History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 134

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 134

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).

763

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

EARLY LAND BUYERS.

The land buyers of IS36 were Stephen H. Web, William Blakely, Oliver Tuttle. Supply Chase. Theo. Romeyn, George E. Hand, James Edgerly, George Whiting, Jacob Winter- steen, Moses N. Griswold, John Lown. Jeremiah Thorp, Nathan Thorp, Justin Corey, Charles Sherritt, Ira Babcock, William Butler, R. Seaman, Edward Smith, J. C. Chittenden, Ruth and Elizabeth Hubbard, Alex. Henry, Ann M. Kendrick, William Dunn. J. C. Roberts, Daniel Maginnis, Eliza Ann Hart, Josiah Snow. Julins Day, John LeClair, Andrew Youngs, A. D. Walsh, J. Eldrick, David Mansfield, William Wells, Israel Amsboy, Jeremiah Thorp. Jedediah Welder, R. MeMullan, Isaac Garfield, Delos Conklin, Charles Chartrand, Otho Bell, W. W. Wilcox, Lyman Granger, Andrew Sutherland, Levi Parsons, Charles Collins, A. G. Vanderbilt, W. H. Whipple, J. E. Lathrop, William Dako, Jacob Winn, N. Tallmage, Henry and V. R. Hankins, Benjamin Thornton, Syl. DeLand, Susan Thompson, Sarah Francis, and Daniel Hewitt. E. Chamberlain, Ransom Hullier, Lucius Oakes.

SUPERVISORS.

Oel Rix. 1842; Amasa S. Welch, IS13; John Lown, 1814-15: Amasa S. Welch, 1816-17: John Lown. 1545; John P. Gleeson, 1819: A. S. Welch. 1550; Henry Rix, IS51 53; Oel Rix. 1851; Henry Rix, 1855; Oel Rix, 1856: Ezra Hazen, IS57-59; A. S. Welch, 1860; Ezra Hazen, 1861-61: Hopry Rix, 1865-66; Ezra Hazen, 1867; William Eaton, 1868; Ezra Hazen, 1569; William Eaton, 1570; Constant Simmonds, 1871-82.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Daniel Hewitt, 1839; Hugh Gregg, IS10; John Grinell, ISII: John Lown, 1812; Daniel Hewitt, IS13: Erastus W. Cross, 1814: John Grinnell, 1845: John Lown. 1846: Daniel How- itt, 1547: Harry Rix. JSIS: Nicholas Meyers, 1548; Henry Rix, 1819; Robert Stewart. 1850: Azel Day, 1851: George W. Chilson, 1853; Henry Rix, 1853; Josiah G. Gooding, 1854; George W. Chilson, 1855; Ezra Hazen, 1857 73; E. Ramsay, 1857: Henry Rix, ISSS; John House, 1859-65: Francis Hewitt. 1860: George W. Chilson, 1960. 61: Sherman Bishop. IS62: William Eaton, 1868; Joseph H. Dutton, IS68; Benjamin Filker, 1972: Henry C. Mansfield, 1871: Aaron Smoker, 1578 71; Peter Cantine, 1875: Ezra Hazen, 1877: Henry (. Mansfield, 1875; Peter Cantine, 1879; Martin Ellenwood, ISSO; Ezia lazen, ISS1: Peter, Foley, 1SS1: Constant Simmons. 1852.

MEMPHIS.

Memphis was settled in 1835, and incorporated as a village in 1865. In 1875, its population was stated to be $00, while at present it is only 600. This village is prettily located on Belle River,on the line between Macomb and St. Clair Counties, twenty-seven miles northeast of Mount Clemens, twenty-two miles southwest of Port Huron, seven miles north of Richmond, and about the samo distance northeast of Armada. There are three churches in the village, viz. : The Congregational. Methodist and Adventist, with a graded school.

The first effort to reclaim the land now occupied by the village of Memphis was made by the Wells family, one member of which still lives just north of the village. James Wells, the father, was born in Albany, in 1772, a descendant of one of two brothers who emigrated from England and settled in New York shortly prior to the war of the Revolution. His family con- sisted of three sons and three daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are living. Their house, a comfortable log one, covered with shingles, was the first structure of any kind to suc- ceed the wigwams of the Indians, and in good old pioneer style, for all purposes of hospitality or for meetings. the "latch string was always out." The family ; had dealings to consid - erable extent and learned much of their ways and bear testimony that in nearly all instances they were honest in their dealings and faithful in their promises. Especial mention is made of the good qualities of John Riley, the Chippewa chief. His family and that of Black Cloud with some others were leading spirits among them. At this time (1535), the former owned a tract of land granted by Government, at what is now Port Hivon, on the south of Black River. Only two honses, one log and one frame, were to be seen at that point. John Riley was born in the Mohawk Valley, of a German father and Indian mother, and possessed greater intelli-

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

genee than the full Indian. He, with many of his tribe, made annual visits to the woods near the village, for the purpose of making maple sugar, coming in February or March and return- ing when the season was over. In the spring of 1836, he came early for this purpose, and one pleasant Sunday, as he would not allow any work to be done that day, he took a walk in the woods, accompanied by a hoy. Coming upon a large hollow log which had the appear- ance of being the home of some animal, he said to the boy, "Abs-co-in, Hash-a-pun!" (John! a raccoon) directing the boy to erawl in the log and investigate. The young Abs-co-in soon came out with great speed shouting "mo-q-wash! mo-g-wash!" (a bear! a bear !! ). Riley drew his hatchet, and as the bear's head appeared, struck her a powerful blow with the edge of the weapon, burying it in her brains. She weighed over 400 pounds, and furnished material for a continuous feast. The Indians gave names to the whites to eor- respond with some habit or to commemorate some gift. The elder Mr. Wells they called mo - quash (bear), because he was a hunter of that animal. Abram Wells, was cau-ke-chee (porcu- pine), he had given them a porcupine, the flesh of which they relish. Anthony Wells was mish-a-wah (Elk); William Wells, wah-wa-cash (deer); Mr. Welch, mus-co-danse (Indian hole or clearing), from the fact that he bought land on which there was an Indian field, on which there were bearing apple trees when the whites arrived. Riley afterward retired to the Sag- inaw country, where he died in 1862.

His first wife was buried on land since known as the" Fitz Patrick" place, and as the roads came to be straightened and worked, her body was exhumed and stolen away. One of the chiefs of this tribe, Macompte, went to England previous to this time and performed the feat of shoot- ing an apple held in the fingers of one of the royal family, with his rifle. The bullet pierced the apple, and the hand was unhurt. Tip-se co, an Indian well known to the settlers of Macomb, also made a visit to the same country. He was a man of great speed and skill in wrestling, his principal feat being to run to a stake ten rods away and return before a horse and rider eould make the like trip. This Indian is still living in Isabella County.

The next family in the place was that of Potter, then Welch, Moore, Slater, etc. The first death was that of Bird, the first school teacher, who was buried in a lot a little south of the Congregational Church, which Mr. Wells had designed for a cemetery. The wife of Joshua Eaton was the next to be buried here. Her body was afterward removed, but that of Bird still lies where it was placed.

In the winter of 1836-37, an Indian went out hunting and did not return. A heavy snow storm prevailing at the time, obliterated all trace of him, and although a thorough search was made. he could not be found. One day in spring, 1837, as Hartford Phillips was piloting a few lumbermen through the woods, a gun was discovered standing by a tree, and near by the body of the missing Indian, crushed beneath the fallen tree, which he had chopped down. The Indians identified the body and buried it. Three years later, the little settlement was called to mourn its first fatal accident-the death of Anthony Wells. About this time Carleton Sabin purchased of Wells the SO-acre lot on which the southwest corner of the village is located, and lots were generally sold over the plat. It was discovered that an excellent water power ex- isted here, which was developed in 1840 by Oel Rix and Dr. Sabin. The latter built a saw mill, while the former built a flouring mill. The nearest post office was six miles distant, at Phillip Cudworth's; but now the Memphians sought for an office of their own, which they did not succeed in obtaining until eight years later. The naming of the village was then taken up. Belle River passes through the northern portion of the village, and so some of the inhabitants urged the adoption of the name " Belleview," others, who admired James G. Birney and his party, desired it should be named " Birney," while others urged the name " Riley," in honor of the Indian chief who resided there. The name Memphis was suggested at length and adopted.

The first physician was Dr. Sabin, who came in 1844, and remained there until 1854. He was sneceeded in practice by Dr. Cole.

The first religions services held in the " Wells settlement " was at the house of Mr. Wells, and was conducted by Mrs. Chilson, whose son now lives in the village. This woman was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and having the ability to address an audience in public, she thought herself called to preaching, which she did on many occasions. This was

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

in the year 1837. Soon after this, Elder Simons also preached in the house of Mr. Wells. In 1839, a Baptist Church was formed at the house of William Smith, who lived south of the village. The members of the organization were William Smith, William Wells. George Will- iams and Deborah Simmons and their mother, Mrs. William Smith, Johanna Eaton, and wife, Solomon Eaton and wife, J. Eaton, Jr., and wife, old Mrs. Wells and Durfee Sim- mons, who was chosen Deacon. A house of worship was built for the church just formed, in the south part of the settlement, on the east side of the street. This was a small building, and was afterward removed south and turned into a dwelling house. No other edi- tice of that denomination has since been erected. During the summer of 1837, a Sabbath School was organized, which was not under the care of any denomination, but joined in by all. Sabbath school exercises have been held almost continuously since that time. The Meth-

odist class was the next to be formed, and in 1840. the Congregational Church was formed. This was effected at the house of Deacon A. Gilbert under the advice and dircetion of Rev. Seth Hardy. of Romeo. Soventeen members constituted the church at its organization, six of whom were from Romeo. Their house of worship was built in 1812. Tho Methodist house was erected a few years later. The first pastor of the Congregational Church was Rev Charles Kollog, in ISH1. He was succeeded by Rov. W. P. Russell, who labored with the church for the welfare of the community from July, 1815, to the time of his death in 1850. The first school was taught by Mr. Bird, in a small log schoolhouse which stood on the west side of the village in the town of Riley. This man was a great believer in the efficacy of the " birch " in subduing the total depravity of average childhood, and perseveringly applied it on the slightest provocation. The first female teacher was Harriet Stewart. Marriages were undoubtedly cel- ebrated at an early date. but who was first doth not yet appear. Miron Salisbury and AAmelia S. Ellenwood were the first couple married by Rev. W. P. Russell, and he did his work in so satisfactory a manner that he was called upon afterward to unite the fates of 396 pairs.

The first frame building was a barn creeted for Anthony Wells. The first house was a small frame one, by Mr. Rix, but the first substantial residence was that of Lewis Gilbert, in 18-10, which is doing good service still. The first store was that of Oel Rix, who had a small stock of goods to meet the needs of his workmen. Among the first settlers of Memphis still living among us may be mentioned Hartford Phillips, who was born in Chenango County, N. Y., in 1809, and came to Memphis in 1836, having lived hero eontinn misly since that time. wife, Polly Wade, of Rhode Island. a descendant of Roger Williams, of Puritan fame, died in 1879, at the age of seventy-three years. There are others also who have given the helping hand to all the industries and improvements of our village, and to them all we say. peace to the closing days of life and joy in the bright hereafter.

The village of Memphis was incorporated in the south schoolhouse on the Ith day of April. 1865. The name was given some ten years previously. A portion of the citizens wished the young village to have the name Birney, after J. G. Birney: others wanted the name Belle- view, as the Belle River passed through the place The name Memphis, however, prevailed, which was given after the Egyptian city, and enstom has made firm the name then suggested. An election was held on the date above given, at which the following were chosen: Sherman S. Eaton, President; Lewis Granger, Linus Gilbert, Oof Rix, Solon Spafford, JJoseph M. Beach, Hiram Burk. Trustees; L. G. Sperry, Clerk: Orrin Granger, Treasurer.

The principal village officers from 1566 to the present time are as follows:

1866 -Sherman S. Eaton, President : Clark B. Hall, Clerk; Orrin Granger, Treasurer

1867-W. P. Russell, President: Ezra Hazen, Clerk; G. L. Perkins, Treasurer. ISGS-R. B. King. President: Joseph H. Dutton. Clerk: Orrin Granger. Treasurer. 1569 -Lewis Granger, President; Josoph H. Dutton, Clerk: HL C. Manstiold, Treasurer. 1870 - Augustus 31. Hodges, President; H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer: JJ. H. Dutton, Clerk. 1871-A. M. Hodges. President: J. H. Dutton, Clerk: H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 1972 -Hiram Burk, President: J. M. Dutton, Clerk; 11. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 1873-Sherman Eaton, President: J. H. Dutton. Clerk: II. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 1571-Sherman S. Eaton, President : J. H. Dutton, Clerk: H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer. 1575- George L. Perkins. President: H. C. Mansfield, Clerk: Chester S. Gilbert, Treas-

urer.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

1876 -- (. L. Perkins, President: J. H. Dutton. Clerk; H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer.

1877- Francis E. Spencer, President: J. H. Dutton, Clerk; H. C Mansfield, Treasurer. 1878 --- Sherman S. Eaton, President: J. H. Dutton. Clerk; H. C. Mansfield, Treasurer.

1879-Sherman S. Eaton, President; George W. Carman, Clerk: Chester S. Gilbert, Treasurer.

1880-Joseph H. Dutton, President; George H. Carman, Clerk: C. S. Gilbert, Treasurer. 1SS1-J. H. Dutton. President; G. W. Carman. Clerk; C. S. Gilbert, Treasurer.

The Memphis Post Office was established in 1848, with Harry Rix as first Postmaster. His successors in office were: F. E. Gilbert, C. S. Gilbert, Thomas Robson, George Robson, S. P. Spafford, Joseph M. Beach, William Jenkinson, Orrin Granger, H. C. Mansfield, and George W. Carman, the present Postmaster.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.

In the following sketches of pioneers and leading men of the township may be found many instructive and entertaining incidents of settlement. The foregoing historic sketch embraces much subject of a valuable character; but to prevent, as far as possible, the repetition of facts, nothing that has been fully treated in the biographical collection, is introduced into the historic sketch of the township.

WILLIAM BURT, farmer, Section 17, P. O. Riley Center, was born in the county of Kent, England, near the great metropolis, January 28. 1821; in June, 1827, he came with his parents to the United States ; landed in New York City ; thence to Wayne County, N. Y., forty miles east of Rochester, where for sixteen years he worked on the farm, after which he rented and worked a farm for six years. By this time he had gained capital, and in 1853 he bought a farm of fifty acres. In August, 1862, he enlisted, and served two years and eleven months in the war, and was wounded once at Cold Harbor and once at Cedar Creek. After he re- turned he sold his farm, and in 1866 he came West and bought eighty acres of wild land in the town of Riley, on Seetion 17, where he still resides ; since his first purchase, he has added forty aeres, and improved from eighty-five to 100 acres of land. Is a member of the Baptist Church in Riley, and has been Deacon since its organization. Was married to Miss Mary McMillan, of Wayne County, N. Y., on August 27, 1844, and is the father of six children-Elizabeth, John, Mary Jane, Jeanette, Margaret and Francis. Mrs. Burt and two of the daughters, Jeanette and Margaret, also belong to the Baptist Church of Riley, and are consistent and act- ive workers. Mr. Burt, by his honest industry and careful management, has placed himself as a useful mem- ber of society, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

MARTIN ELLINWOOD, farmer, Section 18, P. O. Riley Center, was born in 1836, in Jefferson Connty, N. Y. Here he resided with his parents until nine years of age, attending the common school ; at the end of which time, his parents came West to Macomb County, Mich. In 1866, he bought 120 aeres of partly im- proved land in the town of Riley. Section 18, and has improved fifty acres and built a fine brick residence. At one time, he was quite extensively engaged in the dairy business, but is now confining his farming opera- tions to general farming. For sixteen years has been Postmaster, has been Town Clerk one year, Town Treasurer two years, Justice of the Peace eight years, and is at the present time Supervisor. Was married to Miss Beaman, of Shiawasse County, near Lansing, Mich., in May, 1865, and has two children-Amanda and Stella. Mrs. Ellinwood and her eldest dangliter are members of the M. P. Church, and both active workers. Miss Amanda is an accomplished musician, and leads the choir on the organ. Mr. Ellinwood is a successful business man, having accumulated a competent fortune by honest, industrious efforts, guided by keen, shrewd perceptive faculties, and fine business qualities. He is public spirited, and makes a liberal use of his wealth for the benefit of his community, he having contributed largely of his own means toward building both churches of his town. Such men everywhere do honor to themselves, and are an ornament to society.

BENJAMIN FELKER, farmer, Section 17, P. O. Riley Center, was born in the town of Salt Fleet, On- tario, Canada, February 19, 1837. lle lived with his parents until he was nineteen years of age attending the common school winters. In 1856, he came to East Saginaw, Mich., where he worked two years learning the ship-carpenter's trade. From here he returned to Canada, where he worked at farming three years, at the end of which time he returned to Michigan, working at his trade in Detroit and Marine City, in the shipyard two years. From Marine City he came to Riley, where he bought forty acres of wild land, which he has im- proved and to which added by subsequent purchases, until he now owns 300 acres of farm land, partly im- proved. He has himself improved about 190 acres of land and is engaged in general farming, and raises horses and sheep of good quality. He has been School Inspector, Road Commissioner, and Justice of the Peace for four years, and at one time Town Clerk. Ile is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Royal Arch Chapter and has been Senior and Junior Warden of his lodge. He was married to Miss Mariett Ray- mond, of the town of Riley, St. Clair County, January 24, 1864, and has five children-Elnorah ., Amaret. tie C., Mary 1., Sarah A. and Ruth. Eva (deceased). Mr. Felker is an honored and highly respected citizen. By his own efforts he has earned a handsome fortune, which will prove a solace in his declining years. MRS. ANNIE E. RIGG, Memphis, formerly Miss Annie E. Hubbard, is a native of Schenectady County, N. Y. She was brought up and attended school there, and in the fall of 1845 came to this State. There were three covered wagons, and sixteen in the company she came with. She went to her Uncle James Wells,

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

at Memphis. He was the first settler there and took up a large body of land. She taught school. After her sisters and brothers came they lived together. In 1869, she married James Rigg, a native of England. Ile came to this country in 1831. He was a carpenter and Imilder and died in February, 1876. Mrs. Rigg lives in Memphis, and owns property there and here. Her sister. Mrs. Amy Stewart, formerly Miss Amy Hubbard. is a native of Schenectady County, N. Y., and came with her brothers to this county in ts1? and settled in the village of St. Clair and lived there five years, then moved out on the farm. In 1500. she married Daniel Stewart. a native of New York State. He came here in 1818, and died April. 1875. Since then she has resided here. She owns ten aeres where she lives and other property. The two sisters are the only members of the family now living here.

BERLIN TOWNSHIP.

B ERLIN Township forms the southwest corner of upper St. Clair. Like the adjoining towns in Macomb and Lapeer counties, it possesses a fertile soil, and forms one of the richest agrienltrral towns within St. Clair. The equalized valuation of Berlin in 1552, was 8397,240. In 1815, it contained a population of 176 souls; in 1850. 535: in 1861, 963: in 1870. 1.131: and in 1880. 1.283. The township contains 22, 935 acres, watered by Bolle River and a num- ber of minor streams. Among the first permanent settlers wore: Elihn Granger. A. Doty, T. R. Halleck, A. Smith, Cyrus Stoddard and Joseph Sweet.

The first purchasers of the United States lands in this township were Theodore Romeyn, L. A. Spakling. A. S. Richard, Delos Davis, F. Bruce. J. C. Vanchoonhoven. John Skinner. Cyrus Stoddard, Olive Northrop, Hosea Northrop, H. Porter, D. Alverson, Emmons Russell, A. MeDuff. Sylvester Warner, Jesse Norton, Benjamin Durfee, Chloe Franklin, Joseph Dur. fee, Christian Lefevre, Benjamin Howard. Ephriam Chamberlain, Henry Frost. Alph Finch, Ezra Finch, Asahel Bailey. S. Livermore, Calvin Bateman. Isaac A. Arnold, Henry Stone. H. Abiel, Chauncey Rico.

SUPERVISORS.

Elihn Granger. 1812; Sylves er Warner, 1813: T. R. Hallock. 1844 -45: F. Locke, IS16; H. Healey, 1817; Frederick Locke, ISIS: Horton Healey, 1819-51: D. E. Frost. 1952: Mr. Hamilton, 1853-54: John Allen, 1855-56; D. E. Frost, 1857-61: John Allen. 1862; Albert Doty, 1863-67; Charles Hebden. 1565: Albert Doty, 1869-70; V. P. Granger. 1571: Albert Doty, 1872-75: A. C. Draper. 1876: Albert Doty, 1877: William O'Connor, 1875-80; Adam C. Draper, IS81: William O'Connor. 1882.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Hosea Northrup, 1839; Sylvester Warner, 1539; Rives Hallock, 1839; S. A. MeGeorge, 1839; Henry Stone, 1810; Sylvester Warner, 1841: Thomas R. Hallock. 1542: Rosellas E. Gould. 1813; Horton Healy, IS14: Elbert Doty, IS15; C. P. Stone, ISIG: R E. Gould. 1547; Hortou Healy. ISIS; Frederick Locke. 1849; Albert Doty, IS19; Thomas M. Gould, 1550; Frederick Locke, IS5I: George W. Pond. 1853: Amos N. Freeman. 1551; Moses Lamphire, 1856: D. D. Kimball. 1557: M. J. AArnold. 1857; David MeCrossan, 1858: Darwin, D. Kim- ball. 1859; William S. Ingraham, 1860: Daniel S. Frost. ISGI: George Hall, 1861; Parker Bennett, 1562: Albert Sperry, 1862: Nathan Hard, 1563: Oliver Dodge, 1963: Charles Heb- den, 1864: John B. Frost, 1565; Elihu Granger, 1865: Nathan Hurd, 1866: F. F. Barber, 1867; Charles Hebden, ISGS: C. A. Snover, 1869; J. B. Frost, IS70: Nathan Hurd, 1570; F. F. Barber, 1571; AAlvin D. MeGregor, 1872; Hiram Ingraham, 1873; John B. Frost, IST1: F. W. Barber, 1575; George A. Morrison, 1576; A. D. MeGregor, 1877: Hiram Ingraham, 1878; C. D. Bryce. 1579: George S. Sharrard, ISSO: Albert P. Wheeler, ISSI: Garrison E. Smith. 1582.

The township meeting. April, 1SS2, resulted in the election of the Republican ticket. excepting Supervisor, Highway Commissioner and one Constable. the first two being. Green- backers and the latter a Democrat, as follows:

Supervisor -William O'Connor, G. B.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

Clerk-Warren P. Wilson, Republican.

Treasurer- Schuyler Jones, Republican.

Justices of the Peace-Garrison E. Smith, Republican, tull term; John Tibbitts, Repub- lican, to fill vacancy.

School Inspector-Marshall F. Smith, Republican, one year; Robert Wilson, Republican, two years.

Highway Commissioner -- Amos N. Scott, G. B.

Drain Commissioner, John L. Shepard. Republican.

Constables-Jesse Trover, Democrat, Daniel O. Welch. George B. Berk, Alphius Dul- mage, Republicans.

The Berlin Grange, No. 463, P. of H., adopted articles of association July 14, 1875. The original members were A. D. MeGeorge, William O'Connor, D. Granger. J. A Lown, C. T. Gillam, L. D. Hulbert, Amanda Gillam, Phoebe Granger, C. Edgerton, Levi Lockwood, An- geline Granger, S. L. McGeorge and Ann R. Hugget. The association of P. of H. was incor- porated in January. 1873. The Berlin Grange was chartered July 21, 1874.

Belle River Village, in Berlin Township, is about twenty miles west of Port Huron, fifty north of Detroit, and about four and a half miles south of Capac.

Berville. known as Baker's Corners, is an old settlement in Berlin Township. It is dis- tant twenty-six miles from Port Huron, and ten miles south of Capac.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

CHARLES HEBDEN, farmer, P. O. Capac, was born in Yorkshire, England, February 24, 1822. Ile lived in his native country twenty-one years and emigrated to the United States in 1843, and located in De- troit, Mich., and remained there one year. He then removed to St. Clair County and located in Berlin Town- ship, where he has since lived. Ile opened and improved the farm on which he lived and died and where his family now reside. He was married in Mossey Township, St. Clair County, Mich., in 1855, to Miss Malessa Bnrris, a native of New York, and they have five children living-Amanda, Elizabeth, Ella, Maria and George. Mr. Hebden was a Master Mason, and was a member of the Church of England. He has held the office of Town Treasurer, Supervisor, and Justice of the Peace. He was a highly respected citizen of his town and county. He died in November, 1881, in the fifty-fifth year of his age.

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History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 134

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