History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 63

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 63

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A score of other names could be introduced, each bringing forward a pleasing memory. Lorenzo MI. Mason, who came in 1537: Bethnel C. Farrand, a pioneer of the State since 1825. and one of the oldest, if not actually the senior member, of the St. Clair Bar; E. W. Harris, a lawyer of the circuit since 1537: William Grace, O'Brien J. Atkinson, and others whose names are mentioned in the roll of attorneys, had each an important place in the oldl law circle. It is scarcely time to pass in review the younger members of the bar. It cannot be doubted for a moment, that among them there is to be found intellectual excellence coupled with industry, both of which must win from the future their rewards. It is cercain that the history of the profession within the country, could it be written, would exhibit many examples worthy of imitation, and also many which should be studied closely, only to be avoided.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

THE PRESS.

The Western Sun was the first newspaper published in the Indiana Territory, now compris- ing the four great States of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, and the second in all that country once known as the " Northwestern Territory." It was commenced at Vincennes in 1803. by Elihu Stout, of Kentucky, and first called the Indiqua Gazette, and July 4, 1804. was changed to the Western Sun. Mr. Stout continued the paper until 1845, amid many discour- agements, when he was appointed Postmaster at the place.

William Mitchell. proprietor of the Detroit Mills. recently discovered among some old papers, a copy of the first issue of the first newspaper ever printed in Detroit. It is Volume I, No. 1 of the Michigan Essay. or The Impartiat Observer, edited, as is well known, by the famous Father Richard, parish priest of St. Anne's Church. and Delegate in Congress from this Territory. It bears date August 31, 1809. It was announced to be pub- lished every Thursday, at $5 per annum. In size it was about half as large as a small four- page evening paper of the present day, contained four pages, each comprising four columns. and was printed in very large type. The news in it was mostly taken from Eastern papers of forty days earlier date, and brought up European affairs to June 11, or a date eighty days pre- vious. It was just at that time that Napoleon was crushing Austria and the Tyrol after the oc- cupation of Vienna. In the home news department is an account of the first manufacture of salt in West Virginia. The fourth page is filled with selections from the essayists, so much affected at that period. The only advertisements are those of the publisher, James M. Miller, who seems also to have been a book-seller, and one of the opening of the primary school of St. Anne's Church. Among the books advertised is " The Child's Spelling Book, or Michigan In- structor." price 25 cents. The editor of the Essay seems to have enjoyed a good sense of humor, as the following paragraph under the heading " Humorous " indicates:

"Count Tracey complaining to Foote that a man had ruined his character, 'So much the better,' replied the wit, ' for it was a d -- d bad one, and the sooner it was destroyed the more to your advantage.'"

La Journal du Chrelien was published in 1811, and, in 1812, a large book, called " Epistles and Gospels for Sundays and Holidays." A printer named Coxshan succeeded Miller in busi- ness. In the summer of 1817, the first regular newspaper published in Michigan was started at Detroit. It was the successor of Rev. Gabriel Richard's magazine. It was called the De- troit Gazette, and was published by Messrs. Sheldon & Reed, two enterprising young men, the former of whom published an interesting sketch of the early history of Michigan. The Gazette existed until 1833, when the office was destroyed by fire.

The third was the Michigan Herald, Henry Chipman, editor. The Herald was established in 1825. and discontinued in 1829.

A paper was commenced in Monroe in 1825, by Edward D. Ellis, and called the Michigan Sentinel. It was a small paper, and was mostly filled with acts of the old Territorial Council and laws of Congress. This was probably the fourth paper in Michigan.

The fifth was the Northwestern Journal. This paper was published in Detroit by George L. Whitney. The first number made its appearance on Friday morning, November 20, 1829. The sixth was the Western Emigrant, published at Ann Arbor by Thomas Simpson. I think the first number was issued in December, 1829.

The seventh was the Monroe Inquirer, published at Monroe by John L. Green. The pros- pectus published in the Journal of November 20. 1829, says the Inquirer will be neatly printed on a super-royal sheet. the first number to issue in June next. The enterprise collapsed.

The ninth was the Oakland Chronicle, published at Pontiac, June 1, 1830, by Thomas Simpson, formerly of the Western Emigrant. In April, 1831, the Chronicle was sold to parties

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY

in Detroit. The paper was then discontinued. I do not know which of these two last-men tioned papers claim priority with regard to date of issue.

On the 19th of February. 1830, a temperance society was organized under the name of the Detroit Association for the Suppression of Intemperance. A resolution was adopted to have the proceedings published in the four newspapers of this Territory.

Those four papers must have been the Detroit Giacette and the Northwestern Journal, of Detroit, and the Western Emigrant, of Ann Arbor: the Michigan Inquirer to be published in the next June may have been intended for the fourth. The Michigan Essay and the Michigan Herald had thon passed out of existence.

The ninth was the Detroit Courier. The first number of this paper was issued December 23, FS30.

The tenth was the Democratic Free Press and Michigan Intelligencer. The first number was issued May 5. 1531.

The next paper in Mouroe was started in 1831 by E. G. Morton. now of the Monroe Von ilor, and called the Monroe Journal and Michigan Inquirer. The office was sold the same year to start what was called at the time the first paper in Pontiac, and, as a printer. Mr. Morton went to that place with E. A. Van Buren to assist him in arranging the office and commencing the paper. This article in the Monitor also says: " In the autumn of that year. we believe the Adrian Watchtower was commenced by Mr. Ingalls; but we very much doubt whether, in the spring of 1994. there was a paper in the Territory except in Detroit, St. Clair and Monroe."

The Michigan Herald, No. 1 of Volume I, was issued May 10, 1525. The last number in this file is dated August 29, 1527. and is Volume II. In this paper. under date of May 17. 1825. E. D. Ellis announces that he is about to commence the publication, at Monroe, of a pa- per to be called the Michigan Sentinel, and subsequently the receipt of the first copy of that paper is acknowledged. In the Herald of November 22. 125, is the following advertisement. signed by E. D. Ellis: " The undersigned, editor and proprietor of this paper. respectfully suggests to merchants and others the propriety of extending to said establishment advertising and other patronage. As the Sentim thas a considerable circulation in Monroe and Wayne Counties, advertising patrons would have the advantage of its extension in both of these counties, and likewise into the counties of Lenawee and Oakland. It is hoped that the inde. pendent principles upon which this press has been established, and upon which alone it will ever depend for support, will insure to this establishment a moderate share of business."

There are about 275 newspapers and periodical publications in Michigan now, of all classes. Of these. 224 are published weekly. 17 daily and wookly. 2 daily. I semi- weekly. I tri would. I semi monthly. 19 monthly. I quarterly and I yearly: 112 are Republican. 16 Democratic. 73 independent and neutral. 11 religious and 15 miscellaneous. Among the latter are 2 Moth- odist. 7 Adventist (2 Dutch or Hollandisch). 1 Episcopal. 2 Catholic and } Baptist, 6 mining. 5 educational. I Masonic, I Odd Fellow. I Grange. 3 medical and 1 agricultural. Seven are printed in the German language, 6 in the Dutch. I in the Swedish and I in the Danish.

THE "ST. CLAIR WILL .. "

The first newspaper published in the county was that by Messrs. Fay & Perry in 153 1. It was printed on a press sent from Georgetown. S. (, by Mr. Fay. to Palmer Village. in 1933. After the inauguration of this journal, the projector returned to South Carolina, where he died within a few years, or about the time Michigan was a lmitted into the Union of State -.

The Whig was issued December 1, 1531. at Pahner Village, now St. Clair. with T. M. Perry editor and publisher. This little political sheet continued in existence until 130 of 1887. when the name was changed to the St. Clair Republican, with Mr. Perry as editor. The first St. Clair Republican was issued with comparative regularity for a few years, when all record of its being ceases.

THE PORT HURON OBSERVER.

This newspaper was inaugurated in 1537. with E. B. Harrington editor. When the enter- prise was originated. the following prospectus was issued :

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

PROPOSALS FOR PUBLISHING AT HURON CITY, ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THE

"LAKE HURON OBSERVER."

il Weekly Paper of Imperial Size, at $2 Per Annum, Payable in Advance, $2.50 at the End of Six Months. or $3 at the End of the Year.

It is, perhaps, unnecessary here to enter into detail of the causes or circumstances which have led to the establishment of a new paper in this county, or to discuss the merits or demerits of the paper already estab- lished. Suffice it to say, the growing importance of the county, and the interests of its inhabitants, seem to require a public journal through whose columns a fair expression of the opinion of the people in different sections of the county can be had, upon all political and other questions of general importance; such is intended to be the character of the Observer. Although decidedly a DEMOCRATIC Journal, its columns will always be open for the discussion of important political questions, whether of general or local interest, when such discussions are couched in candid and decorous language.

Our Canadian friends at Port Sarnia and its vicinity will find the Observer a ready vehicle for the con- veyance of information respecting their village, harbor, railroad and other topics of general importance.

It is hoped the OBSERVER will be conducted in such a manner as to be sustained by the inhabitants of the county, and to merit the confidence and support of the public generally.

Huron City, January 24, 1837.

Attached to this proposition was a space for subscribers' names. Copies of the prospectus were placed in the hands of many influential men, both in this county, at Detroit, and through- out York State, who became honorary canvassers for the journal. The names of the original subscribers are thus given :

E. B. Harrington. Cummings Sanborn. Amon Baker, A. & J. B. Comstock, G. F. Boynton, D. W. Powers, H. Harding, N. D. Horton, C. Thompson, E. C. Bancroft, E. Burch, E. P. John- ness, D. B. Harrington. F. C. White ( Whitestone), A. S. Pratt, T. Crocker, John S. Heath, John Thorn, E. R. Moffatt ( La Forge Village, N. Y.), J. F. Batcheller, John H. Westbrook. J. Hal- stead, Clift Comstock, Willard Orvis. Lucius Beach, Ashley L. Whitcomb, Hiram Marin, A. W. Campbell. H. Hamilton, Shepard & Bottsford. Joseph L. Kelsey, Z. W. Bunce, Jesse H. King, Lorenzo M. Mason, J. W. Campfield. Edward Petit, D. Babcock, H. Chamberlain, John Doran, Jared Miller, D. J. Rockwell, John Westbrook, James Beard, Joel Tucker. John Swart- hout. David Senter, Justin Rice. John Jackson, Michael Jackson, Benjamin Newhall. Chester Kimball, Jr., Henry Gill, Fr. Harsen. James Harsen, John Hughes, D. Churchill, Jolin Smith, R. B. Dimond, Eben Westbrook, A. H. Westbrook, Jacob Peir, Oliver Westbrook, Jer. auld Miller. Jos. P. Mini. P. F. Brakeman, Lucius Beach, White & Harrington: with a num- ber of subscribers outside the county.

The stockholders, or owners of the Obserrer, whose names appear in an assignment of their interests in the paper, to Dan B. Harrington, Joshua S. Heath, and John Thorn, members of a committee appointed to arrange the affairs of the company, gave this committee power to dis- pose of the office. This resolution was passed July 14. 1837, and bears the signatures of G. T. Boynton, Edward Petit. A. & J. B. Comstock, Williard Orvis, Elijah Burch, J. S. Orvis, J. W. Campfield, William Robertson, Jr., B. A. Luce, Ira Porter, Hiram Whitcomb, Z. V. Thornton, and E. C. Bancroft. The Lake Huron Obserrer was, after a few years, merged into the Repre- sentative, again assumed its old name, which it held until. under the able management of W. L. Bancroft, it changed to the Port Huron Obserrer.

On August 1, 1849, the following notice appeared in the Observer :

The undersigned has disposed of the press, type and materials of the Observer office, to Mr. J. Il. lawes, and his connection therewith terminates from and after this date.

Subscribers who have paid in advance will be furnished with the paper, at the usual rate. for the term for which payment has been made; all legal and yearly advertisements, will be continued in publication for the time and on the terms agreed upon with the undersigned, who alone is authorized to settle and receipt for the same, and to whom only payment will be made. W. L. BANCROFT.

Subsequently changes occurred in the proprietary and editorship.

As a specimen of Mr. Bancroft's editoriat work, let his article in reply to a letter of the Ann Arbor American, asking for an exchange of journals be quoted: " We shall be most happy to exchange. Mr. American; but we also most cordially detest the cause you have es- poused. It is not only anti- American in its very inception, but, we believe. if once established here and elsewhere. as the policy of the civilized world, it would do more than any other

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

one thing could do, to obstruet the onward march of progress and reform, which, sooner or later, are destined to unite the human family, for the achievement of universal, social and political amelioration." This is only one of the introductory paragraphs to a stirring editorial. It is one such as an American, bearing the same name as onr American historian, should write. and such an one as the petit writers of the present would do well to copy from. George Ban- croft. speaking of Marquette, the foreigner, said. " the West will build his monument;" here at home W. L. Bancroft favors the peopling of the West by foreigners, and looks on migration as indispensable to human happiness.

1. B. Harrington, editor and projector of the Port Huron Obserrer, was born in Ontario County, N. Y. He was a brother of D. B. Harrington, and son of Jeremiah and Merey (Baker) Harrington, the former born October 29. 1771. In ISI1. the family moved to Sandusky, Ohio. and thence to Fremont, where a settlement was effected. E. B. Harrington was not only a pio- neer of Michigan Territory, but also one of that civilized class who had the courage and enter prise lo inaugurate a weekly journal in the backwoods of this State in 1537. To him must credit be given for bringing the Lake Huron Obserrer to light. Mr. H. traveled extensively through the Union: but his journalistie life began and ended at Port Huron.

William Lyman Bancroft, born at Martinsburg, Lewis Co .. N. Y., AAugust 12. 1525. moved to Michigan with his parents in 1832, and settled at Port Huron in ISI1. He studied under D. B. Crane at Detroit, and completed his education at AAmhurst Academy. Massachusetts. In 1St2, he entered the office of the Milwaukee Courier, where he remained two years. In 1814, he came to Port Huron, purchased the Observer office here, and became editor of that journal. In ISIS. he disposed of his interest in the journal, and went to Oswego, N. V., where he studied law under W. F. Allen, afterward State Judge of Appeals. Returning in IS51, he entered on the practice of law. and from time to time held the editorial chair of the Commer cial. In his biography given in other pages, the services rendered by Mr. Bancroft to the press society, and commerce of St. Clair County, are noticed.

THE PORT HURON COMMERCIAL.

The Port Huron Commercial was first published Inne 7. 1951, with George F. Lewis. editor. A reference to the chronologieal or miscellaneous chapter. will show the varied changes in the editorial department of this journal. The Commercial had W. I. Bancroft for its editor, and was, as it is now. the leading Democratic journal of this portion of the State. December 29. 1555. the name of H. S Potter & Co. appears upon the paper. In its earlier years the day of issue was Saturday, changed to Wednesday, and subsequently in INGS. to Sunday morning.

George F. Lewis, known as the Genial Sugination, Fred Lewis, etc., etc., was born in Harvard, Worcester Co., Mass,, June 7. 1225, came with parents to Mount Clemens in 1935. set first type in office of Macomb Statesman, then edited by John N. Ingersoll. subsequently held positions in the office of Mount Clemens Patriot, in 1538; the Detroit Daily Commercial Bulletin in ISIS; the Macomb County Herald in ISH: the Port Huron Commercial in 1951: the Peninsular Advocate in 1955. In March. IS, he inaugurated the Daily Coucher of Saginaw: projected the Bugiamian in 1969; the Mount Pleasant Journal in 1550, and the Daily Morning Call at Bay City in ISSI.

James Talbot was born at West Flamborough, Can .. December 16. 1S16. His parents came from Ireland several years prior to that date, making a settlement on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. In the first American home of the Talbots, a few of James Talbot's broth- er's were born. About the year 1>12. the family moved to Lon lon. Can .. where a kinsmau. Col. Talbot, resided as Land Commissioner for the British Government.

In 1535. James Talbot, accompanied by William Wheaton, arrived at Port Huron: and moved thenee up Black River where Elder Beard was engaged in howing down the pine forest. There also he became acquainted with the Broekways. After some time, he returned to his home on the Thames. There he married Miss Maria House, a descendant of the first Dutch settler of that name in New York State. This marriage took place in 1917. In 1951. Mr. Talbot came to Port Huron to reside permanently. Here all their chil Iren were born. with two exceptions.

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

one of them dying in infancy was buried in a Canadian cemetery. Two others died at Port Huron, while five children are living.

Mr. Talbot climbed slowly up the ladder of public esteem: he possessed many endearing qualities which won for him a large circle of friends and the confidence of the people. Dur- ing the war for the Union, he was Supervisor for the First Ward of this city, and upon bim de- volved the duty of furnishing aid to the families of the soldiers furnished from that district of the city. How he administered this department is oven to-day referred to with pleasure.

In ISGS, he became the principal owner of the Sunday Commercial, which journal he con- ducted with marked ability. During the construction of the Great Western Railroad, he was engaged in assisting the surveyors and in other work of a similar character. Under the old city charter he was elected Street Commissioner three times successively. He had the contract for grading Pine Grove avenue and some other streets on the old Military Reserve, and lastly the paving of Military street.

His last days were devoted to a review of the condition of the land of his fathers. The interest which he evinced in the cause of Ireland, as expounded by Parnell and his associates, was such as would become the largest souled political economist in the Union. His advocacy of Ireland's cause brought to the minds of many the fact of the oppression of which they knew little, or from which they just escaped.

An accident, which must be considered the direct cause of Mr. Talbot's death, occurred May 14, 1SSI. It appears that he and Mrs. Talbot visited some friends at Sombra, Can., on that day. During the return journey a severe hail-storm set in, which urged the travelers to seek shelter in the house of Mrs. Brown, three miles east of the St. Clair River. Here, after entering, Mr. Talbot passed the rope halter or strap through the window, so that he could hold the horse without exposing himself to the terrific storm. The down pour of hail and the light- ning flashes made the horse fractious, and during the lunging of the animal, the finger of his master became entangled in the rope. This finger was jerked off above the middle joint, and with it a sinew, thirteen inches long, was extracted. On Saturday following, May 21. 1SS1, the sufferer received an apoplectic stroke, which resulted in his death early on Sunday, May 22. The funeral of this estimable old resident took place May 24, ISSI. The pall bearers were Dr. S. D. Pace, Dr. Kibbee, S. D. Clark, William Dwyer. Lowis Atkins and S. H. Robin- son.

John Atkinson, formerly of the St. Clair County bar. now a leading lawyer of Detroit, was born at Warwick, C. W., May 24, 1841. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Shinners) Atkin- son were natives of Ireland, who came to the Canadas some years previous to 1841, and made a settlement at Warwick. The family moved to Port Huron at an early day in the history of the city, and there Mr. Atkinson received that practical education which fitted him in later years to take a leading place in war and law. His studies at the Michigan University resulted in a most successful graduation from the Law Department of that institution in March, 1862. Re- turning to Port Huron, he entered a law partnership with Judge William T. Mitchell. In July, 1862, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant Twenty-second Infantry, and by his military tact won all those positions credited to him in the Military Chapter of this book. serving with distinction until February, 1866. In May, 1866, he re-entered on the practice of law with John S. Crellin and O'Brien J. Atkinson. He was Collector of Customs at Port Huron in 1866-67. In the fall of 1870, he removed to Detroit, which city he has since made his home. In 1870. he was nominated for Attorney General ou the Democratic ticket; and in 1872 for State Sona- tor on the same ticket. The party met with defeat, and with the party Mr. Atkinson was beaten politically. He was owner of the Port Huron Commercial for some time, during which his edi- torials claimed a high order of merit. He married Miss Lida Lyons, of San Antonio, Tex. . February 1, 1866; the family belong to the Catholic Church. Mr. Atkinson is politically a Republican, and must be considered one of the most important accessions to the ranks of that party during the last two decades. As a lawyer of the State his talents and energy are well known, and win for him a daily increasing pubhe confidence.

William F. Atkinson was born in Canada January 8, 1846. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Shinnors) Atkinson, natives of Ireland, settled in Canada about 1841, and moved

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with their family to Port Huron in May, 1851. In January, 1960, William F. entered the office of the Port Huron Commercial August 13. 1862, he enlisted in Company C. Twenty- second Michigan Infantry. Within the subsequent year, he rose to the rank of First Sergeant. September 20, 1863, he was wounded and made prisoner at Chickamanga. From that time nn. til his escape from prison, January 19, 1861. he was subjected to all the trials incidental to life in the prisons of Richmond and Danville. Following his escape came the troublons journey of 300 miles through the fastnesses of West Virginia, which ended February 10, when he reached the lines of the Union army. In March, he rejoined his regiment at Chattanooga. June 7, was commissioned Second Lientenant and appointed Signal Officer on the staff of Gen. Sherman. November 7 following, he resigned, to accept the Captaincy of Company K, Third Michigan Infantry, and served with the command until its muster out, May 25. 1966. On his return to Port Huron in June, 1866, he received an appointment in the Customs Department. In Jannary, 1867, he traveled South and worked as a printer at Nashville, St. Louis and Indian- apolis during that year. In the fall of 1567, he returned to Port Huron, accepted an editorial position on the Commercial, which he hold until the close of 1869. Subsequently, he was en. gaged in the insurance business with Cyrus Miles; was admitted to the bar June 1, 1870, and practiced at Port Huron until May 1, 1873, when he moved to Alpena. He returned to Port Huron a year later, was City Attorney in 1875 -76, continuing to practice there until November 23, ISSO, when he moved to Detroit to become a member of the law firm of Atkinson & Atkin- son. William Atkinson was married to Miss Kate M. Donnelly February 25, 1570, daughter of William Donnelly, of Plympton

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History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.., Part 63

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