History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 44

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 44

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).

Very respectfully. P. STEWART.

FLUGAL'S REMINISCENSES.

Mr. Flugal was born in New York City February 9, 1799. and he is now eighty two years of age. In 1813, he enlisted in the Thirteenth United States Infantry, in that State. In ISIS, he enlisted in the Second United States Infantry and in 1826 he passed up St. Clair River for Green Bay on the steamer Superior. He does not recollect seeing more than about half a dozen houses along the river at that time. He remained at Green Bay two years and one month, when they were ordered to Holton, Maine, and went as far as Governor's Island. He was among the troops landed at St. Clair in 1832, out of whose number so many died with the cholera, staying two nights while there, with Mr. Fay, who lived on the hill just north of St. Clair (then Palmer). * lle was discharged From the army in 1837. After his discharge, he settled at Port Huron, commoneing business as a baker, general merchant and groceryman on the spot now occupied by the mill operated by David Williams, which business he carried on at that place and others in this city until 1551. He then commeneed to farm on seven and one half acres of land west of the city, but not making a success of it, finally quit it and is now living on the next block west of the city hall in Port Huron.

He was married, July 31, 1822, to Emily Allen, of Sackett's Harbor. They have had three children-Charles, born at Green Bay October 10, 1527. died at Sackett's Harbor at the age of two years and eight months, from the effects of a fall upon a rock, which cracked his skull so badly that he ouly lived about tive hours; Samuel D .. born Angust 10. 1831. who has been married and had seven children. Out of this family, only the father and one son are left. the rest all lying in the old cemetery. One girl. Mary C., born May 15, 1823, is now the wife of Alfred Livingston, and living at Adair. St. Clair County, Mich.

298

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

LAKE PORT, ST. CLAIR AND PORT HURON IN 1855.

As the country along the Lake and River St. Clair was passing through the gates leading to the modern era, that along the Lake Huron shore, as well as the interior of the county, was gradually losing its wild character-either offering a bome to new pioneers or a field to the enterprise of the lumberman. At this important epoch in the history of this county, touched by the magic wand of capital and American enterprise, Lakeport began to exhibit a remarkable development into commercial and manufacturing importance. Various logging stations or lumber camps were established, and a large saw mill erected on the lake shore, a wooden railroad built from the mill far into the pine forest, comfortable boarding houses erected for the hard workers among the pines, and the semi-barbaric life of the shianty-man of a few years before, raised to that condition which advancing civilization began to demand. B. C. Farrand, now a lawyer of Port Huron -- a pioneer of the State -- was the owner and origina- tor of the Lakeport industry. While there was much to inspire him to act, there was much more to persuade him to retire whence he came, and identify his fortune with that of the friends and associates nearer the confines of civilization; yet he determined to fulfill his mission by adding another settlement, another industry, to those then inaugurated throughout the State. He had confidence then in the present and the future; he had hopes and ambitions, and determina- tions to be realized, and there-from the Huron's shore to the depths of the pine woods-he was acting a part in the dramas of economy and destiny.

For the purposes of this chapter, the relations of Mrs. Henry L. Elsworth, of La Fayette, Ind., must be of interest. The letter, from which these relations are summarized, was written by this lady, after visiting Mrs. B. C. Farrand, in June, 1855, to her sister, Miss Bartlett, of Guilford, Conn. It contains an account of an excursion to the western terminus of the log rail- road in Clyde, to the lumberman's camp in Burtchville, and of a visit to the Farrand Mills at Lakeport, together with references to Port Huron, St. Clair, and the now semi-appreciated summer road from Port Huron to St. Clair. These references relieve the lumber era of many of its grotesque features, and point out very distinctly that, over a quarter of a century ago, the villages along the River St. Clair contained the material on which their present social fabric was founded.

The letter is dated Brown's Hotel, St. Clair, July 1, 1855. The personal references are numerous, interesting, and of a most coneiliating character; the style is concise, yet poetical in description, and the entire information just what the visitor considered due to the people and the district: "We are waiting for the boat from Port Huron to take us to Detroit-homeward bound - not just at present, however, to my New England home, but baek to Indiana. We have been to Port Huron on a visit. Left La Fayette last Monday (June 26, 1855), took tea in Michigan City, crossed the State by railroad in the night -- reached Detroit Tuesday morning-found the steamer for Port Huron had been gone ten minutes-no other boat until next day. On Wednes- day morning, started on steamer Ruby for Port Huron, where we arrived about 6 o'clock in the evening, much to our own gratification and that of our friends. On Friday, had a car- riage ride from Port Huron to St. Clair-delightful trip-the whole distance along the bank of the beautiful St. Clair-the river of the elear water-transparent, bright and cold. Flow- ing from the northern deep lakes, it never warms, and is too cold for bathing. On Saturday, July 1, the Detroit steamers from Port Huron are an hour earlier than usual. These boats are racing, running in opposition, fare only 25 cents-sometimes passage offered free. The weather has been terribly hot for the last three days: yet this is a most pleasant region in the summer-rather bleak. I guess, in winter. Lands around not much cleared, but, where they are cleared, produce fine crops. The soil is very productive-fruits and flowers abundant, strawberries excellent-common practice for one mortal to eat a quart of them.

The day after our arrival at Port Huron, which was oppressively hot, we rode to Lakeport -distant twelve miles to see the Farrand Mills. On our arrival, about 10 A. M .. had a fine lunch, after which, we rode on a tram car, over a forest railroad, six miles to the lumber camp among the great pines. Returning, we had an excellent dinner-never tasted better-consist- ing in fact of roast beef, lamb, cold tongue, vegetables, with dessert of tapioca pudding, oranges-sliced and served up with sugar-capital ice-cream, coffee, tea, etc .. ete. A delightful

299

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY

drive throngh the pine forest and along the lake shore by moonlight, closed the excursion of the day. This dinner was served at one of Mr. Farrand's houses-well built, well furnished, and well kept. Here are boarded about forty of his workmen - and they appear well. The sawyers and ear men were on a strife that day -the former determining to get ahead of the latter, which they succeeded in doing, as it was too hot at mid-day to work the horses and get in the logs. The car men, however, had risen before 3 o'clock in the morning, had drawn two loads before our arrival, and after we left Lakeport, returned to the woods for another load; so as to get the advantage for the next day. They work fourteen hours a day like giants. I should think a single day's work would kill a man; but they do it cheerfully, and seem to enjoy it first-rate. This I attribute to the exhilarating atmosphere and scenery.

Here is the majestic forest pine in its primitive and peerless grandeur. So dense, the eye cannot penetrate its foliage so tall, it towers even above the clouds. Here is the blue and beautiful Lake Hnron, stretching itself, like an ocean, from the shore, dotted over with sails and propellers from many a distant port. Here is the fresh, pure breeze from the northern lakes. The whole conspires to delight the eye, to exalt the imagination, to invigorate the sys- tem, to increase its power of endurance, and enhance its enjoyment.

In such a country Mr. Farrand is the owner of 2,000 acres of forest pines. convertible and converted at the rate of fifty tremendous logs per day into excellent humber for shipment to any part of the wide, wide world. One hundred thousand foet is the weekly product of his mill. He has already shipped upwards of two millions of feet (Inmber) this season, and has on hand a quantity besides. The mill is located at the wharf in Lakeport. The logs are brought thither on the forest railroad from the locality where they are felled. Fifty big logs per day are tims placed before the sawyers, and changed into boards, planks, shingles or laths, in double-quick time, then packed instanter, and made ready for the market. "Tis a beautiful operation throughout, and goes like clock work. Mr. Farrand understands it well. and makes it very profitable.

On July 1, we weat fishing opposite St. Clair no luck! Crossed over to Victoria's do main-didn't see Her Majesty, but found her subjeets very polite and hospitable. They whom we met, offered tea. warm bisenit, tea cakes, ete., ete., which wo gratefully received. A very pleasant excursion and safe return."

Such is a description of the most eastern land of this State, as it appeared in 1855, of the Europeans on the other side of the river True, the landscape has lost much of its wild beauty; the exuberant forest flowers and foliage have given place to cultivated nature: the wilderness has developed, epitomized, as it were, and since those years eveled into the past. the babies of our times have begun to think of more mischief than their fathers over heard of. Civilization is strange, indeed. in the changes which it claims.

EARLY LARE NAVIGATORS.

The steamboat mon of the earlier times are at present limited to a comparative few. and of those now living, Capts. William T. Pease, now a resident of Buffalo; L. H. Cotton. of Detroit ; David Wilkeson. of Perrysburg, and Harry Whittaker. of Buffalo, are the oldest on record. The command of the first steamer, the Walk-in the Water. devolved on Capt. Job Fish. an imported man from the East, whose knowledge of lake navigation did not extend very far, and who resigned his post on encountering the first gale, which occurred on his third or fourth trip, and delivered over the safe management of the vessel to John Davis, his mate, before reaching port. Jede. diah Rogers subsequently commanded the Walk in-the- Water, and up to the close of her ca- reer. The Superior, being the second steamer on the lakes, was placed in command of Capt. Roger Sherman, who. although imported, as was the case of Fish, proved himself equal to the position, and continued as master of the same boat two or more seasons, when he returned from whence he came. Capt. W. T. Pease, who comes next on the list, commanded respectively the Niagara Ist, Pioneer. Superior. Niagara 2d, and others at a later period, including the Boston. He was also at one time master of the schooner Michigan, which subsequently was sont over Niagara Falls. He was living and a resident of Buffalo. in 1971. Capt. L. H. Cot ton commanded the first steamer that over towed a vessel up the Fort Erie Rapids, the steamer

300

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY

being the Monroe, and the vessel the ship Milwaukee. Capt. C., also, during a very lengthy and popular career, was master of the steamers Ohio 1st, Pennsylvania, D. Webster, Ore- gon, Baltic. Anthony Wayne, and latterly the mammoth steamer Western World. At an early period of his life. in 1835, he fitted out the brig Queen Charlotte, which, during the war of 1812, was captured from the British, and for many years lay sunk at Erie, Penn. Capt. David Wilkeson, who in 1871 was living retired at his old home in Perrysburg, commenced (as did those previously named, except Sherman and Fish) his career in command of sail vessels. He commanded the schooners Eagle and Guerriere, his first steamer being the Commodore Perry, of whom he remained master until the close of her career, when himself and others caused to be built the Superior 2d, which he commanded for several years. Capt. C. L. Gager is also among the early lake men, and was with Capt. Levi Allen, James Harrington, Loring Pierce, and John Kimberly on the Walk in-the-Water as a seaman, comprising her erew. He was absent from the lakes for several years, and on his return bought the steamer Red Jacket and sailed her, then the Gen. Porter, which he converted into a propeller, and after- ward the Albany. Capt. Walter Norton, many years deceased at Buffalo, was among the early pioneers, and first commanded sail vessels, among which was the schooner Michigan, already alluded to. He sailed the steamers Henry Clay, Gen. Porter and Michigan. Capt. George Miles sailed vessels for several years, among others the Erie, which, during a fearful gale, got dismasted on Lake Erie and eame near being lost with all hands. He afterward sailed the steamboat Enterprise, somewhere in the years 1834-35, and died several years since at Erie. Capt. John F. Wight commanded the William Penn, and subsequently the Chicago. He died some years since at Erie. Capt. Harry Whittaker was not only prominent as a steamboat nav - igator, but also a builder of steamboats, and through the intrigues of others has had his fort- une wrecked on more than one occasion. At an early day, he sailed the schooner Marie An- toinette, then the steamers North America, Monroe, United States and A. D. Patehin. What was never previously nor since achieved, he navigated with the steamer United States through- out the winter of 1845. between Buffalo and Detroit. He resided at Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Morris Tyler was also a vessel man at the first. and in 1831-32 sailed the schooner Cincinnati, and others previous to that time. He also commanded the steamers Ohio 1st, Daniel Web- ster and James Allen. He last sailed the brig Columbia, which he owned and built. He died at his residence in Lower Sandusky about the year 1845. Capt. John Flaharty commanded sail vessels at first. then steamers, William Peacock and Pennsylvania, and on his retirement went into the forwarding business at Huron. Ohio. and subsequently at Buffalo, where he died after the war. Capt. Chesley Blake died at Milwaukee. with cholera, in 1849. He com- manded the schooners Hannah, Napoleon and others: also steamers Niagara, Michigan and Illinois. Capt. Augustus Walker was probably one of the most prominent navigators in aiding and furthering steamboat interests that ever sailed the lakes. He built the steamers Sheldon Thompson, Washington Ist, Columbus and Great Western, and first commanded the steamer United States, and subsequently the others herein named. The Western was the first steamer on the lower lakes provided with upper cabins. Capt. W. died at Buffalo, in 1865, aged sixty-five years. Capt. Levi Allen, one of the most popular lake men throughout his sailing career, commanded respectively the steamers United States. Superior, Pennsylvania, Buffalo and Niagara 2d. llo was a resident of Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Archibald Allen died several years since, at Black Rock, N. Y. Among other craft he commanded during his time were the steamers Michigan and Nile. Capt. Simeon Fox will be remembered by many acquainted with early lake events. He served on board sail craft the greater part of his time, and at one period sailed the schooner Amaranth. He also commanded the steamboats Charles Townsend and Chantanqua, the latter when plying between Buffalo and Barcelona. He died at Buffalo, N. Y., many years since. Capt. Peter Shainholdts served as first officer on the steamer Superior,

along with Pease, and in the same capacity for several years on different boats. He com-

manded the steamer Cincinnati, between Buffalo and Chippewa, for a time, and the Charles

Townsend, between Buffalo and Detroit. He died in Buffalo about 1847 or 1848. Capt. Thomas Wilkins was a man unsurpassed in popularity by any who ever came before or after him In connection with his duties, he always maintained the strictest so-

301

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

briety in the performance of the same. He was the popular commander of the steamers William Peacock, Thomas Jefferson, and Missouri, and after retiring from the lakes, served faithfully for several years, and. up to the time of his dercaso. as Collector of Customs at Erie, Penn. He died in 1870. Capt. Samuel Chase, long since dead, commanded in his day the steamers Ohio Ist. also the Gov. Marcy and the Monroe. Capt. Charles Burnett (familiarly known as Buck Burnett), com- manded the steamers Ohio Ist. and the New England. He also in earlier times commanded vessels. After his retirement from the lakes, he was appointed Harbor Master at Buffalo, and proved an excellent officer. He died like most all sailors. very poor. Capt. James bundy commenced his career on board sail vessels, and, among others, the schooners Detroit, Maria. and also steamers Pennsylvania, Cleveland 1st, Unele Sam, Constellation, Rochester. Baltic, City

of Cleveland, and others. He was a man of striet habits and always popular. Bob Wagstaff, as he was familiarly ealled, will not soon be forgotten by many. He commanded the first and finest ship ever on the lakes, the Julia Palmer, in 1836. He was also a steamboat man for many years of his life, and not long since died in New York. Capt. Charles C. Stannard com- manded the brig Ramsay Crooks, on Lake Superior, also the steamboats Niagara, Bunker Hill and Saratoga, and died at "the bells." on board the Western World, on leaving the dock at. Detroit, in 1856. Capt. A. E. Hart commanded steamers United States, Cleveland Ist, propellers Oregon and Edith. Previous to steamboating, he sailed the schooner Buffalo and others. His brother. Capt. Robert Ilart. deceased at Buffalo, sailed at an early day the sloop William Tell and other vessels, also steamer Robert Fulton, and propeller Pangassett. The steamer Chippewa, built at Buffalo, without frame. with the shape or model of a muskmelon, was sailed by Capt. Benjamin Armstrong, who also commanded the schooners Sterling and Britannia, besides other craft. Capt. G. Appleby sailed the schooner Now Connectient, which capsized in Lake Erie, and three days afterward a woman was rescued from the cabin alive. which was conceded one of the most remarkable events of the times. He also commanded the steamers North America. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin and Sultana. He died at Buffalo in 1867. Capt. Thomas J. Titus commenced his career on sail vessels, commanding the schooners Aurora, United States and others.

He also sailed the steamers Ohio 1st, Sandusky. Erie. Buffalo, Queen City and Julia Palner. His Jast command was that of the propeller Monticello, and while on Lake Michigan was drowned from the small boat while attempting to land on shore. Capt. H. Van Allen was deservedly one of the most popular men navigat ing the lakes, in which the qualities of the sailor and gentleman were combined. His sailing career began on the Canada side, and on board the steamers Thames, Kont, Emerald, London, Canada and Clifton: also on the American side, on board the Mayflower and the Empire State, two of the finest steamers that ever floated on the lakes. Since his retirement from the lakes, his home was at Mackinac. The steamer Thames was also at one time commanded by Capt. G. R. Williams, plying between Buffalo and Port Stanley, C. W. Capt. S. F. Atwood, ranks also among the first navigators on the lakes widely and favorably known. Besides sail vessels. he commanded at different periods the steamers Macomb, Monroe, Gen. Harrison, Troy. Arrow. T. Whitney, Parsons, and others. In later years, he resided at his island home on Lake Erie. at North Bass, where he extensively engaged in the culture of grapes. ('apt J. L. Echuonds,

commanded for several years vessels and steamers, such as the North America, Chicago and Southerner. White in command of the latter, and after leaving Boffato on her see- ond trip of the season, in March, 1850, he was taken suddenly ill, causing the immediate return of the steamer to port, where he died on entering the harbor.

Capt. Aaron Root sailed the schooner Amaranth. steamers Constellation in 1\36. Bunker Hill in 1837, and subsequently the propeller Henry Clay. Ile died at

Black River, Ohio. Capt. JJoet IL. MeQneen commanded the steamer Constellation in 1537: afterward the Sam. Ward and other boats. lle also at one time com- manded the schooner White Pigeon. Capt. John Shook sailed the schooner Cincinnati, be- sides other vessels, at an early period; also steamers United States and Columbus. Ho died at Huron, Ohio, some years since. His brother, Capt. Jim Shook. sailed the fine clipper brig Illinois, in 1835, of the Eagle Line, when it was fashionable to have the pea jacket ornamented

302

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

with a spread eagle. He also at one time commanded the propeller Scioto, besides sever al sail craft. He died at Huron, Ohio, a few years since. Capt. Cliff Belden died at Cleveland, in August, 185S. He commenced early on the lakes on board of sail vessels, and at one time commanded the steamboat Star. Capt. A. H. Squier sailed vessels for several years, among others the schooner Laguire, steamers De Witt Clinton, Garden City and others. He is a resident of Buffalo, N. Y. Capt. Amos Pratt, long a prominent lake navigator, will be recol- lected as master of the steamer Anthony Wayne, or Mad Anthony, as she was at first called. He also commanded one of the first propellers on the lakes, the Samson, in 1843, afterward the Princeton and Globe. He was a popular seaman and gentleman. His death occurred in 1869 or 1870. Capt. William Dickson died at Buffalo in 1865, aged sixty-five years. He was reared on the waters, and commenced life as a ferryman between Black Rock and Fort Erie. After several years' experience on the lakes, he commanded the schooners Sterling, Merchant, Michigan 2d, ship Milwaukee, brig Robert Hunter, propellers Hunter and Illinois. Capt. J. T. Pheatt, died at Toledo in 1859. He came from the lower lake, in command of the schooner Grant. While on the upper lakes he commanded the steamer Gen. Harrison, in 1840, the steamer Indiana, in 1842, the Northern Indiana and Western Metropolis. At the time of his decease he was managing a ferry at Toledo. Capt. John Stewart sailed for the late Oliver Newberry, several vessels, commencing at an early period-the schooners Marengo. La Salle, brig Manhattan and others. Previous to his decease, which took place on the River St. Clair, he commanded the steamers Michigan and Northerner. He was universally liked. We also pay a passing tribute to the memory of other lake pioneers, among whom were Capt. Samuel Vary, who died at Sheboygan a few years since: "Ould Ned Burke," as he was widely known; Jerry Oliver, who commanded the steamer New England, besides sail vessels at other periods; Capts. Paine Mann, Joe Sherwood, John Kline, also Capt. John W. Webster, who, with Capt James Hackett, light-keeper at the mouth of Detroit River. are the two oldest vessel masters at present living. Capt. W. resides at Painesville, Ohio. Capt. W. P. Stone, once of the steamer Key. stone State, and favorably known, died a few years since at a hotel in New York City. Capt. Thomas Richards died while in command of the steamer Niagara, at Milwaukee, in 1849. Capt. G. W. Flood came from the seaboard, and sailed the brig Indiana, in 1837, in 1839 the steamer Sandusky, and in 1843 the propeller Hercules, after which he returned to salt water. He died in California. Capt. George E. Willoughby died at Quebec a few years since. He commanded respectively the Emerald, London, Canada, Ocean, Mayflower and Plymouth Rock, and was popular. Capt. C. H. Ludlow sailed vessels, and in 1849 commanded the steamboat Baltic. He also sailed the propeller Globe. subsequently the propeller New York. He died some years since. Capt. Jacob Imson, formerly of the Hendrick Hudson, Diamond, Buck- eye State and propeller St. Joseph, is farming in Michigan. Capt. S. Clement was in business at Chicago. He, in 1839, sailed the schooner Philadelphia, and at other periods different vessels. besides the Atlantic and others of Ward's steamers. Capt. E. B. Ward was also at an early date a vessel man, sailing, among others, the schooner Gen. Harrison. The first steamboat he commanded was the Huron, in 1840. Subsequent events are too familiar for repetition here. Capt. L. B. Goldsmith was navigating the lakes in 1871, and latterly in command of the steamer Jay Cooke. He commenced early and promised to stay late. Capt. Fred S. Wheeler, who commanded the propeller Hercules and steamboat St. Louis. has been dead for several years. Capt. Fred S. Miller still navigates, and has been tossed about from an early date. There are those who will also remember Capt. R. C. Bristol, who sailed vessels: also the steamers James Madison and Niagara 2d. His death took place some years ago. Capt. D. P.

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 44

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