USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.. > Part 130
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746
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
BURTCHVILLE TOWNSHIP.
B URTCHVILLE was an important lumber township during the great timber-making era in this county. Among the early permanent settlers were Jonathan Burtch. Andrew Facer, J. Y. Pettis and others mentioned among the early land buyers. The Farrand Mills, at Lake- port, must be considered the pioneer manufacturing industry of the district In early days these mills attracted much attention, and through them attention was drawn to the resources of the township The settlers, too, were pioneer workers, and hold an important place in the history of the county's progress. The number of acres of land within the limits of Burchville is 10,050, and the equalized valuation for ISS2 is $121,234. The population has increased, from 353 in 1845, to 752 in 1880. In 1854 there were 1,009 persons in the township, and in 1864 1.695 persons, the great number of whom were connected with the lumber industry. Since its decline, the population has fallen to 752.
Geologically there is but little of interest connected with this township. It has not been made a field of very extensive explorations by the State geological corps. At about the same level are found about the same deposits, which indicate that this section has not suffered from any sudden disturbances. The district has not been the seat of any unhealthy excitement over the discovery of minerals. Years ago it was reported that lead was found, but the report was false. Occasionally a surveying party finds that their compasses are seriously disturbed in cer- tain places, but neither of these caused any system of mining to be inaugurated. A man once claimed he found a piece of mineral coal on one of the bluffs, which, being put in the fire, burned as readily as the coal of commerce, but every geologist knows that this section is not the place to expect a coal-bed. At different places along the shores and the mouths of creeks are a few Indian mounds, but they have not pricked the ambition of curiosity-seekers, or, if they have. the fruits of the search have not been preserved. In the district, however, are a number of mounds. evidences of a prehistoric race, but no satisfactory account has ever been given concerning them. A mound on the lake shore was opened a few years ago, and was found to contain a skeleton of immense proportions. Further than this there is nothing of any public importance connected with these traces of former occupation. in this or neighboring townships.
The original land buyers of Burtehville were George MeDougal, Oliver W. Miller (1826). Eurotas Hastings, James C. Bettner, Jonathan Burtch, Ethan Burtch, Elon & Jacob Bacheller, John Desnoyer, Nancy Lewis, A. De Groates, Smith Titus, George P. McBride, Charles But- ler, E. L. Hannah, F. P. Browning, Andrew Facer, Samuel Swift, A. D. Burdens, Abner Co- burn, B. Crosier, Thomas Murphy, John W. Edmunds. Jonathan Burtch purchased lands in the township subsequent to 1836. A few years later, Bethnel C. Farrand made extensive pur- chases of pine lands.
Lakeporl, Burtehville Township, ten miles north of Port Huron, was settled in 1848. The village was platted in 1852. by David Ward, surveyor for B. C. Farrand. The first residents comprised Andrew Facer, Eber Lewis, Abram Hogan. William Conger had a water saw-mill on Milwaukee Creek in 1847.
The village of Lakeport is on the plat of New Milwaukee, made in 1837 by Jonas H. Titus. and a number of lots sold.
Among the carly mill-owners and lumbermen were Jonathan Burtch, William Conger, Cas- par Conger. James K. Lockwood, who died in July, 1882, at Alpena, Joseph Y. Pettis (water mill), B. C. Farrand.
The Comstock brothers had water mills on Black River, in what is now Grant Towns hip, then a portion of Burchville.
The early settlers between Fort Gratiot and Lakeport, in 1852, were Lyman Whitford, Andrew Facer, Robert Holland and Daniel Coggswell, the Brown family, the Stevens family,
.
747
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
and the Carrigan family. John Howard built a saw mill on Black River in 1839, in Fort. Gratiot Township.
SUPERVISORS.
Jonathan Burch, 1842; Abram Hogan, 1843-11: H. Hollister, 1815-47; Nelson Potter, 1818-19; Nelson Potter. 1850-51: James Parlin, 1852 -55; E Raymond, -1556; George B. Whitman. 1857: James Parlin, 1858-61; Thomas Dawson, 1562-66: John Cole, 1867; Nelson Goule, 1868-70; J. Stevenson, 1871-72; Nelson Goule, 1873: J. B. C. Edwoll, 1871; Whipple Wheeler, 1875-76: J. Stevenson, 1877: Whipple Wheeler, 1575; Samuel Dennison, 1979; Whipple Wheeler, ISSO: James Stevenson, 1981-82.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Obadiah Gardner, 1812; Lewis Chadwick, 1812: A. W Comstock, 1812; Abram Hogan, IS42; O. Garduer, 1813: P. H Whiting, ISH4; Ebenezer Raymond, 1841: Hannibal Hollister. 1845; Lewis Chadwick, IS15: Joseph Pettys, 1516: C. Wise, 1847; Obadiah Gardner, ISIS: Eber Lewis, ISI9: Silas Conger. 1550; Joseph Pettys. 1850; C. H Wise, 1852: Nelson Por- ter, 1853: Obed Gardner, IS51: Edward Potter, 1857-61; Jamos Parlin, IS58; H. MeCol- lui, 185%; John McGill, 1959 66; William McDonald, 1560; John Vermont, 1862 -66; A. P. Sexton. 1562; Isaac W. Farewell, 1563: John Farr, 1564: Nelson Gould. 1866: John Holt, IS67: W. Wheeler, 1867-72: Eber Lewis, IS67; Wilson Shaw, ISGS: James Bingham, 1869; Joseph Y. Pettys. 1870; J. B Cadwell, 1871; Hugh Fuller, 1872 74: Henry J. Olney, 1973: R. J. Tyrrell, 1875; W. Wheeler, 1876: James Bingham. 1576 77, Levi S. Wing, 1878; R. J. Tyrrell, 1879; Alexander MeKenzie, ISSO; Henry J. Olney, 1850; James Bingham, 1581: Lyman Windsor, 1982.
The following ticket was elected in April, 1552 :.
Supervisor James Stevenson.
Clerk, Byron M. Green.
Treasurer -William Dunning. Justice of the Peace (full term)- - Lyman Windsor.
Highway Commissioner-Thomas Warwick.
School Inspectors-Benjamin Davis, full term: Hugh Fuller, one year.
Drain Commissioner -- Isaac Cole.
Constables -Crozier Rutledge, Levi Bigelow, Robert Bell. Charles Wells
The earliest authentie history of this region testifies that about the eighteenth century the Otchipwes occupied this territory. Passing to about the middle of the nineteenth century, without detailing the various inter-tribal contests that occurred during the intervening period. when white settlements first advanced up the river. this was regarded as disputed territory by the tribes, the Wyandots claiming the land below. the Otchipwes the country north, and the British Indians occupying the opposite shore. This region was, therefore, the scene of many bloody battles between these three tribes. But they were all peaceably disposed toward the whites. The stimulus to early adventures up the river was the fur trade, some going to the head waters of Lake Huron, while others landed at intermediato points, as opportunity would afford or interest suggest. The special inducement offered to tarry within the present limits of this township was the trade of surrounding bands of Indians, and the knowledge that within the century the place would become a well-known trading station. During the Pine Age, the establishment of the Farrand Mills, at Lakeport, led to the permanent settlement of the town- ship.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
ISAAC COLE, farmer, Section 12, P. O. Lakeport, is a native of Canada, and was born in London No Vember 34. 1835. He came here to this county with his parents, Adolphus and Almira Cole, in 1819. They settled at Lakeport, and he grew up here and went to work in the lumber woods. After reaching manhood he engaged in lumbering, and followed that business until 1876, and since then has been engaged in farming He owns 150 acres in this town, and has owned the place where he lives for twenty years and has made of cellent improvements. He has held the office of AAssessor since he came here. In is?, Mr. Cole married Mi- Emma Duncan, a native of Niagara County, N Y They have three children Lester, Leon and Alta
JOSEPH STEVENSON, farmer, Section 25, P O Lakeport, is a native of the north of Ireland, and was born in County Down April 7, 1834 Upon reaching early manhood, the family emigrated to this con
748
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
try in 1854. and came to this county the same year. Lived in St. Clair one year; then came to Lakeport and opened a boot and shoe shop and continued two years. Then learned the sash, door and blind business. Worked at the carpenter and joiner trade, and was afterward engaged in building for many years, until 1871. Ile then engaged in the mercantile business at Lakeport, the firm being MeDonald, Caldwell & Stevenson. They also bought and shipped hay and grain. They carried on the business six years, and transacted a large and successful trade. In 1877, he sold his interest in the store and returned to his farm, and since then has been engaged in farming. He owns 460 acres of land. He has held the office of Supervisor three years, Town Treasurer, Town Clerk, and has held school offices. He held the office of Postmaster some years, and was manager of the office of the W. U. Telegraph. He was married September 10, 1861. to Miss Mary Lewis, of this county. They have eight children-John E., Nellie J., Isaac N., Maggie M., Willie, Frank II., Joseph L. and Samuel I.
WIHPPLE WHEELER, farmer, Section 36, P. O. Lakeport, is a native of Vermont, and was born August 1, 1821. His parents removed to the State of New York when he was three years old. He grew up and lived in that State until 1859, when he came to this county and settled in the town of Burtchville, where he now lives. It was then all woods. lle cleared the land and made his farm, and since then has been en- gaged in farming. Owns ninety acres of land. He has held town and school offices. In 1843, he married Miss Ruth Hill, a native of New York. She died in 1871, and left three children-Daniel, Emma, now Mrs. Capt. Merriman, of Port Huron, and Carrie. In 1880, Mr. Wheeler married Mrs. Catharine Rutledge, of this county. She has six children by her former husband-Maggie, Sarah, Minnie, Albert, Mattie and Bertie.
GRANT TOWNSHIP.
1 RANT Township was organized in 1867, with Thomas Dawson, Supervisor. Its area is J 19,072 aeres, watered by Black River, Silver and Plum Creeks. The population of the township in 1845, with Burchville, of which it formed a pari, was 353. In ISSO, the popula- tion of the town, separately, was 1,357. The equalized value is $+12,240. Among the first permanent settlers were John McGill, Cyrus and Nelson Potter, H. Cadwell and William Bice. Gratiot Centre and Jeddo are the only villages in the township. (
EARLY LAND BUYERS.
Among the first land buyers in this district were Jonathan Burtchi, James E. Bettney, Charles H. Carroll, Silas Dean, Joseph Granger, J. M. Geel, Lemuel Palmerly. T. Jones, F. Stephens, W. Truesdail, Hugh M. Moffat, C. M. Hayward, Arden H. Bullard, Lorenzo M. Mason, Eben Bateheller, Nelson Potter, Horace Cadwell, Hiram Birch, Asa O. Robinson, C. L. Gage, Nathan Ward, Samuel Swift, Sheldon Thorp, Allen Fish, J. L. Kelsey. Hiram J. Witherell, Daniel B. Harrington, Cummings Sanborn, Timothy J. Wheaton, Alvah Sweetser, John Beard, Cyrus Moore, H. W. Delevan, William Steele, Elisha Dowd, L. A. Whitford, George Brown, Patrick Brady, Alonzo Crittenden, William J. Edson. John MeDonald, James Smith, Allen R. Atkins. James Cooley, James Beard, Louis Thibault, B. White. George N. Bower, the Gag. Lion brothers, Charles Peltier, Ai Beard, Clift Comstock, William Atkins, Charles Farr, Abner Coburn, W. P. Barber, Owen Ransom, A. A. Bradley, William Hoffman, Hugh Robinson.
SUPERVISORS.
Thomas Dawson, 1867-69; John McGill, 1870-72; D. G. Finlayson, 1873-74; John McGill, 1875-80; Clark Strevel, 1881-82.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
John Hickey, 1874; Nelson Potter, 1875; JJohn McGill, 1876; Michael Myron, 1877-81; John Hickey, IS78; D. F. Finlayson. 1879; John McGill, 1880; Thomas Myron, 1SS1; John D. MeDougall, 1882.
The officers elected in April, 1882, were: Supervisor -- Clark Strevel; Clerk-Eugene Carey; Treasurer -Michael Myron: Highway Commissioner-Nathaniel Kerr; School Inspec- tors .- Two years, William Myron, Jr .; one year, N. D. Campbell; Justice of the Peace- J. D. McDugald; Constables -Jamos O'Connor, William Burns, John Cure, William Elliott.
749
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
Jeddo. in Grant Township, seventeen miles northwest of Port Huron, is in the midst of a good agricultural district.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
The biographical sketches which follow deal with the personal history of many of the pio- neers, together with that of old settlers and others, whose history is closely identified with this township:
WILLIAM AUSTIN. farmer. Section 3, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada, and was born October 21. 1819. His parents, William Austin, a native of Connecticut, and Hannah Hoag, of New York State, came to Michigan Territory in 1827, and settled in Monroe County. Remained there two years, and in 1829 came up the river to this county, and settled on Black River, in the town of Desmond, now Port Huron, and engaged in hunbering Ilis wife died in 1835, and he died in 1523. William's boyhood was spent with his parents ou Black River; his playmates were mostly Indians, and he used his bow and arrows and paddled his canor with them. After reaching manhood, he came to this town, and settled where he now lives. It was then a wilder ness. He began clearing his land. Engaged in lumbering fifteen years during winter, and made his farm and engaged in farming. Owns his farm of eighty acres, In ISP, he married Lydia Chadwick, of Vermont. She died in 1819, and left three children Annie, now Mrs Stanzel, of Port Huron: William 1. and James E. In 1852, he married Margaret Condon, a native of Scotland. They have three children-James E , Lydia and Margaret.
N. R AVERY, farmer. Section 29. P & Blaine, is a native of Canada, and was born February 17, 1817 His parents were from New England. His boyhood was spent in his native place, and he attended school there. After reaching manhood he engaged in farming. In 1862, be came to St. Clair County, and settled in this town, and since then has been engaged in farming here. Owns 120 acres. Has held the office of Com- missioner of Highways, and has held school offices many years, In 1857, Mr Avery married Miss Sarah Hil- born, a native of Canada. They have five sons and three daughters -Joshua, lives in the town of Greenwood. Stephen, in Custom House, Port Huron; Alexander, attorney at law, Port Huron: Joseph, attorney and Indge of Probate: Lincoln, reaching. Hannah J., now Mrs. E. Mclean; Sarah, now Mrs. Ruterledge; Mar garet, now Mrs. Miles.
WILLIAM BIO'E. farmer and school teacher, Section 1, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Ontario, Canada, and was born in the town of Darlington, county of Durham April 8, 1897. He grew up and received his educa tion in Canada, and then engaged in teaching. Taught school there eleven years. He came to this county in 1-69. and settled in this town, and since then has been engaged in farming and teaching. Owns his farm of eighty acres. He has taught school for thirty seven terms and has held school offers here. In Jas, he married Miss Agnes Mckibben, a native of the city of Armaugh, Ireland They have right children - Eliza- beth, is married. now Mrs. F. Pray, of this town: Emerson B., Georgianna, Minerva, Idla, Sophronia, Try- phena and Charlotte.
MARTIN BAKER, Section 5. P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada, and was born May 21. 1509; he grew up there and learned the tanning business. In 1959, he came to this county and settled in this town on the place where he now lives, and bought 500 acres of land. It was all covered with timber. He began clearing his land and made his farm and engaged in farming. In 1860, he engaged in tanning, and carried on the Insiness for twenty years. He owns lo geres of land. Has held town and school offices. In 199, he mar- ried Miss Catharine Lemons, a native of Canada. They lived together fifty two years; She died December 31. 1880, leaving seven children Elizabeth. now Mrs. Macklim; Sarah Ann, now Mrs. Cline: Catharine, now Mrs. Macklem. Benjamin, lives in this town, George, lives in this town: Delilah, now Mrs. Martin. David. living West
11. CADWELL, farmer, Section 10. D. O. Jaldo, is a native of Oneida County. N. Y. and was born De vember 18. 1815. His parents were natives of New England. In 1516, they removed to the town of Bitavia. Genesee Co., and he grew up to manhood there. Upon reaching the age of twenty one, he left home for Michigan, with only $3.50 in his pocket, and drove a team until he got fifteen miles west of Detroit, then came up the river on foot and reached this county February 27. 1836, and had not quite $1 of his money left. He came here in the employ of Dr. Woodward, who built the mills on the county line and went to work in the mills. He was married September 2, 1810, to Miss Margaret Burich. Her parents Ethan and Elizabeth .Jones Burtch, came to this county in 1835, and settled in the town of Burtonville Two days after they were married they moved on the place where they now live. He located the land from Government. it was all a dense woods; he out two trees and swung them around and made a Jog house, and began clearing his farm in summer, and lumbered during the winter. In the winter of Isto and 1>11, he was Collector for this town when it extended to Saginaw, he used to go to St. Clair to mill. : nd to Port Huron, which was the nearest post office: has carried two bushels of wheat on his back four and a half miles; he has lived on this farin for- ty three years, since 1990; they are among the oldest settlers of this county or this section of the State ; he owns 150 acres of land. He held the office of Constable and Assessor in early days. They had nothing when they began life, and their success is owing to their own efforts. They have five children Sarah, now Mrs. Loop: Isola, now Mrs. Turrell, living in Clare County; Mary. now Mrs. Davis living in Clare County, Orpha. now Mrs. Bothwell, of this town; Hannibal 1 . farms the home place.
EDWARD CAMPBELL, wagon maker, Jeddo, is a native of C'anada, and was born June 2, 154 ]le grew up there and learned his trade in Goderidge, and afterwards worked at his trade there until 1976, when he came to this county. He carried on his business at Emanet for a year and a half. firm being Camp will & Reeds. In ISS1, he came to Jeddo, and since then has carried on the business here He has a blacksmith shop and wagon shop and has a good trade. In 1878. he married Miss Emma Bell, a native of Canada. They have one son -William Russell.
750
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
NEIL D. CAMPBELL, physician, surgeon and accoucheur; village of Grant, Grant Center, Blaine, is a native of Canada; was born June 18, 1849, in the township of Southwold, county of Elgin, province of Onta- rio. Ile attended high school for four years in Wardsville, and graduated, after which time he taught school for four years, and read medicine at same time ; two years later obtained license to practice medicine there; attended lectures at Ann Arbor, during the session of 1873-74; also attended Rush Medical College, Chicago and County Cook Hospital, during the years 1874-75, from which college and hospital he holds a diploma and certificate of hospital practice. Located in this place on July 28, 1875, and has practiced medi- vine successfully here ever since. He carries on drug business and owns a farm two and a half miles from his residence at Grant Center. He was married March 14, 1879, to Miss Alma Pernel Ernest, a native of the said town, who taught school from the age of sixteen till married. She was born April 1, 1859, in the same town in which she now resides.
EUGENE CAREY, of the firm of Pray & Carey, general merchants, Section 21, P. O. Blaine, is a native of St. Clair, and was born in this town, May 4, 1855. His parents, James and Ann (Myron) Carey, came from Port Iluron to Blaine with an ox team in 1852. Their nearest post office was at Sarnia, a distance of sixteen miles. Mr. Carey, Sr., felled trees with which to erect his shanty. and himself and family endured nearly all the hardships incident to pioneer life. Mr. C. often walked to Sarnia, withont money for his dinner, or to procure the necessaries for his family. By perseverance and industry, and such self-denial of comforts, nay, necessaries, as farmers of to-day, in a settled community can not realize, Mr. Carey and wife accumulated enough to pay for their farm, when a piece of misfortune befell them which would have discouraged many a stouter heart-the title to his land was found defective and he was obliged to pay for it a second time. But, with a pluck and energy worthy of emulation, he hired the money, at 4 per cent per month. with which to again pay for the place that was rightfully his own, and then hegan the long, hard struggle to clear himself from debt. His noble wife came to his rescue, making and selling enough butter from two cows to buy the groceries for the house and clothe herself and children, and so well were their efforts rewarded, that their place was soon free from debt. They continued the same industry, perseverance, frugality and energy ; and, as each child left the parental roof, he became the recipient of $2.000. Our subject's boyhood was spent on his father's farm ; he attended school here and completed his education at the State Normal School. He re- turned home and spent two years on the farm, teaching winters ; he then engaged in mercantile business. built the store, and got the post office established here. lle afterward sold his interest in the store, and spent two years on the farm, then entered the Grange store at Jeddo; in December, 1882, he associated with his present partner, firm of Pray & Carey, and engaged in mercantile business here. He holds the office of Post- master, and has held the office of Town Clerk. Ile was married, July 25, 1882, to Miss Selina McEllinney. of Port Huron.
WILLIAM HENRY CAREY, farmer, Section 15. P. O. Blaine, is a native of Canada, and was born. June 29, 1850 ; his parents. James and Annie (Myron) Carey came to this county in 1852, and settled in this town-cleared the land and made this farm-they are now living at Grant Centre. William grew up on his father's farin and attended school here ; since reaching manhood, has been engaged farming ; owns his farm of eighty acres. Ile was married, December 25, 1871, to Miss Caroline Farewell, a native of Canada ; her parents, Isaac and Alma Farewell, came to this county in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Carey have four children- George A., Cora B., Nora Gertrude and Lewis M.
ABRAHAM CLINE, farmer, Section 5, P. O. Jeddo, is a native of Canada, and was born February 1, 1826. A few years after reaching manhood, he came to this State, in 1851; lived one year in the town of Worth ; then came over in this town and settled where now lives. It was all covered with timber : he cleared the land and made his farm, and has hved here over thirty years, and has been engaged in farming, and has also been engaged in building some ; he is one of the early settlers here. In 1849, be married Miss Sarah Ann Baker, a native of Canada ; they have four sons and seven daughters-Adam F .; George ; Adolphns ; Abra- ham : Sarah C., now Mrs. Kilbourn ; Delilah A., now Mrs. Hill ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Kilbourn ; Tryphena, now Mrs. Benaway ; lane; Mina, and Nancy.
ALFRED COMSTOCK. farmer and humberman, Section 17, is a native of Oneida County, New York,. and was born in the town of Western, February 1-1, 1806; his parents were William and Abagail (Waldo) Com- stock ; he grew up on the farm, until eighteen years old, and then went in a store. After he became of age, liv engaged in mercantile business in Jefferson County, N. Y., and continued until December, 1834; then started for the Territory of Michigan. He and his brother Clift and his brother-in-law, E. Batchelor, drove through by team, and were eleven days on the way, and came direct to Port lluron ; the following spring, he opened a store and hotel. On March 31, 1836, he married Miss Harriet Jane Westbrook ; she was born in the town of China : her parents, Capt. Andrew Westbrook, of Pennsylvania, and Nancy Thorne, came up on the river to this county in 1815. During the war of 1812, he left Canada, abandoned a splended property there, and came to Detroit. He was a man of great prominence, and contracted and furnished provisions for the soldiers at the Fort. He died July 26, 1835 ; his wife died during the early childhood of Mrs. Comstock. After he was married, he carried on mercantile and hotel business until 1838 ; then built mills up on Black River, where he now lives, and engaged in lumbering with his brothers, and continued together thir- teen years. In 1858, he bought the interest of his brothers, and carried on the business himself until 1873; and since has given his attention to clearing and improving his land, and farming. He has sold considerable of his land, and yet owns 800 acres. They are among the oldest settlers in this part of the county. He has held school oflices. They have had twelve children ; only six survive ; four sons-Andrew W. and William B. are extensively engaged in manufacturing lumber at Alpena, also engaged in mercantile business and bank. ing, they own large tracts of timber lands there, and also in the South ; Alfred M. lives at home ; Joseph B .. in Bank at Alpena ; and two daughters-llelen, now Mrs. Combs, of THinois, and Ada, now Mrs. ITunt, of Alpena.
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