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 24
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The Baptist Church is a neat, plain building, located upon an elevated site, constructed in the Ionic order, 70 feet by 50, with a steeple rising 100 feet, ornamented with a handsome dome.
St. Anne's Cathedral is an edifice of hammered granite, 116 feet by 60. It is built in the Roman Doric style, with two steeples in front, ornamented with iron crosses. An octagonal dome rises in the centre 30 feet high, with a diame- ter of 30 feet. Its organ is said to be one of the largest in the United States.
The Bank of Michigan is a substantial edifice, built of polished stone. The style is Grecian, and its dimensions are 56 by 40. Its height is two stories, and exclusive of the basement, it is 41 feet high. The expense of construc- tion was upwards of $40,000.
Detroit contains eight churches-one, each, for presby- terians, episcopalians, methodists, baptists, German Luther- ans, and one for the colored population, the latter of which is ministered to by clergymen of different denominations. The Roman catholics have two churches-one for the French, and one to accommodate the English, Irish, and German population. There are four banks, with an aggre- gate capital of $2,250,000; 3 markets ; a theatre, museum, circus, a public garden, State penitentiary and county jail ; government magazine; mechanics' hall; four printing offices, three of which issue 9 newspapers, viz. 3 dailies, a tri-weekly, and 4 weeklies, one of which is a religious paper,-and a monthly periodical devoted to the cause of education. Of the larger mercantile establishments, may be numbered 27 dry goods stores, 25 grocery, and grocery and provision stores, 14 hardware stores, 7 clothing stores,
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8 silversmiths and jewelry stores, 8 druggist stores, 10 ex- tensive forwarding and commission stores, 3 bookstores, and the repository of the American Sunday School Union. There are 27 lawyers and 22 physicians. Among the vari- ous public offices, are, a distributing post office for the State ; office of the collector of customs; office of the de- partment of Indian affairs ; the public land office ; and the office of the board of internal improvements.
The markets are usually well supplied. For a few years past, Ohio, Indiana, and Upper Canada have furnished the greater portion of the cattle slaughtered here. The fish market is not only the most abundantly supplied, but one of the best in the Western States.
There are several extensive manufactories. There is a large steam saw mill, sash factory, edge tool manufactory, 3 iron foundries, a brass foundry, and 2 breweries.
The Detroit Iron Foundery has attached thereto, a found- ery, finishing, pattern, and boiler shops, calculated to man- ufacture extensively all kinds of castings, mill irons, mill gearing, steam engines, &c., and it employs from 25 to 30 workmen. The Michigan Iron Foundery is nearly as exten- sive, and employs from 18 to 25 workmen. The City Brew- ery, owned by Thomas J. Owen, Esq., built in 1837, at an expense of $20,000, is the largest west of Albany. The main building is of brick, 40 feet by 140, and three stories high. It is capable of brewing 25,000 barrels annually, which would require for consumption from 80,000 to 100,000 bushels of barley. The Detroit Brewery is also an extensive establishment that does a large business.
There are several charitable institutions, which reflect much credit upon the city, and upon their benevolent founders. There are two orphan asylums, one under the patronage of the catholics, and the other of the protes- tants. The latter is a handsome two story brick edifice, situated a mile and a half above the city, erected through the influence and benevolence of the ladies of Detroit.
The ladies' free school society (protestant), supports three schools, by receiving indigent children of every de- nomination, furnishing books, and educating them gratui- tously. Average number, 200. Among the other charita- ble institutions, are the St. Clare English and German free school (catholic), and the French female charity school.
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They average each about 40 pupils. The hospital and poor house are supported by a county cess.
There are several scientific and literary societies, as the historical society, instituted in 1829; the Michigan State literary institute, in 1838 ; the medical society of the State of Michigan ; and the young men's society for moral and intellectual improvement, instituted in 1832; the algic society was instituted in the same year, for the purpose of civilizing and christianizing the N. W. Indian tribes.
Considerable attention is paid to education, and increas- ing exertions are making to extend the means to all classes of society. Here is located one of the Branches of the University, which recently went into operation; and three miles above the city is located St. Philip's college. (For the latter, see first part, article, Colleges.) There are two very respectable Female Seminaries. The " Detroit Fe- male Seminary," superintended by Mr. and Mrs. Willson, is very respectably conducted and receives a goodly patron- age. (See article Colleges and Seminaries, first part.) The " Young Ladies' Institute," conducted by Mrs. Hec- tor Scott and daughters, is a fashionable boarding and day school for young ladies. The number of pupils is limited. Indefatigable attention is paid to the morals of the pupils, and, to their instruction in the more substantial and useful, as well as ornamental branches of education. Usual num- ber of pupils, 35. St. Clare's Seminary for young ladies, is under the direction of the ladies of St. Clare, where most of the English and ornamental branches are taught. There are several respectable schools for boys. The principal of which are Mr. Bacon's select school ; number of pupils lim- ited to 25. The Detroit English school by Mr. Mitchell, average number 40. The Detroit Latin and English school, by J. T. Blois ; average number of pupils 40. Be- sides the above, there are several other male and female private schools in different parts of the city. Heretofore schools have been established on the emergencies of the times in the absence of a regularly organized system of pub- lic instruction. This deficiency is being supplied by the establishment of the university and primary schools, and popular indications exhibited since the system has com- menced operation warrant the belief, that most of our pub- lic and private schools, both in the interior and in the city,
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will, eventually, merge in those established by law. The census taken to first of March, 1834, showed that, of a popu- lation of 4,968, 777 were under 15 years, and 251 be- tween 15 and 20, making 1,023, or about one-fifth of the population of the city. There were then 12 schools, and 448 children in attendance.
During the present season there have been established seven school districts within the city. Agreeably to the census taken first January, 1838, the total number of chil- dren under 15 years was 3,156; of 5 and under 15, 1,842; of 15 and under 21, 1,199; total under 21, 4,355, or near one-half the population of the city.
Detroit is in need of a well selected public library. There are many private libraries which are respectable. There is a circulating library of 1,000 volumes. The Detroit Young men's society have a library of 1,200 vol- umes. The Michigan State library, at the capitol, con- tains 1,900 volumes. The legislature have appropriated $1,000 per annum for five years to its enlargement.
Detroit, often denominated " the city of the Straits," is the great commercial mart and emporium for the State. It is peculiarly well situated for commerce, and has ever been the centre of trade, especially of the fur trade, for a large section of this north-western region. The fur trade, how- ever, having decreased with the increase of population, is now comparatively inconsiderable. The American fur company have an agency here, but the value of the trade, being one of the secrets of the company, is entirely un- known to the public. The value and amount of the various kinds of merchandize sold are uncertain. It is sufficient to say, the several stores before mentioned are mostly those doing an extensive business in each respective line, and are but a part, when the smaller establishments are enumerated. The city trade is quite disproportionate to that from the country. Many of the interior merchants make their en- tire purchases here, while others come to the city to re- plenish their stock. It is estimated by different merchants that from one-half to three-fifths of the merchandise sold goes to the interior. The exports to other States are compara- tively inconsiderable. The principal article is fish. (See article Rivers and Lakes.) An illicit trade is, and has been for many years, carried on to a great extent upon the
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frontier, in detriment, not only to the city trade, but to the revenue of government.
Western emigration has been a great resource of sup- port to the city for several years past. Of this, Detroit has been the principal avenue, or rather the portal to the inte- rior. It is the season of open navigation, usually eight months of the year, that activity and business prevail.
Detroit is deeply engaged in the lake trade, and it has been the seat of considerable ship building. The first steamboat, called the " Walk-in-the-water," arrived at this city the 11th of August, 1818. The amount of shipping belonging to this port was 849 tons ; the value of exports was $69,330, and of imports $15,611. In 1825, the num- ber of arrivals was 270, and an equal number of clearances. In 1829, the export trade of the city and the ports north and south of it, was estimated at nearly $400,000, of which $325,000 were supposed to be furs and peltries. Aggregate tonage owned in Detroit in 1830, 995 tons ; in 1834, 4,000 tons. The number of arrivals and clearances in 1834, was (not including those vessels navigating in the district only,) 2,112. From data received through the custom house of this port, we find in 1837, the aggregate number of vessels of every description owned in the city 47, amounting to 5,164 tons, including the following descriptions and aggre- gate tonage, viz : 10 steamboats amounting to 2,184 tons, 3 brigs, 560 tons ; 26 schooners, 2,200 tons; 8 sloops, 220 tons. The total amount of wharf made is 5,900 feet. From calculations made in 1836, it was estimated, for seven months navigation, that, of the steamboats navigating the lake waters, " two of the first class and one of the second, arrived and departed daily ; the former averaging 230 pas- sengers each way, and 50 tons import freight,-the latter 50 passengers and 20 tons import freight." Of the other lake vessels, "an average of three arrived and cleared daily, averaging each way ten passengers and 100 tons import freight." The profits realized during this season upon steamboats were estimated at from 50 to 70 per cent., and upon schooners from 80 to 100 per cent.
Detroit is the central point from which diverge most of the principal roads in the State The central rail-road leading to St. Joseph is finished and in active operation 30 miles to Ypsilanti, and is fast progressing. It now termi-
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nates at the depot on Campus Martius, but is about being extended to Atwater street, where it is again to be extended 1000 feet on each side. The depot buildings are but in part constructed. The engine building is completed, and is used as a deposit for engines when unemployed or under repair. The building is of brick, 150 feet by 32, two sto- ries high. The other building for the deposit of passenger cars is not yet constructed. It will necessarily be a large structure. (See central rail-road. ) The rail-road leading to Pontiac is finished, and in operation for 12 miles to Royal Oak. The rail-road to Shelby is in progressive con- struction. There are five territorial or State roads, one leading from the city to Ohio, one to Chicago, one to the Grand river, one to Saginaw, and one to Fort Gratiot. It is likewise connected with Canada by a steam ferry.
The present site of the city seems to have been visited by the French as early as 1610. In 1720, the French fort Ponchartrain had been previously located here. In 1759, Detroit fell into the hands of the British. In 1784, by treaty it fell into the possession of the United States, and from 1796, till within a few years past, a garrison has been stationed here. In 1802, it was incorporated, and was de- stroyed by fire in 1805. In 1810, the act of incorporation was repealed. In 1812, the fort and town were surrendered to the British, but again re-occupied by a division of the army of the United States in 1813. In 1815, it was re-in- corporated. In 1832, the cholera visited the city, and in '34, this scourge produced a great mortality. In 1837, a great fire happened and the destruction of much property. (See first part, article History.)
The French were the first European settlers. The popu- lation is now, like most of the western cities, composed of all classes and almost of all nations. The French and their descendants still compose a large class, and their language is yet spoken to a considerable extent, but they are fast amalgamating with the predominant immigrant population. By the census taken at different periods we find the in- crease of population to be gradual, until recently it has increased almost without precedent. In 1810, the popula- tion of the city was 770; in 1818, 1,110-596 males, 444 females; in 1820, 1,442-887 males, 488 females, 67 colored ; in 1828, 1,517 ; in 1830, 2,222 ; in 1834, 4,968-
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2,904 males, 2,064 females ; on the first of January, 1838, 9,278.
Detroit strait. This stream conducts the collected wa- ters of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and St. Clair, to Lake Erie. It is the largest stream of Michigan, and its local position makes it the most important. The word D'Etroit, (Fr.) signifies strait, and, as applied to this stream, is a more appropriate appellation than the word river, and was first given to it by the French on its discove- ry. It is about 25 miles long, and on an average, one and a tenth of a mile broad, and 36 feet deep. It moves with an equable current of about two miles per hour. Its de- scent is three inches per mile, or six feet and three inches for its whole length. Its course is first south-westerly, and then southerly. In the winter season, it closes with ice only after a continued succession of severely cold weather. If the temperature of the atmosphere moderates but for a few days, and that moderation even not above the freezing point, it will open by the action of its powerful current, which wears away the thickest ice in a short time. Hence, the stream is not often long closed. It has been known to remain one frozen bridge for six weeks, but it was a phe- nomenon in its history, rarely known, and then only in sea- sons of the greatest severity. It receives several inconsider- able streams from the American, and two or three from the Canadian shore. The most considerable is the Rouge. There are a number of islands that divert its waters, though they add to the beauty of its scenery. Among the largest are Grosse and Fighting islands. From some cause, there appears to have been a peculiar attraction to the banks of the Detroit, more than to any other stream in Michigan. The first settlements of the French were made on it, and the French travellers found three tribes of Indians equally tenacious in their attachment to it. From a gradual acces- sion its banks on either side have been subdued and settled, so that in many places, for miles, it has the appearance of a continued village, of a much older country, than the re- cent State of Michigan. Like the lakes which it connects, it abounds with fine fish, the taking of which has become lucrative. The navigation of the strait is easy, and in the season of it, its waters are covered with steamboats and vessels of every description. The Detroit, although but
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a few miles in length, is one of the pleasantest and most beautiful streams in the United States. With banks of great fertility, covered with orchards of various fruit, with farms cultivated and productive, accompanied with incomparable scenery, the prospect is rendered exceedingly delightful in passing up the strait.
Dewitt township, Clinton county, comprises ranges one and two, or the eastern half of the county.
Dexter township, Washtenaw county, consists of town- ship one south, of range four east. Statistics as per cen- sus :- Population, 596 .- 8,854 bushels wheat, 4,470 bush- els corn, 13,672 bushels oats, 1,393 bushels buckwheat ; 188 head neat stock, 228 hogs.
Dexter, a village and post office in the county of Wash- tenaw, and township of Scio, has an elevated and healthy location, and is pleasantly situated on Mill creek, at its con- fluence with the Huron river. Here is a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a tannery, 5 stores, 1 grocery, 1 druggist, 1 lawyer, 3 physicians. It is on the Territorial road from Monroe to Grand river. The Detroit and St. Joseph rail-road is to pass through it. There is hydraulic power in its vicinity that might be used to any extent. Dexter is very thriving ; many buildings were erected dur- ing the two seasons past, and many are now erecting. Distant nine miles from Ann Arbour, and 50 miles west Detroit, 576 north-west Washington city.
Dixborough, a village and post office in the township of Superior, and county of Washtenaw, situated on Fleming's creek, a small branch of the Huron, and on the road from Detroit to Ann Arbour. It has a flouring mill, with two run of stone, a saw mill, 2 stores and a physician. The country around it is excellent for farming. Distant 5 miles from Ann Arbour, and 35 from Detroit.
Doric Arch, (or Doric Rock) is a name applied to an isolated mass of sand stone, which has the appearance of the work of art, consisting of four pillars supporting an en- tablature or stratum of stone covered with soil, and a hand- some growth of pine and spruce trees, some of which are 50 or 60 feet in height. This curiosity is a projection of the Pictured Rocks on the southern shore of Lake Superior, and presents an interesting view to voyagers of the great lake. (See " Pictured Rocks.")
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Double Hearted (or Twin) river, has its origin in the in- terior of the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, and dis- charges its waters into Lake Superior.
Dover township, Lenawee county, is embraced in town- ship seven south, of range two east. Statistics as per cen- sus :- Population, 680 .- 8,255 bushels wheat, 7,166 bush- els corn, 4,430 bushels oats, 47 bushels buckwheat, 493 lbs. flax ; 462 head neat stock, 26 horses, 127 sheep, 557 hogs.
Dousman's creek rises in the northern part of the Penin- sula, in Mackinac county, flows north, and empties into the strait of Mackinac.
Dowagiake river takes its rise in the southern part of Van Buren and north-eastern part of Cass counties, and passing over the northern, north-western, and western por- tion of the latter, in a south-western direction, into Berrien, enters the St. Joseph river near the village of Niles. It is upwards of 30 miles in length, and receives a number of tributaries, which, with the main stream, furnish excellent mill sites.
Drummond's Island, at the mouth of St. Mary's, 40 miles long, has the best quality of secondary lime stone, several harbors and fisheries, and a soil covered with pine and ma- ple. The western extremity is the site of an ancient Brit- ish fort.
Dry Prairie, a small prairie in Kalamazoo county, in the township of Comstock, in surface perhaps one mile. Like other prairies in this part of the country, it has an ex- ceedingly fertile soil.
Dry Prairie, a tract of country passing by this name, in the south-western corner of the county of Calhoun, bor- dering Branch county, and on the bottom of the Nottawas- epee. The soil is excellent.
Duck Lake, a small collection of water lying in the north- eastern corner of Calhoun county. Its waters pass into Narrow Lake.
Dulude river. (See " Black river.")
Dundee, a village and post office, in the township of Sum- merfield, and county of Monroe, situated on the River Rai- sin, 18 miles from Lake Erie, contains 2 dry goods stores, a shoe store, flouring mill, 4 saw mills, a lath and dish manufactory, grocery establishment, druggist, and 3 phy- sicians. A flouring mill is being constructed for four run
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of stone, likewise three churches, one each for Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists, all of which will undoubtedly be completed the ensuing season. The routes of the La Plais- ance Bay turnpike, and Lake Erie and River Raisin Rail- road, are through this village. The water power at this place is seven and a half feet. Dundee is said to be pleas- ant and flourishing. Many buildings are at present con- structing, both for public and private use. Distant 15 miles from Monroe, and 53 south-west of Detroit.
E.
Eagle's nest river, a trifling stream of the Kew-y-weenon peninsula, that empties into Lake Superior.
East Strait, lying between the Great Manito on the east, and the Lesser Manito on the west, being one of the outlets of St. Mary's strait.
East Farmington post office, Farmington township, Oak- land county. Mail once a week.
East Portage township, Jackson county, consists of township one south, of range two east, and the twelve sec- tions, numbered from one to twelve inclusive, in township two south, of range two east.
Eaton township, Eaton county, is comprised in town- ships one and two north, ranges three and four west. Sta- tistics as per census :- Population, 330 ; a grist mill, 2 saw mills ; 1,777 bushels wheat, 780 bushels corn, 317 bush- els oats, 51 bushels buckwheat ; 218 head neat stock, 7 horses, 4 sheep, 151 hogs.
Eckford post office, in Calhoun county, on the post route from Jonesville to Marshall.
Eckford township, Calhoun county, is comprised in township three south, of range five west. Statistics as per census :- Population, 530; a saw mill; 10,991 bushels wheat, 5,260 bushels corn; 10,104 bushels oats, 100 1bs. flax ; 443 head neat stock, 47 horses, 16 sheep, 515 hogs.
Ecorces township, Wayne county. Population, 709.
Edwardsburg village and post office, in the southern part of Cass county, on the Chicago turnpike, at the north-east- ern corner of Beardsley's prairie, and on Beardsley's lake. Here are 4 stores, 2 lawyers, 3 physicians. It is pleasant- ly situated and very flourishing. Distant 10 miles south- west Cassopolis, and 170 south-west Detroit.
Elba Island, a small isle on the south of Grosse island, at the mouth of the Detroit strait.
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Elizabeth township, Branch county, is comprised of town- ship seven south, of range seven west. Statistics as per census :- Population, 177 .- 945 bushels wheat, 1,518 bush- els corn, 1,188 bushels oats, 1,000 bushels buckwheat ; 167 head neat stock, 37 horses, 152 hogs.
Elizabeth Bay lies between the mouths of the Sandy and Monestee rivers of the Upper Peninsula, on the north shore of Lake Michigan.
Elizabeth Lake, is in Waterford township, Oakland county. It is very diminutive, and its waters are conducted into the Clinton river.
Elizabeth Lake post office is located near Elizabeth lake, in Oakland county. Mail once a week.
Elm creek, a trifling stream, and branch of the North Fork of the Flint river, in Lapeer county.
Erie township, Monroe county, consists of township eight south, range eight east. Here is a good stone quarry. It is watered by Vance river and Bay creek. Statistics as per census :- Population, 999 .- A merchant; 3,932 bush- els wheat, 41 bushels rye, 4,518 corn, 11,980 bushels oats, 4,876 bushels buckwheat ; 350 lbs. flax; 864 head neat stock, 346 horses, 388 sheep, 759 hogs.
Erie post office is in Erie township, Monroe county, .on the Toledo and Blissfield post route.
Eric, a village recently laid out at the confluence of the Thorn Apple and Grand river, in Kent county, containing a post office, tavern, and several dwellings. A bridge is constructing across the Thorn Apple. It is distant 10 miles from the rapids of Grand river.
Ermatinger's Island, Lake Superior, the western bound- ary of Indian concession by treaty, 28th March, 1836.
Eschol is situated at the mouth of Prairie river, at its confluence with the St. Joseph, in the county of St. Jo- seph.
Evans' creek, a small creek in the northern part of Len- awee county, a branch of the Raisin.
Evans' Lake, a small collection of water in the northern part of Lenawee county. Its waters are conducted into the Raisin river, by Evans' creek.
Exeter township, Monroe county, consists of township five south, range eight east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 156 .- 687 bushels wheat, 839 bushels corn,
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