History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 26

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 26

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).

The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities foll upon the women. The planting. tending and gathering of the crops, making mats and baskets, carrying burdens -- in fact, all things of the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition but little better than that of slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of bargain and sale, the husband giving presents to the father of the bride. In general they had but few children. They were subjected to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine and pestilence swept away whole tribes.

THE GAME OF LA CROSSE

The earliest notice of this game as played by the Indians is probably that of fapt. Carver. who visited the State in 1766, and may be found on page 361 of his book entitled " North Amer- ica," and is as follows : " They amuse themselves at several sorts of games, but the principal and most esteemed among them is that of the ball, which is not unlike the European game of tennis. The balls they use are rather larger than those made use of at tennis, and are formed of a piece of deerskin, which, being moistened to render it supple. is stuffed hard with the hair of the same creature, and sewed with its sinews. The ball-sticks are about three feet long. at the end of which there is a kind of racket, resembling the pahn of the hand, and fashioned of thongs out from a deerskin : in these they catch the ball. and throw it to a great distance, if they are not prevented by some of the opposite party, who fly to intercept it. This game is generally played by large companies that sometimes consist of more than three hundred, and it is not uncommon for different bands to play against each other. They begin by fixing two poles in the ground at about six hundred yards apart, and one of these goals belongs to each party of the combatants. The ball is thrown up high in the center of the ground, and in a direct line between the goals, toward which each party endeavors to strike it, and whichever side causes it to reach their own goal, reckons toward the game. They are so exceedingly dexterous in this manly exercise that the ball is usually kept tlying in different directions by the force of the rackets, without touching the ground during the whole contention, for they are not allowed to catch it with their hands. They run with amazing velocity in pursuit of each other, and when one is on the point of hurling it a great distance, an antagonist overtakes him, and by a sudden stroke dashes down the ball. They play with so much vehemence that they frequently wound each other, and sometimes a bone is broken : but notwithstanding these accidents, there never appears to be any spite or wanton exertions of strength to etfeet them. nor do any disputes ever happen between the parties."

196

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

VISIT TO THE INDIAN VILLAGE.

Previous to the departure of the Hurons, it was certainly worth one's while to visit one of their villages. A Frenchiman who visited them in 1808 or 1810 described their villages on the Clinton at that time. He says: "I remember one fine afternoon, about ten years ago, accompany- ing an old Indian trader thither. Seated in a light canoe, and each armed with a paddle, we started from the mouth of the river for the ostensible purpose of bartering with the Indians for furs, etc., etc. For my part, I was perfectly delighted with the idea, as I never had an opportunity hitherto of seeing the Indians at home, at least during the summer season. The river was sufficiently agitated to cause our tiny boat to rock dreamily, and as we sped onward the rich wavelets leaped and sported against our canoe's prow and sides like sportive kittens, ever and anon greeting our faces with a damp paw that was by no means unpleasant. On, on we sped, now under the shadow of the green woods, now by the fringed, rich border of the clearings, or by the grass-covered marsh. We could see from a bend in the river the Indian village, and hear the wild, joyous shouts of the dusky juveniles as they pursued their uncouth sports and games. As we approached their camp, what a busy and exhilarating scene was presented to our view ! I clapped my hands in the exuberance of my spirits, for never before had I witnessed a scene so full of real, unaffected, natural happiness as there greeted my senses. My companion did not appear to share in my enthusiasm, owing, doubtless. to the fact that he was accustomed to such scenes. Little Indian boys and girls could be seen prowling around like little cupids-some wrestling, some shooting with tiny bows and arrows, some paddling their toy canoes, while others sported in the waters of the river like so many amphibia, each striving to excel the other in the manner and demonstration of its enjoyment.

" Superannuated Indians and squaws sat by the tent doors. looking on with a quiet, demure pleasure, or arranging some toy or trinket for a favorite little toddler, while the more efficient were engaged in various occupations. Oh! how I longed for an artist's skill, that I might sketch the wild and picturesque scene ! Here, thought I, is human nature in its free, untrammeled state. Care seemed to be a stranger to those children of nature ; no thought of sorrow seemed to engross their minds ; and the world, with all its vicissitudes and vexations, was allowed to pass along unnoticed by them. Buoyancy of spirit was a striking feature in their character. As we drew our canoe out upon the beach, the Indians came forward to greet us, and with a hearty shake of the hand, wished us a cordial bon jour. The dusky urchins left their sports to take a full survey of the visitors ; which having done, they returned to their games with a yelp and a bound.

" Situated upon the greenest and most beautiful portion of the camp ground were a number of white and neat-looking tents, which were closed, and isolated from the dingy, smoky tepees of the village. The trader, who seemed a sort of privileged character, was entirely at home ; while I, considering myself among strangers, elung to him, and followed him wherever he went, not ventur- ing to throw myself upon my own responsibility. I was therefore pleased when I saw him start toward the white tents, for I was curious to know what they contained. Drawing aside the canvas, he entered without ceremony, I, of course, following after. Seated upon beautiful mats of colored rushes, which served as carpets and divans, were some three or four good-looking squaws, very neatly and even richly attired in the fanciful style of the native, busily engaged in embroidering and ornamenting moccasins, broadcloth leggings, and blankets with variegated beads and porcupine quills. Everything around evinced the utmost order, neatness and taste. No bustling nichce or dirty urchin was allowed the freedom of those apparently consecrated tents : but all was quiet and calm within ; and if converse were carried on it was in that ealm, soft, musical tone so peculiar to them. So, so, thought I, here we have a sort of aristocracy-a set of exclusives, and a specimen of high life among the natives ; yet it was just that kind of high life, in many respects, after which their white sisters might take pattern. No idle gossiping or scandal was indulged in ; they quietly plied their needles, and kept their counsel to themselves. If they had occasion to visit their neighbors' tents, it was done quietly and pleasantly, after which business was resumed." This description of the Indian villages on the Riviere aux Hurons or Clinton is based upon fact. Though the Wyandot or Huron is now far away from his olden land, his wife, or sister, or mother may look back with pride to their settlements by Lake St. Clair, and in charity wish that the new Americans there will be as happy as their fathers were.

197

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

THE SMALL-POX.

From time to time during the half-century ending in 1837, the small-pox and kindred epidemies created sad havoc among the Indians. The story of those dreadful times of famine and fever is taken from W. H. MeCormick's descriptions :

" A broad, green belt of fertile bottom land, Converges gently from the golden strand ; Its borders fringed with stately elm and willow, While far as the eye can reach around is seen, Waving luxuriantly the prairie green.

A scene more sylvan I never viewed before, So eloquent with savage legendary lore. It was the month-fairest of all-lovely June. When the sweet air was laden with perfume Of budding floweret, gorgeous prairie rose, Which round the scene in wild profusion flows,

And many a feathered songster perched on tree,

Warbled in sweetest strain its minstrelsy. The timid deer emerging from the wood,

Gazed on his shadow in the crystal flood ;

Or his lithe limbs in playful sport did lave, Or drink refreshment from its livid wave. On wing of gossamer the busy bee, From forest home, in distant hollow tree,

Gathered the sweets from many an open flower,

To deck with wealth his home in sylvan bower.

Amid a grove of elmis in the cool shade, An Indian band its rude encampment made ; And in the shadows of its branches green, Were warrior, chieftain, children and maidens seen.

Here were old braves in social cirele met. Smoking in silence grave the cahnnet;

Or here on withes distended dressed the skin

For hunting shirt or graceful moccasin,

The infant savage rocking to and fro,

Its cradle pendant from o'erhanging bough,

Fann'd by each gentle zephyr that passed by.

While murmuring breezes sung its lulluby. The patient wife toiling over mortar rude,

Crushing the grain to form their simple food ;

While other forms the lurid fires revealed.

Preparing for the tribe their evening mcal.

Suspended from the bough, o'er rustic couch,

lang the dreaded rifle, tomahawk and ponch.

And implements for fishing lying near The glittering, the net, the barbed spear.

The warrior circle seated on the ground ;

The frugal meal was served, the pipe passed round.

The shades of evening gathered o'er the West,

And chieftain, maid and warrior sank to rest.

I].

It was a soft and solemn hour,

When silence reigned o'er lake and bower,

The silver moon in grandeur led The starry host, and mildly shed

Its refluent and unclouded light - Resplendent on the trangnil night.

And myriads of stars that move, Obedient to the power above. Ifolding their silent intercourse

Onward in their aerial course,

Forever sparkling pure and bright.

'Mid regions of crystal light. The hour when lovers love to meet. In sweet embrace, in converse sweet . Whispering love's tale to listening ears Their fondest hopes, their wildest fears :

198

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY

When lips meet lips in raptured bliss, In passion's deep and fervid kiss ; When hearts in rapture fondly blend, And dream not that such moments end ; The swelling breast, the bursting sigh,. Love wildly beaming from each eye ; Hand clasped in hand and heart to heart, In smiles to meet, in tears to part. Alas! They cannot last forever ;

Time, chance, or fate may soon dissever ;

Then in those eyes we love are starting

The pearly tear-drops shed at parting. Gemm'd like the morning flower with dew, One last embrace, one kiss-adieu !

III.

" It was the hour when, on his cot, No more repining o'er his lot. The toil-worn lab'rer in repose, Forgetful of his many woes, And every sense is buried deep In sweet forgetfulness of sleep : No saddening toought obtruding there, To foster with corroding care ; No dreams of dark ambition wake His senses from their tranquil state. Sleep on! Let no fear beguile, For vice would quail beneath that smile,

Which on his lips rest playfully- Proof of the heart's tranquillity. Not so with those who nursed in power,

Who boast a kingdom for a dower, The wealthy poor, the poorly great, The beggar kings of many a state, Boasting a long ancestral line, And ruling by a right divine;

The slaves of fortune or of power, But seldom realize an hour Of gentle peace, of tranquil rest, Like that which fills the poor man's breast. Sleep on! sleep on! The eye of heaven will keep Its guardian watch upon thy sleep.

IV.

"The moon shone soft from his meridian height, Bathing the Indian camp with humid light, When on the night air wildly there arose A shriek that startled each from his repose. Some danger threatened their beloved chief, And each in haste drew near to his relief. Stricken and low by some strange malady, To them unknown, and knowing not the remedy. In vain their prophet chanted incantations, Or in their mystic rites performed oblations ; In vain their medicine man his knowledge tried, The strange disease his remedies defied, And 'ere the morning dawn the chieftain died. In consternation dread they formed his bier, And o'er his grave in silence shed a tear. But 'ere another sun had pass'd away, The chieftain's wife and children stricken lay. Each day increased the horror and the dread, As through their camp the dire contagion spread ; It seemed that fate, with unrelenting hand, Had doomed the remnant of their fated band. In vain, when racked with pain, the sufferer cried For help from those untouched - it was denied. Fear held them spell bound, palsied every sense ; To aid was to incur the pestilence.

199

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

" When writhed the warrior, hadst thou seen The conquering anguish on his mien! In the last struggle of his stalwart frame,

HIis dauntless courage not r'en death could tame . His longing eyes fixed on his fragile wife, So loved, alas ! the dismal wreck of life ; How as his glazing eyes met hers in death,

He heaved a bitter sigh with his last breath ;

The last fond look bestowed on things below,

lle winged his spirit flight to MANITOU. And near him his attenuated wife,

In the last struggle of departing life,

With deep despair, tore from her anguished breast

The lovely babe that knew no other rest ;

Lest the foul breath of dire pestilence-

As yet unstricken-soon might bear it hence ; While others prayed for death in shrieking prayer,

And others raved-the madness of despair ;

And many a wandering brain by fever wrought,

The burning tongue the crystal waters sought ;

Exhausted fell 'ere they could reach the wave

No hand to help them and no friend to save.

In vain the mother cried. the child, the daughter,

For one sweet drop -a simple cup of water ; While those who reached it with remaining breath,

Took their last drop and quivering sank in death.

To us in health, it seemed a little thing,

To have some friend a cup of water bring ;

Yet when 'tis proffered unto feverish lips

Worn by disease, and these its coolness sips,

Of sweet refreshment, it will give

Strength to the weak, and make the eye revive ;

Will give a shock of pleasure to the frame,

Robbing disease of many a throbbing pain.

It is a trifling thing to speak a phrase Of common comfort, or of little praise ; By almost daily use its sense nigh lost ;

Sweet drops of comfort at but little cost.

Yet ou the ear of him who thought to die

Without one gentle word, one pitying sigh,

To perish by himself, and mourn, alone- On such an ear will sympathy's sweet tone

Fali like sweet music from the distant spheres,

And the glazed eyes o'ertlow with crystal tears-

Release the knotted hand, and palsied frame, To feel the bonds of fellowship again.

And e'en when death its sad pilgrimage seals,

'Tis joy to know that there is one who feels-

That one of the great family is near

To shed a tear of pity o'er his bier. Not thus the dying savage that lay Upon the river shore on that day.

Those left untouched by raging pestilence,

Dreading the awful malady fled hence ; Shed on the sufferers one pitying sigh,

One frenzied look, and left them there to die.

And when the day was ended, and the night,

Refulgent with the moon's unclouded light,

And twinkling stars that gemmed the heavens above.

Looked down upon the scene with eyes of love.

The solitude was broken by the howling

Of the fierce wolf, around the stricken prowling.

These, and the noisome buzzard of the wood, Feasted on those unburied by the flood.

VI.

" And thus they died ! the beautiful. the brave ! Some on the river-bank, some in its wave ;

200

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

No kindred arm outstretched to aid or save ; No hand, alas! to furnish even a grave ! And now an Indian mnaid or children glide In light canoe upon the river tide ; In solemn silence and with recumbent head,

They pass the spot with undissembled dread.

And to the Great Spirit, ascends a prayer

For those who suffered, they who perished there."

LETTER FROM GEN. ARTHUR ST. CLAIR TO THE INDIANS, 1799.

This letter was read in every Indian village from the Ohio to the Sault de Ste. Marie in 1800. It was written at Cincinnati, October, 3, 1799, and dispatched per courier to the homes of the Indians:

TO THE CHIEFS OF THE POTTAWATOMIES, AND CHIPPEWAS, AND OTTAWAS: My Sons :- I send you this by Nangg, who has been here to pay me a visit. It gave me great pleasure to see him; but it was little we could say to each other, because there was not anybody here that could well speak your language.

I was able to learn from him, my sons, that you have been, and still are, anxious to see me. It was my design to have met you when your goods were delivered, but they were so late in coming that it is now out of my power, as our annual couneil is now sitting, and I cannot leave it, but I will send some persons in iny place on whom you may depend.

Believe me, my sons, I wish well, as they do themselves, to all my red children; and the President of the United States will continue to love them and do them good; but there are people that make you uneasy : they love nobody but themselves, and because some of them have prevailed on individuals amongst yon to make grants of lands to them, contrary to our laws and to all your former practice, that are not approved of, they give you no rest, but are always saying some disagreeable things or other to you. I tell you, and I tell the truth, that it is for your interest the United States do not approve those grants of land. Only consider a little; if every one of you, of yourselves, without the consent of the nation, may give away the lands that belong to you all, and at times when, perhaps, you have been made drunk on purpose, what will become of your wives and children?

Do you not see that it is to prevent your being eheated by bad men, who, if they can get your lands, do not care if you were all to perish with hunger, that the United States will not allow of their people to buy them but at a public treaty with the nation, when you are all sober, and know that you are not wronged nor wronging yourselves ? If those private sales were countenanced, must not war be the certain consequence when you found your lands gone, and that you have got nothing of value for them ? You would kill some of the people who lived upon them, who had, perhaps, no hand in cheating you; some of yon would be killed in return, and all the mischiefs of war would follow.

As to the Canadians, my sons, who are living on lands which you have given to them, you need not be uneasy about them, neither need they be uneasy about the land. The United States will not take their farms from them; but they will not allow any of their people to be buying from you, in a private manner, the lands which are to support you and your families, and your children after you, by thousands of acres, and cheating you in the price at the same time.

I find it to be your wish that some person may be appointed at Detroit, to whom you may speak occa- sionally. Such agents can be appointed by the President only, and when he knows how much you wish for one, I do not doubt that one on whom you may depend will be appointed.

It is a great satisfaction to me, my children, that there is a peace between you and us; I am sure that it is best for both that it should continue forever. On our parts, nothing will be done to weaken it. But I know there have been people amongst you stirring you to take up the hatchet on account of the French. I do not believe that you will listen to them, because you will see the consequence; and if they should succeed in" misleading you, the whole burthen must fall upon yourselves, for they cannot help you. The English will not, and the Spaniards are too far off to help you, and too weak to do it if they were willing. Drive, then, those persons away; they are your worst enemies, whatever they may say. On the friendship of yonr American brothers, who sprung out of the same soil with yourselves, you may safely depend. This is from your friend and father.

ARTHUR ST. CLAIR.

TREATIES WITH THE OTCHIPWES.

The first treaty between the United States and this tribe was signed at Hopewell, November 28, 1785, assigning boundaries. They were represented at Greenville in 1795; in 1805, they made a large cession of land, and again in 1808 extended this cession. In the inter-tribal council of pacifi- cation, held at Detroit in 1815, they took an important part. By the treaty of 1816, they ceded all their reserves in Ohio. The most important treaties, however, were those of Saginaw in 1819, of Sault de Ste. Marie in 1820, of Chicago in 1822, and of Detroit in 1854-55. By the latter treaty, all their lands in the Upper Peninsula, in Wisconsin, and Minnesota, were ceded to the United States. This gave to Michigan the great mineral region of the Northwest, and opened up to enterprising men a world of iron and copper.

201

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

TREATY OF DETROIT.

This treaty was negotiated at Detroit November, 17, 1807, by Gen. William Hull. United States Commissioner Under it the lands from the Miami to the Great Auglaize River. and north to a line drawn west from the head of the St. Clair River; thence northeast to the White Rock in Lake Huron; thence east to the national boundary fine; thenee south by that line to a point cast of the Miami, and west to the mouth of that river, were ceded to the United States. In consideration of this cession, the sum of $3,333.33 was paid the Otchipwes; $3,333.33 to the Ottawas: $1,666.66 to the Wyandots; and $1,666.66 to the Pottawatomies. The annuities granted, together with the above sums, were $800 to the Otchipwes: $800 to the Ottawas: $100 to the Wyandots, and $400 to Potta- watomies residing on the Huron and Raisin of Lake Erie. Under this treaty tracts of three miles square on Lake St. Clair, including Machonce's village, together with six square miles at other points to be selected by the Indians, were reserved. The Otchipwes who attached their totems to this treaty. wore: Ma-mau-sho-gau-ta, or Bad-legs; Poo-qui-gau-boa-wie. Kiosk, Peewanshemenogh, Poquaquet, or the Ball. See-gan-go-wan, Quit chon-e-quit. or Big Cloud, Qui-con quish, Puck-e- nesse, or Spark of Fire; Negig, or the Otter; Me-a-si-ta, Tonquish. Marquettequet, or Little Bear; Miott, Nemekas, or Little Thunder; Men-e-tu-ge-shock, or the Little Cedar; Sawanabenase, or Grand Blanc. The Wyandots were: Ska-ho mat, Miere, or Walk in the Water; I-yo na-yo-ta-ha. The witnesses were George MeDougall. C. Rush, Jacob Visger, Joseph Watson, Abijah Hull, Harris H. Hickman. A. B. Hull. Whitmore Knaggs, and William Walker.

TREATY OF WASHINGTON.

This treaty was negotiated at Washington, D. C .. May, 9, 1836, by Henry R. Schoolcraft, United States Commissioner, and the chiefs of the Swan Creek and Black River Indians of the Chippewa nation. The objeet of the treaty was to relocate the Indians, or rather to exchange their reservation in the vicinity of St. Clair lake and river, as granted to them by the treaty of Detroit, November 17, 1807, for other lands. The articles of this compact set forth, firstly: That the Swan Creek and Black River bands of' Indians cede to the United States one tract of three miles square, or 5.760 acres, on Swan Creek of Lake St. Clair: one section and three-quarters near Salt Creek; one-fourth of a section at mouth of Riviere au Vassean; and one traet of two sections near the mouth of Black River, containing in the aggregate about 8.320 acres. In consideration of these cessions of land, the Indians were promised the net proceeds of the sale of these, except the cost of survey and expenses of the treaty. On the ratification of the treaty, the Government advanced to the Indians $2,500 in cash, and $4.000 in merchandise, which sums, together with treaty expenses, were deducted from the moneys realized from the sale of the reserves.

Together with this money consideration 8,320 acres of land west of the Mississippi. or north- west of St. Anthony's Falls, were distributed to the bands.

The chief's whose signatures or totems were Echtonoquot, or Clear Sky ; Nay-gee-zhig, or Priv- ing Clouds : Mayzin, or Checkered, and Kee-way-gee-zhig, or Returning Sky. The officials and witnesses present were Sam. Humes Porter, Secretary ; Stephen T. Mason, Governor of Michigan ; Lucius Lyon, John Holliday, Joseph F. Maisac, and George Moran.

CESSION OF LANDS BY CHIPPEWAS, OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATOMIES.

In 1816, 1,418,880 aeres were ceded for $12,000. In 1830, 4.160,000. except 16,640 acres reserved, were purchased by the United States for 854.000. In 1835. 5,101,960 acres were ceded, 5.000,000 acres of which were reserved. valued at $6,250.000, and 81.371.289 granted in money and goods.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 26

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