History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 12

Author: Western historical company, Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas & co.
Number of Pages: 814

USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.. > Part 12

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.

is valued at $25,000, and the buildings, etc., $6,000. The school has done a good work in qualifying teachers for the public schools.

Besides the foregoing eclleges, there are the German-American Seminary in Detroit, a Catholic seminary at Monroe, the Michigan Female Seminary at Kalamazoo, the Military Academy at Orchard Lake, near Pontiac, and others. Large numbers of Michigan students study at the college of Notre Dame in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

No State in the Union takes better care of her poor than does Michigan. For a number of years past, especially under the administrations of Govs. Bagley and Croswell, extraordinary efforts have been made to improve and bring to perfection the appointments for the poor and dependent.

According to the report of the Board of State Commissioners for the general supervision of charitable, penal, pauper and reformatory institutions for 1876, the total number in poor-houses of the State was 5,282. For the five years preceding, the annual rate of increase was four times greater than the increase of population during that period ; but that was an exceptionally " hard " time. The capacity of the publie heart, however, was equal to the occasion, and took such measures as were effectual and almost beyond criticism for the care of the indigent. At the head of the charity department of the State stands

THE STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL,

In the year 1870 a commission appointed by the Governor for that purpose, visited many of the poor-houses in the State, and found a large number of children in them under sixteen years of age, indiscriminately associated with idiots, maniacs, prostitutes and vagrants. Their report recommended the classification of paupers, and especially, that children in the county houses, under sixteen years, should be placed in a State school. The act establishing the rule was passed in 1871, in con- formity with the recommendation. As amended in 1878, it provides, in substance, that there shall be received as pupils in such school all neglected and dependent children that are over four and under sixteen years of age, and that are in suitable condition of hody or mind to receive instruction, especially those maintained in the county poor-houses, those who have been deserted by their parents, or are orphans, or whose parents have been convicted of crime. It is declared to be the object of the act to provide for such children temporary homes only, until homes ean be proeured for them in families. The plans comprehend the ultimate care of all children of the class described, and it is made unlawful to retain such children in poor-houses when there is room for them in the State Public School. Dependent orphans and half orphans of deceased soldiers and sailors have the preference of

112

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.

admission should there be more applications than room. Provision is made for preserving a record of the parentage and history of each child.

The general supervision of the school is delegated to a Board of Control, consisting of three members, who are appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Board appoints the superintendent, officers and teachers of the school. One officer is appointed to look up homes for the children to apprentice them, and to keep a general oversight of them by visitation or corre- spondence. To complete the work of this institution, an agent is appointed in each county.

The internal government of this school is that known as the " family " and " congregate " combined, the families consisting of about thirty members each, and being under the care of " cottage managers," ladies whom the children call "aunt- ies," and who are supposed to care for the children as mothers. Each child of sufficient years expected to work three hours every day ; some work on the farm, some in the dining-room and kitchen, while others make shoes, braid straw hats, make their own clothing, work in the bakery, engine room, laundry, etc. They are required to attend school three to five hours a day, according to their ages, and the school hours are divided into sessions to accommodate the work.

The buildings, ten in number, comprise a main building, eight cottages and a hospital, all of brick. The buildings are steam heated, lighted with gas and have good bathing facilities. There are forty-one acres of land in connection with the school, and the total value of all the property is about $150,000, furnishing accom- modation for 240 children.

INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB, AND THE BLIND.

This is located at Flint, sixty miles nearly northwest of Detroit. The act establishing it was passed in 1848, and the school was first opened in 1854, in a Icased building. It is a school in common for deaf mutes, and the blind, rather from motives of economy than from any relation which the two classes bear to one another. The buildings were commenced in 1853. The principal ones now are : front building, forty-three by seventy-two feet, with east and west wings, each twenty-eight by sixty feet, center building, forty by sixty, and east and west wings, each fifty by seventy feet ; main school building, fifty-two by fifty-four, with two wings, and twenty-five by sixty feet. All of these buildings are four stories high ; center of the front building is five stories, including basement. There are also a boiler and engine house, barns, etc. The total value of the buildings is estimated at $358,045, and of the eighty-eight acres of land occupied, $17,570.

The number of inmates has increased from 94, in 1865, to 225, in 1875. Includ- ing the Principal, there are ten teachers employed in the deaf and dumb depart-

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IHISTORY OF MICHIGAN.

ment, and four in the blind, besides the Matron and her assistants. Tuition and board are free to all resident subjects of the State, and the Trustees are authorized to assist indigent subjects in the way of clothing, etc., to the amount of 840 a year. An annual census of all deaf mutes and blind persons in the State, is officially taken and reported to the overseers of the poor, who are to see that these unfortunate members of the human family are properly cared.

ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE, AT KALAMAZOO.

This institution was established in 1848, and now consists of two departments, one for males and the other for females. The capacity of the former is 280, and of the latter, 300 patients. In their general construction, both buildings are arranged in accordance with the principles laid down by the Association of Medical Superin- tendents of American Institutions for the Insane. The buildings are of briek, with stone trimmings, and are very substantial, as well as beautiful. The entire eost of both buildings, with all the auxiliary structures, and 195 acres of land, is about $727,179.90. The buildings were constructed during the war and immediately afterward. The asylum was opened in 1859 for the care of patients, and up to October 1, 1875, there had been expended for the care and maintenance of patients, exclusive of the cost of construction, $994,711.32. Indigent patients are received and treated at the asylum at the expense of the counties to which they belong, on the certification of the county authorities, the average cost of maintenance being about 84.12} per week. Pay patients are received when there is room for them, the minimum price of board being $5 per week.

EASTERN ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE, AT PONTIAC.

These large, beautiful and very modern structures are located upon a farm of upward of 300 acres, and were erected in 1873-'6, at a cost of about 8400,000. The general plans are similar to those at Kalamazoo. They are built of brick, with stone window caps, belt-courses, etc. There are accommodations for not less than 300 patients.

Michigan pursues a very enlightened policy toward the chronic insane. Pro- visions have been made for the treatment even of the incurable, so that as much good as possible may be done even to the most unfortunate. The design is to cure whenever the nature of the mental malady will permit ; but failing this, to cease no effort which could minister to the comfort and welfare of the patient.

PENAL INSTITUTIONS.

The Detroit House of Correction, although a local institution, is used to a con- siderable extent as an intermediate prison, to which persons are sentenced by the courts throughout the State for minor offenses. Women convicted of felonies are

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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.

also sent to this place. The whole number in confinement at this prison for the past decade has averaged a little over 400 at any one time, more males than females. The average term of confinement is but a little more than two months, and the institution is very faithfully condueted.

The State Prison, at Jackson, is one of the best conducted in the Union. The total value of the property is $552,113. The earnings of the prison in 1878 were $92,378 ; number of prisoners, 800. Their work is let to contractors, who employ 450 men at different trades. A coal mine has been recently discovered on the prison property, which proves a saving of several thousand dollars per annum to the State. The earnings of this prison sinee Gen. Wm. Humphrey has been War- den (1875), has exceeded its current expenses.

The State Prison at Ionia was established a few years ago, for the reception of convicts whose crimes are not of the worst type, and those who are young, but too old for the reform school. The ground comprises 53 acres of land, 133 of which is enelosed by a brick wall 18 feet high. Estimated value of property, $277,490 ; current expenses for 1878, $45,744 ; earnings for 1878, $5,892; number of prison- ers December 31, 1878, 250 ; number received during the year, 346.

THE STATE PRISON IN 1880.

The inspectors say that " in a pecuniary sense the year has been a prosperous one to all the industries connected with the prison. Contractors have had a demand for all their products at fair prices and sure pay, and as a consequence contracts dne to the State have been promptly paid, and the prison authorities have had none of the troubles and anxieties they have sometimes experienced from the failure of prompt payment for prison labor. The general prosperity of the country is shown by the increased and increasing demands for the products of labor. Whether these products are from the labor or convicts of free men, the consumer does not inquire ; therefore it is not surprising, but to have been expected, that the prison industries would share in the general prosperity.

The inspectors report valuation of property as follows :

Real estate

$545,219.55

Personal

$48,618.27

Cash on hand

9.799.82

58,418.09

Aggregate

$503,637.64

The increase over inventory of 1880 is stated at $29,806.95. Of this amount $18,155.45 is credited to real estate, $14,299.88 of which is credited to the expend- iture of legislative appropriations, and $3,855.67 to prison earnings. The increase in the valuation of personal property is $11,651.50, which amount came entirely from prison labor, showing an aggregate inerease from prison labor of $15,507.07.

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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.

The net prison earnings for the year are given as $95, 129.67, and the expenses for the same time 884,517.66, showing a balance of earnings over expenses of $10,612.01.

The following are the statistics of prisoners for the year :

Number October 1, 1879 777

Admitted during year

Total. 1,058

Discharged by expiration of sentence. 253

Discharged by death

Discharged by order for new trials

Discharged by order of supreme court 4

Escaped

250 2

Remaining in prison September 30, 1880. Total.

778

The detailed inventory covers thirty-six pages, and is minute enough to meet the demands of the most inquisitive investigator into the nature of prison property.

During the term of its operation this prison has received 7,071 persons, com- mitted for offenses which are covered by 757 titles. Of these 5,097 were convicted for offenses against property, 988 of offenses against lives and persous of individ- uals, 549 of forgery and counterfeiting, 284 of offenses against chastity, morality and decency, 145 of offenses against publie justice, and 8 of unclassified offenses.

During the last prison year twenty persons were received under conviction of offenses against life, as follows :

For murder in the first degree 2

For murder in the second degree 4

For manslaughter. 3

For assault with intent to kill

Total 20

STATE REFORM SCHOOL.

This was established at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern portion of the city, as the " House of Correction for Juvenile Offenders," having about it many features of a prison. In 1859, the name was changed to the " State Reform School." The government and discipline have undergone many and radical changes, until all the prison features have been removed, except those that remain in the walls of the original structure, and which remain only as monuments of instruc- tive history. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The inmates are necessa- rily kept under the surveillance of officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer than under the more rigid regime of former days. This school is for the

Discharged by pardon of governor

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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.

detention, education and reformation of boys between the ages of eight and sixteen years, who are convicted of light offenses.

The principal building is four stories high, including basement, and has an extreme length of 246 feet, the center a depth of 48 feet, and the wings a depth of 33 feet each. Besides, there are two " family houses," where the more tractable and less vicious boys form a kind of family, as distinguished from the congregate life of the institution proper. The boys are required to work half a day and attend school half a day. A farm of 328 acres, belonging to the school, furnishes work for many of the working boys during the working season. Some are em- ployed in making clothing and shoes for the ininates. The only shop-work now carried on is the cane-seating of chairs; formerly, cigars were manufactured here somewhat extensively. There is no contract labor, but all the work is done by the institution itself.

The number of inmates now averages about 200, and are taken care of by a superintendent and assistant, matron and assistant, two overseers and six teachers.

THE LAND OFFICE

Of this State has a great deal of business to transact, as it has within its jurisdic- tion an immense amount of new land in market, and much more to come in. Dur- ing the fiscal year ending September 30, 1877, the total number of acres sold was 50,835.72, for $87,968.05, of which $69,800.54 was paid in hand. At that time, the amount of land still owned by the State was 3,049,905.46, of which 2,430,050.47 were swamp land ; 447,270.89, primary school ; 164,402.55, Agricultural College ; 310.26, University ; 160, Normal School ; 2,115.63, salt spring ; 1,840, Asylum ; 32.40, State building ; 3,342.75, asset, and 380.31, internal improvement. But of the foregoing, 1,817,084.25 acres, or more than half, are not in market.

STATE LIBRARY.

Territorial Library, 1828-1835 .- The first knowledge that we have of this library, is derived from the records found in the printed copies of the journals and documents of the Legislative Councils of the Territory, and in the manuscript copies of the Executive journals.

The library was established by an act of the Legislative Councils, approved June 16, 1828, authorizing the appointment of a librarian by the Governor, with advice and consent of the Council.

The Librarian so appointed was required to take an oath of office and give bond to the Treasurer of the Territory in the sum of $1,000 for the faithful per- formance of his duties ; his time of service was for two years, or until another be appointed. The librarian was also required to take charge of the halls and com- mittee room, and other property appertaining to the Legislative Council. He was

117

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN,

also required to make an annual report to the Council, upon the state of the library, and upon all such branches of duty as might from time to time be com- mitted to his charge. For his services he was to receive annually the sum of $100.

The library seemed to have been kept open only during the actual sittings of the Legislative Council.

The Executive journal, by its records, shows that under the provisions of this act, William B. Hunt was appointed Librarian, July 3, 1823, by Gov. Lewis Cass, for the term of two years. Mr. Hunt continued to act as Librarian until March 7, 1834, when Gersham Molt Williams was appointed by Gov. Porter. Mr. Williams seems to have acted as Librarian until the organization of the institution as a State library. The honored names of Henry B. Schoolcraft, Charles Moran, Daniel S. Bacon, Calvin Brittain, Elon Farnsworth, Charles C. Hascall, and others, are found in the list of the members of the Library Committee.

March, 1836, the State Library was placed in charge of the Secretary of State ; in February, 1837, it was given to the eare of the private Secretary of the Gov- ernor ; December 28 following, its custody was given to the Governor and Seere- tary of State, with power to appoint a Librarian, and make rules and regulations for its government. C. C. Jackson acted as the first Librarian for the State. Lewis Bond also had the care of the books for a time. Oren Marsh was appointed Libra- rian in 1837, and had the office several years. In March, 1840, the law was again changed, and the library was placed in the care of the Secretary of State, and the members of the Legislature and Executive officers of the State were to have free access to it at all times.

The library was, of course, increased from time to time by legislative ap- propriations. In 1844, as the result of the efforts of Alexandre Vattemare, from Paris, a system of international exchange was adopted.

April 2, 1850, an aet was passed requiring the Governor to appoint a State librarian with the consent of the Senate, and it was made the duty of the librarian to have the sole charge of the library. This act, with some amendments, still remains in force. It requires the librarian to make biennial reports and catalogues. The librarians under this act have been : Henry Tisdale, April 2, 1850, to Jannary 27, 1851; Charles J. Fox, to July 1, 1853 : Charles P. Bush, to December 5, 1854; John James Bush, to January 6, 1855; De Witt C. Leach, to February 2, 1857; George W. Swift, to January 27, 1859; J. Engene Tenney, to April 5, 1869, and Mrs. Harriet A, Tenney, to the present time. This lady has proved to be one of the best librarians in the United States. She has now in her charge about 60,000 volumes, besides thousands of articles in the new and rapidly growing museum department. She is also secretary of the " Pioneer Society of the State of Michi- gan," and has charge of the books, papers and relies collected by that society.

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HISTORY OF MICHIGAN.

The library and these museums are now kept in the new State Capitol at Lansing, in a series of rooms constructed for the purpose, and are all arranged in the most convenient order and with the neatest taste.

STATE FISHERIES.

Very naturally, the denser population of the white race, as it took possession of this wild country, consumed what they found already abundant long before they commenced to renew the stock. It was so with the forests; it was so with the fish. An abundance of good variety of fish was found in all our rivers and little lakes by the early settlers, but the abundance was gradually reduced until these waters were entirely robbed of their useful inhabitants. Scarcely a thought of restocking the inland waters of this State was entertained until the Spring of 1878, when a board of fish commissioners was authorized by law; and while the people generally still shook their heads in skepticism, the board went on with its duty until these same people are made glad with the results. Under the efficient superintend- eney of Geo. H. Jerome, of Niles, nearly all the lakes and streams within the lower peninsula have been more or less stocked with shad, white-fish, salmon or lake trout, land-locked or native salmon, eel, etc., and special efforts are also made to propagate that beautiful and useful fish, the grayling, whose home is in the Manistee and Muskegon rivers. Much more is hoped for, however, than is yet real- ized. Like every other great innovation, many failures must be suffered before the brilliant crown of final success is won.

The value of all the property employed in fish propagation in the State is but a little over $4,000, and the total expenses of conducting the business from Decem- ber 1, 1876, to July 1, 1877, were $14,000. The principal hatcheries are at Detroit and Pokagon.

CHAPTER VIII.

STATE SOCIETIES.

Organization is the first great means necessary to the accomplishment of any project. In this respect Michigan is peculiarly fortunate. Every class seems to have its organization, and to observe the rules adopted. Among the first bodies of the State the Pioneer Society of Michigan holds, perhaps, the highest place. The officers of the society retain all that energy of character which marked their earlier years; members, generally, take a deep interest in the government of the body, and thus a promise is given of the continued existence of a noble organization.

THE PIONEER SOCIETY OF MICHIGAN

Was organized in 1875. Its roll of members contains 408 names, each of which is referred to in the following table :

I'LACE OF BIRTH.

PLACE AND DATE OF FIRST RESIDENCE IN MICHIGAN.

NAMES.

Town or Village.

State.

Town.

County.

Date.

Hattland

Vermont

May 10. 1810 Flint ..

Genesee ..

September 22, 1830.

W tter .J. Baxter ..

Sidney Plalus, Delaware Co ....

New York

June 18. 1816 Temionsph.

L.Pnawie

July 1, 1831.

Haulley, Saratoga Co.

Nov. 19. 1ath Marshall.

Calhoun. ..

1836.

5 0 8. Bingham

Frb.

4. ) 833| Alatedon.

Jughanı ..

North Caste.

4, 1817 ;Detroit

WayHe ..

May 4. 1837.

Sk. pham Jongyear

shankakin

1. Plr.

4. 1827 Akuedon ...

Ingham

./1114, 1843.

Oaklandl .

April 24, 1525.

1b W. W. Min hell

Pasmonth,

Vermont .

April 16, 1809 schoolcraft ... ..

Ch't.

5. 1817| Vi Atbor.

Washtenaw

September 10, 1825.

13 Hrmy 1', Cherry

BetliAHy

May 21, 1823|Johnstown.

Barry

Jul- 2. 1535.

14 smith Touker

1 ...... ....

(ht. 14. 1819 Sale,

Washtenaw

1434.

Massachusetts

Ah't. 15. 1515 Detroit

June 1, 1835.

New Hampshire

1ju1 11 3. 1813 Marshall.

l'alloun

March 26. 1836

Massachusetts

Sept. 20, 1815 Plymouth

19 Warten Hopkins

New York ..

Feb. 20, 1829 Portland.

lonia.

July. 1×39.

1> Martin B Wahl

In Buyur.

Vermont ..

juil 1. 1534 Bushy Prairie. . Branch.

1540

20 M1 . BarthE A. E. Tenney

Massachusetts

Sept. 25. 1809 |Detroit

Wayut ..

February. 1835.

. Alvin A Hart

Max 10. 1834

23 Orson 11 Joink.

Fast Blootuheld.

New York

April 12. 1830

Mannen. .

Monroe.

May 21. 1836.

Bu Liony. Motuis

Vermont

Feb. 1. 1809 Frenchtown

New York

.Iniy

24, 183% Motiville ...

St. Joseph.

18 10.

November 12, 1837.

New Haven

New Jersey

Ang. 10, 1810 Detroit

Wayne ...

8, 1822 Rebland ..

Kalamazoo.

Nov. 15, 151b/Ionda

October. 1:41.

May 12. 1525|Litchfield

Hill -dale

July. 1837.

1:111.

LenaWee.

August. 1836.

37 Mis sophia A Guter Jenny

1 /1010 11

Jan. 13, 1812 Auburn.

Oakland ,

May, 1823.

May

20. 1813

LenaWee

July, 1437.

59 Kro geW WESOW

Voleram.

IMassachusetts

ing.

9. 1809 Kalam:7ou

Kalamazoo.

September 8. 1835.

Oilo.

2. 1403 Schoolcraft

June. JAGU.

. New York

5.1800 Plymouth

Wayne.

October, 1×24.

6. 182 Adriftn .

I.PHAWCC.

September, 1843.

MAT.

6. 1811 |Jlexter.

Washtenaw

June. 1536.

Rutland

Vermont

Aug. 1. 1800

Nov. 21, 1821 Aurelius.

Ingbam

June, 1832.

Jan. 18. 1806 Marshall.

Calhoun .

May, 1837.

50 HPmy 1.110

Aru York ...

Amil 29. 1997 Amstock ..

November 5, 181. 5. 1831.

Motispl .

Massachusetts

NOV. 1, 1800

Calhoun"

May 14, 1834.

New York.

Nept.

92. 1810

14, 1834.

Richland

Feb. 11, 1814 1.yon ..

Oakland .

11. 1836. June, 1828

Huvu goll.

May

4, 1826 Yrllanti

Washtenaw

Jinir 20, 1532 Tecumseh

5. 1794 Pontiac ..

April 30. 1819.

MauIsheld.

Connecticut .

Jan. 11. 199s Detroit ..

May, 1825

590 14 - 1. 1.111

Vrimont ..

May 17. 1809 PortHic ..

Coneste

Angust 1. 1532

Bethlehem.

New York.

Mar. 8. 1s09 Jackson

January 3. 1940.

Athens.

Jan. 22 180! Kalunazoo.

August 3. 1837.

w lebury

1.rb. 10. 1841 |Detroit.

Wayne ..

May. 1525.

dlerune.

Massachusetts

Ang. 23 1740 Plymouth

1536.

119

. Jed att Lansing, Ingham Co., Aug. 21, 1871.

Med at kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., May 18, 1875.

Jackson .. ..

1838.

7. 1514 Grass Lake.

b, Rodolph str ckland

Faisville

Amor. Ontarlo co

May 11, 1808 Farmington.

Feb. 20, 1831 Stio ...

Washtenaw'

April, 1:30.

11 C neger Lakin Brown

New York

Sept. 16. 1847 |Albion ...

June, 1533.

Shell. .

West Cornwall

Feb. 11. 1804 Lapver.

Lapeer ..

27. 1531 Cascade.

Kent ...

November 20. 1852.

Johnstown, Montgomery Co .... Springfield

November 10, 1840.

24. 1817 Birmingham,

Oakland ..

sept. 1. 1811 |lowell

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History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 12

Author: Western historical company, Chicago. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas & co. Number of Pages: 814

Author: Western historical company, Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas & co.
Number of Pages: 814