USA > Michigan > Macomb County > History of Macomb County, Michigan > Part 23
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
watomies and Wyandots, was effectual in allaying excitement and in conferring a spirit of confidence on the settlers.
The war against the British, declared by Congress, June 18, 1812, was unfor- tunate for the Northwest in many respects, as there nothing was in readiness to meet the well-organized British troops. All this resulted in the scandalous, if not treacherous, surrender of Hull. General Harrison's command eventually took pos- session of Detroit ; Col. Lewis Cass was commissioned Governor, and under his able administration, Michigan entered upon that political, social and commercial course which led her to her present greatness.
THE PIONEER LAND BUYERS OF MACOMB.
This is a most important portion of the history of Macomb County, and indeed one well worthy the attention of every citizen of this State, since most of the names mentioned were household words in the homes of the American pioneers from Michilimackinac to Saginaw, to Detroit, to Grand Rapids, to Chicago, to Mil- waukee, back to the St. Joe river, up the Elkhart and the Kankankee, down to the old post of Vincennes. It is impossible to calculate the results of settlement here by those early French, American and Franco-American pioneers; but it is within our power to learn who they were, and the very location of their humble cabins.
Before entering on the history of their times and settlement, let us first inquire into the origin of the names given to their locations. The first and most prominent name is la Riviere aux Hurons.
The village of the Hurons was near Detroit. The name Huron, derived from the French, Hure, a wild boar, was applied to this tribe of Indians by the first French missionaries, for the reason that their hair sprung from the head in bristles a la porcupine. The French called them Hurons, but among the Indian tribes they were known as Wyandots, or Onendats.
St. Clair and Sinclair .- In the year 1765 Patrick Sinclair, an Irish officer in the service of Great Britain, and commandant of Fort Sinclair, purchased 3,789 acres of land on the river above Lake St. Clair, and after him the river was named The Sinclair. In a report made January 17, 1806, by Augustus Woodward, to the Secretary of the Treasury, it is said that this officer was a distinct character-dif- fering physically and morally from St. Clair of the French service. The latter was a grand-son of O'Brien, Lord Clare, who, after the treaty of Limerick, entered the French army. In his honor the lake at the mouth of the Clinton was named. The claim of Sinclair remained in his possession seventeen years, utilizing the large pine-timber, and deriving heavy profits.
The rivers, creeks, and points of land were named in accord with some phys- ical characteristic, or otherwise in honor of one of the first settlers in the neigh- borbood.
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
SQUATTERS' CLAIMS.
In 1782 there were nineteen settlers living adjacent to this tract, a year later, twenty settlers located on Lake St. Clair, near the mouth of the Huron. In 1788 twenty settlements were made on the river Aux Hurons, or Clinton ; in 1790 a few more settlers located at Pointe au Tremble. In 1793 ten families located lands on the Huron of Lake St. Clair, or Clinton. Seven years later four families joined the settlement. Six families joined the settlers at the head of the lake : while the Salt Springs began to attract the attention of the people from the mouth of the Huron to the river St. Clair. In 1801, one settler located at these springs, and he was soon joined by others. In 1797, no less than thirty families located lands along the banks of La Riviere au Lait, or Milk River, and northwards to the Riviere aux Hurons. Those settlers founded their claims on actual settlement and improvement without any further title. Of this class there were about 400 on the borders of Lake St. Clair, rivers Huron, Ecorces, Rouge, and Raisin.
In the succeeding review of claims, presented by the land-holders of Macomb, or the Civil District of Huron, as the territory constituting the county of Macomb in 1818, was called, it will be observed that the result of the examination before the Board is not given in the greater number of cases. Now such a course was made unnecessary by the fact that almost in every instance the claimant's title was proved to the satisfaction of the Land Commissioners, who ordered a record to be made of such titles in the Land Office at Detroit, and subsequently recom- mended the issue of United States patents. The report of this board was made in 1810-11, and patents were granted in the year 1812, and years immediately suc- ceeding. Although Claim twenty-six seems to be connected in some manner with this county, there is no records presented to enable the writer to notice it in this con- nection. Therefore, ignoring that number, he begins the review with Claim 129.
129 .- James Connor claimed the tract of land on the north bank of the Clinton, containing 510 acres, of which thirteen and three-quarter acres fronted on the river, extending back forty acres, and bounded on the west by William Tuckar's land. Henry Connor's testimony before the Land Board was to the effect that the claimant had possession, and began to improve the property before July 1, 1796, since which time he has been in possession of the land. This formed Claim 129, which was granted, June, 1808.
130 .- Joseph Campeau, Claim 130, was granted on the same date. The tract is on the south bank of the Aux Hurons, contains 640 acres, bounded in front by the river, in rear by Lake St. Clair, on one side by the land of Laurente Maure, and on the other by a second tract entered by him. Baptiste Comparet and Henry Connor testified that Joseph Campeau was in possession of this tract previous to July 1, 1796.
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
Campeau's fourth and fifth, Claim No. 133, containing 640 acres, was purchased from Louis Maure. This was bounded in front by the river Huron, on the east by Jacques Loson's land, on the west by the land of Hyacinthe Deaitre, and in the rear by the lake. Claims 131 and 132 were his also.
134 .- Joseph Campeau claim, 134, of 640 acres, is bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, on the west north-west by Louis Petit's lands, and on the east by a tract claimed by Joseph Campeau. Henry Connor testified in this case, that the land so described was purchased from Jean Baptiste Connellier previous to July 1, 1796.
135 .- The Joseph Campeau claim, 135, is located south of the Riviere aux Hurons, or Clinton, bounded in front by the river, extending to the lake between Pierre Phenix's land on one side, and Antoine Peltier's land on the other. Henry Connor testified that this tract was in possession of the claimant, and that a house was erected thereon previous to July 1, 1796, which house was then standing (1808).
136 .- James Connor, in his letter to the Land Board, June 13, 1808, claimed 640 acres on the north side of the Huron, it being sixteen acres river front, forty acres in depth, bounded on the east by the Chatron farm, and in the rear and on the west by unlocated lands. Baptiste Comparet proved that previous to July, 1796, James Connor was in possession, that there was a cabin erected, and two or three acres of land cultivated and fenced before he, Comparet, left La Riviere aux Hurons in 1804.
137 .- Richard Connor. The widow and heirs of Richard Connor applied to the Board to have their title to 600 acres on the south side of the Huron confirmed. Baptiste Comparet gave proof that the deceased Richard Connor was in possession of the land and premises previous to July 1796, up to 1804, when he left the dis- trict. Augustin Langdon deposed that the family of the deceased occupied the holding since 1801. Another tract, fifteen acres in front and forty acres in depth, of 600 acres, commencing at a place called Deer Lick, and bounded in rear, on the east and west by unlocated lands, was shown to be in possession of Richard Connor previous to July, 1796.
139 .- Henry Connor claimed 480 acres on the north side of the Huron, bound- ed in front by the river, east by Christian Clemens' farm, and west and rear by wild lands. Comparet stated that William Dawson was the owner of this tract previous to July 1796, and remained so until its sale to Richard Connor, deceased.
140 .- Joseph Robertjean's claim regarded eighty-one arpens of land on the north side of the Huron, bounded in front by the river, in the rear by Lake St. Clair, on one side by the lands of the late Alexis Peltier, and on the other side by the lands of Robert Robertjean. Comparet witnessed that Robertjean was in posses-
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
sion of such tract previous to 1796, and Christian Clemens proved the claimant's possession in the year 1799.
141 .- Christian Clemens' claim for 500 acres, beginning at the high bank of the Huron, and running down this bank about fourteen acres, to a small run or marsh then emptying into the river, running north forty acres; bounded in front by the Huron, on one side by Henry Connor's lands, on the other by the tract of James Abbott, and in rear by unlocated lands. Comparet's evidence was that John Conner was the owner of this tract previous to July 1796, who permitted Nathan Williams and Jared Brooks to build a still house on the premises about 1797 or 1798. In 1801 John and Richard Connor sold the tract to Christian Clemens.
144 .- John Tuckar's claim, No. 144, was bounded in front by the Huron, in rear by Lake St. Clair, above by James Connor's lands, and below by Edward Tuckar's, bequeathed to the claimant by his father, the pioneer, William Tuckar. Comparet and Wm. McScott, proved possession previous to July, 1796.
156. - Edward Tuckar's land was bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, above by John Tuckar's farm, and below by Michael Tremble's land, which was also a bequest of the late Wm. Tuckar.
146 .- William Tackar claimed a tract bounded south by the river Huron, east by Francois St. Obin's land, north by the lake, and west by Wm. Tuckar's (senior), original farm, afterwards in possession of the widow Tuckar.
147 .- Catherine Tuckar claimed, in trust for her sons, Jacob and Charles, 640 acres, bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, below by claim 146, of William Tuckar, proved to be in possession of Wm. Tuckar, deceased, previous to July, 1796.
148 .- Phillis Peltier's claim, 480 acres, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by hunting grounds, below by Nicholas Chapaton's farm, and above by a creek or coulee, called ventre de bœuf. Jean Baptiste Pare proved occupation by Peltier fifteen years previous to 1808.
149 .- Jean Baptiste Pare claimed a tract bounded in front by the lake, in rear by Indian lands, above by Joseph Dube's farm and below by Louis Laforge's claim. Phillis Peltier proved that fifteen years previous to June, 1808, one Cayet was owner of this tract. He sold to Francois Dupre who in turn sold to Pare. Dupre confirmed this statement.
150 .- Francois St. Obins tract northeast side of the Huron, containing about 640 acres, bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, above by William Tuckar's farm, and below by Michael Tremble's lands, was known to be in pos- session of Louis St. Obin, father of Francois, many years previous to July, 1796. Christian Clemens and B. Comparet were the witnesses.
151 .- Claim No. 151, by the same party, of 640 acres bounded in front by the
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
river, in rear by the lake, east by Chapaton's lands, and west by those of Jacques Loson, was originally settled by Michel Comparet, who sold to Louis Bandin, and he in turn to St. Obin. Christian Clemens also proved continuous possession since 1800.
157 .- Francois Ambroise's 140 acres, on the northwest side of Lake St. Clair, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by Indian grounds, on the north by Bazile Crequi's claim, and on the lower side by that of Jean Baptiste Vernier, dit Ladou- ceur, was settled by Etienne Duchesne in 1795, who built a small house thereon ; he sold his interest to Michel Duchesne, who in turn sold out to Ambroise.
156 .- Jean Baptiste Vernier, dit Ladouceur, claimed 240 acres, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by non-ceded lands, on the northeast by Pierre Bon- homme's farm, and on the southwest by the lands of Laurent Griffard. Possession was proven and title granted.
199 .- Francois Ambrois Tremble claimed 140 acres fronting on Lake St. Clair, between the lands of Bazile Crequi and J. Bte. Vernier, originally settled by Etienne Duchesne, who presented them to Michel Duchesne, who sold to Tremble.
163 .- J. Bte. Nantay claimed 200 arpens fronting on the lake, between the lands of Phillis Peltier and Pierre Lanone, possessed by him fourteen years previous to June 18, 1808.
207 .- Laurent Manre claimed 200 arpens fronting on the Huron, extending back to the lake between the farms of Jos. Robertson and Jos. Campean, in his possession some years previous to 1796. A certificate of title was granted to him in 1809, and a patent issued in 1811.
162 .- Jean Marsac's claim, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by Indian lands, northeast by Charles Chovin's farm, and southwest by Louis Ledue's dit Perez, claim, containing 160 acres, French measurement, was confirmed June 20,1808.
163 .- Jean Baptiste Nantay claimed 200 acres bounded in front by the lake, in rear by non-ceded lands, above by Phillis Peltier's farm, and below by that of Pierre Lanoue.
164 .- Joseph Mitresse, dit Sansfacon, claimed 360 arpens, French measurement, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by Indian lands, above by Baptiste Ble's farm, and below by Charles Chovin's claim, was in possession of Nicholas Patenande previous to 1796. He sold to Antoine Cecille six arpens in front, who, in turn, sold to Sansfacon. Pierre Laparle owned three arpens in front, which he gave to Louis Champagne, and which he in turn sold to the claimant.
165 .- Joseph Dube claimed 120 arpens, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by the hunting grounds, on one side by Baptiste Pierre's farm, and on the other by by that of Pierre Lanoue. This property was in possession of Nicholas Valne pre-
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
vious to July, 1796, and continued so until sold to Charles Chovin, who transferred it to Dube.
167 .- Joseph Rowe claimed 240 arpens, bounded in front by the river Huron, in rear by Indian grounds, on the west by Bazile Laforge's farm, and on the east by that of Pierre Phenix. This property was proven by Louis Campeau to be in the possession of A. N. Petit, before and after 1796, until he sold to the present claimant.
168 .- Louis Campeau, the pioneer of Saginaw and Kent Counties, was among the first land owners in Macomb. In 1808, he claimed 280 arpens bounded in front by the Huron, in rear by non-ceded lands, west by the Joseph Campeau claim, and east by B. Laforge's farm.
170 .- Jean B. Vernier, dit Ladouceur, claimed 200 arpens bounded in front by Lake St. Clair, in rear by non-ceded lands, northeast by Francois Ambroise's farm, and southwest by that of Nicholas Patenande. Alexis Coquillard heard Robert Thomas acknowledge himself as tenant to Jean B. Nantay.
172 .- John Askin, Jr., claimed 625 acres, bounded in front by the river Huron in rear and on one side by the United States lands, and on the other by the Christian Clemens' property. Harry Tuckar, witness for the claimant, proved that one Descoteaux improved and cultivated the lands, by order of, and for the claimant, previous to July, 1796, ; that the claimant had a house built some time after Descoteaux went there, and that afterwards Christian Clemens tenanted the premises, cultivated the lands, erected fences, and continued to improve the property until 1808. Mr. Clemens substantiated this statement, and a title was granted.
173 .- James Abbott claimed 630 acres, bounded in front by the river, in rear by United States lands, above by a buttonwood tree-one acre above a small creek and below by unlocated lands. Edward Hezell built a house on this claim, and raised two crops previous to 1796. Hezell sold his interest to James Abbott, (father of the claimant) deceased, since which time up to 1808 Christian Clemens improved and cultivated the lands, paying to the claimant an annual rent from 1799 to 1808.
174 .- Jacob Thomas' widow and heirs claimed a tract at L'ance Creuse of 160 arpens, bounded in front by the lake, in rear by non-ceded lands, on one side by Baptiste Nantay's farm, and on the other by that of Jean Baptiste Dube, all prop- erty in possession of Jacob Thomas previous to 1796.
175 .- Louis l'etit's tract of 120 arpens was bounded in front by the river Huron, in rear by non-ceded lands, on one side by P. Phenix's farm, and on the other by that of Joseph Campean. One Connellier was in possession previous to 1796, and continued owner until he sold out to L. Petit, May 8, 1797.
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IIISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
176 .- Pierre Phenix claimed 240 arpens, bounded in front by the Huron, in rear by n. c. lands, on one side by Joseph Rowe's farm, and on the other by that of Joseph Campeau. This territory was partly in possession of one Lapaline and one Provost. The former sold to Nathan Williams, who sold to Joseph Bonvouloir, who sold to Joseph Cherbonneau, from whom Phenix purchased.
183 .- Laurent Griffard claimed 120 arpens fronting on Lake St. Clair, extend- ing backwards to the n. c. lands, to the J. B. Vernier farm on the northeast, and to the Henry St. Bernard farm on the southwest. Louis Monet testified that Griffard was in possession of this land in 1788.
184 .- Jacques Allard's 120 arpens fronting on the lake, bounded by the Indian grounds in the rear, Bte. Celeron's farm on one side and Louis Griffard's on the other was settled by the claimant several years previous to 1796, as shown in the evidence of Charles Poupard.
192 .- Meldrum and Park claimed 630 acres, bounded northeast by the river Lassaline, southwest by other lands of the claimants, in front by the lake, and in rear by other claims. This land was tenanted by Antoine N. Petit previous to 1796, who rented it from M. and P. One Durrocher rented it for one year, and Dupre for two one-half years subsequently.
193 .- Another tract of 630 acres, bound southwest by Riviere aux Vases, northeast and rear by other lands of Meldrum and Park, and in front by the lake, was first rented, in 1795, by Baptiste Letourneau. Louis Barret and Denocher then rented the place. Francis Berian lived there for three years and one Dupre for two years.
194 .- Michel Tremble claimed a tract on the Huron, bounded in front by the river, in rear by the lake, above by F. Saint Obin's farm, and below by R. Robert- jean. Nicholas Chapaton was in possession of this property previous to 1796.
195 .- The second claim of Tremble related to lands bounded in front by the Huron, in rear by n. c. land, above by Edward Tnckar's farm, and below by the property of the widow and heirs of William Tuckar, deceased. Henry Tuckar was the owner of those lands before and after 1796, until he sold to Christian Clemens, from whom Tremble purchased them.
196 .- Jacob Hill's heirs claimed 240 acres fronting on the river Saint Clair, between the farms of George Meldrum and Joseph Bassinet, of which land Jacob Hill was in possession previous to 1796, as proven by Ignace Champagne.
197 .- Another tract between the farms of George Meldrum and Alexander Harrow, fronting on the river Saint Clair, was also claimed.
207 .- Laurent Maure claimed 200 arpens fronting on the river Huron, extend- ing back to the lake, between the farms of Joseph Robert and Joseph Campeau, of which he was owner previous to 1796.
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
213 .- Nicholas Chapaton's claim, founded on a deed given by the Indians- Youistanance and Nanguy-dated Detroit, May, 1795, contained about 160 acres. The area was disputed, and the evidence before the Board was so contradictory that the commissioners rejected the claim. The description points out that this claim fronted on Lake Saint Clair, and extended back to the n. c. grounds, between the lands of Phillis Peltier and Jean Bte. Nantay.
219 .- Pierre Griffard claimed 160 arpens fronting on Lake Saint Clair, between the farms of Joseph Griffard and J. B. N. Petit. His possession previous to 1796 being proved by J. B. Nantay, the claim was allowed.
Isadore Morain settled on claim 221, in 1795; but during his absence Pierre Champagne took and held forcible possession for one year from 1796, afterward one Gorslet lived on it, whose widow sold the claim to Bte. Allsin, who was in posses- sion July, 1808. This land fronted on the lake, between the lands of Michel Duchesne and Bte. A. Tremble, and measured 120 arpens.
222 .- Antoine Reneau purchased from William Forsyth 120 arpens fronting on the lake between the claims of Joseph Campean and Pierre Tremble, May 3, 1806. The location was known as Pointe Guinolet, originally settled by Francois Ble, who sold to William Forsyth.
223-by Louis Renean, comprising 120 arpens, fronted on Lake Saint Clair, between the lands of Louis Griffard and Francois Bonhomme, was ceded.
224-by Jacques Allard, Jr., containing 120 arpens, fronted on the lake between the lands of Colas Rivard and Jacques Allard, Senr. This land was originally settled by J. Bte. Dumas who transferred it to Bte. Celeron, who sold to Jacques Allard in 1807.
225-by Michel Duchesne, containing 120 arpens, fronted on the lake, between the lands of Bte. Lapierre and Bte. Petit. Louis Thibault was the original grantee, who sold to F. Bernard, who sold to J. B. Comparet, Jr., who in turn sold his in- terest to Duchesne.
220-by Joseph Robertjean, containing 630 arpens, fronted on the Huron be- tween the lands of Joseph Rowe and James Abbott, was settled in 1795 by John Loveless, who sold to the claimant in 1798. Christian Clemens testified that Robertjean cultivated a portion of the claim since 1801.
231-by Alexander Grant, containing 639 acres, fronting on Lake Saint Clair, between the elaims of William Forsyth and Gregor McGregor, was, as stated by J. Bte. Campeau or Penish, to possession of grant previous to July, 1796.
Lonis Chapaton's (claim 338) land, 120 arpens in area, fronted on the Huron, extended to the lake between the farms of F. Saint Obin and Louis Maure. Seraphin Leson testified that such land was in possession of Joseph Campeau pre- vious to July, 1796, who disposed of his interest therein to Chapaton.
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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.
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239 .- Jean Bte. Marsac claimed 120 arpens fronting on the lake at Grosse Point, between the farms of Pierre Yax and Charles Gouiin, in possession of Joseph Serre, and previous to July, 1796.
240 .- Marsac also claimed 120 arpens fronting on the lake between Capt. Fleming's and Francis Tremble's holdings, originally settled by Louis Billon ; dit l'esperance, and conveyed by him to Marsac, Ang. 17, 1801.
242 .- Robert Robertjean claimed forty-five arpens, fronting on the Huron, ex- tending to the lake, and lying between the lands of Joseph Robertjean and Michel Tremble, in his possession previous to 1796.
243 .- Jean Marie Beaubien's claim of 640 acres fronting on the river Saint Clair, between the lands of Meldrum and Park and those of the negro, Harry Sanders, was allowed.
249 .- Francois Bonhomme or Bonome claimed 200 arpens fronting on the lake at Pointe a Guinolet, between the lands of J. Bte. Vernier and Louis Reneau, Sr., which was in his possession previous to July, 1796.
250 .- Nicholas Patenaude, Jr., claimed 160 arpens at L'ance Creuse, on the lake shore, between the farms of Vernier or Ladouceur and Bte. Socier, occupied by Francois Ambroise Tremble previous to 1796.
261 .- Jean Baptiste Creque's widow and heirs claimed forty arpens fronting on the lake, between the holdings of Meldrum and Park and Joseph Allair, which land was in their possession previous to July, 1796.
262 .- Meldrum and Park claimed eighty arpens fronting on Lake Saint Clair, between 261 and that of Nicholas Patenaude.
236 .- William Connor claimed 600 acres fronting on the Huron, between the lands of John Askin, Jr., and James Connor, improved in 1794 by William Connor and his sons, and now claimed by James Connor.
272 .- William Robertson's heirs claimed 300 acres fronting on the lake be- tween H. St. Bernard's and Francois Tremble's farms-land purchased originally by Wm. Groesbeck from the Indians, and deeded by him to the deceased William Robertson January 15, 1796. Groesbeck made the first improvements here so early as 1780 through his tenants who remained there until 1785, when George Baker contracted to buy the land. Baker remained on it many years, but made no payments, Baker being content to inform him that L'Esperance would pay the £100 due on it. In 1805, Groesbeck found the land vacant, and with the per- mission of J. Bte. Marsac and Wm. Robertson's agent, both claimants, he went to live on his old property, where he lived up to 1808 without paying rent to any party. L'Esperance stated to the Board August 18, 1808, that he purchased from Jacob Baker the tract in question and sold it to J. Bte. Marsac, for a plantation, on the British side of the Detroit River.
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