USA > Michigan > Kent County > History and directory of Kent County, Michigan > Part 14
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
Rev. Mr. Barrigau, afterward Bishop of the Lake Superior region, also came as a missionary among the Indians, and a church building was commenced on the west side of the river-a small, framed structure. Mr. Campan wanted the build- ing on the east side, and eventually carried his point, hiring Barney Burton to move it across the river on the ice. Mr. Barrigau did not succeed to suit him, and did not remain long.
A saw mill was erected on Indian Creek, about just above Wonderly & Co.'s mammoth mill, some time during the same year.
In the fall of 1833, Mr. Slater kept a school on the west side of the river, and every morning sent an Indian across with a canoe for the white children on the other side.
Among the settlers of 1834, were Richard Godfroy, who set up a store to trade with the Indians, Robert Barr, Louis Morau, and Lovell Moore, Esq. The first marriage in Grand Rapids occurred in 1834. Mr. Barney Burton and Ilarriet Guild were the happy pair.
The first town meeting was held in 1834, (see history of Grand Rapids town- ship). It was held in the house of Joel Guild, and the whole number of voters was nine.
In the fall of 1834, Mr. Campau commenced a large frame building, which now exists as the upper two stories of the Rathbun House. During the year 1835, Edward Guild and Darius Winsor moved down the river from Ionia, and quite a large number of settlers arrived, among whom were Hon. Lucins Lyon. Jefferson Morrison, Antoine Campau, James Lyman, A. Hosford Smith, Demetrius Turner, William C. Godfroy, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Charles Shepard, and Julius C. Abel. Dr. Wilson was the first Doctor. He was furnished with a medicine case and a set of instruments by Louis Campan, and commenced practice among a population of abont 30 souls. Julius C. Abel was the pioneer lawyer, and grew rich out of the misunderstandings of the growing town. James Lyman and Jefferson Morri- son set up stores and commenced trading. In the same year, N. O. Sargeant purchased an interest with Lucins Lyon in the Kent Plat, and came on with a posse of men to dig a mill race. Judge Almy and wife came at the same time, with Mr. Sargeant. Among the men in his employ was Leonard G. Baxter. The entrance ot that number of men was an interesting and exciting event in the little town. The workmen came into the place with their shovels and picks on their shoulders, to the inspiriting notes of a bugle in the hands of one of their number -Crampton by name, now living in Ada-who afterward blew the same bugle on the first steamboat that ascended above the Rapids. Old Noonday thought they were enemies, and sent Mr. Campau an offer of assistance to expel the invaders.
About this time, Martin Ryerson, then a promising boy sixteen or seventeen
118
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
years old, came here as a clerk in the employ of Richard Godfroy. He has since become one of the leading lumbermen in Chicago, and is now traveling in Europe with his family. Among other young men who came here, and remained for some time, were Lyman and Horace Gray-the latter a Major in the Fourth Mich. Cav. during the Rebellion -- and Andrew Robbins. Rev. Andrew Vizoisky also came in 1835, and, for seventeen years, was pastor of the Catholic flock in this city. Mr. Vizoisky was a native of Hungary. Ile received his education at the Catholic in- stitutions of learning, in Austria, under the patronage of the Hungarian Chan- cery. From these sources he obtained that profound knowledge of ancient liter- ature, and of the history and doctrines of the Holy Catholic Church, which dis- tinguished him even in a Brotherhood of world wide reputation for erudition. IIe came to the United States in 1831. By the appointment of the Bishop of Detroit he officiated three years in St. Clair County. Thence, in 1835, he removed to the Grand River Mission. His ministry in Grand Rapids was marked by un- surpassed devotion, and the most gratifying success. No road was rough enough, and no weather inclement enoughi, to keep him from the post of duty. To the poor he brought relief ; to the sick, consolation ; and to the dying, the absolvatory promises of his office. He died January 2nd, 1852, at the age of sixty years : hav- ing lived to see a handsome stone church edifice erected on Monroe street, two years previous to his death, and filled with a numerons and prosperous congre- gation.
1836 witnessed the advent of a large number of new settlers, and the mania of speculation possessed the town. Lots were held at almost as high prices as they will bring to-day. If a man bought a piece of land for $100, he immediately set his price at $1.000, and confidently awaited a purchaser. The currency was in- flated, and " wild cat money " in abundance supported these fictitious values. Every man got largely in debt, and every man lived to rue the indiscretion, long and bitterly.
Among those who came in 1836, were Hon. John Ball, William A. Richmond. John W. Pierce, Philander Tracy, Ebenezer W. Barnes, Isaac Turner, A. B. Turner, George C. Nelson, James M. Nelson, Warren P. Mills, G orge Young, Robert Ililton, Billius Stocking, Abram Randall, William A. Richmond, Truman H. Lyon, William Haldane, Loren M. Page, Charles II. Taylor, Jacob Barnes, Wil- liam Morman, David Burnett, K. S. Pettibone, Asa Pratt, Samuel Howland, J. Mortimer Smith, Hezekiah Green, George Coggeshall, John J. Watson, George Martin. Myron Hinsdill, Stephen IFinsdill, Hiram Hinsdill, and Harry Eaton. Mr. Eaton, in 1840, was elected Sheriff of the county. His deathi occurred in 1859.
Roswell Britton, of Grandville, was the first Representative in the Sate Legis- lature from this section. His district comprised Kent, Ottawa, Clinton, and Ionia counties. The State Constitution had been adopted only the year before-1835. Major Britton was succeeded in 1837 by John Almy ; in 1838, by John Ball: in 1839, by Noble H. Finney ; and in 1840, by C. I. Walker.
Ilon. John Ball, who has contributed not a little to the growth and prosperity of the town, is a native of llebron, N. II., and afterward resided in Lansingburg and Troy, N. Y. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1820, and afterward practiced law in Troy. He came here as a land operator, and has since devoted
119
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
more of his time to real estate business than to law. He took A. D. Rathbone into partnership with him in 1840, who continued in that relation for about a year. In 1844 Solomon L. Withey became his partner, and the firm was known as Ball & Withey. Afterward George Martin became a partner, and the firm was Bail, Martin & Withey. Afterward it was Ball, Withey & Sargeant. It is now Ball & McKee.
Myron Hinsdill erected the National Hotel in 1836, and it soon after went into the hands of Canton Smith.
John W. Peirce, the pioneer dry goods man of Kent, came here with the late Judge Almy, and assisted that gentleman in surveying and platting that portion of the city now comprising so much thereof as lies under the bluffs. He erected the dwelling on Ottawa street in 1843, and resided therein until, within the last few weeks, (Oct. 15, 1870) he removed into his new and elegant residence, corner of Bronson and Kent streets-having occupied the old mansion for nearly twenty seven consecutive years. He is one of the gentlemen who had an abiding faith in Kent, and the Rapids in general, and by great and and unwearied perseverance has become comfortably off in this world's goods, and, by his enterprise, added many new buildings to this growing city. Mr. Peirce says that he counted all the frame buildings in Grand Rapids when he came, and there were just thirteen. His book store was the first one in the State, west of Detroit.
John J. Watson came from Detroit, and erected, in 1836, a very large store- house, about where the skating rink now stands. It was, in the course of time, moved up the river, and became a part of W. D. Foster's old wooden store.
George Martin, previously mentioned among the settlers of 1836, was a grad- uate of Middlebury College, Vt. He was for a number of years County and Cir- cuit Judge of this county, and, at the time of his death, was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan.
In 1836, Richard Godfroy built the first steamboat on Grand River, and called it the " Gov. Mason." The first boat, however, other than the batteaux of the traders, was a pole boat called the "Young Napoleon," constructed for Mr. Cam- pau by Lyman Gray.
The " Gov. Mason " was commanded by Captain Stoddard. It only had a short existence, being wrecked off the mouth of the Muskegon River in 1838. Captain Stoddard died a number of years ago, in Barry county.
We have mentioned Judge Almy as one of the pioneers of the place. His genial disposition, most corteous manners, and unbounded hospitality, added to a phy- sique at once commanding and noble, made him a representative gentleman in the early days. He was a civil engineer and practical surveyor, of eminence, and was in charge, in 1837-8, of the improvement of the Grand and Kalamazoo Rivers; was a member of the State Legislature, and one of the County Judges. He was also a lawyer by profession, but did not practice any after coming to Michigan. Few men, dying, have left behind them the reflection of a better spent life than John Almy's.
The late George Coggeshall emigrated, in 1836, to this place, from Wilming- ton, N. C., with his family, and invested his means in Kent. He erected the frame house, on the corner of Bridge and Kent streets, now occupied by the distinguished
120
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
Homeopathic physician, Dr. Charles Hempe!, and which has been somewhat modi- fied from its primitive appearance. Mr. Coggeshall was a man of many sterling qualities, and was a firm believer in the future of that once impassable quagmire, " Kent," which is now a part of the most populous ward in the city.
Among those who came here in 1837, were Israel V. Harris, Rev. James Ballard, Leonard Covell, G. M. McCray, William A. Tryon, L. R. Atwater, William I. Blakely, A. Dikeman, H. K. Rose, John F. Godfroy, Gaius S. Deane, Henry Dean, C. P. Calkins, James Scribner, and Col. Samuel F. Butler.
The first banking establishment was the Grand River Bank. established in 1847, Judge Almy being President, and Lucius Lyon, Cashier. It lasted a couple of years, and issued bills which were considered good, but finally succumbed to the hard times, and left its promises to pay, a dead loss in the hands of the holders.
Another bank, called " The People's Bank," was started during the same year, under the auspices of George Coggeshall, with Louis Campau for President, and Simeon Jolinson for Cashier. The institution failed to secure cash and nails enough to comply with the State Banking Law, and was soon wound up ; John Ball being appointed Receiver.
For several years succeeding 1837, this was a very " blue" place. Folks were terribly poor, and real estate was hardly worth the taxes. A good many French mechanics, who had been attracted here by the rapid growth of the town, were thrown out of employment, and left in disgust.
A little steamboat, called the "John Almy," was built in 1837, to run above the Rapids. It went up the river as far as the mouth of Flat River,-Crampton waking the echoes with his bugle,-but, alas ! sunk before it completed its trip, and rotted away in the bed of the river.
A. Dikeman opened the first watchmaker and jeweler's establishment, in 1837, on Monroe street. It was kept up by him until 1867, and since that time by his son, E. B. Dikeman, whose store is now on Canal street.
Among the settlers of 1838, we may mention W. D. Roberts, John T. Holmes, Esq., Amos Roberts, C. W. Taylor, Erastus Clark, J. T. Finney, and Solomon Withey and his sons, S. L., William, and Orison.
The Bridge Street House was built in 1837, and first kept by John Thompson ; subsequently, it was kept by Solomon Withey, who was succeeded by William A. Tryon and Truman H. Lyon-the last two still living in this city.
Amos Rathbun, Ira S. Hatch, Damon Hatch, W. M. Anderson, G. B. Rathbun, and F. D. Richmond, came in 1839. R. E. Butterworth, Heman Leonard, John W. Squier, and Silas Hall, came in 1842.
THE ROCHESTER OF MICHIGAN.
The following description of the place and its prospects appeared in the first newspaper ever printed in Grand Rapids, and was headed " The Rochester of Michigan." We quote it entire, as it appeared in the editorial columns of the Grand River Times, Tuesday, April 18, 1837 :
" Though young in its improvements, the site of this village has long been known, and esteemed for its natural advantages. It was here that the Indian traders long since made their grand depot. It was at this point that the mission-
121
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
ary herald established his institution of learning -- taught the forest child the beauties of civilization, and inestimable benefits of the Christian religion. This has been the choicest, dearest spot to the unfortunate Indian, and now is the pride of the white man. Like other villages of the west, its transition from the savage to a civilized state, has been as sudden as its prospects are now flattering.
Who would have believed, to have visited this place two years since, when it was only inhabited by a few families, most of whom were of French origin, a pco- ple so eminent for exploring the wilds and meandering rivers, that this place would now contain its twelve hundred inhabitants ? Who would have imagined that thus rapid would have been the improvement of this romantic place. The rapidity of its settlement is beyond the most visionary anticipation ; but its loca- tion, its advantages, and its clime, were sufficient to satify the observing mind, that nothing but the frown of Providence could blast its prospects !
The river upon which this town is situated is one of the most important and delightful to be found in the country-not important and beautiful alone for its clear, silver like water winding its way through a romantic valley of some hundred miles, but for its width and depth, its susceptibility for steam naviga- tion, and the immense hydraulic power afforded, at this point.
We feel deeply indebted to our Milwaukee friends for their lucid description of the advantages to be derived from a connection of the waters ot this river with those of Detroit, by canal or railroad. A canal is nearly completed around the rapids at this place, sufficiently large to admit boats to pass up and down, with but little detention. Several steamboats are now preparing to commence regular trips from Lyons, at the mouth of the Maple River, to this place, a distance of sixty miles ; and from this to Grand Haven, a distance of thirty-five or forty miles ; thence to Milwaukee and Chicago.
Thus the village of Grand Rapids, with a navigable stream-a water power of twenty-five feet fall-an abundance of crude building materials-stone of excel- lent quality-pine, oak, and other timber in immense quantities within its vicinity, can but flourish-can but be the Rochester of Michigan ! The basement story of an extensive mill, one hundred and sixty by forty feet, is now completed ; a part of the extensive machinery is soon to be put in operation. There are now several dry goods and grocery stores-some three or four public houses-one large church, erected, and soon to be finished in good style, upon the expense of a single individual, who commenced business a few year ago, by a small traffic with the Indians. Such is the encouragement to Western pioneers ! The village plat is upon the bold bank of a river, extending back upon an irregular plain, some eighty to a hundred rods, to rising bluffs, from the base and sides of which some of the most parc, crystal like fountains of water burst out in boiling springs, pouring forth streams that murmur over their pebbly bottoms, at once a delight to the eye and an invaluable luxury to the thirsty palate.
New England may surpass this place with her lofty mountains, but not with her greatest boast, purity aud clearness of water. Our soil is sandy and mostly dry. The town is delightful, whether you view it from the plain upon the banks of the river, or from the bluffs that overlook the whole surrounding country. To
16
122
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
ascend these bluffs you take a gradual rise to the height of a hundred feet, when the horizon only limits the extent of vision. The scenery to an admirer of beau- tiful landscape is truly picturesque and romantic. Back east of the town is seen a widespread plain of burr oak, at once easy to cultivate and inviting to the agri- culturist. Turning westward, especially at the setting of the sun, you behold the most enchanting prospect-the din of the ville below --- the broad sheet of water murmuring over the rapids-the sunbeams dancing upon its swift gliding ripples -the glassy river at last losing itselt in its distant meanderings, presents a scenery that awakes the most lively emotions. But the opposite shore, upon which you behold a rich, fertile plain, still claims no small amount of admiration. Near the bank of the river is seen the little, rude village of the more civilized Indians-their uncouth framed dwellings-their little churches, and moundlike burying places. The number and size of the mounds which mark the spot where lies the remains of the proud warrior, and the more humble of his untamed tribe, too plainly tell the endearment of that lovely plain to the native aborigines, and how quick the mind will follow the train of association to by-gone days, and con- trast these reflections with present appearances. Thus we see the scenes of savage life, quickly spread upon the broad canvass of the imagination-the proud chief- tain seated, and his tribe surrounding the council fires-the merry war dance- the wild amusements of the 'red man of the forest,' and as soon think of their present unhappy condition ; the bright flame of their lighted piles has been ex- tinguished, and with it has faded the keen, expressive brilliancy of the wild man's eye ! Their lovely Washtenang, upon which their light canoes have so long glided, is now almost deserted !
It is from this point, too, that you can see in the distance the evergreen tops of the lofty pine, waving in majesty above the sturdy oak, the beech, and maple, presenting to the eye a wild, undulating plain, with its thousand charms. Such is the location, the beanties, and the advantages of this youthful town. The citi- zens are of the most intelligent, enterprising and industrious character. Their buildings are large, tasty, and handsomely furnished-the clatter of mallet and chisel -- the clink of the hammer-the many newly raised and recently covered frames-and the few skeleton boats upon the wharves of the river, speak loudly for the enterprise of the place ! Mechanics of all kind find abundance of employ, and reap a rich reward for their labor. Village property advances in value, and the prospect of wealth is alike flattering to all ! What the result of such advan- tages and prospect will be, time alone must determine.
But a view of this place and its vicinity, where we find a rich and fertile soil, watered with the best of springs, and enjoying as we do a salubrious climate, a healthful atmosphere, and the choicest gifts of a benign Benefactor, would satisfy almost any one that this will soon be a bright star in the constellation of western villages. Such, gentle reader, is a faint description of the place from which our paper hails-from which we hope will emenate matter as pleasing and interest- ing as the town is beautiful and inviting."
A NOTED INDIAN CHIEF.
The following graphic sketch, from the pen of C. W. Eaton, we quote entire : " We have been told many good anecdotes of Meccissininni, the young chief of
123
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
the Grand River Indians, in an early day, by an old resident of this place. Mec cissininni was called the Young Chief, and old Black Skin the Old Chief; although Meccissininni was not a very young man, being 45; but, according to the custom of the Indians, a young brave that marries the Chief's daughter is made Chief, and called the Young Chief. He was an eloquent orator, a very proud, haughty Indian, and " wanted to be like his white brethren," as he often said. He always dressed like his white brethren, and you might often see him on a hot day in the summer carrying an umbrella, when there was no sign of rain- to keep from being tanned, probably.
He was one of the band of Chiefs that went with Louis Campan, Rix Robinson, and Rev. Mr. Slater to Washington to make a treaty relative to selling their lands on the west side of the river, which was consummated in 1835. While in Wash- ington, Gen. Jackson wished to make him a present of a good suit of clothes, and asked him what kind he would prefer. He said as General Jackson was Chief of his people, and he was Chief of the red men, he thought it would be appropriate if he had a suit like his. The General ordered the suit. It was a black frock . coat, black satin vest, black pantaloons, silk stockings, and pumps; but the best of the thing was, Gen. Jackson wore at that time a white bell-crowned hat, with a weed on it, being at the time in mourning for his wife. The unsuspecting Indian. not knowing that the weed was a badge of mourning, had one on his hat also, which pleased Gen. Jackson and his Cabinet not a little. He was much delighted with the warm receptions he received in the different cities on his return home.
After he returned, a council met to hear the nature of the treaty, where Meccis- sininni distinguished himself as an orator, in his portrayal of the treaty. They sold their lands, and the treaty provided for their removal west of the Mississippi, in a certain number of years; where lands were given them. Several of the Chiefs were opposed to the treaty; but Meccissininni was in favor of their re- moval, and made an eloquent speech in support of it. In his remarks he said that for his part he had rather remain here, and be buried where his forefathers were ; but, on his people's account, he had rather go west of the Mississippi, as his peo- ple would become debased by association with the pale faces.
In 1841 he was invited to a Fourth of July celebration. The dinner was served up near the present site of Ball's Foundry, where, after the oration, and refresh- ments, the cloth was removed and regular toasts drank. Meccissininni was called upon for a toast, and responded as follows :
" The pale faces and the red men-the former a great nation, and the latter a remnant of a great people ; may they ever meet in unity together, and celebrate this great day as a band of brothers."
Our narrator relates an incident which occurred while he was keeping a grocery and provision store on the west side, opposite the Barnard House, where the old ferry was located. Meccissininni said he wanted to get trusted for some provis- ions, and would pay at the next Indian payment. When he returned from the annual payment, he was asked to settle his bill. He told the provision vender that he must put it on paper, send it to his home, and he would pay it. He said he wished to do business like white people. So our friend made out his bill and
124
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF KENT COUNTY.
repaired to the Chief's house, and was ushered in with all the politeness imagin- able. He promptly paid the bill, and signified his wish to have it receipted. After showing him all his presents, and donning his suit which Gen. Jackson hail presented him, he brushed his hair back and imitated the walk of the General, taking long strides back and forth across the room ; and also mimicked that of the Vice President, Martin Van Buren, by stepping short and quick. Having passed an hour very pleasantly, he took his leave, with a polite invitation from Meccissininni to call again.
About the year 1843, he was attacked with a disease of the lungs, which, after a short illness, terminated his existence. at the age of fifty. He lived and died a professor of the Catholic faith, under the spiritual guidance of the late Rev. Mr. Vizoisky. He was followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of the citizens of Grand Rapids, together with his own tribe."
INDIAN MOUNDS.
The Indian burying ground on the west side, in the Fifth Ward, which the denizens of the village of Kent found in 1833, remained, with its rude enclosure, the wonder of all strangers, until about the year 1850, when it had gradually disappeared under the power of decay, and the avarice of man. In this mound- small portions of which yet remain-the sainted priest, Vizoisky, had consigned to their final rest the bones of many a converted Ottawa, who had been taught to sny his Pater Noster and Ave Maria, and perform his daily Matins in the tiny church, that for years was the spiritual home of that good and devoted Catholic priest.
BRIDGES.
The first bridge that spanned Grand River was a narrow foot bridge, built by James Scribner and Lovell Moore, in 1843. E. HI. Turner and James Scribner built the first wagon bridge in 1815. The first toll bridge, on Bridge street, was finished in 1852, and for the first year did not pay the expenses of running it. Now there are three in the city, all of which are fine, covered bridges, and pay large dividends. Pearl street bridge was completed in 1858, and Leonard street bridge in 1859. On the sixth day of April, 1858, Bridge street bridge took fire and was utterly destroyed. A foot bridge was at once commenced, and com- pleted by April 10th. During the interval between the destruction of the bridge and the completion of a new one, the steamer Nebraska ran back and forward as a ferryboat.
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.