History of Cass county, Michigan, Part 81

Author: Waterman, Watkins & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Waterman, Watkins & co.
Number of Pages: 670

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The Pottawatomie Indians, who inhabited this re- gion, by a treaty made in 1828 surrendered their right

except a reservation in Berrien County, west of the St. Joseph River, containing approximately forty nine square miles. This reservation was also ceded to the United States by a treaty concluded at Chicago upon the 27th of September, 1833, and the Indians fur- thermore agreed to remove three years later from the ceded lands to a reservation in Kansas .* The Chief, Paul (or Leopold)} Pokagon, only consented to sign the treaty on condition that he and the members of his band, numbering some three hundred and fifty souls at that time, it is said, should be exempted from removal to the West. Pokagon was a devout Catholic, and nearly all of the Indians in his band were con- verts and warmly attached to the church. Their op- position to the stipulation requiring removal arose almost entirely from an apprehension that, should they become residents of the far western country re- served for the tribe by the Government, they would lose the comforts and benefits of their religion. The treaty of 1833 was essentially a treaty of purchase. Pokagon and his followers received as their share of the remuneration for the relinquishment of the Ber- rien County tract about $2,000.

With this money the chief purchased, January 31, 1837 (and at earlier dates), lands in Silver Creek around Long Lake, aggregating over seven hundred acres, forty acres of which were deeded to the Bishop for church purposes. On this tract, the church edifice now stands.

In the fall of this year, the Indians settled here to the number of about 250, and having constructed their bark wigwams and log houses they, in 1838, built a church of hewn logs, 20x30 feet, on the north bank of, and facing Long Lake. The roof was con- structed of shakes, it was destitute of a floor, and the seats consisted of benches made of split and hewn logs. In this rude structure, religious services were held for five or six years. The first priest who vis- ited them was Father De Salle, who came from Notre Dame in response to a sick call.

They were accustomed to go to Notre Dame to celebrate Easter and other important festivals. Their spiritual wants were administered to by various priests from this place until they were given a stationary priest in 1844. Rev. Th. Marivault was the first one who was stationed here.

A school had been established in 1843, which was conducted by Brother Joseph, and when Father Mari- vault was stationed here, the Sisters taught the school for five years from 1845. The Indians supported this

* See the second chapter en Indian History, in this volume, also chapter ou Lands.

+ Paul was undoubtedly the Christian ur baptismal name of Pokagou, but wberever the name of the chief appears in legal records it la written Leupold Pokagon,

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

school from annuities received from the Govern- ment.

In 1847, Rey. L. Baroux assumed the pastorate, and immediately set about remodeling and improving the church, which was now for the first time supplied with pews, the Indians bearing the entire expense.

The Church was blessed, January 2+, 1847, by Very Rev. Edward Sorin, Father Superior, assisted by Father Th. Marivault.

Not long after this the Irish, now so numerous, at- tracted by the church, began settling in this township, and being devout Catholics, have ever since assisted very materially in the support of the Gospel.

While Chief Pokagon, who died July 8, 1840, was living, his people were united and happy; but having deceased before dividing the land among the families of his tribe, the entire estate was claimed by his heirs, so that in 1849 and 1850, the entire tribe, with the exception of ten families, under the lead of William Sin-go-wahl, moved to Rush Lake, in this State, where they built another church.

In 1852, Father L. Baroux went to the East In- dies, and was succeeded by Father Fourmont, and he by Father Labell, of Kalamazoo, who made a few visits in 1854. In 1855, Father John De Neve com- menced attending the mission from Niles, and he as- sisted in maturing the plans of Augustine J. Topash for the construction of a new church edifice, which was completed in 1858.

In February, 1859, Father L. Baroux returned from the East Indies, enlarged the upright of the church and added two wings, and the new church was blessed by Bishop Pet. P. Lefevre, D. D., of Detroit, September 29, 1861.

Father Baroux having severed his connection with the church, October, 1870, he was succeeded by Father Richard 'Sweeney, in December of this year, and he was'in turn succeeded by Father James Hebert, in October, 1873, and he by the present pas- tor, Father Christopher J. Roeper, January 15, 1875.

Owing to the numerous changes in priests, which was occasioned by its being an undesirable charge, on account of its location in the country, the church had retrograded instead of progressed, and the build- ings were in a dilapidated condition when Father Roeper took charge; but being possessed of great Christian zeal and almost boundless ambition to do good in the Master's vineyard, he has succeeded in advancing all the interests of the church, and in placing it in an enviable position among the other churches. In 1876, he added to the church a sacristy, and in the summer 1879 completed the work of res- toration ; late in the fall it was frescoed, then in 1880 a grand altar was procured, and in 1881 new

pews were put in, expending in so doing some $2,200. The society now numbers forty-five white and five In- dian families. On another page will be found a fine view of the church and grounds. The first baptisms, marriages, etc., were recorded in Notre Dame, and not until January 4, 1845, was the first baptism re- corded by Father Th. Marivault, an Indian maiden, Mary Ta-con-enbi then receiving this sacrament. In April, 1844, Joseph Ni-sik-ta was united in marriage to Nancy Cau-sha-wah, and this is the first marriage recorded here.

Father Roeper, the present priest, was born in Belecke, Prussia, March 14, 1838, and pursued a course of study in the Gymnasium at Cologne before coming to this country in July, 1868.

Having studied philosophy in Milwaukee, and the- ology in Mount St. Mary's Seminary, in Cincinnati, he was, after being ordained, sent to the mission of Silver Creek. In addition, he administers to the spiritual necessities of the Church of the Holy Maternity, in Dowagiac, which was built in 1872, and dedicated by Bishop C. H. Borgess, D. D., of Detroit, August 30, 1876. Father John Cappon, of Niles, was the first priest, and was succeeded by Father Roeper, January, 1877. The church has a membership of fifty, including two Indian families.

SILVER CREEK M. E. CHURCH.

Our readers are indebted to W. M. Frost for the following facts in regard to the early history of Methodism in Silver Creek :

The first society was organized in the year 1843, with the following members: Leroy L. Curtis and wife, Erastus Stark and wife and Delonson Curtis and wife. Leroy L. Curtis was leader of the class. In 1844, Rev. David Whitlock preached to the society, meetings being held at the home of Leroy L. Curtis. The second pastor was the Rev. Mr. Jones, who came in the year 1845. In 1846, there were two preachers in the work-Rev. Caleb Erkonbrach and Campbell. Meetings were held at the log schoolhouse at Indian Lake for several years. The society has prospered and now has a comfortable church and a flourishing Sabbath school.

THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST.

This society was organized in 1861, with the fol- lowing members :

J. F. Swisher, Millie Swisher, David Dewey, Anna Dewey, Betsey Dewey, William Pray, Mrs. William Pray, Henry Moore and wife, Alva Tuttle and wife, Andrew Barnhart and wife, Elias B. God- frey and wife, Avery Smith and wife, Henry Keeler and wife, Horace Grinnell and wife.

HORATIO W. RIDER.

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

Rev. Henry B. Jackson was the first pastor. He commenced his pastoral duties in 1861. His suc- cessors have been : J. H. Reese, William Lane, J. B. Jackson, J. H. Reese, M. B. Rawson, H. F. Mor- rison and Levi Dewey.

The present church edifice was erected in 1865, at a cost of $2,980.

The following comprise the principal township officers up to 1881 :

SUPERVISORS.

Timothy Treat, 1837; P. B. Dunning, 1838; County Commissioners, 1839, 1840, 1841; John Woolman, Jr., 1842; John Woolman, Jr., 1843 ; John G. A. Barney, 1844; John G. A. Barney, 1845; Daniel Blish, from 1846 to 1853, inclusive ; B. W. Schermerhorn, 1854-56 ; Gilman C. Jones, 1857-58; B. W. Schermerhorn, 1859-60; Justus Gage, 1861; Daniel Blish, 1862; Daniel Blish, 1863; B. W. Schermerhorn, 1864; Gilman C. Jones, 1865; William M. Frost, 1866; William M. Frost, 1867; William K. Palmer, from 1868 to 1872, inclusive ; Gilbert Conkling, 1873; Arthur Smith, 1874; Arthur Smith, 1875; Arthur Smith, 1876; William M. Frost, 1877; Adam Suits, 1878; William M. Frost, 1879; William M. Frost, 1880; William M. Frost, 1881.

TREASURERS.

Benjamin Dunning, 1837; John Barney, 1838; Benjamin Dunning, 1839; H. Sillick, 1842; John C. Herrington, 1843; W. W. Barney, 1844; W. W. Barney, 1845; W. W. Barney, 1846; Eli W. Veach, 1847; Eli W. Veach, 1848; Eli W. Veach, 1849; Patrick Hamilton, 1850; Patrick Hamilton, 1851; Daniel W. Heazlit, 1852; D. M. Heazlit, 1853; E. H. Foster, 1854; I. S. Becraft, 1855; B. F. Bell, 1856; William Fowler, 1857; Nathan Dewey, 1858; L. R. Brown, 1859; L. R. Brown, 1860; M. Cory, 1861; M. Cory, 1862; R. Watson, 1863; R. Wat- son, 1864; R. Watson, 1865; T. T. Stebbins, 1866 ; M. Michael, 1867; T. T. Stebbins, 1868; D. Hen- derson, 1869; J. D. Taylor, 1870; H. Michael, 1871; Myron Stark, 1872; Myron Stark, 1873; D. McOmber, 1874; Enoch Jessup, 1875, 1876, 1877; C. Curran, 1878 ; George W. Welch, 1879; George W. Welch, 1880; Gaylord Cory, 1881.

CLERKS.

1837-40, James Allen ; 1841, John Woolman, Jr .; 1842-43, James Allen ; 1844, E. W. Veach ; 1845, James Allen ; 1846-48, J. C. Herrington ; 1849, E. W. Veach; 1850-51, J. C. Herrington ; 1852, M. Bird; 1853, Eli W. Beach ; 1854, William D. McCool; 1855, William Arbour; 1856-57, A. Harwood; 1858, N. B. Hollister ; 1859-60, H. Mi-

chael; 1861-63, H. C. Jones ; 1864-65, H. Mi- chael ; 1866-69, J. D. Taylor; 1870, H. Michael ; 1871, B. L. Dewey ; 1872, H. Michael ; 1873, E. E. Armstrong ; 1874, E. L. Jones; 1875, Henry Mi- chael ; 1876, George W. Andrews; 1877-78, M. H. Daly ; 1879, A. Knapp; 1880, John M. Frost : 1881, William Bunsbury.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HORATIO W. RIDER,

the subject of this biography, is spoken of by those who knew him intimately, as a man who in many ways connected himself with the important interests of Silver Creek, and who left his name indelibly stamped on its history. He was born in Waitesfield, Vt., January 10, 1821, of which place his grand- father, Phenias Rider, was one of the pioneers. But little is known of his history further than that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and subse- quently a captain of militia. His son, Horatio Rider, father of Horatio W., was a native of Waites- field, where he was born in September of 1792. He married Emily Joslin and reared a family of four children, Horatio W. being the youngest. In the war of 1812, he served as an officer in a regiment of Ver- mont volunteers. In 1836, he removed to Essex, Essex County, N. Y., with his family, where he re- sided until he removed to Michigan in 1849; he was an exemplary man in all respects, a consistent Christian and a prominent member of the Congrega- tional Church of Keeler ; he died in Wayne, April 3, 1877, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Horatio W. spent his boyhood days in his native town; his father was a man in medium circumstances, a farmer and carpenter, but appreciating the value of an edu- cation, assisted his son in obtaining an academical education, which he made practically useful to him- self and others by teaching; his interests were con- nected with those of his father, and he came to Michi- gan at the same time, settling in Silver Creek, on the farm where he resided until his death, which oc- curred September 13, 1876. In 1851, Mr. Rider was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of Joseph B. and Emma (Morse) Amiden, who had a family of ten children, four of whom attained maturity. She was born in Bennington, Vt., May 12, 1829, and came to Michigan immediately after her marriage, where she has since resided; her father emigrated to Minnesota in 1859, and from there to Dakota, where he and a son William were massacred by the Indians at Sioux Falls. Mr and Mrs. Rider reared a family

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of two children-Chloe, now Mrs. Andrew B. Holmes, of Silver Creek, and Rosa B., wife of Clem- ent J. Strang, of Andover, Mass. This biography would not be complete without special mention of Mrs. Rider, who in many respects was the counter- part of her husband in all that pertains to true nobil- ity of character; she was a worthy wife, a devoted mother and friend, and is highly esteemed by all who knew her for her many estimable traits of character.

CHAPTER XXXV.

JEFFERSON.

Erection of Township-Water-Courses and Lakes-First Settlement- Economy of Pioneers-Pioneer Hospitality-Original Land En- tries-Initial Events-Dailey-Schools-Manufactures-Religious Societies-Civil List-Biographical.

W HEN Cass County was erected by an act of the Territorial government approved November 5, 1829, the township of Jefferson was included in the north half in the township of Penn, and the south half in the township of Ontwa. It formed a part of these townships until 1833, when by an act of the territo- rial government, approved the 29th of that year, the present township of Jefferson was erected, the en- acting clause reading as follows: "That all that part of the county of Cass known and distinguished as Township 7 south of the base line, and in Range 15 west of the principal meridian, compose a township by the name of Jefferson ; and that the first township meeting be held at the house of Moses Reams in said township."

The legal boundaries of this township, as created by law, is La Grange on the north, Ontwa on the south, and Calvin and Howard on the east and west respectively. The surface of the township is consid- erably diversified, being in places quite level, and in others rolling and hilly, although nowhere does the land rise to any considerable height. The south and eastern portions are quite level ; while north and west of the lakes, which are found nearly in the center of the township, the surface is, as mentioned, quite roll- ing, and the soil quite sandy ; not so much so, how- ever, as not to be quite productive. The soil through- out the greater portion of the township is sandy, but there also can be found considerable black loam, this being especially true in Section 28; and it was cul- tivated in places by the Indians. Upon these fertile fields were found excellent specimens of the famous garden-beds of Southwestern Michigan, but of these no trace can now be discerned, they having long since been entirely obliterated by the plowman.

There are no streams of any considerable impor-

tance that bardly more than touch the township; the Christiana Creek being the only one, this passing through a small portion of Sections 25 and 36, and has been utilized by various manufacturers in years gone by, that of milling being the only one now pursued. But numerous lakes dot the surface, from which, with springs, wells, and the use of modern wind-mills, ample supplies of water are obtained. Painter's Lake, found in Section 36, was so named in honor of Joseph Painter, one of the pioneers who figured quite prominently in the affairs of the township in days long since gone by, as well as being an important factor in its agricultural and manufacturing enterprises.

- Goose Lake, or lakes, there being in reality, two lakes joined together by a very small neck, located in Sections 15 and 16, is supposed to have received its name from the fact that thousands of wild geese fre- quented its waters when they quacked, dived, and swam to their heart's content until disturbed by the pioneers, who made many an excellent meal upon them. Crooked and Pine Lakes were named respectively. the first from its meandering contour, and the second from trees of that name upon an island in the lake. An early settler named Gray gave his name to a small lake in Sections 20 and 21, while others of less magnitude are not honored with a name.

In 1827, before any settlements were made in the township, the boundary lines were surveyed by Will- iam Brookfield, D. S., and in the year following, 1828, he surveyed the subdivisions, they being completed on the 11th day of July. Thus were the preliminary arrangements made for the advent of settlers, and they were not slow to avail themselves of it.

FIRST SETTLEMENTS.

The early autumn sun of 1828 dawned upon the broad acres of openings and timbered land in this township, and found it bedecked in all its pristine glory and natural loveliness. The foliage began to assume those handsome tints, so prized by lovers of the beautiful, and all presented a most enchanting and attractive scene. The smoke could be seen ascending from the wigwam of a few solitary Indian families who, with the wild beasts and birds of the forest, were its only occupants.

Tis true Young's, Pokagon and Beardsley's Prairies had several occupants, while in La Grange and Ontwa could be found the adventurous pioneer, but as yet, the smoke from the first settler's log cabin offered no landmark to him who, in search of adventageous loca- tions, chanced to cross this fertile section.

Following the natural course of events, however, such a condition of affairs could not long exist, for the tide of emigration which had set toward this county

NATHAN ROBINSON.

MRS . NATHAN ROBINSON .

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

could not be stayed, and accordingly, October of this year, 1828, saw four families established as first comers in what is now a thickly-settled and very productive region.

John Reed, who had, previous to this time, located on Young's Prairie, wrote back to his brothers-in-law, Abner Tharp and Nathan Norton-John Reed and Norton having married sisters of Abner Tharp-set- ting forth in glowing language the beauties and pro- ductiveness of this Western country, so that they were induced to come here to better their fortunes and grow up with the country, although, in their wildest moments, they did not imagine the wonderful trans- formations in the county and changes in inhabitants that would be wrought within their lifetime. In early October, 1828, could have been seen, in Jeffer- son Township, Logan County, Ohio, four families busily engaged in packing into cloth-covered lumber wagons. their entire household effects, with provisions enough to last them for a journey of many days toward the setting sun. The names of the heads of these families were Nathan Norton, Abner Tharp, Moses Reams and William Reams and their destina- tion, Cass County, Mich. Having gotten everything in readiness, a last long farewell look was given to familiar places, and tearful good-byes spoken to loved friends, and then the adventurous spirits started on their western journey, the men driving the cows and several swine. As a whole, the journey was quite pleasant, for there was no lack of companionship, and the weather was propitious. Having reached Elkhart, Ind., they stopped a few days with a friend, and while. there were subjected to quite a fright, although nothing serious resulted. A hasty prairie fire came sweeping onward, and soon the cabin where the women were, and near which were standing their wagons, became enveloped in flames. One of the women, became so frightened that, seizing a gun, she ran out on a tree that had fallen into the river, where she was found convulsively grasping the gun and a friendly limb. Fortunately, no serious damage was done their household goods, but their stock scattered to the woods. and it required some search to find them again. The attractions of that locality were lost upon them after this occurrence, and they hastened on their journey to their destination.

Passing through Edwardsburg, they there found two families only, Thomas H. Edwards and Mr. Beardsley, the latter living on the same place now occupied by Dr. Sweetland. They took a westerly course through Jefferson, crossed Beardsley's Prairie, and thence bore eastward to Young's Prairie, where they were heartily received and welcomed by John Reed, who was expecting them. They only remained here a few

days to recuperate, and then made their way south of Diamond Lake, where they proceeded to erect their cabins and make preparation for the winter months. Then and there was erected the first habitation of a a white man in the township. These cabins were very primitive affairs, and viewed in the light of modern structures, would be considered simply unin- habitable. They were constructed of unhewed logs, ranged one above the other, with notches in the corners into which they interlocked, thus forming a solid wall on three sides, the front being open, and across which was hung a quilt in lieu of boards and a door. The earth formed the only floor of which the cabins could boast, while the roof was constructed of poles, over which was piled sods and earth, through the center of which was left an opening for the smoke to ascend. No bedstead graced the cabin ; a pile of hay in one corner, over which was laid coverlets, an- swering the purpose until nearly spring, when Labin Tharp, our informant, said his father, Abner, bored some holes into the logs, into which were driven poles, which were supported at the other end by upright stakes driven into the ground. This pioneer bedstead was used by his parents, the children occupying the place before described. When it was necessary to replenish the fire, huge logs were cut and drawn into the cabin with a horse, the ends being raised from the ground by logs placed crosswise. Once firing up lasted two or three days, and if the wind was in such direction as to blow the smoke to one side instead of its ascending upward, they shifted co the other side of the room. A bake kettle did service on all occa- sions, and was an indispensable article in the prepara- tion of food for the family. Two of these " half- faced shanties," as they were called, were built facing each other, with only a small space intervening, so that if neighbors were few, they had one within easy call. The stock was supplied with hay cnt from the marsh land near Diamond Lake, and were protected from the inclemency of the weather by rail pens, covered with hay. While en route, their hogs strayed away and were lost, and some of them were not recovered for two years, consequently pork was a scarce article, but the woods and plains abounded in deer, which supplied plenty of fresh meat. Laben Tharp speaks of these as " happy times," and says he never enjoyed life more than at this period.

In the spring, Abner Tharp went into the Township of Calvin, where he erected a shanty and plowed ten acres, which he planted to corn with some potatoes. This was the first settlement in Calvin and the first ground cultivated there. They made this change so as to be near water, of which there was a scarcity where they settled in Section 1, Jefferson. The first

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

spring they went to Pokagon and purchased of two old bachelors, named Duckett and Davis, a quantity of corn, which was shelled by pounding it in a wooden trough. This they took to Paine's mill, below Niles, where it was ground together with some wheat they procured on the way. The flour they thus obtained had all to be sifted through a hand-sieve, the mill not being provided with machinery to do this part of the work. This was their home until 1830, when they sold out to a man named Charles, and with the pro- ceeds entered eighty acres of land in Section 27, Jefferson ; this was in turn disposed of, and with the money thus obtained he entered two hundred acres in Section 23. After a time, he embraced a good oppor- tunity to dispose of this, and returned to Ohio, and from there went to Illinois, but the attractions of Michigan proved too strong for him, and he returned and settled in Brownsville, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1869. They were blessed with eight children, three of whom were girls; they are all dead except Nathan, who is in Colorado ; Nichodemas, in the Indian Territory, and Laben, who lives on Section 23. William Reams, familiarly known as "Uncle Billy," one of the original four men who first settled in this township is still alive and a resident of Section 10, where he lives in humble quietude, envying no one and envied by none. He never knew ambition for wealth or distinction and evidently believes that " sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," for he is evidently blessed with a con- tented mind. His seventy-four years bear lightly upon his shoulders, and many more are probably in store for him.

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History of Cass county, Michigan, Part 81

Author: Waterman, Watkins & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, Waterman, Watkins & co. Number of Pages: 670

Author: Waterman, Watkins & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Waterman, Watkins & co.
Number of Pages: 670