USA > Michigan > St Joseph County > History of St. Joseph county, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
1827 HISTOR O
STJOSEPH COUNTY
MICHIGAN WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
1877
intr Torte
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH. COUNTY MICHIGAN
White Region
COURT HOUSE AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. AT CENTREVILLE, ST JOSEPH CO., MICH.
1827.
HISTORY OF
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY,
MICHIGAN,
With AlIlustrations
DESCRIPTIVE OF ITS SCENERY,
Palatial Foesidences,
ublic Buildings, Fine Blocks, and Importa Manufactories,
FROM ORIGINAL SKETCHES BY ARTISTS OF THE HIGHEST ABILITY.
PHILADELPHIA: L. H. EVERTS & CO., 716 FILBERT STREET.
1877.
PREFACE.
TO THE citizens of St. Joseph county, who have so generously contributed, in various ways, and so courteously aided us, in our efforts to gather reliable data from which to compile this work,-we tender our heartiest acknowl- edgments. We are under special obligations to Hon. Isaac D. Toll, Hon. W. H. Cross, Captain John C. Joss, L. A. Clapp, Esq., W. B. Langley, Esq., John Hull, Esq., Hon. William Conner, and Henry Gilbert, Esq., of Kalamazoo.
Had we the space we would, with pleasure, make acknowledgment by name to each of the many persons who have rendered us material aid in our historical researches, also to the many published sources of the informa- tion compiled and presented to the public in this volume; but it would cover pages and add bulk to an already voluminous work.
We have garnered from every available source (in many cases a mere sentence only), confining ourselves as far as possible to original material, depending largely upon the memories of old settlers, and those whose lives and associations have made them familiar with the subjects portrayed. We have also, so far as practicable, classified all matter, although the labor of compilation has been materially increased thereby. Yet we feel assured that our work as a book of reference receives an added value that will more than compensate us for the increased labor and expense. We have also endeavored to make the history of each town and village after its organiza- tion up to present date complete in itself, without too much recapitulation ; to avoid this entirely were impossible, though we trust that it occurs to no considerable extent.
Some incidents and anecdotes have been related more with the design to illustrate the past than to amuse the reader, for we have aimed only to show and trace the method of the change, in a concise, unpretentious way : how and by whom the wilderness has been changed to the garden, the log-cabin to the brownstone front, the track through the forest and the lone postal rider to the iron rail, fast mail, and electric wire with its lightning messen- ger,-the lands of the red men to the homes of the white. Honor and credit. are certainly due to some. We have named many, but not all,-only a few of the leading spirits, whom to associate with was to be one of. Too much honor cannot be rendered them.
Instructions to our historians were, " Write truthfully and impartially of every one and on every subject." Their instructions have been as faithfully executed as was possible, and while some may have been omitted who should have had a place in these pages, yet especial pains has been taken to make it otherwise.
We expect criticism. All we ask is that it be done in charity, after weigh- ing all contingencies, obstacles and hindrances that may have been involved; for if our patrons will take into account all the difficulties we have had to overcome,-the impossibility of harmonizing inharmonious memories, of rec- onciling perverse figures and stubborn facts, of remembering all the fathers and grandfathers where there are so many to remember, and, finally, the uncertainty of all human calculations and the shortcomings of even the most perfect,-we shall be content with their verdict.
THE PUBLISHERS. PHILADELPHIA, May 17, 1877.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE.
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
PAGE.
INTRODUCTORY
7, 8
CHAPTER XIV .- The Learned Professions-The Bar of St. Joseph, Past and Present-The Medical Staff, then and now-Lobelia as a Remedial Agent for Corns ....
39, 40
Fletcher, John W.
110
Fitch, Charles B
152
Fitch, Samuel A ..
152
Farrand, Phineas
167,168 164, 165
Flanders, Francis
208
Gentzler, Jacob.
136
Gorton, Samuel ..
168
Gardner, B. B
178
Harris, John R ..
84
Hartman, John
91
Hazzard, William.
107
Harvey, Norman
129
Harwood, Heman
130
Harvey, Addison
180
Hoisington, Abishai
212, 213
Hunt, A. R.
214
Hutchison, James
219
Harrington, William
227
Holden, John.
228
Jewett, Joseph
facing
134
Kingsley, Chandler
180 85
Keightley, Hon. Edwin W
130
Ketcham, Morgan L
135
Kibbe, John S
187 109
Laird, Henry W ..
109, 110
Langley, William B ..
111
Langley, Thomas W
111, 112
Lintz, Jacob
127
Lomison, John
219
Leland, Andrew M.
229
Lyman, Lewis B
231, 232
Miller, Joseph
91
Miller, Lewis ...
152
Mckinlay, Robert. 110
Machin, William .. 137 150
Moore, Hon. Edward S ..
153, 154
Millard, Ira.
180
Morris, Hon. William.
189
Nash, Stephen M
94
Osborn, Hon. Nathan.
231
Sherman
190-193
Flowerfield
193-198
Fawn River.
198-208
Fabius
208-214
Park
214-220
Mendon
220-232 Pier, Solomon.
178
Purdy, Elijah.
180
Parker, D. R .. .facing
76
Roys, Norman.
136
Smith, Jacob S. 92
Schock, George. 154
206
129 Toll, Nancy De-G
206, 207
Toll, Hon. Isaac D ...
207,208 90
Thoms, J. F.
154, 155
Bishop, Mrs. Clara.
178 Thoms, Lewis F.
155
Bishop, James L
189 Tyler, Comfort
166, 167 231 220
Carpenter, T. C ..
85
Caskey, Halsey.
91
Cross, Judge William H.
108,109 110,111
Cuddy, Thomas,
Wilcox, Oliver W.
111
Cathcart, John G ...
128
Wolf, John ..
151 179
Clark, George J .....
181 Watkins, William M.
179, 180
Carpenter, Sidney. 188
Watkins, John „ ..
213
Clark, William ..
189
Wakeman, Adams.
.facing
227
Cade, Stephen W.
193
Wakeman, Hiram
Wakeman, M. H
27
36-39
PAGE.
PAGE.
Ebi, David.
93
Eck, William R.
165, 166 228
Emery, Aaron P.
CHAPTER I .- Civilization-Its Progress-First Intro- duction into Michigan-First Permanent Set- tlement-Ordinance of 1787-Organization of Territory-Counties and Townships-Adoption of Constitution-Development of State ........
9,10
CHAPTER II .- Abstract of Title-French, English, Colonial, and Indian Titles to Land in the Northwest-First Legal Conveyance in Michi- gan-Land Surveys and Sales-Military Report on amount of Good Land.
10, 11
CHAPTER XVI .- The Press of St. Joseph, Past and Present-"Michigan Statesman"-Early "ads." -Census of Chicago, 1836-Oldest Editor ...
43-45
CHAPTER XVII .- Amusements-Pleasures of the Chase-Bear-steak-Militia Court-Martials-A Transformation Scene-National Holidays -- Governor Porter and Tailor O'Brien-Dams without Whisky-A Pioneer Duel and its Re- sult-How to Rob an Indian Safely-Criminal Calendar-Counterfeiting broken up-Murder of Esterbrooks-Robbery of the County Rec- ords
45-49
CHAPTER XVIII .- Topography-Flora-Fauna-Ge- ography-Climatology - Thermometric Regis- ter-Geology-Soil-Products-Boulder Drift- Fossil Deposits-Drainage and Water System- Health ... 49,50
CHAPTER V .- Civil Organization of County and Townships-First Legal Documents Executed and Recorded-Village Plats-First Tax Sale .... 17, 18
CHAPTER XIX .- Patriotism of St. Joseph County- An Eloquent and well-merited Tribute-The First Volunteers of Michigan-Black Hawk War-Mexican War-Rebellion Record-His- of Regiments.
50-59
60
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
White Pigeon.
61-71
Sturgis ..
71-85
Mottville 86-94
Nottawa 94-112
Constantine. 113-130
Florence ...
130-137
Lockport (and Three Rivers) ..
137-155
Colon.
155-168
Leonidas
168-181
Burr Oak.
181-189
Osborn, George W
231 83,84
Pashby, Sr., George ...
186 187
Prutzman, Hon. Abraham C.
153
CHAPTER IX. - Judicial System - Constitution of Present Courts-Judges-Abstracts of Proceed- ings in Probate-Circuit and County Tribunals, 26-28 CHAPTER X .- Location of Seat of Justice-Building of County Jail-Court-House-County Poor- Farm-Abstract of Proceedings of Board of Supervisors, and County Commissioners-Pre- sent Members-Revenue System-Assessments and Taxes-State and County Equalizations- Treasury Receipts Early, and Last-Population Statistics .... 28-31
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Arnold, William F
152
Brooks, Aaron
90
Blanshard, George ..
Bower, Adam
166
Bowman, John H
167 178
Thompson, Andrew
Bishop, James.
Beadle, David.
212
Van Ness, Jacob ..
Voorhees, Abram H.
Wait, Hon. Jonathan G ...
Wiley, Samuel R.
82,83 92
Calhoon, Alvin ..
134 Watkins, Captain Levi
CHAPTER XII .- First Marriages-Pioneer Wedding- Tour and Bridal Costumes-Unique Wedding Guests-Early Births-First Death-The Di- vorce Courts- A Compromise - Notable In- stances of Longevity-First Cemetery ..... 34-36
CHAPTER XIII .- First Religious Services-Mission- aries - First Churches Organized - Sunday- Schools-Present Statistics-Education-Early Schools and School-Houses - White Pigeon Academy - Branch of University - Present School Statistics ..
40-43
CHAPTER III .- Ancient Garden-beds, Mounds, and Fortifications-The Northern Indians-Black Hawk War-A Safe Depository-Fort Hogan- Sale of Nottawa-seepe Reservation-Attempt to Murder - Summary Proceedings against Whisky - Removal of Indians - Murders of Chiefs-Sau-au-quett's Death-Purchase of Pri- vileges of Maguaga-Death of Wisner .... 11-14
CHAPTER IV .- The First Prospecting Party of Pio- neers-Pioneers and their Journeys-Incidents -Early Markets, Primitive Dwellings and Fur- niture -- Sickness, Distress-Fair Dealing-Per- sonal Sketches of Early Pioneers ...... 14-17
Knox, Sr., David
Laird, Glover ..
CHAPTER VI .- First Farms Opened-Land Entries -A Tragedy-First Orchards - Nursery - Im- provement of Live Stock-Agricultural Im- plements-Mint-Oil Distillation-Agricultural Statistics 18-20 CONCLUSION.
CHAPTER VII .- Early Manufactures-Ingenious De- vices to obtain Flour-Pioneer Mills-First Saw and Grist-Mill-Carding Factory-Wagon Shop -Distillery-Foundries-Manufactures of 1876 -Early Merchants' Banks, "Safety Fund," "Wild-Cat," "Red-Dog" -- Specie Circulation- National Banks-Present Exhibit. 20-23
CHAPTER VIII .- Roads-Chicago Trail-The Value of Cost-mark and Economical Survey, but a Crooked Road-A Pioneer Toll-Gate-The Washtenaw Trail-Quick Passage from New York-First Postal Route-Stage-Line-First Tavern-First Post-Office-Commerce on the St. Joseph River-Arking-A "close shave"- Steamboating-Tragedy-Damming the St. Jo- seph-Railroads-Business of 1876.
Macomber, Charles
Packard, Dr. Ira F.
Pitts, Hiram Amasa
23-26
CHAPTER XI .- Elections-Political Status-Officials and Terms of Office .. 31-34
Toll, Captain Philip R ...
Dougherty, Richard. 219
CHAPTER XV .- Associations: Agricultural Society, First Fair and Address, Total Premiums Paid in Twenty -Six Years - Insurance against Thieves and Fire-Pioneer Society-Temper- ance Society of 1835-Medical Society-Teach- ers' Association-Masonic-Odd Fellows-The Grange.
Farrand, Henry K
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
VIEWS.
Autographs of Judge Hubbil Loomis and John W. Anderson, Register ...
.facing 27
Brown, J., residence of (Florence). 61 4
Brooks, Aaron, residence of (Mottville) 90
= Bates, O. C. M., residence of (Constantine). 114
Bank Building, First National (Constantine) 118
Bank Building, First National (Three Rivers). 142
Bates, P. B , residence of (Constantine). 122
Burch, H., residence of (Three Rivers). 142
Baum, John, residence of (Lock port) 145 44
Backus, Dr. C. W., residence of (Three Rivers) ..... =
146
Bower, Adam, res, of (Colon), double-page view .. 158 Beam, Jacob Z., res, of (Flowerfield), two views ... =
195 Court House (Centreville) .. .... facing title-page
Cuddy, Thomas, residence of ( Nottawa) ... .. facing 104
('rossette, George I., residence ot (Constantine) .... 113
.
Commercial Mills, D. Frazier (Constantine) ... 120
Cade, S. W., residence of (Sherman) 193
Document-Letter of Guardianship to Isaac Tyler over Lucy Codner, 1838 26
Document-Letter of Administration to Eliza- beth Thurston, 1830
27
Driggs, A. L, residence of (Constantine) 118
Daugherty, Richard, residence of (Park). 214
Lintz, Jacob (and wife). 127
Lambert, H. C .. " 212
Lomison, John (and wife) 217
Miller, Joseph .. 91
Macomber, Charles (and wife).
150
180
Morris, Hon. William ...
189
Morrison, Robert H. (and wife).
.. facing 78
Morrison, Misses M. M. and Annie
78
Mckinlay, Robert (and wife).
132
Moore, Hon. E. S
153
Miller, Lewis.
154
Machin, William
211
Nash, Stephen M.
94
Gorton, Samuel, residence of (Colon) 168
Bower, Adam (and wife) .....
= 159
Carpenter, Sidney (and wife).
188
Packard, Dr Ira F. (and wife).
83
Parker, Daniel R
facing
76
Pashby, George (and wives).
136
Hoffman, J. W., residence of (Three Rivers). 141
Hoffman's Mills, J. W. Hoffman (Three Rivers) ... 141
Harvey, Addison, residence of (Leonidas). 173
Hutchinson, John, residence of (Park). = 216
Hutchinson, Stephen D., residence of (Park) 219
Jewett, Mrs. Joseph, residence of (Florence) ... 131 Johnson, Joseph, residence of (Flowerfield). 197 =
Eck, William R 165
Sickles, Garrett.
154
Thoms. J. F. (and wife)
154
Fitch, Judge Charles B
152
Kingsley, Chandler, residence of (Leonidas).
180
Farrand, Henry K ..
164 Thompson, Andrew 90
Toll, Hon. Isaac D
207
Toll, Captain Philip R
206
Laird, H. W., res, of Nottawa and Mendon) .. =
109
Lintz, Jacob, residence of (Constantine)
127
Flanders, M D., D. L. I
208
Flanders, Esq , J. W.
208
Voorhees, Abraham H. (and wife)
.. facing 223
Wiley, B. J ...
92
Farrand, Joseph.
166
Wolf, John (and wife).
151
Farrand, Mrs. B. M.
44
167 Wakeman, Adams.
.. facing 227
Gardner, Bolser B. (and wife).
178 Wakeman, Hiram
227
Wakeman, M. H ..
227
Harvey, Norman
129
Wilcox, Oliver W. (and wife).
44 102
Harrington, William (and wife).
227 West, Seth (and wife) 177
Watkins, William M
.4 179
Parker, D. R., residence of (Sturgis) .... 76
Pashby, George, residence of (Florence) ..
44 136
Hartman, John (and wife) .... =
89
Watkins, John
= 211
Wells, B. F.
212
Harwood, Heman (and wife).
facing 130
Hull, William. 154
Harvey, Addison (and wife) .. 173
Hoisington, Abishai 212 :
Hoisington, J. M 212
Hoisington, N. H =
212
Hoisington, L. J ... = 212
Hoisington, Mrs. A
=
212
Hoisington, W. W
=
212
Hunt, A. R. 211 =
= Hutchinson, John (and wife). 216
Hutchinson, James
=
219
Jewett, Joseph (and wife) 134
Johnson, James (and wife). 200
Voorhees, Charles G., residence of (Mendon). 210 Knox, Sr., David, 85
Ketcham, Morgan L. (and wife). 135
Knox, Jr., David
facing 154
Wakeman. Hiram, residence of (Mendon). 224 Kingsley, Chandler. 180
Watkins, William M., residence of (Leonidas) 179 Kibbe, John S. (and wife) ..
= 184
Waltham. John, residence of (Mottville). 86 Krumm, Daniel E. =
212
Leland, Andrew M. (and wife). 229
177 Lyman, Lewis B.
231
Langley, William B. (and wife). .. facing 101
West, Seth, residence of (Leonidas). = Wilcox, Oliver W., residence of (Nottawa). 102 Willemin, E. R., residence of (Lockport) .. 145 Laird, Glover .. 109
Zimmer, A. C., residence of (Fawn River). 61
PORTRAITS.
Arnold, William F. facing 154
Arney, William.
44 211
Blanshard, George. 44 129
Bowman, John H
167
Bishop, James
.facing 178
Bishop, Mrs. Clara.
178
Gentzler, Jacob S., residence of (Constantine 113 Brooks, Aaron (and wife)
George & Tweedale, manufactory of (Constantine) 117 Bates, O. C. M. (and wife).
113
Gibson, Samuel, residence of (Constantine) .....
122 Beam, Edmund.
130
Godshalk, Jacob, resi 'ence of (Lockport) .... 148
Beam, Jacob Z. (and wife)
= 195 Osborn, Hon. Nathan. 230
Osborn, George W.
230
Harris, John R , residence of (Sturgis) 84 =
Hartman, John, res, of (Cass Co.), near Mottville Hazzard, Sr., William, Oid Homestead (Nottawa) built in 1837.
107
Cathcart, John G. (and wife). 128
137
Pier, Solomon (and wife)
175
Rich, Cyrus W. (and wite)
: 75
Roys, Norman (and wife).
133
Smith, Jacob S ..
92
Stebbins, Dwight. .. facing 154
Emery, A. P (and wife).
facing 220
Kibbe, J. S., residence of (Burr Oak) 184
Kaiser Lake House (Fabius,, 210 =
101
Flanders, Sr., Francis.
208 Toll, Nancy De-G.
206
208 Tyler, Comfort
166
Van Ness, Jacob.
230
Lomixon, John, residence of (Park). =
217 9
Flanders, Mrs. Elizabeth
46
208
Wait, Hon. J. G. (and wife).
82
Morrison, Robert H., residence of (Sturgis) ..
44
78
Manufactory of George & Tweedale (Constantine) 117 Mckinlay, Kobert, farm, residence of ( Florence) .. Millard, J. B., residence of (Three Rivers). 138
132
"Moore Park," res. of Hon. E. S. Moore (Three Rivers) ...
153
Munn, J. C, residence of (Flowerfield) .. =
198 Maring, A. W., residence of (Mendon). 225 Holden, John (and wife) . 228
Pitts, Hiram A , residence of, the late (Florence) .. 137 Hazzard, William (and wife). 107
Purdy, John A., res. of (Leonidas), double-page ... facing 170 Pier, Solomon, residence of (Leonidas). 44 175
Rich, Cyrus W., residence of (Sturgis) ... =
75
Runyan, Isaac, residence of (Sturgis) .. =
86
Roys, Norman H., residence of (Florence) 133
St. Joseph County Court House. .facing title-page
St. Joseph County Map. facing
9
Sturgis Union School Building 71
= Swartwout, L. B., residence of (Three Rivers) 146
= Schock, George, residence of (Lockport). 148
Shepherdson, A. P., residence of (Fabius) 44
210
Tennyson, D. D., residence of (Three Rivers) 142
Teller, George W., residence of (Colon) 163
Union School Building (Sturgis) 71 =
Voorhees, Abram H., residence of (Mendon) 223
Wakeman House ( Mendon). 22
Emery, A. P., residence of (Mendon). 220 Fac simile Documents of First Court of Record .. 27 Fletcher. John W., residence of (Nottawa) 96 First National Bank Building (Constantine). 118 First National Bank Building (Three Rivers) 142 Fitch, Samuel A., residence of (Lockport) 141
Farrand, Henry K., residence of (Colon). 164
Farrand, Phineas, res. of (Colon), double page. 166
Frazier, Alexander, residence of (Park). 219
Flowerfield Station 219 Beadle, David.
211
89 Carpenter, T. C.
85
Cross, Judge W. H. (and wife).
108
Calhoon, Alvin (and wife) .. 134
Clark, George J. 181
' Cuddy, Thomas (and wife) facing 104
Caskey, Halsey ..
=
130
Cade, Stephen W. (and wife).
193
Ebi, David (and wife) 93
Thoms, Lewis (and wife). 15€
Fletcher, John W. (and wife). .facing 96
Fitch, Samuel A. (and wife) ..
144
Flanders, Jr., Major Francis
Map of St. Joseph County
Farrand, Phineas 44
167
4
44
Gorton, Samuel (and wife)
168
Harris, John R. (and wife) .facing 84
Watkins, Levi. 179
154
Pitts, Hiram (and wife). Prutzman, A. C ..
Johnson, James, residence of (Fawn River) 200 Kinne, John C., residence of (Leonidas) .. 174
Langley, William B., residence of (Nottawa).
90
Wells & Calam Block (Constantine) 118
Laird, Henry W. (and wife). 109
Millard, Ira ...
INTRODUCTORY.
THE HISTORIAN, in rescuing from oblivion the life of a Nation, should " extenuate nothing, nor aught set down in malice." Myths, however beau- tiful, are at their best but fanciful ; traditions, however pleasing, are uncer- tain-and legends, though the very essence of poesy, are unauthentic. The Novelist will take the most fragile thread of a vivid imagination, and from it weave a fabric of surpassing beauty. But the Historian should place his feet upon the solid basis of FACT, and turning a deaf ear to the allurements of fancy, sift, with careful and painstaking scrutiny, the evidence brought before him, and upon which he is to give the record of what has been. Standing, as he does, down the stream of Time, far removed from its source, he must retrace, with patience and care, its meanderings, guided by the relics of the past which lie upon its shores, growing fainter and still more faint and uncertain as he nears its fountain, oft-times concealed in the debris of ages, and in mists and darkness impenetrable. Written records grew less and less explicit, and finally fail altogether, as he approaches the beginning of the community whose life he is seeking to rescue from the gloom of a fast- receding past. Memory, wonderful as are its powers, is yet frequently at fault ; and only by a comparison of its many aggregations can he be satisfied that he is pursuing stable-footed truth in his researches amid the early paths of his subject.
In the Republic, founded upon popular sovereignty, the people are su- preme. They are the source of power. From them springs the government of the Nation in its varied phases-National, State and Municipal. The several States of the American Union, conceding to the General Government its central power, retain their individual sovereignty, within the limits pre- scribed by the Federal Constitution, and, in the spirit and significance of the national legend, (E Pluribus Unum), are " many like the billows, and one like the sea." This principle of independent sovereignty runs through the whole system of the government, from the election of the Federal Exec- utive to that of the most obscure constable or pathmaster. And it is by rea- son of this sovereignty that the beginning and progress of a county become no unimportant subjects to trace upon the permanent pages of history.
The ties of "home" have, ere now, thrown around sterile coasts, frozen plains and mountain cliffs the halo of the love of a patriotic people. Is it surprising, then, that the undulating, flowery prairies and open vistas of park-like lawns, which, for extent and natural beauty, far excel the baronial manors of European aristocracy, and watered with clear running streams and quiet lakes-which beautiful landscape is embraced within the limits of St. Joseph county-should charm the eyes of the forest settlers as they emerged from the dark, dense forests of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and beget in their hearts a love for the surroundings of nature, that clings to them in their old age, and falls but little short of reverence when they speak of the old county, which witnessed their first struggles for life and competency. These associations have made it a sacred and almost hallowed spot.
These old pioneers are fast sinking to rest after the toils and privations of the border, whither they came, buoyed up with hope and nerved with vigor, to build for themselves and their loved ones, homes amid this beautiful sce-
nery, while yet the whoop of the Indian and the howl of the wolf resounded on every side, and war's alarms came not infrequently, with imperious de- mands for blood and treasure. Here and there a white-haired veteran, bowed with the weight of years and the unremitting toil of pioneer life, remains, an interesting relic of fast-fading times. Before all of these old, hardy pioneers, whose impress was the germ of the present, and whose endowment was lofty examples of courage and unabated energy, and who have durably stamped their characteristics upon worthy successors-before these have passed away, we seek to place upon the historic page the record of whom they were, and what they did to make their county the just pride of the great Peninsular State of the American Union. Records will, be traced as far as they may yield the information sought ; the memories of the pioneers will be laid under tribute; the manuscripts of the provident will give their contributions, and all sources will be called into requisition to furnish material, reliable and certain, to bring forth a truthful history of this grand county.
Individual success is a proof of triumphant energy, and pledges a like career to corresponding enterprises ; therefore biographies of earnest, suc- cessful representative lives, intimately connected with the development of the county, will illustrate what energy, determination and indomitable will have hitherto accomplished, and can yet accomplish.
To foster local ties, to furnish examples of heroism, to exhibit the results of well-applied industry, and to mark the progress of the community, literature, art and typography, (an attractive trio), are freely employed to embellish and render invaluable a practical and interesting work.
Less than fifty years ago the first white settler built his cabin of rough, unhewn logs west of the principal meridian of the United States surveys in the State of Michigan. Until then the solitudes of the whole territory of Southwestern Michigan, acquired in 1821 by the treaty of Chicago, had been unbroken by any sound of humanity save as that mysterious people, the mound-builders, (whose monuments alone remain to tell us they once lived), had pursued their peaceful avocations within its borders-or their Indian successors had traversed its forests and plains, or in their light canoes sped over the unruffled bosoms of its lakes in pursuit of game, or on the more bloody trail of war. Adventurous traders, coureurs des bois, and mes- sengers with despatches to beleaguered posts beyond the western lakes, had indeed followed the wild tribes, for commercial purposes, or passed across its boundaries, but no mark was left to show that an actual settlement had been made, with any idea of permanency, previous to 1827, in all of its wide extent.
A half-century has wrought a wondrous change. Despite privation, dan- ger and misfortune, farms multiplied and towns grew; highways were cut through the forests ; streams were bridged ; morasses drained, and the stage- coach made its weekly trip between the eastern and western lakes. Then came the railways, connecting the populous and wealthy East with the West- ern border, affording easy and rapid transit, and progress sprang forward, equipped for an untiring march. The productions of the soil were, as by magic, exchanged for the commerce of the seas and the manufactories of the seaboard. Education and Religion walked hand-in-hand, and together
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.