USA > Michigan > Michigan official directory and legislative manual for the years 1915-1916 > Part 44
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Soo Mutual Savings and Loan Association.
Sault Ste. Marie.
July, 1888
3,000,000
Standard Savings and Loan Association ..
Detroit ..
February, 1890
7,000,000
Sturgis. .
June, 1910
200,000
St. Johns
January, 1890
1,250,000
Three Rivers Building and Loan Association
Three Rivers .
April, 1888 .
625,000
Union Building and Loan Association, Ltd.
Lansing
June, 1886.
2,000,000
Sault Ste. Marie.
June, 1905.
200,000
Grand Rapids.
November, 1887.
2,000,000
Bay City.
July, 1891.
5,000,000
Grand Rapids
January, 1888
5,000,000
Ypsilanti Building and Loan Association.
Ypsilanti.
April, 1890
3,000,000
.
Sturgis Building and Loan Association. St. Johns Building and Loan Association.
Upper Peninsula Mutual Building and Loan Association. Valley City Building and Loan Association. West Bay City Building and Loan Association. West Side Building and Loan Association.
BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS.
367
-Mutual Home and Savings Association. National Loan and Investment Co. New Home Co-operative Building and Loan Association.
Ottawa County Building and Loan Association.
368
MICHIGAN MANUAL.
COUNTY AGENTS
OF THE
STATE BOARD OF CORRECTIONS AND CHARITIES.
DECEMBER 15, 1914.
County.
Name.
Postoffice.
Alcona.
John Greenfield .
Alger .
Nicholas Hajjar.
Alpena.
John M. Wilson
Allegan
Emerson Allen
Antrim
J. E. Hill.
Arenac.
James C. Fry
Baraga
Jas. McKercher
Barry
Charles H. Bauer. Griffin Lewis .
Benzie.
Frank O. Wickham
Berrien
William H. Bullard
Branch.
Llewlyn S. Daniels
Calhoun
Cass
J. Henry Stephens Jasper J. Ritter L. C. Madison .
Charlevoix
Cheboygan
E. A. Bouchard .
Chippewa
James A. Troutt.
Clare.
William Murphy
Clinton
Martin F. Washburn. Adelbert Taylor.
Delta
Peter N. Peterson
Dickinson
J. H. Karkeet
Eaton ..
Jas. H. Brown.
Emmet .
Geo. A. Weaver
Genesee
E. Sumner Rust
Gladwin.
Thomas J. Moore.
Grand Traverse
J. W. Hilliker
Gratiot.
M. R. Salter.
Gogebic.
O. F. Stabler. B. H. Bump.
Houghton
Thos. McGrath .
Huron .
Charles Fuller. Dr. Chas. D. Black
Tonia
Jerome Lavery Alfred J. Noel.
Iron.
Charles Neugebauer
Isabella .
Jackson
Kalamazoo
W. E. Preston. John Crowcombe George C. Thayer Alfred B. Cornell
Kalkaska.
.
Harrisville. Munising. Alpena. Allegan. Elk Rapids.
Standish. Michigamme. Hastings. Bay City. Frankfort.
Niles. Coldwater. Battle Creek. Dowagiac. East Jordan.
Cheboygan. Sault Ste. Marie. Harrison. St. Johns. Grayling.
Escanaba. Iron Mountain. Charlotte. Petoskey. Flint.
Gladwin. Traverse City. Ithaca. Ironwood. Hillsdale.
Hillsdale .
Ingham
Iosco
Hancock. Bad Axe. Lansing. Ionia. East Tawas.
Iron River. Mt. Pleasant. Jackson. Kalamazoo. Kalkaska.
.
Crawford.
Bay.
369
CORRECTIONS AND CHARITIES.
COUNTY AGENTS .- Concluded.
County.
Name.
Postoffice.
Kent ..
John P. Hayes.
Grand Rapids. .
Keweenaw
Dr. A. N. Chatel.
Phoenix.
Lake.
Chas. B. Streeter
Luther.
Lapeer.
Wm. E. Myers
Lapeer. Omena.
Lenawee.
John A. Fitch
Livingston
Wm. H. Horton.
Luce.
Herbert E. Smith
Mackinac.
John O. Sullivan .
Macomb.
R. J. Crawford.
Manistee
Joseph Schneider
Manistee.
Marquette.
Thos. M. Wells.
Negaunee.
Mason
W. H. Kimball.
Ludington.
Mecosta.
Warren A. Hunt
Menominee
Fred A. Bruce.
Midland .
James Lamay
Midland.
Missaukee
John Seafuse.
Lake City.
Monroe
Irving S. Harrington.
Montcalm.
C. C. Messenger.
Montmorency.
Edward Cameron.
Muskegon
H. D. Baker.
Muskegon.
Newaygo
Carlos Kimball.
Fremont.
Oakland
Richard Belt. .
Pontiac.
Oceana. .
John R. Butler
Hart. West Branch.
Ontonagon
Dr. J. S. Nitterauer
Ontonagon.
Osceola.
Frank E. Turner
Evart. Mio.
Oscoda.
Samuel E. Park
Otsego
R. D. Bailey C. Roosenraad .
Gaylord. Zeeland.
Presque Isle
Daniel Baker
Onaway. Roscommon.
Roscommon
William M. Coon.
Saginaw
Rev. Robert Stapleton.
Sanilac. .
William T. Brown Alex. Davidson ..
Saginaw. Carsonville. Manistique.
Shiawassee
Rev. C. H. Hanks
St. Clair ..
Henry F. Marx ..
St. Joseph
W. Irving Ashley Robert G. Lyon.
Owosso. Port Huron. Centerville. Vassar.
Van Buren. Washtenaw
Wm. A. Clark ..
Wayne.
S. J. Lawrence Wm. Hodges.
Paw Paw. Ann Arbor. Northville. Cadillac.
Wexford.
County agents are appointed by the governor upon the recommendation of the state board of corrections and charities and hold office indefinitely at his pleasure. They receive three dollars per day and expenses while officially engaged in the performance of their duties.
47
/
Leelanau
Abbie Morgan
Adrian. Fowlerville.
Newberry. St. Ignace. Armada.
Big Rapids. Menominee.
Monroe. Stanton. Atlanta.
Ogemaw
James B. Ross
Ottawa.
Schoolcraft
Tuscola .
Albert F. Hurlbut
370
MICHIGAN MANUAL.
REPORT OF THE STATE TREASURER.
CONDITION OF THE STATE TREASURY AT THE CLOSE OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1913.
Balance on hand July 1, 1912. Total receipts.
$8,980,404 64 13,434,472 52
$22,414,877 16
Disbursements
13,165,468 42
Balance on hand June 30, 1913.
$9,249,408 74
The following statement from the general and auxiliary ledgers gives the condition of the several trust funds, etc.
Credit-
General fund.
$3,422,950 62
Primary school interest fund .
5,741,198 49
University interest fund.
9,652 09
Sundry deposits accounts.
74,567 05
Normal school interest funds
1,040 49
$9,249,408 74
Debit-
Cash on hand.
$9,249,408 74
TRUST FUNDS.
Agricultural college funds.
$990,313 86
Normal school fund.
69,366 04
Primary school fund (7%)
4,307,147 67
Primary school fund (5%)
981,165 49
University fund .
546,219 40
$6,894,212 46
UNIVERSITY DEPOSIT (TREADWELL) FUND.
Legacy Adah Z. Treadwell, interest on same to be expended annually for support of free bed in University Hospital for some poor and deserving patient.
$2,000 00
REPORT OF THE STATE TREASURER.
371
CONDITION OF THE STATE TREASURY AT THE CLOSE OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1914.
Balance on hand July 1, 1913 . Total receipts .
$9,249,408 74 17,133,162 21
$26,382,570 95
Disbursements.
16,211,285 92
Balance on hand June 30, 1914.
$10,171,285 03
The following statement from the general and auxiliary ledgers gives the condition of the several trust funds, etc.
Credit-
General fund.
$4,380,057 27
Specific tax fund .
5,373,721 84
Primary school interest fund.
359,674 28
University interest fund .
9,640 29
Sundry deposits accounts
46,956 06
Agricultural College interest fund
15 75
State insurance fund
1,219 54
$10,171,285 03
Debit ---
Cash on hand.
$10,171,285 03
TRUST FUNDS.
Agricultural college fund .
$991,673 86
Normal school fund.
69,366 04
Primary school fund (7%)
4,309,788 71
Primary school fund (5%).
981,706 48
University fund .
546,579 40
$6,899,114 49
UNIVERSITY DEPOSIT (TREADWELL) FUND.
Legacy Adah Z. Treadwell, interest on same to be expended annually for support of free bed in University Hospital for some poor and deserving patient .
$2,000 00
-
372
MICHIGAN MANUAL.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM OF MICHIGAN.
SUPREME COURT.
The territorial government of Michigan was established in 1805. The supreme court of the territory consisted of a chief and two associate judges appointed by the president of the United States. The judge holding the commission of earliest date was made chief judge, and the other judges took precedence according to the dates of their commissions. When, however, commissions bore the same date precedence was determined by the ages of the judges. Their term of office was " during good behavior," and so they held until the year 1824, when the "second grade" of territorial govern- ment was established.
This court at first had original and exclusive jurisdiction in all cases involving the title to land, criminal cases punishable capitally, and cases of divorce and alimony ; afterwards, of all cases beyond the jurisdiction of inferior courts, all cases wherein the United States was a party and all actions of ejectment. During the existence of the district courts, it had concurrent jurisdiction therewith in civil matters, when the demand exceeded $500; after that it was given original and exclusive jurisdiction of claims above $200. After the organization of county courts, it had original jurisdiction of ejectment and civil actions, when more than $1,000 was in controversy .. It also de- termined all legal questions arising in circuit courts, on motion for new trial, in arrest of judgments or cases reversed, and it also issued writs. of error to circuit and county courts.
The following judges were members of the supreme court of the territory under the "first" grade of territorial government:
Term began.
Term expired.
1805-Augustus B. Woodward, C. J 1824.
1805-Frederick Bates, A. J. 1808. Resigned.
1806-John Griffin, A. J .. 1824.
1805-James Witherell, A. J . 1824.
Upon the establishment of the "second" grade of territorial government in 1824, the term of office was limited to four years. From that time until the admission of Michigan to the Union in 1837, the following judges were members of the supreme court :
Term began. Term expired.
1824-James Witherell, C. J 1828.
1824-Solomon Sibley, A. J 1837.
1824-John Hunt, A. J. 1827.
1827-Henry Chipman, A. J. 1832.
1828-William Woodbridge, C. J 1832.
1832-George Morell, C. J. 1837.
1832-Ross Wilkins, A. J.
1837.
All the sessions of this court were held at Detroit, the capital of the territory.
· The constitution of 1835 provided for a supreme court, the judges of which were to be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to hold for a term of seven years. By an act approved July 16, 1836, the court was made to consist of a chief justice and two associate justices, a majority of whom should constitute a quorum. It was given essentially the same powers, except chancery, that the supreme court and superior circuit courts of the territory exercised. The state was divided into three circuits, and the supreme court was required to hold an annual term in each circuit. The term of the first circuit was held at Detroit, that of the second at Ann Arbor, and that of the third at Kalamazoo.
The revised statutes of 1838 made the supreme court consist of one chief and three associate justices, and gave it "original and appellate jurisdiction of all such matters
373
JUDICIAL SYSTEM OF MICHIGAN.
and suits at law, and in equity and in probate cases," as might be lawfully brought before it; also, "jurisdiction of suits, actions and matters brought before it by writ of certiorari or writ of error." Authority was also given " to issue writs of error, certiorari, mandamus, habeas corpus, procedendo, supersedeas," and other necessary writs and. process for the due execution of the law. The supreme court was, moreover, given a general superintendence over inferior courts. Two annual terms were to be held at Detroit, two at Ann Arbor, one at Kalamazoo and one at Pontiac. Any two of the justices constituted a quorum for the transaction of business.
The revision of 1846 made no essential changes in the composition or the jurisdiction of the supreme court, but altered its annual terms. Four terms were provided for, called the January, May, July and October terms. The January term was held at Detroit, the May term at Kalamazoo, the July term at Jackson, and the October term at Pontiac.
The following is a list of supreme court judges under the constitution of 1835:
Term began.
Term expired.
1836-Wm. A. Fletcher, C. J. 1842. Resigned.
1836-George Morell, A. J. 1842. C. J. Vice Fletcher, July 18, 1843.
1836-Epaphroditus Ransom, A. J. 1842.
1838-Charles W. Whipple, A. J .. 1848. Additional justice.
1843-Epaphroditus Ransom, C. J. 1848.
1848-Charles W. Whipple, C. J. 1852.
1842-Alpheus Felch, A. J.
1845. Resigned.
1843-Daniel Goodwin, A. J.
1846. Resigned.
1845-Warner Wing, A. J.
1852. Vice Felch.
1846-George Miles, A. J.
1850. Vice Goodwin; died in 1850.
1848-Sanford M. Green, A. J. 1852.
1848-Edward Mundy, A. J.
1851. Additional A. J., deceased.
1850-Abner Pratt, A. J .. 1852. Vice Miles, deceased.
1851-George Martin, A. J.
1852. Vice Mundy, deceased.
The constitution of 1850 provided that for the term of six years the judges of the several circuit courts should be judges of the supreme court. Four of them were to constitute a quorum, and a concurrence of three was necessary to a final decision. There were five circuit judges in the state at that time, who constituted the first supreme court under the new constitution.
The court thus organized had "a general superintending control over all inferior courts" and had " power to issue writs of error, habeas corpus, mandamus, quo warranto, procedendo, and other original and remedial writs." In other cases it was given appellate jurisdiction only. Four annual terms were provided for. These were fixed by statute as follows: A January term to be held at Detroit; a May term at Kalamazoo; a July term at Adrian, and an October term at Pontiac. It was afterwards provided that a fifth annual term should be held at Lansing.
The following is the list of circuit jud ges constituting the supreme court for six years after the adoption of the new constitution:
John S. Goodrich Elected April, 1851. Died before qualifying.
Warner Wing . Resigned, 1856
George Martin.
Sanford M. Green. .Resigned, 1857
Joseph T. Copeland.
Samuel T. Douglass
. Resigned, 1857
David Johnson.
.Resigned, 1857
Abner Pratt.
. Resigned, 1857
Charles W. Whipple
Died, October, 1855
Nathaniel Bacon .. October, 1855, vice Whipple
Edward H. C. Wilson. November, 1856, vice Wing
Benjamin .F. H. Witherell May, 1857, vice Douglass
Benjamin F. Graves . May, 1857, vice Pratt
Josiah Turner . May, 1857, vice Green
Edwin Lawrence.
.May, 1857, vice Johnson
-
374
MICHIGAN MANUAL.
In 1857, acting under constitutional authority, the legislature reorganized the supreme court, making it consist of one chief and three associate justices, elected by the people for a term of eight years. The legislature of 1887 increased the number of justices to five, and the terms of the additional justice and all justices elected after 1887, to ten years.
Three constituted a quorum, and they were required to hold four regular annual terms. The first statutory regulation provided for a January and a July term at Detroit, and a May and October term at Lansing. In 1859 the May term was changed to April. In 1873 all terms were ordered held at Lansing, and in 1875 the July term was changed to June.
By Act 250 of 1903 the number of justices was increased to eight, five of whom con- stitute a quorum, and the term of office was reduced to eight years.
JUSTICES OF SUPREME COURT.
Under constitution of 1850.
Term for which elected.
Term for which elected.
George Martin (a)
1858-1867
John W. McGrath (d) (o) (p). 1891-1895
Randolph Manning (b).
1858-1869
Claudius B. Grant (d)
1890-1899
Thomas M. Cooley (c) (d)
1864-1869
Robert M. Montgomery (d)
1892-1901
James V. Campbell (d).
1858-1871
George H. Durand (g).
1892-1892
Isaac P. Christiancy (d)
1858-1873
Frank A. Hooker (d) (r)
1894-1903
Benjamin F. Graves (d). 1868-1875
Joseph B. Moore (d) 1896-1905
Thomas M. Cooley (d) (s) 1870-1877
Charles D. Long (t) 1898-1907
James V. Campbell (d) . 1872-1879
Claudius B. Grant (w). 1900-1909
Isaac P. Christiancy (e) (f) 1874-1881
Robert M. Montgomery1 1902-1911
Isaac Marston (d) (g). 1875-1881
William L. Carpenter (u) (x) . 1902-1907
Benjamin F. Graves (d). 1876-1881
Frank A. Hooker3. 1904-1913
Thomas M. Cooley (d) (h)
1878-1885
Aaron V. McAlvay*(v) 1905-1907
Allen B. Morse (¿).
1885-1885
Charles A. Blair*(v). 1905-1909
James V. Campbell (d)
1880-1887
Russell C. Ostrander* 1905-1911
Isaac Marston (j)
1882-1889
Joseph B. Moore* 1906-1913
Thomas R. Sherwood (d) (k) . 1882-1889
William L. Carpenter*(y) 1908-1915
John W. Champlin (d) 1884-1891
Aaron V. McAlvay* 1908-1915
Allen B. Morse (d) (l).
1886-1893
Flavius L. Brooke (z) 1908-1915
James V. Campbell (m).
1888-1890
John E. Bird2. 1910-1911
Charles D. Long (d)
1888-1897
Joseph H. Steere5 1911-1913
Edward Cahill (n)
1890-1890
Under constitution of 1909.
Charles A. Blair4
1910-1917
John E. Bird. 1912-1919
Franz C. Kuhn6
1912-1917
Joseph B. Moore. 1914-1921
John W. Stone.
1910-1917
Joseph H. Steere. 1914-1921
Russell C. Ostrander.
1912-1919
(a) Chief Justice.
(b) Died in 1864.
(c) Vice Manning, deceased.
(d) Last two years as chief justice.
(e) Resigned, February 27, 1875.
(f) Died Sept. 8, 1890.
(g) Vice Christiancy, resigned.
(h) Resigned in 1885.
(i) Vice Cooley, resigned.
(j) Resigned, Feb. 2, 1883.
(k) Vice Marston.
(l) Resigned, August 30, 1892.
(m) Died March 26, 1890.
(n) Appointed to succeed Campbell, April 5 to December 31.
(o) Elected to succeed Campbell.
* Elected under provisions of Act 250 of 1903.
1 Resigned, April 5, 1910.
2 Vice Montgomery, resigned; appointed June 6, 1910; elected Nov. 8, 1910; chief justice until Jan. 1, 1911.
(p) Chief justice to succeed Morse, Oct. 4 to Dec. 31, 1892.
(g) Appointed to fill vacancy temporarily.
(r) Elected to succeed Morse.
(s) Died in 1898.
(t) Died June 27, 1902.
(u) Vice Long, deceased.
(v) Last year of term as chief justice.
(w) Chief justice, 1908.
(x) Chief justice, 1906.
(y) Resigned September 15, 1908.
(z) Vice Carpenter, resigned; appointed Nov. 7, 1908; elected to succeed Carpenter.
3 Died July 10, 1911.
4 Died August 30, 1912.
5 Vice Hooker, deceased; appointed Aug. 30, 1911; elected Nov. 5, 1912.
6 Vice Blair, deceased; appointed Sept.
6, 1912; elected Nov. 5, 1912.
375
JUDICIAL SYSTEM OF MICHIGAN.
DISTRICT COURTS. V
Soon after the organization of the territorial government, the governor had divided. the territory into four judicial districts, known as the districts of Erie, Huron, Detroit and Michilimackinac. An act was adopted on the twenty-fifth of July, 1805, establish- ing three district courts to be held by the judges of the supreme court, one for the district of Erie, another for the districts of Huron and Detroit, to hold two terms annually each; and one for the district of Michilimackinac, to hold one annual term. These courts were to have jurisdiction of demands exceeding $20. In 1807 the district courts were made to consist of a chief judge and two associate judges, residents of the district, to be appointed by the governor and to hold office during good behavior.
There are no records in the state department of appointments under this act, but merely entries of the return of two commissions, one by John Anderson, dated April 15, 1807, as chief justice of the district court of the district of Erie, and another to Samuel Abbott, dated July 16, 1807, as associate justice of the district court of the district of Michilimackinac.
These courts were abolished in 1810, and for the next five years there was no inter- mediate court between the supreme and justices' courts.
By an act approved February 27, 1840, "the district court of the county of Wayne" was established, composed of a presiding judge appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to hold four years, and the two associate judges of the circuit court. This court had criminal jurisdiction only, but equal to that of the circuit courts. In 1843 a new act was passed, establishing a district court in each of the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Jackson, and the term of office of the presiding judge was lengthened to five years. These courts were all dropped by the revised statutes of 1846, as passed by the legislature, though retained in the original draft of the revision.'
Henry Chipman was appointed presiding judge of the Wayne county district court in 1840, and held the office until the change in 1843. Then Benjamin F. H. Witherell was appointed presiding judge for the district courts of the four counties. He held until the court was abolished.
The constitution of 1850 provided that the counties of the upper peninsula and the islands appertaining thereto should constitute a separate judicial district. The district judge was to be elected for the same term, perform the same duties, and possess the same powers as the circuit judges. This court was abolished in 1863. Daniel Goodwin held the district judgeship until the circuit was organized in the upper peninsula.
COURT OF CHANCERY.
Upon the establishment of a state government, equity and common law jurisdiction was separated and vested in distinct courts. All equity powers were vested in a court of chancery exclusively, save that certain exceptional cases might be taken to the supreme court, and appeals by any person aggrieved by the decree or final order of the court of chancery. This court held sessions, in turn, in each of the circuits into which the state was divided by the act establishing circuit courts. All causes were to be heard and determined in the circuits in which they arose. This court was abolished by the revised statutes of 1846, as passed by the legislature, although the original draft of the revision provided for its continuance, with some modifications intended to simplify and perfect the system. Its jurisdiction was conferred upon the several circuit courts and it has remained there ever since.
The following is a list of chancellors:
Term began.
1836-Elon Farnsworth.
1842-Randolph Manning.
1846-Elon Farnsworth ..
Term expired.
1842. Resigned.
1846. Resigned.
1847. Court abolished.
376
MICHIGAN MANUAL.
CIRCUIT COURTS.
In 1824 the three judges of the supreme court were required to hold an annual term in each of the counties of Wayne, Monroe, Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair and were authorized to hold special sessions in Crawford, Brown and Michilimackinac counties whenever deemed advisable "in their sound discretion." In 1825 circuit courts were established by name, but were still held by the judges of the supreme court. The circuit court was given original jurisdiction in all civil actions at law where the demand exceeded $1,000, of actions of ejectment, of all criminal cases punishable capitally, and of all cases not exclusively cognizable by other courts, concurrent jurisdiction with county courts in civil actions beyond the jurisdiction of justices of the peace, and of criminal offenses not punishable capitally, and appellate jurisdiction from county courts. The circuits were not changed by this act of 1825. Another act was passed in 1827, repealing the essential provisions of the acts of 1824 and 1825, and providing for two more circuits, viz .: Washtenaw and Lenawee. The same discretionary powers as to holding terms in Crawford, Brown and Michilimackinac counties were continued.
In 1833 the county courts in all the counties of the territory east of Lake Michigan except Wayne were abolished and their places supplied by "the circuit court of the territory of Michigan." It consisted of one circuit judge for the entire circuit, and two associate judges for each county. The circuit judge was appointed for four years and the associate judges for three. The court had both chancery and common law jurisdiction and was given original jurisdiction of civil cases at law and crimes not within the jurisdiction of a justice of the peace and appellate jurisdiction of such as were. It might also determine questions of law arising on motions for new trial or in arrest of judgment. The circuit courts already existing were now called superior circuit courts, and were empowered to issue writs of error to the circuit courts. William A. Fletcher was judge of the circuit court of the territory from the organization of that court until Michigan became a state.
By act approved March 26, 1836, the state was divided into three circuits, and judges of the supreme court were to perform the duties of circuit judges. These courts were given the same powers and jurisdiction as the territorial circuit courts under the act of 1833, except in chancery matters. By the revision of 1846 the court of chancery was abolished and chancery powers conferred upon the several circuit courts. Since then the jurisdiction of circuit courts has been essentially as at present. The constitu- tion of 1850 made the office of circuit judge elective, and the term of office six years. The last act revising the arrangement of the circuits was approved May 29, 1897, and provided for thirty-five circuits. Act No. 15, Public Acts of 1899, created the thirty- sixth circuit. Acts Nos. 40 and 220, P. A. 1901, created the thirty-seventh and thirty- eighth circuits. Act No. 75, P. A. 1907, created the thirty-ninth circuit.
By the constitution of 1909, circuit courts are required to be held four times each year in every county organized for judicial purposes. In addition the legislature is granted power to combine the circuits into judicial districts and provide the manner of holding courts in such districts.
PROBATE COURTS.
By act of the governor and judges, adopted August 31, 1805, the courts of the several districts, or any judge of the said territory, or the clerk of the court of the district, were authorized to take the proof of wills and grant letters testamentary and of adminis- tration. In 1811 provision was made for the appointment in each district of a register, with essentially the same powers. Finally, in 1818, a court of probate was established in each county, to be held by some " able and learned person," appointed by the governor from which court appeal might be taken to the supreme court. These courts continued in operation until after Michigan had become a state.
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