History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 50

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 50

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).

In 1843, the salary of the clerk was made $250. E. C. Bancroft was Clerk of Board.

In 1814, the sum of $100 was appropriated to build bridge across Belle River, at Cross.

In 1815. the valuation of the county was reduced by the Board of Equalization.

In 1846, the old poor farm was traded to Chamberlin and Ogden for northwest quarter of the northwest quarter Section 9, Town 5. Range 16, and contract to build house and barn on same. The sum of $200 was paid to them in addition to the land.

In 1847, the valuation of the county as then established was $861,872. Chamberlin and Ogden received $50 for extra work on poor house.

In 1848, the County Board was engaged in the ordinary routine of business.

J. P. Minnie, J. K. Smith and Benjamin Woodworth were elected first County Superintend- ents of Poor in 1849. The salary of the County Judge was placed at $100; of the Clerk at $250; of the Treasurer at $500; and of the Prosecuting Attorney at $300.

In 1850, Samuel Haywood was licensed to ferry across the St. Clair. The county relinquished its claims to the east half of Academy Block, to St. Clair Village. James W. Sanborn was appoint- ed Superintendent of Poor rice J. P. Minnie, resigned.

In 1851, a defaleation of $3,317.25 was found in County Treasurer Duthan Northrup's office. The conclusion arrived at by the Supervisor's Board was to the effect that orders were given by the Treasurer, of which he kept no account, and exonerated him from any criminal charge.

In 1852, the bond of Edmund Carleton was accepted. A sum of $185 was appropriated to buy a safe. The total taxes ordered to be levied amounted to $1.230.16.

II. Chamberlin was appointed to attend State Board of Equalization in 1853. The salaries of the County Treasurer were fixed at 8600; of Clerk at $300; and of Prosecuting Attorney at $100 for 1853.

In 1854, a resolution was offered by JJ. P. Minnie to remove the county seat to Port Huron, on condition that the village would erect suitable buildings. Eight members of the board voted for removal and six against removal. The valuation of the county made that year was $3,053,910.

The tax for 1855 was $10,522.25. The Sheriff was ordered to sell the old building known as the Clerk's Office. The salaries of county officers were increased that year.

In 1856, the salaries of Treasurer and Prosecuting Attorney were fixed at $800; of Clerk at $500; and of Poor Superintendents. $50 each. The following year, the Prosecuting Attorney's salary was cut down $200, and that of the Clerk placed at $600. In 1858, the expenses of the Supervisor's Board were paid out of proceeds of tax sales.

In 1859, the Treasurer's salary was placed at $1,000 ; the Clerk's at $800; and the Prosecut- ång Attorney's at $1,000.

332

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

The release of' H. Whiting from liabilities on the bond of D. Northrup was made in 1860, Whiting paid $1,000 and delivered property held by him in trust for the other defendants. The Prosecuting Attorney's salary was placed at $900 ; the Clerk's at $750 ; and the Treasurer's at $900. During the years 1861, '62, '63 and '64, the salaries of county officials rose and fell at the pleasure of the board. In the latter year, that of Treasurer was placed at $1,350. In 1866, the salaries of Treasurer and Judge of Probate were set down at $1,500 each ; those of Clerk and Proseenting Attorney at $950. The State and County taxes amounted to $45,407. During the years 1867-68-69 and 1870. the transactions of this board were of the ordinary character. In 1870, County Treasurer Robert Thompson died, when John Miller was appointed by the Supervisor's Board.

The last meeting of the board, at the old county seat, was held January 6, 1871. The first meeting of the board at Port Huron was held April 29, 1871. The majority in favor of remov- ing the county seat was 532.

The schoolhouse where sessions of the court and Supervisors' Board were held was burned February 24, 1873. The Clerk and Register's offices were transferred over Hull & Boyce's store. The Clerk's office was removed to new City Hall building, June 24, 1873.

In 1875, the salaries of county officers were subjected to another change. The salary of Treasurer was placed at $1,400; of Judge of Probate, $1,400 ; of Prosecuting Attorney, $1,000 ; of Clerk, $950. In 1876, a reduction of $200 was made in Judge of Probate's salary ; of $400 in that of Treasurer ; and $100 in that of County Clerk.

Regarding the loss of $7,500 to the county by the robbery of County Treasurer Henry Johr, at Detroit, November 20, 1866, the following preamble and resolution were presented. to the board, and were unanimously adopted : " Whereas, it satisfactorily appears to this Board of Super- visors, that on the 20th day of November, 1866, Henry Johr, Treasurer of this county, while on his way from this county to Lansing, to pay over moneys in his hands belonging to the State, was robbed in the city of Detroit, of the sum of $7,500, belonging to the State. Therefore, Resolved, that we respectfully ask the Legislature of the State to take such action for the relief of Mr. Johr and his bail, as may be deemed most just and as shall release him and them from the loss so sustained."

During Valentine Saph's administration of the office of County Treasurer, the safe was blown open and a sum of $150 abstracted.

The sum of $150 was appropriated by the Territory toward completing county court house and jail at St. Clair, April 12. 1827.

H. Chamberlain, Sheriff of the county of St. Clair, received $28.05 for taking the census of county in 1831.

He reported in Cottrellville, 423 inhabitants; in St. Clair, 323; in Desmond, 817 ; in Clay, 421. A special Commissioner was appointed for St. Clair County April 13, 1827.

An act to regulate and improve the navigation of Black River was approved November 5, 1829.

By an act of Legislature, April 15, 1833, the session of St. Clair Circuit Court was ordered to be held on the second Monday of July and January of each year.

By an act approved March 28, 1836. the Supervisors of St. Clair County were authorized to borrow $10,000 for a term of years not less than seven or over twenty, at interest not exceeding 7 per cent.

In 1877, County Treasurer John Johnston resigned. His liabilities were $19,976.19.

THE COUNTY POOR HOUSE TROUBLES.

If an opinion may be expressed, there should not be an institution bearing this name within the Union. Yet it exists, and generally under circumstances opposed to every idea of humanity, every hope of our civilization. The aged and infirm and unfortunate should be provided for; but in a country of freedom their home should never bear the title of Poor House.

Extracts from report of F. H. Blood, B. W. Jenks, George S. Granger and Henry J. Bradbeer, presented to the Board of Supervisors in October, 1878, point out clearly the condition of the institution.

Again, on January 5, 1881, Fred HI. Blood, Robert Leach, and George W. Carleton, members of the Committee of Investigation, reported to the Supervisors. on the subject of another series of charges: Your committee to whom the article published in the Port Huron Commercial of October 13, A. D. 1880, was referred for investigation under the resolution adopted by your Board,

333

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY

together with the complaint made by George S. Granger October 21. A. D. 1880. in regard to the management of the county poor house, and the keeper. James Van Slyke, and his wife, the matron of said poor house, and all employes under them, and the Superintendents of the Poor, and all busi- ness respecting the poor in said poor house, both male and female, bog leave respectfully to report that we have visited the poor house and made a thorough investigation as to the management, and have taken the testimony under oath of all those who have made complaints, and such others as have been named to us as having knowledge of said management and of the paupers or inmates of said poor house as well as the keeper and his wife and their employes, and the Superintendents of the Poor, and find upon the testimony that the charge made in the Port Huron Commercial of nine years ago, occurrence of the treatment of Mrs. Sarah E. Laribeek, we find was beyond our juris- diction, as the keeper then was another person and not James Van Slyke, and that the Board of Superintendents of the Poor was not the present board, therefore we took no testimony on that affair or charge made and published by said newspaper.

But as to all other charges we beg leave to respectfully report as follows, to-wit:

First charge-Cruelty to inmates.

This charge is not proven, and through all the testimony there is nothing to support the charges against either the Superintendents, the keeper or matron.

Second charge-Using the county'seloth by the matron for her children's clothing.

No evidence to prove the charge but all tends to prove the contrary.

Third charge-Giving away meat or flour belonging to the county.

We find no proof in the evidence of such being the case in any single instance, but the testi- mony of two witnesses tends to show that flour has been paid for sewing done for the inmates of the poor house.

Fourth charge The statement that Mrs. Cope was allowed and did jump from the third story window to the ground is a base fabrication.

But she did jump from the second story window, and the children of the keeper, in play, do the same. it being but a short distance to the ground.

Fifth-The charges of the old woman who died through nogleet so terribly diseased.

All the evidence proves that she was as well cared for as could be under the circumstances. But Mrs. Cope took the earrings off'after death without the knowledge or consent of the keeper.

Sixth-The charge that the child found on the doorstep of Mr. Yeates died from nogleet.

It was clearly proven that Mrs. Van Slyke took it under her own especial care and treated it as well as if it had been her own.

Seventh. The music teacher and visitors.

The charge that a insie teacher was boarding at the poor house is not proven by any of the testimony taken. But he occasionally stopped there nights, and in one instance two nights in one week. but generally left after a short visit in the day time, and other visitors have not been frequent or many.

The County Infirmary in October. 1551, sheltered forty-two inmates. James and Mrs. Van Slyke were in charge.

In the historical sketch of Port Huron City, references are made to the building of the county court house, city hall and custom house.

LOCAL LEGISLATORS.

From the organization of the county to 1827, the public interests were under the direction of Commissioners. In 1827, the art of Territorial Legislature authorized the election of Supervisor- The Supervisors' Board was elected annually until 1535, when a return to the old government by the Commissioners took place.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

From 1821 to 1>23. Andrew Westbrook, George Cottrell and John K. Smith were members of the board. In the latter year, Harvey Stewart took the place of lohm K. Smith, and continued to serve until April, 1827.

SUPERVISORS' BOARD.

1827-Everett Beardsley, John S. Fish.

1828 -- Harvey Stewart. Amasa Hemmenger. Jeremiah Harrington, and Everett Beardsley. 1829-William Gallagher, JJohn Kennelly, George Cottrell, Harvey Stewart.

334

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

1830-William Gallagher, John Kennelly, George Cottrell, Harvey Stewart.

1831-Andrew Westbrook. John Kennelly, Amasa Hemmenger, Harvey Stewart.

1832-Samuel Ward, Edmund Carleton, John Kennelly, Harvey Stewart.

1833-Same officers.

1834-Ralph Wadhams, John Doran, Edmund Carleton, David Cottrell, Charles Kimball.

1835 -- Peter Carleton, Jacob Kendall, David Cottrell, John Kennelly, and Edmund Carleton.

1836-II. N. Monson, Cummings Sanborn, Ralph Wadhams, David Cottrell, Peter Carleton, and Charles Kimball.

1837-Jonathan Burtch, H. N. Monson, Ira Porter, Charles Kimball, Ralph Wadhams, David Cottrell, Theodore Bathy, Thomas Dart, Jacob Kendall.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

1838-Zael Ward, Justin Rice, and Jolm S. Parker.

1839-40-Zael Ward, John S. Parker, and John Howard.

1841-42 -- John Howard, John S. Parker, and Chester Kimball.

In 1842, the Supervisors' Board was re-established, and has continued since to administer the af- fairs of the county. In the histories of the townships, the names and dates of service of the Super- visors' Clerks and Justices of each township will be given.

TOWNSHIP AND CITY ORGANIZATION.

Plainfield Township was organized under authority given in proclamation of Gov. Cass, March 17, 1823. The original boundaries were: Beginning on the St. Clair River at the north line of land belonging to the heirs of Alexander Harrow (deceased); thence northwesterly to the northeast corner of Section No. 28; thence along north line of Sections 28, 29, 30 and 35 to the border of Lake St. Clair; thence southerly, until it intersects the boundary line be- tween the United States and Canada; thence northeast along said boundary line to a point due east from the place of beginning and thence west to the place of beginning.

By an act approved April 12, 1827, surveyed Township No. 3. in Ranges 15, 16 and 17 east, was ordered to be organized under the name of Cottrellville, and the first town meeting ordered to be held at Cottrell's Tavern.

Surveyed townships and fractional parts, in Ranges 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 east, were formed into a township named Sinclair. April 12, 1827, and the first town meeting ordered to be held at the court house of the county.

Surveyed Townships 6, 7, 8 and 9, in Ranges 13, 14. 15, 16 and 17 east, were established as the town of Desmond, and the first meeting ordered to be held at Fort Gratiot. The name Desmond was changed to Port Huron, under the act of March 11, 1837.

Cottrellville Township was organized under authority given in Gov. Cass' proclama- tion, dated March 17, 1823. The boundaries were: Beginning on the border of the River St. Clair at the south line of land belonging to James Fulton: thence west to the northeast corner of Section 12, in Township 4 and Range 16 east; thenee west to the boundary line; thence south along boundary line to Lake St. Clair, until it intersects the north line of Plainfield, and continuing easterly along the north line of Plainfield to the border of St. Clair River; thence easterly along the border of the St. Clair to James Fulton's lands.

The town of Clay was established May 27, 1828, and the first meeting ordered to be held at the house of John K. Smith. The lands comprised in Clay, as then organized, included that part of St. Clair County south of section line between 23 and 33, in Township 3 north. of Range 16 east, extending east and west from St. Clair River to St. Clair Lake.

China Township was established by aet of March 21, 1835. It comprised Township 4 north, Ranges 15, 16 and 17 east. The first town meeting was held within the house of John Clark.

Columbus Township, comprising Township 5 north, of Range 15 east, was established and the first meeting ordered to be held at the house of Benjamin Kettredge, under authority of act, approved March 11, 1837.

Clyde Township was established under authority of legislative act March 26, 1836. It

335

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

comprised Townships 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 north. of Ranges 13, 14, 15 and 14 east, and the first meeting was held at the house of Ralph Wadhans.

Ira Township was organized under authority of the act approved March 11. 1837. It comprised all the lands within the following boundaries: From the southwest corner of Sec- tion 28, thence north to south line of Township 1; thence west to east line of Macomb County; thence south to Lake St. Clair: thence along lake shore castward to south line of Section 25, and thence to southwest corner of Section 28. The first town meeting was ordered to be held at the house of Chester Kimball.

That portion of Michigan known in the United States Survey as Ranges 13, 14, 15 and 16 east. forming the eastern part of Sanilac County, was attached to Lexington Township, St. Clair County, under authority of the legislative aet approved March 27, 1838.

Riley Township was organized in April, 1838, at the house of Nelson Phillips, under au- thority of an act of the Legislature approved March 6 of that year. It embraced Township 6 north, of Range 14 east.

The act approved March 31. 1838, authorized the addition of Township 5 north, of Range 16 east, and P. C. No. 255, to St. Clair Township.

Cottrellville Township was enlarged under authority of legislative act approved March 28. 1840. Sections 5. 6. 7. 8. 17. 18, 19 and 20, of Township 3 north, of Range 16 east, being added

Wales Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved March 27, 1841. Town 6 north, of Range 15 east, was set off under the name of Wales, and the first meet- ing ordered to be held at the house of Joshua Tompkins.

Burtehville Township or Town S north, of Ranges 11. 15, 16 and fraction of 17 east (form- ing a portion of Lexington Township, in February, 1842), was organized at the house of Lonis Facer, in April, 1842, under authority given in legislative act approved February 16, 1842.

Under authority of an act approved March 11, 1844, the counties of Huron and Sanilac were attached to St. Clair County for purposes of taxation.

The name Palmer was changed to St. Clair under authority of an act approved April 7, 1846.

Brockway Township or Town No. 7 north, of Ranges 14 and 15 east, was detached from Clyde Township, and Township Snorth, of Ranges 14 and 15 east, from Burtchville, and organ- ized as the township of Brockway, the first town meeting to be held at the house of Allen Bills. The act of authorization was approved March 17, 1548.

The act to incorporate the village of Port Huron was approved April 2. 18-19. The bound- aries of the village were : Beginning at a point on the bank of the St. Clair one-half mile south of the mouth of Black River, thence west one mile, thence north to the south line of the United States Military Reservation. thence east along the south line to the St. Clair River, and down the bank of the river to the place of beginning. The people were authorized to meet the first Monday in May, 1849, to elect a President. Recorder, Treasurer, Marshal, two Assessors and six Trustees.

March 17. 1849. that portion of Ira Township bordering on Lake St. Clair, on the east line of the old Chippewa Reservation, thence north on cast line of reservation to the south line of China, thence east to the east line of Cottrellville, and thence sonth to the south line of Ira. was set off from Ira and attached to Clay. This act was subsequently repealed.

Lynn Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved March 28. 1850. setting off from Berlin Township Towns 7 and S north, of Range 18 east, and ordering the first meeting to be held at the house of John Whalen.

St. Clair Village was incorporated under authority of an act approved April 1. 1850, set- ting off that portion of St. Clair County embraced within the following limits : Commencing at the northeast corner of P. C. No. 305 on River St. Clair, westerly along north line of Claim 305 to northwest corner of five-acre Outlot No. 6: thence south along west line of five-acre lots to the southwest corner of five-acre Lot No. 112; thence east along sonth line of lots to north- west corner of Outlot No. 10; thence south along west line of Lot 10 to Pine River: thence along Pine River, down stream, to south line of plat as engraved by J. G. Darby, in 1836;

336

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

thence east along south line of plat to River St. Clair; thence along the St. Clair to place of beginning. The first meeting was ordered to be held the first Monday in May, 1850.

Greenwood Township or Township 8 north, of Range 15 east, was set off from Brockway Township, and the first town meeting ordered to be held at the house of Joseph Graham. The act of organization was approved February 12, 1855.

Kimball Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved February 12, 1855. when Township 6 north, of Range 16 east, was set off, and the first meeting ordered to be held at the house of John S. Kimball.

Kenockee Township was organized under aet of February 9, 1855, setting off Town 7 north, of Range 15 east, from Emmett Township, and ordering the first meeting to be held at the house of Luther Ward.

Mussey Township was organized under authority of legislative act approved February 10. 1855, setting off' Town 7 north, of Range 13 east, into a township, and directing the first meet- ing to be held at the house of Daniel Alverson.

The city of St. Clair was incorporated under authority of legislative act approved Feb- ruary 4, 1858. The boundaries of the organized village were extended, and to the whole tract the name City of St. Clair was granted.

The towns of Berlin, Casco, East China, Emmett, Fort Gratiot and Grant have been estah- lished in recent years. In the sketches of these townships, reference will be made to their organization.

PROSPERITY OF THE COUNTY.

The uninterrupted prosperity and success which have attended the various branches of enterprise and industry in the county of St. Clair from its earliest settlement to the present day, the change from an almost unbroken wilderness to a rich and populous county in the brief space of time, naturally leads the mind to contemplations of deep interest and inquiry, with regard to the condition which the progressive energies of its people will work out in its future. We have only to examine the resources of wealth which the county naturally presents for im- provement-the strength, skill and aptitude of the people to lay hold of natural advantages and convert them to the most profitable form. In order justly to appreciate the energies which have been put forth by the early settlers in this county, the results of which are so attractive to the traveler, it should be borne in mind that the county was not settled by capitalists bringing large amounts of money to expend in subduing and cultivating new lands. but almost exclu- sively by men who were unable to purchase farms in the old States-whose physical and mental energies constituted their funded wealth. This was the capital invested in the settlement and improvement of the county-a eurreney not subject to fluctuations. The pioneers were men of independent minds and efforts, whose activities were controlled by the dictates of their own judgments. The bosom of the earth, teeming with fertility, was spread out before them. It is to the labor of its people that we must look for nearly all of the wealth of the county. It is universally admitted that the surest index of the progressive energies of an agricultural com- munity is discovered in the condition of its roads and schoolhouses. The light of science to illuminate and invigorate the natural powers, and facilities of communication which tend to develop the social nature of man, and bring into visibility the various interests by which he is connected with society, as these are appreciated, cultivated and brought into constant use, the vital energies, the enduring strength and substantial wealth of a community are advanced. If we adopt this general rule in the county and take the condition of its public roads and school- houses as a criterion of its advancement in intelligence and wealth, we shall find that it has few rivals. Whatever road the traveler may select in the county, he will not progress far on his journey without having his attention attracted by a district schoolhouse, erected upon a pleasant spot. He will observe that it is neatly finished and painted, and that it is-such is the rule. though there are exceptions -- surrounded by shade trees, and has a nice play ground for the children. If he enters this little seminary. he will find the interior judiciously and tastefully arranged, and furnished with blackboards, maps, charts and the most approved ap- paratus for aiding the pupils in their various studies. The laws of Michigan make liberal provisions for the support of its common schools; and in this county, they are generally well applied.

337

HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

POLITICAL HISTORY.

In this chapter, we give the returns of every election held in the county so far as we could obtain them. The records of many of the earlier elections are lost; indeed, all those not given are not among the archives of the County Clerk's office. As those elections were held prior to the days of newspapers in this county, the Clerk's office is the only place we could expect to find them. In the compilation of this chapter, for its accuracy and fullness, we are greatly in- debted to Horace Baker, County Clerk, and M. F. Carleton, Deputy County Treasurer, who as- sisted ns very materially in collecting the matter. To give some idea of the labor expended in its compilation, we have only to state that often no abstract of the election could be found, and one had to be prepared from the original poll-books, which would consume hours of time. The returns of the election of one year were secured only after a vast amount of labor. We have searched diligently through the files of old election abstracts and poll-books in the Clerk's of. fice for the returns of that year, but in vain. Mr. Baker. with his ready knowledge of the places and conditions of the numberless papers in this office, assisted. and another search was made, more thorough than any of the former, still in vain. We then searched newspapers, but failed to unearth them. Those who were known to have a large collection of old papers, re- turns of numerous elections, etc .. were spoken to about the matter. They at once kindly inter- ested themselves, and overhauled several hundred ancient manuscripts.

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 50

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