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 50
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We have further to report, that after a diligent examination of the several sites pointed out to us and a general view of the County from actual observation and such other means of information as were accessible to us, We are of opinion that the present location is the most eligible one that can be made, either as it respects the present or future prospects of the County; And We are therefore decidedly of the opinion that it would be inexpedient to remove the Seat of Justice from its present location, provided the engagements with the public made by the proprietors are promptly and punctually complied with; As a preliminary step to which we would recommend to your honourable body that measures be taken to have a Plan of the Town re- corded at the County Seat: a measure which is so obviously necessary but which by some strange inadvert- ency has been hitherto neglected.
Given under our hands at the city of Detroit the nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five.
THOMAS ROWLAND. CHAS. NOBLE.
As will be seen by the above report, the result of the election was against the removal of the county seat, though we regret that that certified poll list is lost. Their defeat does not seem to have disheartened the advocates of removal, for three days after this election they began the circu- lation of a subscription paper to pledge the construction of county buildings, if the seat of justice should be located at Newport. That paper was circulated all over the county, Mr. John S. Fish being the party employed to " work up " the movement, but he was able to obtain but few signers except among residents below St. Clair. Mr. D. B. Harrington stated that he remembers dis- tinctly Mr. Fish's efforts in the upper part of the county and how unsuccessful they were, for even then some of the residents hereabouts foresaw the manifest destiny of the county seat. The paper is a curiosity in its way and we re-produce it-as nearly a fac simile as we can in type-as follows:
We the subscribers do agree to pay the amounts annexed to our respective names either in labor, pro- duce, materials or cash at our own option to the person or persons who may be authorized to receive sd subscriptions, for the purpose of building a court House and Gaol in the County of St. Clair, provided the seat of justice should be established on or near the shore of the river St. Clair at any point betwixt the house now occupied by William Gallagher and Thomas Fargo and owned by Major Baker of the U. S. army and the lower line of the farm lately occupied by the widow of the late Moses Birdsall.
ST. CLAIR, November 18, 1824.
327
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
NAME.
AMOUNT.
REMARKS.
WITNESS.
Eber Ward
$ 10
Material for Building.
his
Louis x Mini.
4 Labor.
mark
Henry Robertson.
4
John S. T ..
40 10
Joseph Mini George Cottrell.
10
Henry Cottrell
20
Samuel Ward
200
Glass nails and lumber ; and if the Court House should be put on my farm the addition of sixteen town lots to actual settlers, and half an acre of Land for the use of the County for the purpose of erecting a court house jail and other public buildings. Samuel Ward.
his
Joan x Bts Yax Sen mark
4 00
Labour or grain.
H. Cottrell.
James Robertson his François x Biorage
1 50
Labour.
H. Cottrell.
mark
5 00
Labor & Grain.
H. Cottrell.
his David x Robertson mark his James x Loson. mark his
6 00
Labor & Grain.
H. Cottrell.
Reuben x Babcock. mark
2 50
Labor.
H. Cottrell.
Stephen Tiembell (?). his
5
Labor
John S. Fish.
Francis x Chortie
2 Grane
John S. Fish.
mark his
2 00
Labour.
H. Cottrell.
his
5 00
Labour.
H. Cottrell.
François x Duchene. mark his Michel x Duchene, Sen. mark
3 00
Labour
H. Cottrell.
his
3 00
Grane
John S. Fish.
John Bt. x Petit .. mark
15 00 10 00 5
Grane and Labor. Grane or labor. Grane.
John S. Fish.
Charles x Seur mark his
1 grane
John S. Fish.
Louis x Chortie mark
10
grane or labor
John S. Fish.
George Harrow. S. B. Grummond. Jno. Harrow Seth Taft
5 5
grane or labor. grane or work. grane or work. Laber.
John S. Fish.
6 5
Laber. Grane. Grane. Grain. Grain.
E. Ward.
David Cottrell. Lambert Beaubien. John Robertson his Nicholas x Hoffmaster. mark his
12 00
grane or labor.
Louis x Cochois mark
5 00
in Grain.
3:28
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
NAME.
AMOUNT.
REMARKS.
WITNESS.
his Charles x Chortie
10
grane.
John S. Fish.
mark his Stephen x Chortie. mark James Courtright, Sen his
4
grane or labor
John S. Fish.
10
grane or labor.
James x Courtright mark
5
grane or labor.
John S. Fish.
Aesel Ahoal (?).
5 3 00 4
grane. Labour. grain.
Wm. x J. Hill mark
5
grane
John S. Fish.
John Brown
5
grane. Laybour.
James Gallagh his John Bt x Gena
10
labor
John S. Fish.
mark
Jacob Grant.
grane. grane. work.
Nancy Stewart.
Produce.
Lewis T. Buchanan
produce and labour.
George Settle.
produce.
Thomas Fergo
produce. Produce.
Wm. Gallagher ..
10 20
Labour.
H. & B. Hinckley his B. x Knapp.
8
Labour.
H. B. Hinckley.
mark his
5
Labour
H. B. Hinckley.
Michiel Duchene, Jun. his
8 grane.
John S. Fish.
Dominique x Mini. mark
11
grane.
John S. Fish.
Thomas Clark
Baptiste Nantay
cent grane.
John Flynn his
Mithchell x Yax mark his
3 00
in labor
Samuel Ward.
Joseph x Yax.
2 00
in labor
Samuel Ward.
mark
George Mier. his
Lewis x Lafissch
1 00
grain.
Charles Cashlary
4៛00
W. & Beach
10 00 10 00
in hats.
L. Campeau.
The amount subscribed above, foots up $637.50, of which Samuel Ward, the prime mover in the removal scheme as will be seen, contributed much the largest single subscription. This sub- scription seems to have failed in its desired influence on the special Commissioners, for they re- ported against any change in the county seat and the proposals of Thomas Palmer and McKins- try, prompted of course by a desire to prevent removal, were accepted by the Legislative Council, and the petitions for removal were denied. These proposals were as follows:
-
i
Isaac Cass ...
L. Bt. Cochois his
5
Fn Harsen
Wm. Harsen
10 15 10 20 10 3 5
H. x Cawel mark
5 50
5 laber.
mark
329
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
DETROIT, December 24, 1824.
GENTLEMEN: We, the undersigned, offer the following proposals on condition that the seat of justice for the County of St. Clair be establish'd where it is now located, viz :- We agree to fulfill the condition of a cer- tain bond given by James Fulton and Wm. Thorn to Gov. Cass condition'd for the errection of a Court House and Jail and a ps of ground of 180 feet square, which ps of ground is more particularly described in a plan of the town of St. Clair, which ps of ground has been deeded to the sd County on which the sd buildings are to be erect'd; also it is further understood in sd bond that there was an acre of ground to be deeded near sd town for the purpose of a burying-ground, which tittle of sd acre of ground we agree to give when cal'd upon-sd bond bearing date on March, 1820, and in addition to the condition therein expressed we agree to place a good permanent floor above and below in the rooms of the said building calculated for the confinement of criminals.
With our respects we remain Your humble serv'ts
THOMAS PALMER, DAVID C. MCKINSTRY.
MESSRS. THOMAS ROWLAND, CHARLES NOBLES & JOHN BURBANK.
N. B .- It is further understood that we agree to furnish a convenient flatt for the convenience of any person or persons that are wishing to cross Pine River free from expense that will hold a wagon & horses untill there is a bridge erected across sd river.
DAVID C. MCKINSTRY, THOMAS PALMER.
N. B .- It is understood that the Building is to be erected in the course of the Winter. The foundation is laid the timber and lumber on the spot and carpenters at work.
PALMER & MCKINSTRY.
Under these proposals the first court house of this county was built. It was of hewn logs, about 24x34 in size, with a court room above cells for criminals and living apartments for the jailer below.
We are unable to say whether Messrs. Palmer and Mckinstry were as prompt in fulfilling their bond as they promised. The building was not accepted by the Board of Supervisors until September 3, 1827, and then it was declared that it was "not considered finished according to con- tract," and specifications made as to how it must be finished. The building was used for court pur- poses, however, before that date.
This is a part of the history of the first court house of this county. It was used until it was destroyed by fire in 1853, and its brick successor was erected where it had stood.
ACTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
In 1821, the township of St. Clair, formerly a portion of Macomb County, formed the county. The first action of the board was to appoint Joseph Minnie Assessor. A highway was ordered to be opened from the estuary of Belle River to the mouth of Pine River. The jail was located by Commissioners in the rear of James Fulton's house at St. Clair. The sum of $35 was paid to Mr. Fulton for building the jail, and $6.63 to Andrew Westbrook for hinges and bolts used in the con- struction of the jail.
In 1822, the board estimated the expenditures for the year at $100. Thomas Cutler was al- lowed $2 for wolf bounty. The town of St. Clair was divided into three road districts; No. 1 embracing the township of Clay; No. 2 that of Cottrellville, East China, Ira, and all excepting the north tier of sections of Casco and China; No. 3, the residue of the county, then the town of St. Clair. John S. Fish, Joseph Minnie, and Louis St. Barnard, were the Supervisors of these districts.
In 1823, the Commissioners appropriated $150 to meet the expenses for the year. Alexander O'Keefe was allowed $5 for services as Prosecuting Attorney; and John Thorn, County Clerk, was allowed his account.
In 1824, the estimate for public expenses was $200, for the collection of which Henry Cottrell was allowed five per cent.
In 1825, $400 were appropriated to meet current expenses. B. F. H. Witherell was allowed $15 for services as Prosecuting Attorney. A road from the mouth of Belle River to the old grist mill on the north side of Belle River in Section 15, China.
The expenditures for 1826 were estimated at $400. The township of St. Clair was divided in- to two districts; No. 1 included all the inhabitants, except those who resided on the banks of Black River, above the northwest corner of John Riley's fence. District No. 2 included the inhabitants to
330
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
the extremity of the settlements. James Fulton was appointed Supervisor of District No. 1, and Jeremiah Harrington of District No. 2. Cottrellville Township was divided into three districts -- No. 1, the southeast part, with William Gallagher, Supervisor; No. 2, north and northeast, with Amasa Hemmenger, Supervisor; and No. 3, on Lake St. Clair, under Supervisor Francis Yax.
In 1827, the estimated expense was $500. John H. Westbrook was appointed Supervisor of the Black River District; Joseph P. Bunce, of the district from Fort Gratiot to Palmer's south line; Clark Worden, Supervisor on road from Palmer's south line to the mouth of Belle River. Henry Cottrell was appointed Supervisor of District No. 1, Cottrellville; Henry Cottrell and Daniel Stew- art, Assessors; Mark Hopkins, Deputy Clerk; Edward H. Rose, Clerk. The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held in 1827. Three lots west of the court house, in the village of St. Clair, were deeded, for county purposes, to Lewis Cass by James Fulton. The contract for old jail was revoked, and a contract for building a new one was partially negotiated with Charles Phillips.
In 1828, there was no appropriation made for county expenditures. In 1829, $5 were granted as bounty for wolf scalps; the four Supervisors were paid $8 each; the county taxes were apportioned as follows: Clay, $59.75; Cottrellville, $65.91; Desmond or Port Huron, $96.88; St. Clair Town- ship, $107.87.
The court house was repaired by Harman Chamberlin in 1830; Sheriff Henry Cottrell was granted $54 for services; Clerk of Circuit Court Harmon Chamberlin received $12.75 for services.
In 1831, a proposal for building floating bridges across Belle and Pine Rivers. Contracts were negotiated May 21; Kilburn Hoyt built the bridge across Belle River for $225; H. James built the Pine River bridge for $200. During the year, Horatio James was Clerk of County Court, and James Fulton Clerk of Circuit Court.
In 1832, 4 of 1 per cent was ordered to be assessed, but the equalized valuation is not given. Harmon Chamberlin was allowed $61 for repairing the court house; Samuel Ward received $8 for furnishing blank books for the county.
In 1833, Samuel Hopkins was appointed Clerk at $1.50 per day. The county tax was appor- tioned as follows: Clay, $79.97; Cottrellville, $93.11; Desmond or Port Huron, $141.43, and St. Clair Township, $213.38. In 1834, the tax raised in these townships was $90.65, $97.90, $254.81 and $242.43 respectively. Ira Porter was Clerk.
In 1835, the township of China was organized, with Peter Carleton, first Supervisor. The tax raised in the township that year was $145.87.
Clyde Township was organized in 1836, with Ralph Wadhams, first Supervisor. The sum of $4 was allowed for wolf scalps. The tax apportioned to Clyde was $338.60.
In 1837, Columbus Township was organized, with Theodore Bathy first Supervisor; Lexing- ton, with Jonathan Burtch first Supervisor; and Ira, with Charles Kimball first Supervisor. The taxes raised in these townships were. Columbus, $157.48; Ira, $101.88.
The first meeting of the Supervisors to act in place of Commissioners was held October 1, 1838, but adjourned on the ground that they had no authority to act. The Commissioners met November 22, 1838, but did not transact business. They were Zael Ward, Justin Rice and John S: Parker.
In 1839, a contract was negotiated with Thomas Palmer for building brick offices for Clerk and Register, at a cost of $650. The distinction between county and township poor was abolished, and the county ordered to maintain them. Port Huron was granted the use of the foot of Butler street for dock purposes, on condition that the wharf improvement remain the property of the coun- ty at the end of twenty years. The bounties for wolf scalps amounted to $8. The Board of Coun- ty Commissioners qualified November 19, 1839. Zael Ward, John S. Parker and John Howard were the members.
The record for 1840 shows the total valuation of the county to be $1,042,726.95, and the State and county tax $3,650.34. The amount paid to grand and petit jurors during the year was $194; poor orders amounted to $53; paid Commissioners, $49.66; cost of furniture for Clerk's office, $50.
PETITIONS FOR AND AGAINST THE DIVISION OF THE COUNTY.
The Legislature was petitioned to divide the county between Towns 6 and 7 north from the eastern to the western lines, so that the north line of St. Clair County should be the north line of Town 6 north. The reason assigned was the inconvenient length of the county.
331
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
A counter petition was presented about the same time, each side claiming the same number.
PETITIONS FOR AND AGAINST REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT.
TO THE HONORABLE THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN:
The petition of the undersigned inhabitants of the county of St. Clair humbly representeth, That the seat of justice has never been established in said county, but was temporarily located in the village of Palmer; and as the good faith of the Legislature has never been pledged, and as the town of Port Huron has every natural and adventitious advantage in its favor, we humbly pray your honorable body to remove the seat of justice from its present temporary location, and establish the same in the village of Port Huron. No- vember 28, 1842.
TO THE HONORABLE THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN:
We, the undersigned, citizens of the county of St. "air, do respectfully remonstrate against the re- moval of the county seat of said county, as we conceive it to be a measure wholly uncalled for by a large majority of the people, and at variance with every principle of public justice.
As at present located, the county seat we deem in a more central position, as regards population at least, than can be effected by a removal, desired only by certain individuals who seek their own personal aggrandisement at public expense and inconvenience; added to which is the firm belief that the county, before long, must be geographically divided.
ST. CLAIR, December 1, 1842.
In 1841, the total tax was $6,309.56. E. E. Carleton was allowed $100 for building bridge over Belle River near Williams' Mill. The township of Ira was granted $100 toward erection of bridge over Swan Creek, and J. J. Falkenburg was allowed $200 for repairing court house.
In 1842, the valuation of county was $933,196.45, and the total taxes, $7,466.27. H. N. Monson and W. B. Barron were appointed agents to sell the poor farm, previously bought from M. H. Miles, for $1,000. The Prosecuting; Attorney was allowed a salary of $200.
In 1843, the salary of the clerk was made $250. E. C. Bancroft was Clerk of Board.
In 1844, the sum of $100 was appropriated to build bridge across Belle River, at Cross.
In 1845, the valuation of the county was reduced by the Board of Equalization.
In 1846, the old poor farm was traded to Chamberlin and Ogden for northwest quarter of the northwest quarter Section 9, Town 5, Range 16, and contract to build house and barn on same. The sum of $200 was paid to them in addition to the land.
In 1847, the valuation of the county as then established was $864,872. Chamberlin and Ogden received $50 for extra work on poor house.
In 1848, the County Board was engaged in the ordinary routine of business.
J. P. Minnie, J. K. Smith and Benjamin Woodworth were elected first County Superintend- ents of Poor in 1849. The salary of the County Judge was placed at $400; of the Clerk at $250; of the Treasurer at $500; and of the Prosecuting Attorney at $300.
In 1850, Samuel Haywood was licensed to ferry across the St. Clair. The county relinquished its claims to the east half of Academy Block, to St. Clair Village. James W. Sanborn was appoint- ed Superintendent of Poor vice J. P. Minnie, resigned.
In 1851, a defalcation of $3,317.25 was found in County Treasurer Duthan Northrup's office. The conclusion arrived at by the Supervisor's Board was to the effect that orders were given by the Treasurer, of which he kept no account, and exonerated him from any criminal charge.
In 1852, the bond of Edmund Carleton was accepted. A sum of $135 was appropriated to buy a safe. The total taxes ordered to be levied amounted to $4,230.16.
H. Chamberlin was appointed to attend State Board of Equalization in 1853. The salaries of the County Treasurer were fixed at $600; of Clerk at $300; and of Prosecuting Attorney at $400 for 1853.
In 1854, a resolution was offered by J. P. Minnie to remove the county seat to Port Huron, on condition that the village would erect suitable buildings. Eight members of the board voted for removal and six against removal. The valuation of the county made that year was $3,053,910.
The tax for 1855 was $10,522.25. The Sheriff was ordered to sell the old building known as the Clerk's Office. The salaries of county officers were increased that year.
In 1856, the salaries of Treasurer and Prosecuting Attorney were fixed at $800; of Clerk at $500; and of Poor Superintendents, $50 each. The following year, the Prosecuting Attorney's salary was cut down $200, and that of the Clerk placed at $600. In 1858, the expenses of the Supervisor's Board were paid out of proceeds of tax sales.
In 1859, the Treasurer's salary was placed at $1,000; the Clerk's at $800 ; and the Prosecut- ing Attorney's at $1,000.
332
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
The release of H. Whiting from liabilities on the bond of D. Northrup was made in 1860. Whiting paid $1,000 and delivered property held by him in trust for the other defendants. The Prosecuting Attorney's salary was placed at $900 ; the Clerk's at $750 ; and the Treasurer's at $900. During the years 1861, '62, '63 and '64, the salaries of county officials rose and fell at the pleasure of the board. In the latter year, that of Treasurer was placed at $1,350. In 1866, the salaries of Treasurer and Judge of Probate were set down at $1,500 each ; those of Clerk and Prosecuting Attorney at $950. The State and County taxes amounted to $45,407. During the years 1867-68-69 and 1870, the transactions of this board were of the ordinary character. In 1870, County Treasurer Robert Thompson died, when John Miller was appointed by the Supervisor's Board.
The last meeting of the board, at the old county seat, was held January 6, 1871. The first meeting of the board at Port Huron was held April 29, 1871. The majority in favor of remov- ing the county seat was 532.
The schoolhouse where sessions of the court and Supervisors' Board were held was burned February 24, 1873. The Clerk and Register's offices were transferred over Hull & Boyce's store. The Clerk's office was removed to new City Hall building, June 24, 1873.
In 1875, the salaries of county officers were subjected to another change. The salary of Treasurer was placed at $1,400 ; of Judge of Probate, $1,400 ; of Prosecuting Attorney, $1,000 ; of Clerk, $950. In 1876, a reduction of $200 was made in Judge of Probate's salary ; of $400 in that of Treasurer ; and $100 in that of County Clerk.
Regarding the loss of $7,500 to the county by the robbery of County Treasurer Henry Johr, at Detroit, November 20, 1866, the following preamble and resolution were presented to the board, and were unanimously adopted : " Whereas, it satisfactorily appears to this Board of Super- visors, that on the 20th day of November, 1866, Henry Johr, Treasurer of this county, while on his way from this county to Lansing, to pay over moneys in his hands belonging to the State, was robbed in the city of Detroit, of the sum of $7,500, belonging to the State. Therefore, Resolved, that we respectfully ask the Legislature of the State to take such action for the relief of Mr. Johr and his bail, as may be deemed most just and as shall release him and them from the loss so sustained."
During Valentine Saph's administration of the office of County Treasurer, the safe was blown open and a sum of $150 abstracted.
The sum of $150 was appropriated by the Territory toward completing county court house and jail at St. Clair, April 12, 1827.
H. Chamberlain, Sheriff of the county of St. Clair, received $28.05 for taking the census of county in 1834.
He reported in Cottrellville, 423 inhabitants; in St. Clair, 323; in Desmond, 817; in Clay, 421. A special Commissioner was appointed for St. Clair County April 13, 1827.
An act to regulate and improve the navigation of Black River was approved November 5, 1829.
By an act of Legislature, April 15, 1833, the session of St. Clair Circuit Court was ordered to be held on the second Monday of July and January of each year.
By an act approved March 28, 1836, the Supervisors of St. Clair County were authorized to borrow $10,000 for a term of years not less than seven or over twenty, at interest not exceeding 7 per cent.
In 1877, County Treasurer John Johnston resigned. His liabilities were $19,976.19.
THE COUNTY POOR HOUSE TROUBLES.
If an opinion may be expressed, there should not be an institution bearing this name within the Union. Yet it exists, and generally under circumstances opposed to every idea of humanity, every hope of our civilization. The aged and infirm and unfortunate should be provided for; but in a country of freedom their home should never bear the title of Poor House.
Extracts from report of F. H. Blood, B. W. Jenks, George S. Granger and Henry J. Bradbeer, presented to the Board of Supervisors in October, 1878, point out clearly the condition of the institution.
Again, on January 5, 1881, Fred H. Blood, Robert Leach, and George W. Carleton, members of the Committee of Investigation, reported to the Supervisors, on the subject of another series of charges: Your committee to whom the article published in the Port Huron Commercial of October 13, A. D. 1880, was referred for investigation under the resolution adopted by your Board,
333
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
together with the complaint made by George S. Granger October 21, A. D. 1880, in regard to the management of the county poor house, and the keeper, James Van Slyke, and his wife, the matron of said poor house, and all employes under them, and the Superintendents of the Poor, and all busi- ness respecting the poor in said poor house, both male and female, beg leave respectfully to report that we have visited the poor house and made a thorough investigation as to the management, and have taken the testimony under oath of all those who have made complaints, and such others as have been named to us as having knowledge of said management and of the paupers or inmates of said poor house as well as the keeper and his wife and their employes, and the Superintendents of the Poor, and find upon the testimony that the charge made in the Port Huron Commercial of nine years ago, occurrence of the treatment of Mrs. Sarah E. Laribeck, we find was beyond our juris- diction, as the keeper then was another person and not James Van Slyke, and that the Board of Superintendents of the Poor was not the present board, therefore we took no testimony on that affair or charge made and published by said newspaper.
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