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 68
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
In the fall of 1870, after an absence of eighteen years, he returned to Monroe where he has since made his home. In 1872 he was married to Mrs. Mary Harrington, mother of Captain I. S. Harrington. Their married life proved an exceptionally happy and congenial one until her death seven years ago. Mr. Gale has served in the capacity of county agent for the State Board of Correction and Charities for the past fifteen years, having been appointed by Gov. Hazen S. Pingree ; he proved to be faithful and devoted to his trust. His love for children fitted him in an especial manner for this work. He was equally loved and respected by them, as their many acts during his life and last illness testify, and many of them were planning for his annual party to be given him on his 82d birthday on June 24th. On Monday, May 13th, he was stricken with paralysis from which he failed to rally, and on Saturday evening, May 25th, 1912, he passed away.
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CHAPTER XLI
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
INDIAN DEED TO SITE OF MONROE-THE LEGEND OF THE FLORAL CITY -- FROM FIRST MONROE NEWSPAPER-MONROE AND THE VALLEY IN 1833 -ARCADIAN PICTURE OF MONROE (LANMAN) -- WHIPPING POST USED IN MONROE-HORSE THIEVES AND THEIR CURE-TARGET SHOOTING AND SHOOTERS-SHIPWRECK AND LEGEND OF THE "FAVORITE"-BREST AND NEWPORT-NEW DUBLIN AND WATERLOO-INCORPORATED VIL- LAGES (CENSUS OF 1910)-POPULATION (1810-1910).
INDIAN DEED TO SITE OF MONROE
The site of the city of Monroe, containing twenty acres, was the gift to Colonel Francis Navarre, by the Pottawotamie tribe of Indians, who were the inhabitants of all the southwestern portion of the north- western territory, which became the territory of Michigan, afterwards organized into the state of Michigan. The original deed is still in the possession of the descendants of Colonel Navarre, and is a most interest- ing document, written in the French language and signed by five of the chiefs of the tribe, not autographs, of course, but by a rudely drawn figure of the animal representing their Indian name. The following is a translation of the deed, which is recorded in the register of deeds office in the county of Wayne, in "Liber B. Folio 191 of deeds:" "We the principal chiefs of the village of the Pottawatamies, know.
Askiby Mongi-a-gon Oua-Oui-Attenne Sac-Co-Nibbinne
that both in our own names, as well as with the consent of our village, we declare that of our own good will, we have granted to Francis Navarre, surnamed Schigoy, and to James, his brother, both our allies, the whole extent of land which belongs to us on the side west of the River Raisin, otherwise called by us, Namet-Cyby, beginning at the Maumee river road and extending to the end of prairie, going up Namet-Cyby ; this comprises about twenty arpents in breath, by eighty or a hundred in depth; the whole could be determined by a line drawn south in length and a line drawn north in breadth, going up the Namet-Cyby ; that they themselves and their representatives may enjoy the whole in full owner- ship and perpetuity. We have in faith and testimony of this made the ordinary marks of our signatures at Detroit, on the third day of June, 1785.
"Signed : "Askiby, (represented by a rabbit)
"Qua-Oui-Attenne, (represented by two fish) "Sac-Co-Nibinne, (represented by an elk)
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
"Min-gua-inan, (represented by a bear) "Wana-Quito, (represented by a beaver) "Witnessed : Chas. Campaux, his X mark, "Peter De Compte, his X mark.
"In the presence of the undersigned witness by his ordinary mark of a cross has signed the present deed. Peter Labadie, his X mark."
Among the interesting papers in the possession of the Navarre family is a commission from General Lewis Cass, territorial governor of Michi- gan, appointing Francis Navarre a lieutenant colonel of the militia, dated at Detroit, December 13, 1813; also another one from the same source, appointing Mr. Navarre associate justice of the county court, for the county of Monroe. The tract of land conveyed by these Pottawo- tomies, extended from the present Scott street, eastward toward the old river bend and southerly as far as Woodchuck creek. The old homestead known as Winchester's headquarters, therefore, stood near the western boundary of this land.
THE LEGEND OF THE "FLORAL CITY"
Monroe, for more than half a century has been known, far and wide, as the "Floral City," a title generally accepted as an appropriate as well as a beautiful one-well conferred, because of the wealth of flowers and abundance of ornamental shrubbery that have adorned the private grounds of its people. Comparatively few, however, now living know how, when or where the formal christening took place.
This is the legend-duly authenticated : The occasion which offered the opportunity, was the ceremonious opening of the extension of the line of the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad in 1852, from Monroe to the piers, to connect with a line of steamboats which had been built for the new lake route to Buffalo. To inaugurate this new departure, the railroad company projected a "grand excursion" from Buffalo to Chicago. The officers recognized the golden opportunity to extensively advertise its line in competition with the Michigan Central, which had already taken steps to establish such a route from Detroit as a feature to avoid the discomforts of an "all rail" journey. The rivalry between the two companies became very keen, and every attractive feature that could be devised by the fertile minds of the publicity departments were put out where they would "do the most good." About this time, too, an active strife was on to secure the contract from the post office department of the government for carrying the mail from Buffalo to Chicago, "time being the essence of this contract," it was finally determined by the department, to decide the matter by a contest between the two lines in a practical test of speed between Buffalo and Chicago. The steamer "Mayflower" of the Michigan Central, its fastest boat, and the "Northern Indiana" of the Michigan Southern, were selected to enter this race, the last named being commanded by the late Captain A. D. Perkins of Monroe.
The Michigan Southern officials did not ignore this golden opportun- ity, to interest the public in the projected excursion, and advertised the new line in the most alluring terms and the most glowing phraseology known to even the theatrical advance agent. It is not remembered whether the Michigan Central people adopted this method of publicity or some other equally effective one, but it is not to be supposed that the matter was altogether ignored. At any rate, on the appointed day, the "Northern Indiana," "spic and span" sailed from Buffalo with a large .passenger list, and an average cargo of freight. In view of the test of speed to be made, with so much at stake, it is by no means probable that
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
extraordinary efforts were made to increase the tonnage in the hold. She arrived at Monroe piers, slightly ahead of the scheduled time, and was loudly cheered as she entered the harbor, all colors gaily flying, and the proud commodore on the bridge. Here the best appointed train which the Michigan Southern could at that time boast, drawn by the fleetest and most powerful locomotive in service, all abundantly decorated was waiting to take on board the eastern excursionists, which it did after they had partaken of a sumptuous breakfast served at the com- pany's hotel, the Lake House, presided over by that well remembered and capable landlord, Daniel Dunning, (long since dead). The trip had begun and was progressing most auspiciously, the excursionists were in a frame of mind which was described by the commodore as one of "elated amiability."
The train was soon on its way across the two and a half miles of marsh which waved its billows of rice and other wild grasses and blooming flowers intervening between the lake and the city. Arriving at the public square they found nearly the entire population assembled in gala attire-a fine band giving forth most enlivening airs and a half hundred or more charming little misses in white, whose fluttering ribbons and great baskets overflowing with the fragrant summer blossoms, were the crowning glory of the event; the flowers were distributed among the delighted visitors and the surplus scattered along the track in front of the train.
And here occurs the "active principal" of our "legend." As the train drew to a stand still in the square, an immense banner was thrown across the street bearing this device: "The Floral City Welcomes You." A silver tongued orator took up the theme and descanted in glowing words upon the numberless beauties, compelling attractions, and the glories of its luminous future to be realized under the influence of the blessings of the now completed line between the east and west. The "dedicating banner" incident was immensly a success, and the "Floral City" was on every tongue-the deafening cheers, drowned the blare of the brass, and the loud hissing of the locomotive steam. It was a notable occasion, seldom excelled even in Monroe, where succeeding public functions are never allowed to diminish in glory.
The half hundred little flower girls are now proud grandmothers of other little girls who are only waiting the psychological moment to distinguish themselves. It is said that the honor of having suggested the name Floral City rests with Mrs. David A. Noble, a prominent and distinguished lady of Monroe, who then resided on Washington street, and who passed away many years ago. The excursion train passed on its way to Chicago, taking on at Monroe, city officials and at other stations along the line, similar guests; the contest carrying with it the mail contract, was won by the Michigan Southern company by a very close margin.
· FIRST MONROE NEWSPAPER
Extracts from a journal kept by Edward D. Ellis, who published the first newspaper in Monroe in the years 1825 to 1836.
February 11, 1827: At a numerous meeting of our citizens held on Saturday evening last, a petition was adopted to be presented to the legislative council praying for an act of incorporation. Our citizens were somewhat divided in opinion on the subject, and two parties sprang up; the majority, however, were decidedly in favor of the improvement. The vote stood forty-three for the incorporation, nineteen against.
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
March 17, 1827: The persons concerned in the illegal seizure of a black, at Waterloo, without the formality of law, were a Mr. Pine from Virginia as principal, Mr. Allen, (now in jail) who has been for some months under the tutorage of Captain Thorpe, of Swan Creek, and two citizens of this village. Their examination on Saturday last, before Peter P. Terry, resulted in this commitment, under bonds of $250 each to appear at the next term of county court. Mr. Pine produced a power of attorney, (whether genuine, I know not) from the owner of the slave in question, certified by the proper officers of the state of Virginia.
April 14, 1827: A flourishing settlement has been commenced on the Saline, near the salt springs in Washtenaw county. The first actual settler located there on the 5th of April, 1826, and so rapidly has the population increased by emigration, that the inhabitants there were enabled to raise a saw mill, owned by the Messrs. Parsons, composed of heavy timbers, without the aid of their neighbors. The salt springs, it is thought will eventually be worked to great advantage, and the soil in the vicinity is of excellent quality. This settlement is about thirty miles from La Plaisance Bay harbor, which is its nearest shipping point.
May 12, 1827: The first election in Monroe for village officers, resulted as follows: For president, John Anderson, 36; Jeremiah Law- rence, 36.
This vote being a tie, the choice was decided by lot in favor of Anderson.
For trustees-Hiram C. Brown, 67; Ezekiel A. Peltier, 46; Edward D. Ellis, 38; Peter P. Terry, 38; Anthony L. Briggs, 36; Charles Noble, 35; Harry Conant, 34; James Shew, 31; Alcott A. Chapman, 20; Robert G. Clark, 7. For treasurer, Thomas Wilson, 38; John Germain, 34. For marshall, Oshea Stowel, 39; Levi S. Humphrey, 21, John W. Anderson, 11.
Strange disappearance : A very respectable citizen, Mr. Oshea Stowel, (one of the above candidates for village marshal), is missing, and fears are entertained that he is not living. He was last seen at Gillet's wharf in Detroit, on the evening of the 10th inst, since which time he has neither been seen nor heard from. Mr. Stowel is about thirty-five years of age, about five and one-half feet high, thick set, well dressed. The general impression is that he is either drowned, or has been murdered.
May 19, 1827: Diligent search has been made for Mr. Stowel in and about the Detroit river, on Grosse Isle, and on the beach of the lake in this county ; and although every possible search has been made in other parts of the territory and opposite Detroit, in Canada, yet no satisfactory information has been obtained respecting him. From the well established character of the man, his comparative prosperous circum- stances in life and surrounded by a small but interesting family, it seems hardly possible that he has voluntarily absented himself. But how to account for his continued absence all are at a loss.
LA PLAISANCE BAY HARBOR COMPANY
June 2, 1827: At the annual meeting of the above company held on the 30th ult, the following were chosen directors of the company : Alcott C. Chapman, Charles Noble, Levi S. Humphrey, John Anderson and Harry Conant. John Anderson, Levi S. Humphrey, Oliver Johnson were chosen to superintend the next annual election. The directors chose the following officers for the ensuing year : Levi S. Humphrey, president ; Edward D. Ellis, secretary ; Oliver Johnson, treasurer.
May 2, 1827: The first township election, in Monroe township (county of Monroe) resulted as follows : For supervisor, Samuel Choate;
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
township clerk, Edward D. Ellis; assessors, Samuel Choate, Joseph G. Navarre, Jeremiah Lawrence ; commissioners of highways, Daniel Mulhol- len, Hiram Brown, Samuel W. Gale; overseers of poor, William W. Gale, George Alford.
Village of Monroe : Constables, James McMannus, Ethel Burch; pound master, Walter Gray; fence viewers, Wm. Page, Francis Robert, Aken Duval, David Barker.
FIRST EXPORT OF FLOUR FROM MICHIGAN
June 23, 1827: Our enterprising fellow citizens Miller and Germain, have recently shipped from La Plaisance Bay, for the city of New York, two hundred barrels of flour, manufactured at their mills in this village. This is claimed to be the first flour shipped from Michigan, and the fact speaks loudly in favor of our manufacturing and commercial prospects. and is an evidence of the great change that has taken place in this section of the country within a few years past. Should this specimen of Michigan flour pass in the New York market, for "surperfine," and there can be no doubt that it will-the proprietors will be greatly encouraged, and it will open the way for much more extensive exporta- tions of this article.
August 25, 1827: P. Navarre, an enterprising Frenchman of this village, killed, the other day, at a single shot 148 black birds in one of his fields.
September 15, 1827: Colonel Hubert La Croix died in Frenchtown on the 14th inst, aged forty-eight years; he was one of the earliest settlers of this county, and a member of the legislative council of the territory, since the establishment of that body. He was an able and useful man.
November 19, 1827: The election for members of the legislative council, in Monroe and Lenawee counties resulted in the following vote :
Lenawee
Total
Wolcott Lawrence
Monroe 168
41
209
Charles Noble
123
74
197
Laurent Durocher
170
26
196
Chas. James Lanman
109
75
184
Peter P. Terry
102
12
114
Edward D. Ellis
42
00
42
Darius Comstock
51
39
90
The townships then organized in Monroe county, in which the votes were cast, were Monroe, Frenchtown, Raisinville, Port Lawrence. In Lenawee county, the townships were Tecumseh, Logan, Blissfield and St. Joseph.
MONROE AND THE VALLEY IN 1833
A very full and favorable account of a visit to Monroe, by a resident of New York, in 1833 is given in a series of letters to an old friend in his native state, which is a faithful pen picture of the old town and as a feature of unusual interest is given, as an evidence of the impres- sions made upon a disinterested intelligent observer three-quarters of a century ago, when Monroe was conspicuously a rival of Detroit, and the entrepot of much of the supplies for the new and growing western territory, and a large proportion of the emigration from the eastern state. This visitor was making a tour through the west. He came to Detroit by steamer from Buffalo, and to Monroe by stage coach. His interesting first letter is dated :
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
"Monroe, Michigan, December 3, 1833-The drive from Detroit hither is a very dull one at this season of the year. The road leads through a level wooded country, and the muddy streams creep over the fat black soil, as if they had gormandized upon its rich vegetation, till grown too lazy for locomotion. Among others, the Huron river from which, seeing that it rises in one of the brightest and most beautiful lakes in the peninsula, north of Ann Arbor, better things might be expected, waddles along to Lake Erie, as little disturbed by the flocks of ducks which frolic on its bosom as an alderman, after dinner, by the flies that hum about his head. Occasionally, indeed, some bright little rill ripples across the road, and over the pebbles on its way to the big lake. The ride is finished in about eight hours-not a breakneck pace for a distance of thirty-six miles!
"The village of Monroe in the county of the same name from which I now write, is situated on the banks of the River Raisin about two and a half miles from its entrance into Lake Erie. It was incorporated some two years ago, and comprises a portion of the old site of French- town, celebrated as you know, in the annals of the last war with Great Britain. The place is said to be regularly laid out, but the most business part of it-and it is the fussiest little town in the world-looks as if the buildings had all been tossed from the other side of the river, and left to settle just where they might fall. If the place continues its present rate of growth, (the population having doubled in a year) the inhabi- tants can afford to burn down the river side of the village and arrange it to greater advantage-to say nothing of adding to its appearance. There are, at this time, about one hundred and fifty buildings, of which some are of stone; some of the business houses are wholesale establishments, and make a very attractive display of their wares. There are also two grist mills immediately in the town, a woolen factory, an iron foundry, several sawmills, a chair factory, a tannery, etc., etc. And yet, notwith- standing the ample water power, affording every facility for the use of machinery, the demand for labor is very great, so that mechanics of every kind, here and in Detroit find ready and constant employment at good wages. I have seen them advertised for by written notices and hand bills on tavern doors, blacksmith shops and elsewhere. The emigrants to the territory are, I discover, of a very respectable class, who have the means and disposition to employ others around them.
"The bank of the River Raisin, is established at this place, with a capital of $100,000; one Thomas Manning, a business man of New York state being one of the most active in its organization in which Monroe merchants and other citizens are largely interested. Though in its infancy, is said to be doing a large and flourishing business. The notes are among the handsomest specimen of bank note engraving I have seen, anywhere. There is also a state land office here, at which the sales of public lands since April, amount to $22,000, exceeding the sales for the same period the land offices at Detroit and White Pigeon. The government price of land ($100 for 80 acres) being the same in every part of the territory ; this will afford you some idea of the emigration into the territory, the progress of settlement. I must not forget to mention that with a population of only sixteen hundred souls, five religious denominations are represented in their respective clergymen at Monroe, and that three of these, the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Presbyterian have each a neat church of their own. I may add that a newspaper, with a good circulation (the Michigan Sentinel) is printed here.
"The advantages of Monroe, situated as it is at the head of Lake Erie, induced the government to make an appropriation for improving the
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
harbor, which except that at Maumee is the only one at this end of the lake. The lamented Major Maurice of the Engineer Corps (who, you may remember, fell to the floor and instantly expired when in the act of shaking hands with General Gratiot, in Washington last winter) and whom the inhabitants of this place speak of with the tenderest remem- brance, made minute surveys of the harbor and of the channels of the river; and upon whose reports upon the bills introduced into congress for their improvement were based. A bill was passed at the last session of congress, appropriating $8,000 for rebuilding the pier at the mouth of the river and also appropriating $20,000 for a road from La Plaisance Bay-through which the River Raisin debouches into Lake Erie, to intersect the Chicago road, which traverses the whole peninsula at a point forty miles from here; an improvement which will open a new market to southern and western Michigan and contribute of course, to the prosperity of Monroe. A bill was passed by both houses appropriating $15,000 for a canal to connect the waters of the River Raisin and Lake Erie, by a cut across the bar at the mouth of the Raisin. The money has not been expended however, in consequence of an error of the engrossing clerk, in omitting this important item from the bill, has prevented the bill from becoming a law. The moneys appro- priated for the pier and road have already been mostly expended, and those public works are now nearly completed under the active and efficient superintendence of Captain Henry Smith of the Engineer Corps. When all these improvements are completed, Monroe must have come in for a large share of the immense trade and commerce which must flow through the three outlets of eastern Michigan. The mouth of the Maumee can hardly compete with it on account of the extreme unhealthiness of that swampy region; but I am inclinde to think that the enterprising inhabitants of Monroe are somewhat too optimistic in their expectations, when they think of not only rivaling, but outstripping the ancient city of the straits on the onward road to prosperity and greatness. Detroit, like every other point selected by the French on the western waters of our country is as favorable and commanding a posi- tion as could be chosen. The Monroeites, are however a most driving people in their way. They are now building a steamboat of the largest class, which will cost not less than $45,000, to ply between this place and Buffalo; and this morning, saw launched a beautiful schooner for the lake navigation. It was the first launch that had ever taken place at Monroe, and the occasion caused a general turn out of the inhabitants, who hurried to the spot, a mile or two distant, upon horses of every description and appearance. There was the bull-necked, long maned French pony and his scraggy looking Indian cousin, the sleek-looking Ohio horse, and the clean-limbed, quick-gathering Kentuckian, gallop- ing along with the swift but shuffling Rhode Island pacer, and the high- actioned, trim-looking New York trotter. Everyone rode as if for a wager, whether on horseback or in the calèche-or French cart. When the procession or crowd finally arrived at the dock, there was decidedly as much horse talk as interest in the marine event. A very good and full brass band composed of amateur talent of the village, came at last upon the ground and brought the spectators back to the subject in hand -first the selection of a name for the new vessel, which many wished to have changed from the hackneyed one of "Diana" to the more charac- teristic and appropriate one "Tecumseh," on account of the association of the neighborhood with the great chief, but finally compromised on the "Revenge."
"I was in conversation with an old gentleman and learned that he had been a field officer during the late war and had met him in two or three affairs. 'So you know Tecumseh, then, sir ?' said I. 'I did, sir,' he
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
replied, 'and I believe he was as thorough a gentleman and as high- toned an officer as any in the British service, and far superior to many of them-notably Proctor and some others.' Tecumseh actually held a commission as a general officer immediately from the King of Great Britain. 'What, then, sir, do you think of the massacre upon this spot ?' I asked. 'The barbarity of that act, was only in accordance with Indian's ideas of warfare. The disgrace of it attaches entirely to the English officer, (Proctor) who permitted, possibly sanctioned, the atrocities.' The old officer's blood seemed to kindle with indignation as he dwelt upon that horrible slaughter of a force which had capitulated on honor- able terms, with a full reliance upon the promise of the civilized foe for protection from the violence of his savage allies.
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