History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan, Part 45

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan > Part 45

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being the Monroe, and the vessel the ship Milwaukee. Capt. C., also, during a very lengthy and popular career, was master of the steamers Ohio 1st, Pennsylvania, D. Webster, Ore- gon, Baltic, Anthony Wayne, and latterly the mammoth steamer Western World. At an early period of his life, in 1835, he fitted out the brig Queen Charlotte, which, during the war of 1812, was captured from the British, and for many years lay sunk at Erie, Penn. Capt. David Wilkeson, who in 1871 was living retired at his old home in Perrysburg, commenced (as did those previously named, except Sherman and Fish) his career in command of sail vessels. He commanded the schooners Eagle and Guerriere, his first steamer being the Commodore Perry, of whom he remained master until the close of her career, when himself and others caused to be built the Superior 2d, which he commanded for several years. Capt. C. L. Gager is also among the early lake men, and was with Capt. Levi Allen, James Harrington, Loring Pierce, and John Kimberly on the Walk-in-the-Water as a seaman, comprising her crew. He was absent from the lakes for several years, and on his return bought the steamer Red Jacket and sailed her, then the Geu. Porter, which he converted into a propeller, and after- ward the Albany. Capt. Walter Norton, many years deceased at Buffalo, was among the early pioneers, and first commanded sail vessels, among which was the schooner Michigan, already alluded to. He sailed the steamers Henry Clay, Gen. Porter and Michigan. Capt. George Miles sailed vessels for several years, among others the Erie, which, during a fearful gale, got dismasted on Lake Erie and came near being lost with all hands. He afterward sailed the steamboat Enterprise, somewhere in the years 1834-35, and died several years since at Erie. Capt. John F. Wight commanded the William Penn, and subsequently the Chicago. He died some years since at Erie. Capt. Harry Whittaker was not only prominent as a steamboat nav- igator, but also a builder of steamboats, and through the intrigues of others has had his fort- une wrecked on more than one occasion. At an early day, he sailed the schooner Marie An-

toinette, then the steamers North America, Monroe, United States and A. D. Patchin. What was never previously nor since achieved, he navigated with the steamer United States through- out the winter of 1845, between Buffalo and Detroit. He resided at Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Morris Tyler was also a vessel man at the first, and in 1831-32 sailed the schooner Cincinnati, and others previous to that time. He also commanded the steamers Obio 1st, Daniel Web- ster and James Allen. He last sailed the brig Columbia, which he owned and built. He died at his residence in Lower Sandusky about the year 1845. Capt. John Flaharty commanded sail vessels at first, then steamers, William Peacock and Pennsylvania, and on his retirement went into the forwarding business at Huron, Ohio, and subsequently at Buffalo, where he died after the war. Capt. Chesley Blake died at Milwaukee, with cholera, in 1849. He com- manded the schooners Hannah, Napoleon and others; also steamers Niagara, Michigan and Illinois. Capt. Augustus Walker was probably one of the most prominent navigators in aiding and furthering steamboat interests that ever sailed the lakes. He built the steamers Sheldon Thompson, Washington 1st, Columbus and Great Western, and first commanded the steamer United States, and subsequently the others herein named. The Western was the first steamer on the lower lakes provided with upper cabins. Capt. W. died at Buffalo, in 1865, aged sixty-five years. Capt. Levi Allen, one of the most popular lake men throughout his sailing career, commanded respectively the steamers United States, Superior, Pennsylvania, Buffalo and Niagara 2d. He was a resident of Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Archibald Allen died several years since, at Black Rock, N. Y. Among other craft he commanded during his time were the steamers Michigan and Nile. Capt. Simeon Fox will be remembered by many acquainted with early lake events. He served on board sail craft the greater part of his time, and at one period sailed the schooner Amaranth. He also commanded the steamboats Charles Townsend and Chautauqua, the latter when plying between Buffalo and. Barcelona. He died at Buffalo, N. Y., many years since. Capt. Peter Shainholdts served as first officer on the steamer Superior, along with Pease, and in the same capacity for several years on different boats. He com- manded the steamer Cincinnati, between Buffalo and Chippewa, for a time, and the Charles Townsend, between Buffalo and Detroit. He died in Buffalo about 1847 or 1848. Capt. Thomas Wilkins was a man unsurpassed in popularity by any who ever came before or after him. In connection with his duties, he always maintained the strictest so-

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briety in the performance of the same. He was the popular commander of the steamers William Peacock, Thomas Jefferson, and Missouri, and after retiring from the lakes, served faithfully for several years, and, up to the time of his decease, as Collector of Customs at Erie, Penn. He died in 1870. Capt. Samuel Chase, long since dead, commanded in his day the steamers Ohio 1st, also the Gov. Marcy and the Monroe. Capt. Charles Burnett (familiarly known as Buck Burnett), com- manded the steamers Ohio 1st, and the New England. He also in earlier times commanded vessels. After his retirement from the lakes, he was appointed Harbor Master at Buffalo, and proved an excellent officer. He died like most all sailors, very poor. Capt. James Lundy commenced his career on board sail vessels, and, among others, the schooners Detroit, Maria, and also steamers Pennsylvania, Cleveland 1st, Uncle Sam, Constellation, Rochester, Baltic, City of Cleveland, and others. He was a man of strict habits and always popular. Boh Wagstaff, as he was familiarly called, will not soon be forgotten by many. He commanded the first and finest ship ever on the lakes, the Julia Palmer, in 1836. He was also a steamboat man for many years of his life, and not long since died in New York. Capt. Charles C. Stannard com- manded the brig Ramsay Crooks, on Lake Superior, also the steamboats Niagara, Bunker Hill and Saratoga, and died at "the bells," on board the Western World, on leaving the dock at Detroit, in 1856. Capt. A. E. Hart commanded steamers United States, Cleveland 1st, propellers Oregon and Edith. Previous to steamboating, he sailed the schooner Buffalo and others. His brother, Capt. Robert Hart, deceased at Buffalo, sailed at an early day the sloop William Tell and other vessels, also steamer Robert Fulton, and propeller Paugassett. The steamer Chippewa, built at Buffalo, without frame, with the shape or model of a muskmelon, was sailed by Capt. Benjamin Armstrong, who also commanded the schooners Sterling and Britannia, besides other craft. Capt. G. Appleby sailed the schooner New Connecticut, which capsized in Lake Erie, and three days afterward a woman was rescued from the cabin alive, which was conceded one of the most remarkable events of the times. He also commanded the steamers North America, Constitution, Benjamin Franklin and Sultana. He died at Buffalo in 1867. Capt. Thomas J. Titus commenced his career on sail vessels, commanding the schooners Aurora, United States and others. He also sailed the steamers Ohio 1st, Sandusky, Erie, Buffalo, Queen City and Julia Palmer. His last command was that of the propeller Monticello, and while on Lake Michigan was drowned from the small boat while attempting to land on shore. Capt. H. Van Allen was deservedly one of the most popular men navigat- ing the lakes, in which the qualities of the sailor and gentleman were combined. His sailing career began on the Canada side, and on board the steamers Thames, Kent, Emerald, London, Canada and Clifton: also on the American side, on board the Mayflower and the Empire State, two of the finest steamers that ever floated on the lakes. Since his retirement from the lakes, his home was at Mackinac. The steamer Thames was also at one time commanded by Capt. G. R. Williams, plying between Buffalo and Port Stanley, C. W. Capt. S. F. Atwood, ranks also among the first navigators on the lakes widely and favorably known. Besides sail vessels, he commanded at different periods the steamers Macomb, Monroe, Gen. Harrison, Troy. Arrow, T. Whitney, Parsons, and others. In later years, he resided at his island home on Lake Erie, at North Bass, where he extensively engaged in the culture of grapes. Capt. J. L. Edmonds, commanded for several years vessels and steamers, such as the North America, Chicago and Southerner. While in command of the latter, and after leaving Buffalo on her sec- ond trip of the season, in March, 1850, he was taken suddenly ill, causing the immediate return of the steamer to port, where he died on entering the harbor. Capt. Aaron Root sailed the schooner Amaranth, steamers Constellation in 1836, Bunker Hill in 1837, and subsequently the propeller Henry Clay. He died at

Black River, Ohio. Capt. Joel H. McQueen commanded the steamer Constellation in 1837; afterward the Sam. Ward and other boats. He also at one time com- manded the schooner White Pigeon. Capt. John Shook sailed the schooner Cincinnati, be- sides other vessels, at an early period; also steamers United States and Columbus. He died at Huron, Ohio, some years since. His brother, Capt. Jim Shook, sailed the fine clipper brig Illinois, in 1835, of the Eagle Line, when it was fashionable to have the pea jacket ornamented

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with a spread eagle. He also at one time commanded the propeller Scioto, besides sever al sail craft. He died at Huron, Ohio, a few years since. Capt. Cliff Belden died at Cleveland, in August, 1858. He commenced early on the lakes on board of sail vessels, and at one time commanded the steamboat Star. Capt. A. H. Squier sailed vessels for several years, among others the schooner Laguire, steamers DeWitt Clinton, Garden City and others. He is a resident of Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Amos Pratt, long a prominent lake navigator, will be recol- lected as master of the steamer Anthony Wayne, or Mad Anthony, as she was at first called. He also commanded one of the first propellers on the lakes, the Samson, in 1843, afterward the Princeton and Globe. He was a popular seaman and gentleman. His death occurred in 1869 or 1870. Capt. William Dickson died at Buffalo in 1865, aged sixty-five years. He was reared on the waters, and commenced life as a ferryman between Black Rock and Fort Erie. After several years' experience on the lakes, he commanded the schooners Sterling, Merchant, Michigan 2d, ship Milwaukee, brig Robert Hunter, propellers Hunter and Illinois. Capt. J. T. Pheatt, died at Toledo in 1859. He came from the lower lake, in command of the schooner Grant. While on the upper lakes he commanded the steamer Gen. Harrison, in 1840, the steamer Indiana, in 1842, the Northern Indiana and Western Metropolis. At the time of his decease he was managing a ferry at Toledo. Capt. John Stewart sailed for the late Oliver Newberry, several vessels, commencing at an early period-the schooners Marengo, La Salle, brig Manhattan and others. Previous to his decease, which took place on the River St. Clair, he commanded the steamers Michigan and Northerner. He was universally liked. We also pay a passing tribute to the memory of other lake pioneers, among whom were Capt. Samuel Vary, who died at Sheboygan a few years since; "Ould Ned Burke, " as he was widely known; Jerry Oliver, who commanded the steamer New England, besides sail vessels at other periods; Capts. Paine Mann, Joe Sherwood, John Kline, also Capt. John W. Webster, who, with Capt James Hackett, light-keeper at the mouth of Detroit River, are the two oldest vessel masters at present living. Capt. W. resides at Painesville, Ohio. Capt. W. P. Stone, once of the steamer Key. stone State, and favorably known, died a few years since at a hotel in New York City. Capt. Thomas Richards died while in command of the steamer Niagara, at Milwaukee, in 1849. Capt. G. W. Flood came from the seaboard, and sailed the brig Indiana, in 1837, in 1839 the steamer Sandusky, and in 1843 the propeller Hercules, after which he returned to salt water. He died in California. Capt. George E. Willoughby died at Quebec a few years since. He commanded respectively the Emerald, London, Canada, Ocean, Mayflower and Plymouth Rock, and was popular. Capt. C. H. Ludlow sailed vessels, and in 1849 commanded the steamboat Baltic. He also sailed the propeller Globe, subsequently the propeller New York. He died some years since. Capt. Jacob Imson, formerly of the Hendrick Hudson, Diamond, Buck- eye State and propeller St. Joseph, is farming in Michigan. Capt. S. Clement was in business at Chicago. He, in 1839, sailed the schooner Philadelphia, and at other periods different vessels, besides the Atlantic and others of Ward's steamers. Capt. E. B. Ward was also at an early date a vessel man, sailing, among others, the schooner Gen. Harrison. The first steamboat he commanded was the Huron, in 1840. Subsequent events are too familiar for repetition here. Capt. L. B. Goldsmith was navigating the lakes in 1871, and latterly in command of the steamer Jay Cooke. He commenced early and promised to stay late. Capt. Fred S. Wheeler, who commanded the propeller Hercules and steamboat St. Louis, has been dead for several years. Capt. Fred S. Miller still navigates, and has been tossed about from an early date. There are those who will also remember Capt. R. C. Bristol, who sailed vessels; also the steamers James Madison and Niagara 2d. His death took place some years ago. Capt. D. P. Nickerson came from the seaboard, and has filled numerous important positions, both on the salt and fresh waters. He was the Captain on board the steamers Eclipse, Bunker Hill, Ohio 2d, Saratoga, and others. Capt. Morris Hazard came from the East, having an experience on the rivers. He brought out the steamer Milwaukee, at Buffalo, in 1838, and afterward commanded the Constellation, Empire State, and also sailed the Monroe. In nearly all of these steamers he held more or less interest. He died at his residence in Buffalo in 1869. Capt. D. H. McBride died at Milwaukee in March, 1871, after a lengthy sojourn on the lakes. He had a large experience on both sail and steam craft. The schooner Havre was the last ves-

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sel he commanded, in 1842, and the propeller Ironsides the last steamer. He was second mate of the steamer Erie, which was burned on Lake Erie in 1841, and narrowly escaped be - ing counted among the lost Capt. William Hinton, for several years past pilot on the United States steamer Michigan, was first officer of the Erie when she was burned, and also met with a narrow escape. He has served long and faithfully on board steamers, and commanded the Daniel Webster after she was changed to the Black Dan, and knows all about it. Capt. James M. Averill, an old lake man, commanded the steamer Erie (the little) in 1840 or 1841, and subse- quently sail vessels-the Barton and others. Previous to this period, the Captain was several years at sea. He resided at Buffalo. Capt. Heber Squier resided at Grand Haven. He was connected with the steamers St. Louis, Empire City of Cleveland, propeller Oriental, and others, with all of which he leaves a bright record. Capt. Jacob Travers commanded the steamer Golden Gate, besides several sail craft; Capt. Benjamin A. Stannard, numerous sail craft, but both have long since retired to a quiet life. Capt. John Caldwell, who died at Cleveland in 1864, commanded, in 1836-37 and 1838, the schooner Hudson, afterward the Henry Crevolin and Trenton. Subsequently for several years he commanded steamers to Lake Superior, and in the Northern Transportation Line. He was universally respected. Capt. B. G. Sweet resided at Toledo. He dated his lake career back to 1831, sailing the schooner N. C. Baldwin to 1837 -38, and took to steamboats somewhere about 1845, commanding the pro- peller Phoenix in 1846, burned on Lake Michigan in November of that year. He also sailed the Northerner, North Star, propeller Iron City, and others. He retired some fifteen years since. Capt. D. Howe, at one time quite prominent on the lakes, was a lower lake man, and sailed at one time the schooner Saratoga. In 1837, we find him in command of the steamer New York, which craft was bedecked with four pipes. In 1840, Capt. Howe was in command of the Ches- apeake, and in 1844-45, the Empire, at that date, the mammoth of the lakes. He also sailed the steamer America, and others. He went to Vermont and there died, during the war. Cart J. C. Benjamin died at Prairieville, Mich., in 1864. He sailed the steamboat Ben. Franklin in 1849, and previously sail vessels out of Cleveland.

PIONEER SKETCHES.

In this chapter the writer of the general history has essayed to make a collection of pio- neer biographical sketches which might escape the notice of his assistants to whom the com - pilation of the personal history of the county is intrusted. In the city and township histories, these biographical writers have, doubtless, left nothing undone to insure a full mention of the pioneers. To repeat their work in this chapter would be extravagant excess; but, as has been stated, the following liberal sketches are grouped together lest through any chance the names of men and women connected with the early progress of St. Clair County should be omitted. Therefore, the reader must search the pages devoted to local history to learn more of the pio- neers, and the times in which they lived.

Charles Phillips came to St. Clair County about the year 1820, and settled at what now embraces the site of Marine City. His former residence was at Buffalo, N. Y., where he had invented the first machine for the manufacture of the cut nail. Before he had his machine patented, he took a brother-in-law into partnership with him, who by craft succeeded in getting the patent in his own name, and thus defrauded Mr. Phillips out of the large revenues which he would have received. He was so grieved at this piece of deception that he left Buffalo and sought his fortunes in this then virgin country. On his arrival, he was the best mechanic in the Territory of Michigan. He afterward produced a number of inventions, among which were a plow, water-wheel, etc.

Lorenzo M. Mason, a native of Vermont, came to Michigan in 1836, and settled at Port Huron. He studied law in Vermont, and was admitted to the bar in that State. On arriving in this county, he landed at Capt. Clark's dock, below St. Clair. He came to Michigan to practice his profession, and entered into partnership with Ira Porter, who arrived shortly after him; subsequently, Mr. Mason became a partner of J. B. Comstock. In 1844, he entered a law partnership with Bethuel C. Farrand, now the oldest member of the St. Clair bar. From the date of his coming to 1842, he was an extensive purchaser of United States lands, which

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he disposed of on easy terms to bona fide settlers. His partnership with Mr. Farrand ended in 1850, yet he continued to practice law for a short time after. Mr. Mason's political life in this county is regarded in the political chapter. After giving up the practice of his profession, he devoted a great deal of his time to lumber, real estate and boats. In 1853, he moved to Detroit, and there connected himself with the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, and started a loan office. Mr. Mason was married to Miss Luce, of Port Huron, in 1839. His death took place at Detroit in 1874. The sad event brought sorrow into the homes of all who knew him, whether in the county -- to the progress of which he contributed so much -or in the city, which he adopted as a home, and whose society he aided in forming.

Joseph P. Mini or Minnie, was born at Point aux Trembles April 21, 1812. His parents were old settlers of St. Clair; the father was born in St. Clair County, and the mother born at Windsor, C. W. Mr. Minnie went to St. Louis, Mo., at an early day, and there learned the tailor's trade. Returning, he located at Monroe. There he married Miss Adelaide Le Duc, May 10, 1832. Four years later, Mr. Minnie brought his wife into the wild woods of St. Clair, and located where the old Mini homestead stands, on Military street. Throughout the general history of the county, the name of this pioneer occurs very often. He took a most important part in all the progressive enterprises of early days, and was among the most favorably known pioneers of the State. Mr. Mini's children were Mary Ann, born March 4, 1833, at Monroe, was married to Horace Baker October 24, 1855; Joseph Theo. Standard, born at Monroe, Octo- ber 23, 1834, married Amanda Wilson June 16, 1857; Matilda Diana, born at Port Huron March 28, 1836, married Capt. A. W. Andrews December 19, 1865; Lewis Livingstone, born in Cottrellville February 14, 1838, died October 20, 1839; Adeline Josephine, born in Cottrellville July 11, 1839, died April 26, 1841; Josephine Adelaide, now Mrs. Post, born in Cottrellville October 25, 1841, married James Gibson July 30, 1860; Louis Napoleon, born at Port Huron October 14, 1843, married Miss Junks, of Ann Arbor, in 1871; Edmund, born at Port Huron December 25, 1845, married Nellie Buck in 1869; Ezekiel Abraham, born June 12, 1849, at Port Huron, resides on the old homestead.

John Miller was born at Sugar Loaf, Canada, February 1, 1813, and was sixty years of age at the time of his death, September 13, 1873. While he was still very young, his parents removed to Rochester, Oakland Co., Mich., where he remained until nearly fifteen years of age, when he came with his older brother, Jacob, to St. Clair County. For a time, he was em- ployed at Wadham's, or in that vicinity, afterward going away for a year or two, and finally set- tling at Pori Huron in 1832, when he entered the service of the Black River Steam Mill Com- pany as book-keeper and clerk. He was afterward made the company's agent. His services to the city are referred to in the city history.

Capt. Henry Ainsworth purchased the Bassenet farm at Point aux Trembles in 1820, and became a settler of the district constituted St. Clair County in 1821. He died in 1822, leaving the property to his son Henry Ainsworth, who may be termed a pioneer. The Cap. tain was considered a well-informed, enterprising man.

Jacob Peer settled in St. Clair County, in 1821, on lands which he purchased from Capt. Westbrook at Point aux Trembles. This tract was prairie or bottom lands, very fertile, and easily cultivated. Within four years, Mr. Peer had sixty acres under cultivation, and would have undoubtedly made the largest and most beautiful farm in Michigan Territory had not the inun- dation of 1827 submerged the entire tract. He subsequently selected lands near Algonac, and transformed the forest into one of the richest farms in the county, together with planting an apple orchard of thirty-five acres. This pioneer died February 14, 1855, leaving the property to his son Jacob.

Francis Mann Vandeburgh was born in New York City August 27, 1838. In 1854, he removed to Port Huron, where he resided (with the exception of somewhat less than one year spent in Milwaukee) until he enlisted in the Tenth Michigan Infantry in December, 1861. He was mortally wounded near Nashville, Tenn., on the 10th of April, 1863. On the 18th he died. His father was present with him in his last hours, and brought his remains for inter- ment to Port Huron. The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. J. S. Hoyt, of the Congrega- tional Church, May 3, 1863.

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Alexander La Forge, Jr., aged thirty-two years, son of Alexander La Forge, died at Hous- ton, Tex., on the 1st of August, 1867, of yellow fever. The deceased served as a member of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry through all the war.

Mrs. Rachel Hartsuff died at her residence at Port Huron October 2, 1867. Mrs. Hartsuff was born in Tyre, Seneca Co., N. Y., in January, 1808, and at the time of her death was nearly sixty years of age. With her husband, she left the State and removed to Livingston County in this State, in 1842, where they resided until 1863, when they removed to Port Huron.

John Wells, one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens, was born at New Milford, Conn., June 19, 1799, and was, at the time of his death, September 25, 1867, in his sixty-ninth year. He came to Port Huron in 1838, and soon after engaged in mercantile business. But for several years past, he, with his only surviving child, Frederick L., constituting the firm of John Wells & Son, were engaged in lumber operations.

Dr. A. E. Noble, one of the old residents of Port Huron, died December 29, 1870, aged seventy-five years. He was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., January 22, 1796. There he learned the jeweler's trade, and there also studied medicine under Dr. Stearns, of Pompey, N. Y. He entered on the practice of medicine at Hannibal, N. Y., moved to Palermo in 1827, and to Michigan in 1837, taking up his residence at Port Huron in 1838. The Doctor was a Jackson Democrat up to 1860, when he attached himself to the Republican party.

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History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan, Part 45

Author: Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co. Number of Pages: 818

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co.
Number of Pages: 818