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 27
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Kearsley creek originates in the northern part of the county of Oakland, and passes out of Oakland in a north- westerly course, across the south-west corner of Lapeer into Genesee county, and enters the Flint river 4 miles above the Flint village. It is about 25 miles long in a direct line, but upwards of 45 following its meanderings. It passes through a fertile section of country.
Keelersville, village and post office, Van Buren county, on the Detroit and St. Joseph road, but recently laid out. The settlement is small, and contains a store, tavern, and a few mechanics.
Kensington, a village and post office, county of Oakland, township of Lyon, situated on Woodruff creek, in the south- western part of the county, near its western line. It con- tains a banking association, one saw mill, a physician, 2 stores, and perhaps 20 families. There is a flouring mill now building, and will be soon in operation. The Grand river turnpike passes through it. Several fine buildings are now in progress of construction.
Kent township, including a part of Ottawa and Kent counties. Statistics as per census :- Population, 1,660 .- A grist mill, 6 saw mills ; 9 merchants; 1,320 bushels
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wheat, 2,569 bushels corn, 5,697 bushels oats; 495 head neat stock, 144 horses, 341 hogs. (See Byron.)
Kew-y-wec-non Peninsula is a portion of land extending into Lake Superior from its southern shore. Its extreme length, from the north-eastern to the south-western extremi- ties, is not less than 40 miles, and the extreme breadth is perhaps 15 miles, and upwards of 100 miles in circumfer- ence. It is estimated to contain between 4 and 500 square miles. It is almost entirely surrounded by the lake on the north, north-west and east ; and by the Kew-y-wee-non Bay on the south. The isthmus, which is used as a portage by the Indians and fur traders travelling in birch bark canoes, is not more than one mile across from the bay to the lake. It is the custom of the Indians and fur traders when they arrive at the isthmus, to unload and to transport their ca- noes and peltry on their backs to the opposite shore.
Kew-y-wee-non river, a considerable stream of the Upper Peninsula, that rises in the Porcupine Mountains, and, flow- ing in a northerly direction, discharges its waters into a bay of the same name, on the southern shore of Lake Su- perior.
Kew-y-wee-non Bay is an indentation of Lake Superior, on its southern shore. It is an inlet extending into the Upper Peninsula, dividing a peninsula of the same name on the north from the main land on the opposite side.
Kewkawlin river is a small stream, and rises in Arenac and Midland counties, and flows south-east through Mid- land and Saginaw counties, thence north-east into Midland, and thence east, emptying itself into the south-western ex- tremity of Saginaw Bay, near the mouth of the Saginaw river. .
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La Butte des Terres, an elevation south of Sault de Ste. Marie.
Lafayette, a small settlement in Van Buren county, in the eastern part of the county, on the East branch of the Pawpaw river.
Lafayette township, Van Buren county, is comprised in township three south, range fourteen west. Population, 248.
La Grange Prairie, is a considerable tract of prairie land, lying in the central part of La Grange township, in
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the county of Cass. It is conveniently situated to mill streams, and is surrounded with heavily timbered lands.
La Grange township, Cass county, consists of township six south, range fifteen west. It is watered by a branch of the Dowagiake river, and Putnam's creek, and contains the villages of Whitmanville and Cassopolis. Statistics as per census :- Population, 699 .- 2 grist mills, 4 saw mills, a carding machine, a distillery; 4 merchants; 10,285 bush- els wheat, 101 bushels rye, 20,080 bushels corn, 8,812 bushels oats, 175 bushels buckwheat; 285 lbs. flax, 100 lbs. hemp ; 625 head neat stock, 242 horses, 460 sheep, 1,349 hogs.
Lake creek, a trifling stream, rising in Morrison lake, in Ionia county, and emptying into Grand river at Saranac.
Lake Elizabeth post office, Waterford township, Oakland county, situated near a lake of the same name.
Lake Erie. (See article Rivers and Lakes.)
Lake George, St. Mary's strait, 12 miles long-has a bar where vessels drawing six feet water may cross.
Lake Huron. (See article Rivers and Lakes. )
Lake Michigan. (See article Rivers and Lakes. )
Lake of the Desert, is an inconsiderable collection of wa- ter, situated between the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin Territory, and about half way between the mouths of the Montreal and Monomonie rivers-the former of which is its outlet to conduct its waters into Lake Superior. The boundary line between Wisconsin Territory and Michigan, as defined by an act of Congress in 1836, passes through the centre of this lake.
Lake St. Clair is by far the smallest of the string of lakes connecting Lake Superior with the Gulf of St. Law- rence, in latitude 42º 52' north, longitude 82° 25' west. It is 24 miles long and 30 broad-90 miles in circumfer- ence, and 20 feet deep. Its banks are alluvial, elevated about 20 feet above the water, and have an undulatory sur- face. Its principal tributary streams are, the Huron river from Michigan, and the rivers Chenal, Ecarte, and Thames from Canada. It is a beautiful lake, with clear and trans- parent waters. (See article Rivers and Lakes.)
Lake Superior. (See article Rivers and Lakes.)
. Lanesville, a village and post office in the township of Seneca, and county of Lenawee, situated on Bean creek,
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has a saw mill, flouring mill, and a few families. Dis- tant 18 miles from Adrian.
LAPEER, village, post office, and seat of justice for La- peer county, situated at the confluence of the river Flint and Farmer's creek, is a newly settled village. The prin- cipal establishments are a saw mill and 2 stores. The county buildings are not yet built, but are expected to be another season. The Palmer and Romeo rail-road is to pass through it. It is uncommonly flourishing for its ex- tent. Four stores are now building, and an extensive flour- ing establishment will be put up the present season. It is said to have increased ten fold the past season. There is a plentiful supply of hydraulic power in the vicinity. Dis- tant 57 miles north-west Detroit, 583 north-west Wash- ington city.
La Point, small settlement and depot of the American, fur company, situated on Middle island, on the southern shore of Lake Superior.
L' Arbour Croche is situated 10 miles south-west of the strait of Mackinac, on the Peninsula. It is a Roman cath- olic missionary station, and has two teachers, several inter- preters, and mechanics. 'The population here and at Lit- tle Traverse bay together, has been estimated at 300.
La Salle township, Monroe county. Statistics as per cen- sus :- Population, 826 .- 4 saw mills ; 4,760 bushels wheat, 428 bushels rye, 4,230 bushels corn, 7,547 bushels oats, 2,545 bushels buckwheat; 155 lbs. flax ; 810 head neat stock, 200 horses, 392 sheep, 491 hogs.
Laughing-fish river, a considerable stream rising in the highlands in the interior of the Upper Peninsula, a few miles east of the Chocolate river, and north of Green Bay. Its waters are deep, and of a reddish color, and the shore sandy.
L'Aunce, a small settlement, trading post, and depot of the American fur company, on Grand island, on the south- western shore of Lake Superior, south-west of Kewyweenon Bay.
Lawrence township, Van Buren county, is comprised in township two south, of range fifteen west, and township three south, of ranges fifteen and sixteen west. Popula- tion, 202.
Lenawee township, Lenawee county, consists of township
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seven south, range three east ; watered by the South branch of the Raisin river, and containing a post office of the same name, that receives a mail twice a week. Statistics as per census :- Population, 1,151 .- 3 sawmills; 2 mer- chants ; 11,775 bushels wheat, 103 bushels rye, 16,952 bushels corn, 18,375 bushels oats, 846 bushels buckwheat ; 482 lbs. flax ; 943 head neat stock, 187 horses, 188 sheep, 1,367 hogs.
Lenox township, Macomb county, consists of township four north, range fourteen east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 234 .- 850 bushels wheat, 719 bushels corn, 556 bushels oats, 152 bushels buckwheat ; 3,500 lbs. pearl- ashes ; 146 head neat stock, 9 horses, 18 sheep, 177 hogs.
Leonidas township, St. Joseph county, is comprised in township five south, range nine west. Population, 374.
Leoni (or Grass Lake post office), Grass Lake township, in the eastern part of the county of Jackson, situated on the outlet of Grass lake, and on the route of the Detroit and St. Joseph rail-road, is a small, but flourishing settlement, and contains a flouring mill, 2 stores and a physician. Dis- tant 8 miles from Jackson, and 72 west Detroit.
Leoni township, Jackson county, is comprised in town- ship two south, range one east, and twenty-four sections in township three south, range one east, numbered from one to twenty-four, inclusive. Statistics as per census :- Popula- tion, 628 .- A grist mill, a saw mill ; 4,883 bushels wheat, 3,295 bushels corn, 3,266 bushels oats, 696 bushels buck- wheat; 300 lbs. flax; 450 head neat stock, 72 horses, 30 sheep, 532 hogs.
Leroy, a settlement in the township of Palmyra, and county of Lenawee, on the river Raisin-has a store and saw mill, and a flouring mill erecting. It is passed by the State road from Toledo to Adrian.
Leroy, a small village of perhaps 15 families, situated on the river Thread, Genesee county. It has a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a turning factory, and a grocery. It is one and a half miles from the village of Flint.
Les Grande Sables, elevated sand on Lake Superior.
Lexington township, St. Clair county, is comprised in townships and fractional townships eight, nine, and ten north, of ranges thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, and
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seventeen east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 205. It has six saw mills.
Liberty township, Jackson county, is comprised in town- ship four south, range one west.
Lima Centre, village and post office, Washtenaw county, and township of Lima, pleasantly situated on a branch of Mill creek. Here are a number of mechanics, a physician, 2 stores. The Territorial road from Ann Arbour to mouth of St. Joseph, passes through it. This place is quite thriving, and there are quantities of hydraulic power, that might be used to advantage, in the vicinity. The distance to Ann Arbour is estimated at 14 miles, and 52 miles to De- troit.
Lima township, Washtenaw county, consists of township two south, of range four east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 895 .- A saw mill, 2 merchants, 14,070 bushels wheat, 6,402 bushels corn, 21,293 bushels oats, 1,231 bushels buckwheat, 220 lbs. flax; 1,233 head neat stock, 145 horses, 978 sheep, 1,182 hogs.
Lisbon village and post office, London township, Monroe county, situated on the Saline river. It has a store, flour- ing mill, saw mill, shingle and lath factory, a lawyer, and a number of families. There is considerable hydraulic pow- er in the Saline river, near this village, and the fall at the village is said to be eight feet. Distant 19 miles from Monroe, and 50 south-west Detroit.
Litchfield township, Hillsdale county, is comprised in township five south, range four west. Statistics as per cen- sus :- Population, 314 .- A saw mill ; 7,982 bushels wheat, 2,408 bushels corn, 2,260 bushels oats, 276 bushels buck- wheat ; 120 lbs. flax; 303 head neat stock, 35 horses, 47 sheep, 375 hogs.
Livonia township, Wayne county, consists of township one south, range nine east. It is well watered by the Rouge, Collins' and Powers' creeks. Population, 1,076.
Little Raisin, a stream rising in Raisin township, Wash- tenaw county, flowing east into the county of Monroe, and emptying into the Raisin river at the village of Dundee.
Little St. Joseph river, a branch of the St. Joseph river of Maumee, rises in the western part of Hillsdale county, and flows south-east into the St. Joseph river, near the southern boundary of the county of Hillsdale. It waters
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the greater portion of the south-western part of Hillsdale county, and is said to be a good mill stream.
Little Bay de Noquet is located in the northern part of Green Bay, south-west of Great Bay de Noquet.
Little Fork of the Thorn Apple river, is more than 30 miles long, and rises in Ionia, flows into Barry and Kent counties, and empties into the Thorn Apple on the bound- ary line of Barry and Kent. There is some good land on this river, occasionally timber and openings, and some marshy prairie land.
Little Iron river, an inconsiderable stream, having its source in the Porcupine Mountains, west of the Ontonagon river. Its course is north, and it discharges into Lake Superior near the mouth of the Great Iron river.
Little Lake George, in St. Mary's strait, 6 miles below the falls.
Little Salmon Trout river, a trifling stream of the Up- per Peninsula, east of Grave Rods river. It empties into Lake Superior.
Little Traverse Bay is situated in the north-western part of the Peninsula. It has the best harbor north of Grand river and Saginaw Bay. It has good anchorage, and ves- sels may come within ten feet of the shore.
Little Rapids are in St. Mary's strait.
Livingston is a small village situated in the south-eastern part of the county of Livingston, on Woodruff creek, and near the Grand river turnpike. Here is a flouring mill, with 4 run of stone, a saw mill, and 2 stores. This is a flour- ishing and healthy village, and located in a fine region of country, and it is said to be on some of the most elevated land in the State. An abundance of hydraulic power is found here, and in the vicinity of it. Distant 15 miles from Howell, and 35 from Detroit.
Livingston, one of the recently laid out villages, situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, 12 miles north from St. Joseph, in the county' of Berrien. All of its importance consists in the fact, that there is a bed of iron ore in its vicinity, which is believed by those capable of judging, to be of good quality. It has not as yet been analyzed.
Lockport, (or Buck's post office,) a village recently laid out, situated opposite Three Rivers, on the east bank of the St. Joseph river, in the county of St. Joseph. There is a
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prospect of its becoming a place of some importance for manufacturing purposes. (See " Three Rivers.")
Lodi Plains, in the township of Lodi, Washtenaw county.
Lodi township, Washtenaw county, consists of township three south, of range five east. Statistics as per census :-- Population, 1,063 .- A saw mill, 17,236 bushels wheat, 9,252 bushels corn, 17,130 bushels oats, 519 bushels buck- wheat, 385 lbs. flax ; 955 head neat stock, 161 horses, 987 sheep, 1,859 hogs.
Logan township, Lenawee county, consists of townships five and six south, of range three east. It is watered by Beaver creek, and its northern branch. In the south-east corner of the township, is the village of Adrian. Statistics as per census :- Population, 1,962 .- 3 grist mills, 6 saw mills ; 2 merchants ; 19,265 bushels wheat, 40 bushels rye, 15,324 bushels corn, 17,624 bushels oats, 1,663 bushels buckwheat, 800 lbs. flax ; 1,153 head neat stock, 286 horses, 543 sheep, 1,673 hogs.
Lomond township, Lapeer county, is comprised in town- ships six and seven north, of range eleven east.
London township, Monroe county, consists of township five south, of range seven east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 456 .- A grist mill, 2 saw mills ; 1,447 bushels wheat, 4,443 bushels corn, 2,635 bushels oats, 478 bushels buckwheat, 325 lbs. flax ; 491 head neat stock, 33 horses, 21 sheep, 441 hogs.
Long Lake. This is a small body of water lying in the southern part of the county of Genesee, where it expands and meets the Shiawassee river on its southern border. It is about 3 miles in length, and may contain 1,200 acres.
Looking-glass river, (or Wabenasebee,) is a beautiful, clear stream of water, originating in a small lake in the southern border of Shiawassee county, flowing first north- erly, then westerly through Shiawassee and Clinton coun- ties, enters Ionia county, and discharges into the Grand river on its eastern shore. It is upwards of 70 miles long, and 40 yards wide, and can be ascended, by canoes, almost to its source. The country on this river for about 15 miles from its mouth, is first rate timbered land, but above, it is of an inferior quality, more open, and having occasionally tamarack swamps and wet prairies.
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Loss creek, a trifling stream in the western part of Clin- ton county, a branch of Stony creek.
Lowell, in the township of Blissfield, and county of Lena- wee, a village and post office, situated on the River Raisin. It is a new settlement, has a saw mill, and a few families. There is a flouring mill about erecting. It is to be passed by the Lake Erie and River Raisin rail-road. There is a considerable amount of water power at this place. Dis- tant 16 miles from Adrian, and 64 south-west Detroit.
Lower Saginaw, a village laid out in September, 1836, on the east bank of the Saginaw river, 17 miles below Sagi- naw city, 4} by way of the river, to its mouth. It is ex- pected to derive its principal importance from the fact of its being near the head of navigation for the larger vessels and boats of the lake, in certain stages of low water. The site of the village is on a bold shore, which rises from 8 to 15 feet above the surface of the water. It is now in its inci- pient state, and the actual improvements now made are tri- fling. There is in 'contemplation' of building, a wharf, ware- house, and a commodious hotel, besides several private dwel- lings. A post office has been established here. There is in this settlement, some 12 or 15 families. Distant from Detroit, by land, 117 miles. (See " Saginaw river.")
Lyndon township, Washtenaw county, is embraced in township one south, range three east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 361 .- 6,002 bushels wheat, 1,879 bushels corn, 3,665 bushels oats, 988 bushels buckwheat ; 150 lbs. flax ; 255 head neat stock, 32 horses, 17 sheep, 417 hogs.
Lyons. This is a village in Ionia county, regularly laid out on both sides of the Grand river, at the site of an ancient Indian village, (Chi-gau-mish-kene,) 1 mile above the junc- tion of the Maple river, with which it is to be connected by a canal, and at the head of steamboat navigation. It was commenced in the fall of '36. It has now 2 stores, several mechanics, 2 lawyers, and a physician. There is a fine hotel erected, and several elegant private dwellings, and between 20 and 30 more contracted to be built during the present season. The hydraulic advantages are important. It has been estimated by competent authority, that the head and fall in the Grand river here, is between 7 and 8 feet in the distance of half a mile, and that on the west side of the
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river, there are springs, issuing from a bluff, whose collect- ed waters fall a distance of 46 feet, with sufficient power to propel 4 run of stone. The river is boatable above the vil- lage, for batteaux and flat bottomed boats, as far as Jack- son. There is a State road from Pontiac, and one from Dexter, laid out, and terminating here. The location of the village is eligible, with about 700 acres of prairie land on the one hand, and on the other, a rolling country, with the richest soil. The elevated site of the village presents a varied and delightful scenery. It is 60 miles distant from the rapids of Grand river, and 100 from its mouth, 7 from Ionia, and 135 north-west Detroit.
Lyon township, Oakland county, consists of township one north, of range seven east. In the north-western part, it is well watered by Woodruff's creek and its branches. The village of Kensington lies on the northern border of the township. Population, 637.
Lyon Lake, a trifling body of water, lying south of the centre of the county of Calhoun. Its waters are drained by the Nottawasepee river.
Lyon Lake post office, Calhoun county, on the Marshall and Coldwater post route.
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Mackinac. (See Michillimacinac.)
Macomb post office, Macomb township, Macomb county, on the Mount Clemens and Lapeer post route.
Macomb township, Macomb county, is comprised in town- ship three north, ranges thirteen and fourteen east-water- ed by the Clinton river. Statistics as per census :- Popu- lation, 736 .- A grist mill, 3 saw mills, a carding machine, a cloth dressing shop; 4,384 bushels wheat, 433 bushels rye, 2,663 bushels corn, 2,893 bushels oats, 1,407 bushels buckwheat ; 657 lbs. flax ; 627 head neat stock, 163 horses, 420 sheep, 1,000 hogs; 1,181 yards woollen and cotton goods.
Macon township, Lenawee county, consists of township five south, range five east. It is watered by the Macon river. Statistics as per census :- Population, 1,111 .- A grist mill; 4 merchants; 8,636 bushels wheat, 285 bushels rye, 12,330 bushels corn, 12,332 bushels oats, 642 bushels buckwheat; 1,390 lbs. flax; 800 head neat cattle, 136 horses, 287 sheep, 1,162 hogs.
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Macon river has its origin and extent in the townships of Summerfield and Raisinville, in Monroe county, where it is formed by the North, Middle, and South branches of the same name ; and flowing south-easterly, discharges into the Raisin river, on the north side. This stream and its branches furnish an abundance of hydraulic power.
Macon river (Middle branch), is a small stream, rising in Saline township, Washtenaw county, and flowing south- easterly, passes through the north-east corner of the coun- ty of Lenawee, into Monroe county, where it enters the Ma- con river in Summerfield township.
Macon river (North branch), rises in Saline township, Washtenaw county, and passing diagonally through the north-west corner of the county of Monroe, enters the Ma- con river in Summerfield township.
Macon river (South branch), takes its rise in Tecumseh township, Lenawee county, and flows in an easterly course, into the county of Monroe, where it enters the Macon river, in Summerfield township.
Manchester village and post office, St. Clair county, situ- ated on the west bank of the St. Clair strait. It contains a church for methodists, a sub-collector's office, a steam saw mill, 2 stores, and a physician. The village is small, but does considerable business. Distant 14 miles from Palmer, and 45 north-east Detroit. (Its name has recently been altered to Algonac.)
Manchester township, Washtenaw county, consists of township four south, range three east. Statistics as per census :- Population, 805 .- A grist mill, 3 saw mills ; 6 merchants ; 8,797 bushels wheat, 5,258 bushels corn, 4,740 bushels oats ; 678 head neat stock, 82 horses, 74 sheep, 966 hogs.
Manito. (See Moncto Islands. )
Manitou, " a name written Man-i-teau by the French, and sometimes Mon-it-to by other authors," called Mon-e-to by the Indians, by whom it is applied to certain caves and masses of rocks, and islands, to designate them as the abode of either a good or a bad spirit. Moneto signifies " the resi- dence of a spirit," and it derives its origin entirely from the superstitious fancy of the Indians. The Moneto Isles in Lake Michigan, obtained this appellation front a circum- stance which it may not be uninteresting to relate. It
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is a well known fact, that, in savage warfare, the malig- nity of revenge prompts the Indian to satiate his passion only with the complete extermination of his adversary ; and innumerable have been the tribes, it is supposed, who, by this means, have sunk into oblivion. Tradition says, that, many years ago, two powerful tribes were engaged in war, the one inhabiting the Upper, and the other the Lower Pe- ninsula north of the Grand river. In one of these savage campaigns, a large party of the former made a sudden de- scent upon the southern tribe, and as they thought, de- stroyed the whole tribe. They then retired, on their return, to one of the islands here mentioned, where they encamped for the night. But their work of death had not been com- plete. Seven of the brave survivors emerged from their hiding places, followed their conquerors, silently attacked them in their sleep, in the hour of midnight, and such was the havoc, that few were left to tell the tale of disaster. Few awoke from their sleep, but fell by the bloody tomahawk, and those who escaped, surprised and unable to account for this mysterious and invisible enemy, concluded that it must have been the work of the evil spir- it, or Moneto -- and henceforth, these two islands passed by the name of Moneto (or what in English would be termed the Devil) Islands. The term seems to be used not by any one tribe, exclusively, but to be commonly understood and gen- erally applied, in the mythology of the various western Indian tribes.
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