USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests Volume I > Part 19
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would be an injury to you. You stand alone. There is none to support you-the Shawnees and Delawares are gone. Your Great Father has a quiek ear, a sharp eye, and a long arm. If a Pottawotomie strikes a Miami, or a Miami strikes a Pottawotomie he strikes us,-no matter where he goes, we promise here before our brethern red and white, we will never kindle another council fire, nor smoke another pipe before we punish him. Your young men must listen to what the chiefs tell them. They should do as in former days when chiefs had power and the young men were wise. Let them now clear out their eyes, and let the words I have spoken go to their hearts. You have heard the proposal we are au- thorized to make, remember it, and think upon it, and return an answer to it as soon as possible. When you are ready let us know, and we will hoist the flag which will be the signal that we are ready to receive your answers." The dignity of General Cass in this trying position, his firm- ness, and paternal interest shown made a deep and favorable impression upon the Indians.
TERRITORIAL AND STATE SEALS AND MOTTOES
The state was recognized when admitted into the union, as having existed as such, since November 1835, when the senators, governors, and legislature came into office; and such was the ruling of the departments. The last act of the territorial judges on the first day of July, 1836,- three days before the Territory of Michigan lost its remaining jurisdiction by the organization of Wisconsin-was in their capacity as a land board. Thereafter the affairs of Michigan were within her own control. The motto had been "Tandem fit Surculus Arbore" (the sprout at length be- comes a tree), and it appears on the seal of the territory of Michigan in 1814. "This simple and graceful sentiment," said Judge Campbell "looked to the future, and was now accomplished. The conglomeration of mottoes and devices on the state seal reminding one of the Shaks- pearean character who had been at a feast of languages, and appro- priated the scraps; still, in spite of its heraldic confusion, the state has suffered no damage from it, only harmless good natured criticism, and her great seal, though not especially attractive as a work of art, can cer- tify a most honorable history, and its motto pleasantly and truthfully characterize its physical characteristics; none has an illnatured criti- cism for its declaration : "Si Quæris Peninsulam Amonnane Circum- spice." It appears that the last legislative council had arranged for the next legislature to be held in January at Green Bay, now in the state of Wisconsin; by this action the executive seals of Michigan were car- ried over the border, and they are still held at the Wisconsin capital, notwithstanding much diplomatic correspondence has passed regarding their return to Michigan-this is the Michigan Territorial Seal taken to Wisconsin. There have been many changes in the designs for the state seal, a very interesting account of which was prepared by W. J. Beal and read before the Academy of Science, December 26, 1894, extracts from which with the cuts used are made by courtesy of Mrs. M. B. Ferrey of the Pioneer and Historical Society. The first design of the coat of arms as used in the public laws of Michigan appears in 1839, and contin- ued to 1872. Some variation from the original details of this design have been adopted from time to time by the heads of departments in their of- ficial stationery but the general appearance, and the mottoes are much the same. The word Tuebor, which appears on the shields of all the coats of arms of the state, meaning "I will defend" has been thought to bear reference to the attitude of Michigan during the border controversy with Ohio and exemplified by Governor Mason.
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CHAPTER XII VETERANS OF THE WAR OF 1812
PRELIMINARY GATHERING ON GUYOR'S ISLAND-VETERANS PRESENT-
FORMAL REUNION JULY 4, 1872-INTERESTING AND IMPRESSIVE PRO- CEEDINGS-ROLL CALL OF VETERANS-RESPONSE OF GENERAL LESLIE COMBS-MICHIGAN'S LATER TRIBUTE TO KENTUCKY-THE LEGEND OF THE OLD CANNON.
When it is remembered that Monroe is, and had always been ap- preciative and loyal toward its early settlers, its founders, the veterans of the war of 1812, and of all subsequent wars, it seems somewhat re- markable that not until 1871, had there ever been a reunion of the old pioneers who explored into the River Raisin country, where so many of their descendants have resided for nearly a hundred years; nor any steps taken to organize a Society of the Soldiers of 1812.
PRELIMINARY GATHERING ON GUYOR'S ISLAND
In June, 1871, Mr. Joseph Guyor, one of these veterans, at that time eighty-eight years old, and vigorous, hale and hearty as a man twenty- five years his junior, concluded that it would be an excellent plan to assemble together as many as possible of his old compatriots. Following up this admirable impulse, he at once extended an invitation to every one of them living in this county, to meet him at his home on Guyor's Island, now the home of the Monroe Marsh Club; and which was once known as "House Island." This had been the scene of large gatherings of the Pottawattomie and Shawnee tribes of Indians, and the ancient site of a small village of the former ; many relics of their occupancy had been found in the earlier years; while, during the construction of the railroad from Monroe to the Piers, an extension of the line of the Michi- gan Southern Railroad Company to connect with its steamers on Lake Erie; in building its tracks across this island, there were exhumed, in the course of excavation, quantities of bones, skulls, stone axes, arrow heads, copper utensils and other implements used by the aborigines, unmistak- able evidences of Indian occupation at some remote period.
It seemed a fitting place therefore, that on this historic island, this gathering should take place. Besides this, it was a most attractive spot, located on the north bank of the stream, shaded by huge forest trees, and surrounded by the immense beds of Egyptian Lotus, wild rice and lux- uriantly blooming members of the lily family, and the home of all manner of wild fowl. Mr. Guyor proved a liberal and hospitable host to the many survivors, and the four score or more citizens who gathered with them. General Custer was at that time on leave of absence from his command and was present, very much to the gratification of the old "vets," and the host. While there were present many more of the old
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men than was supposed possible, yet many more were absent for various reasons, either they could not be reached by invitation, or notices in the local papers, or were too feeble to undertake the journey.
A substantial and very much enjoyed dinner was served by Mr. Guyor, after which addresses were made by the Mayor, H. J. Redfield, General Spalding, Colonel Grosvenor, Colonel Luce and others; but it remained for General Custer to arouse the utmost enthusiasm as he rose to greet the men of past generations, who welcomed him with warmest demonstrations of respect and admiration.
JOSEPH GUYOR, AGED ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN YEARS Born at Detroit, Michigan, 1772. Died at Monroe, in December, 1879. One of the French settlers who escaped the massacre at the River Raisin and fled, with a few others, to Ohio, January 22, 1813. (Father of Jos. Guyor above mentioned.)
VETERANS PRESENT
Following are the names of the old men, with their ages as given to the writer at the time : Frank Boroff, age 107 years and seven months; Louis Jacobs, 96 years; Peter Navarre (the old scout), 82 years; Francis La- zarre, 82 years; David Van Pelt, 89 years; Robert F. Navarre, 80 years ; William Walters, 88 years; Joseph Guyor, 88 years; Bronson French, 82 years; John Bezeau, 80 years; John Claffes, 76; J. B. Nadeau, 77; Henry Mason, 79; Jean Chovin, 77; Hall Deland, 75; Joseph Foulke, 80; Chas. Hixon, 76; Thos. Whelpley, 73; George Younglove, 77-the average age being 90 years.
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Peter Navarre, the old scout who was with General Harrison's army and piloted Winchester's army to the River Raisin, was, of course the center of attraction, and in his broken English related many exciting incidents in his career; Mr. Boroff, the centenarian was also accorded respectful attention in his unique position of being the oldest resident of Monroe county with a continuous residence here. The reunion was a decided success, from every point of view, and Captain Guyor received many congratulations for his thoughtfulness in projecting it, and so hospitably carrying out its details.
Naturally the question arose, why should not Monroe provide for another "Veteran's Reunion"-on a scale commensurate with its interest and importance ? It met with cordial approval and it was unanimously agreed that such an event should be arranged the following year. Those who appreciated the magnitude of an undertaking for a celebration such as this was intended to be wisely decided that time and effort-plenty of both-would be required to successfully carry through a creditable demonstration. Therefore about January 1, 1872, the matter was taken up, actively, plans were discussed and decided upon, meetings of some of the most prominent citizens held, and the following executive committee of arrangements was appointed : John M. Bulkley, Thomas Doyle, J. M. Sterling, Harry A. Conant, John J. Stevens, W. A. Noble, J. D. Ronan and Captain Charles Gruner. This committee met twice a month and appointed sub committees, who energetically began their labors.
FORMAL REUNION JULY 4, 1872
The details of preliminary movements and preparation need not further be attended to, further than that it was decided to hold this gathering on July 4, 1872, in the beautiful grove of natural forest trees on Washington and Monroe streets called "Noble's Grove." Those who were so fortunate as to have been present on that occasion witnessed one of the most remarkable demonstrations, and unique gatherings ever assembled in the United States. The occasion was impressive and full of interest, because of its principal motive, joining in one celebration the declaration of Independence, and the events of the war which confirmed it, because, also, every feature of it bore the distinctive marks of original- ity, bearing upon the events which it was especially to commemorate. There were gathered here at that time, about one hundred and fifty veterans of the War of 1812, most of whom were from Kentucky, coming from their state under the leadership of that old warrior, General Leslie Combs of Lexington. Nearly every one of them were in the ranks of that gallant column of Kentuckians, who responded to the cries of distress and alarm which went up from the little French settlements scattered along the River Raisin at that period of gloom when there was grave apprehension that the people on the northwestern frontier would be entirely exterminated by the savages, incited to murder and rapine by the mercenary and merciless agents of the British government. The youngest of these patriots present, gave his age as 78 years, while the eldest was some months over 102.
INTERESTING AND IMPRESSIVE PROCEEDINGS
The number of people who witnessed and participated in this demon- stration was estimated at fifteen thousand to twenty thousand. Coming mostly from the state of Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. The grand
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
stand, occupied by the speakers, distinguished guests, and officers, was built entirely of the beams, planks and boards taken from the house of Colonel Francis Navarre that interesting and time honored landmark, which was used as the headquarters of General Winchester, at the time of the Battle of the River Raisin-and which was being demolished to make room for the fine large mansion, built on the site, by Dr. A. I. Saw- yer. This unique and interesting feature was made possible by the executive committee, and impressed the veterans very sensibly.
The Kentuckians brought with them the faded and tattered flag which the troops carried with them on that memorable day in January, 1813. One of the veterans carried with him an ancient flintlock horsepistol that had seen service with his father in the revolution; another had a formid- able weapon of the Bowie knife order; while bullet pouches, buttons and other relics, were eagerly examined by those who knew their significance. The battle ground was visited and the battle fought over again in spirit by those gallant and persistent, though unfortunate soldiers, many of whom were able to point out the place where the old fort and block house stood, and where the troops were forced across the river by over- powering numbers of the enemy to the place, where, in the woods around the Winchester (Navarre) house the surrender took place by order of the Commanding General.
The committee on invitation had extended invitations to nearly every prominent public man in the country, statesmen, soldiers, civilians and from the President of the United States, through an extended list of emi- nent men, many of whom accepted and were present, and from some there were received appreciative and commendatory letters. Among others, that which probably caused the greatest curiosity, and interest, was that of Hon. Horace Greeley then candidate for the presidency. His known undecipherable penmanship was the cause of much speculation to the committee of invitation, who were unable to learn from his letter, at onee, clearly, whether it was an acceptance or a declination; as a matter of collateral interest, it is herewith reproduced, together with the "transla- tion." (See page 130.)
The president of the day was the late Honorable Warner Wing: and the principal orator of the occasion was the late Honorable James V. Camp- bell of Detroit, then Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. The oration of Judge Campbell was a classic, delivered with his usual simple dignified manner, and evoked appreciative applause.
The following are the closing lines of Judge Campbell's eloquent oration :
"The people of Michigan rejoice to honor all those whose valor and sacrifices secured this pleasant land under the protecting care of the Union.
"Soldiers of the war of 1812, worthy followers of the men of '76, accept our homage! May you live many long years to remind our children how Freedom is gained, and how she is guarded.
"To you, our welcome guests, whose courtesy has again brought Kentucky to Michigan, we offer our warmest greetings on this spot, which will ever be sacred to you as to us. Its memories recall to you friends and kinsmen, whose loss made sorrow through all your households. To us they are the glorified memories of mar- tyrs, who died in our behalf, and not for themselves. May their spirit still live where their bodies perished! And may the gracious Power that maketh men to be of one mind in an house, bind the elder and the younger sister in unbroken union, till those dark days are lost in hoary antiquity, and those heroes shine out of the far-off past like stars in the firmament.
"Time may destroy the gathered wealth and the great works of commerce and enterprise. But the chronicles of Freedom are written in characters of light, that will last undimmed through all ages." Vol. I-9
New York Tribune. New York, qum " 1872
was unable to accept it Is and Fire tiest wealth dissimode
- have To, : evt as 4 could be a lorca
Gerace Erede
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REPRODUCTION OF GREELEY'S LETTER
[Translation]
NEW YORK, June 4, 1872,
Dear Sir :-
I thank you for your invitation though unable to accept it- Many cares and critical health dissuade me from traveling at present, but I trust your festival will be enjoyed by those present, as it will be a topic of interest to thousands who sympathise with the trials and rejoice in the heroism commemorated. Yours, HORACE GREELEY.
To J. M. BULKLEY, Esq. Chairman, Monroe, Mich.
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ROLL CALL OF VETERANS
The roll call of the veterans was read by General George A. Custer, who was master of ceremonies. General Custer, in cooperation with General Combs were most active in their efforts to secure the large dele- gation from Kentucky. One of the most wonderful achievements in con- nection with the event, was the bringing of the large number of aged men from their distant homes in Kentucky to Monroe in midsummer and re- turning them thither after the celebration without an accident to any of them, or any case of illness, without cost, either to the veterans themselves, or the managers of the celebration. The endless detail and hard work of such an undertaking cannot be realized by any one who has not had the actual experience. But it was a labor of patriotism successfully accom- plished. Following is a list of the veterans, their ages being announced with their names. The name of Charles Hivon was loudly cheered and bushels of bouquets were showered upon him as his age (102 years) was given.
Armstrong, Jas. R., 85.
French, Brown, 83.
Armstrong, S. J., 84.
Fultzna, Isaac C., 74.
Ball, Lewis, 79.
Gaither, Henry, 82.
Barrett, Jos. C., 78.
Ganarke, Simeon, 82.
Baute, Peter, 81.
Gebhart, John, 78.
Beall, Leonard, 75.
Gibson, Matthew, 83.
Beach, Lewis, 79.
Goatney, Robt. S., 82.
Benson, E. W., 75.
Goodright, Michael, 78.
Beseau, John B., 81.
Goodwin, J. K., 80.
Bisnett, Joseph, 79.
Grant, L. Y., 77.
Bittinger, Henry, 78.
Guyor, Joseph, 85.
Blanchard, S., 77.
Hall, C., 77.
Bolivar, Thos. 76.
Hall, Joseph, 88.
Boroff, Fred, 1011/2.
Hamilton, Wm., 80.
Bortine, Benson L., 79.
Harvey, James, 80.
Burns, Andrew, 77.
Hayes, D. S., 72.
Carrick, Robert, 77.
Helwig, Daniel, 82.
Clapper, John, 77.
Hixson, W. D., 91.
Clusin, Jas., 85.
Holly, Jesse, 72.
Conseign, A. C., 82.
Hudnut, E. P., 78.
Combs, Leslie, 78.
Hivon, Charles, 102.
Correy, Jas., 75.
Jacobs, Louis, 97.
Craddock, J. G., 84.
Jameson, John, 70.
Crawford, Alex, 81.
Johnson, Moore, 77.
Crawford, A. B., 82.
Jones, Thomas, 80.
Curtis, Alvah, 76.
Kirk, James, 83.
Curtis, Dr., 78.
Kolfuss, J. W., 77.
Davis, Henry, 82.
Laforge, John B., 76.
Davis, H. M., 79.
Lewis, Shubael, 70.
Davis, Thos. A., 83.
Lindsley, Thos., 83.
Davis, W. B., 81.
Locke, W. R., 79.
Deland, Hall, 76.
Love, James Y., 74.
Dewese, Samuel, 80.
McChesney, David, 79.
Drayor, W. L., 82.
McDowell, J. C., 78.
Duncan, Jere., 80.
McGoodwin, J. C., 80.
Eddleman, Aaron, 81.
McLean, John B., 77.
Ewalt, Joseph, 87.
McLock, Francis, 78.
Foulke, Joseph, 83.
McNain, C. H., 84.
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MeNain, Chas., 85.
Root, John, 78.
McNeil, Robert, 77.
Rowell, F., 77.
Mc Vay, Solomon, 76.
Santour, Francis, 76.
Martin, John, 75.
Shafer, William, 89.
Mason, Henry, 80.
Shapine, George, 84.
Mount, Thos., 78.
Shearer, Jona, 76.
Moyer, N., 77.
Suane, Louis, 89.
Mulhollen, John, 75.
Talbot, Oliver, 79.
Nadeau, J. B., 77.
Thomasson, J. P., 74.
Navarre, Alex., 82.
Van Aiken, Simon, 82.
Navarre, Nap., 81.
Vance, Joseph, 84.
Navarre, Peter, 86.
Vanderwalker, Jas., 82.
Nedmore, Perry, 82.
Van Pelt, David, 91.
Parker, J. C., 77.
Verkies, Joseph, 82.
Pasko, A. A., 78.
Walters, W., 78.
Pendleton, Edward, 84.
Warring, Edward, 79.
Penwick, James, 78.
Webster, Larken, 80.
Postwood, John, 84.
Whelpley, Thos., 97.
Puller, B. J., 81.
Williams, Elisha, 86.
Quinsberry, Roger, 79.
Williams, Sam. L., 91.
Reid, J. C., 75.
Younglove, Geo., 79.
Ressenet, Isaac C., 79.
Younglove, Jas., 74.
Rogers, J. R., 80.
Immediately after the exercises at the grandstand, which were very agreeably interspersed with special musical numbers by a grand chorus of two hundred ladies and gentlemen of the city, assisted by a fine orchestra and military band, all under the immediate direction of Prof. Carl C. Zeus, the distinguished guests, officers, veterans, military and other organizations and citizens were seated at the banquet spread underneath over-spreading branches of the great forest trees. This was another evidence of the generous hospitality and good taste of Mon- roe people; ample tables were spread with every luxury in great abun- dance, including native Monroe county wines and served gratuitously by the fair dames and daughters keenly enjoyed by the vast numbers thus freely entertained.
TOASTS AND RESPONSES
Following this came the toasts and responses, a list of which is given below :
1. The Day We Celebrate-Response by J. J. Adams, of Lenawee.
2. Washington-The world honors the man who conquered his own ambition to give freedom to the continent. Response by Judge Patchin, of Detroit.
3. The Statesman and Heroes of 1776-The founders of a system of government that makes ours a powerful continental Republic for the good of the world, if in our political advice we imitate their integrity. Response by Hon. E. G. Morton, of Monroe.
4. The Veterans of 1812-Their march to victory was not by Pul- man palace cars, but through dense frosts dragging their cannon with weary marches; yet they conquered at Tippecanoe, Fort Meigs and the Thames, and said to the world on Lake Erie "We have met the enemy and they are ours." Response by Gen. Leslie Combs, of Kentucky.
5. The brave men who perished in the massacre at the River Raisin in 1813-They still live in our hearts. Let us erect a monument to their memory, that they may live in the hearts of our children's children.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
They made the city of Monroe memorable in history by their devotion to their country. Response by Hon. C. C. Trowbridge, of Detroit.
6. Old Kentucky-Once the dark and bloody battle ground, whose heroes fell alike at Tippecanoe, the River Raisin, Fort Meigs, the Thames and at New Orleans; always the same good and brave old Kentucky. Response by Hon. W. P. Thomason, of Kentucky.
7. Ohio-The eldest of the galaxy of the northwest; bright as ever ; may her lustre never die. Response by Mayor Jones, of Toledo.
8. Michigan-No less eminent for her commerce, agricultural and mineral resources than for her intelligent and liberal system of edu- cation and public charities. Response by Gov. Baldwin, of Detroit.
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GENERAL LESLIE COMBS OF KENTUCKY, GUEST OF HONOR
Leslie Combs was with General Winchester's brigade as an ensign, and was at . the Battle of the River Raisin in 1813. He again revisited the scene of the massacre in 1872, on the occasion of the notable reunion at Monroe of veterans of the war of 1812. Photographed in 1872 age 81 years.
10. Detroit-The oldest city in the northwest; an honor to the state for her intelligence and sterling worth and her connection with the pioneer history of the lakes, especially with the River Raisin. Response by Hon. Levi Bishop, who read his poem entitled the "Battle of the River Raisin."
11. No North, no South, no Atlantic, Pacific nor Western States, but our country, our whole country and nothing but our country, would that she were ever right; but right or wrong our country, sacred, tangible and unprofaned forever." Response by Chief Justice Campbell of the Supreme Court of Michigan.
12. The American Press-Independent, enterprising and intelli- gent, it distributes knowledge and the spirit of freedom throughout the
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
length and breadth of the land, affording the best evidence and guarantee of her institutions. Response by C. Waggoner, of the Toledo Commercial.
13. Our Regular Army-Though small in numbers yet eminent in services, gallant in spirit, the educated intelligence that guides and instructs the patriotic zeal of a nation in its defense. Response by Gen. Custer.
14. The Sir Knights of the Order of the Knights Templar-The light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Re- sponse by Dr. A. I. Sawyer, of Monroe.
15. Sackett's Harbor-One of the turning points of 1812. Response by Gen. Joseph W. Brown, of Cleveland.
16. Civil and Religious Liberty-Response by Dr. Curtis, of Cin- cinati.
17. Our Foreign-born Citizens-Response by ex-Mayor Kraus, of Toledo.
KENTUCKY SOLDIERS' MONUMENT IN MONROE
The above concluded the regular exercises of the day and many of the visitors left for their homes on the early trains. In the evening was a fine display of fireworks at the grove and numerous private dwellings were brilliantly illuminated.
MICHIGAN'S LATER TRIBUTE TO KENTUCKY
There has been above described that memorable day in Monroe, when there assembled on the Fourth of July, 1872, more than one hun- dred of the surviving veterans of that gallant body of Kentuckians and honored by one of the most enthusiastic, yet reverent, receptions. In- spired by the patriotic eloquence of numerous gifted orators, the presence of these old heroes here in our midst and the appreciation of what this event signified, it was proposed as a part of yet unpaid honors to these patriots of our sister state, that a fitting, enduring monument should be erected to the memory of our brave defenders. It met with an enthusiastic and unanimous approval by the assembled thousands.
Thirty years afterwards the promise made on that inspiring occasion was fulfilled. It was the happy privilege of Monroe people by the creditable action taken by our state, to witness a demonstration which falls to the lot of but few communities. It was the realization of hopes and prayers and the culmination of labors in providing a testimonal of gratitude and honor too long deferred. The Civic Improvement Society deserves unstinted praise for indefatigable efforts in bringing the event about, and for providing so appropriate and beautiful a site for the
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