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 23
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
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
Chenoux, a channel on the north coast of Lake Hu- ron, between Point St. Vital and Mackinac, masked by a chain of islands.
China township, St. Clair county, consists of township four north, ranges fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 603 .- A grist mill, 5 saw mills, a merchant ; 2,452 bushels wheat, 73 bushels rye, 1,553 bushels corn, 6,152 bushels oats, 575 bushels buckwheat; 527 head neat stock, 108 horses, 74 sheep, 439 hogs.
China post office, China township, St. Clair county. Mail once a week.
Chippewa river, a considerable branch of Pine river. It rises in Isabella county, and flowing easterly through a part of Midland county, discharges itself into Pine river, near its mouth. There is some valuable land upon this river, but much excellent arable soil will be found when once it is cleared. No settlements of consequence have been made in this part of the state.
Christiana river is a stream that rises in the eastern part of Cass county, and flowing south-westerly and southerly, passes through the county of Cass, into the northern part of Indiana, where it discharges its waters into the St. Jo- seph at the village of Elkhart. This is an excellent mill stream throughout the year, and furnishes an abundance of hydraulic power. There is a belt of heavily timbered land, covering a rich soil, extending from the banks of this river, northerly, above its source.
Choiskwa, a noted rock formation and point of encamp- ment, on the north coast of Lake Michigan.
Chocolate river, a considerable stream of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, takes its rise in a small lake in the highlands, north-east of the Monomonie river, and running
264
GAZETTEER
CLA
CLI CLI
northerly and north-easterly, discharges its waters on the southern border of Lake Superior.
Clay township, in the southern part of St. Clair county. Statistics as per census :- Population, 394 .- A saw mill ; 5 merchants ; 440 bushels wheat, 1,250 bushels corn, 590 bushels oats ; 50 lbs. flax; 327 head neat stock, 85 horses, 134 sheep, 299 hogs.
Clark's Lake lies near the centre of the township of Na- poleon, in the county of Jackson. Its waters are conduct- ed into the Grand river, by the South branch of that stream.
Clear Lake, a trifling collection of water in the southern part of Barry county. Its waters are conducted into the Big Fork of the Grand river.
Clinch township, Van Buren county, is comprised in townships one and two south, of ranges thirteen and four- teen west. Population, 108.
Clinton river has its source in the numerous small lakes scattered over the central part of the county of Oakland, . and after collecting their waters, passes out of said county in a north-easterly direction, and flowing thence south-east- erly and easterly, discharges into the northern part of Lake St. Clair, opposite the mouth of the St. Clair river. It is about 50 miles long. Its principal tributaries are the North Fork, Stoney creek, and Paint creek, which discharge upon the north side, and Red river on the south side. It is boatable to Rochester, 20 miles, and after the bar is removed at the mouth, vessels of the largest class can come to Mt. Clemens, six miles from the lake. It waters the country in a very beautiful manner, and furnishes many and important mill privileges, to the accommodation of a flourishing por- tion of the State.
Clinton township is located in the southern part of the county of Macomb, bordering on Lake St. Clair, and west of the line dividing townships thirteen and fourteen east. It is watered by Red river. Statistics as per census :- Population, 1,193 .- A grist mill, 4 saw mills, a glass man- ufactory, 6 merchants; 2,516 bushels wheat, 515 bushels rye, 1,790 bushels corn, 3,165 bushels oats, 884 bushels buckwheat ; 190 lbs. flax ; 10 tons potashes ; 705 head neat stock, 171 horses, 159 sheep, 810 hogs.
Clinton Salt Works, Clinton county, a village located on section No. fifteen in township eight north, range four
265
OF MICHIGAN.
CLI
CLY
COL
west, upon the Maple river, belonging to a company incor- porated in 1838 for the purpose of boring for salt water and manufacturing salt.
Clinton, a village and post office in the township of Te- cumseh, on the east bank of the North Branch of the River Raisin, near the northern line of the county of Lenawee. Here is a bank, a church for episcopalians, flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, an iron foundry, 6 dry goods stores, an extensive grocery establishment, a druggist, a lawyer, and 3 physicians. The methodist and presbyterian denominations are respectable in numbers. It is situated on the Chicago road, and on the route of the Jacksonburg and Palmyra rail road. It is a pleasant, flourishing village, and a place of considerable business. There is a good supply of hydraulic power here on the River Raisin. The popula- tion is supposed to be about 600. Distant 15 miles from Adrian, and 50 south-west Detroit.
Clyde township, St. Clair county, consists of townships five, six, seven, eight, and nine, north, of ranges thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen east. Statistics as per cen- sus :- Population, 339 .- 2 grist mills, 12 saw mills, a mer- chant ; 1,675 bushels wheat, 710 bushels rye, 391 bushels corn, 2,885 bushels oats, 50 bushels buckwheat, 40 pounds flax ; 329 head neat stock, 62 horses, 106 hogs.
Clyde, a village and post office, county of St. Clair, situ- ated on the Black river, 12 miles from its mouth, at the head of steamboat navigation. It has a flouring mill, 2 saw mills, and a store. Distant 20 miles from Paliner, and 65 north-east of Detroit.
Coal creek, an insignificant tributary of the Flint river, in the western part of Genesee county.
Coguaiack prairie lies in the eastern part of the county of Kalamazoo, near the Kalamazoo river.
Coldwater river takes its rise in the south-east corner of the county of Branch, and flowing north-westerly, receiv- ing in its course the East Branch and Hog river, dis- charges into St. Joseph, on the northern line of the county at Union city.
Coldwater township, Branch county, consists of townships six, seven, and eight south, of range six west. It contains the village of Coldwater, and is watered by the Coldwater river and its branches. Statistics as per census :- Popula-
23
266
GAZETTEER
COL
COL
COM
tion, 960 .- 3 grist mills, 3 saw mills, 10 merchants, ; 6,899 bushels wheat, 5,515 bushels corn, 9,847 bushels oats, 50 bushels buckwheat ; 359 head neat stock, 125 horses, 698 hogs.
Coldwater, a village in the county of Branch, and town- ship of Coldwater, situated on the East branch of the Cold- water river. It has a post office, banking association, 5 stores, 2 saw mills, a lawyer, and 4 physicians. There is a church for the methodists building, which will be completed soon. There is considerable water power near the village. Within the distance of three miles there is a fall of 50 feet in the river, with a volume of water sufficient to propel any required amount of machinery. This is a very flourishing and pleasant village, located in Coldwater prairie, and on the Chicago road. There is much building going on here at present. Distant 110 miles from Detroit. Exertions are making to remove the county seat from Branch to this place.
Coleman's creek, a diminutive stream of the Kew-y-wee- non Peninsula, that empties into lake Superior.
Collins creek, Livonia township, Wayne county discharges into Power's creek.
Colon township, St. Joseph county, consists of township six south, of range nine west. Population, 368.
Colon, post office, in Colon township, St. Joseph county. Mail received once a week.
Columbus township, St. Clair county, is comprised in township five north, of range fifteen east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 85 .- 348 bushels wheat, 50 bushels corn, 633 bushels oats, 81 bushels buckwheat; 56 head neat stock, 9 horses, 26 hogs.
Columbia Lake in the northern part of the township of Bridgewater, in Washtenaw county.
Columbia Lake post office is near Columbia lake. Mail once a week.‹
Commerce township, Oakland county, consists of town- ship two north, of range eight east. It contains an Indian village on its southern border. Population, 747.
Commerce post office, Commerce township, Oakland county. Mail once a week.
Comstock village and post office, Kalamazoo county, pleasantly located on the north bank of the Kalamazoo
267
OF MICHIGAN.
COM
CON
CON
river, in the township of Comstock. It has a flouring mill, 2 saw mills, a store, physician, and 2 lawyers. It is situ- ated on the State road from Detroit to St. Joseph. The Allegan and Marshall rail-road is to pass through it. Dis- tant 4 miles from Kalamazoo, and 136 west of Detroit.
Comstock township, Kalamazoo county, consists of town two south, ranges nine and ten west, and three south, nine west. Statistics as per census :- Population, 1,383 .- A grist mill, 4 saw mills, 3 merchants; 19,457 bushels wheat, 155 bushels rye, 11,834 bushels corn, 32,088 bushels oats, 690 bushels buckwheat, 120 pounds flax; 1,394 head neat stock, 222 horses, 362 sheep, 1,484 hogs.
Concord township, Jackson county, consists of townships three and four south, of range three west.
Concord, (named Vanfossenville,) a village situated on the Kalamazoo river, in the south-western part of the coun- ty of Jackson. It has a saw mill, 2 stores, and a physician. A flouring mill for 4 run of stone is building. It is located on the stage route from Jackson to White Pigeon. Concord has a most beautiful location in the best part of the county of Jackson, surrounded by bur oak plains, good hydraulic power, and an excellent farming country. It is flourishing, and much building is at present going on. Distant 14 miles from Jackson, and 94 from Detroit.
Connor's creek, a small stream rising in the Porcupine Mountains west of the Great Iron river, and flowing north into lake Superior. Near its mouth is a perpendicular fall of about 40 feet.
Constantine, a village and post office, St. Joseph county, has a pleasant and healthy location at the confluence of Fall river with the river St. Joseph ; contains a bank, book store, printing office that issues a weekly newspaper, an apothecary store, 3 physicians, 2 saw mills, and 7 dry goods stores. An episcopalian church is erecting-like- wise a flouring mill that will contain 8 run of stone. The mail stage passes through it three times a week, on the State road from Coldwater to Michigan city. There is a rail- road chartered connecting Constantine with Niles in Ber- rien county. The trade, at present, is chiefly carried on by keel boats, which navigate the river to the mouth of the St. Joseph. A steamboat likewise plies between it and St. Joseph. Here is an abundance of hydraulic power, both
268
GAZETTEER
CON
CON COR
in Fall river and in the St. Joseph. Constantine is one of the most flourishing villages in the county, and does the greatest amount of business. It possesses considerable trade for an inland town, and is supported by a good farm- ing country around it. Several blocks of stores were erect- ed during the past year. Much capital and enterprise are enlisted in its improvement, and it is destined to be a place of considerable public importance. Distant 10 miles from Centreville, and 150 from Detroit.
Constantine township, St. Joseph county, consists of township seven south, range twelve west. Statistics as per census :- Population, 842 .- 2 grist mills, 3 saw mills, 6 merchants.
Cooper township, Kalamazoo county, is comprised in township one south, of ranges eleven and twelve west. Statistics as per census :- Population, 386 .- A saw mill, a merchant ; 1,999 bushels wheat, 1,872 bushels corn, 1,815 bushels oats, 95 bushels buckwheat ; 276 head neat stock, 38 horses, 6 sheep, 266 hogs.
Convis township, Calhoun county, is comprised in town- ship one south, of range six west. Statistics as per cen- sus :- Population, 170 .- 700 bushels wheat, 300 bushels corn, 140 bushels oats; 126 head neat stock, 18 horses, 116 hogs.
Cottrellville township, St. Clair county, is situated in the southern part of the county, on St. Clair lake and strait, between Clay and China townships. Statistics as per cen- sus :- Population, 520 .- A saw mill, 3 merchants ; 661 bushels wheat, 20 bushels rye, 1,008 bushels corn, 1,970 bushels oats, 75 bushels buckwheat; 238 head neat stock, 126 horses, 112 sheep, 275 hogs.
Cottrellville post office is in Cottrellville township, St. Clair county.
CORUNNA, a village lying near the centre of the county of Shiawassee, in township seven north, of range three east, upon the Shiawasse river. It is the present seat of justice for the county, and a temporary court house has been erect- ed. The place is entirely new. Improvements are, how- ever, under way. A saw mill and flouring mill are being built, together with a tavern and store-house. The Shia- wassee here furnishes hydraulic power at two separate sites,
269
OF MICHIGAN.
COV
CRO
DEA
to the amount of six and seven feet head and fall. In the immediate vicinity are beds of stone coal, lime and sand stone, and sand which is represented as proper for the man- ufacture of glass. The settlement is at present small. The northern rail-road has been located to pass through it. Distant about 55 miles, by way of the river, to Saginaw, and 85 north-west of Detroit.
Covington township, Van Buren county, is comprised in township four south, of ranges fifteen and sixteen west. Population, 183.
Corbett's river, an insignificant stream that rises on the southern border of Cass county, and flowing south into the state of Indiana, empties into the St. Joseph.
Crooked river, a small stream rising and flowing west on the border of St. Joseph county and the State of Indiana, and emptying into Pigeon river, in the south-west corner of the county.
Crooked Lake is situated south-east of the centre of Liv- ingston county. Its waters are conducted into Bass lake, and from thence into the Huron river of Lake Erie.
Crooked Lake, a collection of water in the south-west corner of Barry county.
Cranberry Lake is situated on the northern boundary of Napoleon township, Jackson county, and its waters are conducted into the north branch of the Grand river.
Cucush Prairie, situate in the county of Branch.
D.
Dead river, an inconsiderable stream of the Upper Pe- ninsula, west of Chocolate river, that empties into Lake Superior.
Deadwood Lake, a small body of water of perhaps two square miles, situated on the corners of Lagrange and Cal- vin townships, in the county of Cass. Its waters are con- ducted into the Christiana river.
Dearbornville, a village and post office in the township of Dearborn, and county of Wayne, situated on the south branch of the Rouge, eight miles (by land) from its mouth, 281 miles from Monroe, and 10 from Detroit. Here is a church for methodists, erected, a saw mill with double saws, flour mill, with 2 run of stones, 7 stores, 2 smitlieries, and a foundry for iron, propelled by horse power, a physician, and about 60 families. It is passed by the Chicago road and State road to Monroe, and by the Detroit and St. Joseph
23*
270
GAZETTEER
DEA
DEE
DET
rail-road, which has a depot or station at this point. Dear- bornville is a flourishing village. Here is located the United States Arsenal. This was commenced in 1833, and com- pleted in 1837. It consists of eleven buildings, built of brick, arranged round a square, whose side is 360 feet. The principal building occupies the centre of the eastern side of the square, and is 120 feet long by 30 deep, and three stories high, exclusive of the basement. This is in- tended for the depot of arms. The buildings surrounding this square, are connected by a continuous wall of heavy masonry, 12 feet high, all calculated as a defence against an invading or insurrectionary foe. The buildings are cal- culated to accommodate two officers, and 50 artificers and workmen, and, in case of emergency, they can easily ac- commodate double that number. The whole object of this institution is, not a military station of soldiers, but for the mounting and equipping of artillery ; repairing small arms, and the preparation of all the other numerous munitions of war. It is intended more particularly for the supply of Michigan and Wisconsin, in time of war, and to issue to both, in time of peace, such arms and equipments as each State, by the acts of Congress, are thereunto entitled.
Dearborn township, Wayne county. Population, 1,317.
Decatur township, Van Buren county, is comprised in township four south, of ranges thirteen and fourteen west. Population, 234.
Deerfield township, Livingston county, consists of town- ship four north, ranges five and six east. Statistics, as per census :- Population, 369 .- 2,174 bushels wheat, 10 bush- els rye, 365 bushels corn, 384 bushels oats, 292 bushels buckwheat ; 379 head neat stock, 24 horses, 14 sheep, 141 hogs.
Desmond, village of. (Vide Port Huron village.)
DETROIT city, port of entry, seat of justice for Wayne county, and capital of the State of Michigan, has a healthy and beautiful location on the west bank of a strait of the same name, upon a site elevated 30 feet above its surface, of which, and the surrounding country, it commands ex- tensive views. It is seven miles below the outlet of Lake St. Clair, and 18 above the western extremity of Lake Erie, in north lat. 42º 19' 53", and west long. (from Greenwich) 82° 58', or (from Washington) 5° 56' 12". Difference of
271
OF MICHIGAN.
DET
time from New York city, 35 min. 47 sec. ; from Washing- ton, 23 min. 44 sec. Distant 302 miles west of Buffalo, 322 from Mackinac, 202 north Columbus, 326 north-east Indianapolis, 482 north-east Vandalia 556 north-east St. Louis, 1,768 from New Orleans, 257 from Cincinnati, 253 north-west Pittsburg, 506 north-west Philadelphia, 665 (by canal) west Albany, 810 by canal, or 687 land route from New York city, 759 from Hartford, 832 west Boston, 828 south-west Quebec, 648 south-west Montreal, and 526 north-west Washington city.
For the distance of a mile upon the river, and for three- fourths of a mile extending back, it is more or less densely settled. The plan of the city is rather uncouth and labour- ed, with much mathematical ingenuity, better suited, it is acknowledged, to flatter the fancy than to promote practical utility. Upon the river, and for 1,200 feet back, it is rec- tangular-in the rear of this, triangular. The streets are spacious. Among the more noted are the eight avenues : viz : Madison Avenue, Michigan Grand Avenue, and Washington Grand Avenne, each 200 feet wide: Wood- ward Avenue, Monroe Avenue, Miami Avenue, Macomb Avenue, and Jefferson Avenue, each 120 feet wide; all except Michigan, Monroe, and Jefferson, terminating at one point called the Grand Circus. The other streets are 60 feet wide, and generally cross at right angles. Atwater street, upon the river, Woodbridge street, running parallel with it upon the declivity, are mostly occupied by stores and deal- ers in the heavier articles of merchandise. Woodward avenue, leading from the river at right angles, to Jefferson avenue, through Campus Martius and the central part of the city, is becoming of increased importance, and ranks among the first of the business streets. The principal street running with the course of the river upon the summit of the declivity, and through the central and most densely popula- ted part of the city, is Jefferson avenue. Upon this are most of the public and private offices located, as well as the fancy and dry goods stores, and the dealers in the lighter articles of merchandise. This is a beautiful and pleasant street, and will compare with the most noted streets of any of our western cities. There are several convenient public squares, the most noted of which is the Campus Martius. The principal public sewers have been constructed in a
272
GAZETTEER
DET
permanent manner. Owing to the argilaceous quality of the soil, the streets are bad in spring season, and at other seasons, after the intervention of continued rains. The proper authorities have, however, commenced paving with wood, which must, in the end, obviate the only objection to its pleasantness.
The city is at present partially supplied with water, by steam power, from the strait. A new hydraulic estab- lishment is being erected by the corporation, which will amply supply the city with the purest water. It consists of a circular brick tower, 64 feet in diameter, raised 50 feet above the surface of the water, erected upon a wharf extend- ing into the Detroit in the upper part of the city. The tower is made up of two circular walls, connected by 16 partition walls. The partition walls are 12 and 16 inches thick, and the outer wall 16 inches. The partition walls are to terminate in an arch at their upper extremity, for the support of the tank or reservoir. The reservoir is of cast iron, 60 feet in diameter, and 20 feet deep, with a capacity of 425,000 gallons. This is to be supplied by means of a high pressure steam engine* of 25 horse power, and double acting piston pump. The water is to be distributed by means of cast iron pipes. It is to be taken six feet below the surface of the river, 450 feet from the shore, through a pipe 12 inches in diameter, which supplies the reservoir. The main distributing pipe is 10 inches in diameter, and the main lateral pipes, three, four, and six inches. One hundred fire hydrants are connected with the works, capa- ble each of throwing water into the third story of any build- ing in the city. The tank is to be inclosed by a frame work, and the whole covered by either a dome or conical roof. The height of the tower from the surface of the wa- ter to the top of the tank, is 70 feet. 'The whole is. intend- ed to be in operation during the season of '39. The entire expense is estimated at $100,000, and $50,000 have been already expended.
Detroit, although one of the most ancient settlements in North America, is, to every appearance, and, considering its present condition, in reality, of recent growth. Of the
* It has been in contemplation, in lieu of steam, to apply, for this pur- pose, a power generated by the force of the river current, acting upon a wheel constructed and moving upon the principle of the wind mill.
273
OF MICHIGAN.
DET
ancient style of the French buildings, scarcely a vestige remains. The city is mostly built of wood, and in a man- ner to accommodate its emigrant population, which it is supposed composes one half or two thirds of the city. Stores and dwellings of this class are often constructed upon leased grounds, and so constructed as to be easily removed; and it is a common occurrence to see one or more buildings removing from one part of the city to an- other, as the covenience of their owners requires. Although these temporary structures form no inconsiderable portion of the city, there are many permanent dwellings, not dis- proportionate to the number of resident citizens, built in a respectable style; and a few elegant private mansions. There are several extensive blocks of stores, constructed of brick, in a style and permanence highly creditable to the appearance of the city. Considering the enterprising and fluctuating nature of the great mass of the population, the city has altogether a cheerful and comely appearance, and, aside from the trifling inconveniences mentioned, inviting to the emigrant ; and it has not a few outward indications of high cultivated taste and refinement.
The most interesting of the public buildings are, the capitol, the city hall, St. Paul's church, the presbyterian church, the baptist church, the cathedral of St. Anne, and the bank of Michigan.
The State House is a commodious edifice of brick, con- structed in the Ionic order, 90 feet by 60. The porti- co in front is supported by six columns, and the entablature at the sides by pilasters. The steeple, crowned with a dome, is 140 feet high. From the dome is had a view of the city, the strait for many miles above and below, Lake St. Clair, and a delightful landscape stretching far beyond the Canada shore. The extent and beauty of the prospect , are only surpassed by two others in the country-that from the dome of the capitol in Boston, and the one from the dome of St. Michael's church in Charleston, S. C.
The City Hall is a neat edifice of brick, built at an expense of about $20,000-100 feet by 50, with two stories and a stone basement. The first story is used for a mar- ket. Upon the second is a spacious hall, where the various courts hold their sessions.
St Paul's Church is a handsome brick edifice, built in
274
GAZETTEER
DET
the Gothic style, measuring, exclusive of the vestry, 90 feet by 50. The tower to the top of the pinnacles, is 115 feet. It is proportioned with much symmetry, finished in a supe- rior manner, and furnished with an excellent organ.
The Presbyterian Church is a neat edifice of brick, erected at an expense of $25,000, and said to be one of the best churches in the Western States. It is constructed in the Grecian style, with a pediment in front, supported by six Doric columns 24 feet high. The length of the building is 100 feet, and, exclusive of the portico, 90 feet; the breadth is 60 feet, and the height of the steeple is 130 feet.
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.