
The register of deeds of said county shall make, or cause to be
made, a transcript of all records made in other counties which are
necessary to be and appear upon the records of said county of
Charlevoix; and the board of supervisors of said county, shall
within one year after the first meeting of the board make provisions
for defraying the expenses of the same.
The county seat of the county of Charlevoix'shall be located by
the board of supervisors of said county.
All property files and records belonging to the county of
Emmet which may remain in tile county of Charlevoix at the time
of its organization, shall be delivered over to the proper authorities
of the county of Emmet.
All acts or parts of acts contrary to the provisions of this act
are hereby repealed.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
A union convention to nominate county officers was lield April
17, 1869. William Harris was chairman and Willard A. Smith,
secretary. Delegates were present from the several towns as follows: Charlevoix, J. S. Dixon, A. G. Aldrich, M. J. Stockman;
Norwood, L. H. Pearl, Geo. Olney, Wm. Harris; South Arm, D.
R. Cole, A. R. Struthers, Solomon Isaman; Evangeline, H. R.
Miller, W. C. Fordham, E. R. Boynton; Eveline, S. Steele, J.
Preston, Daniel Staley;. Marion, L. W. Skinner, R. Williams, W.
Vosburgh. A ticket was nominated as follows: Sheriff, Richard
Cooper; treasurer, Jackson Ingalls; clerk, Wm. Harris; register,
M. J. Stockman; judge of pro'bate, Philo Beers; prosecuting attorney and circuit court commissioner, Edward H. Green; supt.
of schools, John S. Dixon; coroners, L. W. Skinner and Solomon
Isaman.
The first election in the county was the general election on the
first Monday of April.. The highest number of votes polled was
213.
The county election was held on the first Monday of May. The
highest number of votes polled was 175. The ticket nominated at
the convention was elected with the addition of William Miller for
'surveyor.
The county officers elected for the several terms since the first
have been as follows:
1870:-Sheriff, Richard Cooper; clerk, Willard A. Smith;
treasurer, Jackson Ingalls; register, William Harris; prosecuting
attorney, Edward H. Green; circuit court commissioner, Edward
H. Green; judge of probate, Philo Beers; Supt. of schools, John
S. Dixon; surveyor, William Miller.
1872:-Sheriff, Alanson G. Aldrich; clerk, John S. Dixon;
treasurer, Willard A. Smith; register, M. J. Stockman; probate
judge, Richard Cooper; surveyor, Addison Hayden.
1874:-Sheriff, Alanson G. Aldrich; clerk, John S. Dixon;
treasurer, Byron Lee; register, M. J. Stockman; surveyor, William Miller.
1876: —Sheriff, Alex. J. McLeod; clerk and register, A. R.
Upright; judge of probate, J. Milo Eaton; treasurer, Byron Lee;


prosecuting attorney, E. H. Green; surveyor, E. K. Robinson.
1878:-Slleriff, Richard Cooper; clerk and register, A. R. Up-'
right; treasurer, Byron Lee; prosecuting attorney, E. H. Green;
surveyor, E. K. Robinson.
1880: —Sheriff, Richard Cooper; clerk and register, A. H. Up

right; treasurer, E. H. Green; probate judge, James A. Reat; surveyor, E. K. Robinson: circuit court commissioner, Oscar F.
Wisner.
1882: —Sheriff, A. J. Stroud; clerk and register, A. R. Upright; treasurer, E. H. Green; surveyor, E. K. Robinson; prosecuting attorney, Will A. Norton.
FIRST ACTS OF SUPERVISORS.
The first meeting of the board of supervisors wits held at the
house of Richard Cooper in Charlevoix, May 11, 1869, and the following members were present: Alanscn G. Aldrich. Charlevoix; Samuel W. Steele, Eveline; Hugh R. Miller, Evangeline; Bernard Burns,
Marion; William  Harris, Norwood; Andrew R. Struthers, South
Arm. William Harris was elected chairman, and John S. Dixon
clerk, plo t,m. After effecting tian organization the board adjourned
to the following day. The next morning the board again met and
Messrs. Aldlicll, Miller and Struthers were appointed a committee
to receive proposals as to a site for county buildings in the township of Cllarlevoix, and to report at the annual meeting in October.
The same conmmnittee was instructed to rent suitable rooms for
present use.
In pursuance of power granted by the legislature the board
ordered that the county seat be located and established in the township of Ctarlevoix, on Section 26, of. Township 34 north, of
Range 8 west. Efforts have been made at various times to remove
the county seat to other points in the county, but none of them
have, as yet, proved successful.
Amos Fox, of the firm of Fox & Rose, offered the county a
room for the use of the county clerk, and a hall for supervisors'
meetings and use of the circuit court for one year, for the sum of
fifty dollars. This proposition was accepted by the board.
The board voted to assess personal property in the several
townships at the full value in gold, and that improvements on real
estate be assessed at from ten to fifteen dollars per acre.
Hugh R. Miller was.appointed assessor of the unorganized territory of the county.
The following salaries were voted to county officers: Prosecuting attorney and probate judge, one hundred dollars each; county
clerk, seventy-five dollars, and treasurer, fifty dollars.
James Inwood was appointed superintendent of poor for three
years, Seth F. Mason for two years, and John Miller for one year.
At the annual meeting in October the same supervisors were
present. The committee appointed to examine into the matter of
establishing a county road from Charlevoix village to the southeast
corner of Town 32 north. of Range 7 west, reported favorably.
It was decided to accept a proposition from Seth F. Mason, to
sell the county an acre of land on the hill near the school-house
for county buildings, for the sum  of one hundred dollars. This
matter was subsequently reconsidered.
The aggregate valuation of the several townships was determined to be as follows: Charlevoix, $38,378; Eveline, $9,047;
Evangeline, $2,069; Marion, $8,756; Norwood, $20,682; South
Arm, $7,343; unorganized territory, $150. Total, $86,425.
It was voted to raise fifty-six dollars for the poor fund.
The aggregate valuation in 1871 was $105,443.
In 1883 the aggregate valuation was $1,923,345.
The first session of circuit court in and for Charlevoix County
was held in the hall over Fox & Rose's store, in[August, 1869, Hon.


J. G. Ramsdell, presiding.  The record shows that court opened
on the 24th of August, but no judge being present court adjourned
to the following day, when Judge Ramsdell having arrived the business before the court was dispatched. The first case on.the docket
was "sThe People vs. Walker McCool," on information for maliciously burning wood. The cause was continued to the 'next term of


j


l


-            PI,




I
*I


p
4
I


I   -


b


V-,............. — r — 
'  - - -  -                                                                                --         -     ----- -    --- -                              * l {s~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-4


184


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


court. Tile appointment of Archibald Buttars as county clerk was
approved. The Antrim county jail was designated as the common
jail for the county.
THE FIRST LAWYER.
Edward H. Green, the pioneer lawyer of Charlevoix County,
was born at Reamstown, Lancaster County, Pa., Oct. 81, 1834.
His early education was obtained at the district school and at the
normal school at Millersville. At the breaking out of the civil war
he was one of the first to respond to the call ot President Lincoln
for troops to defend the nation. April 19, 1861, he enlisted at
Maytown, Pa., in the three months' service. Afterward he enlisted in Company E, 107th Pennsylvania Infantry. He made a
brilliant war record and endured all the suffering and hardships
possible to pass through and live. He was first promoted to lieutenant, then to captain, and at the close of the war was breveted
major in recognition of gallant services. At the battle of Bull
Run he received gun-shot wounds through the foot and thigh, and
was obliged to lie upon the ground for several days before his injuries could receive any attention. He was taken prisoner but
turned over to a hospital for treatment. The wound in the thigh
was of a serious nature, and he is still a sufferer from its effects,
As soon as he was able to get about he returned to the service, although entitled to discharge for disability. He was then made
lieutenant and shortly afterward captain. At the battle of Spottsylvania, in 1864, he was taken prisoner and for ten months endured the suffering of Libby, Macon and other southern prisons.
In July, 1865, after the close of the war, lie was mustered out of
service, a physical wreck, as was many another who survived that
terrible conflict. In the winter of 1865-'66 he taught school, and
then entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which
lie graduated in March, 1868, and immediately thereafter was adinitted to practice law in the supreme court at Detroit. He then
started in pursuit of a location, and acting upon thle suggestion of
Judge Ramsdell, of Traverse City, located in Charlevoix, then a
part of Emmet County. IHe was the first lawyer to locate between
Traverse City and the Straits, and the field at that time was not
calculated to fascinate a young attorney who had both fortune and
fame to acquire. Just about that time the county seat of Emmet
County had been located at this point, and the immense forests of
timber surrounding Pine Lake led Mr. Green to reason that this
must sometime become a business point. Sept. 29, 1868, he married Luna A. Mathews, of Ann Arbor, and began life in earnest.
At the August term of court hlie was appointed prosecuting attorney for Emmet County, and upon the organization of Charlevoix
County in 1869, was elected the first prosecuting attorney of the
new county. He was also the first circuit court commissioner and
has held the offices of county treasurer, supervisor and deputy collector of customs. He has been twice elected on the Republican
ticket to the state legislature. His early experience was diversified.
He cleared the lot upon which his dwelling now stands and built a
house to live in. It was while working upon his house that he received his first retainer, which was twenty dollars, from Dennis T.
Downing, to defend him in the county clerk embezzlement case,
elsewhere mentioned in this work. He was editor of the Charlevoix Sentinel, from  its first issue in April, 1869, to Feb. 11, 1871.
During the winter of 1868-'69 he taught the village school, and in
the society of the handsome village in 1884 are a score of persons
who were his pupils in the struggling settlement of fifteen years


ago. It will thus be seen that Major Green's pioneer experiences
covered a wide range, but it will be observed that they were all in
the line of a theory that working for success is surer than idly
waiting for it. The spirit that defies defeat upon the battle-fields
of war may gather sheaves with equal success in the harvest fields of


I!


I


peace. In addition to his practice as a lawyer, Major Green, at the
present time, holds the offices of treasurer of the county, and deputy
collector of customs. He was the first master of the Masonic lodge
and the first worthy chief templar of the Good Templars. An excellent portrait of him appears upon another page.
The bar of Charlevoix County in 1884, is composed of the
following members:
Charlevoix: C. J. Grier, E. H. Green, O. t. Wisner, J. Milo
Eaton, J. M. Clark, Fred W. Mayne, Albert Mason, A. D. Cruickshank.
Boyne City: Will A. Norton, L. F. Moon, Z. N. Garbutt, R.
S. Corbett, H. A. Jersey, Arthur E. Martin.
East Jordan:   James &. Keat, F. E. Fogg, Fred H. Aldrich.
Officers of court:  Circuit judge, Hon. J. G. Ramsdell; prosecuting attorney, Will A. Norton; county clerk, A. R. Upright; deputy clerk, Oscar Upright; circuit court commissioner, O. F.
Wisner.
Officers in attendance:  Sheriff, Alonzo J. Stroud; under
sheriff, Byron W. Miller; deputy sheriff, Orlando Blair; deputy
sheriff, Frank P. Myers.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS.
The town organizations in Charlevoix County at the present
time are as follows: Bear Lake, Boyne Valley, Chandler, Charlevoix, Evangeline, Eveline, Hayes, Hudson, Marion, Melrose, Norwood, Resort, South Arm, Springvale, Wilson. The first organization o: the towns of Charlevoix, Evangeline and Eveline has already been mentioned. The other towns were organized as follows:
The town of Marion was organized by act of legislature, approved March 20, 1867, and embraced the territory of Township 33
north, of Range 9 west, formerly a part of the township of Charlevoix. First town meeting was held at the house of William Harris. William Harris, Edgar Stafford and John Olney were inspectors of election.
The town of South Arm, previous to the organization of Charlevoix County, formed a part of Antrim County. The town was
organized by an order of the board of supervisors of Antrim County,
March 10, 1868, and embraced the following described territory:
Towns 32 north, of Ranges 5, 6 and 7 west. By an act of legislature, approved March 14, 1869, the following described unorganized
territory was attached to South Arm for municipal and taxable
purposes, viz: Township 32 north, of Ranges 1, 2, 3 and 4 west.
The population of the town in April, 1867, was fifty.
The town of Norwood was set off from Marion by the board
of supervisors in April, 1869, and embraced the territory of
Township 33 north, of Range 9 west, and the west tier of sections
of Township 33 north, of Range 8 west, and Sections 5, 8 and
17 of Township 33 north, of Range 8 west. William Harris, Orwin Adams and Lucius Westgate were inspectors of election.
The town of Boyne Valley was organized by the board of
supervisors at the January session in 1873, in accordance with an
application signed and presented, praying them to erect and provide for the organization of a new township, to be called the township of Boyne Valley, to consist of the territory described as follows, to-wit: Towns 32 north, of Ranges 4 and 5 west.
Dated, South Arm, August 17,1872.
William Nelson, J. A. Sudman, Jr., E. W. Anson, Robert


Coan, Eugene Kyes, E. K. Robinson, J. A. Sudman, Sr., George
Rolls, James Scipio, George W. Garrett, Hershal Magee, William
A. Nelson.
The first annual meeting was appointed at the house of William Nelson, on the first Monday of April, 1873, and William  Nel



I,


w
PI


i
I I


-


I


__ 


1 -


I I  II I I  I I I I I III......  I....I


%5














4
iJ^




la

a


IIL


L'          L.                                                    -'- v


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


185


I                                                                    1


son, A. J. Hall and W. W. Gager were appointed inspectors of
election.
The town of Wilson was organized at the same session, upon
petition praying them to erect and provide for the organization of
a new township, to be called the township of Wilson, to consist of
the territory described as follows, to-wit: All of Town 32 north, of
Range 6 west.
Dated, South Arm, August 17, 1872.
David S. Pierce, Isaac H. Burton, Peter K. Winters, Adam
Lloyd, David F. Moon, Jabez Bowen, George S. Smith, Am'iriah
A. Scipio, David Leroy, James A. Leroy, Zachariah Morgan, Robert
E. Thompson, Aretus Root, Lafayette Curtiss.
The first annual meeting was appointed at the house of Peter
K. Winters, on the first Mon lay of April, 1873, and PeteL K. Winters, David S. Pierce and Robert E. Thompson were ilppointed inspectors of election.
Hudson was organized by the board of supervisors at the October session in 1876, and was named Custer. The following year
~the name was changed to Hudson. Thle territory comprise d Township 32 north, of Range 4 west. The first town meeting was appointed at the house of Gilbert L. Bowe, on the first Monday of
April, 1877, and F. C. Dilenback, Henry Ackersolu and Henry A.
Firber were anpointed inspectors of election.
The town of Hayes was organized b,- the board of supervisors
at the October session in 1876, and comprised the following describe'l territory: Township 34 north, of Range 7 west, and all that
part of Township 33 north, of Range 7 west, which lies north of
Pine Lake, and all that part of Township 34 north, of Range 6 west,
which lies west of Bear Lake.  The first town meeting was appointed at the school-house in School District No. 2, and Alexander
Ross, Eugene Burgess and Moses Cooper were appointed inspectors
of election.
Springvale was organized by the board of supervisors at a meeting held January 22, 1877, and comprised the territory of Townships 33 north, of Range 4 west, and south half of Township 34
north, of Range 4 west. The first town meeting was appointed at
tue house of Charles A. T. Bloss, on the first Monday of April,
1877, and John W. Howard, Charles A. T. Bloss and Robert
Hughes were appointed inspectors of election.
The town of Bear Lake was organized by the board of supervisors at the October session in 1877, and comprised the territory of
the south half of Township 34 north, of Rnmge 5 west, anll that
part of the south half of Township 34 north, of Range 6 west, which
lies east of the west arm of Bear Lake.  The first town meeting
was appointed onl the first Monday of April, 1877, and J. J. Johnson, C. J. Wooden and Philo French were appointed inspectors of
election.
Melrose was set off from Evangeline by the board of supervisors
at the October session in 1877.  The petition was signed and
designated territory as follows: To detach from the present township of Evangeline the territory herein described, to wit: Town 33
north of Range 5 West Meridian, Michigan, in said county and
state and erect the same into a new township to be known and
designated as the township of Melrose.
James A. Haskins, John T. Collins, J. N. Fogelleny, Albert
Howard, Alfred D. Joles, Louis Strid, John E. Darrah, Isaiah W.
Austin, Richard Packet, John Jones, Andrew Mitchell, William
Long, James P. Biggs, Clark A. Hull, Leonard W. Hull, Daniel


A. Tainter, Jerome B. Cater, George H. Griffin, John Miller, An-. drew J. Hall, J. Thompson, Frank Beardsley, George B. Thompson.
The first town meeting was appointed at the house of John T.
Collins on the first Monday of April, 1877, and James A. Haskins,


John E. Darrah and John Jones, Jr., were appointed inspectors of
election.
Tile town of Chandler was organized by the board of supervisors
at a meeting held July 6, 1880, and embraced the following described territory: South half of Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and
Sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,
28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36, Towns 33 north, of Range 4
west. The first town meeting was appointed at the Walton schoolhouse on tile first Monday of September, 1880, and Jacob Reigle,
Silas Walton and Robert Hughes were appointed inspectors of
election.
Tile town of Resort was organized, seemingly to increase the
number of towns in the county, as the territory embraced in the
organization could hardly be supposed to be suffering for want of
separate towll organization. At a meeting of the board of supervisors held in August, 1880, a petition signed by James P. Flashman and others was presented praying for the organization of a
town consisting of territory described as follows: All that portion
of Sections 6 and 7 lying between the arms of Bear Lake in Town
33 north, of Range 5 west; all that portion of Sections 1, 2, 11 and
12, Town 33 north, of Range 6 west, north of the lake; all that
portion of Section 31, Town 34 north, of Rancge 5 west, lying between the arms of Bear Lake, and all that portion of Sections 21
and 27 lying east of the west arm of Bear Lake, and Sections 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 35, 36, in Township 34 north, of Range 6 west.
Tile first town meeting was appointed on the 20th day of September, 1880, at the Fogelsonger school-house, and R. H. Carley,
C. J. Wooden and C. S. Cushman were appointed inspectors of
election.
The principal officers of the several towlns elected at the spring
election in 1869, the year of the organization of the county were as
follows:
Charlevoix:-Supervisor, A. G. Aldrich; clerk, MA. J. Stockmanl; treasurer, Philo Beers.
Evangeline: —Supervisor, Hugh R. Miller; clerk, Geo. W.
Biggs; treasurer, Isaac Willis.
Eveline:-Supervisor, S. W. Steele; clerk, Juliuts Preston;
treasurer, John Hammond.
Marion: —Supervisor, Barnard Burns; clerk, John O. Niel;
treasurer, James Graham.
Norwood:-SSupervisor, William Harris; clerk, T. S. Carter;
treasurer, Geo. Olney.
South Arm: —Supervisor, A. R. Struthers; clerk, Arthur A.
Coon; treasurer, Josiah Henry.
TOWN OFFICERS IN 1884.
Chlarlevoix: —Supervisor, O. Blair; clerk, H. S. Harsha;
treasurer, H. C. Cooper.
Norwood:-Supervisor, Wm. Harris; clerk, D. R. Bennett;
treasurer, Robelt Trimble.
Marion:-Supervisor, John Ward; clerk, W. D. Thompson;
treasurer, Jas. H. Adams.
Boyne Valley:-Supervisor, Frank P. Myers: clerk, Lewis F.
Davoll; treasurer, Henry H. Eaton.
Hudson: —Supervisor, Oren Miller;    clerk, Joseph Cook;
treasurer, John H. Ackerson.
Evangeline:-Supervisor, H. A. Jersey; clerk, W. J. Lewis;
treasurer, R. M. CadweJl.
Eveline:- Supervisor, H. Frezell; clerk, R. Bedwin; treasurer,


Henry Sheldon.
Hayes: -Supervisor, E. H. Burgess- clerk, Wm. Gray; treasurer, C. Whi'ford.
Springvale: -Supervisor, Samuel B. Thatcher; clerk, Allen C.
Madlem; treasurer, David T. Webb,.


-9


A


1




I
i
I
I


I
V




186


THE TRAVERSE REGION


South Arm:-Supervisor, W. Palmeter; clerk, Phil. Lanway;
treasurer, H. B. Hipp.
Wilson: —Supervisor, Geo. W. Bailey; clerk, George B. Mills;
treasurer, William R. Norton.
Bear La'ke:-Supervisor, E. C. Phetteplace; clerk, Peter B.
Caryon, treasurer, Frank Jones.
Chandler:-Supervisor, Alfred P. Heasley; clerk, J. W. Hall;
treasurer, Jacob M. Snyder.
Resort:-Supervisor, Cornelius Wooden; clerk, Henry McConnell; treasurer, Charles Nadolsky.
Melrose:-Supervisor, Joseph B. Jordon; clerk, James H.
Lyman; treasurer, John Hass.
SCHOOL MATTERS.
The following information is gathered from reports of the
school inspectors for the year 1883:
Charlevoix: —One school district, 320 school children, and one
frame school building in the village of Charlevoix.
Chandler:-Three school-districts, sixty-six school children,
one frame and three log school buildings.
Boyne Valley:-Five school districts, 15i; school children, five
frame school buildings.


dan, Horton's Bay, Intermediate, Inwood, Ironton, Norwood, Rock
Elm, Sedan, South Arm, Spring Vale, Thumb Lake, Undine.
CHAPTER XXIX.
VILLAGE OF CHARLEVOIX.
LOCATION OF THE VILLAGE SITE-DESCRIPTION OF THE TERRACESEVIDENCES OF FORMER INHABITANTS-IMPROVEMENTS BY I OX &
ROSE —EARLY MOVEMENTS —EARLY SUNDAY-SCHOOL-CHURCH AND
SCHOOL HISTORY —HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS-DEATH )F SETH F.
MASON —EARLY    BUSINESS  ENTERPRISES-SECRET   ORDERS —
(6;LIMPSE OF THE VILLAGE IN 1872 —LITERARY SOCIETIES —INCORPORATION UNDER A VILLAGE CIHARTER — GENERAL PROGRESS ----BIOGRA'PHICAL —SUIIMMER RESORTS.
Numerous writers have painted pen pictures of the village of
Charlevoix, some very successfully, but none have been able to embody in the sketch a charm that the subject does not possess. Extravagant statemnents, unfortunate in any place, would manifestly


D I
1 4




BIRD)'S-EYE VIEW OF CHARLEVOIX.


I


Bear Lake: —Three school districts, one fractional, eightysix school children, one log and two frame school buildings.
Eveline:-Six school districts, 430 school children, and six
frame school buildings.
Evangeline:-Six school districts, 319 school children, three
frame and three log school buildings.
Norwood:-Three school districts, 149) school children, two
frame and one log school buildings.
Marior:-Four school districts, 114 school children, three
frame and three log school buildings.
Melrose:-Four school districts, seventy-nine school children,
four frame school buildings.
Hayes:-Four school districts, 213 school children, two frame
and two log sclool buildings.
Hudson: —Four school districts, forty-five school children, four
frame school buildings.
South Arml:-Seven school districts, 441 school children,
seven school buildings. A portion of this district is in Antrim
County,
Wilson:-Five school districts, one fractional, 130 school
children, one frame and four log school buildings.
Springvale:-Four school districts, sixty-seven school children,
four log school buildings.
Resort:-Two school districts, seventy-two school children,
one frame school building.
POSTOFFICES.
The following postoffices are in Charlevoix County: Advance,
Boyne, Boyne Falls, Burgess, Charlevoix, Clarion, Dot, East Jor

be a serious defect in a work like this; equally open to criticism
would be a failure to do justice to the subject treated.
The two prominent characteristics of Charlevoix are the picturesque beauty of its location, and the superior moral a:id intellectual
attainments of its citizens. With respect to the feature of location
too much cannot be said, and any description will fail to convey to
those who have not visited the place a true conception of the situation.
Charlevoix is the key to the whole Pine Lake region, with
nearly eighty miles of shore line.  The above bird's-eye view
of the place, for which we are indebted to the Charlevoix  c/lttin t'l,
gives a very good idea of its general outlines:
Pine and Round Lakes and the river hlave already beern leltioned. Between Round Lake and the shore of Lake Michigtlu,
and upon both sides of Pine River, the village is situated; indeed it
would be a more correct description to say that the village is situated upon the shores of Round Lake, extending back to the shores
of Pine Lake. Round Lake is surrounded by a series of terraces,
and along the shore of Lake Michigan are high bluffs. The principal portion of the village is upon a level plat, on the west shore
of Round Lake, but the bluffs and terraces are dotted with buildings, mostly residences for which those elevations are so admirably
adapted.
THE TERRACES.
Of these ridges or terraces Dr. M. L. Leach speaks as follows:
"One ridge commences in the village, on the left bank of the river,
only a short distance below the bridge, and runs a southwesterly
course, parallel with the river and the lake shore, some distance in



e,


I                          -  - -   ---        - I ---           -


WIR


--


'  tM     r




6


I




i


--                        iC; -T~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oI I  ~~~~~~~~~~~~              I to~~~~~~~~~~I


I




I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


187


to the forest. It constitutes the bluff seen on the right when entering the river from Lake Michigan. One peculiarity of its formation is a curiosity. Its base is a stratified deposit of gravel, sand
and marl, left by the receding waters at the close of the drift period, or possibly deposited at a later epoch by the waters of Lake
Michigan, when they stood at a higher level than now, but its upper portion consists of heaps of sand piled up by the action of the
wind.
"Sand dunes, or downs, the work of the agency last alluded to,
are a common feature of the western coast of Michigan. They may
be studied to better advantage farther south, where they are more
numerous and of a more recent date. I have seen a hemlock tree,
fifty feet high, nearly covered up in them, but still alive, so rapid
had been the accumulation. The snows of winter were never
whirled together in drifts of more fantastic shape than are the loose
sands of the coast. On one occasion when traveling along the
beach, my attention was attracted to a steep, conical hill, seventy
feet high, almost as perfectly regular in outline as if it had been
fashioned by human hands. The sides were bare, and all around
it the wind seemed to be slowly removing the material it had formerly heaped up. Ascending it with difficulty I was surprised to
find that it was a narrow rim of sand around a regular, bowl-shaped
cavity, fifty or sixty feet deep, and that what I had taken for evergreen on the top was but the topmost boughs of trees growing in
the bottom of the hollow. Usually the heaps of blown sand do not
extend far inland. When the accumulation ceases, such wild plants
as delight in a soil nearly destitute of organic matter gradually take
possession of the drift. The bear-berry, a trailing shrub, spreads over
it, binding together its loose materials with its long, stringy roots, and
the Balm of Gilead finds in it a congenial home. Then follow the
balsam fir and other cone bearing trees, and in time it becomes
covered with the productions natural to a barren, sandy soil. It is
probable that the ridge I had ascended has not received any addition to its material for ages, except what has been contributed
by the vegetation that has grown and decayed upon its surface.
The path led through an open grove of scrubby pines, then among
dwarf junipers, young firs, cedars, and hemlocks, around the base
of knolls crowned with clumps of beeches, paper birches and striped
maples, and finally down a steep declivity to the pebbly margin of
the lake. Ferns and flowers, the latter, however, but sparingly,
lent their charms to the attractiveness of the scene.
"In my walk I came upon a simple work of art that interested
me greatly, the work of a vanished or vanishing race. It consisted
merely of two perfectly round, bowl-shaped excavations in the earth,
such as antiquarians call 'dug-holes,' the work of the Indians, or
possibly of the mysterious race who preceded them in the occupation of the country-the Mound Builders. The Indians, before the
white men came, were in the habit of burying their corn for preservation. A pit was dug on some dry, sandy knoll, and probably
lined with bark. When the corn was removed, the abandoned pit,
partially filled up, perhaps with the detritus from the sides and with
leaves falling into it, would retain its general outline for years, perhaps for ages. Those I discovered in my walk had the appearance
of being very ancient. Each was five or six feet in diameter at the
top, and two feet deep. In some parts of the state sandy
ridges are found literally covered with these excavations, the work,
unquestionably, of the Indians. Again, such excavations are found
in such relations to the work of the Mound Builders as to leave no


doubt of the agency of that people in their production.
"Other relics of the former occupants of the country are seen
in this vicinity. On the north side of the river, along the edge of
the bluff overlooking the lake, are found, mingled with the soil,
large quantities of hornstone chips, the *debris left on the site of an






T


ancient work-shop, if it be proper to so call it, where stone arrowheads were manufactured. That arrow-heads were extensively
made there is proved not only by the chips, but by imperfect and
unfinished specimens, spoiled in making and thrown away, considab'e numbers of which have been found. As in the caEe of the
'dug-holes,' there is some uncertainty as to which of the two races
alluded to should be credited with the relics. That the Mound
Builders occupied this region, at least in the immediate vicinity of
Charlevoix, seems tolerably certain from the finding of copper implements and ornaments, articles that the Iroquois and Algonquin
Indians neither made nor used before the advent of the whites. The
Mound Builders worked the copper mines of Lake Superior extensively; the Indians not at all.
"To the student of geology these terraces are a subject of no
small interest. They are always at the same height above the water.
Where best defined, there are usually three, not infrequently
with outlines as sharply cut as if they had been designed
by   human   intelligence  and  fashioned  by  human    hands.
Sometimes there are only two, the first and second, or second
and third being  blended, and sometimes all three blended in
one. At other points they disappear entirely, the higher, rounded
hills coming quite down to the beach. The great lakes originally
spread over a much larger area than at present. At a comparatively recent period, geologically speaking, though unnumbered ages
ago, counting time by the ordinary measure of years, perhaps when
this part of the continent had but paitly emerged from its last burial beneath the ocean, the valley of Pine Lake was a broad arm of
Lake Michigan, its bottom in the shallower places being what is
now the level surface of the upper terrace, and its shores the ranges
of rounded hills on either side. The barriers that confined the
waters of the great lakes gave way, there was a subsidence of the
floods, and the broad bay became a narrow, inland lake, with a
river-like outlet, its waves barely washing the base of the upper terrace. Again and again there was a subsidence, each terrace showing the altitude at which the retiring waters made a pause. In a
basin, the bottom of which corresponds nearly to the second terrace,
and its rim to the steep sides of the third, is situated the charming
village of Charlevoix."
Other evidences going to show that this spot was inhabited
long, have also been found. A few years ago, a gentleman, while
digging a cellar, exhumed portions of a human skeleton. His curiosity having been awakened, lie began search in the vicinity, and
soon after unearthed the greater portion of two more, which were
directly under a large, decayed hemlock stump. Dark colored outlines in the sandy soil indicated the entirely decayed remains of
other bodies-undoubtedly having been interred at an earlier date.
The bones found were in a badly-rotted condition and were accompanied by large strings of roughly wrought, but pure copper heads.
A large and well-shaped flint tomahawk and 246 perfectly formed arrow-heads were also found with the remains. Although the skulls and
jaw bones barely held together, the teeth were perfect in number
and preservation, indicating that their owners were young persons
— it may be young warriors who fell in battle and were buried -with
their weapons by their side. Pieces of lhard, sinewy flesh were also
found, and as it is impossible that it should be human, the fact
gives rise to the theory that smoked or preserved meat was deposited with the departed braves, to last them to the happy hunting
grounds. From the size and decayed condition of the stumps


which were directly over the remains, it is clearly evident that they
were deposited there hundreds of years agon It is safe to suppose
that if any portion of country was inhabited by any tribe or race of
people in the past, this locality, so perfectly adapted 'to their wants,
was much frequented.




i




*


1


- iI --- I,




~rA






a


t       no.


A1


I- fI II III I;.,I -  -I
188~ —~ -                                        -  -- - 


188


THE TRAVERSE R'EGION.


-


Charlevoix is the county seat of Charlevoix County, and has
grown rapidly during the past four years. It has become one of the
most famous summer resorts in northern Michigan, and its popularity in this respect must continue to increase. It is the center of
a famous fishing region, and boats run to all points in the vicinity.
Several steamers make daily trips to South Arm and East Jo-rdan,
and the staunch steamer, Clara Belle, makes two trips a day the
whole length of the picturesque lake to Boyne City, where stages
rnn to connect with trains at Boyne Falls.
The improvements of tlhe village conform to the natural surroundings. The citizens of the place are justly proud of their village, and manifest a commendable spirit of enterprise and liberality
in advancing those interests that redound to the credit and welfare
of a community. The visitor is at once impressed with the neat
and tasty appearance of the streets and buildings, and becomes
attached to the place by reason of the cordial greeting lie receives
from the people whom he meets. The rudeness usually found in
new places is nowhere exhibited among the people of this village;
on the contrary, the intellectual and moral standard is very high,
and there is an atmosphere of refinement that is immediately noticeable.
The early events which transpired at Pine River have already
been narrated, and we come now to the starting point of Charlevoix
as a village.
THE BEGINNING BY FOX & ROSE.
Tlhe narration of events already given shows that the site of
Charlevoix Village is historic ground.  The 'Mound Builders have
left their traces and1 the character of the location would be sufficient
evidence of its being a favorite resort of Indians. From the purchase of the laud by John S. Dixon in 1854, until the beginning of
the operations of Fox &( Rose in 1814 nothing occurred that is
connected with Charlevoix as a village.
In the course of the summer of 1864, Mr. Dixon completed
arrangements with the firm of Fox & Rose, of Nolthport, by which
they were to come here and build a dock to a sufficient depth of
water for stealm-boats to reach. Mr. H. 0. Rose, now of Petoskey,
came here and assisted in measuring the ground they were to have,
which included all convenient dock sites around the mouth of the
river. It was also arranged that Mr. Dixon was to take charge of
a stock of goods which lie was to dispose of in exchange for wood,
and that winter was begun the propeller wood trade at the mounth
of the river. Work on the dock was pushed as rapidly as possible,
and before the close of navigation a dock was paitially completed,
and everything was ready to receive wood. About the 25th of October there came a heavy northwest blow, the severest that had
been known on the lakes for many years, and carried away about
a hundred feet of the dock, doing considerable damage to what was
lpft.
This disaster was an unfortunate one, but did not discourage
the firm which was composed of pioneer business mien who had already been in the same kind of business at Northport for several
years.  Early in the spring they repaired the damages and completed the dock.
When goods were first shipped here in the fall, an old block
building was used, but during the winter of 1864-'6) they brought
lumber and put up a store.
Soon after operations were commenced Philo Beers bought an
interest in the business, and brought an addition to tlle stock of


goods already on hand.
Early in the spring the machinery and material for a saw-mill
were brought here, and in August, Robert Miller, now proprietor of
the Bridge Street House, arrived, he being the owner. He had
been here the previous year, and now came intending to build a


I
I
I
I




r


mill. The site that had been abandoned by William  Holland was
selected, a dam of heavy timber built across the creek and a substantial frame was erected by the middle of December, when work
was suspended until the following spring. When spring opened and
an attempt was made to raise the water it was found that the dam
could not stand the pressure, not being adapted to the sandy foundation on which it was erected. It was repaired three timres d(ring
the summer and then abandoned as a bad investment. This site is
now occupied by A. Stover's grist and flouring-mill.
During the summer and fall of 1865, Messrs. Fox & Rose built
their boarding house and barn.  The former is the original part of
the Fountain City House. Philo Beers built the main part of his
residence and C. Van Riper put up a dwelling' house afterward
owned by Nelson Ainslie.
Tie year 18(6 did not witness any materi;l change ill tle village, but 1867 opeued with brighter prospects.  Tle following is a
brief biographical sketch of Mr. Fox:
AMos Fox is one of the pioneer business men of the Traverse
Region. He was borii in Monroe Counltv, N Y., in the year 1827.
In 1837 lie removed to Branch County, Mich., with his parents and
relmained there until 18r50.  He then went to California aild remained through the winter, and il the spring returned to Bralllch
County. In the spring lie formed a co-partnerslli  with i. 0.
Rose, now of Petoskey. They went to California and remained engaged in mining about four years. Tlie partnerslip lasted twenityeight years and was concerned in extreme busiess enterptris's at
Nortlport, Charlevoix and Petoskey.  In 1855 they be-gan operations at Northport, and built the first dock and store at tlat point.
In 1864-'65 they built the first dock at Charlevoix which was finished
the following spring.  They also opened a store.  The salle firm
afterward built tile first dock and opened the first store:lt Petosiey.
At these points they carried on mercantile operations and dlealt in
wood, ties, posts, &c.  Mr. Fox's present store was built ini 1868.
He still carries on business at Ciiarlevoix, and deals i I bark, wood.
&c.  HIe also owns a large amount of land.   He was tmtarried at
Port Huron in 1866. They have two sons. Mr. Fox put on the first
steamers that ran on the inland waters, and few business men are
better known in northern Michigan than lie.  In 188tl Fox & Rose
divided their property and dissolved partnership.  Sin. e that time
Mr. Rose has carried on business alone.
Early in 1867 a mail route was established, also a postoffi. e
at Charlevoix. Philo Beers was postmaster.   Nelson Ainslie hlad
the contract for carrying the mail, and moved his family 1ere in
the spring of 1867. The village had been platted by Mr. l)ixoin ii
18661.
Mr. Beers kept tile postoffice at his house which stood jist
soutih of the river, and was post-master until his deat I, whic11h occurred April 3, 1872. Richard Cooper, wlho was deputly postmaster, moved the office to the Fountain City House, wvhere it was
kept until the appointment of Willard A. Smith, as post-master,
which was made in May.    Mr. Smiti still continues to 1hold tliat
office.
The firmn of A. Fox & Co. had made a contract with a firmn in
Buffalo to build a tug for use on Pine Lake in towing their wood
from the different points around thle lake to thle dock. Early ini the
spring of 1867 they began clearing out the river, and thle construetion of a railroad from their wood-yard on the river to their dock.
They also had four scows built at Northport for their wood trade.


Sonme time il June the tug, which they named "Commodore Nutt,"
arrived, and after considerable trouble she was got into Pine
Lake, whose waters were then narted for tile first time by steami
craft.
An alleged physician arrived this year inl the person of one. 4k


r1


I


-1


L,


k.


--  — L-~ —  -  - I   --   - - - -   — IL-__  _-   -— L ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~ 


k






A. Il a


al -                                                                                                            I lP


I


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


189....._~~                              ----— ~-~~~~~~~~~~~~ ---~~_~~I-,~  I~ l118


Dr. Fiasco, who demonstrated the propriety of his name to the
sorrow of those who had any business with him.  There is a well
founded tradition that he was a complete fiasco.  The next physician was a Dr. Gilbert who came in 1868, and after remaining a
month or two moved to Elk Rapids where he made a brief stop.
The first physician to locate here permanently was Dr. L. Lewis,
who came in 1870, and is still in practice here.
In the spring of 1867, Richard Cooper came from Little Traverse and kept the boarding-house for A. Fox & Co. He afterward
purchased the property and built the present Fountain City House,
which lie still keeps.
In the fall of 1867 Messrs. Redington, Nelson & Co. came here
to look for a location for a saw-mill. There was some talk of buying, the dock property of A. Fox & Co., but did not agree upon the
terms, and they then made a conditional bargain for a mill site.
They went away, and in the following spring their mill machinery
and appurtenances arrived and the mill was erected. The property
is now owned and operated by Mr. John Nicholls, who carries on
au extensive and flourishing business.  0. S. Washburn came in
the spring of 1868 as foreman for the firm, and has remained inll the
village to the present time.
Even at this time the improvements were not extensive.
Robert Miller had a blacksmith shop on the north edge of the
river. A. Chamberlain had partially constructed a dwelling, now
used as a confectionery store, opposite Major Green's office. John
Althouse had built his house on the north side of the river, and an
M. E. parsonage occupied a solitary place in the woods. Mr. Laister put up a building near the present hardware store of Stockman
& Iddings, during the summer of 1868, and afterward brought a
stock of goods from South Arm.  Mr. Laister was a bachelor and
possessed of a comfortable property. He carried on his mercantile
business until his death by suicide, Dec. 6, 1871. He was an
Englisliman by birth and had no relatives in this country. No
cause could be assigned for the tragedy that terminated his
life.
In the fall of 1868 the first lawyer to locate in the county arrived in the person of Major Edward H. Green. He built a house
where his present residence stands, and the following winter taught
schlool taking his pay principally in flour and potatoes.
It was during this time that Charlevoix enjoyed the brief
honor of being the county seat of Emmet County. The records
were brought over from Little Traverse and court was held inll the
Althouse building. The supervisors also met here, but Charlevoix
County was organized the following spring and was thereafter disconnected from Emmet.
The year 1869 was an important period. Charlevoix County
was organized and the village of Charlevoix became the county
seat, and in April the Charlevoix Sentinel was established. In the
issue of April 24, that being the first, local happenings were chronicled as follows: The union convention to nominate county officers;
the fact that Redington, Nelson & Co. were having a tug-boat constructed at Buffalo for use onl the lakes; Messrs. Fox & Rose's new
store on the south side of the river was said to be of mammoth proportions, and nearly finishlied. Tlhe second story was used as a hall.
A. Fox & Co. were laying a plank road between their store and the
dock; Redington, Nelson & Co. commenced operations with their
steam-mill, the previous week; William Laister had five new boats


ready for use; George Kyes had put up a building, the lower
story of which was intended for a general store and the second
story for a boot and shoe manufactory; Nelson Ainslie wanted to
build an addition to his house as soon as a c;rpenter could be procured. The newspaper history of the place since that time has been
substantially as follows:


NEWSPAPERS.
THE CHARLEVOIX SZNTINEL is a pioneer institution in this part of
Michigan, and has been an important factor in the general development and progress of Charlevoix County. In 1869 the county of
Charlevoix was organized. At that time De Witt C. Leach was publishing the G(rand Traverse Herald and Willard A. Smith was a compositor in the office of the (rad Trae I'.no'  ]'a!lh'. Mr. Leach desired to establish a newspaper office in the new colmty and selected
young Smith as the person whom he desired to come to Charlevoix
and manage the enterprise. A satisfactory arrangement was effected; and Smith took sucll material as he thought necessary from
the Hterald office and itwas transported to the new field of journalism. An office was set up in the Althouse Building, near the Fountain City House, and Saturday, April 24, 1869, the first number of
the Chalrleroi. Sentinel was issued for De Witt C. Leach by Willard
A. Smith, with Major E. H. Green as editor. Its field was wide,
for north of Traverse City there was no competition. Charlevoix
village was scarcely a prophecy and if every white family in that
territory had each paid for one copy during the year, the publisher
would not have grown rapidly rich. Ttrning back the issues of
fifteen years to the early numbers we find, however, a well printed
and well edited local newspaper. Public questions are there discussed with candor and ability, and the make-up of the paper displays the work of a printer well skilled in his craft. Thle paper was
a five-column folio and was printed on a Washington hand press.
In the earliest numbers are the advertisements of E. }S. Green, attorney and  insurance agent; Philo Beers, notary public; Robert
Miller, blacksmith; A. G. Aldrich, assistant assessor and depity
collector; the Fountain City Hotuse, Richard Cooper, proprietor;
William Laister, general store; Redington, Nelson & Co., dealers in
lumber; George Kyes, grocery; and A. Fox & Co. general merchants.
Thus the business of the village was fairly represented at thatt time.
T)uring the second year the office was removed to a building at
the corner of Clinton and Bridge Streets.
March 12, 1870, Mr. Leach sold the establishment to Willard
A. Smith. Mr. Green continued editor until Feb. 11, 1871, when
he retired from a position which hlie hlad very ably filled and Mr.
Smith became editor and proprietor.
In 1874 the paper was changed to a six-column folio, afterward to a five-column quarto, and in 1881 to a six-column quarto.
In 1871 Mr. Smith built an office on Main Street. Subsequently that building was moved to Bridge Street and occupied for
a time when it was again moved and the present S>,btil/ building
erected upon its site. Mr. Smith continued sole proprietor until
August, 1883, when he sold a half interest to Ed. F. Parmelee,
and the firm became Smith & Parmelee, as at present. At that
time the paper was increased to a seven-column quarto.
When first established the Sentinel was the official paper of
seven counties, including two on the Upper Peninsula. Since that
time its field has narrowed as population multiplied upon this inviting domain. Its prosperity, however, has never been checked nor
its influence lessened, and in the years of progress that-have
wrought such desirable changes in Charlevoix County the Sentinel
haits voiced the interests of this locality with commendable judgment
and fidelity. The fact that it survived the vicissitudes inevitable to
pioneer journalism, testifies to tk excellence and vigor of its early
management. The institution has shared the general prosperity


surrounding it, and the equipment of the'office has kept pace with
the increasing business which it enjoys. The,',ntinllc was established as a. Relublican newspaper and hrls rintained an unwavering course to the present. In point of influence find journalistic
excellence the Sentinel holds a high rank among the newspapers of


L


Ia




-


I-I-                                          -- --  -9 ~
I..           --       ------                     --  11




- -


J




*


190


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I _ _ _ _ _


-


I


Michigan, and its columns give evidence of great enterprise on the
part of its publishers.WIMLARD A. SMrrH, the founder of the 'entinel, was born at
Malone, Franklin County, N. Y., April 14, 1848. At the age of
seven years the death of his parents left him an orphan and the
necessity of early shaping his future career was thus thrust upon
him. At fourteen years of age he came to Michigan and entered
the office of the M.arshall Statesman as an apprentice. He served an
apprenticeship of three years and four months and then went to
Flint where he worked several years in the offices of the (Globe and
Wolrerine C(itizen. Failing health caused him to try the Traverse
Region arid he found employment as compositor in the office of the
Grand Tracerse Eatle. It was while working on the 'a!/le that the
project of starting the C'harlerlix Sentinel was considered and acted
upon as already related in the history of that paper. Immediately
upon becoming a resident of Charlevoix lie took a leading position
in public affairs which he has maintained to the present time. In
1872 he was appointed postmaster, which office he still retains. He
has held the offices of county clerk, county treasurer, and president
and trustee of the village. He has been manager of the telegraph
office since it was established in 1874, and U. S. Signal observer
since 1879. Dec. 25, 1871, he married Nancy M. Bagley, of
Banks, Antrim County. They have four children. Their residence
was originally built in 1872, and rebuilt in 1875. Mr. Smith has
been a successful journalist as any man must be who plants a newspaper on the frontier and brings it safely to a position of influence
and prosperity.
ED. F. PARMELEE, one of the editors and proprietors of tihe
Cbatro.,.,  etinel, was born at Reading, Hillsdale County, Mich.,
in the year 1861. He was educated at tlhe Univeisity of Nebraska,
and at Hillsdale College, graduating from the latter in the class of
1883. His father built a cottage at Breezy Point between Pine and
Round Lakes, and made this the summer residence of the family in
1882-'83. Having had some experience in journalism and desiring
to enlgage in that occupation, in August,1883, lie purchased an interest in tlle (harlerw.ie..'atil, and became one of its editors and
proprietors. Mr. Paimclee is a young man of thorough culture,
and well adapted to the journalistic profession.
THfE CHARLEVOIX JOUIRNAL, published at the village of Chlarlevoix, was established by Charles J. Strang, the present proprietor.
The first number was issued in June, 1883. The paper is a five-column quarto, is Democratic in politics and is conducted with evident
ability.
CHARLES J. STRANJO, editor and proprietor of the.Journal, is a son
of the late James J. Strang, leader of the Michigan Mormons. iHe
was born at St. James, Beaver Island, Mich., April 6, 1851. After
the death of his father in 1856, he removed to Walworth County,
Wis. and three years later to Jackson County. In February,1860, he
removed to Eaton Count', Mich. He was educated in the district
sehools of the country, and in March, 1868, entered the office of the
EI atOe  la!,i,/ s J,:rnal as an apprentice, where he worked one year.
Subsequently he worked at Bay City, Mich., three years, in western
states one year, at Charlotte, Mich., two years, and at Lansing eight
years. Married Miss Hattie Wight at Charlotte, Jan. 31, 1875.
They have four daughters. In June, 1883, they removed to Charlevoix and established the.Joiural as above stated. The Royal
Arcanum is the only society of which lie is a member. Mr. Strang
is an experienced printer and is making the.'our.nal popular as a


local paper.
EARLY SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.
It is time that we turn back and notice the efforts made for the
moral and educational welfare of the community. While the people
have been busy projecting business enterprises and laying the foun

I
i
I
I




-


dation of a business center, other important interests have not been
neglected; in fact, both the week day and Sunday-school antedate
the village.
Religious teachings were introduced upon the site of Charlevoix
long before the village came. It is a fortunate circumstance that
matters of public morals and education have always received prompt
attention from the citizens of the place and as a consequence we find
a refined and an intelligent community instead of a rough and uncouth element so frequently found in new places. The visitor need
spend but a short time among the people of Charlevoix, and lie will
find that lie is in the midst of a hospitable and generous class, where
there is an atmosphere of refinement and thrift.
Sunday school work in Charlevoix dates back to the fall of 1859
when Mr. and Mrs. Dixon organized a class in their log house which
stood near the shore of Pine Lake.
We find an interesting account of tllis school in the sketch
written by Dr. Leach, as follows:
" It was commenced in the fall of 1859, and closed in the sunimmer of 1860, having been kept up, with some irregular intermissions, between these two dates. Four families were represented- 
those of S. F. Mason, Medad Thompson, Hugh Miller, and J. S.
Dixon. The pupils were Oscar Mason, Albert Mason, M(lvin
Thompson, William Miller, John Miller, Mary Ann Miell~A, Ellel
Miller, Frances P. Dixon, Joseph R. Dixon, and Charlie D)ixon.
There was no formal organization, and the exercises were of the
simplest kind. Desiring some Sunday-school books for the childrein,
Mrs. Dixon wrote to Mr. T. Marvin, publisher of thle;1!,S,'f0o/ /
It,-rIald. Her letter was referred by him to tlie yolng people's
missionary society of Park Street church, Boston, which p)rom)tly
responded by the donation of a ten-dollar library. Mr. Dixon's
residence was situated near the beach of Pine Lake. As thle honmes
of the other families were similarly situated, the easiest waly for tlhe
children to reach the school in the winter was to go on skates. It
was quite natural that, returning, the attractions of sksaing shoIuld
prove too strong for thleir regard for the Sabbath, and thOt tlhey
should while away a considerable part of the afternoon on the ice.
At one time it became a serious question with Mrs. Dixon, wlheither
her school, indirectly, was not doing more harmn tltan good.
"After the close of this Sunday-school, in the sumnnler of 18i),
brought about indirectly by severe domestic affliction in the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon in the loss by death of a little daghter,
nothing more was attempted in that line of work till 1865k. in the
summer of that year, for a short time, Mrs. Dixon again conducted
a Sunday-school, in the little log school-house that haId been built
on a terrace overlooking Pine Lake, on the grounds 1now,,occupied
by the Charlevoix summer resort.
In the spling of 1867 the writer found himself in (harlevoix,
with the prospect before him of spending the summer and;u tilun
there. At the earnest solicitation of the young people, lie co tse1tdel
to undertake the organization and malagement of a Sunday-schtool.
Within a radius of two miles, there were, all told, about sixttee
persons of both sexes of suitable age for a Bible class, and alb,0t
the same number of children old enough to attend the school.
They were all gathered in, almost without an effort. There was no
minister of the gospel at Charlevoix. Rev. Leroy Warren, engaged
in home missionary work, preached there when his duties, at long
intervals, called him into that region, and Rev. A. J. Sensabatih,


the Methodist minister on Antrim circuit, held meetings there occasionally, but during the greater part of that season the Sundatyschool was the only Sunday service.
"Some difficulty was encountered in finding a suitable place for
meeting. There was a fisherman's shanty on the south side of the
river, on or very near the site now occupied by the block owned by


_ __ 1-~~C1-~~ —~1111 ----~~~~ —~~II-~


I


I
i


iI


I


I. -!


I




L


_ I I __ __


-


In


I ---                                       __* _ I                      _ __ _ 


*i


K ---


-V, I


r


I








" 2 4  4-//
R










I!l


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


191


iIIIIIII IIIIIIIIII I I I I....


L. D. Bartholomew, in which the Odd Fellows' hall is situated. All
around it the forest yet remained in its pristine beauty. The
shanty was without windows, and was filled with a heterogeneous collection of barrels, nets, and other implements of the fisherman's
art. Permission was obtained of the owner, and the young men
of the neighborhood undertook to put it in order. Openings were
made in the wall and windows.inserted, to obtain which it was necessary to send to Traverse City. A strong scaffold of poles was
built overhead, on which was stowed away everything of value.
The useless trash was carried outside. Seats were made by placing
logs of wood-on the floor, across which boards were laid.," The whole number of names on the roll of the school was
thirty-six, including almost all the children and youth of the settlement. Sixteen of the older ones constituted the Bible class, taught
by the superintendent. The following is a list of the officers and
teachers: Superintendent, M. L. Leach; secretary, Miss Frances
P. Dixon; treasurer, Mrs. Nelson Ainslie; librarian, Joseph R.
Dixon; teachers, Mrs. Ainslie, Mrs. William Chamberlain, Miss
Lottie Ainslie.
"1 This Sunday-school was, to say the least, unique. Oroanized
at the earnest solicitation of the young people themselves, gathering in all the young ladies and gentlemen of the settlement, taking
the place of the ordinary religious services of older communities,
held in a shanty of the roughest and most primitive construction,
with the nets and other fishing gear of the owner in plain sight
overhead, enveloped in the shade of the primitive forest, with the
crystal waters of the little lake, the swiftly flowing river, and the
surf-beaten beach of Lake Michigan only a step away, it remains picttured in the memory of the writer as a notable way-mark of one of
the pleasant stages of a somewhat eventful life.
"( In the fall, the owner of the shanty having use for it, the Sunday-school had to be transferred to other quarters. Once or twice it
was held in the dwelling of Mr. Robert Miller, and then for some
time in the sitting room of an unfinished building owned by Mr.
Althouse and kept by him as a house of entertainment for travelers. It only remains to add that from the organization of that
school up to the time of the present writing, Charlevoix has never
been without a Sunday-school in active operation, except on a single occasion when, one winter, there was an intermission of six
weeks' duration."
A union Sunday school was continued until 1880, when the
M. E. Sunday-school was organized and denominational work was
inaugurated. When the Congregational society was organized, Sunday-school work was also begun in connection with that society.
THE M. E. CHURCH.
As soon as the little settlement of Charlevoix was fairly outlined
religious activities were fully inaugurated. The first preacher to
hold preaching service was one by the name of Calkins, who came
hexe occasionally and preached in the old log school-house. He
found rather stony ground, the people at that time regarding Sunday as a holiday rather than as a holy day and preferred amusing
themselves to sitting upon the log benches in the old school-house
and listening to a sermon. Mr. Calkins preached a few times, but
not being able to awaken an interest in his meetings, declared that
" the people were bound to go to destruction anyway, and there
was no use in trying to preach to them," and he abandoned the field.
In the summer of 1807 the first class on the Charlevoix circuit
was organized at A. D. Brady's, in the town of Marion. In the


fall of that year the village of Cbarlevoix was made the head of a
circuit and Rev. J. Gulick was appointed the first preacher in
charge, Rev. V. G. Boynton being the presiding elder of the district. Mr. Gulick built a parsonage in the woods, and worked in
the store of A. Fox & Co. during the week and preached on Sun

day. The first quarterly conference of the circuit was held October 20, 1867, and the following names appear upon the record:
Rev. V. G. Boynton, P. E.; Rev. J. Gulick, pastor; Samuel Horton, exhorter; Isaac Pierce, A. D. Brady, William Clark, S. H.
Seeley, N. Clark and J. Clark. At this conference trustees were
appointed and ddcinite steps were taken toward building a home for
the pastor. A subscription was started and the pastor wad appointed a building committee. The trustees were S. H. Seeley,
A. D. Brady and J. Clark.
January 1, 1868, a class was formed in the village with seventeen members, viz.: Isaac Pierce, leader; D. H. Pierce, James
Headly, Mary Headly, C. A. C. Gulick, Jennie Miller, Joseph
Dixon, Lottie Stockman, Luna Green, Maggie Colter, Ella Miller,
Mrs. Shepard, Mary Dougllerty, Joseph Willis and Margaret Willis.
But four or five of these lived in the village. The membership
wa's considerably increased during the winter from revival meetings
held in Marion, but it was not long before many of the new members dropped out again.
Rev. Mr. Gulick completed the parsonage and served as pastor
two years. In the fall of 1869 Rev. A. J. Wheeler came as supply
and remained two years. In the fall of 1871 he was succeeded by
Rev. Wriglrt Barrett.
A Union Sunday-school had been and was quite successfully
maintained. Rev. James Inwood, now a resident of tile village of
Charlevoix, was a local preacher of the M. E. Church, and did
very much toward organizing church work ill the village, and frequently preached at this p(,int.
At the time of Rev. Barrett the Charlevoix class numbered
twelve full mpmbers and three probationers. But six of these
resided in the village. In 1872 no minister was appointed to the
Charlevoix circuit owing, in part, to the death of Presiding Elder
Chamburn, but Rev. Mark Browning, of the Norwood circuit,
preached here once in four weeks.
In the fall of 1872 Rev. George L. Cole was made preacher in
charge of Charlevoix circuit. At this time the entire circuit numbered but twenty-four members. Mr. Cole was returned in 1873.
Early in the summer of 1874 steps were taken toward building a
house of worship. In July the Sentinel! alluded to the project as
follows: " A project is on foot for the erection of a Methodist
church edifice in Charlevoix, which, starting out under such favorable auspices, bids fair to be successful. The little germ planted
by the Ladies' Aid Society, although having yet yielded no great
pecuniary results, has given the society a starting point, from
which has already emanated definite plans and a determination to
carry them to a successful issue. The design is to build a wooden
structure, of a novel and unique style of architecture, 32x70 feet
on the ground, with a spire on one corner 100 feet high. The estimated cost of the building will be $4,000, of which $800 is already
subscribed. Work will be commenced soon on the foundation and
basement, and will continue as long as the means hold out. The
site proposed is the lot on State Street lately purchased by the
Ladies' Aid Society. In the hands of a worker like Rev. Mr. Cole,
the enterprise cannot fail to assume proportions before he leaves
us which shall make failure improbable if not impossible. At
Olivet Mr. Cole started out in an enterprise of this nature with


only a $75 subscription, and the result was a $7,000 church edifice.
Let our citizens put their shoulders to the wheel and help the elder
in this undertaking."
About this time there was a " bee" of men and teams to haul
stone for the foundation. The corner stone was laid August 12,
1874, with appropriate ceremonies, the address being delivered by
Rev. J. W. Miller, P. E.
Rev. Geo. L. Cole was returned in the fall of 1874. In the


9!4 


r


1 


i.............,i i iiiii i 111                         j,.................
ii.                l_  i  I Li_  i~  i___                               _     i   i      i       i     iii


9


q"n




vo

— T

l

'N


I


ap


F
a


V L-w


I


I


y --


192                                THE TRAVE]
spring of that year quite an unusual degree of religious interest
had been awakened and the membership of the church was considerably increased. This revival was sufficiently marked to be
noticed in the local paper as follows: " For the first time in the
history of Charlevoix its people are awakened from their lethargy
and beginning to look to their spiritual interests. Meetings have
been held afternoons and evenings during the week and the hearts
of Christians have been gladdened by the results. Several of our
most prominent citizens have declared for the faith, and many of
the young people seem to be earnestly seeking the true way. We
think, in the main, the conversions have not been the result of enthusiasm or excitement, but in several cases the cross has been
taken up as one would enter into a business transaction- with
earnestness and candor."
At the annual conference in 1875 Rev. W. L. Tilden was appointed to this charge and remained until the fall of 1877, when
he was succeeded by Rev. B. H. Whitman.
In August, 1877, the church building was completed. with the
exception of seating. The work thus far had been paid for as it
progressed and the society escaped the burden of a debt. In
October, 1877, the two front windows arrived. They were memorial windows and were presented by Archibald Buttars and M.
J. Stockman, of this village. They were of beautifully designed
stained glass, and have, ground into each of them, in beautiful
colors and surrounded by a halo, a representation of the Holy
Bible. Upon one, in a circular piece of crimson glass, is the inscription:  "To the Memory of Celia A. Buttars, who died July
16, 1875; " and upon the other, in a similar manner, was inscribed:
"Presented by M. J. Stockman." They were beautiful gifts and
fit ornaments to the beautiful little chapel.
Early in the winter of 1878 the seats were finished and placed
in the church. Through the agency of Mrs. John Nicholls, who
was visiting at Whitewater, Wis., the Congregational Society of
that place presented this society with a pulpit and communion
service, which arrived in November, 1877. February 17, 1878,
after a long time of patient toil and weary waiting, the building was
dedicated. The event was mentioned at the time as follows: "The
new M. E. Church was crowded to overflowing Sunday morning, on
the occasion of the dedication of that edifice. The dedicatory
sermon by our former pastor, Rev. W. L. Tilden, was full of solid
thought and rhetorical effect, and is spoken of by all as a fine effort.
The ministers who participated were Rev. A. P. Moors, P. E., Rev.
Whitman, Blake, Whitney and Inwood. Hon. E. H. Green, as
chairman of the board of trustees, formally presented the building to the society. Rev. Mr. Moors, in his remarks, dwelt upon
the fact that i, dbl't was handed over as a legacy to the church, and
pronounced it without a parallel, so far as he knew, in the history
of the church in this country."
Rev. B. H. Whitman was returned in the fall of 1878, and
remained until the fall of 1880, when he was succeeded by Rev.
Mr. McElwer. The new parsonage was built after Mr. McElwer
came. In the fall of 1881 Rev. Mr. Daniels came and remained
until the fall of 1883, when he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Iddings.
There are, in 1884, about eighty members of the church. At the


present time, April, 1884, arrangements are being made for remodeling the church building.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Rev. Leroy Warren (who was working in the interest of the
Congregational Home Missionary Society) held preaching services
in Charlevoix during the years 1866 and '67, and in the fall of 1879
Rev. N. L. Otis began to hold regular services in the school-house,
which were continued about one year, but no organization was effected and some supposed that the Congregational interest had died


RSE REGION.


I




out. But Mrs. J. Nicholls still nourished the little flame and Mr.
and Mrs. J. S. Dixon could not forget the hallowed influences of
Oberlin.
During the summer of 1882 correspondence was kept up with
Rev. Leroy Warren, state superintendent of Home Missions, which
culminated in his sending Rev. A. J. Hadley, of Onondaga, (who was
spending his vacation in northern Michigan) to look up the field.
Mr. Hadley found seven persons who signed a call for a council,
also requesting that they be organized into a church to be known
as the First Congregational Church, of Charlevoix, Michigan.
A site for a church building was secured during the week that
Mr. Hadley was on the field, and on the 19th of September, 1882,
this church was organized by council composed of pastors and laymen from four neighboring churches, assisted by Superintendent
Warren.
Rev. C. F. VanAukeii (who canie to the council by special invitation and request of Superintendent Warren) received a unanimous call from the new church, to remain and become their pastor.
The call was accepted and his labors with this people began at
once. A live prayer-meeting and a flourishing Sabbath-school were
marked features of the work. An Ecclesiastical Society was organized to work in connection with the church and last but not least
in energy and good works, the Ladies Association of the church and
society.
The total membership of the church May 5, 1884, was thirtyseven, of whom thirteen are the result of labor in a neighboring
school-house. Services were held in the school-house the first two
winters and in Bartholomew's Hall during the summer monthls.
In the fall of 1883 steps were taken toward the erection of a church
building. The lot that had been purchased being too small for the
plan chosen, a more eligible site was secured on the corner of Main
and State Streets, where the building represented in this work now
stands. While acknowledging Jehovah as the prime mover in this
work, this church would not forget the friends whose kind words
and gifts are helping to carry it forward.
The first officers of the church were as follows: Deacons,
Elijah Hudson, B. Suffield, E. M. Clark; clerk, William Kanagg.
Officers of the society: Trustees, John Nicliolls, Elijah Hudson, J. Milo Eaton, William Kanagg, E. M. Clark, B. Suffield;
clerk, R. W. Kane; treasurer, C. Y. Cook.
SCHOOL HISTORY.
The early settlers of Charlevoix village, and the county as well,
were people who had been taught the value of schools, and at the
earliest opportunity we find means provided for educating the children of those who had located in this vicinity. The community
was small, it is true, and the appointments of the early schools exceedingly primitive. In the fall of 1861 it was decided to build a
school-house and begin to train the young idea in the proper direction. M. J. Stockman was then living on the south side of Round
Lake. A " bee" was called and a small log building put up on the
bank of Pine Lake about fifteen rods south of where the Belvidere
House now stands, on the Charlevoix resort grounds. It was a
veritable cobble house just high enough for a person of ordinary
height to stand erect without raising the roof. The building was
16x18 feet in size with a " shake" roof and puncheon floor. Split
basswood logs resting on pegs served as benches, and the desks
were of similar design. It was a humble structure, but then, men


have emerged from similar ones to enter upon illustrious careers,
and dying, transmit honorable names to posterity.
The first school in this building was taught in the winter of
1861-'62 by Mrs. M. J. Stockman, who received therefor a salary of
one dollar per week. Being a married woman she was enabled to
make favorable rates for board, and thus derived quite a magnificent




I




I ts
Imp

16=


1




I I


I


-


r

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


9 


I qww'!




I -


6 -

I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


193


-


revenue from her labors. The following were Mrs. Stockman's pupils during that first term: Joseph B., Charles and Francis Dixon,
William M., John C., Ellen, Mary Ann and Janet Miller, Hiram,
James M., George B., and Louisa Thompson, Wilson, Solomon,
and Melvina Hancock, Oscar D., Albert E. and Mary Mason, Ed
Aldrich, Esther and Sophia Horton, Angeline Kidder, Frances and
Ida Vosburgh, and possibly two or three others.
Mrs. Stockman also taught the following summer, and was
succeeded for the winter term by a Mr. Crandall. The summer
term of 1863 was taught by Celia Moses, afterward the wife of Archibald Buttars. There was no school during the winter of 1863 -'64, but the following summer Mrs. Stockman taught again. The
next term was during the summer of 1865 and was taught by Jane
E. Miller, daughter of William Miller, of the present town of Marion.
Miss Greenman and John H. Horton and Miss Davis and Miss
Newell were also early teachers.
Dr. Leach tells how the first frame school-house was built, as
follows:  In the fall of 1867 it began to be felt that the schoolhouse accommodations were too limited.  There were perhaps a
dozen white families in and around the village. As the legal voters
did not seem inclined to move in the matter of building, the women took the affair into their own hands, and went about it in their
own way. After consultation, they resolved to hold a fair to raise
money as a nucleus for a building fund. The matter was pushed
with such energy that three weeks after the inception of the project
everything was ready, and the evening of the sixth of December was
appointed for the gathering.
When the evening arrived, a general interest in the fair, if not
in the object it was intended to promote, hid been aroused, and,
though a wintry storm was raging, nearly all the inhabitants of the
settlement, old and young, were early at the place appointed, anticipating, and determined to have, a good time. The ladies had
prepared a large number of articles-useful and ornamental-for
sale. Most of them were first disposed of at private sale, and were
then put up at auction by the first purchasers, the money in every
case going into the common fund. After the sales were completed,
the company repaired to the dining room, where, as a lady who was
present has since expressed it, " They had oysters, real oysters, don't
you think-a dish almost unknown in those days except in name —
and they were dealt out by good big dishfuls-not a little soup with
one poor little oyster swimming around all alone." Perhaps not
the least enjoyable part of tile amusement of the evening was the
public reading of the letters received by individuals th rough the
young ladies' postoffi:e. Several persons whose turn of mind led
them to work in that direction, had employed their spare moments
in providing material for that department, consequently almost
every person got a letter-in prose or verse, witty, humorous, sarcastic, spicy or dull, according to the whim and ability of the writer.
Of course the recipient was required to pay a small sum as postage,
to help swell the receipts of the evening. One letter, in verse, addressed to Mrs. Fox, has been preserved, and may serve as a sample of the lot. It ran as follows:
With wifely charm and loving care,
When home affairs get in a box,
With wisdom true and talent rare,
Guide and control that sly old Fox.
And when rude storms, o'er all the earth


Sweeping, portend the equinoxes,
Then, hovering near the homestead hearth,
Nurse and protect the little Foxes.
The fair was a success financially, about $75 being realized.
This was put into Mrs. Ainslie's hands as treasurer, and was expended the next spring towards building a school-house. The new






I


house, though not completed that season, was occupied for a three
months' summer term of school.
This school-house stood near the corer of State aud Antrim
Streets. It is now used as a dwelling-house.
In the fall of 1868 Major E. H. Green had become located.
here for the purpose of practicing law. The field was large enough
but it was sparsely settled with clients, and it was necessary for
an attorney whose purse was lean to direct his energies in any
legitimate direction for the purpose of keeping meal in the barrel.
The village school afforded a field of labor and Major Green was
employed as teacher at a salary of $4 a month, a portion of which
was paid in flour and potatoes. His pupils that term comprised a
number of the present residents of the village, among whom are
Mrs. D. C. Nettleton, Mrs. Dr. L. Lewis, Mrs. Geo. W. Miller,
Mrs. F. W. Mayne, Mrs. John Ackert, Mrs. Sweetman, Mrs.
James Aickert, the Mason children, Joseph Dixon, Henry Cooper,
Annie Cooper, Mrs. James Smith, Mrs. Harrison Bedford, Edward
Aldrich, Henry Aldrich, Sarah Aldrich, John C. Miller, Horace G.
Wakefield, Flora Ainsley.
Mr. Green taught again in the fall and winter of 1869, and in
the summer of 1869 Miss Lottie Ainslie, now Mrs. F. W. Mayne,
taught. She also taught several years thereafter.
In 1873 the present school building was built, it being
necessary in order to accommodate the increasing number of
pupils.
The male teachers, since Major Green, have been Byron See,
G. W. Hoover, Mr. Whiting, C. Dexter Page, A. R. Upright, R. J.
Seaman, F. W. Mayne, D. L. Buzzell, James Jamison and J. B.
Allen. The latter is now principal of the schools, and is assisted
by four teachers.
BUILDING UP A VILLAGE.
Returning to the spring of 1869 we find the activities of the
little settlement directed toward building up a village.  A spirit of
improvement pervaded the place and the people who were here
seem to have been determined to make their surroundings as attractive as possible. And this spirit of enterprise and local pride
is what has given Charlevoix of 1884 its attractive appearance.
The question of opening a channel through to Pine Lake began to
be agitated, and in June steps were taken to carry out the project.
Messrs. Redington, Nelson & Co. built a dock near their mill on
Round Lake, and in July the new store of Fox & Rose, on the
south side of the river, was filled with goods, and Archibald
Buttars arrived from Northport to take charge of the mercantile
business. The style of the firm was changed to A. Buttars & Co.
Mr. Buttars became a leading business man of the place, and has
represented this senatorial district in the state senate.
HARBOR AND RIVER IMPROVEMENT.
The improvement of Charlevoix harbor and the opening of a
channel through to Pine Lake were of incalculable advantage to
Charlevoix County, in fact, without this improvement the county
could not have attained its present state of development.
The whole region of Pine Lake was cut off from the commerce of Lake Michigan by a narrow sand ridge that separated it
from Round Lake, and Pine River was a shallow stream coursing
through the sand and emptied into the lake some fifteen rods
south of its present outlet. There were a series of rapids with
water from eighteen inches to two feet in depth.  Only canoes and
Mackinac boats entered and the latter were towed along the south


bank with great difficulty.
In 1868 a survey of Pine River was ma.de by Major Wheeler
who reported insurmountable obstacles in the way of making a
harbor, and that a harbor of refuge was not necessary at this point,
owing to its proximity to other good harbors.  His conclusions




I


-4




I


*~


I


--


Il.


Im"


_fa 


If




*- ' —




Ab a —_




6 -

IV,,:


-;a

-
~


I.           ____


- -  -


- -- -- ---— "I~ --- —" --- __- --------------- 11.1-1-. ---- —. —~.-.-1 ---1


194


THE TRAVERSE REGION.






I


were based upon the fact that the River Improvement Company
had commenced making a cut at the mouth of the river, and owing
to lack of funds had discontinued work.
In June, 1869, books were opened at the office of Redington,
Nelson & Co. for subscriptions for the improvement of Pine River.
Notice of this fact was signed by F. L. Kiser, Philo Beers, John S.
Dixon, Seth F. Mason and E. W. C. Newman.
June 21, 1869, the tug Minnie Warren arrived, and was taken
up the river with scows. The arrival of the Commodore Nutt has
already been noticed.
In July there was a " bee " to open the channel between Round
and Pine Lakes. The tugs Commodore Nutt and Minnie Warren
brought men down Pine Lake on scows. A force of upward of
100 men was divided, and one squad, under command of E. S.
Redington, began on the lower river, and the other squad, under
command of Amos Fox, worked at the upper cut. The cut is
twenty-two rods in length, and the ridge was originally covered
with a heavy growth of timber.  The whole space, about 300 feet
in width, was cleared of timber during the day.
In August, 1869, the Charlevoix Harbor and River Improvement Co. elected the following directors: Amos Fox, E. S. Redington, John S. Dixon, S. F. Mason, William Laister, D. C. Nettleton,
William Nelson.
Officers: —President, E. S. Redington; vice-president, Amos
Fox; superintendent, E. S. Redington; secretary, E: H. Green;
treasurer, Richard Cooper.
This company was duly incorporated, and its object was stated
to be the deepening of Pine River from a depth of twelve feet of
water in Pine Lake to the same depth in Lake Michigan. All subsequent work was done under direction of this company until the
state appropriation.
In September work was prosecuted with vigor. The bar at
the mouth of the river was dredged, and slab piers, 200 feet in
length, built by filling under the pile dock of Fox & Rose. This
was afterward washed out.
Oct. 8, Redington, Nelson & Co's vessel, the " Mendota," was
towed into the harbor, being the first vessel to enter Round Lake.
During this month Mr. Redington resigned as superintendent, and
Seth F. Mason was appointed to fill vacancy.
In the summer of 1870 the tug Minnie Warren again dredged
through the lower river, and in August the " Maple Leaf," eightyseven tons burden, was towed into Round Lake, and it was thought
to be -an important event in the history of navigation at this
point.
At a meeting of the Improvement Company in January, 1870,
Messrs. E. II. Green, A. Buttars, and Philo Beers, were instructed
to forward a petition for an appropriation of state swamp lands,
which in due time was presented by Senator Moffat and the following months sixteen sections of land were appropriated. This
appropriation, however, was canceled for the alleged reason that
it was too small to accomplish anything.  It was subsequently revived after the people had the work well under way, and D. C.
Nettleton appointed local commissioner to superintend the work
under direction of J. B. Haviland, member of the board of control.
Jan. 18, 1872, a mass meeting was held, of which Robert
Miller was president, and W. A. Smith secretary.  The matter of
the appropriation was discussed, and pledges to the amount of


$2,275 obtained to continue the work. Henry Morgan submitted
plans for a pier 240 feet long on the north side of the mouth of
the river, to be composed of cribs 16x.0 feet, at an estimated cost
of $1,155, not including dredging.
In February the north pier was located, and work commenced






-


under Superintendent Nettleton. The weather was extremely cold,
and the work was prosecuted with great difficulty.  Some of the
time the mercury was at 20~ and 22o below zero, but tile men engaged in the enterprise were resolute and stuck to their task. Very
gool progress was made, and about 450 feet of the sub-structure
sunk, but stone was obtained with difficulty, and the cribs were insecurely loaded. The available funds were exhausted, and frequent storms played havoc with the work. One crib went out and
lay on the beach for several weeks, and the prospect was indeed
discouraging.  Finally, one Sunday, in the spring of 1872, it was
found that the pier had gone to pieces, and it then lo3ked as if
the whole enterprise must be abandloned.  The damage, however,
was repaired, and the work thus begun finally incorporated in tlie
government work.
In March, 1872, the appropriation of sixteen sections of
swamp land heretofore spoken of as canceled was restored, and in
July the contract for the completion of the pier to a height of five
feet above the water was let to Henry Morgan.
In June, 1873, a contract was closed with N. Stickney for
dredging the channel of Pine River, and the following July tlhe
dredge arrived and work was begun.
All dredging prior to this time had been done with tugs, and
the appearance of a "real live" dredge was an occasion of great
public interest, and the entire populace turned out to give it a reception.
When the dredge arrived at the bridge Col. Mansfield of the
U.-S. corps of engineers arrived and at once saw the erroneous
judgment of Major Wheeler's report. He immediately   n(tmade a
favorable report and upon his recommendation an appropriation was
obtained from  the government. Col. Mansfield's report is dated
August 26, 1873, and from it we make the following extracts:
"A cursory examination satisfied me that no further survey was
needed to project a plan of improvement. The stream connecting
Round and Pine Lakes with Lake Michigan is only about 1,200 feet
in length, and from 75 to 100 feet in width. Its course where it
entered into Lake Mich'gan at the time the survey was made, had
been changed to a straight cut, and the depth of water at the time
of my visit was about six feet, while the rapids spoiko) of hlad almost entire'y disappeared, owing in some measure doubtless to the
unusually high water in Lake Michigan. The current however was
swift but did not indicate a difference in level of the lakes of over
three inches.
"I found a dredge at work in the river near the bridge making
11 feet water, the intention being to carry the depth entirely through
with one cut of thirty-five feet width. No stone of bowlders had
been met. The material dredged was chiefly sand, with coarse
gravel and small stone. In making the cut at the mouth of the
river, no bowlders were met with to interfere with the work:Ws hlad
been feared; the bottom through the water here appeared to be
composed of pebbles and small rounded stone or shingle, no stone
larger than your fist. The bed and banks of the river throaghoult
showed only a material that could easily be removed with the
dredge, it being sand, marl, gravel and clay mixed. * * *  A crib
pier was built on the north side about 460 feet in length last
fall, and during the winter two cribs 80 feet over all were placed in
on the south side.
The direction of the piers seems to be admirably well chosen.


The physical formation of the shore here —the mouth of the river
before any improvements were attempted being almost closed
about 450 feet south of the present 6utlet-indicates clearly the direction of the severe blows, namely, from the north and northwest.
No storms from a direction south of west can have any injurious
effect upon the mouth of the river, as it is thoroughly protected by


- 9
I
I
i
i
I
I
i
I
i
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
I
iI
i
ii
I
i
i
I
i
i
i
i
i
I
i
I
I
i
I
I


p




1




Q),
_L






I


4-;


I


l 




<c


- A

I,


— "N     ' —   w




-.4
6


7 Ir


I]


THE TRAVERSE REGION,


195








a jutting headland, a short distance off, in a direction nearly due
west, therefore, in any improvements to be made here the north
pier is, and will be the weather pier. The place seems, therefore,
readily susceptible of improvement and at small expense.
*       *       *        *       *      *        *
"The work already done is the result of the commendable spirit
and energy of the people who seem to be thoroughly in earnest.
*  *  *  In addition, the difficulty attending the navigation of
the narrow, tortuous and shallow stream connecting the waters of
Round and Pine Lakes las been surmounted by a straight cut at
the head of Round Lake through a narrow neck of sand, gravel and
marl. The banks are not revetted and notwithstanding the rapid
current are not disturbed."
In his report Col. Mansfield speaks of the resources of the Pine
Lake region and the growing importance of Charlevoix as a business point.
In January, 1875, Representative E. H. Green introduced a
resolution which was passed by the legislature asking Congress to
make an appropriation for the completion and protection of the improvements at Pine River.
The cut between Round and Pine Lakes was made thirtyfive feet wide and twelve feet deep by an appropriation of $1,000
made by the board of supervisors.
In the spring of 1876 an appropriation of $10,000 was made
by the government, and Charlevoix was made a port of entry.
The first dredging under the government appropriation was
done in July. 1877.
July 7, 1882, the steamer "Fountain City" 1,000 tons burden,
commanded by Captain Gibson, entered Round Lake for the first
time. What are called bay boats had entered the harbor before,
but none belonging to te tohrough line of the lakes.
In the improvement of Charlevoix harbor many have rendered
assistance, more or less according to their ability.  Among its
early friends none were more zealous than.the late F. L. Kiser of
the firm of Geo. W. Esterly & Co., who proved his faith in the
future of Charlevoix in a substantial manner whenever occasion
required. Henry Morgan also rendered valuable aid. The Charlevoi.x Sentinel stoutly advocated the measure from the very first. The
man, however, whose clear grit and seemingly exhaustless energy
stood between the project and failure was Mr. D. C. Nettleton,
who, as local commissioner, prosecuted the most difficult part of
the work under the most adverse circumstances, and stubbornly refused to let the enterprise be abandoned at a time when success
seemed impossible.
This improvement has been the making of Charlevoix County.
Boats drawing twelve feet of water now easily enter the harbor, and the whole Pine Lake region is open to the commerce
of Lake Michigan.
SHIPMENTS IN 1883.
We give below a summary of the shipments from this port, as
compiled from weekly reports of clearances. It includes only full
c rgoes, and not any portion of the thousands of tons carried by
coast steamers. It will be seen that in the month of November
there is one item of twenty-four packages of fish. This looks small,
but it must be remembered that the propellers Lawrence and
Champlain carried fresh and salt fish to Chicago all summer,


the shipments averaging, it has been sttted, one thousand pounds
daily.
The heaviest shipments of hardwood lumber was during the
month of September. This includes all limber except pine. The
largest shipment of pine was in June.
An examination of the weekly report would indicate that W.
T. Addis and Cheboygan Manufacturing Company, of Boyne, and




Stoepel & Co., of East Jordan, take the lead in shipments of hardwood lumber, and F. H. Meech and John Munro a similar place
in pine lumber.
The largest shipments of wood were in May and June, and of
bark in July and August-three-fifths of the shipments of bark for
the season being in these two months.
Shipments of pig iron were greatest in June. This is the product of a single firm, and adds very much to the value of the shipments from this port.
For full details see figures below:
ro~ ~.  ~-,td. W O:Dm P
>-     9DCD  8~>a  i  e 
0:m o:::1at  c (D.............
~    a ~: 'n  ~ S:'  a
~|.   _. C._, 
~ ~ -.. ~  o*  (1)
*  c,:,  l:  CZ' Cr  -_
CZ:t ': - ' 
W Wto c c   -l
*  -.'*  y^'.  Q ^.  '.: 
C to  --   C Ct  CD 
13
~ *:~  X..C:
00 '-*'~* X   ^ O *  z* C^ '
t.CsC   3 * * C  M
IC  >' c1  4 C t-   o   Z  O _
J; t- 4' *-C5 Cn -'  o
c z = = D>c  x  =



-I


-4
I
I


I




DEATH BY DROWNING OF SETH F. MASON.
The death by drowning of Seth F. Mason, which occurred
Nov. 15, 1870, was a notable event in the history of Charlevoix.
Mr. Mason was a prominent citizen and the tragic circumstances
of his death produced a profound sensation. The account published at the time is as follows: "A heavy westerly wind had
been blowing during the day, and by evening the sea was running
high and the storm unabated. About 6:30 p. M. several persons
were startled by hearing shouts from the vicinity of the dock, and
the appalling truth soon became evident that some person had been
wrecked and was at the mercy of the elements. A crowd soon
found their way to the dock, where a fearful sight met their gaze.
Within a short distance from the pier, on the north side, a human
form was seen clinging to a capsized boat. The spars being fast to
the bottom, the breakers swept entirely ovor the miserable man,
threatening to hurl him into the angry element. A line was procured, one end of which was thrown to him which he made fast to
his body, and he was landed from his perilous position and hoisted in


a




i




I


—?


~          ~__ _ _______'It,




61


-


I.


11
w

I


-                                              I_                            -— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 


196


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


_ __~ I__


safety to the dock. He stated that the boat was the Sentinel, and
that her owner, Beth F. Mason, was drowned. He proved to be a
son of John C. Mannay, of Charlevoix. He had taken passage with
Mr. Mason at Elk Rapids for Pine River. The storm increased in
violence as they came. By the time they had reached the West
Point their situation became critical, the boat nearly swamping in
the breakers while rounding the point. They reached the vicinity
of the river, and for some reason Mr. Mason lowered the mainsail
and the boat immediately capsized. Both scrambled upon the
bottom of the boat, which had drifted undler the dock, but a sea
swept over them and Mr. Mason was hurled into a watery grave.
The body of Mr. Mason was found the second day following upon
the beach. Two severe bruises were found over the egys which
were supposed to have been received before death and while under
the dock."
Seth F. Mason, deceased, was one of the early settlers of the
Pine Lake Region. He was born April 24, 1820, in the town of
Deerfield, Portage County, Ohio. About the year 1845 he moved
to the mouth of the Au Sable River, in losco County, Mich., where
lie entered into lpartnership with J. G. Stockman in the fishing business.  In 1848 he was married to Eliza, A. Stockman.
Subsequently lie mnoved across Saginaw Bay to Point Au Barques,
where he continued to reside until the fall of 1857 when lie, with
his family and Morris J. Stockman and wife, sailed for Pine River,
at which place they arrived after about a week's journey. Mr.
Mason was a boat builder by trade, and during his residence in
Charlevoix built a number of sail boats. He also paid considerable
attention to agricultural pursuits, and owned a large quantity of
land in and about Charlevoix. His deaitl occurred Nov. 15, 1870,
as already described. He was regarded as a benevolent, honest
and enterprising citizen.  His widow and nine children survive
him. Oscar 1). Mason is a boat builder. IIe was in the sash,
door and blind business for. a time until the factory burned in 1883.
Since tlen he has paid more particular attention to boat building.
A. E. Mason is carrying on mercantile business, and is one of the
trustees of the village. John is running a boat on the lakes.
THE PIONEER PHYSICIAN.
Dr. Levi Lewis located in Charlevoix in the spring of 1870,
and is the pioneer physician of this part of the Traverse Region. He
is a native of Canada, and was born in the year 1843. He received
his medical education in the Dominion, and began practice there
in 1864. In 18(;7 he removed to the States and was engaged in
practice at St. Clair, Mich. The winter of 1869-'70 he spent in
Illinois, and calme from there to Charlevoix. The first few years of
his practice after locating here were fraught with hard work and
rough experience. His visits extended over a large area of territory,
and travel was attended with difficulty. In 1879 he built his present residence on the high ground overlooking Round Lake, and in
1881 erected the large business block near the bridge. This block
is four stories in height, and the largest business block in the village.
Dr. Lewis belongs to the eclectic school of medicine, and is a member of the state and national associations. He has a wife and four
children.
GLIMPSES IN 1872.
The editor of the village newspaper is supposed to be the
watchman upon the town, the mouse in the closet, the all-seeing,
all-hearing guardian of the community. His observations are more
likely to be correct than those of one less practiced. The editor of


the Sentinel appears to have practiced eternal vigilance in watching
the onward march of local events, and twice during the year 1872
made an exhibit of the local condition. In January, 1872, he
alluded to the growth of the village as follows:
" Who among those who have known our village for the past
~~. _....


six years can doubt the future growth and prosperity of Charlevoix?
Six years ago what constituted the ' burg' which now boasts of 45(
inhabitants? The boarding-house' seemed to have been ' the
village,' from the steps of which the limpid waters of Pine River
could not be seen for the thick growth of cedar which stood between.
Nothing which would entitle it to the name of 'village' existed on
the south side of the river. Pork and flour could be obtained at
the ' old store,' and dry goods in limited quantities. The mail
could then be brought in a good-sized overcoat pocket. Tile spring
of 1869 the ' Mammoth Store' opened. Since that time what a
change has been wrought. By the stumping and clearing of lots,
and the building of fences, our little settlement has assumed shape,
streets have darted in here and there, buildings have dotted their
boundaries, and a village of goodly appearance is now nestled in
the quiet valley beside the great lake. Let us see whlat has been
done since the Sentinel was planted here in 18(69: Tle business
houses are as follows: A. Buttars & Co., the ' Little Manmmotli
Store,' Henry Morgan, C. B. Norris & Co., and George Kyes. The
residences built are as follows: The Mill Company, two houses; S.
F. Mason, S. M. See, A. K. Dougherty, Henry Carr, IHenry Newman, George Kyes, A. Bilttars, Byron See, the uprigilt of L. Gebo,
jewelry store and residence of S. S, Liscomb, M. J. Stockmnlia, and
the publisher an office and residence. Also the hllandscome wagon
shop of D. C. Nettleton, the addition to the mill, andt otler addlitiolns
and improvements, altogether constituting about two-tlirds tle
present size of the village. The growth is not spLasmoodic, ullt is
steady, and will be permanent. Present indications arc that the
size of the village will increase the coming sumnmer ly a greater
number of buildings than during any two previ(ols seasons. We
are gratified to thus note the rapid growth of our beantifll villagc.'
Again in August of the same year le spoke of local matters ini
the following language:
( Nowhere on the shores of Lake Miclhigan cman be found a
village of fairer promise than Cllarlevoix. As we look Iat the
Charlevoix of four years ago, that of to-day, mark its healtily growtlh
and contemplate what the resources of the region are to make it, we
are thankful that our steps have been guided hither. Thus far this
season the growth of the village has been remarkable iln its extent
and nature. The direct benefit of a portion of it will nrot be felt
immediately, as four out of the many buildings are stores whicl will
not commence business in earnest until spring. The store of W.
C. Newman is nearly completed, and has the finest frunt in the
village. Carpenter's is a substantial and roomy building,, nd will
be an ornament to the lower portion of Bridge Street  Harry New
man's bakery, on the same street, is under way, and althougl small,
will be finished in neat style. The hardware store of Norris &
Stockman, on the corner of Bridge Street a:(d ' Hoop Skirtl Alley,'
is rapidly approaching completion, and will be occupied next week.
The Fountain City House, which was completed this summner, w-iil
compare with any house in Grand Traverse, and is gaining for our
village a reputation among tourists equaling that of Mackinac  Besides those completed, several residences are in process of construction, and others to be built this fall. The schioil building about. to
be commenced will surpass anything of the kind in Grand Traverse.
Messrs. Fox, Rose & Buttars are about to build another large
warehouse on Round Lake, and are contemplating the erection of
another mammoth store next season. Thle buildings erected this
season will constitute fully one-hllf the village, and we predict a


still greater growth next season. The river improvement now in
progress will add still more to the importance of Clarlevoix. And
while the village is thus advancing, the region ronndabout gives
evidence of a parallel development. Farms are being cleared up,
and good sterling men are coming in, many of them with capital.


rI-    r, ---1%




co
-JQ


\!


4 -

L


I


I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    IC~rrl
-  - -                                                                   - ------- -------                                                               -16~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


197


William Nelson, by the erection of a mill in the eastern portion of
the county, will, aided by the railroad, soon work wonders in the
development of that section. A gentleman is now in town who intends to erect a mill in some good locality near Pine Lake, for the
manufacture of hard-wood lumber and railroad ties. The prospects
for all iron furnace at no distant day are good, and the county is
just beginning to feel the influence of the restoration to market of
the railroad and Indian lands. This most favored portion of the, Garden of Michigan' is fast rounding up into a region of wealth,
and its capital into a spired city."
EARLY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.
The very earliest business movements at this point have appeared in the general sketch of what transpired at the beginning of
the village. Coming down to a little later date, various mercantile
and other interests became represented here. There is always a
period in the history of every business community in which the
mercantile, professional and industrial interests of the place take
shape and become settled in their permanant channels. The various business interests of' Charlevoix were organized about as follows:
The Fountain City House has grown from a shanty boardinghouse in 1865 to its present dimensions, an excellent view of which
is given in the sketch upon another page. In 1867 Richard Cooper
came here to keep the boarding-house and afterward purchased the
property. In 1877 the large three story upright was erected, and
in 1879. the building was again enlarged. It occupies a most delightful location, overlooking Lake Michigan upon one hand and
Round and Pine Lakes upon the other. The river is just in front
where during the season of navigation all the boats must pass.
The firm of Redington, Nelson & Co. established their business
here in 1868, as already stated. In 1870 the business went into
the hands of Esterly & Co. This firm carried on the business until
1876 when John Nicholls, a son-in-law of Mr. Esterly, came here
from Wisconsin and purchased tile mill and property of the firm.
Mr. Nicholls has carried on an extensive lumbering business, adding such facilities for the manufacture of lumber as has been required.  This industry has been and is an important factor in the
prosperity of the village.
From 1867 until his death in the spring of 1872, Philo Beers
carried on the drug business in a small way on what was known as
the Beers' homestead, just south of the bridge, where Dr. Lewis'
block now stands. At the death of Mr. Beers, Dr. Levi Lewis purchased the stock, and erected a small store on Clinton Street.
Two years later he moved his building to Bridge Street and enlarged it. In 1880 he purchased a building site of the Beers estate,
where his block now stands and put up a new building. He then
associated with him John M. Ackert. They carried on business for
a time when the firm dissolved, and Dr. Lewis closed out his stock
in order to give all of his time to his practice.
In 1873 Dr. George W. Crouter came here from Grand Rapids
and opened a small dnig store in the old Kyes building on the
north side of the river. In 1875 he purchased a lot on Bridge
Street of Nelson Ainslie and erected a two story store building into
which he moved his stock, and carried on business upon a much more
extended scale. His first stock of goods was exceedingly limited,
but after moving into his new building, his store indicated a marked
advance in prosperity. In 1880 he enlarged his building to nearly
its present size. In the spring of 1879 he commenced the practice


of dentistry, and still continues that in connection with his
store.
In the spring of 1872 C. B. Norris, a practical tinsmith, established what purported to be a tin shop in Nelson Ainslie's barn,
still standing near the shore of Round Lake. He also had a few


dollars worth of hardware.  A few weeks after he started M. J.
Stockman abandoned fishing, and formed- a partnership with Mr.
Norris. The stock was enlarged and the business increased. In
the following fall Mr. Stockman built a store on Bridge Street and
purchased the interest of Mr. Norris. In 1880 lie built a large two
story brick store building, and in 1883 took into partnership H. Lee
Iddings, the firm name beina Stockman & Iddings. Theirs is one
of the most complete hardware stores in northern Michigan.
In the summer of 1872, Byron See, who had come to Charlevoix two years before, went to Milwaukee with what small means he
could command of his own and purchased a small stock of groceries
and provisions. He rented as a store the front room of the old*
Chamberlain building on the corner of Bridge and Clinton Streets.
Soon afterward he erected a small store building on the same street.
In the fall of 1876, 0. S. Washburn purchased an interest in the
business and the stock was increased, dry goods also being added.
In 1879 Mr. See purchased Mr. Washburn's interest and since that
time has carried on business alone. In 1882 lie erected his present
brick store building where he does a prosperous business.
In 1870 D. C. Nettleton, who had been on a homestead near
the head of South Arm since 1867, built a wagon and blacksmith
shop in the village. The firm for a time was Nettleton & Baker.
Mr. Nettleton has carried on this business most of the time since
the shop was built.
The first'bakery in the village was started in 1872 by Henry
Newman, who located here in 1867. He still carries on the same
business.
In the summer of 1873 Egbert Carpenter came to Charlevoix
from Wisconsin and put a store building oni Bridge Street, and
with S. M. See went into the general merchandise business under
the firm name of Carpenter & See. The following ' ear L. D.
Bartholomew came from   Spring Lake, Mich., and being pleased
with the business prospects of the place, purchased Mr. See's 'interest, and the firm name was changed to Carpenter & Bartholomew. The firm   built up a large business and gradually each
member acquired other business interests. In January, 1881, B.
W. Miller and Harrison Bedford purchased an interest in the business and the firm was changed to Carpenter, Bartholomew & Co.
Miller had been in the employ of Fox & Co. nine years, and Bedford had been with the firm of Carpenter & Bartholomew eight
years. The business is mainly in charge of those two. When Mr.
Carpenter built the store, it was located quite a distance out of
town. There was a path leading to the postoffice,.otherwise it
would have been altogether in the back woods.
In October, 1879, Dickinson & Emery purchased the old store
building of Dr. Lewis and opened a small stock of groceries. The
following January, Mr. Emery purchased Dickinson's interest, and
carried on business alone until May, 1880, when A. R. Upright
purchased a half interest in the business. In August of that year,
they purchased the Morgan store building and moved their stock
into it, adding dry goods and boots and shoes. Not long afterward,
Mr. Page, of Kalamazoo, purchased an interest in the business and
the style of the firm was changed to Upright, Emery & Co. The
same firm have also become extensive dealers in wood, ties, posts,
bark, etc.
The first meat market in the village was established by A. J.
McLeod, in 1879, when he erected a small building, since enlarged,
and in which he still carries on business. As early as 1873 Mr. Mc

Leod engaged in the meat business, and supplied the people
as they required until the business warranted an established
market.
The first harness shop was started by a man named Denton,
who carried on the business only a short time. In 1876 James E.


j


E






I


- --


-   --                                                                                                  I-    ___                            -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I s.


( —6 -



IJ,, ' - - -


198


THE TRAVERSE REGION

Wood came here from Traverse City and opened a shop and carried
on the business alone and.in company with others until the spring
of 1884 when James E. Wood & Co. sold out to Mr. Hodges of
Traverse City.
The first brfck building was erected in 1880 by M. J. Stockman for a hardware store; the one now occupied by Stockman &
Iddings. In 1882 Byron See built a two story brick building, in
which his store is located. In 1883 brick buildings were built by
the Odd Fellows society, Archibald Buttars and L. 1). Bartholomew.
The second story of the Bartlolomew Block is occupied by a very
neat and commodious opera-house, fitted up with stage, scenery,etc.,
and capable of seating six hundred persons. The first brick dwelling-house was built by Byron See in 1883.
The first barn in the village was built by Nelson Ainslie in
1867. It is the one afterward used as a hardware store by Stockman & Norris.
Dr. Levi Lewis owned the first buggy in the village.
The first bridge across the river was built by Fox & Rose.
Robert Miller was tie first blacksmith to carry on business in
the village. His shop was on the north side of the river, and is
still used as such.
SECRET ORDERS.
CHARLEVOIX LODGE, No. 282, F. & A. M., is one of the pioneer
institutions of Charlevoix. Among the early settlers were a number belonging to the Masonic fraternity, and as early as May, 1869,
a notice was published requesting members of the order to meet
Saturday evening, June 5, for the purpose of taking preliminary
steps for the organization of a lodge. Nothing final was accomplished at thac time, and the matter was delayed until May, 1870,
when a dispensation arrived, and the first regular meeting was held
June 4th. In January, 1871, a charter was granted, and in May
the lodge was consecrated by W. W. Landon, worshipful master of
Elk Rapids lodge. The following officers were installed: W. M.,
E. H. Green; S. W., A. Buttars; J. W., W. A. Smith; S. D., L.
W. Skinner; J. D., O. D. Hilton; secretary, Jackson Ingalls; treasurer, Philo Beers; stewards, A. J. Beers and Richard Cooper; tyler,
George Kyes. Mr. Landon was assisted by F. J. Lewis and John
E. C)oper, of Elk Rapids, and F. L. Kiscr, of Whitewater, Wis.
The principal officers since then have been as follows:
1872: —W. M., E. H. Green; S. W., A. Buttars; J. W., W.
A. Smith; secretary, J. Ingalls; treasurer, Philo Beers.
1873-'74:-W. M., E. H. Green; S. W., A. Buttars; J. W.,
W. A. Smith; secretary, J. Ingalls; treasurer, A. Fox.
1874-'75: -W. M., A. Buttars; S. W., Jackson Ingalls; J. W.,
A. G. Aldrich: secretary, M. J. Stockman; treasurer, A. Fox.
1875-'76:-W. M., A. Buttars; S. W., W. A. Smith; J. W.,
0. S. Washburn; secretary, M. J. Stockman; treasurer, A. Fox.
1877: —W. M., W. A. Smith; S. W., O. S. Washburn; J. W.,
M.' J. Stockman; secretary, A. R. Upright, treasurer, A. Fox.
1878:-W. M., W. A. Smitll; S. W., 0. S. Washburn; J. W.,
M. J. Stockman; secretary, A. R. Upright; treasurer, E. Carpenter.
1879:-W. M, E. H. Green; S. W., F. J. Meech; J. W., A.
R. Upright; secretary, J. Milo Eaton; treasurer, E. Carpenter.
1880:-W. M., W. A. Smith; S. W., F. J. Meech; J. W.,A.
R. Upright; secretary, 0. S, Washburn; treasurer, E. Carpenter.
1881:-W. M., W. A. Smith; S. W., M. J. Stockman; J. W.,


Richard Cooper; secretary, Henry C. Cooper; treasurer, B. W.
Miller.
1882:-W. M., W. A. Smith; S. W., A. R. Upright; J. W.,
Richard Cooper; secretary, J. Reed Emery; treasurer, B. W. Miller.
1888:- W. M., W. A. Smith; S. W., A. R. Upright; J. W.,
Richard Cooper; secretary, William See; treasurer, 0. S. Washburn.


1884:-W. M., A. R Upright; S. W., Richard Cooper; J. W.,
W. C. Newman; secretary, William See; treasurer, 0. S. Washburn.
The first meetings were held in Fox & Rose's hall, and afterward a hall was fitted up over I). C Nettleton's wagon shop, and
subsequently their present hall over the postoffice was fitted up.
The lodge has always been in a flourishing condition. Tile leading
business men of the place are members of the order and take an
active interest in the welfare of the lodge. The present lodge room
is owned by the lodge. When the,Se itine building was erected
the lodge completed the second story for its own use. Present
menmbership, seventy-five.
CHARLEVOIX LODGE, No. 927, I. O. G. T., was organized Jan.
5, 1876. Rev. Charles Russell, of Detroit, Past W. C. T. of the
order in Michigan, visited the place and delivered a lecture at the
close of whicl a lodge was organized with thirty-four members.
The first officers were as follows:  W. C. T., E. H. Green; W. V.
T., Mrs. A. K. Dougherty; secretary, J. Milo Eaton; treasurer,
Aiidrew Morgan; W. F. S., Miss Jennie E. Martin; W. M., George
W. Crouter; W. R. H. S., Miss Ida Mason; W. L. II. S., Miss Alice
Carpenter; W. D. MA., Mrs. J. Milo Eaton; W. A. S., Miqs Emma
Wakefield; W. C., Rev. W. L. Tilden; W. 0. G., W. S. Jolnson;
W. I. G., Miss Mary Barry; lodge deputy, W. A. Smith.
The general history of temperance lodges presents checkered
careers but this one has been an exception to the general ru'e;  It
has been in a flourishing condition from the first. The present
membership is nearly sixty.
RO'JND LAKE LODGE, No. 293, I. 0. O. F., was instituted April
4, 1877, by J. T. Beadle, special deputy of Traverse City. The
charter members were George W. Crouter, M. Houghteling, James
E. Wood, W. L. Tilden and L. D. Bartholomew, and five mnore were
added the first night of meeting. The first officers were as follows:  N. G., L. D. Bartholomew; V. G., James E. Wood; secretary, George W. Crouter; treasurer, W. L. Tilden; C., J. Milo
Eaton; W., J. M. Clark; I. G., F. M. Loveland; R. S. S., MI.
Houghteling; R. S. V. G., A. J. Stroud.
The first meetings were held in a room over D. C. Nettletol's
wagon shop, that was used as a hall by the Masons. In 1883 the
lodge erected a neat two story brick building, in the second story
of which its rooms are situated.
The Noble Grands since have been as follows:   James E.
Wood, George W. Crouter, J. Milo Eaton, Orlando Blair, Joln
Bell, George W. Cook, Richard Chapton, and A. D. Cruickshallk.
Soon after the lodge was organized, they leased and fitted up a
hall over the store of Upright & Emery, where meetings were held
until the new hall was completed. The first meeting in the new
hall was Oct. 31, 1883. The lodge room is 24x55 feet inside mand
fifteen feet from floor to ceiling. The membership of the lodge has
increased to about seventy and includes many of the leading citizens of the place. Its prosperity has been greater than is usually
enjoyed by similar societies. Tts financial condition is excellent,
owning a property worth $2,500 at least, and the remaining ilndebtedness so arranged that it will be wholly paid from reut.lls.
This society but partakes of the general thrift and heallthfulness
that pervades the community in whioh it is located, and the community is blessed by the presence of such an organization.
CHARLEVOIX ENCAMPMENT, No. 101, I. O. O. F., was instituted
Oct. 31, 1883, with twenty-eight charter members. The first offi

cers were as follows:  C. P., A. D. Cruickshank; S. W., G. W.
Crouter; H. P., James A. Keat; scribe, James E. Wood; treasurer,
L. D. Bartholomew; J. W., William Lewis; F. S., Orlando Blair;
0. S., H. H. Finney; L. S., J. H. Stone; guide, Fred W. Mayne;
first watch, Charles Williams; second watch, M. M. Wakeman;


[


L


1


41  r-1 
— % -- -d-II- I


— e I




fcGe-.


— a


_


]-.


IL









THE TRAVERSE REGION.


199


I


third watch, A. J. Stroud; fourth watch, J. Reed Emery; F. G. of
T., H. A. Thompson; S. G. of T., E. A. H. Cole.
BAXTER POST, No. 119, G. A. R., was mustered in March 28,
1883, with the following officers:  Commander, E. H. Green;
S. V. C., Byron See; J. V. C., E. Carpenter; Adjt., Silas H. Comfort; Sergt., D. C. Chamberlain: chaplain, Albert Brown; O. D.,
S. M. See; O. G., G. G. Scott; Q. M., M. J. Stockman; S. M.,
Frank Shaubut; Q. M. S., L. Whitmoyer.
The membership is about fifty-three. The present officers are
as follows:  Commander, E. H. Green; S. V. C., D. Himebaugh;
J. V. C., 'Wm. Kanagg; adjutant, Frank Shaubut; surgeon, D.
C. Chamberlain, M. D.; chaplain, C. B. Glass; Q. M., M. J.
Stockman; O. D., J. A. Carlstein; O. G., H. Swanson; S. M.,
Henry Newman; Q. M. S., L. Whitmoyer; Rep., Byron See. Memorial day has been observed with appropriate exercises by this
post since its organization.
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
This is one of the most popular organizations in the village of
Charlevoix, and its prosperous existence is evidence of a high order
of intelligence in the place. The following history of the society
is from a paper read at one of the meetings in January, 1884:
A memorable one was the eve of Nov. 24, 1879, in the history of
the Historical Society of Charlevoix.  A  few  of its citizens,
by united effort, formed a beginning which has developed into one
of the most honored organizations of social and intellectual improvement in our village. W. A. Smith, together with 0. F.
Wisner and Hon. John S. Dixon, have the honored places at the
head of our list of membership. At the office of the first-named
gentleman, the object of meeting was made known, and O. F.
Wisner was chosen chairman, who produced articles of association,
which were adopted, and the following officers were elected for a
term  of one year:  President, Hon. John S. Dixon; vice-president, Richard Cooper; secretary, W. A. Smith; treasurer, F. W.
Mayne; librarian, Albert E. Mason.
The original plan for entertainment consisted of monthly lectures, to be free to all. During the winter of '79 and '80 J. S.
Dixon, O. F. Wisner, Rev. A. M. Parmenter, Rev. S. G. Blanchard lectured successively at the school-house. The winter following, at the residence of Hon. A. Buttars, occurred the first social
parlor reading, and Bayard Taylor's works were chosen as a textbook for the winter.
During the winter the readings were interspersed with lectures
by Rev. G. W. Bell, O. F. Wisner and Dr. M. L. Leach, which
were well attended. For this year the following officers were selected:  President, Rev. A. M. Parmenter; vice-president, Rev.
Mr. McElwee; secretary, J. M. Clark; treasurer, Miss Honor
Nicholls; librarian, Miss Esther Buttars. Prosperity attended the
society, and valuable additions were made to the library.
During the years '81 and '82, with E. H. Green, president;
John Nicholls, vice-president; Mrs. Pope, 2d vice-president; Albert Washburn, secretary; Mrs. O. D. Wood, treasurer, and
Robert Miller, librarian. The society numbered fifty-six; a handsome bookcase had been purchased and well filled with choice
volumes. A competent committee had drafted a new constitution
and by-laws, which, with slight changes, were adopted. The entertainment provided was of a high order, and all seemed as harmonious as possible. Twenty-six new members were added during


this term, and Green's History of England was chosen for study.
The winter following found E. H. Green, president; Robert Miller,
1st vice-pres; lent; Mrs. G. Daniels, 2d vice-president; Albert
Washburn, secretary; Mrs. Eaton, treasurer; F. W. Mayne, librarian, also an executive committee of five. The committee de

cided upon U. S. History as a study, upon which the society are
still at work.
The principal officers in 1884 are as follows: President, John
Nicholls; secretary, Albert Washburn; treasurer, Mrs. E. M.
Clark; chairman of the executive committee, Ed. F. Parmelee.
THE LIBERAL CLUB.
The Charlevoix Liberal Club was organized in the fall of 1879,
and in August, 1880, filed articles of incorporation, with officers as
follows:  President, Robert Miller; vice-president, Wm. Black;
Secretary, George W. Crouter; treasurer, L. D. Bartholomew.
The object of this association, as stated at the time of incorporation, was to furnish entertainment that would be both entertaining
and instructive, giving the greatest latitude of belief for discussion
of all religions, scientific or political. It was also hoped to erect a
building and thereby provide a place of meeting. The latter project has not yet been accomplished. The club has been successfully maintained and has fully realized the expectations of its
founders. Lectures have been delivered by local and other speakers.
The present officers are: President, Robert Miller; secretary, B.
F. Bisbie; treasurer, John Bell.
INCORPORATED.
Early in the year 1879 the question of obtaining a village
charter pressed upon the minds of the people with considerable
force, and early in February a public meeting was held to consider
the subject. A resolution was adopted to the effect that it was the
sense of the meeting that Charlevoix should be incorporated. A
committee consisting of Messrs. Buttars, Eaton and Bell were appointed a committee to determine the boundary lines of the proposed incorporation. A petition was forwarded to the legislature,
and the bill was passed and approved April 3d. The act reads as
follows:
" That all those tracts of land situated in the township of
Charlevoix, in the county of Charlevoix, and state of Michigan,
which are known and described as follows, to-wit: Lots numbered
1, 2, 3, and 4, and the north half of the southwest quarter of Section 26 and lot numbered 1, and the northeast fraction and the
north half of the southeast quarter of Section 27, all in Township
34 north, of Range 8 west, be, and the same are hereby constituted a
village corporate by the name of the village of Charlevoix.
" The first election of officers for said village shall be held on
the second Monday in April, 1879, at the town hall in said village,
notice of which shall be posted in three public places by the board
of registration, hereinafter appointed, at least ten days previous
thereto.
" Byron See and Robeit Miller are hereby constituted a board
of registration for the purpose of registering voters for the first
election to be held in said village, and said board of registration
are hereby required to meet on the Saturday preceding the second
Monday of April, 1879, aforesaid, and register all persons presenting themselves for registration, and having the qualifications of
voters at annual township meetings.
"The bridge now built and all that may hereafter be
built across Pine River, within the territory described in Section
1 of this act, shall be built and maintained, as heretofore, by
the township of Charlevoix, or the county of Charlevoix, and all
moneys raised by general highway tax in the village of Charlevoix
shall be expended under the direction of the highway commis

sioners of the township of Charlevoix, for the benefit of the highways of said township and village in the same manner as though
said village was not incorporated.
" The said village of Charlevoix shall in all things not herein
otherwise provided be governed by and its duties and powers defined


p




I


F ---&


9,


-1a


p


i'


IJ
Ji




I


-


J7


It


I W
k-P


I -




-, A — _q                                                                                                                                              - 1  -                                                    -- o      --


--   — _


- - -= -- - --- —--
- --------- --- -------—  —` --- —----


-


200


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-                --- ---------, --— ~ --- --------------------------------------— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


by an act entitled: 'An act granting and defining the duties and
powers of incorporated villages,' approved April 1, 1875, and such
amendments as may be made thereto.
"In case the said officers are not elected at the time designated
in Section 2 of this act, an election for officers may be had at any
time within one year from the time designated in said Section 2 of
this act, on notice being given as provided in said section."
In 1881 the charter was amended so as to leave the grounds
of the Kalamazoo resort outside the village limits, and to accomplish that Section 1 was amended so as to read as follows: A" That
all those tracts of land situated in the township of Charlevoix, in
the county of Charlevoix and state of Michigan, whicl are known
and described as follows, to-wit.: Lots numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4, and
the north half of the southwest quarter of Section 26, and lot
numbered 1, and the northeast fraction and the north half of the
southeast quarter of Section 27,'all in Township 34 north, of Range
8 west, excepting that portion of the north half of the southwest
quarter of Section 26 aforesaid, known and described as follows,
to-wit: (ommencing at the northeast corner of the southwest
quarter of Section 26, thence west along the east and west quarter
line of said Section 26, eleven rods and two feet, thence due south
68 rods to a stake, thence due east eleven rods and two feet to the
north and south quarter line of Section 26 aforesaid, thence due
north along said quarter line to the place of beginning, be, and tlhe
same are hereby constituted a village corporate by the name of the
village of Charlevoix."
The first charter election was held Monday, April 28, and resullted in the election of the following officers: President, John S.
Dixon; trustees, J. Milo Eaton, A. Buttars, W. A. Smith, J. M.
Clark, Robert Miller, D. C. Nettleton; clerk, M. J. Stockman;
treasurer, John Bell; assessor, E. H. Green; street commissioner,
A. E. Mason.
The village officers elected since 1879 have been as follows:
1880 -President, Robert Miller; Clerk, George W. Crouter;
treasurer, John Bell; atssessor, O. S. Washburn; street cornmissioner, A. J. Mudge; constable, Henry Newman; trustees, John
Nicholls, 1). C. Nettleton, J. M. Clark.
1881 —President, J. Milo Eaton; clerk, Henry C. Cooper;
treasurer, A. R. Upright; assessor, 0. S. Washburn; street comr
missioner, A. J. McLeod; constable, E. W. Fuller; trustees, Robert
Miller, G. W. Crouter, Byr(n eee.
1882-President, Willard A. Smith; clerk, F. W. Mayne;
treasurer, E. Carpenter; assessor, 0. S. Washburn; streetcommissioner, W. C. Newman; constable, Charles Ely; trustees; John
Nichtolls, H. C. (Cooper, A. R. Upright.
1883 -- President, Byron See; clerk, Fred W. Mayne; treasurer,
Egbert Calrpelter; street commissioner, Robert Miller; marshlal,
Richard Cooper; trustees, 1Henry C. Cooper, John Nicholls, A. R.
Upright, George W. Crouter, Albert E. Mason, A. J. McLeod.
1884 —PresideJlt, Amos Fox; clerk, Horace S. Harsha; treasurer, C. WV. Miller; assessor, Orlando Blairs street commissioner,
Jacob Weyburn; trustees, G. W. Crouter, A. J. McLeod, Albert E.
Mason, J. Milo Eaton, Charles Ely, W. C. Newmnan.
BANKING.
The bank of Charlevoix was established in September, 1882,
and was the first bank established in Charlevoix County. It was
established, and the business is still carried on by Lewis Reynolds


and W. P. Brown, under the firm name of Reynolds & Brown. W.
P. Brown is cashier and W. A. Brown teller.
The Merchants' and Farmers' Bank was established in July,
1888, by the firm of Buttars, Upright & Co. A. Buttars is president, A. R. Upright vice-president, and G. S. Thomas cashier.


This bank is about to be reorganized under the state law and its
capital increased.
THE CHARLEVOIX MANUFACTURING COMPANY
is one of the most important industries of Charlevoix. The company was organized in October, 1883, with tile following-named
persons as directors: M. J. Stockman, D. C. Nettleton, O. D.
Wood, G. W. Crouter, A. R. Upright, S. M. See, L. E. Alien;
officers —President, M. J. Stockman; vice-president, D. C. Nettleton; secretary, IT. Lee Iddings; treasurer, A. Buttars. Capital
stock, $10,000. The company was organized for the purpose of
manufacturing sash, doors, blinds, etc. A large building was erected
and operations begun in the spring of 1884.
WASHBURN & ACKERT, proprietors of the machine shop, started
business in the spring of 1883, and leased power of the sash factory
until their shop was built a few months later. Connected with this
is the Charlevoix Iron Works, of which Washburn & Ackert and E.
B. Beauvais are proprietors. These works were started in the fall
of 1883. These works constitute an important industry in Charlevoix. Tile proprietors are 0. S. Washburn, J. M. Ackert and E.
B. Beauvais.
0. S. WASHBURN is a native of Pennsylvania.  For several
years le was engaged at saw-mill work in Wisconsin. In tie
spring of 1868 he came to Charlevoix and was sawing and filing
in saw-mills until 1883. He has a wife and two children. Mr.
Washburn has been identified with the local affairs of Charlevoix
since living in the place, and has held various public offices. Is a
member of the Masonic fraternity.
JOHN M. ACKERT was born on Beaver Island.   At the age of
six years he went with his parents to Oakland County, where he
was brought up on a farm. Came to Charlevoix County in 1874
and learned the trade of machinist with John L. Allen. In 1880
he went into business with Washburn & Allen. The firmn now is
Washlburn & Ackert. -le has a wife and three children.  Mrs
Ackert was Ida Mason, of Charlevoix.
E. B. BEAUVAIS is a native of Canada. In the spring of 1883
he came to Charlevoix from Muskegon, and went into business in
the Charlevoix Iron Works with Washburn & Ackert.
A blush handle factory established in 1884 by J. Milo Eaton,
on lhis addition near Pine Lake, is an industry furnishing employmrent to a number of men.
There are also two shipyards, and boiler works.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
RICLHARD COOPER, proprietor of the Fountain City House, Charlevoix, was born in England, in the year 1832. While an infant
lie came to this country with his parents, who settled in Rochester,
N. Y. At an early age he learned the printers' trade and followed
it seven or eight years, when his eyesight failed and lie was obliged
to seek other occupation. In the summer of 1848 lie was steward
on a propeller, and during a trip up the lake was obliged to stop a
time at Beaver Island. He made up his mind to engage in fishling,
and, after finishing the trip, returned to Beaver Island for that purpose. He remained there three or four years, and in 1853 went to
Little Traverse, now Harbor Springs, where lie kept store, and also
fished, as stated in the history of Harbor Springs. March 5, 1854,
he married Marietta Geer, who was then living at Little Traverse.
It was quite an undertaking to get married in those days. This


couple were obliged to go to Cheboygan to reach the nearest justice
of the peace. Mr. Cooper took his Indian pony and sled, and with
his bride made the journey by way of the lakes, there being no roads
in those days. At Cheboygan they were married by Bela Chapman,
a justice of the peace, and the second day returned to their home.


i
i
I
I
I
I I


4
- I


I


K ---&


F


1


L


-I I                                   ------------                                     _  ~ --- —----------— 111 —  -_  __   ____     __  _  __________


e) 


4q (i F* -


- - i'V




rF
5jrC""' '' lcF*~,c'i'  ~;jtr=.. Y i`:
r- ~'
'i i. ";. ".' '~'n~,r rrr 4:-~~~~~;~;-.,. i_.;,; r.
Yr*, i,. -,,:%i~ i, "* =?~-L,,
(*.?:                                           t;                      I.,~
r:~~~-~~
I ~~- fSr...., r:b
c;.
Ki YL~iiri-:Ir~.T"r -~: 3.. IZ'C *;t:X L~il- i ii r\.






4=


i
I
I


a
I


UNITED STATES HOTEL, BOYNE CITY, CHARLEVOIX CO, MICH.
FRANK M. ABRAHAM, PROPRIETOR.


rI"I
-i
i...,.,_."..,_ 


~~~~*-7       '7 7II ~"M,  I-4- ",  I.                  - - -- I  I  I-   I -,  '.:SI~:.I
rr77).)L'S '~i i
~r"':: ~                               ~Ti*  -ri,
Y'I 1( ii r 114~1 Il.-.W
5~-~~-~
i... ''.:~....i '.' rt:l
I. Ir~.~r
~?: i~`^T)C I:"*Li. i:.ii i
~:'Z:!~-n.., f 7:2 (~~If tli-     . —i~I ~
ii '~-..*        )"i ".`"  —:rf2:-~;-i.l ~1,~*.?;'              '*:'( ~:~ca:?: v;.
;~~
'~s ~i ~.~, ~~" ~..~..
r~"~;s~;.,..i ~ ~.-~~~.;!" ~L,
z ~~~i:: ~-~
"'.~c-1;"'j7'; \-: dl~
I': '~"~.i-.- r                                       7;'
I;r ~ i-;;~i ~~I -~'-;~~
~?~. `:I
r:i di '~
1-I Ci L' %II
i '..
~ 2: ~,~.
c
)~. 3.~~~~;:,
''
1 )
' r* ~~
1': ~4 -:
I'.
~~ i
~-: ~`~.
Ir
i i;
 ~~
I,
*L3ih;
~- ~nL


~a ns, — u ~,! )I.:;ci4,g-;r-i.lu;-7~~j  C:::::il
M 'I c~""~:'"; ~ ~.
'dl *q:; _:: f._PL:;:Y L C~_` 'i,
C t::::..ii ~;; i '~:
i- i
i r
II.ir-i
i
~~ ~~,'-;~;:.i~l~
~:~
I~:. — i-i —. - i,`:;~; ~ t
i:-,~~:I ~"~:~: -
~ i::~:






I


FOUNTAIN CITY HOUSE, R. COOPER. PROP. CHARLEVOIX. MICH.








1 -

I
I




I


me 


I                                                               - 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.
I  


201


In 1862 Mr. Cooper raised a company of Indians for service in the
civil war. He took them to Dearborn where he remained about
two months, when he was sent back to get more recruits. He secured the required number and expected to go into service as captain of a company, but was never ordered to report with his last recruits, was never discharged, and received no pay for what he had
already done To this day Mr. Cooper does not know whether he
is still a soldier of the government or only a private citizen. In
1867 he removed to Charlevoix to keep the boarding-house of A.
Fox & Co., which was the original part of the present Fountain City
House. After a year or two he purchased the property and has
kept hotel from that time to the present. He has enlarged
the building as business increased, until it is now a large, threestory luilding. Mr. Cooper was sheriff of the county eight years,
judge of probate one term, and is now deputy U. S. marshal, and
marshal of the village. Mr. Cooper has passed through all kinds
of hardships and rough experience; sometimes shipwrecked on
the lake, subsisting sometimes on buds and bark, and regarding
them all as but incidents of pioneer life. They have three children,
two daughters and one son. Mr. Cooper's connection with Little
Traverse appears in the history of Harbor Springs.
NELSON AINSLIE, an early settler of Charlevoix, was born in
Onondaga County, N. Y., in the year 1824. He was married in
Oakland County, Mich., to Miss M. A. Lowrie, in November,
1848. December, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Fourteenth
Michigan Volunteers, and was in the service until April, 1865. He
still suffers from serious injuries received during the war. His parents had settled in Michigan at an early day, and his occupation
before the war was farming. In the spring of 1867 he removed to
Charlevoix, as at that time he had the contract for carrying the
mail between Traverse City and Cheboygan. When he came to
Charlevoix, he purchased a lot on what is now Bridge Street, extending from the postoffice to the office of Major Green. He built
a house, now standing next to the postoffice, in which his family
lived fifteen years. At that time there were no roads, and the mail
was carried on ponies over an Indian trail along the lake shore. He
had the contract four years. Mr. Ainslie was the first one to o]en
a road on the line of Bridge Street. In 1881 he built their present
residence. He has not been in active business for several years but
carries on a farm near the village. They have had five children,
four of whom are now living.
JOHN NICHOLLS, lumberman, Charlevoix, is a native of England
and. came to America in 1850. For a number of years he resided
in Trempea'eau County, Wis., where he carried on farming, but most
of his time was occupied with public affairs. For ten years he held
a county office, and was also a member of the state legislature one
term. Mr. Nicholls was a prominent Republican and occupied a
leading position in public affairs. In 1876 he located at Charlevoix,
having purchased the mill and property of Redington, Nelson &
Co., and has operated the mill and carried on general lumbering
operations since that time. He is also largely interested in real estate in the county, and has platted the villages of South Arm, East
Jordan and South Boyne. He built his residence on the high
ground overlooking Round Lake, in 1878. He has a wife and seven
children. He is one of the trustees of the village and president of
the Historical Society.
ROBERT MULLER, proprietor of the Bridge Street House, Charlevoix, is a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. August 11, 1862,


he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixth New York Volunteers, and served until July 10, 1864, when he was discharged
for disability. In 1864, after returning from the army, he came to
Charlevoix and the following year located permanently. He built
a saw-mill on Mill Creek. where the Stover Mill is now located, but


the dam was carried away and he never operated the mill. He
afterward carried on blacksmithing and continued that business
until 1881. The Bridge Street House, of which he is now proprietor, was originally built by him in 1868 as a dwelling. The building has been enlarged at different times, and since 1881 he has been
engaged in the hotel business. He has been justice of the peace
twelve years and president of the village one term. Has a wife
and two children. One son, Byron W., is engaged in the mercantile business.
G. W. CROUTER, dentist and druggist, Charluvoix, was born in
Canada in the year 1851. In 1871 he came to Michigan and was located at Grand Rapids until the spring of 1872, when he removed to
Charlevoix and opened the first drug store in the village. He carried on business in the Kyes building near the Fountain City House
until 1876, when he erected a two-story building,on Bridge Street
which he has since occupied with his drug store and dental office.
In 1874 he began the practice of dentistry, being the first dentist in
the village. He has been for several years one of the leading business men of Charlevoix, and one of its most enterprising citizens.
He has held the office of village clerk and has been one of the trustees of the village since the spring of 1881. As a business man he
has been very successful and has acquired extensive business and
property interests in the village. Is one of the stockholders of the
Charlevoix Manufacturing Co. and one of its directors. He is a
prominent member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and has done
much towards securing the prosperity which the lodge in Charlevoix
enjoys. Few men in the place have been more actively identified
with the general progress and welfare of the village than Dr. Crouter.
He has a wife and one child.
A. R. UPRIGHT, one of the prominent business men of Charlevoix, was born at Marshall, Mich., and came from there to Charlevoix in the spring. of 1873. He came here with the intention of entering the employ of Fox, Rose & Buttars as book-keeper, but upon
arriving here changed his plans and went into the employ of the
mill company, working about the mill. After a short time he went
into the office as book-keeper where he remained until fall. He then
taught school at Norwood through the winter, after which he took
a position as foreman in the employ of Mr. Meach, remaining there
through the summer of 1874. In the fall of that year he returned
to Charlevoix to take the position of principal of the school in the
village. He continued in that capacity until the close of the term
in the summer of 1876. The following fall he was elected clerk
and register of deeds of the county, which offices he still holds. His
first business operations were in real estate, and afterward included
other branches. In 1880 he became a member of the firm of Upright
& Emrey, general merchants and also dealers in wood, posts and ties.
He is also a member of the banking firm of Buttars, Upright & Co.,
proprietors of the Merchants' and Farmers' Bank, of Charlevoix,
and of the firm of Upright Bros., abstract and real estate office. In
the spring of 1882, in company with W. H. Hulburt, he platted
liulburt & Upright's Addition to the village of Charlevoix. In
1888 he erected an elegant residence upon the terrace in this addition. He has held the office of treasurer of the village, and is now
one of the village trustees. Has a wife and three children..Mr.
Upright is a very successful business man. A sketch of his residence is given in this work.
J. MILo EATON, attorney and real estate dealer, Charlevoix, was
born at Keene, New Hampshire, in the year 1848. At the age of


twenty-one years he left his native place and came to Saginaw,
Mich., where he had a brother engaged in the practice of law. He
remained there about a year and then went to Chicago, where he
remained two years, then returned to Saginaw and read law for
a short time in the office of his brother. He then entered the


I




-M
I


Xv


I


— L#-       -!lr  -


V




=


I






oiW


mmmmmm-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I I~~~~~~~~~~~ 


-


lw


~ZI ^_,l -




'a






i~~~~~~~~~_


--!J'-    -


202


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in
the class of 1875. Very soon afterward he located at Charlevoix
and engaged in the practice of his profession, being the second attorney to locate in the county. Very soon after coming here he was
appointed prosecuting attorney of the county, and at the fall election in 1876 was elected probate judge, although he was a Democrat
while the county was strongly Republican. For several years he
has been extensively interested in various business enterprises, including real estate, insurance and abstracts. In 1878 he established
a livery business of which he is still proprietor. He was one of the
founders of the Kalamazoo Resort, and in 1884 has platted an addition to the village of Charlevoix bordering on Pine Lake. Mr.
Eaton was the leading spirit in the incorporation of the village, and
has held the offices of president and trustee. He was the Democratic nominee for the state senate in 1880, but not with the expectation of being elected, as the district was overwhelmingly Republican. A recent business enterprise of which he was the projector is
the brush-handle factory, located in his addition recently platted;
and which commenced operations in the spring of 1884. It will
thus be seen that his business enterprises have had much to do with
the general progress of the village. His family consists of his wife
and two daughters.
D. C. NETTLETON, carriage maker, Charlevoix, is a native of
Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He removed to Illinois with his parents, and
also lived several years in Wisconsin. In May, 1862, he enlisted in
the Second Regiment of Colorado Infantry, and remained in the
service until the close of the war in 1865. In 1867 he came to
Charlevoix from South Haven. He took up a homestead, and
worked at the carpenters' trade in the village. In 1870 he built a
wagon-shop and carried it on part of the time himself, and part
of the time he rented it. He superintended the work on the harbor
improvements at this point, which are described elsewhere in this
work. For the past six years he has carried on the manufacture of
wagons, carriages, etc. He has held various local offices and is one
of the successful business men of' the village. He has a wife and
three children.
BYRON SEE, merchant, Charlevoix, was born in Jefferson
County, N. Y., March 26,1842. In April, 1861, atthe breaking outof
the rebellion, he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-Fifth Regiment
New York Volunteers, and was in the service nearly three years.
In the fall of 1870 he removed to Charlevoix from Kilbourn City,
Wis. He was a carpenter by trade, and pursued that occupation
after coming here until 1872, when he engaged in mercantile
business. He first started a grocery store at the corner of Bridge
and Clinton Streets. He did a successful business, and enlarged
his stock to include general merchandise. In 1881 he erected a
substantial two-story brick business block, and moved his stock
into it. In 1882 he built a handsome brick residence on State
Street. This is the first brick dwelling in the village. Mr. See is
a successful business man, and prominently identified with the
public affairs of the county, having been treasurer of the county
six years, and has also held other local offices. He was elected
president of the village at the spring election in 1888. Is Republican in politics. Has a wife but no children.
JAMES INWOOD, Charlevoix, was one of the early local preachers
in Charlevoix County. He was born in England in the year 1810,
and emigrated to America in 1880, locating first in Ohio. In 1888


he walked from Zanesville, Ohio, to Indiana to engage in labor as a
local preacher. Soon after the close of the war he went to Northport to take the place of a minister who was prevented from
preaching on account of ill health, and remained there about a
year. About the year 1867 he came to Norwood and settled on
Section 18. He pursued his labors as local preacher, visiting






various points in this region. He was a local preacher from choice,
believing that in such a capacity he could do the greatest amount of
good. He has been through life a man of intense zeal in the cause
of Christianity, and very successful in his labors. For the past
seven years he has been a resident of Charlevoix village, and continued in active labor until 1881.
ANDREW J. MUDGE, Charlevoix, was one of the early farmers in
the township of Marion. He was born at Spring Wells, Wayne
County, Mich., in the year 1828. His early life was spent in Canada, and in 1865 he came from there to Charlevoix County,
and took up a homestead in Marion on Section 28. He remained
there seven years. Afterward he worked out and for several years
was postmaster at Eastport. For several years past he has lived
in the village of Charlevoix, and for two years has been salesman
in the store of Upright & Emrey. He has a wife and three
children.
CAPTAIN WALTER CLIFFORD, deceased, was a native of Troy, N.
Y. In 1860 he enlisted in the regular army and at the breaking
out of the civil war went to the front and was in active service
until the close of the war. He was a prisoner nearly a year.
While in Libby Prison he made several attempts at escape and was
at last successful with those who dug a tunnel from the prison and
effected their escape. After the war he was engaged in the campaigns on the western border. Was with Custer, and was detailed
to bring in the noted chief, Sitting Bull. In one of the campaigns
he was badly frozen, and death resulted at Fort Bridger, Wyoming
Territory, Feb. 23, 1883. He was married at Sackett's Harbor, N.
Y., in April, 1865, to Hattie Colwell. His widow and two children
survive him. He was a gallant soldier and had risen to be captain.
He was buried at the place of his death, and his comrades have
erected a substantial monument above his grave. He had purchased a large amount of real estate in Charlevoix village and
county, and in May, 1883, Mrs. Clifford took up her residence in
the village to attend to the management of their property interests
in the locality. The Charlevoix Sentinel speaking of him, said:
(" He was a brave, noble-hearted soldier, who by his ability, courage and integrity rose grade by grade from the bearer of a musket
to the rank of captain in the United States army. As an Indian
fighter or diplomat he had no superior, and was often assigned to
difficult matters of Indian diplomacy in recognition of his tact and
judgment. He was selected by his commanding officer to receive
the surrender of Sitting Bull, and was a prominent figure in the
celebrated White River expedition against hostile Sioux, in which
he suffered greatly from exposure. In 1872, when Indian affairs
were under control of the War Department, he was appointed
Indian agent at Fort Berthold, in which capacity he served for
three years, and was often complimented for the able administration of Indian affairs under him." He considered Charlevoix his
home, and his death occasioned general sorrow in this place.
GEORGE W. MILLER, dealer in clothing and furnishing goods,
Charlevoix, is a native of the Traverse Region, having been born at
Old Mission in the year 1852. His father is Lewis Miller, an early
trader among the Indians, and now a resident of Traverse City.
When a young lad the subject of this sketch entered the employ of
Fox, Rose & Co., where he remained about fifteen years.    In
the fall of 1883 he started in business for himself in the new
Buttars Block. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Has a


wife and two children.
OSCAR F. WISNER, attorney, Charlevoix, was born in Cayuga,
County, N. Y., in the year 1819. He worked on his father's farm
until nineteen years of age, after which he taught school three winters'and attended an academy at Seneca Falls, where for declamation he was called the "star actor."  Mr. Wisner studied law in




I
i   -    0
flat,


[


3




A


I


-


___~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


j -




#


I




d L,


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


203


the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, then a practicing attorney at Pontiac, Mich., and after being admitted to practice continued the study and practice of law at Detroit in the office of Hon.
Jacob M. Howard. In 1845 he graduated at the law school at
Harvard, Mass., and in 1847 returned to Pontiac and practiced
with his brothers George W. and Moses Wisner, late governor of
Michigan. His health becoming impaired he returned to the state
of New York and was practicing law in the city of Rochester at
the breaking out of the civil war. He raised a company of sharpshooters which he turned over to a regiment, and afterward raised
a company of cavalry, and was commissioned captain of Company
I, Twenty-second Regiment. He commanded his company until
after the battle of Ream's Station, in Virginia, when for gallant
conduct he was placed upon the staff of General Wilson as
ordnance officer. He remained in that capacity about four months
until General Custer took command of the division then in the Shenandoah Valley. From severe exposure he contracted rheumatism
and was sent to the hospital where he remained a short time, and
was then assigned to duty as a member of court martial, then sitting at Baltimore, where he remained until the close of the war in
1865. Mr. Wisner participated in a number of battles and distinguished himself as a gallant officer. He saw General Sheridan
arrive upon the ground from his famous twenty-mile ride from
Winchester. In 1879 he removed from Ithaca, Mich., to Charlevoix, where he is now a practicing attorney. He is circuit court
commissioner and United States circuit court commissioner.  He
is a close student and is familiar with the  German, French,
Italian and Spanish languages. He is the author of "Halls of
Peace," an epic poem, and is at present engaged upon a legal work,
intended for the use of court commissioners.
HORACE HULL, of Charlevoix, Charlevoix County, Mich., was
born in Rochester, N. Y. He came to Michigan in 1844, arriving
in Detroit August 29. He was there employed at his trade of carpenter. Moved to northern Michigan in May, 1856, and settled
at Cross Village, where he engaged in fishing and later in farming.
He lived at different points along the Lake Michigan Shore.
When he first came in there were but few white settlers in the
country except the Mormon settlement. In 1866 he moved to what
is now the town of Marion and bought a farm which he cultivated
until 1881, when he moved to Charlevoix, where he now resides.
His first wife died in 1858; the second in 1883. He has three
children living and at home.
J. A. CARLSTEIN, M. D., is a native of Sweden and emigrated
to this country in 1864. Before leaving his native country Dr.
Carlstein had attended a military school and had devoted four
years to the study of medicine. Upon arriving in this country he
at once enlisted as a private soldier in the Thirteenth New York
Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. After coming out
of the war he located in Chicago, where he spent a year in the
Medical College, and then engaged in practice. In 1881 he graduated from the Homeopathic College, and soon afterward located
at Ironton, Charlevoix County. His practice also extended to
Charlevoix, and in the spring of 1883 in response to a request of a
number of citizens he located here. He has a wife but no children.  Dr. Carlstein is educated in both the homeopathic and
regular schools of medicine.
ALBIN STOVER, proprietor of a grist-mill in Charlevoix Town

ship, is a native of Oxford County, Canada, and came from there to
Charlevoix in the summer of 1871. At that time he purchased the
water-power and mill site on Mill Creek, which Robert and Hugh
Miller had improved some years before. Mr. Stover built a gristmill and has operated it since that time, enlarging and improving
at different times as business required. It is now supplied with






three run of stone. He also has a small farm in that vicinity
upon which he lives. He has a wife and three children.
W. P. BROWN, banker, Charlevoix, is a native of Vergennes,
Vermont. He was for many years an active business man in New
York City and at other points in the state.  His life has been
mainly devoted to financial interests. His health failing he came
to Charlevoix in the summer of 1882, and engaged in the banking
business, being one of the firm of Reynolds & Brown, proprietors
of the Bank of Charlevoix, the first bank established in the county.
He has a wife and two sons, the eldest son, W. A. Brown, is
teller in the bank.
ALEXANDER J. LcLEOD, dealer in meat, Charlevoix, is a native
of Scotland. When fifteen years of age he came to America and
was sailing a short time. In 1854 he went to Port Huron where he
was in the hotel business several years. In 1873 he removed to
Charlevoix and opened the first meat market in the place.  He
erected the building in which he now carries on business in 1879.
Mr. McLeod has held the offices of sheriff of the county, justice of
the peace and is one of the trustees of the village. He has a wife
and two daughters.
HENRY NEWMAN is a native of Whitehall, N. Y. In 1860 he
enlisted in the regular army, and remained in service seven years.
He retired from the army in 1867 and located at Charlevoix. He
followed coopering a few years and then gardening. In 1872 he
opened the first bakery at Charlevoix and has carried on that business ever since. He has a wife and five children.
A. D. CRUICKSHANK, attorney, Charlevoix, is a native of the
province of Quebec, Canada. He graduated from the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor in the class of 1873. He began the practice of law in Livingston County where he remained about nine
years. In that county he held several public offices and was prominent in public affairs. In the summer of 1882 he removed to
Charlevoix and is now a member of the law firm of Cruickshank &
Grier. He has a wife and one child.    Mr. Cruickshank has a
large practice and is a very successful lawyer.
L. E. ALLEN, contractor, Charlevoix, was born near Dexter,
Michigan, and for several years was engaged in the lumber business.
In the spring of 1882 he removed to Charlevoix from East Saginaw.
His business is that of contractor on government and private works.
In 1882 he built a handsome residence on the terrace overlooking
the village, an excellent sketch of which is given in this work.
S. M. SEE, manufacturer, Charlevoix, is a native of Jefferson
County, N. Y. In 1862 he enlisted as mechanic in Company H,
Tenth New York Artillery, and remained in service until July, 1865.
He came to the Traverse Region in 1868 and engaged at fishing two
years. In 1870 he located at Charlevoix. He followed carpenter
work for a time and then engaged in mercantile business, the firm
being Carpenter & See. In the spring of 1880, in company with
others, he started a sash and door factory which did a successful
business until burned in the fall of 1883. The works were rebuilt
by a stock company of which Mr. See is manager. He has held the
offices of supervisor and town clerk. Has a wife and six children.
ORLANDO BLAIR, Charlevoix, is a native of the state of -New
York. In 1876 he purchased a vessel at Traverse City and took it
to Charlevoix where he laid it up for the winter. He continued sailing much of the time until June, 1882, when a vessel of which he
was part owner was wrecked at Milwaukee. For a time he was engaged in the mercantile business with Albert Mason. He has held


the offices of deputy sheriff and supervisor. Has a wife and one
child. Is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
W. J. STEVENSON, blacksmith and carriage maker, Charlevoix,
is a native of Canada and located in Charlevoix in 1881. At that
time he built a small shop and carried on blacksmithing. In 1888


I




-X


I


b


I..........-              I._.                  I --- C  


lw


'..2 


'CT.-.4      I IV




.'4p —.., 1.                                                              -I


11..


4


j


204


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


he built a large shop and added carriage making to his business.
He has a wife but no children. Mr. Stevenson carries on a successful business.
C. R. BELmNGER, jeweler, Charlevoix, is a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. In June, 1881, he removed to Charlevoix
from Frankfort, and was engaged in the jewelry business. His
store was first located at the corner of Clinton and Bridge Streets.
In the summer of 1882 he removed his store to the Opera House
Block. He now has the only jewelry store.in the village. Has a
wife and two children.
JAMES E. WooD, harness manufacturer, Charlevoix, is a son of
G. M. Wood, one of the early settlers of Advance. He was born in
the state of New York. His parents removed to Sheboygan, Wis.,
where he learned the harness-maker's trade with his father. He
afterward followed it at Traverse City, and in 1876 removed to
Charlevoix, where he engaged in business. He has a wife and three
children. Is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
F. E. WooD, son of G. M. Wood, an early settler in Advance,
is a native of the state of New York. In the spring of 1881 he removed to Charlevoix from Traverse City, and opened a billiard
room and barber shop in the Odd Fellows' Block. He has a wife.
Is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
HIRAM D. WOOD, son of G. M. Wood, one of the pioneers of
the county, came to Charlevoix with his parents in 1868, and has
been a resident of the county since that time. He is an engineer
and follows the lakes during the season of navigation. He has a
wife.
H. C. COOPER, furniture dealer, Charlevoix, is a son of Richard
Cooper, one of the pioneers of the Traverse Region, whose history
is given elsewhere. Henry came to Charlevoix with his parents.
He has carried on the flour and feed business a year, and in the
summer of 1882 he engaged in the furniture business.  He has a
wife but no children.
J. REED EMREY, of the firm of Upright & Emrey, Charlevoix, is
a native of Altoona, Ill. In the fall of 1879 he came to Charlevoix
from Manistee and engaged in the mercantile business, the firm
being Dickenson & Emrey. Several changes have taken place in
the firm. Mr. Emrey, however, has continued in the business and
the firm is now Upright & Emrey. They carry on a general store
and deal in wood, ties, posts and lumber, and own a vessel. He
was deputy county clerk two years. Has a wife and three children.
E. M. CLARK, merchant, Charlevoix, is a native of Wayne
County, and for several years was engaged in the mercantile business in that county.  In the fall of 1881 he removed his stock to
Charlevoix and continued business at this point. He has a wife
but no children. Mr. Clark was a leading spirit in the organization
of the Congregational Church at Charlevoix, and in the erection of
its house of worship.
WILL A. NORTON, attorney at Charlevoix, and prosecuting attorney of the county, was born at Farmington, Oakland County,
and is a son of Rev. W. R. Norton, now a retired clergyman, living
near the village of Boyne. Mr. Norton studied law at Grand Ledge,
Eaton County, and was admitted to the bar in the summer of 1878.
He was circuit court commissioner of Eaton County, and began the
practice of law in that county. In the fall of 1879 he removed to
the village of Boyne, and has been a prominent member of the


county bar since that time. He is now upon his second term as
prosecuting attorney. In the spring of 1884 lie removed to the village of Charlevoix.
CHARLES J. GRIER, attorney, Charlevoix, was born in Walworth
County, Wis., Jan. 22, 1867. He is the youngest son of the late
James J. Strang, leader of the Michigan Mormons; but at the age
cf three years was adopted by David A. Grier, of Charlotte, Mich.,


and assumed that name. At an early age he took up the study of
law and was admitted to practice in May, 1881. In the spring of
1888 he came to Charlevoix and engaged in the practice of law.
He is a member of the law firm of Cruickshank & Grier.
WILLIAM M. PRESTON, M. D., Charlevoix, is a native of Philadelphia. With the exception of seven years spent in Kansas, most of
his early life was spent in northern Illinois. He graduated from
the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College in 1881 and located at
Ironton. In December, 1881, he removed to Charlevoix.
J. M. CLARK, attorney, Charlevoix, is a native of Toronto,
Canada. At the age of twelve years he came to the States. He
studied law in Chicago; and in the summer of 1877, located at
Charlevoix. The following spring he was admitted to the bar and
engaged in practice. He was trustee of the village three years, and
has also been justice of the peace. In the spring of 1882 he erected
a store building and residence.
H. LEE IDDINGS, of the firm of Stockman & Iddings, hardware
dealers, Charlevoix, is a son of a Methodist clergyman, and a native
of southern Ohio. In the spring of 1883 he came to Charlevoix
from Albion, Micl., and became a partner of M. J. Stockman in
the hardware business.  He is also secretary of the Charlevoix
Manufacturing Co.
JAMES WASHBURN, ship builder, Charlevoix, is a native of Maine,
and learned the trade of ship building from his father who was a
ship builder and owner. James Washburn carried on the business
on an extensive scale for several years. He was in the naval service about a year during the war. In the winter of 1880 lie came
to Charlevoix to rebuild some vessels, and the following year started
a yard. He has a wife and three children; is a prominent member
of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
A. F. MYERS, mason, Charlevoix, is a native of Denmark. In
1867 he emigrated to America, and in the fall of 1870 removed to
Charlevoix from Oakland County. He is a mason by trade, and
follows that business at the present time. He has a wife and three
children; built his residence on Clinton Street in 1876.
J. A. GILLICK, liquor dealer, Charlevoix, is a native of Jackson County, N. Y. In 1876 he removed to Bear Lake Township
from Petoskey and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1882 he
came to Charlevoix and engaged in his present business.
SUMMER VILLAGES.
Round Lake, nearly surrounded by its terraces; Lake Michigan
upon the one side and Pine Lake upon the other, romantic scenery
everywhere, could not always escape the notice of tourists and
those wishing to find a delightful summer retreat. The first resort
was established upon the south shore of Round Lake, and is named
the Charlevoix Resort, though sometimes called the Kalamazoo Resort. Directly opposite is the Chicago Resort, established at a
later date.
These resorts share in all the climatic advantages of northern
Michigan. The cool, refreshing breezes from the lakes are most
invigorating. Little or nothing is known of summer's sultry heat,
or of the close, muggy air of dog days, so debilitating in most
places. The nights are cool and so conducive to "balmy sleep,
tired nature's sweet restorer." But this locality enjoys some advantages of climate peculiar to itself. Most summer resorts, being
situated on the shores of the lake, with only the land behind them


are as often subject to land as to lake breezes, and therefore do not
escape sultry days. However this is not the case here,situated between
Lake Michigan and Pine Lake, with the depression of land through
which Pine River runs forming a natural air channel, these resorts
are never without a fresh breeze from one lake or the other. The




I


I


Ir 


K


F




A


1 -


a

i


-


ml
II


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


205






-


cooler breezes from Lake Michigan blow during the day time, when
most needed. These breezes are always purified as well as cooled
by contact with large bodies of water. The situation is not unlike
that of the famed Newport, lying between the Atlantic and Naragansett Bay. There are no low or marshy lands in the region to
taint the air with miasma and breed annoying mosquitoes. A
more fortunate combination of those circumstances which tend to
make a summer resort desirable can scarcely be imagined. Those
who have passed one or more summers in this locality recuperating
their strength in its salubrious climate and those securing a new
lease of life are enthusiastic in its praise.
Excellent advantages for bathing are at hand. Pine Lake,
with its crystal waters, forming the eastern boundary of the grounds,
is in the immediate vicinity of all the cottages. On its shores bathing houses have been erected for the accommodation of those who
desire to use them. The gradual sloping of the beach into the lake
makes it safe for children to indulge in this delightful hot weather
exercise. Those who prefer the more exciting sport of surf bathing
can be accommodated by walking or rowing a mile to the shore of
Lake Michigan.
The surrounding scenery is so varied and romantic that the
eye never tires in gazing upon its beauty. The crystal water, the
hills melting in the misty atmosphere, the forest fading away in
the dim distance, form a grand and ever-to-be-remembered scene.
One feels like returning again and yet again, to gaze upon the lovely
vision.
Facilities for fishing are fine, and the fishing is most excellent.
Mill Creek, one mile from the village, is a good trout stream, while
in Pine Lake are any quantity of excellent fish, as already stated.
The Jordan, Deer and Boyne Rivers, and Intermediate Lake may
be reached from this point by highway or by boat, which plies between Charlevoix and the head of Pine Lake.
The Charlevoix Resort was established in 1878, and its history
is substantially as follows:  The idea of establishing a resort at
this point was first suggested by the organization of the Bay View
Association, and the location of the grounds at Petoskey.  Hearing that certain Presbyterians contemplated a similar resort,
several citizens of Charlevoix made an effort to induce them
to locate at this point. Before this project was fully matured, a
location near Harbor Springs was decided upon. While looking after
the interests of this enterprise, the Charlevoix gentlemen succeeded
in interesting H. W. Page, of Kalamazoo, in this location, and
through his instrumentality the organization of the association was
brought about.
The articles of association and call for the first meeting were
filed with the county clerk of Kalamazoo County, May 23, 1878, and
with the secretary of state the following day. June 21, 1878, the
first regular meeting of " The Charlevoix Summer Resort" was
held at No. 63 Lovel Street, Kalamazoo. The following report relates what was done by citizens of Charlevoix toward securing the
locating of the resort at this place:
To the subscribers to the Charlevoix Summer Resort Fund:Your committee, which was appointed for the purpose of collecting
subscriptions, selecting location and purchasing the same, and for
performing such other duties as were necessary for the establishing
of a summer resort at this place, would respectfully submit the fol

lowing report: On the 6th day of June, 1878, a contract was
entered into between your committee and M. J. Stockman, for the
purchase of twenty-five acres of land on Section 26-34-8, for the
sum of $625, to be paid in the following manner:  $300 cash;
$100 in thirty days from that date; and the balance in ninety days
from that date. At the same time a bond for a deed was executed
by M. J. Stockman to the Charlevoix Summer Resort Association,








j


agreeing to convey the said land to the said association, and conditioned for the expenditure of $1,000 in improvements by them
within two years from that date, according to the instructions given
to your committee. The land above described was at once taken
possession of by the association above named, and improvements
to the amount of about $1,600 were made previous to the 1st of
October, 1878. At or about that time, they being desirous of having a deed to said land, and your committee being satisfied that
they had performed the conditions prescribed in the bond for a deed,
a warranty deed was executed by M. J. Stockman to the association.
The following is a list of the moneys subscribed for this fund,
and collected by your committee and paid to M. J. Stockman, as
the receipts, hereunto attached, show. Your committee desire to
express their thanks to the contributors, one and all, for the
promptness and cheerfulness with which they have met their obligations, thereby materially lightening the labors of the committee.










I       lk r                                              T  I "     IA,


M. J. Stockman.......$50 00  A. J. McLeod..........lu 
John S. Dixon......... 40 00  Hugh Miller........... 7 0
A. Buttars............ 35  00  A. M. Ross............  5  0
L. D. Bartholemew..... 35 00  J. Ingalls............. 5 0
A. Fox............... 30  00  Geo. W. Miller........  5  0
John Nicholls......... 25 00  A. F. Meyers.......... 5 0
James Inwood......... 25 00   John F. Mason........ 5 0
W. C. Newman........ 25 00  B. W. Miller.......... 5
R. Cooper............ 25 00  Oscar D. Mason........ 5 0
A. Chamberlain........ 25 00  Mrs. E. A. Mason.....  5 0
E. Carpenter......... 2 00   Mrs. M. Stockman..... 5 0
E. H. Green.......... 15 00  Mel. Thompson........ 5 0
J. M. Eaton.......... 15 00   Louis Gebo........... 5 0
Robert Miller......... 15 00  S. H. Smith.......... 5 C
W. A. Smith.......... 15 00   John Bell............. 5 C
Byron See........... 15 00   J. A. Bartram......... 8 C
M. Thompson........ 15 00     G. W. Chipman........ 2
G. W. Crouter......... 15 00  John Ackert........... 2
S. M. See............  10  00  Sol  Hancock..........  2
N.  Ainslie............  10  00  A. McCabe............  2
Dr. L. Lewis......... 10 00  Eli Toulouse.......... 2
D. C. Nettleton........ 10 00  0. B. Weed............ 2
0. S. Washburn....... 10 00   Henry Newman........ 2 (
J. AI.  Clark...........  10  00  W illiam  See...........  1  (
A. Stover.............  10  00
A. R. Upright.........  10  00    Total............ $625  (
All of which is respectfully submitted.
J. MILO EATON, E. CARPENTER, R. COOPER,
Comr ilittee.


)
0
0
0
0)
)0
'0
)0
10
()
)O
)O
)0
)0
)0
)0
50
50
50
50
)0
)0
00


-r


IF


- p




Articles of association were adopted as follows:
TtWe, thle ulnderxli!ld, citizens of the United States, and of the
State of Michigan, desiring to associate ourselves together under
the provisions of Act number one hundred and twenty-two of the
session laws of the State of Michigan, of eighteen hundred and
seventy-seven, do hereby certify in writing, that we have, by these
presents, so associated ourselves together for that purpose; and we
do hereby agree that the name and title of said association shall
be " The Charlevoix Summer Resort;" and that the particular
business and object of such association shall be to own and occupy,
for purposes of recreation and health, a parcel of ground in the
Town of Charlevoix, county of Charlevoix and state of Michigan:
And we agree that the number of directors to manage such association shall be seven, and that the directors for the first year shall
be, H. W. Page, Samuel Brooks, J. L. Sebring, F. W. Willcox, S.
A. Gibson, H. F. Weimer and Willard Morse, Jr. Given under
our hands and seals, this 21st day of May, A. D., 1878.
H. W. Page             [Seal]  Fred'k W. Willcox    LSeal]
Samuel Brooks            "    W.   Jr.", Jr. 
James L. Sebring         "    Benj. F. Lyon 
S. A. Gibson            i'    J. B. Wyckoff
Henry F. Weimer,,      Kendall Brooks   "


I


I


I -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_


_5


r""




FI


I.


I
I
I


I


I


206


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


The officers were as follows: President, H. W. Page, Kalamazoo; secretary, Samuel Brooks, Kalamazoo; treasurer, Kendall
Brooks, Kalamazoo.
During the summer of 1878 six cottages were erected, and a
substantial pier, with fourteen feet of water at the front, was built,
at which the steamboats running on Pine Lake always touch when
there are passengers to be landed or received. Other improvements were made, such as the building of a bath-house, and the
-sinking of a well from which is obtained an abundant supply of
delicious water, cold as ice. The amount expended in these improvements was $1,600. The number of persons who visited
Charlevoix that summer because of the establishment of this resort,
and who occupied the cottages or lived in tents, or found board in
private families, and who considered the grounds of the resort as
their headquarters, was considerably above one hundred.
In 1879 a commodious boarding-house was built upon the
grounds, in order to accommodate many visitors who desire temporary quarters.
In May, 1880, the association purchased all the land directly
north of the orginal twenty-five acres deeded by M. J. Stockman,
and lying between it and the channel and Round Lake. In October, twenty-five acres more were purchased, giving the resort water
front on Pine Lake.
There are at the present time nearly sixty cottages, all comfortable, and some of them really elegant structures, an excellent association hotel, over a mile of four-feet sidewalk on its grounds, two docks,
one on the bay and the other on the river, and a fleet of about 100
pretty boats, row and sail, all housed in neat and appropriate quarters. It is rapidly growing in popularity, in the number of its
visitors, and in the number of cottages, and deservedly. The following are the officers and chairman of the committee of the association: President, 1). B. Merrill, of Kalamazoo; vice-president,
J. L. Sebring, of Kalamazoo; secretary, (;. E. Bardeen, of Kalamazoo; treasurer, S. A. Gibson; directors, H. W. Page, P. Ranney, Rev. Dr. Kendall Brooks, I. D. Bixby, O. M. Allen. J. L.
Sebring is chairman of the finance committee; H. P. Parmalee,
of the committee on lots, grounds and buildings; H. W. Page, on
the hotel; I. D. Bixby, on sanitary matters; S. A. Gibson, on
transportation; Rev. Dr. Brooks, on religious meetings, and G. E.
Bardeen, on entertainments.
The Chicago resort is located upon the north shore of Round
Lake, and upon an elevation commanding a magnificent view of
the lakes and country around it. This resort was founded by a
stock company of wealthy Chicago gentlemen for a private summer
retreat for their families and their friends. The origin of this resort was related by a Chicago paper in the fall of 1880, as follows:
( During the past summer a company of Chicago gentlemen,desirous of taking a breathing spell during the hot July and August
days, took a trip up in the region of the ' fishing line.' They visited
Mackinac, Petoskey and Charlevoix.  At the latter place they
stayed several days, charmed by its surroundings, its cool nights,
the pleasant breezy days, the pure air, the absence of the dust and
heat of the city, all of which combined to make their stay very
pleasant. One of the gentlemen, liking the place so well, secured
a piece of land intending it for a summer residence lot. The three
other gentlemen, meeting some time after and comparing notes and
opinions regarding Charlevoix, agreed to purchase a large tract of
land and set it apart for a summer resort. This has been done, and


a stock company formed, a charter obtained and enrolled under our
state laws as the 'Chicago Summer Resort Company.' Their capital stock has been placed at $10,000 in shares of $100 each, subject to call. The land has been paid for and title secured. As
soon as spring opens the place will be improved and made as beau

tiful as its situation demands. It is the intention of the company
to spare no pains or expense to make the place very attractive to
summer visitors. They have a fine location, high and dry, between
two lakes, fronting both of thet. This will give fishing and fine
boating grounds; besides this the resort is but a few miles from
three of the best trout streams in the state of Michigan. Charlevoix is naturally adapted for a quiet, healthy summer resort.
"The officers of the company consist of the following wellknown gentlemen:   Caleb F. Gates, president; Silas M. Moore,
vice-president; Harvey Dean. secretary; Brayton Saltonstall, treasurer; directors, Robert M. Cherrie, James M. Scoville, James H.
Moore, Caleb F. Gates, Silas Moore, Cuthbert Sprong, J K. Harmon, T. M. Avery, Rev. J. W. Dinsmnore."
In July, 1881, mention was made of the improvements  "The
club house, which has but recently been opened, occupies a coinmanding location upon the site, fronting 100 feet on Pine Lake,
and eighty feet toward Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. It has
large, high, airy rooms, broad halls, and deep verandas above and
below encircling the house and its entire frontage, and the comfort
that is pictured upon them on a cool sunmmer evening, with the
large arm-chairs occupied by the crowd of happy resorters, is some
thing to be envied.
( A tower arises above the angle, and from its top a view is
presented that is beyond our powers of description. Away up Pine
Lake can be seen Boyne City, while just below you Round Lake
glistens in the sun, with Charlevoix affording a beautiful bird's-eye
picture on its western border. You lift your eye and the broad l]ake
Michigan stretches away beyond the islands, and fronm it comes a
refreshing breeze, cooling your heated flesh and driving away your
headache with a magic akin to that of mesmerism.
"Justbelow, over the brow of a terrace, a bayou setting in from
Round Lake affords a convenient cove for the dozens of handsome
row-boats in use by the resorters, while across the bayou, an island
extends southward to within a stone's throw of the other resort
grounds. This island will be transformed into a park next season.
"The club house contains twenty-seven sleeping rooms, a
ladies' sitting room, containing a superb Hallett & D)avis piano, a
gents' club room, a large dining soom, and a culilary (iepartment
abounding in all the modern improvements of tlie art (if cooking.
The house has water pipes running to every room. and a large
hand-force pump to supply the water. A wind-mill will be supplied
next season to force water into various parts of the house."
A number of cottages have been built, and the place is a favorite resort for Chicago people. The present officers and directors
are as follows: President, C. F. Gates; vice president, S. M.
Moore; secretary and treasurer, W. C. Warner: ex-committee, C.
F. Gates, S. M. Moore, R. L. North; directors, J. W. Scoville, R{.
M. Cherrie, S. M. Moore, C. F. Gates, R. L. North, J. R. Krum,
L. Burr, J. B. Peabody, B. Peabody, B. W. Ripley.
CHAPTER XXX.
VILLAGE HISTORY-DESCRIPTION   AND HISTORY OF THE   VIJLLAGE;IS
OF BOYNE, SOUTH ARM, EAST JORDAN, BOYNE FALLS AND IRONTON-BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
VILLAGE OF BOYNE.
The village of Boyne, or Boyne City as it is frequently but


erroneously called, is located at the head ot Pine Lake and at the
mouth of the Boyne River, a famous trout steam from which the
village takes its name. The village occupies one of the beautiful
and romantic sites so numerous in Charlevoix County. The geographical center of the county is a mile west of Boyne, in Pine






U


I


6


1 4
i


I

I


i                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ( a~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


207


Lake, and its position at the head of the lake, with its proximity to
the railroad, makes it readily accessible from all portions of the
county. On this account, it ia..thought by many that should the
county seat ever be removed from its present site, the village of
Boyne would become the capital of the county. The village is
built upon both sides of the river, and has a crescent shaped lake front.
Near the river the land is level, but on either side it rises in a. succession of terraces somewhat in the form of an amphitheatre.
The first settler in this vicinity was John Miller, who is still
living upon the farm at the head of the lake, where he settled in
1856. The circumstances of his coming here have already been
narrated in the early history of Charlevoix County.
In 1869 the postoffice of Boyne was established and Mr. Miller
was appointed postmaster. The office was kept at his house; the
mail route at that time extended from Traverse City to Cheboygan.
About the year 1871 Messrs. Esterly & Co. purchased the tract
of land at the mouth of Boyne River with the intention of laying
out a town. Circumstances prevented them from doing so, and the
site remained unoccupied, with the exception of one log house,
until the original part of the Pine Lake House was built in 1874.
A. J. HALL, proprietor of the Pine Lake House, is the pioneer
resident of the village of Boyne.   He was born in Ontario
County, N. Y., in the year 1833. In 1857 he came to Kent
County, Mich. September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, First
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and was in the service until
November, 1864. In December, 1872, he removed from Traverse
City to Boyne Falls, intending to build a hotel.  He did not carry
out his original plan, and after keeping a railroad boarding-house
about a year, came to what is now Boyne Village, and built a hotel,
which he named the Pine Lake House.   The building has since
been enlarged, and has been kept by him to the present time.
The building of this house was the first stroke at this point which
has any connection with thfe village.  The same fall a log house
was built, but nothing more was done until the summer of 1875,
when A. J. Beardsley started a store in Mr. Hall's house. Mr.
Hall has a wife and one child. They have buried three children.
A. J. BEARDSLEY was the first regular store-keeper at the
village of Boyne. He was born at St. Clair County, Mich., and
lived in that part of the state until June, 1875, when he located at
what is now the village of Boyne, and opened a small stock of
goods in the Pine Lake House. His brother, G. F. Beardsley, had
purchased land at this point.  In the summer of 1875 A. J.
Beardsley purchased for his brother ninety-seven acres of land, at
$13.50 per acre. This land is the site of the village, and in 1876
fifteen acres were platted. In 1876 he built the first dwellinghouse in the place, and has occupied it since that time. In
November, 1876, he was married at Marysville, near Port Huron,
to Emeline Williams.   Their daughter Florence was the first
child in the village. Mr. Beardsley built the first dock at this
point in 1876. In 1878 he built the grist-mill, now owned by
William Mears, of Boyne Falls. Mr. Beardsley ran the mill about
two years.  In 1876 he put up a store building, afterward used for
a meat market, and burned in November, 1883. At the present
time Mr. Beardsley is engaged in building and lumbering.
C. C. BATCHELLER located in the village of Boyne in November, 1875, and is the pioneer merchant of the place. He is a
native of Winnebago County, Wis., and his father was a pioneer


of Oshkobh in that county.  Mr. Batcheller was engaged in the
agricultural implement business for some time prior to his removal
to Boyne. The same fall that he settled here he built a small
house 12x20 feet in size, about where his store now stands, and in
what at that time was a cedar swamp. He had a few goods, and


kept store in a small way, being the second one to keep a store
at this point. His business at first was principally barter, exchanging goods for wood, bark, etc. In fall of 1876 he put up the
store building which he now occupies. In connection with his
mercantile business he also handles wood, bark, and is engaged in
lumbering. He has a wife and one child.
JAMES H. THOMPSON is also one of the first residents of Boyne
Village. He is a native of Canada, and came from Quebec to Chicago in the year 1851. May 28, 1862, he was married to Mary
Harron, in Bruce County, Canada. They have four children.  In
the spling of 1873 they removed to Charlevoix where they Temained about a year, and then took up a homestead in the town of
Evangeline, near what is now the village of Boyne. Mr. Thompson bought the old log house that stood near the river, and lived in
it a short time. In 1876-'77 he built a house, and Mrs. Thompson
kept a grocery store.  He was postmaster from 1878 to November,
1881, and Mrs. Thompson was deputy. The building in which the
printing-office is now located he built in 1881. He has also built a
house in South Boyne. Mr. Thompson is a carpenter by trade.
He still carries on his farm which is located in Section 36, town of
Evangeline.
In 1879 Messrs. Nicholls & Morgan platted a large addition,
called South Boyne, a considerable portion of which has been built
up. It is in this part of the village that the Cobb property is situated, upon which it is proposed to locate a summer resort.  During the years 1879 and 1880 the place began to develop, and
almost the entire growth of the village has been since that time.
In June, 1879, a visitor to the village of Boyne recorded his
observations as follows: "The place began its existence several
years ago, but within the last twelve months has taken a new lease
of life, and is now growing as rapidly as any village in the county.
Its natural advantages are good, being located at the head of navigation, on Pine Lake, and at the mouth of the beautiful Boyne
River, which may yet become as historical as that of the Emerald
Isle. The major portion of the original village is' owned by Mr.
Geo. Beardsley, formerly of Stanton. Hon. Mr. Nicholls, of Charlevoix, in company with Mr. Morgan, of this vicinity, have platted
a large addition to the village on the south, which is being rapidly
cleared and already has several buildings in process of erection,
with others to follow in the near future. The contract is let for
a new school-house 28x38, which is to be finished the present
season.  The town is soon to have a new and commodious hotel
which is being erected by Mr. G. W. White.  Its size is 30x48
and two stories high, with a wing.  The building is well under
way, and will be opened to the public the present season.  The
Pine Lake House, A. J. Hall, proprietor, is receiving needed and
liberal improvements.
"Regular stages are run between Boyne and Boyne Falls by
Messrs. Hull and Mitchell, making daily connections with the boats
and trains. They have a new and splendid stage manufactured by
Mr. D. C. Nettleton, of Charlevoix.
"The new dock built and owned by Cameron & Richardson
speaks well for their enterprise, and is a great advantage to the
place.
"The mercantile houses are as follows: 0. V. Monroe, hardware and groceries; Richardson & Kingsley, dry goods and groceries; C. C. Batcheller, groceries and provisions; Postmaster Thompson, groceries and stationery; all of whom seem to be doing a fair


business, with encouraging prospects for the future.
"The large and powerful saw and shingle-mill, White Bros.,
proprietors, was under full blast and making lumber at a rapid
rate. They have 175,000 feet of logs in their boom.
"As a natural depot for wood, bark and ties, we know of no






I


3


L


I


ON-"


j  -f


- --




4e-h


64


E


I


208


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


place in northern Michigan that excels Boyne.  We saw in part
among other vessels, the spacious three master Frankie Wilcox of
Cleveland, taking on a cargo of lumber for Joseph Powers, of Boyne
Falls.
"Boyne has a park which is destined to become somewhat celebrated, as it contains thirty-four varieties of trees, which if well
pruned and cared for must make an attractive spot.
"Mr. Crane, late of New York, has completed a new blacksmith
shop, and is building a fine residence on the Nicholls and Morgan
plat.  Mr. Monroe and others are to build residences this
season.
"This place is regularly supplied with preaching by the Baptists
and Methodists, each of whom contemplate building parsonages
soon. We judge that the morals of the place will compare favorably with those of older towns, notwithstanding the saying of that
celebrated sage who wrote that "the tendency of all new countries
is to barbarism."
"We omitted to say that Boyne has a good grist-mill, which
is a devideratum in every town. A. J. Beardsley is proprietor, who
at present grinds out perhaps as many shingles as anything else.
On the whole we were much pleased with the place and believe it
has a bright future before it. Its people are enterprising, intelligent and courteous to strangers."
In the following month, July, the following mention was made.
"J. B. Ackley, of Wisconsin, has recently bought two lots, one for
a store and the other for a dwelling. Mr. Littlefield Ihas also bought
a lot, upon which he inte,,ds to erect a building 24x40 feet, the lower
part for a store, and the upper apartment for a hall. A drug store
and office, to be occupied by Drs. Sanderson & Southwick, is
also in an advanced stage of progress. The Methodists are at work
on their parsonage."
THE UNITED STATES HOTEL.
This hotel building, an excellent sketch of which is given in
this work, is one of the finest in Charlevoix County, and is a credit
both to the owner and the village in which it is located. The
building was begun in 1879 and opened in December, 1880, by
Frank M. Abraham, the owner. Mr. Abraham kept it a short
time and then rented it to Frank Hendee. He was succeeded by
Taylor Bros. H. A. Jersey and George W. Childs have also been
proprietors of the hotel. Mr. Childs was succeeded in the spring
of 1884 by J. J. Stevens, the present proprietor.  Mr. Abraham
remains the owner of the property.
CHURCH SOCIETIES.
The history of the M. E. Church at Boyne has recently been
compiled by several members of that society as follows: From an
old class-book of what was then known as the Deer Lake class it
appears that South Arm charge was organized Sept. 10, 1873.
Rev. J. W. Miller was presiding elder of Grand Traverse District.
On the 3d of May, 1874, Deer Lake class was organized. Rev. A.
G. Wiggins was the pastor in charge and Robert Thompson was
the leader of the class. There are seven names recorded as members, viz: Robert Thompson, Margaret Thompson, Hulda LeRoy,
Hannah LeRoy, O. L. Ball, N. Ball and C. Burton. James and
Amaria Scipio and Eliza Morgan were added to the class during the
same year.
The meetings were held at the residence of Robert Thompson
in the o10g house now owned by David Thompson. The work was


continued there until1~875, when, under the care of Rev. Thomas
Pierce, it was transferred to the village of Boyne, and the meetings
held in the log house now owned by Mr. Cobb and occupied by Mr.
Watterman.
The present Boyne charge was formed in 1876 by Rev. D. H.


Pierce, and Z. Morgan was the steward. Mr. Pierce was succeeded
in 1877 by Rev. W. Heath.
In 1879 there were twenty-one members recorded, and Rev.
Swan was pastor, and B. H. Whitman in 1880. Mr. Whitman
was returned in 1881, but owing to failing health continued but a
few weeks and the charge was supplied by Rev. T. J. Hill. In 1882
Rev. G. W. Howe was the pastor, and returned in 1883.
The old school-house was purchased by the society and is used
as a house of worship. It is designed to erect a church edifice at
an early day.   The present trustees are E. S. Johnson, Z.
Morgan, R. M. Cadwell, C. C. Batcheller, and F. M. Chase.
Presbyterian services have been held at Boyne by Rev. J. Redpath since 1878.  In the fall of 1881 Mr. George F. Be.ardsley
gave a lot at the corner of Court and Park Streets for a church
building and paid for laying the foundation. In the spring of 1883
the building was completed and the organization of the society
perfected with fifteen members. Rev. Mr. Redpath lives at Boyne
Falls and continues to preach at this point.
THE SCHOOL.
The first school in this vicinity was kept in a board shanty on
land belonging to Hugh R. Miller, on the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 26. School No. 1, fractional, was organized
in 1870, and Hugh R. Miller was director. The first school was
taught by Mariette Hicks in 1871. Alice Hayden also taught two
summer terms in the same building. In 1874 the school was
moved to a log building nea.r the shore of the lake, at what is now
South Boyne. This property, including fifty-eight acres of school
land was sold in 1879 to a gentleman named Cobb, who made the
purchase for the purpose of establishing a summer resort. The
teachers in the school after it was kept in the log building were
Johanna Haggerty, Mary A. Root and Sarah N. Miller.
After the property was sold in 1879 a good frame school-house
was built and Miss Annie Cooper was the teacher. This building
was used only a short time before it was evident that a larger
building would be necessary to accommodate the needs of the district. After a thorough consideration of the matter it wasdecided
to build of brick and erect a building that would answer the demands of years to come. This building was completed in 1883,
and the old building was sold to the M. E. Society.  The new
school building, a sketch of which is given on another page, is a
two story brick structure, admirably designed, and well built. Itis
by far the finest school-building in Charlevoix County. The brick
were manufactured by Nicholls & Morgan, proprietors of the Boyne
brick yard. The people of the district are justly proud of their
achievement, and to all who visit the village of Boyne this building
is a testimony to the enterprise and intelligence of the people. The
cost of the building was $6,000.
In May, 1880, mention was made of the village as follows: "A
year ago there were but six families at Boyne City. Now there are
fifty good buildings and a population of about 200. Mr. S. Richardson has a good stock of general merchandise, and has a large
trade. C. C. Batcheller also keeps a neat stock of goods. J. H.
Thompson is postmaster, and keeps a grocery, while Mrs. Thompson conducts the millinery business in the same building. A hardware and general store completes the list of business houses.
There are Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian societies. A
good school-house was built last year, capable of seating sixty pupils.
The people all speak highly of the success with which the teacher,


Miss Cooper, is conducting the school.
There are at present two hotels, the leading one being the
Pine Lake House, kept by A. J. Hall, who is now enlarging and refitting throughout. G. B. Thompson has a boarding house nearly
completed, and F. M. Abraham is building a large three story


w w


I.


116.


b      VP,




] -


V

I


- - -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


209


hotel. It will have a commodious hall, and will accommodate a
goodly number of guests. A. J. Cameron, the first to settle on the
soutlh side, has a fine place and has just built a barn which he intends using as a livery stable, keeping some good rigs for visitors
and travelers.
"Of course no live town will be without a newspaper, so here
we find a spicy local sheet, the Boyne City Standard, published by
S. J. Clink, who came last spring and is meeting with good success.
"Being surrounded by a good farming country the town will
always be a good business point, and is also very favorably located
for shipping. The end of the lake makes a secure harbor, and the
water is deep near to the shore. When the cut into Round Lake is
deepened the largest vessel on the lakes can loadS and unload her
cargo at Boyne City.    The principal shipping now is forest
products, such as wood, bark, ties, posts, etc.
i"The Boyne River has long been noted as a favorite fishing resort. The river is navigable for small boats for several miles, and
the angler sits in a boat propelled up or guided down the stream by
a skillful boatman. Sportsmen come from all over the country to
catch trout in the Boyne, and immense quantities are taken every
year.
"It has become fashionable for northern Michigan towns to
have a resort, and no well-regulated place can do without one.
Boyne City is not behind in this particular. -A wealthy Kalamazootic named Cobb is the founder of the resort. This gentl man
purchased sixty acres favorably situated just south of town, and intends making it a pleasant summer home. He put up a neat summer cottage last season, and many of his friends having interested
themselves with him are intending to erect cottages this summer
and otherwise improve their grounds."
THE_ LOCAL NEWSPAPER.
The Boyne City States,!an, P. A. Badour, editor and proprietor, was started as the Boyne City Stalndard, by Stephen H. Clink,
in December, 1880. After a short time its publication was suspended, and the office was purchased by William Mears. In February, 1883, P. A. Badour purchased it and still continues its business.  The paper was started as a six-column folio, and afterwardchanged to a seven-column -folio. March 9, 1883, the name
was changed    to Statesmanl and the form   changed  to a five
column quarto. Mr. Badour, although a young man, has been ten
years in the printing business. He learned his trade in the office
of the TFree Press formerly published at Cheboygan. Afterward he
went to Harbor Springs where he was foreman of the Repulblican
published at that place. The Statesman is Republican in politics,
and is a well conducted local journal.  In -the spring of 1884 Mr.
Badour was appointed postmaster at Boyne, to succeed C. G.
Lewis.
SECRET ORDERS.
THE BOYNE RIVER ODD FELLOWS LODGE, No. 367, organized by
special deputy Dr. G. W. Crouter, of Charlevoix, July 28, 1882,
hold their regular meetings every Saturday evening, at the Masonic
Hall, Boyne City. The receipts of their first meeting from initiations paid for their implements and regalia, leaving $75 in the
treasury. They had a membership of over twenty. The following
is a list of their first officers:  N. G., A. J. Stroud; V. G., M.
Houghtelin; secretary, J. W. Hawley; treasurer, William Lewis;
C., H. A. Thompson; W., F. P. Myers; R. S. N. G., W. A. Norton;


L. S. N. G., William H. Downey; R. S. S., Ira Safford; L. S. S.,
D. Ford; J. G., James Dilworth; R. S. V. G., I. H. Burton; L. S.
V. G., James E. Bell.
The lodge has been in a very flourishing 'condition from the
start, and has had a a good increase of membership. It suffered


from the disastrous fire that visited the village in November, 1888,
which burned the building in which its meetings were held. Other
quarters were secured and the work continued. The following are
the officers in 1884: N. G., W. J. Lewis; V. G., Charles Williams;
secretary, D. B. Smith; F. S., W. B. Livingston; treasurer, William
Gardner; warden, Winfield Bailey; C., N. J. DeBar; chaplain,
Samuel Green; representative to Grand Lodge, A. J.Stroud.
RESCUE LODGE, NO. 577, I. O. G. T., was organized August
28, 1888, with about thirty-five charter members. The first officers
weie as follows: W. C. T., Dr. J. T. Brown; W. V. T., Mrs. R.
K. Crane; secretary, Miss Emeline Thompson; treasurer, Miss
Eva Danley; F. S., N. Morgan; chaplain, G. L. Fox; marshal,
M. D. Kittel; P. W. C. T., F. M. Chase. The people of the village have taken a lively interest in the welfare of the lodge, and its
membership has been increased to seventy-five. Meetings are held
every Wednesday in Odd Fellows Hall. The officers for the first
quarter in 1884 are as follows: W. C. T., R. K. Crane; W. V.
T., Miss Livingston; W. S., George W. Cllilds, Jr.; W.A. S., Mrs.
H. A. Russell; W. I. G., Miss Mattie Thompson; W. O. G., George
Fuller; W. M., Orville Kittel; W. D. M., Miss May Tafft; W. C.,
N. Morgan; W. F. S., Elmer Crane; W. L. H. S., Mrs. Newville;
W. R. H. S., Mrs. Garbutt; P. W. C. T., Dr. J. T. Brown; W. T.,
Mrs. Kittel.
WALTER CLIFFORD POST, G. A. R., at Boyne, was mustered
in early in the spring of 1884 by Commander Green, and Comrades
D. Himebaugh and Henry Newman, of Baxter Post, and Commander Jame3 Shearer, of East Jordan Post, with twenty-eight
members. The following are the officers: Commander, Charles
Denell; S. V. C., A. J. Stroud; J. V. C., Hiram A. Thompson;
Adj., T. J. Hill; surgeon, Henry N. Dyer; Chap., John F. Crane;
quartermaster, D. Halliday; officer of the day, John A. Newville;
officer of the guard, Wm. Hewen; S. M., Adelbert Halliday; Q. M.
S., R. E. Sampson; sentry, D. S. Kuhns.
HICKS & CHASE are proprietors of a wagon and blacksmith
shop at Boyne. In the fall of 1881 they erected the building and
established their business. They carry on all branches of wagon
work and general blacksmithing.
S. L. HICKS, Of the above named firm, was born in Jefferson
County, N. Y., June, 1848. In 1870 he came to Michigan and
located in Barry County. In the fall of 1874 he came to Boyne
and carried on blacksmithing two years. He then settled on a
homestead near Horton's Bay, where he remained several years.
In the spring of 1881 he returned to the village and was in the
employ of the Sheboygan Manufacturing Co. until the following
fall when he engaged in the wagon business as already stated. Mr.
Hicks has held several local 'offices, including supervisc r, treasurer
and school inspector. He has a wife and three children.
F. M. CHASE, of the same firm, was born in Calhoun County,
Mich., May, 1848. For several years he was connected with the
Chase Publishing Co., at Toledo, O. In September, 1881, he came
to Boyne and engaged in the manufacturing business, as a member
of the firm of Hicks & Chase. He has a wife and one child.
In September, 1882, the local paper alluded to the village as
follows: " In 1878 it had but seven buildings. Since the dredging
of the outlet-which now admits of steamers and vessels of any
size to Pine Lake-the village has grown rapidly. The village has


thirty-six places of business of the usual variety, including stores,
shops and manufacturing establishments. The population numbers
upward of 400 souls at the present writing, Sept. 1, 1882. 'We
are surrounded by an excellent agricultural district, now largely
covered with maple, bass, elm and beech timber, which will be
manufactured here. The facilities for' the manufacture and ship

I


L
I
Q2%


1:

-


I


oft


I ---  — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A


-    e.



-\I                                                                                                                                                                                      l*L


I


w


210


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


ment of all wares from timber are unequaled. A narrow gauge
railroad is being constructed, which is expected to be finished in
sixty days, to connect the Grand Rapids & Indiana Road with lake
navigation. There are two stage lines which connect their trains
with two lines of lake steamers twice every day.
"Our scenery is grand, the water pure, business lively and the
climate delightful."
The saw-mills of the Sheboygan Manufacturing Co., and the
Boyne City Mill Co. are important industries.
The improvements at Bay Springs, described hereafter, are a
valuable auxiliary to the prosperity of Boyne; in fact, the building
of the narrow gauge railroad was partly a Boyne enterprise.
In the matter of public intelligence and morals, the people of
Boyne take a high rank. Religious and educational interests are
liberally cared for, and a glance at the social activities of the place
shows that literary matters have received marked attention.
On the evening of November 25, 1883, a destructive fire visited the village and destroyed property to the amount of $16,000.
It broke-out in the store of Mills & Carroll in a building belonging
to F. W. Littlefield; both were burned, also the meat market of
W. J. Lewis, office and residence of Dr. J. Sanderson, and a barn
belonging to A. J. Beardsley. The work of rebuilding has been
begun in the spring of 1884 by W. J. Lewis, who is erecting a substantial two story brick building, the first floor to be used by him
as a meat market, and the second story will be fitted up for a society hall.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ZACHARIAH MORGAN, a prosperous farmer and business man of
Boyne, is a native of North Carolina, and his early life was spent
among the colored people in slavery. He was naturally of steady
and industrious habits, and early in life was possessed of an ambition to gain for himself a position of honorable independence.
Thinking that he would find a more favorable field in some new
section of the north, in 1870 he came to Charlevoix County from
the state of Maryland, and located eighty acres of land in Section
2, present town of Wilson, and near the village of Boyne. He
has now one of the best farm-houses in the county, which he built
in 1882. He owns an undivided one-half interest in 150 acres of
land, upon a portion of which is the platted village of South Boyne.
He is also engaged in the manufacture of brick with John Nicholls,
of Charlevoix, the firm being Nicholls & Morgan. Their yard is
situated just outside the village. Mr. Morgan has held several
town offices, and has held that of justice of the peace six years.
He has a wife and nine children. By industry and good management Mr. Morgan has acquired a valuable property and a fine home.
A fine sketch of Mr. Morgan's residence is given in this work.
Being a representative of an unfortunate race it is greatly to his
credit and to the honor of his people that he has achieved success
in life and attained an honorable position in the community in
which he lives. No man in Charlevoix County enjoys the esteem
and confidence of his fellow men to a greater degree than does Mr.
Morgan.
REV. T. J. HILL, Boyne village, is a native of Essex County,
N. Y., and one of the early preachers of Michigan. In the fall of
1858 he removed to Clinton County, Mich., and entered the min

istry the following year, being engaged upon the Flat River
circuit. He continued in the ministry until August, 1862, when
he enlisted as captain of Company F, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry. Early in 1868 he was disabled by disease and compelled
to-resign his commission and retire from the service. He returned
home and engaged in farming until 1868, when he again entered the


ministry and continued preaching until 1872. In the spring of
1880 he removed to the village of Boyne and purchased real estate
in and near the village. He engaged in the real estate business,
and in the spring of 1888 purchased an interest in a saw-mill at
the village, which is now operated under the name of the Boyne
City Mill Co. Mr. Hill is still a member of the M. E. conference,
but preaches only occasionally. He has a delightful home near the
banks of the Boyne River, a sketch of which appears in this work.
JAMES SANDERSON, M. D., at the village of Boyne, was born at
Troy, N. Y. He began the study of medicine at that place and
continued his medical education at the Albany Medicnl College.
Leaving Albany, he went to Italy, where he graduated in 1877.
He then returned to this country and practiced for a short time at
Cadillac, Mich. In June, 1879, he located at the village of Boyne,
being the first physician in the village. As a member of the firm
of Fessenden & Co., he started the first drug store in the village in
the year 1880.
J. C. MCFELLIN, hardware merchant at Boyne, is a native of
Spring Hill, Fulton County, 0., and lived in northern Ohio until
1878. In September of that year he removed to the village of
Boyne, although at that time there were not to exceed twenty people at what is now the village. He was a carpenter by trade and
followed that occupation about two years. In November, 1880, he
opened the first hardware store in the place, and has continued in
that business to the present time. He holds the office of town
treasurer at the present time.
ROSCOE L. CORBETT, attorney, Boyne, Charlevoix County, is a
native of Franklin County, Maine. He graduated from the law
department of the Michigan University in 1880 and began the
practice of law in Mecosta County. In July, 1882, he removed to
the village of Boyne, Charlevoix County, where he is now a practicing attorney. He holds the office of county school examiner.
E. F. ALLEN, druggist and dentist, at the village of Boyne, is a
native of Shelby, Cattaraugus County, N. Y. In July, 1882, he removed to the village of Boyne from Howard City, Mich., and engaged in the drug business. He is also a dentist by profession and
practices dentistry in connection with his business. Mr. Allen is a
young man, and is doing a very successful business.
WILLIAM J. LEWIS, proprietor of the meat market at Boyne, is
a native of Washltenaw County, Mich. He was in business nine
years in Ionia County, and about two years in Kalkaska County.
In 1881 he came to the village of Boyne and bought out William
Burns, who had started a meat market a short time before. He
still carries on that business, and intends during the summer of
1884 to erect a building in which to carry on his market. He is a
prominent member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity.
C. G. LEWIS, merchant at the village of Boyne, is a native of
Addison, N. Y., and came from there to Boyne in September, 1879.
He was employed as salesman about two years. In September,
1881, he engaged in the mercantile business, and in November
following received the appointment of postmaster. The office was
located in his store until the spring of 1884, when he resigned the
office and it was removed to its present location.
R. R. PERKINS, of the firm of R. R. Perkins & Co., dealers in
groceries at Boyne village, is a native of Allegan, Mich., and was
engaged in the mercantile business there for several years. In the
spring of 1883 he removed to the village of Boyne and engaged in
the grocery business. He has a wife and three children. Mr.


Perkins is an enterprising and successful business man.
J. C. SCHAUB, merchant at the village of South Boyne, is a
native of Walworth County, Wis. He was engaged in the hotel
business for some time prior to the summer of 1881.' In June of
that year he removed to the village of South Boyne, where he


1


w-"~r




I




~suarWRsmESimEiN~CE: OF ~REV. T.J.HILL BOYN- CITY...  CHARLEVOIX, —: -CO.MICH.
RESiUENCE OF REV. T.J.HILL BOYNE CITY, CHARLEVOIX CO.MICH.


- >


I
I
i
I


A


t~ ~~~~ I.:: 000 ~: —' i:<
ii<~  ie~ 1   D  tF;'A  o
lj~:r; fL-wW "u' r
~:t,  -.::  t '


r,- '  * ~:;:::. -.  X:.:-:......:.....i:......
',:'  ~,~',% ' ''';0 
~~. ~i.  ~ D  Df

RES. OF Z. MORGAN,SEC 2, WILSON IP NEAR UOYNE CITY, CHARLFVOIX 0O. MICH.


_11 __ ____L_1*_____l__*lXIUli__ -iliiil
- ----








~ <


-SL


I                                                                                                                                                                      F     P


"W.




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


211




I


erected a store building and engaged in the grocery and flour
and feed business. In the summer of 1883 he built his present
residence. He has a wife and one child.
B. F. INGALLS is a son of Hazen Ingalls, one of the first settlers of Emmet County, and the first permanent settler at Bear
Creek, having moved there from Northport in the spring of 1866.
The subject of this sketch was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in
the year 1846. He was one of the first business men at Petoskey
and, in fact, had a store in Bear Creek before the village was
started. The firm of Bond & Ingalls, of which he was a member,
carried on a general store, and handled wood for some time.
After going out of that business Mr. Ingalls was in the real estate
business for some time at Petoskey. In December, 1881, he engaged in business at Boyne, and in the fall of 1883 removed his
family from Petoskey to Boyne. He also has business interests at
Charlevoix.
H. C. MILEY, of the firm of Hill & Miley, loan, real estate and
insurance agents of Boyne City, Charlevoix County, was born in
Fulton County, Ohio, in 1854. Was brought up on a farm. Came
to Michigan in 1880, and taught school at Williamsburg, Kalkaska
County. Was then principal of Fife Lake school. In fall of 1882
engaged in real estate, loan and insurance business in Fife Lake.
In the spring of 1884 he removed to Boyne City and became associated in the same business with Theodore J. Hill. They represent a large line of the best life, fire and accident insurance
companies. The _Etna Life, Travelers' Life and Accident, Fire
Association of London, England, Union, of Philadelphia, Star, of
New York, Grand Rapids Fire Insurance Company, Commercial
Union, of London, England, Fireman's Fund, of California. Mr.
Miley was married in June, 1880, to Mary E. Miller. Has one
SOIl.
BAY SPRINGS.
This is a prospective summer resort situated on the northern
shore and near the head of Pine Lake, and east of what is known
as Horse Point, which forms a magnificent harbor. The village is
located on two beautiful natural terraces, from which the scenery is
grand. Pine Lake, the most magnificent of the inland lakes of
northern Michigan, with its grandeur and beauty, is superb and elegant as viewed from Bay Springs.
The first improvement of any kind at this point was a small
dock, built by "Uncle" John Miller. In 1874 Frank M. Abraham
came here from Cincinnati, Ohio, and bought a tract of land of the
railroad company. He put a stock of goods in the little building at
the dock, and bought wood and bark. He carried on business a
few years and sold out to R. M. Cadwell.
Subsequently a saw-mill was built by E. Shay, and in 1882 a
change was made in the proprietorship of the property which was
of considerable importance, including the building of a railroad to
connect with the G. R. & I. Road. In May, 1882, the change of
firm and projected improvements were mentioned in the Boyne paper as follows: "L. Clayton, of Cadillac, formerly from Cincinnati,
who bought the whole interest of E. Shay, formerly of this place,
has sold a half interest to William T. Addis, of Grand Rapids, and
will do business under the firm name of Addis & Co. Mr. Clayton
has just returned and will commence business immediately. They
will first put up a large boarding-house capable of accommodating from
fifty to seventy-five men, as they expect to employ that number regularly in their manufacturing business. They propose to saw, dry


and dress their lumber before sending it to market. Maple flooring
will be made a specialty, and will be fitted for use before it leaves
their hands. They will also manufacture furniture to be shipped
in the knocked down shape, which will largely increase the demand
for labor here. Another project in which every citizen of this vil

lage and also of the surrounding country is deeply interested is the
construction of a narrow gauge road to connect with the Grand
Rapids & Indiana Road, at or near the Boyne Falls Depot. This
company propose to build a tram-road to their timber which they
have bought from the railroad on Sections 31 and 32, in the township of Melrose, putting down a maple rail simply for themselves,
but if they receive sufficient encouragement from the proprietors of
this village and the inhabitants of this and the surrounding country,
they will put in an iron T rail and connect with the Grand Rapids
& Indiana Road as above stated. We believe that every man will
see that to forward such a project will be to his advantage and act
accordingly. Posters were issued early in the week warning a railroad meeting for Thursday night, and a good house turned out to
talk railroad with Addis & Co., who were represented by Mr. Clayton. Mr. Blaine was chosen moderator and at once called on some
one to break the ice which Mr. Clayton did in a few well-chosen
sentences. Mr. Hill set the business before the meeting as it appeared
to him, stating some facts. After a 'talk,' Mr. Morgan said that
he was not in favor of a narrow gauge road. Mr. Shannon, of Sheboygan, in reply to the question of relative cost of narrow and standard gauge roads, said the standard cost from $15,000 to $17,000 a
mile, but the narrow gauge road could be built for a good deal less,
and was the only road feasible for Boyne City. Mr. Clayton stated
that tile probable cost of the road as projected would be about $35,000, and said that the gift of $3,000 asked of the people here was
no more than any firm investing $75,000 or $100,000 in their
midst would expect, considering tlhe benefit the village would derive
from their business here and the projected road. A soliciting committee was appointed to raise the $3,000 asked of this town, consisting of Melvin Houghtelin, T. J. Hill and Zachariah Morgan. After some further discussion Mr. Clayton said that the road was to
be completed in sixty days from its commencement, and that there
were to be four payments on the subscriptions, one-fourth when the
ties were laid, another fourth when the first train was run, another
in three and the last in six months from completion of the road."
The railroad project was successfully carried out, but the road
was operated but a short time when the firm of Addis & Co. failed
and their business enterpuises went to pieces. At the present time,
the spring of 1884, the affairs connected with this industry are still
in an unsettled condition.
In the meantime, however, Mr. HI. B. Chapman, a well-known
capitalist, examined the location and became convinced that it was
an important point. He purchased a large tract of land and immediately set at work to lay out a town and establish a summer resort. His theory is that being the geographical center of the county,
it may some day become the county seat, while the beauty of the
location will make it a desirable summer resort. A mammoth hotel
was begun and nearly completed in 1883. It is expected to be
opened for business in midsummer, 1884.
During the past year some seventy or eighty acres have been
cleared, sown to wheat and seeded down. Streets are staked out,
the tract platted, and lots are now for sale.
Having in view the possibilities of becoming a county seat, Mr.
Chapman has reserved one square on the highest point for the
future court-house.
The soil is a coarse gravel, and the view of the surrounding
country is most excellent. Boyne, Advance, and the fine agricultural land to the south for miles seems right at one's feet. The land


slopes gradually to the east, the south, and the west, making, on
the whole, an excellent place to build a town.
About half a mile from the "court -hce- square" is a little lake
surrounded by gradual slopes, the land on the beach being hard
enough to build a mile race track, Fwth a place on the east side just


h. 


r-j




-x


-.Vi
I
I


I
M



-   --          --              -~            I              I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.


212


THE TRAVERSE REGION


suited to the purpose of a grand stand, the whole especially appropriate for a driving paik. On this land the young and thrifty trees
have been left, to save replanting when the place is finally selected
for that purpose. Near the "park" is a mineral spring, said to be
equal in medical qualities to the famous springs in other parts of
the state. In front of the hotel he is building a dock, twelve rods
front, extending to water deep enough to carry the largest vessels
in northern waters. This is built of cedar, and with a view to
permanency.
The hotel building is a mammoth structure, costing upwards of
$80,000.
EAST JORDAN AND SOUTH ARM.
These are two villages located upon opposite sides of the south
arm of Pine Lake, at the head of the Arm. They are thirteen miles
west of Boyne Falls and fifteen miles south of Charlevoix. The
Arm at this point is about three-quarters of a mile across, though
considerably narrower at the particular point spanned by the bridge
which connects the two villages. The Arm is navigable for the
largest lake vessels, and during the season of navigation there are
ample facilities for travel and transportation. The Jordan River,
elsewhere mentioned in this work, empties into the head of the
Arm. This stleam is navigable for logs fifteen miles and is beav
ily timbered on both sides with pine, hemlock and hardwood, which
must be manufactured into lumber at this point. The land when
the timber is removed w'ill make good farms for the production of
fruit, hay, cereals and potatoes.
These two villages, though occupying separate sites, cover one
general location and have so many interests in common that it is
necessary to consider tilhem both jointly and separately.
THE VILT.AG,, OF SbOUTH ARM lies upon the west side of the
Arm. The first industry at the head of the Arm was lumbeting,
which was carried on by the firm of Nelson, Redington & Co. The
name of Nelsonville was given to this locality, and in May, 1869,
a postoffice was established about a mile from the present site of
the village, and Mr. D. C. Nettleton, now of Charlevoix, was postmaster. At an early day Amos Williams, a character already mentioned, had squatted in this vicinity. Mr. Nettleton kept the postoffice a short time, and then removed to Charlevoix. The office
was removed to Intermediate. At this time Charlevoix County was
just begining to be settled. Pine River was only a diminutive settlement, and the " head of the Arm" was far away in the wilderness.
In the spring of 1867, a young man with his entire worldly
possessions packed upon his back, made the journey on foot from
Pine River, where he had spent the winter, to the head of the Arm.
He was nuilnarried, and the location which lhe selected was a solitary one; it was indeed in the depths of the wilderness. The individual referred to was Mr. Isaman, now the pioneer of this point,
and of whom we give a brief sketch herewith:
SO1IOMON (G. ISAMAN, the pioneer of South Arm village, is a native of Allegany County, N. Y. In 1862 he went to Illinois and
in the summer of 1864 enlisted in the army and was in service until January, 1866. In the fall of 1866 he came to Charlevoix
County, and the following spring located on eighty acres of land in
Section 22, Town of South Arm. He was unmarried at that time
and brought his worldly effects from Pine River on his back. He
built a small log house a short distance from where his store now
stands. The first few years were spent in clearing land, getting o it
cord wood, etc. About the year 1873 he began his mercantile busi

ness. His first store was a primitive affair, and consisted of a few
articles in one corner of bis old log house. A little flour, some
pork and perhaps a few other articles comprised his stock in
trade. After two or three years he built a small store at the dock.
In 1882 he erected two large store buildings which he now occupies


with his business. Mr. Empey, now postmaster at East Jordan,
was the next to carry on a store at the village. Mr. Isaman was
the first postmaster, and held the office from 1874 to 1877.- The
place was first called Nelsonville. The exact location of Neisonville,
however, was about one mile west from the present village of Southl
Arm. Mr. Isaman now owns 170 acres of land at the village and
about 200 acres more in other localities. He has been successful
in his business operations and has acquired considerable property.
It has all been accumulated by his own exertions. lHe las a wife
and three children.
In 1874 W. F. Empey, now postmaster at East Jordan, came
here anl put up a store building on a lot purchased of Mr. Isania.
This was the first store building and the first building with a, shingle
roof, at this point.
About this time Mr. Cole moved here from Intermediate, and
is still a resident of the place.
E. A. H. COLE, proprietor of the Eagle hotel, village of South
Arm, is a native of the state of New York, and is one of the early
settlers of the town of South Arin. In the summer of 1867 lie
removed from Iowa to South Arm and settled upon a homestead on
Section 20, near the point'called Intermediate. In 1874 lie moved
to the village of South Arm and engaged inl the mercantile business.
He continued that business until 1882, and the following spring
built the Eagle Hotel. He was postmaster at South Arlmn froml 1s877
until the spring of 1883. He had also been postlmaster at Intermediate before moving to the village.  He has held the office olf
supervisor several years, and that of justice of the peace ab(out te
years. He has a wife and one child.
HENRY B. STOHLMAN, postmaster at the village of South Arm,
is a native of Germany and came to this country in 1847. In the
spring of 1876 he removed from Hillsdale County, Mich., to the
village of South Arm and engaged in the mercantile business with
E. A. H. Cole. In 1882 Mr. Cole withdrew from tl:e business and
Mr. Stohlman has continued alone. In June, 1883, hle wvas uqppointed postmaster to succeed Mr. Cole. lie has,lso held thlte office
of town clerk and other local offices.  lie has a wife aiind two
children.
JAMES A. KEAT, judge of probate for Charlevoix (Comty, is one
of the early settlers of the town of South Arm. lie is  u a:ftive of
tlie state of New Hampshire, and in 1847 settled upoi a hoImestead in Section 32, South Arm, having renmoved to this place fron
the state of Iowa. He worked on his land for several yetars and
then gave his attention to the study of law. tie was admnitt(ed t)
the bar in 1879, and has been engaged in practice since that tine.
-le has lived in the village of South Arm since 1877. He was supervisor of the town several years, and is now in his filr t terl)l us
judge of probate.
We find.anention made of the place in May, 1882, as follows:
The village of South Arm lies on the west side of the hea i of
the south arm of Pine Lake. The village plat is very nearly level
and is but a few feet above the lake water level, and is owned by
S. G. Isaman, who also keeps a general store and deals largely i:
bark, wood, ties, shingles, lath and pine lumber. Besides Mr. Isa
man's there are two other general stores kept by Eugene A. HI. Cole
and Henry B. Stohlman. William H. Purdy has recently put in a
stock of drugs, and Samuel Whitford is their blacksmith. James
A. Keat, one of the prominent lawyers of the county and also
judge of probate, resides here. The Methodist Church here has a


parsonage, and at present is occupied by Parson Smith, one ot the
most earrest religious workers in northern Michigan.
We now come to the manufacturing interests which are represented by John Munroe, who came here from Canada, and built a
saw-mill on the Jordan River four miles above South Arm. He


L


/


a 14V




'7


j


a
I








THE TRAVERSE REGION


213




was unable to make his dam stick, and after repeated failures he
wisely established his buslness at South Arm. He has spared
neither pains nor expense to secure a suitable foundation and building for his machinery, and when he gets his mill in operation, it
will be second to few if any in the Pine Lake region. We speak
of this at length because it is really the foundation of the future
prosperity of the village, and the growth of all villages in this region depends on the extent of the development of manufacturing interests. When the mills shall have cut the giant forests into lumber,
and the proprietors of the sails have conveyed it to market then the ax
and plow will follow and very soon a trace of country will be cleared
sufficient to permanently sustain the villages built up by the lumbermills. A bridge across the Arm at this point is an absolute necessity."
Mr. Munroe failed in the winter of 1884, and the mill property
has passed into the hands of F. J. Meech, of Norwood, who is enlarging and improving the mill, and will undoubtedly make it a
prosperous and important industry.
The land upon which the village is built is owned separately by
S. G. Isaman and John Nicholls, of Charlevoix.
THE VILLAGE OF EAST JORDAN, next to Charlevoix, is the most
important business point in the county, and at the present time is
growing rapidly. The village is being built upon the east shore of
the Arm, and occupies a most delightful situation. At this point
the terraces so common to the lake region are very sharply defined,
aild afford not only pleasing views, but excellent drainage. They
also abound in living springs which are of inestimable value.
The lumbering operations of Nelson, Redington & Co. were
carried on at this point as well as upon the west side of the Arm,
and at one time they had a supply store near'where the postoffice
now stands.
W. F. Empey was the first settler at this point. He was born
in Canada in the year 1840. In 1866 he came to Michigan, although
he had previously been in the States. For several years he was connected with the lumbering interests, and had traveled over this part
of the state locating pine land for a Toledo firm. In 1874 he
built a store at South Arm as already stated, and the following year
began putting up the first building on the present site of East Jordan for a store. About this time a blacksmith named John Vote
came along and Mr. Empey induced him to locate here. He built
a block building for a shop upon a lot opposite the present site of
the Jordan River House, but he only remained a short time.
In 1876 Mr. Empey moved to this side and opened a small
store. In June, 1877, a postoffice was established and he was appointed postmaster, which office he still retains.  When the office
was about to be established the question of a name came up. Mr.
Empey sent a number of names to the Department but they were
rejected on account of there being other offices having the same; at
last he sent among others that of East Jordan, which was adopted.
Mr. Empey carried on his store, and also handled wood and bark.
He has also been engaged in farming. In the fall of 1883
his store building was destroyed by fire, an event hereafter mentioned.
THE JORDAN RIVER HOUSE.
This house dates back to the very beginning of East Jordan.
The original building that now forms a wing of the hotel, is the oldest in the village. It was built in the fall of 1877 by Jesse Weikel,


one of the early settlers of the town of South Arm. Mr; Weikel
was born in the state of. Pennsylvania in the year 1817. He took
part in the civil war, and was in the service during the last year of
the Rebellion as was also his oldest son, Howard Weikel. In the
summer of 1867 Mr. Weikel removed with his family to Charlevoix
County and settled upon eighty acres of land on Section 14, Town
of South Arm. There were but few settlers in that part of the


county, and the county of Charlevoix had not been organized. Mr.
Weikel cleared his land and shared the rough experiences of the
early settlers. Mr. Weikel's house was long the favorite stopping
place of men who came into the vicinity, and in the fall of 1877 he
built the small house above mentioned and made a business of keeping hotel. Additions have been built as the increasing business required until now the original is but a small wing of a large and
well arranged hotel building. The present proprietor of the hotel
is William J. Weikel, a son of the pioneer. Mr. Weikel senior and
his wife live at the hotel and assist in its management. Mr
Weikel has four children, two sons and two daughters. The
Jordan River House is well kept, and is the popular hotel with the
traveling public.
The needed elements of a business center were yet wanting.
The vast quantities of timber in this vicinity were certain to sooner
or later induce the location of a saw-mill, and other interests would
follow. This was finally done in 1879.
GLENN & PORTER'S INI)USTRY.
In the summer of 1879 Mr. J. C. Glenn moved his saw-mill
from Leland, Leelanaw County, to East Jordan, and erected it upon
the shore of the lake. William P. Porter, also of Leelanaw County,
became a partner of Mr. Glenn under the firm name of Glenn &
Porter. The timber had been exhausted in the vicinity of Leland
and the mill was moved to this point on account of immense
quantities of hard wood timber in this vicinity. Mr. Glenn is a
native of Pennsylvania, and settled at New Mission in 1855, being
one of the pioneers of Leelanaw County. He remained at New Mission about two years, and then engaged in farming which lie carried on successfully for several years. He came to Ieelanaw County
with only five dollars to start with, and realized enough from his
farming operations to start himself in other business. He engaged
in the manufacture of lumber at Leland and carried it on about ten
years, until his removal to East Jordan in 1879 as already stated.
Mr. Porter is also a native of Pennsylvania, and went to Leelanaw
County with his father, John Porter in 1855. His father is still
living in that county and is one of its pioneers. Mr. Porter came
to East Jordan in 1879 and engaged in the lumber business as already stated. Prior to that time lie had been engaged in farming
in Leelanaw County.
The starting of this mill was the beginning of East Jordan as
a business center. Some industry was needed as a nucleus of
business interests and activities.  The lumbering operations of
Glenn & Porter gave employment to men, made a market for logs,
and opened the way for other interests to follow. Mr. Glenn opened
a store and has carried on mercantile business to the present time.
At the time the mill was brought here there were only five or six
families at this point. The firm built a boarding-house, docks, and
have erected a number of store buildings and dwellings, and have
been active in many ways in building up the village. They employ
an average of sixteen men, and manufacture about three million
feet of lumber a year.
We find the following mention of the place in May, 1880:
"East Jordan is a lively little town. The principal business is
shipping forest products and the manufacture of lumber. A good
smart saw-mill has been operated here for about a year by J. C.
Glenn. It has a capacity of twenty-five thousand feet, and gives
employment to about a dozen men. The first store was built here
five or six years ago by W. F. Empey, whose ideas of the location


have been justified by the recent growth of the place. Mr. Empey
carries on a large general business and also keeps the postoffice.
Glenn & Co. also have a well stocked store. D. F. Misener, who
occupies a good location on Main Street, is a manufacturer and
dealer in boots and shoes. The place hn a drug store and a pros

- -




I


I I






VI


^.dL

^"3'


'it




(I
I
I




i


214


T H E TRAVERSE REGION.


pect of other business enterprises soon. A new school-house will
be built here this summer. The Jordan River is one of the best
known trout streams in the north. At present it is too full of sawlogs and square timber to be readily navigable for boats. There
are two hotels-one kept by Mr. Shattuck,and the other by Mr.
J. Weikel. Mr. Weikel is an old pioneer and has kept a good hotel
here for several years. Botl houses are being enlarged to accommodate the increasing travel."
Early in the year 1882 the industry of Glenn & Porter was
supplemented by another saw-mill, built by Martin & Woodin, who
came from Vermontville, Mich., and expended about $20,000 in
the construction of a saw-mill. This industry gave a new impetus
to the place. John Nicholls, proprietor of the village site, had
platted the village, and in May, 1882, we find the following business
interests mentioned in addition to those already noticed.
"We find three general stores kept by Will A. Stone,
William F. Empey and Glenn & Porter. David Brown and George
W. Allen are operating in the grocery line. David S. Misner carries an excellent stock of 'drugs. Alonzo Hester has in stock a
good supply of leather, and manufactures boots and shoes. Joseph
Maddock and Lewis Grasura each have plenty of business in their
blacksmith shops. Mrs. William F. Empey and also Mrs. Alonzo
Keene furnish millinery goods. Robert Becker is tonsorial artist,
and last but not least comes E. N. Clink, editor and proprietor of
the,Entlterlise. a weekly newspaper which has recently taken its
chances among the enterprising people.
"East Jordan is very pleasantly located; has a population of
about two hundred souls, with a prospect of future growtl in proportion to the growth of its manufacturing interests. Mr. Nicholls,
the original proprietor of the village, is fully alive to the interests of
the town, and offers special inducements to manufacturing concerns."
"THE ENTERPRISE.
In the spring of 1882 the place lhad beconme of sufficient importance to induce the establishment of a local newspaper. The
Boyne City l',iteri.si had been started at Boyne in September,
1880, by Budd & G(arrison. April 7, 1882, it was removed to East
Jordan by E. N. Clink, who conducted it alone until April 14,
1888, when W. F. Palmiter purchased a half interest in the office.
Oct. 11 following, Mr. Clink rented his interest to Thomas F.
Nelson. On the night of Nov. 18, 1883, the office was destroyed
by fire, and the publication of the paper was suspended until Feb.
21, 1884, when it was resumed by Palmiter & Nelson, the latter
having purchased the interest belonging to Mr. Clink. Mr. Palmiter is a native of Pennsylvania, and came to East Jordan from
Oceana County in January, 1882. In connection with the printing
business he is also engaged in farming. Mr. Nelson came to
Michigan from  Oconomowoc, where lie was engaged on the
Ocolnontfoc IXcal.  His parents reside in NortLport, Leelanaw
County. He has been in the newspaper business about eight
years.
Ill September, 1882, an addition to the village was platted and
recorded, comprising about twenty acres on Section 14, and adjoining the H. J. Martin mill property. Several houses were built on
this addition that season, including one by James Stone, on a terrace commanding a fine view of the Arm.
The bridge across the Arm was built in 1882 and constituted a
needed and important improvement.


In July, 1882, the Presbyterian Church society was organized.
The local paper of July 27, alluded to the event as follows:
"The Presbyterians of this place met at Mr. Glenn's residence
on Wednesday afternoon in company with Rev. John Redpath,
Boyne Falls, Rev. Mr. Lamb, Grand Rapids and Elder Rawson, o:


this place, and organized a Presbyterian  Church.  We learn
that they intend erecting immediately a large' church at this
place."
A church building of good dimensions is now nearly completed.
Revs. Kenedy and Rawson have been the pastors. There are at the
present time about fourteen members.
The Catholics have occupied this field for some time and have
a church building partially built.
The school-house was formerly located about tlree-fourthss of
a mile north of the village but in 1880 a school house was built in
the village and a school established. The building hlas since been
enlarged to double its original size in order to accommodate the increasing number of pupils.
During the past two years the village has grown very rapidly
and its business interests very much enlarged. In 1883 there was
an effort made to obtain a village charter and change the name to
South Lake. A petition was signed and published as follows:
The undersigned, legally qualified voters within the following
described territory, will apply to the board of supervisors in the
county of Charlevoix on the second day of October, A. D. 1883,
for an order, incorporating the same as a village under the general
laws of the state of Michigan for the incorporation of villages.
Which territory is situated in the township of South Arm, county
of Charlevoix and state of Michigan, and described as follows: All
that part of the south one-half of the southeast one-fourtlh and
Lot 3 of Section 14, south of and bounded by a line commencing
at the southeast corner of said section and extending north 885
feet, thence west in a line parallel to the south section li:e to the
water's edge of the South Arm of Pine Lake, and Lots 1, 2, 8,;, 7,
and the east one-half of the northeast one-fourth of Sectioni 23,
and the west one-half of the northwest one-fourth, and tthe northwest one-fourth of the southwest one-fourth of Section 24, and all
of Town 32 north, of Range 7 west.
Frank E. Fogg, Fred- H. Aldrill, E. N. Clink, Win. J. Weikcl,
A. B. Keene, Otto Peck, S. M. Rose, James Shear, J. J. lilamlsdell,
H. L. Page, A. Heston, H. W. King, J. B. Palminter, James 11.
Stone, J. Chamberlin, F. C. Warne, S. M. Richardsonl, l)aniel
Munro, J. B. Rhlodes.
Some objections were raised and the project was tlandolled.
SECRET ORDERS.
There are a number of secret orders in the village and all are
well sustained. The membership is mnade up from  both vilages
and surrounding country.
Jordan River Lodge, No. 159, I. 0. G. T., was organized by
E. H. Green, D. D. 'W. C. T. of Charlevoix, in February, 1880,
with twenty-seven charter members. The following are the i)naes
of the first officers installed:  W. C. T., James A. Keat; WV. V. T.,
Alice M. Glenn; W. S., Philip L. Lanway; W. T., William   M.
Porter; W. M., John Mark; W. I. G., Eva Coss; W. O. G., Jtames
Isaman; W. F. S., Reuben Glenn; W. C., R. W. Gregg; W. A.
S., Addie M. Crawford; W. D. M., Maggie Richardson; R. tI. S.,
Mrs. Chloe Keat; L. H. S., Mrs. W. F. Empey; L. I)., Eugene A.
H. Cole; P. W. C. T., W. F. Empey.
This lodge has been well sustained and is still in a flourisling
condition. The officers in May, 1884, are as follows: W. C. T.,
'Will Rogers; W. V., Emma Glenn; W. S., F. E. Boosinger; W.
F. S., Allie Glenn; W. T., Sarah Ward; W. M., S. M. Rose; W.
C., Rev. J. Blake; P. W. T., A. E. Pickard; W. D. M., Lizzie


Campbell; R. H. S., Mrs. A. E. Pickard; L. H. S., John Brown;
0. G., Silas Brown; I. G., Minnie Shear.
Jordan River Lodge, No. 360, I. O. O. F., was instituted
April 4, 1882, by L. D. Bartholomew, of Charlevoix, special deputy,
with twenty-one charter members. The first officers installed were


- 4h


r


J


-


L


~ - - -  -  -----   c-  - --           — ~~       ~~~        ~~~        ~~~        ~~~        ~~~       ~~~        ~~~       ~~~       ~~~       ~~~       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,




4.




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


215


as follows: N. G., M. M. Wakeman; V. G., E. A. H. Cole; R.
S., G. W. Allen; P. S., H. H. Finney; treasurer, S. M. Richardson;
R. S. N. G., W. J. Weikel; L. S. N. G., H. B. Stohlman; conductor, J. A. Keat; W., Will A. Stone; R. S. V. G., D. F. Misenar;
L. S. V. G.,N. E. Allen; R. S. S., J. H. Bennett; L. S. S., James
Isaman; 0. G., F. D. Rappelle; I. G., James Howard.
The lodge meets every Thursday evening in Weikel's Hall,
James A. Keat is N. G. and R. J. Murphy, secretary, in 1884.
Stevens Post, No. 66, G. A. R., was mustered in December
1883. There are about forty members and the following officers:
James Shear, post commander; Arther A. Coon, senior vice-commander; J. W. Rogers, junior vice-commander; P. S. Hulbert,
adjutant; German Button, quartermaster; Christopher Mayhew,
sergeant major; E. G. Young, surgeon; Harvey P. Wing, chaplain;
D. C. Wood, officer of the day; Reason Renard, officer of the
guard; Daniel Delong, quartermaster sergeant.
North Star Tent, No. 130, K. O. T. M., was instituted March
26, 1884, with twenty charter members, by Sir Kt. W. D. Cathcart,
D. G. C., assisted by Sir Kt. J. B. Palmiter. Tile officers installed
were as follows: Sir. Kt. P. C., William A. Renard; Sir Kt. Corn.
William F. Palmiter; Sir Kt. Lt. C., William F. Empey; Sir Kt.
R. K., George Shear; Sir. Kt. F. K., George W. Fast; Sir Kt.
Pre., Alfred Westgate; Sir Kt. Phy., E. G. Young, M. D.; Sir Kt.
Sergt., Jacob W. Rogers; Sir Kt. M. at A., David Brown; Sir Kt.
1st M. of G., S. M. Richardson; Sir Kt. 2d M. of G., J. J. Ramsdell; Sir Kt. Sent., Thomas F. Nelson; Sir Kt. Pie., Jolln L.
Crawford.
The organizers of North Star Tent are enthusiastic over the
make-up of the membership and predict a lively growth.
The Orangemen of East Jordan and South Arm met Friday
night, May 2, 1884, at Jcrrue's Hall for the purpose of reorganizing that body in this place.  Robert B. Burns, of Charlevoix,
district master, was in attendance to install the officers, which
were duly elected for this term, as follows:  W. M., I. H. Burton;
D. M., Samuel Whitford; Rec. Sec., R. J. Murphey; F. Sec., H.
B. Hipp; Treas., James Trimble. The lodge is designated as L.
0. L., No. 158.
On the night of November 18, 1883, a fire broke out in the
postoffice building, owned by W. F. Empey, and the building and
contents were destroyed. The lower floor was occupied by Mr.
Empey with the postoffice and his store. In the second story was
the J'tterris.e office and the Odd Fellows Hall. Tie origin of
the fire is not known.
The saw-mill built by Martin & Woodin was operated by several firms and was finally purchased by the firm of Stoepel & Co.
In the spring of 1884 another change was made which was explained in the Detroit Free I'ress, of March 27, as follows:
"Thle Stoepel Lumber Company filed articles of association in the
county clerk's office yesterday. It is organized for a term of thirty
years and the capital stock is $50,000, divided into 2,000 shares of
$25 each, all non-assessable. The stock is held as follows:  William C. Stoepel, Joseph E. Watson and Ralzemond A. Parker, Detroit; Herman R. Stoepel, East Jordan; DeWltt E. Wilber, Birmingham. W. C. Stoepel and Watson have 796 shares, H. R.
Stoepel 400 shares and Parker and Wilber four shares. The stock
is all paid in. The officers are as follows: J. E. Watson, president; D. Wilber, vice-president; H. R. Stoepel, secretary; W. C.


Stoepel, treasurer."  The firm of Stoepel & Co. will be removed to
Detroit, where, with a capital stock of $30,000, they will operate a
planing-mill and lumber yard which will be stocked with the rough
products of the East Jordan mill. By running the two establishments in conjunction they will no doubt work up a magnificent
business. The East Jordan mill will be superintended by Mr. D.


E. Wilber who will also have charge of the company's store. This
will be located north of Page's hardware store, East Jordan. The
building, 35x100 in size, will be stocked with one of the most complete assortments of general merchandise in the county, about
June 1.'
The outlook in 1884 for the future prosperity of East Jordan
is very promising. Surrounded by a good farming country, which
is being rapidly developed, the village cannot fail to improve with
its surroundings. Its location, with reference to other and rival
towns, is also fortunate. It is the only occupant of a large territory
and has now reached a point where miscellaneous manufacturing
industries are being introduced. A foundry and machine shop has
already been established. Village lots are in brisk demand and a
large amount of building is being done.
JAMES H. STONE, real estate dealer, East Jordan, is a native of
Holly, Mich., and removed from there to East Jordan in 1882. He
was employed in his brother's store for a time and then engaged in
real estate and insurance business. He holds the office of justice
of the peace. He has a wife and two children.
WILL A. STONE, merchant at East Jordan, is a native of Holly,
Mich. In November, 1880, he removed to East Jordan and engaged
in the mercantile business. The firm was Stone & Wilson, until
May, 1881, when Mr. Wilson withdrew, and Mr. Stone has continued the business alone. The building in which his store is located
was built by him in 1880. He has held the office of town treasurer
two years. Has a wife and one child. Mr. Stone is one of the
leading merchants of the place.
F. E. FOGG, attorney, East Jordan, is a native of New Hampshire. He began the study of law in that state, and finished his
studies at the law department of the University of Michigan, from
which he graduated in 1880. He practiced law for a time at Yankton, Dakota, and removed from there to East Jordan, in the winter
of 1883, where he is still engaged in practice, as a member of the
firm of Fogg & Aldrich.
FRED H. ALDRICH, attorney, East Jordan, is a Intive of
Wauseon, Ohio. Studied law at that place and at Cadillac, Mich.,
and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1883. In July, 1883,
he located at East Jordan, and formed a law partnership with F. E.
Fogg.
J. E. POTTER, engineer at Glenn & Porter's saw-mill, East
Joidan, is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. August, 1862, he
enlisted in Company E, Tenth New York Artillery, and remained
in the service until the close of the war. January, 1882, he removed
to East Jordan from Eaton County, Mich. He is an engineer by
trade. He has a wife and two children.
VILLAGE OF BOYNE FALLS.
Boyne Falls is one of the villages brought into existence by
the building of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. The town
of Boyne Valley was organized in 1873, and in the spring of 1874
the railroad commenced operations. During the summer of 1874,
Messrs. Nelson & Powers, who owned a large tract of land at that
point, had a village platted on a portion of the northwest quarter
of the southwest quarter of Section 15, and named it Boyne Falls.
The village is situated at the junction of the railroad with Boyne
River, sixteen miles in a southerly direction from Petoskey, and


about six miles southeast of the head of Pine Lake. The plat was
recorded in September, 1874, and about that time a postoffice was
established with William Nelson postmaster.
We find the following description of the place, made in the
fall of 1874:
"This is one of the finest locations on the entire line of the
road, and the town has been very handsomely platted. A large
and substantial hotel has been erected, which is having a splendid


-ap


-11
=, F




I




i-p I A


_. ~P




~3


a


I


L


-   -I           --    I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 


216


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-II




I


run of custom. Messrs. Nelson & Powers, the proprietors of the
town, are building, andl will have in operation within two months, a
model mill, which is being erected regardless of expense. It will
be one of the finest mills in northern Michigan. It is to contain a
saw-mill, for cutting custom and merchant lumber, but is principally designed for manufacturing chll.ir stuff, and will affordl constant employment for about fifty menll, The dam is being constructed with a view to the erection of a flouring-mill upon the
opposite side of the stream.
"*The town is well watered with rapid spring brooks, clear and
cold. A large number of lots have been sold, and preparations are
being made for considerable building as soon as the material can be
procured. Messrs. Handy & Carpenter, of Mancelona, are putting
up a building for a general store, and other enterprises are being
started, which will make it a thriving village before the present
season ends. A bed of as fine brick clay as any country can produce has been discovered, only a few rods distant from the village
plat, which reaches to the railroad track. Practical brickmakers of
large experience and capital are already bidding for this clay, and
the manufacture of brick will soon be engaged in upon all extensive scale. The excellent opportunity for shipping, procuring fuel
for burning, water and sand, insures a mine of wealth in this alone.
The railroad company are laying pipes thirteen hundred feet to
carry water to their tank from a distant hill, which will afford a!
never-failing supply. Mr. Powers is making arrangements to tap
this pipe and construct a fountain near the hotel, which will be
highly ornamental and attractive."
Again in August, 1878, a visitor to the village described it tas
follows:
u" The first thling that attracts attention is the entire absence
of shanties. Its buildings are all good, substantial structures,
forming a good nucleus for future improvement.
" BUSINESS CONCERNS AND BUSINESS MEN.
" The largest property owner is Mr. J. Powers, of the late firm
of Nelson & Powers.   He owns 400 acres of choice land. The
village is located on a part of this tract, hotel, store, blacksmithshop, etc. The hotel is of good size, having commodious, well
furnished rooms. Being the only one in town, it is certainly the
best. Some of the best trout fishing to )be found in northern Michligan is in this vicinity, in the clear sparkling waters of the Boyne;
and many visitors of piscatorial proclivities here find a pleasant
home. Mr. P. runs a store adjoining the hotel, very well stocked
with general merchandise. From the Bohemian sign thliat orna"ments its front, illiterate stranllgers might infer that a beer garden,
or something of that sort was in the background. The strictest Red
Ribbonite need have no fear of entering its portfals. He will certainly not be led into temptation by the display of lany drink stronger
tlian plure water.
(' The mill is a large, well built buildling, well filled with
machinery of various kinds, propelled by a first-class water-power
on the Boyne River. A peculiarity of this streanm is that the
volume of water flowing remains about the same the entire year.
Tile effect of drouth or rains is hardly perceptible. The saw-mill
proper has a circular and gang saw, with all the modern appurtenances for the manufacture of lumber. Owing to a lack of snow
last winter, 200,000 feet of pine logs remained in the woods on


skids. Trucking logs for any distance being slow work, the business of the saw-mill has been somewhat limited this summer.
Quite a quantity, however, has been cut and sold to homesteaders,
which certainly looks as if improvement of a permanent nature
was going on in the woods in this vicinity, as well as those that are
to be seen in and immediately around the town.
" Mr. A. D. Carpenter is the proprietor of a large store well...
CII~_


I
I
I
i
i
i
I
I




r

filled with an almost endless variety of goods. He was one of the
first to locate at this place some four years ago, and has met with
well merited success in the past; has passed through the ordeal of
selling goods to the first settlers of a new country with success.
"( William A. Nelson, proprietor of the remaining store, has
also a stock of general merchandise, that compares favorably with
the others. Mr. Nelson is also a farmer, owning a good piece of
land that he homesteaded near town some six years ago. This place
shows the sign manual of his labor in the shape of forty acres
chopped and twelve acres cleared.
"Adjoining the village Mr. William Nelson owns 320 acres of
fertile land. He has fifty acres chopped, and something over twenty
acres under cultivation. As a farmer, Mr. N. is a success. This
fact is best shown by his having raisod nearly 700 bushels of grain
the present summer.
"( Boyne Falls is not blessed or cursed, as the case may be, with
a single specimen of the doctor or lawyer variety. It is still virgin
soil, so far as the permanent location of any of the above professions are concerned. When justice is required to right whatever
wrongs may occur, it is intelligently meted out by Mr. J. W. Barnes,
who also does the needful in the was of executing contracts, deeds,
mortgages, etc. Mr. B. also finds time to run successfully a
furniture store, capable of fully supplying the wants of the lpeople
in his line of goods.
"t David May, living about three-qularters of a mile from town,
has a fine piece of land, upon which he has made some twenty
acres of improvements during the past two years.
" Living about the same distance from town as Mr. May, is
found another good sized clearing of some eighteeii acres, with
good crops growing thereon, the property of Mr. E. W. Anson,
clerk of the town of Boyne Valley.
"( With regard to the country around Boyne Falls, its soil will
be found well adapted to tile different branches of agriculture. It
is being rapidly settled by a thrifty, industrious class of people,
many of whom are Germans. Roads are being m(ade, school -houses
erected, farms cleared, and all improvements made with that energy
of action that is characteristic of the inhabitants of northern
Michigan. The railroad company own large tracti- of valuable
farming land that is being offered for sale on reasonable terms, and
partly onl credit when desired. Mr. 0. IH. Marsh is the conmpany's
authorized agent at Boyne Falls."
The location of the village is romantic and interesting,, but up
to the present time the place has not attained miucll importance as
a business point. There are two drug stores, one furniture store,
one bakery, one blacksmith shop, on'3 slhoe shopl, one hotel, one
livery stable, al postoffice, a school-llouse, a church, a depot, t sawmill, a broom handle factory and thirty-four dwelling-ihouses. A
grist-mill has recently been built with five run of burr stone.t lnl
one set of rollers. The buildings as a wliole arle of good appearianlle.


- -


I     1


-j 


---




E. F. Cowles Post, No. 24'6, (i. A. R., at Boyne Falls, wails
mustered in by Commander Rowan, of the Petoskey Post, April 2i9,
1884, and the following were elected officers: Post commander,
William Mears; S. V., W. J. Austin; Jr. V., William J. Hamins;
O. D., Monroe Dickinson; 0. W., Frank P. Myers; Adjt., Enocli
K. Robinson; Chaplain, Harmon Brande; 0. G., Robert Finlay;
Sergt. Maj., George G. Leddick; Q. M. Sergt., Marshall Magee;
Secy., George Van Buren.
IRONTON.




The village of Ironton is composed mainly of the interests of
the Pine Lake Iron Co., their furnace being located at this point.
The general office of the company and the officers are as follows:
President, R. N. Cherry; vice-president, James Otis; treasurer, H.




A.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  - 


- L


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


217


C. Dolph. The company began operations at this point in 1879,
but did not begin the manufacture of iron until 1881. The site selected was peculiarly well adapted to the necessities of their business, being in a heavily wooded section and also upon the line of
navigation. The village is situated upon the west shore of the
South Arm of Pine Lake, a short distance above the point at which
it branches from the lake. Between 200 and 300 men are employed
by the company, and a village naturally followed the establishment
of so extensive an industry. A store was started by the company
as soon as the works were under way, and in 1880 the postoffice of
Ironton was established with Mr. Hildreth as postmaster.
In 1882 a fine, large school building was built, and during that
year the Methodist Society built a house of worship. Another
church building is to be erected during 1884.
The company own about ninety acres of land at this point,
between forty and fifty of which was platted by E. K. Robinson,
county surveyor, in the spring of 1884. There are about fifty
dwellings belonging to the company; 36,000 cords of wood are
annually consumed by the works, and the product in 1884 will reach
15,000 tons of iron. To produce that amount of iron 30,000 tons
of ore are brought from the Menomonie Range.
Early in 1883 Mr. James Otis came here from the city of New
York, and was the first member of the company to reside here. In
February, 1884, while superintending some matters about the works,
he was crushed by the fall of a heavy weight and death resulted in
a few weeks. He was a thorough business man and had made
himself very popular with the people of this region.  Since his death,
his brother, John Otis, of the Mancelona Iron Works, has been in
charge of the works.
This industry is an important one to Charlevoix County. By
furnishing a market for such vast quantities of wood, the land is becoming rapidly cleared, and in a short time the forest will be replaced by productive farms.
A. B. NOYES, proprietor of the Pioneer House, Ironton, is one
of the pioneers of Michigan. He is a native of Chenango County,
N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1830. In 1864 he settled upon a
homestead in the town of Banks, Antrim County, and a few years
later removed to Norwood, Charlevoix County, where he also carried
on farming. In 1880 he removed to Ironton and kept the first
boarding-house in the place. In 1882 he built the "Pioneer House,"
the only hotel in the village, which he still keeps. He has a wife
and three children, two sons and one daughter. One son, Frank
A. Noyes, is an engineer by trade.
AARON Box, lumberman, Ironton, is a native of Canada. In
the fall of 1865 he came to Michigan and located at Traverse City,
where he carried on blacksmithing for a number of years. In the
summer of 1881 he removed to Ironton where he built a saw-mill
which he operates. The mill cuts both hard and soft lumber, and
has a capacity of about 25,000 feet a day.
JOHN G. PETERSON, merchant at Ironton, is a native of Sweden
and emigrated to America in 1870. In the summer of 1880 he
came to Ironton from Pittsburgh, Pa., and for about two years was
in the employ of the Iron Company, working in the furnace and in
the store. Ambitious to do still better for himself, he erected a
building in the fall of 1882, and opened a general store, and since
that time has successfully carried on the mercantile business. He
has a wife and one child. Mr. Peterson is a prudent and prosperouis business man, having come to this country a poor boy, and ac

quired by his own industry a good home and business.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
W. B. VOsBURGH, one of the pioneers of Marion Township,






was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., in the year 1825. April 5,
1849, he married Cynthia Talcot, of Almira, Chemung County, N.
Y. Mr. Vosburgh, being in feeble health, decided to -remove to
northern Michigan and locate on a farm. He located 160 acres of
land on Section 4, in what is now the town of Marion. They arrived at Pine River, now Charlevoix, in May, 1862. The trip from
Kalamazoo was made in a Mackinaw boat. Mrs. Vosburgh had
been told that they woull all be scalped by the Indians, and had
armed herself with a huge carving-knife as an instrument of defense.
Arriving at the mouth of Pine River, she sent some one ashore to
see that no swarm of blood-thirsty savages were waiting to take
scalps or steal their goods. Their first home was in a shanty, and
their early experiences were full of hardships and episodes.  He
was often sick, and she performed the severest labor. She used to
carry potatoes on her back to the village and sell them to steamboats, and then carry back flour and pork for the sustenance of the
family. The nearest neighbors were several miles distant. Sometimes potatoes and salt were all that could be got to eat, and buckwheat was pounded in a mortar for bread. Mr. Vosburgh taught
the first school in the town in a log school-house that stood on their
land. The first school was in 1868. He has held the office of justice of the peace about seventeen years, and has held other town
offices. They have had four children, and buried one. They have
two daughters married, Fanny L., wife of Pierce Kendall, and Ida,
wife of George Vosburgh. Although they have had a great deal to
contend with, yet they have succeeded in acquiring a comfortable
property. Few women have experienced the severities of pioneer
life more thoroughly than Mrs. Vosburgh.
THOMAS SMITH, one of the early settlers of Marion, was born in
Monroe County, N. Y., in the year 1829. In 1851 he went to
Beaver Island where he was engaged in fishing and making fish
barrels. In 1853 he came to Charlevoix, or near the present site
of the village, and remained a short time.  For upward of a dozen
years he was fishing and making barrels at different points, and experienced all the hardships incident to the early days. In 1864
he located on Section 10, in what is now the town of Marion, and
made the first improvement in that part of the town. IIe has improved about sixty acres of land, and owned originally upward of
200 acres of land. In 1880 he sold his homestead and moved to
another farm upon the opposite side of the road. He has held the
offices of treasurer and justice of the peace. Mr. Smith is a thorough pioneer and knows from experience what the early comers to
this region had to pass through.
WILLIAM BLACK, farmer, Marion Township, was born in Scotland in the year 1820. Dec. 31, 1839, he was married. In early
life he served an apprenticeship at the printing business and followed that trade about seventeen years. In 1848 he emigrated to
America with his family and located first in New Jersey. After remaining there a few months they removed to Canada where his
family remained until 1856 when they removed to Beaver Island.
His chief occupation was fishing which lie continued until the fall
of 1865 when they removed to Charlevoix County and settled on
Section 10, in what is now Marion Township. They built - log
house in the wilderness and began the work of making a farm and
a home. In 1878 he built a substantial frame dwelling. He has
about seventy acres improved, a fine orchard and everything indicative of prosperity and comfort. He has a wife and five children.


Mr. Black has held most of the town offices, and is now serving his
ninth year as superintendent of poor of the county. He has held
the office of justice of the peace nearly a;i ihe time he has lived in
the town.
JOHN HAMMOND, farmer, in Eveline Township, was bor in Cayuga County, N. Y., in the year 1831. In 1846 he removed to


- W

I 


la


4  #  I

1 -It




q


a


I -


Le..


i                                                                                                                &~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


218


THE TR&VERSE REGION.


Michigan with his parents. Nov. 80, 1853, at Loyal, N. Y., he
married Mary Seaman. They have had nine children, eight of
whom are now living. He was in the service about three months
in 1864. In June, 1865, they landed at Charlevoix, having come
from Monroe County, Michigan, in pursuit of a climate more congenial to his health. The following fall they moved to Section 18,
in the present town of Eveline and began pioneer life. Mrs. Hammond taught the first school in the town. Mr. Hammond has held
most of the town offices, and has done his share in the woik of
general development.
WILLIAM HARRIS, of Norwood, Charlevoix County, is a native
of New York. At the age of four years he came with his parents
to Battle Creek, Michigan. He came to Charlevoix County in 1866,
and took charge of the boarding-house for the mill of Adams &
Wood, which was built that summer at Norwood. He also took
up land in the vicinity and engaged in farming, which he has followed to the present time. He was the first supervisor of the
town after it was set off with the present town of Marion from
Charlevoix. He has held the office of supervisor nine terms. Mr.
Harris has a family of two daughters, his wife having died in the
winter of 1877. His daughter Bertha was the first white child
born in the town. The town of Marion was named in honor of
his wife, that being her first name.
WILLIAM J. MCGEAG(H was born in Aberdeenslire, Scotland;
came to Canada in boyhood; lived ill Iowa five years engaged in
farming. In 1866 he came to Charlevoix County and located land
in Section 18, Township 33 north, of Range 8 west, now in the
town of Norwood. He has made it one of the best farms in that
section of the country. In 1876 he built a grist-mill on Section 5
of the same town on a small stream  known as McGeagh's Creek,
putting in also a muley saw for the manufacture of lumber to supply tie local demand; and in 1880 built a saw-mill adjoining the
grist mill.  He has made arrangements for the construction of a
broom-handle factory, the country around furnishing abundant material for their business. Mr. McGeaghl has held the offices of town
treasurer and justice of the peace. He was married Oct. 16, 1866,
to Esther J. Ridley, of Pickering, Ontario, Canada, and has four
children all of whom are at home.  Mr. McGeagh's enterprise,
energy and business ability have won for him a deserved financial
success. An excellent view of his premises is given on another
page.
A. N. CHASE, of Norwood, Charlevoix County, is a native of
Canada, born in 1847. He came to Michigan in April, 1869, and
worked in the pineries and lumbering which has been his employment most of his life. In 1881 he settled on the farm where he
now resides, and which lie had bought several years before and improved, in Section 17. He has eighty acres of which thirty acres
are cleared. April 27, 1881, he married Jennie, daughter of Sims
Baker. They have one child.
EDWIN COOK, farner, Norwood Township, was born in Canada
in 1838; came to Charlevoix County in April, 1879, and bought a
farm in Section 24; has 135 acres, eighty to ninety acres cleared.
He was married in 1862 to Barbara Law, a native of Scotland,
and has five children: Mrs. William Pearl, Mrs. Robert Gregory,
and three at ho me, viz: Jamns, Edwin and Jane.
GEORGE WALKER, of Norwood, Charlevoix County, was born in
Lincolnshire, England, in 1841; came to Canada in 1852, and to
Charlevoix County in 1877. Here he bought a farm of 120 acres


in Section 17, of which he has twenty-five acres cleared. In 1863
he married Adaline Brazell, a native of Canada, born in
1845, and has nine children, all of whom are at home.
S. W. SALTER, postmaster, Burgess postoffice, town of Hayes,
Charlevoix County, was born in Vermont in 1889; went to New


York when he was six years old. He came to Michigan in the fall
of 1866 and settled in Ottawa County and engaged in farming and
carpentering. He came to Charlevoix County in the fall of 1880,
and bought a farm in Section 11, town of Hayes. In 1882 he was
appointed postmaster at Burgess postoffice. He has in connection
with the office a stock of merchandise. Mr. Salter enlisted Aug.
15, 1861, in the Thirteenth New York Infantry, serving in the army
of the Potomac. He was wounded Aug. 30, at the battle of Bull
Run, and was discharged for disability. His wound was in the left
arm, the bone being broken. He receives a pension of $14 per
month. April 24, 1866, he married Mary A. Russ.
JOHN SHAPTON, of Marion, Charlevoix County, was born in
Devonshire, England, in 1822. He came to this country and settled in Canada in 1848. Ill May, 1879, he came to Charlevoix
County and bought the farm low owned by his son in the town of
Norwood. In 1883 he moved to Marion where he resides on a
small farm in Section 16. He was married in 1848 to Sarah Sargent, a native of Cornwall, England, and has eight children, one
daughter and five sons in Charlevoix County and two daughters ill
Canada.
ALBERT W. OLDS,, lumberman, of the town of Evangeline,
Charlevoix County, is a native of Lenawee County, Michigan. He
owns and operates a saw-mill on Bear Lake in Section 3, town of
Evangeline. This mill was built in 1882, and has a capacity of
about 25,000 feet of lumber per day, sawing mostly hard wood.
Fifteen to twenty men are employed. In 1883 Mr. Olds built a
dock on Pine Lake for the shipment of his lumber, one of the
finest docks on the lake. He has also in connection with his sawmill, a planing-mill, and manufactures dressed lumber, siding, etc.
In September, 1861, Mr. Olds enlisted in the Sixty-seventh Ohlio,
serving as first sergeant until the battle of Winchester, after wlhithl
he was first sergeant for the remainder of his military service of
fifteen months. He was then mustered out and went into the civil
employ cf the governmelt, being put in charge of saw-mills, first
at Chattanooga, and  afterward twelve miles from  Nashville.
He returned home the last of June, 1865. He has a wife and one
child.
DANIEL C. BURGESS, deceased, was a native of New York. Hie
came to Charlevoix County in 1869, settling on Section 8, of Town
34, Range 7 west, on the 7th of May. In the following winterlie
commenced building a dock and engaged in shipping, and in 1872
built a saw-mill on Swan Creek which crosses his land. He was
engaged in farming and in the lumber and shipping business until
his death, which occurred June 28, 1876. He left a wife, three
sons and one daughter. Mrs. Burgess resides on the homestead
with her youngest son Eugene, who was born in Kenosha County,
Wisconsin, and came with his parents to Charlevoix County. He
is managing the estate, has rebuilt the mill which was burned in
May, 1882, and is actively engaged in the manufacture and shipment of lumber. The dock was washed away in 1873 and again in
1876. The present dock was built inl 1881. Mr. Burgess is supervisor of the town of Hayes, which office lie has held two terms
previously. He has also been town clerk two terms.
GEORGE E. FOOTE, of Norwood, Charlevoix County, was born
in Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1825. He came to Charlevoix County
in 1867 and engaged in his trade of shoemaking. His residence is
in the village of Norwood. He has a farm one and one-half miles
north of the village. He was married March 20, 1851, to Maria


Miller, of Cayuga County, N. Y., and has two daughters, Mrs. T.
F. Nelson, of East Jordan, and Mrs. W. E. Brown, of Norwood.
JOHN NEWSTED, farmer, of Hayes Township, Charlevoix
County, is a native of Huron County, Mich. He came to Charlevoix County in 1879 and settled on his present farm in Section 33,


U.., ---               -___~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ —


w _ _










- , _,. —!
-; i
I
if - It
LI                   Is,*a


II, 




I J.


(








i
f
I
I 
I
i 
I 
I
I
i
I -,


A


/ ', 1  / /


'l,,
qI-   -'r
11-1                          -,,,


BUILT 18854


RES. OF  AMOS  FOX. CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN.                      FRTCN'     HRHO    IALVI




I




4<
6i
Ir
I


Jt(~  ~6


2J


II                                                                                                     - -                                                                                                                                                                                                       I.


i


I


I


I






THE TRAVERSE REGION.


219


_ ____




I


Town 84 north, Range 7 west, on the 26th of October. His family consists of a wife and two children. One child died in December, 1882.
JOHN RAYMOND, of Hayes Township, Charlevoix County, was
born in Albany, N. Y., in 1858. He went thence to Blissfield,
Lenawee County, Mich., where he engaged in farming. In June,
1878, he came to Charlevoix County, and settled on a farm which
he had previously bought.  Moved to his present location in
November, 1882. October 26, 187;., he married Catherine Henderson. They have two children.
JOSEPH WILLIS, deceased, was a native of Canada. Came to
Clharlevoix County in 1868 and settled in the town of Hayes on
Section 2, Town 33, Range 7 west, where he bought one hundred
and fifty acres. He also engaged in blacksmith work. He died
the year after his arrival from the effects of an accidental fall. Mrs.
Willis resides on the homestead with her son Fred. The latter was born in Canada. He is now carrying on the home farm
and has also a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Section 35,
Town 34, of the same range. There are also two daughters living
at home, and two other sons, John, residing in Evangeline, and
George, in Hayes.
C. J. WOODEN, Resort Township, Charlevoix County, was
born in Saratoga, N. Y., in 1834. Moved to Cayuga County with
his parents in 1836, and in 1852 went to Elkhart, Ind. Was in
the mercantile business till 1862, when he enlisted in the One
Hundred and Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served till the
close of the war in the western army iunder Generals Grant and
Sherman. Served on General Shermanl's staff one year and six
months. When discharged from the service lie returned to Indiana
and resumed his former business, and in August, 1875, came to
Petoskey for his health, and in January, 1876, settled on Section
86 on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Has erected good
buildings and cleared thirty acres of his farm. Has been supervisor of his township for the past five years. Married in 1866 to
Martha Winegardner, a native of Kendallville, Ind. They have three
sons and one daughter.
J. W. BARNES, furniture dealer, Boyne Falls, Charlevoix
County, is a native of Lenawee County, Mich. He came to Boyne
Falls in April, 1875, being one of the first settlers at this point,
and established his present business. He has been justice of the
peace four years, postmaster one year, and town clerk. Was for
six years chairman of the school board. His first wife, to
whom   he was married in 1864, was Harriet Camp, by whom
he had two sons and one daughter. THis. second wife was
Emma A. Howe,'whose father was one of the first settlers of Boyne
Falls. They have one son and two daughters.
HIRAM WRIGHT, of Boyne Falls, Cnarlevoix County, is a native
of Molnroe County, N. Y. He came to Charlevoix County, Mich.,
in 1872, and entered a homestead in Section 6, Town 32, Range
5 west. In 1882 he removed to Boyne Falls. He was one of the
organizers of the town. When he came in there were but few settlers in the town, and none at Boyne Falls. Oct 30, 1853, he
uarried Mrs. B. J. Kendall, who had one child, now Mrs. F. P.
Myers, of Boyne Falls. One child has been born to them, Emma,
wife of A. E. LeClear, of Boyne Falls. In August, 1862, Mr.
Wright enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortieth New York Regiment, serving with the Army of the Potomac. By reason of exposure and consequent disease his sight became impaired. He was


mustered in out September, 1865, never having lost a day's duty.
He finally lost his sight altogether, and for the past three years has
been in receipt of a pension.
EZRA M. ECKER, Melrose Township, Charlevoix County, was
born in Canada in 1861. Came to Melrose in 1881, and took up a.!
{
=
I




homestead of eighty acres and is clearing up a farm. Has built a
house and made other improvements.
A. J. STROUD, sheriff of Charlevoix County, was born in Beria,
Ohio. Came to Charlevoix C(ounty in 1876, for his health. In
company with William Ohle, he put up at Horton's Bay, a mill
which he brought from Ohio. Mr. Ohle afterward sold his interest
to James S. Dilworth. The firm of Stroud & Dilworth manufacture lumber and deal in wood and bark, having their dock at Horton's
Bay. Mr. Stroud was elected supervisor of the town of Evangeline, the spring after his arrival, and held the office, with the exception of one year, until 1883, when he was elected sheriff of the
county. In 1866 hie married Cecilia, daughter of Miles F. Norton,
of Ohio. Mr. Norton came with Mr. Stroud from Ohio and has
since made his home with him. Early in the war of the rebellion
Mr. Stroud, then a mere boy, ran away from home and enlisted in
the Fourteenth Ohio. He was discharged on account of his youth,
at the request of his father. Soon after he went into the service
and was in charge of a supply train as wagon master, following the
Army of the Cumberland and participating in its battles, supplying ammunition to the troops until his train was captured. He
afterward had charge of government buildings at Bridgeport, Ala.
Returning home in February, 1865, lie enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio and served until the fall of that year
his regiment being in the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Stroud
still suffers from the effects of disease contracted in the army.
ISAAC WILLIS, one of the early settlers of the town of Evangeline, is a native of Canada. Came to Charlevoix County in 1866
and located on Section 8 in the town of Evaugeline, where he now
resides, having a farm of sixty-seven acres. He was the first supervisor of the town and has held other town offices. He has a wife and
nine children. The yoke of oxen with which lie came in was the
first team brought into the town.
WARREN WILLIS, son of Isaac Willis, was born in Canada in
1835. Came with his father to Charlevoix County in 1866 for the
purpose of locating land. He did not remain, however, but went
back to Detroit. Returning in 1873 he located a homestead of one
hundred and forty-six acres on Bear Lake in Section 10, Town 33,
Range 6 west, town of Evangeline. Has thirty acres cleared. He
married Mary Rupert, a native of Pennsylvania.
JOHN KILBORN, Bear Lake Township, Charlevoix County, was
born in Canada in 1845. Remained at home until twenty-one years
of age. He then engaged in farming till 1872, when he removed to
Chicago and was engaged in canvassing for several publishing
houses, and in the fall of 1874 came to Petoskey and built a sawmill. Run it a few years and sold it in 1883. Now lives on a
homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on Section
29. Has eighty acres cleared. Has built a good house and barn,
planted an orchard and is already raising small fruits in abundance.
Mr. Kilborn was married in 1868 to Jane Thompson, who was
born in Canada. They had one child. His second marriage was
in 1872 to Honor Rice, who was a native of Canada. They have
five children. Mr. Kilborn is at present township clerk. Has been
township treasurer, superintendent of schools, etc.
LEONARD WHITMOYER, farmer in Marion Township, is a native
of Columbia County, Pennsylvania. In April, 1861, he enlisted in
the army for three months' service and afterward re-enlisted, remaining in the service until the war closed in 1865. He was an
excellent soldier and participated in a large number of battles. At


the battle of Chancellorsville he received a gun-shot wound in the
eg. In August, 1865, he was married at Davenpoit, Iowa. In
the fall of 1870 they removed from Iowa to Charlevoix County and
located on Section 9 in the town of Marion. Mrs. Whitmoyer
taught school for several terms walking to and from her school, a


I


- -                             -


I


L
to


Qgu


J -_                                                                                               -    --   a 
i ii  ii  ii  iii  i!  i  iii ii! ii iiiiii i i  i i   iii~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a-wkp






t!
9R    -
I


Lm


-— 1 ---.1 a 
-  --   --   --         --                                                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ —I


220


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


distance of several miles, each day. She was an excellent teacher
and a woman of great force of character. They improved their
land, living in their primitive log house until 1883, when they built
their present frame dwelling, which is one of the finest farm houses
in the county. Mr. Whitmoyer has about thirty acres under improvement, and also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in
another locality. He is an enterprising citizen and takes an active
interest ill all matters of general progress.
L. C. HAMLIN, township of Charlevoix, was born at Auburn,
N. Y, in the year 1819. For about fourteen years he was in the
employ of the New York Central Railroad Company and lived in
the city of Rochester. In the fall of 1868 he came to Charlevoix
County from Detroit and settled on Section 33, township of Charlevoix, where he had located forty acres of land. During the time
since 1868 he has lived several years in the village and engaged in
real estate operations. He has built two houses in the village and
in 1883 built a frame house on his farm. He has been twice married.  In 1849 lie was married in Genesee County, N   Y., to
Rosetta Coates, his present wife. They have had four children, two
of whom are now living.
It. S. SHAPTON, farmer in Marion Township, is a native of
Canada, and a son of John Shapton, also a resident of Marion.
Mr. Shapton settled in Marion in 1876. He has 120 acres of land
on Section 16, and about forty acres improved. He ha,. a wife, but
no children. Mr. Shapton is one of the thrifty farmers of the
county. tie is a prominent member of the Oddl Fellows' fraternity.
WILLIAM MILLE1R, son of Hugh Miller, one -of the early pioneers
of Charlevoix County, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y.,
and camte to this region with his parents. He followed fishing several years, as did most of the people in this section at an early day.
When hie was twenjty-one years of age he took up 160 acres of land
on Section 10, Marion Township. He has now about thirty acres
improved, and good buildings. He has a wife and one child.
J()HN E. I)DARRAH, Melrose Township. Charlevoix County, was
Lorn in Saratoga County, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1847; came to Kalamazoo
County, Mich., with his parents in 1850 and remained there till
1862; he then went to Pennsylvania and was engaged in lurmbering
for two years. He enlisted in 1864 in the Fifty-seventlh Pennsylvania Infantry, and served in the Army of the Potomac till the close
of the war. Was in several battles near Petersburg, Va., and was
at Farmville, Va., when General Lee's army surrendered to Genpral Grant. He came to Clarion Station March 7, 1877, when the
surrounding country was a dense wilderness, and had only one dollar
and fifty cents in money, a barrel of flour and a cow to make a
start with in a new country, having just been burned out in Kent
County, Mich., and lost all hlie lhad. He took his present farm as a
homestead of eighty acres, has built a good house, cleared thirty
five acres and planted an orchardtl of 140 trees. He now owns forty
acres of land in addition to his original farm. He helped to organize the township in 1877 anod lhas been supervisor since that
time, has also been justice of the peace six years, notary public four
years and was the first postmaster at Clarion. He drew up the petition
for the Springvale & Boyne City State Road and secured the appropriation and llelped to build nine miles of the road. Married,
Jan. 1, 1870, to Ruth Lillie, who is a native of Michigan. They
lost one child by death, atnd have an adopted daughter. Mrs. Darrab spent two winters at home alone and did the chores, the nearest


neighbor being one mile and a half away, Mr. Darrah being at tlhe
time employed in the lumber woods.
SAMUEL B. THATCHER, Springvale Township, Charlevoix County,
was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1849; remained at home till
the age of fourteen years, when he enlisted in the Twenty-sixth Ohio
Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland till the close


I




of the war. When discharged he returned to Ohio and was engaged in selling nursery stock and farming till April, 1876, when
he came to Springvale Township and took up a homestead of 160
acres, and since that time has cleared twenty-five acres, built
a house and barn and has a fine orchard iJn bearing, and has nmade
other improvements. He has held the office of supervisor for the
past four years and has held most of the offices of his township.
Married in 1871 to Maggie Fuller, who was a native of Ohio. They
have two children. When thie township of Springvale was organized there were only fourteen voters in town. For three years after
Mr. Thatcher settled in the township Le carried most of his provisions on his back from Petoskey, a distance of fourteen miles.
Mr. Thatcher's mother moved from Ohio with himn and is living
near him. Since coming to Springvale, eight years since, she has
not made a visit to Petoskey.
JOHN T. WEBB, Springvale Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1814; lived there several years and moved into
the county of Miami, same state, where lie was one of the pioneers
inl a nevw county. HIe lost his wife by death some years since, and
in the spring of 1879 came to Springvale with his sonil, and in his
old age seems to enjoy the life of a pioneer for the second time.
DAVID T. WEBB was born inll 1841 in Miami County, Ohio; remained at home till the age of twenty-one years. He enlisted in
the Eleventh Ohio Infantry, and served one year in the Army of
the Cumberland. When discharged lie returned to Ohio and was
engaged inll tile mercantile business for eleven years, and in the sale
of nursery stock for six years, and in the spring of 1879 came to
Springvale Township and took up a homestead of 1;() acres on
Section 8. Has built a house and barn, planted (an orchard and
made other improvements; is at present treasurer of Lhe township. Married in 1862 to Jennie Weatherhead, a native of Miami
County, Ohio. They have one son, Newton Webb.
JOSEPH K. FLICK, Springvale Township, Charlevoix County,
was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1828, and in 1832 moved
with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, and in 1836, moved bickl
to Pennsylvania and in 1840 returned to Ohio and settled nlear their
former residence; finally, in 1848, moved again to Pennsylvania adl(l
remained two years, when he returned to his home ill Ohio once
more, and was married to Eliza Karcar. They have two children.
He then moved to Canada, and was for a few years engaged in tihe
mercantile business; he then invented the lumberman's wool
boot, and was engaged in the manufacture and sale of the same for
about eight years. He came to Reed City, Mich., in tile spring of
1879, remaining there till 1881, when he came to Petoskey, and in
the fall of 1883, moved to his farm on Section 28, where lie owns
250 acres of land.
J. L. REIGLE, Chandler Township, Ch(.arlevoix County, Mici.,
was born in Union County, Penn., July 10, 18836; remained at hoint)
till l65, when he moved to Three Rivers, Mich., and was engaged
in farming till 1876, when he came to Chandler Township and took
up a homestead cf 160 acres. Has cleared seventy acres, lhas built
a house and barn, planted an orchard and made other improve
ments. Enlisted April 24, 1861, in the Sixth Pennsylvania ReseIrves
and served two years in the Army of the Potomac. Has been stUpervisor for two years past, was treasurer two years, justice of tlhe
peace four years, and superintendent of schools two years. Mar
ried Jan. 28, 1858, to Mary A. Yeater. Thlley lhave,i family of thir


teen children.
CAPTAIN E. C. PHETEPLACE, Bear Lake Township, Charlevoix
County, was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1822; moved to
Crawford County, Ohio, with his parents in 1831; remained there
till 1885, when they moved to Branch County, Mich. He assisted
in the first survey of the Michigan Southern Railroad, and in 1843


j


I
i


t
9_.a.


I


-


lull


'-l      


-It




& L
~L 9


-A  6 -

4 - 








-


-  I I ---a?


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


221


moved to Otsego, Allegan County. Was engaged forthree years in
running a flat-boat on Kalamazoo River carrying wheat to the
mouth of the river to be shipped by tile lakes to Buffalo, and returning loaded with salt. The boat was propelled up stream by setting
poles. Aug. 17, 18i16, lie enlisted in the Sixth United States Infantry and served through the Mexican War, and two years after
peace was declared, one year of that time being spent in New Orleans in recruiting service and one year at St. Paul, Minn. When
dischargred from the service Aug. 17, 1851, he returned to Allegan
County and was engaged in farming four years, then went to California and returned in November, 1854, and remained on his farm
till 1856, when he sold out and bought a farm in Barry County,
and in 1861 enlisted in Company I, Seventh Michigan Infantry,
and received a commission as second lieutenant and served in the
Army of the Potomac; was promoted to be captain of his company
Sept. 2, 1862; wounded in action at the battle of Antietam, Maryland, Sept. 17, 1862; resigned on surgeon's certificate and received
an honorable discharge May 11, 1863. Was appointed captain in
the veteran reserve corps Aug. 19, 1863, and served till 1865 when
he was transferred to duty in the Freedmen's Bureau and stationed
at Baton Rouge, La. Resigned his commission and returned home
in September, 1866. Came to Bear Lake Township in September,
1878, and settled on Section 23, where he owns a farm of 160
acres. Has cleared fifty acres, built a house and barn, planted an
orchard and made other improvements. Is at present supervisor of
the township. Married, May 10, 1850, to Adaline Covey, who was
born in Tennessee. They have eight living children.
RUFUs H. CARLEY, Resort Township, Charlevoix County, was


born in Vermont in 1832. Was engaged in farming till 1844, then
went to Boston, Mass., and wvas engaged in a bakery till 1861, when
he enlisted in the Firbt Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry arrd served
in the Army of the Potomac till the close of the war. Was at Appomattox, Va., when Gen. Lee's army surrendered to Gtn. Grant; came
to Berrien County, Mich., in 1874, and to Petoskey in 1875, settled
onil a homestead in Resort Township in 1876, and has commenced
to clear up a farm. Has been justice of the peace four years and
still holds the office; has also been highway commissioner.
H. A. BIXBY, Springvale Township, Charlevoix County, was
born in 1845, in Ogden, Genesee County, N. Y., and in 1848 moved
to Shiawassee County, Mich., with his parents, and in 1858 moved
Oakland County. He remained at home till 1864, when he enlisted
in the Thirtieth Michigan Infantry and served one year in the Western Army under General Sherman. When discharged from the service lie returned to Oakland County, Mich., and was engaged in
farming till 1869, when he moved to Clinton County, same state,
and in 1874 came to Springvale Township and took a soldier's
claimn of 160 acres. Has been highway commissioner one year.
He built the first house in the township. Maried, Jan. 4, 1869,
to Rosina Monroe, who is a native of Canada. They have two
sons.
J. J. BENNETT, farmer, town of South Arm, is a native of Steuben County, N. Y. In tile fall of 1869 he came witli his fathier,
Calvin Bennett, to the town of Echo, Antrim County, (and located
on Section 2. He remained at home until 1882, when lie located
120 acres of land on Section 35, town of South Arm, and is now en.
gaged in farming. He has a wife and one child.




1


I


- Ai.
ii i                 i           1




t.


Oki I Q                                                            ---               - b bl


i?) I
-A


I
i
i
i
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
I
i
I
i
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
I
I


I I.LEELANAW COUNTY.


CHAPTER XXXI.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION-DES.CRIPTION OF PHYSICAL FEATURES-FIRST
SETTLEMENT-BIOGRAPHY OF REV. GEORGE N. SMITH-FIRST
SETTLEMENT AT NORTHPORT-FIRST FOURT (OF JULY CELEBRATION —REMIINISCENCE BY JAMES J. MCLAU(GHLIN.
Leelanaw County lies wholly between Grand Traverse Bay and
Lake Michigan. It is bounded on the north and west by Lake
Michigan, cast by Grand Traverse Bay, and south by the counties
of Grand Traverse and Bcnzie. The. county is irregularly triangular in shape, its greatest width being twenty-two miles on the
southern boundary. Its greatest length is about thirty-nine miles.
It has a shore line of more than a hundred miles. Tlleie are
several lakes within its territory, the more important of which are
Glen Lake and Carp Lake. The latter is fifteen miles in length,


Winchell says: "Some parts of the county present hills of somewhat formidable magnitude. Most of the northern part of the
triangle is decidedly rough. The ridge of land separating Carp
Lake from  Sutton's Bay attains an elevation of nearly 400 feet
above the bay. The slopes, however, are passable for loaded wagons. Carp Lake is a beautiful sheet of pure water, resting in tile
bosom of the hills, whicll, with their rounded forest-covered forms,
furnish it a setting of surpassing loveliness. EIxcept for a sllort
space on the east side, south of the narrows, tlie shores of the
lake are occupied by dry and arable land. Tle region between
Glen Arbor and Traverse City is substantially an undulatting plateau,
lying at an elevation of about 300 feet above the lake. (;len Lakel
is surrounded by hills, which attain an elevation of 250 to 400 feet.
North Unity is a bold bluff of clay and sand, formed by the wvasting of the lakeward-side of a prominent hill by tile actioll of tle


i
I
I


I


I
I


measunrng in a straight line, but considerably more than that if the
crooks of the chilnnel are followed. The outlet of this lake is
Catri  River. At its south end the lake is little more than three
miles from  Grand Traverse Bay, while its northern  extremity
approaches to within half a mile of Lake Michigan.
Glen Lake lies within a mile of Lake Michigan, with which it
connects through Crystal Creek. This body of water covers about
one-sixth of a township. It is over two hundred feet deep.
The surface of the country is high and rolling, and heavily
timbered. The soil presents the usual varieties of the Traverse
Region.
Speaking of the topography of Leelanaw County, Professor


waves. Sleeping Bear Point is an enormous pile of gravel, saill
and clay, whiclh lhas been worn away on its exposed borders till tile
lakeward face presents a precipitous slope rising-from tllh waters to
an elevation of 500 feet, and forming with thle horizon an angle of
fifty degrees. Back from the face of the bluff is an undulatilng
plateau of clay, pebbles and sand, covering an area of six or eight
square miles, over which the only signs of vegetation are a few
tufts of brown, coarse grass with scattered clumps of dwarfed
and gnarly specimens of the balm of gilead, —a miniature desert,
lying 880 feet above the lake. Across this waste of sand and clay
the wind sweeps almost incessantly,-sometimes with relentless
fury-driving pebbles and sand into the shelter of the neighboring


A
4e


1L


i                  _,-                  -                                       -


-T


I  -                                                     qq  — t o)- - --   -~ lllllllllf 


A


`f    F" —




L 10,Zj L                                   IAr 
816     4& \
31  34~~~~~~~~(35  -~~~.  30  -9 11f1  2 7


-t=  i-~~ —ir~- ir.N14'16  1  I  ~            TSN.


RIG0 W




Vk,




(a                         Abl.


-


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


223


forest, and causing the stunted poplars to shrink away in terror at
its violence. The pelting sand has polished the exposed surfaces of
the larger fragments of rocks to such an extent that they reflect
the sunlight like a mirror. Their surfaces are sometimes worked
into furrows, pits and grotesque inequalities in consequence of the
unequal hardness of different portions of the stone. The "Bear"
proper is an isolated mound rising a hundred feet above this desolate plateau and singularly covered with evergreens and other trees,
presenting from the lake the dark appearance which suggested to
the early navigators the idea of a bear in repose.
Empire Bluff, six miles further south, presents a section of
another hill which attains an altitude of nearly 400 feet, and the
hills at Point Becs Scies reach an elevation but little less.
Seen from the lake, the natural cuts presented between Cathead
Point and Carp River, at North Unity, Sleeping Bear and Point
Bees Scies look like huge accumulations of blown sand, and convey the impression of a sterile and inhospitable coast, which is
quite at variance with the indications of the country a quarter or
half a mile back from the shore.
From an eminence about 400 feet high, two or three miles
inland from Glen Arbor, on the northeast side of Glen Lake, can
be seen one of the most varied and beautiful landscapes to be witnessed in any country, and one which is well worth the pencil of
an artist. The view is toward the west, and it should be taken
when the sky is clear and the atmosphere is pervaded by that
softened haze which fuses the sharper angles of the landscape and
throws over it a thin veil of inscrutable vagueness. From our hill
summit we look down on the tops of the trees which cover the plain
immediately fronting us. On the left is a portion of Glen Lake,
its nearer shore concealed by the forest, and the remoter one
exposing a white and pebbly margin, from which the verdant hills
beyond rise hundreds of feet above the watery mirror in which
their forms are so clearly fashioned. In front of us the green hills
separate Glen Lake from Lake Michigan, and conceal from view
the desert sand fields of Sleeping Bear. Not completely, however,
for the naked and glistening flanks of the northern slope stretch
out to view beyond the forest covered ridge, and embrace the placid
harbor which struggles through the intercepting foliage, and blends
with the boundless expanse of the great lake, still beyond. Farther
off in the midst of the water, rises the green outline of the South
Manitou Island, bearing on its head a glistening cap of sand.
Still farther to the right rises the form of the North Manitou, which
seems trying to hide itself behind the towering bluff of North
Unity, that guards the entrance to the harbor from  the north.
Two little lakes nestle in the rich woodland that spreads its verdure
between us and the harbor, screening themselves like wood nymphs
behind the thick foliage which half conceals their charms. It is
doubtful whether a scene superior to this one exists in the country.
Another enchanting view is obtained from the bluff at New
Mission. From this point the beholder has an exquisite view of
Grand Traverse Bay with its eastern and western arms dissolving
in smoke in the dim distance, and the broad lake seen through the
mouth of the bay sinking beneath the northern horizon. An
emerald fringe of forest skirts the opposite shore; the softened
outlines of the peninsula emerge from the misty embrace of the
two arms of the bay, and all around tt e framework of this scene
loom from the background the purple hilltops looking perpetually
down upon the picture.


FIRST SETTLEMENT.
In 1840 that portion of the state lying west of the county of
Omeena and of Grand Traverse Bay, including the Manitou Islands
west of said bay, was laid off as a separate county and designated
as the county of Leelanaw.


It'is claimed by some that the first white settler within the
present limits of Leelanaw County was a Frenchman named Nazaros Dona, who lived about two miles south of the present site of
Leland, then called Shemacopink. It is not probable, however,
that he lived there except while engaged in fishing, or that he
could be considered a settler of the county.
In 1847 John Lerue came from Chicago to the Manitou
Islands in search of health. At that time there was a pier, or
wharf, on each of the two islands where passing steamers used to
call for wood; the one on the north island being owned by Mr.
Pickard, that on the south by Mr. Barton. On the north Manitou
were two fishermen without families. The light-house was kept
by a man named Clark.
There were no white men at that time in Leelanaw County.
Farther south, at the mouth of the Betsey River, there was living
a white man named Joseph Oliver, with an Indian wife, who supported his family by trapping and fishing. There were no Indians
living on the Manitous, but they frequently came there to trade.
Finding the climate favorable to his health, Mr. Lerue commenced trading with the Indians, and the next year moved his establishment over to the mainland, locating at what was then
called Sleeping Bear Bay, but now Glen Arbor, and was probably
the first white settler connected with subsequent history.
The most prominent figure in the earliest histoly of Leelanaw
County is that ot the late Rev. George N. Smith, a minister of the
Congregational Church who had spent ten years in missionary
work among the Indians of Black River, in Ottawa County. Visiting the bay in the summer of 1848, in company with some of the
mission Indians, he selected a location on the shore, some distance
north of the site of the present village of Northport.
In the meantime, the government gave orders to James Mc -
Laughlin, Indian farmer for the Waukazoo band of Ottawas, at
Old Wing, Allegan County, to remove to Grand Traverse Bay. In
obedience to these orders, Mr. McLaughlin left the mouth of the
Kalamazoo River on the 27th day of May, 1849, in the schooner
H. Merrill, of which he was owner. There were on board his own
family, consisting of six persons counting himself, and that of his
brother-in-law, William H. Case, consisting of three persons. Entering Black Lake, the vessel proceeded up to the place where th e
village of Holland is now situated, and received on board Mr.
Smith and family, increasing the number of passengers to fifteen.
After a tempestuous voyage, the vessel passed Cat Head Point on
the morning of the 11th of June, and-entered the bay.
The arrival and the first experiences of the party are related
by James J. McLaughlin, now a resident of Elk Rapids, and a son
of James McLaughlin, as follows:
"It was a beautiful morning in the early part of June, 1849,
that the schooner Merrill rounded Cat Head Point, and stood up
the bay. She had on board three families that were to make the
first commencement where Northport now stands, James McLaughlin, the owner of the vessel, who was in the employ of the
government, Rev. George N. Smith, missionary and teacher among
the Ottawa Indians and William H. Case, a brother-in-law of the
owner of the vessel. These parties had been ordered by. the government to Grand Traverse, then almost unknown to white men,
with an Indian mission from Allegan County in this state. It
seemed to us, as we gazed upon the beautiful scenery that met our


eyes at every turn, that we had found tile 'Eldorado.' The forests were unbroken; the axe of the white man had not marred its
beauty; the beach of the bay was not strewn with the refuse of the
saw-mill, but all lay in the state that dame Nature had kept it,
beautiful beyond description. The place decided upon as the point
to settle, was near the creek where Northport is. The vessel was


~-                   ~                                   --  -  I




a


I!*


__ —....
I.


-I —


224


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


___


-


-


anchored off there the morning of the 11th of June. The men,
armed with their axes, went ashore to prepare to build a house.
The women and children enjoyed a walk on terra firma once more.
Soon the sound of the ax broke the stillness of the forest, logs
were cut, the ground cleared and everything ready for the first raising on the west side of Grand Traverse Bay But right here arose
a difficulty; the logs were cut for a house nineteen feet square,
good sized logs, too, and there was no team to haul them with.
We couldn't go to the neighbors and borrow one, for the nearest
neighbors were fifteen miles away, and that across the water. But
the pioneer is generally equal to the emergency, at least he was in
this case. The vessel was now resorted to and blocks and ropes
were brought ashore and a purchase rigged, by which, with the help
of every man, woman and child that could pull on a rope, the logs
were hauled into their places, and the house began to go up, and in
the course of two or three days it was ready for the roof. But
right at this point we found there was no roof ready, but taking a
few boards that were in the vessel, we stuck one end in a crack,
the other on a beam, thus obtaining a sort of a shelter for the beds.
We learned that lumber could be obtained at the head of the bay
and the schooner was started for some, and in a short time we had
a very fair house. It seemed a very short time before what should
come along but the Fourth of July; the glorious old Foulth, and
that must be celebrated in the good old style. But what were we
to do? We had no cannon, no flag, nor any of the prerequisites
necessary for celebration, but an old man-of-wars-man that had
left the vessel to stay with us on shore, brought to light a red flannel shirt, and with a sheet for the white, he soon made a respectable flag. The morning of the Fourth was ushered in with a salute from all the guns we could muster, and our flag was flying.
The whole force of the settlement, numbering fifteen all told,
started for a picnic on the little island out in the bay. We ate our
dinner, spent the day pleasantly and toward night returned home
well pleased with ourselves and everybody else. Thus passed the
first Fourth of July celebration in the Grand Traverse Region, a
small beginning, but as full of patriotism and love of country as
any that has ever been held since. With early fall, preparations
were made for a long northern winter, supposing, of course, that
in this high latitude, we would have at least six or eight months of
winter, but we were agreeably surprised to see the fall months pass
away, and no snow until the 12th of December, and instead of the
cold dreary winter we had anticipated, it was a mild, pleasant
winter that would compare favorably with that of the south part of
the state. There was but very little ice in the bay, and not enough
at any time to obstruct navigation. The spring opened early, the
first of April finding the snow and every vestige of ice removed,
and the ground ready for the farmer to go to work, but there were
no farmers to go to work "
This first house, in what is now the village of Northport, stood
on the bank of the creek, about six rods back from the beach. At
a later period, it was used for several years as a store by White &
Burbeck.
Mr. Smith had at first chosen another location for himself but
soon became dissatisfied with it and removed to the spot which became the permanent home of the family. A tent was erected in


which they lived while Mr. Smith was building a log house. Mr.
Case built a log house east of the creek, also within the village
limits.
A considerable number of Indians, some say forty or fifty
families, followed their missionary to the Grand Traverse Bay. A
log school-house was built, and an Indian village, called Waulkazooville in honor of a noted chief, was established on the present site
of rorthporL   During the first years of his residence here, Mr.






I


I...


Smith gave'his time and talents to mission work among the Indians. Afterward he organized a Congregational church among
the whites, of which for many years he was the pastor. His death
occurred on the 5th day of April, 1881, after a brief illness caused
by long continued physical exposure. His remains lie buried
near the home he hewed out of the forest, on the shore of tle beautiful Grand Traverse Bay.
BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE NELSON SMITH.
A biographical sketch of Mr. Smith's life was prepared soon
after his death by E. C. Tuttle, and will be of interest in this connection. It is as follows:
"Fifty-one years ago (1830) deceased began keeping a diary of
daily events, reflections,,etc., which he continued to do until the
day before his fatal illness came upon him. The writer has had aci cess to this mass of memoranda in the preparation of this article,
though but a small portion of it has been examined up to this
writing. The dates and events here mentioned are therefore accurate and entirely trustworthy.
"The subject of this sketch was born at Swanton, Franklin
County, Vermont, Oct. 25, 1807, 'of parents who from agricultuire
derived their support.'  He was of English and Welsh descent.
His ancestors figured in the Revolutionary war and that of 1812.
When he was six years of age his parents became converted, and
this young son first became imbued with religious feeling of an uncommon order for one of his age. During his early boyhood he
worked summers upon his father's farm, and attended a district
school in winter. This lasted until Marclh, 1827, when the boy
had reached his twentieth year. At this time he went to learn the
trade of a millwright with Messrs. L. & J. Carpenter, of Highgate,
near his birth-place. These men were Universalists, and sought
to graft their doctrine upon young Smith. His parents being Calvinists, from which denomination his early ideas of religion had
been obtained, made their attempt futile.  Their efforts, however,
set the young man to studying the Scriptures for himself, which resulted in his conversion in May, 1828. On the 6th of July following he joined the Congregational Church at Swanton. At this point
in his life he says: 'From the time of my conversion I had an
impression on my mind that I ought to qualify myself for the ministry. This increased until Dec. 1, 1828, when I was induced to
leave my trade and commence study. During the winter I attended
a district school. March, 1827, I visited an uncle in Canada, a
physician, where I studied chemistry about four weeks, then returned
home. After my return, having received encouragement from the
Rev E. H. Doiman, I commenced the study of Latin at St. Albans
Academy on May 5, 1829, continuing through the season.
"It was during this term that the young prospective preacher
became acquainted with Miss Arvilla Almira Powers, of St. Albans,
Vermont, who afterward became Mrs. George N. Smith. Of his
courtship and marriage he quaintly says: 'In the fall (1829) I became acquainted with a young lady of this place. She was small
of stature and poor in the things of the world, but she possessed a
mind capacious and well stored with useful knowledge. Slhe was
pious, kind to all and generous-hearted. Such beauties inclined
me'to offer her my hand Nov. 1 (after considerable acquaintance),
whi.h was cordially received, and, Nov. 25, we mutually agreed
that when I should have got through my studies we would join our
hands for life. The next morning I started for Russelltown, Lower
Canada, to the teaching of a winter school.


"Returning from Canada in April, 1880, he writes: 'On the
16th I visited my friend in St. Albans, and there found all things
agreeable to my mind.' He went to board in her father's family,
the lady herself then being engaged in teaching a school at a distance from home. June 15, 1880, he writes in his diary, 'She was




-K


A     --


-


a.......
' "..1111,,


6 


I~.   -7"




1 


14- a


I                                                                                                                  A


1


J


i
I
I
I


I






THE TRAVERSE REGION.


225


brought home very ill, which gave rise to a series of thoughts unknown to my breast lmtil now.' The condition of her health and
other circumstances induced the young couple to conclude to marry
at once, the young man's studies to be completed afterward. Accordingly they were married at St. Albans, July 4, 1880, by the
Rev. Worthington Smith. Their golden-wedding-day occurred last
4th of July, and was duly celebrated at Northport. His life struggles now began. He was poor and compelled to teach school to
support his family and prosecute his studies for the ministry. Having married before his ordination he feared the ardent aim of his
life might not be reached at all.  Some encouraged, others discouraged him; but he struggled on, teaching day and singing schools,
his wife and himself economizing in all things save mutual affection.
He borrowed theological books, being too poor to buy. His willing
wife did sewivg and teaching to assist him.  They began housekeeping at Alburgh, Vt., where he taught school.
"On June 18, 1831, Mr. Smith joined a temperance society at
Alburgh, which was the beginning of his career as an advocate of
temperance. On the 12th of the following July he delivered a temperance address at Alburgh, which was his first appearance as a
public speaker. From his notes it appears that he must have
made an impression upon the anti-temperance element of the
town, for it resulted in his being assaulted by what he calls 'bacchanal whelps,' some of whom were arrested, but acquitted by the
jury who tried them. This he pronounces an outrage, for the attack
was premeditated and cruel.
"In April, 1832, he began attending theological lectures by the
Rev. Worthington Smith, -a very learned and pious man. But about
this time the cry of westward ho! rang through the Green Mountain
state. The young couple caught the fever, and resolved to emigrate
to the land of magnificent distances and equally broad liberty.
Ohio was their objective point at first, but hearing a colony was to
start for Michigan Territory in Mary, 1833, they determined to join it,
and did so, starting from Vermont on May 8, of that year. A young
sister of Mrs. Smith, now Mrs. Daniel McMartin. of Kalamazoo
County, accompanied them. The colony, however, and for some
unexplained reason, did not go west, and Mr. Smith and family
were obliged to make the trip alone.
"On the 22d day of May, just two weeks after starting, they
arrived in Detroit, a portion of the distance having been traveled by
canal, the remainder by steamboat, upon which Mrs. Smith and
sister took cabin passage, and Mr. Smith deck. Upon arriving at
Detroit the hopeful emigrant found that he had but $1.06 left. To
meet his expenses while there he sold his watch for $5.50. The
trip from Detroit to Gull Prairie, Kalamazoo County, where they
were to settle, was made by horse team, over wretched roads, occupying seven days, making a total of twenty-one days from St. Albans,
Vt., while now the trip may be made in about as many hours. The
cost of the trip was $70, considerably more than was expected.
During the next three years Mr. Smith worked at carpentering at
and about Gull Prairie for one dollar per day, when not engaged in
teaching a day school. At this early day there was comparatively
little building being done in the territory of Michigan, especially in
its western portion. Marshall had but two houses and they were
of logs. What is now the flourishing city of Jackson then contained but one hotel, and that small and poor. Detroit was a slowgoing town. They were at work upon the'University of Michigan
building. Kalamazoo was not the large and beautiful place it is


now. Grand Rapids, now the smartest business city in the state,
was scarcely known at that time. Fever and ague flourished everywhere, and everybody had it. For months consecutively entire
families would have it, Mr. Smith's among them, and this was one
of the appalling pioneer privations of the day. But all the trials


and troubles of the time were not sufficient to drive the young
mechanic and teacher from his determination to enter the ministry. He contrived to work days and study nights.    To be
ordained was the aim of his ambition. He had not succeeded in
reaching his goal when he set out for the west, for reasons which
will appear further on. On Friday, Feb. 5, 1836, the year Michigan was admitted to the Union, the young student was licensed to
preach by the Presbytery of St. Joseph, Mich., at Bronson, and
nine days afterward, 14th, preached his first sermon at Comstock,
Kalamazoo County. As a minister he was therefore as old as the
state. While stationed in Kalamazoo and Allegan Counties Mr.
Smith organized Congregational Churches at Gull Prairie, Otsego,
Plainwell, Gun Plains, and other places, in all of which he preached.
It was the custom then to have three sermons each Sunday
-forenoon, afternoon and evening-and for years Mr. Smith
preach three times a Sunday, often to audiences miles apart.
"On Jan. 13, 1837, he was appointed to do missionary work,
stationed at Plainwell, receiving a regular salary of $200 per year,
and voluntary contributions. On the first day of February following he attended and took an important part in a state convention
of the Michigan Total Abstinence Society, at Marshall, Mich.,
which some of the most influential men of the state also attended.
including late Judge F. J. Littlejohn, late of this circuit. He attended and assisted in organizing the first Congregational Association of Michigan, at Richland (Gull Prairie) March 2, 1837.
The constitution and bond of union which was there adopted, with
scarcely any alteration, he drafted. About a month later, April 7,
1837, Mr. Smith was ordained by this association, which made
him the first Congregational clergyman ordained in Michigan. The
Rev. James Ballard was the second. It was during this year that
the conviction grew strongly that he was called to labor in behalf
of the Indian.
"The first record of this conviction occurs under date of Oct. 7,
1887, in which he admits it had existed for a long time. Inl the
January following, 1838, a meeting of Ottawa and Chippewa
Indians was called at Allegan for the purpose of talking over a
scheme for their colonization. Mr. Smith attended and was the
foremost actor in the movement. A good many of the whites interested in the welfare of the Indians, also attended. At this meeting the Western Society of Michigan to benefit Indians was organized, of which Mr. Smith was appointed general agent in the
following June. He at once went to work to perfect the colonization scheme, laboring with a will day and night, at all seasons, and
not infrequently to the neglect of his own family, so great was his
zeal. During this time he traveled much, visiting different tribes
of Indians and raising means whelever possible. By December
he had perfected a partial organization of the Indians of Allegan
and Ottawa Counties, and on the 23d preached his first sermon to
Indians, in a temporary building erected for the purpose near the
village of Allegan. Three days later he opened his first Indian
school in the same building, with seven scholars in attendance.
Their number increased daily, however, until twenty five or thirty
attended.
"By the following spring a colony of Indians, consisting of
about three hundred families had been organized, and the time arrived for locating it. Here began his labors among the Indians in
earnest. In hunting a suitable section it became necessary for him


to travel over much of western Michigan, from the Straits of
Mackinaw to the southern boundary. One memorable trip was
made in canoes from Allegan to La Arbor Croche village, north of
Little Traverse Bay, the expedition starting April 18, 1889. This
trip, occupying a month and three days, was attended with perils


I- -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 --- --:


f -- 




4


MORW
I




PM


-


LF' 


226


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




by flood and field, and is sufficient in itself for an article which may
hereafter appear in the Eagle.
"The Indians finally determined to locate on Black River, in
Ottawa County, whither they moved durivg the summer of 1839.
On the second day of August of that year, Mr. Smith also established his family there, having first erected a log house in which to
live.,,Here began a residence among Indians, which lasted continuously until white settlers had peopled Northport. The position of
missionary was one of responsibility and toil with mighty little
glory. He was preacher, doctor, teacher, judge and adviser-general
combined. He healed their sick, settled their disputes and educated them. His pay was meager; his duties varied and exacting.
He was often compelled to make long trips with the Indians, leaving his family alone in the woods for weeks at a time, and scores
of miles from the nearest white settlements. His widow said recently to the writer:  'Many times my children have gone to bed
hungry while Mr. Smith was off tramping with the Indians. We
have gone cold. too, from the same cause.' His devotion to the
Indian seemed greater than that given his family. He believed
himself delegated by the Almighty to accomplish a greater work in
enlightening the benighted Indians than had ever yet been performed, and to this end labored as faithfully and zealously as
mortal ever labored. He thought of the Indian interest by day
and dreamed of it by night. It was to him a God-given mission,
absorbing all the best of his life. From 1839 to 1849 he served
the Black River Indians. In 1847 a colony of Hollanders settled
on Black Lake in close proximity to the Indians. It seems the
former encroached upon the latter to such an extent as to make it
necessary for the Indians to locate elsewhere, as a matter of selfprotection. So, in the summer of 1849, the missionary, with his
fam'ly and forty or fifty Indian families, removed from Black
River to Grand Traverse Bay, locating on the land lying between
the bay and Lake Michigan, now Leelanaw County. At that time
there were only a few Indians scattered about the bay, nearly, or
quite all of whom, are now dead. A village was laid out and
called Wakazooville, after the chief, Wakazoo. When a new element bad grown up and become strong the name was changed to
Northport, which the village now bears.
"All the first years of his residence here Mr. Smith gave his
time and talent to the Indians after the manner of his life at the
Black River agency. When sufficient white people had settled here
lie organized a Congregational Church here at Northport, of which
for many years he continued pastor. He also preached at the New
Mission, the ' Bight' (head of the harbor), over on the lake shore
and elsewhere, continuing his Christian labors up to within a short
time of his death.
As a politician Mr. Smith was not successful, because of his unswerving honesty and absolute incorruptibility. He never would
countenance party intrigue, or sanction any movement which smelt
in the least of dishonesty. For this reason and his unalterable habit
of speaking his sentiments in Anglo-Saxon language on all occasions he was not popular among political leaders. Mr. Smith was
a Whig, out and out, until the Republican party sprang into existence, when he joined it, living and acting an uncompromising
Republican to the end of his days. He was radical and loyal to
the core, but would not do dirty party work for himself or others.
When this entire region was but one county he served as judge of


probate, and after it was divided was elected treasurer of Leelanaw
County. He has held nearly all the township and county offices
during his long residence in this region, and no man yet doubted
the genuineness of his integrity. He was upright from principle;
policy never pnoved him; hope of gain never induced him to do an


unworthy thing or a dishonorable act, and for this reason he was
often cruelly misjudged. As a clergyman the same spotless integrity characterized every action of his professional life. Educated
a Calvinist he was as rigid and unyielding in his views as the everlasting hills.  Being thoroughly conscientious he absorbed the
hard, relentless, heartless tenets of that church fifty years ago.
Total depravity, everlasting punishment, etc., formed a part in
his early Christian belief. No personal or family duty was allowed
to be neglected from the first of his career. As a husband and
father he was kind, yet stern, demanding implicit obedience after
the old patriarchial fashion. His out-spoken, fearless manner of
assailing from the pulpit on all occasions what he considered wrong
sometimes got him into serious trouble.
"As before stated, previous to coming west he was very anxious
to be ordaiued, but having incurred the displeasure -if not the
enmity - of his patron, Rev. E. H. Dorman, the privilege was denied him. This displeasure grew out of the fact that Mr. Dorman
was a Mason. When Mr. Smith grew to manhood he bitterly opposed Masonry, publicly and privately, which in time angered his
p ttron who withdrew his patronage. An instance of the softening
of his character is found in the fact that, whereas he railed at the
Masonic fraternity in 1830, lie became a Mason in 1867, and during
his last illness was most kindly attended and cared for by brother
Masons. The last sad rites were performed by them, and the
kindest friends the family have to-day are Masons. This acknowledgement is richly due to the noble fraternity to which he belonged
the joining of which cost him so much in his church relations, but
which he never for a moment regretted. But in his later years he
became more liberal in his views though not a whit less uncompromising in his warfare for the right. He only used different and
probably more effective weapons.   His family government, too,
assumed a milder, more genial form. His intercourse with men
became less puritanic, though none the less upright and strictly
honorable.
"Believing slavery to be unnatural and wholly wrong, Mr.
Smith early took an active part in controlling it. Through his
instrumentality largely the Allegan County Anti-Slavery Society
was organized Jan. 17, 1838. He made antagonism to slavery and
intemperance parts of his religion, an' fought them early and late
to the end of his days, or so long as there was an enemy in siglt.
"Mr. Smith, considered intellectually, was considerably above
the average American, and had his lot been cast in a different
sphere he would have been of more than ordinary importance in
the history of his time. Devotion to what he considered his duty
caused him to waste his talent and ability upon a class of God's
creatures scarcely worth the sacrifice it cost himself and family.
He was a student always, and in spite of having spent his entire
life in the backwoods, principally among Indians, kept well up with
the times in which he lived. He was a constant reader of the
newspapers and periodicals of the day. There were few, if any,
subjects in the whole range of art, science, and literature upon
which he was not able to converse intelligently. He possessed a
logical, analytical mind. His sermons were not what would be,
called forcible; but they were plain, clear, thoughtful, and to the
point always, therefore effective. That he venerated his Creator,
and freely gave his life to his service is demonstrated throughout
all his writings and work. He absolutely allowed nothing to swerve


him from his idea of duty, growing directly or indirectly out of his
calling. His puritan education sometimes made him appear harsh
and unrelenting, but to those who knew him best his heart was as
tender as a child's, and as affectionate. There was nothing austere in his composition, particularly in the latter years of his life.
Age mellowed him into a kind, attentive, solicitous husband and


I
I






I


K.               I


7:


211F
------ am-                                                                                  '~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-b 




I I






i


RES. O F 0. L. WHITE, LEELANAW CO. MICH.




METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
NORTHPORT, LEELANAW CO. MICH.






I


-1-i                                                       -.!-! --  1l,   7 ~  7 1,7,177. -~~ —1,..~- I",I   ~-;;". 1r -;,II 1  - -, t


TRAVERSE BAY HOTEL NORTHPORT LEELANAW CO. MICH.
W't' H. FFANKLIN. PROPR.


I
A
I
4
1.0


'I., k",
Acres,,


GRADED SCHOOL NORTHPORT,
LEELANAW CO. MICH.


RES.& GENEIRAL 3TU1E OF W. R. NELSON. N4ORTHPORT, LEELANAW CO.MICH. 








'9


-s 




1


-i -


THE TRAVERSE REGION


227




father, and as such his surviving relatives will longest remember
him. "His death occurred on the 5th inst., after an illness of ten
days' duration, of Bright's disease, induced by long-continued
physical exposure. He suffered intensely, but was patient to the
end, and died easily and resignedly. But two of his four children
and his faithful wife were present at his death. He now lies buried
within a few rods of the beautiful home he hewed out of the forest
on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay, every foot of which has been
nurtured by his toil. He loved the old homestead devotedly,
preferring to work upon it rather than be idle away from it. A
residence upon it of nearly forty years made it very dear to him.
It may be a matter of interest to friends of the family to know that
the surviving partner of his toil is to remain undisturbed upon the
dear old homestead. Notwithstanding her children have offered
her a home elsewhere, she prefers to remain near the grave on the
hillside."
Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, four only
of whom are now living, viz.: George N., a minister in Chicago,
Mary, now Mrs. Payson Wolf, of Northport; Arvilla, wife of Joseph
Voice, of Leland; Anna E., wife of E. C. Tuttle, now of New
York City. Mrs. Smith has also brought up four grandchildren.
Resuming Mr. McLaughlin's narrative, he says.
"The summer of 1850 passed off without any great event
happening, except that toward fall, two ladies stopped at our little
settlement; the first white women that my mother had seen for
about sixteen months. One of these ladies still lives in Grand
Traverse, Mrs. H. D. Campbell, of Traverse City. The other was
her sister, Mrs. Hillery, on their way from the Manitou Islands to
what is now Traverse City. The fall passed off very pleasantly,
but the winter set in rather gloomily. The vessel that was to bring
the supplies for the people was wrecked on her passage down, and
our supply of provisions was cut off when navigation closed. I
remember father's coming home with what he could get, and the
sum total for a family of six persons was half a barrel of flour,
that we had to dig out of the barrel with a chisel, fifty pounds of
pork, and some tea, how much, I don't remember; but I do remember that the prospect was not very cheering. We had raised a
small patch of corn and a sufficient amount of potatoes to last us
through the winter. We secured a barrel of whitefish and a small
hand-mill for grinding corn, thus provided, winter closed in upon
us. There was one event that happened that I almost forgot, that
was along in the latter part of summer, we got some mail. Just
think of it, ye that grumble at a weekly and daily mail, of getting
mail once a year. The summer of 1849 I wrote a letter back to
Allegan County. I sent it to Mackinaw, then the nearest postoffice,
and in the summer of 1850 got an answer from it. But the summer of 1850 brought an improvement in this direction as well as
in others; a postoffice was established at Old Mission, then the
most important place on the bay, and called Grand Traverse. The
mail was now brought by the small vessels trading between the bay
and Mackinaw, once a month, and this was bringing us in pretty
close contact with the outside world. In the winter the mail was
carried on a man's back, he making the trip twice during the winter of 1850 and '51."
CHAPTER XXXII.
COMING OF JEARLY SETTLERS-SETTLEMENTS AT LELAND AND GLEN
ARBOR-EARLY REMINISCENCE-BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF SOME


OF THE PIONEERS — "MANITOWABA" -DEVELOPMENT RETARDEDGLIMPSE OF THE COUNTY IN 1862-OPENING OF THE STATE ROAD.
In the summer of 1851 John Dorsey located at Glen Arbor.
In the fall of that year, Mr. Lerue brought his family into the






country, spending the following winter at Northport. Soon after
Mr. Lerue's arrival, Mr. McLaughlin, who had previously been engaged in building A. S. Wadsworth's saw-mill at Elk Rapids, removed from Northport to that place, leaving the original number of
three families at Northport- Smith's, Case's and I4erue's. In the
spring of 1852, Mr. Lerue returned to his former location, at Glen
Arbor.
About this time Seth H. Norris built a saw-mill on the bay
some three miles above Traverse City.
In 1853 Antoine Minseu and his son located at Carp River,
near Leland, and in the fall of the same year John I. Miller came
and located at Leland. They were followed by John E. Fisher,
John Porter, H. S. Buckman, John Bryant, Sr. and Frederick Cook.
Soon after came Dr. W. H. Walker, of Fond du Lac, George Ray,
and a man from Ohio named Nutt. The three last named built a
pier where the one owned by Charles Rossman is now standing.
For a few years, says Dr. Leach, many of the settlers in Leelanaw County endured great privations.  An authentic incident will
illustrate the extremity to which they were sometimes pushed, and
the shifts theywere obliged to make for the purpose of securing the
necessaries of life.
On one occasion, in winter, Mr. Timblin, having left of his
supplies a bushel and a half of corn and a dollar and a half in
money, proposed to divide with his needy neighbor, Mr. Cook, on
condition that the latter should go to Traverse City, get the corn
ground, and invest the money in groceries. Mr. Cook was only too
glad to accept the proposition.  A single ox, which Mr. Timblin
had taught to work alone, was the only team the two men could
muster. Placing the bag of corn on the ox's back, Mr.' Cook drove
him across the country by an Indian trail, from the vicinity of Leland to Peshawbatown, the scattered Indian settlement on the
shore south of Omena. Procuring a pony and sled of the Indians,
he left the ox in their care, and proceeded up the bay on the ice to
Traverse City.  Having got the corn ground and the money invested in groceries, he started on the homeward journey.  Before
he reached Peshawbatown, a snow storm came on, which completely hid the shores of the bay from view. Coming to a crack in
the ice so wide as to be difficult to cross, he was at a loss which
way to follow it, but after some hesitation took the direction which
seemed to lead down the bay. Some Indians whom he fell in with
advised him by signs to go in another direction, but having little
confidence in their ability to direct, he continued his course some
distance farther.  Finally concluding that the Indians were probably right, he decided to change his course. He thought it would
perhaps save travel, if he could get on the other side of the crack.
It may or may not have been a foolish attempt, but it resulted in a
disheartening failure. The pony jumped just far enough to get his
fore feet on the solid ice of the farther side, but, failing to get his
hind feet on a firm foundation, both pony and sled went into the
water.  To prevent the pony from sinking, Mr. Cook seized him
by the ears. As he did so his own feet slipped, and he came down
in a sitting posture, in the shallow water that covered the edge of
the ice. Holding on still to the pony's ears, he called loudly for
help. Fortunately the Indians he had met were yet within hearing, and promptly came to his assistance.  When relieved, Mr.
Cook was so thoroughly chilled as to be almost helpless. Some of
the Indians drew him on a hand-sled to Peshawbatown, while others


cared for the half dead pony. The meal and the groceries had gone
to the bottom of the bay. There was a scene of sorrow when Mr.
Cook reached home. Mrs. Cook wept freely for the loss of the little that had seemed to promise a short respite from starvationBIOGRAPHICAL REMINISCENCE.
There is no part of local history so difficult to obtain with fullness




-A


-.4


t


I(


a


-


I




I


14 =


I


9




1


ir




4


A
4
I
1t


a
I




L L

I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              -la~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Yr


228


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


and accuracy as that which relates to the first settlers of a county.
The information must be largely gleaned from the recollections of
pioneers who are living, and the human memory, so far as dates
are concerned, is desperately liable to err. The names of some of
the first settlers have already been given and in the following
sketches of others of the earliest settlers, is contained information
relating to the early days in Leelanaw County.
ANTOINE MANSEAU, deceased, was born in Canada, June 10,
1810. He was by occupation a carpenter and millwright. In
company with his son Antoine, now a resident of the town of Bingham, he came to Carp River and built at the point where now the
village of Leland stands, a saw-mill on the water power at the
mouth of the river, building also the dam at that point. Three
years before he had bought the location and at that time there was
an Indian village on the hill near where Judge Miller's house now
stands.  When the Manseaus located and commenced building,
the Indians had left, believing that all the land in the vicinity had
been bought. There were no white settlers in the vicinity, but
some came soon after. Mr. Manseau was married in 1832 to Julia
Dechenot DeCrevier, by whom he had seven children, all of whom
came with him to Leland, and are now.living, viz.: Antoine, in
Bingham Township; Mrs. J. I. Miller, in Leland; Mrs. John Dean,
in Nashua, N. H.; Mrs. C. Grant and Mrs. L. Moshier at Provemont, Leelanaw County; Mrs. N. Paulus at Leland and J. L. Manseau at Manistee. The subject of this sketch died in 1856, and
his widow in 1860. Both died and were buried at Leland.
ANTOINE MANSEAU, Jr., miller, town of Bingham, Leelanaw
County, is a native of Canada, born in 1834. In 1838 his parents
moved to Green Bay, Wis., and from there to Milwaukee, where he
remained about two years. At the age of fourteen he went to Portage Creek, Mich., where he assisted his father in the construction
of a mill for J. Stronach. Thence they came to Carp River, then
known by the Indian name of Chimagobing. Here in connection
with his father he constructed a dam and built a small saw-mill.
He remained at this point till 1860, when he moved to his present
location on a creek three and a half miles north of Sutton's Bay,
which he has named Kenosha Creek. Here he built the grist-mill
which he has since operated. Previous to the construction of this
mill his occupation has been carpenter and millwright work. He
was married in 1857 to Mary Jane Lake. His present wife was
Mary Thebault. They were married Jan. 11, 1874. He has four
children, two by the first and two by the present wife.
JOHN I. MILLER, treasurer of Leelanaw County, was born in
Three Rivers, Province of Quebec, Sept. 3, 1822, of English and
French parentage. He came to the United States in 1839, and to
the state of Michigan in September, 1813, and to Leland, his present home, in September, 1853; was married June 20, 1854, toCatharine, daughter of Antoine Manseau. They have raised a family
of three sons and four daughters. On the establishment of the
postoffice at Leland he was appointed postmaster and held the office
till June, 1861. In October, 1864, he was drafted into the service
for one year. (He then held the office of county treasurer.)  He
answered the call by going himself instead of hiring a substitute,
as he thought no one could fill his place as well as himself. He
was assigned to the Fifteenth Michigan Veteran Volunteers, and
served in that regiment till it was mustered out of service at Little
Rock, Ark., Aug. 18, 1865. Since returning home he has filled
every office in the county within the gift of the people, to their and


his entire satisfaction.
JOHN BBYANT, farmer, Leland, was born in May, 1805, in Seneca County, N. Y.; moved to Troy, Oakland County, Mich., in 1826
and took up land from the government and cleared up a farm; remained there several years, and returned to Seneca County, N. Y..


where he lived till 1840; he then went back to Oakland County,
Mich., and was a farmer there till 1854, when he came to Leland
and settled on a farm near the present site of the village. He afterward moved to a farm on Section 9, and now lives on the same section. He has deeds from the Government for more than 90Q acres of
land. He is one of the pioneers of Leelanaw County, and is hale and
hearty at the 'age of seventy-nine years. When he moved to Leland he came by steamboat from Detroit, and besides his household furniture, brought his horses and several head of cattle.
When the boat arrived off Leland, the captain, being afraid of shoal
water, anchored a half mile from shore, the horses and cattle
were pushed overboard and swam ashore, and the household effects
were landed in small boats. Married in 1826i to Anna Hodge.
They have three sons and four daughters.
JOHN A. Bryant, sheriff of Leelanaw County, was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1837; came to Oakland County, Mich., with
his parents in 1840, and in July, 1854, came to Leland. Lived at
home on the farm, and has followed farming all his life, till the fall
of 1882, when he was elected sheriff. Has been township treasurer and highway commissioner several years. Married in 1859 to
Lovina Rema, a native of New York. They have four children.
JOHN E. FISHER, farmer, Glen Arbor, was born in Salem,
Washington County, N. Y., in 1817; at the age of twelve years
commenced work in a cotton factory, and in 1832 went to learn the
trade of machinist, of Daniel Anthony, of Washington County, N.
Y., who was the father of the since famous Susan B. Anthony.
He worked at his trade in different towns in New York till 1840,
when he went to St. Louis, Mo., from there went to Florida, remaining till the spring of 1841; he then settled near Fond du Lac,
Wis., where he bought a saw and grist-mill; carried on the business of milling till the spring of 1854, when he came to Glen
Arbor and settled on Crystal Creek, the outlet of Glen Lake and
bought 1,000 acres of land from the government. He was tile
first permanent settler between Leland and Frankfort, and helped
to organize the township; was the first supervisor, and held the
office several years; has also been justice of the peace several terms;
was the first probate judge of Leelanaw County; was county clerk
one term. Married in 1843 to Harriet McCartey, a native of Lewis
County, N. Y. They have two sons, Charles A., who has a family,
and lives at Glen Arbor is engaged in fishing, and Francis, who
also has a family and manages his father's farm.
JOHN PORTER, farmer, Leland Township, was born in Pennsylvania in 1826; remained in that state as a teacher and farmer till
1854, when he came to Leelanaw, then Grand Traverse County, and
was employed by the Presbyterian board of missions as a teacher
among the Indians. He was engaged in teaching till the spring of
1861, when he bought his farm on Section 11 in Leland Township
of the government.  He owns 356 acres, has good buildings,
orchard, etc.; has been supervisor one term, justice of the peace
several years, also held the offices of township treasurer and highway commissioner; is at present (1881) county surveyor. Married
in 1852 to Annis McElvain, a native of Pennsylvania  They have
two sons and three daughters.     (
GREILICK BROTHERS, Anthony, John and Edward, natives of
Austria, came to America with their parents, landing in New York
City, July 4, 1848; lived in that city six years, then cam i to Traverse City. Their father built a saw-mill on Traverse Bay two
miles north of the city. The ruins of the old mill are still stand

ing. For two years the brothers were in the employ of Hannah,
Lay & Co.; in 1862 commenced building a mill and brewery near
their present location; carried on the brewing business about four
years and run the old mill till 1877, when they built the mill they
now occupy. They have since built one of the best docks on Trav

w


-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


W-,21 -

v             WT




A

a.                                                                                         -                                     I  - -
I I                                 I --- —-----— _                                                                               I i f ",


I


-I






THE TRAVERSE REGION.


229




__~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


erse Bay. In 1881 they bought one-half interest in the saw mill
at Sutton's Bay, and in 1883 bought out the interest of the partners in the mill; they are aleo stocking Darrow's mill on Carp
Lake. Their cut of hard wood lumber for the year 1883 was eight
and one-half million feet. On sale of their brewery they bought
and re-built the schooner, " Lake Forest," and in 1883 bought the
" Granger;" they also own the schooner " Minnehaha," and own
the tugs " Drisco " and " Charles C. Ryan."
PETER NELSON, keeper of Grand Traverse Light, Leelanaw
County, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, February 12, 1811.
He was bred a sailor, serving a seven years' apprenticeship as such,
and has spent a large part of his life on the ocean and lakes. Has
been nearly all over the world. Was in San Francisco when it was
but a trading post. He came to this country in 1835, landing in
New York City. Came west by canal and lake to Buffalo in 1842.
Sailed on the lakes until 1853, all but the first year as master.
Came to the Traverse Region in 1851, bringing Mr. Hannah to what
is now Traverse City. In 1853 he bought a water mill on East
Bay, four miles from Traverse City. Worked several years for Mr.
Hannah, measuring lumber, logs, etc. In 1855 he bought of the
government 160 acres of land in Section 10, Town 31, Range 11.
Has sold forty acres, retaining the rest. October 24 he was appointed keeper of the Grand Traverse Light, of which he has since
remained in charge. He was married in June, 1866, to Mrs. Alice
Bigelow, a native of England, who had two children. Three children have been born to them.
OTIS L. WHITE, farmer, Leelanaw Township, was born in Paeelia, Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1821. Remained at home till twenty-one years of age, then worked by the month till twenty-eight
years of age; then went to Chicago, remained a short time; thence
to Berrien County, Michigan, where he spent one summer; then
returned to his old home in Jefferson County, N. Y., on account of
sickness, and in the spring of 1850 came to Pere Marquette, now
Ludington, Mich.; was head sawyer in a steam saw-mill for two
years. He then went to Racine, Wis., and carried on a store for a
year and a half, then went to Adams County, Wis., and had charge
of a mill for one year, and August 19 he landed in Northport. Was
engaged in selling goods for fifteen years. Soon after arriving at
Northport bought his present farm of government, and, in connection with his store, was engaged in getting out cord wood. He now
owns 530 acres of land, has good buildings and a fine location on
Traverse Bay. Helped to organize the county and township. Was
the second supervisor elected in town; has been jiustice of the
peace three years, highway commissioner several years. Married
December 31, 1858, to Sarah Hazel. They have four children.
JOSEPH VOICE, mill foreman, Leland, Leelanaw County, was
born in England in 1827. In the spring of 1833 his parents went
to Canada, and about 1836, to Chicago, Ill. At that time there
was but one brick house in Chicago, and but one bridge across the
river. He lived in Cook County, Ill., on a farm, until the fall of
1855, when he removed to Northport and worked in the saw-mill of
his brother William. He has followed milling ever since. Returning to Cook County, Ill., he remained two years and then came
again to Northport. He was sheriff of the county in 1866 and
1867. From Northport he moved to Sutton's Bay in the spring
of 1874. He was married July 4, 1858, to Arvilla A. Smith, daughter of Rev. George N. Smith, a pioneer of Leelanaw County whose


biography appears in this work. Mrs. Voice was born in 1839, at
Gunn Plains, now Wayland, Mich., and came to Northport in 1849.
Their children are Arthur L., Ernest A., Annie J.,wife of A. Couturier, Austin Ulysses, Minnie A., Lulu M., Helen E., and Florence D.
FREDERIcx Coox, SR., of Leland, Leelanaw County, was born in


France in 1828. His father was a shoemaker, and he learned and
wo2ked at that trade, at farming and various other employments.
Came to America in 1844, to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he-engaged in
the boot and shoe business on Fulton Street, employing s everal
workmen. He also kept a large boarding-house. He remained there
eight years and then went west to Tonawanda, where le owned
and run a canal-boat, being also engaged in farming and gardening.
He also took contracts for building there and at Buffalo and vicinity, having learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. Having a
contract with Mr. Munger, of Buffalo, for the carpenter work of a
mill on the North Manitou, le came there in 1856 and remained
about one year, until the mill was completed. He then came to
Carp River, where he was employed at carpenter work. He bought
a tract of state land on Carp Lake and engaged in farming. He
enlisted August 12, 1862, in the Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry,
of the Army of the Potomac, serving as sergeant. In the spring of
1864 he had a stroke of palsy, in consequence of which he was discharged in November of the same year. Is now in receipt of a
pension. He was married in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1845, to Walburga Becker, by whom he had four children, two of whom have
died. She died in January, 1870. In 1872 he married Aurora
Landgreen, by whom he has had five children, of whom two have
died. Mr. Cook is now carrying on a meat-market in Leland.
GEORGE A. CRAKER, farmer, Leelanaw Township, Leelanaw
County, Mich., was born in Evans, Erie County, N. Y., in 1836.
Was brought up on a farm. In 1846 his parents moved to Spring
Prairie, Walworth County, Wis., where he remained until lie was
sixteen years old. He then came to New Mission, Leelanaw County,
and was for fourteen years engaged in teaching the Indians farming
and manual labor generally. In 1866 he bought a farm in Sections
23 and 26, Town 31 north, Range 11 west. Has now 268 acres in
these sections and Section 27, his residence being on 23. Has
been county overseer of the poor, and held various town offices. In
1860 le married Mary MeConnel, who died in January, 1880, leaving two sons. In 1882 he married Mrs. Margaret M. Say who had
one child.
MANITOWABA.
Manitowaba, a member of the Ottawa tribe of Indians, died at
New Mission, July 29, 1873. He was one of the most ncted of his
race in this part of the country, and was universally known as
Doctor, or "the Medicine Man. " He attracted attention wherever he
went by his fantastic garb and ornaments of silver. It is said that
he was present at the Indian massacre at Chicago in 1830, but was
always friendly disposed toward the whites, and advised his people to
live peaceably with them and conform to their customs. Latterly
he lived a hermit life, and it is not known that lie had a single surviving relative at the time of bis death.
GLIMPSE OF THE COUNTY IN 1862.
The development of Leelanaw County was very materially retarded by an extensive Indian reservation, lying in the midst of an
active white population. This reservation was made a few months
after the settlement of Northport. It extended from the village of
Northport south to Township 28, and embraced the entire county
as far west as Range 13 west, leaving only the small triangle north
of Northport as the sustaining back country for that village. The
term of reservation expired in 1866.
In 1858 and 1859 farmers began to come in slowly, and from


that time development has been steady. Business centers formed
as elsewhere mentioned.
Leelanaw County was mentioned in the winter of 1862 as follows: The county of Leelanaw embraces the entire peninsula
formed by Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay and extends
south seven miles below the mouth of Betsie River. It is bounded


I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             -!I    "


q.

O's


9      rpT




-4.
II




I




-M


230


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


on the east by Grand Traverse Bay, on the west and north by Lake
Michigan, and on the south by Manistee. It has eighty six miles
of lake and forty miles of bay coast. There are five organized
townships, viz: Leelanaw, Centerville, Glen Arbor, Crystal Lake
and Benzonia. Leelanaw contains 720 whites and 319 Indians;
Centerville 411 whites and 287 Indians; Glen Arbor 252 whites, no
Indians; Crystal Lake 127 whites, no Indians. Total 1,603 whites
554 Indians; grand total, 2,157. As Benzonia was only organized
last fall we have no means of knowing the number of inhabitants.
It includes the Benzonia or Bailey colony, where it is in contemplation to build a college. Many of the best lands in the
county are held by and reserved for the Indians, which has greatly
retarded its settlement.
The village of Northport is in the township of Leelanaw. It
is pleasantly situated on a safe and capacious harbor of the bay,
about ten miles from its mouth, and is the largest village on the
bay, containing four hundred inhabitants. The old Indian village
of Wau-ka-zoo-ville and Northport are now one and the same, the
Indians having sold out and abandoned it. It is an important
wooding point for the propellers trading between Chicago and the
lower lakes, and has two extensive wharves, five stores, three
hotels, several saloons, one saw-mill and a number of mechanic
shops.
The new   Indian  mission under the charge of Rev. Mr.
Dougherty is also in this township. It is delightfully situated on
a commanding eminence of the bay six miles south of Northport.
Centerville joins Leelanaw on the south and extends nearly
to the head of the bay, and westerly from the bay to Lake Michigan. It embraces Carp Lake-some eighteen miles long, and
from one to two miles wide-a beautiful sheet of water abounding in choice varieties of fish. The principal business point is
Leland, at the confluence of Carp River with Lake Michigan.
Messrs. Cordes & Theiss have an extensive wharf here for wooding
propellers, and they have also a saw and grist-mill. John I. Miller has a beautiful farm in the immediatevicinity of Leland. There
are some excellent farms on and in the immediate vicinity of the
bay, among which are those of James, Robert and Thoinas Lee,
Messrs. Bates, Sutton and Cumberworth. Faither up the bay Mr.
Norris has a tannery, a grist-mill, and an excellent waterpower.
Glen Arbor lies north and west of Traverse City and is an excellent township of land. The settlement is mostly on the western
side-of the town in the vicinity of Lake Michigan. There are two
villages, Glen Arbor and North Unity, the latter a German settlement. Glen Arbor is at the cone furml-d by Sleeping Bear Point
and is a wooding point for propellers.
Rev. George N. Smith in a letter dated at Northport Feb. 14,
1862, gave the results of his experience in fruit growing, and expressed his firm belief that this region was unsurpassed for that
purpose. He was situated on Section 8, Town 81 north, of Range
11 west, on the west shore of Grand Traverse Bay. He describes
his soil as follows: "My soil is alluvial; granite and lime rock are
abundant, but nothing in place —everything is drift, and in the
drift almost all the varieties of northern rock are represented. My
subsoil is clay; the surface soil sand and gravelly loam. I have
been here nearly thirteen years, and commenced cultivating fruit


the first season, adding something every year since. I have put out
in orchard form about 150 apples of extreme varieties, a great
number of peaches, pears, plums, cherries, etc. In general my
trees have prospered well, most of them extraordinarily well."
'OPENING OF THE STATE ROAD.
In the spring of 1862 the Northport and Newaygo state road
was opened between Northport and Traverse City. -Previous to this.I




I 


I


the only road between these two places was a tortuous Indian trail,
consequently the opening of this wagon road was an impoitant
event for the inhabitants along the route. The incidents of the
journey of Deacon Dame and wife, William Voice and wife and
Capt. P. Nelson, who were the first persons to travel over this road,
are graphically portrayed by a writer in the Grand Traverse I_.erald
of March 8, 1862. The only hotel on the road was a 4"public
house" about seventeen miles from Northport. We quote a description of this hotel and its accommodations:  "The house is
about ten feet square- built of small logs or poles. It is about
four feet high-had to enter on all fours, and in the other end of
the house there was a place to build a fire, with a hole left in the
roof, which was covered with basswood bark, for the smoke to go
out, and there were two beds on each side made of hemlock
branches." But according to the account the travelers had a good
dinner, and as there was no landlord to collect their bills they welnt
away leaving them unpaid, which probably gave the host no uneasiness, as generous hospitality is and always has been a prominent characteristic of the people of this county.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
CIVIL HISTORY-FIRST TOWNS ORGANIZED-EARLY SUPERVIS(ORS —
LEELANAW COUNTY ORGANIZED-COUNTY OFFICERS ---E14ARLY ACTS
OF SUPERVISORS —FIRST COURT —LAWYERS —THE lIIRST SIT 2T —
TOWNS ORGANIZED —BIOGRAPHICAL.
The organization of Grand Traverse County was complleted in
1853 and the territory now embraced in the counties of Leelanaw
and Benzie constituted one township called Leelanaw, of which
Samuel G. Boice was supervisor.
In 1853 Samuel G. Boice was the supervisor from Leelanaw.
Joseph Dame renresented the township in 1854, and in 18515 ie
was succeeded by Lansing Marble. In 185( George N. Smith Ileld
the office of supervisor.
A special meeting of the board of supervisors of (;rand Traverse
County was held March 6, 1856, and an act passed, eiititled  "A.n.
Act to organize several townships within the territory of tihe pr sent
township of Leelanaw," as follows: "That all that part of the
present township of Leelanaw which lies south of Township 28,
except Township 27 north, of Range 13 west, and including the
west one-third of Township 28 north, of Range 13 west, and territory west of the same, and Sections 29, 30, 31 and 32 of Township 29 north, of Range 13 west, and including fractional Township 29 north, of Range 14 west, be and the same is hereby set off
and organized into a new township by the name of G(len Arbor.
and the first township meeting therein shall be held on the First
Monday of April next, at the house of C. C. McCarthy,:lanl tlat
Henry A. Merrill, W. H. Walker and Erastus Nutt shall be inspectors of election.
"That Township'27 north, of Range 13 west, and the east tvw,thirds of Township 28 north, of Range 13 west, and Township",)
north, of Range 13 west, except Sections 29, 30, 81 and 32 of said
township, and fractional Township 30 north, of Range 13 and 14
west, and the west one-half of 28 and 29 north, of Range 12 west,
be set off and organized into a new township by the name of North
Unity. The first township meeting shall be held on the first Mon

day in April next, at the house of William Grilerk, and Leopurett
Givluctf, Charles Keil and William Grilerk be inspectors of election..
"That all that part of the township of Leelanaw, east of and including the east one-half of Townships 28 and 29 north, of Range
12 west, and Township 80 north, of Ranges 11 and 12 west be or

I
i
I


i


- 4


I


4j


\




i


l

~r~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ --- —- — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~cl --- —~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~......  -~


I


l




L, W
_i _6




- - l


I~                                                                                                                -- 
1%.                                                                                                                L ---  1




4


3










THE TRAVERSE REGION.


231


ganized into a new township by the name of Centerville, and the
first town meeting be held on the first Monday of April next at the
house of Antoine Mansetu, Jr., and Antoine Malrseau, E. W.
Caleff and L. D. Quackenbush be inspectors of election."
After this time the respective townships of Leelanaw, Glen
Arbor and North Unity, or Centerville, were iepresented as follows:


1857,
1858,
1859,
1860,
1861,
1862,


Leela na'.
Otis L. White,
Philo Beers,
Philo Beers,
Philo Beers,
Pllilo Beers,
Plhilo Bet rs,


( 'enterr ille.
John I. Miller,
John I. Miller,
J. W. Timblin,
Robert Lee,
Robert Lee,
Jolin Porter,


(rien 4 Aror
John E. Fisher.
John E. Fisher.
Henry Decker.
E. S. Bryant.
John E. Fisher.
John E. Fisler.


LEELANAW COUNTY ORGANIZED.
In the winter of 1862-'63 an act organizing the county of
Leelanaw passed the legislature.  The full text of said act we give
below:
AN ACT
To (ortani.c thei (Cn'.m ti  otf leellaiir' ami el/ finc tih ' (.oniti  f  I cl ie:
SECTION 1. The People of the State of Michigan enact, That
all that part of the county of Leelanaw which lies north of the
south line ot Township 28 north shall be organized, and the
inhabitants thereof shall be entitled to all the lights, privileges
and powers to which, by law, the inhabitants of other organized
counties in this state are entitled.
SECTION 2. At the township meeting to be held in the several
townships in said county on the first Monday in April next, there
shall be an election of all the county officers to which, by law, the
said county may be entitled, whose term of office shall expire on
the first day of January, A. D. eighteen hundred and sixty-five,
and lwhen their successors shall have been elected and qualified.
SECTION 3. The board of county canvissels under the provisions of this act, shall lmeet on the second Tuesday succeeding
the day of election, as herein appointed, in the village of Northport,
in said county, at the house of Joseph Dame or at such other place
as may be agreed upon and provided by such board, alnd organize
by appointing one of their number chairman and another secretary,
and shall thereupon proceed to discharge all the duties of a board of
county canvassers as in other cases of the election of county officers as prescribed by tle general law.
SECTION 4. The location of the county seat of said county
shall be dete mlined by the vote of the electors of said county at a
special election which is hereby appointed to be held by the several
townships of said county on the first Monday in June next. There
shall be written oil tle ball. ts then polled by the qualified electors
of said county, one of the following names of places, to-wit: Glen
Arbor, Leelanaw or Northport, and that one which shall receive
the greatest number of votes shall be the county seat of the county
of Leelanaw.
SECTION 5. It shall be the dutv of the several boards of
township inspectors in each of the townships of the said county to
conduct the elections authorized by the provisions of this act and
to make returns tht eof in accordance with the general provisions of
law for conducting elections in this state, so far as the same may
be applicable thereto.
SECTION 6. The board of countv canvassers for the special
election for locating the county seat shall consist of the persons
appointed on the day of such special election by the several boards
of township inspectors, and said board of county canvassers shall
meet on the second Tuesday succeeding the day of said special
election at the house of Otto Thies, in the village of Leland, and
having appointed one of their number chairman, and the county
clerk of said county acting as secretary, shall proceed to cauvass


the votes and determine the location of the county seat in accordance therewith, and it shall be the duties of the clerk of said board
to file a copy of the determination of said board as to the location
of the county seat, signed and certified by him, and countersigned
by the chairman, with the secretary of state and with the township
clerks of the several townships in said county.
SECTION 7. All that part of the county of Leelanaw which
lies south of the south line of Township 28 north, shall
be and remain the county of Benzie, and the several townships
thereof shall be attached for civil and municipal purposes to the
county of Grand Traverse.
SECTION 8. The secretary of state is hereby directed to furnish the iownship clerk of the township of Leelanaw with a certified copy of this act, and it shall be the duty of said clerk to give
the same notice of the elections to be held under the provisions
of this act that is required by law to be given by the sheriff of
unorganized counties.
SECTION 9. That the said county of Ledlanaw when so organized shall be attached to the tenth judicial circuit, and the judge
of said circuit shall hold courts in said county as by law in such
cases made and provided.
SECTION 10. All acts and parts of acts contravening the provisions of this act are hereby repealed so far as any provisions
therein may conflict with this act.
SECTION 11. This act shall take immediate effect.
CHARLES S. MAY, President of the Senate.
SULLIVAN M. CUTCHEON, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Approved Feb. 27, 1863.                    AUSTIN BLAIR.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
In March, 1863, mass conventions were convened at the schoolhouse in the village of Leland, charged with the duty of nominating county officers. On the first Monday of April of the same
year, the following gentlemen were elected the first county officers
of Leelanaw County: Judge of probate, John E. Fisher; sheriff,
Edward Friend; treasurer, John I. Miller; clerk and register, Gerhard Verfurth; prosecuting attorney and circuit court commissioner, E. Cromwell Tuttle; surveyor, Joseph C. Glen; coroners,
George N. Smith, George Ray.
Thus was the organization perfected, and the business of the
county placed in running order. These gentlemen served until
Jan. 1, 1865.   In November preceding, their successors were
elected as follows:  Judge of probate, L. D. Quackenbush; sheriff,
John Bryant; treasurer, William Gill; clerk and register, John E.
Fisher; prosecuting attorney and circuit court commissioner, E.
Cromwell Tutt:e; surveyor, Kassan Freeman; coroners, William E.
Powers, Harvey C. Sutton.
During the year 1864 a census was taken and thle county
found to contain some 2,400 inhabitants.
The county officers elected at the several elections since 1864
are as follows:
1866.-Sheriff, Samuel Wilson; clerk, John I. Miller; deputy
clerk, Archibald Buttars; register, John I. Miller; treasurer, William Gill; prosecuting attorney, Seth C. Moffatt; judge of probate,
L. D. Quackenbush.
1868.-Sheriff, Samuel Wilson; clerk, Archibald Buttars;
deputy clerk, Alfred John; register, John I. Miller; treasurer;


William Gill; prosecuting attorney, Seth C. Moffatt; probate judge,
John Dean.
1870.-Sheriff, Valentine Lee; clerk, John E. Fisher; deputy
clerk, Stephen J. Hutchinson; register, Jonathan   Dewing;
deputy register, Seth C. Moffatt; treasurer, William Gill; prosecuting attorney, William  H. Bryant; judge of probate, John
Dean.


- VI


-- 


3


'


L


I


I, Ii


I


K_

-W


i —




Lb


d, I - - - - - - ----


1l


I
I
I
I
I
i
i


I 


232


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


--- --- - - I


I


1872. Sheriff, Eusebius F. Dame; clerk, Alfred John; deputy clerk, Geo. N. Smith; register, Simeon Pickard; deputy register, John 0. Moffatt; treasurer, William  Gill; prosecuting attorney, Seth C. Moffatt.
1874.-Sheriff, Eusebius F. Dame; clerk, Alfred John; deputy
clerk, Geo. N. Smith; register, Simeon Pickard; deputy register,
Geo. A. Cutler; treasurer, William  Gill; prosecuting attorney
Geo. A. Cutler.
1876.-Sheriff, Geo. T. Carr; clerk, Geo. RAy; deputy clerk,
Stephen J. Hutchinson; register, Alfred John; treasurer, William
Gill; prosecuting attorney, Benjamin H. Derby.
1878.-Sheriff, John Scott; clerk, Geo. Steimel, Jr.; deputy
clerk, Samuel G. Wood; register, Alfred John; deputy register, C.
W. Williams; treasurer, Charles W. Williams; prosecuting attorney,
Abijah B. Dunlap.
1880.- Sheriff, Moses C. Cote; clerk, Charles A. Rosmant;
register, Alfred John; treasurer, Robert Lee; prosecuting attorney,
(Go. A. Cutler; circuit court commissioner, Geo. A. Cutler; juldge
of probate, Clharles W. Williamis.
1882. —Sheriff, John A. Bryaint; clerk, Alfred John; register,
Joln A. Lee; treasurer, JolII I. Miller; prosecuting attorney, Geo.
A. Cutler; circuit court commissioner, John E. Fisher.
EARLY ACTS OF SUPERVISORS.
The first meeting of thle boarl of supervisors of the newlyfledged county was held in    May, 1863, at which meeting
Samuel G. Wood, of Northpoit, had the honor of being elected
chairmanl. The record of tills first lmeeting we give in full below:
County of Leelanawv and state of Michigan. Tlie supervisors
of the county of Leelanaw in tle state of Michigan, held their first
meeting at the house of Otto Thies, in tlie village of Leland, in
said county, on the 9th day of May, A.D. 1863.  Present, Samuel (I. Wood, supervisor of the township of Leelanaw, and Otto
Thies, supervisor of the township of Centerville.  The imeeting
proceeded to organize by appointing Sanmuel G. Wood, chairman of the said board, when the following business was transacted:
The bond of tile county treasurer, John 1. Miller, was approved by tle said board and the amount of said bond fixed at the
sum of $6,000.
James MI. Burbeck, John I. Miller, and (Geo. Ray, were appointed superintendents of the poor.
It was resolved to hold a meeting of the boards of supervisors of the several counties of Leelanaw, GrCan  Traverse, and
Antrim  for the purpose of having a settlement between said
counties.
The county clerk of the county of Le(latnaw was appointed to
lprocnre a county seal for the county of Leelanaw.
The sum of $5,000 fixed to be raised by tax in the year 1863,
on the taxaile property of said county for a Volunteers' Family
Relief Fund.
Tle meeting then adjourned sine ltie.
At the second or annual meeting of the board, held in October,
18;3, the township of Bingham was organized from the following
territory:
Commencing at the northwest corner of Town 30 north, Range
11 west, and following the range line between Ranges 11 and 12


west, south four miles or sections, then west on the section line between Sections 24 and 25, to the Narrows of Carp Lake, thence
following the east shore of said Narrows and Traverse Lake in a
southerly direction, and so on around the shore of the south end of
said Traverse Lake until it intersects the line between Sections 9
and 10 of Town 28 north, Range 12 west, and thence following


I
I
I




- - ----— " —~I —




said line south to the south line of said Town 28, thence following
said town line east to Grand Traverse Bay, thence following G(rand
Traverse Bay northerly to the north line of Town 30 north, Ralnge
11 west, and thence following said town line to the place of beginning.
The salaries of the county officers were fixed at the following
amounti per annum: Treasurer, $50; clerk, $75; judge of lprobate, $100.
It was provided that the county seat of Leelanaw siould be
determined by a plurality vote of the electors, the law requliing a,
cloice to be made between Glen Arbor, Leland, and Northll rtt.
The election resulted in favor of Northport, where the counlty seat
reniained till 1882, when it was removed to Leland.
FIRST COURT.
The first term of circuit court for the county of Leelanaw wa;s
held at the village of Northport, May 5, 1861, Judge F. J. LittleJohn presiding.
It was held in a school-house on the hill in N orthlport.  No
cases were tried, tile only business appearing by the records as leing transacted, was the appointing of necessary county office's
and the entering of an order designating the comlllon jail of
Grand Travorse County to be used as the cormmon jail of Leelal.law
Counlty.
The second term was held on the 15th of September, 1864, at
Northport, Judge Littlejohn on the bench, during wlich term three
civil cases were tried.
The first criminal case appearin g on tile court journal is
that of the People rs. Peter Drew, for adultery. The case is
entered oil the docket under date of Sept. 14, 186;5. It was
continued until June 19, 1866, when a,w!1, /,W1s'/!./ \ws e11 -tered.
Tle first criminal sentenced fromn this county wl.s an Indlianll
named Louis Ash-que-gah-bowe, who was convictedi of lbrglary
at the June term of court in 18(66, and who wals selltenced by
Jud(e Ramnsdell to one year hard labor in the state prisonl at Jackson.
The first grand jurors summoned to serve at a ternl of circuit court for this county, were sumlmoned for tlie August term,l
1867.
Hon. F. J. Littlejohn was the first circuit judge of tlle circuit
of which Leelanaw is a part. Tle records show tlhat lie leld four
terms of court in this county -tle first commenced May 5, 186-4,
and the last Sept. 15, 1865.
Judge Littlejohn was succeeded by Hon. J. G. Ra.mnsdell, who
leld his first term of court for this county, June 19, 1866. Judge
Ramsdell held this office of circuit judge until Dec. 31. 1H75,
holding his last ternl of court in Leelanaw County in May of tlOat
year.
lion. R. Hatch succeeded Judge Ramsdell, holding hlis firlst
term of court in May, 1876.
Judge Hatch held the office one term nand was succeeded by
Judge Ramsdell who is still upon the bench. The first; lawyer In
the county was C. G. Holden, who located at Northport. Judge J.
G. R;amsdell, E. C. Tuttle and Sehl C. Moffat were early attorneys.
The only lawyer in tlhe county at the present time is George A.
Cutler, of Leland.
GEORGE A. CUTLER, attorney at law, prosecuting attorney of


Leelanaw  County, was born in Girard, Erie County, Penn.,
in 1846. Following the profession of his fatherlle studied law, receiving his education in Erie County and at Kingsville, Ohio; was
admitted to the bar at Erie, Penn.; came thence to Northport in December, 1873, making his home there until the county
seat was removed to Leland in 1883, when he took up his lesi-. r.


-A


3


I




-A                                                                _ -  -— ) I L.-                 -          -
_ - 06                                  I- ----                                                                   M


I V

-- Nl.




.4a  


-A 


I


I


233


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


233


I




I


I


dence in Leland. He has been circuit court commissioner ever
since bis first coming to the county and prosecuting attorney most
of the time. He was mam  ed Dec. 27, 1875, to Nellie Stimson, of
Hinsdale, Ill., and has four children.
The first suit of which there is any record of leing tried in the
county was before Justice S. G. Wood.t Northport in December,
1856.  It is recorded as Wadenem.all r.s. Mr. Tuece.  The plaintiff
brought suit for damages for the loss of a dog billed by defendant.
George N. Smith was attorney for plaintiff and the amount of damages claimed was $100. The verdict awarded   the plaintiff $25
and costs, which established a high market pla(ce for dogs considering the primitive state of the country.
TOWNS ORGANIZED.
Townshlips other than these already mentioned lhlve  been
organized as follows:
Elmwood  was organized by the board of supervisors in December, 1863, and embraced teiritory described as follows: Bounded
on tile north by Townships 29 north, of Ranges 11 and 12 west; on
the west by Townsllip 28 north, of Range 13 west; south by Townships 27 north, of Ranges 11 and 12 west;.land on the east by
Grand Traverse Bay. The first town meeting w;,s also hleld at thle
hlouse of Charles Norris, and A. B. Dunlap, Ansel Gardner, and
Charles Norris were inspectors of election.
Kas.son was organized by the board of supervisors in January,
1865, and embraced the territory of Township 28 north, of Range
13 west. The first town meeting was appointed at the house of
Thompson Shobe, and Charles L. Williams, Jolnathan Dewing and
A. M. Heman were inspectors of election.
EmpI])ire was organized by the board of supervisors in October,
1865, and eimbrwed thle territory described as follows: Commencing at the northeast corner of Township 28 north, of Range 14
west, onl the township line between Towns 28 north, of Ranges 13 and
14 west, thence south on said line to the southeast corner of said
Town 28, tlhence west onl the township line to the southwest corner
of said Town 28, Range 14, thence west on the township line of
the south side of Township 28, Range 15, to the shore of Lake
Michigan, thence north onl the said shore to the nlorth line of said
town, thence east on thle township line between Towns 28 and 29
of Ranges 14 and 15 to thle shore of GWen Lake, thence east through
thle waters or channel of said lake to the place of beginning. Tlhe
first tovn mleeting was held at the house of Richard Tobin, and
Robert Green, Jolhn Larue and J. R. Perry were inspectors of election.
In ]871 thle naml e of Glen Arbor was changed to Cleveland,
iand Sleeling B13ear to Glen Arbor.
Solon was organized by the board of supervisors in October,
1871, and embraced TowLsship 28 north, of Range 12 west, except
Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36 west. Tlhe first town meeting
was lheld at the house of Don. C. D. Brooks on the first Monday
in April, 1872. Insp, ctors of election were: Don. C. D. Brooks,
Cllas. A. Hannlafolrd nlld Moses C. Cate.
The town of Leland was organized by the board of supervisors
at thle October meeting in 1875. The territory was detached fromn
Centeiville and embraced thle following described territory: Fractional Townships 30 and 31 north, of Range 12 west, except that
part of Sections 25 and 36 of Town 30 north, of Range 12 west,
lying on thle eabt side of Carp Lake. The first town meeting was
appointed at the store of S. Pickard in the village of Leland.


Tlhe population of Leelanaw County at different periods has
been as follows: 1860, 2,158; 1864, 2,389; 1870, 4,557; 1874,
5,081; 1880, 6,258.
In 1880 the population was divided among the towns as follows: Bingham, 1,888; Centerville, 658; Cleveland, 895; Elm



I


I


wood, 438; Empire, 419; Glen Arbor, 329; Kasson, 489; Leelanaw, 1,015; Leland, 874; Solon, 803.
POSTOFFICES.
The following postoffices are in Leelanaw County:   Bingham,
Bnrdickville, Elm Rock, Empire, Glen Arbor, Glen Haven, Kasson,
Leland, Maple City, Northport, North Unity, Omena, Oviatt, Provement, Solon, Sutton's Bay.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
JOHN SCOTT, farmer, Leelanaw Township, Leelanaw County, witas
born near Kingston, Canada, in 1836; w1ls bred a farnier.  During
1his boyhood he went to New York State fald worked out three
years for himself at farm work. Went. thence to Racine, Wis.,
where lhe remained a vear or two. In 1858 lhe came to Leelautaw
County, and bought a farm in Section 18, Town 32, Range 10. lie
has 530 acres in Sections 7, 17 and 18, his residence being on
Section 18.  He was married in 1865 to Elizlabeth Budd, a native
of Canada, and has three children. Mr. Scott entered the military
service of the United States in October, 1864, in thle Fifteenth
Michigan Infantry, serving under Sherman in thle march to thle
sea. Was mustered out in September, 1865. He was sheriff of
Leelanaw County in 1880 and 1881.
CHAUNCEY WOOLSEY, deceased, was born in Oneida CoutiSy, N.
Y., in April, 1816. He was by occupation a sailor on the lakes,
serving as mate and in command of various sailing vessels and
steamers. He was married in 1845 to Caroline C. Johnson, of Erie
Counllty, N. Y. They had six children, viz.:  Adalille Louisat, deceased; Wallace, deceased; Byron; Hattie L., deceased;  Carrie,
wife of Charles Cox, of Harbor Springs; and William W., remaining on the old homestead with his mother. In November, 1858,
he came from   Buffalo, Erie County N. Y., to Leelanaw Counlty,
Mich., and pre empted 150 acres of land in Section 24, Town 32,
Range 11 west. Jan. 14, 1864, hle enlisted in the Twelfth Miclhigan Infantry, serving in the Army of the Potomac. He was killed
in a skirmish just after the ba.ttes of the Wilderness in May, 1864.
Mrs. Woolsey lives on the homestead with her son, Byron, who was
born in Erie County, New Yoik, in 1850. He came witlh his parenlts to Leelanaw County in 1858. Was married in 1880 to Sarah
L. Hall, daughter of Ans-on W. Hall, of Leelanaw Township, and
has three ehildren.
ANDREW SCOTT, farmer, Leelanlaw Township, Leelanaw County,
was born in Tyronle County, Ireland, in 1829. Came with his parents
to Canada about 1833 or 1834. Was brought up onl a farrm at the
Bay of Quitte, lower end of Lake Ontario.  In 1851 hle went to
New York State and there engaged in farming. Movt.d fromll  there
to Walworth County, Wis., in tlhe spring of 1856.  Lived'at different points in Wisconsin until the fall of 1857.  In tlhe spring of
1858 he settled on his present farm, which he boughlt two years
after when it came into market. Has 240 acres in Sections 7
and 8, Town 32, Ratnge 10 west, his residence being on Section
7, southeast quarter (,f southeast quarter. He was married in
November, 1858, to Amanda Avery, a native of Canada,. alnd
has five children. Nov. 27, 1861, he went into the military service of the United States in the Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, serving under Sherman. He joined the regiment at Beaufort, S. C.,


and went thence to Washington, taking part in the Grand Review.
Was mustered out in September, 1865, at Little Rock, and discharged at Detroit. The regiment was of the Third Brigade, Second
Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, the corps being commanded by
General Logan, the division by General Hazen and the brigade by
Colonel John M. Oliver.
GEO. W. BROWN, farmer, of the town of Leelanaw, Leelanaw


wc)od, 438; Emplre, 419; Glen Arbor, 329; lvasson, 489; Leela

- %.d
f


-. 


a
r'




I


6-~


I           -------     ' --- —--------------------------------—: --- —-----------— I --- —--------------
I _~ 


1 19




1.


4




I

234


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


County, Mich., was born in Salina, Onondaga County, N. Y., in
1818. At the age of nine he began driving on the Erie Canal,
continuing in this employment for two years. At the age of fifteen he started in life for himself' in New York City, where he was
employed in the bleaching and dyeing works of James Bolton, for
whom he worked twenty-one years. Thence he went to Racine,
Wisconsin, and in 1859 came to the Traverse Region to Torch
Lake where he remained two years engaged in clearing land. He
then worked at the Bight on Traverse Bay. About 1868 he bought
his present farm in Section 22, Township 31, Range 11 west. He
has a wife and five children —two girls and three boys. Mrs.
Brown was Miss Ann Orrell, a native of England.
SIDNEY A. KEYES, merchant and farmer, of Leelanaw Township, Leelanaw County, was born in Branch County, Michigan, in
1839; was brought up a farmer. In 1847 his parents moved to
Iowa where lie remained twenty one years. In 1868 he came with
his father, William Keyes, to Mission Farm, which they operated
one year. He then went to Northport, where he was employed as
clerk by William Gill. Was then in the employ of H. O. Rose.
He then came to his present location in Section 35, Town 31,
Range 11 west. Has here eighty acres and other tracts in the
vicinity, amounting to about 400 acres. In 1876 he commenced
dealing in general merchandise. Deals also in wood, ties, cedar
posts, etc. His father died Sep. 5, 1880. His mother resides with
him. Mr. Keyes is postmaster of the Omena office.
JOHN KEHL, farmer, Leelaaaw Towaship, was born in Alsace,
France, in 1825, and came to Buffalo, N.- Y., with his parents in
1828, when the population -of the city numbered only 1,100. At
the age of twenty years commenced to learn the trade of ship
carpenter. Worked at that business two years and then went on a
whaling voyage of three years. Returned to Buffalo and worked
at his trade till 1858, he then came to Leelanaw Township and settled on 100 acres of land on Section 23. Enlisted in Januarv,
1864, in the Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry and served in the
Army of the Potomac till the close of the war. Was treasurer of
the township three years. Has been justice of the peace for the
past two years. Married in 1849 to Elizabeth Bosche, a native of
Bavaria. They have five sons and two daughters.
EDMUND P. TAYLOR, farmer, Leelanaw Township, was born in
Philadelphia, Penn., in 1828. Remained at home till 1848 when
le went to Ohio and was engaged in farming till 1854. He then
went to Buffalo, N. Y., and was circulating the Buffalo ],'lre.s
newspaper till 1856. Then settled on a farm seven miles from
Buffalo. Remained there till the fall of 1858, when he came to
Northport and lived there till 1861, when he enlisted in the Tenth
Illinois Cavalry and served in the Army of the Southwest till the
close of the war. When discharged from the service he located a
homestead of 160 acres on Section 15, where he now lives. Marlied in 1853 to Elizabeth Wilcox, who was born in Connecticut,
Jan. 10, 1825. Tley have four living children.
WILLIAM THOMAS, farmer, Leelanaw Township, was born in
Wales in 1818. Came to America in 1848, landing in New York.
Settled in Pennsylvania and worked at the carpenters' trade till
1856, he then came to Northport, lived there one year, then settled
on Section 21, remained there till 1869, then moved to his present
home on Section 22, where he owns 200 acres of land. Has good
house and barn, orchard, etc. Married in 1845 to Jane E. Davis,
a native of Kent County, England, only four miles from the city of


London. They have six sons and two daughters. T-heir oldest
son served three years in the late war in the First Michigan Sharpshooters, was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness and discharged at the close of the war.
CaRULEs OBERST, farmer, Leelanaw Township, was born in






T


1829 in Baden, Germany, came to Buffalo, N. Y., in 1851. Worked
as house and ship carpenter till 1855, when he came to North
Manitou Island, in Lake Michigan, and chopped cord wood to
supply the propellers running on the lakes, and in 1858 moved to
Northport and chopped cord wood two years, and in 1860 bought
the farm he now lives on. Owns eighty acres. Married in 1851
to Sophia A. Beck, a native of Germany. They have three sons
and four daughters.
JOSHUA S. MTDDLETON, farmer, Leelanaw Township, was born
in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1824. Remained at home till the age of
twenty years; he then removed to Trumbull County, 0. Was engaged in farming in that county till 1845, when he, in company
with four others, went to Mackinaw, and there hired a fisherman
with his boat to bring them to Old Mission, Grand Traverse County.
From there they came to Northport and worked at budlding a dock.
Finally moved his family in 1855 and settled on Section 24, and
now owns 160 acres of good ]and.   Enlisted in 1864 in the
Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry and served in the Army of the
Potomac till the close of the war. Was wounded in the battle of
the Wilderness. Has been justice of the peace four years, highway commissioner three years and township treasurer two years.
Married in 1847 to Harriet A. Beman. They have six sons and
two daughters.
JOSHUA B. MIDDLETON, farmer, Leelanaw Township, was born
in Ohio in 1849; came to Northport with his parents iu 1855. He
owns 120 acres of land on Sections 13 and 24. Married in November, 1871, to Elvira A. Ayers.
EDMUND J. STEBBINS, farmer, Leelanaw Townlhip, was born
in Lebanon Chenango, Co., N. Y., in 1819. Brought up as a farmer.
When twenty-one years of age went to Cattilraugus County, N. Y.,
and remained there as a farmer till Dec. 13, 1861, when he enlisted
in the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment New York Infantry. Was
soon after taken sick, and discharged Aug. 20, 1862, for disability.
Returning home lie worked in Wales, Erie County, N. Y., for some
time and finally moved to Mt. Morris, Genesee County, Mich.,
and worked a rented farm. Moved thence to Tuscola County,
Michigan, and was in company with Enos Goodrich for three years
in the lumber business, and Oct. 7, 1866, landed at Northport and
settled on Section 15, Leelanaw Township, where he now owns a
fine farm of 120 acres, with new house and barn. Married in
1848 to Amelia A. Locke, of Cattarangus County, N. Y. They
have two sons, Chester J. and Wallace E.
FRED BAUMBERGER, farmer, Leelanaw Township, was born in
Switzerland in 1844. Came to America with his parents in 1852,
and located in Buffalo, N. Y. They remained there five years, then.moved to Monroe County, N. Y. Livel within eleven miles of the
city of Rochester. Was engaged as a farmer, and worked part of
the time as a painter. He moved to Kalamazoo County, Mich., il
1866 and learned the trade of shoemaker, and in 1868 came to
Northport and worked in a saw-m:il one year, then moved to Bingham Township, bought a farm, remained on that farm six years,
and in 1875 moved to the farm he now lives on, which is on Section 27. Has a fine farm of two hundred acres with very fine
house and barns. Raises cattle, sheep and horses quite extensively. Was treasurer of Bingham Township four years. Married
in 1870 to Mary E. Inwood, the daughter of Augustus H. Inwood,
who came from St. Joseph County, Ind., in 1864 and settled
on the farm now owned by Mr.,Baumberger. They have four


children.
EDGAR E. CHASE, farmer, town of Leelanaw, Leelanaw County,
was born in Lake County. Ohio, in 1882. He learned the trade of
engineer in Buffalo, N. Y. Many years of his life have been spent
on the lakes in sailing vessels and steamboats. Owned and lost




I


V


I


0- 


p'


Is
__ ^~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -                          -


I     imp!




I




I I


V


RES. OF FRED. BAUMBERGER LEELANAW TR AND COUNTY, M I CN
~~-.  -~~-  -- -~~  ~-~~-'~  I — J
4- 4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4


I
i


FARM RES. OF WL" FOWLE LEELANAW CO. MIGI.








I.;.V.
i


II

I




-C


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


235


the steamer Mermaid. In 1854 lhe went to Minnesota, took up a
claim oil government land and engaged in farming, living for several years kurrounded by the Sioux Indians. This farm he still retainsi. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the Third Minnesota
Infantry, serving in the Trans-Mississippi Department. Took part
in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Stone River, Little Rock
alnd many other battles. Was of the provost guard of Gov. Johnso1), provisional governor of Tennessee. He was captured with his
whole regiment at Murfreesboro by Gen. Forrest, taken about
eighty miles south and paroled. The regiment then returned to
Nashville and thence to St. Louis to await exchange, and meanwhile, was sent in 1862, to Minnesota and Dakota to fight the Sioux,
bc(ing in the first fight of that campaign. Mr. Chase was slightly
woullnded by a sabre cut on the head at the battle of Murfreesboro.
At one time lie served two weeks as a spy, being two hundred
miles within the Confederate lines; was captured and cond1 Iuned to be shot but was saved by the intercession of a Confedcrate officer who had forlmerly been a steamboat captain. He was
Iumustered out in September, 1865, and returned to his home in
Minnesota. During his military service lie was repeatedly offered
a commission but declined it.  In 1873 lie came to Leelanaw
County on account of his lcailth, he being at that time almost
blind. He llas a farm of seventy and one-half acres in Section 3,
Town 31, Range 11. He has been sheriff of the county one term.
\\Vs married ill 1855 to Abigail Tucker, a native of Ohio, and has
foul children.
S. C. DARROW, mill owner and inerchant, at Bingham postoffice, was born in New Hampshire in 1849. Came to Genesee
Coulty, N. Y., with his parents in 1851. Lived in that county
til 1863, when lie came to Sutton's Bay and remained two years
tlhe.e. Settled on a farm il Binlgham Township. He bought the
mill lie now owns in 1881. It is siluated near the head of Carp
Lake. Is run by steam power and has a capacity of 12,000 or
15,000 feet of hard wood lumber per day. Tle lumber is hauled
across the country tlree miles to his docks on Traverse Bay and
thence shipped direct to Chicago, Milwaukee and other markets.
This season's cut will amount to two million feet of hard wood lumbler for Greilick Brothers, of Traverse City, besides one-half million
fcet for farmers. Mr. Darrow is partner in the store at Bingham and is postmaster. Married in 1872 to Eunice J. Gilland,
a native of Michigan. They have three children living.
11. F. MCFALL, ill relanlt, Bingham postoffi:e, was born in
Eric County, Ohio, in 1853. Came to Billlgham   Township in
August, 1869, and settled on a farm on Section 29 and was engaged
in farming till 1883, when le bought anl interest in tlje store at
Binglam  postoffice owned by S. C. Darrow. They keep a general
stock of dry goods, groceries, etc. Married in 1872 to Minerva
Barnhart, a native of Canada, who died in 1878. They had one
daughter. Second marriage in September, 1882, to Kate O'Connell.
They lhave one clild.
WILLIAM HAWKINS, farmer, Bingliam   Township, Leelanaw
County, was born in London, Canada, in 1840. Came to Port
Huron, Mich., in 1861 and was engaged in farming near that city
till 1867, when lie came to Bingham Township. Now lives on the
shore of Traverse Bay on Section 22. Married in 1870 to Jane E.
Cumberworth, a native of Macomb County, Mich. They have two
children.
JOHN A. LEE, farmer, Bingham Township, Leelanaw County,


was born in Wayne County, Mich., in 1840. Came to Bingham  Township with his parents in 1858. They settled on
on Section 15, where Mr. Lee now lives. Has been engaged in
farming and getting out cord wood to be shipped to Chicago and
Milwaukee. Has been township treasurer one term. Is at the






I


presenlt time county register of deeds. Married in 1863 to Mary
Weigaud, a native of Wayne County, Mich. They haye two sons
and two daughlters.
HENRY   SMIDT, farmer,  Bingham   Township,    Leelanaw
County, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1844.     Came to
America with his parents in 1846, who first lived in Milwaukee,
Wis., where he renained till 1868, when lie came to Bingham
Township and settled on Section 34, where he now owlns three
hundred acres of land. Has been supervisor and held other township offices. Has been engaged in lumlbering and getting out cord
wood for tile Chicago and Milwaukee markets in connection with
his farming. Married in 1868 to Louise Platt, a jnative of Germany.
They have six sons and one daughter living.
WILLIAM CORE, farmer, Bingli;a1n Township, Leelanaw County,
was born in Liverpool, Englanid, ill 1842. Came to Canada witl
lis parents in 1846. He came to Detroit, Mich., ill 1861, and to
Bingbami Township in 1862, and settled on Section 19, where lie
now lives. Owns 413 acres of as good land as there is in the
county. Enlisted in 1861 in tlhe First Michigan Light Artillery,
and served in tile Seventeenth Aimy Corps till the close of the
war. Marllied in 1867 to Margaret McFarland, a native of Michigan. They have six children.
WILLIAM  MEBERT, farmer, Bingham    Township, Leelanaw
County, was borin in Germany in 1830. Came to America in
1854 and lived in Clhicago about four years, then settled on a farm
in Cleveland Township, Leelanaw County. Renmalined there till
1864, when le settled on Section 17 in Blingham Township, where
he now lives. Has been county surveyor two years, supervisor of
the township one year, highway commissioner and justice of the
peace several years. Married in 1864 to Lavina H. Lindley, a
native of Indiana. They have two sons living.
GEORGE S. MIDDLETON, carpenter, of Leelanaw County, was
born in tile town of Leelanaw in 1860. He is a son of Joshua S.
Middleton. Was educated in the school at Nortlhport and learned
thle trade of catrpenter at Northport and Traverse City. Is at present
employed on the summer resort hotel which is in course of construction on New Mission farm.
JAMIES MURRAY, farmer, Binighlaml Township, Leelaniaw County,
was born in Canada in 1849 ail, was bred a farmer. Came to
Michigan in 1871 to Ionia Comlty, and to Leelanaw County in
1872. lie boulght a farm in Section 4, Township 29, Range 11.
town of Biugham. HaIs 103 acres, about forty-eight of which are
cleared.  Is supervisor of the town, having held that office the
three termns of '79, '80 and '83. Has been justice of the peace and
held various other offices. He was married August 12, 1873, to
Catlierine Hickey, a native of Canada, and hias four children.
FRA\K PAYMENT, farmer, Empire Township, was born in Canada'in 1842. Moved with his parents to St. Lawrence County, N
Y., in 1851. Remained at home engaged in farming till 1863,
when he enlisted in the Sevenity-sixtll New York Infantry and served
in the Army of the Potomac with his regiment till 1864, when the
three years' men were mustered out of service. He was then transferred to the One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York Infantry,
and before the war closed was again transferred to the Ninety-first
New York Infantry. Mustered out of service in 1865. He had
taken up 160 acres of land on Section 23 in Empire Township in
1862. After tile war closed in 1865 he settled on his farm and has


since been clearing it up, putting up buildings, etc.  Married
in 1873 to Louisa Bow, a native of Ogdelahbnrg, N. Y. They have
two children.
CHARLES E. FERRIS, teacher, Solon Township, Leelanaw County,
was born in Henry County, Ohio, in 1865. Came to Solon with




-1


-.4


I


j
^ f


' _-1




Il


_v




I J kl.


"1


I
I




"r


236


THE TRAVERSE R1E(IOsN.


his step-father, John White. Was educated in Ohio.     Is now
(1884) teaching in School District No. 2, Leelanaw Township.
H. D. PIHEATT, farmer alld mill owner, of Cleveland, Leelanaw
County, was born in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1819. From boyhood he hlas been a sailor, forty-one years of his life having been
spent onil the lakes, and thirty-six years in command of sailing vessels and steamers. IHe sailed first on Lake Ontario. In 1863 he
came to Leelanaw County and built a dock on Good Harbor Bay
and at tlhat time bomgllt the farm where lie now resides, on Sectioll
14, town of Clevelanld. Has hlere two hllndred acres. Inl 1868 lie
built a saw-lnill near his dock, selling it, however, the following
year. Nov. 2, 1882, lie comnlleted a grist-mill on the stream whlicl
connects Lime and Traverse Lakes. In 1839 he mariied Sns;il E.
McMillan, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born in 1824. They
llave one s,,n, J. T., who lives near them, and one daughter, Mrs... W. Krafft, of New York. Capt. Pheatt's home blefore his
conting to Ieelanaw County, Mich., was mostly in C'eveland,
Ohio.
A. J. GOFFAR, farmer, Cleveland Township, was born ill Belgium ill 1838. Came to America witli his parents in 1856 and
settled in Chictago. Was engaged there in shoemaking till 1862,
wllen lie camle to Glen Arbor and settled on Section 31. Remllained onl his farmn in thlat townlship till 1868. lIe tlhen bought
lhis preselt farml on Section 8. Owns 160 acres. Has thirty-five
acres cleared. Has a good fralne barn, alld is prelparing to build a
hlouse. Since moving on his farm has worlked seven. years at shoe-!naking, wlhich lhas kept back his farming. -Married in 1861 to
(Catherine O'Brien, a lnative of Irelanll'. They hlave one son and
two datgliters. Mr. (Gofflar has been postmaster at Northi Unity
since 1870. Has been supervisor two years, townsliip) clerk ten
years, atnd superintendent of schlools tllhree years.
JoriN FOOTE, tanner, Elmwood Township, I-eelanlaw County,
was born ill Oneida County, N. Y. At tlhe aue of sixteen lie went
to Otsetgo County whlere lie served an apprenticeship of four years
to tlie tanning and leatler business. He tlhen traveled three years
thlouglh tlie southern states working at his trade.  Then resided(
ten years in Wyomling C(ounty, N. Y., being engaged inll the leather
business witlh lis fatlier.  Was then a resident of Livingston
Coiunty, N. Y., iM the same business, until 1870 when lie came to
Maniton, Wexfoid County, Mich., where lie elngiged in farminlg.
lit als(o evngaged in the leathler business with the Norrises inll Leellliaw C.ounty, town of Elnlwood.  After ten years' residence in
Wexford County lie moved to Traverse City.  June 19, 1857, he.arried Virginia Jennison, of Gainesville, Wyoming County, N.
Y. Tlhey have four children.  Mr. Foote, in companlly with his;sons, lunder tlhe firnl name of John Foote & Sons, is aboult coln-.-tructing a tarnn ry on {in extensive scale in the viciniity of his resid( lice, in tlie town of Elmhwood, onl the west shore of Traverse
IBay.  It is to be operated by steam: is to be fully equipped witlh
thle latest improved naichinery, and is to be first-class in every
respect.  Its product will be from  5),000 to 10,000 hid(les per
year.
R. H. Moa(. M. I)., Oviatt postoffice, was born in Ontario
Counity, N. Y., Jain. 5, 1822.  After lie was of suitable age was
eng"arged in lumbering in New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan
till 1861, when he enlisted inl tlhe TNenty-ninthll Indiana Infantry.
After tlhe first battle was appointed hospital steward and held that
position till early in 1863, whlen lie was appointed surgeon of his


regiment and served till the close of the war in the Western Depatlment.  After being mustered out of service he returned to Indiana and carried on the business of wagon making a short time,
and May 28, 1866, came to Inland, Benzie County, Mich., helped
to org.lnize the township, and settled there as a practicing pllysi

cian, and has I,een practicing medicine in the Traverse Region
since that time. Has.lived at Oviatt Postoffice, Kasson Township,
sin-e April, 1882. Married inl 184t to Margaeret E. Croulch. They
Ihad five children. Second:mlarri ite ill September, 1872, to Elizabeth A. Monroe, a, native of   li;ia;na.  They hlave three cliildren.!  H. C. PETTENGILL, merchant, Oviatt postoffice, wits born il
Mt. 1Morris, Genesee County, Michi., ill 1838. Remained in tllhat
county and worked at farling ill sntlmer, and teachillng  scliool ill
winter till 1878, when he came to Ovi;ttt and hlas been engaged ill
sellinjg goods since that time.  Keeps a stock of dry goods, groceries, etc.  Has been school superintendent two years; also township treasurer two years.  Married il 1861 to Mlary M. Baldwin.
They have tlhree sons and four daughters.
JONATHAN DEWING, fairmer, of Kasson, Leelanaw County,
Michdi., was born in Vermonlt in 1820. Wa;s broughlt up to farming. In 1862 he came to Michigan and pre-empted 160 acres of
land in Section 21, Town 28, Range 13. This lie afterward
changed to a homestead fllnty. His residence is now on Section 28.
Has ownled 500 acrns of land, most of which now belongs to his
son.   Mr. Dewing was rinlried in 1846 to Mary D)avis, of Vermont. They lhave two children, Joseph P., who carries on tlhe
farm and is clerk of thle town, and Mrs. Williaml Bickle, of
Kasson.
When Mr. Dewing came to Kasson there were little e'se but
trails through this section of country. He wa~ ol,liged to cut three
miles of road to reach hjis place. There were then but few settlers
in the town. Mr. D. mentions Jolhn Wilson, Van ()strllnd 1and Eli
unnin,                    r.    le on Section 5,,nd Mr. Beale on Sectio19. Mr. D)ewing
was first supervisor of the town, and hleld tle office ninie or tenl
years.  At thle organizition various names were suggested, imiong
themi Kearsarge and Hermon. MAIr Dewing suggested the:amee
Kasson, in ho1nor of Kasson Fieeman, the oldest, man in town,
then livinlg with lhis daunglter on Section 4.
MARSHALL FARRANT, fannf r, Kasonl Township, L. elanaw
County, Mich., was born in the Province of Quebec, Cinada,
Nov. 23, 1852. Was brought up a farmer.   He remained in (anada until lie -was seventeen years of age, the liat year of thalt tithe
being enga;ged in sailing. In 1869 hle came to Leelan;tw County
and boaught his present farmL, lnortlheast quarter of southwest quarter
of Section 18, town of Kasson. He splent several years wo-ilking at
different points in northern Michizgan inl lumber camps, ol tlile
river, etc., and inll the fall of 1878 settled oln his farmi.  He was
married Aug. 5, 1873, to Mary Favrelau, a. naltive of ()gdc(lisurg,
N. Y. They have one 1)oy. Two boys have died.
WILLIAM HI.LMIE, f>,rmer, of Kasson, Leelanlaw County, Mich.,
wa's born in Cileshire, Erglrand, in 1834. During his younger days
lhe worked inll a cotton fa(ttory, remIainilng at home intil 1852 wh]en
lie went to sea, and lias been a sailor ever since onl the ocean and
thle lakes until about 1880.  Has sailed to China, the soutlh se,;s,
and nearly all over the world.  Inl 1S53 made a voyage to Austr,
lia. Was one of the party who made the first survey of Mirnay
liver, Australia. Came from Australia to America in 1860 alnd
commenced sailing onl the lakes, shipping first at Buffalo July 16(;.
March 17, 1862, lie took up under the graduation act the southeast quarter of Section 4, Town 28, Range 13. He afterward
changed this to a lhomestead entry.  Has since sold forty acres.
He was married in 1864 to Esther Ann Mayall, a native of York

shire, England.  They have four children living. About three
years ago Mr. Hulme sold his vessel interest and has given his
whole attention to farming. He was town clerk for the term ending in 1883.
HE-NRY ZIEGLER, farmer, Kasson Township, Leelanaw County,


t.

is^ —7 F




~I


6


I
I
N —


i


I~I 


--- [IXr


THE TRAVERSE REGION


237




Mich., was born in Germany in 1812. His early occupation was
that of woodsman, overseeing government forests. He was also a
musician.  He came to America, New York City, in 1862, and
worked there about one year. Then went to Rochester, N. Y. He
came to Leelanaw County in 1873 and bought his present farm of
about seventy-four acres in Section 32, town of Kasson. He was
married in 1842 to Liza Relke, and has five children.
THOMAS BROOKS, farmer, town of Kasson, Leelanaw County,
NMich., was born in England in 1833. During his boyhood lie was
employed in lead mining, and later in running a.steam engine.
He came to America in 1856, and has since been employed in various mines, iron, nickel and lead.  In 1859 he went to the upper
peninsula of Michigan and remained about six years, employed in
the Minnesota mine, about twelve miles from the mouth of Ontolagon River. In the fall of 1865 he came to Leelanaw County
and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Section 29, Town 28, Range
13. Has since sold eighty acres. HEe was married in 1858 to
Caroline Opie, a native of England.  They have ten children;
three have died.
WILLIAM HARRINGTON was born in Canada, Jan. 22, 1812.
D)uring his early life, and while a resident of Canada, was mostly
engaged in farming and )ut.bering.   Ini the fall of 1858 he
niove'd to New York where hle remained until the spring of 1868,
wllen li he came to Leelanaw County, Mich., arriving at his destination April 20.  Here he homesteaded the fractional west half of
notlhwest quarter of Section 18, Town 28, Range 12, about thirtythree acres.  He was married in 1835 to Mary Woods, and has
eight children, five boys and three girls; two children have died.
J]. aind Mrs. Hanrington reside with their son, Nathaniel W., in the
town of Kasson. The latter was born in Canada in 1842, and was
broughlt up a farmer.  In 1858 hlie went with his parents to New
York. July 13, 1861, hle enlisted in the Twelfth United States
Infantry, serving in the Army of the Potomac.  He was wounded
in the left leg at the battle of Gettysburg. Recovering sufficiently
from his wound to do duty hle remained in active service.  Was in
the battle of the Wilderness and other battles. Was mustered out
at Petersburg. July 4, 1866 he married Eunice Rickett. They
have three children. In the fall of 1867 he came to Leelanaw
County and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Section 13, Town
28, Rainge 13, where he now resides. He still suffers from the
effects of his wound, and is in receipt of a small pension.
MOSES C. CATE, farmer, town of Solon, Leelanaw County, was
born in London, Merrimac County, N.-H., Aug. 23, 1828. He remained oni the home farm until he was nineteen years of age, when
hlie learned the trade of painter, at which he worked three years.
He then worked at shoemaking in New Hampshire and Ohio for
twelve years.  In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Third
Ohio Infantry, serving in the Army of the Ohio.  The regiment
was mostly in Kentucky and Tennessee, and under Sherman as far
as Atlanta.  He was orderly sergeant of his company.    Was
mustered out in June, 1865.    Came from      Ohio to Leelanaw
County, Miich., in 1866, and took up as a homestead the southwest
quarter of Section 18, Town 28, Range 12, town of Solon. He was
married Dec. 2, 1855, to Mary L. Barnard, of Cuyahoga County,
Ohio, and lhas three children, one son and two daughters.  Mr.
Cate was first supervisor of his town, in 1872, and held the office


seven years. Was elected supervisor in 1883. Has also been
justice of the peace. Has been postmaster of the Solon office
since 1871. Was sheriff of the county in 1881 and '82.
WILLAM F. HANNAFORD, farmer, town of Solon, Leelanaw
County, was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1888; was brought
up to farming; learned and worked at the carpenter's trade before
the war. In the summer of 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred


and Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of the Ohio;
served as private and sergeant until May, 1865, when he was mustered out and returned to Ohio. In the summer of 1866 he came to
Leelanaw County and took a homestead of 160 acres in Section 18,
Town 28, Range 12. In 1871 he went back to Ohio, and returned
again to his home in Michigan in 1882. He has been supervisor
of the town two terms. It then included the present towns of Solon
and Elmwood. He has also been justice of the peace four tells.
Was married in 1858 to Jula M. Barnard, of Ohio. They have
three children, two died in infancy.
JOHN B. NASH, farmer, Kasson, was born in Hillsdale County,
Mich.,in 1840; moved with his parents in 1845 to Branch County; remained there till 1861 when he enlisted in Company I Forty-second.Illinois Infantry, and served in the western army till near the close
of the war; saw service under Generals McCook, Sheridan and
Howard.   After being discharged from  the service lie returned
to Brancl County and was farming and railroading till 1874; he
then moved to Kasson and settled on Section 10 where he owns
160 acres of good land; has been inspector of schools several years.
Married in 1864 to Almena Langs, a native of Franklin, Portage
County, Ohio; they have four sons and two di ughters.
EDWARD CLUFF, farmer, town of Kasson, Leelanaw County, was
born in Connecticut in 1852 and was thiere brought up, being mostly
engaged during his younger days in lumbering.  In 1868 he came
to Muskegon, Mich., and was employed there and at Manistee and
other points at mill work until 1875. He came to the town of
Kasson and bought a farm of eighty acres in Section 8 where lhe
now resides. In 1873 he was married to Catherine Smith. They
have five children.
A. L. GRANDY, farmer, Kqsson, was born in St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., in 1829; remained in the same county at work at
the ship carpenter's trade till 1864, when lie came to Glen Arbor,
Mich., where he worked at his trade till 1872, then made a trip to
Kansas and Missouri and spent a year; was finally satisfied to return to northern Michigan. In 1873 bought the grist-mill at Glen
Arbor and ran it four years, and ill 1876 bought the farm he now
lives on which is on Section 21; has been township treasurer two
years. Married toMiss Caroline Newman, a native of Jefferson
County, N. Y. They have three children.
' CHARLES W. WILLIAMS, farmer, Kasson, was born in Mt. Morris, Livingston County, N. Y., in 1834. He came to Genesee
Coulity, Mii., with his parents in 1838; was brought up on a
farm and remained in that county till May, 1864, when he came to
Kasson and settled on Section 20, where he owns 160 acres of
land; has been supervisor four years, town clerk sixyears, justice of
the peace eight years, school inspector several years; was postmaster at Kasson six years; was elected probate judge in 1876 and
still holds the office; has been county treasurer two years; marrit d
in 1859 to Betsey E. Rice, a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y.
They have two daughters.
S. C. GEAREY, farmer, Kasson Township, was born in Luzerne
County, Penn., in 1832; moved with his parents when a child to
Ohio. In 1842 moved to Jackson County, Mich., and in 1852 he
went to California with a wagon train across the plains; worked at
mining and packing provisions across the mountains with a mule
train. In 1858 retuoned by Butterfield's overland stage through
Mexico, Arizona and Indian Territory to Michigan and made a
visit; he then went to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and worked for the


Goveinment in the quartermaater's department till the war broke
out, then returned to Michigan, being o^lged to travel across the
country on foot to avoid being pressed into the rebel aimy; thurn
settled in Berritn County, Mich., and was engaged in. the grocery
business, and also extensively engaged in bee culture, owning atone


i


- I


1


m


I






*


w I
O m


-.~ —. ~~~~~~~~-.


-4h


- L          _



at


4
I


PA-m

I


-   --                                                                --                                                                                                                            1Csi~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ —
--   ----                                          ----             -----                                                                                                                             1 re~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IIf


238


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


time 100 colonies. In 1865 he sent to California by way of New
York by vessel; was shipwrecked in the Carribean Sea and lost
$11,000in cash; escaped with his companions to an island and
was rescued by gun boats and landed at Aspinwall; finally arrived
in California and remained till 1870, then leturned to Michigan by
way of the Pacific Railroad; then moved to DIubuque, Iowa, and
worked at wagon making three years.    While in the western
country he was often engaged in battle with the Indians. He came
to Kasson TowLnship in 1874 and settled on Section 36, where lie
owns 225 acres of land; has been engaged in lumbering and farmling since that time; in 1876 lost all his out buildings by file, losing
his seed grain, potatoes, etc.; married in 1862 to Naiicy Wing, a
native of Michigan, who died in 1870; they had two children;
second marriage in 1870 to Jennie Brown, a native of New York;
they have one child.
REV. J. B. HALL, Kassoll Township, was born in St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., in 1826; attended school at Plattsburg, N. Y., and
there fitted hinself for college. He graduated at the State University at Burlington, Vt., and. was licensed to preach at the age of
thirty years by the Congregational Association of Eabt Hampshire,
Mass. He spent two years at the Union Theological Seminary in
New York and one year at Aubuin. His first pastorate was at Lysander, Onondaga County, N. Y., where he preached seven years.
From there lie went to Rensselaer County aind piea-hed four years,
the last two years preaching at Olivet in that county, and ill May,
1869, came. to Kasson Township and bought about 30() acres of
land on Sections 33 and 34. His object inll coing to noithern
Michigan was for the benefit of his health; 1has pleachled( at Elk
Rapids, Mich., nine years; since that time has lived on lhis farm;
was employed for a short time during the war by thle Chrlisti;
Commission ill the Army of tlle Potonmac; married in 1858 to Eugenia F. Campbell, a native of Montpelier, \Vcemont.  Ticy 11ave
two sons living.
WINTHROP C. HALL, 'arlner, Kasson Township, wats born inI
Lysinder, Onond(];g, County, N. Y., in 1862; caine to Kasson with
his parents in 1869; remained at home attending school till 1882
when he went to Lansing and attended the State Agricultural College for one year; is now (1884) at home on account of sickness;
expects to return to college and graduate.
F. A. BE(:KER, farmer, Kasson Township, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1812; brought up on a farnma:; came to Kasson in 1867 and took a homestead of 160 acres on Section 8; ltas
spent nine or ten winters inl lumber woods for Hanntah Lay & Co.,
Traverse City, also worked for Gerrish & Son, ne'ar Saginaw; has
been highway commissioner and school inspector; nimrried in October, 1870, to Susie Nye, a native of New York. 'Illhey I ave one
soin. 
ABNER S. FRITZ, farmer, Kasson Towvnshil, was born ill Genesee County, Mich., in 184(0; was employed at home on the farm  I
till sixteen years of age'; lie then commenced his apprenticeship
to cabinet makers' trade; went to Pontiac, Oakland (County, Mic).,
in the spring of 1857 and worked at his trade till July, 1861, when
he enlisted in thle First Michigan Cavalry; served inl the Slhenando ah Valley under Generals Banks and Sheridani; was in the battle
of Winchester and other battles and skirmishes, and was in
Banks' retreat down the valley in May, 1862; discharged for disability in the spring of 1863, returned to Pontiac and was married
Sept. 18, 1863, to Charlotte A. Eagle. of Pontiac. They hlave


three sons and two daughters. He worked at his trade in Pontiac
till 1871, and on April 27 settled on his present farm, east half of
northwest quarter and southwest quarter of northwest quarter of
Section 18, Township 28, Range 13 west. At that time the place
was a wilderness except two acres; he has cleared about sixty acres.


He was supervisor in 1881, 1882 and 1883; has been justice of the
peace twelve years in succession; was township clerk four years.
M. KELLER, farmer, town of Leland, Leelanaw County, was
born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1836; came to AmericaL about tlhe
year 1854 to Williamsburg, N. Y., where lie worked at his trade of
baker. He also learned the trades of millr and butcher ftoin his
father wlio fo;lowed those occupations. From New York lie went
to Chicago where he tended bar two years. In 1859 lie came from
Illinois to the Traverse Region and settled on his present farm in
Section 1, Township 30, Range 12. He has eighty acres of which
about fifty are cleared. He was married in 1858 to Catherine Egeler,
a native of Wittenbeig, Germany. They have five children living;
eight have died. When Mr. and Mrs. Keller came to their present
Ihome there was not a load a mile out from Leland, but Indian
trails only. No teams were to be had if they could-have been used,
and all their supplies and household furniture, even to their stove,
had to be "packed" in. Even the logs of which their lJouse was
built were brought to the site selected on men's shoulders.
RALPH PYBUS, farmer, Leland Township, was born in Noveimber, 1828, in England, and in 1850 came to America; lived three
years in Pennsylvania, then mloved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where
lie remained till 1859, when lie came to Leland Townllip and settled on Section 1, where lie owns 180 acres of land; has been a
i faimer all his life; Las held the office of supervisor two terms, township treasurer two terms, and has been county superintendent of
the poor for the last five years; married in June, 1850, to Emma
Moore, a native of England. They have one son living, lie is employed as shipping clerk by Hannah, Lay & Go., of Traverse City,
anrid one daughter living at home; hal a son twenty-two years of
age drowned in Carp River, near Leland, in June, 1877.
C. H. KAHRS, farmer, Leland Township, was born inl Germany
ill 1831; camie to America in 1854 and was clerk in a grocery and
provi-iou stoeic ill Williamsburg near New York City, (and in 1855
came to North Manitou Island and was in thle wood business till
1857, when lie returned to Germany on a visit of a few weeks; ieturning to the island lie remained na year. In 1860 lie made a trip
to Missouri and stayed through tle winter, andl ill tlhe fall of tlIe
same year bought his farm oin Section 12, Leland. Ile owns 110)
acres; married in 1852 to Catherine Hagei-ili, a native of (}er)lany.
They have one son and three daughters.
NOIEL COUTURIER, merchant, and p)ostniaster of Provelment
postoffice, Leland Township, was born in Lower Catnada in 1835;
came to Grand Traverse County, Mich., in 1855 and settled on the
Peninsula, and was engaged in farming till 1862, when lie moved
to Leelanaw County and settled on a farm on Section 2, Centerville
Township, whichl le still owns; carried on his farni in connection
with thle buying alid selling of stock till 1881, when lie built the
store lie now occupies. lie keeps a general stock of dry goods,
groceries, drugs and medicines, boots and shoes, etc.; was alpoiited
postmaster in 1882; married in 1855 to Elmira Gauthier, a mnative
of Lower Canada.   They have sevein sons amid tlhree daulghtcrs
living; have lost five children by death.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
EJARLY HIISTORY OF VILLAGES - NORTHPORT - LELAND  I GLEN ARBOR
BURDICKVILLE -- SUTTON'S BAY -- NEW MISSI(N -- PROVEMENT
— EARLY SETTLERS AT THE VARIOUS POINTS AND PIONEER INTERESTS.


In the general history of the county mention has been made
of the early settlement at various business centers, and we will
now return to the events more particularly connected with the villages..1


L


I




I


6- i


- - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -


-


4        I    ipp





— Ti *


1 l                                                                                                                                                                                                                  r1 1r 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


239


VILLAGE OF NORTHPORT.
The village of Northport, in 1884, includes the Indian village
of Waukozooville founded by Rev. George N. Smith, as has already
been described, and the plat of Nortliport made by Dea. Joseph Dame.
Tile efforts of Mr. Smith were wholly connected with the Indians, and the first business operations were begun by Dea. Dame.
We give herewith a brief biographical sketch of him as follows:
DEA. JOSEPH DAME, deceased, was born in Barnstable, N. H.,
July 23, 1796. He was, in early life, engaged in brick makilng,
lumbering, etc. From New Hanipsliie lie went to Searsmont,
Me., where he was engaged in the ilumberingl business. Moved
thence to Erie County, N. Y., where lie remained several years inl
the same business. In 1840 he went to Mackinaw, Mich., on a
trading expedition, dealing in lumber and in goods including clocks,
of which hlie brought with him a considerable stock. He was for a
while employed there by the government in the instruction of the
Indians. Removed thence to Old Mission, on the peuinsula of
Traverse Bay, where he was employed in teachinig farmuing to the
Indians. Remained there until 1845 Nwhlen hlie weit to Wisconsin
and bouglht a farm in Spring Prairie, Wal worith County.  He
made his home there seven years and tlhr n relrned to the Traverse
Regioln, and, leaving his family at Old Mission, boight (a. tract of
land where now stands the village of Nortlport. He commenced


Mich.; Almira, born Nov. 14, 1831, at Searsmoat, Me., now Mrs.
A. B. Page, of Jasper, Col., and Mary, born April 19, 1884, at
Evans, Erie County, N. Y., now Mrs. Fred Saunders, of Atchison,
Kan. Des. Dame died at Whitewater, Wis., Jan. 11, 1884. Mrs.
Dme died Feb. 21, 1877.
Dea. Dame comwrenced the construction of a docklin 1853 or
-'54, which was afterward completed by H. O. Rose. At the opening of navigation in 1855 it was still in an unfinished condition,
a part of it, for want of planks, being covered with poles. A liHt
of residents of the settlement for 1855 and -'56 contains the following names: Joseph Dame, H. 0. Rose, Amos Fox, Wm. Voice,
Cmpt. Peter Nelson, A. B. Page, S. W. Wilson, Thomas Retford,
J. M. Burbeck, 0. L. White, Henry Boyes, A. C. Stevens, Theodore
Woodruff, Hiran Beckwitlh, Jesse Morgan, William    Gill and
William  Tlomias. Of these the greaterl number were heads of'
families, but a few were unmarried men. In 1855 there was not
a frame lhouse in the place- only a part of one, a structure in size
about fourteen feet by twenty, which now constitutes a part of the
dwellinrg occupied by W. F. Steele. The first one complete was
built by Mr. Thlomas for Mr. Woodruff in 1856). Mr. Voice comm(enced, in 1855, the construction of a saw-mill, which was got to
runnig in the sumnmer of the followiong year. In 1855 no roads
had been opened, except one leading to the Indian settlement


I




NORTHPORT HARBOR AND DOCK.


the construction of a dock, enlgaged in trade lanid platted a village
to which lle gave the nalne of Northport. Writing at that time to
the New York T'rib,,  lie he ave such a description of the country
that it speedily attracted attention, and from this and other causes
the tide of immigration turned in this direction.
This was the opening of the country, Northport being the
landing for the whole country around and the distributing point of
travel and supply. Mr. Dame built and kept the Traverse Bay
Hotel, the first house built for that purpose, though he had previously kept a hotel in his own house, enlarging it from time to
time to meet the growing demand. This was afterward called the
Exchalnge Hotel. IHe was for several years justice of the peace
and was generally active in public affairs. Assisted at Old Mission
ill the organiz ition of the first town which included a large extent
of country. Dea. Dame was married Nov. 19, 1819, to Ursula
Mitchell, of Maine. Thoir family was as follows: James, born
May 21, 1821, in Searsmont, Me., and now of Rockford, Ill.; Olive
Maxey, born Jan. 17, 1823, in Searsmont, Me., now Mrs. Ansel
Salisbury, of Whitewater, Wis.; Samuel, who died in infancy,
Nov. 28, 1824; Maria, born Feb. 26, 1826, wid;ow of Russell Clark
and now residing at Adams Basin, near Rochester, N. Y.; Eutebius,
born MNy 26, 1829, at Searsmont, Me., and now of Nortlhport,


called Cat Head Villlage, somle three miles distant. There was not
a horse teaml in tile settlement, and only two or three yoke of oxen.
During that year only one propeller, running between (Grand Haven
anld B13lffalo, made calls at thle hlalf-built wharf.
Mr. H. O. Rose cmine to tile place in June, 1854, and, as already ilitim;ited, purchll;lsed the wharf privilege owned by Deacon
Dame, pusling to completion thle whaif already commenced. In
September, 18 5, lie sold a half interest in the property to Mr.
Amos Fox, the two entering into partnership under thle firm name
above mentioned, their principal business being dealing in wood.
At that time the steamers runlning on the lakes depended almost
wholly on wood for fuel. The wharf built by Mr. Rose, and afterward twice enlarged by the firm, was the first in Grand Traverse
Bay at whjich a propeller could stop. It was easy of access and
not far off the route of steamers plying between thfe ports on the
lower lakes and those on tlhe western shore of Lake Michigan. In
1856 the firm supplied, by contract, the Northern Transportation
Company's line of boats plyVing between Ogdensburgh and Chicago,
handling that season about 5,000 cords of wood. Afterward contracts were made with other lines of steamers   In 1858 the firm
handled from 13,000 to 15,000 cords, and for several years after
the amount of wood annually sold did not manterially diminish.


j..4 I -C


r




-4


4


I1


I


S


I


240


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


In the winter of 1866 and '57 Messrs. White & Burbeck built
a wharf three miles north of the present village of Northport, and
engaged in selling wood and shipping hemlock bark and cedar posts.
Mr. Bose was the first treasurer of Leland Township, which
at that time embraced the whole of Leelanaw and Benzie Counties.
He relates having traveled over nearly the whole of it, going as far
as Glen Arbor to collect the annual tax, the amount of which did
not exceed six hundred dollars.
In 1864 Messrs. Fox & Rose engaged in a similar enterprise at
Charlevoix, and in 1873, again at Petoskey. Mr. Rose is now a
resident of the latter place and Mr. Fox of Charlevoix.
The log school-house built by Messrs. George N. Smith and
James J. McLaughlin in 1850, is still standing near the shore of
the bay, a monument of days gone by.
In 1855 Northport was organized into a school district under
the common school law, being the first regular public school organized within tile present limits of Leelanaw County. The above
still remains District No. 1 of Leelanaw Township.
In 1856 a small one story frame building was erected on the
site of the present school building, and of which it now forms a
part.
In 1867 a two story upright was attached to the school building, thus furnishing three convenient school rooms for the use of
the schools in the district.
Early in the history of the Northport sclools, active measures
were taken to establish a township library for Leelanaw Township.
This library now contains about 800 volumes which have evidently been selected with care, most of them being works of real
worth.
The school at Northport is at present organized under the
graded school law.
In 1855 the postoffice of Northport was established with A. B.
Page as postmaster. J. M. Burbeck, however, attended to Ihe
business of the office, and afterward succeeded Mr. Page as postmaster. Mr. Burbeck was succeeded by Rev. S. Steele, and he by
William Gill, who has held the office since 1863.
The Congregational Society was not formally organized until
February, 1863, although there had been preaching since Mr. Smith
began in 1849. The society was organized with about fourteen
members, and a Sunday-school had been organized about three
years previous. Mr. Smith preached at intervals and some of the
time the society was without a pastor. In 1868 steps were taken
toward building a church, and in July, 1869, the work was mentioned as follows: "The foundation is completed and the frame for
the new Congregational Church building at Northport was all ready
to raise last Monday, and is probably up ere this. The location of
the site is admirably chosen, and the builling, when completed,
will add largely to the looks of the place."
The building was finally completed in August, 1870. The
pastors have been Revs. E. Kirkland, McClellan and Van Auken.
There are at the present time about fifty members. The cost of the
church building was $2,500.
In 1858 Rev. Lewis Griffin came to Northport and organized a
Methodist class, and services were held in the old school-house. In
1859 Rev. S. Steele came as presiding elder. The early ministers
were Revs. N. M. Steele, E. Baird and J. W. Miller. Soon after
they came to this district Mrs. Steele organized a Sunday-school
with forty scholars. She procured books from various sources and


the school has continued without interruption to the present time.
In 1870 Rev. S. Steele was resident pastor. He preached that
year without compensation and gave $200 toward the building of a
church. The year previous Rev. Mathias was pastor and succeeded
in buildine a shanty on the hill for a place of worship. He was an


Englishman, and designated the building a chapel; the remainder
of the community, however, called it a wigwam.
The corner-stone of the new church was laid in May, 1871, and
was an interesting event. From an account published at the time
we quote as follows:
"According to announcement the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the M. E. Church, at Northport, took place on Wednesday. Something over 200 persons were present on the occasion.
"At the hour appointed the Masons formed in procession at
their hall.
" The grand offices were all filled by proxy, Rev. S. Steele acting as grand master. The procession marched to the place where
the stone was to be laid, near which an arch of evergreen had been
erected; through this the procession passed. A hymn was sung,
when the grand treasurer, by the grand master's command, placed
the following articles in the stone:
"An official record of the M. E. Church at Northport, a copy
of the discipline of the M. E. Church, transactions of the grand
lodge of the state of Michigan, a copy of the Traverse Bay Ea! le, a
copy of the Benzonia Citizen, various silver and copper coins of the
United States, Canada and Norway.
"The stone was then put in its place, and the principal architect presented the working tools to the grand master who applied the
same to the stone and pronounced it to be ' well formed, true and
trusty.'
"A prayer was made by Rev. Mr. Camburn. The golden and
silver vessels were brought and delivered to the grand master who
poured the corn, the wine and the oil contained therein on the stone,
saying:
" 'May the all-bounteous Author of nature bless the inhabitants
of this place with all the necessaries, conveniencies and comforts of
this life; assist in the erection and completion of this building; protect the workmen against every accident, and long preserve this
structure from decay; and grant to us all a supply of the corn of
nourishment, the wine of refreshment and the oil of joy.'
"Response by the brethren: 'Amen. So mote it be.'
"The grand honors were then given, after which a hymn was
sung and the meeting addressed by Rev. J. M. Reid, D. D., of Chicago. Dr. Reid spoke about thirty minutes in a very pleasing manner, giving the reasons for, and the uses and benefits of, such ceremonies.
"After the close of the address an appeal was made to the audience for material aid to assist in the erection of the building, and
the sum of $1,350 was pledged. This places the question of the
early completion of the building beyond a doubt."
The building was pushed forward to completion, and Rev.
Deitz was the first pastor in the new church. The society has about
thirty-five members, and Rev. S. Steele is again pastor. Mr.
Steele is one of the-pioneers of the Traverse Region, as the reader
of this work will see. He was born in Boston, Mass., Nov. 12,
1812. His boyhood was spent in Connecticut, and at an early age
he was licensed as a local preacher. In 1839 he joined the Michigan Conference; which then included northern Ohio, and in 1859
came to the Traverse country. His experience after coming here is
told on other pages.
The following mention was made of Northport in March, 1867:
"There are two wood docks here, one owned by Messrs. Campbell & Goodrich, at which we landed; the other by Messrs. Fox &


Rose, over which there are from twelve to twenty thousand c.rds of
wood shipped and sold annually. Two miles north there are two
more docks. one owned by Mr. Pickard, of the Manitou Islands, the
other by Messrs. Burbeck & White, of this place. Each of the dock
owners has a store, which is generally well filled with the necessa

- w


I


I 


JI  
- — ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~k 










I


I

I


RES.& STORE OF N.C.MORGAN, NORTHPORT, LEELANAW CO. MICH.


RES. OF WM GILL NORTHPORT LEELANAW CO. MICH.






THE TRAVERSE REGION.


241


I


ries and even comforts and luxuries of life in this supposed extreme
northern region. Father Woolsey runs the only wagon-shop, and
Walter Wilson is the solitary village blacksmith.' Mr. Moffatt,
senior, is professor of ideal gunnery, at the little old school-huse
on the hill; and the young Mr. Moffatt furn;shes legal advice to the
people of the entire county, being the only practicing attorney in
the county. Mr. William Gill attends to tile postal affairs, and sells
drugs, groceries and dry goods. ' Uncle Billy' Voice has a firm
foundation laid for a saw and grist-mill, to be completed next
season.
"Mr. D. S. Jones and his obliging lady will be ever ready to
entertain us, while sober, at the 'Sherman House,' in the most approved style. Mr. Nelson superintends the 'Traverse Bay Hotel.'
Mrs. S. G. Wood also keeps a hotel with gool accommodations.
"Northport is the county seat, although there are no county
buildings, save the jail, to be inmt with. The various county officers
have a joint office over the postoffice near the Union Dock."
The county seat was located at this point from 1863 until 1883,
when it was removed to Leland.
Northport Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., was instituted March 5,
1869. The officers were installed as follows:  J. M. Burbeck, W.
M.; Rev. S. Steele, S. W.; H. W. Nelson, J. W.; Rev. L. W. Calkins, S.
The event was one of considerable interest in tie village, and
the exercises included a supper at the St. James Hotel.
The lodge now has about twenty-five members. The officers
in 1881 are:  W. M., Rev. S. Steele; S. W., John Scott; J. W.,
Andrew Scott; Sec., Charles Lee; Treas., - Litney.
Feb. 18, 1860, a lodge of Good Telmplars was instituted at
Northport by Rev. S. Steele, D. D., G. W. C. T., and the following
persons elected officers:  Mrs. Margaret McClelland, P. W. C. T.;
S. Donaldson, W. C. T.; Horatio Brooks, W. V. T.; S. A. McClelland, W. S.; Willikm Gill, W. T.; William Mason, W. C.;
Elihu Powers, W. M.; Miss Mary Mason, W. D. M.; Miss Olive
Niclols, W. I. G.; Albert Barnes, W. O. G.; Mrs. Martha Gill,
W. R. H. S.; Mrs. S. Mason, W. L. H. S. This society continued
for some time, but finally suspended and has not been re-organized.
A Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in
the winter of 1881 that is doing effective work. The president is
Mrs. H. S. Spencer; secretary, John McPhea; corresponding secretary, Miss Jennie Gill; treasurer, Norman Morgan.
THE TRAVERSE BAY HOTEL.
This is one of the pioneer institutions of the village, having been
built by Deacon Dame, about the year 1860. In March, 1869,
William H. Franklin came heie from Old Mission and rented the
property. Two years later he purchased it, and has kept the hotel
to the present time. Mr. Franklin was born in Morenci, Lenawee
County, Mich., Sept. 7, 1836. Married Dec. 17, 1862, at Old Mission, to Catharine Sweeney.  They have three children.  Mr.
Franklin first went to Old Mission while a single man and worked
at farming. At one time he kept a hotel at Elk Rapids. He holds
the office of supervisor at the present time.
The firm of Johnson & Hitchcock now own the old Fox & Rose
dock.
During the winter of 1884 N. C. Morgan built a new and substantial dock, about midway between the two old ones.
The location of Northport is interesting and peculiar. The


harbor is one of the best and most commodious on the lakes. The
village is built upon terraces, and has somewhat the old look of a
rural village in New England. The surrounding farming country
is excellent, but limited in extent, as less than three miles distant
to the west is the shore of Lake Michigan.
The Leelanaw Tribne was started at Northport by A. H. John

son, in June, 1873. During the winter of 1877 and '78 Mr. Johnson removed it to Sutton's Bay. In 1880 it was sold to the Tribune
Publishing Compaly. The name wais shortened to Tribitie and the
office removed to Traverse City, when, after a short time, its publication was discontinued. Mr. Johnson was editor during the whole
period of its existence. Politically it was Republican until sold to
the publishing company, when it was changed to a Democratic palper.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
In the following personal sketches will be found information
pertaining to the business and history of Northport:
WILLIAM GILL, merchant and postmaster at Northport, Leelanaw County, Mich., was born in England in 1823; came to the
United States in 1819; spent one summer in New York aind then
went to Illinois, where he remained six or seven years. He came
to Northport in 1855 an invalid in search of health. Engaged to
some extent il farming. In 1863 he beg!oa a mercantile business
which hle has continued to the present time. In the spring of 1863
he was appointed postmaster at Nortlhport, having served as such
since the previous fall, and has held the office continuously since,
a period of twenty years. He has also held the office of county
treasurer fourteen years, and has held various town offices. He
was married in 1851 to Martha Easterbrook, and has four children.
GENERAL CHARLES BARNES, farmer, Northport, was born in
Burton, Geauga County, Ohio, in 1820; moved to Steubenville,
Ohio, in 1840; remained there till 1844, and was captain of a
steamboat on the Ohio River; then removed to Pittsburgh, Penn.,
and was agent for the steamboat company till 1861. He recruited
Company E, of the Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves Infantry, and served
three years as captain and major of his regiment and was in command of the regiment when they were mustered out of service; lie
then recruited and was appointed colonel of the Sixth Pennsylvania
Heavy Artillery or Two Hundred and Twelfth Infantry, contaiinig
1,900 m(n, and served with his regiment in the defense of Washington till the close of the war, and was breveted brigadier-general for
meritorious services during the war. He was wounded at Glendale,
Va., and again at the battle of Second Bull Run. On his return to
private life at Pittsburgh he was engaged in the insurance business
for about three years. Served three years as sealer of weights and
measures. He came to Northport in 1882 and settled on Section
14 in Leelanaw Township, and is now engaged in farming. Married in 1842 to Margaret J. McCausland. They had one daughter.
Second marriage to Marcia C., daughter of the late Col. Cvrus Bosworth, of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio. They have four sons.
SAMUEL GAGNON, mill owner, Northport, was born at Bay St.
Paul, near Quebec, Canada, in 1831, and in 1835 calne to Detroit,
Mich., with his parents; remained at home till the age of sixteen
years, when he commenced sailing on the lakes, and in 1855 went
to work in the Detroit copper works, and in 1857 came to Northport and bought eighty acres of land and pre-empted one hundred
and twenty acres more, and was engaged in farming till the fall of
1883; bought the flouring mill in Northport which he is now running. His mill is run by water power; has two run of stones and
a capacity of eighteen barrels of flour per day. He was married in
1855 to Miss Goolah, a native of Canada. They had nine children.
His wife died in 1865. Second marriage in 1865 to Margaret Lalonde. They have ten children.


H. R. HrrCHCOCK, merchant, Northport, was born in Waukegan, Ill., in 1850, and remained at home till 1867, then moved to
Wisconsin. Was engaged as clerk in a '.Ie goods store; remained
there till 1872; he then went to Chicago and was a book-keeper till
November, 1886, and in March, 1884, with his partner, Mr. Put

I


-j


JVO


I
a


I
r


j


lw. -;tz!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ b~~~\ r




*


4
'<
[


I L!


-  - -  --- --  ----  - l-  1 —.-As..-  -,  P


242


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


nam, bought the store they now occupy. They keep a general
stock of dry goods, groceries, etc. Mr. Hitchcock was married in
1876 to Lizzie E. Chase, who died in April, 1877. Second rmarriage in November, 1883, to Hattie A. Wirt, of Trenton, Onta.rio.
JESSE MORC;AN was born ill Vermont, and in 184'9 came to Old
Mission, Grand Traverse County, Mich.; was engaged in farming,
and in 1857 came to Northport and bought a farm. Enlisted in
1861 and served in the Army of thle Potomac till 1864, when lie
died of disease contracted in the service, leaving a widow and two
sons.
N. C. MORG(AN, merchant, Northport, was bIorn in Nortliport
in 1858; has lived in the same place since that time. At the age
of seventeen years was engaged as clerk in the same store lie now
owns, and in the spiing of 1879 commenced selling goods on his
own account, and in August, 1883, bought oult the store lhe now occupies. Carries a general stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and
slloes, etc. Married ill 1879 to Abbie Voice, a native of Northport.
WILLIANM W. ALDRICH, retired farmer, Northport, was born in
Dover, Cutyahloga County, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1817; is thle son of Aaron
and Elizabetll Aldrich, who were natives of Rhode Island; his
father, A. Aldrich, was born April 27, 1793, and Elizabeth, his
wife, was born Dee. 22, 1795, hler nmiilen nanme being Winsor.
Married Sept. 11, 1814. In 1816 they moved to Dover, ()Ohio; it
took them six weeks to make tlhe journey with a teamn, pissing
through Clevelatnd, where there were but three dwellings. He died
in Dover, Ohio, May 27, 1856; his wife died Dec. 21, 1869. William W. Aldrich, the subject of this sketch, received the advanbtges
of ta good commIon scllhool education until twelve years years of age,
and for tliree years after that time lie attended school during the winter lmonths, with thllis exception he worked faithlfully oil his father's
farmn till lhe was twenty-one years of a(,e. HIe then lired out to llis
fatller for one year, at elevenl dollars per month, and tlhe next year
worked thle farm for one-third of the crop. At tlhe end of that
time lie bought a farm of his own, with only twenty-five dollars
witlh which to make tlhe first payment. At the end of five years lhe
owned a farmu of seventy-five acres. Soon after the death of
his wife's father, who) was killed by lightning, April 6, 1842, he
took possession of the old lomestead, buyving out tlie heirs to this
farm of 1;8 acres. HIe added many other acres. In 1814 lie 'ommenced the slaughtering )businless; increasing trade led h}in to build
a slaulghter house, from which for twellty-five years he supplied tl-he
Cleveland markets. At tlhe same time lIe was engaged on I.like Erie
nhi a geleral coasting trade. Wood, lumber, limestone and coal kept
busy three scows. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Aldrichl moved to
Elyria where lie purchased a large farm and was engaged in lb)reeding Hereford cattle, which lie continued till a short time since.
Was one of tlie leading breeders of these cattle in Ohio. He move(l
to Northport, Mich., in the spring of 1881 and botught 300 acres of
land. Thle first year lIe camue lie built a house, cleared twenty
acres and built two miles of board fence. Mariied, Feb. 5, 1840,
Martha Bassett. They lhad ten children. Mrs. Aldrich died Nov.
29, 1875t. Second marriage, Jan. 21, 1878, to Mrs. Lorinda Hilliardl, of La Crosse, Wis.
WILLIAM^ H. NELSON, physician and druggist of Northport,
Leelanaw County, is a native of Erie County, N. Y. Was educated
in Erie County, receiving his medical education at Buffalo Medical
School. In 1863 lie was appointed assistant surgeon of Eleventh
Michigan Infantry of the Army of the Cumberland, and served


illtil the close of the war. Hie came to Northport in 1868 and established a general mercllandise and drug store, still continuing the
practice of medicine. In 1857 he married Adaline A. Wirts, of
Buffalo, N. Y. They have six children: Pascal P., who is bookkeeper for Ware & Hecox, Delta Mills,- Bay County, Mich.; W. C.,






-


editor and proprietor of the Leelanaw E,,te,,lrprise at Leland, Mich.;
T. F., of Nelson & Palmeter, editors and proprietors of tile East
Jordan Enterprise; C. A., who is assisting his father in business
and engaged in lumbering; Alice M., at home assistingr in tlie store,
and E. H., who is learning the printer's art with lhis brotlher at
Leland.
CAPT. C. E. WILBUR, Of Northport, Leelan\aw Counlty, was
born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 18,53. In 1857 canle Nwithll his
parents to the Manitou Islands, and in 18559 to Northlp(ort. H}ts
been a sailor on thle lakes since his boyhood. Has been ill c(1,lmand of steamboats for the last eight years, and for tlie past tfive
years of thle steamer " City of Grand Rapids," owned by lfaunnalh,
Lay & Co., and running between Traverse City and AI;lckinlaw.
He was married Dec. 31, 1883, to Rosa Risley, of Nortllport.
W. H. PORTER, merchant, of Northport, Leelanlaw Comnty,
Micl., was born in Illinois, in 1841. In 1848 lie came to Manistee,
Mich., with his parents, and remained there eight years, wl};ln lie
removed to West Bend, Wis. There lie learned the trade o(f calrpenter and joiner. In November, 1861, lie enlisted in tlte Twelfth
Wisconsin Infantry, serving with tlhe Army of tlle Ctumberland and
under Sherman in the march to tlhe sea. He went into service qs
a private and served one year, was then detailed( to thie regini:,tmnl
band and subsequently to General Howard's headq(parters 1,,(id.
Was mustered out in July, 1865. In 1864 lie was nmarried to Eliabeth W. Dowland, of West Bend, Wis.,.and has two clil(tren.
One boy died at Northport in thle spring of 1883.   irL Porter
is carrying on a restaurant and pool hall in coilnection wit]h iils
grocery.
E. F. DAME, carpenter, Northport, Leelainaw C('o11nv, AichL.,
was born in Searsmont, Maine, May 26, 1829).:-is fathilerl, Deacon
Joseplh Dame, was one of the earliest settlers of the r'raverse he iol.
Mr. Damie has been prominently co1nnected witlh thlle lli. aflfirs
of tlhis section of country, having been shleriff (of G (rald Trl',raverse
County, lwhich formerly included Leelafliaw C(ounty, for two termns,
and sireriff of Leelanaw County two terms. HIle lIas also held vNarious offices in his own town. Ile was mnarried  larLch 11, 18{3, to
Ella E. Sanfoid, a native of Kent Comity, E1'n1lA, (id.  llley hlave
five children. Myrta U., born Jlanl. 29, 1864-: Gih(;ii),  i:Arston,
born March 26, 1866; Eusebius Jamnes, born Jutne 10, ]S<8;: lsi';ah
Livingston, born June 19, 1870, and Oscar Edllmulind, born ()Oct. 17,
1873.
SAMIUEL. WARWICK, 1)'incipal of Northport schlool, Iclt:nw
County, was born Jan. 29, 1858, in Walsingham, Norf(olk C((enty,
Canada. Was educated principally at St. Thomas Collegiate I   1stitute. He lhas taught school most of the time since Ilis.tiradution inll
Canada and Michigan. Took charge of tlhe graded scool (, at
Northlport, Sept. 3, 1883. He was married July:3, 1l8S3, to alies
Jennie Robertson, a native of Traverse Countv, Micll., (l:11-tlcr of
Alexander Robertson, of Garfield Township, Tlraverse Cougtar:
VILLAGE OF LELAN)D.
In 1848 Antoine Manseau and John I. Miller, both of wlolml
were mill men, prospected about this part of Michigani, ill s.'er(h
of a desirable location for amill site. Mr. Manseau partially deaided
to locate at a point just above Traverse City, afterward called Norrisville, but the land being entered ahead of hlim lie and Mr. Miller
located at the mouth of Carp River. At tlhat time thlere wa\is an
Indian village on the hill near where Mr. Miller's lhouse no, steands.
They left soon after, believing that the lanud had all been bonhl. by


white men who would shortly take possession.
Nothing was done at this point until June, 1853, when Mr.
Manseau and his son Antoine came and built a saw-mill on the
river. A dam was also constructed and the mill put in operation.
The following September Mr. John I. Miller arrived and set





I


I
I
-I


I


-


I


I..J 


-  sl- ---- _,.~^.,,F- ---   --- -          -- -  'lI>


- -, -


I




A


I


a -


1.,


li _ 






THE TRAVERSE REGION
iS


243


tied on his land, where he still lives. The elder Manseau died in
1856, and his widow in 1860. Antoine, Jr., lives near Sutton s
Bay. John I. Miller remains the oldest settler at Leland, on his
homestead, which is upon an elevation near the village, and is one
cf the finest sites on the shore. Biographies of these persons are
given elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Miller was the first postmaster at Leland, and held the
office until June, 1861, when he was succeeded by Simeon Pickard,
who served seven years. Since then the postmasters have been:
Charles Ayer, Gerhard Verfurth, E. A. Doty and W. W. Barton,
who has held the office since 1875.
In 1859 Mr. Manseau sold out to Cordes & Thies, who built a
dock, and also put up a saw and grist-mill.
Simeon Pickard came here from Northport, and engaged in
the mercantile business. Valentine Lee came over from the island
and was foreman for Cordes & Thies.
John Bryant had settled on a farm near the village in 1854.
Henry S. Buckman, John Lake, L. D. Quackenbush, and perhaps
two or three others were also living here.
In 1861 Christopher F. Reynolds came to Leland and built a
dock and engaged in the wood business, which he carried on about
ten years. Another dock was afterward built by Barton & Pickard.
The first religious worship at this point was conducted by
Father Mrack, one of the early Catholic missionaries, who began to
visit Leland in 1855. After him came Fathers Young and Herbstrit.
In 1870 the society built a church edifice. The society is designated as "Holy Trinity," and numbers about twenty-five families.
In July, 1865, the Congregational Society was organized by
Rev. George Thomson a somewhat noted African missionary, who
resided here for a time. A church edifice was built at a cost of
$2,500 which was dedicated in the winter of 1872. After Mr.
Thomson left the society was supplied by Rev. McLellan, of Northport. Then Rev. David Laseron came here from England and
remained a short time. When he left he carried with him the
records of the society, and all efforts to recover them have proved
unavailing. He was succeeded by Rev. C. W. Carrick, who remained
until June, 1884. The society at the present time is not as flourishing as formerly.'
There is also a Lutheran society and church building in the
place. The latter was built about the same time as the Congregational Church.
The village is in School District No. 1, of the town of
Ltland, which was organized soon after the first settlers became
located here. A school-house was built which is still in use.
In March, 1867, the dam was carried away. which seriously
interfered with business for a time.
We find mention of the village in Mirch, 1867, as follows:
"This is a small village of about two hundred inhabitants,
whose principal business, like those of all the villages located along
the lake, is that of manufacturing wood for shipping purposes, and
that of wooding the many propellers and steamboats that ply our
western lakes. There are three docks here; one owned and operated by Messrs. Cordes & Thies; one by Messrs. Pickard & Barton,
and the third by Christopher F. Reynolds. Each of these parties
also have a general store connected with their wood business.
There is one saw-mill, a stave and heading manufactory, one


hotel, kept by M. E. Tilley, some shoe and blacksmith shops, &3.
Located, as it is, between Carp Lake and Michigan, with Carp River
connecting, fine facilities are offered and improved, for converting
the stately forests surrounding Carp Lake, into wood, staves, etc. by
means of tugs and scows. Mr. John I. Miller, the present clerk
and register of the county, resides here engaged as a farmer, doing
his official business at Northport by deputies.


"This is also the residence of the Rev. G. Thomson a somewhat celebrated African traveler and missionary, aufhor of several
books on Africa."
In 1869 a company of Detroit men began the erection of an
iron furnace, which was completed and commenced operations in
1870. This company was known as the Leland Lake Superior
Iron Co. In January, 1870, operations at this point were noted as
follows: 
"The village of Leland, situated on the Lake Michigan shore, at
the mouth of Carp River, contains, I think, one of tile most
beautiful and' eligible sites for a commercial and manufacturing
town in the northwest. There seems to be but one drawback,
and that is the want of a good, natural harbor, which the Iron
Company intend to remedy by building an artificial breakwater,
driving spiles a distance of 300 feet northwest and 250 feet northeast, cribbing up the whole distance and filling up with cinders and
stone from the furnace which, it is said, will cement and grow together like solid rock after being three or four months under
water.
"Leland has three stores, two saw-mills and a grist-mill, all
doing a good business, I believe; also a good school-house, used
for educational and religious purposes, and a commodious and
very respectable looking Catholic Church, as yet unfinished." The
same letter mentioned the furnace. And again in July of the same
year:
"Building is going forward at an unprecedented rate, and new
dwelling-houses are springing upon every side. Since the Iron Company located here there have been several large additions made to
the village plat; such as Brown's, Barton's, Miller's and Thompson
& Reynolds'.
"The company employs at present about 150 men, all of whom
live in the village or in its immediate vicinity. - Intoxication is
strictly forbidden among its employes by the company's rules; and
no liquor is sold in the place except on the sly or from some
steamer touching to wood. As a consequence drunkenness is very
uncommon. In this respect this place appears in marked contrast
with most small villages into which a new enterprise has caused a
large influx of inhabitants from the surrounding country. There is
not a saloon in Leland.
"With regard to the progress of the iron works, there is considerable to be said. The furnace proper is completed all but laying up the hearth, which is to be commenced immediately; the
fire-brick, the hot blast and water pipes and water-table plates being
all on hand and the bottom stone cut. This will take about two
weeks, so that by the 1st of August the furnace will be.ready to put
fire into. The casting house is framed and raised all but the roof.
This is a large structure and is to be lined with brick. The water
tank, to contain 220 barrels, has been raised to the top.of tie elevator. This is to hold water to work the elevator and supply the
water pipes of the furnace. The flume has been entirely completed
and is now ready for the reception of the two Houston wheels
which are now daily expected to arrive. The ten kilns are all
completed except turning the arches on the last four.
"Wood has been brought down from Carp Lake for the last
month at the rate of from fifty to eighty-five cords per day. Tile
amount is to be doubled as soon as the requisite number of scows
is completed, there being only three out of the six now ready. This
work of scow building is being rapidly pushed forward, however,


under the supervision of Mr. James Washburn, who is widely
known as an efficient ship-builder throughout this region; and
the wood will soon begin to come down:it L1e rate of 125 cords
a day."
The following is a list of the officers of the company: A. H.






I




L!t
gs


-._4b


Ij


)


-..........

b


--— 1w




4L L

i
I


244


THE TRAVERSE RtEGION.


Dey, president First National Bank, Detroit, president; D. Bethune
Duffield, vice-president; William G. Thompson, secretary and
treasurer; Gen. William W. Duffield, president manager.
The Leland Lake Superior Iron Company appears not to have
been very successful in carrying out their project, for early in the
summer of 1872 the entire capital of $150,000 hlad been sunk, and
the property was sold to Capt. E. B. Ward, of Detroit, who
assumed the indebtedness of $110,000. Cdpt. Ward sold a half
interest to W. G. Thompson, and the firm name adopted was E.
B. Ward & Co. Tile furnace was rebuilt and operated. Subsequently it passed into the hands of the present company. The
works are now capable of turning out about foi ty tollS of iron a day,
although tllhat is more than the average product. The furnace has
twice burned and been rebuilt.
The furnace is an important industry, but for several reasons
it is a check upon thle general prosperity of the village. A large
amount of village property is owned by the company, and is kept
out of the market, while the kilns being located in a centlral pirt of
tlhe village render a large area unfit for occupancy.
The population of the town of Leland in 1884 is 839, and
of the village 370. The county selt witas removed from Northport
to Lelald in 1882, but the advantages accruing to the new site are
not material as yet. The location of the village site is exceedingly
fine, commanding an extensive view of. Lake Michigan, Carp Lake
and Manitou Islands. The country back of tlhe village is a good
farming country, the roads are excellent and the boating and fishing are not excelled anywhere. There are a few stores, but the
business of the place is mainly confined to the interests of the iron
companlly.
There are two hotels, the Cummings House and the Leland
House. Tlhe former is tlle favorite with summer travelers.
THE ENTERPRISE.
The Leelanaw '7terlrise, William C. Nelson, editor and proprietor, was established in October, 1877, at Northport by B. H.
Derby. In October, 1879, Mr. Nelson took charge of it. Following the change of tlhe county seat it was moved to Leland in January, 1883.
Mr. Nelson is a native of Buffalo, N. Y., born in July, 1859,
Came with his parents to Northport in 1874. He commenced his
career as printer on the LeelanaLw Tlibunte. Has been employed on
various other papers in the Traverse Region. Tlhe Leelanaw ]E'nter)pri*s is now the only newspaper published in Leelanaw County.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ADAI N. PICKARD was born in Madison County, N. Y., in 1792.
Moved to Niagara County in 1826, and lived onl a farm till 1864.
He then moved to Leland, Leelanaw County, Mich., wlhere lie died
in 1868. Married in 1816 to Nancy Ehll, a native of New York,
who died in 1881. Three children survive them: Simeon Pickard, Mrs. B. B. Ellis and Mrs. W. W. Barton, all residents of
Leland.
SIMEON PICKARD, Leland, was born in Madison County, N. Y.,
in 1825. His parents moved to Niagara County, N. Y., in 1826.
The subject of tiffs sketch came to the North Manitou Island with
hllis older brother, Nicholas, and engaged in supplying boats with
wood. At that date the travel was all by the lakes, as there were
no railroads through Michigan. Boats called at the island daily


each way, and the small colony increased rapidly. There were no
white people living on the mainland between Manistee and Presque
Isle on Lake Huron except at Mackinaw Island. There was at
this time an Indian village where Leland now stands containing
about three hundred persons. They used birch-bark canoes and


oftan visited the island to fish and. buy goods, as there was no
place where they could trade nearer than Mackinaw Island. In 1854
Mr. Pickard built a pier and established a wooding station on the
west side of the island. Sold out; in 1857 and moved to Northport
and in 1859 came to Leland and has b( ell in the mercantile business
since that time till two years since. Has been county tregister of
deeds four years, postmaster at Lelan I seven ye~ars and has lield
several townslhip offices. Married in 1855 to Alhnerine Beaman, a
native of Trumbull County, Ohio. They have four dalughters and
two sons. His sons are in tlhe mercantile business at East Jordan,
Charlevoix County.
JASPER ROBINSON, superintendent of the Leland Iron Works,
was born in Vermont in 1836. In 1844 his parents imoved to Ohio,
near Cleveland. In 1859 he came to Micliigan and ellngaged witt
Judge H. H. Emmons, farming and stock rLisillng during the sumruer, and in the winters getting out wood for E. 13. Ward at
Wyandotte. He remlained there until 1866, whenll lie went to the
vicinity of Toledo for the Manhattan Iron Company, and was engaged in putting down railroad track for the transportation of wood.
Returned to Wyandotte in 1867 and engaged with E. B. Ward to
furnish coal for furnace one year. T]hen again to thle Emrmons
farim, farming and stock raising summers and getting out w-ood
winters as before. Remained there till 1878, beinu( seventeen
years in all on thle Emlmons farm. During that time lie took out
about 150,000 cords of wood. In 1878 he went to Wyandotte handt
engaged in the lumber business witli a son of Judge Emlmons. Int
the fall of 1879 hlie came to Leland as superintendent of tlhe Leland
Iron Works. He was married in 1854 to Elizabetlh Proctor wlho
died inll 1882, leaving four children. His present wife is 1JEmma
Dalton, of Leland. They have one child.
L. J. GROBBEN, merchant, Leland, Leelanaw County, was
borr in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He remlained there several years
when lie went to Sutton's Bay, Leelanaw County, and clerked for
Denster & Sons. Came to Leland inll 1876 and boughlt the lnercantile business of the Peter A. Cordes' estate. He carries a full stockl
of general merchandise and (leals also in wood, ties, etc. He w(s
town treasurer for two terms. Married in 1881 to Ida Bartol, a
native of Northport, Leelanaw County. Tlhey have one clhild.
F. G. WEYANT, book-keeper for the Leland Iron Company,
was born in Orange County, N. Y., inll 1835, on the samlle farm
where his father was born and brought up. He was four years
employed as book-keeper of the Sterling Iron Railway Company, of
Orange County, N. Y. In 1872 he went to Bangor, Mich. Kept
books for the Bangor Fiurnace Company three years and was sluperintendent of the same one year. He then lhad chlarge of tlhe coal
kilns and general business of the company about six years. Came
to Leland and to his present employment April 7, 1872. He wAas
married in 1861 to Effie M. Gurnee, of Rockland Counlty, N. Y.
They have three children. One son seven years of age was drovwned
in the summer of 1883 in Carp River.
C. J. ALLARD, fisherman, of Leland, Leelanaw County, was
born onl Mackinaw Island in 1830. At the age of fifteen hlie commenced life as a sailor onl the lakes, following that occupation six
years. Served one year on the revenue cutter Erie, Capt. Dobbins
commanding. He then engaged in fishing, following that occupation fourteen summers at Gull Island. Inl 1879 he moved to Good
Harbor and thence to Leland. He was engaged in thle Mormon
war, so called, and was burned out four times in succession. Nov.


80, 1853, he married Margaret Metty, a native of Detroit. They
have had thirteen children, of whom six have died. Mr. Allard's
father, Simon Allard, was a native of Montreal,'Canada. He spent
thirty years of his life on Lake Superior in the employ of the
American Fur Company. Was afterward for a number of years in




-


- 






_  _ _ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ _ _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I,)
3  I 


v 




1 I I                          II                                                                                                                                                                                   I Ab


I!


THE TRAVERSE REGION


245


I


the employ of the government under the Indian Bureau on the
island of Mackinaw working at his trade of blacksmith. Thence he
went to Depere, Wis., when there were but three or four houses in
the plaee. He remained there four years, working at his trade.
He returned to Mackinaw Island, where he died in 1880, aged
eighty-seven years. Mrs. Allard died May 11, 1841. She was
Elizabeth, daughter of Patrick MeGulpin, from whose family McGulpin's Point, near Old Mackinaw, took its name. His brother
William was a soldier of the war of 1812, serving at Old Mackinaw.
JOHN DALTON, foreman for the Leland Iron Company, of Leland,
Leelanaw County, Mich., was born in New York in 1827. The
first seventeen years of his life were spent on a farm. He then left
home and went to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1848, being
mostly engaged in running a threshing machine and in breaking
land. In 1848 he went to the Manitou Islands, where he was
employed in the wood business and in charge of dock. Came from
North Manitou to Leland in 1866, and since the Iron Works were
started has been yard-forerman and in charge of the wood business
of the Leland Iron Company. Has been several years justice of the
peace and now holds that office. He was married in September,
1853, to Amanda Dexter. They have had eight children, of whom
seven are living. Mrs. Dalton is a daughter of Moses H. Dexter, a
blacksmith by trade, who settled on North Manitou in 1849. He is
now living in Walworth County, Wisconsin, at the age of eightyfour.
ANTHONY POHORAL, manager of the Leland Iron Company's
Store, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1855; in 1857 moved to Chicago with his parents, and in 1863 came to Traverse City; remained
there till 1873 when he came to Leland and has been engaged in
his present business since that time. Married in 1880 to Harriet
Drake, a native of Canada. They have one living child.
C. H. DUNKELAU, proprietor of livery stable, Leland, Leelanaw
County, was born in Germany in 1854, and in 1857 came to America with his parents, who settled on a farm near Leland. He was
brought up to farming, continuing in that occupation until 1881,
when he established a livery business at Leland.
NAPOLEON PAULUS, restaurant keeper, Leland, was born in
1834, in Canada. Came to Leelanaw County, Michigan, in 1858,
and settled on Section 24 in Bingham Township; was engaged in
farming in that township and in Leland till 1881. Enlisted 1864
in the Fifteenth Michigan Infantry and served till the close of the
war under General Sherman. He opened a restaurant in Leland in
1881 and still continues the business; married in 1858 to Philomena
Manseaun, a native of Wisconsin. They have eight living children.
HENRY J. DUNKELAU, saloon keeper, Leland, was born in Germany in 1848; came to Leland in the fall of 1860 with his parents,
who settled on a farm in Leland Township; he remained on his
father's farm till nineteen years of age; he then went to Long
Island, N. Y., and worked in a tin factory one year, then went to
Chicago and worked in commission store nearly a year; came to
Manistee, Michigan, in 1870, and was engaged in lumbering; remained there till 1875. when he returned to Leland and opened a
saloon and has carried on the business since that time. Married in
1879 to Odelia Egler, who died in 1880.
CHRISTOPHER F. REYNOLDS, farmer, Leland, was born in Ireland
in 1820; came to America in 1840 and landed in Brooklyn City, L.
I., and worked on a farm near the city two years, and then moved


to St. Clair County, Michigan, and bought a farm; lived in that
county till 1861, when he came to Leland, built a pier and was engaged in the wood business till 1871; since that time has been a
farmer. He now owns over four hundred acres of land on Section
16, Leland. Married in 1847 to Mary Casey, a native of Ireland,






I


I


who died in 1862. They had eight children. Second marriage to
Mary Carey, a native of Ireland.
V.LENTINE LEE, of Leland, Leelanaw County, was born in New
York City in 1828. Seventeen years of his life have been spent as
a sailor on the ocean and lakes, and he now holds a captain's commission. In 1858 lie went to the North Maniton and remained
nearly two years, being engaged in running a ferry between North
Manitou and mainland. In 1859 he came to Carp River and was in
charge of the wood dock of Cordes & Tleiss. He spent four years
in Detroit, where he ws deputy U. S. marshal, and during the
war provost-marshal and engaged in the recruiting service. In 1866
he returned to Leelanaw County. In October, 1882, he bought a
farm of forty acres in Section 24, town of Leland. Is also engaged
in the wood business. Married at Leland, in 1864, to Jane Voorhes,
who died in 1877. In 1880 he married Clara Anderson. He has
three children. Mr. Lee was sheriff of Leelanaw County in 1872.
BARTON B. ELLIS, hotel proprietor of Leland, Leelanaw County,
was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1827. From there he went to
Niagara County where he engaged in farming and worked at his
trade of carpenter and joiner. Came to Leland in the fall of 1868
and clerked in a store one season. Built several stores and other
buildings at Leland and had charge for eight or nine years of the
saw-mill, and subsequently of the mill at Sutton's Bay. Milling has
been his business a good part of his life. He was supervisor of the
town of Leland one term, and superintendent of schools several
terms. He was married in 1851 to Mary Loveland, who died iln
1861, leaving two children. In 1871 he married Eliza Ann Pickard.
ALFRED JOHN, county clerk, Leelanaw Co., was born in Cuyahoga
County, Ohio, in April, 1836. In 1837 his parents moved to Illinois
where he was brought up on a farm. At the age of thirteen he lost
the use of his right leg. At the age of fourteen he started in life
for himself, being given his time by his parents. He learned the
shoe-making trade at which he worked fourteen years. Iin 1866 he
went to New York and remained until the fall of 1867, when he removed to Northport, Leelanaw County. In 1869 he commenced
his official life as town clerk. Following this was justice of the
peace. Since 1872 he has been either county clerk or register of
deeds, and while he has held one of these offices has been deputy of
the other. He was married Jan. 26, 1870, to Hannah E. Wiegand,
niece of Robert Lee, one of the first pioneers of the Traverse Region.
They have six children. Mr. John's father, who for the last fourteen years has been a member of his family, died February 11,
1884, aged nearly seventy-seven years.
ANDREW HALMOND, captain and owner of the schooner G. Barber, was born in Germany in 1846, and in 1852 came wittJ his
parents to America and lived on Grand Island near Niagara Falls,
N. Y., and in 1857 came west and settled on North Manitou Islan I
where his father died in 1861; his mother died on the island in
1858. At the age of twenty years he commenced sailing on the
lakes, and in 1876 became master and owner of his vessel. He
owns five hundred acres of land three miles south of Leland, and
during the winter season is engaged in getting out cord wood and
carries it with his own vessel to Milwaukee. He has lived in Leland
since 1872. Married in 1882 to Minerva Putnam, a native of
Canada.
CORNELIUS JONES, proprietor of the Leland House, Leland,
Leelanaw County, Mich., was born in Prussia, May 3, 1818. He
was bred a faimer. Came to America in 1842 and settled in New


York where he was employed in farming until 1849, when he came
west and engaged in the wood business on the North Manitou.
Came to Leland in 1855 and bought 110 acres of land in Sections
25 and 26, where he lived until 1865, when he came to Leland
village and tended dowk for Christopher Reynolds, Mrs. Jones




k




I


I


I




I


ewI                                          I I
4:;4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 
- HiL  a 
wo-~~ —                      




-1                                                                                                                                                             I, 1 -   uI


1


246


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




having charge ot the store. He has been also engaged in the real
estate business, buying and rebuilding houses, etc. Bought the
Leland House in 1869; has added to it and has been ever kince
then its proprietor. He'was married January 15, 1849, to Barbara
Schaub. They have had one child, who died in infancy.
GLEN ARBOR.
Tlhe first settlers at Glen Arbor were John E. Fisher and Dr.
William H. Walker, who came from Wisconsin in 1854. They
landed on Manitou Islands and came to the main shore with their
families and goods in small boats. The next season George Ray
landed liere with two families from Ashtanila Comwt.y, Ohio, bringing with him a small saw-mill. They landed from the propellor
Saginaw, August 28, 1855. That was the first boat that ever
made a landing in this bay. The next summn r Mr. Ray, with a
partner, commenced building a dock, which was completed in 1857
and afterward known as the Central Dock.
The first religious meeting in the town was held at Mr. Ray's
house in 1856, by Rev. ClhTrles E. Bailey. The first political meeting was also held at his house by Messrs. J. G. and T. J. Ramsdell.
In 1860 the dock passed into the hands of Capt. A. W. Rossman and M. D. Todd.
In 1862 Thomas Kelderhouse built another dock in the northeast part of the bay about three miles distant from the Central
Dock.
In 1865 C. C. McCartey built another dock in the northwest
part of the bay, which afterward passed into the hands of the
Northern Transportation Co., of Cleveland.
Glen Arbor was made a port of entry in 1865, and George Ray
was appointed inspector and deputy collector of customs.
In March, 1867, mention was made of Glen Arbor as follows:
"Glen Arbor is completely nestled 'among the pines' and oaks,
which give it a very pleasant appearance at all seasons of the year.
It has, I think, about 200 inhabitants, one wood dock, owned by
the Todd brothers, whoi also have a store; another store by Mr.
William LI. Cooke; blacksmith and cooper shops, etc. This village
is also situated between the elegant little Glen Lake and Lake Michigani and business men of the town propose to cut a canal to connect the
two lakes. Mr. C. C. McCartey, owning and occupying a dock
about three-fourths of a mile from the other dock, has already
placed a tug on Glen Lake, which is used in scowing wood. Mr.
McCartey is a man of energy and ability -in short, a true gentleman11.
"John E. Fisher has a residence about two miles out of town,
on Glen Lake..'
July 5, 1863, Rev. A. Joy, originally from Vermont, but directly from Ohio, landed at Glen Arbor. He was, at that time, by
reason of age and infirmities past his active and constantlabors in
the miniistry, and came into the region to find a home for himself
and family, for his declining years. He was, however, disposed to
do for religion in general and for his own, the Baptist denomination, in particular, whatever was in his power. As this morning
was the Sabbath, lie stopped at one of the first houses that looked
like affording a home for the day. The place at which he stopped
was the house of Mrs. Dorr, and he learned that she and otherJladies were engaged in an effort to sustain a small Sunday-school, and


at the appointed time he accompanied her to the place of assembling. This was a small unfinished house, one room of which was
occupied by their weekly school. He found present three ladies as
teachers, and about fifteen children. Mr. Joy made an appointment to preacll in tlat room at five o'clock in the afternoon. There
were present at the preaching service twenty or twenty-five persons.


This is said to have bien the first sErmon preach d by a Baptist
minister in this region., Mr. Joy subsequently settled on a homestead in the town of Joyfield, Benzie County.
The Conqregational Church at Glen Arbor was re organized Aug.
11, 1867, by a Congregational Council. It had been organized
some time before as a Union Church. R.v. Daniel Miller wats ordained as pastor in 1868.  He had been for many years a local
preacher in the M. E. Church.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
GEORGE RAY, of Glen Arbor, Leelainaw County, Midi., was
born in Great Barrington, Berkshire Cointy, Mass., in 1819. He
went thence to Ohio in 1832 and clerked and taught school until
lie was twenty-one years old, when he engaged in merchandizing.
In June, 1855, he came to Leelanaw County, Mich., and selected
several hundred acres of land. Returning to Ohio and thence to
Buffalo he chartered the steamer Saginaw, loaded upon it a sawmill, household furniture, two cows and other freight needed for a
new settlement and came to Sleeping Bear Bay. This was the first
steamer which ever entered the bay. There were fourteen passengers for this point. Besides Mr.Ray and his family there were W.
D. Burdick and Erasmus Nutt and other families and others without families. Soon after his arrival a postoffice was established,
and Mr. Ray was appointed postmaster, holding the offi-e nearly
all the time since. He has been county clerk, coroner, U. S. commissioner for the western district of Michigan, government agent
for the sale of revenue stamps, customs house officer, and town
clerk and justice of the peace most of the time since his coming.
Mr. Ray was married in 1846 to Jane S. French, a native of Massachusetts. They have two sons, Welby C., who is with his parents,
and Ermond F. in Ludington, Mici.
L. F. SHERIDAN, merchant, Glen Arbor, was born in Oswego
County, N. Y. in 1837; remained in that county till 1859, then
made a trip to Pike's Peak in company with two others; fitted out
a train at St. Joseph, Missouri, taking   out twenty-seven
passengers; remained  through  the  season;  then  returned
overland to his old home in New York, and in 1860 went
to Saginaw and worked at lumbering till 1861, w4hen lie came to
Glen Arbor and engaged in fishing, and in 1863 took as a homestead 160 acres of land in Section 32 in Cleveland which he still
owns.   In 1876 lie went to Maple City and bought an interest in
the shoe peg manufactory; remained thete ti 1 1878, when lie was
appointed government light-house keeper on South Manitou Island;
remained there till 1883. He then opene.l a store at Glen Arbor,
where lie keeps a general stock of dr; go)ds, groceries, provisions,
hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc.: is also manufacturing a washing machine called the Ladies' Friend; is a partner of Kasson Freeman, of Grand Rapids, Mich., in the manufacture of a fire escape
which they consider very valu.tble. He was supervisor of Cleveland Township seven years. Married in 1862 to Mary A. McCollum,
a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., whlo died in September, 1883.
They had three sons and one daughter.
CHARLES DUMBRILL, miller, Glen Arbor, was born in Canada in
1829, remained at home till 1846 whlen he left to learn the miller's
trade; worked at milling in Canada till 1863. He then came to
Glen Arbor and lived a few months; thence to Glen Haven and run
McCarthy's mill, the only flouring-mill within thirty miles.
In 1864 the mill was bought by Mr. Burdick and moved to Burdickville. He took up a homestead of 160 acres, a large portion of


it in Glen Arbor Township, the balance of the farm being in Cleveland. He worked on his farm during the summer season, running
the mill at Burdickville in winter for two years. He still owns his
farm which he has improved by building a house and barn and
planting a good orchard. He thinks of retiring to his farm soon




q:I.S.


_,IA


W.-                                                                                   




il-W


-2,


I;.


'I '  j'' 




_-, 4 


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


247


-


I


anll give up the mill to his son. In 1866 he went to work in a
mill near Glen Arbor, built by the late Mr. Kilderhouse. He run
that mill two years, then went to Glen Haven and run a mill built
by the Northern Transportation Co.; run that mill one year until it
was burned, then went to work on his farm; remained there three
years; is now running a fine new mill built by Mr. Kilderhouse one
mile east of Glen Arbor. Married in 1861 to Mary Jane Hilton, a
native of Canada. They have three sons and one daughter.
NICHOLAS PICKARD, deceased, was born in Madison County, N.
Y., in 1817. In 1846 he came from Buffalo, N. Y., where he was
engaged as his uncle's agent in supplying wood to. the steamboats,
to the Manitou Islands and established a station for the supply of
wood to the steamers plying between Chicago and Buffalo.  There
were then but two or three families on North Manitou and a wooding station on South Manitou. No settlers were on the mainland
from Manistee to Presque Isle. In 1847 lie sold his interest in the
business at North Manliton and removed to Buffalo where lie re1mained two years, and returned to Nor+h Maniton, engAging again
in the wood business and operating a saw-mill; his family residing
in Buffalo during the winters and on North Manitou in summer.
He removed to Leland in 1878 and commenced the construction of
a pier on his property at that point, still continuing Ihis business on
North Manitou. He was married in 1847 to Mrs. Nancy Buss, of
Niagara County, N. Y. They had eight children of whom two
only survive, viz: Burnside N. and Mrs. C. A. Rossman, both of
Glen Arbor, Leelanaw County, Mich. Mr. Pickard died in April,
1876; Mrs. Pickard lives with her son, B. N.. at Glen Arbor. The
latter was born in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1861. He engaged in his
present business of general merchandising at Glen Arbor in 1879.
DANIEL MILLER, farmer, Glen Arbor Township, was born in
Dansville, Livingston County, N. Y., in 1806. Remained in that
county till 1841.  He then moved to Clayton, Genesee County,
Mich. Was there engaged in farming and tie manufacture of
potash and saleratus till 1862, when he moved to Glen Arbor
Township, Leelanaw County, and bought 160 acres of land of the
government on Section 29. His farm lies on an elevation which
gives him a fine view of Lake Michigan and the South Manitou
Island, and the winds from the lake make it a fine fruit country.
He has been highway commissioner one year. Married in 1831
to Ann Hart, a native of Livingston County, N. Y.  They have
seven sons and two daughters; one son living in Genesee County,
Mich., one in Nevada, and five near their father's home, on Miller's
Hill.  One daughter lives in Genesee County and the other is at
home.
WELLS B. MILLER, fanner, of Glen Arbor, Leelanaw County,
Mich., was born in Dansville, Livingston County, N. Y., Feb. 8,
1888.   During his boyhood his parents removed to Genesee
County, Mich., where he remained until 1861. In May of that
year he, with his father and brother, came to Leelanaw County
prospecting. He pre-empted 145k acres of land in Section 30,
Town 29, Range 13. This pre-emption he afterward changed to a
homestead entry.  On this tract is the elevation known as Miller's
Hill, the view from which is said to be the finest in northern Michigan.
Mr. Miller moved in with his family in October, 1861. Mrs. Miller
was Cynthia Johnston, a native of Ohio.  They were married in
October, 1851, and have five children.  Mr. M. has held the


office of town treasurer two years, and of justice of the peace three
years.
SUTTON'S BAY.
Sutton's Bay, like many other villages in Leelanaw County, has
a charming location, but except in cordwood, ties, bark, etc., its
business is limited. In January, 1866, the following mention was
made of this point:


7




"A new village has also sprung into existence near the head of
Sutton's Bay, which, in honor of Mr. H. C. Sutton, the former
and early owner of the soil upon which it stands, has been
christened Suttonsburg, by the acting register of deeds.  This
infant, Suttonsburg, bids fair to become quite a boy within a few
years; and if it does not then the fault will be in itself, for Nature
has dealt nobly with it.  Tie bay, at the head of which this village is built, is a body of water four or five miles in length, and
about two miles in width; is tributary to Grand Traverse Bay, intersecting it from the west, about twenty-four miles from its junction with Lake Michigan; is deep enough to float any steamboat
on the lake. Extending in a southwestern course, as it doe, there
is but one direction from which the wind can approach and be at
all violent; and then it is not s.fficiently boisterous as to materially
affect boats lying at its dock.  The site of the village is a pleasant
one, gradually rising from  the bay and extending westward over
an cv n, fertile piece of land, broad enough for a city of an untold
number of inhabitants.  Suttonsburg is situated about three and a
half miles from the geographical center of the county, and, therefore, if the county seat should ever be removed from Northport,
will probably be the point fixed upon by a mijority of the people
for its permanent location."
Mr. Sntton is now a resident of one of the western states.
In the spring of 1871 Rev. A. Herbstrit, a Clthloli, priest,
niade purchase of about (,000 acres of land on Sutton's Bay, and
laid out the village of Pleasant City. He was unable to carry
out his project and the scheme was i, good deal of a fiasco.
In 1880 mention was made of the village as follows:
" Sutton's Bay is a lively place of 250 or 30( inhabitants, containing four stores, two hotels, a fine brick school-house, a sawmill, printing-office, blacksmith and shoe shops, etc.  Quite an extensive mercantile business is transacted at this place, and being
situated in the center of a tract of valuable farming land, it
must inevitably become a village of importance.   The Catholics have a good church edifice at this place, and other denominations hold religious services in the school building.  There are
three docks in the village.  An extensive wood trade is carried on
here."
The Leelanaw Tribtur, which was published here for a time,
was afterward moved to Traverse City.  The school-house above
mentioned is the finest school building in the county.
MICHAEL A. HEUSS, carpenter, of Sutton's Bay, Leelanaw
County, was born in Germany in 1835. He learned there the
trade of carpenter and joiner.  Came to America in 1854, to Wisconsin, and worked there a year.  Came to Sutton's Bay, June 2,
1871, and has since made this his home. He was married in
1864 to Alice Lee, a native of Michigan. They have four boys
and three girls. Mr. Lee has been supervisor of the town of
Bingham two terms, clerk several terms, and has held other offices.
Has been notary public for ten years. He is the operator of the
Western Union Telegraph office at Sutton's Bay, the office being in
his house.  Mr. Heuss, in company with Geo. Steimel is about to
construct a planing-mill at Sutton's Bay, to be in operation
during the summer of 1884.   The machinery is already on the
ground.
WILLIAM PARKES, engineer, Sutton's Bay, Leelanaw County,


Mich., was born in England in 1846, and learned there the trade
of engineer. Came to America in April, 1864, to the state of Ohio,
where he remained about three years, following his profession.
About the year 1867 he came to Marle Ctry, Leelanaw County,
where he assisted in the construction of the shoe peg factory of J.
T. Sturtevant.  Built also a mill at Bingham for W. B. Boone.
Has been employed in engineering and in the construction of mills


-


i
I
i
I
i
i
iii
i
I
i
I
i
i
i
i
I
i
I
i
I
I




I V

I


'- O.. W,         ----------------------- I.                                                                              _11.
IL1 




I
i
I. I
I
I
I
i
i
i
i
ij
i
i
I
i
i
I
i
I
Ii
I
I
I
I
I


I I

I


248


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




at Manistee and at many other points in the state.  Came to
Sutton's Bay June 18, 1883, and took charge of Greilick Bros.'
mill, which lhe is now opelating. He was married in 1869 to
Annie Tremaine, of Maple City, who died October 15, 1882, leaving
two children.
CAPT. J. C. ANDERSON, hotel-keeper at Sutton's Bay, Leelanaw
County, was born in Norway, March 19, 1830.  Came to Buffalo,
N. Y., as a sailor.  Had been sailing on salt water since 1840.
Has been master of a vesselsince 1852. Continued to sail on the
lakes till 1879, wlhen he bough: the Union Hotel at Sutton's Bay
which he has kept since that time. Married in 1857 to Sarah
Goldburn, a native of Norway, who died in 1862.  They had two
sons. Second marriage in 1864 tc Emma Goldbuml, a native of
Wisconsin.
GEORt(- STEImEL, hlotel keeper, Sutton's Bay, Leelanaw County,
was born in Germany in 1824.  Came to Canada in 1854 and was
there engaged in farming till 1864, when he moved to Sutton's
Bay andl bought a farm in Bingham Township. Carried on his
fa;rm till 1874, when lie built the hotel called the Bay iHouse, and
lias kept thle holise since that time.  Married in 1819 to Emina
Bainaler. They lha.ve four sons arnd three daughters.
(;Cto (;z STF.IEI, Jin., druggist at Sutton's Bay, was born in
(Gerallny.  Camie to Canilada widl his parents in 1851 and to
Sutton's lay in 18(i-3.  Spent mvst of his time farming till 1874.
Silnce thlat time has been in the mercantile business. Now keeps a
drug stor-. Htas been township treasurer two term:s.  Still holds
tile office.  Married in 1871 to Elizabeth Mook.  They ihave one!:,URDICKVIJLLE.
1'lr(dickville -was menltioned in July, 1873, as follows:  "This
village is located o(n an elevated table land near (len Arbor. Williall Brtlrickl calme to this place some sixteen years a.o, cleared
some land and built a saw-mill and grist-mill, which burned down
soime four years qgo. John I-elm moved here in 1867 with a stock
of guce.ral merclhanl(ise, and has built up a flourishing business.
He lias lately b;,i1t at store which is the best building in tile place.
S. S. 13urllett lbro:ight a stock of generfal merchandise here some
eighteeiin miolnthss since. There is also a blacksmith and tailor shop
inl thle place.  Blrdickville, together withl many frontier towns, is
ithol(:ut a church organizzattoll. It is rumored that Mr. G. W.
Stetson intends building a lotel hlere next sea-son.  Tile inhabitnilfts of thle place anticipate having a flourishing town at no very
distant day, tas they arce located in tile midst of a splendid fLarming
country."
The place is at present a local business point, drawing quite a
trade fr(m the surrounding coluntry.
J.i(,IN HELM, merehrmt,   Bunrdicliville, Leelanaw County, Mich.,
wxvs )born in Canada(I in 1837.  Was raised o01 a farm.  C(ame to
Mlichigatn in 1854 andl( attended scliool at G(1rand Rapids and Lame.iont
ini wiltelr, and worked atit carpentering and other employments in
summcr un1til thle spring oi 1800(), when lie went to Missouri -lwhere
}le \was illn slurveyor's office in Hannibal until the wa,-r.  May 21,
l 6;1, lie enlisted inl the Sixteenth Illinois Itnfantry.  Served under
IRb.-c^crtans, S}iVM'tmlli, and Thomas.  MuIstered out Jullle 19, 1864.
lI, tihel served ',~,s clerk of tlie quartermaster department in Gen.
Stahlley's corps for a yer.  In tile fall of 186)5 lhe ctlme to tlie
Traverse Region tain took  llup a hlomeste;atl. The same fall lihe
stillted a general merilllandise business;lt CGlen Hivel.  Caln e to


his present location, urdtlickville, it, the fall of 1867 Wrand elngaged
in uerchandizilg.   Has continued here most of the time since.
lHe -pent the  ummlller of 1876 at Washington as a clerk in the
general land office, Mrs. Helmi carrying on the business at Burdickville.  Mr. Helm was married in July, 1866, to Nancy Camp

I


bell, daughter of Lockland Campbell, one of the first settlers of
this section of country.  They have five children, Nettie S,, Nell
Walter, Edna E., Nannie A., and Maggie K.    Mr. Helllm was 
pointed postmaster on the establishment of the office at Bllurdickl
ville in 1868, and held the office until 1876 when lie resign(edl aild
Mrs. Helm was appointed. Mrs. Helm is also notary public.   J!Yr.
H. has been supervisor of his town two terms and tretasurer t6wo
terms. Was census enumerator in 1880.     For the past two years 
he has been doing a commission business for parties in his vicility,
making frequent trips to Chicago for that purpcse.
Provement, situated at the "Narrows" in the town of eIan(d,
was a prospective-village of considerable notoriety, about the yeaprt:
1867 and 1868. Mr. A. De Belloy was an early settler at tllis p:oint,,Ind in 1867 "The Grand Traverse Bay Mineral Land Associat:iol'I
sunk a well expecting to strike oil, but failed of their object. Thlere
is, however, an artesian well some 700 feet deep, from whiclh splltts
a stream of mineral water about six inclles in diameter, rising to a,
height of twelve or fifteen feet. Thlis water possesses vwlaluale
medicinal qualities.
Glen Haven is a steamboat Ilanding on Lake Micligtn,"l)' at
short distanllce from Glen Arbor, and contains a dockii,  otel, stoie,
etc.


I
I
I
I


P. P. SMITH, of Glen Haven, LoenLnhlaw C',ullty,  Mic!l., w-t.
born in Aslitabulia County, Ohio, in 1831; wais broulghlt up o1D;l
farm. Ill 1855 clame to Sleepinig Belar Bay on tlie stealuer Sinaw, whllic broughlt a party of fourteen to this poilnt. tie stoppedit
at what is now (llen Arbor, where lie labored at various em-:pl)loy
ments until August, 1862, whien lie enlisted in the Trxentty-foijini
Wisconsin Infantry, going to Milwaukee, Wis., wvith otliiers for tlat:
purpose. His regiment served in thle Army of the (itueXerl, aid,
ilunder luell, Rosecralns ant Tlihomlas. Ile wa.s muilUsted olt it, Jrtl,-l-,
1865. Tlie same year he visited Ohio, wliere lie mlarried PitumIiec
L. I)ecker, who died in July, 1082, levillg an itlfllt son,. l}ie
returned to (len Haven iln t185 and 1as ever since l)tien il tbl'
employ of the Northern Transpoitation Companlly and its success
ors, being their foreman for about thirteel yelars. {ie c;i.ried tlbe,
first mail between Glen Haven and Traverse City. Tlis, W}.S II tiA,
winter of 18;55 and '5G. The route was not regutilly cetlislisi:s
until the following year, and Mr. S. carri~ed the tlatil ilmikr ile l;rf:
contract. He was one of the organizers of tile owxn,of (i levi~
Arbor. Has held the office of justice of thle peace about, eight
years. Was appointed postmaster at (Glen I;avell inl 1Sl;(,;nl,
now holds tlhe office.
JOHN TOBIN, hotel proprietor at Glen Haven, Leelzalawv Com;1iit y,
Mich., was born iln Canada in 1816. In the flll of 880 ) ie caii,
to Leelanaw County, withl his parents, wilo settled oll:,i Im'rl. i`,:l
Narrows, on the south side of Glen Lakhe. Ie lelarned tle car[;:k'
ter's trade, and hafs worked at thllat and at milling illn Wiscon,;ijl,:t
Manistee, Micli., and at otlier points. For tlie past elevenl:te;rt li:
llas resided at (lien Haiven and Glen Arbor, elngaged in 11,ill 'o.il<
and carpentering. Iin November, 1883, lie took the hotel a:t (.;!,
Haven, and is now operatintg it. He;als marrieed ill Auglist, L.'
to Kate King, a native of Wisconsin.   They have four children.
Maple City is a postoffice celnter in tile town of Ka(issoi, 0,iui
does a local business.
FRrED. F. COOK, 1merchiant of Mhiple City, Leainaw Coullity,
was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., 1850; In 1856 his     s parents calle to
the North Manitou, where they remaitned one year, anltl thel, ltLovci i
to Leland or Carp Lake He wits brougilt up to farm.ing; lelarted
also the carpenter's trade, at which lie worked eigllt seasons.  IIv
October, 1882, he went to Maple City and engaged itl merchand lising. Has spent about two years in traveling and selling goods.
lie was married in 1871 to    Mary Jane Thomas, of Leellanaw


I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I


I


- xu
I
I
I




-"W
[


J
e


I


-




I


4-   I


----------------------— i --- —--------------------------  -------— * ---- i --- -  '-  ----------— ^ -^-^ —..'  ^te
i ~                                               I        a 9


-v-,t -


r 77  - -










-ed- t
Vs
r
v
II I                            4


Qp4


I —I




No


Lial
rIMR I
0
At"  -Al 0 lb IZ,
1;, mg(,
f c -,  0
-)       0-14
0
\- 1. X.."
I       U.4      -041 0-4
1             2-, —,A


e.1
kilt,.0
"I
1


I


I I


w4 91


K


I


I


I
I


I


4 -

I


j


40


Kl
I> 








- IV
11
Q
- Q
1.40
- IAt
1  V,
ll


r
0 1
 s
I
I
iI
I
I 


-— 4, -I




I
I
I
I/
I
1)
4-1 --I-\.


I


-00
04


-- 4-. -I


II


0%
t7v


I


Q
rfi-4


11 -
F
-L
I
I
-A1


NN


TI-A
a




IL
1  I
1''




I
I


r




- -0. T-.,= -IT.4


i
I


I


ft4


I..-   




_____t -  I-t,

N


- 1 +  f  -  - I~-  


il
I
I.i.
0
1
if




1W % 


i


ei
f
N
4 *'ll 
4,, -
IITI   - -


I!






I   — I


I


P'NPAW-qw- - -1




i.   I




io IN6


N%




t       1


llq


___j


- -




I.-  I_...  I  -4




04 -

/ ftvl%.




I
I


-4      9i


1'


14,]


I
I
I
i
I.I

cif
I!N
2


it
1
-4




7-        N
z     -Ina


I —i
I
i


I








%1 I




1     -!4(,L, ---    11
-,-,        ", I- --


I-A,:f ,




I, -
I.,
V: 1.
T


t..*.
I
I,

9      I
i
I *IN
I:    N       I
I           II
I
C,,;.    ik         CY
I


-r
I
L
T
I
i
I


I             ~     


I
I
j


I7~




- i
I.

kf
I.-n4o    m
t'. i
N        i;t.-I — - —.i-. -— I 
'IC       M      -t
N     I.op
IN'i"     4     1
1
I
I;     i


I


I! I


I






---- -L it




Fe


k====  i t  --- -




r,,:9,
N. f


-4'

-I
I;............I ---
14Z                  If,%,:      I";       Tt
et                                I      *-Ik
i
E- -                       -      - I - ':               --
i                                               1.      I.)    t^                               I
J                           1%.
I                  I,,,*       11.11
0
1
1


7




F


t-4,


-1
i


T

F


_                4.                                                                                                                          -~~~~~~~~~~~~~1


 -.4


I
t


I

~~~~~~~rJ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~T
~~~l            --     1)


r, - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -7
cz~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A ll ft   S ~ 4 1 r J   ~"~     ">AL ~
A~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~rjj~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\XZ




. 


h


mI-!


P,- f!-4
- _..' I1';


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


249


-                                                                                                                                              g~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Town hip, a native of Pennsylvanlia. They have three vllildren,
two boys and one girl.
WILLIAMI H. CROWELL, proprietor of Maple City Mill, Leelanaw
County, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1837; was brought
tup to farming. In thle summer of 1862 he enlisted in the One
Hundred and Twenty fifth Ohio Infantry, serving in the Army
of the Cumberland. He served two years as a private soldier
and one year as lieutenant and quartermaster of his regiment.
Was mustered out in 1865, tit the close of tile war. Resided in
Cleveland about ten years, engaged in the sewing machine business and in real estate. In 1875 lie camLe to Maple City and
engaged in manufacturing, purchasing thle shoe peg factory. of
J. T. Sturtevant. This was burned in 1880, and in 1882 lihe
built his present saw-mill, in which he has also a planer and
shingle machinery. He is also engaged in farming, having 265
acres in tile town. Married in 1865 to Letticia H; -ynes, and l;asL
tliree cliildren, two boys and one girl. In 1875 Mr. Crowell secured
the establishmlent of a nmail route from Traverse City to Maple City,
and was appointed postmaster, holdiing the office ever since.
HARVEY TREMAIN, miller, Maple City, Leelanaw County, was
born in Canada, in 1857. During his early boyhood his parents
moved to New York, and when he wits seven years old, to Leelanaw
County, where they settled on a farm in Section 2, Township 28,
Range 13. At the age of fourteen he left home and worked on
railroads, in the lumber camps, and on the river. Learned the trade
of miller and blacksmith. Has run several different flouring mills
in the couInty. He was married March 22, 1882, to Danna O. Fish,
a native of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Tremain's parents are among the
earliest settleis in tile town of Kasson. At tile time of their coming
there were D)o roads ill tle town and only a trail from Glen Arbor to
Traverse City.
The early history of New Mission has already been told. In
1868 Mr. Dougherty sold the farm, consisting of 500 acres, 100 of
whllich were improved, to Valentine C. Mills, of Iowa, for $5,000.
Tlhe following, which appeared in the Grand Traverse elerald,
ini thle spring of 1884, tells the present status of this point:
"Some montlis ago the Herald noted the purchase of the New


I
f


Mission property by a party of Cincinnati gentlemen, who would
rebuild the large mission house and improve the property for a
sulmmner resort. Tifs work is now being done under the superintendency of J. A. Mossnlall, who will have general charge of the
property.
"The tract embraces 568 acres of land. The harbor is one of
tlhe finest on the lakes. New Mission Point is aboult twenty miles
from Traverse City, eighllt miles from Sutton's Bay and the same
distance from  Northport. The view from the mission house is
magnificent. In a clear day Elk Rapids, Torch Lake, Norwood,
Charlevoix and the point beyond, Northport, Sutton's Bay, and far
up to thle head of Travelse Bay, where Traverse City is located, can
be distinctly seen.
The old mission Ihouse is being thoroughly rebuilt. It will be
thl-e stories an;d mansard roof, and is to be 60x7( feet in size.
This building, stands 113 feet above the bay. It is seventy-six feet
from ground to top of cupola and this is surmounted by a flag-staff
twentyv-six feet hlligh. An easy flight of stairs extends from ground
floor to cupola. The building contains thirty-five sleeping rooms,
two parlors, spacious halls, verandas, dining room, etc., etc. There
is an ice house with a capacity of sixty-eight tons.
"The grounds can be made very fine. There are now 2,.500
fruit trees on the place. There is no finer location for a summer
resort on the entire shore of Grand Traverse Bay. It needa money
to improve such a spot, and the gentlemen who have undertaken
the matter will use all that is necessary."
From descriptions already given, it will be seen that Leelanaw
possesses some peculiar features.  Its geographical position is
decidedly singular. There is not a village of any commercial
importance, and not a railway in the county. Its resources of
climate, soil and scenery are, however, unsurpassed, and it promises to become a rich agricultural and fruit growing region.
The people are intelligent and industrious, and good schools
are maintained in all parts of the county.
In 1868 a county agricultural society was organized, hllichl is
still kept up, and is in a flourishing condition.


I


I
I I






i




-


ANTRIM COUNTY.


CHAPTER XXXV.
BOUN.sDARIES --- AREA AND POPULATION —SOIL, TIMBER AND WATER —
DESC'RIPTION BY DR. LEACH.
Antlimr County is one of the best in the Traverse Region.
The county proper embraces sixteen townships, lying in Towns 29
80, 31, and 32 uorth, in Range 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 west; and has an
area of 581 square miles, and 403,200 acres of taxable land.
It is bounded on the north byv Charlevoix, on the east by Otsego, on tle south l.y Kalkaska, and on the west by Grand Traverse Baly.


There were 14,000 acres of government, 126 acres state swamp,
5,520 acres of primary school, 880 acres of agricultural college, 89,069
acres of Grand Rapids& Indiana Railroad, and 10,080 acres of Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad land subject to entry May 1,1883.
The timbered lands are held at from $5 to $10 per acre, and are
for the most part, valuable farming lands. There are three state,
roads running throughthe county, and in the more settled portion
all roads aie comparatively good.
The entire population of the county, in 1864, was 3882 souls;
which also included the counties of Kalkaska, Crawford and Otsego
attached. In 1870 the population of these counties had risen to
1,985; in 1874 to 3,240, and in 1880 that of Antrim County alone


J




L
v


1


I


i -


_ _ - 


i!


I


0


- -.11


"N -




I]


"~ I  --------                                                          ~  ~
I-   -  -  -  --  -  -  -       --                        -   I

I


I




I
i
i
I
I
I




I


250


THE TRAVER-SE REGION.


_ __  _  L


-
-




to 5,286-showing a very handsome increase in population during
the term labt mentioned.
The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad crosses the county
from south to north, and affords i good outlet for all marketable productions.
Considering all its advantages, Antrim County is probably unsurpassed by any in the state. It has a diversified soil and surface.
There is no soil so light but that it can be made good, and none so
broken as to be barren; while much the greater portion is sufficiently undulating as to unite beauty with fertility. The cultivator
can work the soil as easily and much more generally than the soil
of the western prairies. It has not, in wet weather, the adhesive
quality of prairie soil, nor does it become so dry and hardened by
the heat of the sun. It is a loam with a strong mixture of lime; is
light, pliable and warm; and when the stumps are removed is profitably worked with machinery.
Like all portions of northern Michlligan, Antrim County is heavily timbered. Tile forest trees are of splendid growth, they are lofty
and really grand.-There is riot that variety which is found in more
southern counties but the quality is not surpassed. Beech and
maple predominate. Elm, ash, basswood, hemlouck, pine and cedar
abound, and cherry is occasionally found. There is some oak, but
very inferior. —There is little or no ship timber. And the principal
value of the timber is for lumber, shingles, fencing and fuel. Of
lumber, pine, a great quantity has been manufactured, so that at
present bait a small fraction remains.
Antrim County has a frontage on Grand Traverse Bay of twenty-four miles, and extenus eastward twenty-six miles.
The county contains about 636 square miles, of which fifty-five
miles are water sinface. Theiearetliirteen lakes in the county, all of
the purest and most beautiful water, and swarming with fish, from
the delicate brook trout to the sturdy pike and whitefish.
The largest and prettiest of these lakes is Torch Lake, eighteen
miles long and from one to two miles wide and has a water surface
of thirty square miles. It is said to be several hundred feet deep,
and lies parallel with tile Bay but flows in the opposite direction,
south, and empties its waters through Torchl River and Round Lake
into Elk Lake, which also lies parallel with the BLay, and from there
the accumulated waters of all the rivers and lakes pour through
Elk River into the Bay, forming the largest and best water power
in northern Michigan. The scenery about Torch Lake is grand and
probably there is no lake in the whole state or even in the northwest
which. surpasses it in beauty.-There are 581 square miles of land
surface, of which, not including the fifty-five square miles of lake surface, there are 425 square miles, or fifteen sections of land, on which
there are rivers and running streams. Tile whole county is abundantly watered excepting a couple of towlnships in the southeastern
corner, in which there are springs but no large creeks.  Some of
the water courses offer fine mill powers and will eventually be of
great value.
Clam, Grass and Intermediate Lakes discharge their waters
through rivers bearing the same names, into the east side of Torch,
about six miles from the south end of it.
These lakes and streams abound in fish, and during the season
sportsmen come from all parts of the country to enjoy thle rare
sport that is here afforded.


DR. M.. L LEACH wrtes of Intermediate Lake as follows: —"To
make a minute description of this lake clear, some account of the
charateristic features of the surface geology of the region is necessary. Starting from a point on Grand Traverse Bay near its entruane into Lake Michigan, say at Norwood, and traveling east, one
passes over a succession of ridges with narrow, ravine-like valleys
between them, runniung north and south. It is as if a huge plow


I


I                E 


had been passed over the surface of the country, throwing it into
furrows and ridges. It is a type of the whole shore region between
Little Traverse Bay on the northeast and Carp Lake on the- southwest. A fine illustration of the system is seen in the portage between South Arm and Intermediate, where the ridges rise to the
estimated height of two hundred feet. The rounded hills are but
modifications of the ridges. The ridges and hills are composed of
true boulder drifts, with the exception of their bases, which in some
places certninly consist of rock in place. They were piled up, and
the valleys scooped out, by the same powerful agency, whatevter it
was, that scooped out the basins of the Great Lakes, and gave the
general configuration to the surface of the country, long ages ago.
The hills have since been smoothed and rounded by the action of
the elements, and the valleys have been partly filled up by sedirent
washed down from the hills, and bly decaying vegetation. Thle material of the hills is in great part the same that was removed from
the basin of Lake Michigan, as is proved by its lithological chllaracter and its organic remains, mingled with gravel and boulders from
the rocks of Lake Superior and Lake Huron, and with the debris
of the underlying rocks, the surface of which was everywhere more
or less torn up by nature's gigantic plow before being finally covered with tile drift. All the inland lakes lie in the troughs between
the ridges. Grand Traverse Bay occupies a broader and deeper
valley of the same system. The courses of the streams conform- to
the general plan. Assuming that the producing f(,rce acted in the
line of the long axis of the valleys and ridges, the initial point must
have been in Lake Michigan, near where a prolongation of the axes
of Grand and Little Traverse Bays would meet. Fromin thence the
lines exertion of force spread out in a fan-like form towald tale east
and south. Little Traverse Bay runs into the land(l dule ost..Next,
south of it, Bear Lake and the main branch of Pine Lake point
soiutheast. Then the South Arm swings a little more toward the
south, while Intermediate, Torch and Elk Lakes occupy beds running due north and south, and Grand Traverse Bay po:,ii:ts a little
toward the southwest.
"The northern part of the Intermediate lies in the form of an
ox-bow, curving from the south, bending round to the west, (cutting in a broad depression through the ridge that in its first part
forms its western boundary), and finally turning sout}h galin. The
peninsula thus formed is from a mile and a half to three miles wide,
and rises to the estimated height of 200 feet. The lake. usually put
down as one in the maps, is really a chain of seven small lakes, connected bysluggish streams. Each lake has its local iinme. Taking
them in order downward, they are as follows:-Slhole's, St. Clair's,
Baur's, Wilson's, Sisson's, Hanley's and Central.
"In coming directly across from South Arm one strikes Shole's
Lake, the uppermost one of the chain, three miles, perhaps, below
its head. This lake is a fair type of others, th)ugh in poioth of
beauty it does not stand first. It is narrow (fromn twenty rod. to a
quarter of a mile in width), generally with a margin of marsh or
cedar swamp on either side. The water is d(lark, being it this raspect quite unlike most of the lakes of northern Michigan. Whoen
I saw it, perhaps it was darker than usual, as the continued:ain of
the previous six weeks bad raised it to a point never exceeded in the
memory of the oldest inhabitant, and the swamps on the borders
were full of water. A stream large enough to turn a mill comes in
from the south at the head. There are some smaller lakes on this
stream which I did not visit. They can be reached with a light


canoe, by hauling it around a mill-dam and over slch fallen timber
as may obstruct the passage,
These lakes and some of the streams are navigable for boats
of light draft, and inland navigation constitutes an important interest.


I
I
I
I
I
li


-1


[


I

* n- I                                                                                                  -1                                                     is
+t~~~i — ~~~~ ---                                                                           --------------              _ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -


A    _W








I.                 1,
ll,                 -    I
'. ",   -i-,,




1-17                                                              .&
Z.I.p 9r-I




4         -   6".


1.a -
I
I


Is

-                                                                                                                                 -- - 
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ l -.I




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


251


The extensive iron manufacturing and lumbering interests
furnish employment during the winter season to many who must
otherwise, like the most of thle prairie farmers, spend the winter
in comparative idleness. The natural resources of this region are
great and are rapidly developing, and, as most of the changes have
taken place within five years past, so in the future an equal length
of time will shov' a maivelous increase in the development of this,
until lately, almost unknown land.
As a fruit growing county Antrim is destined to rank among the
first. Already the products of its orchards have attested the correctness of this prediction.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
MEGESEE COUNTY LAID OFF    NAME CHANGED TO ANTRIM —TRACES
OF EARLY INHABITANTS COMING OF ABRAM S. WADSWORTH BEGINNING OF ELK RAPIDS - ARRIVAL OF JAMES MCLAUGHLIN AND
OTHERS-REMINISCENCE BY JAMES J. MCJAUGHLIN  FIRST CATTLE
-FIRST TOWN MEETING-EARLY SETTLERS.
In 1840 the unorganized county of Megesee was laid off, and
in 1848 the name clanged to Antrim. The unorganized county
embraced the territory of Townships 29, 80, 31 and 32 north and
west of the line between Ranges 4 and 5 west, and east of Grand
Traverse Bay. This is the earliest defined existence of the territory of Antrim County.
What people may have traversed portions of Antrim County in
pre-llistoric days will never be knlilown. There is no doubt that
those portions of the county bordering upon the water were visited by
tile representatives of whatever races or colors traversed this northern country. It was a favorite country with the Indians, and the
Mound Builders have left their relics in several places. But what
white men may have built their camp fires here is neither certain
nor important; that some were in this region is probable.
In 1854 Rev. J. J. McLaughlin, now a resident of Elk Rapids,
discovered the remains of a log house on the shore of Elk Lake,
about four rods south of the county line between Grand Traverse
and Antrim Counties. It had been built of cedar logs. Mr. McLaughlin thinks from appearances that the logs had not been removed, but that the building had settled down where it stood.
There was nothing to show of what materials the roof had been
constructed. The door-way was in the south end, and there had
been a stone chimney or fire-place in the northeast corner. That
it had been inhabited was evident from the aslies and coals found
in the fireplace.
That this structure was not the work of Indians is evident
from the fact that the, fire-place was built of stones and was in the
corner of the building. If built by white men, and if, as Mr. McLaughlin thinks, time enough had elapsed for it to rot down previous to 1854, there must have been white men on Elk Lake a
generation or two earlier than Mr. Dougherty's arrival at Old
Mission, for cedar timber does not rot readily. Who they were,
and why they were here, is a mystery.
THE PIONEER SETTLER.
The pioneer settler in Antrim Cour-ty was Abrain S. Wialsworth, whose portrait appears in this work. He was a native of
Durham, Conn.; came from Rochester, N. Y., to Michigan at the


age of twenty-one years. He spent some time in Monroe, nud
later located lands in Portland, Ionia Conmity, and built the first
mill-dam built across the Grand River in that region. That he
first visited thfe Grand Traverse region in 1846, there is no doubt, but
as to his movements during the next few years accounts differ. As


nearly as we can ascertain, in 1846 he came northward, coasting
in a small boat, and voyaging as far as the Pictured Rocks in Lake
Superior and thence to Mackinaw. From there he went by steamer
to Detroit, and thence returned home. The next spring, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Samuel K. Northam, he took his
family to Detroit, where the party embarked on a propeller for
Mackinac. From the latter place they found passage on a schooner
as far as Cross Village. There, after camping for several days on
the beach, waiting for a storm to subside, tiley embarked ill a
small boat for Old Mission.
At Middle Village they again went into camp, and waited two
days on account of rain. The next stop was made at Little Traverse where they hoped to obtain provisions of thle Indians. They
only succeeded, however, in getting afew potatoes and a single loaf
of bread. Tile party htld lived on fish until that food lhad ceased
to tempt the appetite. The children, especially, were suffering for
want of their accustomed diet. After leaving Little Traverse they
were favored with pleasant weather and got on rapidly. The last
day the bay was rough and they had some fears about crossing to
Old Mission from the eastern shore, along which they hadl been
coasting. Seeing a smoke on the shore near Elk River they ran to
it. Fortunately they found there some Indians with an excellent
sea boat, who were about to cross. As a matter of precaution Mrs.
Wadsworthl and the children were put into the Indians' boat, which
was navigated by Mr. Wadsworth and one of the Indians, while
Mr. Northam and the remaining Indians occupied Mr. Wadsworth's
boat. In a short time the party landed at Old Mission in safety.
They arrived at Olcd Mission July 16, 1847.
He remained some time at Old Mission, but being a man that
had had much experience in mills, he saw the immense water
power that was running to waste on the east side of the bay, and
bought the land where Elk Rapids now stands.
In the spring of 1848 or 1849, we are not certain which, he
built a small log cabin near the present site of the town hall at
Elk Rapids village. This was the first building put up by a white
man in Antrim County, of which there is any account; at all
events, this was the initial movemt nt in the direction of settlement.
There, with Mr. Samuel K. Northam, his brother-in-law, assisted
by some Indians, he peeled a quantity of hemlock bark and shipped
it to Racine, Wis. About that time lie was employed by the government in the re-survey of lands, and with the funds arising from
his work and his bark, he erected a house on his lands, and late in
the fall his family settled therein.
In 1851 they removed again to Connecticut and spent some
time in that state. Later they returned and spent some three
years more in Old Mission; thence they returned to Elk Rapids, and,
finally, after various changes, made that place their perman(ent
home. Mr. Wadsworth died in Traverse City in June, 1871. His
widow now lives with a daughter, wife of- Rev. Le Rov Warren, att
Lansing, and James M. Wadsworth, a son, is in business at
Bellaire. Mr. Wadsworth was one of the most prominent of the
early settlers in the Grand Traverse country. His writings relating to this region were considered standard authority, and were instrumentl1 in making this region known abroad.
Elk Rapids River and Lake were so named by him because of
a pair of elk horns which he found in the sand at the mouth of the
river. He named Round Lake from its shape and Clam Lake froul
the vast number of clams found in the river. Torch Lake was so


named by the Indians because of the fishing lights they saw used
on the lake. Waswagonink, thle Indian name, bignifies a luke of
torchles.
We now return to the movements at Elk Rapids, the account
of whllich is mlostly furnished by James J. IMcLauglllin, of Elk


I
i
-I


I




I


1


l




I


-L


- ***,,.:     -.I                '9 -  l  I
-                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Wb




(I          &

o -      -iG l


3-.m

mm
m


I


25-2


THE TRAVERSE REGION


I


Rapidsa a son of James McLaughlin who went to Northport with
Rev. George N. Smith.
In 1850 Mr. Wadsworth began to make preparations for building a saw-mill. In the winter of -'50 and -'51 James McLaughlin
put up the frame of the first saw-mill on the east side of the bay.
It was designed for a picket and lath-mill. In the spring of -'51
Wadsworth sold out to a man by the name of Norris, but for some
cause the property came back into Wadswolth's hands, and November, 1851, McLaughlin moved his family to Elk River.
During this fall tie families of Amos Wood, Alexander McVicar and a Mormon family named Barnes arrived. The Mormons
remained but a short time. Wood and McVicar became settlers of
the county.
Of events at this lime James J. McLaughlin says: -Mr. McVicar took his family up on Round Lake to keep shanty for a man
by the name of Wells who had the first job of lumbering that was
ever done here. That the lumbermen of the present day may
know how extensively lumbering was carried on that winter, I will
just state that Wells had but one team of oxen, comprising his entire
hauling force. A small beginning, but since then millions of dollars have floated down these lakes in the pine logs that have been
cut on their shores and tie adjacent country. The picket-mill did
not suit Mr. Wadsworth, and he had his mill overhauled and
turned into a saw-mill. He was engaged most of this time as a
U. S. surveyor, surveying out this part of the country, as tie original government survey was so erroneous that it was of no account,
most of tile lines only running a few miles into the county, and in
many instances only a few rods, so the whole county had to be resurveyed. Mr. McLaughlin took charge of the overhauling of the
mill and also the boarding of the men employed by Mr. Wadsworth,
he, Wadsworth, furnishing the supplies, but it proved that the supply was not equal to the demand. There lhad been some great
changes this year. Hannah, Lay & Co. had bought out Horace
Boardman and had commenced lumbering on a larger scale than had
ever been carried on before. William Voice and Luther Scofield
had commenced a saw-mill at the head of the east bay. Tlhe
winter of -'51 and -'52 set in earlier than either of the previous winters and proved to be the most severe we ever experienced. The
bay froze over early in January, and the ice was thicker than I
have ever seen it since, it being nearly three feet thick. About the
middle of January our provisions began to give out; twice we went
to the head of the bay to Hannah, Lay & Co's for flour which we
hauled on hand sleighs over the ice, for there was not a rod of road
on the east side of the bay, and if there had been roads there was
no team to use on them. In the fall there was one Indian pony,
and I don't think any history of Grand Traverse would be complete that did not mention him; for old "Barney" was known all
over this country. I said he came here in the fall, but he did nlot
winter at Elk River. Some time about New Year's a man by the
name of Hill took Barney and went to the beaver meadow, now
owned by Edwin Pulsipher, of East Bay, for some hay that had
been cut there the summer before. Putting on a little jag he
started for home. The deep snow proved too much for the pony,
there being over two feet on the ground, and he said as plain as actions could speak that he could go no farther. His driver unharnessed and left him in the woods with that, small load of hay


for him to help himself to, Hill returning home tired out. The
next day it storined severely and the conclusion was that the horse
could not live in such a storm and no one went to see about him.
Ssow came on until it was over three feet in the woods, and
imagine our surprise next spring, about the first of May, to see
old Barney come along looking as happy as ever. How he managed to live he kept a profound secret which he never revealed to






-L


the day of his death. Our supply of flour gave out toward spring,
and as we could get no more at the head of the bay, we got what
corn we could and hulleq lhat as a substitute for bread; but that
gave out after a while. Twice we took our hand sleighs and went
down the bay on the ice to where the village of Torch, Lake now
stands and would bring back a load of fish. On one of these trips
the writer came very near sleeping his last sleep. I had been employed in the house all the winter and was ill no condition for such
a trip, but in company with an old I idian that we called Joe,
started early one morning for a twenty-eight mile trip. We got
there all right, and though a bitter cold day, it was clear. We
opened a hNlf barrel to turn off the brine and took out one of the
salt fish and roasted it over a fire, and I, being very hungry, ate
hearty of it, while the Indian, having more sense, ate very sparingly, and cautioned me, but hunger was hard to control. Having
finished our dinner we started ba k with our load and I soon found
that a loaded sleigh with a head wind and two or three inches of
snow was no child's play, and now I began to suffer for my foolishness in eating so much salt fish, for my thirst was terrible and I
would drink at every crevice in the ice that we came to, and the
cold ice water soon chilled me and I wanted to lay down and sleep,
but the Indian told me if I did I would freeze to death, but I
thought if I could lay down and take a short nap it would rest me
and I would be in a better condition to go on. Joe hlid relieved
me from the load and was drawing that himself. Daikness came
on and we were still several miles from home. Once under cover
of the darkness, I laid down on the ice for my much wished for
nap, for I could not keep awake but would go to sleep as I walked.
The first I knew Joe was laying it on to me with the strap that we
hauled the sleigh with, and if ever I had my blood started into circulation it was then. Joe abandoned the load of fish and just
drove me before him until we got home, which was between eleven
and twelve o'clock at night; and if any poor mortal was glad to
see home, I was. The next morning Joe got tile fish bullI did not go
with him. Once after that we went and got what there was left, but
nil this did not piece out our provisions enough to make them last
through. We had economized every way we coul.l, but there were
quite a number of people who would stop with us as ours was the only
house where one could stop on the east side of the bay, and they
must eat. But along in March we had to refuse to feed any one,
as we saw that we would be short before we could get any, and the
prospect was that it would be late before the ice would break up so
that a vessel could get here, and the only animal that was in our
reach now was a hog that father had, and she was not very fat, I
assure you. But we concluded that she would make hot "soup" if
not fat soup, and so we killed her, but she was soon gone and still
the ice held on. By this time the ice was so poor that it was not
safe to venture on it, and we were shut off from every one else.
Our seed corn and seed beans that we had brought with us were all
eaten up, and starvation was staring us in the face. There was no
game in the woods, the winter had been so severe that all the
small game had either perished or left, and it was in vain that we
tried to hunt. Once in a great while we could kill a duck, but it
was very seldom. Time passed on, the middle of April came, and
still the ice was here, and all that we had was a little flour and
some deer's tallow from a deer I had killed two years before. If
the ice should go out of the bay it might be some time before a
vessel would come, and there was not enough in the whole Grand


Traverse region to last more than a few days at the best. The
little children could not understand why they could not have something to eat, and it seemed hard to have them ask when there was
none to give. The 16th day of April was a warm, pleasant day,
the wind was from tile southeast and blowing very fresh, and about.





r


K


j
~1 e


I




I


I


-1




1a


W

l'


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


253


8 o'clock in the afternoon the ice began to move, and I assure you
it was cheering to see it start, for if it would only break so that we
could get to the Old Mission we could get some potatoes or corn
from the Indians. With the early dawn on the morning of the
17th we were astir in hopes to cross the bay, but the open water
was only about two miles. Bat our joy was great when on looking
around we saw a sail coming up the bay. She was working her
way through the open water, and about 10 o'clock she got jammed
fast in the ice between Old Mission and Elk River. We now
started out in a small boat and boarded her; she proved to be the
schooner  Liberty," of Racine, Capt. Miller, loaded with provis
ions. She had been off the mouth of the bay for several days
waiting to get in. As soon as they heard our story the captain
hoisted up a barrel of flour and one of pork and started us ashore
without stopping to weigh anything. And thus passed the hardest
winter and the most critical period in the history of Antrim County,
for never since then has there been a time but what there has been
enough so that there was no danger of starving.
In 1852 the village of Elk Rapids was laid out, but fur the
present we leave those events which relate exclusively to that village.
Up to 1852 there were no cattle in the vicinity of Elk Rapids, except a yoke of oxen at the lumber camp on Round Lake.
In July Mr. James McLaglilin went out to the south part of the
state and drove in from Allegan a pair of oxen and a cow. Of
this trip Mr. James J. McLaughlin says:-"At Grand Rapids he
was joined by William Slawson and Perry Stocking, each with a
cow. From Grand Rapids they struck north, and from the Muske1on River to Traverse City, their route lay through an unbroken
wilderness, with only a section line to follow. The first day out
from the Rapids, Slawson's cow broke away and they lost her-it
being the only serious mishap they had-and after traveling thirteen
days they arrived at Elk Rapids. Our town was thrown into quite an
excitement'at the sound of a cow bell, these being the first that had
ever been heard in this region. Soon after this, Alexander McVicar
came up from Canada, bringing with him his father's family, and
also two cows, which made in all four cows and two yoke of oxen
on our side of the bay. It was a little amusing and at the same
time it was touching to see the little children when they were
offered milk; they would not touch it, and didn't know what it was.
The summer passed away pleasantly, bringing now and then a new
recruit to our village, and we soon had quite a settlement.
About the first of November, 1852, a cloud settled over the
community, caused by the death of Charlie, youngest son of James
McLaughlin, a bright boy of thirteen. His death was caused by
his swallowing a pin, that he had bent for a fish hook. He had it
in his moutl and was running along when he stubbed his toe, and
as he pitched forward the pin flew down his windpipe and lodged in
his lungs. He lingered along for about two weeks and was in great
distress until he died. He was the first white person ever buried
in Antrim  County. Theie was no clergyman on the east side of
the bay, but appropriate funeral services were conducted by a layman, Mr. John McDonald. The grave was made in a grove of
pines, in a beautiful spot, on the first terrace above the bay. For
several years afterward the place was used as a burying-ground by
the inhabitants. The remains of the first occupant were removed
at a later date to Maple Grove Cemetery.
The unsuccessful attempt to organize Grand Traverse County


in 1851, and the completion of the organization in 1853, are to he
found mentioned in the history of that county.
At the first township meeting there was also an election for
county officers, and, as a matter of course, every voter was on hand
to cast his ballot; and the township of Alltrim rolled up the enormous number of "thirteen" votes. The names of the voters are as


follows:-John S. Barker, John B. Spencer, Jarett Stocking, Enoch
Wood, James McLaughlin, Jerome B. Stocking, Samuel K. Northam,
Orselas Evans, William H. Case, Amos Wood, William   Slawson,
Charles G. Walker, William Wells.
EARLY RECORDS.
Records of very early proceedings did not usually receive very
tender care. Now and then they are unearthed, as also are the
pottery and other relics of the Mound Builders. Not long ago, Mr.
John A. Harriman, the county clerk of Antrim County, found an
old book with a few of the first leaves fastened together. Upon
removing the fastenings, the sealed pages were found to contain the
earliest records of the township of Antrim, afterward Megesee, and
now Elk Rapids. From the book we copy below the records of the
first township meeting held at Elk Rapids. The record is as follows:
"Agreeable to notice by three electors of the town of Antrim,
to wit: John B. Spencer, John S. Barker and William  H. Case,
the first town election of said town was held at the house of A. S.
Wadsworth in said town, April 25, 1853, and at said election the
following officers were elected, viz: John S. Barker, supervisor;
Samuel Northam, treasurer; William H. Case, town clerk; John
S. Barker, William  H. Case. Samuel Northam, Orselas Evans,
justices of the peace; commissioners of highways-William Slawson, three years, James McLaughlin, two years, William Wells,
one year; school inspectors-William  Slawson, two years, John
B. Spencer, one year; constables-Enoch Wood, Jerome B. Stocking, Charles Walker; directors of the poor-Enoch Wood, John
B. Spencer; overseer of highways-John B. Spencer; pound
master-Amos Wood.
"It was voted at said town election that the sum of twentyfive dollars be raised to defray the expenses of said town. Voted
that one mill on a dollar shall be raised on the taxable property of
said town for library purposes. It was voted that swine shall not
be permitted to run at large from the first day of May until the
twentieth day of October, A. D. i853.
"May 2d, 1853.-The persons elected justices of the peace of
the town of Antrim met at the house of A. S. Wadsworth, the
place designated by the supervisor, and there proceeded to draw for
the term of years they shall serve, and they drew as follows:Orselas Evans, one year; John S. Barker, two years; Samuel
Northam, three years; William H. Case, four years. The above is
a true statemlent.          WILLIAM H. CASE, Town Clerk
"The following persons elected to the following offices have
filed their oaths of office with the town clerk, namely:-Johl S.
Barker, supervisor; William H. Case, town clerk; William Slawson,
William Wells, James McLaugldlin, commissioners of highways;
John B. Spencer, William  Slawson, school inspectors; Jerome 13.
Stocking, Enoch Wood, Charles Walker, constables; John IB.
Spencer, overseer of lhighways, filed his acceptance of office; Amos
Wood filed acceptance as pound master. WILLIAM H. CASE, Town Cleric.
"The following is a list of persons selected as grand and petit
jurors and returned as such to the county clerk of the county of
Grand Traverse by the supervisor and clerk of the town of Antrim,
May 7, 1853:-Grand jurors-John B. Spencer, James McLaughin, William H. Case, Orselas Evans, William  Slawson, John S.
Barker. Petit jurors-Jared Stocking, Samuel Northam, William
Wells, Chancy Hall, Amos Wood, Enoch M. Wood.
WILLIAM H. CASE, Town Clerk.


"We, the undersigned school inspectors for the township of
Antrim, Grand Traverse County Mich., hereby set off and form
into one district, all that part of Township No. 29 north of.
Rrange No. 9 west, lying north of the south boundary of said
township, east of Grand Traverse Bay, west of Elk Lake, and
south of Elk River, and that part of Sections Nos. 20 and 21,




-i I


r 
p


I


I a


I         


I k




.


i


J


a.
I


[


I


254


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


I
I
i
i




lying north of Elk River, and designate the same as School District No. 1. Elk Rapids, May 17, A. D. 1858.
WILLIAM SLAWSON,
JOHN B. SPENCER,
School Inspectors.
(A& true copy)               WILLIAM H. CASE, Town Clerk."
In 1854, and from that time on, settlers began to come into
this region, but thle locations were mostly made outside of Antrim
County. Mr. McLaughlin says:
" We were doomed to receive a blow that came very near proving fatal to this country; it was the railroad land grant. Settlers
were coming in rapidly, when, all the land was withdrawn from
market to aid in constructing a railroad, and the result was, all
immigration was stopped, and for years everything was at a standstill, and, to make the matter worse, the panic of 1857 came down
upon us, and it seemed as if the country would never recover from
the shock. One of the lumbering firms, J. Rankin & Sons, went
down in the crash, and wages went down to starvation rates, men
in lumber woods were getting from $8 to $12 per month, and there
were more men than places. Lumber went down to the very bottom, and many of thle mills in Michigan were compelled to shut
down. The panic affected the business of the whole country. The
railroad was not built by the time set by Congress, and an extension
of time was granted.  Tile company did not make their selections
for some time.  And then there were several sections of the best
land in Milton that were reserved for the Indians, and, putting all
these things together, it proved a serious drawback to Antrim County,
and for four or five years there was scarcely any growth to the
country. There was no land to be bought of the government, and
no inducement for settlers to come here.  The western part of
Grand Traverse County did not suffer il this way, for that was out
of the railroad limits, and the land being subject to entry, the
result was that it settled much faster than the eastern part, or
what is now Antrim County.
"In 1851 a manl by the name of Thomas, an old English
sailor, settled in the present township of Milton; being the first to
clear and cultivate the soil in this township. He was soon followed
by Alexander Campbell, Chauncy Hall, and others.
"In the summer of 1859 or '60, James Orr located in the
present township of Banks, at what is now called Antrim City; he
and his son Richard keeping bachelor's hall.  About the same. time Capt. Jack Brown commenced at the present village of Torch
Lake, put up the big log-house that stands there, and employed
a force of men to cut cor? wood for thle Chicago market; but the
captain was not as good at farming as he was at sailing, and the
result was, his farm was abandoned and hie went back to his native
element again, a man by the name of Nichols living in his house.
Thle land grant of Congress to build a railroad through this
country, as I said, came very near proving the ruin of the country,
for it stopped people from coming to settle, and for several years
the increase of the population was hardly perceptible."
Lucius A. Thlayer settled in the present town of Helena in
1859, and the town was named in honor of Mrs. Thayer, whose
naiie was Helen. Mr. Thayer died in 1876.
In 1860 the population of the entire county, including attached
territory, was only 179, and in 1864. 882; so it will be seen that
the settlement had been slow.
Richard Knight, Edward Pearl, Lucius H. Pearl, Thomas


Flannigan, and the Geers settled in Banks during or shortly before
1863.


I




I


CHAPTER XXXVII.
ANTRIM COUNTY ORGANIZED-COUNTY OFFICERS-ORGANIZATION OF
TOWNS-FIRST PROCEEDINGS OF SUPERVISORS —FIRST TERM OF
COURT —COUNTY SEAT MATTERS.
March 11, 1863, an act of legislature was approved, providing
for the organization of Antrim County. Heretofore it was attached
to Grand Traverse County. The act reads as follows: —" Tlhe
people of the state of Michigan enact, Tlhat the county of Antrim,
consisting of the territory embraced by the present county of Antrim, be, and the same is organized into a separate county by the
name of Antrim, and the ilnhabitants thereof shall be entitled to
all the privileges, powers and immunities to whilch, by law, the
inhabitants of other organized counties in this state are entitled.
"The unorganizecd counties of Kalkaska, Crawford, and Otsego
shall be attached to the sid county of Antrim, for municipal and
judicial purposes.
"All that part of the said county of Antrim which lies niorth of
the southl line of Township 31 nurthi, shall be organized into a
separate township by the name of Banks, and the first township
meeting thereof shall be held at the house of Garden Geer, on the
first Monday in April, next; and James Orr, Thomas Flanigan
and Rock W. Geer, shall be the inspectors of the election.
"The dimensions of the township of Milton, in said COunlty,
shall be enlarged by adding thereto the following described territory, to-wit, fractional Township 30 north, of Range 9 west; also
Townships 28, 291 north, of Range 8 west.
"The name of the township of Megesee, in said county, is
hereby changed to that of Elk Rapids, and all of the county of
Antrim and the counties attachIed thereto, not included within the
limits.of any other organized township thereof, is hereby attached
for township purposes to the township of Elk Rapids.
"The county seat of said county of Antrim slhall be established
by the board of supervisors at the village of Elk Rapids, to-wit:
in Township 29 north, of Rannge 9 west, and on Sections 20 and
29.
"At the township meeting of several townships in said county,
to be held on the first day of April, next, there shall be an election of all the county officers to which the said county is entitled,
whose term of office shall expire on the first day of January, A. D.
1865, and when their successors shall have been elected and qualified. Said election shall be conducted in tile same way, by the same
officers, and the returns thereof made in the same manner, as near
as may be, as is now required by law in elections of county officers
in this state.
"Thle county canvass of the votes for county officers shaill be
held on the second Tuesday succeeding the election at the house of
Henry H. Noble, at the village of Elk Rapids, and said canvass
shall be conducted in the same way, and by the same officers, as
the requirements of law now provide in organized counties, as
neatly as may be, by the appointment by thle board of canvassers
of one of their own number to act as secretary to said board of
county canvassers.
"Said county shall be in the ninth judicial circuit, and shall be
entitled to one court therein in each year.
"This act shall take immediate effect.".She first county election was held on the sixth day of April,
1868. Tile highest number of votes polled was sixty-six. The
following were the county officers (.lected:
Sheriff, Jared W. Arnold; treasurer, Henry H. Noble; clerk
and register, James L. Gilbert; judge of probate, Solomon Case;


~~




r
I


L


46


I




N 


la.,  w —...                      * —               ------- ---   \j


-W"7=21


* ---Go




\.WV


I 'h, -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


255


a


prosecuting attorney, John B. Spencer; circuit court commissioner,
John B. Spencer; surveyor, A. S. Wadsworth.
At the first general election held Nov. 8, 1864, the highest
number of votes polled was eighty-eight. Tile following county
officers were elected:
Sheliff, Jared W. Arnold; treasurer, J. L. Sprague; clerk and
register, Richard W. Bagot; judge of probate, L. R. Smith; sur-'
veyor, Cyrenius Powers.
At the spring election in 1865, 140 votes \Were polled. County
officers elected in 1866 as follows:
Sheriff, Richard Knight; treasurer, Elvin L. Sprague; clerk
and register, Richard W. Bagot; prosecut.ng attorney, Lyman G.
Wilcox; circuit court commissioner, Lymau G. Wilcox; surveyor,
Ceplhas Smith.
1868.-Slleriff, James P. Brand; clerk, Richard W. Bagot; treasurer, Elvin L. Sprague, register of deeds, Ri(lla;rd W. Bagot;
judge of probate, Lewis M. Kanagy; circuit court comnmiisioner,
L. 11I. Gage; prosecuting attorney, L. H. G;lge; surveyor, Cepllas
Smith.
1t70.-Shleriff, J. P. C. Church; county clerk, Richald W.
Bagot; ie(giter of deeds, Richlard W. Bagot; county treasurer,
Elvin L. Sprague; judge of probate, L. M. Kanag(y; circuit court
conlmissiorer, F. R. Williams; prosecutingc attorney, F. R. Williams; surveyor, Cephas Smith.
1872. -Sheriff, William Kanagy; treasurer, Louis M. Kanagy;
clerk and register, Cuthbert Parkinson; judge of probate, James
A. Parkinson; prosecuting attorney, Fitch R. Williams; circuit
court commissioner, Fitch R. Williams; surveyor, George E.
Steele.
1874.-Slheriff, Alexander Campbell; treasurer, Richard W.
Bagot; clerk and register, Cuthbert Parkinson; judge of probate,
Fitch R. Williams; prosecuting attorney, Fitch R. Williams: surveyor, George E. Steele. Highest number of votes 348.
1876. — Sheriff, John Acker; treasurer, Richard W. Bagot;
clerk and register, Cuthbert Parkinson; judge of probate, Reynolds
Landon; prosecuting attorney, Roswell Leavitt; surveyor, Edward
Hebden.
1878.-Slheriff, James Campbell; treasurer, Richard W. Bagot;
clerk and register, John A. Harriman; prosecuting attorney, Roswell Leavitt; circuit court commissioner, Roswell Leavitt; surveyor, Edward Hebden.
1880. —Sheriff, Coleman W. Doolittle; treasurer, Dempster
H. Stebbins; clerk and register, John A. Harriman; judge of probate, Clark S. Edwards; prosecuting attorney, Roswell Leavitt;
circuit court commissioner, Roswell Leavitt; surveyor, Edward
Hebden.
1882.-Judge of probate, Clark S. Edwards; treasurer, Dempster H. Stebbins; clerk and register, John A. Harriman; prosecuting attorney, Roswell Leavitt; circuit court colmmissiolner, S. W.
Skeels; sheriff, Henry W. Stewart; surveyor, Benton L. Caukin.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS.
Thle town of Milton was organized by the board of supervisors
of Grand Traverse County, at a meeting held March 3, 1857. Tlhe
substance of the resolution adopted is as follows: "In thle matter
of thle appl'ication of Charles Holley and nineteen others it is
ordered that tlie territory described as follows: Bounded east by
Torch Lake and Torch River, south by Round Lake, west by Elk


Lake until it intersects with the section line running north between
Sections 10 aud '11 to the south township line of Township 30 north,
of Range 9 west, thence following said township line to Torch
Lake as north boundary, be erected into a town by the name of
Milton. First town meeting was appointed at the house of Chan

cey Hall on the first Monday of April. D. E. Cushman, John M.
Laughlin and Charles Holley to be inspectors of election."
In 186.5 the town of Milton was changed to Helena. In October, 1865, tile hoard of supervisors ordered the organization of a
new township of Milton out of territory described as follows: "All
that portion of territory lying west of Torch Lake and Torch
River in the town of Helena together with Sections 1, 2, 11, 12,
and that part of Se, tion 13 lying east of Round Lake in Township
28 north, of R llmge 9 west." The first town meeting was held at
the house then occupied by Truman Hawley, on the first Monday of
April, 1866, and Alexander Campbell, George Lukes and David F.
Parks were to be inspectors of election.
Tle organization of Banks was provided for in the act under
whicih the county was organized.
Tlhe town of Torch Lake was organized by the board of supervisors in March, 1866, a portion of the resolution being as follows:   All of Towns 31 north, of Ranges from and including
5 to 9 west inclusive, be, and the same is hereby erected into a
township to be called and known by the namle of the Township of
Torch Lake. Tile first annual township lneeting thereof shall be
held at thle house of Murdick Andress on tlle first Monday of April
next at 9 o'clock in the forenoon; and at said meeting Cyrenius
Powers, Cicero Newel and L. G. Wilcox, tliree electors of said
township, shall be the persons whose duty it shall be to preside at
such meeting, appoint a clerk, open anll keep tlle polls, and exercise the same powers as the inspectors of election at any township
*meeting, as the law provides.
Forest Home was organized by the board of supervisors in
January, 1871, and embraced the territory of Township 30 north,
of Ranges 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and that portion of Range 8 lying
east of Torch Lake. The first annual meeting was hleld at the
house of James Cummings, April 3, 1871. Charles W. B1ll, John
Willis and Joseph Turner were inspectors of election.
The town of Mancelona was organized by act of legislature,
approved Jan. 18, 1871, and embraced the territory of Townships
29 nortlh, of Rnllges 1, 2, 3 and 4, of Otsego County, and Townships 29 north, of Ranges 5 and 6 of Antrim County. The first
election was held at the house of Perry Andress on the first Monday of April, 1871, and Perry Andress, C. S. Brink and
W. H. Bonny were inspectors of election.
Central Lake was organized by the legislature in the winter of
1873, and embraced the territory of Townships 31 north, of Ranges
5, 6, 7, and that portion of 8 lying east of Torch Lake. The first
town meeting was hleld on the first Monday of April, 1873, and
John Acker, Daniel Blakely and Lyman S. Russell were inspectors
of election.
Chestonia was organized by the board of supervisors at the
October session in 1874, and embraced'the territory of Townships
30 north, of Ranges 5 and 6 west. Thle first annual meeting was
appointed at tlhe house of William E. Stephens, on the first Molnday of April, 1875. Thomas R. VanWert, Peter T. Baldwin and
Edward Holm were inspectors of election. This town was set off
from Folrest Homrne.
The town of Kearney was set off frolm Forest Home by the
board of supervisors at the January meeting in 1875, and embraced
territory described as follows: All that portion of Township 30
north, of Ranges 7 and 8 west, lying east of the center of Intermediate Lake and the thread of Intermediate River. Tlhe first an

nual election was appointed at tile house of Z. B. Macherman, on
the first Monday of April, 1875. J. L. McKeen, J. E. Glines and
S. S. Drake were inspectors of election.
The town of Echo was also organized by the hoard of supervisors at the January session in 1875, anlld embraced the territory


16.;;4


---. --- —-----------------------------------------------------                __   ----- _   ------ \  ^ 1^
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ — 


-W:A 




A
Is;.so


-


I,r~~~~~~~~~~~~~,,


- 


256


T11E TRAVERSE REGION.


I


of Township 29 north, of Range 7 west. The first town meeting
was held on the first Monday in April, 1875.
The town of Custer was organized by the board of supervisors
at the January session in 1875, and embraced the territory of Township 29 north, of Range 7 west, which was detached from Helena.
The first annual meeting was appointed at Maddock's school-house
on the first Monday of April, 1875. William B. Rush, D. P. McGuirk and Theodore Meade were inspectors of election.
Jordan was organized by the board of supervisors at the January session in 1875, and embraced the territory of Township 31
north, of Range 6 west, which was detached from Central Lake.
The first annual meeting was appointed at the house of W. H.
Jaquays, on the first Monday of April, 1875. W. H. Jaquays,
Gilbert H. Green and Charles Cunningham were inspectors of election.
The town of Starr was organized by the board of supervisors
at the October session in 1881, and embraced the following described
territory: Township 30 north, of Range 5 west. The first town
meeting was held at the house of John H. Zigler, on the first MIonday of April, 1882. A. J. Clark, L. M. Dibble and W. M. Wylie
were appointed inspectors of election.
Tile town of Warner was organized by act of legislature, approved March 22, 1883, and embraced the territory of Township
31 north, of Range 5 west, formerly belonging to Jordan. The
first town meeting was held at the house of L. D. Gardner, and L.
ID. Garnler, W. B. Moore and Frank Sweatman were inspectors of
election.
Tile first meeting of the board of supervisors was held at the
office of the county clerk in the village of Elk Rapids, October 12,
1863. Ther- were present, L. R. Smith, of Elk Rapids, Thomas
Flannigan, of Banks, ancl Lucius A. Thayer, of Milton. The latter
was elected chairmnan, rlo'' teCm. L. R. Smith was elected permanent chairman.
S. E!lwin Waite, of Elk Rapids, George H. Lyon, of Milton, and
James Orr, of Banks, were elected superintendents of poor.
It was voted to raise $200 for a poor fund.
Salaries of county officers were regulated as follows: Judge of
probate $100; sheriff $75; clerk, $125.
The county seat was located on the northeast fractional half
of the southeast fractional quarter of Section 20, in Township 20
north, of Range 9 west, and the court-house located on Lots 146
to 201 inclusive.
The equalized valuation of the several townships was determined to be as follows: Banks, $4,203; Milton, $19,417; Elk Rapids, $145,893.50.
Mr. McLaughlin relates the following:, The board did not
meet any oftener than was absolutely necessary, as the roads were
very poor, and the means of traveling worse yet. I remember of
hearing of the adventures of the supervisor of Banks on one of his
trips to meet on the board. He thought he would come up in style,
so in company with Richard Knight he set out for the county seat,
each mounted on a borrowed horse, the only ones in the township;
everything went off all right until within about eight or nine miles
of the Rapids they came to a very muddy piece of road, and here
their mishaps commenced, for the supervisor's horse, not very surefooted on a good road, stumbled and fell, throwing his rider headlong into the mud:; go.tting up out of this, he mounted his gallant


steed, and went but a short distance when down he went again, this
time in a worse fix than before, for his plug hat wast badly punched
into the mud and horse and rider rolled around until there was a
striking resemblance between the two, in color at least; but Mr.
Knight would not allow his supervisor to go into tow'i in that plight,
so he gathered some leaves and grnss, and by persistent rubbing he






A


I


succeeded in getting some of the mud off, and some of it rubbed in,
and all of it changed from the dirty black to a nice green, and on
the whole the supervisor from Banks presented a rather comical
appearance; but this took all the style out of the man, and he left
his horse at the first house he came to and walked the balance of
the way. "
The first term of circuit court in and for Antrim County was held
on Monday, May 2, 1864, Judge Littlejohn presiding. The event
was mentioned at the time as -follows: " On Monday, May 2d, was
held the first term of the circuit court ever held in Antrim County.
Elk Rapids enjoyed for a whole day the presence of a judge and two
lawyers. There was little business before the court, it appearing
that there was no place in Antrim  County where naughty folks
could be shut up. It was ordered that if anybody in said county
shall hereafter do anylthincg very naughty, he sllhall be shut up in the
jail of Grand Traverse County, and Antrim County shall pay his
board-bill. It appearing that Antrim County had neither prosecuting attorney nor circuit court commissioner, it was ordered that
J. G. Ramsdell, Esq., fill these offices till his successor shall be
elected and qualified.
"This is all that was done except to metamorphose an Englishman into a bred and born Yankee, after which sleight-of-hand.performance, the court adjourned.sil(l die, which imeans in English,
without dying; wherefore it is probable that we shall see the court
again, though we can't tell when.,"In the evening the judge made a political speech to the citizens
of Elk Rapids."
COUNTY SEAT.
In the act of legislature under which the county was organized, the county seat was to be established by the board of supervisors at the village of Elk Rapids on Sections 20 and 29. At the first
meeting of the board action was taken as already stated.
At a special session of the board held July 19, 1865, it was resolved that the sum of one thousand dollars should be raised, in the
tax roll of 1865, for the purpose of building a court-house and jail
for Antrim County, to be built on the northeast quarter of the southeast fractional quarter of Section 20, Town 29 north, of Range 9
west, known as Lots 146 to 201 inclusive, in the village of Elk Rapids according to a plat made by A S. Wadsworth, of said village.
On motion of Lemuel R. Smith it was resolved, that, in addition to the one thousand dollars raised by tax, two thousand dollars
should be appropriated from the contingent fund now on hand, belonging to the county, for the purpose of building a court-house
and jail.
On motion of Lemuel R. Smith, Henry H. Noble was appointed
a building committee of one, to procure plans and specifications
of a court-house and jail, and empowered to let the contract for the
building of the same, taking good and sufficient bonds for the
proper fulfillment of the contract.
During the year 1866 a building was erected at a cost of about
$7,100. A jail was also erected. About this timea local paper,
speaking of the jail, said:
" While speaking of the court-house and jail we are reminded
that while this county has all the machinery' necessary to punish
delinquents there seems to be but little use for it; there never haviug been a criminal suit in the county since its organization. Either the people are very moral or the rogues think the jail too substintially built for them to be caught in it, and so keep out of mis-.


chll ief."
Up to 1874 the county he] not receivedl a perfect title to the
property and in O'ctober, 1874, the supervisors reported having received satisfactory evidence of title by warranty deed from Dexter &
Noble.!


- j


a,-   


j




-


9__


I






-e -


i                    I                                             i iiii iii iii: -:-T




.4   U ---                                                                                                    e


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


257




As the country developed and the eastern part of the county became settled, the question of removing the county seat to a central
point in the county was agitated. In October, 1878, there were thirteen organized townships in the county, and at the October meeting
of the board of supervisors, voted to remove tle county seat and
designated the south fractional half of the southwest fractional quarter
of Section 19, in Town 30 north, Range 7 west, as the point of
location.
The question w.3 voted upon at the spring election.  The
whole number of votes cast was 1,020, of which 574 were for removal
and 446 against removal. The vote of the several towns was as
follows: Banks, 35 for, 75 against; Central Lake, 35 for, 33 against;
Chestonia, 52 for: Custer, 71 for; Echo, 90 for; Elk Rapids, 6 for
and 145 against; Forest Holle, 43 for and 3 against; Helena, 66
for and 4 against; Jordan, 29 for and 34 against; Kearney, 60 for
and 1 against; Mancelona, 74 for and 1 against; Milton, 12 for and
122 against; Torch Lake, 1 for and 28 against.
The decision of the board having been affirmed by popular vote,
the court-house site \v.ts in the following June definitely located on
the land above described. The owner of the land thus designated
platted the same, and on the 24th day of June, 1879, the plat was
recorded in the office of the register of deeds, and the village of
lellaile became the new capital of the county.
As indicated by the vote the removal involved a bitter contest.
Efforts were made to prevent the payment of money for the erection of buildings at the new county seat, and a temporary building
was erected by Mr. A. E. Palmer, the owner of the site. In 1880,
at the April term, the question was tried in the supreme court and
the decision affirmed the proceedings by which the removal had
been made.
Five acres of land were set apart by Mr. Palmer for a courthouse square, and in 1883 a large building was erected by the town
of Kearney for a town hall, and which by an arrangement by the
county is used for county purposes, the first floor for county offices and the hall above for a court-room. A jail was built in 1883
at a cost of about $5,000.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS.
VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS LAID OUT-EARLY COMERS —FIRST SCHOOL
-POSTOFFICE ESTABLISHED-CHURCH HISTORY —GLIMPSE OF THE
VILLAGE AT DIFFERENT PERIODS-THE GREAT INDUSTRIES OF
DEXTER AND NOBLE —LOCAL NEWSPAPERS-MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES-PUBLIC BUILDINGS-SCHOOL STATISTICS-BIOGRAPHICAL.
It has already been stated that in the spring of 1852 Mr.
Wadsworth laid out the village of Elk Rapids. Lots were sold for
twenty-five dollars each. The employment furnished by the mill
was an inducement for new-comers to settle in the vicinity. The
first lots sold were two where the town hall now stands, which were
purchased by James M cLaughlin, and in payment therefor gave a
blacksmith's bellows.
Among those who came that season were Michael Gay, John
Lake, Jared Stocking, John B. Spencer, and their families. Messrs.
Gay and Spencer, it will be remembered, have already been men

tioned as among the early settlers of Traverse City. Gay and Lake
being sawyers, they were employed in the mill. This season, the
schooner Telegraph made regular trips to the head of the west
bay, for Hannah, Lay & Co., making the trip once a month, so
that there was regular communication with the outside world; and


for two or three seasons she was the only regular boat trading between the bay and Chicago.
The year of 1853 brought many changes. Large additions of
immigrants were made to the population. Among those who became residents of the village or settled in the vicinity, were John
Denally, E. L. Sprague, J. W. Arnold, David F. Parks, Alexander
Campbell, and Hiram Robinson. The clearings of farmers began
to dot the shores of Elk Lake. Early this year Mr. Wadsworth
sold his mill to James Rankin & Sons, who built a store and brought
in a stock of goods. Jared Stocking opened a hotel. In the fill
and following winter Mr. Wadsworth built another saw-mill, on the
site of the mill since owned by Dexter & Noble, Mr. Northam having charge of the business. The mill was scarcely completed,
when he sold it to M. Craw & Co., of which firm Mr. Wirt Dexter
was the principal partner. Communication with the outside world
was more regular; two vessels now traded regularly between Elk
Rapids, Chicago and Milwaukee; besides, the propeller Stockman
made regular trips to Mackinaw. The fame of the country was
spreading, and people were coming in to seek homes and employment, there being a good demand for labor of all kinds.
A notable event of the year 1853 was the opening of the first
school. The house in which it was kept stood until recently just
a few rods from the large brick school building that has since been
built. The school district was organized in May, 1853, and the
school was taught by George W. Ladd, a young man from the peninsula. He has long since gone to his rest, having been cut down
in early manhood by that terrible scourge, consumption. But some
of the fruits of his labors still remain, as several of his pupils now
live in this country, and who look back to that school as an important event in their history.
Another event of 1853 was the establishment of a postoffice.
It was first called Stevens and afterward changed to Elk Rapids.
The first postmaster was Theron Bostwick. The office has been
held successively by H. H. Noble, E. L. Sprague, S. W. Stacy,
Cuthbert Parkinson, George A. Dyer and 0. J. Holbrook.
BEGINNING OF THE DEXTER AND NOBLE ENTERPRISE.
In September, 1855, Mr. Henry H. Noble came to Elk Rapids,
as an employe of M. Craw & Co. He was born in Palmyra, N. Y.,
in 1823, and two years later his parents removed to Washtenaw
County, Mich., where subsequently Mr. Noble engaged in the mercantile business.
In the fall of 1856 the firm of M. Craw & Co. was dissolved,
and a new one was organized, under the name of Dexter & Noble,
Wirt Dexter and Henry H. Noble being the only partners. The
stock of goods and the saw-mill of the former firm passed into the
hands of the latter. In the course of the winter the saw-mill was
rebuilt, and in the spring the new firm commenced the manufactlure of lumber with facilities for making 3,000,000 of feet annually.
The business was continued on this very moderate scale till 1861,
when a gang saw-mill was built, with a capacity of ten millions. For
several years the operations of this firm covered the entire business
of any consequence at Elk Rapids, and to the present time their
enterprises are the most extensive in northern Michigan.
In 1857 the firm of J. Rankin & Son was swept away by the
financial panic, and the interests of the village suffered from the
condition already described on preceding pages.
At the organization of the county in 1863 Elk Rapids became
the county seat and some advantage accrued to the place therefrom.


RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES.
Dr. Leach relates, in his history, the early church work at
Elk Rapids, as follows:-" Until 1857 there had been no stated religious service anywhere on the east side of the bay. On tile second day of August in that year, Rev. D R. Latham crossed from


I 


4.=mA                                          I                                                                                                                                             iqz  ON




I


SR




258


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


Old Mission, and preached at Elk Rapids. He attempted to include that point in his round of regular appointments, but often
found it difficult to cross the bay. When, in the fall of 1858, the
Michigan Conference detached Elk Rapids from Old Mission and
Traverse City, and erected it, with the adjacent territory, into what
was known as Whitewater Circuit, Mr. Latham was assigned to it
as preacher in charge, and removed from Old Mission to his new
work.
"It seems to have been Mr. Latham's fortune to meet with
many of those adventures and mishaps, some dangerous, some ludicrous, that tall to the lot of the pioneer, especially if the pioneer,
like the subject of our sketch, is courageous, confident, careless of
the cost, and inexperienced in the wild life of a new country. We
have given one to the reader; another may not be out of place.
"On one occasion, when going to fill an appointment to preach
in Mr. Allen's house, in Whitewater, he resolved to save time and
distance by following the beach instead of the usual route by the
road. ]Between Elk Rapids and Whitewater there is a little lake,
called by the Indians Petobego, separated from Grand Traverse
Bay by only a narrow sand bar. Sometimes the outlet of Petobego
is a shallow brook, that one can easily wade through. Sometimes
it is entirely filled up with the shifting sand, so that one may walk
across it dry shod. Somnetines, again, a large part of the bar is
washed away, but the channel between the little lake and the bay
is broad and deep. Of the uncertain character of the bar, however, Mr. Latham was ignorant. On arriving at Petobego, lie found
the outlet about ten rods wide and several feet deep, and, what to
him was a mystery, instead of Petobego running along into the
bay there was a strong current from the bay into Petobego. The
mystery would have been no mystery to one familiar with the phlenomiena of the lake shore-there was a strong west wind blowing,
driving the waters of the bay into the little lake. Here was a dileniima. lie must either go back by the way of Elk Rapids or
cross tlhe stream. There was not time for the former; besides, lie
was now more than half way to his appointment. There was
plenty of drift-wood on the beach. He resolved to build a raft.
Laying off his overcoat and gloves, he brought it together till lie supposed lie had collected material sufficient for a raft large enough to
carry him over. Putting into the water a layer of poles and slabs,
arranged side by side, lie covered them with a second layer, placed
crosswise. Then putting on his overcoat, lie tool a long piece of
edging for a setting pole, and pushed off. The current was stronger
than lie supposed. Iln pushing off he stood on the edge of the
raft. The poles on the opposite edge being left loose, were washed
away by the current, and lie soon saw a row of them chasing each
other into Petobego. Next lie discovered that lie was drifting out
of his course. To regain it, lie gave an extra push with all his
might. The edge of the raft on which lie stood settled down into
the water, while the poles of the portion opposite floated away in a
body. At the same timle, the setting pole sniapped in two, leaving
a piece only three or four feet long in his hands. There followed a
moment of anxiety. He could not swim. He knew that the remaining fragment of the raft would not hold together a minute
longer. He was standing on two slabs, which lay side by side, with
their flat surfaces uppermost. A thought came like a flash of inspiration. Stooping down, lie turned one uf theml over, placing it atop
of the other witlh their flat surfaces together, and quickly jumped
astride of them. The water was unpleasantly cold, for it was in


November, but lie felt safe and happy. With the fragment of edging he paddled ashore, climbed up the bank, emptied the water out
of his boots, and went on to Mr. Allen's. But Mr. Latham's troubles were not over. The congregation was waiting. There was a
good fire in the stove, and the big family Bible had been placed on


a stand near it. He was not proud of his adventure, and did not
desire to have it known. It was fortunate, he thought, that the stand
and Bible were so near the stove. He would quietly dry himself
while conducting the services, and nobody should be the wiser.
As he knelt down to pray, he purposely pushed his feet under the
stove. The action disturbed an overgrown puppy that was sleeping
there, which came out, and, after smelling at him till satisfied of
his friendly character, began to lick his face. Mr. Latham shut his
eyes tightly, and tried to endure it while he went on with his prayer,
but the performances of the puppy at length- became too much for
the patience of one of the men. Seizing the poor dog by the skin
of the neck, he hurled him across the room to the door, where a
boy caught him by the feet and threw him yelping outside. In
after years Mr. Latham asserted that he could not remember how
he preaclied or what was the subject of his sermon on that occasion.
"It is understood that at the conference in the fall of 1859, Mr.
Latham was assigned to Whitewater Circuit for another year. He
had labored faithfully, enduring hardships and battling with difficulties such as the ministers of more favored localities know nothing of by experience. He had been literally starved out.  Seeing
an opportunity to get an appointment as teacher in a government
Indian school, he thought it his duty to take advantage of it, and
accordingly, in November, left the Grand Traverse country for his
new field of labor.
"The Whitewater Circuit was without a pastor till April of the
following year, when Rev. J. W. Miller arrived and took charge of
the work.
"Mr. Miller had been converted about a year previously. He
was a young lawyer, just admitted to the bar, and had been appointed by Judge Littlejohn as circuit court commissioner.  He
was in love with his profession and his worldly prospects were
bright, but the call to the ministry was imperative.  He promised
the Lord of the harvest that if lie would open a door for him, he
would enter in, regardless of consequences. Soon afterward, Rev.
S. Steele, who had succeeded Rev. W. W. Johnson as presiding
elder of the Grand Traverse district, called on him and proposed
that lie should take the abandoned field at Whitewater.  The proposal was promptly accepted, 4nd Mr. Steele, with the approval of
the quarterly conference, gave him a local preacher's license.
"Mr. Miller had no great a ount of funds. It cost between
$40 and $50 to move, besides the misfortune of breaking and
spoiling a large proportion of his furniture. For some time he and
his young wife lived on their own means, but they were at length
exhausted, and then many a meal was made on only potatoes and salt.
No wonder if they became discouraged, and if their faith in God's
care of his servants began to waver.
"One day, before going to his appointment, Mr. Miller went
out into the woods in front of his house, as he has since related,
'to give the Lord a scolding for getting them into such a fix,'
after they had trusted to his guidance and relied on his aid.  He
could not understand or appreciate the situation, but while talking
with God-s'praying and scolding by turns'-the good Father was
pleased to open his eyes.  He saw his own unworthiness as never
before, and the goodness of God in even giving them potatoes. He
was conscious of receiving a wonderful blessing. Then and there
lie promised God that if lie would furnish potatoes, lie would remain in the ministry and never murmur again. Returning to the
house, lie put the saddle on old Jack, his Indian pony, and started


for his appointment at Elk Lake. On1 his way he called on Mr.
Hill, an unconverted man, and talked and prayed with the family.
As he left the house, Mr. Hill walked with him across the felcs to
the road. Tile latter seemed nervous, evidently having something
on his mind that caused him much distress. Finally he burst into


1




Ai

Ae
Ir


Igo.a.. 


THE TRAVERSE REGION


259


tears, ashe said, 'Elder, I suppose you will be offended and say it
is none of my business, but for over a week I have been thinking
about you; not only in the daytime, but I wake in the night and
wonder if you have anything to eat, and there is such a pressure
on me I must out with it, regardless of consequences.' Mr. Miller
told him all, and Mr. Hill insisted on dividing with him what he
bad, and then went round to the neighbors and collected what they
could give.  'Thus,' says Mr. Miller, 'while I was fretting and
complaining, the good Lord was working and caring for us.  It is
a lesson I have never forgotten and never wish to forget.  From
that day to the present, I have never murmured at the work of the
ministry or for a single moment wished myself out of it. Another
thing-from that day to the present, I have never asked, either as
pastor or presiding elder, for a single dollar. After twenty-five
years, I can still say with the Psalmist, ' the Lord is my shepherd.'
My only regret is that I have not been more faithful and efficient
in the great work.
"Mr. Miller remained on Whitewater Circuit till the fall of 1861,
when by the action of the annual conference he was transferred to
Northport. He usually preached three times on Sunday and once
during the week, the appointments being Elk Rapids, Elk Lake,
Round Lake, Williamsburg, Acme, and Yuba."
In the fall of 1861 Rev. Geo. Palmer was sent on to the work,
and he being a large fleshy man, found that it was work indeed to
travel the circuit on foot, as the roads were poor and in many instances nothing but a trail; yet he was always at his appointments,
and his circuit embraced the most of the territory now included in
the three circuits.
Rev. S. Steele was the presiding.elder of the district and
his district extended from Muskegon on the south to Mackinaw
on the north, and it had to be traversed almost entirely on foot,
and in the winter a good deal of it had to be done on snow shoes.
In the fall of 1862, Rev. B. S. Pratt was assigned to this work;
he remained about six months and was then transferred to Northport, the balance of the year being filled by D. B. Scofield, a local
preacher of considerable ability.
In the summer of 1863 Rev. S. A. Sprague was assigned to
the Elk Rapids work; he remained two years and was elected the
first county treasurer of Antrim County.
The war was now calling off the men, and Antrim County responded to every call made for troops until there were but few men
left in some localities, and so great was the drain on the Methodist
Church that the minister had to seek employment of the company
in order to live.
In 1865 Rev. G. E. Hollister was sent here. He remained
three years. In the meantime the Congregational Church, under
the care of Rev. L. Warren, was prospering at Yuba, six miles
south of Elk Rapids, on the state road.
In the fall of 1862 the Congregationalists sent Rev. Leroy
Warren up into northern Michigan to prospect and. see what
chance there was for a mission field.  He located at Elk Rapids
and was the first of that denomination to locate here as a
minister.
Feb._8, 1868, a Congregational society was organized with ten
members, the sermon being preached by Rev. Charles E. Bailey.
In 1866 a house of worship was built in the town of Whitewater,


Grand Taverse County, as most of the members resided in that
vicinity.. From that time this denomination gradually lost its hold
in Elk Rapids.
The M. E. Society, though weak in numbers, continued along,
and after the county seat was moved to Bellaire, purchased the old
court-bouse onr their use.  The society now has about twenty-five
members,.The pastor in 1884 is'Rev. S. P. Hewett.


A meeting of persons in communion with the Protestant
Episcopal Church, and of such as were attached to the worship of
God according to its forms and usages, was held in the court house,
at Elk Rapids, on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 29, 1867, and an
organization effected, under the direction and superintendence of a
clergyman duly authorized, as follows, viz:
"The name of the parish to be the 'Church of the Covenant.'
The Vestry to be composed of the following persons: Wardens,
Edwin S. Noble and Elvin L. Sprague; vestrymen, Henry H.
Noble, Richard W. Bagot and Charles G. Gray; clerk of vestry,
Richard W. Bagot; treasurer, Henry H. Noble."
This parish was organized by Rev. Mr. Brown, who remained
a little over a year. In 1869, the late Rev. Albert C. Lewis, removed
to Elk Rapids, and the parish was reorganized and the name
changed to St. Paul..
He continued rector of the parish until his death, which occurred March 17, 1881. He was a man greatly beloved. A sketch of
his life is given on another page. In 1888 the society began the
erection of a house of worship which is now nearly completed, and
will cost $4,000.         4
At a special meeting of the citizens of Elk Rapids and vicinity, held Aug. 19, 1872, W. L. Ewing being in the chair, and W.
H. Fife, clerk, resolutions were adopted as follows: "Resolved,
That the time has come when it is necessary and expedient for this
congregation to take measures for the erection of a house of worship. That a committee be appointed to solicit funds for that
purpose. That a treasurer be appointed to take charge of the funds,
holding the same subject to order of the building committee.
That the trustees of the society, together with the clerk, treasurer
and the committee to solicit funds, constitute a board, to appoint a
building committee when such shall be thought necessary, without
calling an extra'meeting of the society. That Rev. J. B. Hall have
leave of absence to go to the southern part of the state, and further
if necessary, to solicit funds. * * * That this society tender to
Messrs. Dexter and Noble their sincere and heartfelt thanks for
their generous offer, giving us our choice of lots on which to erect a
house of worship."
Mr. Charles Hurlburt was elected treasurer, and Rev. J. B.
Hall, W. L. Ewing and J. P. C. Clhurch,.a committee to solicit
funds.
In the spring of 1878, enough funds had been secured to warrant making a start upon the building, and in July work on the
foundation was commenced. This was the first church building
projected in the village. It was built of brick and is 47x63 feet in
size. The building was partially built, and then stood for several
years unfinished, but was at last completed, and is a very creditable
structure. For some time Revs. J. B. Hall and J. W. Steele,
alternated in holding preaching service. Pastors since then have
been Revs. R. W. Fletcher and L. M. Belden. The society has
about twenty members at the present time.
A Catholic church has recently been commenced here, but
there is, as yet, no resident priest.
In May, 1864, mention was made of the village' as follows:
"Elk Rapids is a village of about 300 inhabitants. Here reside all
the county officers. Here, also, are the saw-mills and lumbering
establishments of Messrs. Dexter & Noble, who make lumber at
about the rate of 60,000 feet per day, and have got logs on hand to
make about eight million feet the ensuing season; which is an


advantage to settlers, as they can buy lumber at reasonable rates
for building purposes. 
"Messrs. Dexter & Noble are also building a dock, which will
admit of any propeller receiving and discharging freigllt. We have
a grist-mill also-a good run of Burr stones-equal to the demands


3


K



4.9


I


go

mi


L — a


-  ---  --   --                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                rL~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r)~~~~,  
i-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                — r        0


260


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


of the present population, owned by Messrs. D. & N., and one
hotel, one store, one grocery, one blacksmith shop, one school, and
two organized churches, viz: Methodist and Congregationalist.
"The cord wood business is also in a flourishing condition.
Settlers are getting high prices for their wood, with a good market
for it delivered on the beach or on dock."
Again, in the spring of 1867, we find mention as follows:
"That portion of Elk Rapids that lies on Grand Traverse Bay and
Elk Lake has been the longest settled of any other part of Antrim
County, and contains the village of Elk Rapids, which is the shiretown of the county. Here is situated the court house and jail.
"There are as yet no lawyers or doctors among its professional
men; the absence of which may account, in part, for the few lawsuits and pre-eminently healthy reputation which the village has.
"Divine service is held in the court house, by Rev. Leroy Warren, pastor of the Congregational Church, which society is in a
prosperous condition. Rev. (. E. Hollister, Methodist, also occasionally preaches here.
"A school is taught here during the entire school year. The
town library contains over 200 carefully selected books.
"Elk River, which empties the accumulated waters of all the
lakes previously described, into Grand Traverse Bay at this point,
is probably the best water power in all this region. On it is situated
Messrs. Dexter & Noble's saw-mill, which is capable of manufacturing 100,000 feet of lumber every twenty-four hours, and much
of the water remains unemployed.
"One of the finest docks on Lake Michigan is built here; over
which Messrs. Dxter & Noble do an extensive shipping business, of
lumber, lath, shingles, wood, bark, cedar-posts, etc. They have
two vessels of their own which run between here and Chicago regularly, besides freighting many others. The propeller Sunny Side
also touches here daily, connecting with all points on the bay.
"Owing to its facilities for cheap communication with the far
interior, by means of the chain of lakes before mentioned, this is
destined very soon to become, if not the largest, one of the largest
shipping points for wood. grain, etc., in this region. For the same
reason it offers great inducements for the erection of iron-smelting
and manufacturing works.
"Messrs. Dexter & Noble do an extensive mercantile business
here, where everything almost may be had that can be found in the
large cities. They intend building, during the coming season, a
new store, thirty-two feet front by 125 feet deep.
"The same facilities that make this a good point for the shipment of wood also make it a good location for a tannery; bark
being shipped to it cheaply on barges either by the lakes or bay.
"One use to which a part of the water power here might be
advantageously put, as the waters of Elk River are as clear as crystal, is the manufacture of paper.
"The Traverse Bay FEaqle is published here, and is just entering
upon the third year of its existence. It was first printed on a half
size medium sheet, but has continued growing until it has reached
a full size impetl&.  It is now the largest paper published in this
region; and works energetically for the development of the country.
It deserves, and we believe is receiving, a generous support.
"E. W. Sizer is the proprietor of the only hotel in the village,
"The Cottage," although the writer is informed that another is to
be opened in a few weeks. Mr. S. has the reputation of keeping a
good house and is, we believe, well patronized."


The first number of the Elk Rapids E2ayle was issued Friday,
March 81,1866, by Elvin L. Sprague. It was a three column folio, the
size of the page being 10x18 inches. The Elk Rapids advertisers
in the first number were as follows: Dexter & Noble, dealers in
lumber, lath and shingles, dry goods; groceries and provisions;






James P. Brand, notary public; S. Edwin Wait, architect and
builder; George Goodhue, manufacturer of boots and shoes; Lemuel R. Smith, who offered 8,000 apple trees for sale; and Ada R.
Sprague, milliner.
The paper stated that four men were wanted as substitutes by
citizens of Elk Rapids. It was also mentioned that a dock would
be completed at Elk Rapids during the following season.
The Eagle was afterward removed to Traverse City and is still
published by Mr. Spnigue.
The Elk Rapids Proqre.s was established in 1872 by E. L.
Sprague, who sold it to H. E. Gemberling, and Mr. Gemberlingto B.
F. Davis. The editors have been F. R. Williams, James Parkinson,
E. L. Sprague, Giles Daubeny, H.E. Gemberling and B. F. Davis.
The ProlXiess was first published as a six-column folio, was changed
to a five-column quarto, and then back again to its original size
and form. It is independent in politics and is printed entirely at
home.
A lodge of Good Templars was organized October 12, 1867, at
the close of a lecture delivered by E. Cromwell Tuttle. Tie officers
installed were as follows: E. L. Sprague, W. C. T.; Mrs. Hurlburt, W. V. T.; Leroy Warren, W. S.; Reuben Coy, W. T.; Mrs.
E. L. Sprague, W. I. G.; James Spencer, W. O. G.; Charles Hurlburt, W. M.; Milton Spencer, W. D. M.; Mrs. J. W. Arnold, W.
R. H. S.; Miss Olive M. Spencer, W. L. H. S.; J. W. Arnold, W.
F. S.; Rev. L. Warren, W. C.
This lodge afterward suspended. In April, 1882, another
lodge was organized which is still in existence.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was reorganized in
September, 1888. President, Mrs. J. P. C. Church; secretary, Mrs.
J. M. Pennock; treasurer, Mrs. Peter Welch.
Elk Rapids Lodge, No. 275, F. & A. M., dates back to the year
1869. The consecration of the lodge was quite an event in the
history of the village ana was mentioned in the ]E'ale of March 18,
1869, in part as follows:
"The consecration of Elk RtApids lodge, A. F. & A. M., and installation of its officers, took place last Saturday evening as was previously
announced. There were quite a numberpresent from Traverse City,
Acme, and Northport lodges to assist at the institution of this new
lodge. The following bretlren were appointed to represent the
officers of the grand lodge:
"C. W. Day, M. W. G. M.; E. S. Pratt, M. W. D. G. M.; J. D.
Harvey, S. G. W.; E. J. Greilick, J. G. W.; Rev. A. C. Lewis,
grand chaplain; E. S. Noble, marshal.
"The members of the craft met at their new hall, from whence
they marched in procession to the court-house, where the public
services were held.
"At the court house the exercises were opened with a piece of
music, after which an address upon Freemasonry was delivered by
Rev. A. C. Lewis.
"After the delivery of the address the consecration of the new
lodge took place, and the installation of its officers followed.. The
following are the officers of the new lodge: W. W. Landon, W.
M.; F. J. Lewis, S. W.; E. L. Sprague, J. W.; J. L. Price, treasurer; R. W. Bagot, secretary; C. Parkinson, S. D.; John Denahy,
J. D.; William King, tyler; Rev. A. C. Lewis, chaplain.
"The services were something entirely new for Elk Rapids, and
the court house was filled with people anxious to see and learn


something of an order of which they had heard so much and knew
so little."'.In the spring of 1870 the lodge fitted up a new hall in the upper story of Mr. Cooper's building. The oom was 20x85 feet in
size, and its finishing and furnishing was glsatly admired at the
time, and was thcught to compare favorably with anything of the


-


-I




m


I




I -rl










i


ELK RAPIDS, TOWN HALL SEATING CAPACITY 600.ANTRIM Co.MICH.


RES.or J.A.HARRIMAN, BELAIRE; ANTRIM CO.MICH.


REs.or JAMES J.MC LAUGHLIN,ELK RAPIDS,
ANTRIM CO.MICH.








~-. 'V ^4 s --- —----— ~ ---r~~I                                                                                                             I i
'r -dt.

\
i'


i






THE' TRAVERSE REGION.


261


I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ _ 


kind in northern Michigan.    This lodge has been successfully
maintained to the present time, and is in a prosperous conditioD.
in 1879 a Knights of Honor Lodge was organized and now has
thirty-five members.
NEW ENTEBPRISES.
In June, 1866, the following notice of local improvement was
made in the local paper.
"Messrs. Dexter & Noble have commenced excavating for a
new store, which is to be completed this season.. The building is
to be 82 feet wide by 100 feet long, two stones high, and stone or
brick basement. This building is one that is imperatively demanded to make room for Messrs. D. & N.'s large, and in order to
keep pace with trade, rapidly increasing stock of goods."
In 1865 Mr. E. S. Noble, a brother of H. H. Noble, came here
from Albion, Mich., where he had been engaged in the mercantile
business. He was born in Dexter, Mich., in 1838, and in 1860 engaged in the mercantile business at Albion. Upon coming to Elk
Rapids he entered the enploy of Dexter & Noble, and continued
in that capacity until 1869, when he became a member of the
firm.
The next important improvement made by Dexter & Noble was
the building of a large flounring-mill in 1872, and which they still
operate. The mill is 40x60 feet on the ground, three and a half
stories high with a stone basement ten feet high, and cost at the
start $25,000. In the winter of 1884 it was changed to a roller
mill with a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five barrels in
twenty-four hours.
In 1872 an enterprise of gieat importance was projected by the
firm, and which gave a new impetus to the village. In February,
1872, the local outlook was mentioned as follows:
"Elk Rapids is about taking a 'new departure'; and that it
promises a much higher degree of success than has attended, or is
likely to attend, some recent political Departures,' is beyond doubt.
The village, for a year or two past, has been looking up and improving to a degree that has attracted the notice of all visitors.
There has, it would seem, been a gradual preparation for the grand
forward movement which is now to be made. A large blast furnace is to be built the coming summer. Messrs. Dexter & Noble,
who have long been contemplating an enterprise of this kind, have
entered into partnership with Mr. F. H. Head, of Chicago, and
will proceed at once to the erection of a charcoal blast furnace of
the largest class. No time, pains or money will be spared on this
enterprise. IP, will be in all respects, first-class. The buildings will
be of iron, brick and stone, and will be made absolutely fire-proof.
The machinery will all be of the most modern and approved kinds,
and will be made in the highest style of art.
"The capacity of the furnace is to be twenty-four tons of iron
per day. About 20,000 cords of wood will be used in course of a
year. This will give employment to the farmers around the lakes
that find an outlet at Elk Rapids, and will largely increase the business on those inland waters.
"To provide for the business, present and prospective, on those
lakes, Messrs. Dexter & Noble have an iron side-wheel steamer, 105
feet in length, now in course of constnruction at Capt. Ward's yard
at Wyandotte. This is to be in all respects a first-class boat. The
fact that she is to cos-t but little less than $25,000 is sufficient indifation of what she is to be. This boat is to make daily trips


Cround the lakes, giving passengers an opportunity to come to Elk
Rapids, do their trading and return the same day.
"Another boat las been purchased by Mr. F. J. Lewis which
is to run on the East Bay on such a time-table as to give all adjacent thereto an opportunity to go to Elk Rapids, spend some time


and return the same day.
"Very naturally, as a result of all these things, the people of
Elk Rapids are much encouraged, business is looking up and real
estate is advancing and changing hands. Messrs. Dexter & Noble
sold thirty lots last week, and most of them to parties who are to
build on them.
"Important improvements are to be made in the village the
coming season. Messrs. Dexter & Noble propose, at their own expense, to grade several of the more important streets, plant shade
trees along them, and otherwise improve the appearance of the village. "
The plans described in the foregoing were carried out and the
furnace was ready for blast in June, 1878. The works were located on the east side of Elk River above the rapids. The firm at
that time had secured about 10,000 acres of timbered land. The
furnace was carried on by the firm until Feb. 17, 1882, when it
was organized into a stock company with a capital of $600,000,
and designated as the Elk Rapids Iron Co. The officers are: President, N. K. Fairbank; vice-president, F. H. Head; secretary and
treasurer, E. S. Noble; general manager, H. H. Noble. From twentyfour tons of iron a day the product of the furnace has been increased to fifty-five tons, and 40,000 cords of wood are annually
consumed. The furnace is forty-eight feet high, twelve feet bosh,
and is blown by an engine 60x72 with an 18x72 steam cylinder.
Dec. 31, 1880, the Bangor Chemical Co. was organized witli
the following officers: President, N. K. Fairbank; vice-president,
F. H. Head; treasurer, H. H. Noble; secretary, E. S. Noble; general manager, H. N. Pierce. The works cost $100,000 and were
put in operation in November, 1881.
In 1882 the old saw-mill wa3 torn down and a new one rebuilt.
The product of the new mill in 1883 was 8,000,000 feet of hard
and soft wood lumber.
The various enterprises of this firm give employment to an
average of 350 men at Elk Rapids. They have three tugs and
twenty-one barges employed in their wood business, the steam propeller  " Leland" on Lake Michigan, and the side wheel steamer
Queen of the Lakes."
The Lake View House is also the property of Dexter & Noble,
having been purchased by them in 1878 and rebuilt.
In tlhe meantime other business interests have grown up,
though not on an extensive scale. The usual trades and professions are represented in the village, and the place has become
noted as a resort for tourists, and particularly those in pursuit of
the sport of fishing. In the vicinity of Elk Rapids are the finest
trout streams in the country, while at the mouth of the Elk River
bass fishing is exceptionally fine.
The school building and town hall are public buildings of
which a much larger village might justly feel proud. The former
was built in 1874 at a cost of $10,600, and at the school meeting
in the fall of 1878 the schools were graded. At the present time
work is begun upon an addition to the building, involving an additional expense of about $12,000, making a school building, when
completed, that will represent a cost of $22,000.
The town hall is a handsome brick building erected in 1888.
The location of the village is decidedly picturesque and attractive, and the people appear to be proud of their surroundings
and liberal in matters of local interest.
Thle following is the report of the Elk Rapids public schools


for the month ending May 80, 1884:
Entire number enrolled:
High   school..............................  43
Second intermediate........................ 84
First intermediate..........................  57


II


I


I


I




r *~"            L~ cx


J -




*Ir


Il

I


262


THE TRAVERSE R EGION.


Primary......................             102
East  primary.............................  83
South  plimary.............................  16
Total.................................  285
Average daily attendance:
H igh   school...............................  30
Second intermediate........................ 25
First intermediate........................ 50
Prim ary.................................  75
South primary.........................  13
East  prim ary..............................  21
T otal.................................. 214
BIOGRAPHICAL.
JAIMES J. McLAUGHLIN, supervisor of Elk Rapids, wais born in
Brockpolt, N. Y., April 2, 1835. He removed with his parents in
1836 to Allegan, Mich. His father, Jlames McLaughlill, a native
of Penobscot, Me., erected thll first flouriug-mill built in Allegan
village. It belonged to Mr. Alex. L. Ely, formerly of Rochester,
N. Y.   From Allegan he lemoved to the mouth of Kalamazoo
River, anld during his stay opened a ship yard at Saugatuck. On
Jul 25, 1841, lhis wife, MArs. Abigail C. McLaughlin, was drowned
in thle Kalamazoo River by the capsizing of a boat. In 1844 he
bought and opened a large hotel in Kalamazoo, and also built several boats for D. S. Walbridge, Esq. Later he resumed operations
in the ship yard at Staugatuck. In 1818 h!.e accepted a position
under the government as farmer among the Ottawa Indians. In
the spring of 1849 lie bought a vessel in Chicago and therewith removed to Traverse Region. He cut the first stick where Northport
is now situated. In the fall of 1851 he and his family came to
Elk Rapids and kept boarding-house for Mr. A. S. Wadsworth.
His early movements llave already been related. His time
from 1853 was devoted partly to mechanical work and partly to thlle
manufacture of shingles and to other industrial enterprises. He
died of consumlption April 1G, 1863. James J., the son, spent
sollle seven summers of his youth in sailing and in the winters he
worked as.a carpenter. In 1858 lie engaged in agricultural work
on his father's lands on Section o3 in Elk Rapids Township on the
western shore of Elk Lake, and continued farming until 1882.
He now owns the farm of over seventy acres, and has about fifty
acres under cultivation, with a thriving yotung orchard of choice
varieties of fruit, and other home conveniences. On June 1, 1861,
he was married to Miss Maria A. Horton, of White water. She
was born in Springfield, O., Dec. 3, 1839. She came with her
parents to Pine Lake, Micll., where they prepared themll a pioneer
hollle in one of the Mormon clearings in tllhat vicinity. Thle first
sighlt which mllet their gaze onl approaching the place was an effigy
of Mr. J. S. Dickson, hung at the imouth of the river by the Morm1ons who had just before been driven from the place, but had
left some of their vegetablles in the ground whichl gave timely relief to the wants of Mr. Horton's family. Mr. and Mrs. McLaunghlin have one son. Charles S., born in Elk Rapids Aug. 11, 1862,
and two adopted children, James R. and Stella B. On Oct. 3,
1864, he enlisted in Company D, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and
served his country until discharged, Oct. 4, 1865. His first conflict with the rebels was at Morristown, Tenn. Next lie fought at
tlhe battles of Strnawberr Pllins. IHenry Court-house, Abbot's Creek,


Statesville, Salisbury. 1and at Newton, N. C. Inu the spring of 1865
lie took part in the famous Stoneman raid, marchiung 2,000 miles
in seventy days. He was one of those who captured thle body
guard of thle Confederate leader, Jeff. Davis, about four days before
Jeff. himlself was clptured. He has -now in his possession the


sabre taken from one of the guards. Inl 1880 Mr. M.Lailghllin became supervisor of Elk Rapids Township, n.nd in November 1882, he
removed frola his farm to Elk Rapids village and opened an office
in the town hall for the transaction of municipal and other official
business. He has a pleasant home residence onil Travelse Avenue.
He is now serving in his fourth terln as supervisor and in his
nineteenth year as justice of tile peace, and has seived in various
othler municipal, educational and churcll offices in his community.
In the fall of 1860 he was converted and united with the M. E.
Church. In 1862 he became an exhorter, and in 1872 lie was
licensed as a local preacher and was ordained deacon in 1880. He
has been one of the foremost laborers ill frontier work and has organized different new,appointments which have since become parts
of self-sustaining circuits. Mrs. McLaughlin has been a member
of the M. E. Church since thirteen years ago, and their son is
also a member. Father James McLaughlin was the first and for
several years the only Methodist in the Traverse Region.
RICHARD W. BAGOT, dealer in loans and real estate, was born
in England Oct. 3, 1832. He spent his youth and received llis
early education in Iris native land, and came to America when
about twenty-thlree years of age. He spent some two years in the
state of New York, and came to what now is Elk Rapids, Mich., in
the schooner George Davis with over forty other persons. lIe
spent a short time in the employ of'Mr. A. S. Wadsworth, but
soon entered the employ of Dexter & Noble, and re1mainied with
tllem until 1872. He was then for one year manager of the store
of J. H. Silkman, at Torch Lake. In 1873 he opened a store of
drugs and groceries on River Street, Elk Rapids, and continued in
that business with good success until Aug. 1, 1881. He then sold
the mercantile estate to Messrs. Rushmore and Holbrook, since
which time his attention has been given to matters of loan and
real estate. Mr. Bagot's marriage was on01 Oct. 27, 1875, to Miss
Mary E. Radley, of Stafford, Genesee County, N. Y. She was
born there Feb. 8, 1833. Their adopted dalughter is Alice Maud
Mary. Mr. Bagot was the first deputy county clerk andi registrar in
Antrim County, and was several years county clerk and registrar,
and resigned his office on his removal to Torch Lake. He has
also served as county treasurer, and resigned when tlie county seat
was removed to Bellaire in 1879. He is now county agent for the
state board of charities.
JOHN DENAHY, foreman for Dexter & Noble, and for the Elk
Rapids Iron Co., was born in the city of New York, March 28, 1831.
He came to Michigan in boyhood, and resided some six years in
Dexter, Washtenaw County. From there lie removed to Elk Rapids in June, 1854, and has been ever since in the employ of the above
namled parties. He lhaks served for twenty-two years as treasurer of
Elk Rapids Township, and wits displaced only by the enforce ment of
tlle new law limiting the terll of office to two years. When lie first
came to Eik Rapids there were very few settlers in the village, and
no white settlers whatever in the surrounding country;hlence  e hlas
been closely identified with the rise and progress of thle place, and
views with pride its present strides of advancement and success.
He lhas also become well skilled in the language of the native
Indialls.
FITCH R. WILLIA.IS, attorney at law, was born in Amenia,
Dutchess County, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1834. He removed witli his
parents to Michigan in 1845, and prepared for the university at


Albion College. He graduated in tlhe literary department of tlhe
Michigan University in 1858, and was at once lappointed instructor
in that departmelt. While teaching there lhe attended lectures in
the law department. He was for two years a professor in Albion
College, and commenced the practice of law in Albion in 1866. On
Aug. 12, 1862, lie wats married to Miss Elizabeth J; Roberts, of Og

la


l


L


r _


T — ----                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       I
-                                                                                          --                          --                                                                                             I 




Lt




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


263


den, N. Y. She was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1838. They have
one son, Fitch Roberts, born in Elk Rapids, Aug. 25, 1874. In
1870 Mr. Williams came to Elk Rapidlh Antrim County, from Albion, and at once resumed his legal practice, being the first attorney
to locate permanently in the county. Since then he has been three.
times elected as prosecuting attrney for the couuty, aud has served
three years as judge of probate by appointment of the governor.
In 1876, by a large majority of thle voters of the district, he was,
as Republican candidate, elected senator from the thirtieth district,
then composed of the counties of Wexford, Missaukee, Kalka-ka,
Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanaw, Crawford, Otsego, Antrim,
Charlevoix, Emmet, Manitou and Cheboygan. Since his return
from the senate he has been actively engaged in the practice of his
profession in all courts of the state, and in which lie has attained a
leading position; having been counsel for tie state in importAnt
railroad tax cases before the supreme court.  Ie is a large owner of
real estate in Antrim County and is actively inter stedl in its material and intellectual development, anlt las se've(t for several years
on the school boari of -Elk Rapids. Il 1879 Mr. Williams was appointed by the governor on the board of trlhtees of the Michigan
Asylum for the Insane, at Kalamilzoo, and filled the office until
1883.
JOHN ACKER, liquor dealer, was b)orn: in Springfield, N. Y., July
26, 1835. He came with his pParents to Hudson, Lenawee County,
Mich., in cdildhood, and remained there land in Itillsdale County
until 1862. He then enlisted in Comp'aniy, Eighteenth Michigan
Infantry, and served his country:i suppresinig the rebellion, until
mustered out of ihe service.June 27, 181t5. He returned to Hillsdale County and re inlined there one year. Il 18554 lie had been
married to Miss Elizitbeth Smith, of iildson. Thevy have four children: Frances Iris, 13Blanche E., Cllarles -1. and Johlln 1. In the I
faill of 1866 they removed to wlhet is now Cenitral Lake Township, Antrim Co:unty, and resided thiere until 1876, when he wils
elected sheriff of tile couty, iand in Jainuary following entered upon
the duties of his office at Elk Rapids, where lie still esides. Mr.
Acker has served live term. as suipervisor, two years as township
treasurer, and several years as justice of thle peace.
0. J. HOLBROOK, p)ostinaster and dr(rmggist, was born in Caytiga
County, Ohio, October 9, 1852  At twelve years of age lie caime with
his parents to Benzie Count tv, Miih. Six years ltter he ciame to
Torch Lake, and thence to Elk Rapids, and en,,aed as clerk in the
store of Dexter & Noble and remained five yelrs. In 1881, with
Mr. W. Rushmore, lie bought thie store and stock of drugs and groceries belongingl to R. W. Bagot, Esq., on River Street, and silice
then they have conducted a plrosperous business in both of those
depaitments.  Since the spring of 1883 Mr. Holbrook ihas been
postmaster of Elk Rapids. Ile also holds the United States Signal
Service, and is manager of the Western Union Telegraph. IHe has
a wife and one daughter.
GEORGE H. BAILEY, M. D., was born in Kent County, Ontario,
Oct. 17, 1811. He spenlt his youth and received his education in
his native country. He graduated in the medical dep irtinent of the
Victoria University, Toronto, Ontario, and spent three years in
medical practice, in Arthur, Wellington County. In April, 1871,
he removed to Elk Rapids, Michi. and after two years' medical practice, engaged in the drug and grocery business withl R.W. Bagot, Esq.,
on River Street, and still continued his medical practice. On May


25, 1865, he was married to Miss Harriet A. Caswell, of Morpetll,
Ont. She was born in Delaware. Essex County, Ontario, March 7,
1848. Their children are Philander C. and Walter Bovell. In
1878 the Doctor sold his business interest on River Street, to
Mr. Bagot, and continued his medical practice separately. In May,
1882 he opened a store of drugs, medicines and fancy goods on River


Street, Lot No. 4, where he has a steadily increasing patronage in
merchandise, and also in medical practice. Dr. Bailey has been
seven years United States Med'cal Examiner for soldiers, and resigned in 1882 for lack of time to fulfill the' duties.
ARCHIBALD K. DOUGHERTY, ship builder, was born in St. John,
New Brlnswick, June 26, 1834. He spent his youth and learned
his trade in his native country.  On June 27, 1858, he was married
to Miss Mary M. Seely, also of New Brunswick.    She was born
there in 1837.  Their children are Bessie, Andrew, Mary, Kate,
Lottie E. and Lucy Louise. After spending some time in Maine,
Massachusetts and Maryland Mr. Dougherty came from St. John to
Charlevoix, Micli., in November 1868, and engaged in his former
occupation.  He also purchased village -property in that place,
whlich he still holds. He and his family after residing there seven
years removed tq Elk Rapids, where they now reside. In Clarlevoix, Mr. Dougherty was supervisor three years, and is now serving
his fourth term,as clerk of Elk Rapids Township. lHe gave the first
dramatic performallce ever given in Charlevoix. He is now foreman in tlhe ship yard of the Elk Rapids Iron Company.  He superintends the building of their lighters, and the repairing of their floating property.
REv. ALBERT C. LEWIS, of the Protestant IEpiscopail Clhrch, was
born in Harbor Creek, Penn., June 2]6, 1831. His ministerial
course of study was taken at Nashotah Theological Seminary, Wisconsin. lie w Is ordainied deacon in 1861, and in August of that
year, lie accepted a call to Chlrist's Church, Lockport, N. Y. lie
was ordained to the priesthood in 18462. In Noveemlteri, 1S1-3, li be
camne pastor at l)exter, Mlichi., and also at St. Stepleis, Himblrg.
In 1867 lie resigned Dexter for St. John's, lowtll. In tihe full of
1869, lie removed tio Elk Rapids, and engaged iln pastoral lab:rs
there, lolding religious services in the court-lhouse,.  ie iad chliarge
of that parish eleven years, and also held services at Traverse City,
where throughl his eLfort a commnodions chitpel lias been elected a(iidl
a )pastor put in chlare.  Ini 1880 hl e was prostrated })y illness, fr,:m
lhich lie never fully recovered, anl on March 17, 1881, lie died of
pnemllnlniit at liis plealsant home in Elk Rapids. His deattlt wats nle
of Christiain l)m:t'e an I hioly triunpl)hi. His inrri ige w is )oni N)v. 12,
186(1, to Miss Helen Cooper, of Buffalo, N..  She was born there
Aug. 20, 184-3. Tlheir chlildren t re Williamin C., born at Buff3alo,
Aug. 28, 1862; Hloratio B., bornt at Dexter, Mich., MaLy 25, 1864:
Albert A., born April 26, 1866; Ida ]E., born (Oct. 23, 18 68, deceased
Jan. 11, 1878; Helen L. wats born Mairchi 7, 18710; Kieble 1). was
born Jan. 10, 1876, and HIobart P. was born May 28, 1878. Mrs.
Lewis anld her amiiable falmily still reside in tlie family home in
Elk Rapids.
WILLIAM C. LEwIS is at book-keeper in tlhe store of Dexter &
Noble, and his brother, It. 13. Lewis, is employed as stock bookkeeper for the Elk Rapids Iron Co. Williami C., in 1881, prepared
and placed in market with good success, a medicine called Prince
Tonic and Blood Puritier. It is a specific for all cases of malaria,
fever and ague, biliousness, dyspepsia, salt-ihieuim, scrofula, tetter,
pimples, and all blood diseases; and is a tonic for all cases of general debility.
J. P. CURRAN CHURCiH, general grocer, was born in Rush, Genesee County, N. Y., Dec. 4, 1834. He camne with his parents to
Marengo, Calhoun County, Mi-h., in September, 1836. In Septein

ber, 1850, he went west and south, and at the breaking out of the rebellion, lie left the Appe tl office in Memphis, Tenn., and returned to
Michigan. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Seventeenth
Michigan Infantry, and was commissioned a first lieutenant. 'He
first met the enemy in the battle of Sotiht Mountain, next at Antietam, and still later at Fredericksburgb, and in various minor conflicts. In early winter his health failed, he was discharged for dis

I
I
I
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
i
i
i
i
t
i
i
Ii
i
i
i
iI
i
I
i
i
i
i
I
Ii
I
i
i
I
I
i
i
I
i
I
I
i
i
i
I
i
I
i
i
I
I
I


-1,416
4
I
I
i
i
i
i
iI
i
I
i
i
i
i
I
Ii
I
i
i
I
I
i
i
I
I
I
I
i
i
i
I
i
I
i
i
I
I
I;


61


L


rOd *. ----~      -~I ---  --   LI-~ --- ---  ___   L-   - ~  — ~ —   I 1~~ 1111


I


-,IrI:




^


J


1


Ij




I
51 -

D


-                 -~                                                                                    -- -                                            --                                        ZL~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,-Jr~~~~IV-.


264


I         bw.


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


r


ability and returned to Michigan. On June 25, 1862, he was married to Miss Laura L. Barker, of Albion, Calhoun County. She was
born in Byron, N. Y., in September, 1837. Their living children
are Lizzie E., Robert F., Marion B. and Raymond Allen. They
came from Calhoun County, to Elk Rapids, Antrim County, in June,
1868. Mr. Church spent about twelve years in the store of Dexter
& Noble, and in the spring of 1879 he engaged with Mr. Bagot in
conducting a store of drugs and groceries, and continued therein
until the fall of 1881, when he opened his present place of business
on River Street. He is enjoying a very encouraging business patronage. He has served one term as sheriff of the county.
JOSEPH PARKS, machinist, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April
28, 1844. At the age of twenty-one years he left his native land
for Chicago, 11l., and remained there until the fire of 1871, engaged
in engineering and machinist work. In the spring of 1872 he came
to Elk Rapids, Mich. In the following fall he went to Denver City.
In the spring of 1873 he returned to Elk Rapids and entered the
employ of the Elk Rapids Iron Company. On Sept. 9, 1874, he
was married to Miss Jennie Prrcell, of Wardsville, Ontario. She
was born theie in 1848. Their living children are Marrien J., Robert Henry and Joseph Archibald. Mr. Parks has served one year
as constable. He has a beautiful village residence on Traverse Avenue, consisting of three and a half lots, elegantly graded, and ornamented in the most tasteful manner. He has occupied his present
situation as a machinist eleven years.
THOMAS H1. NOBLE, foremanl for the firm of Dexter & Noble, was
born in Dexter, Washtenaw County, Mich., Sept. 5, 1853. He
came with his parents to Elk Rapids, Antrim County, Mich., in the
fall of 1855. His educational course was taken in part in the cities
of Chicago and Racine, and completed in the University of Michigan, where he graduated in 1878. Since then he has taken an active part in the business of the firm of Dexter & Noble.
HENRY H. NOBLE, merchant, a native of Palmnyra, N. Y., was
born Aug. 25, 1823. He came to Ann Arbor, Mich., with his parents in 1824. After residing some time in Dexter, he came to
what is now Elk Rapids, Antrim County, in the fall of 1855, and
some time later became a partner in the firm of Dexter & Noble,
and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and opened a store of
general merchandise, and, some years later, began the manufacture
of charcoal pig iron. The enterprises in commerce and the iron
business have grown to mammoth dimensions, as has also their
flouring business. His first marriage was to Miss Clarissa C. Sears,
oLfLima, Mich., Dec. 27, 1847. She died in Elk Rapids Feb. 4,
1868. His second marriage was on April 21, 1870, to Miss Maggie
Ewing, of Brantford. Ontario. He has three sons and two living
daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Noble, since they settled in Elk Rapids,
have been specially kind and successful in their efforts to care for
and relieve tile sick throughout the community. They have gone
cheerfully at night as well as by day, and at times for miles in the
distance, and have afforded ample relief to the afflicted and suffer.
ing around them.
FRANK W. LOMBARD, foreman for the Elk Rapids Iron Company,
was born in Spriingfield, Mass., Nov. 25, 1843. He went with his
parents to northern Indiana, at three years of age. At twenty-one
he removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., and from there, four years
later, he removed to Bangor, and thence, in March, 1881, he removed


to Elk Rapids, Antrim County, to take charge of the construction of
the chemical works in that place. When he had completed those
works he entered the employ of the firm for which he is now foremau. Mr. Lombard's marriage was on Nov. 24, 1864, to Miss
Maggie Irwin, of Elkhart, Ind. They have three sons and four
daughters. In the village of Bangor Mr. Lombard served as town
clerk, but has always sought to keep free from official position.


A. B. CONKLIN, physician and surgeon, was born in Sharon,
Washtenaw County, Mich., Sept. 16, 1857. At the age of fourteen
he removed to Manchester, to secure the educational advantages of
the Union School. His father, Dr. A. Conklin, has been in medical
practice there since 1847, and with very remunerative results. Dr.
A. B., the son, graduated at the Manchester High School in 1877.
He spent the next winter in teaching, and shortly after began the
study of medicine. He took one course of lectures in the Bennett
Medical College, Chicago. His next course was taken at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated there in the
spring of 1880. He then spent two years in medical practice with
his father, and then a short time at Fife Lake, Grand Traverse
County, in practice with Dr. Williams. In April, 1882, he removed
to Elk Rapids, Antrim County, and at once commenced practice
there. He has a commodious office on River Street, and is enjoying a steadily enlarging patronage, his practice the second ye:ar being mnore than double th;,t of the first. The doctor makes the treatment of cancer a specialty.  In Ja'y, 1883, he was married to Miss
Anne E. Mills, of Adrian, Mich. She was born there March 16,
1859. They have a pleasant residence at the head of River Street,
facing the Grand Traverse Bay. In Washtenaw County the doctor
was one of the board of school inspectors, and also city clerk. The
doctor's only brother is a physician also, in practice at Tecumseh,
Mich. His grandfather, Dr. E. H. Conklin, came from Amenia, N.
Y., as a pioneer to Washtenaw County in 1836, and practiced medicine there until his death in 1848.
WILLIAM KAISER, farmer, was born in Switzerland, Jan. 10,
1861. He came with his parents to Elk Rapids, Mich., in the
spring of 1867, and has resided in the vicinity ever since, employed
mostly in farming. He greatly enjoys living in Traverse Region,
and expects to make it his permanent home. His father, Frederick
Kaiser, resides in North Milton, where he owns an estate of eighty
acres with good buildings and improvements. He has a thriving
orchard and a pleasant home.
LEMUEL R. SMITH, farmer and fruit grower, was born in Manchester, N. Y., March 31, 1815. At the age of eighteen years he
removed to Adrian, Mich., and remained there twenty-five years,
engaged chiefly in farming. Later he spent about six years at
Grand Rapids in the nurseiy business. From there he came to Elk
Rapids in 1855, and engaged for some time in keeping hotel and
boarding-house. In 1860 he made a tour to California, spending
some two years. After his return he served as state commissioner
in the survey and opening of the State Road from Traverse City to
Little Traverse, a distance of over seventy-six miles. On Sept. 14,
1838, he was married to Miss Philinda Morton, of Cambridge, Mich.
She was a native of Mexico, Oswego County, N. Y. Mis. P. Smith
died in March, 1863. Mr. Smith's second marriage was on Sept.
16, 1866, to Miss Mary J. 1)avis, also of Mexico, N. Y. She was
born in that place July 30, 1840. They have uone son, Lemuel R.,
and one daughter, Philinda M. In 1869 they settled in Section 29,
of Elk Rapids Township, where they still reside. Mr. Smith has
280 acres of beautiful farm lands, extending from Elk Lake to
Grand Traverse Bay. He has about eighty acres under cultivation. He has a thriving orchard of 800 apple trees, besides pears,
plums, peaches, cherries, quinces and small fruits. He has some
seventy varieties of apples. He has an elegant residence, good out
buildings and most desirable home surroundings. He has served
as justice of the peace over twenty years; as supervisor about eleven


years, and during one term has been judge of probate. He was supervisor when Elk Rapids Township was called Megezee, and belonged to Grand Traverse County. The lands in Antrim, Kalkaska,
Otsego and (Crawford Counties were all under his supervision for
assessment.




,.


'%1.W I
I
I
i
i
i
k


I
I
I
I
i
I ).A.


I                                                                I_ _   _ ~ -I _,   _ _  -I   -- — ~~  -.~ —r ~ ----------- ~I~I~U


THE TRAVERSE REGION


JOEL EUGENE HILL, farmer, was born in Chautauqua County,
N. Y., Jan. 20, 1848. In the fall of 1867 he left his native state
with his parents' for Traverse Region, Mich.  They settled in
what is now Rapid River Township, Kalkaska County. Oil Feb.
22, 1870, he was mqrried to Miss Katie M. Merrill, Whitewater,
Grand Traverse County. $he was born in London, Monroe County,
June 18, 1852. They have two sons, Clarence Eugene and Arthlur
K. After marriage he located lands in Wilson, Kalkaska County,
and resided there some nine years. They then removed to Elk
Rapids Township, where they now reside. In Kalkaska County
Mir. Hill serve( as township treasurer over four years, and as supervisor over two years, resigning that office in his third term because
of removal. He is new, in 1884, serving as overseer of highways
in Elk Rapids, and as deputy sheriff of Antrim County.
OLIVER J. POWERS was born in Ransom, Hillsdale County,
Mich., July 16, 1850. In the spring of 1861 hie camie with his plirents to the head of Torch Lake, Antrimii County. tHis father, Cyrenits Powers, was born in Lancaster, near Buffalo, 'N. Y., Sept.
12, 1816. He removed to Hillsdale County, Mich., in 1817, and
thence to what is now Central Lake Township, where, in May, 1864,
lie located lands and prepared for himself aud family a pion*-er
home in the forest. In coming to locate his lands, lie walked from
Muskegon bly a trail. His family went to Detroit by railway, and
thence by steamer to Northport. There Mr. Powers gave $10 to
have lis family and goods put across the -bay in a small boat, on
the beach opposite his homestead, and lie and Oliver drove a team
of oxen and a wagon, and one cow through the woods, by way of
Traverse City and Elk Rapids, to their chosen hore, a distance of
about seventy-five miles. This was the first wagon brought over
the route nortli of Elk Rapids. Mr. Powers improved his lands and
made that locality his place of residence until his death, July 5,
1879. He took a leading pait in all the improvements in his conmunity. He served extensively as land surve, or, and also served
as township supervisor, and was many years justice of the peace.
Oliver J., thie son, took part in the toils and successes of
the parental home until 1872, when he bought lands adjacent;
and, on Dec. 25, 1873, was married to Miss Frances I. Acker, also
of Central Lake. She was born in Pittsburgh, Hillsdale County,
Oct. 27, 1855. Their chlildren are Otto, born at Central Lake,
Nov. 20, 1874, and Winn, born in Elk Rapids, Aug. 4, 1879. In
1875 they removed to Traverse City, where lie engaged in carrying
the mail from there to Elk Rapids for four years. In 1879 they
removed to Elk Rapids, where they now reside. They have a beautiful white brick residence on Traverse Avenue, built in 1882. Mr.
Powers lhs s,.rved as overseer of highways in Elk Rapids, and also
as constable in thle county.
C. E. BAILEY, mill owner, Elk Rapids, was born near Bangor,
Maine, in 1817; moved to Massachusetts in 1861, when he enlisted
in the First Massachusetts Cavalry; served three years and three
months; after being discharged from   the service returned to
Massachusetts; from there went to Canada and there worked at
farming four years, and in 1876 came to Kalkaska County and
worked at lumbering till 1879, when he came to Fife Lake; was
engaged in C. C. Bailey's store as clerk for three years. Since that
time has been farming. A short time since sold his farm and built
a mill at Elk Rapids, Antiim County. Married in August, 1877, to
Electa Goodman,:a native of Canada.


CHAPTER XXXIX.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT-THE PROJECTED VILLAGE OF ANTRIM CITY
-TORCH LAKE —FASTPORT-SPENCER CREEK-CENTRAL LAKE.
Returning now to general development in the county, we find


that between the years 1864 and 1870 the population increased from
382 to 1,985.
Antrim City was one of the earliest proiected villages in the
county outside of Elk'Rapids. It was located on the shore of Lake
Michigan, in the town of Banks. The firm of Wood, Pearl & C
began operations here in 1866, and for a time great things were anticipatd of the place. In January, 1867, the following nmenti l
was made of it.
"Antrim City possesses a good substantitil pier, owned by
Wood, Pearl & Co., and during the season of navigation is (o:e of
the points toulihed by the Sunny Side on her. trips along the bay.
This town bids fair to out-rivai the other towns on the bay in
the race for population, trade and wealth. It has a good start, a-i1
important schemes are in embryo that when developed will tell with
great effect on its growth and prosperity. During the seoeen ju;st
closed there lias been a large increase of business and likewise of
imlmigrationl over tlie lprevious one.
"At this point a new picr is being built by Wood, Pearl & Co,
and slipping facilities will thus be afforded to all points. Oil and
mineral indications exist almost everywhere. Valuable timber
abounds that stefmt and water power would convert into lumber,
th1at would sell at remunerating prices."
In Juily, 1867, tile place was again mentioned as followvs,
" The last and greatest improvement is in thle shape of a niew
store juist established by the well-known firm of Dexter & Noble, of
Elk Rapids. We are pleased to notice that the new store is entrusted to the hands of our much respected fellow-citizen, ). N.
Sickels, who is also postmaster at this place.
"Another improvement is the fishing establishment of Messrs.
Stiger & Cherry. They have one pound net in, and expect to put
another in this week. They also fish with gill nets.
0. D. Wood & Co. are still shipping wood from this pointe
They ]have sent to market in the neighborhood of 3,000 cords this
spring and summer. Their steam mill is running well, but tlecy
saw principally for themselves as yet. They are expectin, mnachin
ery for manufacturing staves and heading, when they will start tlat
business.
Messrs. Orr & Walderon's saw-mill is still runnilg, and s'upplies the necessities of the people round about.
- Messrs. Wait & Wilkes have built a new store and are now
fixing to start the potash business."
The surrounding country in Banks was also improving quite
rapidly. In June, 1867, a Congregatiomal Church wae organized.
Tllere'was a Methodist class at Antrim City by Rev. Andrew J.
Sensabaugh.
The village, however, was not destined to realize what was expected of it. Its projectors removed to Norwood, and Antrim City
in a short time became a thing of the past.
The town of Banks, however, continued to improve, and soon
became one of the best in this region.
The towns of Torch Lake, Milton and Helena were also mentioned in the summer of 1867 as follows:
"Torch Lake is a new township, having been organized only
about a year. It is as yet sparsely settled except the western part,
which contains several farms with many improvements on thefu.
"Milton is a township of very excellent land, and has some of
the best cultivated farms in the county. A small settlement of
Indians own lands in the western part of the town. They live in a


little village of their own at the north end of Elk Lake, and farm
only on a very small scale, the Indians spending their time mostly
in fishing and hunting, or in working for the whites, while the
squaws do nearly all the planting, hoeing and harvesting. This is
the only Indian settlement in the county..AI
I
I


I


r
h~




II- ---


Lt




_ I  __ _  _______ _IC_ L _ _I I


-


W-=t I


-i I




6
I


t


I


_


I


I


F


266


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


9


s"Helena: —Several years ago Lucius A. Thayer, one of the
pioneers of this count), tttued with his family on the eastern shore
of Torch Lake, and until recently was the only settler living in the
tenritory now embraced by the township of Helena. Within the
two past years, however, the township has been rapidly filling up
with hardy sons of toil, before whose determined will and stalwart
arms the mighty forests are being laid low, and homes made for
themselves in whic)l they may hope to spend their old age in the
quiet and happy enjoyment of the fruits of their labors."
The village of Torch Lake had, in the meantime, been battling
for a foothold. About the year 1858 Capt. John W. Brown built a
large log house and barn where Torch Lake village ilow is. He
also built some shanties on the beach of Torch Lake and cleared
some thirty acres of hlnd. The place was named Brownstown.
Capt. Brown was commander of the Paine, and is said to have been
a better sailor than farmer. He spent considerable time and
money without reaping any benefit. In 1864 lie sold to Wilcox &
Newell, who moved on and erected a saw-mill, which they had
hardly gotten in running order before it was burned down.
In the summer of 1866 a postoffice called Torch Lake was
_, 


I


1I!


~ There are very few settlers on the east side of this lake and
lots of government land. Persons looking for homesteads will do
well to bear this fact in mind. A good bridge across the lake near
Mr. Davis' place makes these lands on the east side easy of access
with teams, and the clearing of Intermediate River, which is now in
progress and nearly completeu, makes them   easily reached by
water."
In 1888, the commercial and lumbering interests with a right
of way across from Torch Lake to Grand Traverse Biay were
purchased by the Cameron Brothers, formerly of Milton.. There
is in the village a large and beautiful summer resort for the entertainment of tourists and others. On the west side of the village
site it is claimed there is a beautiful site for an excellent harbor on
Grand Traverse Bay.
ARCHIBALD CAMERON, merchant and mnanufacturer of lumber,
was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1840. He came with his parents to Toronto, Ontario, when three years of age. In 1859 he removed to Leavenworth City, Kan; From there lie went to New M( xico. In 1861 he returned to Leavenworth, and enlisted in the
First Kansas Volunteer Infantry and served his country until discharged in September, 1865. He then came to Milton, Antrim
CoLnty, Mich., and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1869.
He then entered the employ of John H. Silkman, Esq., of Torch
Lake village, and in June, 1883, lie, with three other brothers, purchased the mercantile and lumbering interest of Mr. Silkmau' at
that point. Since tlhat time they have conducted those enterprises
with pleasing success. Mr. Cameron's marriage was in 1872, to
Miss Emma R. Smith, also of Milton. They have one son and
three daughters. He hlas been' township clerk and also treasurer
at Torch Lake.
WILLIAM G. CAMERON, merchant and lumberman, was born in
Toronto, Canada, June 29, 1850, and c;me with his parents to
Milton, Mich., in 1865. His mc';ler, Mrs. Agnes Cameron,
daughter of James and Isabella Liddell, was born in Glasgow,
Scotland, in 1818. In 1837 she was married to Mr. Archibald
Cameron, of near Glasgow. In 1843 they remove,1 to America and
lived in Canada over twenty years. From there they removed to
Milton, Antrim  County, Mich., where they located lands and prepared them a pioneer home. Their children are Alexander, Archibald, Isabella, James, John, William G., Mary, Agnes anti Jessie.
Mr. Cameron died June 8, 1879. In 1883 the farm was rented,
and William since then takes part with his brothers conducting
their prosperous mercantile and lumbering enterprises at Torch
Lake village. H<; and John and the mother reside in a pleasant
home on the western shore of Torch Lake, where they have
a delightful view of all steamers and other crafts floating on the
lake.
REUBEN T. NICHOLS, an elder in the Mormon Churchb, was
born in Johnstown, N. Y., in 1807. He left there for Michigan in
1850 and resided on Beaver Island until September 20, 1855,
when, at the request of Mr. Strang, the president of the Mormon
Church there, he settled at Pine Lake, Charlevoix County, to secure a home for himself and family. On July 31, 1851, he was
married to Mrs. Mary DeMary, of Beaver Island. Their living
son is James R. Alfred died in 1861. Sarah and Mary Evangeline, deceased, seemed to lose their lives through exposure and
want in the time of their flight from their home in the time of the
persecution. This occurred in July, 1856, when they were driven


from their premises at Pine Lake by a mob of armed men, and
fled to Milwaukee, Wis. On May 17, 1860, they- returned to
Michigan and Mr. Nichols took charge of Mr. Brown's premises at
Brownstown, now Torch Lake village, and remained there four
years. He then located lands and settled in Section 86 in Torch


TORCH RIVER.
established, with Major Cicero Newell postmaster and from that
time the name of Brownstown was dropped.
In 1867 the propelty was purchased by Messrs. Silkman &
Hart, of Milwaukee, who rebuilt the mill and opened a store.
In the summer of 1870 we find the operations at Torch Lake
village and town mentioned as follows:,,Last season Messrs. Silkman & Hart put out a good substantial dock on the bay and built a fine store for the sale of general merchandise, of which they keep a good assortment.  In
addition to their lumbering operations they deal quite extensively
in cordwood, buying large quantities oil Torch and Clam Lakes
which they transport across from their mill to the bay, a distance
of about half a mile, by railroad on cars drawn by horses. These
men appear- to be doing a thriving business, and certainly
they will adld larg# ly toward the growth and development of the
country.
"Within the past two or three years settlement and improvements have increased wonderfully in this township. We have not
the room to enumerate the m;uly who have made fine clearings
within the past three years. While a part of the land is rather
hilly, yet the soil is of an excellent 'quality and but little of it so
rough as not to be lrealily tilled.


j


I






I
U


*                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I        b1i
_


l —~-IP[




t
1^


l


I


I


-


I


THE TRAVERSE RE(lION.


267


r


Lake Township, where he now resides. He has at present sixty
acres of land with about twenty-five under cultivation. Part of the
homestead now belongs to the son, James R. Nichols. Mrs.
Nichols' former family were George, Emily, Keturah and Emma
Eliza DeMary.
WARREN HAYT, farmer, was born in Palmyra, Wayne County,
N. Y., March 29, 1824. He came with his parents to Wayne
County, Mich., in 1832 and remained there until the fall of 1868.
He then removed to what is now Section 25 in Torch Lake Township, Antrim County. On April 18, 1847, he had been married to
Miss Angeline A. Owen, also of Wayne County. She was born in
Oswego County, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1831. Their children are Mary
E., Thelesa L. and James W. Mr. Hayt purchased his lands at
six dollars per acre and opened them a home ill the wilderness.
When he arrived at his place he had only one dollar. That he
paid for a few coin stalks for two cows he had brought with him,
and then he worked for Mr. Silkman to support his family and pay
for his land. Hay the first winter was $35 per ton. He has in
his farm lands seventy-one acres, with about forty under cultivation.
He has a thriving apple orchard, and one of- plums, pears and
cherries, and also a vineyard of grapes and a garden of small
fruits. He also has good farm buildings. In the fall of 1883
they removed from the farm to Torch Lake village, where they now
reside.
Eastport was first known by the name of Wilson. About the
year 1869 a man named Phillips built a hotel at this point, but not
being able to carry out his plans, the property passed inlto the
lands of Daniel Blakely.. In 1873 a survey was made for a village
plat and the name of Wilson given to it. James Williams at this
time had the hotel, and a postoffice was established. Andrew J.
Mudge, now of Charlevoix, built a wagon shop, Moses Haddock
& Son a general store and David Lavanway a jewelry store. In
1873 the name was changed to Eastport.
George Martin Post, No. 227, G. A. R., was mustered in early
in May, 1884, by Major E. H. Green, assisted by Adjutant Frank
ShNubut and Comrades H. Berdan, William Kanagy, D. Flannigan,
A. W. Hartxwell and H. R. Sweet, of Baxter Post, No, 119, of
Charlevoix. There were twenty-one charter members and the following officers: P. Corn., D. W. Sage; S. V. Corn., W. H.
Barnes; Jr. V. Corn., A. J. Drake; 0. D., D. Blakely; 0. M., S.
B. Anway; Adjt., H. Blakely; Chap., J. R. Childs; 0. G., L. Kinyon; Sergt. Maj., William Cook; 0. M. Sergt, L. R. Rogers; sentry, John McPherson.
There are the usual interests replesentedbhere that are generally
found in a small village. Being located on Lake Michigan it has
communication by lake boats. John W. Pearl has been postmaster
seven years.
JOHN W. PEARL, merchant, was born in Clinton County, N.
Y., Oct. 7, 1840. He left his native state for Grand Traverse
Region, Mich., in 1865, and located at Norwood. Two years later
he removed to Ionia County aod remained four years engaged in
a flouring mil' enterprise. He then returned to Norwood, and one
year later removed to Eastport, Antrim County, and opened a store
of general merchandise, where he has ever since enjoyed a
steadily enlarging patronage. His marriage was to Miss Adda Z.
Harris, of Battle Creek, Mich.  She was born in Kent County
April 18,1854. Their children are Norton H. and Ethel.  Mrs.
Pearl d(lied in February, 1888.  Mr. Pearl has in real estate 187


acres of land, with about fifty acres under cultivation. He has.served four years as postmaster in York state, and seven years in
Eaitpart. He is also supervisor of Torch Lake Township.
Spencer Creek is a small village located at the mouth of a creek
of the same name.    The streamr received its title from  John B.


Spencer, whllo h.d a job of lumbering in the vicinity. In the
sumlner of 1870 Mr. F. J. Lewis built a store at this point and
named the place Noble, in honor of H. H. Noble, of Elk Rapids.
Tile name was afterward changed to Spencer Creek. Quite a
settlement has grown up at this point. and a good dock has been
built on Torch Lake.
Central Lake village was started by James M. Wadsworth,
now of Bellaire, in 1871. He built a saw-mill and carried on business there eleven years. In 1883 the village was platted by
Thomas M. Rushton. It is quite a favorite point for tourists.
THOMAS M. RUSHTON, farmer and dealer in real estate, was
born in Howard, Canada, Jan. 30, 1846. His youth was spent in
his native country, employed in agricultural pursuits. On March
28, 1872, he was married to Miss Laura C. Wilson, also of Howard.
She was born there April 20, 1854. Their children are Manly,
Ethelind I., Albert R., and Milo Milton.  In April, 1878, they
removed to Central Lake, Antrim County, Mich., where they have
sixty acres of land, with twenty under cultivation, with a thriving
orchard already in bearing, and a pleasant home. Mr. R. platted
the village of Central Lake in 1883, and holds lots either for sale
or for presentation to persons who will build thereon.  He has on
his premises a: magnificent natural mound of earth, about twelve
feet hligh, froln the summit of which flows a spring of living
water of sufficient quantity to furnish tile village below.  Mr.
Rushton is school moderator, and is serving his second year as
justice of the peace, and his third term as township clerk. He and
his family-and two other families, in coming from M:ancelona to
Central Lake, got lost, and traveled all night in the woods with
the teams, but arrivecd at the lake in the morning.
ROBERT HASTINGS, proprietor of Tourist's Resort, Central
Lake, was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, May 24, 1819, the
birthday of her Majesty, Queen Victoria of Great Britain. He left
his native land at fourteen years of age, and came with bis father
to New York and then to Ohio. Seven years later he went west
and after remaining about eighteen years returned again to Ohio.
In 1840 Mr. Hastings was married to Miss Jane Hunter. They
have one daughter, Mary, now Mrs. J.' Jackson, of Central
Lake,   In 1842 lhe was married to Miss Elizabeth Davis, of Noble
County, Ohio. They have six solrs and two daughters. In 1862
Mr. H. enlisted in Company E, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, and served
about one year, but so exhausted his strength at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, that he was discharged for disability in the fall of
1862, and returned home. In the spring of 1866 he and his family
settled in Helena, Antrim County, Mich. He opened a stock farm
near Clam-Lake, one of the first stock farms in the county. They
had to winter their stock on hay cut from the marshes near the
lakes.
In June, 1882, he left tile farm and opened business in Bellaire, but later obtained a fine business stand in Central Lake village, just at the landing place of tourists, who will find courteous
welcome and ample entertainment at his resort. Mr. Hastings
and five other heads of families once went on Clam Lake and
Torch Lake, with nine hand sleighs on the ice to Torch Lake village after only one night's freezing to obtain supplies for their families.  When returning, two of his hand sleighs, loaded with two
barrels of flour, one of meal and one of pork, went down in Clam
Lake. The flour and meal swam on the surface, but the pork sank
like lead to the bottom in thirty feet of water.  He, however, pro

cured a pike pole over thirty feet in length and at last speared and
recovered the lost barrel of poik.


-




1


4


 I %,m


268


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


CHAPTER XL.
VILLAGE OF MANCELONA.
LOCATION OF THE VILLAGE-FIRST SETTLERS-CHURCH AND MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES-SCHOOLS-THE VILLAGE PAPER-FURNACEVILLE-BIOGRAPHICAL.
Mancelona is one of the most thriving villages on the line of
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, between Petoskey and Cadillac, being about forty miles south of the first mentioned place.
The situation of the village is excellent, being the chief railroad point in the county, and is surrounded by choice farming
lands of an excellent quality, producing wheat, corn, oats, buckwheat, clover and timothy, etc. These lands are being rapidly
settled, as they can be purchased at from $7 to $10 per acre.
The location is upon the central plateau, and the surrounding
country is just broken enough to give it a picturesque appearance.
Some of the finest farms in northern Michigan are being made in
this immediate region.
The first novements at-this point having any connection with
a village were in the:.pring of 1872 by Leander C. Handy and A.
D. Carpenter, who opened a store and established the nucleus of a
business center.  Prior to that time Section 20, upon a portion of
which the village is located, had been occupied a short time.
Perry Andress, after residing several years in Lapeer and St.
Joseph Counties, Benton Harbor and Allegan, came with his falnily in 1869 to where Mancelona now is, before the township was
organized. He took the site of the MIncelona Hotel and vicinity
as a homestead. He erected the hotel building and opened a place
of public entertainment when the railroad was just being surveyed.
He also gave some attention to lumbering. In 1880 he removed to
Petoskey, purchased the Occidental Hotel, and kept it until his
death, March 11, 1881.
The town and village of Mancelona were named from Mr.
Andress' youngest daughter, Mancelona Andress, now of Petoskey.
MARSHAL ST. JOHN PASSAGE, farmer, was born in Nunda, N.
Y., in 1837.  In 1861 he came to Lansing, Mich., and in the fall
of 1871 he settled in Mancelona, having located ]ands there one
year previous.  Mr. Passage had been married in 1859 to Miss
Margaret Fox, of Herkimer County, N. Y. She died Feb. 4, 1881.
Mr. Passage has five daughters and one son, Bertie Ulysses, the first
male child born in Mancelona Township. He thinks that when he
came there were only three houses between Mancelona and Spencer
Creek. The place was a beautiful but almost unbroken forest. He
was over eleven days in coming with the team from Lansing by
the way of Big Rapids, Sherman and Traverse City to Mancelona. There waa only one store running in Traverse City. Mr.
Passage kept public entertainment at the Mountain House over a
year, and while there he and his family nearly lost their lives by a
contagious fever brought in by foreigners.  He now has some
thirty acres cleared on his farm, with good buildings and a comfortable home.  He is a member of the Congregational Church.
He also has on'his place a beautiful lake of pure spring water, now
stocked with fish, and from which by an engine he supplies water
for the railway tank at. the blast furnace.
LEASNDE -C. HANDY, postmaster, was born in the state of New
York in 1889, and came with his parents to Albion, Mich., when
six months Qld. There he spent his youth and received his early
education. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in the First Michi

gan Infantry at the early call of his country among the three month
volunteers. He took part in the notable Bull Run conflict, and at
that time spent five montus m the service. In August, 1868, he
enlisted in the Eleventh Michigan Cavalry as quartermaster sergeant and served as drill master while in rendezvous at Kalamazoo.
i,. 


Later he, witlh his regiment, was largely engaged in scouting and
raiding through eastern Kentucky and western -Virginia. In the
summer of 1865 they spent over five weeks in a single raid-through
eastern Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, riding dlay and night, only stopping two days and one night
in the whole time, except to feed, burning bridges, destroying railroads and cotton and tobacco factories, and whatever could be of
service to the rebels. At Salisbury, N. C., they captured eight
guns and 1,300 prisoners.
Mr. H. and four others took two capttins, two lieutenants and
seventeen privates. He still lhas the sword which he took from one
of the captains, and a saddle taken from a rebel bushwhacker.
After this raid he was commissioned as a first lieutenant, but did
not choose to muster as the war seemed at a close. He was lionorably discharged in August, 1865.
Mr. Handy then returned to Albion, his old home, and in the
spring of 1872 he came to Mancelona, and, with Mr. A. D. Carpenter, purchased premises and built a store, and opened a line of
general merchandise, and lias been in the trade ever since; but his
attention is now chiefly devoted to postoffice duties. He has been
supervisor, notary public and school officer, and has served as postmaster nearly nine years. He has a wife and two children. Mr.
Handy is a charter member among the Free Masons and Odd Fellows, and in the Grand Army of the Republic. He bought the first
village lot sold in this place, and built the first frame building-a
store. He sold the first merchandise, bought the first load of wheat
brought to this market by a farmer, Mr. Walbrook, and also bought
the first load of apples. He shipped the first carload of wheat, and
the first and only carload of rye ever shipped at this point. He has
taken a leading part witl others of this village in securing such
growing enterprises as the blast furnace, operated by J. Otis & Co.,
the Mancelona handle factory, the sshl, blind and door factory and
the butter-dish factory. These and similar industries and enterprises seem destined to make Mancelona village at an early day
the leading place between Petoskey and Cadillac.
A. D. CARPENTER, who came at the same time as Mr. Hardy, is
a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., and came to Jackson County,
Mich., in 1846. He was in the army from September, 1863, until
the close of the war, serving in Company A, Eleventh Michigan
Infantry. When the village of Boyne Falls started, Mr. Carpenter
went there and carried on mercantile business about nine years.
He is now engaged in the drug business at Mancelona with Mr. Handy.
The second store was started by Marshall Emery, and for a
long time the two stores constituted the principal, and about the
only business interests of the place.
Soon after Messrs. Handy and Carpenter came, a postoffice
was established, with Perry Andress as postmaster. He kept the
office in his hotel about a year, and was then succeeded by Mr.
Handy, who still retains the office.
The first school was kept by Rebecca Filer, at the Mountain
House, in 1871. There were four pupils.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational Church in Mancelona was gathered and
organized under the labors of Rev. J. R. Savage, in 1874. They
have a fine church on State Street, and an inviting field of usefulness open before them. The pastor in 1884 is Rev. Mr. Rutter,
formerly of England.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.


Mancelona was first supplied with occasional Methodist Episcopal preaching by Revs. M. Browning, and N. E. Preston, from
1878 to 1875. Mancelona and Kalkaska circuit was organized by
Rev. A. P. Moors, P. E., and supplied by Rev. J. Greenstead in
1877 and'78. Next Rev. O. J. Golden was pastor. Mancelona


I


-


I


I








RES. or W.R.GRANT, MANCELONA,ANTRIM CO. MICH.


KEARNEY, TOWN HALL, BELAIRE.
ANTRIM CO. MICH....


I --- — '







Ai


THE TRAVERSE iREGION.


'269


was made a separate charge in 1880, Rev. A. J. Eldred, P. E.,
Rev. J. McKinley, pastor. In 1881 Rev. J. R. Savage was pastor,
followed by Rev. Charles Jones in 1882 and '88. An excellent and
commodious church edifice was dedicated Oct. 22, 1882. The first
board of trustees consisted of Josiah Potter, S. M. Beane, S. F.
Hill, E. Alkins, A. G. Jackson, Perry Andress and J. E. Glines,
A wide field of Christian effort invites the zeal and activity of the
people.
CARLES H. MILLER, contractor and builder, was born in Troy,
N. Y., Sept. 29, 1851, and came with his parents to Detroit, Mich.,
while an infant. He learned his trade in Jackson County, and
migrated to Mancelona in March, 1877, before there were any mills
or factories in the place. There were only seven frame houses and
one log house, stores and all. He engaged at that time as clerk for
Mr. L. C. Handy, but a year later he engaged in his mechanical
calling, and has most of the time been overstocked with patronage.
One fine specimen of his work is the residence of R. A. Smith,
Main Street. On April 24, 1878, Mr. Miller was married to Miss
Tryphena Graham, of Mhncelona. They have one sou, Claude
Edward. Little Thomas Eugene died of diphtheria, July 21, 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He has served three years as constable in Mancelona.
MRS. MILLER was born in Chatham, Province of Quebec, Nov.
14, 1859. She came with her parents to Cold Springs, Mich., in
May, 1872. Her stepfather, Samuel Bigrow, and her mother were
the first settlers in that township, and were at first six miles from
any neighbor. They brought with them sixteen cattle, and were
about four days in drivingtlheml from Charlevoix to the home. He
had to open the road track six miles to reach his place.  On
approaching the home, bringing the family with an ox team, the
wagon suddenly upset, one child was killed and another badly hurt,
throwing unspeakable gloom upon the family, but they braved the
trials as true pioneers, and lived in a tent until a dwelling was prepared. They now have sixty acres improved on their lands, with a
fruit bearing orchard, and numerous home conveniences, which are
now rented, and they at present reside at Leetsville.
HmIRAM H. BRADFORD, millman, was born in Berkshire, Franklin
County, Vt., April 6, 1830. He spent his youth in his native state,
employed chiefly in farming. On Oct. 20,.1850, he was married to
Miss Martha Chapin, also of Berkshire. She was born there Aug.
11, 1831. They have two sons and four daughters. In 1855 Mr.
Bradford emigrated to Wisconsin, and on July 12, 1861, he enlisted
in Company C, Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, to serve his country in
the suppression of the rebellion. He fought at Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, at the siege of Port Hudson, and at the battle of the
Tache, besides numerous smaller engagements. In July, 1863, he
was transferred from the infantry to the cavalry. In January,
1864, Mr. B. and most of his regiment re-enlisted as veterans.
The most dangerous part of his warfare was in hunting and capturing guerrillas, and this occupied two and a half years of his
service. After the close of the war his regiment was moved to
Texas, and in September, 1865, he resigned, received his discharge,
and returned home. During his service he was promoted from first
sergeant to first lieutenant. He and his family came to Elk Rapids,
Mich., Aug. 11, 1871, Mrs. Bradford's thirty-ninth birthday. They
located land and prepared them a home in the dense wilderness of
Mancelona. Their youngest son, three months old, Mrs. Bradford,
walking, carried in her arms nearly all the way from Spencer Creek,


a distance of twelve miles. Their dwelling was the third house
built in Manceloua. All their building material, provisions, etc.,
had to be procured at Elk Rapids, brought to Spencer Creek by
water, and hauled the rest of the way with teams. Common lumber was six dolls per thousand, and cost eight dollars per thousand


for hauling. They often carried their provisions on their back, as
there were scarcely any teams in the place. Those were days of
hardship, but they now rejoice in the immunities of a thriving
town, with pleasing and prosperous, social, educational and religious
enterprises. Their religious preference is the Congregational
Church. Mr. Bradford belongs to the grand army of the republic. He
has served as highway commissioner, township treasurer and justice
of the peace in Mancelona.
CAPTAIN SHERIDAN F. HILL, a native of Essex County, N. Y.,
was born Jan. 26, 1840. He came with his parents to Clinton
County, Mich., in the fall of 1854, and in August, 1861, he enlisted
in Company D, First Michigan Voluneer Infantry. In the fall of
1862, he was commissioned as first lieutenant, and was assigned to
Company F, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry. He received captain's
commission in the spring of 1865, and was mustered out of the
service in July after the close of the rebellion. In the spring of
1865, he bought a farm in Eagle, Clinton County, and on June 27,
1866, he married Miss Hattie A. Freeman, of South Jackson, Mich.
They have two surviving children, Donna L. and Edith Grace.
They came to Traverse Region from Toledo, Ohio, in 1875, and
since then have resided in Mancelona and vicinity. Captain Hill
has been school inspector, county clerk and postmaster, and has
been one of the board of county examiners. His business attention
is directed chiefly to matters of loan and real estate. Religiously
Mr. and Mrs. Hill are Episcopal Methodists. They took a leading
part in the organization of a society, and in the building of a church
edifice in Mancelona. Mr. Hill was a member of the first board of
trustees, and of the first board of circuit stewards. He and his
companion labor unitedly to promote the moral welfare of the
church and of the world.
REUBEN A. SMITH, lumberer, was born in Manitowoc County,
Wisconsin, in 1845. - On Sept. 20, 1864, he enlisted in Company K,
Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Volunteers, for one year's service. He
entered the regiment at Little Rock, Ark. They soon moved to
Mobile Point, Ala., and thence to Spanish Fort, Ala., where
they took part in the bombardment and conquest of the fort, under
command of General Canby. All the rebel artillery and equipments were taken, and the rebels were hotly pursued to Fort Blakely,
when their works were again charged, and nearly every thing captured. From there they moved to Mobile. This, also, they captured, and then followed the rebels who had taken twenty-six
transports, one hospital ship, three gun boats and a rebel ram, and
started up the Tombigbee River. They encountered them slightly at
Whistler Station, but at McIntosh's Bluff they captured 13,000
prisoners, all the transports and the rebel ram, and forced the gunboats to come under terms of peace.    These boats forthwith
surrendered to Admiral Farragut, but had sunk their sheeting.
They returned to Mobile, and thence went under General Steele to
Brazier, Texas, and thence to Clarksville, at the mouth of the Rio
Grande, where Mr. Smith "vas discharged for disability, and
returned home in September, 1865. In the fall of 1867 he went to
Charlevoix, Mich., and a little later took up a homestead on the
South Arm. His family joined him the following summer, and. for
nearly two years shared with him the severe privations of pioneer
life, having to carry all their provisions about fourteen miles.
They came to Mancelona from Monestique, in August, 1870.
Here Mr. Smith assisted Mr. H. H. Bradfort to build a dwelling. They bought lumber at Elk Rapids at six dollars per thousand,


brought it by water to Spencer Creek, and thence with teams at ten
dollars per thousand, for hauling.  After this he engaged for a
while in lumbering. Later he spent three years at Torch Lake,
and then bought thirty acres of land, at five dollars and a half per
acre, and settled in Mancelona, and worked in the lumber woods to


*_v


I


1


I        -  - 
-       -.. ~:m  m


I- k.-   -




-


1




I

— w~~~ ~ ~~~, — -I _. -.06
i      — _-_


-1^ 


270


T! EI TRAVERSE RlEGION.


I


-  --. L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __


aecare a liv uN, and also to pay for his land. He sold his land last
rammer for $1,000 in.cash, and now has a fine residene on Main
Street. He has a wife and two children. He is a member of the
Graud Army of the Republic. He assisted in organizing the towrship, at a meeting in the Mouttain House, at Mr. Perry Andress'
place, in April, 1871. There were just enough persons present to
effect an organization.
In the fall of 1877 Mr. Andress platted about fifteen acres on
the north one-half of Section 20. The plat was surveyed bly D. E.
MoVean, of Kalkaska, and was put ou record in January. 1878.
The names of property owners recorded on the plat are uis follhx s:
Perry Andress, Jacob H. Passage, A. Lybarker, Peter M. Emery,
Josiah Potter, James Campbell and Leander C. Handy.
JOSIAH POTTER was born in Eszex, Vermont, Dec. 9, 1821, and
came to Allegan County, Mich., in 1842 and engaged in fanning
andl with good success.  He was a pioneer settler atd began life
there witlout a dollar. He once purchased a heavy five-pailkettle,
put it on his head and literally canried it six miles to his home; but lie
braved such hardships nobly and they yielded before him. On May
25, 1815, lie mws iln.trried to bliss Susan J  Carman, also of Alle

ing the past year, under the efficient supervision of Prof. Simmons,
considerable time was spent in oiganizing and grading, so that now
we stand on a sonnd working lusis, and in the future we shall
labor not only to make this the first in Antrim C6ontpV but the best
school in northerni Michigan.  We do not. intend to~ rush our
pupils over a few studies to prepare them for some other school,
but aim at thloroughness and practicability, that our young men and
women may not be forced to the unnecessary trouble and expense
of leaving home to obtain a thorough course of study. To those
who intend to teach, we cordially invite you to attend tile Teachers'
Normal Review Class, which opens in connection with the Higil
School the first Monday in September, continuing seven weeks; all
branches in thle teachers' course will be taught-by topic outlines so
as to avoid purchasing new text books. A lyceum will nlso be organizedl in connection with the school.
"Thanking the pupils and patrons for their kindness atnd geilerosity in thle past, we look forward with pleasure to the labors
which we hope will be crowned with success."
WILLIAM R. GRANT, princip I1 of the Mancelona Graded Sclhool,
was born November 22, 1856, in Lyons, N. Y. He spent most of
his youth and received his education in Allegan County, Mlcl., taking the high school course in the Otsego Union School, und~-r tile
tuition of Prof. P. A. Latta, of the State Normal School. Mr.
Grant, after spending seven years there in teaching came to Mancelona in April, 1883, and entered upon the scholastic duties in
which he is now engaged. On Oct. 21, 1877, Mr. Graut was married to Miss Belle McDougall, also of Allegan. Mrs. Grant was
born in Fowlerville, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1858. Their children are
Williamn, Nellie and Lena. Mr. Grant is a Granger, a Good Telmplar and an Odd Fellow, and he and Mrs. G(rant are members of
the Christianl Advent Chure h.
Tlhe Mancelolna lHferald was establishled in 1879 by Crlik S.
Edwards and L. E. Slussar. At that time there were but a few
families in the villagae, anlI the outlook for journdlistic success was
not particularly assuring. Witll thle advent of a local paper, however, the prospects of the v.11 ge begai to brighlten, and tlhe following year a tide of prosperity sit in that soon wrought a complete
transformation of the place.
Mr. SLUSSAR was born in All)ion, N. Y., in 1861, and came
to Mancelona from     Kalamazoo, Mich., a.nd with Mr. Edwards
started [lie teJrafl, as stated. After nearly three years of success.
ful effort in the enterprise, hle purchased Mr. Edwards' interest in
the paper, and since that time has conducted it with increasing
favor and patronage.   Mr. Slissar is fraternally a  nmember of the
Odd Fellows' Society-has a beautiful home in M1ancelona, and is
enjoying gratifying business success.
CLARK S. EDWARDS was born in Cicero, Onondaga County, N.
Y., in 18 t6.  He spent his youth and received his academic training in his native state.  In 1867 he was married to Miss Mary A.
loung, of Wayne County, N. Y., who died in 1881.     His second
marriage was to Mrs. Dr. E. W. Young, of Mancelona, Mich.     He
has two surviving children, E. Ross and May Cornelia. At the
age of twenty-two years, Mr. Edwards was elected justice of -the
peace, which office he has held for sixteen years.  He has also
been     school emmissioner and   supervisor.  He  settled in tlhe


Traverse Region in 1875, and has had pleasing success in business
and social life. He took the lead in founding the Mancelona Herald,
the Elmira (azett and the Mackinaw City Pilot, and takes an active interest in journalistic and literary progress il the Traverse
Region. In politics Mr. Edwards is an active Republican. Since
1880 he lhas served his county efficiently as judge of probate.
In December, 1882, the village was mentioned as follows:
" Mancelona gives good evidence of thrift, and is rapidly improving


mmm!
'i


-e 


is


LAKE V IEW IN ANTRIM COUNTY,
g;an, wlli died Jan. 8, 1866. His second marriage was to Mrs.
Lucia C. Monroe, of Otsego, Mich., April 7, 1866. He has nine
surviving children. Mr. and Mrs. Potter came to Mancelona in
-1877, when the wilds of the forest weie yet almost unbroken and
prepared them a home and commenced clearing and cropping the
fertile soil. They also entertain travelers in their hotel, "The
Farmers' Home," providing ample accommodations both in -board
and lodging. Religiously they are Episcopal Methodists, and find
true pleasure in the moral and spiritual welfare of their fellowcitizens.
The schools of Mancelona have received careful attention and
liberal support. In 1875 a school-house was built which answered
the needs of the district for several years, but in 1882 it was found
that the rapid growth of the village made increased educational failities necessary, and a new union school-building was erected at a
cost of about $8,000. The schools were also graded in 1882. In
Angust, 1888, Prof. Grant, principal of the schools, alluded to
them as follows:
"The progress of the schools of our own thriving town is something remarkable. From one little house of thirty or forty pupils,
two or three years ago, to our now splendid Union School building
with an enrollment of over 200 pupils, is a wonderful stride. Dur

I


-


t


4


jl- 


--— W

**


r



4




THE TRAVERSE REGION


271


in a business point of view. This growing town must possess a
set of good, lively business men as is evidenced by the improvements made and making, and the fine stocks of goods displayed.
They have now nearly completed a fine, new union school-house;
the Methodists have a very fine house of worship just approaching
completion, and a general appearance of thrift was indicated on
every side. The new smelting works being erected there will be a
great acquisition to the town, and will not only give it prominence,
but wi, add to the business prosperity of the place."
A little later the local paper contained the following:  'In
Mancelona there are ten stores, one of the best hotels in northern
Michigan, postoffice, printing office, two restaurants, hardware and
tin shop, express and telegraph office, meat market, two drug stores,
millinery store, gun shop, shoe stop, saw-mill, shingle-mill, two
blacksmith shops, good schools, etc. There are also two fine church
edifices, Methodist and Congregational, and two Sunday-schools.
There is an Odd Fellows and a Good Templars' lodge in the place,
and it is expected the Masons will soon organize here. There is a
large handle factory, with a capacity of 8,000 broom handles per
day, which will give employment to a large number of men. A
beautiful town hall, costing about $2,000, has been erected, which
adds much to the beauty of the town. The prospects are fair for a
grist-mill and planing-mill being erected at no distant day. There
is an established stage route from Mancelona through the central
portion of the county to Eastport at the head of Torch Lake,
twenty-eight miles from Mancelona. There is also a mail route to
Stover, a thriving little village sdven miles northwest. Mancelona
contains about five hundred inhabitants. There are excellent opportunities for all classes. Honest industry, and a little money are
capital sufficitnt to lay the foundation to a competency."
At a meeting held in the town hall Oct. 10, 1882, a Grand Army
post was organized, and the name of Gen. Lyon, who was killed
at the battle of Wilson Creek, Mo., on the 10th day of August,
1861, was chosen as the name of the post. The following officers
were elected:  S. F. Hill, commander; C. B. Mallory, S. V. commander; J. G. K. Ayers, J. V. commander; E. Spicher, surgeon;
J. A. Harriot, quartermaster; A. C. Elder, chaplain; H. H. Bradford, officer of the day; T. M. Crosby, officer of the guard.
The post is designated as Lyon Post, No. 86, G. A. R.
The officers in 1884 are as follows: Commander, H. B. Hudson; S. V. C., Peter Jackson; J. V. C., George Wallace; Adjt., J. O.
Lyon; chaplain, George Kellogg; surgeon, A. D. Carpenter; Q. M.,
J. I. Ayers; O. D, H. C. Hopkins; O. G., John Perry; S. M., S.
F. Hill; Q. M. S., W. H. Farmer.
Mancelona Lodge, No. 868, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in the
fall of 1882. The officers in 1884 are as follows: N. G., P. Weeks;
V. G., W. W. Wise; Sec., L. E. Slussar; Treas., S. M. Bean; P.
S., R. B. Thompson.
A Masonic lodge was instituted early in mne present year, with
a good working membership.
There is also a Good Templars lodge in the village that has
been in successful operation about two years.
FURNACEVILLE.
This village consists of the furnace and interests connected
therewith of the film of John Otis & Co. The facts about the beginning of this industry are as follows:
John Otis, a native of Schenectady, N. Y., was born m 1845.
He spent his youth in his native state, employed in agricultural


and other pursuits. Later he spent some time in Tennessee, and
later still in Richmond, Va., in conducting a broom factory. In
1882 he came to Mancelona, Mioh., and in partnership with Mr.
James Otis and R, M. Cherrie, he erected and opened a blast fur-.nace for the manufacture of charcoal pig-iron. In May, 1888, the


furnace and all the main buildings were consumed by fire, causing
a loss of about $40,000, and work was suspended until September,
when Mr. Otis resumed the enterprise himself. It is now employing about 150 men, and is manufacturing from forty to forty-five
tons of iron in a day. He also has opened a broom factory, capable of making from 100 to 150 dozen brooms in a day.
He has also opened nineteen large coal-kilns for the manufacture of coal to be used in the furnace. His religious choice is
the Presbyterian Church.
A recent description of the place was madein the Mancelona
Herald, as follows: The village has been nicely platted, by E. K.
Robinson, C. E., of Charlevoix County, and the plat shows over
300 business and residence lots. The village proper lies on the
west side of the G. R. & I. R. R., the main business street fronting the railroad. Mr. Otis has taken much pride in having wide
streets and avenues laid out, and many of the mechanics and laboring men are buying lots, intending soon to have good houses. Lots
can be bought at reasonable prices and on favorable terms to those
who intend to build. About seventy-five houses are already occupied. The village lays about forty-five feet above the level of Passage's Lake, and has a beautiful location, being surrounded by sugar
maple timber, which is being cut'and converted into charcoal.
Surely the mechanic or laboring man who possesses an ordinary
amount of economy and industry can make a success here, if anr/whvere. The mercantile business is now represented by T. C. Prout,
who has a large stock of general merchandise, and H. Freeman,
who carries a nice stock of groceries and provisions.  A new
store is almost completed, which will soon be occupied as a drug
and grocery store. A neat and commodious M. E. Church is nearly
completed, and will be used as a school-house also. The furnace
has recently gone out of blast on account of the ore supply being
exhausted.  The run was fifty-six days, producing 2,029 tons,
making a daily average of thirty-six tons of iron per day. Under
favorable circumstances, upwards of forty tons per day can be made.
Mr. John Scanlon, an experienced and practical founder has charge
of the works. He is the right man in the right place. Mr. C. H.
Kemp, a competent engineer of large experience, ranks as chief
engineer, with Edward A. Kemp, second engineer, and Charles
Bechstein as assistant. The engine room presents a neat appearance and shows that Mr. Kemp and his able assistants understand
their business. Mr. Amos Bullard is yard boss, and isa competent,
trusty employe. Patrick Scanlon and James Mackey hold the position of keepers. Mr. Christopher Webb is the coal contractor for
the company. He also handles all the wood on the yard and burns
the coal. Mr. Thomas McCall is the coal burner. Mr. White has
relinquished a part of his contract, and J. Otis & Co. are purchasing
wood at the old rates. During the temporary stop, the stack will
be put in first-class shape, and kilns will be repaired. The outlook
for spring and summer business is good. Mr. Otis established a
broom factory last fall, and about 900 dozen of excellent brooms
have been made during the winter. This branch of the business
is in the hande of Mr. George Vunck, giving employment to twelve
or fifteen men. Mr. Otis will immediately erect a broom factory,
26x100 feet, two stories high and will then employ from thirty-five
to forty hands. There will be from 175 to 200 men employed at
Furnaceville.
Furnaceville is practically a part of Mancelona, being only
about a mile distant, and contributing materially to the prosperity


of the latter.
Since 1880 the village of Mancelona Ilas grown rapidly, in
fact, almost the entire village has grown up since that time. Its
manufacturing interests consist of a butter plate factory, broom
handle factory, saw-mill and planing-mill. These do a large busi

V

t

J


_ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 




k -'O


-   j     X


a - F —
11,




* 3 -_


]!


272


TMHE TR&VERSE REGION.


ness and give employment to a large number of men. New additions have been made to the village plat, and there is everywhere
evidence of activity and thrift.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
JoH. P. ANDRESS son of Perry Andress, was bom    in Allegaay County, N. Y., in 1857, and came with his parents to Michigan, when only four months old. His father located at Mancelona,
as already stated, John coming with his parents. In 1878 he went
into the mercantile business at Westwood, but after about fifteen
months he brought the stock to Mancelona and closed it out at
auction sale. Later, he cared for his father at Petoskey until the
father's death, and now he takes part with Mr. Persons in conducting the Mancelona hotel. He was married in 1880 to Miss Ida M.
Pickett, of Albion, Mich. They have one son, Benjamin Perry.
BURGESS F. HoPPINs was born in Portageville, N. Y., in 1853.
After spending some time in travel he settled in Mancelona in the
fall of 1879, and has spent his time mostly in agricultural pursuits,
and with good success. In his temperance relations he is a Good
Templar. He has served three years as justice of the peace. On
Jan. 15, 1877, he was married to Miss A. L. Hannah, of Lancaster County, Pa., who shares with him the good fortune of his Michigan home and enterprise.
ELVERTON R. NICKERSON, was born in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1841,
and came to Cass County, Mich., in 1853. In 1880, Feb. 4, he
was married to Miss H. S. Merritt, of Hartford, Mich. They have
one daughter, Erma Celestlne. In the fall of 1879 Mr. N. bought
land in Mancelona, when it was yet in its primeval forest beauty,
and two years later, with his companion, he settled in their pioneer
home. His occupation formerly had been chiefly school teaching
and painting. In Mancelona he has devoted his time mostly to
painting and commercial work, and especially to matters of real
estate. His pioneer investments have so far rendered him satisfactory returns, and he watches with pleasure the rapid growth and
progress of the town of his adoption. In fraternity he is a charter
member of Mancelona Lodge, I. O. O. F. His religious preference
is the Congregational Church.
NEIL McKECHNIZ, farmer, was born in Scotland in 1889, and
came to America in 1866. After spending some time in Maine, he
came to Michigan in 1868. In 1870 he came with a team all the
way from Big Rapids, and located lands in Mancelona. He at once
opened the wilds of the beautiful forest and prepared a home, calling settlers from twelve or fourteen miles distance to assist in the
erection of buildings. In 1871 he was married to Miss Agnes
Rowan, also of Scotland, who died in 1874. His second marriage
was to Miss Agnes McCauley, of Gilmore, Mich. She also was
taken from him by death, Dec. 10, 1883. Mr. McKechnie, with a
Mr. Jacob H. Passage, cut the first stick of timber cut in Mancelona, and he chopped the first two acres of fallow in the place.
After making thirty-eight acres of improvements on his estate one
mile west of Mancelona village, he sold it, and purchased lands on
Section 7, where he is again clearing the forest and causing it to
bud and blossom as the rose.
WILLIA   S. MESICK, attorney at law, was born in Newark,
Wayne County, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1856. He came to Michigan with
his widowed mother at the age of fourteen. Later, he attended the
high school at Kalamazoo, and later still he took lectures at


Ann Arbor University, where he expects to take still further lectures
in the early future. Mr. Mesick came direct from Ann Arbor to
Mancelona in the spring of 1881, and opened a law office on State
Street, where he is enjoying a steadily enlarging practice in the several departments of his profession. He was the first lawyer in the


place, the oldest one in the eastern part of the county, and evidently does, with perhaps one exception, by far the most extensive
business now done by any one of his profession in the county. Mr.
Mesick also has valuable real estate in Bellaire, the thriving county
seat of Antrim County, which has been platted and is on sale in
lots for the convenience of purchasers.
J. L. FARNHAM, merchant, a native of Leonidas, St. Joseph
County, Mich., was born in 1839, and came to Mancelona in October, 1879. Here he engaged in mercantile business, and especially in the shipping of hay and feed by the car load. His business
is enlarging each succeeding season. On Feb. 4, 1873, Mr. Farnham was married to Miss Mary O. Coon, also of St. Joseph County,
who shares with him the toils and successes of business and domestic life.
L. W. COON, merchant, was born in Leonidas, St Joseph
County, Mich., and emigrated to Mancelona in 1881. He at once
opened a bLusiness enterprise in hats, gloves and furnishing goods
on State Street, where he has had pleasing success in that department of commerce. On Nov. 28, 1883, he was married to Miss
Hattie C. North, of Vicksburgh, Mich., who now shares with him
the toils and bliss of social and business enterprise. Mr. Coon is a
member of the I. O. O. F.; Mrs. Coon belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
PETER JACKSON, supervisor of Mancelona, came from Canada
to Lapeer County, Mich., when quite a youth. In November, 1861,
he enlisted in the Tenth Michigan Infantry, but because of sickness was discharged July 16, 1862. He returned home, partially
regained his health, and on Dec. 5, 1864, he re-enlisted in the
Thirtieth Michigan Infantry and served his country until the rebellion was quashed. He was mustered out of the service June 30,
1865. After the war he settled in St. Clair County and engaged
in farming until 1874. He then r moved to Isabella County where
he continued his former pursuit and also gave his attention largely
to municipal interests, serving two years as supervisor. He came
to Mancelona in 1879 and again engaged in agriculture. Early in
1863 he sold his estate and settled in the village for the improvement of his health. Fraternally MIr. Jackson is a Free Mason,
and he is also senior vice-commander in Post No. 86 of the Grand
Army of the Republic. During his military service Mr. Jackson
was promoted to the rank of sergeant in Company F in the Tenth,
and also in Company B in the Thirtieth Michigan Infantry, and
also filled various other positions as the emergencies of the service
required.
CHARLES H. KEMP, chief engineer of the Mancelona furnace,
was born in Niagara County, N. Y., Sept. 3, 1843. In early life
he began to study as a machinist and has made it almost his exclusive study and profession. On Aug. 1, 1869, he located lands
where Mancelona now is, before the township was organized. He
purchased hemlock lumber at about twenty-five dollars per thousand, delivered, erected a ridge pole on crotches, stood up the boards
against it, and thus sheltered himself and family until he had
erected their pioneer dwelling. Pork delivered cost about forty
dollars per barrel, flour from fourteen to fifteen dollars, and otlher
provisions were in proportion.
On Christmas, 1869, Mr. Kemp was married to Miss Kittie
Weaver, of Mancelona. He has about forty acres improved on his
estate, with excellent frame buildings, and has, indeed, an inviting


home. Fraternally he is a Free Mason. He has been highway
commissioner and justice of the peace. Their religious preference
is the Congregational Church.
HULL FREEMAN, merchant, was born in Farmington, Oakland
County, Mich., Jan. 30O, 1864. He spent over four -years as a
clerk in Lansing; went from there to Williamstown, and thence to


O-uIFrst




-eta 


3


ra.


Ilk


_


I                               -~! --


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


273




Ann Arbor, employed in the same occupation. He came to Mancelona from Plainwell, Mich., in 1875, when there were only four
houses, two stores and one log blacksmith shop in the place. He
served as station agent, land agent and telegraph operator for seven
years. On Aug. 24, 1882, ho took charge of the Pine Lake Iron
Company's mercantile department at Ironton, and sixteen months
later engaged in mercantile business for himself at the Mancelona
furnace where he is enjoying enlarging patronage in groceries, provisions, etc. He expects soon to add a stock of dry goods and
furnishing goods. He has a wife and one daughter. Mr. and
Mrs. Freeman are members of the Congregational Church.
C. B. MALLORY, master mechanic, was born in Smithville, N.
Y., Nov. 21, 1825. He spent his youth and became a mechanic
in his native state. In January, 1862, he enlisted in Company
E, Seventy-eighth New York Volunteers, but was taken prisoner on
the 9th of July following at Front Royal. He was taken   to
Harrisonburg and thence to Staunton and thrown into jail over
night without rations, From thence he was forwarded to Libby
prison at Richmond. In his ward over four died per day on an
average. He lost sixty-four pounds in four weeks. On Sept. 9
he was paroled and sent to Aiken's Landing, the point of exchange.
He was transferred to Washington, and being very ill, he was given
the benefit of treatment in three different hospitals, but, being
given up by all the doctors, was discharged and returned home in
December, 1862. In June, 1882, he came to Mancelona, where,
as best he can in his shattered state of health, he pursues his
former occupation. He has lost one companion, and now has his
second wife. He also has five children. Though still an invalid,
he gets no pension because of a lack of testimony in his case. He
is Past Commander of General Lyon Post, No. 86, Department of
Michigan, G. A. R. He organized the post himself, and has mustered another at Bellaire.
PETER ZIPP, farmer, Was born in Germany, May 8, 1836, and
came to the state of New York in June, 1849. He went from
there to Canada in 1853, where he spent several years employed in
his occupation as a tanner and currier. While residing in Markham, Ontario, Mr. Zipp was married to Miss Elizabeth Eckardt,
also of Markham, daughter of George and Isabella Eckardt. She
was born there Oct. 29, 1832. Their living children are: Emma
I., Frederick W., George T., Ada M. E., Arthur J. and Homer
Laroy. They came to Mancelona, Mich., in the spring of 1872
and opened them a home in the beautiful but unbroken forest in
Section 8, before the railroad was built and when the village was
in its infancy. Mr. Zipp now has 200 acres of farm land, sixty
acres of which are under cultivation. He has a thriving young
orchard and good buildings, constituting a truly desirable home.
Mr. Zipp has been superintendent of schools, justice of the peace
and township supervisor.
GEORGE W. DEWEY, lumberman, was born in Lisle, Broome
County, N. Y., July 11, 1827, and came to Oakland County, Iich.,
with his parents in 1835. Four years later they removed to Lapeer County. On Aug. 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Fifth
Michigan Infantry, served his country until December, 1863, and
then re-enlisted in the Fifth Michigan Veteran Volunteer Infantry
and served until honorably discharged, July 21, 1865. At the battle of Spottsylvania Couit-house he received a gunshot wound in
his limb and was disabled seven months, and then resumed duty
while the wound was still open. It still at times breaks out and


proves very afflictive. He came to Mancelona in April, 1872, having previously located land on Section 4, where he still resides.
On Sept. 4, 187S, Mr. Dewey was married to Miss Ann E. Ackley,
of Helena. Their children are Henry 0., Jennie B. and Lorenia May. Mr. Dewey has served as school officer, township clerk


I




I


and justice of the peace. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason,
and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
JAMES SMITH, farmer, was born in New York City, Oct. 1,
1846, and came to Ionia County, Mich., in the fall of 1865. In
the autumn of 1871 he came to Mancelona and opened a pioneer
home on Section 8, where the beautiful forest was, until then, undisturbed. On June 18, 1873, Mr. Smith was married to Miss
Melissa Filer, of Milton, Antrim  County, Mich. They have one
son, Freddie, born March 19, 1874. He has already fifteen acres
improved on his land, and he and his family now enjoy the results
of their pioneer privations and toils. Mr. Smith has been commissioner of highways. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
DR. CHARLES BEAVER, JUNIOR, was born in Chatham, Ont.,
and received there his early education. His literary collegiate
course was taken at the Upper Canada College, Toronto, and his
medical course he took at the Eclectic Medical Institute and Pulte
Medical College, Cincinnati, O. In January, 1882, he settled in
Mancelona, Mich., where he has a continually increasing medical
practice. He has been health officer nearly two years. He makes
the diseases of the eye and ear a specialty. He expects soon to
occupy his new suite of rooms on State Street, where he will be
able to more fully accommodate and serve his many patrons and
friends.
GEORGE H. BENDER, farmer, was born in New Jersey, Jail. 11,
1822, but spent his youth and early manhood in the city of New
York, engaged in business, until 1874, when he came to Mancelona,
Mich., located and purchased lands and opened up for himself and
family a pioneer home on Section 18, where they still reside. Mr.
Bender, on July 18, 1863, married Abbie M. Ayers, of Rallway,
N. J. They have one son and two daughters. Mr. Bender has
taken a lively interest in municipal matters and in temperance and
religious enterprises. He has been school officer and township
treasurer, and has served as supervisor six years. He is now engaged in conducting one department of the work in the Mancelona
broom factory. Mrs. Bender is a member of the Congregational
Church.
CHAPTER XLI.
VILLAGE OF BELLAIRE.
THE COUNTY SEAT-LOCATION OF THE VILLAGE-EARLY HISTORYMOUND PARK —RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES-THE BELLAIRE BREEZEPERSONAL HISTORY.
Bellaire is the county seat of Antrim County, to which fact it
owes its birth. The village is situated on both sides of Intermediate River between Intermediate and Grass Lakes which are only a
short distance apart.
Geographically it occupies the center of the county, is in the
town of Kearney, and in what is known as the Intermediate Valley.
This valley is about thirty miles in length, and while it is not thickly
settled as yet, the fertility of its lands and its exemption from. frosts
will soon cause it to be known as the garden of Antrim County.
Lands are as yet reasonable, and easily obtained, but the rapid immigration will soon enhance their value.
The valley is watered mainly by the Intermediate chain of
lakes, twelve in number, with their connecting rivers, which vary in


length from a few rods to three or four miles. The lakes are from
eighty rods to seven miles long, and have long been celebrated for
their abundance of fish.
At the time we write, May, 1884, the village is less than five
years old, and its history therefore is quickly.told.


o~.AP""


4


qr7: -I -


-                --        - — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 


CC' —T








I'


274


THE -TRAVERSE REGION.


I


As appears in the civil history of the county the question of removing the county seat from Elk Rapids to a central point in the
county was brought to an issue in 1878 and in October of that year
the.supervisors decided removal advisable, and designated the south
fractional half of the southwest fractional quarter of Section 19, in
Town 80 north, Range 7 west, as the point of its location.
Their decision having been affirmed by popular vote, the courthouse site was in the following June definitely located on the land
above described. Ambrose E. Palmer, of Kalkaska, who owned the
land thus designated, platted the same, and, on the 24th day of
June, 1879, the plat was recorded in the office of the register of
deeds, and the new village was ushered into existence under the
name of Bellaire, which was chosen by Mr. Palmer, being suggested
by the wonderful purity of the air in this region.
A small building was erected for county offices, the same now
occupied by the postoffice.
Stores were built by Rufus Hall, Maxfield & Orcutt and Hartwell & Nelson.
A postoffice had been established by the name of Keno, and
Rufus Hall was postmaster. In July, 1881, Dempster H. Stebbins
was appointed to succeed Mr. Hall and the following year the name
was changed to Bellaire. Mr. Stebbins is postmaster at the present
time.
The first hotel, called the Bellaire House, was built by John E.
Cook, who was one of the pioneers at this point. He tackled the
forest kings on Lots 27, 28, and 29, Block H, and vanquished them.
Hauled lumber from the Farrand mill on a stone-boat (that being,
in the entire absence of roads, the only vehicle that would remain
above ground in crossing the bottom land between the mill And his
location), erected the Bellaire House and opened it to the public,
October 21, 1879. Mr. Cook kept the house about two years and
then sold the property.
The Inter-Lake House was built in the fall of 1881 by Roswell
Leavitt, and in the spring of 1884 its original size and capacity for
business were more than doubled by the erection of another large
building attached to the original one. This' is an excellent hotel.
The property is still owned by Mr. Leavitt, and the hotel is kept by
0. W. Kibby, who lias recently leased it. A fine sketch of this
building appears in this work.
In January, 1880, Harvey T. Alcott platted an addition to the village on the south and the following year another addition was platted on the north by John Hastings. In 1882 John E. Cook and
J. M. Wadsworth purchased the original plat of the village, and
since then still other additions have been made.
Upon the opposite side of the river from the business portion
of the village is a series of terraces rising to a considerable height
and which afford most delightful building sites, which are being
rapidly taken up. Upon the summit of this elevation, Cook &
Wadsworth, owners of the land, have laid out a park, named Mound
Park. It is so namned from the fact that a large number of mounds
are found in this vicinity. At an early day an Indian village was
located near the present site of Bellaire, and there was also a salt
spring where Indians used to make salt. Various interesting relics
have been found in the mounds alluded to, and evidences are abundant that this' immediate region was much frequented in the long


ago.
The excellent water power at this point very soon attracted
manufacturing industries and there are at the present time a s.awmill, the large manufactory of Richardi & Bechtold, a rolling pin
factory, two shingle-mills, a planing-mill and a desk factory,.ll
of which do a flourishing business.
The first Methodist Episcopal class or society in Bellaire was
formed by Rev. J. J. McKinley, December 1, 1880, and consisted of


I




I


nine members. Mr. MeKinley was followed as pastor byRev. John
Blake in 1881, he by Rev. S. W. Noysin 1882, and he by Rev. N.
R. Middleton in 1888. The Bellaire charge embraces five appointments. Meetings were first held in the second story of the building
now used as a postoffice, and afterward in the school-house.
The First Congregational Church of Bellaire was organized in
August, 1888. In October following, Rev. W. P. Wilcox, formerly
of Perryville, Otsego County, accepted a call from them as their pastor. There are twelve members, and a rising moral and religious
interest is being evinced among the people.  Mr. Wilcox also
preaches at Central Lake. There the congregation has grown,
from a very small number to a houseful, with deep religious awakening.
The Bellaire Breeze was established by A. S. Abbot, its present
proprietor, and the first number issued Sept. 29, 1881. It was
started as a five-column folio, both sides being printed at home. In
his salutatory the editor said:
"Bellaire, a young but rapidly growing. little village (of which
special mention is made in another column), is the county scat of
Antrim County-a county noted for its splendid farming lands,
pure water and beautiful air, and in locating our paper here it is
our wish to waft abroad on the wings of the Breeze the many advantages of this region to people in distant parts of this and other
states who are as yet in ignorance of the same. We shall labor
earnestly for the settlement and development of this county, and in
this we ask and expect your support.
"The Breeze, to some of our readers, may seem to be of small
dimensions. We have, however, thought it best to print the Breeze
all at home rather than to issue a larger paper with one-half printed
in a distant city, and with your liberal support it can easily develop
into a good sized hurricane.
"In politics the Breeze will be Republican —firmly advocating
the principles we believe to be right."
ALBERT S. ABBOT, editor of the Bellaire Breeze, was born in
Hamilton, Van Buren County, Mich., March 29, 1859. His early
youth was spent in study. At the age of thirteen he entered the
office of the Van Buren County Republican and learned the art of
printing.  Next he came to Kalkaska, and was the first type setter
on the Kalkaskian, which is still running and now has a large circulation. From Kalkaska Mr. Abbot went to Flint, and worked about
two years on the Flint Globe. Thence he went to Grand Rapids
and worked two years on the Grand Rapids Daily Fafgle, and one
year on the Daily Democrat. On Feb. 20, 1881, hle was muarried to
Miss Lena B. Hunt, of Kalkaska, Mich. She was born in Canada,
Jan. 14, 1864, and died in April, 1884. In the fall of 1881 Mr.
Abbot removed to Bellaire, Antrim County, and began the publication of the Bellaire Breeze. He has had fine success in his journalistic enterprise, and has now a large and steadily increasing patronage.
In the fall of 1881 the local paper speaking of the progress of
the village said:
"A village lliterally hewn from the wilderness,' has risen upon
this wild bit of nature-a busy, thriving village, with nearly 300
inhabitants. A wooden ware manufactory, two saw-mills, a planing-mill, shilgle-mill, blacksmith shop, gunsmith, hotel, three
general stores, one hardware store, a grocery, drug store, and printing office are n6w 'fulfilling their mission' where less than two years


since primeval quiet reigned."
In June, 1882, the planing-mill and residence 'of John H.
Wallace were destroyed by fire involving an extensive loss. The
mill was rebuilt and tlie industry continued.
The jail was built in 1882, and the towp hall in 1888. The


— 406; I 


I


-












r
f


/I




ii. — IJ


I f


ml


p


NW


0




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


275


-   --                --       I —                                       I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


former cost about $5,000 and the latter nearly as much. A sketch
of the town hall is given in this work.
PEBSONAL MATTERS.
The village of Bellaire has been fortunate in the class of
people who have come to the place and taken part in the business
and social activities of the village. In the following sketches will
be found a considerable portion of the local history of movements
that concern the general progress of the place.
RosweLL LEAVIT, attorney at law, was born in Turner, Maine,
Dec. 2, 1848. He went with his parents to Prentiss in the eastern
part of the state when sixteen years -of age, and remained- there
several years pursuing his literary studies in Lee Normal Academy,
Mattanawcook Academy. at Lincoln, Maine, and in the East Maine
Conference Seminary, at Bucksport, Maine. He also devoted a
part of his time to school teaching and agricultural enterprise. In
the fall of 1869 he entered the scientific department of the Cornell
University, in Ithaca, N. Y., and spent three years. In the fall of
1878 he entered the law department of the Michigan University at
Ann Arbor, where he completed the law course and graduated with
the class of 1875. He was admitted to the bar in March of the
same year. In August following he engaged in the practice of law
at Elk Rapids, having previously practiced for a shoit time in
Manton, being the first attorney in that place. At Elk Rapids Mr.
Leavitt enjoyed a steadily enlarging practice until the removal of
the county seat to Bellaire in the fall of 1879; since then Bellaire
has been his place of residence and business. On May 29, 1877, he
was married to Miss Annie C. Lawrence, of Elk Rapids. She was
a native of Canada. Their children- are Clyde, born March 1,1878,
and Scott, born June 16, 1879. Mrs. Leavitt died Aug. 2, 1879.
In 1868 Mr. Leavitt was a member of the house of representatives
of the state of Maine from  the Springfield district. In Antrim
County, Michigan, he was elected prosecuting attorney in 1876,
and still serves the people with efficiency in that office. On March
20, 1865, Mr. Leavitt enlisted in the Seventeenth Maine Infantry,
and remained in the service until the close of the rebellion. He
was discharged in May, 1865. Mr. Leavitt is a charter member of
Major Weber Post, No. 206, of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Leavitt from the first has taken a lively interest in building up
the village of Bellaire. He conducted successfully the legal contest
in the supreme court respecting the removal of the county seat
from Elk Rapids to Bellaire, and now views with gratification its
rapid advancement in size, and also in social, educational and business progress.
JOHN A. HARRIMAN, county clerk and registrar, was born in
Barnet, Vermont, Aug. 15, 1821. He removed with his parents
to Coos County, N. H., when sixteen years of age. In the fall of
1870 he came from Littleton, N. H,, to Grand Rapids, Mich. In
1872 he came from there to Forest Home, Antrim County, located
land and prepared a home in the beautiful forest, then so clear of
underbrush that wagons could be driven through the woods conveniently without a road track. In December, 1848, Mr. Harriman
had been married to Miss Laura W. Downs, of Manchester, N. H.
She died Jan. 8, 1862. They had one son and two daughters. Mr.
Harriman's second marriage was to Mrs. M. A. Tyrrell, of Littleton, N. H., October 19, 1869.  His early life was occupied in agriculture, school teaching, book-keeping, mercantile business and
railroad agency. On his quarter section of land he has twenty-five
acres under cultivation, has a thriving young orchard, and house


and barn and other home conveniences. Besides his farm lands he
has in Bellaire an elegant residence, and other buildings and village property. In the fall 6f 1878 he was elected county clerk and
registrar of deeds, and engaged in those duties in Elk Rapids, then
the county seat, but in 1879 removed to Bellaire, where he still


serves the people with efficiency and pleasing success. He has formerly been justice of the peace and township clerk, and is now notary public. In fraternity he is a Free Mason, and Exults in the
culture of brotherly love, relief and truth. Mr. Harriman has also
devoted his attention to the production of useful inyentions. He
has invented and patented in the United States and Canada an adjustable writing table, for use in all offices and counting rooms.
The special merits of this invention are: 1st. That it affords
ease in the manipulation of heavy books; the book resting on movable carriages enables the writer to place the book in any desirable
position with very little exertion. 2d. The adjustable balance of
book-rest always presents a level surface to writer in whatever part
of book he may be working. 3d. The book-rest being movable,
there is no wear or strain on book when in use. 4th. The bookrest moving away from writer, the arm-rest being stationary, they
write as easily at bottom as at top or middle of page. 5th. The
ratchet lever will give any incline desired. 6th. The leaf-springs
hold the leaves from turning, giving the entire use of hands for writing and manipulating book, papers, etc. He has also invented a
book-case for records and other books, by which all friction and
wear is prevented, and also by which freedom from diru is secured.
JOHN E. COOK, dealer in real estate, was born in Erwin,
Steuben County, N. Y., Dec. 9, 1822. He spent his early life
there and in Campbell, employed chiefly in farming. On Sept. 6,
1848, he was married to Miss Eliza Cushing, of Painted Post, N.
Y. They have three sons and two daughters. In the spring of
1868 he removed to Three Rivers, Mich., and spent several years
in agriculture; and in the spring of 1879 he removed to Grass
Lake, and thence to Bellaire, Antrim County. Here he at once
erected a hotel, the first erected in the place, and conducted a
place of public entertainment for over two years. He then sold
the hotel estate, and in 1882, with J. M. Wadsworth, Esq., he
bought the original plat of Bellaire village and about sixty acres
of beautiful landscape premises immediately adjoining, all of which
is now offered in lots for the convenience of purchasers.  Mr.
Cook brought in from Mancelona the first load of merchandise that
was brought to Bellaire. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have long been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
DEMPSTER H. STEBBINS, county treasurer of Antrim County,
was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Oct. 1, 1847. He spent his
youth in his native place, employed chiefly in school teaching and
farm culture. On Sept. 17, 1868, he was married to Miss Rominda
M. Empey, of Ontario. She was born there Nov. 7, 1847. Their
children are Fred C. and Olive Marietta. In the spring of 1870,
for the purpose of securing the advantages of a new and opening
country, he removed to the township of Banks, Antrim County,
Mich., purchased lands and prepared a forest home for himself and
family. He now has eighty acres in Section 17, with forty under
cultivation, three acres of thriving orchard, a variety of small
fruits and good farm buildings. He also has a number of village
lots in the rising village of Bellaire, some of which are already
improved. Mr. Stebbins has also devoted nine winter seasons
to school teaching since he came to Traverse Region. In Banks
Mr. Stebbins was supervisor seven successive terms. On July 15,
1880, be was appointed county treasurer to fill a vacancy, and in
November following was elected to that office, and was re-elected
in 1882. They have resided in Bellaire nearly four years. For
over two years Mr. Stebbins has served as postmaster in Bellaire.


He and Mrs. Stebbins have for eight years been members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Their son, Fred C., also is religious.
HENRY W. STEWART, sheriff of An.Or   County, was born in
Grandville, Kent County, Mich., June 29, 1845. *He spent his
youth in his native county, emplkyed chiefly in farming enterprise.


I


tI


-




1


j


9 -

or

276


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


On Sept. 5, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Michigan Cavalry, in defense.of his country. He first fought the rebel forces at
Hanover, Penn. In one part of the conflict he and forty others
charged Wade Hampton's Brigade three times with deadly effect
to the enemy. During his term of service Mr. Stewart took part in fifty
engagements, among which were the battles of Beaver Dam Station,
Boonesboro, Brandy Station, two battles at Culpepper, then at Falling Waters, Gettysburg, Hawe's Shop, Huntertown, James City,
Meadow Bridge, Monterey, Md., Raccoon Ford, Va., Wilderness,
Woodstock, Va., Yellow Tavern, Cedar Creek, Cold Harbor, Buckland Mills and various other conflicts, nine battles occurring in
eleven days. It has been assumed by some writers that the gallant charge made by Companies B and F, of the Sixth Michigan
Cavalry, at the battle of Falling Waters, Md., July. 14, 1863, was
made without orders; but Mr. Stewart states positively that it was
made by direct orders from General Kilpatrick in full view of a
whole division of rebels in their front. Fifty-four men and three
commissioned officers dashed undauntedly upon the enemy. The
rebel commander, Pettigrew, was mortally wounded, but Major
Wet.er, leading the charge, was shot dead on the field, and also
Lieut. Bolza. Twelve of Mr. Stewart's company were killed, six
were captured, follur of whom were wounded, four wounded escaped
and seven escaped unhurt. Twenty-nine horses went into the
charge and only four came out. General Kilpatrick declares their
charge " was the most gallant ever made." At Hanover Courthouse Mr. S. was slightly wounded, but continued on duty. During the war he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was
discharged Dec. 5, 1865, and returned home.
On March 8, 1868, he was married to Miss Addie M. Holden,
of Wyoming, Kent County, niece of E. G. D. Holden, Esq., of
Grand Rapids, ex-secretaly of state. She was born in Byron,
Mich., Aug. 18, 1850, and died Aug. 12, 1883. In the fall of 1875
Mr. Stewart removed to Helena, Antrim County, and resided there
seven years. While there he served five years as township clerk,
and was next elected supervisor, but resigned before the close of
his term, being elected sheriff. He removed to Bellaire in January, 1882, andl now devotes his time assiduously to his arduous
official duties. He has four sons and two daughters. He is commander of Major Weber Post, Nbo. 206, of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
C. W. FARBAND, machinist, came from Bath, Clinton County,
Mich., to Kalkaska, and started the first blacksmith and hardware
and tin shop, erected the tannery and the Masonic hall, and manufactured boots and shoes. Later he built a saw-mill in Wilson.
In 1879 he came on a scow by way of Spencer Creek to where
Bellaire now is. There was no clearing there then. He built a
dwelling and a saw-mill in the woods. Other settlers soon followed. Hartwell and Nelson built the second dwelling, Mr. Farrand the third and Mr. Hall the fourth building in Bellaire. Mr.
F., also built the first hardware store in Bellaire. Later he built a
steamboat, now in the upper lake. He is now in the employ of
J. A. Harriman in Bellaire; He has a wife and five children.
JAmES J. ADAMS, merchant, was born in Richland, Kalamazoo
Cmunty, Mich., April 7, 1858. He received his early education in
his native county, and gave his attention partly to agricultural pursuits, and partly to mercantile enterprise. In 1878 he engaged in
the purchase and sale of shingles in the lumber regions of Kent
County, and with good success. On Sept. 28, 1874, he was mar

ried to Miss Henrietta Annis, of Trowbridge, Allegan County.
She was bonm there in 18556. Her father, Hiram Annis, was the
first white boy in Allegan village. Their children are Viola M.,
E. Pearl, Bertie and Gertrude. In the fall of 1874 Mr. Adams
engaged in. mercantile business at Reed City, and in 1877 he re

moved to Chase, Lake County, and conducted a mercantile enterprise until January, 1884. He now transfers his mercantile interests to Bellaire, Antrim County, where he hopes to atnply accommodate the citizens of Bellaire and vicinity with general: merchandise of the best quality at the lowest prices. Mr. Adams is a
member of the Independent Order of Red Men.
JAMES M. WADSWORTH, merchant and lumberman, at Bellaire,
is a son of the late A. S. Wadsworth, and was born in Lyons,
Ionia County, Mich., Sept. 20, 1842. The early movements ot
Mr. Wadsworth may be found in the biography of his father,
which is given in connection with the early history of Elk Rapids.
On July 22, 1862, Mr. James M. Wadsworth enlisted in Company
H, Second Battalion, Eighteenth United States Infantry, and left
Elk Rapids in the.service of his country. He spent three years in
the service and was discharged July 22, 1865. He returned home,
and on Dec. 20, 1869, he was married to Miss Retta B. Swift, of
Genesee County, N. Y. They have lost. three children by diphtheria.. Their surviving daughter is Nina.  Mr. Wadsworth
founded the village of Central Lake and resided there eleven years.
From there he removed to the rising village of Bellaire in the fall
of 1882, and opened a store of general merchandise on Bridge
Street, where he is enjoying a steadily enlarging patronage. He
also deals extensively in lumber and has a saw and lath-mill. His
whole business sales in 1888 reached about $35,000. In 1882 lie
and John E. Cook, Esq., bought the original plat of Bellaire village, and other beautiful adjacent premises, which they have also
platted and hold on sale in lots to suit the convenience of purchasers. Mr. Wadsworth has been postmaster eight years and local
commissioner of state roads four years, and is now treasurer. of
Kearney Township and notary public. - Mrs. Wadsworth is a melmber of the Congregational Church.   In 1862 Mr. W. located
eighty acres of land where the village of Bellaire now is, by the
advice of his father, that the county seat would eventually be
there.. Later his claim was disputed by another party, but Mr.
W. was finally successful in his homestead purchase and now enjoys with rich satisfaction the rapid growth and increasing advantages of his chosen village and county.
ROBERT RICHARDI, of the firm of Richardi & Bechtold, man1ufacturer, was born in Germany, May 1, 1833. He s)ent his youth
in Germany and France, engaged in the work of a machinist. On
June 10, 1858, he was married to Miss Louise Grunewald, of
Berlin, Germany.   They have two sons, Henry and Charlie.
Their two daughters are Emma (now Mrs. Wm. Nixon, of Bellaire), and Mary. They emigrated to America in 1859, and spent
some ten years in Pennsylvania. In 1861 he enlisted in the One
Hundred and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry and served
his country ten months in suppressing the rebellion. He wtas honorably discharged in August, 1862.     From  Pennsylvania Mr.
Richardi removed to Ohio, and thence to Missouri where lie invented the celebrated Richardi wooden scoop, and machinery for
manufacturing wooden trays. From both of these he has realized
a very pleasing revenue. In the spring of 1881 he removed to
Bellaire, Antrim County, Mich., where, with his partner, he bought
lands and built a dam over Intermediate River, and erected a factory for the manufacture of wooden ware. Their work amounts
already to some $80,000 per year, and they are enlarging their
working facilities in order to meet increasing demands.
FREDERICK W. BECHTOLD, of the firm of Richardi & Bechtold,


manufacturers, was born in Liege, Belgium, Sept. 15, 1845. He
emigrated with his parents to America in 1848. They resided a
short time in New York City, and thence removed to Belleville,
St. Clair County, Ill. On Aug. 8, 1861, he enlisted in the Twelfth
| Missouri Infantry and remained three years in the service of his




/< —


p-Y                    L-        --— "-                                                                                                   1


THE TRAVERSE REGION


277


country. He first met th- enemy at Pea Ridge, Ark., then later at
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Dallas, Atlanta
and in numerous other conflicts. He was honorably discharged
Aug. 12, 1864, and returned to Belleville. He spent some time in
postoffico employment, and later served as.United States assistant
assessor, and still later as United States inspector of spirits; but
not suited with office life lie engaged as a salesman in a mercantile
establishment, and remained therein thirteen years. On Jan. 11,
1878, Mr. Bechtold was married to Miss Maximiliana J. Kistler,
also of Belleville. She was born in Bavaria, Oct. 10, 1852. They
have had seven children, three of whom have died. Those living
are Louise, Irma, Alice and an infant son. In the spring of 1881
they removed to Bellaire, Antrim County, Mich., and, with Mr.
Richardi, he erected a factory for the manufacture of wooden
trays, round bowls and wooden ware in general. They have a
pleasing prospect of a continually enlarging patronage and income.
FLETCHER E. TURRELL, merchant, was born in Lenawee
County, Mich., Dec. 19, 1849. At the age of ten years he removed
with his parents to Hillsdale, and two years later to Litchfield,
where he spent eighteen years in mercantile business. On July
31, 1878, Mr. Turrell was married to Miss Mary E. Burgett: also
of Litchfield. She was born in Geneva, N. Y., June 21, 1851.
They have one son, Charlie E., born Feb. 14, 1875. In May,
1888, they removed to Bellaire, Antrim County, Mich., and opened
a hardware store on Bridge Street, where Mr. Turrell is building
up an increasingly prosperous business. He finds it necessary to
enlarge his premises and stock forthwith lto meet the increasing
demands of the rising town and country. He has also bought a
beautiful tract of real estate which will be platted and sold in lots
to meet the wishes of purchasers.
DR. OLIVER G. SMITH was born in Orleans County, N. Y.,
Feb. 15, 1828. When eight years of age he removed with his
parents to Camden Township, Lorain County, 0., where he became a carpenter. Thence he went to Monroeville, Huron County.
In the summer of 1858 he began to read medicine, and in 1855 he
went east to Carlton, N. Y., and read and practiced medicine
under the instruction of his uncle, Dr. Secor. Two years later he
returned to Ohio. On Sept. 20, 1861, he enlisted in the Third
Ohio Cavalry and served as captain of Company F in his regiment
until he contracted severe rheumatism, which resulted in his discharge in November, 1862. On April 7, 1849, he was married to
Miss Rachel Covert, of Wakeman, Huron County, 0. They have
had seven children, of whom only two sons and one daughter are
now living. In the spring of 1863, on account of the death of his
mother, he came with his family to Jackson County, Mich. In
April, 1864, hoping that he had regained his health, he enlisted in
the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry, was commissioned as first
lieutenant and served until again disabled by rheumatism. He
was discharged in the spring of 1865. After several changes he
engaged in the practice of medicine in Chicago, in 1873, and in 1878
he removed to Bellaire, Antrim County, Mich., where he still pursues his profession as a physician, enjoying an enlarging practice
as the population of the locality increases.
JAMES P. DICKINSON, carpenter, was born in Oswego County,
N. Y., Aug. 8, 1858. In 1878 he made a trip to Kansas and remained about two years. In 1881 he came from Cayuga County,
N. Y., to Bellaire, -Antrim County, Mich., where he still resides,
and is pursuing his mechanical occupation with good success. On


May 1, 1888, he was married to Miss Esther Greene, of Bellaire.
She was born in Greene, Chenango County, N. Y., May 11, 1858.
She came to Forest Home, near where Bellaire now is, before any
village site had been selected, and hence has known personally of
the hardships and difficulties peculiar to early pioneer experiences,


and she views with rich pleasure the strides of progress now being
made in their chosen township and village. They have a valuable
village home on Bridge Street. They are members of the Congregational Church.
JOHN AsA HICKOX, retired farmer, was born in Genesee County,
N. Y., April 7, 1810. His youth and early manhood were spent in
'bis native state. On Jan. 1, 1885, he was married to Miss Martha
Loveland, of Hamburg, Erie County, N. Y. She was born in
Delaware County, N. Y., in 1813. Their children are Alfred A.
and William Erastus. In the' summer of 1856 they removed to
Hudson, Wis., and he spent three years there in farming. From
there they removed to Northport, Mich., on May 14, 1860, and resided there about eight years. They then removed to what is now
Forest Home, Antrim County, then a part of Helena, located lands
and prepared them a pioneer home in the midst of the lofty forest.
For about five years he had to carry their supplies from Elk Rapids
and Brownstown on his back. Mrs. Hickox died on Feb. 25, 1874.
Mr. Hickox has parted with the homestead lands, but still owns an
estate of village property in Northport and a valuable property at
Bellaire, where he now, in 1884, resides. He has served as township treasurer and as justice of the peace in Forest Home. Religiously he has formerly belonged to the Baptists, but is now a
Congregationalist.
EUGENE B. HALL, overseer of mill, was born in Jefferson
County, N. Y., July 16, 1849. He left his native state with his
parents when three years old for Old Mission, Traverse Region,
Mich. His father, Chancey Hall, spent nearly a year there in
the employ of Hannah & Lay, and then removed to Elk Rapids,
and about a year after bought lands and settled in Milton, on the
east shore of Elk Lake. Twelve years later hl removed to Rapid
River Township, where he now resides. Eugene, the son, has
spent some eleven summers in sailing. On Dec. 7, 1874, he was
married to Miss Laura Smith, of Rapid River. She was born in
Charlotte, N. C., on March 14, 1852. Their children are Harry S.,
William  Lynn and Lizzie. They came to Bellaire from Rapid
River in May, 1879. They have a pleasant residence on Alcott.Avenue, and Mr. Hall has the sole charge of Mr. J. M. Wadsworth's mill.
ALEX. M. BENNETT, mason, was born in Scioto County, O.,
March 16, 1844. He removed with his parents to Lyons, lonia
County, Mich., in 1851, and three years later to Montcalm County.
From  there, in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Ninth
Michigan Infantry, for three years, and re-enlisted January, 1864,
as a veteran. He was honorably discharged Oct. 15, 1865, and returned to Monfcalm. On April 29, 1866, he was married to Miss
Emma S. Worthen, of Cleveland, 0. Their children are Nellie
and Alice, now deceased. In 1869 they removed to Metropolis,
Ill. Mrs. E. S. Bennett died there March 20, 1870. Mr. Bennett's second marriage was to Mrs. Louise Flower, of Metropolis,
Ill., Oct. 16, 1870. Their living children are Charles, Pearl, Rosa
and Frank. In the fall of 1872 they returned to Montcalm, and
on June 28, 1882, they arrived in Bellaire, Antrim County, where
they now reside. In Montcalm Mr. B. spent some years in the
manufa~ture of brick and tile, but in Bellaire follows his occupation as a mason. He is a member of the Major Weber Post, No.
206, Grand Army of the Republic.
SOCIETIES.
The lodge of Good Templars, at Bellaire, was organized in


September, 1881, which fact indicates a good temperance sentiment
in the village, as the population at that time was considerably less
than 200. The lodge has been well sustained from the first, and
is in a flourishing condition at the present time. The officers for
the first quarter in 1884 are as follows:  W. C. T., Charles L.




-111
7-f


-


I "r


V




278


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


Cleveland; W. V. T., Nellie Bennett; W. S., Theodore N. Chapin;
W. F. S., Edward Pinney; W. M., Alexander M. Bennett; W. T.,
Eugene F. Chapin; W. O. G., Jonathan Nichols; W. I. G., Vesta
Hutchinson; W.     R. H. S., Louisa  Bennett; L. D., Sarah A.
Cleveland; chaplain, Sarah A. Cleveland; P. W. C. T., Winfield
S. Hayes.
The Ladies' Library Association is one of the important institutions of the village. A library containing 186 volumes has been
established, eighty-three volumes having been added during the
past year. The officers in 1884 are as follows: President, Mrs.
Juliet Watkins; vice-president, Mrs. Maria A. Harriman; clerk
and librarian, Eliza A. Harriman; treasurer, Mary Richardi; directors, Mrs. Emma R. Nixon, Mrs. Minnie H. Farrand, Mrs.
Maria A. Harriman.
Major Peter A. Weber  Post, No. 206, G. A. R., Bellaire, was
mustered in Dec. 21, 1883, with the following officers: Corn., Henry
W. Stewart; S. V. C., George W. Montgomery; J. V. C., James C.
Abbot; Adjt., Charles L. Cleveland; Sergt., Oliver G. Smith;
Chap., Simon Flewelling;' Q. M., A. M. Bennett; O. D., Arthur
Watkins; O. G., Daniel Ferguson; S. M., William E. Hickox; Q.
M. S., George Humneston.
There were seventeen charter memrbels.
IN 1884.
At the beginnirgh of 1884 the local paper mentioned the village
interests as follows:
"It is a natural center for business and general trade, has a
steady, permanent growth, and during the next twelve months will
near;y double in population. It has large wooden ware factories
which manufacture trays, scoops, measures, tunnels, potato-mashers, rolling-pins, etc.; saw, shingle, lathl and planing-mills; thirteen
stores; two good hotels (one of which is a handsome builoing
70x48 feet in size); a $3,500 town hall; a substantial jail building;
many fine residences, and a local newspaper. It has the Western
Union Telegraph, a daily mail, and three daily stage lines connect
with the railroad. During navigation daily boats run to Elk Rapids. It has good schools, two church societies, Sabbath school,
Good Templars' Lodge, G. A. R. Post, Kearney cornet band and
a ladies library association.  Brooks in the vicinity furnish excellent trout fishing, while the lakes contain an abundance of black
bass, pickerel, Mackinaw trout, etc."
A careful census of the village was taken in November, 1881.
Thile total population was shown to be 161, and the following are
the pames of persons or families then residing here: Dunn, Marshall, Clark, Merchant, Abbott, Allcott,tHall, Wallace, Luell, Taylor,
Hayes, Kent, Hodgins, Shugart, Mayfield, Orcutt, Stebbins, Cook,
Norton, Lester, Ketcham, Farrand, Nixon, Eggleston, Van Tassel,
Petit, Cleveland, West, Koch, Hastings, Lebean, Hollenbeck, Bechtold, Richardi, Rose.
In September, 1882, there were 282 residents of the village,
and Jan. 1, 1884, 862. In May, 1884, there are nearly 500.
CHAPTER XLII.
D)IRECTION OF GENERAL SETTLEMENT —VILLAGE OF ALBA-PERSONAL
MENTION —POPULATION-POSTOFFICES-AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
-JUDICIAL CIRCUIT-KE-WAY-DIN-BIOGRAPHICAL.


It appears from what has been said that settlement began upon
the lake shore and gradually worked eastward, and until a recent
date the eastern portion of the county was in its primitive state.
The building of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad opened that
part of the county, and good farms are now multiplying with won

derful rapidity. The population of the county increased from 1,985
in 1870 to 8,240 in 1874, and 5,287 in 1880, while since the census
of 1880 the increase has been greater than at any fornier period.
The excellent markets for wood are stimulating the work of clearing, while numerous saw-mills and factories furnish markets for the
excellent hard wood timber that is so abundant.
VILLAGE OF ALBA.
Alba is located in the eastern part of Antrim  County, Mich.,
on the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, fifty-nine miles north of
Cadillac and sixty-nine miles south of Mackinaw City. The original plat of the village was made by William J. Balker in 1878. In
1882 Van Wert & Dibble platted their first addition.  The village
made such rapid strides in 1883 towards a city of note that it became necessary to increase its boundaries.  In this year Barker,
Welch &- Dickinson platted an addition and Van Wert & Dibble
platted their second addition.
From a hamlet of seventy-six people eighteen months ago it
has grown to a village of 500 inhabitants, with a large and handsome churcl, a fine brick school building, four groceries, two dry
goods stores, one drug store, one millinery store, one hotel, two
boarding-houses, one bowl factory, two broom handle factories, one
broom factory, one shingle-mill, two saw-mills, one planing-mill,
one cant hook handle factory, one newspaper, Th1e Reco.,,,,, one doctor
and one lawyer, two wagon makers, two blacksmiths. The people
are thrifty and prosperous.
The soil of the surrounding country is a rich, clay subsoil,
suitable for raising small grain of all kinds and for raising potatoes
and vegetables it has no equal. Tllere is yet a good supply of pine
in the forests, and hard wood of all kinds is abundant,, especially
so of beech, maple and elm of which the supply is unlimited. The
climate is no colder in winter than it is 300 miles farther south and
the summers are delightful. We never have sutch terrors to falmers
as grasshoppers or drouths
Objects of interest are the "Land Slide," the "Cascade," tlhe
"Five and School Lakes.'" Wild game is plentiful and thlere is a
goodly supply of trout, pickerel and perch.
The stage leaves every Friday morning for South Arn   and
East Jordan near Lake Michigan, returning on Saturday.
Arrangements have been perfected with Mr. John Otis, of the
Manceloma iron Ifutirnace, for the building of six coal kilns at this
place.
Religious services are hlield by Rev. Mr. Burgess, formerly of
Lansing. This society lhas a neat church edifice in progress which
it is expected will be completed in the summer of 1884.
SAMUEL W. SKEELS, circuit court commissioner of Antrim
County, was born in Richmlond, Ind., March 2, 1850. He left his
native place at fourteen years of age, and spent nearly eight years
in traveling, visiting fourteen states and four territories. In 1874
lie settled in Geneva, Ind., and engaged in the practice of law. He
had pursued the study of law with John McSweeney, Esq., of
Canton, Ohio. In 1880 he came to Lake City, Mich., from there
to Manton, and thence to Alba, Jan. 10, 1882, where hlie is engaged
chiefly in railroad agency and express business.
In September, 1879, he married Miss Phebe C. Watson, of
Geneva, Ind. She was a native of Cumberland County, England.
Their children are Myrta and Webster Watson. In Geneva Mr.
Skeels was tax collector, city clerk and city attorney. In Alba he
is serving as township librarian, township clerk and justice of the


peace, and is also secretary of the county board of school examiners and circuit court commissioner. Fraternally, he belongs to,
the I. O. O. F.
THOMAS R. VAN WERT, merchant, was born in York State, Feb.
8, 1848, and came to Lenawee County, Mich., with his parents, in.1


A-                                                                                                                          - 
-,I t




I


j


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


279


infancy, and spent his-youth in that locality, employed chiefly in
farming. On April 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company b, Second
Michigan Volunteer iifantry., His first engagement was at Blackburn's Ford, bis next at the frrst battle of Bull Run. Later he
fought at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, second
battle of Bull Run, and at Fredericksburg, under General Burnside,
in December, 1862. He was also in the battle of Jamestown, Ky.,
and in several engagements along the Mississippi, during the siege
of Vicksburg, besides numerous other conflicts. In the battle at
Jackson, Miss., he received a gunshot wound in his left limb,
became disabled, and was under hospital treatment some nine
months. He then returned to the command. After this le fought
in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and the North Anna
River, and was discharged in July, 1864. He returned to his former
home, and on Sept. 8, 1864, be and Miss Eliza J. Dibble were
united in marriage. They have three daughters, Ona, Addie and
Rena. Their only son is Thomas Roy. In May, 1874, they came
to Chestonia, then unorganized, located a quarter section of land
and opened them a home-on Section 4. When they reached their
homestead they had two dollars and fifty-four cents with which to begin
pioneer life. They spent their first night under a partial shanty
roof, made of shakes, near the railway, in the woods, on some
hemlock boughs, wrapped in blankets. The second night they
slept in the woods under a partial covering, supported by crotches.
The next day they reached their home, where they lodged under a
bark roof, covering only half of their rude dwelling, for one month,
until their goods arrived. Such was their early pioneer experience.
Their nearest market and postoffice was at Mancelona, and they
had only a trail for a road. Now on their homestead lands they
have forty acres under cultivation, with a good dwelling, barn and
other home conveniences. In November, 1878, they removed to
Alba, where with Mr. Barker, Mr. Van Wert had during the season
been engaged in mercantile business. Since that fall Mr. V. has
conducted a steadily increasing business in dry goods, groceries
and general merchandise. The business is now conducted under
the firm name of T. R. Van Wert & Co. The partners are T. R.
Van Wert, L. M. Dibble and Dan Lozier. Mr. V. also has a
steam power, driving a saw-mill, and a planing-mill, with apparatus
now ready also for manufacturing broom-handles and butter-bowls,
the whole furnishing employment for over fifty men. His real
estates exceed 700 acres of land, including various estates of village
property. Mr. Van Wert was the first supervisor of Chestonia, and
has been justice of the peace and township treasurer, and is now
highway commissioner. He was also the first postmaster of Chestonia postoffice. Fraternally, he is a Free Mason, and glories in
brotherly love, relief and truth. Mrs. Van Wert taught the first
school in Chestonia. Their religious choice is the Methodist Episcopal Church. They founded the first Sabbath school in the place,
and Mrs. Van Wert was elected the first superintendent of the
school.
WILLIAM J. BARKER, dealer in real estate, was born in Naples,
N. Y., May 15, 1810. When seven years of age ie came with his
parents to Emmet, Mich. He remained there and in Leonidas,
St. Joseph County, until Aug. 11, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, Eleventh Michigan Infantry. On Sept. 17, he and over
4,000 others were captured by the rebels at the battle of Mumfordsville, Ky. He was kept five days in a cornfield, with unparched
corn only to subsist on. Being paroled, he and sixty others were


sent to parole camp, Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. Here they
were refused rations unless they would enlist to fight Indians in
Minnesota, during their parole. This they refused to do and
returned, without rations or money to Michigan. From  there,
after being formally exchanged, Mr. Barker returned.to his com

mand, and served until honorably discharged, June 30, 1865. He
then returned to Emmet. On April 24, 1864, ha had been married to Miss Eunice Howe, of Leonidas, Mich. She *as born in
Adrian, Mich., Sept. 10, 1840. They have three sons and two
daughters. In the summer of 1866 they located lan4l in Whitewater, Grand Traverse County. They opened them a pioneer home,
and remained there twelve years. They next settled in Chestoni.i,
in the fall of 1877, and repeated their pioneer experiences of former
days. Their greatest suffering was for want of water. This they
sometimes shipped from Mancelona, on the train, and sometimes
brought on a hand car, six and a half miles. In spring they used
maple and birch sap for drink and for washing clothes. Mr. Barker
platted and named the village of Alba, where they now reside, anl
has served as postmaster four years. He has been school director,
highway commissioner and township clerk. He and Mrs. B. are
members of the Congregational Church.
JOHN B. EVERINGHAM, farmer, a native of Muncy, Penn., was
born in 1844. He spent his boyhood there, and in February, 1864,
he enlisted in the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. He first
fought the rebels at the battle of the Wilderness, and from there
pressed right on through the campaign, including the battles of
Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor and six other heavy engagements,
terminating with the capture of Petersburg, April 3, 1865. After
the close of the war he continued in the service until honorably discharged in February, 1866. In March following, he came from
Muncy to York, Ind., and resided there employed in farming, until
1872, when he came to Michigan. In 1876 he came to Chestonia,
from Mancelona, and settled in Section 24. He has 160 acres of
land, twenty acres of which are improved.  He has a thriving
young orchard, good buildings, and enticing home comforts. On
Aug. 16, 1874, Mr. E. had been married to Miss Anna Tackaberry,
of Fabius, Mich. They have lost two sons, Willie and Claudie, by
death. They moved to their place on March 7, 1876, with snow
four feet deep, and no road track v hatever from the railroad to
their premises. Mrs. E. had to wade one-half mile through the
snow, and then sit under a covering of shavings, while their stove,
brought by hand, in pieces, from the railroad, was put together,
and their first fire was kindled in their pioneer home. Their nearest approachable neighbors were at Mancelona, a distance of seven
miles. They are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. E.
has been school assessor three terms and township treasurer one
term.
PETER T.,BALDWIN, wagonmaker, was born in Maple Grove,
Mich, Oct. 5, 1843. His youth was spent there and near St.
Joseph, mostly in agricultural pursuits. In August, 1861, he
enlisted in Company M, First Michigan Cavalry, and served his
country four years. He met the enemy in the battles of Slaughter
Mountain, Bull Run, second battle, Winchester, Gettysburg, the
Wilderness, Brandy Station and other prominent conflicts, and was
in almost daily skirmishes. In January, 1863, he enlisted as a
veteran. At Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, his horse was shot under
him, but he himself escaped unhurt. During the service he was
promoted to the rank of quartermaster sergeant. He was mustered
out of service in August, 1865. He returned home, and on Dec.
24, 1866, he was married to Miss Mary E. Moore, of Hagar, Mich.
She died Oct. 16, 1868. His second marriage was to Adulia Moore,
also of Hagar, Nov. 28, 1869. He has two sons and two daughters. In the summer of 1874, they migrated to Chestonia, Antrim


County, having previously spent some months at. Elk Rapids.
They located a quarter section of land and prepared them a home
in the forest. They entered their new dwelling without any floors,
windows or doors. Mr. B. carried twenty-five feet of lumber four
miles for a door. It was the only sawed lumber in the building.


je-z


1e                                                                                                   ---- -e



'


onow.

I


'lul


I


ii  i i IlItII' I II'   I I I I I IIII 


't/

280
I.

THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I _ __




Now they have good improvements and pleasant home surroundings. In 1880 they removed to Alba, where Mr. Baldwin has
resumed his mechanical occupation. He helped organize the township, and has been township clerk four years. He belongs to the
I. 0. G. T., and to the Grand Army of the Republic
The Antrim County Record was established at Alba, Nov. 7,
1888, by Justus L. Hissong, who is its editor and publisher at the
present time. The Record is a five-column quarto in size and form,
and non-political in character, devoting itself to promoting local
interests.
The Population of Antrim County, at different periods, has been
as follows:-1860, 179; 1864, 882; 1870, 1,985; 1874, 8,240;
1880, 5,287.
The population, in 1880, was divided among the:townships as
follows:-Banks, 611; Ghestonia, 248; Centrnl Lake, 401; Custer,
856; Echo, 406; Elk Rapids, 741; Forest Home, 201; Helena,
891; Jordan, 828; Kearney, 806; Mancelona, 429; Milton, 654;
Torch Lake, 170.
POSTOFFICES.
The following postoffices are in Antrim Connty: —Alba, Atwood,
Bellaire, Central Lake, Chestonia, Clam Lake, Crewell, Eastport,
Echo, Elk Rapidsg, Finkton, Kearney, Mancelona, Mitchell, Mount
Bliss, Rockery, Snowflake, Spencer Cret k, Stover, Torch Lake,
Wetzell.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Oct. 14, 1881, a call, signed by a number of the citizens of
the county, was issued, for a meeting, to take steps toward the formation of a county agricultural society. Quite a degree of interest was developed in the project, and a society was fully organized.


Tile first annual fair was held at Bellaire, in October, 1882.
The officers for that year were as follows:-President, John A.
Harriman; secretary, W. W. Johnson; treasurer, Lyman Drayton;
directors-R. E. Maxfield, Stephen Eldred, W. E. Hickox, Allen
Nixon, Allen Gorham, Geo. W. Montgomery.
The second annual fair was held October 8, 4, and 5, 1888, at
Bellaire, the new town hall being used in connection with the court
house square. The officers for 1883 were:-Alexander Campbell,
president; W. W. Johnson, secretary; D. HI. Stebbins, treasurer;
directors-R. E. Maxfield, Kearney; J. H. Kocher, Jordan; M. F.
Gates, Elk Rapids; James Williams, Banks; William E. Hickox,
Forest Home; Clark E. Mills, Custer.
The display of farm products at these fairs has been highly
creditable to the county. The fruit shown has been exceptionally
choice and demonstrates that Antrim County has no superior for
purposes of fruit growing.
The last annual meeting of the society was held at Bellaire,
Jan. 7,1884.
On the roll call of annual members for 1888, thirty-eight
were present and answered to their names.
the report of the treasurer showed that the society had received
during the year $458.64, and had paid premiums, etc., to the
amount of $884.25, leaving a balance in the treasury of $119.29.
The election of officers resulted as follows: -President, A. G.
Jackson; secretary, F. E. Turrell; treasurer, D. H. Stebbins;
director, 8 years, H. E. Lyon; director, 8 years, J. H. Kocher;
director, to fill vacancy occasioned by the resignation of R. E. Maxfield, D. W. Sage.
Antrim County belongs to the thirteenth judicial circuit, Hon.
J. G. Ramsdell, circuit judge. Officers of the court are as follows
in 1884: John A. Harrimap, clerk; E. A. Harriman, deputy
clerk; Roswell Leavitt, prosecuting attorney; Samuel W. Skeels,
circuit court commissioner. Officers in attendance: Henry W.


Stewart, sheriff; Robert E. Maxfield, under sheriff; Elmer Speicher,
deputy sheriff; Eugene Hill, deputy sheriff.
The following named attorneys are members of the Antrim
County bar: Roswell Leavitt, prosecuting attorney, Rice & Mills,
Charles S. Guile, George W. Albrecht, Bellaire; Fitch R. Williams, Charles T. Hickox, Elk Rapids; W. S. Mesick, N. C. Weter,
Hudson, Dowling & Bailey, Mancelona.
The first attorney to locate permanently in the county was
Hon. Fitch R. Williams, of Elk Rapids.
KE-WAY-DIN.
The Elk Rapids Progress, in the winter of 1884, made the
following mention of the death of Ke-way-din, the last of the
Chippewas:
There died last week at We-qua-ge-mog, an' Indian vill;ge situated at the head of Elk Lake, three miles from Elk Rapids, an
Indian named Ke-way-din (northwest wind), whose history is
worthy of notice, as being the last of the pure-blooded Ojibways
or Chippewas remaining in this section. His exact age cannot be
ascertained, but, there is no doubt but he was a man grown at the
time of the last war with England, in which hle served on the
Biitish side, under Aish-qua-gwan-a-ba, the principal of five chiefs
then having control of the Chippewa tribes scattered through Michigan, Wisconsin and the north shore of Lake Superior. Twenty
years ago, when the writer first knew him, he was the greatest
hunter in this section, coming in each spring with a pack of furs
twice as large as any one else. He has for many years been regarded by other Indians as the special emissary of " Matchi Manitou," the evil spirit of the Chippewas. This belief has existed
among the Indians professing Christianity as well as those who did
not, and when any misfortune overtook one of the tribe it has
usually been attributed to the "bad medicine" of Ke-way-din.
So great was this fear and firm their belief in his power, that one
of the most intelligent of his tribe was kept in involuntary exile
over two years, and only allowed to return when Ke-way-din allowed him to do so. Ke-way-din had a box or chest which contained the dried skins of some eight varieties of snakes, dried toads
and lizards, and also the stuffed skin of a beaver, which he asserted would, upon being filled with the "bad medicine," compounded from the snake and toad skins, and pushed back and
forth by him three times, emit fire from his nostrils and run about
the wigwam.
When he desired to punish an enemy he would go to the
woods, make the picture of a man on birch bark or paper, mix
some of the " bad medicine," and, having smeared an arrow with
it, insert it in the portion of the picture which represented the particular organ he wished afflicted with disease - in the head if to
affect the brain, or in the heart if death was to be the result. He
was not a " medicine man," in the sense of being a physician, but
a necromancer and wizard, and those even who are in daily contact
with the Indians would never suspect how widely the belief in
witchcraft prevailed among them.
He was present and participated in the massacre of the River
Raisin, many incidents concerning which he was fond of relating,
which were undoubtedly true. About two months since he becanme
converted to Christianity through the efforts of a Roman Catholic
priest, and for the first time abandoned the beaver, snake and toad
skins, giving them away. He died at his daughter's home, she


having cared for him gently and kindly. The Ottawas and Chippewas are fast becoming extinct, only a few of the younger remaining, the balance being half and quarter breeds.
Ke-way-din was evidently a sincere believer in his own power,
and only exercised it when greatly provoked by the violence or
rascality of some of his tribe. The fear which they had of his un



I


i


I


d.I


i,


=




I


4anw-4


IllI~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 - -
_I_  _  i:  _   _ --- —---,   -  ' I-I.v


-W


1- 
_,i1 —X


ter- -








~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                               I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~u 
INTER-LAKE HOTEL, BELLAIRE ANTRIM CO. M ICH.
ROSWELL, LEAVITT, OWNER.  O.W. KIBBY, PROMR


k
I
II
i
I
1%
I I
EEEZ..... MAN.









L1


I;


I


l


i


~I


i                      _                            = - 7 -

Lz2   A


I
1
1




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


281


_ I __




-


earthly power was more that of meriting punishment than that he
would exercise it wrongfully, so that he was reverenced and feared,
but not disliked.
Some strange customs were observed at his burial, which have
not been on similar occasions, as far as can be ascertained. He
was neatly dressed, a quantity of artificial flowers placed in the
coffin together with his hunting knife, a small quantity of corn for
seed in the spirit land, two extra white linen collars for use in case
that which he wore should become soiled in his four days' journey,
cotton cloth for a tent and, most curious of all, a long strap with
a hook attached to one end for use should he come near the walls
of the "m celestial city " and be refused admittance. There is many
a man who deems himself among the elect who would do well to
imitapte this custom, for many will need a longer strap than poor
old untutored Ke-way-din.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
RICHARD KNIGHT, one of the early settlers of Banks, was born
near Farnham, in the county of Surrey, England, May 4, 1831, receiving an education in the common schools. In June, 1850, he
emigrated to Canada, settling in the township of Woodstock, Ontario, where he learned the blacksmith's trade in all its branches,
laboring at the forge and anvil for eighteen successive years. From
Woodstock hle removed to Stratford, and from there to Eagle Township, Waukesha County, Wis., carrying on a jobbing blacksmith
and wagon shop. Having become a voter, he identified himself
with the Republican party, and cast his first vote for Abe Lincoln
in 1861. While not at radical in politics, he has ever since voted
and acted with that party. Glowing accounts reaching him of the
fertility of the soil in northern Michigan, after a thorough investigation he homesteaded in what is now the township of Banks,
Antrim County, on the first'day of January, 1863. Though at the
outset subjected to all the privations incident to pioneering in the
" north woods" at that early date, he has succeeded in clearing up
a fine farm, with mills, factories and furnaces contiguous thereto,
where twenty years ago miles of dense forests extended in every
direction from his humble clearing, the nearest grist-mill being
forty-three miles distant, over roads almost impassable at the most
propitious seasons of the year. Mr. Knight has held the office of
sheriff of Antrim County, justice of the peace of his township for
sixteen years and is at present township treasurer. As the Republican candidate for representative he received 1,285 votes; H. M.
Spicer, Democrat, 1,090.
Lucius H. PEARL, farmer, was born in Clinton County, N. Y.,
April 18, 1833. He spent his youth in his native state, engaged in
lumbering, railroading and other industrial employments. On June
17, 1857. he was married to Miss Christiann Hodges, also of Clinton County. She was born there Feb. 8, 1838. Their children are
Myron C. and Laura. In November, 1863, they came to Antrim
City, Antrim County, Mich. Here, in coming as a stranger, he expected to find quite it village,but though disappointed in this he joined
with Messrs. O. W. Adams and J. W. Pearl in the construction of a
pier in that place, he and they spending in the enterprise some $7,000.
But having by this time located lands in Charlevoix County, where
the village of Norwood is now located, he and Mr. Adams and Mr. O.
D. Wood engaged in the erection of a pier at Norwood; but before
it was completed he sold his interest therein to the other partners.


He then erected the hotel known as the Eagle House, at Norwood;
and he also built the residence now owned by Mr. F. Guyles.
Since then he has sold their Norwood estates, and they now reside
in Banks, Antrim County. They have eighty acres of land beautifully situated in full view of Grand Traverse Bay and under ex

-




T


i


celleiJt cultivation. They have a thriving orchard of various fruits,
good buildings, find most desirable home conveniences. They have
also a beginning in dairy business, and expect to enlarge that department forthwith. At Antrim Mr. Pearl served about two years
as postmaster, and he has also been commissioner of highways and
supervisor of Banks Township.
JAMES WILLIAMS, farmer, was born in Elgin County, Canada,
Sept. 3, 1842. He left his native country at the age of eighteen
years, for Green Bay, Wisconsin. From there he went to McLean
County, Illinois, and thence to Saginaw, Mich. From there he
went to Kansas, a-nd some months later returned to Canada. On
Dec. 11, 1864, he was married to Miss Mary E. Hadcock, of Oxford
County, Canada. She was born there May 18, 1845. Their living
children are Nellie, Alice L. and Arthur Moses. After marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Williams removed to Michigan    He located lands in
Banks, Antrim County, and they settled in their pioneer home on
Sept. 30, 1865. In coming, Mr. Williams came in advance, and
Mrs. Williams came later, accompanied by her father. They had
to land at Leland, and found that the road to Carp River, now
Northport, had been blocked up by trees burned down by forest
fires. Mr. Hadcock engaged help, and he and four other choppers
opened the way before the team for a distance of nine miles. While
building their dwelling they lodged in a shanty, with a board roof
supported by crotches. Three sides were closed up by quilts, one
side was open, yet during the first half of October, the weather was
so warm and fine that they were fully comfortable. They ate
green corn about the middle of November, and winter did not set in
till after the holidays. They had to bring their supplies from
Elk Rapids, not by an open road as now, but by a mere trail through
the forest. They have 160 acres of land with over seventy under
cultivation. They have nearly three acres of thriving orchard, of
apples, plums, cherries and pears, and other inviting home surroundings. They had the first plum orchard in the neighborhood,
and made the first shipment of apples and also of wool, made from
Torch Lake to Chicago. Mr. Williams has served three years as
commissioner of highways, and two years as township treasurer,
and is now, in 1884, serving in his fifth year as superintendent of
the poor.
CHARLES RUSSELL, farmer, was born in Gorham, Ontario
County, N. Y., October 5, 1823. He removed with his parents to
Genesee County when five years of age. From there they removed
to Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1833. His father, Elihu Russell, was one
of the early pioneers of that region. Kalamazoo village then had
only five small frame buildings.  On Jan. 2, o150, Mr. C. Russell
was married to Miss Maria Carlton, of Portage. Shle was born in
Genesee County, N. Y., April 10, 1826. They have lost a son and
daughter by death, but have three adopted daughters, Frances E.,
Abbie and May.     In June, 1855, Mr. Russell and two of his associates, seeing in the Miriman F'artmer an article on the Traverse
Region by Dr. Shetterly, of Old Mission, were induced to build a
small boat twelve feet long and therewith to come northward. They
coasted in this boat all the way from Kalamazoo River to Northport. At Leland, Carp River, they were mistaken for Mormons
from Beaver Island, the people claiming that they could not possibly have come so far in so small a boat, and their guns were
taken from them for the night, but were promptly restored in the
morning. Mr. Russell located land in what is now the township of
Whitewater, and after residing a while at Elk Rapids settled on his


lands and remained there until 1874, when he removed to Milton,
Antrim County, where he still resides. He has 154 acres of land
with 100 under cultivation. He has a thriving orchard of apples,
pears, peaches, plums, cherries and small fruits, and' a truly inviting home. When he first came to Elk Rapids their nearest post.


-




- X


I


r


a —"


L


f- -


I  _ ^            '                  'I(b
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- ~ ~ ~ mr




282


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


office was at Traverse City, but there was no wagon road to it, and
the citizens went in turn once in two weeks for the mail. Mr.
Russell has carried forty pounds of mail eighteen miles on his back
through eighteen inches of loose snow. He has served as school
director, highway commissioner, township clerk and postmaster,
and is now serving his fourth term as justice of the peace.
MARVIN A. BROWNSON, farmer, was born in Ohio, July 1, 1833.
He remained in his native state twenty years, employed mostly in
agriculture. In 1852 lhe went to Illinois, and r( mained there about
three years. In the fall before leaving Onio he was married to
Miss Maria Kent. In 1855 he came from Illinois to what is now
Antrim County, Mich., then a part of Gland Traverse County, and
during his absence from home Mrs. Brownson died, in the fall of
1855. Mr. B.'s second marriage was to Miss Louisa Scovel, of
Ohio, Aug. 18, 1867. She was born in Leslie, InDhlam County,
Mich., Nov. 13, 1815. Their children are Lottie, Minnie, Joel,
Mabel, Clara and Charles. In 1860 Mr. B. purchased land in
Traverse County, and resided there until 1875, and then after residing at Elk Rapids some two years, settled iu Section 2, in Milton, where they still reside. He has 122 acres of land beautifully
located on the eastern shore of Elk Lake, and they have forty acres
under cultivation, with a beautiful young orchard and a truly desirable homne.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, farmer, was born in Scotland, Jan. 9,
1827. HIe spent his youth an:1 received his early elucation in his
native land. On April 28, 1852, he was married to Miss Jennie
Gray, also of Scotland. They have had seven children, Alexander
0., Isabella, afterward Mrs. C. Johnson, thrown from a carriage
and killed, Oct. 28, 1883; Jessie E., now Mrs. C. Oxby; Fannie G.,
now Mrs. W. Gay; Maggie; Georgiana R., now Mrs. B. Smith, and
Mary Mutl.   They have also an adopted grandson, Fraink H.
John-on. On June 22, 1853, Mr. anld Mrs. C,.mpbell left Scotland
for Ameli a, and reached New Yolk CAty on Aug. 16, following.
In the next July they came to Detroit, Mich., and on June 30, 1855,
Mr. C. started for Traverse Region. Until this time he had been
employed as a carpenter, but now located land in the southerly
part of what is now Milton, Antrim County, some five miles from
Elk Rapids, then a part of Grand Traverse County. In August
following his family joined him and they settled in their pioneer
home, which was yet without windows and doors. Mrs. Campbell's
father, Peter Gray and, her sister came at the same time. The
sister, a year or so later went to California, but the father remained
with'Mr. and Mrs. Campbell until his death, Sept. 16, 1872. In
1874 Mr. Campbell was elected sheriff of Antrim County, and they
removed to Elk Rapids and remained there two years, and then removed to their present residence about two miles north of their
former home. Mr. C. has in his farms 180 acres of land with
nearly ninety acres under cultivation. He has an orchard on each
place, in all over 200 trees, including apples, pears, plums, peaches,
quinces, cherries and small fruits, and he has excellent buildings on
the home premises. He is now serving his fifth term as supervisor
of Milton. He is also justice of the peace, and has served as
township clhrk and township treasurer, and in various other offices.
He is now the only resident, except Oscar Hall, who was here when
Milton Township was organized. When be came to Elk Rapids
there was no permanent settler north of there, except J. S. Dickson, of Pine River, now Charlevoix. Mr. Porter was teaching the
Indians at Bear Creek, and Richard Cooper, now of Charlevoix was


at Little Traverse, now Harbor Springs. Mr. Campbell wishes it
put on record that he does not belong to any church. His interest
in secular progress is known by all around him.
RICHARD Fox, farmer, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., July
24, 1843. At the age of twenty-one years he came to Elk Rapids,


Mich., and spent about a year there, and then spent nearly at year
in traveling, visiting Wisconsin and Lake Superior.  Returning
to Elk Rapids he remained about three years, and then spelnt a
year with Mr. J. P. Brand, employed in farming.  In May, 1868,
he was married to Miss Emily B. Swaney, of Old Mission.  She
was born in Spring Township, Crawford County, Penn., Oct,. 25,
1841.   Their children are Denis, Delbert J., Henry T., Edwin
J., and Mary Alice.  After marriage they spent two years mostly
at Elk Rapids, and then located land and settled in Section 36,
Milton, where they now reside. They have 120 acres of land(, witli
fifty acres under cultivation, and with about four acres of teautiful
orchard of apples, plums, peaches, pears, cherries and small fruits,
and a truly enticing home. He has been school assessor six yeTars,
township treasurer two years, and three years justice of the peace.
Mrs. Fox and her sisters used to grind flour and meal and b)uckwheat flour for food for their family in a little hand Iill in hler
father's barn, when supplies at tile stores ran shloit, und neighl,ors
also for several yeais used the samue little mill occasioi ally to
furnish food for their families.
DAVID F. SPARKS, farmer, waits orn in Caytiga County, N. Y.,
Oct. 80, 1830.  He came with his parents to Michigan in his
youth. In 1851 hle came to Elk Rapids and in 1858 hlie located lands
in Milton, and made the first farm improvement on Torch Lake.
On Oct. 25, 1857, ile had been married to Miss Elizabeth McVicar,
of Elk Rapids. They have three living childrei. HIe has over
ninety acres of land with over fifty-five under cultivation, a good
orchard and a p'easant home.  He has been supervisor, clerk and
treasurer of the township. He was supervisor when thie whole of
Kalkaska County, Otsego County, and the most of Antrim County
were called Ht lena Township. When they first came to their
place lie had to carry his supplies on his back from Elk Rapids.
Mrs. Sparks spent seven months withlout seeing ainy woman
except Indian squaws. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks have for many years
been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JAMES LOVEJOY, farmer, was born in Boston, Mass., April 4,
1849. When eighteen years of age he removed to Minneapolis,
Minn. He remained there eight years employed as a machihist.
From there hle removed to Ypsilanti, Mich., and engaged in farming. On Nov. 29, 1877, he was married to Miss Elia Smith, of
Belleville, Wayne County, Mich. She was born there April 4,
1856.   They have one daughter, Sada Melvina.   In 1881 they
settled in Milton, Antrim County.  He has forty acres of land,
with thirty under cultivawtion and with a thriving orchard and
pleasant home surroundings.
HENRY C. BEDELL, farmer, was born in New Baltimore, N.
Y., Aug. 81, 1818. His youth and early manhood were spent in his
native state, employed largely in boating on the Erie Canal. In 184.1
he was married to Miss Sarah J. Matthews, of Vienna, N. Y.
They have had one son, Frank A., and three daughters, Mary
Jane, Anna and Grace.   Mrs. S. J. Bedell-died in March, 1861.
Mr. Bedell's second marriage was to Mrs. Phoebe C. Taft, of
Oswego County, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1868. She was born in Greene
County, N. Y., Jan. 25, 1822. She has two sons, Adnah S. amnd
George H. Taft. In August, 1875, Mr. Bedell located land in
Section 12, Forest Home, Antrim County, Mich., and at once began
preparing a home in the beautiful forest. Hie himself had to open


a road track one and a half miles to reach his premises. His family joined him in October following.  They sometimes had to back
home their supplies, a distance of fourteen miles. Mr. Bedell now
has sixty-six acres of beautiful farm lands, with thirty under cultivation; also with a.thriving young orchard, good buildings, and an
inviting home. Mr. Bedell has been twice elected justice of the
peace, and has been township treasurer. He belongs to the Society


i
C
I 


L
I
i..1




A
AM|e_ - a


i


~->1


I - 


I


a


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


283




of Friends. Mrs. Bedell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
WILLAN   W. JOHNSON, nurseryman, was born in Greenfield,
Milwaukee County, Wis., Sept. 28, 1844.    He attended select
school in Wauwatosa in 1860 as a student and assistant teacher. In
1861, '62 and '68 he was engaged inm teaching school. On March 8,
1864, he entered the Commercial College, Milwaukee.     There
also he took part in teaching.   In the fall of 1864 be was
appointed chief clerk in the U. S. assessor's office..   On Feb.
24, 1865, he enlisted in the service of his country, and was
detailed to service in Milwaukee as clerk in the office of Gen.
Curtis, commander of the Department of the Northwest. He was
discharged in May, 1865, and spent some time iu canvassing, traveling and teaching. Later he served four years as book-keeper in
the Grand River Nurseries, at Lowell, Mich.  On Feb. 3, 1870,
he was married to Miss Theodosia A. Clark, of Lowell, Mich. Their
children are Lillian May, William Wallace, Rollo, Lorena and
Clark. In 1872 Mr. Johnson located land in Forest Home, Antrim
County. He then spent a year in selling fruit trees at Traverse
City, Elk R:Lpidls, Torch Lake, Charlevoix and other points, mtaking
a specialty of the Wagener apple. In March, 1873, he settled
witlh his family on his homestead lands, where they still reside.
He took the last homestead between Bellaire and the Acker place,:nd was for five years the only settler.  In 1874 he opened a
pioneer store. His sales in a year reached $5,000.  In 1875 he
instituted a most desirable enterprise, a nursery for the culture of
tree seedlings and tree seeds for forest and ornamental planting.
It is already of mammoth extent, reaching to all the states and
territories of the Union, to all the provinces of Canada, and to
some of the countries of Europe. He has eighty varieties of seedlings, and as many varieties of tree seeds, constituted of hardy
varieties from all parts of the world, including China and Japan. He
has also published a practical work on the propagation and management of trees, illustrated in colors, with a descriptive list of varieties.
It is entitled " Forest Leaves," and has already reached a second
edition which numbers 10,000 copies. He has nearly forty acres
improved on his lands, and has a comfortable dwelling and office.
He has a thriving orchard of over 1,200 trees, including apples,
pears, peaches, plums, cherries, quinces and grapes, and a large
variety of small fruits.  Mr. Johnson is postmaster of Snowflake
Postoffice, and has also a telegraph office in the same building.
lie has served one year As township clerk and four years as justice
df the peace, and is serving his fourth term as supervisor. He is
nephew to Alvin Clark, Esq., of Boston, Mass., the celebrated
astronomer, who has erected a mammoth telescope in the Baptist
University, Chicago, and is now engaged in constructing the largest
telescope in the world.
MRS. ALZINA T. GREENE, was born in Greene, Chenango
County, N. Y., Feb. 21, 1836. She spent her youth in her native
state, and on Jan. 1, 1856, she was married to Mr. Alvah D.
Greene, of Triangle, N. Y. Their children are Oliver E., Esther
M., and James Watson. On Aug. 31, 1862, Mr. A. D. Greene enlisted in the service of his country in Company F, Eighth New
York Cavalry. He encountered the enemy in numerous fierce conflicts and escaped unhurt, lut on Feb. 6, 1864, he was killed while
on duty as a picket guard, near Culpepper, on the Rapidan River.


Mrs. Greene kept her family together for several years, securing
them c comfortable support in the native home, but in September,
1878, they removed to Forest Home, Antrim     County, Mich.,
located lands and opened them a home in the beautiful, but until
then unbroken forest.  The only neighbors they had were Mr.
Harriman's family.  They had to cut the road track about two
midesto reach their homestead. Very much of their supplies they


had to bring in summer by water and in winter by hand sleighs, a
distance of from nine to nineteen miles.  Mr. Oliver Greene has
carried fifty pounds of flour on his back nine miles to Their home.
James, the younger brother, also assisted, carrying lighter loads.
Mrs. Greene has digged potatoes and carried them twp miles home,
and has helped, week after week, to lhg and clear and till the land.
They have 120 acres of land with about thirty under cultivation;
also a thriving orchard of apples, cherries, pears, plums and
quinces and small fruits. They belong to the Methodist Episcopal
Church. The farm is conducted by Oliver, the eldest son Mrs.
Greene has served three years as school moderator in her district.
The son, Oliver, has been school officer, drain commissioner and
constable.
JAMES W. SACKET, farmer, was born in Greene, Chenango
Courdty, N. Y., March 8, 1838. He resided in his native town until
the fall of 1870, when he removed to Forest Home, Antrim County,
Mich., located land in the spring of 1871, and at once commenced
making improvements thereon. He lived alone five years on his
homestead, and frequently carried his supplies on his back twenty
miles, sometimes carrying sevwnty-five pounds at a load. On June
10, 1876, he was married to Miss Estella Badgeley, also of Fore.t
Home.    She was born in Lenawee County, Mich., Jan. 81, 1860.
They have two daughters, Lillie Belle and Lulu Iona.  Their son
is Earl Watson. In 1878 they sold the homestead, and now have
forty acres on Section 14, with several acres already improved, also
with a frame house, and an orchard of apples, pears and plums,
and small fruits. Mr. Sacket has been school inspector two terms,
highway commissioner two terms, school assessor three years, and
eight years constable. Their church choice is the Methodist Episcopal.
FRANCIS W. BOHNANKAMP was born in Hanover, Germany, Nov.
15, 1846. He came with his parents to Buffalo, N. Y., in 1847.
They removed from there to Niagara County, Canada, and spent ten
years. From there they went to Lake County, Ind., and thence to
Three Oaks, Berrien County, Mich. From there, on Aug. 20, 1861,
Mr. B. enlisted in Company K, Sixth Michigan Infantry, in the
suppression of the rebellion. He first encountered the rebels in
the conflict of Lockwood's Raid, then at Newport News, afterward
at the battles of Ship Island, Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip,
New Orleans, Grand    Gulf, Ponchatoula, Burwick's Bay, Tree
Nier, Vicksburg, St. Charles, Ark., Baton Rouge, Lake Ponchartrain
and Port Hudson, in the ranks of the infantry. At this last battle
he received a gun-shot wound in his right knee, and was under hospital treatment thirteen weeks at New Orleans. At this time he
transferred fo the heavy artillery. Their first move was up Red
River, and on their return they had almost continual skirmishing
with the enemy. His next and last fight was at Morganza, and his
discharge was on Aug. 20,1864. He then returned to Berrien. He
wintered there, and on May 2 following, visited Chicago when the
body of the martyred Lincoln lay in state in that city, and then,
going by way of St. Louis, he traveled once more over the old fields
of contest. In October he returned, was bereaved of his father,
and from that time remained nine years with his widowed mother.
From there he came north and located a quarter section of land in
Forest Home, Antrim County, in 1872. On March 20, 1876, he
was married to Miss Jane Porter, of Old Mission. Their children
are Wilbert R., Elizabeth K., and Emma Jane. He has now fortyfive acres of his land under cultivation, with good buildings and an


orchard of apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, quinces, orab-apples and small fruits. Some of their strawberries have been' six
inches in circumference.  Mr. B. is servi'ns L.X second term as township clerk. Their church preference is the Methodist Episcopal
Church






If       --                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      —  I -Is     -..                                                                                                                       *A
06                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    VW-     11


eqr-n6




284


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


WILLAM E. HICKOX, farmer, was born in Hamburg, Erie County,
N. Y., July 22, 1840. He went witl his parents to Illinois in 1855,
and thence to North Geneva, Wis. HI remained there five years.
On Sept. 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Eigtlh t-isconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served his country three years. He fought tit
Fledelickstown, Corinth, Vicksburg, Iuka, Pleasalnt Bills, Tupelo,
and in similar conflicts; being in thirteen pitched battles and twenltysix heavy skirmishes. In the expedition up Red River under Gen.
Banks, lie and lis comrades were under almost constant fire for
about thirty-five days. His last battles were those of Hurnicane
Creek and Abbyville. He was discharged in SeptemLer, 1864, and
soon after went to Northport, Leelanaw County, Mich. On Nov. 1,
1865, lhe was married to Miss Lovisa Porter, of Old Mission. She
was born in Canada~ Aug. 14, 1839. Their children ale William
L. P., Birdttte P., Alfred A., and Eveline Oliva. In November,
1868, they came from Old Mission, Grand Traverse County, to Forest Home, Atntrim County, then a part of Helena, and settled on
lands previously located, and prepared them a pioneer home in the
waving forest. They were then the furthest east of any settlers
west of Intermediate Lake. Their supplies had to be obtained at
Elk R ipids twelve miles awry. He once carried a five-pail kettle
that distance on his bauk in getting it home. He has eighty acres
of land, with ibout forty-five under cu'ltivation, and with at thriving
orchard, seventy-two trees of which are already in bearing. Thev
haLve apples, plums, pears, peaches, quinces and various small fruits,
and pleasant home tuiroundings. Mr. H. has been highway commissioner five years, and township treasurer two years. They are
attendants at the Methodist Episcopal CJurch. When the trees
near their dwelling were being cut down, Mrs. Hickox had to take
her babe and leave the dwelling lest the trees should fall upon the
house and crush them. One tree ftll close by thle door but missed
the dwelling.
PETER McLACHLAN, farmer, was born in Scotland, Dec. 15, 1829.
He came to Quebec, Canada, at twenty years of age, and remained
seventeen years. He came from there to Kent County, Mich., and
spent five yenrs. From there he came to Traverse Region and settled in Section 10, Forest Home. On May 14, 1871, he was married to Mrs. Helen C. Boals, of Central Lake. She was born in
Pittsford, Lenawee County, Feb. 22, 1842. Her eldest son is John
H. Boals. Mr. and Mrs. McLachlan have three sons, William, Oscar and Hugh. Their daughter is Marinda. They have eighty
acres of land with forty improved, and with a thriving younlg orchard, rendering theirhome pleasant. He has been school moderator and overseer of highways. Religiously they are Presbyterians.
GEORGE BEDELL, carpenter and farmer, was born in Greene
County, N. Y., Aug. 2, 1825. He removed with lhis parents to
Oneida County, and was for some twelve years employed in boating.
In 1859 he removed to Oswego County, purchased lands and a sawmill, and spent about eight years in lumbering, and afterward about
fourteen in farming. On Feb. 15, 1858, he had been married to
Miss Ahulira Janes, of Vienna, N. Y. She was born in Onondaga
County, N. Y., Nov. 14, 1881. Their children are Hannah, Ella,
John, Delos J., George W., Edgar E., Ada A., Jeremiah G., Sara
E. and Marian A. In the fall of 1879 they removed to Forest
Home, Antrim County, Mich., and purchased eighty acres of land
in Section 12, where they still reside. In coming to their place
they brought a team with them on the train, and at Mancelona they
loaded their baggage and the ladies on their wagon and the group,


fifteen in all, started at 4 P. x., to go fourteen miles. The roads in
places were almost impassable, the log bridges being afloat. Night
came on, but still they persevered, hour after hour, until, when
within one half mile of home, the wagon became stationary in the
mud, and they abandoned it, and Mrs. Bedell and her daughters, as


well as the male menmbers of the family, gropedl tbeir way on foot
in the darkness to their home, airiving at 2 o'clock in the nmorning.
They now have nearly twenty-five acres of land under cultivation,
with a thriving young orchard and an ilJvitilng home. Mr. Bedell,,lhile ill the east, -was highway commissioner, assessor and overseer of the po(.r for several years.  Their church choice is the
Society of Friends.
GEORGE M. CLOW, farmer, was I oln in Leeds County, Ontario,
May 12, 1845. He came to what is now the township of Central
Lake, then a part of Torch Lake Township, in the spr;ng of 1866.
His father, Robert Clow, a native of Lynn, Canada, having seen
while there a newspaper description of Traverse Region, by 1). C.
Leach, of Traverse City, was induced to visit the region in the fall
of 1865. He located land in what is now Central Lake, and in the
spring, with his family, prepared a home in the forest. They had
to bring most of their supplies from Elk Rapids, a distance of
twenty-four miles. Their nearest postoffice was at Antrim City,
twelve miles distant. Mr. George M. Clow helped to clear the
homestead lands, but worked elsewhere a part of the time to secure
funds for domestic purposes.  Iu 1868 he was married to Miss
Emm:l Davis, of Wisconsin.  Their cliildren are Lucy, now deceascd, and Robert B. Mrs. E. ClUw died in September, 1875.
Mr. Clow's second marriage was to Miss Lizzie S. Coveit, of Central Lake, Dec. 25, 1877. She was born in Ashland County, Ohio,
Dec. 20, 1852. They leave one daughter, Mabel. Mr. Clow now
owns eighty acres of the homestead laud. He has about forty
under cultivation, with a thriving, fruit-bearing orchard of choice
varieties of fruit. They still reside in the homestead dwelling.
Mr. Clow has served four years as highway commissioner, and nine
as school director, and is now school assessor. He has served four
years as township treasurer. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Clow states that her wedding tour wvas made
with an ox team and a truck wagon, and was a trip to a teachers'
assoctiation in the Blake]y school-house,,nd they enjoyed as much
mirth as one team could draw.
ANDREW J. DRAKE, farmer, was bornl in Monroe County, N. Y..
July 4, 1836.  His youth was spent in his native state, employed
chiefly in agricultural pursuits. On Oct. 11, 1861, lie was married
to Miss Sarahll E. Herington, of Erie County, N. Y. She was born
in Livingston County, N. Y., Jan. 13, 1841. Their living children
are Imogene and Delbert J. On Dec. 11, 1863, hlie enlisted in the
Eiglhith New York Heavy Artillery, and served his country until
discharged in July, 1865. He returned home and in the fallfollowing they removed to Central Lake Trownship, Antrim County, Mich.,
and prepared theri a home in the waving forest. On first arriving
they landed at Northport and lay on the beach all night in the
month of October. They had to get help from several miles distance to raise their dwelling, and then had so little help that two
days were required in the raising. They had to bring their supplies
from Elk Rapids eighteen miles on their backs. They now have
eighty acres of beautiful farm land, with about sixty under cultivation. They have a thriving orchard of choice varieties of fruit, and
an enticing home. Mr. Drake has served as constable and as overseer of highways. He has also been five years township treasurer,
and three years justice of the peace. At the battle of Petersburg
Mr. Drake received a gunshot wound in his left foot, and was under
hospital treatment some six months, before he cculd again join the
command.


CORNELUS ACKEB, farmer, was born in Herkimer County, N.
Y., March 15, 1817. At the age of twenty-one years he removed to
Hudson, Mich., and thence to Hillsdale. In 1864 he removed to
Northport, and later to what is now Torch Lake Township, where
he still resides. In 1847 Mr. Acker enlisted and served his country


I
i
I i
I


-1


I


*<;


j




el


dW


_I


I                                                                                                                    Ili-a
II I1   ~                      I                                                                                 II                                             iii II   iiI..


THE TRAVERSE REGION


285


r


in the Mexican war, and was dischsarged at its lose in 1848. In
1861 he enlisted in the Forty-second Illinois Infantry, and served
about six months in suppressing the rebellion, but was then discharged for disability arising from injury received during the Mexican war. On March 80, 1862, he was married to Mrs. Malia
Gould, of Hillsdale, Mich. She was born in Hillsdale County,
Feb. 1, 1844. Theirliving children are William and Cornelia.
Mrs. Gould has one other daughter, now Mrs. C. M. Ingersoll, of
Lenawee County. Mr. Acker has been school director and moderator, and has served two years as clerk of Torch Lake Township.
AMASA B. PROBASCO, miller, was born in Susaex County, Ne~w
Jersey, May 1, 1887. He spent his youth in his'native state, employed chiefly in farming. In the spring of 18S5 he removed to
Geneva, Ontario County, N. Y., and resided there several years, engaged as a miller. On Dec. 804 1862, he was married to Miss Ellen
C. Page, of Phelps, N. Y. She wae the daughter of John and
Elizabeth Page, and was born in Phelps, Jan. 15, 1844. They have
one daughter, Lottie. In 1875 they removed from Richmond, N.
Y, to Helena, Antrim County, Mich., and he engaged as miller at
Spencer Creek, where they still reside. He owns there an excellent
house and lot, and other real estate to the value in all of $1,400.
In 1861 Mr. Probasco enlisted in the Thirty-eighth New York Infantry to serve his country in suppressing the rebellion. His first
engagement was at the first battle of Bull Run. He was honorably discharged for disability Nov. 26, 1862.
MARTIN M. ELDER, merchant, was born in Yates County, N.
Y., Oct. 4, 1848. He removed with his parents when three years
of age to Oakland County, Mich. Three years later he removed to
Shiawassee County, and remained there several years employed
chiefly in farming. Thence he removed to Charlotte, Eaton County,
and in the spring of 1872, he removed to Helena, Antrim County,
and thence to Westwood, employed as a clerk for Mr. James Campbell, in mercantile business. On Nov. 7, 1878, he was married to
Miss Elizabeth Campbell, of Custer, Mich. She was born in Canada in 1852. They have one living daughter, Edith. Little Clarence died July 81, 1883. Mr. Elder remained with Mr. Campbell
four years, and since then has conducted a mercantile business at
Spencer Creek, under the firm name of M. M. Elder & Co. The
stock consists of dry goods, groceries, general merchandise, and
they have a steadily enlarging patronage in all the departments.
Mr. Elder is a member of the I. O. O. F.
PETER S. SMALLEY, farmer, was born in Covert, N. Y., Jan.
2, 1833. He removed with his parents to Lenawee County, Mich.,
in 1886. From there they removed to Fulton County, Ohio, some
eight years later, and remained there until 1856. On June 1, of
that year, he was married to Miss Maria A. Grinnell, of Palmyra,
Mich. She was born there April 1, 1835. They have one son,
Orlando P. From Ohio Mr. Smalley returned to Lenawee County
and on Dec. 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and served twenty-seven months in subduing the rebellion. His first engagement was at Hanover, Penn., next Gettysburg, Boonsboro, Hagarstown, Williamsburg and Falling Waters.
Later he fought the rebels at Culpepper, and after that between the
Rapidan and Orange court-house at Buckland Mills, and the last
capture of Culpepper. In 1864 he fought at the battles of the
Wilderness, Yellow Tavern, the Seven Pines, Hanover Station, Va.,
Salem Church, Cold Harbor, and Trevilian Station. Here he received a gunshot wound in his right shoulder, and was under hos

pital treatment until Dec. 20, 1864, when he received his discharge
and returned home. On Apiil 27, 1865, he and Mrs. Smalley
started northward, and on May 4th he located land in Section 26
in Helena, Antrim County, Mich., and at once opened them a home
in the forest. They now have eighty aeres of land with forty under


cultivation, and with a thriving orchard, good buildings and enticing home comforts. He has been township treasurer two years,
highway commissioner ten years, and school officer thirteen years.
They are members of the Seventh Day Advent Church..Mr. O. P.
Smalley and Cora L. Wilber were married Jan. 1, 1881. They
have one daughter, Beatrice Angy.
BENJAMIN ARMSTRONG, farmer, was born in Wark, Northumberland County, England, Nov. 22, 1819. He spent his youth and
early manhood in his native land. His marriage was to Miss Margaret Phillipson,.also of Warki about the year 1840. She was born
there May 18, 1821. They emigrated to America in 1856. They
spent ten years in the township of London, Ontario, and removed
to Helena, Antrim County, Mich., in May, 1866. Three children,
William, John and Benjamin were born in England, and other
three, Leonard, Henry and Thomas were born in Canada. Mr.
Armstrong brought some cattle with him to Helena, and bad to
cross the foot of Torch Lake in a small boat and lead each of the
cattle swimming after the boat. They prepared them a home on
Section 34. He and his son Thomas have 160 acres of land, with
sixty under cultivation, and with -three acres of thriving orchard
and garden, and excellent buildings and home conveniences. The
farm is now conducted by Thomas, the youngest son, now past
twenty-one years of age. John, the second son, who was bereft of
his sight in Mount Custer, Idaho, in blasting rocks in a tunnel in
November, 1880, also now resides at home, and although blind can
saw wood and husk corn, and help in various other industries with
efficiency and success. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have from youth
been members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
GEORGE SEWARD, farmer, was born in Kent County, Del., Feb.
18, 1840. His youth was spent in his native state. His chief
employment was farming. He served his country as a home guard
in suppressing the rebellion, and was discharged in 1864. On Oct.
18, 1865, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Seward, also of Delaware.
She was born there Jan. 15, 1885. She has one son, Charles Seward. They also have an adopted daughter, Mattie. Just after
marriage they removed to Helena, Antrim County, Mich., and
opened them a home in the forest. They have eighty acres of land
with thirty-five under cultivation, and with a thriving young orchard partly in bearing, an excellent dwelling and an inviting
home. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
They have shared largely in the disadvantages of pioneer life, and
now enjoy richly the social and local improvement of their locality.
MRS. HELEN M. ANDERSON, daughter of William and Cecilia
Donnelly, was born in the city of Troy, N. Y., April 19, 1882.
She removed, from there with her parents to Buffalo. There her
father was killed, and with her mother and step-father, she xemoved
from there to Fort Wayne, Ind. From there she removed to Grand
Rapids, Mich., in 1840. On Sept 1, 1849, she was married to Mr.
Lucins A. Thayer, formerly of Burlington, Vt., nephew of Lucius.Lyon, Esq., United States congressman and senator from Detroit.
Mr. Thayer was born on Aug. 21, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer
made Grand Rapids their residence for some years, he being employed for a while in the Salt Works, but later in the work of
locating lands for the Sault St. Mary Ship Canal Co. In 1859
they came to Traverse Region, arriving May 5, and voyaging in a
small coaster from Grand Rapids to Elk Rapids. They at once
proceeded to what is now Helena, then a part of Milton Township,
and settled on lands previously located, near Clam Lake and River.


They were the first settlers in that locality. Their nearest neigh.
bors were at Spencer Creek, nearly five miles distant and across
Torch Lake. Mrs. Thayer has spent eleven months without seeing
any white woman whatever. The township of Helena was named
from Mrs.Anderson's Christian name, adding only one letter. Mr.


a,


- -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        - -i              -




L.. - -                                                                                                   I l


286


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


and Mrs. Thayer's children  re Helen M., Anna L., Addie E.,
Fred W. 8., Carrie V., now deceased, and Edward A. L. Mr.
Thayer died September, 1876, but Mrs. Anderson has continued to
conduct the estate, enlarging the improvements and building excellent buildings and planting a fine orchard. On Feb. 1, 1882,
she was married to Mr. Andrew F. Anderson, of Clam River. He
was born in Canada, May 24, 1852, and came to Michigan in his
youth. They now have about thirty acres of their lands under
cultivation. They have also ~ store of general merchandise, and
they have a steam mill on Clam Lake for the manufacture of
lumber.
JOHN B. HARTWELL, farmer, was born in Monroe County, N. Y.
May 29, 1881. He removed with his parents in his infancy to Cobourg, Canada, and remained there some fourteen years, and then
removed to Chatham, Kent County, and engaged in agriculture.
On April 8, 1858, he wa3 married to Miss Ann Trotman, of Lobo,
Ontario. She was born in England, Jan. 26, 1886.. Their living
children are Martha E., Ernest A., Lulu M. and Alice A. In June,
1862, they came to Traverse. City, Mich., and thence to Peninsula
Township, purchased lands andaresided in that vicinity about three
years. In June, 1865, they removed to Helena, Antrim County,
located lands and prepared them a home on Section 22, in the
midst of the lofty forest. Mr. H. carried the lumber and shingles
for their dwelling on his shoulders from Torch Lake, nearly a mile.
Their supplies all had to be brought in summer by water, and in
winter frequently on their backs from Elk Rapids. They now have
about forty acres improved on their lands, with a beautiful orchard
of over 200 apple trees, besides twenty-five 'plum, fifty peach and
thirty pear, with some quince and a variety of cherry. They have
truly an inviting home. Mr. Hartwell has been township clerk
some six years, and ten years supervisor of Helena. He has also
been commissioner of highways and school inspector. His church
preference is the Protestant Episcopal. Mrs. H. and one daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ISAAC F. DICK, farmer, was born in West Virginia, Aug. 2,
1887, and went to Ohio at about nfteen years of age and engaged
in agriculture. On April 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company H,
Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served thirty-eight months
in suppressing the rebellion. He fought at the battles of Confax
Ferry, W. Va., at Stone River, at Pittsburg Landing, at Chickamauga and at Mission Ridge, besides taking part in many lesser
conflicts. In the latter part of the war part of his regiment reenlisted as veterans, but Mr. Dick and his detachment were mustered'out of the service in June, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn. He
then returned to Ohio, and on June 12, 1865, he was married to
Miss Rebecca Pettit, of Alliance, Ohio. Their children are Wesley
H., Ida May, Eddie, Walter, Bertie and Ambrose.    Mr. Dick
came to Chestonia, Mich., and located lands in the fall of 1878,
and settled with his family in their pioneer home in the following
season. He owns a quarter section in Section 4, has twenty-five
acres'improved, with a flourishing fruit-bearing orchard, good farm
buildings and an inviting home. They used to carry their provisions by trail from Mancelona, a distance of ten miles, and draw
their flour by the barrel from Simons' Station on a hand sleigh, but
now have railroad facilities and multiplied social and personal conveniences. Their religious preference is the Disciple Church. Mr.
Dick has served as supervisor of Chestonia five years, and is. now
serving as township treasurer. Mrs. Dick taught the second school


taught in Chestonia.
ABRAM G. JACKSON, farmer, was born in Monroe County, Ohio,
May 4, 1840, and spent his youth and received his early education
in his native state, engaged chiefly in school teaching and agricvltural enterprise. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D,


One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Volunteers, and served over three
years in the suppression of the rebellion. He fought first at Moorefield, and next at Winchester where the conflict lasted three successive days. Ha also foughtat New Market, Piedmont, Snicker's
Ferry and Kearntown, and at the battle of Halltown, Va. While
retiring from a charge upon the rebel works, he suddenly had a.niie rifle ball lodged in his left limb. He fell, crawled some
distance after his regiment, and was at last carried off the field.
After being over two months under, hospital treatment he was taken
home by his father, and after a year of further medical treatment
was honorably discharged in September, 1865. During his term
of service he was promoted first to the rank of corporal, and afterward to'the rank of first duty sergeant. In going into battle at
Piedmont, his company numbered over fifty men, but during the
charge on the enemy's works in which 1,400 prisoners were captured, thirty-two of his comrades were killed and wounded, and at
the close of the battle only four of his company were present to
stack arms. In retreating from Lynchburg provisions failed, and
they subsisted four days on birch bark and tea. In August, 1866,
Mr. Jackson had the heavy bullet removed from his limb by a surgical operation, and still retains it in his possession. On Apiil 19,
1868, he was married to Miss Mary E. Dent, also of Monroe.
Their children are Alice C. and Lena Lottie. In September, 1872,
he located land in Custer, then a part of Helena, and settled with his
family in their pioneer home. They have now twenty-six acres of
improvement on their farm of 160 acres, with an orchard of eighty
fruit-bearing trees, excellent, home buildings, and a well 165 feet
deep, furnished with a Halladay wind-mill pump. In April, 1875,
though absent from both the township caucus and election, Mr.
Jackson was elected director of the poor, justice of the peace and
township treasurer. He is now serving his eighth term as supervisor. Several of his elections have been entirely unanimous. He
is also president of the Antrim County Agricultural Society, and
is serving his third term as health officer in Custer. When they
first came to Custer, a trip with a hired team to Traverse City cost
them fifteen dollars. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have been members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church ever since before their marriage.
For over two years Mr. Jackson has dealt in the New Home sewing machine, and also in agricultural implements, from the Fiirst
& Bradley Co. of Chicago.
ASHLEY C. ELDER, farmer, was born in Yates County, N. Y..
July 4, 1844, and came with his parents to Oakland County, Mich.,
when only five years of age. About three years later they removed
to Livingston County, and after three years more, to Shiawasse
County, where he resided most of the time, engaged chiefly in agricultural pursuits until March, 1872, when he came north and located lands in what is now Section 24, in the township of Custer,
Antrim County, before the township was organized. On Feb. 25,
1869, Mr. Elder had been married to Miss Violetta Blake, also of
Shiawassee County. Mrs. Elder was born there Aug. 19, 1850.
Their children are Ella, Frank and Emma.
On Aug. 6, 1862, Mr. Elder enlisted in Company E, Twenty-sixth
Michigan Infantry. He was in some fourteen heavy engagements
in the army of the Potomac, besides numerous lighter conflicts. At
the battle of Spottsylvania he was wounded in the left arm near the
shoulder. On that morning he received eight ball holes through
the rubber blanket which was wrapped about him, yet escaped with


but one wound. Some 10,000 prisoners were taken in that battle.
One oak tree over sixty inches in circumference was completely shot
down by minie rifle balls, and in falling killed several rebels.
The summer campaign was very severe in its effects on his regiment.
For one month after, it only reported sixteen men ready for duty.
Mr. Elder and his comrades were in sight of General Lee when-he


I




1


IiII                                                                                                                                                             I MP
*.=4;~L




1


I


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


287


I


surrendered to the Union forces.  Mr. Elder was discharged after
the close of the war in 1865, and returned to his former residence.
In coming to Custer, he and his family took boatat Detroit and
landed at Northport, in Grand, Traverse Bay. Thence to Elk Rapids they undertook to go with a small sail-boat. A fierce wind
arose, and once the boat turned into the trough of the wave, and
death seemed unavoidable, but it was again controlled, and his family and their effects finally came safely ashore at Elk Rapids amidst
the cheers of a crowd of spectators. Thence they went by water
to Spencer Creek, and from there with a team to their destination.
The family were almost famished with thirst, and Mr. Elder had to
go between one and two miles after their arrival, for water for their
relief. The only road in the region was the one from Elk Rapids
through Mancelona. He had to make his own road, one mile to
reach his premises. He now has forty-five acres improved on his
estate, with three acres of orchard, part of which is in bearing.
He has an excellent dwelling and inviting home surroundings;
whereas when they first came he had to carry provisions from
Spencer Creek, ten miles, on-his back to his home for his family.
They are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Elder has
been township treasurer three years, township clerk two years, highway commissioner one year, school inspector two years and school
director eight years. During their first summer in the woods Mr.
Elder had to be absent from home at work for nine successive weeks.
Mrs. Elder remained at home alone with her two small children
week after week, seldom seeing any one to enliven the loneliness of
her pioneer life. Once the fire broke out and she fought it all day
alone, but finally saved their home from its ravages. Later she felt
less lonely and more contented in her retirement, and now, social
neighbors surround them on every band.
JOHN CAMPBELL, farmer, was born in Canada, Sept. 25, 1841,
and came with his parents to Michigan in 1870. His father, Angus
Campbell, a native of Nova Scotia, at that time settled in what is now
Custer, before the township was organized. They cut the first stick
on Section 26, and prepared a home in the forest. He brought in a
horse team, and three cows, and means of support for one year. In
July, 1882, he and his youngest son, Angus Campbell, Jr., died of
small-pox, and the farm is now conducted by his sons John and
William, who also care for their widowed mother. They have 110
acres of the estate under cultivation, and have a pleasant and prosperous home. Their religious preference is the Congregationql
Church. Mr. William Campbell is now serving his second term as
township clerk of Custer.
JOHN D. TROYER, farmer and manufacturer of lumber, was
born in Holmes County, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1888, where he spent his
youth. Iu 1857 he went to Elkhart County, Ind.. and was engaged
mostly in mechanical labor until October, 1881, when he removed
to Antrim County, Mich., and purchased land in Section 8, in
Custer and elsewhere, and engaged in agriculture. In the fall of
1882 he purchased the only saw-mill in Custer, and is now engaged
also in the manufacture of lumber. His mill is capable of cutting
from eight to ten thousand feet per day. On Feb. 9, 1859, Mr.
Troyer was married to Miss Catharine Egly, also of Elkhart. They
have four sons and seven daughters. Mr. Troyer is school moderator, and also is postmaster of Arkona postoffice.  He has about
forty acres of his land under cultivation, and has about three acres
in orchard trees, part of which are already in bearing, and other en

I




ticing home comforts. Mr. and Mrs. Troyer are members of the
Ammish Mennonite Church..
NoAH J. CHPIN, shoemaker and farmer, was born in the state
of Massachusetts, April 18, 1814, and removed with his parents to
Wolcott, Wayne County, N. Y., in his infancy. He spent, his youth
in that vicinity, employed chiefly in farming, but later, he spent
twenty-one years in the occupation of shoemaker. On Nov. 28,
1886, he was married to Miss Lydia L. Wood, also of Wayne County. She was born in Cato, Cayuga, County, N. Y., April 2, 1814.
Their living children are Lydia A., now Mrs. E. T. Darling, Daniel
J. and Elizabeth Arabella, now Mrs. J. W. Ellison. In the spring
of 1854, they removed to Old Mission, on Traverse Bay Peninsula,
Mich., and eleven years later they settled on Section 6, in Custer,
Antrim County, where they prepared them a home in the forest. In
building their dwelling Mr. Chapin had to hew all the timbers and
logs alone. He then got some lumberers from Elk Rapids to help
him back the logs to the place and raise them. No team work
could then be obtained. Their nearest neighbors were about five
miles distant.
They had to get their mail and all their supplies from Elk Rapids, by canoe, through Elk Lake, Round Lake, Torch Lake and
Clam Lake, and up Grass River, a distance in all of over twenty
miles. They brought three cows and three heifers with them, and
since then these have nearly furnished them a living. They have
nearly a quarter section of land, with some twenty acres of it under
cultivation and grass, and a small orchaid of fruit bearing trees,
grown from seeds sown by Mrs. Chapin's own hands. One beautiful and delicious seedling they have fitly named the King of Antrim. A single tree has yielded already seven bushels in one year,
and still the tree increases in size while thus bearing. Mrs. Chapin
has many times helped to spread hay on the marsh, and to carny
it on poles and stack it in stacks for their cattle.
NOAH'S ARK.
One feature of Mr. Chamin's pioneer industry was the construction with the help of his son, of a boat, twenty feet long and eight
feet wide, for transporting hay along Grass Lake. It would take
over a ton at a load, and was mirthfully called "Noah's Ark."
DANIEL J. CHAPIN, farmer, was born in Erin, Chemung County,
N. Y., Sept. 12, 1842. When nearly twelve years of age he removed
with his parents to Old Mission, Mich. Later he lived with Mr.
Joseph Dame, of Northport, the first government farmer sent to the
Indians in Traverse Region. Mr. Dame's, Rev. N. Smith's (missionary) and Mr. James Plimpton's were the only white families then
in that place. Later still he went to live with Mr. Harry C. Sutton,
the first pioneer at Sutton's Bay, and remained three years. In
the fall of 1859, he went to Ottawa County, and spent two years in
farming. In the fall of 1861, he enlisted in the Second Michigan
Cavalry, and served his country four years. On Jan. 4, 1864, he
re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer.  He was honorably discharged
in August, 1865. He returned to Michigan, and' on May 12, 1871,
he was marrimed to Miss Mary E. Osborn, of Canada. She was born
in Mt. Pleasant, Ont., July 10, 1848. They have one son, Robert
F., born Jan. 12, 1872. After marriage they at once settled in Seetion 6, Custer, where they now reside. They have eighty acres of.beautiful farm lands with about twenty under cultivation. They
also have nearly two acres of prosperous fruit bearing orchard, and
inviting home comforts.


- I




I
1
r


ji
v


21
7*


0 -

44 "A


r,- 0




1


-19


i
i
I


I
i
I
I
I






BENZIE COUNTY.


CHAPTER XLIII.
DERIVATION OF NAME-BOUNDARIES OF COUNTY-DESCRIPTIVE-EARLY
SETTLEMENT —INCEPTION OF THE BENZONIA ENTERPRISE -PRELIMINARY EXPLORATIONS-INFLUENCE OF DEACON DAMIE'S ARTICLE IN
THE N. Y. TRIBUNE-THE COMPACT-LOCATION AGREED UPONCLEARING THE BETSIE 'RIVER -FIRST COLONISTS-INCIDENTS OF
PROGRESS-FORTUNES OF THE GRAND TRAVERSE COLLEGE.
The word Benzie is said to be derived from Aux Bec Scies, the
French designation of the river afterward called Betrie River by
American sailors, who corrupted the original name. This word
was refined into Benzie for a county name.
Benzie County is bounded on the north by Lake Michigan
and Lcelanaw County, east by Grand Traverse County, touth by
Manistee, and west by Lake Michigan. It is comp)osed of Townships 25, 26 and 27, north, of Ranges 13, 14, 15, and 16
west.
The county is rich in natural resources. Tile surface of the
land is gently undulating with here and there between the prominent water courses, long ridges of land heavily timbered, that when
cleared make the best of fruit lands.
Two large rivers traverse the county from east to west, and
furnish ample means of drainage. The water is almost entirely
spring water, and is never failing. There are fifty fine lakes in the
county of sufficient size to be named, besides smaller ones and a
vast number of small streams well distributed. There is but little
waste land in the whole county, and but little but what is of the
best quality.
The timber is very fine and embraces the. following varieties:
Hard and soft maple, white and black ash, white and black birch,
a great many kinds of elm, including the best qualities of rock elm,
beech, basswood, cedar, tamarack, hemlock, spruce, oak pine, etc.,
etc.
The soil is a warm, sandy and gravelly loam, very productive,
and suitable for all kinds of grain and vegetables. Wheat, corn,
oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, clover, timothy, potatoes, turnips, car
rots, celery, parsnips, onions, cabbages, beets, and all crops are
raised in profusion.
The soil is especially adapted to fruit culture, and all kinds and
varieties of fruit that can be grown in a cool climate are successflly
grown here.  Peaches have been grown for twenty years without
interruption. Apples in endless variety, pears, plums, grapes and
berries of all kinds are cultivated successfully. The fruit is all of
excellent quality and commands the highest market price. During
the past two years there has been a large immigration from St. Joseph and vicinity for the purpose of engaging in fruit raising.
The climate is delightful, particularly during the sulmmer
months. The winters are long but not severe.
The county is well settled, and roads, bridges, etc., are in good
shape. School districts are organized and a high order of instruc

tion is maintained. The people are particutlarly noted for the
high rank attained in general intelligence and public morals.
There are two fine large flouring-mills in the county, and a
large number of lumber and shingle-mills. At Frankfort a splendid harbor, built by the government, affords facilities for cheap
transport, tion.  Several lines of boats run here during the season,
connecting with the railroads. Telegraph and telephone lines, daily
mails and other conveniences are in operation.
It is confidently expected that the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Franllkfort R. R. now under construction, will run diagonally through the
county and afford a quick outlet to Toledo.,nd all other points.
The country about Benzonia was described in 1857 by the'projectors of the Benzonia colony as follows:-Bernzonia is situated
between Crystal Lake and Benzie (or Betsie) River, seven miles
from Lake Michigan, in about forty-four and a half north latitude.
The temperature is more equable, and usually some degrees warmer
in the winter and colder in the summer, than in Ohio. The deep
lake which never freezes, running from the south, gives the region
its peculiar climate.
TIMBER.-The timber of the region about Benzonia is maple,
elm,. beech, basswood or linden, hemlock, ash and other varieties.
The elm and basswood grow on the uplands, as they do on the lower
levels. The surface of the soil is undulating, with ravines near
the streams and lake.
WATER.-The country in the vicinity of Benzonia is abundantly watered. The college and village are laid out on an elevation,
about one mile from Crystal Lake on one side, and from  Benzie
River on the other. The rivulets are clear-and there are, besides
the river, two mill streams within two miles. The river is of sufficient depth to navigate small boats.
SoIL.-The soil is of a reddish sandy texture, with black loam
on top. Clay intermixed. It is easily worked. Crops of corn and
potatoes have been planted on the soil without plowing, and the first
year a fair crop has been produced. It is a lime soil, and retains
its strength with proper culture for many years.
A farm can be cleared and fenced; and buildings erected, for
less cost than a new prairie farm in central Illinois can be fenced and
improved with buildings of equal value. It is then nearer market,
in a better climate, furnished with wood, and adapted to fruit growing —none of which latter benefits can be found on the unoccupied
prairies west of the lakes.
The country will be filled up with great rapidity after navigation opens. It has been passed because it has been heretofore inaccessible, no harbors having been opened, and the roads all running to the west of the lakes.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first event of interest in the settlement of Benzie
County was the coming of the Benzonia Colony for purposes
hereafter explained. In the spring of 1858, when the projectors
of the colony arrived, there were a few white persons already in
the county. There was a man at the light-house, three families at


V,,
I
I
I


I


L


L








-Z


lit
Et Hit ANO


L E -E L E N. A W


c 0


xr.  i. 4.,p A


%II = U Jr. U \'\
-    - 1-1;1il.']                            -1  -                           -1..1i  I 'll,,I,fII'II                 I
I 
l    1;!,             I              I
i
0-04            1


vlaU r. u
p!    f    I
-— i           I I   &I,


4




3


i


I
I               I
I                                          I
I                                i


14
i


t




I WI f
L 13
 k- - X: 11,






I.. - -h AA


/./ 11                   ===:i   - - fr-        d                   i       — I                      w!


1  -— 4                1            I!M)- — Ji  I IL-
-      11                AANVVDF        w! m   ir   I


I


M




ExtteP.
 8


9




to


i


I V'R
12 * 71
It      I


-9% I
fqI
I


I r
I I I
I!


I
I 9
I
i       Ab


i
0 1-
-




IL
PA




z-/////)/S,/w  - - i  — XLL ---JL-jL      I        II           1.1  I                      — JL===4w              W. u -  11    i 4
-                              L —j


I                              gmtru.!. —i      --— Y\L —JL-Ji-           ii         II       ==     - 1.11    I     — A.       ,         — i I      a.LT ------ if  i                   -1.                                             I          I        = Al        t  11


- -:
- -- -    -
14


13..8
I I


21    22


r


2+      1:0: rI-9


23


25
r. Jr. i               --


29


Pr,
a. 26
— fi


30


I                        I    'SP //          I                                                                                           I -                     I           I ===:Ah % I. I   v W      J., 11
1       --   1 4     1%                                                                                        I - - -                                     l1w, F I         Mk           III. 35.3.6
-Aft%
0                I A     - \t —, -    a


31
41 h


I    "' I
32     33 -. &M.,  --- I


5
I                     I       -


/I
6               5        11      +.1
8              9
-         Amiga(          i          (I


11111/'.4,7X     1      ', -1,1 \1
I                                                    I




ti
rz__


I.? 16


15




21L   22


23


4+I 2 I / lu


I


4
'RY,
26
Fort


-T)k L —A*E I


25


3 0? -2--'-'




6
Iq -s


-L
T
I
-&-l


-- I. -                                                           -139: — - --  - - - - - -
-I          I            I         IMPE       —  I           I                        I
— I



m
r,
-.-Oa-          31
I
I             I


-', -
\2 7  -    6
DXIA


I
I
J
4
I
i


v V%
13


rl",


112
- XT


zzI,.I 
T
11
I
I
II
A


I          I          I        't                                                                              i:a_&_  % I -" AL     ff! It%"     ft                              -%       I          I. —                  L                     11        I I         I,     ED,                                                        -1-    4-//_        1 V        I          I H IXN%   flf                                  )%,Y- I    -ir     I   A      f "%Ilr    I


26


-1
i
T
I.1


4


I                                   I           I
//       " I  L --— Jl                                                11
L —     ____jI           I- —. --               r ---      — l I         'I           I          I I
V I


7 -17119


20


32


I                           ,M
I I                                                   I 1:=        I                I, MXXH/ - -
—.4-.- -—. Lr.    +                                             t I         I                  I        I                                        1, t


20


21


1


I                                                 I         12W    AM              SIN'                                    3     —,\\ I        I                 -- I '. lll   ---     F-      -— f-       1k:2f     41 -       I -
11                                           A 'WI -W     A -WV- WN  %.M                                                   I-      -x      // If                    I -                                                awalAp       I


se;z


29
-.1


0


28


A' AT     [it   A       lk kN              - - J L -, (Z - - J I                         L        Flrl 1,RY1111
MTAWIMW-                                                                            -,.-    ".  I-                 I%.-    f      IF "/ —  if                                         11       I


WU & - -


33. 1.
=14                     - -   VISTA.  II. —     VI' -I& Air
-- -— I-   - 1  i                                                                        -1


lle
I
- 17.
— 0


p


I                                          -L     L-j I       I       - L       -I//-   -11      I -   --- ma
4RS,!,,,                   — _-q              -iF —     l --      /V
--              "N' C'- -                                                                                              -4+ —.
j IK                                         I                  F                         i   WW




A I


- L
I
1%%
11
L
-T
I


10


i
-r


I /- -


3


35


1
13
E,


23


2


25


36


'M
I
A


12 
-— Z.


II
T
II
1,
T,
1
T
I
II
V.1


2


I.. 19


VA -
 Ai 1-9


I -to


18


17


7   A


2 4-,el-,,


30 1


9.L
2


a




w
I


I


f,
I
6       5


I
I
I




IN 1
21A
— "I


32


2 S


16


15,


33


3+


I
I
I
i=
-I
I
I
I
I.. d
B.


35


II   1   12
T"-iminAl Pn




ZI.) --
I*COUR)


30
'Ifousa


29


steac-I


7,i"/I
Ar. Fl
i


-
1+ 7"
- -A




-;!L                                        -10 —.0                            i              I        -i
I      I    I I  6. m    I  -,F, 1           1 11%9     I


Rtr44
27


14


I
u
7
L.-Ko e I -
P6
A       25


I    I


I
- r
di
I
I
AI
I


 1114-L


=.jI -
33'


E-.4
T


I
obow
1 34 1. 35




D
2+


4
T
7
w
P.


31


Aw.lu
iq


32


31


33




0
VII                                                                                                       6      5            3      2
6
12      7      8           10           12
II            7     8                                                          Al
F A
13                  IL6    15    IA             is                               13                         15
T
_0
2.5
U   E    D                                                                             11.............
19                 2 2   23     24 —                 21    22   1 23                               22           2     N
ICZ6     2 5    0     2      28    2 7    24\N                 29    28                                                          25
moreP.O.
lie,


Ib


4 lb
N


p I
I
135i
I


IFl
I


36


31


32


4i-itw
3


N ---/i,
36 '


35


31


32


33


3+


95                                I
A             I


32


I- --
33


36


'I   — I                            -  I - --         J   - If  I            -- - IL   
---     I.1      I                                           Li                              - f                    U-21h.
-! I It
1. /                                                                  m     sic Ilay                                A                n      rA. Ur                                                     0     712 ul


R-16, W


R-15.W.


— R.[+.w


--— "R.13-W


M A N I S IT E E


c 0.


m










ate 


* ^


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


289


the mouth of lietsie yiver, and a man named Averill had a saw-mill
at Herring Creek. Just how long these people had been in the
county is not known and not important as the development of
Benzie County began with the advent of the colony.
In order to make a history of the Benzonia enterprise complete
it is necessary to go back to the projector and the inception of the
idea.
Charles E. Bailey was born in Westmoreland, Oneida County,
N. Y., July 11, 1822. His father was a farmer and manufacturer of brooms. Charles worked at broom-making and attended
school during his boyhood. About the year 1844 he spent one
season with a relative in Vermont, where he continued his studies,
and in 1845 went to Oberlin, Ohio, and entered the senior class in
Oberlin College. Subsequently he went to Cleveland with President Mahan and graduated at the university there. He then went
to Auburn, N. Y., and still later returned to Oberlin for a theological course. Oct. 1, 1850, he married Miss Lorinda A. Clark
at Rochester, Ohio, They had four sons, only one of whom is still
living.
Not long after Mr. Bailey left Oberlin he began preaching in
Medina County, Ohio. This was about the year 1855, and just
aboutthat time the idea of a Christian colony and college as one of
the best agencies for laying a foundation for good in the world,
took definite shape in his mind. Mentioning the subject to Rev.
M. W. Fairfield, nearly a year later, he learned that some of the
people attending the ministry of the latter were entertaining a similar project. A meeting for consultation was held at Mr. Bailey's
house. A plan of operation was agreed on, and Messrs. Bailey
and Fairfield undertook to find a suitable location and attend to
the purchase of land. In the discharge of this duty they performed a toilsome journey of exploration through a part of Iowa,
only to learn at the last moment, on visiting the land office,'that
through the operation of some recent railroad land grant law,
the government lands of Iowa had been withdrawn from
market. As the plan which had been agreed to required the purchase of government lands in that state, the project had to be
abandoned. Returning to Medina Mr. Fairfield withdrew from
the enterprise altogether. Mr. Bailey, though his ardor was somewhat abated, resolved to persevere.
Mr. Fairfield is now pastor of a Congregational Church at
Muskegon, Mich.
As the original organization was now broken up, Mr. Bailey
and his brother John, on their own responsibility, spent considerable time in visiting various portions of the west, hoping to find
second-hand lands suitable for the purpose in view.  After months
spent in explorations, and the endurance of much hardship from
winter travel on the unsettled prairies of Iowa, they found a location in the northern part of that state which seemed in all respects desirable. The owners of the land or agentslived inDubuque. Thither
the brothers went with buoyant spirits, only to meet with another
disappointment. A choice quarter section in the central part of
the tract, at the point most suitable for platting a village, was
found to be the property of minor heirs, and could not be purchased.
This circumstance was afterward looked upon as providential
and fortunate, as, if the colony had been located there at that time,
the enterprise would probably have been wrecked in the financial
crash of 1857.
The remainder of the winter and the early spring were spent


in discussing plans and the probable advantages of many widely
separated localities. Some years before, Mr. John Bailey had
clipped from the  New YorA Trlibune an article written by Deacon
Dame, describing in glowing terms the country around Grand
Traverse Bay. This, which he had preserved in his pocket-book,






was now read and re-read with a great deal of interest. While
the brothers Bailey were discussing plans at Grinnell, Iowa, Mr.
Chauncey T. Carrier came from western New York to Ohio, on his
way west in search of a home for himself and family. Calling on
Rev. A. D. Barber, an old school friend, the latter informed him of
the project in which the Baileys were engaged, and induced him to
join them at Grinnell. Mr. Carrier had formerly known Deacon
Dame and had confidence in his statements. Comparing notes
with the Baileys he, as well as they, was favorably impressed in
regard to northern Michigan. As Mr. Carrier had business in
Minnesota, it was arranged that he should pursue his journey and
that the three should finally meet at the most northerly port in
Grand Traverse Bay, though none of them knew its name or had
any definite notion of its location.
As the time for the appointed meeting approached, Mr. Carrier landed at Northport. The Messrs. Bailey landed on one of the
Manitous, Whence they passed over to Glen Arbor in a small boat.
While they were making their way to Northport on foot
Mr. Carrier visited a location on the east side of Elk Lake, in
Antrim County, which seemed to him to offer important advantages for the establishment of the proposed colony. Meeting his
comrades at Northport he induced them to visit it, it being stipulated, however, that the three should also visit and examine a
tract of country of which the Baileys had heard favorable reports,
lying between Traverse City and Glen Arbor and south of the latter place, before coming to a final decision. The tract near Elk Lake
not proving satisfactory to the Baileys, the party started in the direction of Glen Arbor, arriving at Traverse City on Saturday morning.
It had been their intention to remain there over Sunday, but an incident, which in its results may, to us of the present day, seem
amusing caused them to change their minds. In those days the
anti-slavery agitation was at its height, and discussions commenced
in a friendly spirit not unfrequently ended in bitter hostility. Mr.
Carrier was an earnest, outspoken, uncompromising hater of the
system of American slavery, having no patience with its northern
apologists. While waiting for breakfast in Hannah, Lay & Co's
boarding-house, he fell into conversation with the landlord, and became so displeased with the latter's expression of proslavery sentiments that he refused to remain. Starting again about nine
o'clock in the forenoon, the party pushed on as rapidly as they
were able, on a trail so blind as to be followed with great difficulty, till darkness compelled them to encamp. They passed the
night in great discomfort, without shelter, suffering from thirst
and a part of the time exposed to a drenching rain. In the morning they went on as far as the shore of Glen Lake, where a deserted log cabin afforded them shelter for the remainder of the day
and the following night. On arriving at Glen Arbor the explorers
were so well pleased with the country they had seen that they resolved to return at a future day and make a temporary home at
that place till a location suitable for their purpose could be
definitely fixed on. As a matter of prudence, however, it was
thought best to first take a look at Missouri. Mr. C. E. Bailey and
Mr. Carrier accordingly visited the northern part of that state, but
returned fully convinced that, all things being considered, the
Grand Traverse country offered more and better facilities for their


contemplated enterprise than any other open for settlement.
Mr. Carrier never' became a resident of the Grand Traverse
country. At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion he was
living in Duplain, Clinton County. He enlisted in the First Regiment of Michigan Cavalry, and laid down his life in the service
of his country.
Mr. Bailey says: t"I have seldom, if ever, met a man who in
so short a time so endeared himself to me as he. True to prin

I


-4


I 


If


It.


wI I                                                                    _I 
44S -


L


K ---N"




I


1


I
I


I
I
I
I
I
I
s

-


290


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


ciple, active, decided, though never captious, he was always ready
to be governed by a good reason. A sincere friend of the oppressed
and a lover of his country, he early offered himself in their and her
defense, and laid down his life during her struaggle with the rebel
foes of liberty."  Some time after the close of the war Mr. Carrier's
family became residents of Benzonia.
A decision having been reached, Meskrs. John and Hlorace C.
Bailey and HI. A. Wolcott, with their families, moved to Glen
Arbor in the fall of 1857.
Mr. Horace C. Bailey was not permitted to become a resident
of the new colony, but died at Glen Arbor in June, 1858.
Mr. C. E. Bailey remained for the winter in Illinois, where he
was temporarily preaching, and where he-prepared the articles of
association for the colony. They are styled,Articles of Agreement and Plans for a Christian Colony and Institution of Learning, to be located in the Grand Traverse Bay country, Northern
Michigan." To the originala articles are attached the autograph
signatures of Charles E. Bailey, John Bailey, James F. Bailey,
Lorenzo Bailey, H. C. Bailey, H. A. Wolcott, R. A. Severance,
Amzi ID. Barber, C. T. Carrier, J. B. Walker and Charles Burr.
In them it was stipulated that stock subscribed and paid in should
be expended in the purchase of government lands, and one-fourth
of all the government lands obtained bylthe stock-holders, either
individually or jointly, should be devoted to the establishment and
permanent endowment of a college or university, to be located on
the lands of the colony. The college or university was to be of
such a character as to afford to both sexes, without distinction of
color, the opportunity ot acquiring a liberal education. Provision
was made for grounds for a church, a parsonage, a conmion school
building and a cemnetery, and a tract was to be set apart for a college.farm. AUl conveyances of colony lanlds were to contain a
clause forever prohibiting on them the rmanufacture, sale or gift,
except strictly for mechanical and medicinal purposes, of all intosicating liquors.
During the winter, Mr. John Bailey made an exploring tour
south from Glen Arbor, passing east and south of the point where
the village of Benzonia was afterward located. Traveling, by reason of the snow, was difficult and toilsome. Returning, Saturday night overtook him just west of the outlet of Crystal Lake.
Though within a day's walk of home, he chose to remain in camp
till Monday morning, preferring to endure the discomforts of the
situation rather than violate the sanctity of the Sabbath by trav-.eling.
As early the following spring (1858) as it was deemed safe to
travel by water, Mr. C. E. Bailey and his family came to  xlen
Arbor,    They were accompanied by Mr. Charles Burr and his two
Bsons, of Bellevue, Ohio.
Immediately after the arrival of tihle new comers, a party of
Six set out on an exploring tour, for the purpose of fixing definitely
on 'a site for the colony and village. The place selected as the
central point was one mile south and two miles east of the present
site of the village of Benzonia, though a minority of the party were
at that time ir fator of the present site. A location having been
determined-on and the lands selected, Mr. BurrT and Mr. Wolcott
-,ere chosen delegates to visit the United States land office and
luake the purchase.
During the summer Messrs. John and C. E. Bailey made sev

eral visits to the proposed site of the colony. A smrall boat was
constructed, that two men could carry, which was conveyed over
the ridge that separates Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, and
launched on the latter. - The vicinity of the purchase could then
be reached from Glen Arbor by coasting along the shore of Lake
Michigm to the portage over the ridge, crossing it and passing in


the small boat up Crystal Lake to its eastern extremity. Returning from one of these visits, they were once compelled by stress
of weather to remain over Sunday near Point Betsie lighthouse,
when Mr. C. E. Bailey improved the opportunity to preach to a
small audience in a fisherman's shanty. Capt. Emory, and his
son, of the peninsula, happening to be present, were among the
hearers. The sermon was the first ever preached in Benzie County.
The lumber for the first house had to be transported from
Glen Arbor to the mouth of the Betsie River in small boats, and
then up that stream to a point as near the intended location as
practicable. Several days were spent in clearing the river of obstructions. Becoming discouraged with the magnitude and difficulties of the work, Mr. Wolcott and the B3.aileys commenced
explorations for an available land route for some part of the way.
While engaged in this project, they had occasion to pass over the
tract on which the village has since been built, and all became
convinced that, all things considered, it was a more suitable location for the central point of the colony than the one already
selected. A change was accordingly agreed upon, and the location
of the future village, nlow Benzonia, was permanently fixed.
In the latter part of October, 1858, final preparations having
been! made for locating permanently in their new home, a vessel
was chartered to convey their goods from Glen Arbor to the
nmouth of the Betsie, the women and children being provided with
colnveyance in a small boat.  The party consisted of Mr. and
Mrs. (C. E. Bailey, Mrs. John Bailey and two children, Mr. and
Mrs. Wolcott, Mir. and Mrs. Horace Burr and Mr. Elijah Burr.
Dr. R. A. Severance and Mr. Charles Burr, father of the Burr
brothers, accompanied the party for the double purpose of rendering assistance and viewing the country. Mr. John Bailey and the
widow of HEIorace C. Bailey, being in ill health, had gone to Cleveland, Ohio, for nmedical advice. It was eleven o'clock at night
when they landed at the mouth of the Betsie, where the village
of Frankfort now stands. There were three Canadian French
families living there at the time:-Williamr Robar and his sonsin-law, John Greenwood and Frank Martin-with one of -which
the party found accommodations for the night. Then two days
and a half were consumed ascending the river. O)I the third day
at noon they landed in the vicinity of their future homle.
Il1 the fall of the following year (1859) J. R.t Barr and Edward Neil became residents of the colony. Among those who
came in 1860, were L. W. Case, Rev4 George Thomupson, Joseph
Carson, William Weston and a Mr. Risley. Thlere were also, at
this time, several young unmarried persons in the settlement.
The first wedding took place in Jlune, the contracting parties being
M r..Hugh Marsh and Miss Emily Burr.
In the winter of 1860 and '61, there were thirteen families in
the settlement. From 1860 to '63 large additions were lmade to
the population by means of new settlers. In the early part of
the latter year. about sixty came within -a period of ten days.
Among them were Rev. J. B. Walker, D. D., of Sandusky, Ohio,
a theological writer of some note, and Rev. Reuben Hatch, whot
I had been the first president of Olivet College.
In 1860 the first district school was opened, taught by Miss
Julia M. Case, in a part of the dwelling-house of John Bailey.
Soon afterward a log building was erected and used for school and
church purposes.


During the first few years of the existence of the colony, great
inconvenience was experienced in consequence of the absence of
roads. All goods landed at Frankfort or brought from Glen Arbors
where the lake steamers more frequently called, had to be transported in boats up the Betsie River, at no small cost of patience and
labor. Up to 1862 there were no roads from Benzonia to other


A.,


- 1


I


i 




* —


'A. -..                                                              -


I


A

k -"


--


a -


- - -




/Y6 
(l


10








-
I


L?1


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION


291


settlements. The mail route from Traverse City to Manistee by
way of Benzonia was only a trail or foot-path- marked by blazed
trees. In summer the mail was carried on horseback; in winter on
a sort of sled, not unlike the dog sledges in use in some arctic
countries. It consisted of a single plank, eight feet long and a
foot and a half wide, turned up in front like a sleigh runner. On
this the mail bags were securely fastened by straps passing over
them. The plank was drawn by a single horse, scarcely sinking
into the snow and running over fallen trees without difficulty.
The driver usually ran behind, but when fatigued sometimes rested
himself by riding. When, as was sometimes the case, the mail
carrier was an Indian, he used dogs for his team in true arctic
style. An incident or two will illustrate the difficulty of winter
travel at that  time.
Mrs. Jacob Barns was the first woman who passed over the
trail. Her journey was accomplished, in company with her husband and others, in February, 1859. A party of eight, including
two Indians with the mail, left Traverse City together, being conveyed over the first seventeen  miles of the route in a sleigh, when
they encamped for the night. The sleigh could go no farther.
The next day Mrs. Barns rode a favorite pony, sometimes being
obliged to leap over the obstructions in the path. They reached
Benzonia the second night. On the morning of the third day
they went down to the shore of Lake Michigan, at or near the
present site of Frankfort, where Mrs. Barns exchanged the saddle
for a seat on the dog train of the Indians. They traveled the
remainder of that day and a part of the following night on the ice,
encountering a terrific snow storm and finding considerable difficulty in passing a stretch of open water. It was midnight when
they reached a place of shelter at the mouth of Portage Creek.
From Portage they were conveyed by teams to Grand Haven,
arriving at that place ten days after leaving Traverse City.
There was a postoffica at Herring Creek, and a man named
Averill was postmaster. In 1859 that office was removed to Benzonia. The trail between Manistee and Traverse City at that time
passed three miles south of the site of the colony, and they opened
a trail to connect with it. The postoffice was brought from Herring Creek by boat and once for a brief time the office and postmaster entirely disappeared under water by the upsetting of the
boat. Mr. John Bailey was the first postmaster at Benzonia. He
held the office until about the first of 1875, when he was succeeded
by W. S. Hubbell who held the office until June, 1875, and was
succeeded by David B. Spencer, the present incumbent.
In the meantime operations were beginning in other parts of
the county, which we will speak of hereafter.
The Congregational Church at Benzonia was organized June
8, 1860, with eighteen members, at the house of Rev. Charles E.
Bailey, who was installed as pastor. John R. Barr and L. W.
Case were elected deacons. Meetings were held at the house of Mr.
John Bailey and in the log school-house, which, in 1864, had to be
enlarged to hold the congregation. In 1862 Rev. Elias E. Kirkland supplied the church for a time, and May 81, 1863, Rev. Reuben Hatch began to preach. In 1866 Rev. Otis B. Waters came to
Benzonia to take charge of the school in which capacity he continued about five years, and after Mr. Hatch he preached for the
society. In 1872 the churchhad a membership of 140. The church
has been mainly supplied by teachers in the college. After Mr.


Waters, Revs. D. N. Goodrich and John Pettit preached a short
time, and then for nine years the pastor was Rev. A. E. Gridley.
In August, 1888, the society was incorporated  First Congregational Church of Benzonia. Services have been held in the college building, but a church edifice has recently been commenced.


About two years ago a Methodist society was organized, and a
church built.
In 1862 or 1868 the first store was started by Rev. C. E. Bailey,,ander the firm name of Bailey & Metcalf. The style of the
firm was subsequently changed to C. E. Bailey & Co. There was
no other store at Eenzonia for several years. The next one was
started by W. S. Hubbell on the east side of the creek, about the
year 1867. Mr. Bailey's store shared the primitive character of its
surroundings, being started in his kitchen, and afterward promoted
to the dining-room, when that convenience was added to the house.
Subsequently he put up a store building, and made a separation of
business and domestic interests.
During this time the interests of the college were being fostered.
Dec. 8, 1862, a college charter was obtained, and June 10, 1863,
the first meeting of the board of trustees of the college was held.
Dr. Walker was elected president of the college, and Mr. Hatch
professor of languages. Under the charge of Prof. Hatch, a preparatory department was opened on the first day of July, in an
unplastered room in the house of Mrs. C. T. Carrier, with thirteen
pupils.
November 13, 1863, the first work on the college chapel was
performed, but it is doubtful if the logs sawed at that time were
ever used in the chapel. Work on the chapel progressed slowly,
but it must be remembered that there was much to contend with.
It was finally completed and dedicated Sept. 19, 1869, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. C. E. Bailey, from the text
" Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."
With the completion of the chapel the future of the college
seemed promising, and its friends felt greatly encouraged, but the
enterprise seemed destined to be severely tried, for March 24, 1874,
the entire building was destroyed by fire, and as there was no insurance the financial loss was a severe one. The cost of the building had been about $7,000.
While the timbers were yet burning the trustees met and
decided that the work of rebuilding must be begun at once, and
steps were taken in that direction, but the hard times interfered
with the progress of the work and it was decided to abandon that
project. Mr. John Bailey had erected a large three-story building
for a hotel, and the college made a purchase of that property, Rev.
C. E. Bailey donating $2,000 to aid in the purchase. The school
was continued in that building until a recent date, when it was
temporarily suspended, and at this time it is not certain what plan
will be adopted by the trustees.
This enterprise has been sustained by a severe struggle, and
whether it lhas accomplished all that was hoped for it or not, it has
been an important factor in the history of this region. Out of this
effort churches have been organized in neighboring communities,
the cause of education has been advanced, and under proper management the-college may yet become still more useful and important
in the future than in the past.
The location of Benzonia is very desirable, the climate salubrious, and the surrounding country excellent for farming purposes.
The Benzonia Citizen was started about 1870 by Dr. J. B.
Walker, and was kept up about two years, when the enterprise was
abandoned.
The Benzie County Journal, Benzonia, was established by a
joint stock company in 1872. The editors were R. H. Brainard,
James A. Pettit, Bailey & Betts and John B. Betts.


A brother editor visiting Benzonia, described the Journal office
as follows:
"Benzonia's most attractive curiosity to us was its printing
office, where a disciple of Faust manipulates the 'leaden messengers of thought' and gobbles on to the county tax sales as often as


B I




j


i


lw"


Il..... I is
~.....  -........~~~~it 




I"


I


292


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


possible. The office of the Benzie County Journal, John Betts,
editor, is located in'a small building in which the carpenter forgot
to put the front in. It is rough boarded half way down to the floor,
an organ box at the corner serving as a door. Swinging the box
around on one corner, we entered the sanctum sanctorum, but the
editor was absent-down on his farm finishing haying. Aside
from a hand press, a small job press and a few cases of type, we
mentally inventoried the contents of the office as follows:-One
carpenter's work bench, a scythe stone, a bass drum, a jack plane,
two cornets, two organs and two or three sewing machines (taken
for advertising). In addition to his editorial labors, Mr. Betts acts
in the capacity of organ and sewing machine agent, real estate
agent and village barber. Realizing the varied duties and consequent troubles of Brother Betts, we haven't a particle of ambition
to start a newspaper in the north woods and grow up with the
country."
The Journal was Republican in politics, and was discontinued
in March, 18838.
CHAPTER XLIV.
EARLY SETTLEMENT CONTINUED-THE FIRST GRIST-MILL-ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY —COUNTY OFFICERS-FIRST MEETINGS OF
SUPERVISORS-COUNTY SEAT —ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS —AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-SCHOOL MATTERS —POSTOFFICES —..BIOGRAPHICAL.
Immediately after the establishment of the colony at Benzonia,
Benzie County, and the adjasent p3rts of Grand Traverse, Wexford
and Manistee began to be dotted with settlements. A company was
formed for the purpose of opening business at Frankfort, who built
a saw-mill, established a store for the sale of goods, and engaged
to a limited extent in the manufacture of staves from elm timber,
and the exportation of hemlock bark. As early as 1861, besides
the three families already mentioned as being there in 1858, there
were living in that vicinity Richard Ball, Dr. A. J. Slyfield, Richard Weston, L. A. D)uby, William Cogshall, and J. Hadsall. The
first three were located at various points north of what is now the
village, Mr. Hadsall a short distance south of it, and Messrs.
Dauby and Cogshall at the mouth of the river. Mr. Dauby was
employed as the business agent of the company, and Mr. Cogshall
kept their boarding-house. The operations at the mouth of the
river are followed out in the history of Frankfort.
Mr. William Steele came to Benzonia in 1861, and soon afterward settled in Homestead. In 1868 John Hunt settled near Herring Lake; Rev. A. Joy, a Baptist minister, in Joyfield, after whom
the township was named; and George B. Pierce in Pleasanton.
In February, 1862, H. E. Steward and L. W. Hubbell went
from Benzonia to Traverse City and returned, with ox teams and
sleds, for the double purpose of carrying grain to the mill and purchasing supplies. The snow was two and a half feet deep, and the
track was little more than what had been made by the mail carrier's
horse and plank sled. At that time the woods were more open
than at a later period, and it was possible to get through with sleds
by frequently running over the trunks of fallen trees. They were six
full days in making the round trip, camping in the woods two


nights both going and returning. On their way out a supply of
fodder for the teams was left at each camping place to be used on
their return.
A road was cut through the woods from Benzonia to Manistee,
by way of Bear Lake, in January, 1862. In the fall of 1863, one
was cut out and made passable for wagons between Benzonia and


Traverse City, the citizens of each settlement by agreement doing
the work on that half the route next their own locality.
In 1868 the first grist-mill was got into operation at Benzonia.
It was a log building containing a single run of stones. The
builder, Mr. W. S. Hubbell, who, with his sons, had come to the
settlement the year previous, had been obliged to bring the millstones and the machinery from Glen Arbor, where they had been
landed from a propeller, along the shore of Lake Michigan and up
the Betsie River in a small boat.
September 3, 1864, the Congregational Church in Homestead
was organized and became an auxiliary of the college in the religious activities of the county.
We pass now to the civil history of the county.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
The county was laid off by an act of legislature approved Feb.
27, 1863, which reads as follows: "All that part of the county of
Leelanaw which lies south of the south line of Township 28 north,
shall be and remain the county of Benzie, and the several townships thereof shall be attached for civil and municipal purposes to
the county of Grand Traverse."
In the fall of 1868 the question of securing a separate county
organization was agitated by the people, and December 12th a mass
meeting was held at the school-house in Frankfort to consider
measures looking toward securing that object. Resolutions were
adopted thatpetitions be circulated, and that Hon. W. H. C. Mitchell,
who was the representative-elect from this district, be requested to
lend his aid in securing the pass'age of a bill which would provide
for county organization. The result was the enactment of a law,
approved March 30, 1869, which provided as follows:  "That the
county of Benzie, consisting of the territory embraced by the present county of Benzie, be and the same is hereby organized into a
separate county by the name of Benzie, and the inhabitzants thereof
shall be entitled to all the privileges, powers and immunities to
which by law the inhabitants of other organized counties in this
state are entitled.
"At the township meeting to be held in the several towrnships
in said county on the first Monday in April next, there shall be an
election of all the county officers to which by law the said county
may be entitled, whose term of office shall eqpire on the first day
of January, A. D. 1871, and when their successors shall have been
elected and qualified.
"The county canvassers under the provisions of this act shall
meet on the second Tuesday succeeding the day of election, as
herein appointed, in the village of Benzonia, in said county, at the
house of John Ibaijey, or at such other place as may be agreed upon
and provided by said board, and organized by appointing one of
their number chairman and another secretary, and shall thereupon
proceed to discharge all the duties of a board of county canvassers,
as in other cases of the election of county officers, as prescribed by
the general law.
"The location of the county seat of said county shall.be determined by the vote of the electors of said county at a special election which is hereby appointed to be held by the several townships
of said county on the first Monday in July next. There shall be
written on the ballots then polled by the qualified electors of said
county one of the names of the following places, to wit: -Frank

fort, Benzonia, and the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter
of Section 28, Township 26 north, of Range 14 west, and that one
which shall receive a majority of all the votes cast at such elections
shall be the county seat of the county of Benzie: Provided, That
in case no one of said places shall at said election be designated
such county seat in the manner aforesaid, another election shall be
held on the first Monday of October next, in the same places, at


I
I
I
i
i
1
1
i


-


I


I


1


1,. —^ --- —

9




scta -.


A^




4f


a                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         I,


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


293


—  —


I


which the said electors shall designate by majority vote one of the
two above named places, which shall have received the highest
number of votes at said July election, to be the county seat of said
county ofBenzie. * * *
"The said county of Benzie, when so organized, shall be attached to the thirteenth judicial circuit, and the judge of said circuit shall hold two courts therein each year."
COUNTY OFFICERS.
Benzie County as organized consisted of the territory separated
from Leelanaw and designated as Benzie by the act of 1868, which
had since remained attached to Grand Traverse. It already contained eight organized townships-Almira, Benzonia, Crystal Lake,
Gilmore, Homestead, Joyfield, Weldon and Colfax. The first election for county officers was held on the first Monday in April.
Addison P. Wheelock was elected sheriff; Roland 0. Crispin,
county treasurer; Theodore C. Walker, county clerk and register of
deeds; Digby B. Butler, judge of probate; James B. Delbridge,
prosecuting attorney; William J. Young, circuit court commissioner; George E. Steelo, county surveyor; A. E. Walker, superintendent of schools; A. J. Slyfield and L. Kenny, coroners.
Sufficient care has not been exercised in preserving the early
records of the county, and as a consequence some things cannot be
stated as fully and accurately as might be desired. We have been
unable to find any record of county officers elected for the several
terms, and have been obliged to make the list from the recollection
of persons best situated to remember correctly. As nearly as we
can gather, the following persons were elected at the several elections:
1870:-Sheriff, Addison P. Wheelock; county treasurer, A. G.
Butlet; county clerk, C. H. Parker; register of deeds, C. H. Parker;
judge of probate, J. H. Adams; prosecuting attorney, N. A. Parker;
circuit court commissioner, N. A. Parker; surveyvor, George E.
Steele; superintendent of schools, A. E. Walker; coroner, A. J.
Slyfield and L. Kenny.
1872:-Sheriff, Morris Case; treasurer, A. G. Butler; clerk
and register, Job R. Green; prosecuting attorney, Watson J. Young.
1874:-Sheriff, David M. Fish; treasurer, L. P. Judson; clerk
and register, Job R. Green; prosecuting attorney, W. H. Francis;
J. H. Adams.
1876: -Sheriff, David M. Fish; treasurer, L. P. Judson; clerk
and register, A. T. Case; prosecuting attorney, W. H. Francis.
1878:-Sheriff, Camden Johnson; treasurer, L. P. Judson,
clerk and register, A. T. Case; probate judge, J. M. Goodrich;
prosecuting attorney, C. L. Northrup.
1880:-Sheriff, E. T. Huntington; treasurer, Silas F. Judson;
clerk and register, A. T. Case; prosecuting attorney, C. L.
Northrup.
1882:-Sheriff, Alfonso Brown; clerk and register, A. N.
Whitcomb; judge of probate, J. M. Goodrich; treasurer, John J.
Hubbell; prosecuting attorney, Isaac B. Woodhouse; circuit court
commissioner, E. S. Heffron; surveyor, F. D. Stanley; coroners,
J. E. Talmadge, A. S. Worthington.
The supervisors of the several towns in 1884 are as follows: —
David E. Wright, Almira; Thomas B. Pettitt, Benzonia; Benjamin Hopkins, Blaine; Hiram M. Spicer, Crystal Lake; William
G. Bunting, Colfax; John L. Chandler, Gilmore; William Palmer,
Homestead; Norman Johnson, Inland; Charles H. Parker, Joyfield; Daniel C. Thomas, Platte; Arther T. Case, Weldon, F. E.


Thurber, Lake.
FIRST MEETINGS OF SUPERVISORS.
The first meeting of the board of supervisors was held at the
school-house in Benzonia April 22, 1869. The record of proceedings is as follows:-The board was called to order by the clerk.








On motion Silas F. Judson, of Benzonia Township, was made
permanent chairman. The following supervisors were present
from the several towns: -M. D. Campbell, Almira; Silas F. Judson, Benzonia; Henry Woodward, Crystal Lake; B. Hopkins,
Gilmore; William Palmer, Homestead; George Dair, Joyfield; A.
B. Crittenden, Platte; A. F. Case, Weldon.
On motion of A. F. Case committees were appointed on
finance, assessments and public buildings.
Two dollars per acre was agreed upon as the basis of assessment on wild lands, and from three to ten dollars per acre on improved lands.
The committee on public buildings recommended that the
county officers be allowed to do business at their homes until the
county seat was permanently located. The report was adopted,
The first annual meeting convened at the school-house in
Benzonia Oct. 11, 1869. Salaries of county officers were fixed as
follows:-Clerk, $250; probate judge, $100; treasurer, $500;
sheriff, $150. Other routine business was transacted.
The valuation of property in the several towns in 1870, as
follows: — Benzonia, $55,659; Homestead, $29,880; Gilmore,
$15,220; Inland, $27,700; Joyfield, $19,450; Colfax, $20,817;
Weldon, $39,410; Platte, $27,482; Almira, $33,720; Crystal
Lake, $142,147.
The first meeting at Frankfort was in April, 1870.
COUNTY SEAT.
The organic act provided that the location of the county seat
should be determined by a vote of the electors. For this purpose
an election was to be held the first Monday in July. There was
to be written on the ballots one of the following names of places
-Frankfort, Benzonia and the southeast quarter of the northeast
quarter of Section 28, Township 26 North, Range 14 West. The
place last named was in the township of Homestead. If one of
the places received a majority of all the votes, it was to be the
county seat; if no place received a majority, then another election
was to be held on the first Monday of the following October, at
which the electors should designate by a majority vote one of the
two places which should have received the highest number of votes
at the July election. At the first election the vote stood, for Benzonia, 75; Homestead, 237; Frankfort, 194.  As there was no
choice the second election was held, resulting in favor of Frankfort by 801 to 265.
The contest over the location of the county seat was not an
exception to the general rule, and was characterized by a great deal
of bitterness and foolishness.
In 1872 the board of supervisors again submitted the question
to a vote of the people. This time the contest was between Frankfort and a site about a mile east of Benzonia. There was a strenuous effort to establish the site on the hill at Benzonia, and liberal
offers- were made in case that site should be selected. A portion
of the people, however, would not consent to have the county seat
located in the village of Benzonia under any circumstances, but
were willing to have it removed from Frankfort. The consequence
was that the present site was selected as one of the competing
points. The result of the election showed that a majority of the
votes cast were in favor of Frankfort, but it was alleged that illegal
votes were cast at the polls in Frankfort, and the board of canvassers rejected that vote, and decided the result of the election to
be in favor of removal, but the legality of their doings was ques

tioned, and a long course of litigation ensued. In the meantime,
the removal was accomplished in fact, and when a final judicial
decision was reached the act of removal was sustained.
The present site furnishes a striking illustration of the follies
men are capable of when prompted by a spirit of jealousy or spite.


- VI


- I.0


to








1


1


-af.


I

-


294


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


The county building is a common board structure situated in a
solitary place a mile from a hotel, postoffice or any business place.
The only creditable thing about it is the probability that the site
will be removed to some suitable point. The circuit judge has
already ordered a suitable place provided in the village of Benzonia
for holding court.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS.
A number of towns were organized by the supervisors of
Grand Traverse County before the county of Benzie was organized.
Others have been organized as follows:
The town of Lake was organized by the legislature in the
winter of 1878, and embraced territory described as follows:Surveyed fractional Township 27 north, of Range 15 west, fractional Township 27 north, of Range 16 west, and fractional Sections 5, 6, 8, of Township 26 north, of Range 15 west, and fractional Sections 1, 2, 8 and 4 of Township 26 north, of Range 16
west. The first annual meeting was held at the house of V. F.
Thurston, on the first Monday of April, 1873, and V. F. Thurston,
Robert Bancroft and Jebram Carter were inspectors of election.
The town of Blaine was organized by the board of supervisors
in June, 1876, and embraced the following described territory:
Bounded on the north by the section line, running east and west,
one mile south of the congressional township line in the township
~of Gilmore, on the east by Joyfield, south by Manistee County and
west by Lake Michigan. The first town meeting was appointed at
the school-house in the "Hunt" District June 28, 1876. The inspectors of election were John Hunt, Almon'Crawford and W. G.
Voorheis.
Crystal Lake was organized in October, 1859, by the board of
supervisors, and embraced the following described territory: Commencina on the shore of Lake Michigan where the township line
between Townships 27 and 28 strikes the shore of said lake, thence
running east to the range line between Townships 12 and 13 west,
thence south to the township line between Townships 24 and 25;
thence west following said township line to the shore of Lake
Michigan; thence northerly following the shore of said lake to the
place of beginning. First town meeting was appointed at the store
of D. A. Dsuby. D. H. Moore was the first supervisor.
The town of Benzonia was organized by the board of supervisors of Grand Traverse County at the October session in 1861.
The territory embraced was described as follows: Commencing
at the point on township line between Townships 27 and 28 north,
where' said line intersects the shore of Lake Michigan, running
thence east on said line to township line between Ranges 12 and 18
west; thence south on said line to township line between Townships
24 and 25 north, thence west on said line to the section line between
Sections 81 and 82, Town 25 north, of Range 15 west; thence
north on said section line, to the shore of Lake Michigan; thence
on said shore to the point of starting. The petition was signed by
the following named persons: Charles E. Barber, George Thompson, David Piper, Isaac J. Carver, A. T. Case, William Stub,
Horace Burr, O. A. Clark, John Bailey, H. E. Steward, H. M.
Marsh, L. W. Case, J. R. Barr, E. L. Neel, William Westor,
Morris Case, J. K. Smith. The first annual meeting was appointed
at the school-house in Benzonia Jan. 1, 1862.
The town of Almira was set off from Crystal Lake, and


organized by the board of supervisors of Grand Traverse County at
the January session in 1864. It embraced the territory of Township 27 north, of Range 18 west. Horace Abbe was the first supervisor.
The town of Homestead was organized by the board of supervisors of Grand Traverse County at the October session in 1864,
and embraced the territory of Townships 26 and 26 north, of Range


I


I


I


I


18 west, and Towns 25, 26 and 27 north of Range 14 west, with
the exception of the west tier of sections of Town 26 north, of
Range 14 west. First town meeting appointed at the house of E. E.
Kirkland.
The town of Platte was organized by the board of supervisory
of Grand Traverse County at the January session in 1866, and
comprised Townships 27 north, of Ranges 14 and 15 west. The
first town meeting % as appointed at the house of F. B. Van Platten.
The first supervisor was V. F. Thurston.
The town of Gilmore was organized by the board of supervisors at the October session in 1866, and embraced the following
described territory: Sections 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 81 and
82 in Township 25 north, of Range 15 west; fractional Section 10,
all of 11, 12, 13, 14, Fractional 15 and 22; all of 23, 24, 25, and
26, Fractional 27 and 34; all of 36 and 37 in Township 25 north,
of Range 16 west. The first town meeting was held at the house
of M. Putney. John Hunt was the first supervisor.
The town of North Climax was organized by the board of
supervisors of Grand Traverse County at the April session in 1867,
and embraced the territory of Township 26 north, of Range 13
west. The first town meeting was appointed at the house of
Nathaniel Barrows. The first supervisor was --  Downs. The
name was afterward changed to Inland.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The honor of leading in the matter of agricultural fairs belongs
to Benzie County. The first was held at Benzonia, on the eighth
of October, 1864, several years before the organization of the county
agricultural society. The previous notice was short, and the day
was blustering and unpropitious, yet the fair was not a failure.
The grains and vegetables exhibited were, for the most part, first
crops from new ground imperfectly worked. There were no premiums, the only award being an honorable mention by the committees, the merit of the article being classed as extra, good, or
fair. There was but little fruit. Of live stock of all kinds, only
three animals were mentioned by the committee, presumably the
only three present. This fair was mainly gotten up by W. S. Hubbell and H. E. Steward. Among the articles exhibited were twelve
green pumpkins, and one solitary peach, in a bottle. The next
year the fair was a little better and continued to improve as the
county developed. In 1867 a county society was organized and
the following year the grounds at Benzonia, consisting of six acres
of land, were purchased.
In 1873 the State Pomological Society was held at Traverse
City, and Benzie County exhibited 400 plates of fruit and divided
the first premium with the peninsula in Grand Traverse County.
The annual fairs have been uniformly successful and the society is in a flourishing condition, being entirely free from debt and
some funds on hand. The officers in 1884 are as follows: President, W. S. Hubbell; vice-president, Albert Kent; secretary,
Albert Adams; treasurer, H. O. Merrick.
SCHOOL MATTERS.
The following information is from the reports of school inspectors of the several towns for the year 1888:
Homestead:-There are six school districts; 181 school children; four frame school-houses.
Weldon:-Two school districts; twenty-five school children;
two frame school-houses.
Joyfield: ---Two school districts; seventy-three school children;


two school-houses.
Almira:-Six school districts; 121 school children; one log
and four frame school-houses.
Benzonia:-Three school districts; eighty-six school children;
two frame school-houses.


i
k




_~


i


[


-


a6 ---i


qm-.......I l 
--         -----                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ~It~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~r


vi= -




A


IL


0
I
I
I
I




e'...a




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


295


-


Blaine:-Four school districts; 101 school children; two frame
and two log school-houses.
Colfax:-Two school districts; sixty-three school children; one
frame and one log school building.
Crystal Lake:-One school district; 351 school children; two
frame school buildings.
Gilmore: -Three school districts; 204 school children; three
frame school-houses.
Inland: -Five school districts; 124 school children; five frame
school-houses.
Platte: -Four school districts; sixty-three school children; one
frame and two log school-houses.
POSTOFFICES.
The following postoffices are in Benzie County: Almira, Benzonia, Frankfort, Gilmore, Grace, Homestead, Inland, Joyfield,
Platte, Print, South Frankfort, Weldon.
POPULATION.
The population of Benzie County at different periods has been
as follows: 1870, 2,184; 1874, 2,663; 1880, 3,433.
In 1880 the population was distributed among the towns as
follows: Almira, 356; Benzonia, 322; Blaine, 244; Colfax, 131;
Crystal Lake, 1,297; Gilmore, 109; Homestead, 208; Inland, 287;
Joyfield, 173; Lake, 42; Platte, 170; Weldon, 94.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
REV. AMARIAH JoY was born in Putney, Vt., May 15, 1809.
He took his preparatory course at South Reading, Mass., and graduated in Waterville College, Maine, now Colby University, in 1835,
and at Newton Theological Institute in 1838. He then served
fifteen years as pastor in the regular Baptist churches in Maine,
New Hampshire and Ohio.    In 1863 he removed to what is now
Joyfield, Benzie County, Mich., then unorganized, and with his
wife and son spent the first winter four and a half miles from
any settler.  He assisted in organizing the township which was
named for him, and he sees with pleasure the advance of settlement around them, and also the social, educational and above all
the religious progress of the place. He has suffered severely from
ill-health, but when health has permitted he has often preached
twice on a Sabbath in various parts of this and adjoining counties.
He preached the first sermon preached by a Baptist minister in
the Grand Traverse Region, and baptized the first person baptized
there by a Baptist minister. He organized the church at Acme,
and assisted in organizing that on the peninsula, and in organizing and supplying churches in various other places.  His homestead consisted of 160 acres, and was the first taken in the township. He has about twenty acres under cultivation, has a thriving
orchard, a good dwelling and pleasant home surroundings.  He
secured the institution of the Joyfield Postoffice, and has been
postmaster twenty years.  It was the second postoffice started in
the county.  Mr. Joy's marriage was on Nov. 15, 1838, to Miss
Louisa Dwelly, also of Maine. She was born there Dec. 2, 1811,
and resided in her native state until their removal to Ohio in 1858.
She was early distinguished as a scholar, and commenced writing
for the country press at sixteen years of age. They have three
children, Frances R., now Mrs. Ingle Barker, Adelia C., now associate principal of Mount Carroll Female Seminary, at Mount Carroll, Ill., and William A.


May death with these veteran pioneers be as peaceful as life
has been eventful.
Lucims W. CASE, Benzonia, was born in Gustavus, Ohio, Feb.
12, 1815. He was reared and educated in his native place, and
lxeided. there during his early manhood, engaged in agriculture and


I




-


mill business. On March 27, 1844, he was married to Miss Emeline R. Fitts, also of Gustavus. She was born in Huntington,
Conn., in 1820. Their children are Edward P., Nancy W.1 Walter
N., Alden B., now Rev. A. B. Case, of Howard, Dak, Charles E.,
William L., Albert B. and James Walker.  Mrs. E. R. Case died.
Dec. 27, 1866. Mr. Case's second.Larriage was on Sept. 3, 1868,
to Mis. Rosanna C. Fitts, also of Gustavus. She was born there
June 25, 1824. In the spring of 1860 Mr- Case and his family
removed to Benzolia, Benzie County, Mich., purchased lands,
prepared them a home and entered upon pioneer life.  When he
first came to Traverse Region no propellers could land at Frankfort. His cattle, when they arrived there, were backed off the
gang-way of the steamer into the lake, and on rising in the water
were guided ashore by persons with boats. One valuable ox, left to
follow his mate, lost sight of him as lie started for the shore, and swam
quite round the steamer, looking wistfully for a chance to get on, and
then swam far out into the lake, but finally caught a side view of the
bank and turning swam ashore and lay down on the beach almost exhausted. The goods were put on small boats and were brought in by
poling the boats up the Aux Bees Scies River. Their supplies they
got mostly at Traverse City. It took four days to go and return with
an ox team. They camped in the woods one night in going and
one in returning, refreshing the team with browse from the trees.
In 1864 Mr. Case erected a saw-mill, the first permanent mill built
in the locality.  He continued business in the mill until age
seemed to invite his retirement, and the mill was then transferred
to his sons, Walter N. and W. L. Case, who still conduct the business. The water power which drives the wheel is a beautiful
spring stream, rising only a little over a mile above the mill, yet furnishing a full supply of water almost unaffected by freshets or by
drouth; and now abounding with most excellent fish.  Mr. Case
also took 330 acres of government land which he has chiefly
divided among his heirs. His beautiful residence is on the home
farm, near the mill.  He has served several years as highway
commissioner and as township treasurer.  Religiously Mr. Case
and family are Congregationalists. He has held the office of deacon
in that body since the organization of the church in June,
1860.
WILLIAM S. HUBBELL, miller, Benzonia, was born in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1812. He removed to Gustavus, Trumbull County,
Ohio, in 1832.  In August, 1833, he was married to Miss Eliza
Case, daughter of A. Case, Esq., of Gustavus  She was born in
Simsbury, Connecticut.  Their living children are Lucius W.,
Helen L., John James, Buel C. and Elizabeth J.  In 1861 they
removed from 'Ohio to Benzonia, Benzie County, Micl:., before
either the township or county were organized they came in by the way
of the Aux Bees Scies River. There were then only three families
in Frankfort.  Mr. Hubbell at once purchased lands and prepared
a pioneer home in the wilderness.  Soon after he erected a small
log-mill, and thus furnished means for the home manufacture of
flour, greatly to the relief and convenience of the settlers.  The
stones for the mill were brought in a small boat from Glen Arbor
to Aux Bees Scies River, and thence up the river by poling.the
boat along with poles. In this way all supplies had then to be
brought in. No wagon roads had then been built. The first
year's grinding in the mill, 1863, was 300 bushels.  In about
1867 a small stock company was formed for commercial purposes,
and a store was commenced in a building built by Mr. Hubbell, on


the east side of the creek.  In the fall of 1877 the firm B. C.
Hubbell & Co., (W. S. Hubbell being the other partner) was organized. The business was conducted by that firm some three
years. Since then various changes have occurred. The business
is now, in 1884, conducted by C. E. Case. Mr. Hubbell has also




-


-A6 -

-.Z


1




Iul


I k


1




— &   T


B


1


296


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


been engaged in lumbering, and in agriculture and in fruit growing.
He was the first president of Bejzie County Agricultural Society,
and still remains in that responsible position. In 1875 Mr. Hubbell was postmaster of Benzonia postoffice, but only served a short
time. He has served as township clerk and as township treasurer,
and has four times been elected justice of the peace.  He was one
of the committee for the organizing of the county. He has
served two years as deputy county treasurer, and fulfilled all the
duties devolving on the principal treasurer.  He has belonged
to a temperance society since 1831.  Religiously, Mr. and Mrs.
Hubbell are Congregationalist.
JOHN J. HUBBELL, county treasurer, Benzie County, was born
in Chenango, Erie County, Penn., July 8, 1844. His ancestors
were early settlers in the region of Bridgeport, Conn., in 1640.
Mr. Hubbell removed with his parents to Ashtabula County, O.,
when about six years of age, and remained there some twelve
years. Several years of this time he spent in the Kingsville
Academy. On May 5, 1862, he landed in a small boat from the
propeller Susquehanna at the mouth of the Aux Bees Scies River and
walked on foot by a trail to Benzonia to join his father and brother.
During the next season he assisted his father in the erection of a
small log grist-mill, the first built, he thinks, between Traverse
and Ludington. He also assisted to cut the first road southward
from Benzoni, for several miles, that wagons from the south might
come in. In the summer of 1862 he and Mr. H. E. Stewart, now
of Grand Traverse, with the aid of only a pocket compass, marked
tile first trail directly through the woods from Benzonia to Glen
Arbor, then a wooding point on Lake Michigan for propellers.
They started with a five days' supply of provisions, but on the
second morning hung part of them on a sapling to await their return. They reached the Arbor that night and returned the next
day, bringing with them some stock and nmaking plain the trail.
Rev. E. E. Kirkland and son and Mr. William Willson came in
with them  and became the first residents of Homestead.   Mr.
Hubbell spent the historic " cold New Year's," Jan. 1, 1864, in the
dense forest hunting for Rev. A. Barnard and wife and seven
children, then supposed to be lost in attempting to reach Benzonia.
They subsequently arrived in safety. On Sept. 7, 1864, Mr. Hubbell, in company with three others, enlisted in Battery G, First
Michigan Artillery, these four making up the quota for Benzie
County, out of 800,000 men then called for. His service was
rendered chiefly in the gulf department. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865. He returned to Benzonia and, in parthership with his fathler, erected the new Benzonia flouring-mills.
On June 14, 1866, he was married to Miss Sarah M. Huntington,
daughter of W. O. Huntington, Esq., of Benzonia. She was born
in Lynn, Mass., April 25, 1844. Their living children afre Clarence
W., Rena G., Lottie M., Myrtle A., John J. and Harlow I-. Mrs.
Hubbell died May 1, 1884. In 1869 Mr. Hubbell and family removed to Missouri, where hlie spent nearly six years, chiefly in surveying and engineering. Returning he invested in the mill property, and to that business since then lie has devoted careful attention. Officially lie has served several years as school director in
Belzonia, and has been president of the Benzie County Horticultural Society almost ever since its organization, and since 1882 has
been treasurer of Benzie County. Religiously lie is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.


ALFRED N. WHITCOMIB, clerk and registrar, Benzie County, was
born near Eaton Bapids, Mich., Feb. 1, 1847. His father, Timcthy Whitcomb, was one of the early settlers in Eaton County.
In 1858 his parents removed to Allegan County. He attended the
Kalamazoo high school three years, and in 1866 he graduated at
Eastman's business college, in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He then re

mjined at home until he attained his majority. On April 9, 1868,
he was married to Miss Ellen E. Chandler, of Kalamazoo County.
She was born there July 27, 1819. Their children are Ida L.,
born Dec. 6, 1869; Leon Alva, born July 21, 1876; Floyd, born
March 13, 1879, died March 24, 1879, and Edith Mlabel, born NTov.
27, 1881. In 1873 Mr. Whitcomb removed with his family to
Homestead, Benzie County, purchased lands and prepared them a
home in the waving forest.   He cleared seventy acres, erected
buildings, planted nearly 300 orchard trees, and secured inviting
home surroundings. With the exception of teaching school two
winters, lie never worked out to support his family. At the first
election he ever attended in Homestead he was elected township
clerk and justice of the peace, and served in erch office nine years.
He was township superintendent of schools two years and school
assessor over nine years. In 1882 lie was elected county clerk and
registrar, resigned his township positions and removed to Benzonia,
and since January, 1883, has given unremitting attention to his
official duties. In the spring of 1884 he sold his farm, with appurtenances, for about $3,700. Fraternally lie is a Free Mason
and exults in brotherly love, relief and truth.
REV. JOHN PETTITT, was born near Gettysburg, Penn., in 1799,
and was reared and educated in his native state. He entered the
ministry in the Congregational Church when about thirty years of
age. HIe labored some six years in Akron, 0., and nearly twenty
years in Bucyrus, 0., besides various labors elsewhere bestowed.
In 1867 he came to Benzonia, Benzie County, Michdi., to take part
in instituting and sustaining a Christian colony and college for the
promotion of education, industry and moral culture. He was
abundant in gospel labors in Benzonia, Homestead and elsewhere,
often preaching three times a day. In his doctrinal views Mr.
Pettitt aimed to be fully orthodox. In his financial business he
was economical and successful. In his gifts to the church and benevolent enterprises hlie was beneficently liberal. But his life work
came suddenly to a close. On returning from his usual labors on
a Sunday evening he was taken suddenly ill, and in less than an
hour he was called from labor to reward. His death was on May
11, 1879. His first marriage was to Miss E. Agnew. No children.
His second was to Miss E. A. Marshall; issue, one son, Charles M.
His third marriage was to Miss Ann E. Boyd. They have three
sons, Thomas Boyd, James Agnew and William J., and one
daughter, Bessie, deceased in 1875. Mrs. Pettitt still resides in
the pleasant home where her husband died. The SOnlS are prosperously settled on large and valuable farms, mostly left them from
the father's estates. Thomas B. has a wife and three daughters,
and is supervisor of Benzonia; James A. has a wife and three
children and has been under sheriff of Benzie County; and William
Jay, now bereaved of his companion, has one daughter, Bessie,
and has been township treasurer of Benzonia.
LORENZO BAILEY was born in Westmoreland, Oneida County,
N. Y., in 1809, and is a brother of Rev. Charles E. Bailey. Oct.
14, 1844, hlie was married to Miss Mary E. Chamberlain, of Vermiont. They havellad and lost five children. Thle last, a young
man, highly esteemed, met his death in Crystal Lake. The boat
in which he was sailing capsized and his efforts to save the young
lady who was with him resulted in death from disease of the heart,
to which lie was subject. The coming of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey to
Benzonia has already been told. They still reside in the village in
the home they built on a delightful site which commands a wide and


interesting view.
ROBERT S. DAY, farmer, Platte, Benzie County, was born in
St. Joseph County, Mich., Dec. 9, 1834; remained in that county
engaged in farming till 1862, when he enlisted in the Eleventh
Michigan Infantry and served three years in the army of the Curm



OS.5i4


6!
I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


297


berland under Generals Rosecrans, Thomas and Sherman. Was
wounded at Missionary Ridge and Chickamauga. After being mustered out of service came to Platte, Benzie County, and engaged in
farming.
WILLIAM A. JOY, farmer, Joyfield, was born in Kennebunk,
Me., Dec. 2, 1845. His early youth was spent chiefly in Ohio.
On Dec. 28, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Forty-eighth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, in the service of his country, and was -honorably discharged Sept. 8, 1862, by reason of disability through
injuries received in the battle of Pittsburgh Landing. In July,
1863, he came with his parents to Joyfield, Benzie County, Mich.,
and has had full and deep experience of the stern realities of pioneer life in Northern Michigan. He located 160 acres of land and
now owns in all 200 acres. He has twenty-five acres under cultivation, about two acres of orchard in prosperous condition, and
an inviting home. After his return from the war, he attended two
terms at the Dennison University, Grandville, Ohio. His marriage
was on Nov. 2, 1871, to Miss Sylvia L. Reed, of Joyfield. They
have two living sons and three daughters. Mr. Joy has been school
officer some fifteen years, and township clerk about twelve years,
and is now, in 1884, postmaster of Joyfield postoffice.
CHARLES H. PARKER, farmer, supervisor of Joyfield, was born
in Gowanda, Erie County, N. Y., July 31, 1833. He spent his
youth in his native state. In 1855 he graduated at the New Yorh
State Normal School, Albany. He was then engaged in teaching
until 1857. He then spent some time in traveling. He spent
some months in Guayaquil, Ecuador, S. A.    He went thence
to California, arriving in 1858.  There again he was engaged
ill teaching, in Placerville, for about three years. On Oct. 1,
1861, he enlisted in Company H, Fifth California Volunteer
Infantry, and served as commissary sergeant most of his time.
He was honorably discharged Dec. 12, 1864, at El Paso, Texas.
Shortly after he became alerk in the commissary department at
Fort Selden, New Mexico. Later, after nine years absence, he
returned to his former.home in Hamburg, in June, 1866. In November following he started for the Grand Traverse Region, Mich.,
arriving in Traverse City Nov. 6, 1866. A few days later he
located a homestead in Joyfield, Benzie County, and began preparing a home in the lofty forest, but still spending part of his time
in teaching. In 1870 he was elected supervisor of Joyfield, but
soon resigned that office, and served as clerk and registrar of Benzie County during 1871 and 1872. On Jan. 31, 1872, he was
married to Miss Lizzie A. Keillor, of Pleasanton, Mich. She was
born in Iona, Canada, April 10, 1851.     Their children are
Francelia M., Addie E. and Warren Stuart. Since his term of
clerkship expired he has been engaged in agriculture and horticulture on his lands. He now has nearly thirty acres under cultivation, and has about 1,500 choice fruit trees, mostly in bearing.
They consist of apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, quinces
and grapes and other small fruits. He makes a specialty of nutbearing trees, including butternut, black walnut, chestnut, hickory,
almond and hazel nut. He has served as justice of the peace sixteen years, township superintendent of schools about six years, and
is now, in 1884, serving in his third year as supervisor of Joyfield.
TIMOTHY M. WALKLEY, hotel keeper and postmaster, Homestead, was born in Madison, Conn., Nov. 27, 1822. He removed
with his parents to Chautauqua County, N. Y., in childhood, and
thence three years laterto Warren County, Penn. Here he spent


his youth and early manhood, employed in lumbering and other
industrial pursuits. On June 6,1847, he was married to Miss Jane
Edmunds, of Wrightsville, Penn. She was born in Oneida County,
N. Y., int 1821. Their children are Ann Eliza and Frank L.
and an adopted son, John Lindell. In September, 1865, he made


a tour through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois to Beloit in Wisconsin,
and thence by way of Milwaukee to Northport, Mich. From there
he came to Traverse City, and shortly after located lands in Homestead, Benzie County, prepared a dwelling, and with his family
entered the pioneer home in November, 1866. They brought in
their goods from  Traverse City on wagons, by a mere winding
track through the woods, and were two days in coming twenty-five
miles. Hay for three years had to be brought from Traverse City,
sometimes costing $40 per ton, delivered. At times only one bale
could be brought at once. Mr. Walkley owns in all 600 acres of
land. On his home farm he has some forty-five acres under cultivation, has a thriving orchard of 200 trees, including apples,
pears, plums, cherries, quinces and grapes, and various other small
fruits. He has also from the first kept a place of public entertainment. The hotel is situated on the stage road between Benzonia
and Traverse City, and affords first-class accommodations for the
traveling public. One of his first customers was H. H. Noble,
Esquire, of Elk Rapids. In the summer of 1876 Mr. and Mrs.
Walkley and son visited the Centennial Exhibition. They went by
the way of Erie and Warren and Harrisburg, and thence to 13altimore, and thence to Washington, visiting the Capitol, the White
He use, the national monument, the agricultural grounds, and
various other rare scenes. They then proceeded to Philadelphia
and enjoyed a true centennial season of entertaining sight-seeing.
On Pennsylvania's day, 265,564 persons passed through the Centennial gates. Returning by the way of Rome, N. Y., they visited
the friends of Mrs. Walkley, and later after, revisiting his own
friends in Warren County, Penn., they came joyously home, well
repaid for the time and funds expended. Mr. Walkley has been
township treasurer five years, and highway commissioner six years.
He is now, in 1884, justice of the peace, and has been postmaster
of Homestead postoffice since 1867. Fraternally he belongs to the
I. 0. 0. F., and to the Order of Free and Accepted Masons.
MORRIS CASE, farmer, Homestead, was born in Ashtabula
County, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1837. His youth and early manhood were
spent in his native state. He was employed chiefly on a dairy
farm. In 1860 he came northward, purchased lands in Benzonia,
Mich., prepared a home, and with his family entered upon pioneer
life in 1861. In 1863 he located lands in Homestead, and in the
following year they renewed their experiences of former times, and
again faced the stern aspects of forest culture and homestead improvement. He now has nearly ninety acres under cultivation on
his homestead farm; has a flourishing orchard of choice selections
of fruit, an excellent dwelling, and other good farm buildings.
His marriage was on April 13, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Corson, of
Crawford County, Penn. She was born there Dec. 18, 1837. Mr.
Case has served as school officer, constable, highway commissioner,
township treasurer and supervisor. He has also been sheriff of
Benzie County two years. Religiously they are members of the
Congregational Church, and he is a deacon and trustee in that
body. When Mr. Case settled in Homestead there were only eight
or nine families in the township. He had to open a road threefourths of a mile to reach his premises. Shortly after his road
was filled with trees by a wind storm, and took one week of labor
to reopen it. In 1867 they revisited their native home, and in returning came with a team. Four weeks were required in coming
through. His was the second wagon brought through the large


swamp south of Benzonia. Only a few rods of it were cross-wayed,
and their journey was in the night, yet they came safely through
and arrived in Benzonia at nine o'clock in the evening.
JOHN A. MERTZ, farmer, Homestead, was born in Germany,
Aug. 81, 1850; came to New York in 1860, and thence to Houghton County, Mich., on Lake Superior. He spent five years in. W.




I


I i


ot-j


I............




Iy,


298


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


F


working in the copper mills, and later was engaged some.vhat in
shoemaking, but more largely as a barber. In 1868 he removed to
Wisconsin, and three years later visited Illinois, and then came to
Frankfort, Mich.; resided near there five years, and then removed
to the township of Homestead; spent three years on a rented farm,
and then purchased 180 acres in Sections 28 and 33, where he
now resides. He has fifty acres now under cultivation, a thriving
orchard of choice selections of fruit, and a good house and other
farm buildings. His marriage was on July 1, 1872, to Miss Susan
M. Potter, also of Homestead. She was born in Ohio, June 14,
1858.   Their children are John William    and Minnie May.
His father, A. Mertz, was a miner, and went to Lake Superior
mining region in 1852, being one of the first to engage in nining
in that region. Mr. and Mrs. Potter, parents of Mrs. Mertz, came
to Homestead, where Mrs. Mertz now resides, in 1868, when no
clearing had yet been done on the place. He at once prepared a
dwelling and engaged in improving the lands. He died in 1878.
Mrs. Potter now resides with her daughter and son-in-law.
HIRAM M. SPICER, horticulturist, supervisor of Crystal Lake
Township, was boin in Mount Morris, N. Y., Dec. 28, 1838. He
spent his youth and early manhood in his native state, employed
chiefly in mechanical work and school teaching. On Jan. 14,1861,
he was married to Miss Diana E. Kennedy, of Edmeston, N. Y.
She was born there July 9, 1845. They have one son, C. Elmer,
born Jan. 4, 1862. In September, 1863, Mr. Spicer enlisted in
Company L, Twentieth New York Cavalry, and served his country
in defense of liberty and the Union, until honorably discharged,
Aug. 11, 1865, after the close of the war. On onie raid from Dismal Swamp to Albermarle Sound, Mr. Spicer rode 120 miles in
twenty hours, and had been on active duty without intermission
seventy-two hours. The exhaustion, however, overpowered him.
Typhoid fever followed, and for several weeks he lay helpless in the
hospital. After the war was over he returned home, and in the
fall of 1867 he came to Frankfort, Benzie County, Mich., purchased
land in Clystal Lake Township, began preparing a home in the
forest, and was joined by his family in the spring of 1868. Work
had been begun on the harbor, and lie and Messrs. Hooper & Oliver
furnished most of the piles for the entire harbor. Mr. Spicer is
now devoting his attention largely to the culture of fruit. He has
twenty-one acres of beautiful fruit farm land with choice selections
of apples, pears, peaches, plums, quinces, cherries, grapes and
small fruits, and inviting home surroundings. Mr. Spicer takes an
active -interest in the political issues of his country. He took a
leading part in the organization of the Greenback party in this
community. He has been twice nominated for the state legislature,
and received a very liberal vote from his own party and many other
persons. He has served in all nearly ten years as supervisor of
Crystal Lake Township, besides serving in several other minor offices,
and his name has been continuously prominent in the official circles of his community. His son, C. E. Spicer, though still a young
man, holds the responsible position of principal of thle public school
in South Frankfort, and is enjoying most commendable success.
JOHN GREENWOOD, blacksmith, Gilmore, was born at Three
Rivers, Canada, Feb. 27, 1827. At the age of seventeen years he
went to Chicago, shortly after to Michigan City, and thence to New
Buffalo. He remained here over six years and learned the blacksmith's trade.  From there he went to Cedar River, Wis., and,
nine months later came to Ludington, Mich. On July 8, 1850, he


was married to Miss Caroline Robar, of Ludington. They have
six sons and five daughters. From Ludington Mr. Greenwood came
to Manistee, and about a year afterward purchased a farm in Gilmore, Benzle County, and began preparing for himself and family
a home in the forest. His family resided for three or four years


near Betsie Lake, and he spent a large part of his time blacksmithing. Later he carried on blacksmithing in Frankfort forsome seven
years. In 1862 they removed to the farm. There, as before, they
often passed through severe pioneer privations and disadvantages,
being without roads and without markets, and with no supplies
nearer than Portage or Manistee, and with frequently but scanty
supplies even there. Sometimes the scant quantities brought in to
Frankfort for the people had to be divided among them in proportion to numbers, by those who sold them. Now, however, Mr.
Greenwood and family have nearly sixty acres of their beautiful
farm land under cultivation, and have nearly thirty acres of thriving orchard, of apples, plums, cherries, pears, peaches, and grapes
and other small fruits in abundance. They have. an elegant and
commodious dwelling, and other excellent buildings, and enjoy a
rich reward for their former sacrifices and toils.
On one occasion Mr. Greenwood staited from Manistee in the
forenoon, on snow-shoes, to go along the beach of the lake to his
home near Betsie Lake, carrying about fifty pounds of provisions
on his back. A fierce storm of wind and snow arose, at times almost smothering him. He, however, reached Ilerring Creek about
four P. M., removed his snow-shoes, and started to cross the stream;
when near the middle broke through the ice; beginning to sink he
threw his load forward over his head, and himself foiward on his
hands and face and crawled ashore. Pouring the water out of his
boots he proceeded. Two miles further on, finding his feet freezing,
he removed his snow-shoes, boots and socks, wrung the water from
his socks, reclothed his feet and started again. Tried to go past
his farm to his residence, fell back twice with his load in trying to
climb the bank of the lake, and then went around by the mouth of
the river and through a dense thicket of underwood to his home.
He arrived about 11 o'clock p. M. with his cap and clothing frozen
to his person and with feet so much frozen that for three days lie
could not leave his house.
CHAPTER XLV.
VILLAGE OF FRANKFORT.
EARLY HISTORY-FIRST IMPROVEMENTS —THE LAND COMPANY- EARLY
SETTLERS —THE GOVERNMENT IMPROVEMENT-FIIRST EVENTSCHURCH AND SCHOOL HISTORY — GLIMPSE OF THE VILLAGE
IN 1869 AND 1870-NEWSPAPERS —MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIESFRANKFORT IN 1881 — BIOGRAPHICAL.
At the mouth of the Betsie River there are two distinct village
plats, that upon the north side being Frankfort, while the village
upon the south side was platted as Frankfort City. Tlie postoffice
on the south side, however, is named South Frankfort. With respect to plat, schools and some other interests, the two villages are
separate, yet their interests are so much in common that we shall
speak of them as one village, distinguishing the two portions by
north and south side.
TOPOGRAPHY.
Except on the east end of the harbor, where the river finds its
winding way from the interior into the lake.4  7. I vec.s %cie.s, the surrounding topography of the harbor presents an amphitheatre-like
landscape, except a very limited plateau near its shores thle bluffs
rising up on either side from seventy-five to two hundred feet to


their grand forest-crowned heights.
Unlike all the other Lake Michigan east shore inland lakes,
the finest beech and maple hard wood timber forests came down to
the water's edge, in its original state, and the beautiful green sward
which covered its banks wherever an open space presented itself,


I~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~_____~__1~~1 --- —— 1 --  I -   _ — 


'q ' 1 I                                          9.40-1 -





 Z,-,.I- -----
-W --. ---; 1-.1 —
I 1,     JWVI-        ----


f-I.!
tt y
29~ - 


c
fall "I.,
-        0


IA


JEiLL




RES. oF A.E.BANKS, FRANKFORT, BE NZIE CO. MICH.


V




I;~,o




I. i?


/


II-     -           - - -    I


" IF


ORI ON T.HE LA   IC.IH


N E OD, MICH.


II


squrH FWAN,(rOI r.








7 -


I I

THE TRAVERSE REGION.


299


-


together with its maple and other hard wood foliage, here and
there ornamented with settings of evergreen, presented a charming
picture to the most caEual admirer of natural scenery. While its
scenography las been here and there changed by the arts of civilization, the beauty of its general perspective still remains.
If one desire a fairy-like picture of inland lake, of valley,
town and picturesque harbor, with the broad expanse of grand old
Lake Michigan, ascend to the highland plateau on the north side,
and through a frame-work of beech and maple leaf covered
branches-nature's altistic foreground-you have your desire, like
beautiful green picture, spread out before you.
If you have a liking for a short pedestrian excursion, pass
with us through the smoke of iron and other manufacturing establishments of the south town, and climb the steep sides of "Bald
Bluff," and before you is spread out like an artistic colored map, the
grandest picture in northern Michigan, of majestic forest stretching
for miles far away into the interior, the valley pathway of the A,41.
BJe.s,Scies as it approaches through forest clad hill defiles from the
east-the beautiful harbor at your feet, its shimmering waters bearing upon its willing bosom its lively infantile commerce, and upon
its shores the busy hum of its already by no means small manufacturing industries.
The list of original land entries shows that in 1851 Sally Risdan located the south one-half of the northwest one-quarter of
Section 22, and Joseph Oliver located fourteen acres in front of
where the Park House now stands on the north side. 0. Risdan
also located land on the south side of the river. In 1853 Sally
Risdan located thirty-five acres on Betsie Lake, and in 1856 J.
Robarge purchased Lots 1 and 3 of Section 34. Joseph Oliver located Lot 5 in 1859. Mr. Oliver still lives here.
The history of Frankfort village dates from the year 1859.
The first settlement was made in the latter part of August and
the following month of September, in 1859.
It was under the auspices of a company from Detroit, of whom
Messrs. Ransom Gardiner, George S. Frost and others were the
proprietors.
The new colony was under the management of Louis A. Doby,
Esq., acting agent, and John H. Acams, Esq., overseer.
A small steam mill was that season constructed where now
stands the present gang saw-mill, A. S. Dow, Esq., being the master mechanic.
George S. Frost, of Detroit, and others purchased a-large-tract
of land and made some improvements of the harbor. Tile channel
at that time was just in front of where tle Park House now stands.
L. A. Doby had the contract for building the piers.  A boardinghouse was built and William H. Coggshall came here from Glen
Arbor to keep it. Mr. Coggshall has lived here continuously since
that time. The sketch of Mr. Coggshall gives some pioneer reminiscence.
WILLIAM H. COGGSHALL was born in Newport, R. I., Jan. 18,
1809. He went with his parents to York State in his youth, and
came from there to Glen Arbor, Mich., in 1854. He had been
married on Nov. 21, 1838, to Miss Margaret Fisher, of Salem, N.
Y. She was born there March 18, 1821. Their children are
Elizabeth, Margaret M., George, now deceased, and Sarah J. At
Glen Arbor Mr. Coggshall purchased land and prepared for himself
and family a pioneer home in the Traverse forest. Five years later
they removed to where Frankfort now is and purchased the first


building ld sold in the place. A building called the Dauby House
was in course of erection, and there was one small building near
the Betsie Lake in which a French family lived. In 1859 and -'60
piers were built into the lake, but soon washed away, and very
little progress was made in opening the place until government






I


made an appropriation for the opening of the harbor. Then the.
village began to grow. Mr. and Mrs. Coggslall found it necessary
to lodge and entertain not only travelers to Frankfort, but those
passing beyond to Benzonia and elsewhere, and oftentimes shipwrecked sailors and other transients had to be lodged and fed, so
that their place became one of almost general resort. They also
had religious services and Sabbath school held in it by Rev. Mr.
Wolcott and others. They also allowed town meetings held there
and later, sessions of justice court. Thus the public were accommodated, but at the price of intense labor and fatigue for Mrs. C.
and family who cooked and served while others ate and rested.
Travel then, also, was purely of the pioneer style. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Coggshall started on foot for Glen Arbor to
visit a sick daughter. They walked twenty miles and at night
Mrs. C.'s feet were in one massive blister, but the next day she
walked ten' miles farther on the blistered feet along the beach
among icebergs, tlitn spent some two months with her daughter,
and then walled over the same route to her home. Now, however, a change has come over the scene, and in their large and
commodious home on Forest Avenue they enjoy more of quiet and
retirement, while the rising, thriving town of Frankfort spreads
its streets and avenues, its business blocks aind elegant residences,
its numerous industries and inviting enterprises about their feet.
Mr. C. took part in tlhe organization of the township of Crystal
Lake, the first organized in the county. He also assisted in the
organization of Benzie County some years later. He has served as
commissioner of highways and township treasurer; was the first
postmaster of Frankfort and liept tile postoffice five or six years.
Religiously they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHARLES LAVEAUX, farmer, Frankfort, was born in St. Johns,
Canada, May 12, 1840. lHe came to Grand Traverse when fifteen
years old, and was two years in the employ of Hannah, Lay & Co.
Later he spent some time in Chicago, Green Bay, Herring Creek,
Illinois, and other places, then lived seven years in Glen Arbor and
came to Frankfort, Benzie County, in 1866. He carried the Benzoniat mail nearly four years. Carried the first mail from Frankfoit to Pierport, and continued it eight years. Carried the mail
one year to Glen Arbor. Was married Oct. 28, 1870, to Miss Margaret M. Coggshall, 'of Frankfort. She wvs born in Salem, N. Y.,
Oct. 18, 1842. He has thirty acres of cultivated land about one
mile from town witl seven acres in choice varieties of apples, pears,
plums, peaches and grapes and small fruits. When lie first came
to Frankfort there was only one shanty on the nortlh side of tile
river. There were three families on the south side. On about the
middle of December, 1861, or later, he and Mr. John Cuslimire, a
Mr. Marshall and a young girl started from Frankfort in a small
boat for Glen Arbor on a Saturday morning. During the day a
fierce wind arose. Mr. L. wished to turn back, but Mr. Marshall
refused, and in the night while working the boat fell overboard and
was drowned. The rest drifted before the northeast wind all night,
made sail southward the next day and made the shore at Portage
on Sabbath night. He has been overseer of highways and highway commissioner in Frankfort.
JOSEPH OLIVER was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 24, 1820. He
came to Manitou Island, Mich., some thirty-eight years ago. Two
years later he came to Manistee, and four years after this to Betsie
River, now Frankfort, being the first settler in that region. He for
some time owned fourteen acres at the mouth of the river, and


sold it to Mr. Resden, a surveyor, who re-surveyed the country all
around as far as Traverse. He used to bring provisions for the Surveyors from Manitou and move his own quarters along as occasion
required. Has spent many years in fishing, hunting and trapping. Has sold $300 worth of furs in one winter, consisting


i
I
I


* I


V


I


Kl


j


don-"


" --




k.


_ - _


v- 1 -




F


4,
W

I
I
I




300


THE TR&VERSE REGION


V.


chiefly of utter, mink, beaver, fisher, marten, lynx and wild cats.
His first wife was Miss Lydia Wasrage, of Muskegon. His second
was Miss Margaret Robar, of Frankfort. His sou, Joseph, is now
captain of the barge Rumble. Mr. Oliver built the first house in
Frankfort, near where the Park House now is, before any one else
arrived and settled. Mr. L. A. Doby came next, and next Mr.
Coggshall. There was then one mill at'Manistee and one at Stronach.
By the county records we find that in 1859 there was a town
plat made of some sixteen blocks, on the north shore of harbor,
by H. R. Sanger. This, however, was subsequently set aside.
A village was platted by the land company and Mr. Coggshall
bought the first lot, but the improvements begun were temporarily
abandoned, and for several years nothing was done. The second
lot in the village plat was bought by Dr. Slyfield.
In 1862 Mr. E. G. Chambers visited this point and, seeing the
natural advantages here for a harbor, assisted in petitioning Congress for an appropriation. Mr. Chambers was at that time clerk
in the U. S. senate, and in a position to render valuable assistance.
At that time river and harbor improvements were in their infancy,
and it was a liard fight to secure aid in such an enterprise. In
1864-'65 an order was made to survey the harbor. The following
year $98,000 was appropriated, and in 1867 work was commenced.
In July, 1867, a letter was written at Frankfort, from which
the following is an extract:
"On the 17th of June the solitude of Aux Becs Ssies Lake (on
whose high and beautiful banks is situated the village of Frankfort)
was broken by the arrival of the fleet of Messrs. Hubbell & Whitwood, (contractors for building the harbor at this point) consisting
of tugs, scows, dredge, portable engines, pile drivers and all the
implements, men and supplies necessary to grapple with the harbor
improvement. We have never seen a more perfect outfit.
"The first difficulty to be overcame was to open the channel between the old piers-the water being only 38 feet deep. The second
day after the arrival of the dredge, she commenced moving to her
place and work, and on the evening of the third day the channel
was opened to the depth of eight to nine feet, so that vessels drawing that amount of water arrive and depart with all freedom.
"All is bustle and activity here. From four to ten arrivals and
departures daily. The huge dredge is plowing her way through the
bluffs at the point where the new entrance to the harbor is to be
made into Lake Michigan. This bluff separates Lake Michigan
from Lake Aux Becs Scies, and through it the opening for the har'bor is-to be constructed.
"Emigrants, land-lookers, and adventurers arrive daily in large
numbers. The few Indians residing on the shore of Lake Michigan
have heard the echo, and flock here to see the 'Big Machine.'
"As a sample of the way things are done at Frankfort, the
harbor company built a dock and put up and set running a portable
saw-mill in ten hours.
"Among several important arrivals of lake craft at this point
since the harbor fleet came may be noticed the propeller Oneida, of
Buffalo, and schooner Eugene, of Milwaukee, and Commencement,
of Chicago. Among the sailing craft regularly running here we
have noticed the following: —Jennie Lind, of Manistee; Kitty and
Lumkin, of Frankfort; Hallelujah, of Benzonia; Reconstruction, of
Portage; Union Jack, of the Manitous; French Girl, of Robar's
Landing, and Morning Glory, of Manistee. At Dow's ship yard


the propeller 'Russian Domain' is waiting her engine, boiler and
other machinery. The time is not far distant when Frankfort will
be a harbor of refuge for the largest vessels floating on the great
lakes.
"The valuable hard timber surrounding this harbor, and ex

tending back through the region of Benzonia, and beyond to the
Manistee River, together with the valuable pine along the border of
the Aux Becs Scies River, all covering a belt of the finest soil for
agricultural purposes, the peculiar salubrity of the climate, its
proximity to large bodies of water, and its many other natural advantages must render Frankfort in the future a place of much
busihess and importance."
In 1866 Jacob Voorheis moved here and had the local management of the land company's business. He lived in the old boarding-house, and kept hotel and a few goods. There was a small
saw-mill built in connection with the harbor improvements.
In the spring of 1867 George A. Douglass started a store on
the south side, and during the summer Hubbell & Whitwood put
up a small building for a store. A man named Ford had a small
stock of boots and shoes in a board shanty with a ground floor.
The Frankfort House was begun in the summer of 1867 by
Victor Satterlee, and in the fall J. B. Delbridge built the Delbridge
House, now the Park House.
Dr. T. Harvey, the first physician of the place, came from Detruit in the fall of 1867. He got hemlock timber at the mill, and
made temporary shelter until he could put up a building. He
moved away in 1882, and is now in Texas.
In the fall of 1867 Mr. Charles A. Voorheis opened a hardware
store, and Mr. Fred Kern came and made arrangements for the
building of a store, which he opened the following summer.
Although the main immigration was in 1868, yet many of the
local interests had their beginning in 1867.
PO*TOFFICE.
Soon after Mr. Cogshall came here a postoffice was established,
and he was appointed postmaster. It was a special office, and mail
was received twice a week from Traverse City. Mr. Cogshall finally
got tired of bothering with the office, there being but little business, and it was turned over to L. A. Dauby, who kept it for a
time and it was discontinued. When business began to revive the
office was re-established and N. W. Nelson was postmaster. For
a time mail was brought by-private enterprise from Benzonia. In
May, 1869, J..B. Collins was appointed postmaster, and has held
the office to the present time. It is kept in his drug store. Daily
mail is received from the east and south.
JOHN B. COLLINS, druggist and postmaster, Frankfort, was
born in Erie County, N. Y., April 18, 1838. He lived on a farm
until nineteen years of age, and then went to Rochester as clerk in
a drug store. In 1856 he left his native state, came to Charlotte,
Mich., and was engaged in the drug business some four years. On
leaving there he spent about three years in traveling through New
York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia, and then engaged in business as a druggist at Rochester. In 1866 he returned to Michigan
and engaged in the drug business in Rockford, and two years later
removed to Frankfort, Benzie County, and opened business on
Main Street. Since then he has purchased his commodious business stand on the corner of Main and Fourth Streets, and is enjoying a steadily enlarging patronage in all departments of his trade,
consisting chiefly of drugs, paints and stationery.
In the summer of 1868 he was married to Miss Josephine B.
Lapham, daughter of Hon. Smith Lapham, of Rockford. She was
born there Oct. 23, 1848. Their children. are Roy L., Gracie,
Agnes and Dudley F. Mr. Collins has a pleasant home residence
in Frankfort, on Forest Avenue, ten acres of other real estate


within the village limits, and a farm of forty acres six miles from
town, and holds stock in a gold and silver mine in Colorado. Before coming to Frankfort he had served as town clerk and as
justice of the peace, and he has been postmaster of Frankfort sixteen years.


I
I. pI


I                           I~_  _,_


L


_-A_


a




--


4.1 -

0


Iof —^-^  I   I I I I I   II   I I I I   I I   ml III  —.,,  -- i^ —r............ L..


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


301


CHURCH HISTORY.
The first public religious exercises were introduced at this
point by Mr. Jacob Voorheis in the spring of 1867: Mr. and Mrs.
Voorheis were at that time living in the old boarding-house building, and a praise meeting was held in their house. This was
followed by Bible: reading, and classes were finally formed and a
regular Sunday-school established. In July of that year Dr.
Duffield, of Detroit, visited the place with Mr. George S.
Frost and preached in the building, now the Park hotel. He also
preached the funeral sermon of a son of Mr. E. B. Frost who was
drowned about that time. A Mr. Gallagher, an Episcopal clergyman, and Mr. Ulrich, a Methodist clergyman, also preached sermons here. The latter located on the south side and preached at
both places.
January 26, 1868, a council convened at Frankfort to organize the Congregational Church. In this effort Rev. J. B. Walker,
then of Benzonia, was a leading spirit. The council was composed of Rev. J. B. Walker, Rev. John Pettitt, Deacon Lucius H.
Case and Deacon D. B. Spencer. The names of members were as
follows: Victory and Mary Satterlee, Joseph and Elsia A. Ford,
E. B. and Sarah J. Frost, C. H. and Susan Crittenden, F. M.
Harvey, Warren H. and Anna A. Marsh, Peleg Ewing, J. E. and
Harriet R. Voorheis, Miss M. E. Gillett, Charles G. and Mary E.
Brownell, Mrs. Elizabeth Ross, George A. Douglass, Richard and
Volentia Ball, J. B. and Ellen J. Delbridge.
The officers of the church for 1868 were Richard Ball, deacon;
W. H. Marsh, deacon; E. B. Frost, treasurer; George A. Douglass,
clerk.
During the year A. H. Fletcher became pastor of the church
and remained seven years.
In the summer of 1870 the society received the gift of a communion service from Mrs. J. Hendrickson, of Pontiac. It was
given in honor of the baptism of her grandchild, Donald 0.
Douglass.
In the spring of 1871 a subscription paper was circulated for
the purpose of raising funds with which to build a church edifice.
A lot was donated by the Land Company, and a building erected
at a cost of $5,000. It is highly creditable to the enterprise and
liberality that so expensive a church could be built in so small a
community. In January, 1874, the society was incorporated under
the name of the First Congregational Church of Frankfort.
Rev. L. F. Waldo succeeded Mr. Fletcher as pastor in the
summer of 1875, and remained two years. The society was without a regular pastor until 1879, when Rev. J. D. Millard became
pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. A. H. Cairnduff, who resigned in August, 1881, on account of failing health, and in April,
1882, Rev. F. D. Chandler entered upon the duties of pastor. He
was succeeded by Rev. Robert Adams, who preached one year and
was succeeded by Rev. E. D. Curtis, the present pastor.
In March, 1871, mention was made of the religious interests
at Frankfort as follows: "Perhaps in no direction is the enterprise and public spirit of the people of Frankfort better shown
than in the matter of religion, and the support of religious worship.
"The different organized Christian denominations here have a
membership numbering about as follows: Congregationalist, 45;
Methodist, 20; Baptist, 12; persons who are members of churches
elsewhere, 80; total, 107. The population of the village is reck

oned at about 400. The total amount expended to sustain religious
work is about $1,025."
The records of the M. E. Society in Frankfort have been so
neglected that anything like a satisfactory history of that church
cannot be obtained.


The first quarterly conference of which there is any record
was held at Frankfort, Oct. 21, 1874, by Presiding Elder G. D.
Lee. As early as 1867 Rev. John J. Ulrich lived on the south
side and preached occasionally. The following year a class was
formed with W. P. Derry and wife and Mrs. Sarah Krouse as
members. There was a quarterly conference held in July, 1868,
by Presiding Elder V. G. Boynton. The pastors have been Revs.
Prouty, Sensabaugh, Cole Latham, Newland, Sly, McElvie,
Stahley, Steele and Noys. In 1876 a society was duly organized
and a church built, the lot being donated by the Land Company.
The church building cost about $1,800. The society numbers now
about fifty members.
VILLAGE SCHOOLS.
School District No. 2, of Crystal Lake, was fully organized
in January, 1868, and included in its territory the village of Frankfort. Jan. 4, 1868, E. B. Frost was ordered by C. C. Adams,
town clerk, to notify the legal voters of the district to meet at the
Delbridge House on the 10th day of January for the election of
school officers. The voters of that district at that time as shown
by the returns were as follows: T. M. Hnbbell, J. E. Voorheis,
V. Satterlee, R. N. Jones, E. M. Huntington, D. Smith, P. Ewing,
J. B. Delbridge, F. Hubbell, W. H. Coggshall, W. H. Marsh, C.
Crittenden, I. Ford, Isaac Voorlheis, H. M. Spicer, Levi Lee, R.
Ball, L. M. Harvey, A. B. Macy, P. Derry, F. R. Axtell, A. J.
Slyfield, George Crouse, M. R. Hooper, L. Wakefield. The district was bounded on the south by lake and river Aux Bees Scies,
on the east by Benzonia, west by Lake Michigan and north by
Platte Township.
The first school was taught during the winter of 1867-'68 by
W. H. Marsh in a small building temporarily fitted up for that
purpose, and which stood on Water Street between Third and
Fourth Streets. In the spring Miss Nellie Harvey took the school
but for some reason was unable to carry it on, and Mrs. N. W.
Nelson, now of Manistee, took her place.
In May, 1868, a committee was appointed to see about erecting a suitable building for school purposes, and it was voted to
build a school-house, one story, 25x50 feet in size, and to raise
$2,000 for that purpose. The lot was donated by George S.
Frost & Co. The building was completed that season and the
winter term of 1869 was taught by D. B. Butler, with his sister,
Miss Lalla Butler, assistant.
The names of all the teachers have not been preserved, but so
far as can be gathered from the recollections of various persons they
have been as follows since 1869: A. W. Jenkins, Mr. Sturgis,
John B. Nickson, A. B. Perrin, J. W. Harden, A. W. Hitchcock
and Stuart Mackibbin. The female teachers have been as follows:
Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Dyer, Miss Kessler, Misses Bailey, Wallace,
Hoppin, Mrs. Waldo and Mrs. Reudler, Misses Stinson, Brown,
Fletcher, Smith, McGee, Mrs. Harden.
The present teachers are as follows: Stuart Mackibbin,
principal, Mary Kern, Misses Hill, Jencks, Wentworth, and Etta
Smith.
The schools were graded in 1881. Additions have been made
to the school building as the increasing number of pupils required. In 1883 about $1,500 were spent in building and improvements.
According to the school census of 1898, there were 851 school
children in the district. The enrollment for the year ending June,


1884, was 286, and the average attendance 225. The following
report made by Mr. Mackibbin for the month ending Feb. 29, 1884,
gives a fair idea of the present condition of; the schools, so far as
enrollment, attendance, etc., is concerned:
High School, Mary C. Kern, teacher. Enrollment for year,


1


I


i


I


4p-"


--                                                                          -----  --  I  -..._~, _ __  ---------       -                           -              ' 1 --,   T -








I'


302


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


V


88; for term, 80; for month, 29; per cent attendance, 94; average
daily attendance, 26; number of cases tardiness, 25.
Seventh and eighth grades, Mary C. Kern, teacher. Enrollment for year, 29; for term, 27; for month, 27; per cent attendance, 93; average daily attendance, 22; number of cases tardiness, 19.
Fifth and sixth grades, Mary Hill, teacher. Enrollment for
year, 59; for term, 22; for month, 57; per cent attendance, 94;
average daily attendance, 40; number of cases tardiness, 26.
Third and fourth grades, Lina M. Wentworth, teacher. Enrollment for year, 51; for month, 45; for term, 46; per cent attendance, 89; average daily attendance, 39; numlber of cases tardiness, 29.
Infant, first and second grades, Mrs. Jenks, teacher. Enrollment for year, 74; for term, 49; for month, 49; per cent attendance,
84; average daily attendance, 37; number of cases tardiness, 20.
Ward School, Etta Smith. teacher. Enrollment for year, 21;
for term, 20; for month, 20; per cent attendance, 94; average
daily attendance, 17; number of cases tardiness, 12.
Total, all grades. Enrollment for year, 270; for term, 224;
for month, 221; per cent attendance, 91; average daily attendance,
181; number of cases tardiness, 131.
Last winter's term, the enrollment was 205; the total enrollment for last year was 254; for 1881, 263.
STUART MACKIBBIN, superintendent Union Schools, Frankfort,
Mich., was born of Scotch ancestry, in Geneva, Wis., Nov. 22,
1860. He spent his youth and received his education in his native
state. He began teaching in the schools of Geneva at seventeen
years of age, and has ever since made teaching his employment.
During the years of 1880 and '81 he was tutor in the college in
Valparaiso, Ind. Next he taught in the city of Columbia in that
state, but in the summer of 1883, he resigned his position there
because of ill health, removed to Frankfort, Mich., and accepted a
position as superintendent of the Union Schools, being the first to
occupy that office in the place. Mr. Mackibbin is chiefly a selfeducated person. He has only enjoyed six years at school as a
pupil, yet has acquired a knowledge of the courses of Latin, Greek
and German, and also of the mathematics usually taught in the
colleges. Iis schools made most commendable progress during
the year ending June, 1884, and his graduating class, the first in
Frankfort, passed the examination with honor to itself, its instructors and the school. Mr. Mackibbin's school strength is as an
organizer. In this he takes especial delight, and has pleasing success. Politically lie is a Democrat, and has from boyhood taken a
lively interest in the political issues of his country. Fraternally
lie is a Free Mason of the Knight Templar degree. Religiously lie
is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
THE SOUTH SIDE.
On Feb. 14, 1867, a town plat was recorded of the village of
Frankfort City, on the south shore of harbor, by George M. Cartwriglht and other proprietors-and subsequently additions thereto by
Henry Day, of New York, and E. G. Chambers, of Bucyrus, Ohio.
In the year 1869, the Frankfort Iron Furnace Company, under
the management of Messrs. Albert Ives, president; Silas L. Fuller,
secretary and treasurer, of Detroit, Mich.; and T. C. Anderson,
superintendent; and John Desmond, iron master, secured spacious
grounds and dock frontage on the south shore promontory and
erected their extensive works at a cost of nearly $200,000. and


in Jllly, 1870, the works went into operation. The postoffice of
South Frankfort had been established, and the nucleus of a community formed on that side of the lake. The location of the furnace at this point was an important enterprise, and did much to
strengthen confidence in the future prospects of the place.


GEORGE M. CARTWRIGHT, the subject of this brief sketch, whose
portrait appears on an adjoining page, has been very extensively
identified with the interests of Benzie County, Mich., during the
past eighteen years.
A Michigan man by birth, born in Grand Blanc, county of
Genesee, Sept. 28, 1839, possessing the blood of five different races
in his veins, i. e., Dutch, English, Irish, German and Hebrew, cosmopolitan in tastes, liberal, tolerant, cheerful in disposition, yet with
strong inclinations for intelligent criticism, educated in the arena of
active business, from the period of an eleven year old office-boy up,
we have in these few brief sentences the outlines of the man.
As business relations and associations ever indicate the character of men more truly than empty words, in connection with
above remarks we may add, that from his sixteenth to nineteenth
year, as clerk and salesman with Hon. Alexander McFarlan, now deceased, in the lumber manufacturing trade, at Flint, Mich., and for
nearly eight years thereafter, successfully in the capacity of wholesale lumber shipping agent, and in connection therewith, the management of an extensive retail lumber business at Fenton, in county
of Genesee, Mich, for ex-Governor Henry H. Crapo, now deceased,
one of Michigan's best governors, furnishes ample testimony of the
real chlracter.
The above period being prior to the days of the present extensive inteiior'-.state railroad system, perhaps few young men at that
time had more extensive business acquaintance in central and
southern Michigan and extending into Ohio, and with a reputation
known only for practical uprightness.
In 1865 he, associated with others, organized and established
the Wisconsin Plaster Company, at Milwaukee, Wis., for promoting
the more general use of Michigan land plaster over Wisconsin and
adjoining states. He continued therewith till early in the summer
of 1866, when, deeming northern Michigan a more inviting field for
general business, we find him, in the month of June of that year,
standing on the green banks of the beautiful lake, Aux Bees Sises,
with a magnificent, dense and almost unbroken wilderness before
him, and the broad expanse of Lake Michigan's blue waters giving
forth their grand and wave-like symphonies at his feet.
At that time scarcely one half-dozen families w'ere dwelling
between the present harbor entrance and the present site of Benzonia, some ten miles away. The recollections of " King Strang,"
of Beaver Island, were then fresh in the minds of the few settlers
then residing "on the shore."  Five days m ere then required to obtain letters by mail from Detroit, Mich. On the shore line, south
of " Point Aux Bees Scies Light," there was not a regular hotel or
inn, Manistee not excepted, till one reached Pentwater; and travel
on land was either by overland stage, or on horseback, or on foot;
while by water, only small transient coasters or "hookers," dealing principally in illicit Canada whisky, and casually in groceries
and dry goods, witil occasionally some regular line steamers "laying
off shore," while landing emigrants in small boats or "lighters,"
were the only methods of travel.
Mr. Cartwright confined himself to handling real estate at the
harbor, or, with knapsack on his back, making pedestrian tours and
land purchases in the interior for himself and others, with nature's
works and choice books for his companions, or coasting the everrestless and often stormy shore lines of Lake Michigan in his many
journeys. In brief, in these words is comprised a summary of an extensive, active, yet concise, early pioneer life and experience, yet


none but those who have had like personal knowledge can realize
the full meaning of these words.
In those early days when taxes were inadequate to meet actual
requirements, realizing the great necessity of wagon roads for the
building up of business centers, his hand was always liberal, never


-




'7
7,
'A
d                  -


N>


-t


1, k i


'If,, I 11
O


k    III/, I,
t              -,
I,",.,  t,      (,
N
m,,I! /


IC


61           Z., /
94.              0
%-                401     Oa       -
v








s


VM 


I8 -

THE TRAVERSE REGION


303


-


drawing the line of his personal expenditure to the limitation of assessed annual taxes, but resorting to heavy personal contributions,
and giving water front dockage sites for mills, and otherwise liberally
for general material advancement.
To form a more perfect idea of the means and measures employed for aiding in developing this portion of Michigan it is only
necessary to state that during this eighteen years from 1866, while
he formerly partially resided at Fenton, Mich., and latterly at Lansing, Mich., the capital of the state, extensively operating in real
estate in other portions of the peninsular state, as well as in the
southern states, yet, from the earliest days of his business relations
with this part of northwest Michigan to the present, being quite an
extensive contributor to the press, both agricultural as well as secular, without appealing over his own name and thus avoiding personal notoriety, his good words for the Grand Traverse Region and
Benzie County have been published and copied into the leading agricultural and other journals of thif: and adjoining states, and thus
ever silently helping to build up its many material interests.
In addition to this, during the last past decade and to date, annually issuing at his own personal cost neat, elaborate and often
very extensive editions of real estate journals and circulars under
the auspices of the Real Estate Exchange, circulating extensively in
Michigan, Ohio and western New York.
By examination of the county records we find that the village
of Frankfort City, known as South Town, was platted by George M.
Cartwright, the active business manager and proprietor, with others,
Feb. 14, 1867, it having been surveyed in 1866 by Hon. George E.
Steele, now of Traverse City, then a youthful civil engineer, residing at Homestead, Benzie County. While wealth is not always the
true standard of success, stability, permanence, persistency, and
faith or confidence are consonant to and with success,-and
in this connection as a marked feature and closely allied to
another character associated with Benzie County business history, it is only necessary to mention that from the year 1867,
when Mr. Cartwright appointed the Hon. John H. Adams, then of
Frankfort Harbor, his business agent, those close relations continued
with the strongest friendly ties till May 2, 1884, the date of Judge
Adams' death; Mr. Cartwright's policy being "the best men for the
best places, and unlimited continuance of trust based in merit."
Judge Adams, his agent, was also closely allied to the county history and interests, having long served as judge of county probate
court, and filled many other important places of public trust.
Mr. Cartwright was wed in 1878, at Frankfort, Mich., to Miss
Sarah Wolcott, resulting in a happy married life of nearly eighteen
months, ending with her death at Wyandott, Mich., in 1880.
In conclusion we may add that, like many other " fathers of
towns," he may not have found it always a lucrative or thankful
position, he has the satisfaction of having seen, with others, one of
the handsomest harbor towns on Lake Michigan grow up around the
borders and on the banks of the Aux Bees Scies, and it a thriving
and successful business center.
In 1869 the county was organized, and Frankfort soon after
became the county seat.
Frankfort was mentioned in the spring of 1869, as follows: -
The village now consists of about 500 inhabitants. There are three
hotels, eight stores, two of which are shoe stores, one a hardware
and one a drug store. There is one saw-mill with a capacity of 3,000,000 feet, two blacksmith shops, one gunsmith shop, one tin


shop, one meat market, one cabinet shop, a dentist, a doctor, a lawyer, a photograph artist and two clergymen who officiate regularly
to two organized societies, Congregationalist and Methodist. There
will be completed here during the coming season, the finest harbor
of refuge on the lake. An appropriation of $98,000 has already






I


I


been expended, and all can be easily completed by August. It is
known as Aux Bees Scies Harbor, so called from the little lake into
which it opens. This little lake is over a mile long ani abbut half
a mile wide, and could accommodate easily 1,000 vessels at a time.
The channel is 200 feet wide. Tie south pier is to be 600 feet and
the north pier 550 feet from the shore.
The Frankfort Smelting Works will be in process of erection
by the 1st of April, to be completed and in running order by September. They are to be built on the south side of the little lake
and for the present are to consist of two brick builHings, one 70
feet square and the other 40 by 50 feet, one story high.
The contracts for wood and building dock are let. The machinery is all ready and will be brought on at the opening of navigation. The cash capital of the comp yny is $100,000. Tlere will
also be a planing-mill completed and ready for business by the 1st of
May. Frankfort is surrounded by a beautiful region of farming
country. The soil is sandy loam with gravel of limestone, sub-soil,
clay-land eminently adapted to fruit raising. Almost every clearing around the place is, or is to be this spring or fall, set out in
peaches. Every such enterprise has been successful beyond expectation, and "raising peaches " here is not considered a doubtful
experiment.
Frankfort has grown in the last two years from almost nothing to a growing, tlriving, busy little town, and with its present
business prospects all predict for it a still more rapid growth and
signal prosperity.
IN THE SPRING OF 1870.
A letter from Frankfort was published in the Grand Traverse
Herald, which we give as follows:
Frankfort, the seat of justice of Benzie County, is situated at
the mouth of Betsie River, in Town 26 north, Range 16 West.
Frankfort proper, is on the north side of the river, and Frankfort
City on the south. In this article we treat them as one town,
which they will become in fact, at some future time.
Few more eligible, beautiful and attractive sites for towns can
be found in the state. Lake Michigan, with its limitless view on
the west; Betsie Lake stretching away to the southeast some two
miles, and bounded most of the distance by the magnificent native
forest; the high bluffs on the north and on the south, approaching
comparatively near on the lake shore but rapidly receding as they
stretch inland, giving fine level grounds for building; the quiet
little village nestled between these romantic hills; all these combined in one picture and seen at a single glance, make an impression upon the mind not easily forgotten.
We can never forget our first view of Frankfort, or rather of
the place where Frankfort is and is to be, for at that time less than
a half dozen buildings occupied the site of the now flourishing village., For two days we had been coasting in an open boat along
the shore of Lake Michigan from the southward. It was a pleasant
June day, calm and soft and sunny. Late in the afternoon our
Indian boatman rowed our little craft up the old channel of the
river, and there, bathed in the light of the declining sun, beautiful
as early summer and sunshine could make them, the little lake, the
green forests and the receding hills burst upon our siglit. It was
a scene to be admired, enjoyed and remembered.
At the time we speak of Frankfort was what we term a
"dead" town. An effort had been made to improve the channel
of the river, open an entrance for boats into Betsie River and thus


secure a safe and commodious harbor. For reasons which we
have not space to recount, the project failed, the work was for a
time abandoned, and all business operations were suspended.
Subsequently the point was carefully examined by government
engineers who pronounced it entirely practicable to construct there


I


I


A
0


I


Il


oil


__ _                       I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I


I:  a.




0 -

=;my
G I




VI


-


I


304


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


a safe and available harbor of refuge. An appropriation was made
by Congress for the purpose, and work commenced. The old
channel of the river, however, was abandoned and a new one
opened a few rods further south.
A good degree of success has attended the work. On the
north side of the channel the piers have been extended out 750
feet, on the south side 800 feet. These piers consist of cribs
20x82 feet, ranged end to end, sunken and filled with stone. They
are not merely sunk to the bottom of the lake, but settled into the
sand by dredging some twelve feet, thus rendering it almost literally impossible for wind and wave to affect them. The superstructure is raised six feet above the water and filled the same as
the cribs. Each crib is said to contain about seventy cords of
stone. Whoever chooses to figure it up will find this to be a large
pile. These stones are brought from the Wisconsin shore.
There are now from nine to ten feet of water on the bar. The
extension of the cribs 300 feet farther will carry them across the
outer bar to where the water is sixteen feet deep and the bottom
hard. When that point is reached it is confidently expected the
sand washed up by storms will no longer affect the channel, and
that the harbor will take rank among the best on the lakes. The
channel between the piers is 200 feet wide. It has not frozen this
winter, and it is believed that when the piers are completed, and
the channel dredged to the proper depth there will never be any
serious obstruction by ice.
The amount expended on the harbor up to this time is
$120,000. It is said there is a good prospect of an additional appropriation this winter. We trust it may be had, for it would be
a great misfortune indeed to have the work stop where it now is.
So much has been done and so well done, that the work should
now be completed -without unnecessary delay. The future of
Frankfort and the adjacent country depends largely upon the success in making a good harbor. Final success is certain, and we
trust the work may be pushed speedily forward and the brightest
anticipations of our Frankfort friends fully realized.
The population of the village is estimated at 600, and we
judge the estimate is snot too high. The coming summer will
doubtless largely add to the population of the place. The iron
works, when in successful operation, will give constant employment to a large number of persons and hence there must necessarily
be important additions to the laboring population.
As nearly as we could get at the facts there are, in Frankfort
and Frankfort City, two stores that keep a general assortment of
dry goods, groceries and other goods usually kept in well furnished
village stores; two grocery stores, one hardware store, one drug
store, one boot and shoe store, three hotels, three blacksmith shops,
one wagon shop.
There are two physicians and one attorney. The Methodists
and Congregationalists have church organizations, but as yet no
church edifices have been erected. We were informed that the attendance at the Sabbath school connected with the Congregational
Church averaged seventy-three the last quarter. There is also a
Methodist Sunday school, but we did not learn how large the
attendance.
Two teachers are employed in the village school, which is said
to be prospering finely. The number of children returned in the
district is 117; number attending school from  seventy five to


eighty.
But next in importance to the harbor stands the Frankfort
Iron Works. The progress made in the constriction of these
works has been briefly noted from time to time in the Herald, and
hence we do not propose to go into the subject at length. The
work is going steadily forward and the intention is to have the






whole in running order early in the summer. The kilns for manufacturing coal, ten in number, and calculated to hold one hundred
cords of wood each, are completed and being filled with wood.
The casting house, 50x95 feet, twenty feet high and built of brick,
is also completed. The stack is finished and the top house, 70x105
feet, is well under way. The settling and cracking of the walls reported some weeks since, proves to have been a matter of little
consequence. All now seems to be safe, sound and substantial.
Wood for the first season's operations is being rapidly hauled
on the ground. Some 5,000 cords have already been delivered.
Messrs. Delbridge & Welch have a contract for furnishing 6,000
cords. Other parties are also engaged in the same business. It is
calculated that when the furnace is working up.to its full capacity
15,000 cords of wood per year will be consumed. This item alone
will cause disbursement of some $15,000 a year. Add to this the
other disbursements necessary to be made, and it will be seen
that a single furnace will necessarily put a large amount of money
in circulation. It is hardly possible to over-estimate the importance of these iron works to the people of Frankfort and the surrounding country.
Frankfort has been very unfavorably situated as to roads until
recently. After the county seat was located at that place George
S. Frost & Co., in compliance with a pledge made to the people,
commenced the construction of a road from Frankfort to Belzonia. That road, although not yet completed, is in very fair
condition and will, we are told, be finished in good style early the
coming spring. It will have cost, when completed, not much less
than $3,000. In addition to this road the Manistee and Leland
state road, now nearly completed through the entire county, opens
the country north and south of the village, and gives the people
easy access to the leading business points in the county.
As yet but little attention has been given to fruit culture in
the vicinity of Frankfort. We were told that Mr. Isaac Voorheis
has planted 1,500 peach trees and intends to add largely to his
orchard the coming summer. Messrs. Hubbell & Whitwood also
have a fine orchard started. Mr. E. B. Frost is preparing for
planting an orchard on the borders of Crystal Lake, a few miles
east of the village. Others propose turning their attention to the
cultivation of fruit. It is doubtless entirely safe to do so. The
high lands   about Frankfort are beyond   all question   well
adapted to fruit growing. The soil is good and the surface rolling.
The influence of the waters of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake
must be very great and exceedingly beneficial. No danger of
winter freezing or spring frosts need be apprehended. Even on
the low ground by the harbor on the morning of Feb. 22, the
coldest day for many years, it was but seven degrees below zero.
This shows that peaches may be grown there successfully, and
doubtless the time is near when fruit culture will receive the attention its importance demands.
The land back of Frankfort, and particularly east and south
of the village, is of a very good quality for farming purposes.
North of Crystal Lake the soil for a short distance is not so
good;-but as a general statement it may be truthfully said that
the region of country naturally tributary to 'Frankfort is well
adapted to the cultivation of all farm products that flourish in this
latitude.
A VILLAGE CHARTER.


In October, 1873, the citizens of Frankfort petitioned the circuit court to have the question of incorporating as a village under the
general law of 1873 submitted to a vote of the electors, at a special
meeting to be held in December following. There were at that
time said to be 684 inhabitants, and the territory to be incorporated
covered 1,240 acres.  The petition contained 685 names, and was


-9)
I
I


t


c_
ICI


A
W I




I


6
mh


is C




1


Ate —


u --
I


(F


I.-a




THE TRAVERSE REGION:


305


granted. The proposition carried and Frankfort became an incorporated village. Not long after, however, the law of 1873 was
declared unconstitutional, and the charter became null and void.
Since then the village has not revived the question of re-incorporating.
MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES.
Crystal Lodge, No. 270, F. and A. M., of Frankfort, dates
back to the year 1869. January 9, 1869, the first meeting of
Masons ever held in Frankfort convened at the office of C. C.
Chambers, a little one-story building opposite tile building ill which
the telegraph office is now located. There were present C. S. Collier, T. B. Collins, C. C. Chambers, (eorge W. Allen, N. W. Nelson, Isaac Voorheis, J. B. Delbridge, George B. Farley and Robert
Oliver. C. S. Collier was chairmlan, and N. W. Nelson secretary
of the meeting. At tlis meeting the l)relinlillaries for regular meetings were discussed and steps taken to arrange time and place. At
a subsequent mneeting it was decided to rent a room ill the second
story of a building tlen being lbuilt for a store building. At a
meeting held January 23, officers were elected as follows: —W. M.,
T. B. Collins; S. W., C. S. Collier; J. W., Isaac Voorheis; treasurer, C. C. Chambers; secretary, N. W. Nelson; S. D., J. B. Delbridge; J. D., George W. Allen; tyler, A. M. Guptil.
About the 1st of August, 1869, the dispensation arrived bearing date of July 26, 186!). In tile meantime a new hall had been
procured in tlle second story of a building tlhen just completed by
George W. Allen, and tle first meeting held there June 5, 1809.
The first regular collllunication was held Wednesday evening
August 18, 1869. At this time there were fifteen members. The
first officers under tile dispellsation were: —W. M., T. B. Collins;
S. W., C. S. Collier; J. W., Isaac Voorheis; treasurer, C. C. Chambers; secretary, N. W. Nelson; S. D., Peleg Ewing; J. D., R. J.
Carhart; tyler, A. C. Guptil.
Iln January, 1870, a charter was received, and oil the evening
of the 29th the lodge was consecrated. The ceremonies were followed by a  llanquet at the Delbridge House, now the Park House.
The lodge occupied their hall for several years, and then removed to a room over another store, where they remained until
1883, when, lhaving united with tile Red Ribbon Society in the
erection of a new buildillg, the lodge removed to its present quarters.
There are in 1881 sixty members. The following persons have
been masters of the lodge: —T. 13. Collins, C. S. Collier, George
W. Allen, N. A. Parker.  The officers in 1884 are as follows: —
W.. M., C. S. Collier; S. W., C. A. Voorheis; J. W., S. W.
Mclntosh; secretary, I. W. Gaines; treasurer, N. A. Parker; S. D.,
L. Averill; J. D., D. C. Wagner; tyler, Conrad Goenwein; stewards, I. Voorheis and W. Roy; trustees, N. A. Parker, J. May, T.
B. Collins.
Hebron Chapter U. D., R. A. M., is working under a dislenlsation granted in December, 1883. There are fifteen lmembers.
Officers:-H. P., T. C. Anderson; K., C. S. Collier; scribe, Isaac
Voorheis; C. H., Stuart Mackibbin; P. S., A. B. Carrier; R. A. C.,
J. C. Wolcott; M. Vs. Jacob May, J. Penfold, A. L. White.
Eastern Star Lodge of Adopted Masons was organlized in 1872.
There are about fifty melmbers. This society is composed of
the mothers, wives and daughters of Masons, and has been in a
flourishing condition. The first worthy patrol was Mrs. Isaac
Voorheis and her successor, Mrs. J. B. Collins, botl of whlio  are
now dead. Since the death of tile latter no mleetings have been


held.
A lodge of Good Templars was organized in January, 1871,
with the following charter members: -J. V, Badger, C. E. Carrier,
A. T. Kingsley, D. M. Fish, J. A. Kingsley, T. Welsh, A. B. Carrier, F. F. Hubbell, G. C. Woodward, A. P. Robertson, J. A.


Brewer, A. S. Badger, Rev. A. J. Wheeler.  The following officers
were elected:-P. W. C. T., T. Welsh; W. C. T. A. S. Badger; W.
V. T., J. V. Badger; W. S. A. B. Carrier; W. T., F. F. Hubbell;
W. F. S., A. P. Robertson; W. M., D. M. Fish; W. I. G., A. C.
Kingsley; W. O. G., J. A. Brewer; W. C., Rev. A. J. Wheeler;
W. A. S., M. J. Hubbell; W. D. M., E. Delbridge; R. H. S., C. E.
Carrier; L. H. S., E. Welsh.
A lodge of Good Templars was organized on the south side in
JaLnuatry, 1883, withl twenty-one members.  The following were tile
first officers: —W. C. T., A. Crandall; W. V. T., Mrs. A. M. Wiltsie; W. S., Miss Hettie Anderson; W. A. S., Ole Olson; W. T., E.
M. Talinadge; W. I. G., Miss Alice Hess; W. 0. G., W. Little;
W. M., W. Carver; W. A. M., Mrs. W. Carver; W. F. S., Miss
Annie Little; R. H. S., Miss Carrie Dow; L. H. S., Mrs. Viinnie
Morgan; W. P. C. T., A. L. White.
The Frankfort Literary AssociaLtion w.L organizel ill 1)l'c mber, 1870, and the following officers elected: -Presildent, Rev. A.
H. Fletcher; vice-president, N. A. Parker; secretltry, Fred Kerl;
treasurer, Rev. A. J. Wheeler; trastees, A. B. Ca1rrier, D. M. Fisl
and A. W. Jenkins.   The society was orgnlized for the purpose of
providing entertainmlent for tlie winter evellings.  A lilrary has
been accumulated, which is kept open1 for tle )ellefit of tlho pullic,
and thoulgh not as active as formerly, tile society still maintains a
prosperous existence.
Carver Post, No. 123, G. A. R., wals llustered il April 7, 1883,
by Col. A. 13. Carrier, witli a llelmllership of twellty-four. The post
was inamed in honor of a son of Mr. I. J. Carver, 1an1 old resident
of tile county, whose son was one of tlie first to enlist, 1and tile
only one who lost his life, from B13nzie Coulty. Thle first officers
of the post were as follows: —Comnm intuer. N. A. Parkler; S. V. C.,
F. R. Axtell; J. V. C., C. A. Voorheis; aljutlt, E. J. Colburn;
Q., H. M. Spicer; surgeon, D. (. 13. Morris; chaplaini, W. P.
Derry; O. D. T. B. Collins; O. (., C. C. Forney; S. M., I. W.
Gaines; Q-M. S., J. Carter. Officers in 1881: —Collllllander, N. A.
Parker; S. V. C., S. G. Grubb; J. V. C., W. A. Joy; surgeon, I).
G. B. Morris; chaplain, W. P. Derry; 0. D., C. C. Forney; O. G.,
J. D. Evals.
A Woman's Christian Templerlance Union w-as orgaiized at
Frankfort by Mrs. L. M. 3Boise in 1878. After a time it became
inoperative, but in August, 1883, it wts revived and its memlbership
increased to 47. Tile officers elected in August were: -President,
Mrs. J. E Voorhleis; recording secretary, Mrs. E. 13. Frost; corresponding secretary, Mrs. G. C. Woodward; treasurer, Mrs. R. Evans.
Olivet Tent, No. 238, K. O. T. M. was organized in May, 1880.
The present officers are as follows: —Past colmmander, C. S. Collier; commander, J. May; L. C., W. H. Chlambers; prelate, T. E.
Mathews; record keeper, D. 13. Butler; finance keeper, N. A. Parker;
sergeant, Simon Grace; master at arms, I). C. Wagner; F. M.
of G., William  Ludke; secretary, Peter Raymond; sentinel, J. E.
Jorrels; physician, I. Voorleis; picket, Robert Poutz.  There are
in 1884 about fifty-four memlbers.
Tlhe Crystal Lake Cemetery Association was organized in May,
1871, with tile following officers:  President, E. 1. Frost; vicepresident, William H. Coggslhall; secretary, N. A. Parker; treasurer, A. G. Butler; superintendent, H. Woodward. It was proposed to purchase forty acres. In July, 1871, a purchase was
completed of forty-four acres lying about a mile north of the vil


lage.  There were originally ten stockholders with a capital stock of
$1,000.  Tie grounds are very pleasantly located and are being
improved every year. The officers in 1,)4 are as follows:  President, E. B. Frost; vice-president, A. G. Butler; secretary, N. A.
Parker; treasurer, Dr. I. Voorheis; superintendent, H. M. Spicer.


il


II




-4AjL.


-1


306


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




THE FRANKFORT EXPRESS.
The Frankfort Weekly Exp.ress wrs established in June, 1870,
by W. F. Cornell. The following persons have been owners,
wholly or in part, at various times since its establishment: W.
F. Cornell, O. V. Hosmer, W. H. Francis, A. Brewer, S. A.
Brewer.   The editors have been successively: W, F. Cornell,
O. V. Hosmer, W. H. Francis, A. Brewer, J. A. Brewer, S. A.
Brewer and A. B. Carrier. It was at first a seven-column folio,
and was enlarged to an eight column folio in 1874. The office
was burned out in 1881, and the publication of the paper resumed
in January, 1882. Politics, Republican.
ALONZO B. CARRIER, editor of the Frankfort Weekly E.lqev.s,
was born in Angola, Erie County, N. Y., June 28, 1846. He
came with his pIarents to Elsie, Clinton County, Mich., in the spring
of 1858, and spent three years on a farm. He then for two years
attended school 'n Grand Rapids.  On Jan. 3, 1864, at the age of
seventeen years, lie enlisted as a private in Company B, First Michigan Veteran Volunteer Cavalry, and joined the regiment at its rendezvous at Kalamazoo, and'went with it to the front at Stevensburg, Va., where Custer's brigade, of which the regiment was a
member, was then encamped. He was with the regiment in its
battles, including those of the Wilderness, Sheridan's raid around
Richmond, Yellow Tavern, Trevilian Station, Weldon   Railroad
and Bermuda Hundred. He went with Sheri(lan to the Sllenandoah Valley, participatiig in the battles of Berryville, Shepardstown, Front Royal, Opequan, Winchester. Cross Keys and various
other engagements.   After the battle of Cross Keys he was an
attache at the headquarters of the famous Michigan Cavalry Brigade until mustered out by special order of the war department in
February, 1865. After being discharged lie came to Benzonia,
Michi., to join and care for his mother, Mrs. Sarah A. B. Carrier,
who had now removed to that place. His father, Deacon Chauncey
T. Carrier, regimental quartermaster of the First Michigan Cavalry,
had died in the service in July, 1864. He was one of the original
founders of the Benzonia coloily. Mr. A. B. Carrier, after spending three sears in Benzonia assisting his mother, entered the employ of Geo. A. -Do)glass & Co., at Frankfort, as clerk and bookkeeper, and remained two years. On April 1, 1870, the firm of
Carrier, Woodward & Co., organized by Mr. Carrier for the term of
three years, opened a store of general merchandise and carried it
on through the term successfully. From April, 1873, to October,
1875, lie carried on a real estate, insurance. and collection business.in Frankfort. He then went to Grand Rapids and for nearly four
years held the responsible position of deputy clerk of the United
States circuit and district courts for the western district of Michigan, resigning to accept the secretary and treasurership of the
Grand Rapids Chair Company     the largest organization of the
kind in the west. After a successful management of the concern
for a year and a half, more than doubling its sales in that time, lie
resigned to accept the position of general southern and southwestern agent for the Berkey & Gay furniture company of Grand
Rapids - the largest furniture manufactory in the world. In this,
also, lie was eminently successful. While serving as U. S. clerk
lie was for two years general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., which
was at that time carrying on fthe most successful work of that kind
in the west. In July, 1882, lie purchased the Frankfort Weekly
xJ:q)re.s, assuming personal control Jan. 1, 1883. Mr. Carrier's
thoroughly practical education, his personal experience of pioneer


life, and all that that implies, his enlarged knowledge of men and
things, his extensive travel in, and consequent acquaintance with, a
large majority of the states of the Union, give him special fitness
for success in his journalistic enterprise.  He is thoroughly identified with all the various interests of Benzie County, and believes


that a. live, practical, local newspaper may be made a mighty engine
of power for the advancement of the material, social, literary, educational, fraternal and religious interests of the community. He has
filled numerous official trusts, municipal and fraternal. He was
prominently identified with the organization of the Grand Army of
the Republic in Michigan, holding the position of assistant adjutant
general, and is one of its most enthusiastic members. In politics
he is an uncompromising Republican, believing fully in organization, but abhorring all political machines, and clinging ever to tile
flag and the Union. Mr. Carrier's marriage was on May 28, 1870,
to Miss Lottie E., daughter of Henry Woodward, Esq, of Frankfort. They have been bereaved of two lovely daughters. Their
surviving daughter is Gertrude Pearl.
THE NEWS.
The South Frankfort News, I was established in the spring of
1884 by James M. Gillmore, tile present editor and proprietor.
JAMES M. GILLMORE, editor South Franklfort Na'.s, was born in
Lorain, Lor li County, 0., Sept. 16, 1854. When eleven years o.d
lie went to the Baldwin University, in Berea, wlhere lie spent seven
years. He then, to improve his health, elngaged in sailing, andi
continued until 1879. lie has filled all positions from that of
" boy" to that of "master." He was married Juine 28, 1876(, to
Miss Lottie B. Walker, of Oberlin, 0. Sihe was born in North Almherst, 0., Aug. 28, 1858. In 1881 lie sailed during the summer.
In the fall lie took charge of some steam barges and vessel propel ty
that belonged in Cleveland, and in April, 1882, lie came to South
Frankfort, Micl. In the spring of 1884 lie commenced the publication of the South Frankfort _NYes, a live weekly sheet devoted
to temperance and religious news and general information. Hie
has been once appointed, and twice elected, and is in 1884 still
serving as township clerk in Gilmore.
IN 1884.
The following statements concerning Frankfort were recently
made by local authority:  "Frankfort has six general stores; eigllt
groceries; three furniture establishments; three millinery stores; four
shoe shops; two meat markets; two drug stores; one harness shop;
one hardware store; one jewelry store; one bakery; one flouring
mill; five saw-milis; two planing-mills; one shingle-mill; five blacksmith shops; two machine shops and foundries; one bllast furnace
with two stacks; one photograph gallery; one barber shop; three
hotels; two billiard halls; two collecting agencies; three real estate
agents; six painters; four physicians; three lawyers and two postoffices.
" Frankfort proper comprises two towns, Frankfort and South
Frankfort, divided by the lake that forms the harbor, the north
side h;tving over 1,500 and the south side nearly or quite 600, making the population about 2,200.'
"The south side has two schools, one graded, and the north side
has a graded school with a superintendent and four assistants besides a ward schoo'. The number of children of school age oil
the north side ill the union and ward schools is 351. On the southl
side in the graded school the number is 120, and inl the ward school
is forty-two, making a grand total of 513.
"The combined cut of Frankfort mills and the stock of pine on
hand for the year 1884 wil exceed any previous record. The pine(
stock will exceed 41,000,000, while the stock of bard wood and the
cuts of the mills in the county will swell this amount to 46,000,000


and over.
"Of the mills in Frankfort, their capacity is as follows: A. G.
Butler's gang-mill, 100,000 per day. Frankfort Lumber Co., 70,000.  Bellows Bros., 50,000.  L. W. Crane, 30,000, hard wood.
Hall & Lincoln's shingle-mill, 150,000 shingles.




I


L
I,


-,q   * -  




- d


he
a 


JM

-                                          I ---                                                             ~ — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~F 
-                                                  ------— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Is


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


307


I


"There are also a number of good mills distributed through the
country cutting custom work. The following is the list:
"Griner & Sons; C. F. Reed; W. Case; R. G. Perry; John Little & Co.; A. Brundage; D. Carter; L. Fuller; A. P. Denton; W.
Vaughn."
Upwards of $225,000 have been expended in harbor improvements. The channel is 200 feet wide; the south pier is 1,300 and
the north pier is 1,000 feet in length; depth of water thiiteen feet.
The great need of Frankfort is a railroad, but it is now reasonably certain that one will be built to this point within a short
time. The natural advantages of the place are equal to those of
any point on the slore. The people are enterprising, and social
advantages are excellent.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
In the following personal sketches will be found many items of
historical interest:
JACOB VOORHEIS, retired merchant, Frankfort, was born in Seneca County, N. Y., May 10, 1814. He came with his parents to
Bloomfieli, Oakland County, Mich., in 1823. In this vicinity he
spent his youth. He received his later education at the Pontiac
Academy. In the fall of 1836 lie was mairied to Miss Lucy A.
Frost, of Pontiac.  She was born in Onondaga County, N. Y.,
June 30, 1818. She died at Milford, in October, 1844, where they
had gone to reside shoitly   after marriage.  After her death
Mr. Voorlieis spent some years in Detroit and vicinity employed
in teaching. Mr. Voorheis' second marriage was in October, 1845,
to Miss Harriet Kittredge, of Lowell, Mass. She was born in Dracutt, Mass., Oct. 30, 1820. Their living children are Charles A.,
Mary E., and Hattie E. In the winter of 1850 Mr. Voorhels went
to East Saginaw and entered the employ of W. L. P. Little & Co.,
as chief book-keeper and cashier, and remained there until the fall
of 1866. He was now suffering severely from paialysis, and concluded to remove to Fiankfort, Benzie County. He first reached
the place from Traverse by way of Benzonia. Soon after he chartered a vessel, and brought in and opened a stock of general inerchandise. Two yearj later, on the arrival of his son, Charles A.
Voorheis, he closed up the general department and merged his capital with his son iuto a hardware business, which some years later
was sold to Mr. Upton. In 1873, for sanitary reasons, Mr. and
Mis. V. made a tour to California, spending over six months in vaiious parts of the western world. Since then his time has been mostly
occupied in behalf of home and local interests. When lie first
came to Frankfort the place was almost all in its native wilderness,
and he and Mis. Voorheis have had full 'and deep experience of
pioneer adventure, disadvantage and hardship, but now look out
with rich gratification upon the substantial business blocks beautiful residences, and progressive industrial, social, educational and
religious enterprises of the growing town of Frankfort, their chosen
home. Mr. Voorheis has served as justice of the peace and as
county treasurer of Benzie County, besides filling various other official trusts. Religiously, they are members of the Congregational
Church. The Sabbath school was formed in his room, in 1867,
and he and Mrs. V. btill retain their official positions in the school.
He has been superintendent some fifteen years.
FRED KERN, merchant, Frankfort, was born in Paderborn,
Prussia, March 20, 1828. He came to the Unitel States- in July,
1848, located in the city of New York, and was employed as an


entry clerk in a bond ware house in West Street. From there he
went to St. Louis, and was salesman in the first class grocery of
Mr. Powell, but had to leave at the end of two years, because of
ill health. He went to Sandusky, Ohio, and was salesman in the
leading general store in that city, in the employ of Mr. Charles


Converse for one year. He then came to Detroit, Mich., chiefly
because of having friends there from his native country, and entered the employ of Mr. James A. Hicks, afterward of the firm of
Hicks, Palmer & Co., and remained one year in the retail department, and two years in the jobbing department. Then, at the
urgent solicitation of friends he opened a commercial business at
New Baltimore, Macomb County, and in 1862 added tile manufacture of flour barrel staves, heading and hoops, in large quantities, and continued until 1866. His health was now failing and he
sold his entire business interests and real estate there, and spent
one year at Marine City in mercantile business with his brother-inlaw, but, not pleased with the cliim te there, lie came to Frankfort,
Benzie County, and made some investments in real estate, but soon
after returned to Marine City, and with some others invested in the
building of a steamer, the "George S Frost."  On this lie moved
to Frankfort in 1868, and opened business as a pioneer general
merchant, and has ever since enjoyed a satisfactory and enlarging
patronage from the village and surrounding coluntry. His commlodious store with well selected stock is on the corner of Main and
Fourth Streets. Mr. Kein's marriage was in 1852, to Miss Belinda
Gallagher, of Detroit. Slie was born in Ireland and came to America in infancy. Their living children are John J., Rudolphus W.,
MAfry, Gertey, James M., and Anna. Besides his business block
arid residence on Main Street, Mr. Kern has two lots on Forest
Avenue, and also (wns a prominent dock, warehouse and saw mill.
He is agent for the Goodrich Transportation Company, and their
steamers land at his dock. He has never been a seeker for political
office, but delights to labor for the social and educational improvement of his community, and views with pleasure the present achievements in the school accommodations of Frankfort, won by hard
and lengthened effort. His eldest daughter was the first graduate
in tlhe Frankfort Union School, and graduated with such honors
that she was chosen as assistant teacher, and has succeeded so well
that she has been elevated to and now, in    1884, holds the
position of principal in the high school department. In Frankfort
and New ]Baltimore Mr. Kern has served as school officer some fifteen years.
ABRAM G. BUTLER, manufacturer and fruit grower, Frankfort,
was born in Deposit, Delaware County, N. Y., Dec. 16, 1820.
At the age of fourteen years he went to Binghamton, Y. Y., and
spent two years, partly in school and partly in mercantile work.
He then spent one year as clerk in the store of his brother, William
A. Butler, of Detroit.  Next he attended college one year in Cincinnati, under the tuition of ile well known astronomer, Gen. 0.
M. Mitchell. Later lie removed to Marshall, Mich., and served for
some time as teller in the Bank of Marshall, and then was for some
time engaged in commercial business in the firm of Hayes & Butler. On Jan. 1, 1816, lie was married to Miss Charlotte M. Bell,
daughter of Judge D. V. Bell, late Auditor-General for Michigan.
She was born in New York City July 31, 1829. They have one
son, Digby B., and two daughters, Sarah and Emily T.  In 1848
Mr. Butler sold his commercial interest in Marshall, and became
teller in the Michigan Insurance Bank, Detroit,  Three years
later, for the improvement of his health, and to secure the payment
of a large debt that was due from the St. Clair Bank to the Michigan Insurance Bank, he went to St. Clair and engaged in the
manufacture of lumber, flour, etc., in the interest of said parties.
When this work was completed lie removed to Fond du Lac, Wis.,


and was engaged in general banking business for nearly ten years.
From there in 1861 he went to Chicago and engaged in the commission and grain business.  In the spring of 1868 he came to
Frankfort, Benzie County, Mich., in the interest of the Frankfort
Land Company, became agent for all their property in the County,


I..                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           r                         _-; I wb


-ei-   -




..'


I.p


I
i
IIRk

308


THE TRAVERSE REGION.




made nearly all the original sales of their estates, and also made
business investments of his own in the place, and has thus become a permanent resident.  In 1871 Frankfort was made a port
of entry, and Mr. Butler was appointed deputy collector of customs, and has retained the position ever since. Mr. Butler is also
proprietor of a large gang saw-mill which has a capacity for cutting over 100,000 feet of lumber per day.  He is now, in 1884,
engaged in sawing on contract 200,000,000 feet of pine lumber,
known as the Corning tract of pine. He also has a mill for flouring and custom work, with two run of stones for flour and one run
for feed, capable of grinding over 100 bushels of wheat per day
besides tile feed. He also has a beautiful fruit farm about a mile
from town, with forty acres devoted to fruit.  Most of the trees
are already in bearing, and consist of choice selections of apples,
pears, peaches, plus,, quinces, cherries and grapes, and a large
crab apple orchard, and also various other farm  productions.
The whole estate is kept in the highest state of cultivation, and
presents a most prosperous and inviting aspect. He also has forty
acres of beautiful farm land east of the village, and five acres of
fruit grounds northeast of town in fine condition, besides various
estates of village property.  His new and elegant home residence
is on Leelanaw Avenue. Mr. Butler has served two years as
county treasurer of Benzie County, but chooses exemption from
official position.
ALONZO J. SLYFIELD, M. D., Frankfort, was born in Concord,
Vt., June 1, 1825.  He came with his parents to Michigan when
seven years of age, landing beside a floating bridge in Pine River,
in St. Clair, from the old steamer Gratiot. There, chiefly, he spent
his youth and early manhood. He studied medicine in Hyde Park,
Vermont, with Dr. A. Morse, having previously spent three years
in medical research among the Indians. On his return to St. Clair
he opened a drug store, and commenced the practice of medicine
on the eclectic system. On Dec. 10, 1848, he was married to
Miss Alice J. Latham, of China, St. Clair County.   She was
born in Greenwich, Washington County, N. Y., May 26, 1826.
Their children are Nellie M., now deceased, Charles B., Mary,
now deceased, Edwin R., Elmer E., George W., and Jennie A.
In August, 1853, after a severe illness, Mr. Slyfield accepted a
situation as keeper of the light-house on Manitou Island, and remained there nearly ten years. From there he removed to Empire
Bay, purchased lands, and opened a pioneer home for himself and
family. Late in tile fall lie left his family alone and returned to
Manitou for a boat load of provisions, and became weather bound
there for about three weeks. In his third attempt to leave he had
the help of another person and succeeded.  That night the ice
formed heavily on thle beach, closing up all transition for the
winter, but he had made good his escape and joined his anxious
family with unspeakable satisfaction.  He resided there part of
two years, and then lie became keeper of the light-house at Point
Betsie and remained nearly twenty-two years. The instruction of
his children hlie secured partly by private teaching in his family and
partly at the school in Benzonia. While at Point Betsie the doctor resumed his medical practice, and endured severe hardships in
visiting the sick throughout the neighborhood. During one winter lihe
went repeatedly to Almira and vicinity to visit and treat those who
became ill through want and hardship. He waded the Platte River
eighteen times, standing barefoot on the ice to dress himself at the
shore, and then resumed his journey on snow-shoes, in snow four


feet deep. He was one of the first purchasers of village lots in
Frankfort village. He thinks Mr. Coggshall made the first and he
the second purchase of building lots in the place. The doctor now
has a beautiful residence on Forest Avenue, and oiher property in
in the village, and 200 acres of real estate south of the river. He


has served as justice of the peace eight years, and six years as
county coroner.
The wreck of the J. Y. Scammon in 1854 is thus described by
Mr. Slyfield.
"While seated here alone, watching my light to night, my
thoughts drift back to a scene of twenty-five years ago. On the 8th
of June, 1854, I was keeper of the South Manitou Island light. The
wind that day blew from the northeast a living gale, and, strange to
say, snow fell to a depth of six inches, but owing to a rain, it soon
melted away. The sea was running high, and seemed as though it
could not grow larger, but still the storm increased. In the height
of the storm a brig was seen making for the island. It proved to
be the brig J. Y. Scammon, owned by Hannah, Lay & Co., of Grand
Traverse. I saw the doomed vessel slowly nearing the beach, and,
knowing she would soon be ashore if her anchors did not fetch her
up, and among the breakers that were dashing and boiling and foaming white against the shore, and perhaps drown the crew, I came to
the conclusion that something must be done to get communication
to them. The thought came to me like a flash to write a note and
send it to them in a bottle. I then took a small rope and bottle in
my hands, held them aloft, and made signs to the crew to send me
a small line, which they soon understood, and fastening a line to a
buoy and throwing it overboard, was but a moment's work. It soon
reached the shore. I attached the bottle containing a note and it
was hauled on board, and the passengers, as well as crew, were not
long in learning my design, and a shout of joy went up from every
mouth. The note was, ' Can I render you any assistance? If so,
send word by bottle.' The answer came back per the same trusty
little messenger, saying, 'Our big chain has parted, and the small
one will not hold us long. Look out for us ashore.' I patroled the
shore and in about an hour after that, the brig came on broadside.
The men launched a spare spar over the rail, the end resting in shoal
water. The mate mounted it, and slid down, and wading througl i
the water, was helped ashore. Next followed four ladies, who came
ashore in about the same manner, the mate and I assisting them as
they came in reach. And so all the crew were safely landed, much
to their joy.
" I still have in my possession a spy-glass, which I purchased
from the captain. On it is engraved the name of 'J. Y. Scammon,'
and while in daily use it often reminds me of the wrecking of the
brig nearly a quarter of a century ago, when -the marine interest,
now grown to gigantic proportions, was yet in its infancy.
"On our return with the shipwrecked crew to the light-house,
we found that during my absence I had been blessed by the arrival
of an eight-pound blue-eyed boy, aud there was indeed a feeling of
happiness in the station that night, and I felt satisfied that I had
accomplished more that day than on any other day of my previous
life. That child has grown up to manhood, and from his early years
has always been a careful watcher for the, safety of lives from
wrecks; and has while quite young assisted me in saving the crew
from another wreck, under similar circumstances. He has spent
his whole life in handling boats in the surf, and on the old lake at
his occupation of fishing. He, at such times, is careful, considerate
and cool, and would be a valuable acquisition to the United States
Life Saving Service."
D. B. BUTLER, son of the subject of a previous sketch, is
associated with his father in the lumber and real estate business at
Frankfort. He ranfr  H  aduated at the University of Chicago in the class


of 1868, when he became a resident of Frankfort. On the organization of Benzie County he was chosen as its first judge of probate. He left in 1870 to take charge of the public high school in
Pittsfield, ll., and afterward assumed the superintehdency of
public schools at Buda in the same state. After holding the posi

I
I
i


I. I




IC!


b?


j


l


a       pl



I_ *_ _ _ I




RES. &STORE OF J. B.COLLINS, P.M. FRANKFORT, BENZIE Co. MICH..


RES.AF E.B.FROST, FRANKFORT, BEN ZI E Co. MICH.


5 -
*.
i8&1


RES. OF CAPT. J. PENFOLU, FRANKFORT,BENZIE CO. MICH.


RES. OF W.L MARBLE.REAL ESTATE AGENT, FRANKFORT,BENZIECO.MICH.


-- -- --


--




I




A


id - =-~~~~                                                                                     -       ---- II
4-1.                                                                                             f I (o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



I


I


I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


309


tion two years he removed to Manistee, Mich., where he remained
for seven years, engaged in the legal profession. In 1881 he returned to Frankfort and entered hib present situation. Mr. Butler
is now, in 1884, circuit court commissioner for Benzie County. He
has a wife and two children.
IsAAc VooBHEIs, physician and surgeon, Frankfort, was born in
Steuben ~ounty, N. Y., June f', 1882. He came with* his parents'
to Oakland County, Mich., in infancy, and spent his youth there in
school studies and agricultural pursuits. Later he entered the
dental profession and practiced for some fourteen years in Pontiac,
in one stand. His suite of rooms was three times consumed by
fire, and as often rebuilt and furnished. His marriage was on Oct.
11, 1853, to Miss Eliza M. Johnson, also of Oakland County. They
had one son, Elton I. Mrs. E. M. Voorheis died in 1878. Mr.
Voorheis' second marriage was on Nov. 1, 1874, to Miss Ann E.
Francis, of Pontiac. She was born there in 1842. They have one
daughter, Mabel. While pursuing his dental profession in Pontiac he also read medicine with Dr. C. E. Fuller. In 1867 he
opened medical practice in Frankfort, Benzie County, on the homeopathic system, and has enjoyed a steadily enlarging patronage until the present time. He has a beautiful residence on Leelanaw
Avenue, a dwelling on Main Street, and a pleasant fruit farm of
twenty acres on Michigan Avenue, where he has a choice selection
of apples, pears, plums and cherries. He has received a compliment from Chicago merchants as furnishing the best plums grown
in the United States. They have sold at five cents each on the
market. lie has received $60 for the fruit of one tree in one season. Fraternally the Doctor is a Free Mason, and glories in brotherly love, relief and truth.
ALBERT E. BANKS, lumberman and merchant, Frankfort, was
born in Chenango County, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1847. He came
with his parents to Cass County, Mich., when twelve years of age,
and remained there some six years, employed in school studies and
in mercantile work. He then spent several years in a wholesale
boot and shoe store in Chicago, but became identified with a lumbering enterprise in Frankfort, 'Benzie County, Mich., in 1871.
He had, previous to this time, become interested in mercantile
business in Niles, and also in Edwardsburg, Mich. He has also
owned real estate and business interests in Elkhart, Ind., and in
Manistee, Mich., and now'ownls estates in Grand Rapids and Cassopolis, Mich., but for the last seven years he has devoted his attention almost exclusively to the lumbering and mercantile interests
in Frankfort. Mr. Banks commenced life without financial resources, but invested his earnings with good success and soon accumulated a handsome capital; but in 1875, through the complications of other partners, these resources were swept from his possession. But, undaunted by these reverses, and favored with credit
by Chicago capitalists who knew his integrity, he shortly after resumed business entirely on his own account, and has once more
achieved encouraging success. He has formerly owned the mill at
Platte River, and an interest in the Island mill in Frankfort. He
built the Banks mill in South Frankfort, one of the finest circular
mills on the shore, and refitted the broom-handle factory for use as
a lath and picket mill; and has bought and refitted the Blacklock
'machine shop and foundry in South Frankfort. He was the first
to put in operation a steam ferry boat on the lake. He built the
"May Store" and associate buildings, the largest store in theplace. He also built and stocked the " Brewer Store," and sold it


within one month from the time of completion. lie remodeled
and enlarged the "Ford Buildings," and also the Frankfort Furnace Company's stores and dock, and has erected two adjacent
stores of commodious size. In November, 1883, for purposes of
business convenience, Mr. Banks entered into the formation of a


stock company, known as the Frankfort Lumber Company, the
officers being:-A. E. Banks, president; T. F. Anderson, vicepresident; H. B. Anderson, secretary. and N. A. Fletcher, of
Grand Rapids, treasurer. They conduct one of the largest general
mercantile enterprises on the shore, the sales reaching to about
$100,000 per year. They deal in all varieties of commodities,
cash drafts, sell exchange, etc., and thus accommodate the business public in all available ways. Mr. Banks' marriage was on
April 25, 1871, to Miss Lucetta Pearson, of Cass County, Mich.
Their elegant and commodious residence on Forest Avenue was
erected in 1882, at a cost with appurtenances of about $10,000.
EUGENE B. FROST, fruit-grower, Frankfort, was born in Marcellus, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1826. He was bereaved of his father in infancy, and came with his mother to Pontiac, Mich., when eight
years of age. Here he spent his youth and early manhood. On
Dec. 13, 1848, he was married to Miss Saiah Jane Andrews, of
West Bloomfield, Mich. She was born in Whitestown, N. Y.,
April 30, 1828. Their children are Eugene B., Clara J., Horace
C. (deceased by drowning), Newton A. and Ellen N. They came
to Frankfort in June, 1867, when there were only two dwellings in
the place. They took lodgings in a barn until they erected a
dwelling, which he did forthwith.  Mr. Frost then entered the
office of the Frankfort Land Company, in -which his brother,
George S. Frost, of Detroit, was one of the principal stockholders,
and took charge as agent in the sale of their lands, and in the
arrangement of the locality for a village. Mr. Frost, in later years,
has devoted his attention to fruit-growing. He has a fine fruit
plot connected with his beautiful residence on Leelanaw Avenue,
two acres well filled with trees in the northeast part of town, and
120 acres of land on the shore of Crystal Lake, with some thirty
acres cleared, which he also intends to devote to fruit. He has
some very choice selections of apples, pears, plums, quinces and
cherries, and some small fruits. He has served as justice of the
peace, and is now, in 1884, superintendent of the poor. He has
also served as school officer, and as deputy county clerk. Religiously, he and his family are Congregationalists, and he has been
for many years trustee of the society.  Thle barn in which Mr.
Frost and family at first lodged in Frankfort was afterward refitted
and used as a church and school-house. Rev. A. H. Fletcher was
the first Congregaitional pastor in Frankfort, and he remained
nine years.
CHARLES S. COLLIER, harbor inspector, Frankfort, was born
in Claremont, Sullivan County, N. H., Aug. 29, 1835. He came
with his parents to Genesee County, N. Y., in 1848.  About four
years later they c;ime to Pontiac, Mich., and engaged in farming.
Two years later his father died and the responsibility of conducting the home interests and business fell especially upon him from
that time.  He continued on the home farm until 1859, when he
left for California.  On June 24, 1858, lie was married to Miss
Emma Francis, also of Pontiac.  She was born in Troy, Oakland
County, March 17, 1836. Their children are CharleR F., Athaline
E., Harry S., and Birney Morton.  In April, 1861, Mr. Collier returned from California, and then spent some years longer on the
home farm.   In 1868 lie came to Frankfort, Benzie County, and
spent five years in the employ of the Frankfort Land Company,
having charge of the lumber yard and out door business. Since
that time he has served in his present position as harbor inspector.
In 1878 Mr. Collier was appointed by Gov. Bagley as inspector

general of lumber for Benzie District, and has been closely identified with the inspection of lumber ever since. Mr. Collier also received an appointment as local state rocal c;omissioner, and had
charge of the construction of the bridge across the head of Aux Bees
Scies Lake.  Mr. C. has some 400 acres of real estate in Benzie


I


I




K
1'




-


is * -




-4  1.                                                                                                                                -f   to


1


310


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


County. His beautiful home residence is on Forest Avenue, Frankfort. He has served eight years as justice of the peace, two years
as supervisor of Crystal Lake Township, and now, in 1884, is
serving in his fifth term as township treasurer.  Fraternally Mr.
Collier has served twelve years as worshipful master of. Crystal
Lodge, 270, of Free and Accepted Masons.
HENRY WOODWARD, merchant, was born in      Somersetshire,
England, March 18, 1819.   He came with his parents to Tompkins County, N. Y., in 1825.  Here lie was reared and educated,
spending his early time chiefly in agricultural pursuits.  On Sept.
11, 1842, he was married to Miss Frances Tracy, of Ithaca, N.
Y. She was born there in 1828. Their children are: Helen, now
Mrs. H. D. Osborne; Emily, now Mrs. L. D. Jenks; George C.;
Charlotte E., now Mrs. A. B. Carrier; John H.; Edward T.; Maxwell W., and Milo H.   In 1844 they removed to Oakland County,
Mich., where he purchased lands and improved them, and thus in
three instances prepared inviting homes and sold them to purchasers. Thus he secured, capital for further and other investments.   In 1867 he came to what is now Frankfort, Benzie
County, and made investments in real estate, and in 1868 erected
a dwelling and was joined by his family, and forthwith started a
dock and made other improvements. He cleared some twenty
acres on his farm lands, and his first c.ep of wheat yielded
twenty-eight bushels per acre, and the second thirty-six bushels.
His was the first crop in the place threshed with a threshing machine. Later he made investments in commercial business in
Frankfort, which was conducted by Mr. -George C. Woodward
and Mr. A. B. Carrier for three years. Then Mr. Carrier retired
and since then Mr. Woodward has, with his son, given attention to
the business personally. They carry a well selected stock of general
merchandise, and their business location on Main Street is one
of the most desirable in town.    Their dock and warehouse
are also, in 1884, the best in the place, and they are agents for the
various lines of steamers from all points of travel. Mr. Woodward also conducts a furniture store in a stand adjacent to the general store, and keeps on ]hand a full supply of goods in that line,
and in April, 1884, he, with his son, John H. Woodward, opened
a large and elegant stock of clothing in the same building, and
they have a large and increasing trade.  He also owns in Benzie
and Manistee Counties some 360 acres of real estate, besiles numerous village lots in Frankfort.  His commodious residence is on
Leelanaw Avenue.    Mr. Woodward was the first supervisor of
CryAtal Lake Township after the organization of Benzie County.
He has served four years as justice of the peace and six years as
superintendent of the poor.  He also holds the office of notary
public.
LAWRENCE W. CRANE, proprietor of mill, South Frankfort, was
born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1841. He left his native
country at about twelve years of age, came to New York State and
thence to Chicago, Ill., where he was for eighteen months clerk in
F. Scammon's drug store. From there he came to Herring Creek,
Mich., in 1855, and remained about eighteen months.  He then
spent nearly five years chiefly in Muskegon, part of the time in
marking and tallying lumber, and part of the time in head sawing
in the mills. Next he bought an interest in a saw-mill in Calhoun
County, and remained there about eighteen months and then had
charge of Pillsbury & Bradley's mill in Muskegon, as engineer, for
some two years. Later he came to Manistee and took charge of


the large gang saw-mill of Tyson, Robinson & Co. He remained in
their employ until the mill was burned in the fall of 1868.  He
then removed to Frankfort, Benzie County, in the interest of George
S. Frost, Esq. He cleared out the river, manufactured'the lumber
for the harbor, etc. In the spring of 1870 he commenced business


on his own account, started the lumbering interest on the Aux Bees
Scies River, and controlled the lumber business of the place until
the time of the Chicago fire, when, through financial reverses,
arising from misplaced confidence in employes, Mr. Crane was
suddenly reduced almost to poverty, but by determined effort and
perseverance he soon rose above the reverses, and resumed business,
and this time with pleasing success. In the- last three years the
business has risen to a paid up value of some $75,000. They have
about 5,000 acres of farming lands in Benzie and Manistee
Counties. His mill has a cutting capacity of about forty thousand
feet per day. Mr. Crane's marriage was on Nov. 21, 1866, to Miss
Annette Rawlinson, of Grand Rapids.  She was born in Chester,
Ottawa County, Jan. 8, 1849.  Their living children are Martin,
Annastasia, James R., Berenice B., Ellen and Elsie. Mr. Crane,
though subject for a time to severe business reverses, has been rewarded for his integrity, ambition and perseverance by the high
esteem and cordial friendship of his patrons and fellow citizens.
CHARLES A. VOORHEIS, superintendent of mill, Frankfort, was
born in Ypsilanti, Mich., Aug. 17, 1846. He went from there to
East Saginaw in 1850, and remained there until the outbreak of
the rebellion. In the fall of 1862 be enlisted in Company (C,
Seventh Michigan Cavalry, to serve in defense of his country. His
fiercest conflict with the rebels was the battle of Gettysburg.
There he received a gunshot wound in the right ankle, and because of
disability arising therefrom, he was honorably discharged in January,
1864, and has since received a pension. lie returned to Saginaw,
and later graduated in the Goldsmith's, Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Detroit, and in the spring of 1865 engaged as
book-keeper in the firm of Bulil, Ducharne & Co., wholesale hardware merchants. Next he spent a year with J. James & Son, also
hardware merchants, and in the fall of 1867 came to Frankfort
and was engaged in the hardware business until the spling of 1874,
when he sold his commercial interest to Mr. Upton, and entered
the employ of Mr. A. G. Butler, as superintendent of the mill.
This situation he has occupied ever since. Mr. Voorheis' marriage
was on Dec. 3, 1873, to Miss Lalla Butler, of Frankfort. She
was born in Detroit, May 7, 1850. Their living children are
Bessie, Kate, Max Butler and Vincent Kittredge. He has a cultivated farm of sixty acres east of town, with six acres of fruit
bearing orchard on it. He also owns 200 acres of real estate in
Springdale. His enticing home is on Forest Avenue. Fraternally
lie belongs to the Free Masons, and to the Grand Army of the
Republic.
WILLIAM H. FRANCIS, attorney-at-law, Frankfort, was born in
Ingham County, Mich., Jan 29, 1843. His youth and early manhood were spent in his native county where, also, lihe pursued his
literary studies. In September, 1861, lie enlisted ii Company B,
Second Michigan Cavalry and served his country in defense of
liberty and the Union until honorably discharged in the fall of
1864. During his term of service he contracted inflammation of
the eyes, which by mal-treatment was so aggravated that he lost
his sight for about four years, but obtained relief in the fall of 1867.
After the close of his service he returned to Ingham County, and
in the fall of 1868 commenced the study of law with Judge Pratt,
of Mason. He was admitted to the bar in that county in 1872,
and practiced there until 1873, when he removed to Frankfort,
Benzie County, and opened practice on Main Street, where he still
pursues his legal profession with success. On July 12, 1872, he


was married to Miss Mary Sutton, of Ann Arbor, Mich. She was
a native of Pennsylvania and was born in June, 1848. Their
children are Herbert P., Robert H., Leon S., William Wirt and
Mabel. In the fall of 1874 Mr. Francis was elected prosecuting
attorney, and served four years. In the fall of 1878 he was elected


I ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I kg
-.,, e) I - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I



" I


II
I
i
I
I


S

X _st


i --                                                                                                                             P 


I


I
I



THE TRAVERSE REGION.


311


to the state legislature from Leelanaw and Benzie Counties. Sin e
his return from there he has continued his legal practice as before.
He also conducts a fruit farm of twenty acres about a mile from
town. H'e has an orchard of 1,800 trees,, consisting of choice varieties of apples, pears, peaches, plums, quinces and chenies, and
also a small vineyard. His residence is on his farm.
GEORGE C. WOODWARD, merchant, Frankfort, was blin in
Oakland County, Mich., and was married Aug. 9, 1877, to Miss
Rose McGee, of Lansing, Mich. She is a native of Erie County,
Penn. They have two daughters, Frances and Nellie. He is a
partner in the firm of H. Woodward & Son, Frankfort. Mrs.
Woodward has been three years a member of the county board of
school examiners, of which, in 1884, she is secretary. She is also
school inspector of Crystal Lake Township.
WILLIAM H. CHAMBERS, hotel-keeper, Franklfort, was born in
Crawford County, O., Sept. 22, 1840. His youth and early manhood
were spent in his niative state. On Sept. 8, 1862, hie enlisted in
Company D, One Hundred and Tmenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country in thle supprt ssion of the relbellion.
until honorably discharged on May 16, 1865. He returned home
and in April, 1867, he and his brother, C. C. Chambers, came to
Benzie County, Mich., when there were only some five houses
where Frankfort now is. They spent some three years in the erection of buildings in the community. On June 28, 1869, Mr.
Chambers was married to Miss Ella M. Slyfield, daughter of Dr.
A. J. Slyfield, of Frankfort. She was born in China, Mich., in
1850. They have had two sons, Jay C. and-Ralph H. In March,
1870, Mr. and Mrs. Chambers removed to Ohio, where he spent
several years in agricultural employment. In 1877 they returned
to Frankfort and he purchased the Delbrilge House, and opened it,
and since then has conducted it under the name of the Park House.
It is beautifully situated at the west end of Main Street is full
view of Lake Michigan, and of the harbor, and of most of the village, and but a short distance from the boat landing. It is capable
of entertaining over forty guests and furnishles first-class accommodations to its patrons. It was the first hotel completed and
opened in Frankfort, and was first kept by James B. Delbridge.
Religious services were at one time held in it by Rev. Dr. Duffield,
of Detroit. Masonic communications also have been held in it.
Thus it lhas been variously devoted to the public convenience.
Mrs. E. M. Chambers died June 5, 1880. Mr. Chambers' second
mariage was on Sept. 2, 1883, to Miss Lida Culver, of Frankfort.
Slhe was born in Haldimand County, Canada, Jan. 25, 1853. ' Mr.
Chambers is school assessor and justice of the peace in Frankfort.
CAPTAIN JONATHAN PENFOLD, Frankfort, was born in England,
April 26, 1850. He camne with his father to Blue Island, Ill.,
whell ab(out seven years (of age, and from there went to Middleport,
Niagara County, N. Y. Here he spent his youth and received his
education. In May, 1867, lie came to Frankfort, Benzie County,
Mich. He thinks there were then only three settlers on the north
side of Betsie River-Mr. R. Ball, Mr. William H. Coggshall and
Mr. Jacob Voorheis Mr. Penfold was for a time variously employed us occasion required. He did the first piece of work on
the Frankfort furnace. Later, he accepted a position as foreman
for Delbridge & Welsh, and continued in the occupation as foreman some seven or eight years. He then purchased the steam
tug Jennie Ball, and since then has been engaged in the work of
removing wrecked vessels from the beach to their destination, and


in all other forms of tug work. His marriage was on Oct. 24,
1888, to Miss Flora M. Watson, of Fiankfort. She was born in
Pontiac, Mich., May 1, 1865. He has served as constable and as
deputy sheriff of Benzie County.  His beautiful residence is on
Leelanaw Avenue in front of Fifth Street, Frankfort.


CHISTIAN C. FORNEY, superintendent of boom, Frankfort, was
born in Ohio in 1848. He entered the service of the United States
government in the fall of 1863 and served as clerk on the levee at
Nashville, Tenn., until March, 1864, when he enlisted in the
Nineteenth Ohio Veteran Volunteers, and after four months' servize was detailed on detached service, as acting orderly Yor Gen.
Samtnuel Beatty. He was honorably discharged Nov. 25, 1865,
after the rebellion was quashed. He returned to Ohio but had
contracted disease in the army, and inll 1869 sought relief by a trip
to Kansas, where he remained over four years. Leaving there he
came to Monroe Center, Mich., and a year later to Frankfort, where
he still resides. He has for the last six years been chiefly in the
employ of Mr. A. G. Butler. His marriage was in 1870 to Miss
Lydia J. Challender, of Longton, Kan. She was also a native of
Ohio.   Their children    are Lorenzo, Clara, Cora, Stella and
Myrtle. Their pleasant residence is on James Street, near the Market
Square. Mr. Forney is justice of the peace in Frankfort, and also
an officer in the G. A. R. His great grandfather was a veteran in
the Revolutionary war. He had three uncles inll the late Mexican
war, and three uncles and fourteen cousins in the war of the late
rebellion.
BENJAMIN F. LINCOLN, of the firm of Hall & Lincoln, Frankfort, was born in Wareham, Plymouth County, Mass., Sept. 4,
1831. He was educated in the common schools and learned tlhe
hardware business in Wilmington, Del. In March, 1852, he went
to California. After working a year in the mines he went to Portland, Ore., and in the winter of 1853, located in Corvallis, Ore.,
where he conducted a hardware establishment until 1857, when ill
health compelled him to return to the east. Inl 1860 hle was matrrie'l to Miss Annie A. Lombard, of Acuslhnet, Mass. In 1862 he
located inll Lyndon, Vt., and was again engaged in the hardware
business until December, 1865, when he closed out that branch of
business and engaged in the lumbering enterprise with his present
partner, D. P. Hall, Esq. He is in 1884 still engaged in the
lumber and hardware business. He has filled various local offices,
and from 1876 to 1878.was a member of thle Vermont legislature.
His present residence is in Lyndon, Vt.
The lumber firm of Hall & Lincoln, Frankfort, formerly that
of Hall & Simmons, was organized in 1879, partners D. P. Hall
and B. F. Lincoln. They own no mills in Frankfort, but stock
two mills for lumber and one for shingle. Their stock of logs in
1884 is over thirty million feet. One-half the lumber is shipped
to western markets and the rest to Tonawanda, N. Y. A large
part of their work is the manufacture of pine lumber from the
Corning tract, consisting originally of 8,300 acres. Messrs. Hall
& Lincoln also own some 8,000 acres of pine and hard wood lauds
in Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties.
GEORGE W. WILTSE, of the firm of Wiltse Bros., Frankfort,
w.S bornl in Norwich, Ontario, Oct. 2, 1842. He was bereaved of
his mother at nine years of age. He came to Coopersville, Ottilwa
County, Mich., in the spring of 1856, and spent over two years
chiefly in farming. From there with his father and three brothers
he came to Frankfort, Benzie County, then a part of Grand
Traverse County, in July, 1859.   Five men with wheelbarrows
were digging a chllnnel from Betsie Lake into Lake Michigan
to prepare a harbor. The first frame building in the place was
then just being erected. During the first year Mr. Wiltse and his
friends worked chiefly on the harbor. The next year they located


them a homestead and began making improvements on their lands
in the forest. In 1875 he and his brother, Hiram Wiltse, engaged
in harness and saddlery business in Frankfort, and continued until
1883, when they dissolved partnership and Mr. G. W. Wiltse
erected a store on Main Street, and he and his brother, M. D.


J 


-


I




_  -                                                                                                                                                                --                                              L      | am


_-vi


o T pp


o -*r^




4
*1


I


I6 -

P- t


I                                                               I_ I  


v 


312


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


Wiltse, opened a large stock of groceries and-provisions, accompanied by a first-class bakery and are receiving a steadily increasing patronage. Mr. Wiltse's marriage was on Dec. 24, 1867, to
Miss Abbie M. Farley, of near Frankfort. She was born in Buckland, Franklin County, Mass., July 9, 1851. They have one
daughter, Lulu D. Their residence is on Main Street. Religiously
they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HIAM WILTSE, saddler, Frankfort, was born in Oxford
County, Ontario, Jan. 22, 1888. He also came to Coopersville,
Mich., in 1856, and to Betsie River, now Frankfort, in 1859. He
was engaged as cook for the old pier company for about one year.
He then spent three years in trapping and with good success.
Later he was cook in the lumber camps at Portage Creek. On
Oct. 22, 1865, he was married to Miss Delia E. Boss, of Portage.
She was a native of New York State. They have one son, Charles
Orson. Mr. Wiltse spent several years in farming near Frankfort.
Engaging in the harness business with his brother in 1875, he has
given steady attention thereto ever since, and has now an extensive
patronage. He was one of the first settlers in the place, and was
one of the judges in the first fair in Benzie County. He has
served as school inspector and highway commissioner. Mr. and
Mrs. Wiltse and their son are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MARSHALL D. WILTSE, of the firm of Wiltse Bros., Frankfort,
was born in Oxford County, Ontario, March 17, 1846. He was
associated with his father and brothers in Ottawa County, and in
their pioneer engagements in Frankfort and vicinity. He continued in the farming enterprise until June, 1883, and in the fall
following entered the firm of Wiltse Bros., as already mentioned.
His marriage was in 1865, to Miss Alice R. Morgan, of Frankfort.
She was a native of Wisconsin. They have two children, Albert
and Bertha May.
THOMAS WATSON, of the firm of F. A. Watson & Co., Frankfort, was born in England, Aug. 20, 1834, and came to Pontiac,
Mich., in 1851, and was for some time engaged in the manufacture of furniture. His marriage was in the fall of 1855, to Miss
Annie Chandler, also of Pontiac. She also was a native of England, and was born in 1886. Their living children are Fred A.,
Ida E. and Flora May. In 1867 their business estate was consumed
by fire. In 1869 they removed to Frankfort, Benzie County, and
engaged in the furniture and undertaker business. In 1880 a planing-mill was added to their former business investments, under the
firm name of F. A. Watson & Co. This mill with its contents was
totally consumed by fire in October, 1881, but was forthwith rebuilt
and the business continued. The work of the firm consists in
planing and matching flooring, and in the manufacture of furniture
and moldings of all kinds, and in all varieties of custom work.
Undertaking also receives the closest attention. In the fall of 1882 a
small saw-mill was added for the preparation of stock for the firm,
and also for general and custom work. Their business stand is
prominently located on Main Street, adjacent to the Clark dock.
Mr. Watson has been a member of the public school board in
Frankfort, and has seen with pleasure the su<cess of school interests in their town. Mrs. Watson, has a pleasant fruit farm north
of town with four acres already planted with choice varieties of
apples, pears, cherries, plums and grapes, and other small fruits.
Fain A. WATSON, of the firm of F. A. Watson & Co., Fro;nkfort, was born in Pontiac, Mich., Aug. 2, 1853, and has, during


most of his life since attaining his majority, been associated with
his father in business pursuits. He has, however, spent three years


in Plano, Ill., in the employ of the Marsh Harvester Company. In
the spring of 1880 he returned to Michigan, and formed the business relations which he now sustains in the above named firm.
His marriage was on Nov. 9, 1881, to Miss Jennie Curtis, of Plano,
1ll. She was born in the state of New York, April 28, 1860.
They have one daughter, Tella, born in Frankfort, Nov. i9, 1882.
AUGUST SCHMIDT, merchant, Frankfort, was born in Mainz, on
the Rhine, in Germany, April 5, 1846. He left his native country
and came to New York, March 1, 1865. He had previously passed
the merchants' school in Germany, and had been five years clerk
and book-keeper, and at once entered the employ of Mr. Francis
Wagner, importer of groceries, but left them nearly a year later at
the call of his uncle to come to Leelanaw County and engage in
agricultural work. In May, 1866, he left there for Chicago. From
there he went to New York, from there to Germany and thence to
Switzerland; then back again to Germany, and thence again to
New York. There he spent five years in business, and tlen wvent
by the way of Frankfort, Mich., to Milwaukee, and spent anotller
five years in business. On Sept. 30, 1877, lie was married to Miss
Bertha Prier, of the firm of Loeffelholz & Prier, of Milwaukee.
She was born there Jan. 24, 1857. They have one daughter, Clara,
born in Milwaukee, Sept. 20, 1878. In May, 1880, lie returned to
Frankfort, purchased a business stand and opened a full stock of
groceries on Main Street, and since then has added an excellent
bakery and a most enticing stock of confectionery. Fraternally lie
belongs to the Knights of Maccabees, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Free and Accepted Masons.
RAIIRO EVANS, millwright, Frankfort, was bori in Eaton
County, Mich., May 25, 1840.    He spent his youth and acquired his occupation in his native place. On Oct. 11, 1860, lie
was married to Miss Mary W. Dittmer, also of Eaton County.
She was born in New York, Oct. 4, 18-1. Their children are
John D., Inez C., Serena A. and Maggie Finetta. They camie to
Frankfort in February, 1867. Mr. Evans spent some time in carpenter and joiner work, and later built and put in running order
two mills in Frankfort, the Island mill and the Evans and Crane
mill, which he owned eight years. Since 1881 lie has devoted his
time chiefly to the superintendence of the engines, saws and general machinery in the large gang mill belonging to A. G. Butler,
Esq., of Frankfort. His pleasant home is on Forest Avenue. He
has been three years president of the Red Ribbon Club, and for two
terms W. C. T. of the I. 0. G. T.
PETE/R S. MEABON, a native of Erie County, Pa., came to Frankfort in 1862, and in Februatry, 1831, enlisted in the First Michign,
Light Artillery, Battery M. He was the first volunteer who enlisted from Frankfort. He was honorably discharged in August,
1865. During his term of service lie suffered severely from erysipelas and chronic diarrhoea, and later lie has become lame and
crippled from  sciatic rheumatism, afd is now dependent on the
ind labors of his wife for support.
JOHN H. MILLER, proprietor of billiard hall and confectionery,
Frankfort, was born in Canada, in 1850, and came to Manistee,
Mich., in 1872, and for nearly three years was clerk in the City
Hotel. He then spent about two years at Lake Superior, and came
from there.to Frankfort to visit a dying brother; and in the summer of 1881 opened his present business stand, on Main Street.
His marriage was on Dec. 4, 1881, to Mrs. Wilhelmina Michel, of
Frankfort. She was born in Germany in 1850. They have one


infant daughter. Mrs. Miller has one son, Henry Michel.




i


M.


* I'


Pa


I


L












W ' I' I_ l W V Y


o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o
T e     d..-a iN ( fi — v


-= - T 7v?lr


f-         Y 


i Q;;~Iaiiiiwsd'm -.       -    -.  -  L                     2__    _                                         L~                 t/


-N- o.                               II- --      " U     I -    - IL i. I        I.          11 -  -


L


-------—  ----- Lr




-— I






CI


5 rS  2         2   S   U   R 81 1            35 '1 ^4             j    g   <1       1 v t      34  a   l 
I    '
7M1  8 ~L   9  ro 11"  12      I If  9  lo  Ii  1  1 —it 9  7   i.9Y  1  10  j   2  a  9 1  0  77
rB I\ i Ir  te~~~~ii~  _17      Is 1         -VC   1    16  13                 7        15  1
le      13                   i/617                                 is       16        1
t-*-1 &L20  22 ' 2c3  2-o
0     21  2 
~~ 19, ~~~~~20                               2119
26 2 0    29           26   26i 30, 29 i 28        M   5   30   29  28   27\l  26 i1 
I t~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"
I~~~j ) LI _ _1 ___J  _ 1~~3                     2    3                 1   3    3   3


/I


a \\ \


\ \




4


At
T


1~


I


i


6


Il.I
I


2




*t


/fi


l;II


s!l$4i


'I


I,3.- it.


'I


I


4


r(


Hl


i


3


2


193
tt,


Ad  9 f /0 Ir           file           t10  1                          1 (79  l 0  |i  7         9     10
\lsi  Ir It ~ I  1       A I


I
I
I
I
I
II
i
I


1 -

I.! 18! 9.17 % 16 


Il


j/


T


I F



WH-  -  A:C;RI.   -' 1 =   I


i


I -


I




w.


I I


I


ir~s'r~t~I fs 1~


Ij


16


i




is


I I


R


I 


i


RI TE  1 7 1W6  


I I


~I-           =,, z, -,., -0-I 1-  I 1 11 I U AE  I  W,  He N  I   t


I


4 -

n -


RAW


I f


-I


~PifnYf, bx rd~;jQ1


11


C.


I t

I.W  _ _?I              21~~~~~~~~~~f


I


23


All


Bi






f i


i


I   i) o   3
Wc   l-I E    1


I






22
rI S.


I
I
I


I1 Z1T4     I


-l:,      F21


II!1


22


23


~~[. L$  r t    7
wf~~~~~~~~~~~~~~g1?~~~~~~~~~~~XJ AL bYII-,l-~A%
28  2            2  25  0          1
29           28          2  2      0 h   -I-                  27  2(j
j  31  1 32  1 33  34  3 6  32  8 3  3f  3a5  36:-  31  i2 36  e1 33b846
5  41   2  J11 'lj_ '_  5   3  ~1- 1  a  I  ~f  r I  s 2L13~12  1,2  1 2  7 
I le~T~PC~~1     13        4      s   l   - 17 1.  14 1i 'CL A1 4
18J IL     q4  IV  i18                  17  16  's     r
2(
Ak                 s2 19 > _  s I % [ < -     — 0 24 2  1 L.20 21  231 24I
i 4i11@ Ht<?<T:71FT<1v~~~~7MP21993 26.i QH< 
Ij 0,ll 9  t L            21 1 26 1 2  29\ Y 2.27             - X 26  26 5
I1  @,g( tlfa  Ij  ~ 35.5  11;83  1nt2  It33  I  a  -|_ wS  | tE  j1 i  *< i0\&  31  - t 32  33  34  5  36t'
ILL -                             -L,,.,I


I


"I
ra4


IdI


I I


Il I


4~


2L
X.


I




5


6


l4     3
l IV X-ar,


I

2,


1


L


zs


Il


r


I A

5


1 


II
I


2




5            4
I ---..==13 >


3 1     2




l


gm


--  rFS,                                                              *,__,7__,,_,     a,''''''''''''''''''''''''''''~~ t-~ —~ —  ~ —''-)~ —~-.. 7 r- -  TI


It,


8


10


i';
II I 12


I


7,1, 9 Itto


Ij


11


I


I


I      A




f


I-t


r 1 4


r

r


7


8


IC Uh'i~  Ad  F =Ir-   ~. _ -rl  uC  —,: -it  NW  I   b- -: I     1 s_ _


-r
I
i
I


9


X0  11 I I 2


s 11x. -a-I I1  I'  -  I-i 1


f


ItgarIs


i


18


17 1 ',6


I


Is


I 1/


I


to


I


Sg]Ri        ACY, iE  4jsi
18  1   17 16,  I i   i   1   14


1


18


T

17


16'


156


13


T
32!:




22  28                                           7   t 20 '22 `-l   a 1                       24 
24                         1           o Dit  2  1 i.2,9     27   26   2S   30                                   28        6' i25        2.28  2Z   26 '25




at  I 5 SC~t
APT T s




m


T -


T


an _I,_. _
3i   ' 34  3
R.7.W.
S  'A  tT     I i


96 at\ Qj~    33   34 n35   36   8    32 s3.13       36
n.6.w.  \                   R.5.W.
in E              C      Ct r WR






L

I!


a1'    I


_ --- -—  "~I


KALKASKA COUNTY.


CHAPTER XLVI.
TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND LOCATION-EARLY SETTLEMENT-FIRST
SETTLER IN THE COUNTY-EARLY SETTLERS - REMINISCENCEFIRST MOVEMENTS.
Kalkiska County is composed of Townlslips 25, 26, 27, 28
north, of Ranges 5, 6, 7 and 8 west, all but four of which are organized into towns. It is bounded on the north by Antrim County,
east by Crawford County, south by Missaukte County, and west by
Grand Traverse County. It forms a part of the Traverse Reg on so
famous for its productiveness of soil, salubrious climate and romantic scenery. The county is what is known as "heavy timbered"
land-sugar maple largely prevailing. The other timber is pine,
ash, elm, basswood, oak, and hemlock. The soil is a sandy loam,
and exceedingly fertile. The crops grown are wheat, corn, clover
and timothy, rye, buckwheat, beans, oats, potatoes, turnips and
other root crops-all of which yield abundantly. Forty bushels of
whleat and one hundred bushels of corn have been grown to the
acre. The common yield of wheat is from fifteen to twenty-five
bushels, and of corn from forty to sixty bushels; potatoes from two
to four hundred bushels. If is a natural fruit country, growing the
finest apples, pears, plums, grapes, cherries and small fruits of any
portion of the state.
There is still a large quantity of standing pine in the eastern
portion. It is estimated at six hundred million feet-mole than is
contained in any other county on the lower peninsula.
Tlie entire country, with very rare exceptions, is well watered
by streams, originating from  springs, of clear and cold water.
These streams literally swarm with speckled trout, which afford the
most delicious food, and rare sport for the leisure hours. There
are also lnumleous small lakes, clear and deep, fringed with dense
foliaige, romantic, chasing away the monotony of the forest, and
colcealing within their waters an abundance of pickerel, lass and
other kinds of fish. The Manistee River touches the east line of
thle county;nd flows in a southwesterly direction across its southern
poition. The Boardman River also crosses a portion of the county.
Tli re is a good state road running east and west through the
county, from  Travelse Bay, on Lake Michigan, to the Manistee
River. An excellent road from Kalkaska to Torch River connects
in the business season with steamboats on the numerous inland
lakes in Grand Tiaverse and Antrim Counties, several of which
enter Kalka.,ka County in its northwest corner. The face of the
country is such that roads can easily be made, and there is the
pure.t water in abundance. Torch Lake and Round Lake-the
latter Ian arm of Elk Lake-enter the northwest corner, and into
the former Rapid River discharges its waters. The ftur north.westera towns contain numerous small lakes formed from springs,
in. which plenty of fish are found.
A number of the towns in this county show almost marvelous
development. Good roads and schools, church privileges, flouting
and saw-mills conveniently located, a highly intellig, nt and rapidly


increasing population, together with cheap lands and a good soil,
present a most inviting field to the seeker for a new home. Tile
Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad traverses the northwest tier of
towns, in a northeasterly course, crossing the Boardman, South
Boardman & Rapid Rivers. The railroad stations in Kalkaska
County are South Boardman, Crofton, Kalkaska, Leetsville and
Westwood.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Very few of the early settlers in Kalkaska County, who do not
have occasion for remembering with grateful feelings the services
rendered by A. K. Fairbanks, then and now a resident of the town
of Whitewater in Grand Traverse County, and near the Kalkaska
County line. He was familiar with the land in this whole region,
and interested himself in going with those who came to this region
seeking homes, and aided them in various ways after they had located here. His latch string was always out, and while there was
meal in his barrel a neighbor in need was welcome to a portion of it.
The first settler in Kalkaska County was William Copeland,
who located in what is now the town of Clearwater, in the fall of
1855, and is still a resident of that town. For twelve years Mr.
Copeland and wife were the only permanent residents of the county.
About the time Mr. Copeland located there a dam was built on
Barker Creek, but the parties did not build a mill, and did not become residents of the county. Mr. Copeland was near the Grand
Traverse County line and had neighbors in that direction, but in
his own county he was the monarch of all he surveyed and a good
deal more. The following is a brief personal sketch of Mr. Copeland:
WILLIAM COPELAND, farmer, Clearwater, was born in Nottinghamshire, England, Aug. 6, 1822. He spent his youtll in his native country, and removed to America in 1814. He resided for a
short time at Grandville, Miic., and then spent some years in millwrikht work in various places. He came to what is now Clearwater, Kalkaska County, then a part of Antrim County, in the fall of
1855, located land in Section 31, and opened a pioneer home in the
magnificent Traverse forest.  He was the first settler il the
county. On July 11, 1859, he was married to Miss Mary Swaney,
of Old Mission. She was born in Crawford County, Penn., Jan.
26, 1836. She came to Old Mission when only sixteen years of
age, and consequently has had personal experience from childhood
of the stern realities of pioneer life in Traverse Region. Mr. Copeland has in all 360 acres of land, with about 160 under cultivation
and grass. They have some two acres of thriving orchard, part of
which lhas been in bearing over twenty years. They have good
buildings and commodious and inviting home surroundings. Thus
while they were the first to invade the lofty forest, the first to grapple with the untold hardships of pioneer xperiewce in the wild
domain, having nobly met the emergency. andl grandly fulfilled the
task, they now enjoy the reward of their early toil and momentary
]lardships. Multitudes of others also have inlitated their worthy
example, and the mighty forests of the county already bud and


^~ ---



I


4


I 11


9i:


314


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


blossom as the rose. Mr. Copeland has been treasurer of Clearwater six years, and has:,' school assessor ever since the district
was organized in 1870.
The second settler in the county was L. A. Haynes, present
county treasurer, who located in what is now Wilson, in September, 1866. This year the settlement of the county really began,
although for the next year only a very few arrived.
The following personal sketches of some of the early settlers of
Clearwater give an idea of the progress of settlement in that part
of the county.
WILLIAM H. BOC KES, farmier, Clearwater, was born in Medina
County, Ohio, Feb. 18, 1842. He was reared and educated in his
native state. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Eighth


I
I


is now under cultivation. He has a flourishing orchard of apples,
pears, cherries, plums, quinces and small fruits, and an elegant
dwelling and other good farm buildings. He has served about
eight years as township treasurer, and is now, in 1884, serving in
his sixth year as supervisor of Clearwater. He has also been for
some six years postmaster of Barker Creek postoffice. Fraternally
he belongs to the I. 0. O. F. and the (. A. R.
JOHN H. F. LETHERBY, mason, Clearwater, was born in England, Nov. 30, 1836. He left his native country for Woodstock,
Ont., when sixteen years of age, and remained in that vicinity
until the fall of 1865, and then removed to Traverse Region, Mich.
His marriage was on April 11, 1856, to Miss Matilda Lloyd, also
of England. She was born Aug. 28, 1836. Tleir children are
John W., Mary E., James R., Emma, Rebecca, Irene F., Leslie F.
and George Herbert. In October, 1866, Mr. L. brought his family
from Canada to what is now Clearwater, Kalkaska County, Mish.,
then a 1 prt of Antrim County, and opened a home in the lovely
forest of S:ction 32. He was then the farthest east of any settler
in the locality.' Their supplies carne chiefly from Elk Rapids,
brought part way by boat, and carried the rest of the way through
a swamp to tire home. He has eighty acres of land, with about
forty improved. He has also a thriving orchard of apples, pears,
plums, cherries, peaches and small fruits, and an excellent dwelling
and other farm buildings. Mr. Letherby devotes his time chiefly
to his work as a mason. The farm is conducted by his son, John
W. Mr. Letherby has served as county surveyor, township superintendent of schools, township clerk and school director, and is
now, in 1884, serving as county coroner. Fraternally he is a Free
Mason, and glories in the promulgation of brotherly love, relief
and truth.
D. P. BEEBE located on Section 36, in the present town of
Clearwater, in the spring of 1867. He was born in Susquehanna
County, Pa., in the year 1838. In 1861 he married Ellen, daughter of Norman Ross, who is also one of the pioneers of Kalkaska
County. September, 1862, Mr. Beebe enlisted in Company H, One
Hundred and Forty-third Pennsylvania Regiment, and was in the
service one year, at the end of whice time he was discharged for
disability. He had been brought up on a farm and desiring to
find a home in some new country where land was cheap, decided to
try northern Michigan. Accordingly, in the spring of 1867 lie
brought his family to Indiana, where Mr. Ross was then living, and
leaving them there he came up to the Traverse Region and selected
a location on Section 36, as above stated. He then brought his
family and they lived in what was known as the Jerry Curtis house
until he could build one. They moved into their own house the
following fall, and Mr. Beebe went at work to make a farm. Tlhe
next year the town of Clearwater was organized and he was elected
the first town treasurer. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of the
county and removed to the village of Kalkaska where he still lives.
He sold his farm to the county for a part of the poor farm. He
afterwards purchased land in Excelsior, and still owns a farm not
far from the village. Mr. Beebe is a prominent member of the Odd
Fellows and Masonic fraternities. They have four children.
NORMAN Ross moved from Indiana todWlearwater in the summer of 1867, and located on Section 36, where he lived until the
fall of 1882, when he removed to the village of Kalkaska where he
now resides. He is a native of Susquehanna County, Pa., and was
born in January, 1808. In 1866 he removed to Indiana. Mr.


Ross took a leading part in the organization of the town of Clearwater, and was the first supervisor from that town. He has also
been prominently identified with the religious activities of the
county.
ELISHA W. CLEMENT, farmer, Clearwater, was born in Brant

FOREST SCENE IN KALKASKA COUNTY.
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served his country seventeen months in
that regiment, and then re-enlisted in the Sixth United States Cavalry and served nineteen months. At the close of his term of three
years; lie enlisted in the Second Ohio Cavalry and served until
honorably discharged in September, 1865. He then returned to
Medina County, and in June, 1866, he made a tour into Traverse
Region and purchased lands in what is now Clearwater, Kalkaska
County, Mich., before the organization of either the county or
township. The only settler then in the county was Mr. William
Copeland. Mr. Bockes then returned to Ohio, and on Oct. 11, 1866,
was married to Miss Margaret Cook, also of Medina County. She
was born there May 4, 1844. Their children are W. Everetts,
Margia E., Z. Cook and Lena O. After marriage Mr. and Mrs.
BoCkes went immediately to their chosen pioneer home, where they
still reside. They then had to obtain their supplies from Elk Rapids. Mr. Bockes has in all 800 acres of land, about 100 of which


J


V




I


-
-


-


_ I_ _ I____ I_
- -- C --- -L — ---— C —~-. L


-lw


F —


6     Ir


414




j


I -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


315


ford, Canada, Sept. 7, 1840. His early youth was spent in his
native country. He came to Macomb County, Mich., in the fall of
1864, and in the spring of 1867 he removed to Traverse City, Grand
Traverse County, and in December following settled on Section 14,
of what is now Clearwater, Kalkaska County. His marriage was
on May 7, 1867, to Miss Amelia Fox, of Macomb County., She
was born in Westminster, Canada, May 29, 1889. They have five
living children, Charles W., Minnie, Delia, Allena and Anna. He
has 200 acres of land with about fifty under cultivation, an apple
orchard and a pleasant home. He has a mill in course of erection
for the manufacture of lumber, with a capacity of cutting eight
thousand feet per day. He has served as highway commissioner
one year. He and his family are members of the Roman Catholic
Church.
A. C. BEEBE settled on Section 36, in Clearwater, in May, 1868.
He came'from Susquehanna County, Pa. He had served three years
in the war, from  1862 to 1865, and came west to make a home
where land was cheap. By the time he had settled his family in a
home his money was exhausted. He had no team but was fortunate in the possession of a wife who could be a helpmate, and together they did the first work of logging and clearing. Mr. Beebe
was town clerk three years and was the first treasurer of the county.
The first term of court in the county was held at his house. In
the fall of 1876 he removed to the village of Kalkaska where he
has been engaged in mercantile business, lumbering and milling.
He has a wife and two sons.
ELI GILLETT, farmer and postmaster, Clearwater, was born in
Enoland, Nov. 22, 1833. His youth was spent in his native
country. On March 28, 1855, he started for New York, arriving
on May 11. He went from there to Lisbon, Wis. He remained
there seven years, and then returned and spent two years more in
England. On June 2, 1864, he was married to Miss Mary Bolton,
also of England. Their living children are Jemima, George W.,
Charles P. and John Elmer. In the summer of 1865 Mr. Gillett
returned to Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1868 they removed to
what is now Clearwater, Kalkaska County, Mich. They located
land in Section 22, and opened a pioneer dwelling in the majestic
forest. They covered their dwelling first with hemlock boughs.
No lumber could then be obtained. Later they covered it with
b.irk, and after some three years obtained and put on a more perfect and permanent roofing. At various times he has traveled over
forty miles in a day in getting their supplies, carrying them on his
back over twenty miles to his home. He has 120 acres of land,
with about twenty-eight acres under cultivation. He has an orchard of various fruits, and inviting home comforts. He has been
school officer nearly nine years, and postmaster of Clearwater postoffice since 1877. In the spring of 1831 they opened a small store
of general merchandise, and are receiving a liberal patronage. They
are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
JACOB N. RICKERS, of the firm of Rickers Bros., of the township
of Clearwater, was born in Holstein, Europe, May 18, 1851. In
August, 1864, lie arrived with his parents and their family in Quebec, Canada. About two years later they removed to Detroit, Mich.,
and in August, 1868, they located land in what is now Clearwater,
Kalkaska County, and prepared them a pioneer home in the forest.
His parents are now both deceased. Their present mill was built
in 1882 by himself and his brothers, Julius, William and Carl
Rickers. It has a capacity for cutting about 10,030 feet of lumber


per day. They also have 400 acres of real estate, with about
seventy-five acres under cultivation. They have also a thriving orchard, a good dwelling, and inviting home conveniences. Julius
and William Bickers, twins, were born in Holstein, Feb. 15, 1857.
Carl was-born Aug. 28. 1861, in Montreal, Can. Mr. J. N. Bickers


has been justice of the peace four years, clerk over two years and
treasurer two years in Clearwater.
A T. KELLO)G was one of the early settlers in the town of
Clearwater. He was born in Cortland County, N. Y., in the year
1884. Lived in Allegany County twelve years. He was a carpenter and wagon maker by trade, and was in the army nearly a
year engaged in building bridges. In September, 1868, he came
to the Traverse Region to select a site for a home. He landed at
Elk Rapids, and went from there to Torch Lake on a tug boat.
From that point he started into the woods without a compass or
anything to eat, but fortunately found a settler's cabin before going
a great distance. He located 160 acres of land on Section 14, in
Town 28 north, of Range 8, built a house, and in November was
joined by his family. They came to Elk Rapids, and thence on a
tug boat to Torch Lake. From there they walked to their new
home, a distance of four miles, their household goods being carried
on a wagon. He lived on the farm about six years. In November,
1874, he moved to the village of Kalkaska, and opened a general
store where the bank now stands. He also owned and kept the
hotel now called the Manning House. He has been engaged in
mercantile business more or less to the present time; is also interested in a lumber yard, and in the Kalkaska Manufacturing
\Company. He owns about 1,000 acres of timbered land, and is
engaged in lumbering. He has built a number of dwelling-houses
in the village. In 1872 he was admitted to the bar, and in the
fall of that year was elected prosecuting attorney. He has held the
office of supervisor of Clearwater and Kalkaska about eleven years.
He owned the second horse team in the county. Has a wife and
three children.
THOMAS LANCASTER, farmer, Clearwater, was born in uanada
Oct. 27, 1844. He spent his youth and received his early education
in his native country. In the fall of 1866 he removed to Forestville, Mich. Two years later he removed to what is now Clearwater, Kalkaska County, before either the county or township was
organized. He located land in Section 26, and opened a pioneer
home in the beautiful Traverse forest. The nearest store and postoffice were at Elk Rapids. He had to carry the lumber for his
dwelling three-quarters of a mile, and draw the shingles over three
miles on a hand sleigh. The logs for the dwelling, also, they carried to the place on their shoulders. There was then but one ox
team and one horse team in the county. On April 16, 1870, he
was married to' Miss Amelia E. Ross, also of Clearwater. She was
born in Susquehanna County, Penn., Jan. 14, 1852. Their living
children are Flora B., Albert A., Roy A. and Tula A. Mr. Lancaster has eighty acres of land, with forty acres under cultivation.
He has a flourishing. fruit-bearing orchard of apples, peaches,
plums, quinces, pears, cherries, grapes and other small fruits, and
also commodious farm buildings. He has served as school assessor
nine years, as highway commissioner three years, and two years as
county superintendent of the poor. He and Mrs. Lancaster are
members of the Protestant Methodist Church.
THOMAS HURLEY, farmer, Clearwater, was born in England
Feb. 21, 1857. He came with his parents in the fall of 1867 to
Waukesha County, Wis. In April, 1869, they came to what is' now
Clearwater, Kalkaska Co., Mich. They located land in Section 22,
and forthwith prepared them a pioneer forest home. Mr. Hurley
has spent five years in the butcher business in Elk Rapids, and his
purchased and now resides on the homestead farm taken up by his


father. He owns 120 acres of land, with about sixty-five acres
under cultivation. He has a fine fruit-bearing orchard and good
farm buildings. His marriage was on November 25, 1879, to Miss
Charlotte E. Baynton, of Whitewater, Grand Traverse County.
She was born in Canada in 1853. Their children are Clarence H.,


I


Om  -.


-- -- ~ ~ ~ ~ l`r L




At-L.4h      1                                                                                                                                                                                      I                                                                                                                                                         I    p


1


316


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


and Bertha May. Mr. Hurley is overseer of highways, and also
county constable.
RICHABD Towms, teacher and farmer, Clearwater, was born in
England March 9, 1887. He came from his native country.t New
York in 1855 or '56. Thence he went Lto near Litchfield, Conn.,
and from there to. Waukesha County, Wis. After some time spent
there in farm work and school teaching, and in attendance at Carroll College, he traveled through parts of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri
and Tennessee to Ohio, where he spent some two years at Oberlin
College, and then, returning to Wisconsin,. resumed his work of
teaching. Later he taught in Illinois and also in Iowa. In April,
1861, he enlisted in Company C, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
and served four months in the suppression of the rebellion under
the first call for three months of service. In March, 1868, he was
married to Miss Catharine Small, also of Waukesha County, Wis.
She was born in Scotland in 1839. Their living children are Alice
I., Edith J., Willard J., John S. and Amy Laura. From Iowa Mr.
Towers returned to Wisconsin, and in 1869 they removed to what
is now Clearwater, KalkaskaCounty, Mich. They located land on
Section 22, where they have eighty acres, with about twenty-five
acres under cultivation. They have also a thriving orchard of
apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries and small fruits, and various home comforts. Mr. Towers has been school inspector several
years, and is now (1884) serving in his third year as township
clerk of Clearwater. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a local preacher in that church,
and also has been ten or twelve years superintendent of the Sabbath-school in his district. Fraternally, he fs an Odd Fellow and
a Free Mason. There were a few others who settled in Clearwater
at an early day, among whom were Varguson; Balch, Masten, Lane,
0. S. Curtis and Brookinyer, most of whom are now gone from the
town.
MR. M. MORAN canme from Kentucky in the fall of 1869 and settled in Clearwater. He landed at Elk Rapids in the month of
October. lie had started from Kentucky with the intention of going to Minnesota. A sister-in-law whom he visited in the state of
Wisconsin advised him to visit this part of Michigan which he did.
Aft: r looking about he bought eighty acres in the township of Clearwater of Cornelius Cron1n, who was at that time working at Elk
Rapids. He then bought his furniture and started with his family
for his new possessions which were perfectly wild. Lumber had
been delivered on the spot for building a temporary shelter, but it
was raining every day and rather than take the risk of this exposure
of his family to the elements, Mr. Moran bought eighty acres adjoining, upon which a rude log house had been built, paying therefor $800, the man to give immediate possession; accordingly he
moved out and Mr. M. moved in. The family were a little homesick while backing a stove and other furniture through the woods.
L. A. HAYNES, the present treasurer of Kalkaska County, was
the second settler to remain permanently in the county, and the first
in what is now the town of Wilson. He was born in Livingston
County, N. Y., in the year 1829. When he was about two years of
age his parents removed to Ohio, and settled in the township of
York, Sandusky County. F. bruary 24, 1851, he married the daughter of a Mr. Root, one of the early settlers in that township, and in
1855 they removed to Michigan and settled in Lenawee County.
September, 1884, he enlisted and was in service until May, 1866.
After the close of the war his company was sent. to Texas. After


returning home he made. p his mind to go into a new country
where he could settle upon a Ilmnstead, and in August of that year,
1806, visited the Traverse Region. A friend.who had located in
Tnrverse County gave him information about the country, and after
looking about, lie located eighty acres on Set-tion 8, in what is now


the town of Wilson. In September, 1866, he brought his family.
They went to Elk Rapids and were taken by team to Smith Iake,
where they lived in a lumber shanty about a month, while their
log house was I eing built. William Hough, also of Rome, 'Mich.,
settled with his family at the same time, and located on a homestead 'adjoining Mr. Haynes. Mr. Hough afterward went into
lumbering and removed from the county.
The first clearing in Wilson was done by Mr. Haynes. Mr.
Hough had some money but poor health, while Mr. Haynes had no
money and with pork at thirty-six dollars and flour at fourteen dollars per barrel, it was necessary to labor. During that winter he
chopped five acres for Mr. Hough and five acres for himself. He
was the first justice of the peace and first supervisor in the town,
and as a member of the board of supervisors, took an active part in
the first affairs of the county. In the fall of 1869 he went to Rome
with his family, and remained there until February, 1871, when
they returned and located on Section 7, where they lived until the
winter of 1883, when, having been elected treasurer of the county,
Mr. Haynes removed with his family to the village of Kalkaska.
They have had four children, and buried one son.
The first school in Wilson was taught by Miss Ada Haynes, at
Mr. Haynes' house, in the winter of 1868-'69.
The first death in Wilson was that of a son of Mr. Hough,
which occurred about 1869.
Thomas Johnson owned the first team, a yoke of oxen.
The next settlers iu Wilson after Messrs. Haynes and Hough
were William Gibson and Thomas Johnson.
VerSeaily in the history of the county a few settleis found
their way into what is now Rapid River, the first settlement in this
town being made in the fall of 1867. H. U. Hill, Horace Rice and
his two sons, L. A. and S. A. Rice, were the first to locate and
build houses. William H. Ashdon came about that time.  Wood,
Evans, the two Holleys, Henry Lannin and McCutcheon followed
the next spring.
H. U. HILL was born in Ontario County, N. Y., in the year
1825. His parents removed to Chautauqua County. In August,
1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth New York Infantry,
and remained iu the service until September, 1864. In the spring
of 1867 he went to Iowa in pursuit of a home in a new country, but
not liking the climate, did not make a location. He was at that
time a reader of the New York Tribune, which was then publishing
letters from Michigan descriptive of the country. He was broken
in health as the result of his army experiences, but had sons old
enough to engage in labor. They decided to try the new country
in Michigan. In September, 1867, Mr. Hill came to the Traverse
Region. He landed at Traverse City and spent several days examining maps and making inquiries regarding the country. The Grand
Rapids &Indiana Railroad was projected although not surveyed.
He was of the opinion that such a road would be built, and desired
to select a location as near the line of the road as possible. Taking
a land looker he visited the present township of Clearwater, and
thence into other townships. He finally made a location on Section
82, of Town 28 north, of Range 7, now in the town of Rapid River.
He took up a homestead of eighty acres, and subsequently located
another eighty acres adjoining. He was accompanied by one son,
and they immediately went at work and built a good log house, completing it in December. In October his family came to Traverse
City by way of the straits, and were taken to their new home by


team. He lived on his farm until the fall of 1880, when he removed to the village. Mr. Hill was the first judge,of probate in
the county, and held that office until 1881. He was the first justice,
of the peace in the county, being elected in the spring of 1868. The
county at that time belonged to Antrim County. He also held the




-1


1.r


I


-J


L




VP




I


4
1
1


T


Id


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


317


office of supervisor for several years, and was president of the county
Farmers' Club for some time. Married in 1846, at Ripley, Chautauqua County, N. Y., to Climena P. Bigelow. She died June 1,1879.
Seven children were born to them, of whom four are now living.
Mr. Hill is now a justice of the peace.
The first death in the town of Rapid River was that of Horace
Rice, father of S. A. and L. A. Rice, which occurred in March,
1868. The snow was deep, and there being no roads, it was impossible to get a coffin from outside, and one was made with boards
taken from the floor overhead in one of the log houses. Rev. Daniel Schofield, of Williamsburgh, preached the funeral sermon.
The first team in Rapid River was a yoke of oxen which S. A.
Rice brought with him when he moved into the township.
The first school in Rapid River was taught by Mrs. H. U. Hill
at her home, in the summer of 1868. The first school-house was
built in 1869. It was of hewed logs and is still standing. Mrs.
Hill and her daughter Eliza taught the first three terms of school
in the township. Both are now dead.
The first store in that part of the county was started by James
Campbell in 1873, about a mile from the present village of Westwood. This was one of the earliest stores in the county.
WILLIAM H. ASHDON, farmer, Rapid River, was born in England,
Aug. 25, 1825. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted in the
British army and spent six years in the service of his native country.
In 1848 he came to Lockport, Niagara County, N. Y. He purchased
land and remained there several years. His marriage was to  liss
Mary A. Harmer, also of Niagara County, They had three childirn, Myron H., Mary M., and William R. Mrs. Ashdon died Nov.
2, 1862. His second marriage was on July 2, 1863, to Miss Mir.nda C. Dean, of Tuscola County, Mich. She was born in Sanilac
County, July 10, 1845. Their children are George L., Edwin S.,
Alice L., and Annie Grace. Mr. Ashdon's removal from New York
State was to Tuscola County,, Mich. From there, in 1867, he came
to Rapid River, Kalkaska County, where he located land on Section
6, fnd opened for himself and family a pioneer home in the waving forest. He then had to bring their supplies from Elk Rapids,
a distance of twenty miles. He has eighty acres of beautiful land,
with forty-five under cultivation. He has also a fruit-bearing orchard of choice varieties of fruit, and an inviting home. He has
been four years township treasurer, and five years commissioner of
highways. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
HENRY LANNIN, proprietor of mill, Rapid River, was born in
Canada, March 8, 1845. He spent his youth and learned the trade
of carpenter and joiner in his native country. In 1866 he came to
Saginaw, Mich., and spent two years.  In 1868 he removed to
Rapid River, Kalkaska County, and located land on Section 6, where
he still resides. In 1879 he opened a mill in which he manufactures
shingles and lumber. Mr. L. has been twice married. His first
marriage was to Miss Mary L. Barber, also of Canada. She died
in 1875. His second marriage was on Oct. 23, 1878, to Miss Lucinda A. Herriman, of Rapid River. They have one daughter,
Mary Arvilla. He has been supervisor of Rapid River four years.
His fraternity is the I. 0. 0. F.
The first settlement in the present town of Kalkaska was
made by William Richardson, who came from the southern part of
the state in March, 1867. He hauled his goods into the county
on a hand sled, and suffered a good deal from hardship on account


of the cold and deep snow. George W. Smith, Antoine Buckle
and a man named Gerber came in soon after. There was quite a
length of time that there were no additions to the number of
settlers. In 1878 the village of Kalkaska was started in this town
and its population suddenly and rapidly increased.
The town of Springfield was settled about this time, and was


organized in 1871.  H. H. Haskin, Adrial Clark and Robert
Creighton were among the first settlers. Mr. Haskin came from
Traverse City, where he was foreman of the first pfaning-mill
operated in the Traverse Region.
HYMEN H. HASKIN was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Oct. 18,
1881. He came with his parents to Washtenaw County, Mich.,
'in 1844, and Went thence to Kent County in the spring of 1849.
Five years later he removed to St. Joseph County, Ind. His youth
and early manhood were spent chiefly in farming and school teaching. On March 25, 1853, he was married to Miss Sarah Ann
Rupel, also of St. Joseph County. They had one daughter, Harriet. Mrs. Haskin died Aug. 30, 1855. His second marriage was
on March 18, 1857, to Miss Adelia P. Grommon, of Marshall
County, Ind. She was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., April 13,
1828. Their children are Elthea E., Octavia S., Grant and Henrietta A. In 1861 Mr. Haskin went to California, and was engaged chiefly in mining until June, 1866. He then returned,
visited Traverse Region in August, and in November brought his
family to Traverse City, where he put up the machinery, and for
five years conducted the work in the planing-mill of Hannah,
Greilick & Co. It was the first ever operated in Traverse Region.
In May, 1869, he located land in Springfield, Kalkaska County,
before a tree was felled on the shores of Fife Lake, and before any
railroad or village there was contemplated. He often had to carry
supplies from Traverse City on his back. In going to his homestead he and three others drew a load of some 200 pounds on a
light sleigh from Traverse City twenty-two miles. Through twelve
miles of the distance there was no track broken and the snow was
two feet deep. He and his family entered their chosen home in
November, 1870. He has eighty acres of land with about thirty
under cultivation. He has also a flourishing fruit-bearing orchard
of various kinds of fruit, and an inviting home. In the early pioneer times the forest was greatly infested by wolves. Mr. Haskin
has caught gray wolves on his own premises weighing 100 pounds.
Mr. Haskin was one of those who organized the county and also
the township. He was appointed by the legislature as one of the
inspectors of the first election held in the county. He was the
first township clerk in Springfield and served two years. He then
served as supervisor the next three years, and has filled various
other official positions.
The first land entered in the town of Boardman by any person who became a settler of the town was by W. H. Leach, now a
resident of South Boardman, in the fall of 1870. He did not
become a resident of the town until 1872. The first settlers came
in, in the spring of 1871. They were F. Sutter, J. M. Myers, J.
S. Ely, J. M. Rhodes, the Wells, E. and C. Luce, S. Heller. Soon
afterward came J. McClory, James M. Flagg, M. C. Smith and
Mr. House. J. M. Myers was the first supervisor, and Mrs. Myers
taught the school in District No. 1 six terms.
The town of Orange dates back to the spring of 1871, when
Orange A. Row, A. P. Wheeler and Lewis Deuel located homesteads, Row and Wheeler on Section 18, and Deuel on Section 8.
The three men named from HIillsdale County set out in Marchl to
locate homes in this new country. They were accompanied by
four others who came up here but did not remain. The party
came by train to Paris, near Big Rapids, and from there the journey was made on foot. The first night after arriving here they


camped out in the woods. There were plenty of hemlock boughs
for shelter, but their stock of provisions consisted of one loaf of
bread. A pioneer, however, was never known to starve. Persons
die of hunger in crowded cities and in midst of plenty, but all the
annals of history do not furnish an instance where the genuine
pioneer has died of starvation.


I


e)






I
I
I


I.wd 




{


318


THE TRAVERSE REGION


I
II
I
I
I
I


I
I
I


The three men first named selected their homesteads, and the
preparations for homes were begun. Mr. Row built the first house
and Mr. Wheeler's family arriving in August lived in it until his
own was finished a little later.
Mr. Row's family arrived in February and Mr. Deuel's in the
summer. James Drake and Edward Davis were also among the
first to locate in the town. Their homesteads were on Section 4.
Their families came in 1872.
In the fall of 1872 the town was organized and those who
signed the petition as residents and freeholders were as follows:
James H. Drake, John Dubois, Lewis Deuel, O. A. Row, Francis
Doyel, L. W. Blanchard, A. P. Wheeler, E. C. Davis, A. S. Pool,
N. Patterson and Andrew Nelson.
The first election was the Presidential election of 1872, at
which nine votes were cast.
The first teamLs in the town were owned by Drake and
Wheeler.
O. A. Row was the first supervisor, James H. Drake, first
clerk, and Norman Saunders, first treasurer.
The first chopping was done by Row and Wheeler.
The first school was kept by Mrs. Mary Dixon at her home.
The first school-house, known as "Row's silool-house," was
built on Section 19 about four years after the town was settled.
The postoffice was first established in 1879 with 0. A. Row
postitmaster. The office is called Lodi. William Barnes is the
present lpostmi:ster.
The first frame barn in Orange was raised May 15, 1878, on
the farmi of Mr Row.
Tlle townl of Orange settled very rapidly, and by the fall of
1874, the government land had been nearly all taken up. When
tlhe first house was built there was not another within a distance
of seven miles. T'lie ne.rest postoffice was at Traverse City,
thirty-five miles away, and from that place the settlers had to
translport their slupplies upon tlhir backs.
ORANGE A. Row was born in Monroe County, N. Y., in the
year 1837. Ab)out the year 1849 his parents removed to Michigan
and settled in Eaton County. October, 1862, Mr. Row enlisted in
Co1)mpanly K, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and remained in the
service until the close of the war. Sept. 7, 1871, he was married
at Wright, Hillsdale. He was engaged in farming in that county
l)efore coming to Kalkaska County, in 1872, as already stated.
He lived on his farm in Orange until 1881, when, having- been
elected sheriff of the county at the previous fall election,
lie removed to the village of Kalkaska. Since his term of office
expired lie has been in the real estate business. His homestead
farm is one of the finest in the county, there being about seventyfive acres inmproved and good buildings.
The first settler in the town of Cold Springs was David Horsburg, who came from Ionia County in 1871, and settled on Section 18. He came by railroad as far as Big Rapids, thence by
stage to Traverse City, and by boat to Spencer Creek, by way of
Elk Rapids and Brownstown. From      Spencer Creek lie walked
fourteen miles through the forest to his homestead, with nothing
but section lines to guide him, and not a habitation on his route.
He carried on his back fifty pounds of flour and some groceries.
His first habitation, in which he spent six weeks, was made of
hemlock boughs. While staying in this shelter he was taken sick
and for three days could not help himself to a drink of water at


the brook only two rods distant. When he got ready to build his
house, he went to Mancelona, six miles distant, and got Perry
Andrews' team to draw the logs together. L. M. Nye and Nathan
Holliday assisted him in erecting his house.
The second settler was Samuel Bigerow, who came from Can

I
I




I


ada and located on the east one-half of the southeast one-quarter
of Section 20, in May, 1872. He came by boat to Pine River, in
Chailevoix County. There he loaded his family and household
goods into a wagon (attached to which was a team he had brought
with him from Canada), and drove through to his homestead.
Four miles of the way he had cut his own road, which cost limi
twenty dollars. When he got within half a mile of his place the
wavgon upset, killing his little boy, aged five years, and dangerously
wounding a little girl. Mr. Halverson, who came here a few days
previous, heard the noise and went to tlltir assistance. They made
a box of rough boards and buried the little fellow by the roadside.
Arrived at his desttination, Mr. Bigerow built a shelter of elm
bark laid on poles, in which himself and family stayed for two
weeks. In the meantime Mr. B. cut and drew together logs, and,
with tile help of five or six neighbors, raised a substantial house.
His next operation was to chop and clear two acres and sow
it to millet and ruta-bagas, from which lie cut two tons of the millet and dug forty bushels of the vegetables. On these crops lie
wintered twelve head of cattle, with what they would manage to
pick up during the day.
For his family supplies Mr. B. had to go to Elk Rapids or
Traverse City, the former twenty-five miles and the latter thirtyfour miles distant.
The third settler in Cold Springs was Joseph Halverson, who
located on Section 20 in March, 1872. He came on his homestead in;May, built a house and remained until the following November, when he went after his family. They came from Fife
Lake to Kalkaska on a construction train, and were taken by
wagon to their new home, arriving there in December. in the
fall of 1873 he sold fifty bushels of potatoes.
JOSEPH HALVERSON was born at Falll R1iver, Mass., July 31,
1830. He w;is bereft of his mother, and removed with his father
to Rochester, N. Y., in childhood. In 1841 they removed to Hillsdale County, Mici. Shortly after lie attained his majority he went
to California and was engaged in mining until 1862. lte then returned home, and onl May 4, 1863, le -was married to Miss Hatt ie
L. Mead, of Spring Arbor, Jackson County, Mich. She was born
in Livingston County, Mici., June 25, 1823. Their c(ildrcn are
Nettie, Anna S., Grace and an infant daughter. After marriage
Mr. H. spent three years in faiming in Spring Arbor,;ind then removed with his family to California, and continued his work of
mining until December, 1871. In March following lie located land
on Section 20 in whlat is now Cold Springs, Kalkaska County,
Micl. On Dec. 12, 1872, his family arrived and took possession
of their primeval forest home. They arrived at what is now Kalkaska on a construction train. Tlere was no dwelling there then.
They took supper in a cloth tent. When preparing his dwelling
Mr. Halverson had to carry his supplies from Elk Rapids and
Spencer Creek. He bought lumber for his house at eight dollars
per 1,000 feet at a lumber camp and had to give nine dollars per
1,000 to have it drawn nine miles to his place. He has eighty
acres of land with nearly forty under cultivation. He has an orchard of apples, pears, cherries, plums and small fruits, and an inviting home. He has served as township superintendent of schools
two years, justice of the peace eight years, and is now, in 1884,
serving in his fifth year as township clerk of Cold Springs.
ALLEN E. BORNHAM, carpenter and joiner and farmer, was
born in Shelby, Orleans County, N. Y., April 14, 1830. He came


with his parents to Washtenaw County, Mich., in 1833, and, with
the exception of two years, remained there until his removal to
Traverse Region. In August, 1847. lie enlisted in Company D,
First Michigan Infantry, and served his country in.the Mexican
war until its close. His honorable discharge was on July 26, 1848.


-i
I
I


i


aI.I
I
I




r"


-


gre 
w I


-


- --------— ~~.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __I~~~~~~~~~ — - 
-I-  ~~~~~~~~~  _                                _ __  ___~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~__ ~~~~~~


96,


V -_. ____




I                                                                                                                                                                       III —


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


319


On April 6, 1854, be was marnied to Miss Nancy A. Squier, of
Milan, Monroe County. She was born in Villanovia, Chautauqua
Conilty, N. Y., Dec 7, 1880. Their children are Charles E., William A. and Minnie G. In October, 1872, Mr. Burnham located
lands in Seotion 20, in Cold Springs, Kalkaska County, and opened
them a pioneer home in the waving forest, before Kalkaska village
was commenced. lle then had to obtain their supplies from
Grand Traverse and Elk Rapids. He thinks his was the third
family that settled in that township. After clearing forty acres
and erecting good buildings on his homestead land, he sold it, and
in March, 1882, removed to Section 36, where he is again causing
the wilderness to bud and blossom as the rose. He took part in
the organization of Cold Springs Township; was its tirbt trci surer
and its second supervisor. He has also been superintendent of
schools, highway commissioner and justice of the peace. He is a
member of the I. O. O. F. In the fall of 1864, Sept. 1, he again (nlisted, and on November 8 mustered Corpany B, Hall's Battalion
Independent Sharpshooters, Michigan Volunteers (afterward conso'idated with the First Michigan Volunteers). He received his commission as captain and served until honorably discharged April 10,
1865. His regiment was the first to plant the Union flag in
Petersburg.
ELIJAH GOODWIN, farmer, Cold Springs, was born in Cayuga
County, N. Y., on Oct. 8, 1842. He came with his parents to
Oakland County, Mich., in October, 1845, and remained there until
1873. On Aug. 5, 1861, lie enlisted in Company D, Fifth Michigan Infanitry, served his country about three years in tlihacapacity,
and then re-enlisted as a veteran and served until honorably discharged in July, 1865. After the close of the war he returned
home, and on Feb. 27, 1866, lie was martied to Miss Elizabeth A.
Urch, of Independence, Oakland County, Mich.   She was born
there Feb. 8, 1844. Their living children are Etta L., William A.,
Alice and Elwin Clarence.   After marriage they resided seven
years in Milford, and then removed to Cold Springs, Kalkaska
County, and located 160 acres of land on Section 6. Mr. Goudwin
has nearly fifty acres of his estate under cultivation, and has a
thriving fruit bearing orchard, a pleasant dwelling, commodious
barn and other farm buildings. His residence is beautifully situated in full view of the rising village of Westwood, on the Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railway. He has served two years as highway
commissioner, eight years as justice of the peace, two years as
clerk and three years as supervisor of Cold Springs. He is lrow,
in 1884, zLoble grand in the I. 0. 0. F.
JOHN E. RAINBOW, farmer, was born in Wheatland County,
N. Y., April 26, 1846. At the age of eight years he removed with
his parents to Canada. Two years later they removed to Coldw.,ter, Mich., where lie remained several years, On Dec. 7, 1872,
lie w;is married to Miss Elizabeth Nye, also of Coldwatfr. She
was boin there in 1847. She died in August, 1880. His second
marriage was to Miss Libbie Heart, of Cold Springs, May 11, 1882.
She was a native of Inudiana. In 1878 Mr. Rainbow removed to
Mancelonea, spent one year, and then settled in Cold Springs-, Kalkaska; County. He has 240 acres of land with fifteen under cultivation, a thriving orchard and a pleasant farm-house. He has
filled all the township offices except that of clerk. Fraternally he
is a memler of the I. 0. 0. F. and of the Grand Army of the
Republic. He has served his country three years in the suppression of the rebellion, and receives a pension for a wound received


in his left shoulder at the battle of the Wilderne.-s.
James F. McKay came from Canada in the spring of 1878
and located on Section 20. Wlen he arrived here his money was
gone and lie had to work out to earn enough to enable him to
enter his 1ind1. He found employment on the railroad and his wife


worked in Traverse City. In the fll of 1878 they came to their
homestead and built a small shanty.
The first settlers in this part of the county had a long distance
to' go for provisions until James Campbell started his sfore on the
line of the railroad in 1873.
Tl. tfirbt settlement in the town of Excelsior was made in
1874. During that year Nathaniel Woodfield took up a homestead
and located. The next to hew out homes in tie woods were James
Elliot, W. W. Crippen, D. E. Wllery and tlre Hughes family. All
moved here with families, except Nathaniel Woodfield, to commence making their homes in the forest, without either houses or
roads. At the October session of the boatd of supervisors in 1874,
the above named and other gentlemen who had located in the town
at the same time, presented a petition for the organization of the
township. In the spring of 1875 the first township meeting was
held, fifteen votes being cast. W. W. Crippen was elected supervisor; W. L. Stewart, clerk; L. L. Eldred, treasurer; D. E.
Wheiry, commissioner of highways.  The first improvement in the
township was made by W. W. Crippen, who cleared about five
acres. Other improvements were started by each of the early sett!ers. During 1875 quite a number were added to the list, and the
immigration to the town has steadily increased from then down to
the present time, until now there is-a population of 300 or more,
and about ninety voters. There are now 1,300 acres of land under
cultivation. The largest improvement is that of W. W. Crippen,
being about seventy acres, while James Greacen and William
Lewis come next, with fifty acres each. At present there is one
saw-mill in operation, an Odd Fellows' hall and a postoffice. The
postoffice that was used first was a large elm tree on the premises
of James Greacen. It was probably the largest tree in the county,
measuring thirty-three feet around the body, and hollow at the bottom. It stood at the side of a by-road, and those who went to
Kalkaska would carry back all mail for parties residing here, who
would then go to the "postoffice" and get it. There are now a
good postoffice and a tri-weekly mail. There are six school-houses
in the town, four of which are supplied with patent seats; one
church society and three Sunday-schools, with occasional preaching at two or three points.
Forest Lodge, No. 379, I. 0. 0. F., located in the town of Excelsior, is of recent birth, and its history is as follows:  Early in
1883 a call was made for all Odd Fellows in Excelsior to meet
at the school-house in District No. 2. This meeting was followed by others, and it was agreed to build a hall and organize a
lodge. One-half acre of land was purchased of John Lewis, and a
building committee, consisting of P. Grands, S. J. Baker, James
Greacen and A. H. Clark, appointed. December 17 a dispensation was issued and a commissioner sent to the D. D. G. M. of
Kalkaska Lodge, to institute a lodge in Excelsior. December 29
the lodge was formally instituted. The following officers wwc. installed:-N. G., S. J. Baker; V. G., M. S. Weed; R. S., A. H.
Clark; -P. S., E. S. Carpenter; treasurer, James M. Porter; W. M.,
J. Stewart; conductor, F. Hotelling; J. G., John M. Guilford.
The new lodge started out with eighteen members.
We have traced the early settlement far enough to show the
early stages of development in the county. We have not undertaken to give the names of every person who may have located in
the county during the period covered; that is not important. It is,
however, important to know the general progress of early develop

mtnut. The statistics which are hereafter given, show that in 1870
the aggregate population of Kalkaska and Crawfor.d Counties was
only 424, and four years later it had increased to 1,259; while in
1880. Kalkaska County had a population of 2,937.
DLinig the time of which we have been spetaing, Kalkaska






\


Id I                     I' I'.
d-z-i -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 




1
i,


y_

I
- I
I
a I




I


- ~~To


320


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


r


village was started, and its history is given in a separate
chapter.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first Fourth of July celebration in the county was held in
1868,. at what is now the Rice school-house, near the line between
Rapid River and Kalkasha Township. There were thirty-four persons present, which comprised a good share of the population of
the county. The national anniversary was there observed with as
true and earnest a patriotism as though it had been attended by the
most glittering pageantry. At the close of the day it was agreed
to meet at the same place each year, and for three years that
arrangement was carried out. By the time the fourth year had
arrived other settlements had been planted in the county, and each
neighborhood regulated its own social festivities.
The first horse teams in the county were owned by Messrs.
William Copeland and A. T. Kellogg, of Clearwater Township.
We will now turn to matters connected with tie civil history
and general progress of the county.
The first Sunday-school in the county was organized at the
house of Mrs. Betsey Rice, in the town of Rapid River, July 11,
1869. S. W. Stacy was superintendent. There w( re eleven pupils.
The school was continued until the following October, and a portion of the time meetings were held in the woods. The number of
members was increased to twenty-six, some of them walking five
miles to attend these meetings. Civilization works great changes.
The number of persons who walk five miles to attend Sundayschool in 1884 is not so large as to excite astonishment.
The first term of court in the county was held at the house of
A. C. Beebe in the town of Clearwater.
CHAPTER XLVII.
COUNTY OF WABASSEE LAID OFF —NAME CHANGED TO KALKASKA-ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY-ACTS OF SUPERVISORS-ORGANIZATION
OF TOWNS-TOWN OFFICERS-COUNTY OFFICERS-THE BARCHURCH ORGANIZATIONS-SCHOOL MATTERS-WAR PENSIONERSCOUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-STATISTICAL —POSTOFFICES.
In 1840 when the northern part of the southern peninsula was
laid off into unorganized counties, the present territory of Kalkaska' County was laid off and named Wabassee.  In 1843 the
name was changed to Kalkaska. The county was for some time attached to the county of Grand Traverse and afterward to Antrim,
remaining attached to the latter until its organization was effected.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
The county of Kalkaska was organized under an act of legislature approved Jan. 27, 1871, which provided as follows:
"Thlat the county of Kalkaska, consisting of the territory embraced by the present county of Kalkaska, be and the same is
hereby organized into a separate county by the name of Kalkaska,
and the inhabitants thereof shall be entitled to all the privileges,
powers and immunities to which by law the inhabitants of other orgalized counties in this state are entitled.
"The unorganized county of Crawford shall be attached to
the county of Kalkaska, for municipal and judicial purposes.
"Joseph B. Hayiland, Cuarles H. Estes and Morris Mahan, are


hereby appointed commisbioners to locale the county seat for said
county. The county seat for said county slall be located by said
commissioners during the year 1878.  If said commissioners or
any. two of them shall fail to locate said county seat at the time
herein specified then the board of supervisors and county clerk of
said county shall locate the same.


"At the township meeting of the several townships in said
county to be held on the first Monday of April next, there shall be
an election of all the county officers to which the said county is
entitled, who shall hold their several offices until the first day of
January, in the year of our Lord 1873, and until their successors
shall have been elected and qualified.  Said election shall be conducted in the same way, by tie same officers, and the returns
thereof made in the same manner, as near as may be, as
is now required by law in the election of county officers in this state.
"The county canvass of votes cast for county officers sllll be
held on the second Tuesday succeeding the election, at the house
of John Sheldon, in the township of Round Lake, county aforesaid: and said canvass shall be conducted in the slame way, and
by the same officers as the requirements of law now provide in organized counties, as nearly as may be, by the appointment lby the
board of canvassers, of one of their own number to act as se. retary
to said board of county canvassers.
"Said county shall be in the tlhirteenth judicial circuit.
"It shall be the duty of the register of deeds for said county
of Kalkaska, when elected, to procure, maintain and Leep in his
office two sets of books for the record of deeds, mortgages, tand
other instruments affecting the titles of leal estate, the one to be
denominated 'Records for Kalkaska County,' and the other to bu
denominated 'Records for Crawford County.' All deeds, mortgages,
conveyances and other instruments affecting real estate which shlall
be situated in Kalkaska County shall be recorded in the books
denominated 'Records for Kalkaska County,' as the same are now
required by law; and all deeds, mortgages, conveyances and other
instruments affecting real estate situated in Crawford County shall
be recorded in books designated 'Records for Crawford County,'
with the same effect, and to the same purpose as the same are
now authorized to be recorded by law."
PROCEEDINGS OF SUPERVISORS.
The first meeting of the board of supervisors was held at the
school-house in District No. 1 of Round Lake, April 25, 1871.
There were present, A. T. Kellogg, of Round Lake; H. U. Hill, of
Rapid River, and A. W. Jones, of Kaska.  On motion of H. U.
Hill it was voted to fix the amount of the bonds of the county
treasurer at $5,000. Tile house of A. C. Beebe was designated
as the place for holding circuit court.
The salaries of county officers were regulated as follows:
Sheriff, $100; clerk, $150; prosecuting attorney, $200; judge of
probate, $100.
E. S. Pratt and A. T. Kellogg were appointed a committee to
settle with Antrim County.
The Traverse Bay Ealle was designated as the official paper
of the county.
The next meeting of the board at which any business was
transacted was held at the office of the county clerk at Clear
Water, June 14, 1871.  Present, A. T. Kellogg, of Round Lake;
H. U. Hill, of Rapid River; and A. W. Jones, of Kaska.   The
assessment rolls were equalized as follows:
Round Lake: Acres, 50,083; equalized valuation $62,580;
personal property. $7,980.
Rapid River: Acres, 42,468; equalized valuation, $51,891;
personal propeity, $3,195.
Kaska: Acres, 44,871; equalized valuation, $55,011; personal property, $1,647.


The board voted to issue orders on the county treasurer to
the amount of $100, to be disposed of by him for money to be
used as a contingent fund. It was voted that swine be prohibited
from running at large between the first day of April and the first
day of September each year.


_ W


-


3% -,


U-    -- --   -                                                                                                                                                        I-I I




P

'N.


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


321


I


At a mleeting held in July, 1871, it was voted to pay tlhe register of deeds $150 for tralnscribin tile records froln tile books of
Antiin Countv.
At the October session it was voted to raise by tax $3,400 as
a contingent fund, and $447 for a poor fuud.
The following persons were elected county superintendents of
poor: Lorenzo Evans, L. A. Haynes, Martill V. Taylor.
The first recorded opinion of tile board upon the constitutionality of any law, was uttered at a meeting hleld Jan. 2, 1872, when
the claim of Johll Pulciphler, local commissioner of thle Trav rse
Bay and Hanisville state load, was presented for the expense of
survey through the counties of Kalkaska andl Crawford. After
considering this claim thle board adoptedl a resolution rejecting the
claim, onl the ground thllt in tile opinion of the bonrdl, the law lequiring this county to pay the expense of surveyingc said state road
throughl said counties, was unconstiu tional.
At thle January session in 1873, the boundlry line between the
counties of Antrim  and-& Kalkaskla was change(d so that Torch
River should constitute the boundary. The name of the town of
Round Lake was L hanged to Clearwatti, and that of Kaska to
Springfield.
A mueeting of the board was called for June 20, 1873, to meet
the commissioners appointed to locate the county seat.  Owing to
thile illness (,f J. B. Haviland, one of the commissioners, they were
unable to meet, and tile board of supervisors adopted a resolution,
requesting the commissioners to locate the county seat at tlie village of Kalkaska.
July 14, 1873, the commissioneis met and located the county
seat at tile village of Kalkaska.  At the October session of the supervisors, it was voted to appropriate $1,00 for the purpose of
erecting a building on Court House Square for county purposes.
The lproecuting attorney was appointed to confer with Mr. A. A.
Abbott, with a view of procuring a contract for thle lot called and
known as Court House Square. A building committee was appointed, consisting of the following persons: S. Bacheller, L. A.
Haynes, and H. H. Hashins.  The contract for tle lot above mentioned was obtained and pcsetnted to the board at this meeting.
At tile January session in 1874, the building committee 1eported the county building completed at a cost of $1,075.51. The
contract for building was let to H. L. Birdsall, and the lathing and
plastering lo A. W. Jones.
At this session the sum of $2,500 was appropriated for the
putirpose of building a jail. S. Bachelder, L. Haynes and J. M.
Myers were elected a building (ommittee.
At tile OctoLer session, 1874, it was voted to purchase land of
D. B. Beel e, to the amount of eighty acres in Clearwater Townsibip, a'so tlie north half of tile northeast quarter of Section 1, in
the Township of Wilson, for a poor farm.
The appoltionllmlnt of state and county taxes for the year 1875
waiis as follows:
State Tax. County Tax.
Springfield.....................$177 18   $3,262
Clearwater.....................  94  75     1,745
Rapid  River....................  104  02   1,915
Botldman......................  16  29       800
Wi-onz........................  15 76   289
i range.......................  12   3       227
Kalkaska....                   13 48          249
Cold  Springs...................  10  73      198


The equalized valuati on of property in the several townbhips
for tlie year 1874 was as follnows:
Whole No.     Real.       Personal.     Total.
acres.
Springfield......207,320  $1,084,889  $2,560  $1,087,449
Clearwater....101,579.    553,605   28,145      581,750






Whole No.
icres.


Real.      Personal.


Total.




I
I


Rapid Rivel.....117,146  $630,050   $8,571     $638,621
Boardmanl...... 16,687     97,735    2,512      100,247
Wilson......... 20,7038    91,581     4,877      96,408
Ora'nge......... 18,793    74,630     1,339      75,969
Ka lkaska....... 19,2382   78,490    4,550       83,040
Cold Sprin-s.... 16,796     63,911    2,2139      66,150
$2,729,634
At the October meeting in 1875, the salaries of county officers
were regulattd as follows: Treasurer, $500; clerk, $600; sheriff,
$500; judge of probate, $150; prosecuting attorney, $250.
Tile state and county taxes in 1883 were apportioned as fol



lows:
Township.


State Tax.  Coulltv Tax.


Boardman..................376 05
Cle ulw; -ter..................  558  80
Cold  Springs.................  211  70
Excelsor....................  253  80
Garfield.................  290  55
KIalkaska....................  46  35
Orange.....................  275  60
Oliver......................  268  20
Rapid   River.................  424  65
Sprilln fifeld..................1,162  26
Wilson..................... 231 00


$1,009 52
1,500 00
618 78
630 00
780 00
1,260 00
739 82
720 00
1,140 00
3,120 00
620 00


$4,551 46     $12,218 12
The equalized valuation in 1883 was as follows:
Orange........................... $184,954
W ilson............................  155,000 -Clearwater........................ 375,000
Rapid River........................ 285,000
Springfield......................... 780,000
Oliver........... ~~ ~~..............  180,000
Garfield.........................  195,000
Kalkaska.........................  315,000
Boardmlan........................  252,381
Cold  Springsa.....................  162,195
Excelsior..........................  170,000
In 1883 a new court-house was completed at a cost of about $20,000 that is an ornament to the village and a credit to the county. It
is without doubt one of the finest in northern Michigan. It is built
of red brick and occupies an elevated position in the western portion of the village.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS.
Rapid River was the first town organized, in what is now Kalkaska County. In 1868 a few settlers had located in the territory,
and they were desirous of voting at the Presidential election. The
territory was then attached to Antrim County, and the distance to
the polls was so great that some would -be deprived of the privilege
of voting. Norman Ross, then a resident of what is now Clear-water, circulated a petition to the board of supervisors for the organization of a town to be called Rapid River. The first town
election was held at the house of S. A. Rice, in what is now Rapid
River, and nineteen votes were cast. H. U. Hill lhad been elected
justice of the peace at the spring election, and Norman Ross was
elected first supervisor. The day following was the Presidential
election and the voting place was at the house of Norman Ross.
At this election fifteen votes were cast.
The town of Clearwater was organized under the name of
Round Lake, ly an act of legislature approved Jan. 18, 1871. The
act provided thfit Township 26 north of Ranges 5, 6 and 7 west,
Township27 north, of Ranges 4, 5 and 6 west, also Townships 27
and 28 north, of Range 8 west in the unorganized counties of Kalkaska and Crawford, he detached from the towvn of Rplid River,
land orgnized inlto a separate town by the name of Roulld Lake.


I..I


I


1-  i ---- e 1




1.j
ODI


as -


I


3'22


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


The first eFlection was appointed at the house of John Sheldon,
and A. T. Kellogg, Asa D. Fessenden and Calvin Storms were ilspectors of election.
In 1878 the name was changed to Clearwater.
The town of Sjringfield was organized under the name of
Kaska, by an act of legislature approved Feb. 14, 1871. The territory embraced was described as follows:  Township 25 north, of
Ranges 1, 2, 8, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 west, also Township 26 north, of
Ranges 1, 2, 8, 4, and 8 west, also Township 27 north, of Range 8
west.
The first election was appointed at the house of Adrial Clark,
on the first Monday of April, 1871, and H. H. Haskin, Robert
Creighton and Adrial Clark were inspectors of election. Tile town
at present is bounded on the north by Boardman, east by Garfield,
south and west by county line.
The town of Orange was organized by the board of supervisors
at a meeting held at Rapid River, Oct. 14, 1872. The territory
embraced was Township 26 north, of Range 7 west. Tlue first
election was appointed at 'the house of A. P. Wheeler, Oct. 26,
1872, of which James A. Drake, Lewis Deuel and Robert 0. Pool
were inspectois. The town is bounded on the north lby Kalkaska,
(ast by Oliver, south by Garfield, and west by Boardman.  The
town wias named in honor of one of its first settlers, Orange A.
Row. The petition asked for the name of Roseville, but there
being another town of that name, Orr.nge was taken instead.
TlJe town of Boardman was org n;zed by act of legislature
approved Feb. 23, 1873, and embraced the territory of Township
26 north, of Range 8 west. Thle first election was held at the house
of Emery Myers, on the first Monday of April, 1873. Edwin Luce,
H. H. Cole and W. H. Leach were appointed inspectors of election. Boardman is bounded on the north by Wilson, east by Orange,
south by Springfield, and west by county line.
The town of Wilson was detached from  Clearwater by act of
legislature, approved March 14, 1873. It comprised the territory of
Township 27 north, of Range 8 west. The first election was held
at the house of William Huff, on the first Monday in April, 1873.
Asa D. Fessenlein, William Huff and Empire Stiles were appointed
inspectors of election.  Wilson is bounded on the north by Clearwater; east by KIlkaska; south by Boardman, and west by county
line.
The town of Kalkaska was organized by the board of supervisors, and the first election held at tlJe house of Charles E. Whitney,
April 7, 1878. Albert A. Abbott, W. C. McLarren and C. W.
Smith were inspectors of election. The territory embraced was described as follows: Township 27 north, of Range 7 west. The
town is bounded on the north by Rapid River; east by Excelsior;
south by Orange, and west by Wilson.
The town of Cold Springs was organized by the board of supervisors, at a meeting held Oct. 13, 1878, and embraced Township
28 north, of Range 6 west. The first election was held at the house
of A. E. Burnlhm, on the first MonCay in April, 1874, and A. E.
Burnham, Andrew Croy and W. H. Stoddard were inspectors of
election. The town is bounded north by county line; east by tlle
unlrg,~nized Township of 28-5; sonth by Excelsior, and west by
R ipid River.
The town of Exelsior, comprising the territory of Township 27
north, of Range 6 west, was organized by act of legislature approved
Mrch 12, 1875. The first annual meeting was held at the house


of David E. Wherry, on the first Monday of April following. The
inspectors of election were David E. Wherry, James Crawford and
John Elliot.  Excelsior is bounded on the north by Cold Sprilgs;
east by unorganiz. d territory; south bly Oliver, and west by Knlkisk;i,.


Garfield was organized by the board of supervisors, at a meeting held in October, 1880, and comprised the territory of Township
25 north, of Range 7 west, formerly belonging to Springfield. The
petition was signed by the following persons, residents of that township:  Names of freeholders of Town 25 north, of Range 7 west:
Ervin A. Fuller, John M. Calkins, L. W. Fifield, Joseph Doherty,
Delevan Smith, George D. Higley, Charles Carpenter, John J.
Davis, William Rosebrook, Isaac Eldridge, Philo J. Hensey, Delos
Rosebrook. The first election was held at the Davis school-house
the first Monday in April, 1881. George D. Higley, Ervin A. Fuller and Daniel D. Smith were appointed inspectors of election.
Garfield is bounded on the north by Orange; east by Oliver; south
by county line, and west by Springfield.
The town of Oliver, comprising the territory of Township 26
north, of Range 6 west, was detachlle from Clearwater by a-t of legislature, approved March 22, 1881  Tlhe first annual meetinll  was
held on the first Monday of April, 1881, at the hoase of W. G.
Barnes.  J. J. Harshman, Jerry H. Knliss and David Arres were
appointed inspectors of election. Oliver is bounded on the north by
Excelsior; east and south by unorganized territory, and west by
Orange.
The town of Glade, comprising thle territory of Township 25
north, of Range 5 west, was organized by the board of supervisors
at the October session in 1883. The first election was held oni tlhe
first Monday in April, 1884, at the residence of John F. Clark. Oscar
L. Giddings, Oscar J. Smith and Samuel Laughlin were appointed
inspectors of election. Glade is bounded north by unorganized
territory; east and south by county line, and west by unorganized
territory.
TOWN OFFICERS IN 1883.
Boardman.-Supervisor, John D. Dagle; clerk, Charles H.
Brown; treasurer, James Isbell.
Clearwater.-Supervisor, W. H. Bockes; clerk, John H. F.
Letherby; treasurer, Robert Morrison.
Cold Springs.-Supervisor, Elijah Goodwin; clerk, Joseph Hilverson; treasurer, John E. Rainbow.
Excelsior.-Supervisor, James Greacen; clerk, A. H. Clark;
treasurer, Samuel J. Boker.
Garfield.-Supervisor, George D. Higley; clerk De'evan Smith;
treasurer, Abram West.
Oliver.-Supervisor, J. H. Kniss; clerk, James H. Jenkins;
treasurer, J. M. Hamilton.
Orange. -Supervisor, E. R. Parmelee; clerk, Elmer Jeiks;
treasurer, William Richardson.
Rapid River. —Supervisor, Henry Lannin; clerk, Zalch. Taylor;
treasurer, Henry M. Crane.
Springfield.-Suprvisor, John A. Butterfield; clerk, William
S. Crooks; treasurer, Henry Howe.
Kalkaska.-Supervisor, C. C. Jencks; clerk, A. G. Drake;
treasurer, Henry Harvey.
Wilson.-Supervisor, Sperry Storms; clerk, C. J. Clauson;
treasurer, Patrick Bristlin.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN 1883.
Boardmal.-John Thompson, Asa Puffer, James Isbell, Henry
Halper.
Ciearwater.-Seth Dundas, Uriah Vargason, George Knight,


John Jardan.
Cold Springs.-Albert Farrar, Daniel A. Steele, Albert Barker, Thomas Catlin.
Excelsior.-Abraham   Roosa, James M. Potes, Frederick
Wagenshuty, Joln Austin.
Garfield.-John M. Calkins, Delos Rosebrook, Joseph Dolierty, Charles Carpenter.


"q, Al 




-RES.OF L.LEWIS.: M. D. CHARLEVOIX, M=CH.
RES. OF L. LEWIS. M. D. CHARLEVOIX, MICH.


RES. OF JOSEPH. A. GARDNER, PETOSKEY, EMMET CO.MICH.


RES. OF JOHN GARDNER, M. D. PETOSKEY, MICH.


RES. OF L. E. ALLEN, CHARLEVOIX, MICH.




I




;j - -
I.


J

TH E TRAVERSE REGION.


323


Kalkaskal.-Ant.holiy) W. Cairoll, Charles E. Ramsey, H',nry
U. Hill, H. Wright.
Oralngl.-Lewis Dtn'.l, W. J. Reynolds, Allison Drake, E. K.
Parmelee.
Oliver.- Anthony C. Labadie, J. H. Kniss, James H. Jenkins,
Elijalh Kniss.
liapid River.-Sherman W. Beebe, Allen Lannin, Alanson
Ba1rden, Erastus Watrous.
Springtield.-Ambwiose W. Jones, John A. Battenfield, Ira J.
White, Henry Howe.
Wiison. —James W. Mosher, Giles Milko, Patrick Bristlin,
William Sheldon.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
1871.-Sheriff, William  Sheldon; cleik and register, 0. S.
Curtis; treasurer, A. C. Beebe; judge of probate court, H. U. Hill;
lrosecuting attorney, E. S. Pratt, of Traverse City; county surveyor. D. E. McVcltn.
1872.-Sheriff, A. W. Jones; clerk and register, 0. S. Curtis;
treasurer, A. C. Beebe; judge of probate, H. U. Hill; prosecluting
attotney, A. T. Kellogg; county surveyor, D. E. McVean.
1874.-Sheriff, A. W. Jones; clerk and register, 0. S, Cultis;
treasurer, A. C. Bet be; judge of probate, H. U. Hill; prosecuting
attorney, C. P. Sweet; county surveyor, D. E. McVean.
1876.-Sheriff, D. P. Peyrbe; vleik and register, 0. S. Curtis;
tre;isurer, A. C. Beebe; judge of probate, H. U. Hill; prosecuting
attorney, C. P. Sweet; circuit court commissioner, A. T. Kellogg;
county surveyor, D. E. McVean.
1878.-Shleriff, D. P..Be'be; cleik and register, 0. S. Curtis;
tr'easurer, C. Cronin; judge of probate, H. U. Hill; prosecuting attorney, B. S. Howe; circuit court comlnissioner, J. L. Boyd; county
suiveyor, D. E. McVean.
1880.-Sheriff, 0. A. Row; clerk and register, C. V. Selkirk;
T en surer, C. Cronin; judge of probate, W. E. Clark; prosecuting;ttolney, A. A. Bletazy; circuit court commissioner, W. D. Totten;
county surveyor, D. E. McVean.
1882.-Sheriff, C. Cronin; clerk and register, C. V. Selkirk;
treasuler, L. A. Haynes; judge of probate, W. E. Clark; prosecuting attorney, J. L. Boyd; circuit court commissioner, C. C. Jencks;
county surveyor, E. Mosler.
KALKASKA COUNTY BAR.
BURTON S. HOWE was the first lawyer to locate in Kalkaska
County tor the purpose of practicing law. A. T. Kellogg had been
adlmitted to the bar and held tlie office of prosecuting attorney of the
county, but did not make the practice of law a pursuit.  Mr. Howe
was born at C.ntcrville, St. Joseph County, Mich., in 1833. In
September, 1861, he enlisted in the Fourth Miichigan Battery.  At
Pittsburgh Landing he received severe internal injuries, and a gunshot wolnd in his left hand. At the end of eighteen months he
was discharged for disability and retulned home. He engaged in
the hardware business, but suffering from injuries received in the
war, was led to take up the study of law. He was admitted to the
bar in 1868, and practiced in St. Joseph County until the winter of
1874. when he removed to the villageof Kalkaska, and was the only
attorney in the county for about two years. Has held the office of
prosecuting attorney one term.
ARTHUR A. BLEAZBY was the secold lawyer to locate in Kal

kaska Comity. He is a native of Ireland and emigrated to'Canada
with his parents at the age of six years. He attended school there
and subsequently entered collkg. Before completing the. course he
came to the States, and in 1861 enlisted at Lockport, N. Y., and
went iuto the service with Colonel Ellsworth. He remained in the
service about two years, and soon after his return north went to
Kalamazmo, Mich., and entered Kalamazoo College. After randnut

ing from that institution he studli.d law in the office of Severnce
& Burroughs, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. Having businebs interests at Niles requiring his attention he went there and
remained until March, 1876, when he removed to the village of
Kalkaska, and engaged in the practice of law. He has lleld the
office of prosecuting attolney one term and is extensively connected
with the business interests of the village. He is one of the owners
of the large brick block built in 1880, is secretary and tieasurer of
the Smith Lumber Co., and vice-president cf the Kalkaska Manufacturing Co. He also has manufacturing interests at Mancelona,
Antrim County.
WILLIAM D. TOTTEN was born at New London, Oneida Co.,
N. Y., and came froml that county to Kalkatska in 1877, a;riving
here in Julne. His first wolk at this place was logging several
acres of land, in what is now the village. He made a bargain to
do the work at two dollars and fifty cents ptr' aCle, but realized before hle had finislld that he was not postedl as to prices for such
work in a new kountry. Ho taught school several terms, and
studied law here and at Grand Rapids. September, 1880, he Was
admitted to the bar, and engaged in tlhe practice of law. He is now
a member of the law fit rt of Boyd & Totten. He was elected circuit couit commissioner in the fall of 1880 and held the office one
term.
C. C. JENCKS was born at Dansville, Livingston County -N. Y.,
and came to Kalkaska in the spring of 1880. He studied law in
Kent County and here, and was admitted to the bar in September,
1881. -Since. tat time, he has..beenengaged.in the practice of law,
anld has taken a prominent part in local affairs. He is circuit court
commissioner, moderator of the school lord, ant was supervisor
of the town of Kalkaska.in 1883-'84.
WILLIS B. PERKINS is a native of Linden, Genesee County,
Mich. He graduated from the law department of Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in the spring of 1883. lie began the practice of law at Grand Rapids, and remained there until September,
1883, when he removed to Kalkaska, and formed a law partneslhip
with A. A. Bleazby, which still continues. The style of tile frm is
BleAzby & Perkins.
J. L. BOYD, prosecuting attorney of Kalkaska County, is a native of Hillsdale, Mich. He came to Kalkaska about six years ago
and was subsequently admitted to the bar, having studied law at
Hillsdale, and also at Kalkaska. He was elected prosecuting attorney in the year of 1882.
CHURCHES INCORPORATED.
The following religious societies in the county have been illculporated in addition to those elsewhere mentioned:
Tlie Methodist Protestant Church in Wilson was organizedl in
Jalnui;y, 1877. Names of members as follows:  Eli Pickard, Lyman Bears, Malcolm Pickard, Sarah J. Pickard, E. A. Sheldon,
Lizzie Way, John Way, S. W. Beebe, Margaret Sheldon, George
WXVy, Benjamin Pickard, Norman Ross, Benj. W. Wilsonl.
The first pioneer Free Methodist Church of Orange was u,ganized and incorporated in November, 1878.   The names of
charter members are as follows: Christopher J. Schnurer, Eber
A. Blodgett, Jesse Decker, Wm. Richardson, E. K. Parmelee,
Joseph Doherty, Joseph M. Blodgett, Sidney W. Butler, K. Hartman.
The first Congregational Church of Excelsior was incorporated
in April, 1881. The charter members were William H. Eckler,
Almedia Eckler, Emma H. Lewis, Juliet Wright, John Lewis, -Ben

jamin Barns, Alison Webb, A. L. Williams, Eliza Woodruff, Charles
Bailey, Hiram Bailey, Nettie Steward, William J. Steward, Elizabeth Campbell, Samuel Bums, Harriet Burns, Richard Lewis.
The first Congregational Church of Christ of Westwood was
incorporated in April, 1881. The charter members were as follows:




I,-,v


1




I




324


THE TRAVERSE R1EGION


Erastus Watrous, Sarah M. Watrous, Eliz; Campbell, Chlarles
Leonard, Sarah Leonard, Christian Hr:nrnl, Chlistine Hansell,
Thomas H. Paige, Eunice M. Paige.
SCHOOL MATTERS.
The annual reports of sclTool inspectors of the several towns
in the county for the year 1883 contain the following facts:
Boardman.- Number of school children, 176; number of
frame school-houses, 5; whole number of volumes in t!e district
libraries, 86.
Clearwatcr: -Number of school children, 147; numtr of school
buildings, 3 frame and 2 log.
Cold Spriigs:-Number of school children, 35; lumber of
school buildings, 2; number of volumes in tlhe district libraries, 145.
Excelsior:- Number of school chiliren, 100; nulliber of
school buildings, 6; number of volumes in district libraries, 21.
Garfield: —Number of school children, 40. There is cn!y one
school building and no library.
Kalkaska: -Number of school children, 367; number of s:hool
buildings, 4; number of volumes in district libraries, 155, all in
District No. 1.
Orangle:-Number of school childien, 148; numbltr of school
buildings, 4.
Oliver: -Number of school children, 22; numlb(r of school
buildings, 2.
Ripid River: -Number of sciool children, 160; number of
school buildings, 5. The school-house of fractional District No. 1
is in Kalkalka Township. There are 38 volumes in the sclhol
libraries.
Springfield:-Number of school children, 149; number of
school buildings, 4; number of volumes in district libraries, 163.
Wilson: -Number of sclool children, 42; number of school
buildings, 5.
WAR PENSIONERS.
Following is a complete list of government pensioners in Kalkaska County, also the amount received monthly by each:
BARKER CREEK.
HIilland  S.  Be ch....................................  $1  00
CLEARWATER.
Clharles  Van  Buren................................  $8  00


SOUTH BOARDMAN..
Affie House, widow.. $.  8 00  Alin M. Wanse...........   4 00
WEST WOOD.
Ezra Dunton........... $6 00. A. H Stiles..........  18 00
Walter Turk........... 8 00  Jno. E. Rainbow......  4 00
Heiman E. Hogan...... 12 00
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
In 1878 a numlier of the leading farmers of the county determined to interest themselves in prltnllotig the agricultural interests (,f the county, and with that end in view a farmers' club
was organized. The meeting for the purpose of efftcting an organization was held at the conlt-ilouse in Kalkliaska, Wednesday,
July 24, 1878  A comlnittee on permanent organiza;tion was app-inted to report at a subsequent meeting.  August 15 an adiourned meeting was held, of which H. U. Hill was chairman and
D. D. Smith, secretary. A permanent organization was effected
by the election cf the followinig (,ffic rs:  President, H. U. Hill,
vice-presidents, one fiom each township; secretary, C. H. Metzgar;
treasurer, Henry Spence. The objecu of the organization was to
facilitate the study of lariculture, gather statistics for local and
general circulation and promote the gent(ral welfare of the county.
Stated meetings were hell for discussion, and the membeiship of
the organization steadily increased.
In April, 1879, it was decided to organize for a county fair,
and such an organization was effected. J. E. Rainbow was elected
president, C. H. Me'zgar, secretary, and Henry Spence, treasurer.
A constitution and by-laws were adopted, and a very successful
fair was held in the fall of that year. Grounds were provided and
buildings erected. This society has been liberally encouraged by
the people of the county and village, and its unnuai exhibitions
have inclcased in variety and interest. The officers in 1884 are as
follows:  President, D. E. McVean; vice-president, James Greacen;
secretary, A. E. Palmer; treasurer, L. A. Rice.
STATISTICAL.
In 1870 the populatiti of the county was 424, including the
unorganized county of Crawford.
The census of 1874 gives the pp)ulation of the sevt ral towns
as follows: Boardman, 127; Ctearwater, 310; Cold Springs, 51;
Kalkaska, 207; Orange, 61; Rapid River, 235; Springfield, 169;
Wilson, 96; total, 1,259. This included the population in the unorganized county of Crawford. Number of marriages in the county,
6; number of deaths, 16; number of acres of improved land, 1,591.
In 1873 there were harvested 170 acies of wheat, 175 acres of
corn, 11,178 bushels of potatoes, 294 tons of hay; 32,715 pounds
of maple sugar were made in 1874.
In 1874 there Nwere owned in the county 54 horses, 4 mules,
138 work oxen, 173 milch cows and 15 sheep.
According to the census reports there were in the county in
1874, 309 farmers, one grocer, one druggist, one clergyman, one
saloon, one lawyer aLd eight lumbermen.
The census of 1880 gave the population as follows: -Boardman, 867; Clearwater, 350; Cold Springs, 101; Excelsior, 168;
Kalkaska, 690; Orange, 324; Rapid River, 382; Springfield, 404;
Wilson, 151; Total, 2,937.
Total school population in 1880, 917.
Total number of votes cast in the county in 1880, 695.
Total number of school children in 1883, 1,386.
In 1880 there were 15,897 bushels of wheat harvested from


1,142 acres.
POSTOFFICES.
The following postoffices are in Kalkaska County:-Barker
Creek, Clearwater, Cold Springs, Crofton, Excelsior, Ivan, Kalkaska, Leetsville, Lodi, South Boardman, Westwood.


Gardner C. Abbott......
Ann E. Cohoon, widow..


CROFTON.
$8 00   Geo. W. Simonson..... $8 00
8 00
KALK SKA.


Albert E.Estv.........  $8 00
A. C. Labadie..........  4 00
Clias. M. Cross.........  6 00
Wm. Crippen........     6 00
W. B. Ferguson........ 12 00
Win. H. Etkler........ 4 00
Benj. F. Burt.......... 18 00
S. A. Weaver.......... 6 00
James Greacen.......... 6 00
John Lewis............   4 00
Henry A. Beelam.....    6 00
David P. Beebe......... 4 00
Gersham  Dorman...... 8 00
Charles D. Avers.......6 DO
Rebecca D. Bullock, mother....


Geo. A. Mers.........
Chas. V. Nash.........
Geo. L. Carlisle........
Jno. W. Banks........
Chas. V. Selkirk.......
Wm. H. Earls.........
N. Y. Sherwood........
Henry borman........
Wm. Lewis..........
Henry U. Hill.........
Chas. Bokmeyer......
Hiram Wallace........
John W. Morley.......
Wilbur J. Wilson.....


$8 00
8 00
6 00
8 00
8 00
8 00
8 00
8 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
12 00
4 00
2 00
8 00


LEETSVILL;.
Caleb W. itfford...... $10 00 Lawrence Dean........ $8 00
WV. C. Bihham........ 24 00  M. H. Manning........ 6 00
John N. Spiess......... 4 00
LODI..
Henry H. Sheridan..... $4 00  Chas. W. Pierson...... $2 00
Douglas F. Kinney...... 18 00


1!


I WI I                                                                                                                                                                                                            ~ ~


— 25-.i.1S —


-"q V 




- 3


&             -- A- 
I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I -  


-W


II


j






THE TRAVERSE REGION


325


I


CHAPTER XLVIII.
VILLAGE OF KALKASKA.
LOCATION O  THE VILLAGE-FIRST MOVEMENTS-EARLY BUSINESS
OPERATIONS-THE VILLAGE DESCRIBED IN 1874-CHURCH HISTORY-SECRET ORDER3-THE FIRST FIRE-VILLAGE ScHOOLSTHE MEDICAL PROFESSION-KALKASKA HOTELS-MISCELLANEOUS
INDUSTRIES —PUBLI; MAORAL -— NEWSPAPERS — IMPROVEMENTS -
BIOGRAPHICAL.
This village is the county seat of Kalkaska County and contains about one thousand inhabitants. Tlie village is located on
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, in the town of Kalkaska
and but a short distance from the geographical center of the
county. It is a natural center for business and general tradecontrolling an area of over forty miles square in territory unsurpassed in its resources. There is no town west nearer than thirty
miles, northwest nearer thantwenty-two miles and 1none east.
The village has reached its present size through gradual and
steady development. There have been no periods of spasmodic
prosperity or business booms, but a continuous and healthy growth
during the eleven years since the first blow was struck upon its site.
In the spring of 1872 Mr. A. A. Abbott, then living at Decatur, Van Buren County, starteJ out to find a suitable location for
a mill and village site. The Grand Rapids & Indianta Railroad
was finished and trains runting as far as Cadillac, and work on
the grade was being prosecuted as ftr as Walton. Mr. Abbott visited the present site of Kalkaska and was favorably impressed witl.
the location. The county had. been organized but the county seat
had not been located. He reasoned that a village at this point
being on the line of the railroad and near the center of the county
would probably become the county seat. The north branch of the
Boardman afforded a desirable location for a mill site, and lie made
a purchase of one thousand acres of land of the railroad company,
Hannah, Lay & Co. and Dexter & Noble. He remained here until
August and then returned to Decatur to complete his arrangements.
for beginning work at this point.
Before starting on his prospecting tour Mr. Abbott had arranged with R. L. Thompson, then living at Grand Junction, to
join him in the enterprise, should lie find a satisfactory location.
In October, 1872, Messrs. Abbott and Thompson arrived upon
the site of their operations witli men to begin work. Trees were
cut down and a log house built for a boarding house. After work
was well under way, Mr. Thompson went back after teams and
tools necessary for lumbering, and returned with them in Decenmber. Work was pushed forward on the mill and some time in
February it commenced1 running. Mr. Thompson owned and
operated the mill. The site and lands belonged to the firm of H.
S. Buskirk & Co. During the winter Mr. Buskirk sold his interest
to 0. S. Abbott, brother of A. A. Abbott, and the style of the firm
was changed to 0. S. Abbott & Co. The business at this point,
however, was transacted by A. A. Abbott, who remained upon the
ground and became a resident of the place. Mr. Abbott carried
on lumbering operations and stocked the mill for several years.
Mr. Thompson operated the mill about a year when lie sold it and
took up a homestead on Section 36, in what is now the town of
Kalkaska.
During the winter of 1873 Mr. Abbott platted 240 acres lying


upon both sides of the railroadi and commenced selling village lots.
At the same time the mill was building, Charles E. Whitney built
a log house which he finished in February and opened as a hotel
called the Kalkaska House.
During that winter, R. S. Abbott, son of A. A. Abbott, kept


a store in a small shanty which he built where-the depot now
stands. The following spring lie put up a frame building where
the bank now stands, and moved his stock of goods into it. This
was the first store in the county.
Toward spring, Tracy & Kendall began a building for a hotel
which was the original part of the present Manning House. It
was soon after purchased by D. E. McVeanl, who furnished the
building and kept hotel a short time.
As spring opened settlers began to come in and a number of
buildings were put up. Jacob Hunt and M. D. Mapes put up
store buildings and general stores were started by Mr. Hunt anld a
Mr. Groff. A postoffice was established with A. A. Abl)ott postmaster. The office was kept in R. S. Abbott's store and the mail
brought up from Walton. Mr. Abbott lihs continued to be postmaster to the present time. A money order office was establlished
in July, 1877.
In July, 1873, the county sec.t was located att IK-tlktslma and a
court-house was erected the following fall.
The ground upon which the village sta:nds was covered with
brush and logs making it difficult to determine distance without
actual measurement. Lots located a few rods away from the
railroad seemed to be out of reach. Thle consequence was that
stores were built near the track anlld parallel with it, givillng the
business street of the village an unfortunate lotation.
The business that first flourished most luxuriantly was that
of selling liquor. In the spring of 1873 five saloons were running,
and all doing a good business. They were mainly supported by
men connected with the construction of the railroad, and as thley
passed along with their work beyond the village, the saloon business became less profitable, and finally was driven out by force of
public sentiment.
GLIMPSE OF THE VILLAGE IN 1874.
In May, 1874, a visitor to the village of Kalkaska described
the place as follows: "About three o'clock in the afternoon we
landed at Torch River camp and took the new Kalkaska stage line,
0. S. Curtis, proprietor, and arrived at our destination about seven
o'clock in the evenilng. The last time that we visited this spot
there was only a logging cAm1111 in the mnidst of an uninhabited wilderness. Since then the railro:id track has been laid    through
the county, but the cars are not yet running regularly. In anticipAtion of the opening of this road at a much earlier period a
village had been laid out here and the county seat established.
Knoxving they had been disappointed in their expectation ab:eut
the rauning of the road at an eirlier period, we were not preparrel
to see such evidences of life and growth as met our eyes when we
first rode into the town. In spite of discourageiments anid unexpected obstacles they had alreadly put on every appeairance of a
thriving village. We were agreeably    entertained at Hicks &
Abbott"s hotel, and after a go:)d night's rest we s lliel fort'i t)
view the various improvemue nts and enterprises of the place.  We
found the proprietor of the  zlkzlsk.ai   'Sweet' tempered, pllc'ky
and confident of success. He has shown h's faith in the future of
the place by not only bri nging type and press, but by putting up a
new, large and substantial building for permanent use with stores
below to rent. Hicks & Abbott are enlarging their hotel to meet
the demands of an overflowing custom, and Messrs. Tyler & McVean are putting up a still larger one to be opened this summer.
Several branches of trade are now   represented there, and new


ones to be established as soon as buildings can be completed
* * * A large saw-mill has just been completed, and is now
ready for business with a full stock ot logs already in its yard.
The county last winter built a court house containing also rooms
for county offices, and also another building which is really a per

9)
.w
I




9


I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_


1A


I


j*"


--  -. i~~~~~~~~~~~~~r,~1- - 0




A I                                     -                                                                                               I I-I
326~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i


16'


326


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


manent ornament externally to the. place, though designel for
sheriff's residence and jail.  *  *  * New buildings are constantly going up and'village lots are almost daily selling at from fifty
to three hundred dollars each. ~ All these improvements have been
made in alvance of the running of the cLrs, while shut out from
the rest of the world, in the midst of a great financial panic
throughout the country, and in spite of the most discouraing
obstacles. If pluck, faith and enterprise deserve reward, surely
the Kalkaskaians must be among the recipients of such blessings.
We see no reason now why they should not. It must be the first
important town on the main line of the road north of Clam Lake
at least. It is surrounded by sufficient pine forests to give it a lively
impetus for years to colne, and the good farming lands in the
country are abundant and fast fillinga up with settlers. Even now,
in advance of the cars, squads of men daily arrive, who either
locate in the village or select some location in the surroundingc
country for a farnm."
The village continued   to grow stealily and the various interests of thle place prospered. 'In Marcll, 1874, the Kallkaskaian was
started by C. P. Sweet, and tlle interests of the village and county
were advocated in its columnis.
In 1877 G. A. Sheldon built a grist-mill, anl a tannery was
built by C. W. Farrand. The formler is nlow ownel by- A. C.
Beebe and tlhe latter by Jacob Hunt.
CHURCH HIST()RY.
As soon as the nucleus of a village wAS folImed in 1873, religious work was iiiniguratel. The first sermion preached in the
vNilla,;e was ill the sitting-roomn of the hotel, now the Manning
HoTse, by all itinerant preacher. Durinig that first year Elder
Kilgore, a Fres-will Baptist minister, p-etchel hlre several times
1and a nmlliber of tlhat denomination associated themselves together
for religious worship, but it was only a temporary eff)rt. A Methodist class of three lnubers was also formlled anld conducted religious worshi',l) a shll)t timl. The Co gregtional soc aty was the
first one regularly organized.
In the spring of 1874 Rev. J. R. Savage, a Congregational
preacher, came to Kalklaska oocasion illy fronm Hanelon., and
preached inl tlie oll s hool-house. These services contiuuel
until Decemnlber of tlhat year, when a meeting was held at the
court-ho:us3 forthe purpose of the initiatory steps toward organizing
a society. The following namied persons were presented to) become
memblers, viz: S. W. Stacy, W. C. McFarrenl, Jacob Metzgar,
Catherine Metzgcrar, Mrs. Lottie Houck, Mrs. Anna A. Sweet,
Judith Stacy, Cynthia McFarren. Jacob Metzgar was ele-ted
dea10on, S. W. Steacy clerk, and W. C. McFarren treasurer. Jan.
15, 1875, an ecclesiastical council was held at the court-house, of
wvhichl Rev. Leroy Warren was moderator. In February the following persons were elected trustees: W. C. McFarrea, S. W.
St-ycv and A. A. Abblott. Early inl 1876 steps were thken toward
building a church edifice, and about one thousand dollars subscribed for that purpose. A judicious busine3ss course was pursued
by thle trustees, who sought to avoid burdening the church witlh
debt. The enterprise was forwarded with caution and tlhe builditng
was not formally opened until March, 1880. It was plastered in
thle f.all of 1879 and Christmas festivities were held in th? building
t}lat season. The seats of tie church were made by A. D. Fessenden, assisted by L. D. Curtis and A. F. Smith. The society has
had only three pastors, Revs. J. R. Savage, S. O. Bryant and T.


A. Porter.
The first Baptist Church of Kalkaska was duly organized May
18, 1876. At the meeting. held for the purpose of perfecting an
organization, A. A. Bleazby was moderator and R. S. Abbott clerk.
The'charter members of the society were -as follows:  Maggie C.


Hunt, Mary A. Hough, Mrs. Arthur A. Bleazby, Mrs. Miry A.
Hunt, Mrs. Kate Barber, Mrs. Nellie Carlisle and Jacob Hunt.
-The trustees were Albert -G. Barbsr, Jacob Hunt anl Artllur A.
Bleazby. Church officers:   Deacon, Jacob Hunt; clerk, Mrs.
Arthur A. Bleazby; treasurer, Mrs. Kite Birber. It was proposed
to make immediate arrangements for building a church edifice and
a building committee was appointed consisting of Jacob Ilunlt,
Arthur A. Bleazby, Albert G. Barber, F. R. Osgood and R. S.
Abbott. Th- first pastor was R-v. F. R. Osgood, who came from
Clam Lake but remained only a short time. In the spring of 1877
he was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Munger. April 1, 1877, the rite
of baptism  was conferred on Robert S. Abbott and MiTs Lena
Hunt by Rev. W. S. Munger. Nothing was done toward building
a church until the spring of 1878, wheln it wzAs' voted to proceed
with the erection of a church building and a new building collmmittee was appointed, consisting of the trustees and A. EI. Palmer and
Lloyd  I. Mills. In the summer of 1878 Rev. J. Munro ba3mellle
pastor.  Hie was succeeded tlhl following yeaLr by R2v. C. H.
Rhodes. The corner stone of the churchl builiding was laid witl
appropriate ceremonies M:1y 9, 1878, but it was not dedicated until
the fall of 1879. It was built, however, only to be suddenly destroyed, for De3. 21, 1879, the builling cxught fire frl)m lt defective
flue and wa3s totally destroyed. It was a severe miisfor'ue to tlie
society, the loss being about $1,503. There lhas been ov.asional
preaching but no pastor since the churlch burnel until, early in
18SI, R-v. S. G. BrundAge entered upon tll    ptstoratte of the
society. There are about twenty-five memb:)ers of tlhe church il
1881. Officers: Clerk, W. E. Mlartinl; treasurer, MAtry A. Hunt;
trustees, J. P. Hunt, A. A. Bleazby, C. P. Sweet.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Kftlkaska was illni corporated Oct. 15, 1879. A. F. Smlith, C. S. Edwards, N. E.
Esty, N. A. French and G. Myers were elected trustees.
Soon after thle village started a Methodist class iwas formed
with three members, viz: Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Alsoll W elbl.
This class continued but a short time and a society was nt ort mized until 1879. In September of that year Rev. Joselph (Greenstead came hlere and services were held in the school-house. Tlle
following month   ani organization was effected. Services were
held in the school-house until after tlhe Congregational Church
was completed and services were held there every othler Sunday.
They continued for a time a1nd then tlhe society occupied, public
hlall. A house of worslhip) was begun in 1882 and is not yet
finished.
The officers of the society have been elected as follows: 1881,
premsilent, Joseplh Bake.;.secretary, H. Van Warstran; treasurer,
A. F. Smith. 1882, presidlent, Joseph Baker; secretary, A. F.! Smith; treasurer, E. B. Laphami. 1883, AIMr. Baker lhavilg removed from tlhe pla-e, O. Christian wats elected to fill the vacanclley.
Since Mr. Greenstead tlhe pastors have been Revs. O. (G. Golden,
S. Noyes, 0. G, Whitman, C. Becker, G. S. Barnes. Tlhe church
was made a station in 1883. The new church building when coImpleted will cost about $4,000.
During a short portion of this time Rev. J. R. Savage held
what were called union services. There was, however, no orgalnization and the effort was of brief duration.


Soon after religious work was begun in the village a union
Sunday school was organized and very successfully maintained
until recently, when the several denominations organized schools
in their respective churches.
The first Episcopalian services ever held in the village were
held in December, 1888, by Rev. E. J. Babcock in the Congregational Church. There are upwards of twenty persons in the
village and vicinity belonging to this denomination, and it is pro

I
I
I
I




I


Ir


I

A.


P

J
e,-e


II_  ~~~_   _   _    _~~~~ C~~_   I ~ ~~  _ ~~___   I                _  ~~~~_~~I__   _    I__ __   _~~~~~~


I


rl


r)




InY                                                                                                                                                                                                   -




THE TRAVERSE REGION.


327


I


posed to soon organize a society. Occasional services are now held.
Mr. Alfred G. Drake, a merchant in the village, has been mainly
instrumental in the inauguration of the movement.
SECRET ORDERS.
Kalkaska. Lodge, No. 237, I. O. O. F. was instituted on Friday evening, July 81, 1874, by the Grand Master of the state,
George W. Griggs, of Grand Rapids, assisted by several prominent members of the order from Traverse City and other places.
The following persons were duly elected and installed officers of
the lodge:
Peter C. McKay, N. G., S. Bachelder, V. G., C. H. Metzgar,
R. S., H. U. Hill, Treas.
This lodge has been a faithful exponent of Odd Fellowship.
Its first meetings were held at private houses, and mtny of the
members lived several miles from  the village. A number of
neighboring lodges have been organized from its ranks, and many
of its members are now scattered. C. H. Metzgar is the only one
of the charter members left in Kalkaska who is now a member of
the lodge. The present lmembership is 55. Officers in 1881:D. P. Beebe, N. G.; O. A. Row, V. G.; R. L. Thompson, Sec'y;
W. B. Ferguson, Treas. There is also a Rebekah lodge that was
instituted ill June, 1882.
Kalkaska Lodge, No. 332, F. & A. M., was instituted in 1875,
and the first meeting held June 4 of that year. The first officers
were as follows:  D. E. McVean, W. M.; C. W. Farron, S. W.;
Austin Corpe, J. W., George Leibarker, S. D.; A. W. Jones, J. D.;
A. C. Beebe, Sec'y; A. S. Pool, Treas.; P. H. Russell, tyler. Officers ill 1884 as follows: -N. A. French, W. M.; D. P. Beebe, S. W.;
T. D. Hobbs, J. W.; C. E. Ramsey, Sec'y; C. V. Selkirk, Treas.;
G. W. Wooden, S. D.; Henry Harvey, J. D.; A. O. Burt, tyler;
P. H. Russell, chaplain; Robert Campbell, and D. D. Haven,
stewards.
Royal Orange Lodge was instituted in 1879; Henry Harper
was W. M., and George Scafe, secretary. The society has enjoyed
a good degree of prosperity. In 1884 James Greacen is W. M.
and George Scafe, secretary.
Col. Baker Post, No. 84, G. A. R., was mustered in, during
September, 1882, with thirty-five members. The principal officers
were as follows:  Commander, D. E. McVean; S. C., C. V. Selkirk; J. C., Jamles Greacen; adjutant, J. W. Morely; quartermaster, A. C. Beebe. There are in 1884 about sixty-five members, and
the following officers:  Commander, D. E. McVean; S. C., James
Greacen; J. C., J. W. Morely; adjutant, J. W. Wilson; quartermaster, M. C. Kidder.
Kalkaska Lodge, No. 386, I. O. G. T., isiin the succession of
efforts started in 1876. A lodge was then organized which subsequently became inoperative. Some form of temperance, however,
has been kept in existence during the whole time. The present
lodge is in a prosperous condition. Officers in January, 1884, as
follows:  W. C. T., O. Christian; W. V. T., Mrs. C. R. Hill;
W. S., Edgar S. Carroll; W. A. S., Mrs. Maude Hughes; W. T.,
Arthur Gibson; W. M., H. H. Miller; W. D. M., Adda Gardner;
W. I. G., Bertha Whipple; W. 0. G., George Moses; W. F. S.,
W. F. Ramsey.
THE FIRST FIRE.
The first fire in the village occurred Jan. 23, 1877, and was the
first calamity that had befallen the place.
The Clayton House, the store of R. S. Abbott, and the store


of M. D. Mapes, were totally destroyed by fire. The Clayton House
was occupied by Coakley & Moore, and the store of M. D. Mapes.
by J. H. Collins as a grocery. The loss to the village was a serious one, and fell heavily upon individuals who were ill able to bear
it.


I
I
I




The losses were in amount about as follows:  Clayton House,
about three thousand dollars. No insurance. It was owned by
W. C. Abbott, with an interest by Hicks of about $800 and 0. S.
Abbott & Co. of about $400.
R. S. Abbott, on building, $1,000. Insured for $500. The
loss on stock fully insured.
M. D. Mapes about $2,000. Insured for $500. J. H. Collins, on stock, $300. Insured for $500.
W. C. Abbott, in addition to the building, lost a large portion
of the hotel furniture, which was owned by him. Also a portion
of the furniture and provisions il his dwelling, in the rear of the
store of R. S. Abbott. Jacob Hunt, who occupied rooms in the
upper story of the same building, was a considerable loser il
furniture and provisions-probably $200.
Tile fire broke out about two o'clock A. ni., on the outside of
the front of the Clayton House. When first discovered the fire had
made but little progress, and was burning between the siding and
ceiling. It was supposed to have been, and undoubtedly was the
work of an incendiary. An attempt was made only a few weeks
before to burn this house in precisely the same way.
VILLAGE SCHOOLS.
School District No. 1, Kalkaska, was organized at a meeting held May 17, 1873. The district consisted of the south
half of Sections 7, 8, 9, and all of Sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and
21. L. H. Birdsall was chosen chairman, and W. S. Kendall,
secretary. Mr. Mapes was elected moderator, W. S. Kendall, director, and A. A. Abbott, assessor. It was voted to raise one hundred and seventeen dollars for teachers' salary and one hundred
dollars for building a school-house.
The proprietor of the village site offered the board an acre of
land for school purposes, for one dollar, which offer was accepted.
The house of M. Pool was hired at one dollar per week for a schoolhouse, until the new school building should be completed. Miss
Lizzie Farnham was hired at a salary of eight dollars per week to
teach for a term of twelve weeks from June 2, 1873. The schoolhouse was finisled ready for use, the following November.
At the meeting held Sept. 1, 1873, it was voted to raise three
hundred dollars for school purposes. The second teacher was
Miss L. Pratt. The board voted to open the school-house for
singing and divine service.
The third teacher was Miss Emma Bachelder, who was paid
seven dollars per week. Following Miss Bachelder was Ella Birdsall. The first male teacher was 0. S. Curtis, who was engaged to
teach three and one half months, commencing Nov. 16, 1874, at a
salary of $45 per month.
In the summer of 1874 the question of building a good frame
school-house was agitated by the board, and in February, 1875, it
was decided to borrow the sum of three thousand dollars on the
bonds of the district for that purpose. In June, 1875, the contract
was let to Myers and Gurnsey. The building was finished and
accepted the following November. The location of the schoolhouse was on Lots 14, 15, 16 and 17, Block 2, of the recorded
plat of the village of Kalkaska..
In 1877 the schools were divided into primary and grammar departments, and Mrs. M. D. McVean elected teacher in the grammar
department, and Miss Jennie Kellogg, teacher of the primary department.
At the annual meeting in September, 1882, a graded school


district was organized, and it was voted to institute a school district library.  The teachers engaged were Elmer E. Rogers, Florence L. Elms, and Ella E. Taber. The old Masonic hall on Third
Street was hired for school purposes.
In 1883 it was found necessary to enlarge the school building


w


- I
In- 0


01)3


1


4! II
A. 4.    I.


I ',




A


-A


Idwomma


0t.1.


k
I&

-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ~,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Il'I

bh


-— ~~~~~~~~~~~~


328


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


and contract was let to Empire Stites to build a wing at a cost of
$464.
At the annual meeting in July, 1873, $1,550 were voted for
teachers' salary; $450 for contingent fund and $50 for library fund.
It was also voted to purchase Lots 8, 4, 5,6, 7 and 18, in Block
2 for school purposes.
In July, 1883, it was voted to bond the district in the sum of
five thousand dollars for the purpose of purchasing a school site
and the erection of a school building. Plans and specifications
have been adopted, and it is expected that the new building will be
erected in 1884.
The teachers ill 1884 are as follows:  William E. Martin,
principal; Miss Florence L. Elms, intermediate; Miss Ella E.
Taber, 1st primary; Miss Hattie E. Borden, 2d primary.
The trustees are Alf. G. Drake, A. E. Palmer, C. C. Jencks,
A. A. Abbott and C. P. Sweet.
Officers of the board:  A. A. Abbott, director; C. C. Jencks,
moderator, and Alf. G. Drake, assessor.
The male teachers have been C. S. Edwards, now judge of
probate of Antrim County; Alexander Hadlock, now professor of
mathematics in Kalamazoo College; W. F. Hubbard, still teaching in another locality, and W. E. Martin, the present principal.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
The first physician in the village of Kalk Lska was Dr. E. Morgan, who was a resident of the county several years. In tile spring
of 1884 the profession is replesented in the village as follows:
B. C. ELMS, M. D., lomceopathist, is a. native of La Fayetteville, N. Y. In September, 1863, he enlisted in the Fourth Michigan Battery, and was in the service until the close of the war. In
the spring of 1880 he graduated from the Chicago Homceopathic
College. He practiced in Chicago until the fall of 1880, when he
located at Kalkaska, where he is still engaged in practice,
F. R. BOYD, M. D., a physician of the regular school, is a
native of Genesee County, N. Y. He was in practice il Hillsdale
County from 1875 to 1881. He then came to Kalkaska and remained a year, when he went to Berrien County. In the fall of
1882 he returned to Kalkaska, where he is now engaged in practice.
ZINA PITCHER, M. D., is a native of Detroit, and spent his
early years in that city, mostly as a student. He graduated from
the city schools and afterward receive I private instruction. Taking
up the study of medicine he pursued it vigorously, finally graduating from  the Michigan College of Medicine at Detroit early in
18883  He practiced a short time there, and in the spring of 1883
located in Kalkaska, where he is acquiring an extensive practice.
KALKASKA HOTELS.
The first hotels in twhat is now the village af Kalkaska, were
kept in tents near the river. This was in the early part of 1873
and during the time that preparations for building were in progress.
In February, 1873, Mr. Charles E. Whitney completed a log house
which was kept as a hotel, and called the Kalkaska House. It wils
a primitive affair, but to the extent of its accommodations is said
to have been well kept.
The same winter Messrs. Tracy & Kendall began to build what
is now the Manning House, or rather the original part of it. Before
it was finished it was sold to Tyler & McVean, who fitted it up and
kept it as a hotel a few months, when Mr. McVean sold to H. E.
Tyler. Mr. Tyler subsequently sold.to A. T. Kellogg, and in 1882
the property was purchased by James L. Manning, the present pro

prietor. It is now a three-story frame building and well arranged
for hotel use.
The Clayton House was burned in the fire of 1874 and never
rebuilt.
The Kidder House was built by Kidder & Abbott in the fall of


1882. It is now kept by Mason C. Kidder, who purchased Mr.
Abbott's interest in the property. It is a substantial frame building situated opposite the depot.. Mr. Kidder is an old resident of
Michigan, having come to the state from Maine in 1854, and was
engaged in fishing at Beaver Island and other points. In 1857 he
went to Grand Rapids and was there twelve years, with the exception of two years, which he served in the war. In 1869 lie went
into the town of Algona where he built a mill and engaged in lumbering. In the fall of 1880 he came to Kalkaska County and was
lumbering on pine land wlicb hle owned here, until 1882, wlien lie
went into the hotel business as above stated. He still owns ln excellent farm in Kent County.
BANKING.
Nov. 9, 1882, the firm of Wylie, Bleazby & Co. began a banking business in one part of the room occupied by Bannard's drug
store. In September, 1883, they purchased the building wilic]h had
been begun on the corner of Cedar and Third Streets, by Messrs.
Goodrich & Son. The building was finished and fitted up for l,anking purposes. Dec. 1, 1883, Mr. Bleazby withdrew, and the firm
was changed to Wylie, Curtis & Co. Mr. Bleazby's interest was
transferred to James R. Wylie and W. L. Curtis. of the Petoskey
bank, and Walter Wylie, of Kalkaska. The last named gentleman
has the management of the business. He came to Kalkaska about
the time the business was started in 1882 from Allegan Counity,
Mich. He is a native of that county, and was engaged in the
mercantile business at Martin in that county.
KALKASKA INDUSTRIES.
THE KALKASKA MANUFACTURING COMPANY is a stock company,
and was organized in 1883, with a capital of $50,000, for the purpose of manufacturing druggists' boxes and sample wooden ware.
The buildings were erected and work commenced in December.
The site purchased was the French & Palmer plant for manufacturing hoops. The officers of the company are as follows: President,
A. E. Palmer; vice-president, A. A. Bleazby; secretary, J. J. Williams; treasurer, Walter Wylie; directors, the stockholders already
named, and A. C. Beebe. The works give employment to about
eighteen hands.
THE SMTTH LUMBER COMPANY was organized in 1883, and purchased the saw-mill property that formed the i ucleus of the village.
The mill has had various owners and varied fortunes since it first
began operations. The present company was organized with a capital stock of $25,000. George E. Smith is pesident; A. A. Bleazby,
secretary and treasurer, and D. E. McVean, vice-president; directors, George Smith, D. E. McVean, Robert Campbell, and A. A.
Bleazby. The company manufacture lumber, lath and shingles.
There are also a grist-mill built by George Sleldon, and now
owned by A. C. Beebe; planing-mill built in fall of 1882 by John
Woodward & Son, the tannery of Jacob Hunt, and the usual variety
of smaller industries.
PUBLIC MORALS.
The high order of public morals that prevails in the village of
Kalkaska has much to do with the healthfulness of its prosperity
and the stability of its interests. Churches are well sustained
and religious interests are fostered by the masses. Educational
matters are carefully attended to and the youth of the village are
liberally provided with educational advantages. The school-house


was one of the first buildings of the place, and the new school
building to be erected in 1884, at a cost of about $6,000, is a monument to the intelligent enterprise of the people. The temperance
sentiment of the community is a prominent feature. There is not a
public liquor or beer saloon in the county of Kalkaska, nor has any
been allowed to exist any considerable time for several years. The
business and representative men of the village, while in no sense


i




KL




I


el


THE TRAVERSE REGION


329


fanatical in their theories, are sturdy advocates of sobiety and
good morals. They unite in their opposition to drunkenness and
anvthing which is a menace to good order and the safety of the
youtl. Several attempts have been made to establish an open saloon but none have been successful. In 1877 the danger of an
open saloon threatened the community, and the temper of the
people may be seen in resolutions adopted at that time. Thlese
resolutions were signed by all, or nearly all, the business and representative men of the village, and read as follows:
WHEREAS, An establishment for the sale of intoxicating liquor
has been, or is ablout to be opened in this village; and
WHEREAS, We believe that such an institution will work a
great injury to this community; will retard and hinder the progress
and lprosperity of the town; will tend to corrupt moials, destloy
peace, prevent good order, create idleness, disturbanlce tand crime;
and
WHEREAS, We regard tie sale of liquor to working-men nwhose
families depend upon their earnings for support, as nothing short
of absolute robbery; and
WHEREAS, We believe tlle person who is engaged in an attempt
to establish this infamous trffic well knew, and does know, that a
large majority of the citizens of Kalkaska are temperate and orderloving people, and opposed to the sale of liquor in their midst;
therefore:,.,,1,.c,, That we consider the attempt to establish such a
concern a flagrant insult to the people of this village and county.
I:,'e,,dre1, That we will use every honorable land legal means in
our power to prevent the sale of this deadly poison.
sl,'.I'sl, <' Tlat we will use oar influence at all times and under
all circumstlnces to prevent our citizens from paying their money
for liquor, which leads to poverty and degradation.
1,'.,solrdl, Tlhat we will, under no circumstances, patronize or
countenance a person who will thus thrust himself and his damnable wares upon a community that spurns his calling and repudiates
lhis claims to malnhood.
7;',.s,/r,,,, Tlat we will stand by each other, as one common
brotherlhood, in every effort that may be made to carry out the
principles herein set forth.
KALKASKA NEWSPAPERS.
The Kalashka.'ia,  was the first newspaper published in Kalkaska
County. It was first issued March 6, 1874. In January of tllat
year Charles P. Sweet came to Kalkaska from Van Buren Ccuntt
with the view of starting a newspaper at the county seat. He first
establisled his printing office in the Mapes Building, where he carried onl business until he erected a building of his own, which is
now occupied as a larness shop and is known as the Kalkaskaian
building. He remained there until the new brick block was completed in 1880, wlen he removed to rooms in tlhe second story.
The Kalklas.xaian is a Republican newspaper and has always been
an earnest advocate of local interests. Mr. Sweet is a native of
Vermont and began newztpaper publishing in 1860, at Paw Paw,
where lie published the 'I',re, N)rth'erl',r. Subsequently lie published
the 'l'riirtu, at Decatur, then the 'True NoltlrtheJerl again, and still
later was connected with the Michigan Herald, published at Kalamazoo. He also publisied the Mleldonian, at Mendon. He has
held the office of prosecuting attorney of the county, supervisor,
justice of tle peace and various other local offices. In connection
with his newspaper lie has carried on a law and real estate business. In 1876 be platted an addition to the village of Kalkaska.
He is one of the owners of the big brick block built in 1880. He
also carries on a clothing store in addition to his other'business
interests.


The Kalkaska Leader, a Republican newspaper, was started in
May, 1878, by Dennis & Tinklepaugh. The paper was started as
a seven-column folio and has since been changed in form to a sixcolumn quarto. The publishers are both natives of Wayne County,
N. Y., and came from that county to Kalkaska in 1868.




4




IMIPROVEMENTS.
The new court-house, built in 1883, is a conspicuous oinament to the village andt is an improvement that reflects credit upon
the enterprise of the county.
Tile new school building being built in 1884, at a cost of about
$5,000, is another valuable improvement.
The brick business block, built in 1880, by AMessrs. A. A.
Bleazby, C. P. Sweet, Ambrose E. Palmer and D. E. McVean, is
one of the finest business blocks in northern Michigan. The block
is 80x100 feet in size, three stories in height and cost about $25,000.
A new church building is in process of construction by the
M. E. society.
In addition to these are the manufacturing industries already
mentioned and numerous dwelling-houses.
CHAPTER XLIX.
VILLAGE OF SOUTH BOARDMAN — LOCATION AND HISTORY - VILLAG(ES
OF CROFTON, WESTWOOD AND LEETSVILLE — BIOGRAPHICAL.
VILLAGE OF SOUTH BOARDMAN.
Tlhis is the only village of growing importance, excepting the
village of Kalkaska, in the county. It is located on Sections 16
and 21, in the town of Boardman, ei(hit miles southwest of Kalkaska and thirty-seven miles from Traverse City. The (Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railroad enters the southwest corner of tie
town and extends in a northeasterly direction through it, crossing
the south branch of the Boardman River at this point. There is
an excellent water power that originally induced the location of
this village on the plains.
By far the larger part of this township is justly rated as good
farming land. It is traversed in nearly every direction by good
roads, while neat school-houses arnd church privileges attest the
importance attached by its citizens to intellectual and religious instruction and cultivation. Within the distance of one mile from
the railroad station spoken of except, perhaps, on the north and
northwest, the uslal varieties of hardwood timler of this part of
Michigan are found of splendid growth and appearance. An intelligent and enterprising population are constantly receiving additions from  the older parts of the United States and Canada.
There are many well improved farms in Boardman.
The history of the village is substantially as follows:  Hamilton Stone, of Ovid, Mich., was engaged in lumbering and handling
timber and wood. He was a native of Syracuse, N. Y., and came
to Ovid in 1858. Coming at that early day he had participated in
all the development and progress of Ovid. In 1871 Orange A.
Row located in what is now Orange Township, and, being acquainted with Mr. Stone, told him of a tract of eighty acres of
land lying near the crossing of the railroad and the south branch
of the Boardman River. Mr. Stone purchased the tract upon the
representations made by Mr. Row and:oon afterward came.up to
look at it. The line of the railroad was at that time established
and Mr. Stone found a better water power than he had anticipated.
Tile railroad company platted a village which Mr. Stone afterward


purchased.
In the fall of 1874 Mr. Stone, accompanied by several others,
came here to commence operations. He brought some lumber
from below, the railroad being in operatio, at that time. They
arrived here about sundown and proceeded to build a shanty with
some of the lumber. A temporary structure was put up, open at
one end, and then a huge fire was built. They cooked slpper, and




— I.


I




4 LZ


I 


--


i


I.


330


THE TRAVERSE KREGION.


I _ __ ___ ___ ___ _ _ 1_11


I


through the nighlt took turus in standingc guard over tile fire. Two
of tile party were 0. A. Row and, J. D. l)gle. This was the
initial movement toward the villrage of Soulth Boardman. Mr.
Stone thlen went at work alnd built the depot and the Luilding
known as the Boardman River House. Early in 1875 a ulan
named Thomas Wasson moved a portable saw-mill to this point
from Mancelona, and operated it a sllort time when it wais spirited
away Ind seen no more.
A postoffice was established, with Addison McCoy is postmaster. The office was kept in the depot and the business attended
to by the station agent.
Early in the stummer of 1875 Frank P. Smith moved his stc;k
of goods here from  Fife Lake and opened a store in thle l uildling
next to the Boardmanl River House. He wals appointed postmlaster
and moved the office to his store. He carried on business until
1883, when lhe sold his stock to E. Murray, who succeeded hilll as
postmaster.   Mr. Smitlh is now a resident of Grand Rapids.
When lie began business here it was literally inj tlhe midst of a
wilderness, and in the town of Boardman there were not to exceed
fifteen families. He did a suce.ssful bu-iness deslite the solitude
of the region.
Mr. Stonel, 11poi3) examiniig the r tui.tion, -calized that the beginninig ot a village inll 1874 was too far inll advalnce of igricultural
developLLent to prove succ. ssful, alnd nothing was done, beyond
whllt has been mentioned, for nearly two yeais. Inl 1876 Mr.
Stone began tlhe improvement of his water power. It was attendcd
with hard work, but in 1877 a dam was completed, and inll 1878 a
s;aw-mill rendy for operation.' Even the full extent of the power
was iot uniderstood, and a muley saw was put into tlie mlill. Mr.
Stone leased the mill to T. P. Shuerts who operated it for a time,
and it was then leased to M. I). MaLpes & Son, who still continue
to op, rate it  After the mnill had beeln opertted awhlile it was.found thlitt the pow, r wotuld wuarrant increased capacity for work,
and thle old muley saw was replaced withl a circular and other
machinery added. There is a fall of ten feet at this mlill, givi.,g an
excellent power. Tlhe capacity of tlhe mill was increased from
2,000 to 15,000 feet of lumber a day.
A school building had been built inll 1875, the saw-mill continued to be operated, but for several years there was little activity
in building. In 1879 T. P. Shuerts built a dam anti grist-mill on
the river and commenced runnilng the mill inll 1880. He afterwards sold it to W  H. Leach and Frank P. Smith, and the latter
now owns it. It is operated by George A. Sh,.ldon.
In 1888 the village took a new start and most of it lhas been
built up since thle beginning of thlat year. Large steaml saw-mills
were builX by J. L. Quinby, of Grand Rapids, and M. B. Farrin &
Co., of Cincinnati. Mr. Stone is improving another water-power
and erecting large tuining works, wlhich will be a material addition to tlle industies of tue place. Thle various branches of mercantile business are represented. The Boardman River House is
kept by Den-ey & Wells, and is a good hotel. New buildings are
rapidly multiplying and the future of tlhe village is promising. The
religious denominations represented here are the Methodist and
United Brethren. A Grand Army post is about to be established,
tweity-two members having already signed the roll.
W. H. LEACH, one of the firdt to locate land in what is now


tie: town of Boardman, is a native of Eric County, Ohio. In' Au-.gust, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, First Michigan Cavarly. He
wats subsequently commissioned second lieutenant in the Fourth
Cavalry, and still later promoted to captain. He remained in tlhe
St rvice until August, 1864. In the fall of 1870 he came to Kalkak;li County, then a part of Antrim County, and located land on
Section 82, in what is now the town of Boardman. In 1872 he re





I


I


moved here witlh his famtily and begau the hard wt.rk of miakillg a
farm in a new country. He coitinfied to live upon his fai,, until
the full of 1882, when lie moved to the villige ot South Boadlinmtn,
having purchllsed an intenrst in thle grist-mill at this pla:e. ile
afterward,old his mill interest and opelln d a flour and feed store.
He is also local agent of the express company. Mr. Leachl w;,s the
second supervisor of the townl and held thai. office seven years. He
has a wife and four children.
JOHN D. DAGLE, supervisor of the town of Boardman ill 1883 -'8l, is anll early settler inll thle township. He is a native of N\Vin t,tt,
and in 181i came to Michigan witlh his parents from Ohio, w li e
they had lived sevenil years. Aftei coming to Michigini they lettled
in Huron Cotunty, and inl August, 1862, Mr. Daole enlisted in C01ompany A, Twenty-sixth Michigan Regiment. He wis proi:;oted to
Second Lieutenant and,as a scout under Gen. Miles aboult:a year.
He remained inll the service until the close of the wvar in 1865. His
father, Francis Dagle, had s t'ted in Orange To\lwnshlip, in 1871,
being ore of thle first settlers in that town, iand in tlhe fiJl of 1878
Jolin Dagle settled on Section 24, inl the town of Boa-rdnmnl. In
January, 1883, he removed to hle village of Soulthi Boardman and
engaged in business. He lhas taughlt slchool several terms andl hleld
the office of supervisor.
CROFTON..
Cjofton is a station onl the Grand Rapids & Indizin: Raili:ad,
five miles south of Kalkaska. Operations at tlhis point were beglli
in 1875 by thle firm of Mtek, Junlk & Hiate, who lnilt, a mill and
engaged in lumbering. The village was platted in 1877, and tlhe
same year was almost entirely destroyed by fire, but at that time it
was quite a lumber center and speedily recovered from tlhe disaster.
We find mention of Crofton in May, 1878, as follows: -  Less
than;n year ago, Crofton, tlhen only consisting of a saw-miill, boarding-house, store,,nd three or four dwellings, was almost entirely
burned. With clmracteristic enterprise tlhe proprietors, Messrs.
Meek, Harper & Dtihie, immediately rebuilt tie mill,ni put it ill
operation. Since that time thile town lias beenll platted. There -,re
now about twenty-five buildings. The principal Ibsiness is the
manufacture of lumber by the firmn above mentioned. Abot cue
million feet have beenlshipped to thle southern (mark-ets since the
first of Marchl. Fifty-,ne car loads were sliptped inl tlte montli of
April alone. The saw-mill is kept constantly in operation, and it
requires twelve teams to supply the logs,. Betweei tlirtv <'~d
forty men are eaployed. There is also a store, owned by thle proprietord of the mill and town, stocked with a gen ral assortment of
groceries and provisions, and a considerable trade is supplied fiom
the surrounding country. There is;a large andlt convenient hotel or
boarding-house. Also a postoffice. Quite a number of lots lhave
been sold, and substantial dwelling-houses are being erected thereon.
Lots are being cleared and fenced, aid.tlhe plbce is really assuming
the appearance of a growing town. It is sitnat d five miles south
of Kalkaska, ol the Grand Rapids & Indiana. Railroad, arnd is surrounded by excellent fhirming lainds, and thle country is rapidly settling up. The proprietors of the town are energetic and enterprising business iaen."
Since that time thile village has rather gone backward, and there
is but little business done at the present time.
WESTWOOD.
Westwood is a station on the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, abouti nine miles north of Kalkaska, and in thle town of Rapid


River.
The place was started in 1877. The first business interests
were the saw-mill of Campbell, Duncan & Co., James Campbtll's
general store, William E. Hopkins' bowl factory, the Westwood
House, 0. S. Dewey, proprietor, and a wagon and blacksmith shop.


-    i


I. 


( '




s)




1


I


___ I_ ___ _ _ __ I _ _


t




-.l




WMsr


i    -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


331




The store of Mr. Campbell was started in 1878, about a mile from
the present site of the villagte, and afterwards removed to its present location. Several stores were opened at this point, but in the
sunimer of 1882 the village was visited with the scourge of smallpox, which prevailed for a peiiod of two months. Business and
all communication with the outside world of any business character
was suspended. Five deaths occurred and the village has never
recovered from the effects of the blighlt. There is a church building, an Odd Fellows' hall, the mill and store of James Campbell.
JAMES CAMPBELL, merchant,  Westwood, was born in London,
Canada, July 25, 1845. He spent his youth and received his education chiefly in his native country. Shortly after he attained his
majority he went to California, and a few months later to W ashington Territory, where he remained nearly three years.  From
there.he came to what is now Westwood, Kalkaska County, Mich.,
before the railroad was built and when the forest there was yet
almost unbroken. He purchased some 600 acres of land at various
points, spent some time in the improvement of some of the land,
and in May, 1873, he opened mercantile business about two miles
south of his present location, just when thie railway track reached
that point. He occupied a temporary building there until stations
were established on the road, and then removed to his present
place of mercantile business at Westwood Station. In October,
1877, with William Duncan and C. Graham, of Sturgis, and C. M.
Hall, now of Elk Ra-pids, he built the saw-mill at Westwood and
engaged in manufacturing lumber, but from want of experience,
the business the first year resulted in heavy loss. Mr. Clmpbell,
still hopeful, bought the interests of the other parties, and benefiting
by former experience, and taking, in some respects, a new line of
operation, hlas secured profitable and satisfactory results from the
enterprise. He is also still elngaged  somewhat in agricultural
enterprise near Westwood. In the spring of 1875 he built and
opened the store now occupied by Mr. Vinton at Leetsville, and
under the management of Mr. David Nimmo, conducted it as a
branch store for two years. In October, 1881, he opened the
store of general merchandise at Spencer Creek, now conducted
under the firm name of M. M. Elder & Co. It is in an enlarging
and prosperous condition, and he still retains an interest in the
business. On April 8, 1874, he was married to Miss Esther E.
Evans, of Rapid River.   She is daughter of the late Lorenzo
Evans, one of the earliest and best known pioneers of Rapid River.
Mr. Campbell has served two years as clerk and four years as
supervisor of Rapid River Township, and has been postmaster of
Westwood postoffice ever since its establishment in October, 1873.
WESTWOOD LODGE, No. 354, I. O. O. F., was instituted at the
village of Westwood, Nov. 28, 1881, by D. D. G. M. James
Greacen, assisted by J. W. Mosher, H. U. Hill, W. B. Ferguson,
J. F. McClung, O. A. Bow, R. L. Thompson and William Sheldon,
of Kalkaska Lodge, and other members of the fraternity from
other neighboring lodges. The new lodge had about twenty members, and the first officers were as follows: T. Landon, N. G.;
William Johnson, V. G.; Henry Lannin, Sec'y; M. M. Elder,
Treas.
LEETSVILLE.
Leetsville is a station on the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, about five miles north of Kalkaska. There are a general
store, saw-mill, postoffice, etc. It is situated in an excellent farming region, but does only a     small local business.


S. M. VINTON, merchant, Leetsville, was born in South Hadley
Falls, Mass., Jan. 21, 1846. When about thirteen years of age
he removed with his parents to Waterloo, DeKalb County, Ind.,
and, with the exception of two years spent in farming in Ohio,
resided there until April, 1878. His early years were devoted






I


chiefly to school studies and agricultural pursuits. He was for
five years baggage master at Waterloo and Goshen on the L. S.
& M. S.'R. R.    His removal in 1873 from Waterloo was to
Williamsburg. Grand Traverse County, where he spent two years
in mercantile work, and two in the manufacture of lumber. On
April 8, 1875, he was married to Miss Ellen C. Follett from near
Williamsburg. They have had two children, now both deceased.
Mrs. E. C. Vinton died Dec. 17, 1879. Mr. Vinton's second marriage was to Miss Viola F. Banfill, of Capac, St. Clair County,
Nov. 28, 1881. She was born in St. Clair County, Sept. 2, 1859.
They have one infant son, born June 29, 1883. In May, 1877,
he removed to Leetsville, Kalkaska County, and engaged in mercantile business, where he is enjoying a liberal and growing
patronage. He has been two years township treasurer' and two
years township clerk of Rapid River Township. He has been
postmaster at Leetsville since 1877. Fraternally, he is a Free
~Mason, and exults in brotherly love, relief and truth.
BURTON A. JONES, manufacturer   of lunmber,  Leetsville, was
born in Crawford County, Penn., May 28, 1852. He left his
native state with his parents in 1835, spent two years in Genesee
County, Mich., and then removed to Lagrange County, Ind. On
June    15, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary Strang, also of
Lagrange  County. She was born there Aug., 1818.- Their children are B. Eugene, Lens Blanche and Bertha Augusta.   In 1882
they removed to Leetsville, Kalkaska County, Mich.   Mr. Jones
has erected and is conducting a saw-mill, manufacturing pine and
hard wood lumber. The mill has capacity for cutting from fifteen
to eighteen thousand feet per day. Mr. Jones is now, in 1881,
highway commissioner of Rapid River.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
R. L. THOMPSON, one of the first residents of the village, was
born in Scotland, in the year 1832. At the age of three years his
parents emigrated to America, and he was brought up in Cattaraugus County, N. Y. In 1865 he came to southern Michigan and
engaged in farming. He afterward carried on lumbering and at the
time the enterprise at Kalkaska was projected, was living at Grand
Junction. In the fall of 1872 he came to Kalkaska in company
with A. A. Abbott and built a saw-mill as already narrated. Since
selling the mill he has been engaged in farming and lumbering.
In December, 1857, he was married to Harriet A. Pratt, in Chenango County, N. Y.
CORNELIUS CRONIN, present sheriff of Kalkaska County, is one
of the early settlers of the county. He was born in Ireland and
went to Canada when quite young. In 1862 he came from C-inada
to Traverse City, where he was in the employ of Hannah, Lay &
Co. three years. He then went to Elk Rapids, where he was in
the employ of Dexter & Noble. In the fall of 1869 he moved to
Section 31, in -what is now known as Clear Water, and engaged in
farming. In the fall of 1878 he was elected treasurer of the county
and removed to Kalkaska Village. In 1881 he went into the
grocery business, which he carried on about two years. In October,
1883, he engaged in the boot and shoe business, which he still
continues. In the fall of 1882 he was elected sheriff of the county,
which office he now holds.


AMBROSE E. PALMER, merchant at Kalkaska; is one. of the
pioneers of this section, and a prominent business man. He was
born in the city of New York. He received a liberal education,
and leaving school in 1868, traveled a year in the West to
recuperate his health. In 1869 he locactd at Torch Lake and
remained there several years, engaged in the lumber and mercantile business. In 1876 he removed to the village of Kalkaska and


- W


A

j




[E~


'A




Abom-q


--  i I                                                                                                                          I   I 


I


-- -.


[



*-7


-W


I


sY

W-. ---- ------------ -------- ---- -- ---------------------— a.


332


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


engaged in the mercantile business in the Luilding known as the
Kalkaskian Building. In 1880 the large brick block of which he
is one of the owners was built, and ttpon its completion lie removed
to the store-room which he now occupies. His stock includes dry
goods, clothing and boots and shoes, and is the most extensive of the kind in the county. He is also president and general
manager of the Kalkaska M&,nufacturing Company. He has held
numerous local offices. Has a wife and two children.
D. E. MCVEAN, wholesale and retail dealer in groceries, Kalkaska, is of Scotch descent and was' born at Scottsville, Monroe
County, in the year 1842. In 1846 his parents removed to Michigan, and settled in Kent County. His father was surveyor of that
county for a number of years, and one of its pioneers. Mr. McVean
learned civil engineering and took up surveying as a pursuit. In
1872 he came to Kalkaska with a view of locating, and was pronmised the office of county surveyor upon becoming a resident of the
county. The following spring hle moved here and was county
surveyor until 1882. Soon after coming here he purchased a
building begun for a hotel, now the Manning House, and finished
it. He kept the hotel a few months and then sold it. About 1878
hle b)egan to deal in pine lands and other real estate, and still continues that business. He has sold within the past few years upward of $700,000 worth of pine lands. In the summner of 1879
lie wenlt into the grocery business on the corner now occupied by
the bank. Tlhe following spring hle was burned out, and afterward
purchased the grocery stock of R. S. Abbott. During the season of
1880, inll company with A. C. Beebe, who for a short time was a partner in business, hle built onlle-quarter of the large brick block in which
llis store is now situated. Inl 1882 lie bought out Mr. Beebe and
carries o  lbusiness alone. He does a large wholesale and retail
bulsiness, and is one of the most successful business menl in this
portion of the state. He has a wife and three children. Mr.
McVeanl took part inll tlhe civil w-ar, being in service from the sumlner of 1862 until Decmember, 1865. He went into service with
Company B, Sixth MAlichiganl Cavalry, and at the close of the war
was sent to the western frontier, where he remained      until
mustered out in December. He rankled as quartermaster sergeant.
C. V. SELKIRK removed to Kalkaska fromn Van.Buren County in
October, 1873, and opened the first drug store inll tlhe village, in the
buihllig nOW occupied by Goodrich & Son. For a time thle firm was
Selkirk & Hodges. Mr. Selkirk remained in tillis bu iness about
three years and was salesman in Mr. Pa-lmer's store about three
years. Inl thu fall of 1882, in company with Mr. Ramsay, lie bought
out tihe grocery store of R. S. Abbott. The firm is now Selkirk,
RanL:say & Morrell. In tlhe spring of 1874 be was elected jisticee of
the peace, and held the office until the spring of 1881, when hie resigned. In the fall of 1880 he was elected clerk and register of i.he
county, and re-elected in 1882. He has also held the office of town
clerk one term. Mr. Selk-irk is a native of the state of Illinois. In
December, 1863, lie enlisted in Company I, Seventh Illinois Cavialry,
and was in tlhe service until the close of the war. In 1866 le re
moved to Van Buren County, Mich., and in 1878 became one of the
pioneer merchants of Kalkaska as lheretofore mentioned.
O. C. GOODRICH, of the firm of Goodrich & Son, d(luggists, Kalkaska, is one of the pioneers of Miclhigan. He is a native of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1836,
before it was in full operation as a state. He located near.Fiint.
He was a mechanic and worked at his trade for several years. Dur

ing the war he was in the mechanic's department, and for some time
was stationed near Nashville, Tenn. For some time before coming
to Kalkaska lie was engaged in farming, and his son, L. C. Goodrich, was in the druag business in Flint. In February, 1879, they
c.ime to Kalktaka, and boughlt the pioneer drlg stole of L. M. Mills,


and have carried on the business since that time under the
firm name of Goodrich & Son. This was the first drug store started
in Kalkaska, the business being established by C. V. Selkirk in
1878. Mr. Goodrich's family consists of his wife and three clhildren.
ALFRED G. DRAKE, merchant, Kalkaska, is a native of London,
England. Inl 1868 he came to this country and located at Mendon,
St. Joseph County, Mich. He was engaged in the mercantile business in that county until the spring of 1880, when he removed to
Kalkaska. That spring he built the store in whihil he now carries
on buriness, and opened a large dry goods store. He has held tlhe
offices of town clerk and assessor. Has a wife and four children.
C. E. RAMSAY, Kalkaska, is a native of Oswego County, N. Y.
In the spring of 1878 he came to Kalkaska from Decatur, Mich. In
September, 1881, he went into the grocery business with C. V. Selkirk. They purchased the grocery stock of R. S. Abbott, and carried
on business under the firm name of Selkirk & Ramsay until September, when M. A. Morrell purchased an interest, and the style of
the firm was changed to Selkirk, Ramsay & Morrell. Mr. Ramsay
has been local agent of the express company for the past three
years.
JAMES CRAWFORD, of the firm of Crawford & Clark, furniture
dealers, Kalkaska, is a native ot Canada, and came to Miclhigan in
1872. In the fall of 1874 hle came to Kalkaska County from  Oakland County, and located On land in wlhat is now the town of Lxcelsior. He was engaged in farming most of the time until 188(),
when hle went into the furniture business inll Kalkaska, which he
still continues. He was one of the early settlers of Excelsior and
was supervisor of the town three years.
A. D. FESSENDEN, one of the early settlers of the town of Wilson, is a native of Susquehanna County, Pa. In 1861 lie enlisted,in
the army and remlained in the service until tlhe close of tlhe war.
After returning fromn the army he removed to Indiana. lie was
much broken in health, and Mrs. Fesenden, I)being a daughter of
Norman Ross, who lhad located in what is now the town of Clearwater, they decided to remove to Michigan, whicll they did inll ti}e
spring of 1869. In June of that yefar they located onl their homestead on section of what is now tlhe town of Wilson. Mr. Fessendenl
followed carpenter work most of the time, and his sons cleared the
land. InI the fall of 1883 hle removed to the village of Kalkaska,
and is now carrying on a wagonl-shop. They have four sons and
three daughters.
GEORGE E. SMITH, president of the SmitLh Lumber Company,
at KalaSka, is a native of Ontario County, N. Y. In tlIe summer
of 1872 hle caime to IKldkaska Counlty from Kalamazoo, Mic1., and
located on some laiid in the town of Wilson..He carritd (on faiening until 1882, whe)n he removed to the village of Kalkasila, anTd'
engaged in the lumb)er business. In 1888 he assisted in orgainizing
a stuck comipany, which is ii( ncorporated under the name of the Smith
LI umber Company, and of which he is president. Ie now devotes
his time to a supervision (of the saw-mill and lumebering operations
of the company.
ORLANDO CHRISTIAN is a native of Mason, Ingham County, Micll.
Inl Felbrutary, 1883, he came to Kalkaska from Detroit, whlere lie had
been engaged in the grocery business. He is engaged as salesni.an
in the store of Alfired G. Drake. He is a prominent member of the
M. E. Society and the lodge of Good Templars. Is married.
L. J. ECKLER, merchant at Kalkaska, is a native of Oakland
County, Mich. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Sixth Michigan


Cavalry, and was in service until th.e close of the war in 1865. In
the spring of 1882 he went to Westwood from Ionia County, and
engaged in the mercantile business. In March, 1884, he removed
his store to the village of Kalkaska, where he is now carrying on a
general mercantile business.


1


_I__ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ 1_1_ _ _ _


OF-9


1^1 -


-  --  -  ----  --  j Z,


( P-  I


"a 1  w




. 


A
S l




t —     &-.


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


333


JAMES GREACEN, farmer, was born in Ireland, April 12, 1841.
He came with his parents to Commerce, Oakland County, Mich.,
in 1847. From there they removed to Nankin, Wayne County,
and remained eight years. From Nankin they went to Milford,
Oakland County, where they still reside. On Au7. 14, 1862,
Mr. James Greacen enlisted in Company I, of the Twenty-second
Michigan Volunteer Infantry, in the service of his country. One
of his fiercest conflicts with the rebels was in the memorable battle
of Chickamauga. On the second day of the fight he received three
wounds, the severest of which was from a bullet which would have
passed through his body, but striking the brass eagle on his cartridge-box strap, immediately over his breast, it tore it to pieces
and glanced, passing through his left shoulder. Thus his life was
spared, but for a long time he lay on the ground stunned and
bleeding, yet finally he rallied and resumed firing on the enemy.
That evening he and a large number of others were taken prisoners.
He was Eent first to Richmond for two months, and thence to Danville, and from there about May 1, 1864, to Andersonville, being
one of the first batch of prisoners ever sent into that horrid stockade. He was sent from there Oct. 1 to Florence, S. C. There
he  remained until patroled on   Nov. 26.   He reached the
Union lines on the 1st of December, and was sent for a short time
to Annapolis, Md. He was then sent home on furlough to regain his strength, afterwhichl he again joined liis egiment at Chattlno'oga, Tenn., and remained in the service until honorably discharged at the close of the war. He then returned home, and on
May 3, 1866, he was married to Miss Margaret Morrison, of Commerce. She was born there Sept. 8, 1848. Their children are
Clara E., James S. and Zora Vein. In September, 1874, they removed to Kalkaska, and some two years were spent in mercantile
business, and then they settled in Excelsior, where Mr. Greacen
has in all 240 acres of land, with about sixty under cultivation.
He has on the home farm a thriving orchard of 700 pear trees and
various other fruits, and an elegant residence and good farm buildings. In Milford and Kalkaska Mr. Greacen was highway commissioner and justice of the peace, and in Excelsior he has been
township clerk four years, and since 1883 has been supervisor. He
is also a notary public. He has been county superintendent of the
poor five years, resigning before the close of his term. He is county
agent for the State Board of Correction and Charities. Has served
nearly seven years. He is also county statistical correspondent for
the agricultural department at Washington. Fraternally he is an
Odd Fellow.
WILLIAM H. ECKLER, farmer, was born in Oakland County,
Mich, Oct. 7, 1844. He spent his youth and early manhood in
his native county, chiefly in study and agricultural pursuits. On
Aug. 6, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Michigan
Volunteer Infantry, and served his country over two years in the
suppression of the rebellion. He was honorably discharged in the
fall of 1868. On March 29, 1865, he was married to Miss Almeda
Stowell, also of Oakland County. Mrs. E. was born there Feb.
28, 1847, and was afterward married in the same room in which
she was born. Their children are Ira H., Frank A., Homer C.,
and Luella Maud. In 1876 they removed from Oakland to Barry
County, and three years later they came to Excelsior, where they
still reside. He has sixty acres of land, with about twenty under
cultivation, a pleasant dwelling and other farm buildings, and also a


thriving orchard of apples and various other fruits. He has been
school inspector and school director, and is justice of the peace,
and postmaster of Excelsior P. 0. They have a tri-weekly mail
from Kalkaska. He has also served two years as county coroner.
JOHN S. BAKEB, farmer, was born in England, March 16, 1885.
He came from his native country to Saratoga County, New York.


in 1852, and was employed there in farming until 1864, when he
removed to Plymouth. Wayne County, Mich. His marriage was
on Nov. 27, 1856, to Miss Mary Jane Updyke, of Galway. She
was born in Milton, March 16, 1888. They have one living son,
Samuel. In Wayne County, Mr. Baker was twelve years in the
employ of Mr. Calvin Whipple. In April, 1876, he purchased land
and settled in Excelsior, Kalkaska County. They have 120 acres
of excellent land, about twenty-five of which are under cultivation.
They have a thriving young orchard of apples, pears, peaches,
plums and quinces, and a choice variety of small fruits, good farm
buildings, and a truly pleasant home. He has served four years as
treasurer of Excelsior. Fraternally he and Mrs. Baker are active
laborers in the I. 0. 0. F.
COL. JOHN W. MORLEY, teacher, Rapid River, was born in
Bradford County, Penn., June 1, 1845. He spent his early youth,
received his common school instructions and engaged in academic
studies in his native state; but on Sept. 19, 1862, he left his
btudies and enlisted in Company D, Seventeenth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, in the service of his country. He first fought the rebels
near Dumfries' Court House, tlhen at Spotted Tavern, Kelly's Ford,
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Here he was severely wounded in
the right thigh while acting as orderly for Gen. T. 0. Ayers. He
was under hospit.al treatment some three months, and then joined
his regiment again. After this he took part in the battles of the
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Southside;
and in a conflict with Longstrect's corps, where his brigade captured two pieces of rebel artillery and drove the rebel infantry before them. He also fought at Front Royal, where Devins' and Custer's brigades took four stand of rebel colors, and prisoners equal to
their own number. He was in the battle of Winchester, and at
Cedar Creek, having ridden with Sheridan in his famous ride from
Winchester. In March, 1865, he took part in the memorable battle at Waynesboro, where they captured the fort, four pieces of
artillery and 1,500 prisoners. Beside these fierce general engagements Mr. Morley took part in all the scouting and skirmishing
duties of his regiment. He was honorably discharged June 19,
1865. He returned home and resumed his academic stuJies in the
Camptown Academy. Next he entered Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he graduated in April, 1866. After this he
spent two years as book-keeper, and twelve years as teacher, in
Sussex County, Del. In that state he took a prominent part ir.
Republican politics, and was a stump speaker in two counties. He
was threatened on some occasions that if he spoke out his sentimeijts freely to the people lie would never return home alive, but,
undaunted by the voice of bulldozers, be pushed onward in the
caimpaign, raised four companies of the boys in blue, and was commissioned as colonel of the Third Delaware Boys in Blue, by Gen.
James A. Garfield, our late martyr President. In the spring of
1880 he came and purchased lands in Rapid River, Kalkaska
County, Mich., and opened a pleasant home in the fertile valley forest. Here also he takes an active part in politics, but liis
chief employmenr is teaching. He is now, in 1884, principal of
the South Boardman school. He has been president of the county
board of examiners two years. He has been school inspector and
justice o& the peace in Rapid River. His marriage was on Sept.
19, 1866, to Miss Rosa Belle Follett of Delaware. She was born
in Warren County, Penn., Jan. 18, 1886. They have two sons
and four daughters.


MARTIN H. MANNING, farmer, Rapid River, was born in Catskill, Greene County, N. Y., June 18, 1827. He left his native
state for Williinantic, Conn., at ten years of age, and went thence to
Bradford County, Penn., in 1889. From that time his home was
in that vicinity until his removal to Michigan. On April 21, 1859,


w


I -                                                                                                                       -   -                         -                                                                                                                              I I i.4    
-                                                                                                    __~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 6


i 1IC —


V~P,,,.




d


VA




]


334


THE TRAVERSE REGION


-


he was married to Miss Eliza Scalvell, of Bath, Steuben County.
N. Y. Shle w.s born there March 17, 1841. Their children are
Frances A., S. Romanda, and Hattie M. On Feb. 19, 1864, Mr.
Mnnning enlisted in Company D, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery in the service of his country. His regiment left Washington
2,600 strong, and came out from the Battle of the Wilderness with
only 700 men. At Culpepper Court house Mr. M. received a wound
inl his left eye, which greatly affected his sight and strength. He
was discharged by order of the war department, May 19, 1865. In
tile spring of 1873 Mr. Manning located land in Section 20, of
Rapid River, Kalkaska County, Mich., and forthwith lpepared
for himself and family a home in the Traverse forest. He theln had
to carry their sipplies from Traverse City and Elk Rapids. He his
eighty acres of land, nitli about forty-eight under cultivation. He
has also a thriving fruit-! earing orchard of apples, pears. cherries
and small fruits, and a pleasant home. He is moderator of their
school board and takes true pleasure in educational progress. Fraternally lie belongs to the I. 0. O. F. and the G. A. R.
HENRY M. CRANE, farmer, Rapid River, was born of Puritan
ancestry, in Bridgeport, Vt., June 23, 1835. He left his native
state for Henry County, Ill., in 1855, and in 1858 he removed to
Ashtabula County, Ohio, and remained until 1863. He then went
to Waseca County, Minn., and lived there until 1869. From there
he removed to Winnesheik County, Iowa. In 1872 he came to
Rapid River, Kalkaska County, Mich. He located land in Section
24, and opened a pioneer home in the lofty forest. There were
then only about thirty voters in the township. He has eighty
acres of land with eighteen under cultivation. He has taught
school six years in Traverse Region. His marriage was on April
13, 1880, to Miss Hannah M. Smith, of Bradford County, Pa.
She was born there May 29, 1845. Mrs. Crane also has spent
about nineteen years as a teacher. Mr. Crane has served three
years as assistant postmaster at Kalkaska. He has served as justice of the peace and as township clerk-, and is now serving in his
second term as treasurer in Rapid River Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
ALBERT MANN, farmer, Kalkaska, was born in Vermont, Feb.
14, 1836. He came with his parents to Rome, Mich., in his childhood. His youth and early manhood were spent in study and in
agricultural pursuits. On Sept. 27, 1858, he was married to Miss
Mary J. Ferguson, of Fairfield, Lenawee County, Mich. She was
born there Sept. 30, 1838. They have one daughter, Ida A., and
one son, Elmer Ellsworth. In August, 1862, Mr. Mann enlisted in
Company C, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, in tiLe service of his
country. He was head cook for his company for eleven months,
but took active part in the battles of Danville and Georgetown, Ky.,
and in those of Curtis, Wells and Pond Springs, Ala. In the latter part of his service he was mounted orderly, first for Col. Wormer, and later for Gen. Cutler. He was honorably discharged in
June, 1865. He returned home and continued his farming enterprise until 1880, when he removed to Section 36, in Kalkaska,
where he has 160 asres of excellent land with. about 80 under
cultivation. He has also a thriving young orchard of select varieties of fruit, and a desirable home. He is assessor in his school
district and superintendent in the Union Sabbath school, and takes
a lively interest in religious and literary education. Religiously he
and Mrs. Mann are-Episcopal Methodists.


RoBERT J. NELSON, farmer, Springfield, was born in Utica,
N. Y., and spent his early youth in Canada. In the spring of 1865
he oame to the Saginaw country, Michigan, and remained there
until 1877, when he removed to Springfield, Kalkaska County, purobsed eighty acres of land with some five acres under cultivation,
amd settled where he now resides. In the fall of 1877 he was






I


married to Miss Mary Adeline Haskin, also of Springfield. Their
children are Samuel E. and Pearly. Mr. Nelson now has fifty-four
acres of his land under cultivation. He has five acres of thriving
orchard of various kinds of fruit, and pleasant home surrouirdings.
He has served nearly three years as school director in his district.
JOHN U. SPIESS, wagon maker and farmer, Cold Springs, was
born in Switzerland, July 28, 1821. He came to New York in
1848, and went thence to Maumee City, Ohio. Shortly after he
went to Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio, and settled on a farm.
Since then he has wrought at his trade part of the time, but has
been chiefly engaged in farming. On April 25, 1848, he was married to Miss Margaret Eggly, also of Switzerland. She died in
Maumee in the following fall. His second marriage was on Oct.
28, 1850, to Miss Rosannah Ish, also of Switzerland. They have
five sons and three daughters. In the spring of 1882, Mr. Spiess
came north and purchased eighty acres of land in Cold Springs,
Kalkaska County, Mich., where he is now, in 1884, residing for
the improvement of his health, with the expectation of opening up
a fine farm and having his family with him in the healthful and
invigorating climate of the Traverse Region. On April 11, 1864,
Mr. Spiess enlisted as a mechanic and served in the army as such
nine months. On Feb. 9, 1865, he enlisted in the One Hundred
and Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the
close of the war. In the service he lost his health and in part his
hearing, and now receives a pension for his relief and benefit.
SAMUEL B. PHELPS, farmer, was born in Conquest, Cayuga
County, N. Y., June 4, 1837. He left his native state at about
eighteen years of age, and came to Wheatfield, Ingham County, Mich.
Four years later he went to Coldwater. His marriage was on
March 6, 1859, to Miss Maria F. Leversee, also of Coldwater.
Their children are Cassius M., Mortimer T., Edith M., Eugene N.,
Bertie S. and Mabel Edna. In 1864 they removed to South Haven
and remained until 1882, when they removed to Cold Springs, Kalkaska County, where they have 160 acres of land with twenty acres
already under cultivation, a thriving young orchard, and a truly
desirable home. Mr. Phelps served his country about a year in
crushing the late rebellion, but was discharged for disability arising.from sickness. In other places he has served as highway commissioner and as township clerk and in various other offices, and is
now, 1884, supervisor of Cold Springs. Fraternally he is an Odd
Fellow and a Royal Arch Mason, and glories in faith. hope and
charity, brotherly love, relief and truth.  The farm he is now
engaged in clearing is the fourth one cleared by him in Micliigan.
GEORGE KNIGHT, farmer, Clearwater, was born in Canada,
June 2, 1845. He went from his native country to Rock County,
Wis., in 1857. He remained there until after the outbreak of the
rebellion. On Aug. 17, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, Third
Wisconsin Cavalry, and served the Union until honorably discharged, Oct. 8, 1865. He then came to Wayne County, Mich.,
and engaged in farming. On Sept. 1, 1874, he was married to Miss
Nora Ada Wesemann, also of Wayne County. In the fall of 1875
they removed to Excelsior, Kalkaska County, and shortly after to
Kalkaska village. From there they returned to Wayne County,
and two years later came to Section 34, in Clearwater, Kalkaska
County, where they still reside. He has forty acres of land which
he is changing from its native wildness to an inviting home. He


has between twenty and thirty acres of improvement, a thriving
young orchard of apples, plums, peaches, 'pears, cherries, grapes
and other small fruits, and enticing home surroundings. Mr.
Knight has served as school director six years, and six years as justice of the peace in Clearwater.






I


I


L


m, I


r.116












I


'r-WjmL.. -, P MM
____l   -.1              -IV
3CF....O  11                         - S
6 -IV* MI-GRIGANO - O







cx                 N       -D                                                                         c
Wei for   -Olko, P.
5   34   __ —a -            6     5    I     3          1    6                                       3                2
a2
S     9    10   11    12         8     9          M:19   7     8         10         12     7                      IL
13   lb    17    16                                          -14              17
0         21",  23                    21    2                     2          22               119   20?a    22
30    29    28   27    26    25   3     29    z               2.5              Z8   27                                 27..    I                       -1                                           -— a-..  -        r
-le
31    32   33     4    35.                               35   36    3          33   31                31                     33'
6     5-                                5   14          2    1     6               3
7           9                   '/7     8
17                         -18    7     16   15   J4                           15         -13
T
23
IC
23   24    19    zo   zl                4    9   PO                                      21         23    24
ki,
29                     2 5   30   2 9               6    Z5   30                          25   '30         26     7    26    25
we    taka.
X3   3+    3 5        31    32    3    34    3 5   36   31    3?-  3 3   34-  3 5    6.131  3    33:14    35    36
Ile
IA
6           4-   3                6     5     4    3                                       2          6
a4. al
7           9          IL   I                9     Ur   -11-  12'  12'    8    9    10   _u    li
is    1.3  A     -13  is                15   14   13    is         16    15                                     -1 4.
O    W     J!,
S.
-19          2 1  2 2  23    2+    19     0   21    I 2 I  Z3                   21         2?-t  19    20     1
30    2      8  -7          25       29     2s   27,   26   2.5.110        28    27    2     5                      7
3L          33   34   3   /"36 L/-31L  32    33    3 4  35   36    31    32   33    34               31   32                      36
ULM
4.   3     2                 5    4     3          IL   6
ILZ   7     6     O.,  10    11   lz    7                                                  10
116  15   14    13    18         -16   t5    14   -W    is   17                     18
T
its.
-119  Lo         22   2\3\L    2+       20,   21          3               20?.4
rag   ]R                                                                                                23
0
y7    6 1.2     30         28    27    26                9   28    27          25         29   Zs'               25
obaxt,
aL         33                           39"'  33   3+   35          31          3    34.  /35   36               33          35   30
r
L.    -dMXII W-W                         CRXI W O..                  0     S'Axwe       E       0                        c


I
0         - - -- --- 1- -                            -         -      --            --




!
I..m.


11.
I

I


-


WEXFORD COUNTY.


CHAPTER L.
TERRITORY COMPRISED BY THE COUNTY-BOUNDARIES-TOPOGRAPHYTHE MANISTEE RIVER-SOIL AND CLIMATE-DESCRIPTION OF THE
COUNTY IN 1870-STATISTICS-FIRST SETTLEMENT-SETTLERS IN
1865 —PIONEER INTERESTS AND EVENTS.
Wexford County is composed of Townships 21, 22, 23, 24
north, of Ranges 9, 10, 11, 12 west, embracing sixteen surveyed
townships. There are, therefore, in the county 576 sections of
640 acres each, or a total of 368,640 acres.
Tile county is bounded onl the north by Grand Traverse
County; east by Missaukee, south by Lake, and west by Manistee.
The lakes in the county may, perhaps, cover an area of ten
sections, or 6,400 acres. The largest of these, the Big and Little
Clam Lakes, are in Towns 21 and 22 north of Ranges 9 and 10
west. There are many other lakes in the county, but all of them
are very small.
Tile Manistee River enters Wexford County about a mile south
of tile l-rtleast corner. Thence it runs nearly west about eight
miles, -wlen it turns to the southwest, passing on through the
county, and leaving it about two miles north of the center of the
west line.
Speaking of this river Mr. A. S. Wadsworth said: "Draining
an area including the upper Manistee, equal to the state of Vermont, tile richest state per capita in the Union, with double the
number of arable acres of tlhat state, with a better soil and less
rigorous climate, with 300 miles, by the meander line, of floatable
river, and that a spring brook river but little affected by drouth
or frost, with tributaries abounding in water power, with abundance of pine timlber, yet two-thirds of its area beech and maple
land, of great fertility, and including the fruit belt on its higher
soils near Lake Michigan, it needs not a prophet to predict its
future."
Pine River, ole of tle largest affluents of the Manistee, runs
for several mliles through tile southwest corner of the county. In
addition to tllese strealls there are many fine creeks in different
parts of the county which afford excellent mill sites, but two or
three of which are yet improved.
Tlhe surface of tile county may be properly characterized as 
rolling. Tllere are large tracts, however, that are level or only
gently undulatilng, while in some of the townships there are hills
tliat are worthy of the name.
Tile soil is a saild and gravel loam, and in some places a
clay loam, but il only a few places is clay found on the surface.
The soil is very productive, maturing any production of the soil
that will grow here, in the utmost perfection. With the single exception of corn, anything thllt can be grown in tile southl prt of
the state will grow and mature here, and corn only fails for tile
want of warml nilglts and tile seasons being rather short for it."
As is tile case in the Traverse Region generally, wheat, oats,


rye, buckwheat, potatoes and all other root crops and garden vegetables flourish finely. The county is too new yet to show from
actual trial what its capacity is for producing fruit, but colmparing
its soil and climate with those of adjoining counties there call be
no doubt that apples, plums, pears, cherries, the hardy varieties of
grapes, and the small fruits generally will do well.
In April, 1870, mentiol was made of tile county as follows:
Hitherto there has been from tlie first a hiomIe market for everything the farmers could produce. At tile present timle potatoes anr a
drug in tile market, but as soon as tile " jams "are remloved from1 tile
river so as to give easy acess to tile rapidly growing city at its
mouth, potatoes and otller root crops will sell as raplidly as hlleat,
oats and hay now do. Tile large allount of lunlbering to be done
on the Manistee and its tributaries during tile next thirty years
will keep the home mitrket il a healthy conditiol.
There are some cloice governmenilt landls yet to be hlad il this
county. There is also a large amlount of Agricultural College lalld
held by the state. These lauds are sold at $3 an acre, one-fourth
cown and the balance on unlimited time at seven per cent. interest.
Thus, a man buying eighty acres of tllis latnd pays $60 down alld
$12.60 interest each year thereafter, until lie chooses to pay up in
full. On the purchase of 160 ac res lie pays $120 and $25.20 interest annually. There are stAte swampVl  lands that call be bought
with scrip at considerable less than the mnllimum price of $1.2~
per acre. As is usually the case ill new countries opportunities
may b1 found in this county for buying second-hlald lands and
improved farms on favorable terms.
The settlement of this county commenced about seven years
ago.
The Northport and Newaygo state road passes tlrough tlle
county north and south six miles from the west line. This is a
good road, over which passes a stage daily, bringing the mails for
all this northern region. The other roads are new and little improved, with perhaps slight exceptions in the township of Wexford.
There are four organized townships, viz: Colfax, Hanover,
Springville and Wexford. In addition to these is tile townllsip of
Reeder, in Missaukee Coulty.  The whole of Missaukee is attached to Wexford, but it is only of Wexford County proper tllat
we speak in this article.
Sherman, the county seat, is on the Northport and Newaygo
state road, about tlree-fourths of a mile south of where it crosses
thle Manistee River. As a village it is only a year old, and consequently not very large, but the present season is likely to make
important cllanges in it. Sheriff Skinner says:
"Sherman is at present the only village in the county. It is
a very young place, having been stArted only last June, at which
time it consisted of two log houses and a postoffice. Now we
have a number of hlonses, a hotel, two stores, one a very large
nice store. This summer we shall build a court-house, and one
that will do honor to the county, and place us, in that respect, far


I1


=I!       1


-A


-I


-o

k    r-                                                                                                                                                                                                                       -I"




A*jLj




1
4




I

I


336


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


in a.vance of our sister counties of this part of the state. The
court-house is' to be forty by fifty feet, two stories high, with a
cupola ten by fifteen feet."
We may add that there is a probability that Mr. Gasser, late
of Big Rapids, and now proprietor of the village of Sherman,
will bring in a portable saw-mill and put it in operation near the
village.
Mr. J. H. Wheeler has a saw-mill two and a half miles northeast of the village. The Fletcher Brothers have a saw and gristmill three miles west. Their mills can only be reached by traveling some five or six miles, but when the new bridge over the Manistee just west of the village is completed, the distmnce will be
shortened to about three miles.
At present there are but two postoffices in the county, one at
Sherman, L. J. Clark, postmaster, and one four miles farther
north on the st.te road, called Wexford, William Masters, postmaster. It is expected that a mail route will soon be opened from
Sherman to Manistee, and another from  Sherman through the
eastern settlements of the county, and thence to Hersey. When
these routes are opened several new offices will be established.
They are much needed and those having control- of the matter
should see that there is no unnecessary delay.
There are two attorneys in the county, Messrs. T. A. Ferguson
and E. W. Stewart, both of Sherman.
Silnce tile foregoing wa;s wiitten great clhanges have t ken place
in the county. No county in this region has developed more ripidly in some respects. About 1,000 acres of-government, 310 acres
state swamp, 8,400 acres of primary school, 24,560 acres of agricultural college, and 92,426 acres of Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad lands, were subject to entry May 1. 1883. Large tracts of
unimproved land, with good soil, and within easy reach of markets,
are for sale at prices ranging fjom $4 to $12 per acre. Plenty of
stlump lands " desirable for farming purposes can be lhad at a low
figure. Improved farms are propoltionately higlher. A state road,
running north and south, bisects the county, crossing the Manistee
River at Sherman; another state road connects Manton with Sherman. The local highways are uniformly good.
Tlhe school districts are numerous, and every effort is made to
sustain good schools. Lumbering is as yet the principal industry.
Portable mills are being stationed at different points to work up the
llard wood timber, and large quantities of posts, poles and ties are
gotten out every year. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad
traverses the county from north to south, and a branch of the Chicaglo and West Michigan will eventually reach Cadillac from the
southwest.
Every inducement is held out to the energetic settler with small
means to make his ]ome in this county. Lands are cheap, the soil
good, and the privileges of schools and churches are unexcelled by
any of the new counties.
*The population of Wexford County at different periods has
been as follows:  1870, 650; 1874, 3,010; 1880, 6,815.
In 1880 the population was divided among the towns as follows:  Antioch, 114; Booln, 115; Cadillac Village, 2,213; Cedar
Cr-ek, 553; Cherry Grove. 275; Clam Lake, 620; Cleon, 270; Colfax, 875; Concord, 171; Greenwood, 122; Hanover, 154; Haring,


728; Henderson, 194; Liberty, 109; Selma, 233; Springville, 150;
Wexford, 419.
ThI '-ensus of 1874 gave the following statistics of vote and
population.


Townships.                    Voters.
Clam"Lake.......................421
Cleon............................  34
Colf x............................  75
Green wood........................  78
Htnover........................10
H arin...........................  66
Henderson......................  33
Selm a............................  37
Springville........................  50
Wexfold.....................    62
Total,                           1,222


Inhabitants.
1,046. 94
246
136
242
199
75
138
103
219
3,010


FIRST SETTLEMENT.
It will be noticed in perusing the history of thle region covered
by this work that certain localities were settled, often several years
before the surrounding country would have an inhabitant. The
immediate vicinity of Grand Traverse Bay was settled some time
before any white man made a home in Wexford County.
Tile first settlement of this county resulted from the outgrowth
of the excitement which prevailed, occasioned by tlhe settlement of
the Grand Traverse region, encourageid ly tile construction of tile
Newaygo and Northport State Road, more familiarly known as tle
"trail."  This road was opened through our county during tle
year 1863, and was the only thoroughfare leading into its otherwvise
unbroken forests.
It will be remembered the north line of Wexford C(ounty is
twenty miles solih from Traverse City, and as the settlement. commenced on the lake and Bay shore, it became necessary to locate
farther and farther back.
In the spring of 1863 Dr. John Perry, anxious with others to
carve out for himself and family a home in this new but delightful country, located under the Homestead act on the northwest
quarter of Section 6, Town 23 north, of Range 11 west, now a part
of the village of Sherman.  Mr. Pclny wats the sec-ond postmaster
in the county. He died in May, 1875, but the old log house he
erected at the time of his settlement here is still standing.
Robert Myhill was first to follow, and settled in Wexford Township, Aaron Baker in what is now Springville, and B. W. Hall in
Hanover.
In June of the same year (18(63) Lewis Cornell, Elon Cornell,
James Wart, and Williaml Masters selected lhnds in Wexford, and
in the following fall brought on their families, forming tie nucleus
of what has since been known as the Cornell settlement.
Others came about the same time, or soon after, and as near
as can be ascertained the settlers in the county in November, 1865,
were as follows, in addition to those already named:  Jolhn Cornell, N. H. Dunham, Lewis C. Dunham, Hamilton Bartley, Jerome
B. Bartley, Jacob S. Yolk, Charles Crissell, A. I. Harrington,
Ezra Myhill.
R. W. Updyke, John Hanny, George Hunt, John Schufeldt,
David Jones, Samuel Jones, Elliott Greenough, Peter Tindall, P. C.
Perry, N. L. Hanna, A. D. Hanna, E. Annis, Charles Cornell,
Charles Fancher, David Baker, Otis Morrill, W. J. C. Davis, John
H. Wheeler, Samuel Jones, Daniel Baldwin, I. N. Carpenter,
Myron Baldwin andJ. Foust came soon after this time.
William Masters was the first postmaster in Wexford County,
and in the early settlement of the county kept provisions, etc., for
sale, which could not be procured at any other point short of
Traverse City. He also k- pt a boarding-house and home for every
one who came along. Mr. Masters' family will long be remembered and esteemed for their kind hospitality and generosity.
The Cornell school-house was the first one built in the county.
The first saw-mill in the county was built by John H. Wheeler,
in the summer of 1866, on what is called Wheeler Creek about two


I


Townships.                       Voters.
AntioCh...'... 47
Antioch.......................        47
Cedar Creek....................... 85
Cherry Grove..................... 28


Inhabitants.
168
248
101


t




I


~~~~~~L   -I ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ICI-9








4       1 ei




I


I
I


I

_ __ __


THE TRAVERSE REGION:


337


-




and one-half miles northeast of the village of Sherman. That
was the first frame building in the county. The following year Mr.
Wheeler and J. J. Copley each built a frame house, the first in the
county.
The state road bridge across the Manistee River was built in
1864.
The first minister in the county was Rev. Almon K. Harrington, a Baptist clergyman.
In the spring of 1866 by an action of the board of supervisors
of Manistee County, the entire county of Wexford was organized
in one township. The first election was held the same sprifg at
what is known as the Cornell school-house, Lewis C. Dunham,
supervisor. The first lawsuit in justice court was held before I. U.
Davis, Esq., in the year 1867.
About this time Mr. Andrew Anderson emigrated to this
county, and was the first shoemaker in the county.
By this time it had become generally known that the " trail"
or state road above alluded to led from the south into this famous
country, and then the flood of immigration commenced from north
and south. The stream of homestead seekers seemed almost incessant. A spark was kindled in the outside world by returned
hunters, trappers and land-lookers, and was very soon fanned to a
flame by their encouraging reports, and before the close of the
year 1868 hundreds!lad started " over the trail to Wexford," and
many who made the start with anticipation of sport only found
themselves mistaken; while a trip "over the trail" was replete with
interest and amusement, yet it was not without its difficulties.
After the settlers of -the county began to raise grain an impottant question arose, viz.:  How to use their grain to their own
and their families' benefit. The nearest grist-mill was at Traverse
City, twenty-six miles distant, and in those days a journey of that
distance was a formidable undertaking.
In the year 1868 Oren Fletcher purchased a piece of land near
the present village of Sherman, and erected the first flouring-mill
in Wexford County. The erection of such an institution inspired
the minds of the settlers with renewed energy, roads were opened
up and development received a new impetus.
In 1867 the first settlement in the town of Colfax was made,
the first settlers being Charles Soper and Mr. Lameraux.
The first house erected within the territory first comprising
Colfax was built by Charles Soper, and the first, and for several
weeks the only white women who were ever in this town, were Mrs.
Soper and her daughter, Mrs. Warner.
During the summer and fall a large number settled in the
western part of the town, and before one year had elapsed the
whole territory now comprising Colfax was well settled up by a
thriving, enterprising people.
The settlement from its very commencement was known as
the Unionville Settlement, from the fact that more than nine-tenths
of the male inhabitants at that time had served in the armies of
the United States, in the war for the Union. Another reason for
the name was. the unity of feeling among the settlers at that time.
When the town was organized the name was changed to Colfax.
Before proceeding farther with the settlement of the county
we will review briefly its civil history.


-4 i(o , 0 -

i


CHAPTER LI.
COUNTY OF IAUTAWAUBET LAID OFF —NAME CHANGED TO WEXFORD
-FIRST ELECTION-COUNTY OFFICERS-EARLY ACTS OF SUPERVISORS — THE COUNTY SEAT CONTEST -JUDICIAL - FIRST LAWYERS- WEXFORD COUNTY BAR IN 1884 — ORGANIZATION OF
TowNS- AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY- BIOGRAPHICAL.
In 1840 that portion of the state embraced in Towns 21, 22,
23 and 2- north, of Ranges 9, 10, 11 and 12 west was laid off as a
separate county and designated by the name of Kautawaubet. In
1843 the name was changed to Wexford
In 1869 the county was organized by act of legislature, approved March 30, and which reads in part as follows:  That the
county of Wexford, consisting of tlhe territory embraced by the
present coimty of Wexford be and the same is hereby organized
into a separate county by the name of Wexford, and the inhabitants thereof shall be entitled to all the privileges, powers and immunities to which, by law, the inhabitants of other organized
counties in this state are entitled.
The unorganized county of Missaukee shall be attached to the
county of Wexford for municipal and judicial purposes.
Said county shall be in the thirteenth judicial circuit and shall
be entitled to two courts therein, in each year.
Sec. 10 of the act provides for the election of county officers
on the first Monday in April.
Sec. 11. County canvass to be held on the second Tuesday
succeeding the election at tlle house of George W: 1ryant.
Other sections provided for thle organization of towns, as elsewhere given.
The county seat was to be in Township 24 north, of Range 12
west, at or near Manistee Bridge. Commissioners to locate the
same:  H. J. Devoe, I. U. Davis and E. C. Dayhuff.
The first election was held April 5, 1869. The highest number
of votes polled was 129. The following county officers were electeJ 
Sheriff, Harrison H. Skinner; county treasurer, John H. Wheeler;
county clerk, Leroy P. Champcnois; register of deeds, Leioy P.
Champenois; judge of probate, Isaac N. Carpenter; prosecuting attorney, 0. H. Mills; superintendent of schools, C. Northrup; surveyor, R. S. McClain.
Since that time the county officers have been as follows:
1870.-Sheriff, Joseph Sturr; clerk, H. B. Sturtcvant; treasurer, W. Masters; prosecuting attorney, T. A. Ferguson; judge of
probate, I. N. Carpenter; circuit court commissioner, T. A. Ferguson;
county surveyor, R. S. McClain. Highest number of votes polled, 191.
1872.-Sheriff, E. D. Abbott; clerk and register, H. B. Sturtevant; treasurer, Ezra Harger; prosecuting attorney, S. S. FallaLs.;
judge of probate court. William Mears; circuit court commissioner.
S. S. Fallass; county surveyor, A. K. Herrington.
1874.-Sheriff, J. Shackelton; clerk and register, H. B. Sturtevant; treasurer, Ezra Harger; prosecuting attorney, D. A. Rice;
judge of probate, William Mears; circuit court commissioner, D. A.
Rice; county surveyor, S. H. Beardslee.
1876.-Sheriff, Frank We ver; clerk and register, C. J. Manktelow; treasurer, Ezra Harger; prosecuting attorney, D. A. Rice;
judge of probate, Alonzo Chubb; circuit court commissioner, John
B. Rosevelt; county surveyor, S. H Beardslee.
1878.-Sheriff, Charles C. Dunham; clerk and register, C. J.


Manktelow; treasurer, Ephraim Shay; prosecuting attorney, D. A.
Rice; judge of probate, Alonzo Chubb; circuit court commissioner,
D. E. McIntyre; county surveyor, J. W. Houghtalin.
1880.-Shleriff, Charles C. Dunham; clerk and register of deeds,
T. J. Thorp; judge of probate, Hon. H. N. Green; county treasurer,


I




I


- V4


rl,7


- 


_ _


g e


4
I


— 6




at.                                                                                                     1 -I








Al


I


338


THE TRAVE-RSE REGION.


John Mansfield; prosecuting attorney, S. J. Wall; circuit court comnmissioner, J. R. Bishop.
1882.-Sheriff, David E. Cook; clerk and register of deeds,
T. J. Thorp; judge of probate, Hon. H. N. Green; county treasurer,
John Mansfield; prosecuting attorney, D. E. Mclntyre; circuit
court commissioner, W. C. Haire; secretary of board of examiners,
H. M. Enos; coroner, Osmond Reed; coroner, John H. Wheeler.
The board of supervisors in 1884-is composed of the following
persons from the several towns:-Antioch, Edmond-Austin; Boon,
William McNitC; Cadillac, First Ward, James Croly; Cadillac, Second Wnrd, David A. Rice; Cadillac, Third Ward, G. W. Wheeler;
Cedar Creek, H. F. Campbell; Cherry Grove, William East; Clam
Lake, A. T. Vance; Colfax, Peter Will;- Greenwood, N. A. Reynolds;
Hanover, S. C. Worth; Haring, R. D. Cuddeback; Henderson,
Marion Van Antwerp; Liberty, Menno C. Hoffman; Selma, George
Boyd; 'South Branch, John Henderson; Springville, William E.
Dean; Wexford, -   Ransom.
EARLY ACTS OF SUPERVISORS.
The first meeting of the board of supervisors was a special
meeting, held at the house of Sylvester Clark, of said county, on the
first day of May, 1869, present:
R. S. McClain, Colfax; L. C. Northroys, Hanover; William
Thomas, Springville; H. I. Devoe, Wexford.
Henry I. Devoe, of the township of Wexford, was chosen chairmans of the board for tire present year.
Board went into committee of the whole on equalization of assessment. Amount fixed at from seven to twelve dollars per acre.
Board adjourned till 1:30 P. M.
Called to order at the specified time, and proceeded to take up
the finance question. Voted to make a loan for county expenses of
not more than $800.
Bond of treasurer fixed at $6,000.
Ordered that the treasurers of the townships of Wexford turn
over to the county treasurer-all the moneys now in their possession
belonging to the county, to be held as a county fund.
Ordered that the books on hand be distributed to the townships
not supplied.
Resolution adopted:
Rl.blored, That the Traverse Bay EaC!lIe do the printing for
Wexford County.
Superintendents of the poor appointed: Lewis Cornell, William
Thomas and Orson Abbott,
Ordered that the board of supervisors of Wexford County meet
the board of Manistee for settlement of account.
The chairman was authorized to select a suitable place for holding court.
Board adjourned subject to call of the chairman.
HENRY I. DEVoE,.Chairman.      L. P. CHAMPENOIS, Clerk.
The first annual meeting of the board of supervisors of Wexford
County was held in Sherman, in the county of Wexford, on the
eleventh day of October, A. D. 1869. Present:
Wexford, Henry I. Devoe, chairman; Colfax, Rascelas S. McClain; Hanover, L. Clarence Northrup; Springville, William E.
Dean.
The report of the county treasurer was received and accepted.
Account standing as follows

Dr. to amount-moneys received,          $614 29
Cr. by orders paid as per vouchers,      440 19
Leaving an unexpended balance in hands
of treasurer of                        174 10
Total valuations were declared as follows:
Hanover, real estate,               $216,751 00
p ersonal pwrprtyr              10,528 68


Colfax, real estate,               $558,889 72
"   personal property,             8,071 67
Total.                       $566,911 46
Springville, real estate,          $97,468 29
"     personal property,          8,225 00
Total,                       $105,693 29
Wexford, real estate,               $22,304 60
"   personal property,           19,090 00
Total,                        $42,394 60
Total valuation of Wexford County,  $941,279 03
The following named persons were appointed superintendents
of the poor for Wexford County: Lewis C. Dunham, three years;
Almond R. Herrington, two years; Joseph Sturr, one year.
Voted tlat five ($5) dollars additional bounty be paid for
wolves killed in the county of Wexford.
Adjourned to Oct. 16.
OCT. 16.
It was ordered that the sum of six hundred ($600) dollars be
appropriated from the contingent fund for lighways and bridges, to
be expended as follows, to wit: On the bridge across the Manistee
River on town line road between the townships of Wexford and
Springville, not to exceed four hundred ($400) dollars; the remainder on town l;ne road between the townships of Hanover and
Springvillc.
Voted that the judge of probate receive one hundred dollars per
annum.
Voted th;t the salary of treasurer remain as voted at last
meeting.
Voted that the prosecuting attorney receive an annual salary of
two hundred ($200) dollars.
At the annual meeting in October, 1871, the board recommended that $400 be raised for the poor fund for the ensuing
year. The board also recommended that the east half of northeast quarter of Section 16, Township 23 north, Range 11 west be
purchased for a poor farm. On motion of H. I. Devoe the report
was accepted. On motion of G. W. Wheeler, resolved that $300
be raised for poor fund for the ensuing year. On motion of G. W.
Wheeler, John Hanna was appointed superintendent of the poor
for full term by said committee. On motion of Thomas Henderson, resolved that the superintendents of the poor be instructed to
purchase the piece of land described in their report, providing it
can be had for.$370.
The assesment rolls were equalized as follows:
Township.             Real Estate.  Personal.
Colfax........... $134,854 58      $7,991 00
Hanover............... 164,436 58    3,804 00
Henderson.............  34,858 15    2,210 00
Springville............. 66.546 39   6,582 00
Selma............. 23,825 75        2,685 00
Wexford................  38,514 41   12,554 00
Total............   -                   -
$463,035 86   $35,826 00
The state and county tax was apportioned as follows:
Township.                 State.    County.
Colfax.......................$185 60  $714 23
Hanover................... 218 60      841 20
Henderson...................  48  12   185 34
Springville..................  95 06  365 64
Selma......................  34 40     132 55


Wexford....................  66 36     255 34
The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the
board:
WHEREAS, Intoxicating liquors are being sold in different
parts of our county in violation of the laws of this state, sending
misery and wretchedness into the families of many of our citizens,


_


Total,


$227,279 68


l




oi


I




I



I~~~~~~~~


TH-E TRAVERSE REGION..


339


and whereas this boarL" feel that stringent measures ought to be
taken to suppress this unholy traffic, be ft
Resfolced, That we will pledge ourselves to give aid and
support to the officers of our county whose duty it is to bring to
justice all who may be found. engaged in this wicked and unholy
business.
THE COUNTY SEAT.
Like all other counties wherein the. county seat has originally
been located far from the geographical center, Wexford had a
county seat war. In this case it lasted ten years and was the
most conspicuous feature of civil history during those tell years.
As early as 1872 the storm signal was run up and from that time
all other interests were shaped with reference to the pending issue.
Wlen the county was organized the county seat was located in
the oldest part of the territory, but in 1872 the village of Clam
Lake came ilto existence and grew very rapidly, both iln population and business importance. Naturally it coveted the county
seat. Manton also was born, alll bec.mle quite ail important
factor il the contest. Looking back   over the proceedings of
supervisors from 1872 to 1882, the resolution to remove the county
seat greets the eye upon every page. There was a mLanifest determination on the part of the supervisors to prevent the question
being submitted to a vote of the people. In the winter of 1877
Clamn Lake was incorported as a city under the lname of Cadillac,
giving it ilcreased representation on the board. At the same time
a special meeting of the supervisors was called, and a resolution
adopted organizing four new towns. The resolution was subsequently reconsidered as to three of the towns, leaving the town
of Sherman to go on and colmplete its organization. The town of
Concord was organized as a pirt of the proceedings in that contest, but the town is not recognized by the board of supervisors as a
legal organization. So this annual battle engaged the attention
and efforts of the people without reaching any result until in 1881
it was removed to Manton, and the year following to Cadillac.
After its removal to Manton a special meeting of the board of
supervisors was held at Cadillac and six towns organized. They
held their town meetings and electel supervisors, but were never
permlitted representation on the board.
The vote of the people affirming the decision of the supervisors
to remove the county seat to Cadillac, settled the question and
ended an annoying and demoralizing contest. As yet temporary
quarters are occupied by the county officers and the circuit court.
JUDICIAL.
Wexford County originally belonged to the Thirteenth Judicial
Circuit.  In 1873 it was made a part of the Nineteenth, and in
1881 of the Twenty-eighth Circuit composed of the counties of
Wexford Missaukee, Kalkaska, Benzie and Rosconamon.      The
judges have been Hons. J. G. Ramsdell, Shubal F. White, H. H.
Wheeler, A. V. McAlvey, S. D. Haight, J. B. Judkins and Silas S.
Fallass.
JUDGE FALLASS, the present circuit judge is a resident of the
city of Cadillac, and was born in Kent County, Mich., in 1847
received his education at Albion College, and graduated at the
law school at Ann Arbor, Mich. Came to Cadillac in 1872, soon
after his admission to the bar, and in the fall of the same year was
elected prosecuting attorney, which office he held for two years.
He was a member of the board of supervisors for five years anid was
a leading actor in many of the stormy events of the famous Wex

ford County seat war. In April, 1882, he relinquished a lucrative
law practice to accept the position of circuit judge by appointment
fronm  Governor Jerome. He was unanimously nominated for
election as his own successor by the bar convention of the circuit
and was elected in the following November. Married Dec.


31, 1878, to Margaret A. Bates, a native of Fulton County, Ohio.
They have three children. Judge Fallass has taken a prominent
part in the local affairs of Wexford County, as will be seen in the
perusal of its history.
The first lawyers in the, county were T. A. Ferguson and E.
W. Stewart, who located at Sherman. The former is now dead
and the latter lives elsewhere. The next lawyers were S. S. Fallas,
now circuit judge, and D. A. Rice, both of whom located at Clam
Like, now Cadillac, in 1872. W. H. Cavenaugh, R. L. Rice, E.
F. Sawyer and D. E. McIutyre came soon after. The members of
the bar in 1884 are as follows:  E, F. Sawyer, J. R. Bishop, W.
C.'Haire, J. B. Rosevelt, S. J. Wall, E. Eugene Haskins, D. A.
Rice, W. H. Parks, H. M. Dunham, D. E. Mcintyre, M. L. Dunham, Clyde C Chittenden.
Officers of the court:  Hon. S. S. Fallass, circuit judge; D.
E. Mclltyre, prosecuting attorney; T. J Thorp, clerk; W. C. Reber,
deputy clerk; D. E. Cooke, sheriff; C. C. Dunham, deputy sheriff;
William Cassh-r, under sheriff; W. C. Haire, circuit court commissioner; M. H. Ford, stenographer.
ORGANIZATION OF TOWNS.
The act of legislature which provided for the organization of
Wexford County, also provided for the organization of several
townll as follows:
Hanover to embrace the territory of Township 24 north,
Ranges 9, 10, 11 west. First township meeting at the house of
Lewis C. Dunham, first Monday in April. Inspectors of election,
Robert Henderson, L. C. Dunham and John H. Wleel-r.
Wexford to embrace the territory of Township 24 north, Range
12 west. First town meeting at the house of William Masters.
Inspectors of election, Isaac U. 'Davis, Isaac N. Carpenter and
Lewis Cornell.
Springville to embrace the territory of Townships 21, 22, 23
north, of Ranges 11 and 12 west. First town meeting at the store
of L. G. Clark. Inspectors of election, A. C. Baker, Dan Jewett,
H. C. Dunning.
Colfax to embrace the territory of Townships 21, 22, 23 north,
of Ranges 9 and 10 west. First town meeting at the house of L.
W. Gates. Inspectors of election, William Goff, L. W. Gates and
N. Dayhuff.
Henderson was organized by act of legislature, approved
March 23, 1871, and embraced the territory of Township 21 north,
of Range 12 west. The first town meeting was held at the house
of Thomas S. Henderson on the first Monday of April, 1871. The
inspectors of election were Thomas Henderson, Hiram Owens and
Hall Cross.
The town of Thorp was organized by the board of supervisors
at the October session in 1870, and embraced the territory of
Township 22 north, of Range 10 west. The first atnual meeting
was held at the house of Eli J. Woodard. Inspectors of election
were Thomas J. Thorp, T. G. Thompson and D. A. Durphy.
Cherry Grove, Antioch and Clam Lake were organized by the
board of supervisors in 1872.
Cherry Grove embraced Township 21 north of Range 10 west.
The first town meeting was held at the house of James C. Dancers
on the first Monday of April, 1872. Inspectors of election were
J. R. Brisco, John Bonesteel and C. W. Miller.


Antioch embraced Townships 22 and 23 north, of Range 11
west The first town meeting was held at the house of Daniel Jewett
the first Monday of April, 1872. Inspectors of election were
George W. Wheeler, John Wheeler and H. J. Carpenter.
Clam Lake embraced Township 21 north, of Range 9 west.
The first town- meeting was held at the Mansion House, in the


mmal


- jr


a


F


l,




9-_v


1




~    I ll


I _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


el






*',bra
I. I


<i


I - -.                -* *  j t


I




340


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


village of Clam Lake. Inspectors of election were L. C. Shee, C.
W. Phillips and W. C. Armstrong.
Cedar Creek was organized by the board -of supervisors in
August, 1872, and embraced Township 28 ngrth,. of Range 9 west.
The first town meeting was held in April, 1873, at the house of
James Hawthorn. Inspectors of election were James Hawthorn,
Denmon More and John Carpenter.
In 1872, by act of legislature, the name of Thorp was changed
to Selma.
Greenwood was organized by act of legislature, approved Feb.
28, 1878, and embraced the territory of Township 24 north, of
Ranges 9 and 10 west. The first town meeting waits hel at the
house of Geo. W. Wheeler on tile first Monday of April, 1873.
Geo. W. Wheeler, Taylor Gray and John Hewlett were inspectors
of election.
Haring was organized by the legislature in 1873, and embraced the territory of Tonshllip 22 north, of Rnilge 9 west. The
first election was held at the house of C S. Haring, and the inspectors of election were C. S. Haring, J. E. Stewart and J. P.
Keatillng.
In 1873 Cleon was detached from Manlistee County and annexed to Wexford. The territory having belonged to another represenltative district, the act was, by decision of the supreme court,
unconstitutional.  However, in 1875 the legal annexation was
accoml?]ished, and Cleon remained a part of Wexford County until 1881, when it was set back to Manistee.
The town of Liberty was organized by the board of supervisors at the October session in 1874, and embraced tlhe territory of
Township 24 north, of Range 9 west. The first annual meeting
was appointed at the house of John W. Welton on the first Monday
of April, 1875. Taylor W. Gray, George W. Blue and John W.
Welton were inspectors of election.
Thle town of Boon was organized by the board of supervisors
at the October session inll 1875, and embrace-l territory described as
follows: 'Bounded on the north by Antioch, east by Selma, south
by Henderson and. west by Springville, and being- Township 22
north, of Range 11 west. The first annual m1eetingi was appointed
at the house of James E. Mansfield, on the first Monday in April,
1876. The inspectors of election were John Manlsfield, William
McNitt and John Perkins.
Thile town of Sihero-m wA3 orgranized by the board of supervisors inll March, 1877, and embraced territory described as follows:
Commencing at the southeast corner of Section 1, in Township 23
north, of Range 12 west, running east two miles to the southeast
comrner of Section 6, in Township 23 north, of Range 11 west,
thence north two miles to the northeast corner of Section 31, in
Township 24 north, of Range 11 west, thence west two miles to
the northwest corner of Section 36, in Township 24 north, of Range
12 west, thence south to o miles to place of begilnning. The first
town meeting was appointed at the postoffiee occupied by Charles
E. Cooper, April 16, 1877. Thile inspectors of election were John
H. Wheeler, O. B. Taylor and I. H. Maqueston. In 1879 this
town was vacated by act of legislature and the territory apportioned
among the towns of Springville, Antioch, Hanover and Wexford.
The town of Concord was organized by the board of supervisors at a meeting held in August, 1879, and embraced the following described territory: Bounded on the north by Sections 29 and


80, in Township 24 north, of Range 11 west, on the east by Section 88, in Township 24 north, of Range 11 west, and Section 4,
in Township 28 north, of Range 11 west, on the south by Sections
7 and 8, in Township 28 north, of Range 11 west, and on the west
by Section 1, in Township 28 north, of Range 12 west, and Section 86, in Township 24 north, of Range 12 west, consisting of


Sections 5 and 6 in Township 28 north, of Range 11 west, and
Sections 31 and 32, in Township 24 north, of Range U    -vest.
The first annual meeting was appointed at the postoffice in said
town on the eighth day of September, 1879. H. B. Sturtevant,
T. W. Rogers and H. J. Wheeler were inspectors of election. This
town is not recognized by the board of supervisors as a legal organization.
The town of South Branch was organized by the board of supervisors at a meeting held in November, 1880, and embraced the
following territory:  Township 21 north, of Range 12 west. The
first annual meeting was appointed at the school house in School
District Number 3, on the first Monday of April, 1881.  James
Banker, Neil D. Ford and Philip S. Frost, were inspectors of
election.
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
There is evidence of an early interest in the agricultural advancement of the county, in the fact that before the population of
the county thad reached 3,000, a county agricultural society was
organized. Early in October, 1873, a meeting was held at Sherman, a report of which was published in the local paper as follows:
At a meeting of the citizens of Wexford County at the courthouse in this village on Tuesday last for the purpose of organizing
an agricultural society, the following committee was chosen to draft
articles of association: T. A. Ferguson, C. Hollister and I. N.
Carpenter. The committee were requested to make their reports
onl Thurs lay evening. October 16th. As no more business came before the meeting, after a few remarks, it adjourned until Thursday
evening, at seven o'clock P. M.
SHERMAN, Oct. 16, 1873. —Thlle meeting was called to order by
Alonzo Chubb, chairman. On motion H. B. Sturtevant was chosen
secretary pro tem). The committee on articles of association made
their report. Onl motion of William Mears the report was accepted
and the committee discharged. Onl motion the articles were voted
onil separately and adopted. Onl motion of George Wheeler the
society proceeded tao elect the following officers:
President-Alonzo Chubb, Cleon.
Vice-Presidents —A. Lamb, Clam    Lake; T. A. Ferguson,
Hanover; and Warren Se-mAnl, Cedar Creek.
Secretary-George Manlton, Colfax.
Treasurer-C. J. Manktelow, Selna.
Directors  Chlauncey Hollister, Clam Lake; William E. Dean,
Springville; J. S. Walling, Antioch; H. B. Sturtevant, Hallover;
George Manton, Colfax; Warren Seaman, Cedar Creek; George
Wheeler, Greenwood; Philip Frost, Henderson; I. N. Carpenter,
Wexford; Alonzo Chubb, Cleon; C. J. Manktelow, Selmna.
On motion of T. A. Ferguson, the following persons were
chosen to draft by-laws for the government of this society:  George
Manton, I. N. Carpenter, C. J. Manllktelow.
Moved and carried -thle board of directors meet at Manton on
the second Tuesday of January, A. D. 1874, at 10 o'clock A. M.
On motion the meeting adjourned fsiwe dlie.
GEORGE MANTON, Sec.
The following is a list of names subscribed to the articles of
association immediately after their adoption: A. Chubb, William
E. Dean, Isaac N. Carpenter, J. S. Walling, William Mears, George
Manton, C. J. Manktelow, Warren Seaman, Philip S. Frost, T. A.
Ferguson, J. N. Hanna, H. W. Fast, H. B. Sturtevant, Charles E.
Cooper, W. H. Preston, H. J. Carpenter, R. Redeoff, W. K. Wart,


J. R. Gilbert, A. M. Lamb, S. Gasser, O. B. Taylor, George W.
Wheeler, Chauncey Hollister, Arthur Campbell, Edmond Austin,
Clarence Northrup.
Articles of association were adopted, of which the following
was the preamble:


ej


'{, *-".. _,_.....*:- L;:..-   s  i - * i [ L <*r- ^ X




'Lb,




4


I


a

I~ ~   -------




I


-L-   I


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


341


"In compliance with requirements of an act of the legislature,
entitled 'An act to authorize the formation of county and town
agricultural societies ' (said act having been approved February
12, 1855),
"We, the undersigned, citizens of We:rford County, in the state
of Michigan, and at the village of Sherman, this 16th day of Oc- i
tober, 1873, do hereby associate ourselves together under the name
and style of the Wexford County Agricultural, Manufacturing and
Mechanical Society, and do hereby agree to be regulated by the
following:"
The record of the meeting at Manton, in Janiuary, 1874, is as


follows:
The Wexford County A. M. & M. Society met at the village of
Manton on Tuesday, the 14th, and completed its organization by
adopting the articles of association presented by the committee on
the same. In the absence of the secretary, H. B. Sturtevant wa,
elected secretary pro tewr., and Arthur Campbell was elected director
for the township of Colfax in place of George Manton, removed.
On motion a committee o'f three consisting of Ezra Harger, William E. Dean and G. W. Wheeler, were appointed to draft a code
of by-laws, to be submitted at the next annual meeting on the first
Tuesday of June next. A committee was also appointed to procure
tickets, etc., for the fair. The meeting then adjourned to the next
annual meeting to be held as stated above.
In the evening a public meeting was held at the school house.
The meeting was called to order by Ezra Harger, G. W. Wheeler
called to the chair, and 0. P. Carver chosen secretary. Short
slpeeches were made by A. L. Thurston, Alonzo Chubb, H. B. Sturtevant and G. W. Wheeler, pertaining to clearing land, crops and
culture, seeding, stock and mechanics.
Very creditable annual fairs were held from that time on, and
in 1883 the society was reorganized and and grounds located at Cadillac.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
EZlRA HARGER, farmer, Colfax, Wexford County, was born in
Keint, Portage County, Ohio, in 1838; moved to St. Clair, Allegleny Coummty, Penn., with his parents wheni a child, and about
the year 1848 moved back to thie same place in Ohio, and in 1.852
went to Jefferson County, N. Y., and in the fall of the' same
year came to Lapeer County, Mich., and lived there till April, 1861,
when lie, being in Fulton County, Ohio, visiting a sister, enlisted
in thie Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, a three-months regiment; was
discharged at Toledo in August and returned to Lapeer County,
Mich., and in October, 1861, enlisted ill the Fifteenth United
States Infantry, and served in the Western Army till February,
1864, when lie re-enlisted for three -years, and was discharged in
February, 1867. Soou after that tiime came to the Traverse Region looking for land, and in August of the same year located a
homestead of eighty acres on Section 12, Township 23, Range 10,
where lie now lives. Has since bought forty acres adjoining his
homiestead, has put up fine buildings and tmade large improvements. The county was organized two years after lie camie in.
He helped to organize the township. *Has been county treasurer six
years, supervisor one year and justice of the peace ever since lie
moved into this part of the county; also township treasurer three
years. Was the first settler in Manton, and in company with William Mears and George Manton, platted the village and lie built the
first building at Manton. In August, 1872, he moved from Lapeer
County to his present home with an ox team in mid-winter and
broke the road most of the way. Married Dec. 25, 1867, to Mary
Bayes, of Ohio. They have three daughters living.
J. FouST, merchant and postmaster, Wexford, was born in


Ohio in 1837. Was engaged in farming and mining coal in Ohio
till 1865, when lie came to Grant, Wexford County, Mich., and
located a homestead of 160 acres on Section 36. Now owns eighty
acres of the same land. Has built a fine house. Commenced the
sale of 'ry goods, groceries, etc., in 1871, in company with W.
N. Mears. The partnership ceased in the fall of the same year.
Since that time has carried on the business alone. Was appointed
postmaster Jan. 8, 1872. Still holds the office. Has been justice
of the peace one term. Mfrs. Foust carries on the millinery, dress
making and fancy goods business. He was married in 1864 to
Anna M. Conn, of Ohio. They have one son, John Calvin, and
one daughter, Jennie.
D. W. CONNINE, physician, also dealer in dry goods, groceries,
provisions, boots and shoes, hats, caps and clothing, drugs, medicines and notions, confectionery, cigars and tobacco, Wexford,
established in 1882; also practices medicine. Was born in Onondag.; County, N. Y., in 1832. Came to Cass County, Mich., in
1846, with  his parents.  Attended school in that county and
also the Bennett College at Chicago, and graduated in 1854, and
commenced the practice of his profession in Chicago, remaianing a
few years. Returned to Cass County, Micl., and practiced mledicine about five years; thence went to Pleasant Hill, Mo., from there
to Tuscumbia, Ala., thence to Florence, Ala., then returned to
Cass County, Mich., and in 1880 moved to Shlermnan, Wexford
County, and in 1882 camne to Wexford postoffice. Has been practicing medicine all these years. Married in 1854 to Margaret A.
Tice, of Albany, N. Y., who died Feb. 22, 1871..They had one
son and one daughter. Second marriage in 1873 to Johanna Klatt.
They have one child.
H. C. MEYER, merchant, of Antioch, Wexford County, was
born in Germany, Sept. 17, 1846. Came to America in 1857 with
his parents, landing in New York City January 8th. They settled
in Lehigh County, Penn., where they now live. There hc was
brought up and attended school. Was graduated at the Polytechnic
School of Philadelphia. June 13, 1861, lie enlisted with all his
class in the Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and alter examination
was detailed to the signal corps, in which he served in California,
on the Plains, in West Virginia, and in the army of the Cumberland, accomipanying Sherman's march to the sea. Was mustered
out July 12, 1865. Was married Aug. 26, 1865, to Meta Mechlin,
who died Nov. 22, 1866, leaving one son who has since died. Mr.
Meyer followed civil engineering for ten years for thie Maxatowiny
Iron Company. June 9, 1876, lie came to Antioch and enigaged in
farming. Was elected supervisor two years after lie came and
held the office five years. On the establishment of the Bandola
p0ostoffice he was.appointed postmaster, and has held the offi:e ever
since. Engaged in the mercantile business in -1882.
H. C. FOXWORTHY, teacher and postmaster, Colfax, was born
in Morgan County, Ind., 1848. Followed music and school teaching in that state till 1880, when lie came to Liberty Township,
Wexford County, and to Colfax in 1883, where he follows the same
business. Is a member of the county board of school examinmmers.
Was appointed postmaster at Colfax in December, 1883. Marri'ied
Feb. 28, 1879, to Zilpha Laforce, a native of Indiana. They have
two children.
CHARLES DECHLOW, farmer, of Antioch, Wexford County, was
born in Berlin, Prus ia, in 1825, came to America ill 1857, and


settled in St. Joseph County, Michi., where he engaged in farming.
Being a baker by trade lie was for a year employed- in baking for
troops which rendezvoused in that county during the war. Came
to Wexford County in 1871, and bought his present farnm in Section 4, Town 23, Range 11. Bought 160 acres, of which lie has
givenu  a part to his son, and sold forty acres, ret.iminig sixty




1


~I r-.


- --. Iblow-li..1i..I....




lw




_ l: A,I 
q '.1 


342


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


acres. Has lately bought 120 acres in Town 24, Range 11, and
has other lands in the vicinity. He was two years highway commissioner and then town clerk for seven years. Has been moderator of school district. Was married in 184S to Henrietta Schultz.
They have one son and one daughter. Three children have died.
GEORGE W. BLUE, farmer, town of Liberty, Wexford County,
was born in the town of Marathon, Lapeer County, Mich., Sept.
21, 1846. At the age of twenty-one went to Iowa. Made his
home there five or six years and in Kansas one year. In the fall
of 1878 came to Wexford County and homesteaded forty acres of
land in Section 82, Town 24, Range 9, where he now resides. Has
since bought eighty acres in Section 28. Has been supervisor of
the town four terms, and has also been commissioner of highways
and justice of the peace. Was married Oct. 1, 1867, to Rachel
Harger, a native of Pennsylvania. Has one son and two daughters.
TAYLOR W. GRAY, farmer, of Liberty, Wexford County, was
born in Morgan County, Ind., Jan. 6, 1839, and was brought up
there. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Thirty-third Indiana
Infantry Regiment, serving ill the western army and under Sherman in the march to the sea. Was in the battles of Thompson's
Station, Tenn., Resaca, Ga., Dallas Wood, Peach Tree Creek, etc.
Mustered out in July, 1865, and returned to Morgan County, Ind.
Caine to Wexford County in the spring of 1870 and took as a
homestead his present farm of eighty acres in Section 28, Town
24, Range 9, being the first settler in the town. Has been supervisor of the town of Liberty two years and treasurer three years.
He was married April 10, 1864, to Emma Nichols, who died April
30, 1871, leaving three children. He was married in March, 1872,
to Mrs. Jane Yeomans, who had three children. Four children
have been born to them.
ISAAC N. CARPENTER, faimer, Wexford Township, was born in
Harmony, Chautauqua County, N. Y., June 7, 1838; brought up on
a farm, learned the carpenter's trade and worked at that business
seven years. He came to Michigan in the spring of 1864 and settled in Kalamazoo Count, where lie lived till the fall of 1865 when
lie came to what is now Wexford County and took a homestead of
160 acres on Section 26, Township 24, Range 12, where lie has
lived ever since that time, except four years that lie had charge of the
county farm in Antioch Township. Has been supervisor four terms
in Wexford Township and two teims in Antioch; was the first prohate judge in Wexford County. Married in 1859 to Charlotte E.
Baldwin, of Allegany Couunty, N. Y., who died in 1869. They
ihad two children. Second marriage in December, 1871, to Anna
Clark, of Allegany County, N. Y. They have two sons.
HOWARD MESICK, farmer, Springville, Wexford County, was
born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1838, moved to Canada with
his parents when a child, and in 1845 they moved to Oswego, N.
Y., thence to Columbia County, N. Y., and in 1852 moved again to
Canadai and one year later moved to Marshall, Calhoun County,
Mich., remaining two years, and in 1855 came to Muskegon County
and settled near Big Rapids, now Mecosta County.  This was the
first load of household furniture moved into Big Rapids. He went
to Lake Superior and spent one season; returning to Traverse City,
and with the help of one man, cut thirty-six miles of the state road
between that place and Otsego Lake; was engaged in hunting and
trapping for many years after coming into this part of the country,
and finally settled on Section 12, Township 23, Range 12, where he
owns 160 acres of land, with 100 acres improved; has a fine house


and barn, good orchard, etc. Has been highway commissioner six
years. Married in 1868 to Eleanor Baker, of Ohio. They have four
children.
WIuLLIA E. DEAN, farmer, Springville, Wexford Co., Mich., was
born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1846, came to the Traverse


I


I


reg'on in 1866, three years before Wexford County was organized,
it being at that time attached to Manistee County for judicial purposes. He settled on Section 2, Township 23, Range 12 west,
when there were only seven settlers in Manistee County soutlh of
the river. Was one of the board of supervisors in 1869 when the
county of Wexford was organized, and has held the office ever since,
except four years. He has been justice of the peace since 1872 and
has held some one of the school offices since he moved into this
part of the county. He located a homestead of 160 acres. Has improved eighty acres. Put up buildings, planted an orchard, etc.
Married, 1867, to Demarius C. Baldwin, who came to what is now
Wexford Township in 1865. They have five children.
CHAPTER LII.
SHERMAN AND MANTON.
VILLAGE OF SHERMAN-LOCATION-EARLY SETTLERS-FIRST BUSINESS
INTERESTS-GLIMPSES OF THE VILLAGE AT DIFFERENT PERIODS
— CHURCH AND SOCIETIES-THE PIONEER-BIOGRAPHICAL-VILLAGE OF MANTON-FIRST VILLAGE PLAT-EARLY CHURCH HISTORY- GENERAL   PROGRESS-SOCIETIES-THE TRIBUNE —BIOGRAPHICAL.
Sherman is the oldest village in Wexford County, and for several years enjoyed the distinction of being the county seat. The
village site occupies one of the finest locations in Northern Michigan. The village extends to the bank of the Manistee River, known
to be one of the finest in the state. At this point the river is about
sixteen feet deep, and i. Jarly one hundred feet in width.
The village is not only surrounded by an excellent farming
country, but on three sides of it, more especially on the noith and
west, well-tilled farms abound to an extent that is not usually found
in so new a country. The village is situated at the corner of the
towns of Wexford, Hanover, Antioch and Springville.
LEWIS J. CLARK, who died Dec. 27, 1877, was the pioneer
business man of Sherman. He was born in Medina, N. Y., Nov.
19, 1826, consequently he was a little over fifty-one yeatrs of age at
the time of his death. His early years were spent at home, where
he learned the different branches of woolen manufacture in his father's factory at that place. For a number of years lie worked at
the same business in different factories in Central New York. In
1852 he went to Chicago where he engaged in different lines of
business till about 1864, when he moved to the Fox Islands, near
the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay, and with othlier parties, engaged
in mercantile business. In 1867, in connection with the late Geo.
W. Bryant, he built and stocked a store near the state road bridge.
The next year he came up to the town corners and built the first
frame building where Sherman now stands. This building lie occupitd as a store 'till 1871, when he retired from trade.
The postoffice of Sherman was established in 1868 with John
Perry as postmaster. In 1869 L. J. Clark was appointed and
the office was moved into his store. Since the close of Mr. Clark's
term the postmasters have been E. W. Stewart, J. S. Walling, C.
E. Cooper, H. B. Sturtevant, H. F. Campbell, and J. H. Wheeler.
Mr. Wheeler has held the office since Jan. 1, 1880.


Upon the organization of the county in 1869 the county seat
was located at Sherman, a circumstance that brightened its prospects for becoming a point of business importance.
In June, 1869, Isaac H. and Edward G. Maqueston came to
Sherman.
At that time Lewis J. Clark was keeping a small store and the


-




i.1 oll


V


p


__




w    -- ------


II o


I




Ae~


t
4


jA!


F -


I

THE TRAVERSE REGION.


343






postoffice, and Sylvester Clark kept hotel in his log house. The
Maqueston Bros. opened a store in September and became permanent business meti of the place. Edward died in 1880, and
Isaac is still engaged in business at this point. H. B. Sturtevant
and E. Gilbert also became residents of the place about this time.
The first school was taught by Mr. H. B. Sturtevant, in a
small building during the winter of 1869-'70. During the following winter he taught in a building a portion of which was used as
the office of the prosecuting attorney. Thle school house was built
in 1872.
Tile following mention of Sherman was ni:de in October, 1869:
-"Half a mile south of the point where the Northport and Newaygo
State Road crosses the Manistee River, on a high, level and beautiful table-land, is the village of Sherman, tile county seat of tilhe
newly organized county of Wexford. No pleasanter site for a village could be desired.
"Messrs. Sylvester and Henry Clark are the prol)rietors of the
village plat. We have no doubt they will consult the interests of
the village and surroundinlg country by offering liberal terms to
persons who may be desirous of purchasing property and settling
in their new and promising village.
"The first blow was struck at Sherman on the 17th of July,
1868, only a little over a year ago. But little was done, however,
until the past summer. Now they have two stores, one of which,
erected by Mr. Henry Clark for Maqueston Bros., and occupied by
them, is 22x60 feet, two-stories high, well finished and painted,
and filled with a fine stock of goods.
"Mr. Sylvester Clark, an old hand at the business, keeps the
hotel and stage house. Mr. Clark knows how the thing is done,
and does it. And Mrs. Clark understands right well the duties of
landlady, and makes her customers feel at home. We have found
no better quarters at any hotel in the Grand Traverse Region than
at Mr. Clark's. A blacksmith shop and several dwellings are now
being built.
"A good road will soon be opened to saw and grist mills, two
and a half miles west. The country around is well settled and
bound to go ahead. One settler in the township has 800 bushels
of winter wheat of his own raising the present year."
EARLY RELIGIOUS INTERESTS.
From a sketch prepared by Mr. H. B. Sturtevant we gather
the following information pertaining to the first religious efforts
and the M. E. society at Sherman:
The first preaching service in Sherman was held oil the last
Sunday of December, 1869, in the hall over Maqueston Bros.' store,
by the late Rev. A. K. Harrington, a Baptist minister. At that
time there were but two families at this point belonging to any
church.
In  January, 1870,   presiding Elder Boynton, with Rev.
Thorn is Cayton, then acting as a local preacher, visited Sherman
for the purpose of arranging for regular religious services. In
that they were successful, and Mr. Cayton filled the appointment
regularly, preaching once in two weeks until the annual conference
ill the fall of 1870, and walking twelve miles to and from his appointmnent.
Ill Febru'ary, 1870, tile first sacramental service was held, conducted by Revs. Boynton and Cayton. There were present who
took part in the service, Thomas A. Ferguson, H. B. Sturtevant
and Rhoda A. Sturtevant. At the close of the service a meeting


was held at the residence of Mr. Ferguson to take steps toward the
organization of a class, and at that meeting was formed the present M. E. Church of Sherman.
After the annual conference in 1870, Rev. A. L. Thurston
supplied the work here until the conference of 1871, when lie was






succeeded by Rev. John Hall, who preached as a supply one year.
In the fall of 1872 Rev. W. R. Stinchcomb was sent as resident
pastor. The pastors since then have been Revs. Robinson, Hicks,
Blake and Eldred.
The first prayer meeting was held in March, 1871, at the
house of George Wheeler, and was organized by Mr. and Mrs.
George Wheeler, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Sturtevant, Mr. and Mrs. T.
A. Ferguson and William Thomas.
Preaching services were for some time alternated with tihe
Congregational Church, and were held ill the hall and school
house. After the Congregational Church was built that building
was used for a time. In 1881 a church building was erected, and
dedicated in November of that year. The building is 30x50 feet
in size, and cost $1,600. At the dedication a balance of $250 was
raised, which cleared the society from debt. The present memlbership is about sixty.
In 1869 Hon. T. A. Felrguson, the first lawyer in the county,
settled here and built a house. His first suit was held before Isaac
N. Carpenter, Esq. Tile first term of the circuit court was held ill
August, 1869, Hon. J. G. Ramsdell on the bench.
In 1870 the village plat was purchased by Mr. Sanford Gasser.
In 1872 the court house and jail were built, and the various
interests of a business community began to gather. During this
year Lewis J. Clark built the pioneer drug store and occupied it a
short time. William Mears was also one of the early merchants of
the place. He built tile store now occupied by Sturtevant & Hopkins.
The Wexford County P'ineer' was established at Sherman in
the spring of 1872 by Cooper & Tucker, and subsequently passed into
the hands of Charles E. Cooper, who sold it in 1877 to Charles S.
Marr. In 1878 it became the property of Campbell & Wheeler,
and afterward of J. H. Wheeler. It was started as a five-column
folio and enlarged to a five-column quarto. Politicilly it is
Republican.
JOHN H. WHEELER, editor and proprietor of the 'ii,,,er, was
born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1840. Was brought up
there and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In September,
1861, lie enlisted in the Forty-fourth New York Infantry, known
as Ellsworth's Avengers. Served nearly through the war in the
Army of the Potomac taking part in most of the battles of that
army-the second Bull Run, Gettysburg, Antietam, etc. Mustered out in October, 1864. Returned to Cattaraugus County and
was married there Oct. 17, 1865, to Georgiana I. Fox, wlho died
Oct. 8, 1882, leaving two daughters. Camine the same year to Wexford County and took a homestead in what is now tihe towni of
Hanover. Built a mill, the first frame building in the county,
and built also the first frame dwelling-house iii the county. At
the first election in the county, which was separately organized in
the spring of 1869, lie was elected county treasureri. Was supervisor in the towns of Sherman, Antioch and Concord, five years
in all. Up to 1878 lie workei at his trale most of the time. Iln
that year lie bought a half interest in the l'iocer of which lie became sole proprietor in 1880. He was census enumerator in 1880
for five towns in the vicinity. The samn? year lie was appointed
postmaster at Shermnn and has since held the office. He is county
superintendent of the p)oor, secretary of the county Republican
committee, great sachiem of the Improved Order of Red Men of the
state of Michigan and commander of T. A. Ferguson Post No. 225,


Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Wheeler's family consists of
two daughters.
Tile death of Mrs. Wheeler was an event of more than
ordiniary sorrow, and was mourned throughout the county. She
was born at Moliawk, Herkimer County, N. Y., July 24, 1847.


-T




I


F




m —.-__


-9 


"W 37e-l


__ _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  




-^"5


V,.......-.I.. 


344


THE TRAVERSE REGION




Her father, F. J. Fox, removed to Oswayo, Potter County, Pa.,
when she was a mere child, and engaged in the lumbering business,
where he remained until 1859, when he removed to Cattaraugus
County, N. Y. Just after this last removal Georgia left home to
attend the Oxford Seminary, where she remained for three years,
acquiring such a thorough education as enabled her to enter upon
a successful course of teaching, in which she engaged until the
spring of 1865.
Mr. Wheeler became acquainted with Miss Fox in the summer
of 1864, while at home from the army on a furlough, and their
marriage took place Oct. 17, 1865. The bridal tour consisted of a
migratory journey to the wilds of Northern Michigan, and Nov. 1,
1865, located in this county, at that time unorganized, and commenced the task of assisting her husband in clearing a farm  and
making a home. Four children were born to them: Bertie,
Effie, Ralph and Ethel. Two, Effie and Ethel, survive their
mother.
Of those first days in this new, wild country, we quote what
has already been written as follows:
"Not many refined and talented young ladies of the present
day, who delight in social intercourse and pleasa:nt surroundings,
would think that they could go away bxck into an almost unbroken wilderness, 125 miles from a railroad, with six months of
the year practically closed to all outside communication except the
slow and tedious overland mail which only enabled a person'to get
an answer to a letter after four or five weeks of anxious waiting.
Their little log house of 12x16 constituting kitchen, pantry, bedroom sitting-room and parlor,. the only partitions being imaginary lines on the puncheon floor; their nearest neighbor half or
three-fourths of a mile distant, and the only road thereto being a
line of blazed trees through an unbroken forest. Yet true love
conquers all difficulties and laughs at all privations, arid when
man's strong arm is nerved by a noble woman's love the densest
forest will melt 'away; houses, mills and work shops will grow up,
and the grandeur of happy homes and noble aspirations will so fill
the heart that their memory can never be effaced. Such the love,
such the privation, such the fruition and such the memory."
Mrs. Wheeler was ever a very useful member of society, one
of the most active of the temperance workers, and an interesting
writer, and was a frequent and valued contributor to the columns of
the Pioneer.
In August, 1872, the village was mentioned as follows: "It
now contains about twenty families and a population of less than
one hundred persons.
"Two hotels, two grocery stores and a drug store comprise
the principal business places. A large and tasty court-house is
nearly finished and will soon be ready for use.  A jail is also soon
to be erected, which will complete the list of county buildings..
"The Pio,,eer is a neat little paper published in the place by
Messrs. Cooper & Tucker. Messrs. T. A. Ferguson, Maqueston
Bros., William Mears and J. J. Clark are among the most energetic business mea of the place, and are using every exertion to
build it up."
The Congregational society at Sherman was organized by Bev.
Mr. Denton in the fall of 1872. The original members were C. L.
Northrup and wife, Gilbert Northrup, Andrew Anderson and wife,


H. I. Devoe and wife. In 1874 Rev. R. Redeoff became pastor,
and in October of that year the new church was dedicated. The
event was mentioned at the time as follows:
"The Congregational Church, of Sherman, was dedicated for
ivine worship on Sabbath, Oct. 11. Rev. Leroy Warren, of
Pentwater, preached two very beautiful and profitable sermons on
the occasion. The building is 29+x586. The cost when finished






I


will be something over $2.000, This Is the first church edifice in
this part of the county. It is a plain but very substantial building.
Much credit is due to Mr. Lyman, the contractor, for the way in
which the work has been done."
In June, 1882, a new bell was donated to, the society by Mr. I.
H. Maqueston. It weighs 800 pounds and cost $250. Mr. Redeoff is the present pastor.
The population and advantages of the village were mentioned
in February, 1878, as follows:,,The village of Sherman is the oldest place in Wexford
County and contains a population of from 250 to 300 inhabitants.
The business of the town depends mainly on the farming interest
for support, although a brisk trade is done with the lumber camps
along the Manistee. The pressing need of Sherman is a railroad;
and though without it the village can never attain much size, still
it has many natural advantages which cannot be overlooked.
Among these may be mentioned the excellent waterpower, and the
fine farming country by which it is surrounded. While its growth
will, perhaps, not be as rapid as that of lumbering towns, it will enjoy a permanent growth to keep pace with the development of the
surrounding country."
Lack of railroad facilities prevented Sherman from growing
as it would have done with such means of travel and transportation, and that need still remains. The county seat was of no particular advantage to the place, and when it was removed to
Cadillac the village did not materially suffer.
The building of a flouring-mill at this point in 1876 was of
great importance to this region of country. The enterprise was mentioned in the local paper as follows in the winter of 1877:
" The demand for a number of years has been for a grist-mill
that could fully supply the demands of the public. Many are the
propositions that have been made looking to this end, but nothing
tangible was reached till at a public meeting in May last the citizens
decided that they sho(ld have a mill. A subscription paper was
started, and very soon a thousand dollars was subscribed, the amount
to be paid to any person or persons that would erect and put in running order a grist-mill as described in the specifications.
"Four or five different parties canvassed the matter, but business hung fire till about the first of September, when Messrs.
Shackleton & Bennett, of Clam Lake, accepted the proposition with
a proviso that two hundred dollars more should be raised, making a
donation of twelve hundred dollars. This amount was raised and
business commenced in earnest.
"The contracts erecting the building and putting it in slhape
for the reception of the machinery were let to John H. Wheeler, the
leading mechanic and master builder of this northern region. He
broke ground for his work about the middle of September, on the
creek about three-quarters of a mile north of Sherman, on the state
road. The building is thirty-two by fifty feet, four stories high, and
Mr. Wheeler completed his job in his usual workmanship manner,
and delivered it over to the millwrights about the middle of November.
" Messrs. Baldwin & Dean built the dam, a spile dam, in
accordance with instructions given them.  Their work has been
accepted. Through accidents that were beyond the control of any
human being, their work was delayed and made expensive. We
know the work was finally done to the perfect satisfaction of Messrs.
Shackleton & Bennett. The same parties afterwards excavated the


ground for the bulk liead, as it is called, and opened the tail race
for the mill.
" The machinery was put in by Messrs. Butterworth & Lowe, a
Grand Rapids' firm, on a contract of something over four. thousand
dollars, as we understand, under the supervision of Mr. S. Canfield,






I


i


I






i —           i             -_  l* --


I

A- -




I




a     oll"D,
-1
N ---,                                  j








*_:J. -


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


345


a gentleman in his general depoitment, and a millwright whose
own work alone will attest his skill and ability.
"In subscribing to the original amount necessary to start the
enterprise, all of our citizens were liberal in accordance with
their means. Every man did his level best, but distinguished among
them were the Hon. T. A. Ferguson, Maquoston Bros., who put up
one hundred dollars each, and some of our substantial farmers, like
Elon Cornell, have paid their proper dues.
At present there are two run of stone and a place left to put in
the third at any time when the demand calls for it.
The mill is now owned and operated by Isaac H. Maqueston.
MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES.
Powhatan Tribe, No. 12, I. 0. of R. M., was organized in May,
1876, and is still in prosperous existence, iith about thirty members. Present officers: Sachem, W. L. Sturtevant; senior sagamore, I. N. Carpenter; junior sagamore, Nathan Gree-n; chief of
records, H. D. Griswold; keeper of wampum, E. D. Abbott; representative to Grand Council, H. D. Griswold;   alternate, L. P.
Champenois.
Sherman Grange, No. 632, was organized in February, 1877,
and officers elected as follows: Master, I. N. Carpenter; overseer,
Hiram Taylor; lecturer, W. E. Dean; steward, George Taylor; assistant steward, Frank Taylor; chaplain, 0. D. Dean; tieasurer,
Mrs. H. Taylor; secretary, Mrs. W. E. Dean; gate-keeper, W. P.
Ogden; Ceres, Mrs. George Taylor; Pomona, Mrs. D. B. Baldwin;
Flora, Miss Mabel Carpenter; lady assistant steward, Mrs. Frank
Taylor. Present officers:  Master, H. P. Griswold; overseer, J. L.
Snethen; lecturer, I. N. Carpenter; treasurer, George Crites; steward, Elihu Sperry; assistant steward, W. E. Dean; chaplain, J. S.
Walling; secretary, George B. Taylor; gate-keeper, James Nichols.
There are about fifty-three members at the present time.
Sherman Lodge, No. 336, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted in March,
1880, by District Deputy Bowdish, of Monroe Center Lodge. The
following officers were installed:  J. F. Barnard, N. G.; W. R.
Ferguson, V. G.; F. D. Sturtevant, secretary; J. N. Hanna, treas.
urer. 'Present membership about twenty-five. Officers in 1884: N.
G., Jacob Bullion; V. G., Frank Foster; treasurer, S. S. Fort; secretary, Orley Richardson.
T. A. Ferguson Post, No. 226, G. A. R., was musteied in
March 4, 1884, with seventy-four members. The officers are as
follows:  Commander, J. H. Wheeler; senior vice-commander,
William Derr; junior vice-commander, C. W. Babcock; Q., H. B.
Stdrtevant; adjutant, L. P. Champenois; chaplain, Rev. A. F.
Choat; O. D, Henderson Smith; 0. G., J. B. Blair.
Sherman Lodge, F. & A. M., is working under dispensation
granted by the Grand Lodge at the session in January, 1884. There
were thirteen charter members. The principal officers are-W. M.,
James Ransom; S. W., George B. Taylor; J. W., B. H. Rose;
secretary, J. A. Purvis; treasurer, L. Harris.
Sherman has always been noted for the purity of its morals, and
in matters of temperance particularly, the people have taken a lively
interest. Some form of temperance organization has been in existence
since 1874. There is now a Good Templars' Lodge with a member
ship of about fifty. Officers first quarter in 1884: W. C. T., A.W.
Blanchard; W. V. T., Nellie Robinson; W. S., S. W. Rose; W. F. S.,
B S. Taylor; W. T., Mrs. Marr; W.M., Walter Avery; W.D. M.,
Tillie Martin; W. I. G., Etta Robinson; 0. G., William  Baker;


R. H. S., Mattie Gregg; L. H. S, Minnie Stanley.
There is also a Woman's Christian Temperance Union maintained. Present officers: President, Mrs. S. C. Rose; recording
secretary, Mrs. C. S. Marr; treasurer, Millie E. Rose; corresponding and financial secretary, Mrs. Sanford Gasser.


BIOGRAPHICAL.
MAQUESTON & Co., merchants, Sherman, Wexford County.
The business was established in 1869 by Maqueston Bros., and
has now grown to large proportions. They carry a large stock of
dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, crockery,
Yankee notionsa, etc.
ISAAC H. MAQUESTON was born in Rockland County, N. Y., in
1847; lived in that state and was engaged in selling goods till 1869,
when he came to Sherman. The county seat was located at Sherman soon after he came to the place; was one of the first settlers
in the county. There were less than 500 inhabitants in the county
when he moved in. He built the flouring-mill at Sherman in 1879.
The mill has a capacity of fifty barrels' per -day and does the custom grinding for the northwestern portion of the county. The
store was the first one built in Wexford County. It was built by
Henry Clark, now living at Duluth, Minn.
H. B. STURTEVANT, merchant, Sherman, was born in Weybridge, Addison County, Vt., May 30, 1840. He was brought
up on a farm; moved to Livingston County, Mich., in the fall of
1860; attended the Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich., two years.
Enlisted, in company with 100 of his school-mates, Aug. 16, 1862,
in the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry; served in ninth corps in
the army of the Potomac; were engaged at South Mountain, Md.,
and at Antietam, where they lost heavily, his regiment coming out
of the battle with only 300 men; also served in the western army;
discharged in the fall of 1863 and returned to Michigan and lived
in Unadilla, Livingston County, where he was engaged in farming
till 1866, when he moved to Owosso, Mich., and came to Sherman
in 1869, when there was only one building-store and postoffice of
L. J. Clark. He was elected county clerk and register of deeds in
1870; commenced his mercantile business in 1876 and has done a
prosperous business since that time; has been justice of the peace
ever since he came to Sherman; was supervisor one term; married
Nov. 26, 1865, to Rhoda Ann Dunn, of Livingston County, Mich.
They have an adopted child.
E. GILBERT, merchant, of Sherman, Wexford County, was
born at Brockville, Ind., in 1848. During bis infancy his parents
moved to Hudson, Mich., where he was brought up on a farm.
Came thence to Sherman in 1869, being one of the first settlers at
this point. Spent about two years in looking pine lands; then
operated the Grant House, now the Corey House, a year. Was employed about four and a half years in the store of Maqueston
Bros., after which lie engaged in general merchandising, the firm
being E. Gilbert & Co. Sold out and went into partnership with
Maqueston, firm being Maqueston & Gilbert.   In June, 1883,
went into business alone at his present location on Manistee Street.
Carries a full stock of general merchandise. Was treasurer of the
town of Concord one year. Was married in May, 1872, to Mary
A. Fox, a native of New York, and has one child. Mrs. Gilbert
has a millinery establishment in the same block with the general
store.
STURTEVANT & MORRELL, furniture, Sherman, established their
business in 1881. Deal in all kinds of furniture, also do an undertaking business. F. J. Morrell was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., in 1851; learned the cabinet making business in
that town and carried on business there till 1878, when he came to
Sherman and was engaged in teaching till 1881, when the firm


established their business. He has been township clerk one year
and superintendent of schools one year. Married in 1877 to Lena
Palmer of Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, N. Y. They have two
living children, having lost two by death.
H. DWIGHT GMISWOLD, physician, Sherman, was born in Brooklyn, Jackson County, Mich., in 1840; was educated in New York;


I




- 0-4


[


j


d I I
+.;All                                                                                                                                                                                                                             -   -                v




. I




I


f346


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


received his collegiate education in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he
was graduated in 1865; commenced the practice of his profession
in Jackson County; was in the newspaper business for some time
in Detroit, Chicago and St. Louis; came to Sherman in spring of
1872; was the first practicing physician in Wexford County; has
been practicing in the vicinity of Sherman since coming to the
-county; married in 1881 to May Fancher, of New York.
CORBIN & WOODS, druggists, Sherman, established their business in 1881; keep a good stock of drugs, medicines, perfumeries,
toilet articles, wall paper, curtain fixtures and school books and
stationery. F. E. Corbin, M. D., was born in Grand Rapids, Mich.,
in 1847. His father went to California in 1849 and died soon
after. His mother soon moved to Schoolcraft, Mich. Dr. Corbin
was educated at the Baptist Seminary in Schoolcraft; studied medicine with Dr. D. B. Barnum, of that place, and received his collegiate and medical education at Ann Arbor, and received the degree of M. D. before he was twenty-one years of age; then went
to Detroit and was in the employ of John Haney, druggist, for one
year; then attended the Detroit Medicl1 College one year, when
lie graduated and went to Mendon, Mich., where he practiced his
profession three years; thence to Three Rivers where he was in the
practice of his profession; also kept a drug store three years; from
there moved to Park, in the same county, and practiced three years;
came to Sherman in 1881 and started a drug store in company
with Mr. Woods, his present partner; has practiced his profession;
has been proprietor of the hotel at Sherman since July, 1883.
Married in 1872 to Sarah Leidy, of Pennsylvania. They have two
daughters, Maude and Bessie.
GASSER & MARR,-1law, loan and insurance, Sherman, established their business Feb. 1, 1883. The firm represents the Home
Insurance Co., of New York, and also the Traders, of Chicago;
also loan money.
C. S. MARR is the lawyer of the firm. He was born in Montezuma, Cayuga County, N. Y., in 1849; moved to Battle Creek,
Calhoun County, Mich., with his parents in 1864; received his education at Lawrence University, at Appleton, Wis., and studied
law at Battle Creek, Mich.; admitted to practice at Charlotte,
Eaton County, Mich., by Judge Woodruff, in June, 1875, and
came to Sherman in the fall of the same year and commenced the
practice of his profession; was editor of the Wexford County
Pioneer one and one half years; remained in Sherman till 1878,
then moved to the south part of the state; returned to Sherman in
February, 1883; married March 18, 1875, to Victoria Lobdell, of
Battle Creek, Mich. They have one child.
SANFORD GASSER was born in Indiana; came from that state
to Big Rapids, Mich., in 1862; has been a speculator in pine lands;
came to Sherman in 1870 and bought the land where Sherman
now stands; now resides with his family at Sherman.
B. WooDS, druggist, Sherman, was born in Albany, N. Y., in
1847; moved to Lockport, Niagara County, N. Y., in 1850; remained in that city till 1865, then went to Oil City, Pa., and
worked about six months, and in the fall of the same year, moved
to Grand Rapids, Mich., and was employed by Cook & Skinner,
stage proprietors, till 1870, when he came to Sherman and kept
the hotel till 1874; then, in company with Mr. E. Gilbert, commenced running a stage from  Sherman to Manton, also from
Sherman to Traverse City. At the end of four years bought out
the interest of his partner and continued running the line to


Traverse City till the route was changed. Is still running the
stage and carrying the mail to Manton. In 1881 he entered into
partnership with Dr. Corbin in the drug business at Sherman,
which is still carried on by the firm. Married in August, 1870, to
Luey Clark, of Marine City, Mioh. They have five children.
--


L. A. AVERY, blacksmith and wagon maker, of Sherman, Wexford County, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., Aug. 18, 1835.
Learned his trade there. Came to Grand Traverse County in 1863
and settled at Monroe Centre, where he engaged in farming, working somewhat, also, at his trade. Came to Sherman in 1874 and
built the shop he now occupies. Has held the offices of town clerk
and school director in Mayfield, and highway commissioner in
Concord. Was married Nov. 28, 1857, to Miss Susan E. Sylvester,
a native, also, of Steuben County, N. Y. They have five children,
the eldest in Dakota, the others in Sherman. They lost two children.
D. V. EMMONS, druggist and grocer, of Sherman, Wexford
County, was born in Oakland County, Mich., March 18, 1811. At
about the age of six, he came-with his parents to Kent County,
Mich., where he was brought up. Enlisted June 10, 1861, in the
Third Michigan Infantry of the Third Division, Second Corps,
Army of the Potomac. Was in the first battle of Bull Run and
in nearly all the battles of the Army of the Potomac. He was
mustered out in June, 1864. Returned to Kent County and engaged in the drug trade. Came to Sherman in the fall of 1878 and
established his present business. Married Dec. 24, 1861, to
Medora S. Reed. They have one daughter. Three children have
died. Mr. Emmons carries a general line of drugs, fancy and
toilet articles, and of groceries.
WILLIAM DERR, miller, of Sherman, Wexford County, was
born in Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio, May 3, 1846. Was
brought up at Fort Wayne, Ind., on a farm. Came to Traverse
County, Mich., in 1866. Worked at farming and lumbering. In
1872 came to Sherman, and was for six years proprietor and driver
of the stage line from Traverse City to Manton. Oct. 28, 1878,
went to work in Maqueston's flour mill, of which he has been in
charge since April, 1881. Married Jan. 27, 1878, to Elizabeth
Martin, a native of New Jersey, and has three children.
ALBERT BENNETT, harness maker, Sherman, established his
business in the fall of 1881. Carries on a general harness making
and horse furnishing business. Was born in Genesee County, N.
Y. in 1849. Moved with his parents to St. Joseph County, Mich.,
in 1856, where they lived one year; then moved to Kalamazoo
County, where they remained till 1865, when they moved to Grant,
Grand Traverse County, Mich. He lived at home till the age of
twenty-one years. He then learned the trade of harness making
and started a business at Sherman in 1881. He also owns a fine
farm of eighty acres on Section 16, in Wexford Township. Has
seventy acres improved, with large frame barn, good orchard, etc.
Married in 1877, to Mary Ramsey, of Kalamazoo County, Mich.
MosEs COLE, lumber manufacturer, of Sherman, Wexford
County, was born in Niagara County, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1836. Most
of his life he has been engaged in milling. Came to Michigan, to
the vicinity of Detroit, in 1857, and engaged in farming and other
employments. In 1861 lie married Myrilla Smith, a native of
Michigan. He was for three years in charge of the toll gate at
Conner's Creek, on the Detroit & Erie Plank Road. Here his
wife died. In 1865 he married Mary Benson, a native of Michigan. Came to Northern Michigan in 1867 and took a homestead
in Wexford Township, where he lived five years. Operated John
H. Wheeler's mill'one year, then bought a one-half interest in his
present mill, being in partnership with H. B. Sturtevant. Afterward bought a quarter interest, and now owns three-quarters, 0. B.
Taylor, of Sherman, being his partner. It was at first a muley mill,


but has been improved, a circular saw and shingle machinery being
put in. Manufactures lumber, lath and shingles. It is located on
Cole's Creek, one and a-half miles east of Sherman. Has one of
the best water powers in the state, with twenty feet.head and an
abundance of water, unvarying the year through. This would be


i


-1


i


I,, sp

l




C1


\1.A

Fs


I


i                       __ _


\Y ~


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


347


an excellent location for other manufacturers, as the country
around would furnish an abundance of good hard wood timber.
FRANK D. HOPKINS, of the firm  of Sturtevant & Hopkins,
dealers in general merchandise, Sherman, Wexford County, was
born in Livingston County, Mich., in 1856. Was brought up on
a farm. In 1864 his parents moved to Shiawassee County, Mich.
He was a messenger in the state senate during the sessions of
1874-'75 and 1877-'78. Came to Sherman in 1876 and was engaged in teaming mostly until 1878, when he went into H. B.
Sturtevant's store as clerk. In 1881 he went to Grand Rapids,
where he was graduated from the commercial college. In April,
1883, he bought a half-interest in the mercantile business of H. B.
Sturtevant, forming the present firm. Was-married in 1878, to
Cora Taylor, a native of Lenawee County, Mich., and has one
child.
VILLAGE OF MANTON.
Mantoll is a smart, thriving village of four or five hundred
inhabitants, situated an the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R., about
twelve miles north of Cadillac.
In the summer of 1872 the railroad was being built, and some
time in August Messrs. Ezra Harger and George Manton made a
trip on foot up the line of the road to this point. Mr. Harger remarked to his companion that there would some day be a town
here. At that time James Hough owned a tract of land and lived
just north of where the depot now stands. Messrs. Harger went
immediately to Hough and bought twenty acres. This was platted
and called Cedar Creek. William Mears soon after became interested in the plat. The first building was put up where Rose's
hardware store now stands. In September Mr. Harger brought in
a stock of goods on a construction train and started a store in this
building. For some time hlie lived here alone. Messrs. Mears and
Manton put up store buildings in the fall, and people began to
come in.
During the following winter the railroad company built a
small depot building, the inhabitants of the village clearing off the
ground.
The first plat was called Cedar Creek, but the railroad company
subsequently platted a tract of land adjoining the first plat and
named it Manton. The station being named Manton, the entire village was soon known by that name.
In January, 1873, the place was mentioned as follows:
"Thle town plat contains thirty acres lying on both sides of the
G. R. & I. R. R., and is situated in the midst of a splendid farming
country.  As yet but few buildings have been erected; but Mr.
Manton informs us that over thirty will be erected in the spring.
Good building lots are at present worth $125 to $150. A saw-mill
has been erected by Mr. R. W. Corson. In addition to this Messrs.
Mears, Carver & Harger have a store well filled with a general assortment of goods, Mr. O. W. Hayes keeps a good hotel, and our
friend George Manton has a boot and shoe store with a shop in connection. Surrounded as it is on every side by the best of farming
land, Manton can not fail to have a permanent and healthy
growth."
About the beginning of 1878 a postoffice was established and
0. P. Carver appointed postmaster. His successors have been H.
M. Billings, Harry Brandenburg, M. P. Gilbert and H. F. Campbell. Thile latter is postmaster in 1884.
THE M. E. CHURCH.


Religious activity began as soon as a little settlement was
formed by members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and
the organization of a church followed. The history of the society
is given by Mr. Ezra Harger as follows:
"Harry Brandenihurg, a very active and energetic young mar,


came to Manton as station agent for the railroad company in the
winter of 1872-'73. He came to us as a Methodist. He opened the
depot building (the only available one at that time) for religious
services and appointed himself preacher, so that we were thus early
provided for in the line of religious services. Mr. Brandenburg was
very active in his calling as a minister of the gospel, both in the
pulpit and out of it, and came to be very popular with the people
of Manton and became a prominent member of the M. E..Church
at this place after its organization, which was effected, according to
the best records, in the fall of 1873, and a class formed numbering
eighteen members.
"Harry Brandenburg was appointed local preacher by Presiding
Elder Miller, Aug. 17, 1873. O. J. Golden was appointed classleader; D. S. Carvin, financial steward; H. Brandenburg, recording steward and E. C. Rhodes, assistant steward, samie date, Aug.
17, 1873.
"Rev. A. L. Thurston was appointed pastor Sept. 10, 1873; O.
J. Golden local preacher in June, 1874, and John Harger class
leader, August 1, 1874.
"During the winter of 1873-'74 a series of revival meetings
were held in the village school-house under the supervision and
preaching of H. Brandenburg, assisted some by Rev. William L
Tilden from Clam Lake (now Cadillac). A great revival was the
result of these meetings, and it was rumored abroad that every soul
in Manton was converted. Converts were at least converted by the
score, and the church was seemingly prosperous.
"In September, 1874, a revision of the first class was made
The revised class numbering forty members with John Harger
leader.
"Willam B. Golden came to be our pastor in September,
1874, who only remained with us till Nov. 25, 1874.  He did not
seem to be adapted to the people of our community, and did not
meet with any success.
"4Harry Brandenburg next became our pastor, but hlie seemed
to gradually lose the place which he had held in the hearts of the
people, and finally lost his power to accomplish good among this
people, and there was a marked decline in the prosperity of the
church.
"There was much contention and lack of interest and the church
passed through a period of dark times, and it is possible the church
has never fully recovered from the bad effects of the disruptions of
this period.
"Rev. J. M. Robinson followed next as pastor in September,
1875; Sherman and Manton at this time being combined in one
charge. Bro. Robinson resided at Sherman and filled an appointment at Manton each alternate Sabbath. No marked results were
noticeable during the year of his pastorate.
"Rev. F. M. Deitz followed Bro. Robinson, in September,
1876, but his health failing him he was compelled to relinquish his
work in the spring of 1877. Bro. Deitz died at Northport, Mich.,
soon after leaving this work.
"Bro. Reeves came to supply the vacancy and remained to end
of conference year.
"Rev. L. Dodds, then pastor of M. E. Church at Cadillac, had an
evening appointment at this place once in two weeks during the
conference year of 1878. Bro. Dodds held a series of revival meetings during the winter of 1877-'78, and the church was revived but
not materially built up.


"Rev. J. M. Whitney became pastor of this church in September, 1878, and was returned in 1879. Bro. Whitney was faithful
in his work for the Master, and during Liis first year created the
east and west appointments and organized six classes and preached
each alternate Sabbath at each appointment.- It was largely dre to


l i


e A




e


I
I


-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!.   




mv -
I
I
I


Ir


348


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


exertions of Bro. Whitney that the church building now occupied
by the church was built in 1879. The site for the church building
was located in 1877, and a warranty deed propured.for the same il
the month of March of that year.
"Rev. S. Steele became pastor in September, 1880; remained
one year; was succeeded by Rev. George Varion in September,
1881.
"Rev. Daniel Green became pastor in September, 1882, and
was followed by our present pastor, Rev. George S. Hicks.
"The church at Manton numbers forty-one members.
Manton, Dec. 30, 1883.
IN JUNE, 1873.
The following mention was made of the village:
"The Manton of a year ago consisted of a howling wilderness,
with no mark of the advancement of civilization to mar the monotony of the scene. But energetic and daring men, such as are
found in Northern Michigan, saw that the iron horse was rapidly
working its way in that direction, and a village was at once laid
out. The first building was erected in September last.
"The Manton of to-day has a neat little store of general merchandise, conducted by Messrs. Harger & Carver, which appears to
be in a prosperous condition. These gentlemen are wide awake
business men and on the high road to fortune. Mr. Carpenter has
also a new building nearly completed, which we were told is to be
filled with a stock of goods. Mr. George Manton attends to the
soles of the people in a prompt and business like manner, and also
has on hand an assortment of boots and shoes of outside manufacture.
"Mr. Seamans has a steam saw-mill in full operation, which
turns out about 10,000 feet of lumber daily, the greater part of
which goes to supply the home demand. We noticed that one team
was kept going all day distributing lumber in various parts of the
village.
"The welfare of the rising generation is also being carefully
looked to. A large and beautiful school building is in course of
erection, which, when completed, will cost nearly one thousand
dollars.
"The Stuirr Bros. have quite a large hotel in operation, and
D. S. Carvin has just completed a building to be occupied by him
for entertaining and refreshing the weary traveler.
"Dr. Rhodes attends to the aches and pains of the people of
that section, and is destined to be a bright and shining light among
the people of Manton.
"Levi Hall has just completed a building which is to be used
by him as a blacksmith shop. Mr. Hall is spoken of as a firstclass workman.
"Mr. I. Huff has recently platted an addition to the village
which will be by all odds the most desirable part of the town for
tile erection of dwellings. Mr. Huff informed us that lots were
being taken quite rapidly.
"A large number of dwellings have already been erected, and
more are soon to be commenced."
The first school was taught by Mrs. O. J. Golden in a building
thlttt is now tihe dwelling-house of R. Fuller.
In November, 1873, the business of the village was again mentioned as follows:
"The place now has about thirty buildings, and claims a pop

ulation of 150 actual residents. There are four stores, of which
is Mr. Carver's, successor to Harger & Carver, dealer in general
merchandise. Mr. Carver is having a good trade. This was the
first store started in the place, and its many customers look upon
it as a good place to trade. Messrs. Stover & Son have recently


opened a general store and are building up a good trade. W. Higgins is doing a general mercantile business. Mrs. Barney, of
Sherman, has opened a millinery establishment. The dwellings
are generally of a good class. Two hotels are well patronizedthe Manton House, conducted by D. S. Carvin, and the Sturr
House, managed by Sturr Bros. The former will be mentioned
more in full before we are through. A fine school building costing
$1,000 is now fully completed. The improved iron frame seats,
thirty in number, have been put in, and the building as finished is
certainly a credit to the place. The services of Miss Louisa Haberesenttenger have been procured for the winter term, and fifty or
sixty pupils will be in attendance. Mr. Seaman has had a sawmill in operation for the past eight or nine months, with a capacity
of about 20,000 per day, which has more than supplied the demands of the village for lumber. A shingle mill being put in by
Messrs. Brandenburg & Gilbert will be ready to run this week, and
will make business for a large number of men, and add new impetus to the business of the place. Mr. Ezra Harger has a fine
new dwelling just completed. Mr. Seaman has a large dwelling
which, when completed, will be among the best in town. Mr.
Brown has a large and nicely finished dwelling. Mr. Moffat and
many others whose names we are not familiar with have good
buildings. The station house is a large and well finished building."
IN JANUARY, 1877.
A resident of Manton described the village as follows
"We have three good hotels. The Wexford House is the
largest, and is a credit to any town. Its proprietor is William
Martin. The Burdick House is kept by G. W. Burdick.
"The Manton House was the first hotel building in the village,
and is now owned and managed by Oscar Towns, who is doing a
good business.
We have five general stores and two drug stores. Brandenburg, Backus & Co. have a large store on the corner of lMain and
Seaman streets, 24x62 feet, two stories iigil and well filled with
a choice selection of all kinds of goods. This comlpany is also
doing an extensive lumber business, and employs a large numbl)er
of men and teams.
W. P. Smith keeps a grocery and provision store lfon East Railroad street. This building is two stories high, with a Masonic
hall in the upper story.
H. C. McFarlan owns and occupies a fine building on Main
Street, west of the railroad, and deals in all kinds of general mlerchandise.
A.Woodward and John Woodward have business houses opposite
H. C. McFarlan's. A. Woodward keeps a stock of furniture in addition to other merchandise, and John Woodward deals principally
in boots and shoes, flour and feed.
Drs. Taplan and Young are practicing physicians and each
keeps a drug store, but unfortunately for these men of the knife
and pills, Manton is too healthy for their profession to thrive well.
Heath & Woodward have a planing-mill and matcher, where
all orders are promptly and satisfactorily executed.
George Sloat has a blacksmith shop north of B. B. & Co's.
store, and is doing a good business.
Hammon & Co. have recently built a saw-mill south of the


G. R. & I. depot.
We have two church organizations and two Sabbath-schools,
both in a prosperous condition. The schools are held at different
hours of the day. One is superintended by Dr. Taplan and the
other by Henry Engals.
The district school, taught by Prof. Bignal, has nearly a Lundred pupils in attendance and is a decided success.




j




- 4


I


I
X

11-;, - 0-1


a    a6


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


349


ai


VILLAGE INCORPORATED.
In the winter of 1877 a bill was passed by the legislature providing for the incorporation of the village of Manton out of the
following described territory: Southwest one-fourth of the southwest one-fourth of Section 3, the same portion of Section 4, the
east one-half of northeast one-fourth of Section 9, west one-half
of northwest one-fourth of Section 10, of Town 23 north, of Range
9 west.
It was provided that the first election should take place in
April, 1877, but there was a determined opposition to the movement and no election was held at that time. Feb. 11, 1878, the
first charter election was held, it being necessary to hold an election within the year in order to keep the charter alive. Fortyeight votes were cast and the following officers elected:
President, H. C. McFarlan; clerk, James M. Brown; treasurer, Orland W. Hayes; assessor, George W. Burdick; marshal,
S. L. Foss.
These officers only served until the annual spring election.
The officers since those -elected in February, 1878, have been as
follows for the several years:
1878:- H. C. McFarlan, president; C. A. Lamb, clerk; 0.
W. Hayes, treasurer; Warren Seaman, assessor; William Martin,
marshal.
1879:-James M. Brown, president; Orland W. Hayes, treasurer; Charles E. Cooper, clerk; H. C. McFarlan, assessor; 1). B.
Monroe, marshal.
1880:-Ward P. Smith, president; Orland W. Hayes, treasurer; Charles E. Cooper, clerk; H. C. McFarlan, assessor; 0. J.
Bradley, marshal.
1881:-Rinaido Fuller, president; S. G. Bayes, clerk: F. A.
Jenison, treasurer; C. E. Cooper, assessor; Frank Weaver, street
commissioner; Frank Weaver, constable; D. S. Taplin, 0. W.
Hayes, T. Hall, trustees.
1882:-Rinaldo Fuller, president; F. A. Jenison, treasurer;
W. C. Haire, clerk; W. P. Smith, assessor; D. B. Monroe, marshal.
1883:-Charles E. Cooper, president; F. A. Jenison, treasurer; J. B. Marti,., clerk; W. P. Smith, assessor; William S.
Overhiser, marshal.
1884:-Rinaldo Fuller, president; W. P. Smith, treasurer; J.
B. Martin, clerk; Frank Rose, assessor; William S. Overhiser,
marshal.
SOCIETIES.
Manton Lodge No. 347, F. & A. M., was organized with
twelve charter members May 26, 1877. The first officers were as
follows: W. M., H. C. McFarlan; S. W., W. P. Smith; J. W.,
James M. Brown; S. D., William H. Gilbert; J. D., S. L. Frost;
secretary, M. P. Gilbert; treasurer, Minot Shippey; tyler, G. D.
Ward.
In March, 1884, the building in which the hall was located
was burned, and the lodge lost about $800. There are at the
present time upwards of thirty members.    Officers as follows:
W. M., W. P. Smith; S. W., J. M. Brown; secretary, R. Fuller;
treasurer, M. Shippy; S. D., A. Woodward; J. D., A. Green; tyler,
H. C. McFarlan.
A Womans' Christian Temperance Union was organized early
in April, 1877, at a meeting held at the house of Mr, Frank
Weaver. After the reading and adoption of a constitution and by

laws, the society proceeded to the election of officers, with the
following result:
President, Mrs. A. Woodward; 1st vice-president, Mrs. A.
Shultz; 2d vice-president, Mrs. R. Carver; secretary, Miss F. M.
Blood; treasurer, Mrs. George Burdick; executive committee, Mrs.


John Fenton, Miss Della Overhiser, Miss Mary Gilbert, Miss Lydia;ichols, Mrs. D. Monroe; finance committee, Mrs. 0. M. Heath,
Mrs. George Sloat, Mrs. William Gilbert, Mrs. Warren Gilbert.
This society was reorganized in 1882, and is in successful operation.
A Good Templars Lodge was organized in February, 1881,
with the following officers: P. W. C. T., Frank Weaver; W. C.
T., W. P. Smith; chaplain, Rev. S. Steele; W. S., Mrs. J. Wardell;
W. M., D. B. Monroe; I. G., T. Driscal.
In June, 1882, Rev. E. H. Day, of Cadillac, delivered a temperance lecture at the M. E. Church and organized a society called
the " Alliance," with the following officers and members: W. P.
Smith, president; George S. Sloat, vice-president; Charles E.
Cooper, secretary; J. F. Henderson, treasurer, Henry Engle, Frank
Weaver, W. P. Smith, J. F. Henderson, George S. Sloat, C. M.
Bumps, Ed. Kent, Charles E. Cooper, J. C. Bostick, W. Schryer,
C. B. Bailey, George Varion, J. L. Cross, L. Hawkins, Ezekiel
Wood.
Rising Star Lodge, No. 99, A. 0. of U. W., was organized at
the Masonic rooms in May, 1881, with the following officers:  P.
M. W., Frank Weaver; M. W., Rinaldo Fuller; F., Charles E.
Cooper; 0., A. Woodward; Rec., W. C. Haire; Fin., D. S. Taplin;
R., E. Ball; G., William Foote; I. W., Frank Hollis; 0. W.,
Thomas Hall.
The lodge was maintained for some time, but is not now in
operation.
In February, 1882, at a meeting called to take the necessary
steps to organize a Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, Frank
Weaver was elected chairman and H. C. McFarlan secretary.
Moved and supported that the chair appoint a committee on
correspondence. Carried.
Chair appointed as such committee, George Moore, Abram
Woodward and T. J. Thorp.
April 26, 1882, the Post was mustered in and designated the
0. P. Morton Post, G. A. R. A lively interest has been manifested
in the prosperity of this society, and it now numbers fifty meinbers. At the last annual election the following officers were elected for the year 1884: Commander, A. Woodward; Sen. Vice
Corn., E. W. Closson; Jun. Vice Comn., H. S. Huson; Quartermaster, C. A. Lamb; Surgeon, J. L. Duston; O. D., George S.
Moore; 0. G., William W. Lewis; Delegates to Department
Encampment H. C. McFarlan; alternate, E. W. Closson.
The Odd Fellows Lodge at Mahton was organized March 23,
1882, with six charter members. Twelve new members were
initiated the first night of meeting. 0. H. Fisher was the first
N. G. There are at present forLy-eight members. The officers in
1884 are as follows: N. G., F. A. Jewel; V. G., Frank Rose;
P. S., J. C. Bostwick; Treas., Cyrus Hoffman.
THE TRIBUNE.
The Manton Tribune was established in October, 1879, by
Marshall McLure, but remained only a short time under his control. It then passed into the hands of A. J. Teed, and soon afterward became the property of E. C. Cooper. In September, 1883,
it passed into the hands of H. F. Campbell. The publishers have
been the editors. It was a five-column folio at the start and enlarged to six columns when Mr. Cooper purchased the office.
H. F. CAMPBELL, postmaster, and editor of the Manton Tribune,


was born in Quincy, Mich., Dec. 22,1852. Moved with his parents,
in 1861, to Grand Ledge, Mich., where he learned the printers'
trade. Worked at that business there till the summer of 1876,
when he came to Wexford County and located at Sherman and
engaged as journeyman on the Sherman Pioneer. In 1877 became
owner of that paper, and also received the appointment of post

3


I


I


1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1


--




I
I
I
I
I
i
I
I
I
i
II
-i
I
I


i
El.."


I


350


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-


master at Shermin, which he held until his retirement from the
Pioneer in 1880. He then came to Manton and engaged with
the firm of Closson & Gilbert as bool;-keeper' and deputy postmaster. In June, 1882, engaged in drug business, which he
sold out to J. C. Bostick & Co., in December, 1883. Received the appointment as postmaster at Manton in February,
1888, and became proprietor of the Manton Tribunte in December, 1888. Was township clerk and treasurer one year each
at Sherman. Married June 8, 1880, to Lizzie Cummings, of
Con.neaut, Ohio. They have one daughter.
THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL,
Manton, Wexford County, Mich., was built in 1883, by 0. H.
Fisher, is a large and well kept house, and can accommodate fifty
guests. Is located near the railroad depot. Mr. Fisher was born
in Saint Joseph County, Mici., in 1819. He remained at heme
till the age of fifteen years. He then went to learn the carriage
and wagon makers' trade. Carried on business ten years at Marcellus, Cass County, Mich., and worked at his trade in several
different states. Traveled in California and Oregon considerably.
Came to Manton in 1882. Married in 1873 to Augusta Margenthaler, of Van Buren County, Mich. They have two daughters.
Manton, in 1884, presents a thrifty appearance, and is growI i.g rapidly. Public improvements are being made and there is
every reason to expect that its prosperity will be continued. As
the community has increaxsed local interests have sprung up and
been mtaintained. There is a flourishing Congregational Church
Society, besides the Methodist Episcopal, already mentioned; and
some otherreligious denominations have a foothold. The location
of the village is very desirable and the surrounditng country well
adapted to agriculture andl fruit growing.
T. McMicn1AEL, a(ent (Graniid Raltp:aids & Indiana Railroad ComapaWy at Mantou, Wexford County, makes the following announce" Home seekers, attention. The rapid development of Northwestern Michigain, its splendid population, magnificent forests and
productive soil lhave attracted hundreds of Michigan's best farimers,
who, if they hLtave nlt changed locations themselves, have secured
for their boys a tarm, and the verdict is, unequalled farming lands.
Wexford and Missaukee Counties have a large proportion of that
class of settlers. The G. R. & I..   R. Co. have still unsold
thousands of acres of splendid timbered land in these counties, in
close proximity to settlements having churches and schools, offering all the advantages of manlly more populous counties. Price of
land, generally, eight dollars per acre. The terms upon which the
land is sold offer splendid advantages to men of moderate meansone-quarter dowtn, balance in five years, in yearly payments, with
interest at seven per cent. To enablet strangers to examine speedily and intelligently, I will gladly t:ake any one desiring to purchase, to lands in thle above counties and let them give them a
thorough personal exaunination, without expense to the examiner.
Having. maps, charts, pamtphlets, etc., will be pleased to give any
information desired respecting lands in this vicinity."
BIOGRAPHICAL.
H. C.McFa   LAxn, merchant, Manton, came to Manton in 1874,
built a store and commenced business, carrying a stock of dry goods,
groceries, hardware, boots and shoes, crockery, hats and capis, and


agricultural implements; still carries on an extensive business; was
born in Wayne County, Mich., in 1848; remained in- that county
till 1862, when he enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Michigan Infantry; goon after that time was discharged and enlisted in the Sixth
Miehig~n Infantry and served till the close of the war in the Army




I


I


I


of the Southlwest; was at New Orleans, Baton Rouge and other
battles. After being mustesed out of service-he returnmecto Wayne
County, Mich., followed the lakes as a sailor six years; came to
Manton, in 1874; married in 1875 to May Doyle, a native of Maine.
They have one living child, have lost two.
RINALDO FULLER, drnggist, Manton, came to Manton dn 1880
and bought a store, and now keeps a general stock of drugs, chemicals, perfumery and school books; was born in Canada in 1841;
came to Ontonagon, Upper Peninsula, Mich., in 1864; was there
engaged in mining till 1865, when he went to Onondaga, Ingham
County, Mich., and was a farmer two years, then went to Kansas
and remained two and one-half years, then returned to Onondaga,
Inoham County, and started the drug business, which he carried on
till he came to Manton in 1880; is now serving his third term as
president of the village, second term as township treasurer; hlas
been superintendent o schools two years,;treasurer and director of
school district several years, owns a farm joining the village corporation which he is improving; is breeding Jersey cattle; married in
1865 tj Addie G. Abbey, of Incgham  County, Mich., who died in
1874. They had one son and two daughters. Second marriage in
1878 to Ada C. Ryan, of Ingllam County, Mich. They have two
children.
J. B. M.RTIN, physician, Manton, was born in Scranton, Pernn.,
in 1855; came to St. Joseph County, Mich., with his pa~rents in
1860, where he was brought up; was educated at Mendon, Miclh.,
and graduated at the State University at Ann Arbor, in June, 1881,
and soon after came to Manton and commenced the practice of his
profession; has been health officer of the village since 1881, (lso
village clerk for three years past and township cleik for a yerar past;
married in November, 1882, to Mattie Shepard of Mendon
W. P. SMITH, law, loan, real estate and insurance, Manton,
was born in Otsego, Allega,ln County, Mich., in 1842; was engaged
in farming and running a grist-mill till 1861, when lie enlisted ill the
Thirteentli,Michigtan Infuntry and served three years in the Army
of the Cumberland; was at the battles of Shiloh, Chickamau^a, and
other battles, and was wounded at Stone River, nlnd still sltiters
from the wound. Whlen discharged froinm service returned to lhis
old home in Allegan County, Mich., where he remained till 1875,
when he camne to Manton and opened a store, where lie kepIt a
stock of dry goods, groceries, flour, feed, etc. He finally sold out
and commenced his present business. Married in 1865 to 'Mary J.
Wood, of Vermoant. They had six children, lost three froin scarlet
fever nithin four weeks' time in 1883; liave three living clhildren.
C. A. LAMB, insurance agent, Manton, was born ill New York,
March 25, 1829; moved to Wayne County, Mich., with his parents
in 1836; lived in that county till the age of fifteen years. They
moved to Eaton County, Mich., thence to Barry County: lived in
that county till 1854, when he went to Indiana and carried on shoemaking till October, 1861, whelln he enlisted in thle Forty-sixth Ilndiana Infantry, and served with his regiment till the siege of Vicksburg, when lie was discharged for disability; came to Manton in
1876, where lie is engaged in the insurance business; married in
1860 to Ann M. Steele. They have one son and two daughters.
JAMES M. BROWN, farmer, Cedar Creek, Wexford County, was'
born in Chaiutauqua County, N. Y., in 1825; moved with his parents
to Pennsylvanial in 1835, and in 1814 lie went to Jamestown, Ottawa County, Mich., before that tou-nship was organized; helped to
clear up that p art of th e county, and remained there engaged in


farming till 1864, when he moved to Byron, Kent County, and
kept a hotel five years, tlien went into thie mercantile business in
the same township, which he carried on till 1873. He then came
to Manton and kept a hotel three years, also worked at carpenter
workl and farming; bought the farm he now lives on in 1874 on


I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I
I
i,
i
i
i
I
I
I
I
i
I
II I
I
i
i
I
i
i
I -


I
I 
I>.1


0 9


r

I - - - - - -
-L   _~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- _I   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -4 —


r 
-




r.;

1


i


I




4
1




i


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


-.J-          Coll


351


Section 8, but lived in Manton till 1882, when he moved to his
farm; has been justice of the peace four years, highway commissioner one year, anti superintendent of county poor three years;
married in 1849 to Diantha L. Ball, of Calhoun County, Michigan.
They have two married daughters.
F. A. JENISON, merchant, Manton, came to Manton in the fall
of 1877, and commenced selling groceries; now owns a large store
and carries a heavy stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes,
hats and caps; was born in 1842 in Ottawa County, Mich.; remained in that county till he came to Manton; has been treasurer
of the village for three years past, also a member of the village
council three yeais; married in 1865 to Martha Pelton, of Canada.
They have one daughter.
MANTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, manufacturers of pine and
hard wood lumber, also turning and bending. The present company was incorporated in March, 188i. The first mill was built in
1875, in Cedar Creek Township, five miles from Manton, and moved
to Manton in 1884.  Capacity of mill 40,000 feet of lumber per
day. E. W. Closson, president; Warren Gilbert, vice-president; H.
M. Billings, secretary and treasurer. They also operate a mill at
South Boardlman, with a capacity of 35,000 feet of lumber per day,
exclusively pine. E. W. Closson, a native of Indiana came to Manton in 1877 and built a mill. Warren Gilbert came from St. Joseph
County, Micl., in 1873. H. M. Billings came from Shiawassee
County, Mich., in 1874; was the first station agent at Manton after
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad was built through the
town. His home is now at Bancroft,'Shiawassee County. The
other members of the firm reside at Manton with their families.
The firm of Bumps & Duston, lumber manufacturers of Manton, Wexford County, consists of C. M. Bumps and J. L. Duston.
Their mill was built in the fall of 1882 by Messrs. Bumps & Henderson. In April, 1884, Dr. J. L. Duston bought the interest of
Mr. Henderson. The capacity of the mill is about 15,000 feet of
lumber per day, the firm sawing their own logs and also doing
custom work. Eight men are employed.
C. M. BUMPS was born in Maine in 1850, was graduated at the
Commercial College of Bangor, Me.; went to Chicago in 1871,
and thence to Iowa and Wisconsin, returning in the fall to Chicago,
where he lost his trunk and all his clothing in the great fire; went
thence to Shelby, Mich., bought a half interest in a saw-mill at
Crystal Lake, Opeana County, and ran it four years. Went to
Manistee in 1880, and was engaged in sawing clapboards; remained
there two years and then came to Manton, and in company with
John Henderson built the mill now owned by Bumps & Duston;
married in 1880 to Irena Henderson, a native of Indiana. They
have an adopted daughter.
DR. J. L. DUSTON was born in Ohio in 1840. In 1842 his larents moved to Monroe County, Mich. He was educated in Michigan. Received a medical education at Nashville, Tenn. Commenced the practice of medicine in 1876. Came to Manton in
1878 and continued practice. In April, 1882, bought an interest in
Bumps & Henderson's mill, forming the present firm of Bumps &
Duston. He was married in 1866 to Julia A. McLachlin of New
York. They have two children.
C. B. BAILEY, merchant, Manton, Wexford County, was born in
Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1847. In 1866 he went to Illinois
where he remained one year, then went to Missouri. Traveled in


different states And engaged in dry goods business in Kansas where
he remained two years. In 1881 he came to Manton and bought
his present business. Carries a complete stock of groceries, dry
goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and notions. Adjoining the
store Mrs. Bailey has a full stock of millinery and ladies' furnishing


goods. Mr. Bailey was married in 1876 to Carrie J. Baldwin, of
Oswego County, N. Y. They have one child.
EDWARD M. CHASE, of the firm of Edward MI. Chase & Co., jewelers and opticians, Manton, Wexford County, was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., in 1849. In 1857 he came with his parents to
Hillsdale County, Mich., where he learned the trade of jeweler and
watclh maker, following the business there until 1877, when he came
to Manton. In 1879 the present business was established. In addition to the usual business and stock of such an establishment the
firm deals in telescopes, marine glasses, etc, and are agents for the
Grover & Baker, and the Union sewing machines. They also do
plating.  Have also a shooting gallery in connection witl their
store, which is located on West Depot Street. Mr Chase was married in 1878 to Lenora M. Randall, of Hillsdale County, Mich.
They have three children.
JOHN BENSON, saloon keeper, Manton, Wexford County, was
born in Sweden in 1844. Came to Manton June 1, 1873. Worked
in the mills and logging camps, until the fall of 1877 when lie engaged in his present business. He also owns a farm of two hundred acres two miles from Manton. Married Dec. 9, 1881, to Mary
Brink, a native of Sweden. They have lost two children.
GEORGE S. SLOAT, blacksmith and wagon maker, Manton,
Wexford County, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1839.
Learned his trade and worked at it there until 1874. Feb. 4, of
that year he came to Manton and started the first blacksmith
shop in the place. Carries on a general blacksmithing and wagon
making and repairing business. Also sells the Belknap wagon
manufactured at Grand Rapids. He was town supervisor one year,
town treasurer three years, county poormaster four years, school director several years. Married in 1866 to Amelia C. Harger of Jefferson County, N. Y. They have three daughters.
MARTIN BABCOCK, proprietor of livery stable, Manton, Wexford
County, was born in Canada in 1821. In boyhood moved to Detroit, Mich., with his parents. Remained there two years and went
to Ann Arbor, where he lived until 1839. Removed then to Kalamazoo. He was brought up a farmer. Came to Missaukee County
in June, 1875, and bought a farm on which he lived until 1880
when he came to Manton and started the livery business which he
now carries on. The business firm is. Willey & Babcock. Married
in 1845 to Jane Mulholland of Canada, who died in 1848, leaving a
son and a daughter. His second marriage was in 1851 to a sister'of
his first wife. They had six children. She died in 1872.
FRANK ROSE, dealer in hardware, tinware, crockery, and general
household furnishing goods, Manton, Wexford County, was born in
Caledonia, N. Y., April 28, 1850. When he was two years old his
parents moved to Hillsdale County, Mich., where he lived until
about twenty-two years of age. Learned the trade of tinsmith at
Hudson, Lenawee County, and worked at it there until he came to
Manton in the fall of 1877. Here he was employed in the general
store of H. C. McFarlan as clerk and tinner.  May 2, 1881,
started in his present business under the firm name of Woodward &
Rose. Subsequently bought out his partner and has since continued the business alone. Was a member of the village council in
1883 and is now village assessor and chief engineer of the fire department. Was married in March, 1876, to Fidelia White, a native
of Lenawee County, Mich.
A. WOODWARD, furniture dealer, Manton, came to Manton and


established business May 4, 1875, also for seven years kept a general stock of- dry goods, groceries, and boots and 'shoes in connection with his furniture trade. Sold out his business except his furniture in 1882. He was born in Ontario County, N. Y; in 1841,
moved to Ashtabula, Ohio, with his parents in 1852, and to Ottawa
County, Mich, in 1861. Enlisted in the Third Michigan Infantry






-


4 —
r. I
- 4


l.Ii




- 71


i ____________

-IV 




.4-UI                                               h


1


352


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


in April, 1861. Left the state for the front June 10, and joined the
Army of the Potomac and served through the war and was in thirtytwo general engagements. Wounded at Spottsylvania May 12, 1864.
Returned to his regiment and served till July, 1865. Married in
October, 1865, to Annie E. Littlefield, of Michigan. They have
three daughters.
WILLIAM VALLIER, blacksmith, of Manton, Wexford County,
was born in England Oct. 10, 1833. Is of French ancestry.
Learned his trade in London. Came to America in 1851 and settled in Canada, working at his trade there. Resided in Van Buren
County, Mich., about six years. Near the commencement of the
war returned to Canada. Came to Manton in 1876 from Allegan
County, Mich., where he had resided seven or eight years. Most of
the time since he has had a shop in Manton, residing part of the
time at Point St. Ignace.
CHAPTER LIII.
VILLAGE OF CADILLAC.
SKETCH OF THE FOUNDER OF THE VILLAGE-EARLY MOVEMENTS-THE
VILLAGE IN 1872-THE CLAM LAKE NEWS-EARLY EVENTSGLIMPSES OF THE VILLAGE AT DIFFERENT PERIODS-CHURCH
HISTORY-THE SCHOOLS-INCORPORATION-VILLAGE OFFICERSSECRET ORDERS-THE CADILLAC TIMES- BIOGRAPHICAL.
The history of the city of Cadillac covers a period of twelve
years, opening in the midst of a dense pine forest upon the terraced shore of Clam Lake, and closingin the midst of a busy, rapidly growing city of 4,000 inhabitants, enjoying unusual prosperity, and with its future as hopeful as its past has been successful.
In March, 1871, Messrs. Holbrook & May started a store in a
little building on the shore of Clam Lake. During that summer
the late George A. Mitchell, noting the advantages of this location
for a business point, purchased laud of Maqjueston & Clark and others
and commenced lumbering.   In October he platted the village of
Clam Lake, and in January, 1872, a postoffice was established with
John S. McLain as postmaster.
Mr. Mitchell was not only the founder of the village but a
guardian of its interests while he lived. Few men in Mr. Mitchell's position so conduct their affairs as to endear themselves to the.community growing up about them, as he did. He was capable
of being a successful business man and at the same time a kind and
generous friend. His death occurred Aug. 8, 1878. In giving a
history of his life we can not do better than to insert here the article published in the Cadillac News at the time, as follows:
LIFE AND DEATH Or GEORGE A. MITCHELL.
When on Monday moining, Aug. 5th, the news went through
this city that Hon. G. A. Mitchell, then in feeble health, having
been suffering for some time from a bilious attack, had been thrown
from his buggy and severely injured, by his head striking against a
stump, the shock was felt all through the community.
The accident occurred while Mr. Mitchell was returning from
his shingle-mill, on Pine Street, west of the railroad. He was
taken to a house near by, and Drs. Wardell and Leeson were immediately called. They found him in a comatose state, with evidence that blood had been forced from his right ear, by the severe


concussion. On examination the doctors agreed that the injury
was serious, and feared it miglt prove fatal.
The doctors desired further medical aid, and Dr. DeCamp,
Grand Rapids, was sent for by telegraph. Mr. Mitchell was then
removed to his residence. For a little time he partially returned


to consciousness so as to be able to answer yes and no to questions
asked him by the doctors and his friends. But after a short time
he returned into his former comatose state, in which he continued
till he died.
Dr. DeCamp arrived on the four o'clock train, after which a
further examination was had, and an operation, which showed what
had been suspected from the first, that H)is skull was badly fractured
on the back side of the head, extending down to the base of the
brain. At a later hour in the evening Dr. Bigelow, of Big Rapids,
who had been sent for, arrived. After lingering till late on Thursday afternoon, surrounded by relatives and neighbors, in tears, he
quietly passed away into that still country where the struggle and
storm of life is forever hushed to silence.
As soon as it was known that he was no more, all hearts were
filled with mourning, and to show their appreciation of the great
loss the people had sustained in his death every business house in
the whole city was draped in mourning. His funeral took place
from his late residence amidst an immense concourse of people.
The religious services were conducted by his pasto:', Rev. A. Marsh,
assisted by Rev. C. A. Munn, of Big Rapids.
The following sketch of his life is taken from the sermon
preached on the occasion, and is not an extravagant and overdrawn
picture, but simple matter of fact and justice to the life of the
deceased.
George A. Mitchell was born in Root, Montgomery County,
N. Y., Jan. 8, 1824. He was descended from heroes of the Revolution. His grandfather was present at the battle of Saratoga, as
an officer of militia, and was a patriot so prominent and influential
that British emmissaries were sent for his apprehension with orders
to take him  " dead or alive."  His mother was descended from
Robert Barclay, one of the old colonial governors of New Jersey.
His early life was spent on a farm, and as clerk in a store.
He was married at Spraker's Basin, in his native county, April 22,
1847, to Miss Marietta L. Wilkins, who survives him. Soon after
reaching manhood he engaged in a tannery in Sullivan County.
At the commencement of the war he was appointed paymaster
in the army. It was here that his business talent first seemed to
find full scope for its exercise. So thorough and methodical were
his business habits, so accurate were his accounts, such power of
organization did he possess and such control of nerve, that he was
rapidly promoted, until he became first assistant paymaster, at St.
Louis, Mo., with the brevet rank of lieutenant colonel. During
the remainder of the war he had entire charge of'the pay department,
at Little Rock, Ark., and a part of the time at Memplis also, with
additional duties at Vicksburg. He frequently had charge of from
five to a dozen suboriinate paymasters, and had millions of money
in his care. His accounts were promptly and accurately rendered
to the U. S. Government, and settled satisfactorily.
The war closed; but his connection with the army continued
until the spring of 1867. Then he removed from  St. Louis to
Kendallville, Ind., and soon after became identified witl the
building of the G. R. & I. R. R. His connection with this road
led eventually to his location at this place. He was one of tile first
to discover the advantages of this point, as a business center. He
came here during the summer of 1871, purchased land, and com

menced those lumber operations which have since grown to such
large proportions. In October of the same year he platted the village of Clam Lake. From that time he has been identified with
the growth and prosperity of this town. And when the city of
Cadillac was incorporated his public services pointed him out as the
one upon whom the office of Mayor would be most fittingly bestowed.
He has taken a deep interest in the cause of education. To
his influence and services, upon our school board, we are largely


I




\


a I '-                                                                   -  %
~~~~~~~~~~~C-   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~






"-7
e                  Or                                    -— 110141








rCI1                                                                                                                                 r                                                   P )


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


353


indebted for the high position which our public schools have taken.
He was a pleasant, genial man. His sympathetic disposition
and fine sound qualities are fondly remembered by those who recall
the days of his boyhood. He was warm-hearted and affectionate, making friends of all who came within the circle of his acquaintance.
As a business man he was cautious, yet enterprising; forming
his plans with great wisdom; carrying them out with energy and
persistence. The prosperity of our town and our remarkable exemption from business failures, during these late years of depression and panic, are doubtless due to his prudent management of
his own affairs and his strong influence over other business men.
He was a good judge of human nature, not easily imposed upon.
Yet so generous was he, that he would often employ and help those
whom lie could not entirely trust.
He was a friend of the poor. There are many of the poorer
people of this town, who feel to-day that they have lost one of their
best friends. They have often gone to him for help, and have not
been turned away with mere empty words.
His interest in the Christian religion has been manifested by
deeds, rather than by words or professions. His early associations
were with the Dutch Reformed Church. Upon coming west he connected himself with a Presbyterian congregation. This became the
church of his choice. Soon after coming to this place, he began to
interest himself in the organization and building of a Presbyterian
Church. And though he never was a member of the church, yet
lie gave largely of his means, and of his- time and influence, toward its support. Nor were his benefactions confined to one
church. He believed in the Christian religion. His. ` place in the
house of God was seldom vacant. One of my most pleasant recollections of him will be of the deep interest that he totok in the services of God's sanctuary. On the last Sabbath of his earthly life,
though in feeble health, he was present with us, both morning and
evening, one of the most eager and attentive hearers in the congregation. And during the meetings that were held by uslast winter,
he expressed, by rising, his desire to identify himself with the people of God.
He is gone. We tender our sympathies to the bereaved wife,
children, brothers, sisters and relatives of the deceased. May God
comfort them! But who is there here to-day, who does not feel
that a friend and helper has departed?  We must take up the burdens of life again without his strong arm to lean upon. Where
now shall we turn for comfort and help, if not to the living God?
"Clouds and darkness are round about him, righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne."  And if he, who has gone,
could come back and speak to us again with the new knowledge of
eternal things which he has already received, would he not say:
Mortals, ye who were my earthly companions, remember that you
are the children of God; heirs of immortality. Live virtuously.
Live as those who know the value of their heavenly inheritance.
Live the life of faith in the Son of God. And if ye seek for eternal
lIal)pincss, find it in Him who died to redeem a ruined world.
At a meeting of the business men of the city of Cadillac;-held on
the 9th inst., to take appropriate action on the sad occasion of
tlhe dleth of Hon. George A. Mitchell, Mayor Cummer was duly
elected chairman and Henry F. May, secretary. Messrs. D. McCoy,
W. M. Gow, William Kelley, H. Groesbeck, Byron Ballou and D.


E. McIntyre, were appointed a committee on resolutions. The
meeting then adjourned until 8 o'clock to allow the committee time
to draft resolutions.
At 8 o'clock the meeting was called to order, and the committee reported the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, Almighty God in his inscrutable wisdom has re

moved from our midst our esteemed and well-beloved friend and
associate, Hon. George A. Mitchell; and
WHEREAS, It is our desire to express in some publie manner
a sense of our great loss and our profound and heartfelt sympathy
to the afflicted relatives and friends, therefore, be it
Resolved, That we deplore the untimely death which has deprived the community of an upright citizen, and a reliable energetic
business man, who, as founder of our flourishing city gave life to its
enterprises and industries, and assisted in its rapid growth and
development; whose labors have ever been unselfishly directed to
the public good, the advancement of material prosperity, and the
moral and social elevation of our people; whose kind heart has invariably responded to the appeals of the needy and afflicted, and
whose generous hand has never withheld aid to every charitable
mission and every movement for the welfare of our city, which
stands to-day as a monument to his untiring zeal and vigilant protection.
Resolved, Tliat the universal sorrow, which covers this community as a pall, has already found spontaneous expression in the
tokens of mourning that darken our once busy but now silent
streets, and which afford unmistakable evidence of the public
grief, rendering any action on our part superfluous. We are confident thet all unnecessary business will be postponed, and that quiet
demeanor unpstentatiously observed by our citizens will be maintained during the obsequies.
Resol-ed, That to the bereaved family and relatives of the deceased, crushed and broken by the blow which has also shocked
and stunned the community, our earnest sympathy is extended.
We feel that we are mourners with them, and that their bereavement is ours. We commend them to the healing care of Him who
is a "husbandto the widow, and a father to the orphan."
On motion of C. M. Ayer, Esq., the resolutions were unanimously aiopted.
On motion of J. H. Hixson, Esq., the resolutions were ordered
to be submitted to the Cadillac.Ners., and to the leading papers of
Grand Rapids for publication, and a copy presented to the family
of the deceased.
After appropriate and feeling remarks by Messrs. Groesbeck,
Gow, McCoy and Bond, the meeting adjourned.
JACOB CUMMER, Chairman.
HENRY F. MAY, Secretary.
These testimonials are every way befitting the man and the occasion demanded them.
This city owes a great deal of its prosperity to his interest in
all public improvement, which he never opposed, because he must
pay a large proportion of the taxes by which such improvements
were to be made. His untiring energy and industry carried forward to completion many public enterprises which would have
failed in other and less energetic hands."
On another p:ige will be found a portrait of Mr. Mitchell.
THE VILLAGE IN 1872.








Returning now to the early business movements we find that
the village was mainly outlined in the year 1872. The firm of
Labar, Heath & Cornwell commenced business here in the fall of
1871, and in addition to their mercantile operations they built the
City Flouring Mills in 1872.
In March, 1872, A. M. Lamb opened a grocery and crockery
store, and other interests of which we shall speak hereafter, gathered
at this point.
It is a fortunate circumstance that frequent mention was made
of the place at an early day, showing the village as it was at different periods, and we make use of some of them, as they are the best
history that can be collated.
We find the following mention of Clam Lake in- March, 1872:
" Clam Lake is the present terminus of the Grand Rapids & Indiana
Railroad. It is a place of about five months' growtl, but remarkably active and go-a-head-a-tive.
"Mr. George A. Mitchell, the proprietor of the village plat,


*A-                                                                                                                                                                                                            k ----4k



teJ,


dome;44


1


j.


II


r-                 "                I a-v

354


THE TRAVERSE RE GIO N.


-


4
I


I


commenced operations there in October last. Now the village contains about sixty families and a population, of some 800.
" The plat of the village covers about fifty acres.; It is divided
into some 200 lots, 150 of which have already been sold.
" The village contains two hotels, the Mason House and the
Clam Lake House, four or five general stores, one -.hardware store,
blacksmith shops, shoe shops, wagon shop-about to open, etc.,
etc. One steam saw-mill, that of J. R. Hale, with a capacity of
about 20,000 feet per day, is already in operation. Messrs. Harris
& Bros. are building a mill that is expected to cut 1,000,000 per
month. Shackleton & Green are alpo soon to erect a mill that will
cut 740,000 in a month. Messrs. M. H, & J. P. Hawley are building a planing and shingle mill. which they expect to have in running order on or before the 1st of May. A Mr. Anderson is constructing a dock and has made arrangements for putting a small
steamer on the lake.
" Among the mercantile establishments we would make special
note of the general store of Messrs.-Holbrook & May, and the hardware store of Mr. W. H. Hicks. The firm first named consists of
two young men from Plymouth, Mich., who- have come to Clam
Lake to stay, and build up their business as. the country develops,.
Mr. Hicks, formerly of Big Rapids, has a nice new store and doubtless understands his business.'
A school, district has been formed and a school is in successful operation. The Methodists have weekly religious services, and
a Presbyterian Church is likely to be organized soon.
It is said the railroad company has 300,000,000 feet of pine
timber that may be worked up at Clam Lake, and that other parties
have nearly as much more. This being the case, there will necessarily be a large amount of lumber manufactured each year for a
long time to come. This insures business to the village, and business, too, of a paying character.
There is said to be a large amount of excellent farming land
in the vicinity that will be tributary to theoplace, help to build it
up and sustain it when the pine is gone.
The location of the village is a pleasant one. Little Clam
Lake, on the borders of which the village stands, is a beautiful
sheet of water, of crystal purity arid aboaunding in fish. The village site ascends very gently from the water, spreading out'into a
plain covered with a heavy growth of pine. There - is a border of
young pines along the shore of the lake which we trust:the lpowers
that be," and that may be hereafter,-will carefully preserve. Woodman, spare those trees I
There is talk of opening the channel between the Little and
Big Clam, ago s to admit.the passage of steamers between them.
Sooner or kier this will doubtless be done.
THE CLAM LAKE -NEWS.
June 1, 1872, the first number of the Clam Lake News was
issued by C. L. Frazier, aid a record of local events began to be
preserved. Mr. Frazier was also one of the early school teachers,
and was prominently identified with the schools of the county.
After S. S. Fallas located here he was for some time one of the editors of the Neuws. The office was afterwards sold by Mr. Frazier to
J. A. & O. Whittemore, and became successively the property of


Rice & Chapin in 1877, Chapin & Terwelliger in 1881, C. T. Chapin
in 1881, and J. W. Girddings in 1882. It was started as a sixcolumn folio, enlarged to an eight-column folio, then to a six column quarto and the name changed to the Cadillac News in 1877,
and to a seven-column quarto in 1888. It is a staunch Republican
paper, and is one of the best local newspapers in Northern Michigan. J. W.:Giddings is- the present editor and proprietor.






I


THE VLLANGE IN 1872 AND 1878.
In the first issue of June 1, 1872, the editor gave a review of
the village, as follows:
"But a little more than seven months since, the place where
the village of Clam Lake -now stands was but a dense forest, and
the voice of a human being -was seldom heard. The site t;eing on
the G. R. & I. Railroad, upon the banks of one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan, and a proper distance from large places on
either side, the spot was selected as a desirable place for a town.
Mr. George A. Mitchell, the original prime mover and proprietor of
the village plat, commenced operations here some time in October
last. Since. that time he has been an earnest and faithful worker
in the interests of the place. The liberal spirit which he has
manifested in all his dealings has won for him many warm friends.
The village plat covers about eighty acres of ground. It borders
on the east, and commands a most beautiful view of Little Clam
Lake. The railroad divides the town into two nearly equal parts,
and the depot is situated in the most central portion.
The village now contains about 125 families, and a population of upwards of 600 actual settlers.
The lakes, called Little and Big Clam, cover an area of about
eight square miles; the distance intervening the two is about sixty
roee. The channel between the lakes is from two to five feet
deep, and from one to two rods wide. The work of clearing it of
logs and old rubbish is now progressing, and when opened it will
be navigable for steamers of considerable size, and will be very
convenient for floating logs that may eventually come from the
Big Lake, and through this channel to the mills. These lakes
abound largely with excellent varieties of fish, and the country
around with wild game, affording a grand field for hunting and
fishing. The land bordering on these lakes, and for several miles
around, is covered with a heavy growth of pine that will be tributary to them, and here worked into lumber.
The capacity 6f the mills now in operation and the two large
ones that are soon to start, will be about 4,000,000 feet per month.
At this rate it is estimated that it will take fifteen years to consume
the pine. Taking this in consideration, the pleasant locality for a
town, and the excellent farming lands in the vicinity that will be
tributary to the place and support it when the pine is gone, you
may judge for yourselves what the future of Clam Lake will be.
We make mention of the following most important places of
business:
SAW-MILLS,
The mills that are now in successful operation are those of
J. R. Hale and Slinger & Co. The first named, the Pioneer Mill,
has been running some five or six months. It is now being finished up in good shape; some new and much needed machinery
has been added, and she is now capable of cutting about 25,000
feet per day.
The latter, Slinger & Co's new and improved portable mill,
is doing a good business with a capacity of about 25,000 feet per
day.
The Above named mills are both under the management of
Mr. Lydle, who has been doing everything in his power to supply
the great demand for lumber.
The new mills of Shackleton & Green and Harris Bros. are
expected to be ready to start by the middle of this month, and
when completed will be a credit to the town and to the builders.


The first named is 80x96 feet, two stories high, and a boiler house
14x86 feet. Thereare two boilers eighteen feet long and forty-four
inches in diameter. The cylinder is fourteen inches in diameter
and twenty-four inch stroke. It will contain one large circular,
with top saw and a gang edger. It is expected to be capable of




I. I


+


I


I


ljk




- "




4L a.4


I?


46ll -


I


*




i   I                                                                                                                                                              -   -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ri


THE TRAVERSE REGION,


355


cutting 40,000 feet per day. Messrs; Shackleton & Green are
energetic business men, and every part of their mill is built in a
substantial and business-like manner.
Harris Bros.' mill, which is also expected to be ready for operation by the middle of this month, will, when completed, compare in every respect with any mill in northern Michigan. The
main building is 86x115 feet, two stories high, and attached to this
is a boiler house 28x50 feet, which is to contain three large boilers
twenty feet long and four feet in diameter. The cylinder is twenty
inches in diameter, and forty-eight inch stroke. -The capacity of
the engine will be 150 horse power to 60 pounds of steam. -This
mill is to have one large circular, a gang of forty saws and an edger
with three saws. It will contain all the latest and most-improved
labor-saving machinery, and neither time nor money will be spared
to make it a first-class mill. Capt. Silas Pelton, of Grand Rapids,
has had full charge of the mill from the beginning, and his work
proves him to be a man of much mechanical skill and ingenuity.
MERCANTILE ESTABLISHMENTS.
Among the most important of which we would make special
note is that of Messrs. Holbrook & May, who keep a well selected
stock of everything in the line-of dry goods, groceries and provi

Messrs. Reed & Ferris have a large blacksmith shop and are
doing a prosperous business.
J. F. Duval has a boot and shoe shop on Mason Street.
We have at present four hotels, all of which are doing a prosperous business. The Mason House, so well known to the public,
is being thoroughly overhauled. The rooms are all being newly
ceiled, papered and furnished in the most comfortable manner.
The walls which are now known to be made of logs are to be sided
on the outside so that it will appear to be a log building no more.
Mr. Mason is a pleasant and obliging landlord, and is ready to do
anything for the comfort and entertainment of all who are so fortunate as to stop with him. He has placed on the lake for the entertainment of guests a fine pleasure boat that is truly delightful
to ride in.   The tables are spread with the very best that
the  market affords.  Everything presents a tidy  and tasty
appearance.
The American Hotel on Mitchell Street, nearly opposite the
depot on the east, quite recently opened, presents a fine appearance and is acknowledged by every one as having first-class accommodations. The building is 30x60 feet, two-story.
Messrs. Teller'& Parks, proprietors of the Clam Lake House,


I
p
I
I


i
i
i
i
I


I


I


AMERICAN HOUSE, CADILLAC.
sions. They are energetic business men and are having a lively - are still occupying their old quarters on Lake Street. Their:new
trade, which they well deserve.                               building on Mitchell Street is now inclosed and will- soon be ready
The next of importance is the general hardware store of W.  for occupancy. When finished it will be the largest and decidedly
H. Hicks & Co. They keep in store a first-class stock, and pro-  the handsomest building in town.
pose to sell at Grand Rapids prices. Mr. Hicks is a young man of  Messrs. Sanders & Walkerhave purchased the new building of
energy and ability, and is deserving of public patronage.     Bremyer Bros., and are putting in a stock of groceries and proMessrs. Cornwell & Labar have a large store in Messrs.    visions.
Mosser & White's building, well stocked with flour, feed, groceries  Abbott & Turner have opened their new store on Mason Street,
and provisions. They are having a good trade.                 having a good line of groceries and confectioneries.
Mr. L. Ballou, on Mason Street, also dealer in flour, feed,   Larcom & Motts have their new building on Lake Street ingroceries and provisions, is doing a lively business. He is a young  closed, and when finished it is to be occupied by them for a fruit
man of good business tact, and is bound to succeed.           and vegetable store.
Mr'. Bunyea, on Lake Street, keeps a good line of groceries
Mr. Bunyea, on Lake Street, keeps a good line of groceries    Lamb & Cole have erected a new building on Mitchell Street.
and provisions. He was among the first settlers in the place, and
They intend putting in groceries and provisions.
is deserving of patronag. e. 
Messrs. Sanders &' Morrow are large dealers in dry goods and    Dr. illenbek ha the frame up for his new drug store on
~~~~~~~~~groceriek~s.  ~Mitchell Street.
groceries.
Messrs. Russell & White have opened a meat market on Lake     Mr. Bunyea, on Mitchell Street, is inclosing his large building
Street, and their stock is new and fresh from Grand Rapids every  to be used for groceries.
day.                                                              Mr. Born has purchased the building recently occupied by Mr.
Dr. Leeson has his drug store in snecessful operation.    Tracy for a dwelling, and is fitting it up for a dry goods, boot and
Mr. 8tudley has opened a first-class restaurant on Mason  shoe store.
Straeet                                                           Mr. Kirkbride is putting on the finishing touch to his new.~~~~~~~~~~~~~


V


me t.?


~- - - I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


b

Ii-ow




L
I


I
x

4
}~


356


THE TRAVERSiE REGION






furniture rooms on Harris Street, in which you may expect to see
a full line of furniture.
Mr. C. B. Earl is making ready to lay the foundation of a
large store on Mason Street iimmediately east of the railroad,
in which he proposes to keep for sale sash, doors, blinds, glass,
paints, oils, etc.
Mr. Vaughn has purchased of R. P. Thurber the large store
and boarding-house block, which is to be painted outside, and the
rooms now occupied for a boarding-house are to have a general
overhauling, and be. fitted up in the most improved manner.
The number of new dwellings that are being erected each week
would have to be reckoned by the dozen..
A lot has been selected and given by Mr. Mitchell for the
erection of a school building. It covers one whole block, lying on
an elevation commanding a most beautiful view of the town. The
contract has been let for the building of a temporary house to. be
used for a season, when a bufiilding is to be erected that will be an
ornament to the village.
The Presbyterian and Methodist societies have selected lots,
which have been given by Mr. Mitchell for'church purposes. A
move is already on foot in which to build suitable edifices for public worship.
Among the local items of the first and second numbers of the
News were the following:
Rev. J. Redpath held an open air service last Sunday evening
in front of the Mason House;.
Rev. J. Redpath will hold services in the open air in front of
the Mason House next Sunday morning athalf-past ten. A special
invitation is extended to all.
George Turner, Esq., station agent, has been making some
very noticeable improvements on and about his dwelling on Harris
Street.
Quite a number of Swedes are daily arriving and setting on
the lands of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad north of this
place.
Capt. Hart, of Greenville, has recently placed upon the lake
a little side-wheel steamer for pleasure riding.
Mr. J. M. Phrisbie is laying the foundation for a new store on
Mason Street.
Mr. Tracy has the contract for building a school-house and thle
'work has already commenced.
Sealed bids will be received at the office of the director of
School District No. 6, town of Clam Lake, until 4 o'clock, p. M., of
Saturday, June 8, 1872, to build a school-house. Plans and
specifications at the director's office and at the office of A. G.
Larcom. 
Over four hundred tons of railroad iron are piled up at this
place. Track laying on the road north will commence in a few
days.
Messrs. Shackleton & Green raised the smoke stack to their
new mill one day this week. It is seventy feet high and presents
quite an exalted appearance. They expect to steam up next week.
Our town is m;Ae lively by pleasure parties arriving on nearly
every train, and from all parts of the state, to hunt and fish in and
around Clam Labes and enjoy a pleasant pastime in our village.


July 13, 1872, it was stated in the New.s that Mr. McLain, the
county surveyor, had been enlarging the village plat so that it covered nearly 200 acres. The following week it contained the following with reference to railroad matters:,,The railroad to this point is in excellent running order, well
equipped with modern improvements and under the management
of efficient and courteous officers and employes. The track is laid
about five miles north of the lake, and although five-hundred men


I


I


are now employed on the line, an effort is being made by Talcott &
Co., the principal contractors, to double the force. It is expected
that the work of grading and ironing ninety miles of road this
'season will be accomplished alid that next summer the Straits of
Mackinaw will be reached."
During 1872 and 1873' the population 6f the village increased
with wondrous rapidity. The greatest activity prevailed, and all
the business interests were remarkably prosperous.
In June, 1873, the -New, completed its first volume, and in a
review of theyear, said:
(The year that is past has been an eventful one in the history
of Clam Lake;  The village has much more than doubled its population, and has assumed a commercial importance quite unlooked
for by those living here at that time. We. commenced the News as a
six-column sheet- and published it as such for the year; but during
the latter part we have been forced to issue a supplement with
nearly every number. We now commence. an eight-column sheet
and hope thereby to do full justice both to our advertisers and our
subscribers.,"The village of Clam Lake is situated in one of the most
pleasant natural localities in N orthern Michigan, on tlhe east bank of
a beautiful lake of the same name. The lake is four miies long and
three miles wide, entirely surrounded by pine timber. To the northwest of Little Clam Lake is Big Clam Lake. They are separated
by a strip of land albout sixty rods wide. Big Clam Lake is about
four miles square. Both contain plenty of fish, and those outside
who wish to spend;a fewv days in fishing, itnting and in general
abeandon, can fi.nd no better place in the state than this. There is
a fine tug on the lakes, and any one wishing to go to any part of
them will find the proprietors pleasant and accommrodating. Tlie
soil in and aroutnd the village is ordinarily fertile, and but a few
miles away can be found some of as heavy    timbered land and
as rich soil as is knoAwn in the stte. TFhusi much for thle natural
location of Clam Lake.
"There are now permaniently located and doing a good business, the following stores: In the dry goods, ciothing and general
store line are Messrs. IHolbrook & M'ay, Messrs. Hill & Oiney, J.
M. Ridlon and T. Born.    In the grocery trade LI. Balloa, Cornwell
& LaBar, and A. M. Lanmb. Besides most (r all tihe other stores
keep somei groceries though not tas a specialty~ Boots and shoes
are kept by Holbrokk & -May, J.. E. Ridlon, Hill & Olney and T.
Born, none however imaking it tlheir exclusive trade. Mr. J. F.
Duval and MN.     1., )iuilhaml have each a customl shop in which all
kinds of repairing is dhne, or new work if desired."
There arc two hardware stores, one kept by W. H. Hicks &
Co., 41he other by (Jelond & Co.; each has a tin shop attached.
Therre are two exclusive millinery establishments, one kept by Mrs.
Olney, the other by Mrs. Abrams.    One dressmaker and millinery
shop, kept by Misses Teller & Casweil. Two diug stores are now
doing a good busiineiss, one owned by Dr. J. Leeson, the other by
Dr. G. Dill srbeck.
There are now five hotels, all in good working order and each
doing a very good and piosperous business in its line. Three are
first-class, viz.: The Mason- House, kept by Davis & Bow en, the
American, kept by Currie & Bennett, and the Mitchell House, kept
by Philander Casweil. The Farmers' Home, conducted by William 1iines, and the Scandinavian, kept by Lawson & Co., are good


second-class houses, each well managed in its particular line, and
doing a good business. There are now, also, two restaurants, three
billiad halls aid three saloons in the place. The saw-mills are
five in number, as follows: One is owned and operated by Harris
Bros., which is a large and powerful mill running one large circular
and a gang, cutting on an average of about 60,000 feet per day.




I
i
i
I
I
i
I


-1


- 4


I


I


C


l






.+a

Al.].


I'


I


*Ill ---- -— IIIIIII I


TH-E TRAVERSE REGION.


357


I 


I


Messrs. Shackleton & Green also have a very fine mill with a capacity of 40,000 feet per day. - Coombs Bros. & Co. have a new
mill which has just commenced work, of about the same grade,
and with a similar capacity as the last one named. This same
firm also own and operate a portable mill with a capacity of
25,000 feet,in conjunction with the other mill. On the extreme
south of the village is the mill owned by Mr. J. W. Cobbs, a fine
mill for its size, and doing a very handsome business. Its capacity
is about 85,C00 feet per day. The railroad has sidings which extend quite to the lumber yards of each mill,, so that the lumber
haq to only be once handled to be shipped. There is one planingmill, owned by Mr. Haynes, which is doing a large business and is
quite crowded with work. This mill contains all the machinery
for dressing lumber in almost any shape Teady for use. There is
also one steam grist-mill, owned by Cornwell & LaBar, which is in
good order and doing a fine trade.
There are now herefour practloing physicians, viz: Drs.
Wilcox, Leeson, Dillenbeck and McTaggart.    Two law firms,
Messrs. Fallass & Sawyer, and Rice & Rice. There is but one
newspaper here, the News.
Nine new stores are in course or construction now and quite a
number more are sure to be built during the summer.
The new bakery, owned by Mr. Balfour, will soon be in working order.
The first brick was burned today at the new brick yard, so
that hereafter brick may be had for all purposes.
About thirty new dwelling houses have been built this summer
or are now in course of construction, besides a great many others
which have been much improved; Two'churches are now being
built, and both will be completed before fall and ready for use.
One, the Methodist, is now so far advanced that services are held
there. The Presbyterian will be a larger building and will not be
completed so soon. A new school-house will probably be built
during the summer.
The job for taking the stumps oat of Mason and Mitchell
Streets has been let, and the work is now progressing finely. A
good deal of work will also be put upon other streets, as there is,a
very large road tax to be worked out somewhere.
During the last week Rev. J. Redpath took the census of Clam
Lake in order to make his annual report, and found here 968 persons exclusive of railroad men and those who only stay for a few
weeks. This proves that there is not far from 1,200 persons who
are.daily in our village and upon our streets, and we are as yet but
one year and a half old.
The first week in July the work of clearing streets seems to
have been vigorously prosecuted, as in the issue of July 5, the
News mentioned the work as follows: " The job of pulling the
stumps from the principal streets of the village is now progressing
finely. The stump machine is now opposite our office on Mitchell
Street, and rapidly moving down the street toward its southern end,
leaving a very s hard road to travel' in its wake."
Not long after this it,mas stated that every store in the village,
whetherfinishled or unfinished, was either occupied, or rented to
be occupied as soon as finished~ and several business men who desired to locate here were unable to procure rooms.
We will now notice more in detail the religious and educational progress of the village.


CHURCH HISTOBY.
While the foundation of a prosperous business community
was being laid, the moral welfare of the people was not neglected.
In fact, from the first movements at this point to the present time
the liberality with which religious efforts have been encouraged is
worthy of special emphasis.


I




The Methodist Episcopsdd6nnomination was the first to be represented here. Early in December, 1871,'Rev. A. L. Thurston, an
M. E. minister, came here and preached in a log cabin situated
near the shore of the lake and belonging to J. S. McLain. He
preached a few times and then services were suspended until the
following spring.
In Ma1y, 1872, an M. E. class wits organized with the following members: C. L. Frazier and wife, Dr. John Leeson and wife,
Ira S. Saunders and wife, and William, H. Brown. Services were
held for a time in Dillcnbeck's Hall, and after the school-house was
built that was used. In May the Presbyterian society was represented here, and of their, particular work we will speak hereafter.
In September, 1872, Clam Lake was set off and designated as
one charge and Rev. A. J. Wheeler sent here in charge of the
work. He arrived the last of September and found a class of
about twenty-five members.
Nov. 23, 1872, the M. E. Society was fully organized as a civil
corporation, and the following trustees elected: H. N. Green, Dr.
John I eeson, Levi T. Olds, C. B. Field and Ira S. Saunders.
Rev. John W. Miller was presiding elder.
In the spring of 1873 a house of worship was begun on a lot
donated by Mr. Mitchell. In April, 1873, the local paper mentioned the progress of the work as follows: "The progress during the week of the erection of the new M. E. Church is' most
encounraging, indeed. Considerable amount has been added in subscriptions, and lumber is being moved to the planing-mill for the
siding and flooring."
Again, on June 7, 1873, the paper contained the following:
"A little less than four weeks ago the first work was done on the
M. E. Church, yet last Sunday services were held there and will
continue to be in the future. Great credit is due Mr. Wheeler, the
pastor, for his untiring work iu this good cause. He has labored
long, earnestly and hard, sometimes under peculiarly discouraging
circumstances, yet always with the same determination to succeed
in this good work. The people of Clam Lake should long remember him for the good he has done them in this respect."
The ladies of the church were also active and raised money
for furnishing by giving various entertainments. A series of " socials " was inaugurated in November, 1873, and continued through
the following winter at Earl's hall.
In September, 1873, a new bell was gtut on the church. It
weighed 500 pounds and cost $125.
Rev. W. L. Tilden succeeded Mr. Wheeler, as pastor, in September, 1878, and remained two years. At the close of his pastorate in September, 1875, a review of his work was made, which
we give as follows:
When the Michigan Conference of 1873 appointed Rev. W. L.
Tilden to Clam Lake charge, the society was in its infancy and gave
very poor promise for the progress it has made since that time.
The church then had a membership of but twenty-five, and was weak
in wealth and influence. A church edifice had been.commenced
by the society during the pastorate of Rev. A. J. Wheeler, and was
dedicated shortly after Mr. Tilden's advent. This edifice cost about
$2,500, and at the time of itsdedication there remained an indebtedness of about $900, which was provided for in pledges. The
panic soon came on with its disastrous results, and many who had
made pledges to the church moved away, and in various ways about


half their pledges became valueless, leaving about $500 to be provided for anew. This is now provided for. Mr. Tilden, on his
arrival found the church without a parsonage, and took steps to
supply this want. As. a result the church has a parsonage 22x28,
which has cost up to the present date $650. It is yet incomplete,
although Mr. Tilden and his family have occupied it since it was


I








t r


j


r


L


i_ ii i i i iiii i iii iii llll i~ iii m ii ii Iill I I iii I..... I...... I..........
I~


L


IIlo


w./I —fl_


Is




6v



358


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


inclosed. Its completion will cost $800, but there is no indebtedness for the work already done. The incomplete tower on the
church has for a year and a half been a sad commentary on the
energy of the church and the public spiritedness of our citizens generally. But this will no longer smite our consciences. Mr. Tilden's
last financial operations were to collect $125 for the completion of
the steeple, and calcimining the walls of the interior, which is
greatly needed. This will leave the church in good condition in all
its material interests, holding property free from debt, valued at
nearly $4,000.
" The church has made large progress in its spiritual interests
and in numbers. Two years ago the church numbered but twentyfive communicants, now there are ninety-seven. Of this increase,
fifty are converts and the balance have united by letter. The past
winter was signalized by revivals both in the village and at the
branch society in the Hollister neighborhocrd. There was no Sunday-school in the charge when Mr. Tilden commenced his pasto.
rate; now there are two, with 150 pupils, receiving instruction in
divine things through their instrumentality.
" Mr. Tilden has done a noble pioneer work as the above very
flattering record of the past clearly shows, and he has done it in the
face of difficulties from which most men would have shrunk. He
has done it on compensation, with which none of us as business men
endowed with talents of even a much lower order, would be content.
During the first three months he taught school in addition to his
other labors, and received $300 in all shapes from the congregation and $200 missionary appropriation. The past year the missionary appropriation was $175 and he has received from  the
church about $500, including house rent. Besides the salary the
church has paid for incidental and running expenses during the
past conference year $200."
Since that time the pastors have been as follows: Rev. L.
Dods, W. R. Stinchcomb, W. Barrett, E. H. Day, and G. Daniels.
The society is in a flourishing condition and has about 140
members.
The Presbyterian denomination was first represented at ('lam
Lake by Rev. J. Redpath, now a resident of Boyne Falls, and who
has done a large amount of pioneer work in the Traverse region.
About the last of May, 1872, Mr. Redpath came here and first
preached in the open air in front of the Mason House. July 6 the
local paper contained the following announcement:-" Rev. J.
Redpath, of the Presbyterian Church, has been commissioned at
this place for a year. This will please the people of the place, as
his work so far has shown him to be an earnest and faithful Christian worker. He is highly esteemed as a gentleman and a preacher,
and will have the co-operation of all."
The organization of a society and first services in Earl's Hall
were mentioned in the News of Nov. 23, 1872, as follows:
"The Presbytery of Grand Rapids held an adjourned meeting in
this village Nov. 14, 1872. In the absence of the moderator and
clerk, the Rev. J. B. Hall was elected moderator, pro tern, and Rev.
J. Redpath, clerk. Rev. George N. Smith was received into this
Presbytery from the Congregational Association of Grand Traverse. Two churches were also received, the Old Wing Mission
and the First Presbyterian Church of Concord. These churches
are mostly composed of natives. The First Presbyterian Church of


Clam Lake was organized, consisting of fourteen members. A
hall has been secured as a place of worship. Measures have already been taken to erect a church the coming season. The following gentlemen were elected officers and trustees according to the
laws of the state of Michigan:-President, George A. Mitchell; secretary, H. F. May; trustees, George Shacklelon, L. 0O.' arris,


William Beunett, Thomas'Whaley, Tobias Born, Charles Potter,
GeorgewHilbrook, WilliamnCurrie.
"Religious services were held in the new hall over C. B. Earl's
building, last Sunday, for the first time. The usual services were
held in the morning and in the evening it was dedicated by the
Rev. J. Redpath, in a sermon of much power. Alludirg briefly in
the course of his remarks to the work he came here to accomplish,
he stated emphatically that it was no merely sectarian one, that his
aim was to make Christians and not members of his church. He
concluded by giving a cordial invitation to all to attend the services
which will continue to be held there during the winter. Since he
has been bete, Mr. Redpath has been an indefatigable worker, laboring in season and out of season, and has good reason to be
proud of the success which has crowned his effoits."
About the first of June, 1873, the foundation of a new church
building was laid, —ard work begun on the superstructure. The lot
was donated by Mr. Mitchell.
About two weeks after work was commenced the Nv/r.s contained
the following:  " On Thursday evening a large force of men gathered at the Presbyterian Church to put the timbers of the basement
together. They worked hard, but it became late before the work was
completed; and then somewhat more than a million mosquitoes
having gathered upon each individual, there was a general abandonment of the work until Friday evening, when the job was completed. The work on the church building will now be rapidly
pushed to completion."
Aug. 16 it was announced that " the Presbyterian services
will hereafter be conducted in the basement of their new church
until the audience room is completed. The Sunday-sclool will also
be held at the church at the same hour as foimerly; the basement
being all finish ed except plastering, it will be quite as convenient as
the hall where services have been held heretofore."
The basement was used for the next year while the audience
room above was being finished.
In October, 1874, the church was finished, and at the dedication Rev. Mr. Redpath slated the cost of the Presbyterian Church
to have been about $5,000. Of this sum $750 was secured from
the Church Erection Society, of New York, and the balance was
raised by private subscription.
Rev. Mr. Redpath was succeeded by Rev. A. Marsh, who remained until 1883, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Lamb,
the present pastor.
The bell for the church was purchased in 1877.
The Free Methodists were first represented in the county by
Rev. J. G. Witham, who organized a society in Colfax in 1873.
In the summer of 1875 Rev. L. D. Russell came to Cadillac, then
Clam Lake, and organized a society with about thirteen members.
A house of worship was built by the help of persons outside the
society. The pastors have been, Revs. L. Owen, A. Mudge, C. McKay, M. De Voist, E. Cook, Watson and F. A. Smith. A parsonage was built during Mr. McKay's pastorate, and another during
the pastorate of Mr. Smith. The society has now about fifty members. There are also societies at Colfax and Cherry Grove.
The Congregational society dates from June, 1882, at which
time Rev. C. H. Beale came here and began to hold preaching service in the opera house. In January, 1883, a society was organized with Jacob Cummer, N. L. Gerrish, J. G. Mosser, E. F. Saw

yer, and F.H. Messmore trustees. There were about thirty members. The following June a house of worship was begun which
was finished aud dedicated Dec. 14, 1883. The cost of the church
property including parsonage was $8,500. The church or ecclesiastical society was organized Nov. 11, 1883, with twenty-eight members. Rev. Mr. Beale remains the pastor.


I


I


F


-


qp - =
_ 7


-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-t




(


-r                                                                                              I   I. -- _  -.. -; —~~~~~ —~~- --  - iI  - I  i -- ' 


~-;~~
~" ---~rr~-:-r-~:.
-CT-nIT~r-;
Tz.:             'i  ".~~.
'"" ~~-:;r               -ttr;..-.

?; ",.-"
i~
u
-r                                                               * —
u-)rl
X~
-i
~: ~ ~ ~ ~ ;i;r~:CYYYYYYYrYrYrYrYrY:Y




\i ~TCi
~::~ i~~~~~:-. ~~. ---,ICi~:!
r:II T. -
~-~ i~-i~....:r;r zsi
~.;Lzs;;::F't- —"2 —"i~: r;~1,

~, ~~;;         ~-:. ~ ~r


-1


RES. OF S.J.WALL, CADILLAC, WEXFORD CO.MICH.


tES..OF W.W.-MITCHELL, CADILLAC,WEXFORD  Co. MIcH.


I


In* -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  -1








O-w_ -— i -


-Ir"




I


I




]


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


359


--— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


In the winter of 1874 Mr. Mitchell gave lots for the erection
of a Swede church. A building was erected and quite a, large society formed, and a few years later another church was built.
St. Ann's Catholic Church was begun in 1881 by Father Ziegler, of Traverse City. The first resident priest was Rev. Marenus
Willigan, who came in 1883, and finished the church building.
The parish now numbers about eighty families.
Other denominations have occasional services in the city. The
Baptists have quite a representation in the city, but at the present
time there is no society in active operation.
EARLY SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK.
Early in the summer of 1872 M Union Sunday school was organized by H. N. Green, and successfully conducted through the
summer and fall. In December the school was divided and the
Methodist and Presbyterian societies each carried on separate Sunday school work.
SCHOOL MATTERS.
The first school was kept in the building of Mosser & White
in the spring of 1872. During the spring the ground since occupied
by a school building was secured, and in June a school-house
was built. It appears to have been a temporary affair, for a new
one was soon afterward needed.
Aug. 31, 1872, the following announcement was made in the
Neews: " The first regular annual school meeting in Clam Lake
will be held at the school-house Monday evening, Sept. 2. Several
important questions will come before the meeting, among which is
that of building a new and suitable school building, one that will
be a credit to the place. It is hoped that every voter and property
holder in Clam Lake will be present next Monday evening, to aid in
carrying out every measure that will tend to promote and increase
the educational interests of the place."
The school census was taken in September, and according to
the report the village lad 105 children between the ages of five and
twenty years. During the fall the school-house was repaired, and
December 16 the winter term  commenced, with C. L. Frazier
as principal, and Miss Nettie Brink as assistant in the primary department.
The spring term opened April 28, with George Addison, of
Big Rapids, as principal, and Miss Born assistant. One hundred
pupils were enrolled the first month.
In Septemoer, 1873, the Neirs referred to the school-house as
follows: " There is going to be not quite a new school-house this
fall, but an addition to the one now in use for the primary department. The whole building when completed will be thirty-six feet
long and the same width as now. The school board have determined to reseat the whole building with good iron seats which can
be used in the new building when it is built."
In November, 1873, the Ners contained the following mention
of the schools"We paid our village school a visit this week. The first thing
that attracted our notice on nearing the school ground, was the growth
of the school building. The primary department has been enlarged
by the addition of sixteen feet to the east end, making its total
'length thirty-two feEt-no more than sufficient to accommodate the
sixty pupils now registered in this department. Upon the -west end
of the main room is being added sixteen feet, intended for a recitation room, which is much needed on account of the present crowded
condition of the school.


"The two departments are under the management of Mr.
George Addison as principal, and Miss Born assistant; both are
highly prosperous and reflect credit upon the teachers. On entering the grammar department, we found present about sixty pupils
under the tuition of Mr. Addison. We were pleased to notice the


interest manifested upon the part of the pupils, and the system
and good order prevailing throughout. It is clearly evident that
there is too much work for one teacher in this room. The four
grades of pupils necessitate a large number of recitations, which
greatly shortens the time allotted to each. We hope that the school
board will see this matter in its true light, and employ an assistant
for this department as soon as the room is ready for use.
"We now pass to the primary department under the supervision
of Miss Born. Here we find present forty bright youths, in nearly
the same crowded condition; but a prospect for a better state of
things, as the new room is to be seated next week, which will make
sufficient loom for all. We withhold all criticisms, knowing the
many disadvantages under which the teacher has labored. Miss
Born is a thorough, earnest worker, and is doing all that can be
done with the conveniencies at hand."
Rev. W. L. Tilden, pastor of the M. E. Church, taught during
the winter of 1874.
In March, 1874, the NC,'ws said: —"Prof. W. A. Fallass, of Lowell, has been secured as principal of the village school of this place
for the coming term. He will enter upon his duties the 9th of
April. We are glad to welcome Prof. Fallass to our midst, knowing
him to be a thorough gentleman and a good scholar."
The rapid growth of the village soon made increased school
accommodations necessary, and in August, 1876, a new school
building was completed which was described in the Ne's.. as follows:
" The new school building is now fully completed, ready for
the seating and furniture, which have been purchased of the Triumph School Desk Company, of Chicago, and is of the patent.styled
the ' Triumph'-which by the building committee was considered
the very best desk and seat combined offered.
"The contract for the building, above the foundation, was let
to Messrs. Mosser & White, builders, of this village, and was to
have been completed by the 25th of this month. The contract for
the foundation and plastering was taken by Charles Thompson, also
of Clam Lake; and the furnishing of the doors, windows, and all
the hardware of the entire building was undertaken by our enterprising hardware firm, Messrs. Hicks & Peck. The last mentioned
firm also did the painting of the entire building.
" The main building is 28x62 feet, and the front of the building, containing the entrance and stairway, is 20x$8 feet, exclusive of
the open porches. This gives four very handsome school-rooms,
26 feet 4 inches, by 29 feet 4 inches, with a 13 foot ceiling, deadened floors, and complete ventilation. There are four very handsome.open por.-hes, which add beauty as well as utility to the house.
There is also a closet opening into each room. The entrance and
stairway ale roomy and pleasant, and the stairs themselves are
broad and easily climbed. The rail, etc., is of black walnut, giving
a beautiful contrast to the white walls and wood-work surrounding
them. A handsome belfry tops the front part of the building, from
which a view of the village, the lakes, and the surrounding country
can be had, such as is not to be had from any other locality in or
about Clam Lake.
" The contract price for the building above the foundation was
$8,600."
This building was added to as was required. In the winter of
1880 it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt during the following
summer.
The first term in the new building commenced in September,


1876, with Prof. H. S. Groesbeck, Miss Hattie Caswell and Miss
Carrie Sipley as teachers.
Prof. Groesbeck remained until the fall of 1878,.and was succeeded by Prof. F. C. Pifer, who remained one year, and was succeeded by Prof. H. M. Enos, the present principal.








V


L




I I
-0


r




Q -A


o - -
Q I


I                                                                                                                                                                               I-i-'


i






I


_


I


360


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


I


The number of pupils enrolled in the fall of 1888 was 595,
with an average number belonging of 444.
POSTOFFICE.
The postoffice was established in January, 1872; became a
presidential office Jan. 1, 1878; and a second-class office Oct. 1,
1881.
The names of the different postmasters who have had charge
of the office and the period of service is as follows: John S. McLain, from Jan. 25. 1872, to July 12, 1872; Henry F. May, from
July 12, 1872, to April 1, 1874; Byron Ballou, from April 1, 1874,
to April 10, 1875; J. A. Whitmore, from April 10, 1875, to July 1,
1877; Jared Hixson, the present incumbent, from July 1, 1877.
The office has been furnished with a large number of Yale
lock-boxes, and has been refitted from time to time as the requirements of the public seemed to make necessary.
The name of the office was Clam Lake until the name of the
village was changed to Cadillac.
In June, 1873, the business of the office was reported as follows:  Receipts for quarter ending June 80, 1872, $172.93; for
quarter ending Sept. 30, 1872, $274.75; for quarter ending Dec. 81,
1872, $395.95.
The business reported for the quarter ending June 30, 1874, was
as follows:








Amount of stamps sold.............................  $390.00
44 received for box rent,.......................  46.05
"(     "    for paper postage,.................  18.73
"(  "n      on unpaid letters,...................  10.00
Total................$464.78
Number of money orders issued,......................  329
Amount received for same,.......................... $6,659.99
(   paid on money orders drawn here,............ 1,064.58
INCORPORATION.
Early in 1874 the people of Clam Lake reached the conclusion
that their interests would be advanced by being incorporated under
a village charter. In February of that year a visitor to the place
gave a brief outline of its business interests as follows:
"Clam Lake is not three years old, yet it has a population of
1,500 thorough-going people. It is the present northern terminus
of the G. R. & I. Railway.
"To show at a glance the genuine and healthful growth of this
busy town one needs only to mention the mercantile firm of Holbrook & May, dealers in general merchandise. They began trade
here only two years since with a nominal capital and now have a
store 130 feet long, and do an-anntal business of $80,000.
"Ranking next is the house of High Bros. & Co., who are men
of energy and integrity.
"La Bar, Heath & Co., are dealers in lumbermen's supplies.
They lead the trade in this line, and are, withal, genial gentlemen.
"D. C. McKinnon & Co., are a heavy lumber firm and are just
now engaged in building one of the largest hotels in Northern
Michigan in the.well founded belief that summer pleasure tiavel
will tend in this direction.
"Clam Lake is not without that necessary adjunct of a well
ordered village, a sprightly weekly newspaper. The Clam Lake
News' is an honor to the town and sufficient evidence of the journalistic ability of its editor and proprietor, Mr. C. L. Frazier.
"Regretting that space and time forbid further extended notice,
we would mention as worthy of remark the following business
people and firms; McIntyre & Rice, attorneys; F. H. Huntley,




jeweler; F. R. Osgood, boots, shoes and groceries; John Turner,
groceries and cabinet ware; J, H. McKinnon, groceries and crockery; Cornell & Roy, restauranters; Lydell & Kennedy, blacksmiths;
Hill & Olney, general merchandise; H. Crandell, deputy sheriff;
Ferris & Co., blacksmiths; E., H. Reynolds, stock dealer; W. H.
Hicks & Co., hardware; A. McCullom, restauranter; Mrs. N. Abrams,
millinery; McCarty & Struble, restauranters; G. W. Kirkbride,
manufacturer of an excellent quality of mineral paint, and the inventor of a new car coupling, likely to come into general use; Dr.
John Leeson, druggist; Culver & McCarty, Occidental diningrooms.
"Mr. L. D. Stuart is the genial and hospitable proprietor of
the Mitchell House, an attractive and well kept hotel, and worthy
of the fullest patronage.
"The remaining hotels are the Lake House, F. G. Vosburg,
proprietor; the American House, conducted by Currie & Bennett;
and the Mason House, under the direction of its proprietor, Mr. S.
C. Mason."
The foregoing may not be perfect in all respects, but it gives a
general idea of the mercantile business of the place.
The village was incorporated by the board of supervisors under
the law of 1873, and the first election was hrld in May, 1874.
The law under which the village had been incorporated was
declared unconstitutional and a new law passed by the legislature
of 1875. Under the new law the village was re-incorporated by act
of legislature, approved April 25, 1875, and embraced the following
described territory to-wit:  The northwest quarter of Section 3,
and all of Section 4 in Township 21 north, of Range 9 west, and
the southwest quarter of Section 33 and the southwest quarter of
Section 34, in Township 22 north, of Range 9 west.
In 1875 George J. Shackleton was elected president, and the
trustees were Robert Christenson, L. 0. Harris, A. M. Lamb, S.
F. Long, D. McKay and Mr. Pratt. Clerk, E. F. Sawyer.
1876:  There were 220 voters registered and 136 votes cast.
President, George J. Shackleton; clerk, David A. Rice; treasurer,
George Holbrook; trustees, Messrs. Henry F. May, L. O. Harris, J.
B. Cornwell.
In the winter of 1877 the people of the village determined, if
possible, to incorporate under a city charter. The necessary steps
in that direction were taken. A bill was introduced into the legis_
lature, and late in.April a public meeting was held, and means
provided for securing the passage of the bill.
The bill was passed by the legislature and became a law, providing as follows:
" That tte following described territory, to wit:  The northwest quarter of Section 3 and all of Section 4, in Township 21
north, of Range 9 west, the southeast quarter and the southwest
quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 33, and the southwest
quarter of Section 34, in Township 22 north, of Range 9 west, in
the county of Wexford, and state of Michigan, be incorporated
into and the same is hereby made, constituted, and organized into
a city, to be known as the city of Cadillac.
" Immediately aft;r this act shall take (ffect, the board of trustees of the vi lage of Clam Lake, Wexford County, Mich., shall
proceed to divide the territory herein incorporated into such number
of wards as they shall deem necessary, not exceeding three in all,
and the division shall be so made as to make the territory and pop

ulation of the several wards as nearly equal as may be.
The said city of Cadillac shall, in all things not herein otherwise proSided, be governed by, and its powers and duties defined
and limited by an act entitled ' An act for the incorporation of
cities,' being act number 178, of the session laws of 1873, approved April 29, 1878, which act is hereby made and constituted a






I


_t f.


_               _ _ _ _   __      _ _ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~, I i




-x


-1 '


no-.-I


1


I. -




1 -

---------— * --— ~~                           ~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'o.. —.  _ _.


361


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


part of the charter of said city of Cadillac, except as herein otherwise provided. Provided, That the mayor and aldermen of said
city shall serve without compensation. And provided further, That
the sums raised by general tax for'city- purposes (exclusive of thbef
sums raised for schools and school purposes),. shall not in any one
year exceed one per cent on the assessed'value of all the real and
personal property in said city made taxable by law.
II In case sufficient time shall not intervene after the division of
said city into wards to give thile required notice of election, on
the first Monday inrApril, in the year of our Lord 1877, then the
first election in said city shall be held on the first Monday in September, in the year of our Lord 1877, and the manner of holding
said first election, bnd the giving of notice thereof shall be the
same as near as may be, as is prescribed in Sections 11, 12, 13 and
14, of Chapter I, of an act entitled An act for the incorporation of cities,' approved April 29, 1878.
Act No. 886 of the session laws, 1875, approved April 22, 1875,
is hereby repealed."
". In 1879 the charter was amended so as to include the following described territory within the city limits:  Sections 3, 4 and 5,
the north half of the northeast quarter of Section 8, and the northwest quarter of Section 9, all in Township 21 north of Range 9 west,
the south half of Section 33, and the west half of Section 34, in
Township 22 north, of Range 9 west.
A union convention was held to nominate a city ticket, and the
following named gentlemen were put in nomination: Mayor, George
A. Mitchell; marshal,- Horton Crandell; clerk, Lorenzo Ballon;
treasurer, Daniel F. Colustock; collector, Horton Crandell; street
commissioner, Charles Cole; school.inspectors, Levi 0. Harris,
three years, Jacob Curmmer, two years, Charles M. Ayer, one year;
justices of the peace, Holden N. Green, four years, Eugene F. Sawyer, three years, John B. Rosevelt, two years; Robert Christensen,
one year; aldermen at large, Milton J. Bond, two years, Daniel W.
Peck, one year.
City officers since then have been as follows:
1878:-Mayor, Jacob Cummer; clerk, L. Ballou; treasurer,
W. W. Mitchell; street commissioner, J. J. White; marshal, H.
Crandell; collector, J. J. White; school inspector, W. Kelley; alderman at large, H. C. Larsen; aldermen, L. G. Lawson, N. Haynes,
E. Lapham, John Mosser..1879: -Mayor, Daniel McCoy; treasurer, W. W. Mitchell; city
clerk, Henry Ballou; city attoriey, D. E. McIntyre; marshal, D.
K. Cooke; aldermen at large, Alvin A. Mitchell, George A. Dillenbeck; first ward, L. G. Lawson, William Sanluders; second ward,
Edward Lapham, M. J. Bond; third ward, J. G. Mosser, J. W.
Cobbs.
1880:-Mayor, Daniel McCoy, treasurer, John M. Rice; clerk,
W. H.Wood; marshal, D. E. Cooke; collector, H. N. Green; street
commissioner, J. C. Bomn; school inspector, H. N. Green; aldermani at large, G. A., Dillenbeck; aldermen, Norman D. Haynes,
George Holbrook, Ronald McDonald.
1881: -Mayor, Daniel McCoy; city attorney, John B. Bosevelt;
city clerk, Chauncy Guest; city treasurer, John M. Rice; city collector, S.. F. Long; city marshal, William Cassler; street commissioner, John C. Born; city surveyor, A. J. Teed; aldermen at
large, G. A. Dillenbdck, E. L. Metheany; first ward, N. Haynes,
L. G. Lawson; second ward, George Holbrook, D. W. Peck; third
ward, Henry Ballou, Charles M. Ayer.


1882 —Mayor, Byron Ballou; city attorney, Rollin L. Rice;
city clerk, E. M. Hutchinson; city treasurer, F. H. Messmore; city
collector, 'E.  George; city marshal,.William Cassler; street commissioner, G. W. Heath; city surveyor, A; J. Teed; aldermen at
large, E. L.  Metheany,  Austin W. Mitchell; -first ward, L. G.


Lawson, William Crippen; second ward, D. W. Peck, Charles
Haynes; third ward, Henry Ballou, Osmond Reed.
1883:-Mayor, E. L. Metheany; city attorney, M. L. Dunhan; city clerk, E. M. Hutchipsou; city treasurer, F. H. Messmore; city collector, E. George; city marshal, William Cassler;
street commissioner, M. W. Heath; city surveyor, A. J. Teed; aldermen at large, W. W. Cummer, Austin W. Mitchell; first ward,
A. L. Scoby, William    Crippen, second ward, F. C. Sampson,
Charles Haynes; third ward, L. J. Law, Osmond Reed.
1884: —Mayor, E. H. Huntley; city attorney, M. L. Dunham;
city clerk, F. A. Clary; city treasurer, James Haynes; city collector, E. George; city marshal, William Cassler; street commissioner,
W. H. Arms; city surveyor, A. J. Teed; aldermen at large, W.
W. Cummer, Austin W. Mitchell; first ward, L. G. Lawson, N. D.
Haynes, second ward, F. C. Sampson, Edward      Lapham, third
ward, T. J. Jennings, S. H. Merritt.
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMIPERANCE UNION.
March 2, 1877, a number of the ladies of the city of Cadillac
met at the M. E. Church, and a " Woman's Christian Temperance
Union" was organized through the influence, and by the aid of Mr
Cameron, of East Saginaw.
After the reading and adoption of a constitution and by-laws,
and the reception of members, the society proceeded to the election
of officers, with the following result: President, Mrs. H. N. Green;
first vice-president, Mrs. John Turner, second vice-president, Mrs.
C. M. W. Earle; secretary, Mrs. S. S. Fallass; treasurer, Mrs. G. A.
Mitchell; executive committee, Mrs. L. Rockwell, Mrs. A. K. Moyer,
Mrs. George Holbrook, Mrs. Ada Cummer, Mrs. Laura Towle;
finance committee, Mrs. W. Hz  Hicks, Mrs. H. Crandell and Mrs.
A. Gallenger.
This society has maintained an active existence to the present time. The principal officers are: President, Mrs. George Mitchell; secretary, Mrs. Ella Stevens; treasurer, Mrs. Wellington Cummer.
SECRET ORDERS.
Clam    Lake Lodge, No. 281, F. & A. M., was instituted in the
spring of 1875. The officers in 1883 are W. M., J. R. Bishop; S.
W., Frank C. Sampson; J. W., Isaac Murphy; treasurer, J. J.
Mosser; secretary, Henry Skelley.
Cadillac Chapter, No. 103, R. A. M., was chartered in Autgust,
1878. Officers in 1883: -H. P., J. H. Hixsonl; K., J. G. Mosser;
scribe, John M. Rice; secretary, Frank C. Sampson; treasurer,
Chas. L. Andress.
Viola Lodge, No. 259, I. O. O. F., was organized in Junle,
1875, with about seven charter members. The present membership is about 130. In 1881 this lodge erected a new hall, which
was dedicated Nov. 1, 1881. The occasion was honored with the
presence of the Honl. Schuyler Colfax, ex-vice president of the
United States, and Grand Master Samuel Adams, of Detroit, who
conducted the ceremonies and was assisted by District Deputy S.
F. Long, Past Grand S. S. Fallass and other members of the fraternity in this city. The ceremonies were public and the new hall
was well filled -withl people, who listened attentively to the brief but
somewhat impressive exercises. After concluding the dedicatory
ceremonies, Grand Master Adams addressed some highly complimentary remarks to the Odd Fellows of this place, whose enter

prise and zeal is shown in the substantial new brick structure
erected and now dedicated to the use of the order. On retiring
from the position of presiding officer on the occasion lie introduced
Past Grand Master Schuyler Colfax, of lndiana, whllo gave- to the
audience one of the most eloquent and impressive addresses.   The
officers in 1888 are, N. G., George A. Cumlmer; V'. G., George


\


I


II


j4


I
-      -   ---                                   — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. % 




A*-.'


I


l


I.             _1           —,I                                       -.     - -                                      -   


I


362                                     THE      TRAVE:
Gilhooley; secretary, E. J. Hayes; F. S. David Adley; treasurer,
N. Lauka.
Cadillac Camp, No. 98, I O. O. F., was organized in October,
1882, and has about thirty members. Officers: —C. P., H. F. Askam; S. W., S. S. Fallass; J. W., S. F. Long; H. P., C. G. Reed;
scribe, George A. Cummer.
Garfield Temple, P. C., was started in 1883, and has nineteen
members. Officers: —Oracle, G. A. Cummer; vioe-oracle, C. G.
Reed; marshal, S. S. Fallass; secretary, John Graham; treasurer,
J. P.-Knudson; guard, R. McPherson.'
The George A. Mitchell Council of Royal Arcanum was organized Jan. 28, 1882, with about twenty charter members. The
following officers were chosen for the ensuing term:-R., C. W.
Higgins; V. R., C. H. Drury; P. R., D. E. McIntyre; secretary,
C. L. Rogers; colonel, L. J. Law; T., Fred Tracy; C., Dr. H. F.
Askam; G., C. C. Dunham; S., Dr. J. M. Wardell. Officers in the
fall of 1883: -R., S. S. Fallass; V. R., J. B. Rosevelt; orator, H.
F. Askam; secretary, L. J. Law; treasurer, Frederick Traty; chaplain, C. T. Chapin; guide, G. E. Adams; warden, George Glass;
sentry, C. A. Rysdale.
Washington Post, No. 82, G. A. R., was fully organized in February, 1888. Officers installed Feb. 8th:-Past commander, C. S.
Brodt, senior vice-commander, George Wheeler; junior vice-commander, HArvey Smith; adjutant, M. A. Watrous; quartermaster,
Harry Goff; surgeon, - Holmes; cliaplain, Z. Gillett; officer of the
day, R. P. Orser. Officers in 18883:-P. C., C. S. Brodt; S. V. C.,
O. S.Whitmore; J.V. C., Harvey Smith; adjutant, E. M. Watrous;
Q., H. H. Goff; surgeon, Oscar Holmes; chlaplain, Z. Gillett; O. D.,
R. P. Orser; O. G.,W. S. Orme.. Thiere atre about ninety members.
ClameniLa Lodge of Good Templars was organized in January,
1874, with the following officers: —W. C. T., F. R. Osgood; W. V.
T., Mrs. Julia Hopkins; W. S., A. M. Lamb; W. T., J. G. Mosser;
W. M., W. H. Brown; W. I. G., Miss Ada M. Osgood; W. 0. G.,
W. S. Spaulding; W. F. S., Frank Goodrich.
This lodge appears to have become inoperative after a time,
and in August, 1880, Cadillac Lodge was organized with twentyseven charter menmbers, and the following officers: —W. C. T., C.
W. Higgins; W. YV. T., Mrs. William Saunders; W. secretary, C.
L. Frost; W. F. secretary, A. D. Bradbier; W. treasurer, Bert
Haynes; W. O. G., Fred Canfield; W. I. G., Miss Susie Saunders;
W. M., Frank Craine.     During the first year the membership
Xeached as highi as 106 active members. Officers in the fall of
1888:-W. C. T., E. J. Haynes; W. V., Sate Austin; secretary,
Frank H. Goodman; W. F. S., Lena Hartwell; W. T.,.Henry
Knowlton;<W. M., A. G. Stearns.
Cadillac Lodge K. of P., No. 46, was organizedin October, 1888.
Officersa:-P. C., C. E. Miller; C. G., M. C. Wheaton; V. C., E. L.
Metheany; P., R. J. Cummert; K. of R., Frank Claiy; M. of F.,
Henry Ballou; M. of E., Charles H. Drury; M. of A., E. D. Snow.
The Forrester Club is one of the important societies of the
city. The club-house and opera-house described in another place,
is the property of this club. The officers elected at the last election
were as follows:-President, J. G. Mosser; vice-president, J. M.
Rice; secretary, J. H. -Hixson; treasurer, F. H. Messmore. Also
tX following trustees:-C. L. Andress, F. A. Koegcl, E. L. Meth

eaL~y, G. A. Dillerbeck and J. M. Wardell.
THE CADILLAC TIMES.
The Cadillac WFeekly Times fas stalted under another name
at Mendon, St. Joseph County, in June, 1882, and removed from
theneeto Cadillac. The founder, Alf Ridge, has been the only
publisher and,editor. It was commenced as a seven-column folio,
and in August, 1882, was enlarged to a seven-column quarto.
Politically it is independent.


RSE REGION.


1


THE OPERA- HOUSE.
In 1881 the Cadillac Forrester Club erected a large building on
the lake shore, a portion of which was finished off for an operahouse, which in all respects is adapted to tile needs of the city in
the way of a suitable place for holding public entertainments.
The city is furnished with water works and all the modern improvements. The water-works building was burned in April, 1882,
but immediately rebuilt.


M KINNON HOUSE, CADILLAC.


i
I
I
I


I
I
I
I


The McKinnon House is a first-class hotel. It is the largest
house in Cadillac. It has fine sample rooms, and is fitted out With
electric bells. C. L. Andress is proprietor.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
THOMAS J. THORP, clerk and register of Wexford County, is
forty-seven years old iand a native of Allegany County, N. Y. He
was educated at Union College, Shllencctady, N. Y.; enlisted at thebreaking out of the rebellion in the Eighty-fifthl New York Regiment; served with distinction during the peninsular campaign; was
wounded at Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill, Va.; in 1862 he was made
Lieutenant Col6lnel of the One Hlundred and Thirtieth New York
Infantry. After the battle of Giettysburg, Pa., his regiment was
mounted and afterward known as the famous First New York
Dragoons, and took an active and prominent part in all the great
cavalry battles until the close of the war. In June, 1864, Col.
Thorp was wounded and taken prisoner at Travillion, Va.    In
December, of the same year, lie was made full colonel of his regiment. On the 4th of July, 1864, while in the prison stockade at
Macon, Georgia, Col. Thorp made a 4th of July speech which was
interpreted as incendiary, and for which he was taken out of the
stockade to be hung, but the confederate authorities became convinced from the demonstrations made by the 2,000 prisoners in
the stockade that the safety of the city of Macon as well as the
lives of their guard would be better conserved by returning him to
the stockade, which was done at the close of that day. In March,
1865, Col. Thorp was made brigadier general for gallant and meritorious condu, t on the field. July 17, of the same year, he was
honorably discharged from the service of the United States, after a
service of four years and seventeen days, during which time ihe
participated in forty-six engagements. On his return to civil life
he engaged in farming in Livingston County, N. Y. In 1871 he
sold his farm and came to Wexford County as a pioneer, where he
cleared up and equipped an elegant farm in the town of Selma. In.-t


t l


lA 




dr 


~I I!U I II!1 III   I   __   I '~ I I  Jl   Ull  I.  1 _17-  -1- II. I  $Jl-.~~~~~~~_


v


I



4kh-_IL.


6~ 1,.                                                                                                                         -     I P r4


I




1.I


I


-


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


363


1872 he was called to take charge of a large public school in the
city of Buffalo, N. Y., where he continued in educational work five
years. At the close of this engagement he made two extended trips
to the Pacific Coast in the interests of A. S. Barnes & Co., publishers of New York, after which he returned to his farm in Wexford
County. He is at present serving his second term as clerk and
register of said county.
COBBS & MITCHELL, Cadillac, Mich., manufacturers and dealers
in pine and hemlock lumber.
Jonathan W. Cobbs formerly resided in Butlerville, Ind., and
was for many years engaged in manufacturing hard wood lumber at
that place. Mr. Cobbs came to Cadillac in the year 1872 and
purchased the property known as the Hall mill site, the mill being
the first built on the shore of Clam Lake, and manufactured lumber
for George A. Mitchell until the year 1877, when the firm of Cobbs
& Mitchell was organized.
William W. Mitchell formerly resided at Hillsdale, Mich., attending Hillsdale College until coming to Cadillac in the year 1873,
where he first commenced his schooling in the lumber business as
tallyman in what was known as the Cocnibs mill, subsequently being associated with A. B. Mitchell in a few logging enterprises until 1874, when he assumed the duties of foreman in George A.
Mitchell's lumber yard at the Cobbs mill until the firm of Cobbs &
Mitclhell was formed in 1877.
At the time of organizing the firm purchased the saw-mill of
J. W Cobbs and Section 5, Township 21 north, Range 9 west of
the G. R & I. R'y Co.
Until the year 1879, the mill continued sawing in the daytime for George A. Mitchell, and at nights for themselves, at which
time the mill was rebuilt and its capacity increased from 30,000 to
50,000 feet per day of eleven hours.
For the stocking of above mill pine land was purchased as follows, viz:  Fractional Section 4, Township 21 north, Range 9
west, part of Sections 31 and 19 and all of Section Township 22
north, of Range 9 west; Section 7, Township 21 north, Range 8
west, and Section 11, Township 21 north, Range 9 west.
Iron track logging railways, with steam power being built from
Little Clam Lake through Section 11 to Section 7 southeast, and to
Sections 19, 30 and 81 north.
In 1881 the firm bought of E. J. Copley Section 13, Township
22 north, Range 9 west, together with saw-mill located on shore of
Round Lake on Section 7, Township 22 north, Range 8 west, and
also purchased of Bradley Bros., of Milwaukee, Wis., parts of Sections 26, 84 and 86, Township 23 north, Range 9 west; contracting
with said E. J. Copley for the logging and delivery of all timber on
the Section 18 and Bradley purchase into Round Lake.
The saw-mill at Round Lake burned in April, 1882, and was
rebuilt the same season, at which time a system of water works was
built for fire protection, with fourteen two-inch hydrants, costing
$2,500.
Lumber shipped up to June 1, 1884: In 1880, 14,058,000
feet; in 1881, 21,612,000 feet; in 1882, 20,066,000 feet; in 1888,
26,924,000 feet; in 1884, to June 1. 11,111,000. Lumber on yards,
17,000,000 feet; standing pine on hand, 50,000,000.
MITCHELL BROTHERS, lumber manufacturers, office at Cadillac, Wexford County, Mich., mill located at Mitchell, Missaukee County, on the Missaukee branch of the G. R. & I. R. B.
Firm consists of Austin W. and William W. Mitchell. Their


mill was completed and began sawing in September, 1882. They
have connected -with their mill and lumber-yard a complete system
of water works, which furnish ample protection from fire. They
also have adjoining their lumber-yard a complete planing-mill,.where the rough lumber is manufactured into flooring, siding, ceil

ing, etc., etc. They employ about seventy-five men, thirty of whom
work in the mill. They own about 50,000,000 feet of standing
pine.
Austin W. came to Cadillac in the spring of 1879 and made a
purchase of standing pine at Bond's mill, and entered into a contract with Bond & Kysor for sawing the logs, which took effect in
March, 1879. Since then, they together with Daniel Kysor, their
successor, have sawed 24,000,000 feet for him, and he hasthad
manufactured for other parties about 10,000,000 shingles. William
M. came to Cadillac in 1873, and became a member of the firm of
Cobbs & Mitchlle in 1877, and of Mitchell Brothers in 1882, and is
now connected witl both firms.
JAMES HAYNFS & SONS, planing mill, Cadillac. Their business
wasestablished in October, 1872, by James Haynes, who brought
the machinery from Decatur, Van Buren County, Mich., and built
the mill which lie ran till April 14, 1877, when it burned, and
within fifty-nine days after that tinie the mill now owned by the
firm, and known as mill No. 1, was running. Mill No. 2 was built
in 1881. In 1879 lhe took hlis three sons into the firm as partners.
One Iras since retired. They carry on an extensive business; are
dealers in dressed lumber, mouldings, pickets, lath and shingles.
James Haynes was born in 1825, in New York, and spent the first
years of his life near Rochester city. At the age of ten years he
moved to Michigan and lived near Marshall a short time; then
went to Van Buren County, Mich., remaining in that part of the
state till he came to Cadillac in 1872. Married in 1848 to Mary
M. Bierce, of New York. They have three sons and one daughter.
Two of the sons are members of the firm; one son is in the same
business at Mitchell, Missaukee County, Mich. The daughter is
Mrs. Louis De Champlain, of Cadillac.
CAPTAIN L. J. NEWSON, wholesale and retail dealer in liquors,
cigars and tobacco, was born in Canada in 1841; came to Elk
Rapids, Antrim County, Mich., in 1861, and was in the employ of
Dexter Noble & Co. for nine years as captain of steamboats and
tugs. Came to Cadillac in 1870, and engaged in his present business. He is one of the first settlers. Married in October, 1878,
to Mrs. Matilda Smith, a daughter of Mitchell Gay, who came to
Traverse City in 1847; was employed by Mr. Boardman, the first
settler there, and who built the first mill.
FRED S. KIELDSEN, wholesale and retail grocer, and dealer in
lumbermen's supplies. Successor to Holbrook & May. Bought
out that firm in 1881; was employed by them as a salesman for
ten years previous to that time. Was born in Denmark in 1849;
came to Cadillab in 1870. In conneotion with his mercantile business he owns and manages a farm of 840 acres, with 180 acres improved, two and one-half miles from the city. Keeps a dairy of
forty-five cows; is a breeder of Holstein cattle, and is one of the
first settlers in Cadillac. Married in 1873 to Flora Cheney, of
Buffalo, N. Y. They have two sons.
JOHN G. MOSSER, contractor and builder and dealer in stone,
lime, plaster, brick, hair and cement, also manufacturer of handmade and pressed brick, Cadillac, Mich., was born in Canada in
1840. Came to Michigan in 1865; built all the bridges on the
Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad between Sturgis and Petoskey.
Built and owned the first frame house in Cadillac; located in Cadillac in 1873, and has carried on the business of a builder since
that time. Married in 1875 to Sadie A. Kent, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child.


JOHN MANSFIELD, county treasurer of Wexford County, was
born in Connecticut in 1842. Enlisted in 1861 in First New York
Cavalry, part of Custer's division, and was discharged in 1865.
Married Adelaide Holmes, of Manchester, Mich. They have four
children. Mr. Mansfield came to Wexford County in 1872, and


i


L


__ —


_7,,,


_     1=.b


_ —% _ 






I
tl-"


364


THE TRAVERSE RE.GION.


located in the Township of Boon, where he purchased 400 acres of
land. He was supervisor of tlw township from the time of its organization until 1880, when he was elected county treasurer.
8. J. WALL is a native of Kent County, Mich., and was born
in 1861. He came to Wexford County first in 1872 and remained
two years. He then went to Huron County, where he was connected
with the Alpena Salt & Lumber Co., at Bay Port. In 1876 he returned to Cadillac, and in 1880 was elected prosecuting attorney,
which office he held two years. Since that time he has been engaged in lumbering. He was married in May, 1881, to Miss Carrie
Sipley, of Ann Arbor. They have one daughter. A view of their
residence appears in this work.
ELDON L. METHEANY, agent Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R., was
born at Lima, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1850. Commenced railroading in the
employ of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad as ticket
and freight clerk at Lima. Continued in that capacity until Feb.
1, 1877, when he removed to Cadillac to accept the position of
station agent on the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. At that
point he has served in that capacity since that time. At the spring
election in 1881, he was elected on the straight ticket as aldermanat-large to the city council for the term of two years. At the
spring election of 1888 he was elected mayor of the city, in which
position he served one full term.
E. EUGENE HASKINS, attorney-at-law, Cadillac, Wexford County,
was born in New York in 1849. His earlier education was at
Auburn. Studied law at Grand Rapids, and.was admitted to the
bar Dec, 22, 1877, in circuit court, Kent County. Came to Cadillic in December, 1880. Has been United States court commissioner for the western district since 1881. Married in February,
1882, to Mae Consaul, native of New York.
DONALD E. MCINTYRE, attorney-at-law, Cadillac, Wexford
County, was born at Ann-Arbor, Mich., in 1852. Was graduated
from the literary department of Ann Arbor University in 1870,
and from the law department in 1872. Commenced practice at
Big Rapids, where he remained about one year. Came to Cadillac
in 1878, and has continued practice here. Was city attorney
several years, and member of the county board of supervisors.
Elected prosecuting attorney for the county in the fall of 1882.
The firm of Marthinson & White was established May 18, 1883.
It consists of Chtries Marthinson and James L. White. Their
lumber-yard is two and one half miles west of Luther, Lake County.
6ffice on W. Mason Street, Cadillac. They deal in lumber, timber,
shingles, and in pine lands. Handle from twenty to twenty-five
million feet of lumber per year. Mr. Marthinson was born in 1845,
in Denmarl/, where he remained until twenty-one years of age.
Came to America in 1866, and spent a short time in Wisconsin.
The same year came to Michigan to work in the pineries. Engaged
in business in 1877 on the Manistee River, in lumber, logging and
pine lands. Removed to Cadillac in 1879, and has since made this
place his home.
F. H. HUNTLEY, jeweler, and mayor of the city of Cadillac,
Wexford County, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., in 1840.
Remained there until he was fifteen years of age, when he came
with his parents to. Kalamazoo, Mich., where he was for several
years employed in a store. His health failing, he engaged in teaming and other out-door employments. In 1862 he enlisted in the


Seventeenth Michigan Infantry, serving in the Army of the Potomac; was wounded in the hand at South Mountain. Mustered out
in February, 1868. Returned to Kalamazoo, and thence to Saranac,
lonia County. Came to Cadillac in 1878 and engaged in his present
business of jeweler and watch-maker, commencing business with a
cash capital of two dollars and- a half. He has been alderman two


terms, and was elected mayor in the spring of 1884. His family
consists of a wife and-twO sons.
A. J. TwED, civil engineer and land surveyor, of Cadillac, Wexford County, was born at Tecumseh, Mich., in 1844. Educated at
Kalamazoo College. Taught in that college, in Franklin College,
Ind., and in various other schools, being engaged in teaching five
years. Was county surveyor of Van Buren County three years.
Has followed civil engineering and surveying in northern Michigan
for the last six years, coming to Cadillac in 1877, and making his
home here. Has been county surveyor of Wexford County four
years, city surveyor five years, and justice of the peace four years.
During the last six months of the war of the rebellion, Mr. Teed
served in the United States Navy. He was married in 1876 to
Letty Edson, and has two children.
C. K. RUSSELL, proprietor of the American. House, Cadillac,
Wexford County, was born in New York in 1826. His home, until
his coming to Michigan, was in Connecticut. A portion of his early
life he spent as a sailor, being master of a vessel at the age of twentyone. He came to Kent County, Mich., in 1876, and remained
three years, returning to Connecticut in the spring of 1879. The
same year he came to Cadillac and bought the American House in
August. This house he has enlarged, improved and refurnished,
making it one of the best, most commodious, convenient and comfortable in this section of the state. It has sixty-seven sleepingrooms. Is centrally located on the southeast corner of Mitchell and
Harris Streets. Mr. Russell was married in 1849 to Henrietta J.
Smith. They have one daughter, the wife of Dr. J. N. Coleman, of
Grand Rapids. Three children have died.
LEWIS G. LAWSON, of Cadillac, Wexford County, is a native of
Norway, born in 1832. Many years of his early life were spent as
a sailor on the Baltic and North Seas. He came to America at the
age of twenty, settling in Canada, where he worked at shoemaking,
having learned that trade in the old country. After a residence of
five and a half years in Canada, lie came to Michigan and was engaged in farming in St. Clair County. Dec. 16, 1864, he enlisted
in the Third Michigan Infantry, serving in the Army of the Cumberland. Was mustered out as corporal at Victoria, Tex., May
25, 1866. Lived in Detroit about two years, then moved to Grand
Rapids, where he was in the grocery and saloon business about three
years. Came to Cadillac in October, 1871, and built the Lake
House, of which he was proprietor about two years. After working
a few years at his trade of shoemaking, he, in 1878, started his
present business of letting boats upon the lakes. Is located on the
shore of Clam Lake and has a fleet ot twenty row and sailboats.
Owns and runs also the steam yacht St. Clair, for excursions on the
lakes. His family consists of a wife and seven children; four children have died. Mr. Lawson has been an alderman of the city for
eight years, and has contributed largely to make Cadillac what it
now is.
WILLIAM H. PARKS, of the firm of Parks & Dunham, attorneys
at law, Cadillac, Wexford County, was born in Cayuga County, N.
Y., Nov. 22, 1819. In 1823 his parents moved to Michigan and.
settled at Troy, Oakland County, where he was brought up on a
farm. Was educated at a branch of the State University. located
at Pontiac. At about the age of seventeen, lie mide one of a government surveying party engaged in the surveys of north Michigan
under charge of John Hodson. Was engaged on this work from


about the first of March to July, 1837. Soon after he commenced
the study of the law, completing a three years' course and being
admitted to the bar in 1843, at Dewitt, Clinton County. Practiced
first at Ionia, and went thence in 1844 to Ottawa, where he remained a year. He spent two years in the copper regions of Lake
Superior, where he located the Union Mine, now the Nonesuch,








N>
I






MRS. W. M. Gow,
DECEASED.




I




o1


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 Y                           -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


X- Xl


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


365


i


I


near Iron River, at the base of Porcupine' Mountain. Was then engaged in commercial pursuits until 1855. In January, 1856, he
resumed the practice of law at Grand Haven, continuing in practice
until 1868, and being for six years prosecuting attorney of Ottawa
County. During this time he engaged with others in the lumber
business, and from 1868 to 1873 devoted his attention to that business solely.  He then returned to law practice and removed to
Marquette, Mich., whele he remained until 1879, returning then to
Holland, Ottawa County. Came to Cadillac in October, 1882. Mr.
Parks was first married to Wealthy Thompson, of Bath, Maine, who
died of cholera in 1850. In 1852 he married Elizabeth N. Coolidge, of Franklin County, Mass. He has one son, Albert S. who is
general freight agent of the Houghton & Ontonagon R. R. Co.
1IARIUSON M. DUNIfAM, of the firm of Parks & Dunham, attorneys at law, is a native of Oakland County, Mich., born in 1856.
Educated at Howe, Livingston County, where lie studied law with
Dennis Shields. Came to Cadillac in the spring of 1880, and practiced by himself until the. winter of 1882, when he became one of
the law firm of Parks, DIunll m & Dunham, which became the present firm tlhe following year. Mr. Dunham was married in 1883 to
Kitty Parks.
WILLIAMI MACADAM (rOW, dry goods merchant, Cadillac, estalblished business il Septemlber, 1875, with a capital of $500, and
since that time haLs built lp ant extensive business, his sales b)eing
about $40,000() per year. Carris a large stock of dry goods, carpets, window draperies, fixtures, etc. Was born in Scotland in
March, 1H43. Cam(e to New York City in 1867. Remained in
that city five years, engaged as a salesmnan by Lord & Taylor.
Came to Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1872, and was there engaged in
the same business till 1875, when lie camle to Cadillac. Married
Sept. 15, 1875, to Annie 13. Bogart, of New York City. They
have three children. Mrs. (Cow died May 15, 1884, after one week's
illness. She was a womain who enjoyed a very large circle of
friends, and her death caused general sorrow in the community.
M. L. DUNHAM, attorney at law, Cadillac, Wexford County,
was born in Oakland Counmity, Micli., in March, 1850. Received
an academic education. Was prinlcipal of public schools for eight
years  In 1870 went to the copper mininig country of Michigan.
Admitted to practice law in 1875. Held each of the offices of
justice of the peace, township clerk and circuit court commissioner
for four years. Was prosecuting attorney of Ontonagon County
for six years, resigning that office when leaving for his present
residence. Inl April, 1881, lie founded the Ontonagon heraldI and
edited it for the first six months of its existence. Came to Cadillac in June, 1882. In May, 1883, lie was elected city attorney.
FRANK C. SAMPSON, of the firm of Sampson & Dlrury, hardware
dealers of Cadillac, Wexford County, was born in Monroe County,
N. Y. Oct. 14, 1850. Was brought up at Lyons, N. Y. At the
age of seventeen cammne with his parents to Parma, Jackson County,
Mich. His life until the age of twenty-two was spent upon a
farm; since then lie has been enllgaged in the hardware business,
learning the business at Jackson, Mich. Came from Jackson to
Cadillac in October, 1879, and was in the employ of Cumnmer &
Rawls as -clerk until the establishment of his present business,
June 1, 1881. In the spring of 1883 he was elected alderman of
the Second Ward. He was married in June, 1872, to Mabelle
Richardson, a native of Parma, Jackson County, Micl. The firm


of Sampson & Drury carry a large and complete stock of hardware,
tinware and mill and lumbermen's supplies, and manufacture cant
hook and peavey handles. Their location is No. 107 North Mitchell Street.
A. D. BRADBEER, photographer, of Cadillac, Wexford County,
was born in Coburg, Northumberland County, Ontario, in 1851.


Remained tlere until tile age of ten, when lie moved to Brighton.
For the last fourteen years lie has been mostly engaged in his present business at different points ill Canada and tie States, and by
assiduous labor and lcareful study his perfected himself in his art.
He came to Cadillac May 27, 1880, and was for a time employed
in a planing-mlill. Resumed his former occupation the following
year in the employ of H. L. Bragg, with whom lie was in partnership for a tinie. Purchlsed tile business in November, 1888. Mr.
Bradbeer makes a specialty of large work, portraits, viewing alll
framing. His studio is oil E:tst HIarris Street.
GEOR(E BRADBEER, of the firm of Bradbeer & Clary, of (adill;tc,
Wexford County, was borni ill Coburg, Canada, in 1857. Well('
lie was five years of age his p):rents mIoved to Brighton, Ontario,
-Canada, where lie remained until thle age of fourteell. lie tell'
camee to Michigan. Caime to C.ldillac in DecmC1 er, 1881, 11(1 il
the summer of 1883 the presenit 1partnership was forimed. MIessrs.
Bradbeer & Clary are doing anl extsisive real estate;aldtl insurallltell
business and dealing largely, their business ave'r.0ging   p3$,()()(l pr
per month. In insur.nce they represent tle following cIm111)ic:
zEtna of Hartford, Insurance Company of North1 Anirica, Colamercial Union of London, Oriental of Itirtford, Ulion of Philadelphiai, (;ra11d Rapids Fire, Western of Tronto, Cooper of Dalytoll, P'llh ix of I;artford, Mutual Benefit Life;11nd Trlivelers' Acciden t.
1). A. [lic,:, attorilev at llw\, Cadill:i, Wexfolrd Counlty, was
born ill 1837 ill Truimbull Coumty, Olhio. 1 lucl:ttLd at 1I illsdale
College. Enlisted in thle spring Iof 18; 2 ill tite Sixty-fifth Il liiois
Infalntry Reginment, wlich w.ls ii s.,rvinc iii the eastern arlmy, n;ld
was captured at 11ttrper's Ferry. Was iiiimeldiately paroled and
after a ye:tr exchanged and was afterwatrd oi duty iit the Westelirn
departminlt. Musteredl (out ill time slpring of 180;5. Mr. Rice then,
in 1866, commenced tlhe studly of mledicine biut a tlanmdomned it for
the law, which he studied at thi law s1iool of Ain An Arbor. Was
admitted to thle bar at Hart, Ocea;la County, il 1870. Came to
Cadillac in the fall of 1872, being time first attormley to locate at this
point. Inl 1874 he was elected prosecuting attorney of tlhe county
and held the office six years. Was for five or six years town and
village clerk. Elected supervisor in tlie seeol(ld ward of tlie city in
tlhe spring of 1881. this family consists of a wife and three
children.
SAMUE L F. LoN(e, justice of thle peace and real estate and collecting agent, of Cadillac, Wexford County, was born at Concord,
Franklin County, Penn., July 29, 1829. Learnled thle trade of
tailor. At tile age of aboult twenty-two removed to Ohio. Came
to Michigan in 1850 anld ellngaged in farming iii Kent County.
Aug 15, 1862, lie enlisted ill tile Sixth Michigan Cavalry, serving with thle Army of thle Potomac. Was detached and oni scouting
service a year and a half inl thle Shenandoah Valley. Was discharged for disability at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in July, 1865.
Returning home lie was employed ill farming until his health
failed, when lie engaged in the grocery business in the town of
Buchanan, Berrien County. In thle spring of 1873 came to Cadillac and was in tlle employ of the (r. R. & I. R. R. Co., as
engineer of stationary engine five ye.trs. Then in charge of the
water works one year, and carried onl a grocery business for M. H.
Bond one and a half years. In 1880 lie was elected justice of the
peace and re-elected in 1884 for thle full term. Is also real estate


and collecting agent.  HAs a wife and five children. One
daughter is a graduate of Ann Arbor Medical College and is practicing medicine at Boyne City, Mich. Mrs. Long was Julia A.
Byers, a native of Washington County, Penn..
C. R. KEACH, M. D., Cadillac, was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt.,
Aug. 15, 1827. He was educated in Vermont and commenced the


p


- I
-i

r*


j


___


-.A w 


-




366


THE TRAVERSE REGION'.


practice of medicine in 1850. Remained in that state in the practice of his profesion tll 1878, when he came to Grand Traverse
County, Mich., where he still practiced medicine till 1882, when he
came to Cadillac. In connection with his practice he keeps bath
rooms where he gives Turkish, medicated vapor and shower baths.
Ladies' bath rooms attached with female attendants. Marlied in
1849 to Cynthia Damon. of Springfield, Vt. They have four children.
J. CvwmMB & SON, manufactureIs of lumber, Cadillac. Bought
a mill, also a stock of timber, and established a business in 1876,
which has since grown tc large proportions. They run two mills
the year round and cut an average of 100,000 feet of lumber per
day, nearly all pine. They use the slabs and edgings for the manufacture of lath and pickets. They also run a large planing-mill
in connection with their business. They are building a railroad,
ten miles in length, which will reach 160,000,000 feet of pine timbet. Mr. J. Curnmer was bomn in Canada in 1823, moved to Lockport, Niagara County, N. Y., in 1840, and learned the trade of
miller, and worked at that business in New York and Canada till
1860, when tb came to Newaygo County, Mlich., and engaged in
lumbering till 1868; he then went to Canada, and soon after to
Morley, Mich. Was there in the lumber business till 1876, when
he came to Cadillac   Married in 1845 to Mary A. Snider, of Canada. They have two sons (Wellington W. is a memler of the
firm, also president of the Cummer Lumber Company; one son is
living in Florida), and one daughter who resides with her parents.
OLSEN & HECmcK, lumber manufacturers, Cadillac. The business was organized in July, 1882. Their work has been to a great
extent cutom work, but they are gradually working up a genuine
trade. Mr. Olsen was born in Denmark. Came to the United
States when about seventeen years of age and for ten years worked
in mi1s, thoroughly learning the business. In 1880 Le, in company
with Ira Beenrman, bought a mill and commenced business. After
running the mill for two years Beerman sold his interest to Geo.
E. Herrizk, who was born in Alpine, Kent County, Mich., Nov. 15,
1859. Was brought up on a farm. At the age of thirteen went
to tlhe high school at Grand Rapids, and at the age of eighteen entered the Uijiversity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. Two years at
Ann Arbor and one year at university of Wooster, 0., gave him
the degree of B. A. In the fall of 1881, in company with three
old friends, he organized the United States -]ot1hly, at Chicago,
and for two years traveled in its interests, visiting nearly every
state in the Union. In July, 1882, he purchased a one-half interest-in the mill, and since January, 1884, has taken charge of
the business. The firm employ twenty-five men in the manufactutre of lumber, shingles; bed slats, handles, etc.
DAVID 4. CoOKE, of Cadillac, Wexford County, was born in
Tioga County, Penn., May 12, 1845. At the age of eleven he
came to Michigan, his parents settling in Barry County, where he
was brought up on a farm. Learned the trade of carpenter and
builder in St. Joseph County and followed it there until 1872. He
enlisted February 26, 1865, in the First Michigan Cavalry, serving
in the Army of the Potomac. At the close of the war the regiment was sent to the western department for service against the
Indians, and marched across the plahs to Salt Lake City. Mustcwd out Dec. 7, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth, Kas. He came to
Cadillac, Jan. 8, 1872, and followed his former occupation until
about 1880, and to some extent since. Has been deputy sheriff
and constable about twelve years, and deputy U. S. marshal for the


western district of Michigan about ten years. Was city marshal
two years, and has held various other offices. Was elected sheriff
in 1882. Married in November, 1876, to Ella Long, daughter of
Samuel F. Long, Esq., of Cadillac, and has one son. Mr. Cooke is
engaged itn the jewelry business with J. L. Bennett, the firm of


Bennett & Cooke, formed in March, 1884, being located at No. 110
N. Mitchell Street,
BYwos BALLoc was bom near Cleveland. O., Dec. 3, 18 27. His
father, Philander Ballou, and family emigmrated to Ypsilanti, Mich.,
in 1830, and were three weeks making the journey with an ox team,
themselves and tluee other families pounding corn in a stulp witl:
the Indians the first year.  At this place his father died in
1836. Left home and went to Kalamazoo in 1839 to live with his
aunt, a Mrs. Nathaniel Foster, and learned the carpenter and
joiner trade with his uncle Foster, who molved to Ot sego, in Allegan County, in 1843,;where Byron lived with his uncle and finished
his trade. Soon after, at the lage of twellty-three, he married
Hannah Eldred, his present wife. After jobbing at his trade about
twelve years, and accumulating something, himself aind brother,
L. D. Ballou, w.ent into mcrchalndisig in the vear 1856; and finally
was largely iu business and owned;t large amniunt of property, a
four run flouring-mill, a tannery, store, shoe shop, etc., but in the
fluctuations of times came out about $10,000 worse than nothing.
Lived at Otsego about tlhirty-five years land sold out and paid all
on his debts but $4010, and reftused the repeated advice of neighbors and friends to go into 1i,,ikrnptc-y, but promised to pay thle
balance as soon as hle couLld earn it, anti has pa'id those dtlebts 1and
interest since, although some of them had i een outlawed two and
three times. Moved to Cadillac in 1871 and eungaged for tlie first
seven years in the hardware business with John MI. Cloud, aind
was in business under the name of Cloud & Ballou. The city was
then quite new and no roads. Mr. B. lhas done a share of building up the city anl country, and as a merchant and business man,
has contributed his full share to helpl) build up and improve tiie
country and to assist others. Mr. Ballon is a raditcal telpublica~
in politics, and for seveml years was chairman of tlie tlepulblica
county committee. He is a man of strong conlvictions u11pon all
subjects that engage public attention. He has once been elected
1mayor (If Cadillac, but resigned at tlie end of three mothls. Mr.
Ballou and wife have three daughlters and two sonls.
CHAPTER1 LIV.
CONCLUSION-CLIMATE, SOIL, LT(.- THE GRAND R.APID.S    INDIANA
RAILROAD —ORIGIN OF THE (TSRAND-  T RAVERSE BE(ilON.
It is on1v ai short time since thle soil and climate of tlie Traverse Regieon began to be understood, aInd even inow erroneous
opinions regarding them prevail in some quarters. Hon. J. G.
Ramsdell, of Traverse City, lhas written voluininously upon tllese
subjects, and we quote herewith a few extracts from what lie says:
"Lake Miclhiganll, 1,()000 feet deep, with an average width of
sixty-five miles, and containling aln area of 23,150 square mliles,
lies along our entire west anld northwest border, forming a vast
thermal regulator which tempers down the rigors of our winters to
such a surprising degree that our thernomnetrical records are
regarded as fabulous by those unacquainted with this favorable
feature of our geographical position.
"Tlhe amount of lheat which a gallon of water will absorb and
then give off again when surrounded by a lower temperature, is
immenlise. Take a gallon of water, lheat it to tlhe boiling point, put
it into a common jug and place it at your feet under tlhe robe in
your sleigh, anld it will keep them  comfortably warm11111 for a wlole


day's journey, with the thermometer at zero. Suchll is precisely
the effect of Lake Michigan —less in degree, but infilntely greater
in amount.
" Wanned up by the summer's heat of sun and wind, as the
air over the water falls below it in temperature, the water yields up a


--  ---   -----  -— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I --- —-I ---" —  --------— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-   -------------   ---------------------------  I   _ __~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. _~~~~~ _  i~~~~


--------- Ij                                    v 




.t..


-I


i~ lb_




I


_  _I I__ __~__ I I -


THE TRAVERSE -REGION.


367 





portion of its heat, in constantly ascending vapor, which the return trade winds, already described, bring directly to our shores,
softening our climate nearly passing credulity. In this particular
the great lake almost seems endowed with consciousness; the
colder the weather the greater its efforts to temper the air. Go out
in a still, clear morning, when the thermometer is at zero, and
look out upon the lake; you will see a dense column of steam
rising from its surface, as though all the fires of Pluto were seething at its bottom. This steam is wafted over us, and meeting
with the colder upper air, is condensed and falls in snow-flakes, so
clean and pure and white, that nature can furnish no object with
which to compare it.
"This evaporation is going on constantly during the winter
season, giving us a great depth of sno-v, particularly in the northern portion of this region. The atmosphere cools down to the
freezing point before the soil and precipitates a mantle of snow
upon the ground while it is yet unfrozen.  As the atmosphere
grows colder the fall of the snow increases and the ground is
entirely protected from frost throughout the winter; so that the
tenderest tubors, like the gladiolus and the dahlia, may be left in
the ground, with no other protection, with perfect safety.
"The same causes that soften our winters, acting inversely,
temper also the heat of our summers. These return trade winds,
like the snow-bound traveler in the hermit's cell, 'blow hot and
cold with the same breath,' yet the summer temperature is sufficiently high to grow and ripen to the most.luscious perfection every
variety of garden and orchard fruit known to the latitude of St.
Louis and Cincinnati.
"Along this whole shore, for at least ten miles inland, and
around Traverse Bay for a distance varying from three to five
miles, damaging frosts, either spring or fall, are unknown.
"Every one has observed that ordinary frosts vary greatly
in their severity, low places, level lands and basins or depressions
suffering more injury than side hills, knolls and ridges. On a
clear still night heat radiates from the surface of the earth into
space. As this radiation goes on, the surface grows colder and
colder, if level, the air remains stationary and falls in temperature
with the surface of the earth. At first the moisture of the earth is
condensed and forms dew, at 32' Fahrenheit it is crystallized into
hoar frost, if it sinks still lower the sap of tender plants is frozen,
expands, and bursts or injures the cells and kills the plant. Cold
air is heavier than warm air, and the colder it grows the heavier
it gets. On side hills, knolls and ridges, as radiation cools the
surface, the air becomes heavier and runs down the hill to the
valley or plain below, and the warm air takes its place; this in its
turn grows dense and passes down, forming a current of air down
the hill, leaving none of it at rest long enough to reach the freezing
point. If the valley is enclosed so as to form a basin, the cold air
' draining' into it, may fill it up so that the frost will reach up the
side hills to the level of the dam which encloses it. But where the
drainage reaches a body of water, heat escaping from the water reheats the air, causing it to rise again and flow back to take the
place of that which is flowing down the hills. In the coldest
nights of winter the difference between hillsides and enclosed basins
is surprising. In one case Messrs. Avery and Marshall, of Old


Mission, found a difference of 22~ in less than one hundred feet
elevation, and Messrs. Parmelee and Brinkman 11~ in fourteen
feet. Where the valley or hillside opens without obstruction to the
bay or lakes the difference is not so great. I find on my farm,
which descends rapidly toward Grand Traverse Bay, a difference
on such nights of from four to six degrees per each hundred feet,
and in one instance, February 9, 1865, the coldest night ever
known in this region, it varied ten degrees to the hundred feet.


When we consider how close the margin is between absolute
exemption and total destruction of the tender varieties of fruit
trees by freezing, we shall see how important this matter of atmospheric drainage is. With -12' the peach is comparatively safe, at
-15" the tree is in danger, and at -223 is almost certain destruction. A hundred feet elevation, with open drainage to water,
may determine the difference between a crop of peaches and a dead
orchard. And in an enclosed valley or basin twenty feet may do
the same. If my reasoning and conclusions are correct, it is easy
to determine the extent of this territory best adapted to the geieral
cultivation of fruit. Upon all the hillsides with free atmospheric
drainage to Lake Michigan-Crystal Lake, Glen Lake, Carp Lake,
Grand Traverse Bay, Elk Lake, Round Lake and Torch Lake —
peach orchards may be planted with as much safety from winter
killing as at any place north of the latitude of Cincinnati. Upon
the terrace around Grand Traverse Bay and the lower inland
lakes, where the orchards of this country were first planted, the
winter of 1875 demonstrated that it is unsafe to plant peaches,
plums, cherries or pears. And upon the level plateaus mentioned
nothing but the hardiest trees should be planted. But grapes may
be cultivated with success upon every hillside in the whole region
where the elevation above the nearest level is sufficient to protect
them from late spring and early fall frosts; for if pruned aifd laid
down in the fall as they should be, the deep snow of our winters
will cover and securely protect them from winter killing.
>The extraordinary adaptation of this climate to the raising
and perfecting of the fruits of more southern latitudes, rests not
upon vague theories or hypothetical deductions, but has been
proved by observation and demonstrated by experiment, to rest
upon a law of nature as perpetual, as certain and as unvarying as
that which governs the revolutions of the globe.
" It will be seen from the foregoing that Lake Michigan is the
great thermal regulator that softens the rigor of our winters and
tempers the heat of our summers."
THE GRAND RAPIDS & INDIANA RAILROAD.
Congress, by various acts, gave to the state of Michigan, in
the years 1856 and 1864, certain alternate sections of the public
lands, to be devoted to the building of railroads. To the Grand
Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company a grant was made by the
stiate, of 1,160,382, 62-100 acres of the above lands, which were to
be used in constructing a first-class road from Fort Wayne, in the
state of Indiana, to some point on Traverse Bay, in the state of
Michigan, a distance of 333 miles.
In the fall of 1856 a preliminary survey was ordered, mainly
by private enterprise, from this city northward. William P. Innes
was the engineer engaged. In June previous Congress had made
an appropriation of lands to the state of Michigan to aid in the
construction of certain railroads, of which one was to be a line
from Grand Rapids to Grand Traverse. Mr. Innes had gone as
far as Newaygo north, when the Grand Rapids & Northern Railroad Company was organized in this city, with the following
officers: President, John Ball; vice-president, William H. Withey;
treasurer, Daniel Ball; secretary, Peter R. L. Pierce. Directors,
William A. Richmond, John Ball, Daniel Ball, John M. Fox,
Wilder D. Foster, Charles Shepard, William H. Withey, Frank B.
Gilbert, F.. W. Worden, Albert H.. Hovey, George Coggeshall,
George C. Evans, A. B. Watson. Commissioners, Solomon L.
Withey, John W. Pierce, A. Platt, David Burnett, Boardman


Noble.
Looking over the list of names the reader will recognize the
fact that more than half of the gentlemen to whom they belong
have passed from earth. The capital stock subscribed was $170,000. In January, 1857, Engineer Innes made a report in whic'i


r


t


Cr   I, 




No                                                                                                                                                                                                                    -"                                                -              r )".- O


-,(In oi V




A


L


Mo


e      h,.


I




-


368


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


he estimated the cost of building the road from this city to
Traverse City, the proposed northern terminus, at $23,000 per
mile, or $4,010,000 via Newaygo, and $3,914,970 via Croton.
This company was an applicant before the legislature for the land
grant and kept a lobby at Lansing during the session. But in the
winter it gave up the chase, and sold out to, or consolidated with
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company which had also
been organized principally by residents of Grand Rapids, KalamRazoo and Sturgis, and was successful in securing the grant,
Subsequently a further consolidation was made with an Indiana
company to extend the road to Fort Wayne.
The crash of' 1857 and subsequent years prevented much progress with the work. In 1864 Congress added to the land grant
five miles in width, but the energies of the people were so taxed by
the war that little coulld be done for several yeart after its close.
The time for the completion of the road was rapidly approaching
and a clilmax was reached in 1868. The company had been conspicuus llainly for its poverty, to which was added bad management. Over a million of its bonds were out and many of them
hypotlhecated for that which was of no value or worse than none.
The people were tired of waiting, and complaints were loud and
bitter for keeping the lands so long out of market. By a hard
struggle the track was laid to Cedar Springs, the first twenty miles.
The comllpany had suits instituted against them in various places.
There -was a strong attempt to get the legislature to declare the
land grant forfeited and bestow it on another company. At this
juncture a receiver —Jesse L. Williams-was appointed, by interposition of the United States courts-in this state and Pennsylvania,
a brief extension of time was obtained of the legislature, and the
road was extended to Morley by almost incredible exertions on the
part of Receiver Williams. The grant was saved. Then came the
contract with the Continental Improvement Company to complete
the road.
The obstacles which so long delayed the work were finally
overcome and the road was completed and turned over to the
(Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company.
The road was completed and trains were running seven
months in advance of the time required by law, and formally accepted by the governor of the state of Michigan Nov. 26, 1878, as
a first-class railroad. The Grand Rapids, Indiana & Mackinaw
Railroad Company has constructed a first-class railroad from
Petoskey to Mackinaw City, which was completed in 1882.
The route of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad penetrates
the great pine region of Michigan from which so much wealth has
been drawn (dtuing the years that are past. The lands of the company
which tare situated, geographically, in the counties of Kent, Montcalim, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Lake, Osceola, CJare, Wexford,
Missankee, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Antrim, Chralevoix, Emmet
and Otsego, are found upon the odd-numbered sections, and embrace every variety of soil and timber.
The branch from- Petoskey to Harbor Springs was completed
ill 1880.
SOIL.
During the glacial age, when the drift formation was going


on, it is supposed that the country here, and to the north of us as
far as thie Arctic Ocean, was at a much higher level than nowhundreds and perhaps thousands of feet. Subsequent to that time,
and before or at the beginning of this Champlain period, it sank
to a much lower level than the present, and afterward, during the
terrace epoch, rose by successive uplifts to its present position.
For the causes and the evidences of the alteirnate rising and sinking of the nlortllern portion of this continent, I refer the curious


reader to Dana's Manual of Geology, and other works upon that
science.
" We have evidence before us all along this shore, around the
bay and up the rivers, of the successive elevation of the land, or
the successive receding or the waters of Lake Michigan during the
terrace epoch, in the system of terraces that line our lakes and
rivers.
" The flooding of a portion of the drift by the fresh waters of
the lake has modified the character of the soil, and thus covered
and changed its character in some of the inorganic elements found
in the ashes of plants. This I apprehend is especially the case in
the matter of potash, one of the most essential of the mineral
fertilizers. The feldspar and mica, the granite and trap rocks which
have been ground up in the drifts, and from which the potash of
our soil is derived, has been-to a great extent dissolved by long
immersion in water, and the potash and. alumina washed away,
leaving the silica remaining. If this view of the matter is correct,
then the longer the immersion the more perfect would be the dissolution of the feldspar and mica, and the washing out of the
potash and alumina.
"The natural growth of timber on the different terraces seems
to confirm this view. On the lower terrace, which rises but a few
reet above toe lake and bay, only such vegetation grows as is almost destitute of potash-as juniper, pitch-pine and scrub-pine.
On the next terrace the principal timber is pine, hemlock and birch;
on the next, pine, hemlock, beech (rather scrubby), scrub-oak, and
occasionally a soft maple-but no elm. Above the upper terrace
we find the principal growth to be hard maple, ash and elm7-these
kinds of timber which yield the greatest amount of ashes to the
cord, and whose ashes yield the greatest amount of potash to the
bushel. The only exceptions to this are found where the clay
beds crop out and form the terrace. At such places the impervious nature of the clay to the free passage of water among its
particles protects them from the dissolving influences which
operate upon lighter soils. Upon these clayey out-crops and close
to the base of clay bluffs, I have seen maple, elm and basswood
growing freely upon the second terrace, about fifteen to twenty feet
above Lake Michigan, showing clarly that it is not elevation or
exposure, but quality of soil alone that makes the difference in
timber growth.
" There is another mineral element which enters extensively
into the composition of plants, and which is found in great abundance in every variety of soil in this region, at all elevations, in the
sands of the shore and the clays of the interior, in massive blocks,
angular fragments, broken slabs, rounded nodules, worn gravel,
tiny scales and sand-like grains. This mineral is lime in its various
combinations with carbonic, sulphuric and phosphoric acids. All
over the country, and especially on the highlands of undisturbed
drift, are found fragments of these limestones scattered over the
ground and through the soil. These fragments are so filled with
the shells and fossil corals of the paleozoic age, that the crystalline
texture of the stone is lost in the cemented fragments of these
organic remains.
" In 1862 I was at Glen Arbor oil business, and while there
a friend showed me a box of I curious stones' that were gathered


on the plains of Sleeping Bear Bluff. They consisted almost entirely of fossil corals. These stones had been picked up by a party
while gathering sand cherries on the bluff, and brought to the village as specimens of the great quantity of petrified deer-horns and
honey-comb, etc., that existed on the bluff. The common branchcoral they called deer horns; the six-sided, finely-radiated corals
(Lithostrotiol C'anadenl.e) they called honey-comb, and others were
petrified wood. They had names farall, I believe, but one, a beauti

I
i


-


I: y


L
)21
6-0


1.


I
I
II
I


A,46


I




-.T —


THE TRAVERSE REGION.


369


ful specimen of chain-coral (Halysite. Catenulata).  Nearly perfect
in its preservation, the walls of its cells were nearly as clear as
alabaster and its mazy convolutions as regular ant as intricate as
those of an Egyptian labyrinth. I was so well pleased with the
variety and perfect preservation of these specimens that I resolved
to make a special trip to the bluffs tc gather some for myself. So
the next season I procured a horse and carpet-sack and went
thirty-five miles by the trail (there was no road then) to Sleeping
Bear Bluff to gather corals and molluscs. I found them scattered
all over the ground in the greatest profusion, and came home laden
with specimens, feeling that my time had been well spent and that
I had secured a great treasure. The next year I plowed a part of
the bluff on mny iwn place near Traverse City, and to my surprise I
found mv own farm as rich in fossil iemains as the bluff I had gone
thirty-five miles to see. And. so it is with every farm all through
the country.  These corals are mostly derived from the Helderberg
group, which crops out at Mackinaw and Little Traverse Bay, and
underlies the northern end of Lake Michigan. This formation is
as truly a coral reef as are tile modern reefs of the Pacific Ocean.
" There is another element which exists in unusual quantities
in all our soil, and that is the peroxide of iron, brought with the
drifL-ronm-the iron hills of the Azoic formation and the Lake Superior sandstone by glacial action. While a small quantity of iron
is sufficient for generil agriculture, a larger supply in the soil is a
valuable ingredient to the orchardist, where high color adds so
much to tile beauty (and market value -of fruit. Iron is the pigment
which tnature uses ill painting her brightest colors and richest hues.
It gives color and beauty alike to the pink, the rose and the maid- 
eii', cheek. It is the iunusual supply of iron inll the soil that gives
those brilliant hues to our autumnal foliage; that clothes our
woodland landscapes inll such gorgeous coloring inll the autumn
months. It is this property that gives such high color to our
fruit, that pomiologists fromn othler regions; who are unacquainted
with this fact, question the accuracy of our names until they have
tried the test of t:-lsting. This property alone will add millions to
thle futture wealth of the fruit-growing portion of this shore."
THE MICHIGAN CENTRAL BRANCH.
The Mlackinaw Division of the Michigan Central Railroad extellnds lromn Bay City to Mackinaw City, and was completed to the lattelr point in December, 1881. It passes northwardsthrough Cheboygan County to the village of Cheboygan, and thence in a northwesterly direction along the shore to Mackinaw City. The principal
stations in Cheboygan County are Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee, Cheboygani and Mackinaw City..ORI(;IN OF THE GRAND TRAVERSE REGION.
Hon. J. G. Ramsdell, of Traverse City, gives the origin of the
Grand Traverse Region as follows:
In the (Grand Traverse Region, one bright autumn day,
I sat on a hillside, o'erlooking the bay
As it spread out below, by the landscape infold
Like a broad jewel clasped in a setting of gold,
And, wondering, gazed on the beautiful scene,All dappled with carmine and russet and green,
And dyed in its glory of autumnal hues.
For the cause of this beauty I questioned the Muse.
" You ask," said the goddess of verse and of song,
"Why all these rich gifts to this region belong?
Why its waters so pure, its breezes so bland,
Its soil so fruitful, its woodland so grand,


I
I
i
i
i
i


Its climate so healthful, its winters so mild,
And why fickle fortune on this land has smiled,
And all nature is quiet and Peace seems to reign?
Then listen, 0 mortal, and I will explain.
"The worldl created, the continents made,
The mountains uplifted, the foundations laid
For oceans and islands, for rivers and seas,
When the gods Jove assembled, and thus his decrees
To the august assemblage in thunder proclaimed:
" 'I will,' said the monarch of heaven's high host,
'That a land be created, whatever the cost,
Fit abode for the gods —where all races of men
Can flourish in peace. My will must be done.'
"Apollo uprose, and the deep silence broke
With his silver-toned voi, e, and the monarch bespoke'Great Jove! potent ruler of heaven and earth,
My duty has called me since creation's birth
To drive the bright sun through ethereal space,
And guide heaven's courser; as onward they race;
To view all tho countries - pread out on the face
Of the broad rolling world, and minute their place.
" ' There's the Orient mild, by the great ocean laved;
And Egypt most fruitful, from waste desert saved
By the dark flowing Nile,-and Attica's highland,Bright Italy's plains.-and Erin's green islandAnd there's sweet sunny France, and still sunnier Spain,Fit abode for the gods, an elysium for man.'
" ' The lands Phoebus mentions.' the monarch replied,
'Though favored by nature, yet Fate has decreed
Shall bleed under tyrants,-be wasted by war,A prey to each pestilence. Better by far
Be the land I ordain.
"'Go, swift-footed Hermes, without more delay,
And summon the Titans, and bid them away
To that continent vast, to Orients unknown.
That lies in the West near the late setting sun;
To create there a country as fertile and famed,
And the peer of all those which Apollo has named
In every virtue, without the dire fate!W/hich fortune decrees to each Orient state.
"' Bid Zephyr, and Auster, and Boreas come forth;
The West and the South must unite with the North
To temper the climate of that favored land,
And make it congenial salubrious and bland.
"On Mercury's pinions the message was sped;
The Titans were summoned, the Titans obeyed,
And o'er the broad ocean with Neptune they roam
To the land pre-ordained to be Liberty's home.
In the heart of the continent, far from the sea,
They selected a place-Phoebus lighting the way
With his broad burnished shield, and leading the vanTo build up a country on Jupiter's plan.
"They delved down the mountains and rolled up the hills,
And opened the fountains. and traced out the rills;
Pus!tg vast moving glaciers adown the broad ways
Of,the high polar regions, they scooped out the bays;
And planed off the highlands, and dimpled the face
Of the country with lakelets; and in every place
Poured the transparent flood, until each one was filled
With water as pure as e'er rain-cloud distilled.
"Then melting the glaciers, they filled up the bay,
And turned on the sunbeams and hastened away;
Each scattering seeds as homeward they stray,
Which grew up the forests you see here to-day.
" Great Jove then looked down from his throne in the skies,
On the newly-made landscape. With unfeigned surprise,
He swore by himself: ' By Jove, it's well done!
'Tis the loveliest country that lies 'neath the sun!'
"Then turning to Boreas, who came to complain
Tha his realm was invaded, his rightful domain
Usurped by his brother, the monarch replies:
' Your realm is invaded, but warm summer skies
Best befit such a landscape; and Zephyr's mild breeze
Must wave its green woodlands and fan its bright seas.
But still, to console you, my blustering child,
You may reign halft the year, but you t itst govern mild.'"


- I
I




I


S




d


"* -----                                                                              *~ I I


w~ l oW -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




I








I








I
I




I




w i- 141