USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.. > Part 30
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139
219
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
having been repeatedly pledged for his protection, is uniformly regarded as his brother, and with him are disposed to make a common cause. Hence, justice to the Canadian inhabitant is an important point of policy in the conduct of the United States Government toward the, ab- original inhabitants.
"The extent of the Canadian extinguishment of Indian title, though in itself indefinite, appears first to have received limits in the treaty of Fort Macintosh, 1785. We there find a written dereliction of Indian claims in a breadth six miles from la Riviere aux Raisins, now called Rosine, on Lake Erie, to the lake St. Clair. In the subsequent treaty of Fort Harmar, in 1789, the same dereliction is confirmed. In the ulterior treaty of Greenville, the confor- mation is repeated and additions made.
"The treaty with Great Britain, in 1783, and that of 1794 were made for the accomplish- ment of great national objeets, having very little connection with Canadian and Indian claims. The treaties of Fort Macintosh, Fort Harmar, and of Greenville, were all formed on far more important points and the quantity of extinguished Indian titlo in Michigan, recognized by them is less to be considered as an acquisition of new title, than a definition of the old. The expense of these negotiations, therefore, can scarcely be said in any sense to attach to this country, and it may be said that all of the Indian title at present extinguished within the territory of Michigan has not cost the United States a single dollar. but is entirely a recogni- tion of a previous but indefinite title extinguished by the Canadians. Hence, the question will arise, whether it is more than barely justice to the inhabitants to allow them the whole of this part, or otherwise to permit the proceeds of it to be applied to their benotit in the ed ucation of their youth, in the erection of public buildings, such as court houses and jails, which the recent conflagration destroyed, and in laying out roads and other improvements in their country. Next to the adjustment of old titles comes the acquisition of new. It is believed, that at this period, and in a particular mode, a very large portion of Indian title may be short. ly extinguished; but, as this part of the subject may hereafter be deemed confidential, it is made the subject of a distinct report. *:
" The case of the Wyandotte Indians deserves the consideration of the Government. They live in two towns, Maguaga and Brown's town, within the limits of the American title. To the treaty of Fort Harmar, a elanse was annexed, stipulating that they might remain unmo- losted. In the treaty of Greenville this provision is omitted. They constantly assert, and there are not wanting reputable citizens who join them in the assertion, that they were sol- emnly promised by Gen. Wayne a continuance of the indulgence. It may, therefore, be worthy of serious consideration, whether it may not be advisable, in the adjustment of titles. to recog- nizo their possessions and invest them with the character of citizens."
THE PIONEER LAND BUYERS OF ST. CLAIR.
This is a most important portion of the history of St. Clair County, and indeed one well worthy the attention of every citizen of the State, since most of the names mentioned were house- hold words in the homes of the American pioneers from Michilimackinac to Saginaw, to Detroit, to Grand Rapids, to Chicago, to Milwaukee, back to the St. Joe River, up the Elkhart. and the Kankakee, down to the old post of Vincennes. It is impossible to calculate the ro- sults of settlement here by those carly French, American, and Franco-American pioneers; but it is within our power to learn who they were, and the very location of their humble cabins.
Before entering upon the history of their times and settlement, let us first inquire into the origin of the names given to their locations. The first and most prominent name is La Riviere Ste.
St. Clair and Sinclair. - In the year 1765, Patrick Sinclair, an Irish officer in the service of Great Britain, and commandant of Fort Sinclair, purchased 4,000 acres of land on the river above Lake St. Clair, and after him the river was named the Sinclair. In a report made January 17, 1806, by Augustus Woodward, to the Secretary of the Treasury, it is said that this officer was a distinet character, differing physically and morally from St. Clair. of the American sery- ice. In his honor, the lako at the mouth of the Clinton was named St. Clair by his contempo- rarios, unaware of the antiquity of the application of such name. The claim of Sinclair
220
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
remained in his possession seventeen years, utilizing the large pine timber, and deriving heavy profits therefrom.
The rivers, creeks and points of land were named in accord with some physical character- istic or otherwise in honor of one of the first settlers in the neighborhood.
It is said that this name was conferred on Lake St. Clair in 1679, by Rev. Louis Hennepin; but its application to the river is of far more recent date. In 1765, the river was called Sin- clair in honor of Patrick Sinclair, a military officer in charge of a British post, where now stands St. Clair City. This name was applied until the name of the American officer, Arthur St. Clair, was made known, when the Indians and French settlers honored him by substituting his name for that of Sinclair.
Belle River, Black River and Pine River have borne Indian, French and English names successively, as shown in other pages.
The villages of the Hurons were above Detroit. The name Huron, derived from the French Hure. a head. meaning a wild boar's head, was applied to this tribe of Indians by the first French missionaries, for the reason that their hair sprung from the head in bristles, a la porcupine. The French called them Hurons, but among the Indian tribes they were known as Wyandots, or Ouendats.
In the succeeding review of claims, presented by the land holders of St. Clair, or the civil district of St. Clair, as the territory constituting the county in 1818 was called, it will be ob- served that the result of the examination before the board is not given, in the greater number of cases. Now, such a course was made necessary by the fact that, almost in every instance, the claimant's title was proved to the satisfaction of the Land Commissioners who ordered a record to be made of such titles in the Land Office at Detroit and subsequently recommended the issue of United States patents. The report of this board was made in 1810-11, and patents were granted in the year 1812 and years immediately succeeding.
SQUATTERS' CLAIMS.
In 1782, there were nineteen settlers living adjacent to this tract; a year later, twenty set- tlers located on Lake St. Clair near the mouth of the Huron. In 1788, twenty settlements were made on the Riviere aux Hurons, or Clinton; in 1790, a few more settlers located at Point au Tremble.
In 1793, ten families located on lands on the Huron of Lake St. Clair, or Clinton. Seven years later. four families joined the settlement. Six families joined the settlers at the head of the lake, while the salt springs began to attract attention of the people from the mouth of the Huron to the River St. Clair. In 1801, one settler located at these springs, and he was soon joined by others. In 1797, no less than thirty families located lands along the banks of La Riviere au Lait, or Milk River, and northward to the Riviere aux Hurons. These settlers founded their claims on actual settlement and improvement, without any further title. Of this class there were about four hundred on the borders of Lake St. Clair, Rivers Huron, Ecorces, Rouge and Raisin.
LAND BOARD, DETROIT DISTRICT, 1807.
The following extract from a report, dated Detroit, September 1, 1807, deals with the old settlements in the vicinity of Detroit. It suggested that the old farm's on the Detroit. the greater number of which contained two or three arpents in front by forty in depth, be extend- ed to an equal depth of eighty arpents. In examining the records of former Commissioners, it is found that all the old farms on that river were mostly granted by the French Government, and that, with very few exceptions, they were of the extent or area referred to above. These farms were under cultivation from 40 to 100 years previous to 1807; so that, at that time, the arable land was entirely exhausted, and minus timber for fences or firewood. For this reason, the Commissioners asked Congress to extend the farms to eighty acres in depth so that the settlers could continue to live on the old ground. It was further shown, that this extension of farms was necessary along the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, to enable the original settlers and their descendants to reap equal advantages with the new settlers on the Riviere aux Hurons, now the Clinton, and on St. Clair Lake and River, above Detroit.
221
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
CHRONOLOGY OF SETTLEMENT.
Date of Settle- mient.
Whether with-
in or without
the American title.
No. of farms or
distinct set-
tlements,
Pate of settle-
ment.
Whether with-
in or without
the American
No. of farms or
distinct set- tlements.
1758 La Riviere anx Hurons.
Without ...
1
1786 L'Isle à Cochon ...
Within .. . .
1
1763 Detroit or the Strait ..
Within. ..
1785 La Riviere aux Huronsor Ol't'n. Without ...
20
1765 La Riviere de Sinclair.
Without ...
1
1788 La Riviere aux Roches.
Within ..
1
1771 Detroit or the Strait ..
Within. .
1790 Point au Tremble.
Doubtful .. 4
1776 La Riviere a l'Ecorce.
Within. . .
10
1792 La Riviere à PEcorco
Within. ...
1776 La Grosse Isle ..
Within. ..
10
1792 La Crique & Sable.
Within. . .
15
1779 La Crigre aux Lontres
Without ...
1
1793 La Riviere aux Hurons or (It'n. Without ...
10
1780 La Crique à Sable.
Within. ..
1
1794 La Riviere à I' Ecorce
Within. ..
3
1780 Detroit . .
Within. ..
1794 La Crique aux Lontres.
Without ...
1780 La Riviere Rouge
Within. ..
38
1797 La Riviere au Lait
Doubtful ..
30
1780 Point au Tremble.
Doubtful ..
4
1797 La Riviere à l'Ecorce
Within. ..
1752 La Riviere de St. Clair
Without ...
19
1798 La Riviere Rouge
Within. . .
5
1781 La Riviere aux Raisins
Both . . . . .
121
1801 La Riviere de St. Clair. .
Without .. 6
1785 Point au Tremble.
Doubtful ..
1801 Salt Springs, town Chesterfield. Doubtful ...
1
1786 La Riviere aux Roches
Within. ..
To point out the manner in which these private claims were dealt with, the following mem- oranda will be sufficient: The claim of Francois Fontenoy (642) was brought before the United States Land Commissioners at Detroit, December 14. 1SOS, when Col. George Cotteral said that in 1793 one Indian man was placed on the premises by Garret Graveraet. and remained thereon until 1798, since which time several people have worked the land. off and on; that the premises remained idle two or three years at a time: that no improvements were ever made by the claimant, or by any of his parents: that, in 1797, a schoolhouse was erected on the premises by the neighbors, who had subscribed for the same. by permission of Charles Moran, then guardian of the claimant.
Ignace Moross deposed that, in 1797, one Antoine Mini, Jr., applied to Josette Fontenoy, then guardian appointed by the court to the claimant and other younger children, and offered to pur- chase the premises now claimed; that she answered, if she could find the deed, she would sell: but she did not know where it was. Then Mini began to cultivate the land, and continued about three years.
Jean Baptiste Comparet swore that, in 1796. previous to July 1. he saw Antoine Mini, Sr., planting Indian eorn. who told him that he had to pay rent to an Indian, who then held the land as the property of the elaimant. Upon this evidence the Commissioners rejected the claim, December 31. 1508.
PRIVATE CLAIMS IN ST. CLAIR.
No. 186 .- George Cotterall claimed 100 aeres, bounded in front by the River St. Clair, on one side by J. Baptiste Daunay's claim. on the other by the lands of Widow Mini, and in rear by unconceded lands. Capt. Alexander Harrow appeared, as a witness. before the Land Commis. sion, June 29. 1808, and stated, on oath, that George Cotterall was in possession of the lands previous to and since 1796.
No. 187. - The Cotterall brothers claimed 400 acres fronting on River St. Clair. be- tween the lands of Pierro Lemay and J. B. Dannay; the claim resting on a deed made by Col. George Cotterall, October S. 1804. in presence of R. H. MeNiff, and J. B. Donart. and proved before James Abbot. Indge of the District Court of Huron and Detroit. Inne 29, 150S. grant- ing to Henry, John, James, David and George, Jr., the 400 acres in question. Capt. Alex- ander Harrow proved possession by Col. George Cotterall previous to 1796.
No. 188. -- Alexander Harrow claimed 640 aeres, fronting on St. Clair River. between the lands of Toussant Chovin and James Harrow, proved by Col. George Cotterall to be in Harrow's possession previous to July, 1796.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
GEOGRAPHICAL. POSITION.
title.
-1
1783 Lake St. Clair ..
Doubtful ..
1800 La Riviere aux Hurons or Oft'n . Without ...
222
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
No. 189 .- Alexander Harrow claimed a second tract, of 640 acres, fronting on River St. Clair, between the lands of John Harrow and a small creek on the south. Col. CotteralI proved that the claimant used the lands as meadow previous to 1796, but without making improvements. Claimant's title set aside July 2. 1SOS.
No. 190 .- Alexander Harrow claimed 320 acres fronting on the St. Clair, extending back to the unconceded lands, and bounded south by William Hill's tract. Ignace Champagne, as wit- ness, stated that Louis Champagne was in possession previous to July 1. 1796; that in 1797 he sold to one Pratt, who sold the lands the same year to Alexander Harrow.
No. 191 .- Samuel Cribble claimed 160 acres between the lands of James Cartwright and William Thorn. fronting on the river. Col. Cotterall proved that Alexander Harrow was in possession previous to 1796, and continued so until he sold to the claimant.
No. 196 .- The heirs of Jacob Hill: William Hill claimed 240 acres, between the lands of George Meldrum and Joseph Bassinet, fronting on River St. Clair, proved by Ignace Cham- pagne to be in possession of Jacob Hill, deceased, previous to July, 1796, and until his death.
No. 197. - William Hill claimed, for himself and brothers. 120 acres, fronting on the St. Clair, between the lands of Alexander Harrow and George Meldrum; Ignace Champagne proving ownership by Jacob Hill before 1796.
No. 198 .- Ignace Champagne claimed 160 French acres fronting on river, between land of Pierre Dolorme and Francois Chortier, proven by William Hill to be in possession of Cham- pagne previous to 1796.
No. 200 .- James Harrow claimed 640 acres fronting on the St. Clair, between Alexander Har- row's claim on the northeast and John Harrow's on the southwest; stated by Col. Cotteral to be in possession of Alexander Harrow previous to 1796. In a deed dated June 28, 1808, this land, known as Petit Claris, was given to James Harrow.
No. 201 .- John Harrow claimed 640 aeres at Point Office, fronting on the St. Clair. In June 18OS, according to testimony of Col. Cotteral, there were no improvements made on this tract, although in possession of Capt. Harrow previous to 1796.
No. 202 .- Pierre Mini claimed 240 French acres, south of Joseph Bassinet's traet, north of F. Chortier's and fronting on river, in his possession since 1786, or for over twenty years pre- vions to July 1, 1808. according to Col. Cotteral.
No. 203 .- Pierre Mini claimed 240 arpents fronting on river. below Francois Chortier's lands, proven by Antoine Nicholas Petit to be in claimant's possession previous to 1796.
No. 204. - The widow and heirs of Antoine Mini claimed 325 acres on St. Clair River, between George Cotterall's and Francois Fontenoy's lands, proven to be in the possession of the de- ceased Antoine for over twenty years, or since 1786.
No. 206 .- Antoine Nicholas Petit claimed 210 arpents on river front, between the Widow Mini's lands and James Robertson. Joseph Mini witnessed that these lands belonged to An- toine Mini previous to July, 1796: that he sold to Robert MeNiff, who sold to Joseph Rowe, from whom A. N. Petit purchased them October 26, 1807. McNiff received 50 pounds, New York currency, from Rowe for this tract, February 10, 1807.
No. 243 .- Jean Marie Beaubien claimed 640 acres on St. Clair River, bounded on north by lands of Meldrum and Parks, south by the farm of the negro Harry Sanders, and in rear by unlocated lands: proven by Toussaint Chovin to be in possession of Beaubien previous to 1796, and up to date of elaim. July, ISOS.
No. 244 .- Francois Bonome claimed 640 arpents, on Riviere de Dulu, proven by J. M. Beau- bien to have been in possession of Pierre Bonome, previous to 1796, and of the claimant since 1802, with 18 arpents, cultivated.
No: 245 .- Toussaint Chovin claimed 120 acres on the River St. Clair, between the lands of Capt. Harrow and James Cartwright, proven by Jean Simare to have been in Chovin's posses- sion previous to 1796.
No. 252 .- The widow and heirs of John Wright, deceased. claimed 120 arpents on St. Clair River, between the lands of William Thorn and James Robinson. 4 George Meldrum proved that, or many years previous to 1796. the late John Wright was in possession of these lands, and that since his death his widow and children have occupied them.
223
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
No. 253. - William Thorn. Sr., claimed 290 aeres on the St. Clair River. between the Mex- ander Harrow and John Wright farms. Occupation previous to 1796 was proven by George Meldrum.
No. 255. - Meldrum and Park claimed tract No. 3. 610 acres, fronting on River St. Clair. bounded on south by Mill Creek, and on north by lands belonging to claimants. J. M. Beau- bein witnessed that claimants planted apple trees, built houses, erected a saw mill and culti. vated 3 or 4 arpents in 1790.
No. 301 .- Joseph Bassinet claimed 120 arpents on St. Clair River, between the farms of Will- iam Hill and Pierre Mini, proven by J. M. Beaubien to have been in possession of Bassinet previous to 1796.
No. 302 .- Joseph Ricard claimed three one-half arpents fronting on St. Clair River. extend- ing baek forty arpents to Belle River. between the farms of Oliver Ricard and Jean Marie Beau- bien. George Meldrum witnessed that previous to 1796, one. Lariviere was living there, as a tenant of deponent, and remained three years : afterward one Girard lived on the farm for three years as tenant, and since that time Ricard has held possession of the farm, purchased from Meldrum & Parks, June 2, 1806.
No. 303 .- Jean Marie Beanbien claimed 640 arpents bounded in front by St. Clair, between the lands of Meldrum & Parks, and Ricards. George Meklrum proved Beaubien's possession previous to 1796, save 160 arpents sold to Oliver Ricard.
No. 301 .- John'Meldrum claimed 6 10 acres on St. Clair, bounded north by Pine River, east by St. Clair, south and west by Meldrum & Parks' lands. Beaubien proved that previous to 1796, the lands were rented by Meldrum & Parks, and that their tenants held the lands to 1808.
No. 305 .- James Meldrum claimed 610 acres on St. Clair River, bounded south by Pine River, north and west by Meldrum & Parks' farm, and east by St. Clair. Beaubien proved that pre. vious to July. 1796. George Knaggs was living on the premises as tenant of Meldrum and Parks, and that the owners put the premises in charge of their tenants, who lived in a big house opposite and across the river; that those tenants cultivated or caused to be cultivated. eight or ten acres and a large orchard.
No. 306. - William Meldrum claimed 610 aeres, bounded north by Pine River thence running east from west end of portage on Pine River, south and west by lands of Meldrum & Parks, J. M. Beaubien proved that Meldrum & Parks' tenants cultivated five or six acres, and that Meldrum & Parks have caused their hay to be out on the lands since before 1796.
No. 307 .- David Meldrum, son of George Meldrum, claimed 640 acres, bounded north by Pine River, and on every other side by Meldrum & Parks' lands. Jean Marie Beaubien proved that Meldrum & Parks were in possession previous to 1796. and that premises were kept by tenants until 1803, when the grist and saw mills, and many other valuable buildings were burned to the ground; since which time the lands were unoccupied up to 1509.
No. 308 .-- Jean Baptiste Dannny claimed 120 arpents, fronting on St. Clair River, between the lands of George Cotteral, Sr., and George Cotteral, Jr., proven by Jean Baptiste Comparet to be in possession of Joseph Ambroise Tremble previous to 1796, who sold to Jean Marie Beau- bien. who sold to J. B. Yax, who sold to Daunay October 31. 1806.
No. 309. - Francois Chortier claimed 120 arpents fronting on St. Clair River, extending back to unconeeded lands, between the farm of Pierre Mini and the United States unlocated lands. J. M. Beanbien proved that seventeen years previous to June 21. ISOS, Chortier was in pos- session of the premises.
No. 310. --- Oliver Ricard claimed 160 arpents, fronting on the River St. Clair, extending back between the farms of J. M. Beaubien and Joseph Ricards. 1. Chortier proved original ocen- pancy by Beaubien, and sale to the claimant October 1, 1802.
No. 311 .- Pierre Delorme claimed 120 arpents. fronting on St. Clair River, between the farms of Ignace Champagne and John McGregor. F. Chortier proved that. previons to 1796. Jacques Toulouse was in possession; he sold to one Reynier, who sold to Brindamour, who sold to De- lorme September 26. 1807.
No. 318 .- James Cartwright claimed 240 acres, fronting on St. Clair River, extending back to
224
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
Alexander Harrow's claim, south of Samuel Cribbe's, and north of Toussaint Chovin's lands. William Thorn proved Cartwright's occupancy previous to and since July, 1796.
No. 357 .- Antoine Lasselle, Jr., claimed 640 acres, fronting on La Riviere à Dulu. between the Francois Bonhomme or Bonome farm and the United States lands. Charles Pouier stated that in 1785, Alexander Bouvier was in possession, and continued so until he sold to Lasselle. November 17, 1808, for the sum of 150 pounds, New York curreney.
No. 358 .- Meldrum & Parks claimed 300 acres, fronting on St. Clair River. The negro, Henry Sanders, proved occupancy previous to 1796, and also that 50 acres of land were en- closed. His testimony was corroborated by Peter Curry. John Shaw proved that, in 1801. one Joseph Rigby was living on the premises; next, Joseph Weaver, and after him Alexander Woillett, who continued to live on the lands until the fall of 1808.
No. 361 .- Jean Baptiste Roe claimed 120 arpents, fronting on Otter Creek, between the farms of Joseph St. Bernard and Jacques Prudhomme. Francois Lionard witnessed that Roe was in possession of the lands previous to and since 1796.
No. 406 .- Meldrum & Parks claimed 600 acres, bounded east by River St. Clair, and west, north and south by their own lands. The lands were in possession of Rene Tremble, Ignace Krisler and Jean Baptiste Deschamp, tenants of Meldrum & Parks. from 1796 to 1808. Twelve acres were inclosed and cultivated, and a house and barn erected.
No. 457 .- John McGregor claimed 240 arpents, fronting on River St. Clair, between the lands of Jacques Toulouse and Jacob Thomas. -
No. 568. -- James Robison claimed 270 aeres. fronting on St. Clair River, between the farms of Antoine N. Petit and the Widow Wright, William Hill proved that claimant was in posses- sion previous to 1796; that nine acres were under cultivation, and a house erected on the farm No. 598 .- Jean Lemay or Dumay, deceased, bought the lands from the original occupier. Joseph Robitaille. Since the death of Lemay, George Meldrum, as administrator, caused the, cultivation of fourteen arpents to be continued, and the house and stables to be cared for.
No. 614 .- Capt. Francois Marsac claimed a tract of land on Swan Creek of Lake St. Clair, in possession of Pierre Yax previous to July 1, 1796, deeded to Francois Yax, his son, from whom it was purchased by Capt. Marsac, February 18, 1808.
No. 627 .- Pierre Yax claimed 450 arpents. fronting on Lake St. Clair. lying north of Capt. Marsac's claim. Louis Champagne proved that Yax had been a resident and a cultivator of five acres previous to July, 1786, down to 1809.
No. 642 .- Francois Fontenoy claimed a traet of land situate on St. Clair River, between the farms of the Widow Mini and James Robison. The evidence given by Col. Cotteral, Ignace Morass and others resulted in the rejection of this claim, See general history for reference to settlement of Fontenoy.
No. 576 .--- James Baby claimed eight acres on each side of his saw mill, situate on Riviere à Gervais, by forty in depth, bounded in front by River St. Clair. and on all other sides by un- located lands. Also 640 acres, bounded in front by River St. Clair on the upper side by the Riviere à Dulu, and on the other sides by unlocated lands.
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.