USA > Michigan > Gazetteer of the State of Michigan, in three parts with a succinct history of the State, from the earliest period to the present time with an appendix, containing the usual statistical tables, and a directory for emigrants, &c > Part 13
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A subscription by responsible persons, amount- ing to
6,700
Total, $10,500
The course of studies embraces the ordinary elementary branches of English ; the higher branches of English, math-
145
OF MICHIGAN.
EDUCATION .- ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE .- WHITE PIGEON ACADEMY.
ematics, the Latin, Greek, and French languages. Terms, for the ordinary branches, (per quarter,) $4; for the higher branches, (per quarter,) $5. Board is furnished at the institution, at $1 50 per week. Present number of pu- pils, 57.
ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE.
This institution is under the auspices of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Rese, Bishop of Detroit, and located in Hamtramck, three miles above the city of Detroit, on the Strait, in view of Lake St. Clair. The regency of the college is Roman Catholic. The course of instruction embraces the classics, modern languages, &c. &c. It is governed by a president and three professors. It is contemplated to build two addi- tional college buildings, with a chapel between them; the one for males, the other for females. Vacation six weeks from the 15th Aug. Annual commencement first Monday in Oct. Present number of pupils, 30.
WHITE PIGEON ACADEMY.
Trustees. Rev. P. W. Warriner, Rev. A. H. Brown, Rev. Luther Humphrey, Neal McGaffey, Esq., Henry Cha- pin, Jr. Esq., Elijah White, Esq.
Preceptor. David Wilson, A. M.
This institution, under the patronage of the Presbyteri- ans, is located at the village of White Pigeon, in the county of St. Joseph, where it commenced in Nov. 1837, although it had been in operation, and had received its charter some years previous. The object is to afford every convenience and facility for young persons of both sexes to obtain a respectable education. Facilities are afforded for atten- tion to husbandry and horticulture, to those who desire it. The institution, though in an incipient condition, and num- bering, at present, but a few pupils, has spacious and com- modious buildings, has commenced with apparent vigor, and, owing to many advantages in its location, it may be expected to become one of the future flourishing seminaries of Michigan.
13
146
GAZETTEER
EDUCATION .- DETROIT FEMALE SEMINARY .- LITERARY SOCIETIES.
ROMEO ACADEMY.
This is a flourishing classical seminary, under the super- intendence of Mr. Ornon Archer, and is located at the vil- lage of Romeo, in the county of Macomb. It has been in operation some eighteen months. It is eligibly situated, in a healthy village, and, under the charge of its present pre- ceptor, who enjoys public confidence in his vocation, its future prospects are promising of success. Present num- ber of students, 35.
DETROIT FEMALE SEMINARY.
This is a permanent institution, devoted to female educa- tion, established in 1835, at the city of Detroit.
Mr. George Willson, Į Principals.
Mrs. Willson, y
Prof. Fasquelle, Teacher of Modern Languages.
Miss Euphemia Dudgeon, Teacher of Music.
The course of instruction embraces the several useful and ornamental branches of a finished education. The building is of brick, fifty-six feet front by forty feet deep, situated in one of the pleasantest parts of the city. It has three stories above the basement, which contain, inclusive of the school-rooms, eighteen rooms besides an ample hall in each story. The ground was given by the public au- thorities of the city, and the building erected by individual liberality, at a cost of about $8,000. The building is fin- ished in an appropriate manner, with the addition of a val- uable philosophical and chemical apparatus. Present num- ber of pupils, 60.
LITERARY SOCIETIES.
Historical Society. This society was formed about 12 years since, by an association of literary and scientific gen- tlemen, for the purpose of collecting historical information of this State and the north-west, and likewise specimens in natu- ral history-the formation of a library, &c. It is located at
147
OF MICHIGAN.
EDUCATION .- MICHIGAN STATE LITERARY INSTITUTE.
Detroit. A series of discourses delivered before the soci- ety has been collected and published, which forms a valu- able store of historical matter. It has likewise a respecta- ble museum.
Michigan State Literary Institute. This is an associa- tion of "professional teachers and members of literary, philosophical, and historical societies" within the State, formed for the purpose of "promoting the interests of edu- cation and the diffusion of knowledge-to elevate the char- acter of teachers by raising the standard of their qualifica- tions ; and to aid, as far as may be proper to do so, in the formation of plans for the early and efficient application of the university and common school funds of this State."
Members of the legislature are ex officio members of this society.
The officers are, a president, two vice presidents, also a vice president and one director from each senatorial dis- trict, a corresponding and recording secretary, and a treasur- er, each of whom is chosen annually. Members residing in each senatorial district constitute a section, who meet for the promotion of the objects of the society, and report to the society annually. Provision is made for the appointment of lecturers to deliver addresses at either the annual or special meetings of the society.
The annual meeting is to be held on the second Monday of January, at the city of Detroit.
The society was formed at Detroit, in January, 1838, at which time were assembled, agreeably to previous notice, a highly respectable meeting of literary gentlemen from dif- ferent sections of the State. Several days were spent in the interchange of views, and in the discussion of several interesting questions laid before them, pertaining to the great objects of education. The most useful result of this meeting was, the originating of the establishment of a peri- odical devoted to the interests of education.
Young Men's Society of Detroit. This is a highly re- spectable association of the young men of Detroit. The object of the institution is principally, the moral and intel- lectual improvement of its members, and the general diffu- sion of knowledge, by means of public lectures, debates, &c. It has been generally well sustained by talented and effi-
148
GAZETTEER
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS .- METHODISTS .- PRESBYTERIANS.
cient members. Preparatory steps have been taken for the erection of a building suitable for a reading room and the library, and a hall for lectures and debates. The society has, at present, a well selected library of 1,200 volumes, and 300 members.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.
The statistics of the various religious denominations may be considered as approximating to accuracy, although the increase of their members, the flux of emigration, and other circumstances, render them, in some cases, somewhat un- certain.
The most numerous religious denomination of Protest- ants in this State, is the Methodist Episcopal. The Mich- igan Conference embraces nearly all the Peninsula, and three districts in Ohio. It contains seven districts, viz. Wooster, Norwalk, Tiffin, (in Ohio,) Maumee, Detroit, Ann Arbour, and Flint River, (in Michigan.) There is one district in the State, called Laporte, which belongs to the Indiana Conference. There are six stations, viz. Detroit, Ann Arbour, Monroe, (in Michigan,) Maumee, Elyria, and Mt. Vernon, (in Ohio;)-41 circuits; 15 mis- sion circuits-one of which is at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, for the Wyandot Indians ;- and 100 travelling preachers, including those in probation. The whole number of com- municants in the Conference, in 1836, was 18,826 whites, 29 colored, and 12 Indians. The whole number of com- municants in the State, after deducting the three districts in Ohio, and adding Laporte district, was 9,241. The aggregate number of communicants for 1837, is, for the whole conference, 20,759 white and 43 colored. The esti- mated number for Michigan, is about 10,000.
The Presbyterian Denomination consists of one Synod which embraces the State, and contains five presbyteries, viz. Detroit, Monroe, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Washte- naw; the two latter of which were established by the Synod in Oct. 1837. The following statistics are from the min-
149
OF MICHIGAN.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS .- BAPTISTS .- EPISCOPALIANS.
utes of the General Assembly for 1837, when the Synod consisted only of the three former presbyteries.
The Presbytery of Detroit has 27 churches, 12 minis- ters, and 1,083 communicants.
The Presbytery of St. Joseph has 19 churches, 10 minis- ters, and 522 communicants.
The Presbytery of Monroe has 28 churches, 12 minis- ters, and 1,639 communicants.
The aggregate number of churches in the Synod of Michigan, is 64-ministers, 34-communicants, 3,294. The increase of members for the year ending May, 1837, was 841.
The Baptist Denomination had, in 1837, three Associa- tions-the Michigan, the River Raisin, and the La Grange. The Michigan Association has 30 churches; the River Raisin Association, 28 churches; and the La Grange As- sociation, 20 churches. The aggregate number of churches in the State, is 78; the number of ordained ministers, 50; and the number of communicants, 3,230.
The Episcopalian Denomination has one Diocese, which embraces the State of Michigan and the Territory of Wis- consin. Within the State there are 19 clergymen, includ- ing the Bishop ; 10 churches built and building ; 20 con- gregations ; and about 448 communicants.
The Methodist Protestant Denomination is, in numbers, inconsiderable, and but little information has been received respecting it. As far as known, it has a few members in different parts of the State, and several preachers.
Congregationalists. There are many of this denomina- tion ; but they are, for the present, united with the Presby- terians.
Of the Lutherans, Dutch Reformed, Seccders, Covenant- ers, Christ-ians, Unitarians, Universalists,-there are a few scattering congregations in different parts of the State : but sufficient statistical information has not been received of the number of ministers or members. Their numbers are, however, inconsiderable.
The Roman Catholics have one Diocese, which embraces the whole State within its limits. They have, exclusive of
13*
+
150
GAZETTEER
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION.
the bishop, 30 priests ; and they claim a Catholic popula- tion of from 20,000 to 24,000; 3,000 of whom are con- verted Indians ; 8,000 are English, Irish, German, and American; and the balance are French .*
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION.
The population of Michigan, previous to its final relin- quishment by Great Britain, in 1796, and for a long period thereafter, was inconsiderable, and that, restricted mostly to the confines of the three principal settlements at Sault St. Mary, Mackinac, and Detroit. On its possession being ta- ken by the United States, it was immediately incorporated with the North-Western Territory. The census seems to have been taken without regard to sectional distinctions. In the promiscuous enumeration of 1800, the North-West Territory contained 45,365 inhabitants. In 1810, five years after Michigan became a distinct Territory, the popu- lation of Michigan, agreeably to the census, was 4,528. This is believed to be the first, exclusive, ascertained enu- meration made in the territory. In 1820, the number of inhabitants was 9,048, having about doubled in the ten preceding years. In the succeeding ten years, the popula- tion had nearly quadrupled-being in 1830, 32,538. The accession for 1831, was then estimated at 10,000, making in the aggregate, upwards of 40,000, for 1831. The in- crease in 1832 was thought to be considerably less. In 1834, the population had increased to 87,278. The in- crease for the years '33, '34, '35, and '36 was very great. The amount of immigration for 1836, though uncertain, is believed to have been greater than the history of any oth- er State can produce, during an equal period of time. The census taken at the close of the year 1837, shows the present aggregate population to be 175,000.
+ The Roman Catholics, in their estimation of numbers, include not nly adults, but the children of adult members of the church.
151
OF MICHIGAN.
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION.
Population of Michigan at different periods. In 1810.
Males.
Females. F. Blacks. Slaves.
Total.
Under 10 years,
800
406
1,206
Of 10 and under 16,
351
332
683
" 16 44
26,
583
368
951
" 26 “
45,
763
311
1,074
" 45 and upwards,
310
130
470
120
21
144
Total,
2,837
1,547
120
24
4,528
In 1820.
Under 10 years,
1,220
1,230
55
2,505
Of 10 and under 16,
559
525
31
1,115
# 16
26,
1,486
692
21
2,199
" 26 "
45,
1,692
595
43
2,330
" 45 and upwards,
609
266
24
899
Total,
5,566
3,308
174
9,018
In 1830.
Under 10 years,
5,345
4,809
51
3
10,208
Of 10 and under 16,
2,005
1,786
49
7
3,847
" 16 46 26,
3,143
3,038
60
12
6,253
" 26 “
45,
6,128
2,939
57
8
9,132
" 45 and upwards,
1,713
1,306
40
2
3,091
Total,
18,364
13,878
257
32
32,538
In 1834.
Under 10 years,
15,308
14,164
74
29,546
Of 10 and under 16,
5,437
5,042
85
10,564
" 16 44 26,
7,546
7.354
76
14,976
" 26 "
45,
16,471
11,583
40
28,094
" 45 and upwards,
2,869
1,211
19
4,098
Total,
47,630
39,354
20-1
87,278
The returns of the census of 1834, show a population in the several counties, as follows :
Wayne,
16,638
Monroe,.
8,542
Washtenaw,
14,920
St. Clair,
2,244
St. Joseph,
3,168
Berrien,
1,787
Branch,
764
Calhoun,
1,714
.
Jackson,
1,865
Calhoun,
1,714
Jackson,
1,865
Cass,
3,280
Oakland,
13,844
Macomb,
6,055
Lenawee,
7,911
Kalamazoo,
3,124
Mackinac,
891
Chippewa.
526
-
-
152
GAZETTEER
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION.
In 1837.
White Population.
Allegan,
1,469
Ingham,
822
Monroe,
10,611
Barry,
512
lonia,
1,028
Oakland,
20,163
Berrien,
4,863
Jackson,
8,693
Ottawa,
628
Branch,
4,016
Kalamazoo,
6,367
Saginaw,
920
Calhoun,
7,960
Kent;
2,022
Shiawassee,
1,184
Cass,
5,296
Lapeer,*
2,602
St. Clair,
3,673
Chippewa,
366
Lenawee,*
14,540
St. Joseph,
6,337
Clinton,
529
Livingston,
5,029
Van Buren,
1,262
Eaton,
913
Mackinac,
664
Washtenaw,
21,817
Genesee,
2,754
Macomb,
8,892
Wayne,
23,400
Hillsdale,
4,729
Total white population,
174,169
Colored population,
379
Indians taxed,
27
Add for two townships not returned, say
425
Population, exclusive of Indians not taxed,
175,000
To questions put to individuals residing in various counties, as to the increase of immigration for 1836, it has generally been answered, that the population had doubled, and in some cases, more than doubled, during that period. Owing to the universal derangement of the currency, and the consequent pressure of the times, emigration to the west, except by foreigners, has been paralized, and the ac- cession to Michigan, or to any other western State, during the years 1837 and 8, has been comparatively much less than for either of the two previous years. From the an- nexed tables, and from tables Nos. 2 and 5, in the article on public lands, some inferences may be drawn as to the progress, and probable comparative amount, of emigration to Michigan for several years, and especially for the year 1836.
No. 1.
The following table exhibits the amount of moneys re- ceived, by the government of the United States, in return for the sale of Public Lands, from the year 1821, to 1836, inclusive.
* Returns not made from one township in each of these counties.
174,575
153
OF MICHIGAN.
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION.
Year.
Dollars.
Year.
Dollars.
1821,
1,212,966
1829,
1,517,175
1822,
1,803,581
1830,
2,329,356
1823,
916,525
1831,
2,210,815
1824,
984,418
1832,
2,623,331
1825,
1,216,090
1833,
3,069,682
1826,
1,393,785
1834,
4,887,620
1827,
1,494,815
1835,
14,757,600
1828,
1,018,308
1836,
25,167,833
The public lands sold in 1836, in the several States and Territories, amounted to 20,074,870 acres.
No. 2.
By a statement of the collector of canal customs, at the port of Buffalo, the following account of property is given, which passed at that port on the Erie canal to other States, in the year 1836.
Pennsylvania,
Merchandise. 1,909,250 lbs.
Furniture. 165,956 lbs.
Ohio,
27,821,432
3,300,936
Michigan,
21,814,542
4,819,554
Indiana,
4,323,070
144,808
Illinois,
5,570,903
1,257,548
Kentucky,
827,780
20,655
Tennessee,
477,608
Alabama,
40,987
Missouri,
145,539
18,324
Upper Canada,
80,213
123,996
By the table above, marked (No. 1.) it may be perceived, that the sale of public lands in the several States and Terri- tories, for the three or four latter years, and especially the last, far exceeded any of those preceding. By the second and third tables, (under the title " Public Lands") is shown the unexampled increase in the sale of lands for 1535 and 6, and especially the latter year, although there is no regular proportional increase for the several years preceding it ; and table (No. 5.) of the public lands, and table (No. 2.) above, respectively show the superior comparative amount of the public domain sold in Michigan in 1836, and the great comparative amount of furniture and merchandise imported during the same period.
The sale of public lands, importation of furniture and mer-
154
GAZETTEER
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION.
chandise, furnish a tolerably correct index to the amount of emigration. It may fairly be concluded, then, without as- signing any considerable portion of sales to speculators, that Michigan has been, and still is, the central point of emigration.
A more palpable illustration of the maxim, that "popu- lation is wealth, or its equivalent," has rarely been pre- sented, if we examine the facts connected with the his- tory of immigration for the period under consideration. And considering Michigan as the central point of destina- tion, for so large a proportion of emigrants, it is likewise the most desirable, for the immediate accumulation of wealth. Lands of the first quality, are purchased of gov- ernment at $1,25 per acre, and by the accumulation of actual settlers around it, its value is increased, in the course of one or two years, by a trifling improvement, (sometimes, by none at all,) to often, from two, to six fold the first cost. It has been a common remark, that, by purchasing a lot of land this year, it was sure to have doubled its value by the next. This is only the case in a community of actual settlers. A general investment in lands, by spec- ulators, among speculators only, will not produce this en- hanced value. Hence the exemplification of the fore- mentioned principle. Hence too, the superior advantage of investing money in Michigan, for actual settling, (not for speculation merely, as that object tends to defeat itself,) over most other sections of the western country. It is proba- ble there have been more fortunes made, more instances of individuals, possessing a mere pittance, sufficient to locate a lot of eighty acres, who have risen to a competence, or state of independence, in the short period of five, three, or perhaps two years only, than can be found in many of the older States in perhaps twenty years. The advantages of settlement here, are infinitely superior to what was the dilatory process of settling Ohio, and several other western States, whether it regard the improvement of fortunes, or the enjoyment of any other desirable acquisition or immu- nity. Michigan may with propriety, and without the least exaggeration, be said, in every point of view, to possess all the advantages that can be enjoyed by a new State, with far less of the disadvantages, incident to most other recent- ly settled States.
155
OF MICHIGAN.
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION.
The population of Michigan, and it may be said of the other north-western States, are either emigrant-those who make a mere transient settlement, or immigrant-who lo- cate a permanent abode. Both classes are numerous. Some are anxious to be the first to break the romantic forest, and are impatient, as their habitations are too dense- ly surrounded with settlers. They then sell their farms at a good profit, and wend their course westward. Of this class, the New Englander is sometimes not a little distin- guished as a pioneer.
As it respects the origin of the different classes, it is diffi- cult to give a definite or even a proximate proportion, which one class bears to another.
The native population consists of the aborigines or Indi- ans, Mestizoes and French. The foreign population are immigrants from almost every nation in Europe, but are mostly Germans, Irish, English, Scotch, &c. There are likewise some Canadians. The native American popula- tion is composed of immigrants from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. There are occasionally seen some of the Negro race, but they are fortunately few in number.
The Indians consist chiefly of Chippewas, Ottowas, and Monomonies. The Chippewas are by far the most numer- ous, and inhabit the northern part of the Peninsula, and Upper Michigan. The Ottowas inhabit the Peninsu- la. The Indians generally inhabit the unsurveyed parts of the State, and upon the reservations. They have ceded to the general government all their lands in the Peninsula, except the reservations, and all the Upper Peninsula lying east of the Chocolate river, reserving however the right of retaining possession of the same, until surveyed and sold by government. They live mostly in the rude habits of savage life, and subsist by hunting, fishing, and the ruder arts. They procure furs and peltries by trapping and the chase, and, in the proper season, manufacture sugar from the ma- ple in considerable quantities, both of which they exchange with the whites for blankets and utensils suited to their wants.
The following exhibits the number and location of each tribe of Indians within the State.
156
GAZETTEER
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION .- INDIANS .- MESTIZOES .- FRENCH.
Indian Population.
Name of Tribe .!
Location.
Number
Chippewas,
Swan Creek, Lake St. Clair,
180 230
do.
Black River of the St. Clair,
do.
Saginaw. These Indians live on various re- serves in Saginaw, Genesee, Shiawassee, Midland, Arenac, and Lapeer counties,
800+
do.
Thunder Bay and River au Sauble,
do.
On West side of the Peninsula,
do.
Beaver Islands,
3,201 **
Ottowas,
Upper Michigan, Grand River,
945*
do.
L' Arbre Croche and Little Traverse Bay, Cheboiegon,
102* 61*
do.
South of Grand River,
200+
Monomonies,
Hunting north of the Monomonie river,
90
do. do.
Village of the Cross,
305*
Bois Blane Island and Mackinac,
59*
Pottowattomies, St. Joseph River,
100t
Wyandotts,
Flat Rock, on the River Huron,
30+
Number of Chippewas in the Upper Peninsula, 3,201 Lower Peninsula, 2,146
Total number of Chippewas, -5,347 -
Ottawas in Peninsula, 1,983
Monomonies in U. Peninsula and Islands, 454
= Pottowattomies on St. Joseph, 100
Wyandotts on Huron, 30
4,259
=
66
Upper Peninsula, 3,655
Aggregate Indian population within the State, - 7,914
The Mestizoes, or descendants of white and Indian pa- rents, compose part of the population of Mackinac and Sault St. Mary, and small, detached settlements on the frontier.
The French population are found mostly in the two be- fore mentioned places, and at Detroit, Monroe, and in all the ancient settlements of the State. With but few ex- ceptions, they are Catholics ; and, by the estimates of that denomination, amount to ten or twelve thousand. The dis- advantages, under which this class have labored, have ren- dered the majority mostly illiterate. They are noticed to
* Census.
Estimate.
103* 728* 105*
do.
675*
do.
do.
Drummond Island,
Total number of Indians of the Pninsula,
157
OF MICHIGAN.
POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION .- AMERICAN CITIZENS.
be very tenacious of the ancient customs and manners of their nation, like the same population in other parts of America ; but they gradually adopt, though with seeming reluctance, the innovating customs of American immi- grants.
Of forcigners, the Germans are considered the most numer- ous .* Of the native American citizens, there are many from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey, and some from Vir- ginia; but the greater portion, estimated by competent judges, at nearly two thirds of the entire white population, is from New England and Western New York, and the larger part from the latter.
The habits, manners, customs, and character of the peo- ple, partake much of that of the two sections last men- tioned, where the force of circumstances has not wrought a change. They are generally found to be kind, open hearted, generous, liberal. If there is any variation in character, its leading trait is unlimited enterprise, and an inordinate desire for making immediate fortunes. Society, like national character, must be partly formed from steady and permanent residence, consequently the former is in a rather deranged condition. Its materials are excellent, but the proportion of the emigrant, to the immigrant popula- tion, renders it in perpetual ferment, or vacilating state, which time and permanent residence only, will bring to coalesce.
Without the desire of giving an undue importance to Michigan, we cannot refrain, in justice to the State, and for the information of our eastern brethren, proposing to remove westward, from remarking further upon the compo-
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