USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of the St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources.. > Part 69
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DEAR SIR :- On examining the papers at the Post Office Department in relation to the desired post office at Burchville and Lexington, I tind on the Burchville papers that the department requires a competent person to agree to carry the mail for the proceeds of the office. If I recollect right, I wrote to some one last year to that offeel. and I supposed it had been done during the recess. The other application to Lexington was refused.
I was informed at the department that all that was required was the name of some suitable person to con- tract to carry the mail, etc. The clerk also informed me that he thought both routes or offices would be established if the same or some other person would also contract to carry the mail to Lexington May 1 request von to consult with the persons interested, and let me know as soon as convenient'
We are in the midst of the holy days and, of course, doing nothing good ; perhaps the more time that is valled away the better, as it may prevent doing worse in the way of legislation. The Texas question is the one on which we shall have most trouble. There is a great disposition to put down the rates of postage, and I hope it will sneceed. The rates will be five and ten cents under and fover 500 miles. We do not know yet who will be the members of the new Cabinet. I presume Mr. Polk hardly knows himself We have mild and beautiful weather, and I hope it is as good in Michigan. Remember me to all friends. Yours truly. D B. ILENINGTON. EsQ. JAMES B HLUNT.
POORHOUSE AND FARM.
The average number of poor people maintain . 1 in the poor house of the county during the year ending September, ISSI, was 19 17. The whole number was 70. comprising 56 males and 11 females, of which total 13 wore under sixteen years of age. There wore Ilunaties and 2 mute persons. Again this total was made up of 23 Americans. S English, 10 Frish. 1 Scotch, 11 Germans, 3 Swedes and 11 Canadians. The number of persons who received ontsido relief was 1.003. and the number receiving assistance in every form, 1,090. There were 12 in the State Insane Asylums, 1 in the Deaf and Dumb Institute, and I in the Blind Institute. The whole amount expended in the care and relief of the poor, was $16.533.29, all derived from the poor fund. with the exception of $2.610.20. paid from other funds. The expenses of the house and farm for the year, were $3,371.62, or $15, 17 for each poor person. The expenditures for tom-
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450
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
porary relief were $10,313.70. The total value of paupers' labor was $300, and of farm pro- ducts, $1,674. The total value of farm and appurtenances was $15.567.
SCHOOLS.
Within a few years after the treaty of Saginaw, when the Indians of that quarter expressed themselves in favor of the blacksmith, Jean Provencal, and against the missionary, Mr. Hud- son, we find a missionary school opened near Fort Gratiot, with John S. Hudson, Mrs. Hudson, John Hart and wife, aud Miss Osmer, teachers. This school was opened in 1821, when to the astonishment of the corps of teachers, an Indian would not venture near the establishment. The Otchipwes of the St. Clair heard from their brothers of Saginaw anything but favorable reports of the Indian missionary school system, and accordingly kept aloof. In 1822, the half- breed Graveraet, or Javerodd, was employed as interpreter, and fifty or sixty Indian urchins prevailed upon to enter a course of study. Each pupil was provided with a pointed cane, and with this formed letters and figures in the sand, from copy written on the wall. This school continued in operation until the missionary teachers were removed to Mackinac, three vears later, whither thirty Indians followed them.
The number of children belonging to the several school districts of St. Clair in 1841, and the number of districts in each township are set forth as follows: Berlin (five districts) 76; Clay (three) 98; Clyde (one), 35; Riley (one). 12; Columbus, (one). 15: China (five), 155; Cot- trellville (two), 149: Lexington (two), 36: Port Huron (two), 82; St. Clair (three), 101. Total 759.
The number of school districts in St. Clair County in 1847, was 65, but reports were re. ceived by the Superintendent of Public Instruction from 54 only. Number of children he- tween four and eighteen years of age reported, 2,865; number that have attended school, 1,901: under four years of age 44, over eighteen years of age, 81; number between four and eighteen years that have not attonded school. who cannot read fluently, write legibly, and cipher through interest, 227: number of qualified male teachers that have been employed, 30; of female teachers, 51; average number of months that schools have been taught by qualified teachers, 42. The num- ber of township libraries in the county was 1, containing 195 volumes. The average amount of tuition paid for each scholar was $2.33.
Below is given the number of school children in each district in the county of St. Clair as shown by the census, and the amount apportioned to each for the year 1881-82:
TOWNSHIPS,
Number of Children.
Amount Ap- portioned.
TOWNSHIPS.
Number of l'hildren.
Amount Ap- portioned.
Berlin
460
$487 60
Ira.
713
$55 78
Brockway
688
729 28
Kenockee
647
685 82
Burtchville
267
283 02
Kimball
426
451 56
Casco
863
914 78
Lyun ..
342
362 52
China
628
665 68
Mussey
583
617 98
Clay.
506
536 36
Port Huron.
435
461 10
Clyde
423
448 38
Port Huron City
3,003
3,183 18
Columbus
470
198 20
Riley ..
596
631 76
Cottrellville
941
997 46
St. Clair.
East China
116
122 96
St. Clair City.
715
757 90
Emmet ..
483
511 98
Wales.
656
696 36
Fort Gratiot
668
$08 08
Grant .
452
479 12
Total.
16,471
$17,159 26
Greenwood
589
624 34
Scattered throughout the county are a number of small settlements. which cannot, how- ever, take on the dignity of villages for some years. Others consist of a few houses grouped around a pier which stretches out into the lake These tiny settlements will, no doubt, spring into activity and request the future historian to record them as villages or cities before many decades. So early as 1861. a few of these bamlets anned at importance. Then came the war of the Union. and an age intervened when the graces and amenities of civilized life were ig- nored for the signal sounds of strife and battle's magnificently stern array. A large delegation
801
946 06
+51
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY
was taken from each village to serve in all branches of the army the first year of the struggle, and each succeeding levy gradually drained the vicinity of very much of the enterprise and publie spirit which had come in and manifested its presence by works in later years. As a consequence, improvements for the period between the firing upon Fort Sumter and the sur- render at Appomattox, were neither numerous, costly nor architecturally elaborate. The same is to be remembered with reference to the advent of future citizens, neither were they numer- ous nor valuable, save, of course, in exceptional instances. The villages, as will be readily conceded, escaped remarkable growth or development.
452
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS.
The physicians and surgeons of St. Clair County met December 3, 1847, for the purpose of organizing a medical society. Among those present were John B. Chamberlin, H. Chamber- lin. R. R. McMeens and L. B. Parker. John B. Chamberlin was elected President; Harmon Chamberlin, Vice President; R. R. McMeens, Secretary, and L. B. Parker, Treasurer.
A record under date November 30, 1847, gives the names of John Darwin Chamberlin, William Denton and R. H. Iron as entering the study of medicine under Dr. J. B. Chamberlin in 1847.
FORM OF ADMISSION TO THE PROFESSION. TERRITORY OF MICHIGAN.
To all to whom these presents shall come, or may in any wise concern, the President, Secretary and Censors of the Medical Society of the Territory of Michigan send greeting:
WHEREAS, Benjamin Bissell bath exhibited unto us satisfactory testimony that he hath studied physick and surgery for the time and in the manner directed by law.
Now know ye, that by virtue of the power vested in us by law, we do grant unto the said Benjamin Bis- sell the privilege of practicing physick and surgery in this Territory, together with all the rights and immuni- ties which usually appertain to physicians and surgeons.
R. S. RICE, { Censors. M. CHAPIN,
In testimony of which we have caused the seal of the society to be affixed at the city of Detroit on this 13th day of December, A. D. 1830.
R. S. RICE, Secretary.
STEPHEN O. HENRY, President.
At a meeting of the medical society held at the office of Dr. Dyer, May 21, 1851. the fol- lowing bill of prices for professional services was adopted as a standard for charges by the members of the profession belonging to the society, viz .: Verbal advice, from $1 to $3; letter of advice, $5; ordinary visit in a village, $1; night visit, $1.50; visit at a distance, 50 cents per mile for travel, and for visit. $1; minor operations in surgery, S5 to $25; capital opera- tions in surgery, $25 to $100: midwifery, $5 to $25; consultation, $5; where medicine was fur- nished, an extra charge was made. The signers were: John Galbreath, Benjamen Dickey, Walter R. Kellogg, Winthrop Dyer. Laban Tucker, John T. Travers, C. M. Zeh, Charles Gib- son, S. B. Parker and A. E. Noble.
The medical society met in Dr. Stockwell's office, February 5, 1856, with J. T. Travers, presiding, and Laban Tucker, Secretary. Drs. David Ward, Reuben Crowell and Jared Kibbee were admitted members. The society met at Dr. Kibbee's office, February 12, 1856, when the committee appointed to mature a plan for prescribing for the poor of the village reported in favor of gratuitous attendance on the poor.
Medical Society of St. Clair and Sanilac County was organized August 4, 1866. Dr. Thomas Hammond presided, with Myron Northrup, Secretary. The original members were John Travers. R. C. S. L .; R. I. Wilcox, B. M. M .: William W. Anderson, V. C .. Can .; Cyrus M Stockwell, B. M. C., Mass .; Myron Northrup, Geneva, N. Y .; John A. Northrup, N. Y .; Thomas Hammond, L. of P. & F. N. Y. S. S .; G. Archie Stockwell, U. of A., N. Y .; James G. Maxfield, H. M. C., Mass .; Thomas S. Murdock, U. of M .; Francis Heil, L. G. D. C., also of Can .; George Todd, U. of M. Pormanent organization resulted in the election of John T. Travers, President; Myron Northrup, Vice President; G. A. Stockwell, Treasurer. After permanent organization, Drs. E. P. Tibbals, H. D. Griswold, T. Baird, R. Wilcox and Jared Kibbee were elected members.
In November, 1868, Drs. P. W. Reed, D. A. O'Brien and P. A. Padfield were admitted members, and honorary membership conferred on R. M. Bucke and Archie McLane, of Sarnia, Dr. William C. Gustin, Dr. Ponssett, Thomas A. Hammond and M. K. Taylor, U. S. A.
453
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
In 1970, Dr. Northrup was elected President: J. G Maxfield. Vice President; G. A. Stock- well, Secretary; C. M. Stockwell, Treasurer. In 1869, Dr. Shoebotham was admitted. In 1570, the officers elected were C. M. Stockwell, President: V. W. Anderson. Vice President; H. Shoe. botham, Secretary: and E. P. Tibbals, Treasurer.
The officers of the Association from 1871 to the present time are named as follows:
President-1871. C. M. Stockwell; 1872, A. Nash: 1873, - Jones; 1871, J. G. Max- field; 1875, H. MeColl; 1876, 11. MeColl; 1877, H. R. Mills; 1878, H. R. Mills: 1879, J. S. Calkins: 1880, J. S. Calkins: 1582. J. R. MeGurk.
Vice President-1871, A. Nash: 1872. H. R. Mills; 1573, H. MeColl; 1874, 1I. MeColl: 1875. 11. R. Mills; 1876. 11. R. Mills; 1877, J. S. Calkins: 1575, J. S. Calkins: 1879. M. Northrup; ISSO. C. E. Spencer: 1882, S. W. Smith.
Secretary-1871, 11. R. Mills: 1872, J. G. Maxfield; 1873, J. G. Maxfield: 1571, C. E. Spencer: 1575, M. C. Kenney: 1876. M. C. Konney: 1877, C. E. Spencer: 1575. C. E. Spen- cer: 1879, C. B. Stockwell; ISSO, (. B. Stockwell; 1882, Hugh MeColl.
Treasurer -- 1871 to 1880. E. P. Tibbals: 1882, C. E. Spencer.
Roll of Members. - John T. Travers (deceased), C. M. Stockwell. R. J. Wilcox (deceased), Myron Northrup. W. W. Anderson (deceased). John A. Northrup (removed), G. A. Stockwell (removed), J. G. Maxfield (removed ), E. C. P. Tibbals, H. D. Griswold (removed), Dr. Baird (de- ceased), JJared Kibbee. A. L. Padfield. M. W. Taylor (removed), Henry Shoebotham, H. R. Mills, I. K. Farmer (dropped). Alfred Nash (removed), George W. Jones, Hugh MeColl, William A. Jackson, M. C. Kenney. A. L. Scott. C. H. Alden (removed). J. R. McGurk. George L. Connell (deceased), Wilson Ramsey (deceased), J. S. Calkins, M. T. Moore, A. R. Stone, D. V. Yeux. R. Bredin, W. W. French (removed). C. E. Spencer, M. M. Tucker tre- moved), William Blake, William B. Hamilton. Benjamin D'Arey. J. R. Sniter, JJ. C. MeTaggart (removed), W. J. Tayor, C. M. Woodward (removed). J. G. Bailey (dropped), J. S. Comstock, A. Howell. W. G. Ferry (removed). J. Il. Taylor, G. G. Williams (removed). C. C. Hibbard (deceased), H. E. Shepherd (removed), R. B. Baird, C. G. Robertson (removed). C. B. Stock- well, A. J. Shockley. S. W. Smith. T. J. Jackson, A. M. Oldfield. A. Mitchell. D O'Brien. J. K. Farnum, Carlos Carvallo. C. H. Alden. D. F. Stone.
INSURANCE AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
In the pages devoted to local history, the benevolent, political. military and industrial societies of the county are noticed. Here it will be only necessary to give a summary of the history of three societies. the affairs of each being so generally connected with the county, that they cannot be localized.
FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY.
of Macomb and St. Clair Counties, was organized at the Ridgeway Hotel, or Beebe House, Angust 1, 1863. Robert Irwin presided. with Samnel Goodsell, Secretary. After the adoption of the charter, the following officers were elected: Aratus Smith, President: James S. Durfee. Vice President: Robert Irwin. Secretary: C. D. Crittenden, Loren Andrus. J. S. Kimball. A. W. Freeman and Namson Farrar, Directors. The charter members were Loren Andrus, P. W. Bentley. Calvin Davis, George W. Phillips. Erastus Day. George H. Cannon, Charles C. Leach, William Canfield. Henry Fries, Aratus Smith. Norman Perry, Hiram Taylor. Abraham Wells. George N. Chilser, Cornelius Jeffers, James C. Cox. Alexander S. Barnard, Peter F. Brakeman. Charles MeMillan and James O. Roberson.
Aratus Smith continued President until 1565, when Joseph (. High was appointed. Mr. High was elected in 1566, and held the office nntit IS6s. when R. H. Jenks was elected.
The Secretaries of the company were Robert Irwin, elected in 1963: W. P. Bartlett. 1870. Watson W. Lyons, elected in 1571. holds the position at present.
DIRECTORS.
1861-J. C. High. C. S. King. Amos N. Freeman. Charles MeMillan, Loren Andrus. 1865- Same officers.
454
IIISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
1866-H. H. Cady. R. H. Jenks, Charles Andrews, William A. Parsons, L. S. King, A. W. Clark.
1867-H. H. Cady, C. S. King, W. A. Parsons, George H. Stuart.
1868-Michael Plant, Silas Hart, E. W. True, Samuel Jones, and Mason Cole.
1869-Officers re-elected.
1870-David Weeks, S. Jones, M. Plant, Henry Frees, S. S. Hart and James Durfee. 1871-Albert Sperry, D. S. Priest.
1872-David Weeks, C. D. Crittenden.
1873-G. Sehuchard, M. Plant.
1874-D. S. Priest, John M. Hart.
1875-R. D. Smith, C. S. King.
1876-M. Plant, G. Schuchard.
1877-D. S. Priest, Myron Kinyon.
1878-C. S. King, George H. Cannon.
1879-Gustave Schuchard, M. Plant.
1880-D. S. Priest, Myron Kinyon.
1881-L. M. Sperry, Stephen B. Cannon.
The following table points out the progress made since 1869. The statistics for the pre- vions years are not given; but it may be said that the same ratio of advance marked the trans- actions of the company from 1863 to 186S.
YEAR.
MEMBERS.
RINKS.
ADDED.
YEAR.
MEMBERS.
RISKS.
ADDED.
1869
1,830
$2,818,255
1876.
3,415
$4,964,590
27,905
1870
2,300
3,600,000
681.745
1877
3,990
5,621,044
656,454
1871.
2,800
3,800,000
506,000
1878.
4.271
5,646,284
566,673
1873.
3,383
5,208,809
432.135
1879.
4,496
5,796,295
539,774
1874.
3,419
5.014,765
196,770
1880.
3,839
4,809,202
325,918
1875 ..
3,415
4,936,685
78.080
1881.
4,125
5.072,786
362,577
Agricultural statistics will be found in the chapter of county finances and statistics.
The annual statement of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company for November 1, 1882, is as follows: There are 3,969 members in the company, a gain of five during the past year. The amount of property at risk is $4,710.33S. The statement of losses shows 34 members to be entitled to $4.510.57 for losses during the years 1880. 1881 and 1882. The moneys to be collected for the year ending November 1. aggregate $6,925.34. The amount of capital stock and the rates of assessment are as follows: $4,450,600 at $1.50 per $1,000; $90,180 at $1.25 per $1,000; $80,000 at $1 per $1.000; $60. 100 at 75e per $1,000; $20,058 at 50c; 810,000 at 25c per $1. These figures certainly give a good showing for the company.
THE CITY AND VILLAGE INSURANCE COMPANY.
The organization of the City and Village Mutual Fire Insurance Company of St. Clair, Lapeer and Macomb Counties, was perfected at St. Clair on June 9, 1882. Officers were elected as follows: President, B. H. Jenks, St. Clair: Vice President, Henry Fries, of Mount Clemens; Treasurer, Henry Whiting, Marine City: Secretary, O. F. Morse, St. Clair.
The Board of Directors includes C. McElroy. R. W. Jenks, R. H. Jenks, H. Whiting. D Sheldon, C. Griebs, Mark Hopkins and Robert Holland, of St. Clair County; A. W. Reed and Henry Fries, of Macomb County; J. B. Moore, S. Smith and David West, of Lapeer County. The company have a hundred members and $75,000 at risk.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The first fair of the St. Clair County Agricultural Society was held in 1856. During the meeting, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, John E. Kitton, of St. Clair: Vice President, Ralph Wadhams, Kimball; Treasurer, William M. St. Clair, St. Clair; Secretary, Edgar White, Port Huron; Executive Committee, S. B. Brown, of St. Clair, Martin
455
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
S. Gillett, of Port Huron, John Nicol, of St. Clair, Asa Larned, of Port Huron, James D. Brown, of Cottrellville.
In other pages, reference is made to the organization of the Agricultural Society. What share it had in the agricultural development of the county is well known. Its influence ex- tended into all sections of St. Clair, teaching the farming community the means to make their homes and farms abodes of peace and industry.
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456
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
HISTORY OF FIRST INDUSTRIES.
To the visitor of to-day, witnessing the vast resources and accumulation of capital wielded in this section, it may seem almost incredible that some of the wielders of this capital com- menced business only a few short years ago with nothing but their own indomitable energy and perseverance. This has been accomplished. not by speculation and the adroit, lucky turn- ing of Fortune's wheel, but by actual creation of much wealth, added to the store of human comforts, using only the advantages supplied by Nature's abundant and common storehouse. The settler on any of our Western prairies, and the axman who enters on the primeval forests where no sign or mark of man's destructive force or redeeming power is seen or felt, is fre- quently the subject of strange reflections. As he follows his plow, turning up the virgin soil, that through all the ages has remained undisturbed, or hews down the stately tree that for a thousand years has flourished and grown, unnoticed and uncared for by the hand of man, he wonders how it occurs that he. of all the people that lived and still live on the face of the earth, swarming as it does with so many millions, should be the first to appropriate to his comfort and convenience the blessings so long held in reserve in Nature's vast storehouse. He won- ders, too. why his race should require all the resources of the earth, the productions of the forests, mines, rivers, lakes, oceans; of the soil plowed, planted, cultured and garnered; the flocks and herds, feeding and gamboling on a thousand hills, for his subsistence; while other races have remained, from generation to generation in all the untamed wilderness of the wild
deer and elk, on which they subsist. What of the race that but yesterday was here? Have these rivers, fields and forests, now so peaceful, always been so calm and still? or have they, like the old world, been the scene of some sanguinary and savage conflict ? We speculate in vain on the long-ago dwellers upon the banks of these pleasant streams. Their war-dance and savage yells may have been the only sound that ever awakened the stillness of these lands; or a race long extinct may have plowed and sowed, and builded and loved and worshiped, and cultivated all the graces and amenities of civilized life; but the records of whose deeds and virtues have been obliterated by the convulsions of Time's relentless changes. Such must have been the musings of those persevering and energetic pioneers, who. severing the ties of home and kindred and early association, plunged into the wilds of this county and carved from the rugged forces of nature the comfortable homes they now enjoy.
FUR TRADERS.
Incidental to the history of the entire Northwest is the record of the traders in furs. although the region covered by this volume does not contain the site made noted by the loca- tion of the chief trading post. Many sub-posts were established throughout this State and the adjoining States, especially where streams and lakes made the point easy of access to the deal- ers. There is required here, however, only a general sketch of this earliest of commercial undertakings. The Northwest was visited and explored by French voyageurs and missionaries from Canada during the seventeenth century. The object of the former was gain; the purpose of the Jesuit fathers was the conversion of the savages. As early as 1624, thie traders were operating about Lake Huron and Mackinac. Previous to 1679, a considerable traffic in furs had sprung up with Indian tribes in the region of " Ouisconsin. " That year, more than two hundred canoes, laden with furs, passed Mackinac, bound for Montreal. The commerce of the lakes was then carried on solely in birch-bark canoes. The lightness and strength of the little craft enabled the French explorers to make portages or navigate large bodies of water with comparative safety. When the military possession of the Northwestern domain passed from France to Great Britain in 1760, the relationship of the fur trade to the Government changed. France, as is mentioned elsewhere in these pages, used the license of traders as.
457
HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
a bond of fealty to the King. The policy of England was to grant exclusive charters to par- ticular companies. The Hudson Bay Company had grown rich and powerful between 1670 and 1760. Its success oxritel the envy of other capitalists, and rival organizations were formed. The original company purchased their furs at certain trading stations. The newer firms sent out their voyageurs into every nook of the land to buy up the furs, or, indeed. to catch the fur-bearing animals themselves. This competition diminished the profits of the
business. In 1815. Congress prohibited foreigners dealing in furs in the United States or Ter ritories. This action founded John Jacob Astor's colossal fortune. Mr. Astor organized the " American Fur Company," he being the sole owner, in 1809. In connection with the North- west Company, he bought out the Maekinae Company, and formed the Southwest Company. The war of 1812 interrupted the existence of that organization; but it was revived in 1816, as an American institution. Considerable trade is still carried on in Northern Michigan, but mainly by individuals.
Fur traders, or at least their employes, were the first explorers after Nicolet. They were cotemporary with the Jesuit missionaries. Those traders sent from the St. Lawrence hatchets, knives, blankets and other articles coveted by the savages, to exchange with them for furs. Their employes, the voyageurs, made their journeys into the far-off regions in birch bark canoes, of the lightest possible construction; for they had frequently to be carried by hand around rapids, and from one stream to another, along carrying places. called portages. They usually made up their outfit at Quebec or Montreal, and. ascending the Ottawa during the suminer, and subsequently the French River and the lower lakes, proceeded to the various tribes inhabiting the region of the upper lakes, either wintering at Indian villages or at sta- tions that had been established by them in their neighborhood. With their peltries, gathered during the winter or early spring, they returned usually the next summer; but sometimes they were required to make longer voyages. The fur traders were, as a class, men of some wealth. of respectable families, and of considerable intelligence, and were possessed of enterprising and adventurous habits. They found the fur trade more profitable or more congenial to their dispositions than agricultural pursuits. Their menials, the voyageurs, penetrated the fastnesses of the Western wilderness with a perseverance and courage almost without a parallel in the history of explorations of savage countries. Indeed, they ont-savaged the savage in that re
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