USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > History of Detroit and Wayne County and early Michigan: A Chronological Cyclopedia of the Past and Present, Vol. II > Part 58
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1853. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, Jacob Stricker; Treasurer, L. Diegel; Justices of the Peace, John Greiner ; Highway Commissioner, A. Bucher ; School Inspector, D. Corbey ; Poor Di- rectors, C. Baehr, L. Trombley ; Constables, F. Trombley, J. Corbey, L. Allard, J. Edwards.
1854 Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby; Clerk, Jacob Stricker ; Treasurer, L. Diegel; Justice of the Peace, A. Gouin; Highway Commissioner, M. Klein ; School Inspector, A. A. Delmas ; Poor Di- rectors, G Laforge, Jr, J. Edwards ; Constables, S. Gitney, J Edwards, A Gouin, F. Campau.
1855. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, Jacob Stricker ; Treasurer, L. Diegel; Justice of the Peace, D. Corby; Highway Commissioner, S. Gitney ; School Inspector, R. M. Kerby ; Poor Directors, J. Edwards, L. Gouin ; Constables, J. Edwards, J. P. . Greiner, J. Kreck, M. Gouin.
1856. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, John Corby ; Treasurer, A. Diegel; Justices of the Peace, C. Chauvin, J. Adams; Highway Commis- sioner, F. Gouin ; School Inspector, A. Michie ; Poor Directors, J. Neff, J. Edwards ; Constables, J. Wertz, J. Edwards, J. Frich, L. Allard.
1857. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, John Corby : Treasurer, M. Gouin ; Justice of the Peace, A. A. Delmas ; Highway Commissioner, G. Sunder- land ; School Inspector, J. Stricker ; Constables, J. Edwards, N. Young, G. Laforge, A. Trombley.
of the Peace, F. Van Antwerp : Highway Commis- sioner, N. Young ; School Inspector, R. M. Kerby ; Poor Directors, E. Trombley, C. Trombley ; Con- stables, G I aforge, J. Edwards, L. Allard, N. Young.
1859. Supervisor, James Appling ; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin ; Treasurer, M. Gouin; Justices of the Peace, A. Michie, J. Corby ; School Inspectors, C. M. Cadieux, A. A. Delmas; Highway Commis- sioner, F. Gouin ; Poor Directors, C. Trombley, F. Juif ; Constables, J. Tuger, C. Winks G. Laforge, Jr., A. Trombley.
1860. Supervisor Rufus M. Kerby; Clerk, Jacob Stricker ; Treasurer, G. Laforge, Jr .; Justice of the Peace, A. A. Delmas ; School Inspector, C. M. Cadieux; Highway Commissioner, C. Trombley ; Poor Directors, D. Corby, J. Neff ; Constables, G. Sunderland, J. Tuger, J. Fuch, Jr , H. C. Barton
1861. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin; Treasurer, G Laforge, Jr .; Justice of the Peace, J. C. Pulcher ; School Inspec- tor, A. A Delmas; Highway Commissioner, J. P. Greiner ; Poor Directors, J. K. Neff, A. Bucher ; Constables, G. Springer, M. Herman, A. Moran, J. Fuch, Jr.
1862. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin ; Treasurer, F. Juif ; Justices of the Peace, G. Vernier, C. Wenks; School In- spector, R. Pulcher; Highway Commissioner, F. Gouin ; Poor Director, N. Benoit, A. Bucher ; Con- stables, W. Walter, J. Pulcher, J. Fuch, B Renan.
1863. Supervisor, John C. Pulcher; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin ; Treasurer, F. Juif ; Justice of the Peace, D. Corby ; Highway Commissioner, C. Trombley ; School Inspector, C. M. Cadieux ; Poor Directors, N. Benoit, C. Biehr; Constables, A. Vernier, J. Fuch, Jr., J. Schoenher, J. P. Greiner.
1864. Supervisor, John C. Pulcher; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin ; Treasurer, L. L. Allard ; Jus- tice of the Peace, R. H. Connor; School Inspector, R. Pulcher; Highway Commissioner, J. P. Greiner; Poor Directors, A Page, C. Baehr ; Constables, C. Baehr, M. Schoenher, J. Vandeurde, C. Fuch.
1865. Supervisor, John C Pulcher ; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin ; Treasurer, L. L. Allard ; Jus- tice of the Peace, J. Tugar; School Inspectors, C. M. Cadieux, D. Corby; Highway Commissioner, F. Gouin ; Poor Directors, F. R. Juif, E. R. John ; Constables, J. Van Dewile, G. Vernier, M. Schoen- her, C. Baehr.
1866. Supervisor, John C. Pulcher; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin ; Treasurer, E. Fournier ; Jus- tice of the Peace, A. Michie ; School Inspector, D. Trombley ; Highway Commissioner, C. Trombley ; Poor Directors, G. St. Aubin, S. Gitny; Constables, P. Schoenher, C. Vernier, J. Laduke, T. Haustine.
1858. Supervisor, Richard H. Connor; Clerk, Charles B. Chauvin; Treasurer, M. Gouin ; Justice ยท 1867. Supervisor, John C. Pulcher; Clerk,
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GROSSE POINTE TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS.
Charles Moran ; Treasurer, E. Fournier ; Justice of the Peace, D. Corby ; School Inspector, R. Pulcher ; Highway Commissioner, L. Peters ; Poor Directors, S. Gintry, T. Trombley ; Constables, L. Peters, Jr., F. Heinstein, J. Vernier, F. Ternes.
1868 Supervisor, John C. Pulcher ; Clerk, Charles Moran : Treasurer, J. Brangard ; Justice of the Peace, R. H. Connor; School Inspector, D. Trombley; Highway Commissioner, F. Trombley ; Poor Directors, W. Chauvin, C. Baehr; Constables, L. Peters, P. Alt, A. Moran, B. Reno.
1869. Supervisor, John C. Pulcher ; Clerk, Charles Moran ; Treasurer, J. Brangard ; Justice of the Peace, J. Dedenbaugh ; School Inspector, R. Pulcher ; Highway Commissioner, C. Trombley ; Poor Directors, W. Chauvin, F. Juif; Constables, P. Alt, J. Pechie, P. Reno, P. Chenear.
1870. Supervisor, John C. Pulcher; Clerk, Charles Moran ; Treasurer, H. Henstein ; Justice of the Peace, R. M. Kerby; School Inspector, C. M. Cadieux ; Highway Commissioner, X. Brangard ; Constables, F. H. Connor, M. Hardy, G. Lafarge, . P. Bakeman.
1871. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, David Trombley ; Treasurer, R. Moran ; Justice of the Peace, N. Juif ; School Inspector, L. Vernier ; High- way Commissioner, P. Girard ; Constables, C Van- ash, M. Hardy, C. Trombley, J. McCormick.
1872. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, David Trombley ; Treasurer, J. J. Girard ; Justice of the Peace, J. B. Gravier ; Drain Commissioner, J. Zugar; Highway Commissioners, A. Diegel, F. H. Connor, A. Vernier ; School Inspector, R. Pulcher; Con- stables, M. Hardy, C. Frech, M. Pifer, M. Girard.
1873. Supervisor, John Dedenbach ; Clerk, David Trombley ; Treasurer, V. L Vernier ; Jus- tice of the Peace, R. Lamb, G. Vernier; School Inspector, F. H. Connor ; Highway Commissioner, M. Girard; Drain Commissioner, P. Lamay ; Poor Directors, A. Grall, J. Vandervan ; Constables, J. Girard, M. Hardy, R. Trombley, R. Connor, Jr.
1874. Supervisor, Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, David Trombley; Treasurer, F. Trombley ; Justices of the Peace, G. Martin, L. L. Allard ; Highway Commis- sioner, F. H. Connor ; Drain Commissioner, P. La- may ; School Inspectors, L. Vernier, F. H. Connor ; Poor Directors, A. Groll, J. Vandervan ; Constables, P. Neff, C. Vernier, M. Hardy, P. Girard.
1875. Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, Francis H. Connor; Treasurer, X. Brangard ; Jus- tices of the Peace, M. Greiner, G. B. Chauvin ; Superintendent of Schools, R. Pulcher ; School In- spector, L. Vernier ; Drain Commissioner, R. H. Connor ; Highway Commissioner, R. M. Kerby ; Poor Directors, A. Paye, S. Young ; Constables, L. Allard, A. Gagnier, M. Hardy, J. Zugar.
The records from 1876 to 1880 cannot be found.
1880. Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, John F Kerby ; Treasurer, J. J. Alter ; Justice of the Peace, J. Gove ; Highway Commissioner, L. L. Al- lard ; Superintendent of Schools, W. J. Connor ; School Inspector, R. Pulcher ; Drain Commissioner, R. Trombley ; Constables, Charles S. Rivard, L. L. Allard, Jr., W. Chapoton, M. Ardie.
1881. Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, John F. Kerby; Treasurer, S. Young; Justice of the Peace, R. Lamb ; Highway Commissioner, W. Shen- hite ; School Inspector, L Vernier ; Superintendent of Schools, R. Pulcher ; Constables, L L. Allard, Jr., C. S. Rivard, W. Chapoton, G. Safferline.
1882. Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, John F. Kerby; Treasurer, S. Young ; Justice of the Peace, I. S. Smith; Highway Commissioner, W. Schonheit ; Drain Commissioner, R. Trombley ; School Inspector, R. Pulcher ; Constables, L. L. Allard, Jr., C. S. Rivard, J. Ackermann, Jr., G. Saf- ferline
1883. Supervisor, David Trombley; Clerk, Francis H. Connor ; Treasurer, J. Pishea; Justice of the Peace, M. Greiner ; Highway Commissioner, W. Schonheit ; School Inspector, L. Vernier ; Con- stables, L L. Allard Jr., C S. Rivard, H. Duby, M. Ardie.
18 Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, Francis H. Connor ; Treasurer, J. Pishea ; Justice of the Peace, J. Gore ; Highway Commissioner, W. Schonheit ; Drain Commissioner, L. Vernier; School Inspector, R. Pulcher ; Constables, C. S. Rivard, J. Neff, H. Duby, P. Greiner.
1885. Supervisor, David Trombley; Clerk, Daniel Walters ; Treasurer, J. Vernier; Justices of the Peace, R. Lamb, R. Trombley, P Gouin ; Highway Commissioner, J. G. Martin ; School Inspector, L. Vernier ; Constables, M. Ardie, H. Duby, J. Ver- nier, E. Trombley.
1886. Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, Daniel Walters ; Treasurer, J. Vernier ; Justice of the Peace, V. L. Vernier ; Highway Commissioner, J. P. Buck- ley ; Drain Commissioner, W. Micheau ; School Inspector, R. Pelcher; Constables, J. Vernier, E. Neff, H. Duby, J. Grant, Jr.
1887. Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, Dan- iel Walters; Treasurer, G. Seifferline; Justice of the Peace, A. Juif; Highway Commissioner, J. P. Buckley ; School Inspector, F. Fisher ; Constables E. Trombley, V. Watson, W. Diegel, A. Vernier.
1888. Supervisor, David Trombley; Clerk. George H. Kelley; Treasurer, G. Seifferline ; Justices of the Peace, R. Trombley, S. Young; Drain Commis- sioner, W. Micheau ; Highway Commissioner, J. P. Buckley; School Inspector, P. Pulcher ; Constables, E. Young, V. Watson, E. Trombley, C. R. John.
1889. Supervisor, David Trombley ; Clerk, George H. Kelley; Treasurer, A. E. Young ; Jus-
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GROSSE POINTE TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS.
tice of the Peace, R. Lamb; Highway Commis- sioner, J. Neff; School Inspector, F. Fisher ; Con- stables, J. Kelley, J. W. Vokes, E. Trombley, C. R. John.
1890. Supervisor, David Trombley; Clerk. G. M. Kelly; Treasurer, A. C. Young ; Justice of the Peace, V. L. Vernier ; Highway Commissioner, W. C. Diegel; Drain Commissioner, Wm. Mitchan; School Inspector, D. J. Walters ; Board of Review, D. J Fisher, C. Chauvin ; Constables, E. E. Young, C. Dubay, L. Goslin, C. R. John.
The township was the scene of a most terrrific slaughter during the war between the French and Indians in May, 1712. Driven from their attack on Detroit they made their way here, and at this place the French and their Indian allies slew nearly a thousand, and relics of the slaughter are occasion- ally exhumed.
The township was divided into two voting dis- tricts at a special meeting of the Town Board at the house of Dr. I. S. Smith on September 13, 1880. All living west and northwest of 100 rods of the Mack Road vote in district No. I, and all living east and northeast of 100 rods west and northwest of the Mack Road in district No. 2.
* The town hall, built in 1876, cost with the site about $2,000. It is located on private claim 128 on the Connor's Creek road. The annual report for the school year ending September 3, 1888 shows a total enrollment of 1,023 pupils with an average at- tendance of 528. There were five brick school houses, which cost $8,800, and three frame school houses, which cost $1,504, the total seating capacity being 506. The extensive grounds and buildings belonging to the Academy of the Sacred Heart are described in another portion of this work.
St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church.
The St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church dates back to the earliest French settlement. It was ori- ginally located about four miles north of the pres- ent building, but the gradual encroachments of the lake washed away the banks and undermined the church, which was then moved to its present site on the lake front, nine and a half miles north of De- troit. The present building was erected in 1848. For many years the Parish was a mission of the old St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the first permanent pastor being Father F. DeBroux, who came in 1856 and remained until 1881 ; he was followed by Father F. J. Van Antwerp and on May 4, 1885, he was succeeded by Father Matthew Meathe. Until the advent of Father Van Antwerp the entire services were held in the French language, but on his coming he began to put more and more Eng- lish into his work, until now the French is entirely abolished except by special request. The church
property consists of about five acres. On the lot next to the church a parsonage valued at $3,000 was built in 1883. The church seats 600 and is valued at $6,000. The parish includes 150 fami- lies and supports a parochial school with an average of 80 scholars, conducted by the ladies of the Sacred Heart in their Academy just north of the church.
Church of the Assumption.
The Roman Catholic parish of the Assumption dates from the year 1844. In that year about five acres on section 12 was obtained and a log church about 15x20 erected, and in the course of a year or two a frame addition 15x15 was built. Up to De- cember 25, 1850, mission services were held by the Redemptorist Fathers of Detroit and the very Rev. Peter Kinderkins. On that day the present pastor, Rev. Amandus Vandendriessche, celebrated his first mass, and on June 13, 1852, laid the corner stone of the present church, a large brick edifice 107x64, with a seating capacity of about 500. The parish includes about 140 families with an average congregation of 700. The church property has been increased to 14 acres, and the church has a parochial school with seats for 120. It is in charge of two sisters of the order of St. Dominic, and has an enrollment of 114, with an average attendance of 100.
A very unique feature in connection with the church is the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the cemetery of the parish. This is illustrated on page 543, and fully described on pages 544 and 545 of this work. The idea of erecting it was first con- ceived by Father Vandendriessche, about 30 years ago and on May 29, 1881, the corner stone of the present shrine was laid, and it has by degrees grown to its present beautiful proportions. Passing the church one enters a lane or driveway about 1000 feet in length, bordered on either side by tall evergreen trees forming an arch of solemnity, at the end of which is the shrine formed of massive cut stones, the names of the donors being carved upon each. The shrine is 21 feet in height and 16x24 inside, and is surmounted by a figure of the Virgin. The canopy contains the entire papal history, the sides the Litany of the Virgin. In the foreground is a fountain cross resting on a foundation of 33 irregularly cut stones, on which is engraved in as many different languages ; "Glory to the Triune God, Now and Forever."
St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran Church.
St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran Church. located on the Gratiot Road, on the border line be- tween Wayne and Macomb counties, was built in 1843. The pastors have been : 1843 to 1852, Rev.
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GROSSE POINTE TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS.
F. Herman ; 1852-1854, Rev. C. W. F. Haass ; 1854-1855, Rev. Chas. F. Soldan ; 1855-1862, Rev. Herman Mueller ; 1862-1864, Rev. Phillip Werhein ; 1864-1869, Rev. Chas. Bofinger ; 1869-1876, Rev. J. G. Emslin ; 1876- 1877, Rev. Krehbiel ; 1877-1886, Rev. H. Staebler ; 1886, Rev. H. Konse- koph.
The Protestant Evangelical Church Association.
The Protestant Evangelical Church Association of Grosse Pointe was organized on Sept. 7, 1865, and is designed to provide accommodations and re- ligious services for the members and attendants of Protestant Churches, who have summer residences at Grosse Pointe. A lot was given by Rufus M. Kerby, and the association erected a building in 1866, and about ten years later enlarged and im- proved it. There is no regular pastor, but services have been maintained with considerable regularity by members of various denominations.
The population of the township has been as fol- lows: In 1850, 1,392 ; 1860, 2,081 ; 1870, 2,230; 1880, 2,458. The valuation of the property in the township in the same decades was : In 1850, $68,- 874 ; 1860, $338,560 ; 1870, $375 194 ; 1880, $1,339,- 500. The great increase between 1870 and 1880 is owing to the erection between these years of a large number of costly summer residences on the border of Lake St. Clair, and these residences con- stitute the distinctive feature of the township, and form its largest attraction.
The pleasing custom which obtains in Europe, of giving a distinctive name to the family residence, is observed by the summer colonists at Grosse Pointe, and has given rise to some very euphonious designations, and the improvements and attractions in the way of residences, conservatories grottoes, boat houses, lawns, yachts and society that have been collected and created here, combined with the beauties of the lake make this region in some res- pects a rival of Newport, Nahant or Niagara. The fact that the water grows shallow as it nears the shore makes the beach peculiarly safe and favor- able for all purposes of recreation. The driveway to this region has always been notably pleasant and attractive, and is still the best and most enjoyable of any in the vicinity of Detroit, the roadway being kept in exceptionally good condition.
The most prominent stream in the township is Connor's Creek, formerly known as Tremble's Creek. It was originally named after J. L. Trem- ble, to whom new private claim 12 was confirmed, but was later named after Richard Connor, one of the earliest settlers in the township, who was also one of the original Moravian settlers of 1782, on lands a few miles north. Fox Creek is so named from the foxes that were often seen in its vicinity.
CONNOR'S CREEK P. O.
This settlement is located on what is known as the Fort Gratiot Road, and includes several hun- dred people.
GROSSE POINTE P. O.
There is a post office on the Lake Road known as Grosse Pointe, but there is no village plat on record. Village officers have been elected since 1881, and the following persons have served :
1881. President, Charles G. Moran ; Clerk, Wil- liam E. Moran ; Trustees, C. Fisher, A. Moran, F. Meyers, F Fisher; Treasurer, P Vanasche; Assessor, F. J. Watson; Street Commissioner, J. Vernier ; Constable, C. Vriden.
1882. President, Charles G. Moran; Clerk, William E. Moran ; Trustees, N. Bour, F. Billel, F. Fisher ; Treasurer, P. Vanasche; Assessor, R. Marten; Street Commissioner, J. Vernier; Con- stable, C. Vriden.
1883. President, Charles G. Moran; Clerk, Robert Marter; Trustees, C. Fisher, A. Bryis, A. Moran; Treasurer, P. Vanasche; Assessor, P. Vernier ; Street Commissioner, J. Vernier ; Con- stable, C. Vriden.
1884. President, James Moran; Clerk, Robert Marter ; Trustees, J. Teagan, F. Moran, F. Meyers ; Treasurer, P. Vanasche; Assessor, J. Vernier ; Street Commissioner, F. Fisher ; Constable, C. Vriden.
1885. President, James Moran; Clerk, Theo- dore F. Domeron ; Trustees, C. Fisher, A. Moran, C. Beyer; Treasurer, P. Vanasche; Assessor, J. Vernier ; Street Commissioner, F. Fisher; Con- stable, M. Frazier.
1886. President Rufus M. Kerby ; Clerk, Theo- dore F. Domeron ; Trustees, J. Teagan J. McLean, E. Beaupry ; Treasurer, P. Vanasche ; Assessor, A. Michie ; Street Commissioner, F. Fisher ; Constable, J. Kerby.
1887. President, Rufus M. Kerby; Clerk, Theodore F. Domeron; Trustees, C. Fisher, C. Beyer, A. Moran ; Treasurer, P. Vanasche ; Asses- sor, J. Kerby; Street Commissioner, F. Moran ; Constable, E. Tucker.
1888. President, Edmund Moran ; Clerk, Theo- dore F. Domeron ; Trustees, J. McLean, E. Beau- pry, J. Teagan ; Treasurer, P. Vanasche ; Assessor, J. Kerby ; Street Commissioner, F. Fisher ; Con- stable, E. Furtan.
1889. President, Edmund Moran ; Clerk, Theo- dore F. Domeron; Trustees, C. Fisher, C. Beyer, A. Moran, W. Schaffenburg ; Treasurer, P. Van- asche ; Assessor, J. Kerby ; Marshal, P. Moran; Street Commissioner, F. Fisher; Constable, A. Allor.
The census of 1880 gives the population of the settlement as 189.
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GROSSE POINTE TOWNSHIP-BIOGRAPHICAL.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
AMANDUS VANDENDRIESSCHE was born on March 1, 1825, in the large parish of Moor- slede, West Flanders, Belgium, and is the son of Peter and Barbara (Muylle) Vandendriessche, and is the sixth of a large family, consisting of eight sons and four daughters. His mother was a second cousin to the late Right Reverend P. P. Lefevere, who was at his death Bishop of the Diocese of De- troit. After Amandus had passed through the primary and graduated from the high school of his native place, he entered college in the neighbor- ing town of Roulers and there studied the classics.
He then began the study of theology in the semi- nary of St. Thomas, at the home of Bishop Lefe- vere. The latter, shortly before his consecration as Bishop, had paid a visit to his native place, and as he was leaving to return to America, he bade his young relative a farewell until they should meet in the next world, but the latter replied that he ex- pected to be in America within six years, and great was the Bishop's surprise and pleasure when just six years later Amandus entered his room one Satur- day afternoon after a long and tiresome journey upon a sailing vessel. He received his first orders in religion from Bishop Lefevere in old St. Anne's Church. Shortly after and just before Christmas of 1850, he was ordained by Bishop Lefevere as a priest, and was one of the first to be ordained in the new Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul. He was appointed to the mission at Connor's Creek, Wayne Couny, Michigan, and was conveyed to the field of his future labor upon a wood rack, which also carried his trunk containing all his earthly possessions.
When he reached the mission he found a little church partly frame and partly block situated in an almost complete wilderness. He determined to build a new church of brick, an undertaking most laborious on account of the difficulty of obtaining bricks and other material, the scarcity of architects, and the lack of other churches to imitate. When the plans, showing a substantial, and for those days commodious structure were presented to Bishop Lefevere, he was surprised and declared that the congregation could never build such a church. But nothing daunted, Father Vandendriessche pushed the church with that energy which has characterized his whole career, and on the following Christmas morning celebrated mass in the new edifice. It was his custom in those days to go on Sundays at regular intervals to the more remote parts of his parish, and hold services at the house of some of his congregation, and the people for miles around would attend. Frequently he was
called to the bedside of dying parishioners and would have to travel many miles through very rough and wild localities. This he did cheerfully, and he had the satisfaction of seeing his efforts bear fruit. His parish, though comparatively small, has trained and given to the priesthood seven young men, and several young ladies have entered the different religious orders for women. Of late years he has given his attention to the erection of the now well known Grotto. This is situated at a short distance back of the church and is a large arched recess built of massive blocks of stone. Within is an 'altar at which divine services may be held. Directly in front is a fountain surrounded by large boulders. The grounds which are natur- ally beautiful have been improved under his careful supervision. Long avenues shaded and arched by evergreen trees lead up to the Grotto from differ- ent directions. A few rods distant from the main avenue and near the church, stands the little church in which he held services on his arrival at Connor's Creek, and which has been converted in a repre- sentation of the stable of Bethlehem, in which the Savior was born. On all sides are evidences of Father Vandendriessche's industry, and when he has made the different improvements and additions that he contemplates the Grotto will not only be a source of edification to many Christian-minded people, and also a monument of his zeal and de- votion to the sacred cause of religion.
Besides performing the regular parochial duties, he has many missions and has been obliged on ac- count of the diversity of his hearers to give sermons in English, French and German.
His life has been one of great activity owing to the constant demands made upon him by his congregation, which is spread over a large territory.
Of a kind and benevolent disposition, he promptly extends a helping hand to those in need of assist- ance. Extremely simple in his habits, he lives in a frugal and unostentatious manner, and finds his recreation and pleasure doing deeds of goodness. Although for forty years he has fulfilled the ex- tremely trying and arduous duties of his priestly office, he is still hale and vigorous; and shows but slightly the advances of time.
His brother Charles, was also a priest, of the Jesuit order, and at the time of his death in March, 1885, was pastor of St. Xavier's Church, Cin- cinnati.
Another brother, Louis, is pastor of the church at Lansing, Michigan. His sister Julia, was at her death Superioress of the Convent of St. Clare in the old city of Ypres, Belgium.
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HAMTRAMCK TOWNSHIP -- ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS.
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