USA > Michigan > Berrien County > A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan > Part 8
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In 1863, the St. Joseph Pioneer, a Democratic campaign paper, was published, D. A. Winslow, a prominent attorney of St. Joseph, being the editor. The paper termi- nated its career upon the election of Lin- coln and in his valedictory, Mr. Winslow expressed his submission to the will of the people with a possible suggestion that the cause of the Union might better be sub- served by Mr. Lincoln's re-election.
The St. Joseph Republican was estab- lished by Wm. Ricoby and Capt. Thos. H. Botham as a Republican paper. Wm. Rico- by and Robert Ricoby afterwards became the sole proprietors and in 1876 made it a Democratic journal. Robert Ricoby is still living in St. Joseph and for years was en- gaged in the drug business.
A paper called the St. Joseph News was issued by K. and W. Ricoby in 1879. The life of the two last named papers was short.
The St. Joseph Press was established in 1888. In 1894 it was incorporated under the name of the Press Publishing and Stere- otyping Co. It is now published by Willard Brewer, who owns a controlling interest in the paper. A daily is issued by the com- pany called the St. Joseph Daily Press. The paper has recently been largely improved. Two monthly periodicals, The Thresher- men's Reviews and The National Fruit Grower, are also published in St. Joseph.
Benton Harbor.
The Benton Harbor Palladium was first issued by L. G. Merchant, now editor of the St. Joseph Herald, in October, 1868, as a weekly newspaper. In 1869 it was sold to J. P. Thresher who conducted it for three years. It then passed through various hands till the late Frank Gilson became the pro- prietor and conducted it for several years till his death. He established the Daily Palladium in 1886.
The paper was ably managed from the outset. Mr. Thresher was a prioneer in
47
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
Benton Harbor, having come there in 1863. He has been actively identified with many business enterprises calculated to build up the town, and made various donations in land and money for that purpose. He was postmaster under President Grant, and manager of the Benton Harbor Improve- ment Association for some years. He is now living at Benton Harbor in his 76th year.
Mr. Merchant removed from Benton Harbor to St. Joseph and in 1877 estab- lished the St. Joseph Herald, for many years the only permanent newspaper published in the place. He was postmaster of St. Joseph from 1880 to 1887 and is now the oldest journalist in the county.
Mr. Gilson purchased the Palladium in 1885, and published it till his death. He was a vigorous writer, and a pleasing speaker. A son, Roy R., is a well known and popular magazine writer and author.
In the meantime, an independent daily paper called the Evening News was estab- lished in 1895. In February, 1904, this paper and the Palladium were consolidated under the name of the News-Palladium.
It is ably edited and has both a daily and semi-weekly edition. It consists of eight pages well loaded with news and edi- torials. It has the largest circulation of any paper in the county.
The circulation of the daily is 2,800 and that of the semi-weekly edition 1,300. It is Republican in politics and is owned by a stock company with the following officers : Pres. J. Stanley Morton, Vice-Pres. H. S. Gray, Sec. Treas. and General Manager J. N. Klock. The latter named gentleman has the editorial supervision of the paper and is well equipped by previous experience and editorial ability for his important posi- tion.
The Banner Register, a weekly paper, was established some years since and has been published and edited by Jos. N. Reed. It is an excellent paper and well conducted.
Other papers besides the Newes, the Pal- ladium, the News-Palladium and the Ban- ner Register have been published but they were comparatively short-lived. Among them were the Benton Harbor Times and the Lake Shore Daily News. The Times was edited for a time by Romain Jarvis, who was the Democratic candidate for Con- gress from this district in 1896, 1898 and 1900.
Berrien Springs.
In 1874, Dr. Fred McOmber estab- lished the Berrien County Journal with L. E. Barnard. In 1876, Geo. H. Murdock became the proprietor and conducted it for a number of years.
In 1876 Dr. McOmber established the Berrien Springs Era and this paper has con- tinued till the present. It is now published by the Benson Brothers. A. E. Perkins, an experienced newspaper writer, conducted the editorial department for many years, and often wrote spicy articles and vigorous editorials.
Buchanan.
The first newspaper issued in Buchanan was the Buchanan Vindicator, published in 1858 by J. M. Potter. In 1862 it was merged in the Buchanan Weekly Union. Daniel Wagner purchased the paper in 1867 and changed the name to that of the But- chanan County Record. It was published for many years by John G. Holmes, who went west a few years since, and sold out his interest in the paper. It is a Republi- can journal published by M. C. Chamberlain and edited by O. P. Woodworth. The Buchanan Argus was established some years ago and is published by Fay Graffort.
Several papers which were short
lived have been published at different times, among which were the Buchanan Indepen- dent, published by Alonzo Bennett, and the
48
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
Buchanan Reporter, published by Dr. F. N. Berrick.
For a few years Buchanan was the headquarters in the west of the sect known as Adventists and in 1864 Joshua Himes, a leader of that denomination, published the Voice of the West, which had a circu- lation of about 6,000. In 1871 Mr. Himes removed to Chicago.
The papers now published in the county, not already named, are the Galien Advocate, Three Oaks Acoru, Watervliet Record, and Eau Claire Enterprise.
The Galien Advocate is published and edited by- ; the Watervliet Rec- ord by Eugene Case; the Eau Claire Euter- prise by , and the Three Oaks Acorn by the Three Oaks Publishing Com- pany.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
A brief sketch of the leading county organizations is herewith given.
Pioneer Association of Berrien county- This association was organized in Sep- tember, 1875. The following officers were elected : President, Levi Sparks; secretary, George H. Murdock; and treasurer, Lyman A. Barnard. The meetings of the associa- tion have generally been held in Barnard's grove, at Berrien Springs. The use of the grove was given to the association by Dr. Barnard.
The following is a list of the pioneer members in 1880, who came to the county or were born of pioneer parents before I845, with date of settlement in Michigan. The names of many of the pioneers do not ap- pear from the fact that many had died or removed away and others did not take the trouble to join. The list, however, fur- nishes a general idea of the names of most of the prominent early settlers who were liv- ing in 1880 and of the children of pioneers who came with their parents to the county at an early age, or were born here at an early day.
IS27 Matilda Ireland 1828 Thos. K. Clyborne
Edwin F. Dickson
Levi Sparks
" R. Griffin, N. Y.
L. A. Barnard
. R. Babcock
1829 C. D. Nichols D. T. Wilson Lucy A. Brownell
1830 Andrew L. Burke, Va.
Michael Hand, O.
" Geo. H. Murdock, Pa.
" Thos. Marrs, Va.
" John G. Shuarts
" Wm. Dougherty, Md.
John Tate
" C. P. Wray
A. W. Marrs, Va.
Rebecca Reynolds
Jacob E. Miller
" Hugh Marrs, Va.
Isaac Smith, O.
" Sarah A. Byers
I83I Samuel Marrs, Mich.
", Eliza Brown
" Robert Cassiday
" Francis Wells
Amanda Weaver
" Orlando Hart
" Harriet Marrs
I832 Maria Sparks
A. G. Abbe
" C. A. Hall
" Daniel J. Claypool
Jos. Feather
Anna Feather
Susan Irwin
Mary Pennell
" M. D. Burk, Sr.
Mary Worthington
" Samuel Simmons
Varna Simmons
May Riggin
Malvina Smith
Jas. Smith
.. Jos. Mansfield
Elizabeth Michael
. Nicholas Michael
.. Jacob Weaver
.. Abel Garr
49
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
1833 Alonzo Sherwood Kingsley Olds
1836 William Burns May A. Burns
Geo. Ewalt
James W. Robinson
Margaret Ewalt
" Susan Kephart, Pa.
"
Martha M. Brant
Samuel Van Vlear
" Henderson Ballenger
"
J. H. Nixon
1834 Francis Johnson Thomas Love
Hiram Brown, N. Y.
" William Hazlitt
Asa W. Sherwood
Henry C. Morton, N. Y.
Reuben A. Kibler
Mary Higbee
Elizabeth Pennell
Benjamin Keigley Samuel Spry John Gillespie, O.
Richard McOmber
Nathan Hamilton
1835 E. D. Chilson
W. H. Rector
Jas. A. Kirk
"
P. W. Guernsey
H. W. Guernsey
Jas. Groat
Chas. Evans
" Orrin D. Snow
Fanny Snow
1839 Silas Ireland, O.
J. Cribbs
" B. W. Sutherland
1840 Tamont M. Winslow
" J. H. Jakeway
Pitt J. Pierce
Julia A. Hess
", Benjamin D. Townsend
F. F. Clark
J. H. Nixon
R. T. Twombly
D. C. Higbee
Emily Van Vranken
" Rosanna Alexander
J. Mertzler
" Julia Tabor
I. F. Soull
Minerva Soull
Nathaniel Brant
John Byers
" C. C. Sutton
Jacob Helmick
" Julia A. Hamilton
" Augustus Kephart
John D. Miller
Mrs. C. R. Barnard
Eva Miller
" Thos. Ford
Richard A. DeMont
1842 Olivia C. Spaulding
" O. W. Rose
1835 John Redden
" Rachel Shaffer
Lucinda Groat
" Jacob Messenger
Chas. F. Howe
Chas H. Walker John C. Miller
Balance A. Miller
M. C. Barnes
1836 Joshua Feather Nathan Fitch
" Celinda Clark
" C. C. Kent
" George Smith
L. P. Alexander
1841 J. B. Sutherland " Philip Kephart
J. S. Weaver
Nelson Harper
" Minerva Robinson
Adam Small
Henry Worthington
Geo. H. Scott
Helen Saunders
" Willie Foster
" Joel Layman
1838 D. A. Winslow " Nellie S. Drew
1837 Jas. F. Higbee
Newton R. Woodruff
G. Van Vranken
Susie L. Dickson
Fred M. Phillips
Caroline Hildreth
Harriet Garr
Wallace Tabor
50
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
1842 George Graham
Darius J. Barker
Mahala Mansfield
John De Field
" John Irwin
1843 Curtis S. Boughton
,, J. M. Platt
Jas. Badger
Isabella Platt
Henry Chamberlain, N. H.
Wm. Chamberlain, N. H.
1844 W. B. Gilson
M. A. Sylvester
J. L. Haskins
Nancy Fisher
Jos. Fisher
" Daniel Neidlinger
Jerry Painter
Samuel Messenger
" A. Van Patten
" B. F. Pennell
"
Sydney Spencer
Berrien County Grange .- This grange was organized in 1875, Wm. Smythe Farner was chosen Master. In 1876 Thomas Marrs was elected Master and held it for many years.
Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Associa- tion .- This association was organized in 1859 and effected insurance in both Ber- rien and Cass counties. The following B. trustees, A. Chivis, S. G. Antisdale, G. N. Lord, Marcus Osgood, J. Caldwell. Juan Gray and Josephus Fisher : chief marshal, S. G. An- tisdale. named persons wer the original incorpora- tors : D. P. Gerberich. J. D. Hart, Michael Swobe, Jas. Badger, Abraham Correll, Sam'l Messenger, Sam'l Thompson, Francis Wells, Michael Herkimer, A. P. Knox, Harvey Moore. Geo. S. Hoppin, M. B. Gil- About twenty acres of land were leased and buildings erected in the following year. lette, Reuben Groat and A. C. Mead. The only survivors are Samuel Messinger and Geo. S. Hoppin. It is still in existence, has . organization, which is practically, however, done an immense business, and has been re- markably successful and well managed.
Berrien County Agricultural Society .-- This society was organized in 1850 and the following officers chosen: President. B. C. Hoyt; recording secretary, W. S. Farmer ; treasurer, Thomas Love; corresponding secretary, J. L. Glenn ; executive committee,
Joshua Feather. Peter Ruggles, Henry Lardner, Jehiel Enos and J. G. Ames.
The first fair was held at Berrien Springs in 1851. After that year, the fair was held at Niles with the exception of one year.
The society first purchased a tract of five acres immediately west of the Niles cemetery. The ground, however, was found too small and in 1867 twenty-five acres be- longing to the Staples estate were purchased, buildings erected, and a race track con- structed. Fairs were held here annually for about eighteen years. For many years the fairs were well patronized, fine exhibitions of stock and agricultural productions were given and these exhibitions were generally attended by immense crowds. The society however, became badly indebted, the at- tendance grew less, the property passed out of the hands of the society through the fore- closure of a mortgage, and the holding of county fairs was abandoned many years ago.
Northern Berrien county and Michigan Lake Shore Agricultural Society .- This society was formed in March, 1878. The officers elected were: President, J. F. Higbee ; vice-presidents, S. L. Van Camp, B. L. Rounds, and A. F. McKee; sec- retary, O. S. Willey; treasurer, Dr. Dr. John Bell :
This society was succeeded by another a continuation of the original company. Its fairs of recent years have been successful and attended by enormous crowds.
Young People's Picnic Association .- This association was organized in 1877, Geo. M. Valentine was chosen president, G. M. Dudley, secretary, and C. A. Johnson. treasurer. The following young gentle-
51
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
men were chosen vice-presidents: E. C. ling of Benton Harbor, Dr. F. N. Bonine Griffin, Frank Plimpton, H. F. Heath, W. B. Plumb, H. N. Chamberlain, J. A. Crosby and M. D. Osgood.
The meetings have been held annually at Barnard's Grove, Berrien Springs and have been attended with sports and amuse- ments. Large crowds have generally been in attendance.
Anti-Horse Thief Associations. -- The object of these associations was the detection and apprehension of horse thieves. In the early history of the county, the stealing of horses by gangs of horse thieves was com- mon. A favorite resort of these thieves was at Hawpatch, near Goshen, Indiana, a dense swamp and wilderness, from which they emerged frequently on their tour of depre- dation.
The worst of the gangs were broken up many years ago. The Niles association was formed in 1853. The first officers were Dan- iel Fisher, president, Daniel McClung, secre- tary, L. Harter, treasurer, and Joseph Mc- Clung, foreman of riders.
The "Reserve Horse Thief Detectives" was organized in 1865. Jas. Badger was chosen president, Samuel Messenger, treas- urer, Ebenezer McIlvarie, secretary.
The Lakeside Anti-Horse Thief Asso- ciation was organized in 1876. The first officers were J. C. Miller, president, A. K. Clark, vice-president, C. H. Bostwick, secre- tary, and R. M. Goodwin, treasurer. The association is still in existence.
Berrien County Humane Society .- This society was organized March 2, 1900, and was established for the purpose of prevent- ing cruelty to animals and for other humane purposes.
The present officers, are president, Mrs. W. W. Dresden, Niles: secretary, Belle Cross, Niles; treasurer, Carl J. Schultz, St. Joseph; vice-presidents, Mrs. Dr. Garrett and Robert Sherwood of Watervliet, Dr. J. A. Garland and Mrs. J. D. Richards, of Buchanan, John J. Ster-
and Mrs. Mary E. Bacon of Niles, Chas. Hinchman, of Sawyer; superintendent, Captain Robert Jones; generarl manager, Captain Lloyd Clark.
In 1906 it received an appropriation from the board of supervisors and has done efficient work in aiding and supplementing to some extent the labors of the State Char- ity Agent for Berrien county, Mr. White- head, who is prominently connected with the society.
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
The early organization of churches is generally given in connection with local his- tory. The following list of the number of churches of each sect is given from the last census.
Free Methodists
5
Methodist Episcopal 29
African Methodist 3
Baptists (Regular) 8
African Baptists I
German Baptists or Dunkards.
2
Free Will Baptists
I
United Brethren
II
Christians
9
Congregationalists
6
Presbyterians
4
Protestant Episcopal
3
Christian Adventists
I
Catholic
8
Evangelical Association
6
Lutheran II!
Seventh Day Adventists.
I
Church of God
I
Latter Day Saints 2
Universalists I
Jewish
I
Christian Science
3
The first religious structure built in the county except by the mission churches, was Catholic, built of logs and located near the present site of the village of Bertrand. It was built in 1831 and attended by both
52
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
whites and Indians. Father Badin was pastor.
The next church edifice, so far as can now be ascertained, was built by the Presby- terians at Niles in 1835. It was a small frame building with a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty persons.
Mission preaching among the settlers by ministers from abroad commenced about 1829. The Methodist Church especially commenced early to send ministers to preach in the new settlements at Niles, St. Joseph and Berrien Springs.
In 1829 Rev. H. Coston established a Methodist mission at Niles. Preaching was held at the house of Wm. Justus once in four weeks. The first church organized in the county by the early settlers was a Meth- odist class formed at Niles in 1832, by Rev. Richard Robinson. The first members were Mrs. Elizabeth Comley, Mrs. Eber Griswold, Mrs. Sarah Deniston, Mrs. Mor- gan Wilson, Mrs. Elias Hickman, James Kirk and wife and Henry Slater and wife. Henry Slater was appointed leader.
The first Presbyterian Church was organ- ized at Niles in March, 1834. The members during the first year were Nathaniel Bacon and wife, Bacon Wheeler and wife, Orrin Derby and wife, E. F. Crocker and wife, T. K. Green, Dr. J. K. Finley, Uriel Enos, Mrs. L. A. Widour, W. B. Copeland and Samuel Hunter.
A Methodist Church was organized at St. Joseph in 1836, but no edifice was erected till 1846.
The Methodist Church at Berrien Springs was organized in 1835, by Rev. Richard Meek, but no edifice was built till 1845.
The first Episcopal Church in the county was organized at Niles in 1834 by Rev. Jas. Selking, a missionary. Mr. and Mrs. Philo Sanford, Mrs. Anna Dickson and two others were the first members.
The first Baptist Church in the county was organized at Niles in 1841. The orig- inal members were John Reese, S. S. Lewis,
Joshua Howell and wife, Lucy Thompson, WVm. Cotton, Susanna Carberry, Baldwin Jenkins, J. P. Martin, John Johnson, Sally Bailey, Clarissa Nicholson, Sally Burnette, Louise Fellows, Lucy Fellows and Wm. Mead, Jr.
The first Methodist Church in Berrien township was organized in 1843, called the Morris Chapel.
A strong church was organized by the United Brethren at Berrien Springs, in 1841, containing some fifty members.
The first Lutheran Church appears to have been organized in Bainbridge in 1851. The original members were Fred Weber, Daniel Krieger and David Scherer.
The first Evangelical Church was organ- ized in Bertrand township in 1851. David Rough and wife, Peter Rhodes, J. Steiner and two others were the first members. It subsequently became a flourishing church.
The first Congregational Church was or- ganized at Niles in 1844. It was feeble, however, and ceased to exist over forty years ago. A strong church was organized at St. Joseph in 1854. J. B. Sutherland and wife, D. B. Crane and wife, Samuel May- nard, Mrs. J. King, Anne Olmstead, Fannie Stowe, Isabel Maken and Jane Vanverbeck were the first members, and to these large additions were made shortly afterwards.
Many other sects have established churches in the county, but were organized at later dates. The object of this brief sketch is to give only a reference to the pio- neer churches.
BENEVOLENT AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.
Owing to the large number of these so- cieties which exist in Berrien county, it will be beyond the scope of this work to attempt any history or account of the formation of these societies, even in connection with local history.
The fraternal and beneficiary societies especially have increased enormously within
53
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
a few years and their number is legion.
A brief reference, however, to those so- cieties which were organized by the early settlers should not be omitted.
The first Masonic lodge in Berrien coun- ty was "The St. Joseph Valley lodge No. 93, F. & A. M.," which was organized in 1843. The charter was received from the grand lodge of New York and R. E. Ward was named as master, John F. Porter, senior warden, and W. H. McOmber, junior warden.
The Grand Lodge of Michigan was shortly after organized and a new lodge or- ganized called St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, F. & A. M., in 1844. Jacob Beeson was master, W. H. McOmber, senior warden, and C. I. Ingersoll, junior warden.
In 1857 a dispensation was issued to the following named persons; Henry A. Chapin, Erastus Spaulding, David Bacon, W. D. Sterling, J. H. Richardson, W. J. Edwards, WV. B. Beeson, W. B. Gray and A. E. Tut- tle, to organize Niles Lodge No. 97, F. & A. M. Erastus Spaulding was master, David Bacon, senior warden, and H. A. Chapin, junior warden.
The first Odd Fellows lodge in the county was organized in 1844 called Ber- rien County Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F. The charter members were J. F. Porter, C. K. Green, A. J. Clark, J. C. Larimore, T. M. Freeland, J. B. Goodman, Chas. Jewett, G. Hoadley, Geo. Goodman, and J. M. Stewart.
Additional lodges were afterwards or- ganized in Niles.
The second lodge of Masons in the coun- ty was organized at Berrien Springs in 1850 and called the Western Star Lodge, No. 39. The original officers were R. W. Landon, master ; William Dougherty, senior warden, and Michael Hand, junior warden.
In 1879 an Odd Fellows lodge was or- ganized at Berrien Springs, known as Ber- rien Springs Lodge No. 323. The officers were E. D. Cook, noble grand; G. W. Caru-
thers, vice-grand; D. G. W. Gangler, recod- ing secretary; R. A. Demont, permanent secretary, and George W. Rough, treasurer.
The first lodge of Masons at St. Joseph was organized in 1852; as Occidental Lodge No. 56. The officers were L. Church, mas- ter ; J. Enos, senior warden; A. P. Stinson, junior warden, A. B. Leeds, secretary, and Phineas Pearl, treasurer.
The first lodge of Odd Fellows at St Joseph was organized in 1868 as Burnett Lodge No. 119. The charter members were A. H. Morrison, A. E. Perkins, C. H. Chamberlain, O. W. Oviatt, and W. R. Graham.
The first lodge of Masons in Buchanan was organized in 1854 known as Buchanan Lodge No. 68. C. J. Ingersoll was worthy master, S. M. Griswold, senior warden, and Nathaniel Hamilton, junior warden.
The first lodge of Odd Fellows at Buch- anan was organized in 1855 known as Buchanan Lodge No. 75.
The first lodge of Masons at Benton Harbor was organized in 1872 known as Lake Shore Lodge No. 298. A. B. Leeds was master.
The first lodge of Odd Fellows at this place was known as Benton Lodge No. 132, and F. G. Rice was noble grand.
The first lodge of Masons at Three Oaks was organized in 1868, Henry Chamberlain was master, Owen Churchill, senior war- den, and James S. Bird, junior warden.
The first lodge of Masons in Watervliet township was organized in 1865, known as Coloma Lodge No. 162, J. L. Marvin was master, W. W. McKee, senior warden, and Milo Bratten, junior warden.
The first lodge of Odd Fellows in Water- vliet was organized in 1871 known as Co- loma Lodge No. 140. The charter mem- bers were I. B. Winch, J. O. Keith, Jesse Woodward, Geo. Strong and E. Brant.
The next order of fraternal organizations which was organized to any considerable
54
HISTORY OF BERRIEN COUNTY
extent was the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which was established in all the leading towns some thirty years ago.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
A table is presented showing the num- ber of factories in the different cities and villages in 1905, the number of persons em- ployed and wages paid, according to the report of state inspectors.
It should be observed from the returns made to this writer from the leading fac- tories in the three cities that the number of persons employed in the factories is much larger at the present time in all these towns. The exact figures cannot be given, but the total number of employes should be increased by at least twenty per cent. Evidently, all the factories were not inspected.
CITIES AND VILLAGES
Number factories
Number persons
Number employed
on public work.
Average wage.
Average daily wage man and team.
Berrien county.
116
3587
. .
Benton Harbor, city.
41
1206
50
$1.50
$3.50
Buchanan, village ..
13
166
2
1.75
3.50
Berrien Springs.
2
15
20
1.50
3.50
Coloma, village.
3
63
5
1.50
3.50
Eau Claire, village
1
35
5
1.50
3.00
Galien, village.
2
4
3
1.50
3.00
Niles, city.
24
679
12
1.50
3.00
St. Joseph, city.
22
1062
4
1.50
3.50
Three Oaks, village.
4
293
15
1.50
3.00
Watervliet, village
4
64
3
1.50
3.00
inspected.
employed.
CHAPTER V
FRUIT CULTURE.
"Round about them orchards sweep, Apple and peach tree fruited deep."
The Michigan fruit belt, so-called from its adaptability for the raising of peaches, includes the counties of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau, Neway- go, Mecosta, Kent and Ionia. Of these, all but the four last mentioned counties are situated along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The production of peaches has also led to the cultivation of other fruits in great abundance, and it has been found that this region is particularly well adapted for all kinds of fruit culture. It is the opinion of leading pomologists that the apparent adaptation of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan to the culture of fruit, is owing to the near proximity of the Great Lake. It is claimed that this wide body of water, which rarely freezes to any considerable ex- tent, acts as a regulator modifying the temperature both in winter and summer; preventing early frosts in both spring and fall, creating needed moisture and vapor in times of drought; and tempering the pre- vailing winds which come from the west and southwest over the wide expanse of the lake.
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