USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Chronography of notable events in the history of the Northwest territory and Wayne County > Part 9
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1805 .- Congress created the territory of Michigan, the Act to take effect June 30th. Wm. Hull, of Massachusetts, was appointed Governor. Augustus Woodward, Frederick Bates, and John Griffin, were appointed territorial judges. Fire occurred June 11th, which almost totally destroyed Detroit, including the third St. Ann's Church. In consequence, the Governor and Judges were directed by an Act of Congress to lay out the town anew; hence came what is still known as "The Governor and Judges' Plan of Detroit." July 31, Territorial Supreme Court established. The Territory of Michigan commenced its existence July 2, and embraced all the Lower Peninsular.
1806 .- On the petition of Angelique Campau, Elizabeth Williams and Rev. Gabriel Richards, the Governor and Judges donated a lot of land on Section I, for the erection of a new school building in connection with St. Ann's church. Bank of Detroit chartered by the Governor and Judges.
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1807 .- Governor Hull effected a treaty with all the Indian tribes of the Northwest, except the Shawnees. Tecumseh, their chief, refused to sign. Congress withheld its approval of the Act of the Governor and Judges in granting charter to the Bank of Detroit. The first brick house erected by Woodruff, and occupied by Gov. Hull. Donation of land by Governor and Judges on the northwest corner of Larned street and Woodward avenue, on which was erected the first Protestant church; Rev. Jno. Monteith, pastor. Donations of land were also made to the Methodists, Baptists and Episcopal churches, to the Mechanics' society, and to the Catholic church for burial purposes. James Witherell succeeded Frederick Bates as Territorial Judge. Gov. Hull made a treaty with the Ottawas, Chippewas, Hurons and Pottawattomies, known as the Indian treaty of Granville for Michigan, Wayne Co. lands.
1808 .- Land district enlarged and made to cover all on which Indian title is extinguished by treaty of November 17, made at Detroit.
1809 .- Special Council was held by Governor Hull with the Hurons or Wyandottes, the chief being "Walk-in-the-Water." They were dissatisfied with the Granville treaty. This was the first time Tecumseh and his brother appeared prominent in creating jealous- ies against the Americans. The principal settlements were upon the Miama and Raisin, on the Huron of Lake Erie, Clinton, St. Clair, and the Island of Mackinac. The entire white popula- tion was 4,834, three-fourths Canadians and French. Charter of Detroit granted heretofore by Governor and Judges revoked February 24. First printing press brought to Detroit by Father Richards, and James Miller published the first newspaper printed, styled the "Michigan Essay, or Impartial Observer," dated Friday, August 3Ist. Rev. Wm. Case appointed by the New York Methodist Conference at Detroit. He made his home with Mr. Abbott.
1810 .- First Methodist Society organized four miles west of Detroit, on the Rouge. The population of Detroit was 700 whites, exclu- sive of soldiers. Rev. Williams organized the first Methodist society, with seven members : Robert and Betsey Abbott, his wife, Wm. and Maria McCarthy, his wife, Wm. and Betsey Stacey and Sarah Macomb.
18II .- Name of Fort Lenault or Lernoult, changed to that of Shelby. The Indian tribes indicate disturbance and a desire to violate the treaty made with Wayne. The Shawnee Prophet and his brother were active leaders, and received encouragement from the British. Hostilities begun on the part of the Indians at Tippecanoe, where they were defeated by Harrison. Gen. Hull, Governor. Earth-
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quake shock first noticed in this locality. That portion of Detroit known as the " Cass Farm " was conveyed by government patent April 11th, to John W., William and D. B. Macomb.
1812 .- War declared between England and the United States, June 18th. The news did not reach Governor Hull until July 3d. The first intimation received by him was the capture of a small schooner near Malden by the British. July 12th, Hull crossed the river, camped at Sandwich, and the day following attacked and routed the British at Conner Creek, near Malden. On the 5th of August the British Indians defeated Major VanHorn at Browns- town, and Hull, on receiving the news, fearing an attack on Detroit, recrossed the river on the 9th of August, and subse- quently on the 15th, accepted Proctor's terms, and surrendered the fort. The American troops and officers were sent to Halifax. Among those officers who were sent to Halifax was Whittimore Knaggs, whose son, Colonel James W. Knaggs, is now a resident of Detroit. Captain Knaggs commanded the Michigan Rangers, and was also interpreter for Generals St. Clair, Wayne and Hull in their treaties with the Indians prior to the war. After his exchange, he joined Winchester's army on its way from Ohio, and at the river Raisin massacre was taken prisoner with Win- chester. Their captors were celebrated Indian chiefs, to whom they were personally known, called by the names of Jack Brandy and George Bluejacket. Had they not recognized them, both Winchester and Knaggs would have been tomahawked and scalped. The chiefs protected and delivered them to General Proctor, who denied to Captain Knaggs the rights as a prisoner of war, and sent him in chains to Quebec, charging him with having violated his parole, and with exercising an influence over the Indians, prejudicial to British interests, in a clandestine manner. He remained in prison at Quebec under this charge of Proctor for one year. On the trial and investigation the charge of violating his parole was not sustained, and he was liberated. On his return to Detroit he found his property destroyed, his buildings having been used as a barracks by order of the U. S. military. When Proctor took possession of Detroit he regarded them as public pro- perty, and gave them up to destruction by the Indians. Neither Captain Whittimore Knaggs, nor his heirs, have as yet received compensation for the loss of this property. At the surrender of Hull, Col. Abram Truax, the father of Mrs. Giles B. Slocum, refused to surrender his arms, but broke through the lines and escaped.
1813 .- The battle at Frenchtown occurred January 21st, and on the 22d, the massacre of the river Raisin, at which Gen. Winchester
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and Captain Whittimore Knaggs were taken prisoners (incidents heretofore referred to.) February 13th, Gen. Proctor issued a proclamation banishing from Detroit all residents who withheld their allegiance to English supremacy. Gen. Proctor continued in command at Detroit, and nothing intervened to disturb him until the successful repulse by Col. Croghan of an attack on Fort Stephenson, August 12 (now Lower Sandusky), which so de- moralized several of the Indian tribes that they deserted their English allies and returned to their homes. From this period, August 2d, American arms began to rid the frontier from British domination. On the Niagara frontier frequent success promoted the end. General Harrison had been placed in command. Sept. Ioth, occurred Perry's victory on Lake Erie. On the 28th, Harri- son reached Malden, and sent forward Gen. Duncan McArthur, who, crossing the river below Sandwich, followed up the river road to Detroit, and occupied the Fort, it having been aban- doned by the British. October 7th, Commodore Perry came with his fleet to Detroit. On the 15th of October, General Harrison issued his proclamation restoring civil law as it existed prior to the territory being surrendered to the British, and appointed Colonel Lewis Cass provisional Governor. He at once restored order and accepted the oath of allegiance of those English sub- jects who chose to remain. Gen. Harrison pursued and overtook Proctor and Tecumseh near the river Thames on the 7th of November, and then ensued the " Battle of the Thames," which resulted in the entire rout of Proctor, the death of Tecumseh, and the practical ending of hostilities on the northern and northwestern frontier. Gen. Lewis Cass appointed Governor, October 20th.
1814 .- General Hull court martialed at Albany, New York, February, and found guilty in March. Sentence of death commuted by the President. Harrison made a treaty July 20th with the Indians at Greenville, and most of the Northwest tribes abandoned their sym- pathy for the English. England and the United States concluded a treaty of peace December 14. County of Mackinac erected.
1815 .- National fast observed for the first time in Detroit. Gen. Cass fixed new boundaries for Wayne County, November 21st. Fire company organized-the hand engine being that used on board one of Commodore Perry's vessels which had been abandoned October 23rd. A new charter was granted the city by the Terri- torial Legislature. The City of Detroit was incorporated by an Act passed by the Governor and Judges, October 4th. The municipal authority was invested in five trustees, a secretary, assessor, a collector and a city marshal, who were to be chosen on the first day of May, annually, by the freeholders of the city, who
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either had an income of forty dollars per year, or who paid a rental of that sum, and by such other persons admitted as citizens. Wayne County organized, it embraced all lands and territory covered by Hull's treaty with the Indians of 1807, in the Lower Peninsular.
1816 .- Captain Chesley Blake, who was a volunteer with Scott at the battle of Lundy's Lane, on the Niagara frontier, was placed in command of the schooner " General Jackson," built new and owned by Oliver Newberry. November 3d, Indiana was admitted as a State, and that portion heretofore included in the county of Wayne and territory of Michigan was detached. Governor Cass assembled a Council of Indians at Detroit, at which Captain Whit- timore Knaggs was chief interpreter. United States Bank incor- porated April 10th. First public market building erected by Benjamin Woodruff. Post road established through Black Swamp. David Baird and Wm. Macomb, sold their thirds (2) of the lands conveyed by the Government in 1811 to Gen. Lewis Cass, September 9th.
1817 .- Building of Cathedral of St. Ann commenced by Father Richard, June 25. General Lewis Cass re-appointed Governor January 21. "Detroit Gazette" first issued by John P. Sheldon and E. Reed, August 14. President James Monroe visited Detroit, on which occasion Governor Lewis Cass, in behalf of the State of New York, presented General Alexander Macomb with an ele- gant sword commemorating his gallant conduct at the battle of Plattsburgh. Generals Brown, Woods and McNeal were present, and the citizens presented Monroe with a span of fine horses. Prior to his visit on July 14 Monroe county was erected and named in his honor. Bank of Michigan incorporated.
1818 .- First Methodist society in Michigan organized, which erected the first Protestant church building five miles below Detroit on the Rouge. First non-denominational Protestant society organized by Rev. John Monteith, who took steps to build a church on the corner of Larned and Woodward avenue. First sale of land by the United States occurred November 3d. Illinois admitted as a State. First steamboat, Walk-in-the-Water, arrived from Buffalo. A portion of Wayne county detached to form the county of Macomb. William Woodbridge, secretary and acting Governor August 17th. Fourth St. Ann church built.
1819 .- The first non-denominational church was completed and dedi- cated to the exclusive use of the Presbyterian denomination. The Bank of Michigan was chartered by the Governor and Judges. The Territorial Medical Society was organized July 3d. William Woodbridge was elected the first territorial delegate to Congress.
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1820 .- Governor Cass organized an expedition to explore Lake Superior, which left Detroit May 24. He was accompanied by Dr. Alexander Woolcott, Capt. D. B. Douglass, Lieutenant A. E. Mackay, Mayor Robert Forsythe, Henry R. Schoolcraft, Charles C. Trowbridge, Alexander R. Chase, and a number of private soldiers and voyagers. May 20th, Monroe made a district for entry of United States lands ; also added all the lands ceded by the treaty with the Indians at Saginaw September 24, 1819, to Detroit. The Mechanics' Society, incorporated by the Governor and Judges. Jervis Dean, president ; J. Brown, vice-president; A. C. McGraw, Secretary ; Chauncy Hurlburt, treasurer ; P. Des- noyer, William E. Porter, C. H. Buhl, Charles Jackson and Israel Noble were stewards. Commodore Oliver Perry died. Judge Solomon Sibley was elected delegate to Congress, to succeed Hon. William Woodbridge. The population of the territory at this period, embracing the present State of Wisconsin which was a part, numbered 9,000. Rev. Jedediah Morse (author of Morse's geography) and his son, Samuel Furley, who was the inventor of the Morse telegraph, were passengers on the steamer Walk-in-the- Water, and spent some days at Detroit. William Woodbridge appointed Secretary and acting Governor August 8th.
1821 .- General Cass visited Fort Dearborn (now Chicago), and made a final treaty with the chiefs of the Indian tribes of the northwest by which certain territory and lands, now constituting Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, were ceded to the United States. Capt. Whittimore Knaggs and his son, the present James W. Knaggs, accompanied him. The Right Rev. Dr. Fenwick became bishop of Cincinnati and administrator of Michigan, succeeding the Rev. Gabriel Richard, who had officiated as the nominal bishop of the territory for over twenty-four years, his assistants being the Rev. Messrs. Janvier, Bertrand, Badin, Jr., Bellamy, DeJoin, Her- mann, Garrith, Kelly, Badin, Sr., Cummings and Carabin. An organization, termed the Scinapa exploring company, departed from Detroit October 9th, to explore the northern portion of the lower peninsular, the account of which was published in the National Intelligencer. The first Episcopal clergyman who resided in Detroit, the Rev. Alanson W. Welton, arrived and commenced his work as teacher. September 18, William Woodbridge was re-appointed Secretary and acting Governor. Solomon Sibley re-elected a delegate to Congress.
1822 .- The second steamboat on the western waters reached Detroit May 25. She was commanded by Capt. J. Rogers. December, General Cass was reappointed Governor. The Methodist church, of Detroit, was incorporated by the Governor and Judges. The
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name of Governor Cass is appended to the articles of incorpora- tion. The Rev. Joshua Moore, from Virginia, succeeds the Rev. John Monteith as pastor of the First Protestant Church.
1823 .- Foundation of the First Methodist church edifice laid on the corner of Gratiot and Farrar street. Right Rev. Gabriel Rich- ards elected as a delegate to Congress. The Governor and Judges, as legislators, are superseded, the President appointing a legislative council of nine. It being necessary for the protection of the building that the roof of the First Methodist church should be put on, a bee was made by the mechanics of Detroit and on one Sunday they assembled and completed the work. William Wood- bridge, Secretary and acting Governor September 29th.
1824 .- June 7th the first territorial council met in Detroit: President, Abraham Edwards; John P. Sheldon, George A. O'Keefe and Edmund A. Brush, clerks; Morris Jackson, sergeant at arms. The members were Robert Irwing, of Brown county, now Wisconsin: John Stockton and Joseph Miller, of Macomb; William H. Puthuff, of Michilmackinac ; Hubert Lacroix and Wolcott Lawrence, of Monroe ; Stephen Mack and Roger Sprague, of Oakland ; Zephania Barrie, of St. Clair, and Abraham Edwards, of Wayne. Rev. John Weston, an Episcopal clergyman, succeeds, temporarily, the Rev. Joshua Moore as pastor of the first Protest- ant church. Rev. Richard F. Cadle established the first Episcopal society, denominated St. Paul's church. They met at the Council house, corner of Randolph street and Jefferson avenue. General John R. Williams was elected mayor, under the charter granted by the territorial council. Thanksgiving day first observed Novem- ber 25.
1825 .- The members from Detroit of the first territorial legislature August 5 were: Abraham Edwards, president ; John P. Sheldon, George A. O'Keefe and E. A. Brush, clerks, and Morris Jackson was sergeant-at-arms. Rev. Noah M. Wells, of Brownville, New York, became the pastor of the First Protestant society, which had now become mostly composed of Presbyterians owing to the organization of the Methodist and Episcopal churches, and under the ministry of Mr. Wells was changed to the First Presbyterian church, and was taken in charge by the presbytery of Geneva, New York. Owing to ill health, Mr. Wells was never installed its pastor. Legislative council increased to thirteen members. Austin E. Wing was elected a delegate to Congress. New fire engine purchased for the city. Historical Society organized; Lewis Cass, president. He was re-appointed Governor Decem- ber 22d.
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1826 .- Wm. Woodbridge re-appointed Secretary and acting Governor, August 31. Henry J. Hunt elected Mayor of Detroit. The troops of the United States withdrawn from Fort Shelby ; James Watson Webb was a lieutenant at the time. The Thespian Society organized by Col. Edward Brooks and Major John Biddle. United States opened road to Saginaw, and Pontiac Turnpike was established.
1827 .- The Baptist Church first organized ; Rev. Henry Davis, of Brockport, New York, pastor. Grosse Point was reached at this time by a road along the river as far as B. Chapoton and Peter VanEvery's, now Wesson place, thence on a line of the present road. First shipment of Michigan flour to the east by Miller & Tremain, of Monroe. The City and Catholic cemeteries were established near where Clinton park and St. Mary's Hospital now are. November 12, the dark day. Austin E. Wing, re-elected a delegate to Congress. The first Methodist church building com- pleted, Elias Pattee, pastor. Protection Fire Company No. I, organized in 1825, had a rival in Eagle No. 2.
1828 .- In consequence of the opening of Grand River, Chicago and Saginaw turnpikes, there was a great rush of emigration and large sales of lands were made. Lewis Cass re-appointed Governor, December 24th. Site of Fort Shelby sold at auction. Jackson, President. John de Gray, the author of Morgan's book on Masonry, was a resident. Daniel LeRoy kept the Steamboat Hotel; he was the author of the paraphrase, " In Adam's fall we are Jackson, all."
1829 .- Major John Biddle, elected a delegate to Congress. He was a brother to Nicholas Biddle, the President of the United States Bank. Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank incorporated. Cholera made its first appearance in Moscow, Russia.
1830 .- January Ist, James Witherell, Secretary and Acting Governor. First theatre in Detroit ; Capt. Benj. Woodworth converted the barn loft in rear of the Steamboat Hotel into a comfortable theater. Mr. Parsons, Mr. Dean (father of Julia Dean), Wm. Forrest and a Miss Clark, were the first actors. Corner stone of Territorial capitol laid September 22. County Bible Society organized. At this period there were but 41 miles of railroad in the United States. Gen. John T. Mason, Secretary and Acting Governor, Sept. 24. Last execution for murder in Michigan.
1831 .- Gen. John T. Mason, Secretary and Acting Governor, May 27. Stevens Thompson Mason, Secretary and Acting Governor, Aug. Ist to September 17th. George B. Porter, Governor, August 6th; Stevens T. Mason, Secretary and Acting Governor, October 30th, was Virginian born, but appointed from Kentucky. Austin E.
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Wing, elected delegate to Congress. Gen. Lewis Cass appointed Secretary of War by Jackson, in July, and resigned as Governor August 3Ist, and General George B. Porter, of Pennsylvania, appointed Governor in July. The first Baptist Church were ad- mitted to the Michigan Baptist Association, and erected their first church building on the corner of Fort and Griswold.
1832 .- The Legislative Council authorized the construction of roads from Prairie du Chien to Fort Gratiot, Battle Creek to mouth of the Kalamazoo river, Pontiac to Ann Arbor, Pontiac to Adrian, from Jackson to the mouth of St. Joseph river, from Monguagon to St. Joseph, and from Vistula (now Toledo) to Indiana. It passed an Act for the establishment of common schools, and one incorporat- ing the Lake Michigan Steamboat company, with a capital of $40,000: also incorporating the Detroit & St. Joseph railroad com- pany, and the Bank of River Raisin, with a branch at Pontiac. Detroit's population of 2,500 were interested in the prosecution of the Black Hawk war. Previous to the arrival of General Scott, Governor Mason directed Major General Jno. R. Williams to pro- ceed to the seat of war with the First Regiment of Michigan Militia, under the command of Col. Edward Brooks, a company of mounted dragoons under Captain Chas. Jackson, and Mayor Isaac Rowland tendered the services of the City Guard. The infantry proceeded as far as Saline, when they were ordered back; The dragoons proceeded to Chicago with General Williams. The ten days' service of the City Guards so decimated their ranks that they soon disbanded. The Council authorized a vote of the inhabitants to determine the question of forming a State Govern- ment. Vote taken on the first Tuesday in October, and resulted in a majority favorable to State organization. No further steps to this end were taken at this period. Young Men's Society formed. Wayne County Hospital and poor house established under the direction of the Rev. Wm. Kundig. Cholera struck Detroit, brought by General Scott's troops en route to Black Hawk country. Father Gabriel Richards died in July.
1833 .- March Ist, first edition of the Detroit Advertiser appeared: Mayor Thos. Rowland, editor. Stage route established between Detroit and Chicago, advertised to make the trip in five days. In June, Thomas Blackburn and wife, fugitive slaves from Kentucky, were arrested. The woman escaped from jail, and the man was rescued by colored people, and sent to Canada. Great excitement prevailed, and the sheriff, Jno. M. Wilson, was badly beaten. The mechanics of Detroit and workingmen resolved they would work but 10 hours a day. Engine house located on Fort St., on site of present City Hall. On the Michigan Avenue side the
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Detroit & St. Joseph Railroad fixed its Depot. Catholic diocese for Michigan erected. Right Rev. Dr. Frederick Rese, bishop. Consecration sermon preached by the Rev. J. Mullen. He was consecrated at Cincinnati by Dr. Rosati, bishop of St. Louis, Oct. 6th. Rev. John P. Cleveland succeeds Rev. Noah M. Wells, as pastor of the First Presbyterian church.
1834 .- January 7th, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Frederick Rese, bishop of the diocese, arrived. Rev. Mr. Cleveland arrived in June, and entered as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Baptists completed their brick church on the corner of Fort and Griswold; Rev. Robt. Turnbull, pastor. Detroit Female Seminary founded. The census of Detroit showed a population of 4,973 persons : 2,904 males, 2,069 females, 477 dwellings, 64 stores and warehouses. Stevens T. Mason, ex officio Governor. Preliminary steps to pro- vide State rights to the territory. Sept. 6th, the Legislature passed an Act directing a census. Resulted in showing a popula- tion of 87,275 free white inhabitants. (The ordinance of 1787 provided that the Northwest territory should be divided into not less than three nor more than five States, as Congress should deter- mine. Three States had already been formed from it, viz .: Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. By subsequent Acts of Congress, Michigan was entitled to admission when her white population numbered 60,000). Cholera appeared again, and among its victims were Ex-Governor George B. Porter, Col. Chas. Larned, Francis P. Browning, the deaths reached 319 from August to the Ist of September. The City Hall completed, where now stands the market building. Detroit and Pontiac R. R. chartered (now the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee).
1835 .- January, the Council passed an Act calling a convention to be held at Detroit on the second Monday of May following. At this convention there were 89 delegates. It continued in session until June 24, adopted a form of constitutfon, and provided for its sub- mission to the people at an election in October following, also provided for the election of State officers, and a legislature to act under its provisions. In November following, the machinery for a State Government, so far as the people of the Territory could pro- vide, was in working condition. At the election, Stephen T. Mason was chosen Governor of the State to be. Geo. W. Jones, who was a resident of that portion of the territory now known as Wisconsin, was elected a delegate to Congress, to succeed Lucius Lyon. A riot occurred in Detroit occasioned by dissatisfaction among the workmen engaged in grading the water front on the Cass Farm. It assumed such proportions that the militia were called out. Soon after the Brady Guards were organized. John
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