USA > Michigan > Huron County > Portrait and biographical album of Huron county Michigan, Containing biographical sketches of citizens also a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 12
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154
HENRY P. BALDWIN.
success that has attended his efforts in all relations of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis- tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the State, and while his influence appears in all things with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in the most prominent position to which he was called. With rare exceptions the important commendations of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislat-
ure. During his administration marked improve- ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma- tory institutions of the State. The State Public School for dependent children was founded and a permanent commission for the supervision of the several State institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of Correction, and the establishment of the State Board of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his message of 1873. The new State Capitol also owes its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection vas made upon his recommendation, and the contract for the entire work let under this administration. Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under whose faithful supervision the building was erected in a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State.
He advised and earnestly urged at different times such amendments of the constitution as would per- mit a more equitable compensation to State officers and judges. The law of 1869, and prior also, permitting municipalities to vote aid toward the construc -* tion of railroads was, in 1870, declared unconstitu- tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the munici- palities having in the meantime issued and sold their bonds in good faith, Governor B. felt that the honor and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the Legislature to propose the submission to the people a constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment of such bonds as were already in the hands of bond- fide holders. In his special message he says : "The credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan, and the people can not afford, and I trust will not consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu- diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe- cial session was called in March, 1872, principally for the division of the State into congressional districts. A number of other important suggestions were made, however, and as an evidence of the Governor's la- borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition
of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub- mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts, expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to 1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin- istration were the devastating fires which swept over many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 1871. A large part of the city of Chicago having been re- duced to ashes, Governor B. promptly issued a proc- lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had this been issued when several counties in his State were laid waste by the same destroying element. A second call was made asking assistance for the suf- fering people of Michigan. The contributions for these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than $700,000 having been received in money and supplies for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were these contributions during the short period of about 3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation expressing in behalf of the people of the State grate- ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further aid was unnecessary.
Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own country and has also made several visits to Europe and other portions of the Old World. He was a pas- senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac- count of the transaction. The following estimate of Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is a characteristic document and possesses the lucid statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which have been marked features of all preceding documents from the same source. Governor B. retired to private life after four years of unusually successful adminis- tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the State. For many years eminent and capable men have filled the executive chair of this State, but in painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un- usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State administration has fully kept pace with the needs of the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day possesses to such remarkable degree."
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Ino. I. Pagluf.
157
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
JOHN J. BAGLEY.
J OHN JUDSON BAGLEY, Governor of Michigan from 1873 to 1877, was born in Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., July 24, 1832. His father, John Bagley, was a native of New Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. Bagley, of Connecticut. He at- tended the district school of Lock- port, N. Y., until he was eight years old, at which time his father moved to Constantine, Mich., and he at- tended the common schools of that village. His early experience was like that of many country boys whose parents removed from Eastern States to the newer portion of the West. His father being in very poor circum- stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work as soon as he was able to do so. Leaving school when 13 years of age he entered a country store in Constan- tine as clerk. His father then re- moved to Owosso, Mich., and he again engaged as clerk in a store. From early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of such books, papers and periodicals as came within his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and remained in this position for about five years.
In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become
one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- surance corporations. He was President of the Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur- ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer- ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- holder and director in various other corporations. Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover- nor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv- ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- elected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877. He was an active worker in the Republican party, and for many years was Chairman of the Republican State Central committee.
Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not bound by any religious creed or formula. He held in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de- nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. 16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan, who took an active part in the early educational mat- ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex- cellent system of education. It was principally
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JOHN J. BAGLEY.
through his exertions that the State University was founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children.
As Governor his administration was charac- terized by several important features, chief among which were his efforts to improve and make popular the educational agencies of the State by increasing the faculty of the University for more thorough in- struction in technical studies, by strengthening the hold of the Agricultural College upon the public good will and making the general change which has manifested itself in many scattered primary districts. Among others were an almost complete revolution in the management of the penal and charitable institutions of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- ers through county agents, which has proved of great good in turning the young back from crime and plac- ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent; in se- curing for the militia the first time in the history of Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. in the earlier part of his administration that the law creating the State Board of Health, and also the law creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the State, were passed, both of which have proved of great benefit to the State. The successful representation of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- tration.
As Governor, he felt that he represented the State -not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- resents his employer, and as the Executive of the State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli- gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of the people he so much loved. He was ambitious- ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to the fact that the more we have the more is required of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He had great hopes for his State and his country. He had his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to labor for them, Self entered not into the calculation.
His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered the conflict eagerly and hopefully.
His State papers were models of compact, busi- ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of practical suggestions, and his administrations will long be considered as among the ablest in this or any other State.
His noble, generous nature made his innumerable benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- ally, to him it was "more blessed to give than to receive."
His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char- ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipi- ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew the hand that gave.
At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- sponse to some charitable request, and said to him: "Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about how much does your charities amount to in a year?" He turned at once and said: "I do not know, sir; I do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more next year than I have this." This expressed his idea of charity, that the giving should at all times be free and spontaneous.
During his leasure hours from early life, and espe-
0 cially during the last few years, he devoted much time to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog- raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life and Work of John Adams," in ten volumes.
In all questions of business or public affairs he seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of the nut in the least possible time. In reading he would spend scarcely more time with a volume than most persons would devote to a chapter. After what seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value the book contained. Rarely do we see a business man so familiar with the best English authors. He was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and his elegant home was a study and a pleasure to his many friends, who always found there a hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas eve he gathered his children about him and, taking the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, closing the entertainment with "The Night Before Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol."
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Yours Very July Charles "M. Mroswell)
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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
161
CHARLES M. CROSWELL.
HARLES M. CROSWELL, Governor of Michigan from Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. 1, 1881, was born at Newburg, Orange County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825. He is the only son of John and Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His father, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction, was a paper-maker, and carried on business in New York City. His ancestors on his mother's side were of Knicker- bocker descent. The Croswell family may be found connected with prominent events, in New York and Connecticut, in the early exis- tence of the Republic. Harry Cros- well, during the administration of President Jefferson, published a pa- per called the Balance, and was prosecuted for libeling the President under the obnoxious Sedition Law. He was defended by the celebrated Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- ion of the case establised the important ruling that the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam- ous editor of the Albany Argus ; also, Rev. William Croswell, noted as a divine and poet.
When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age, his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson River, at Newburg ; and, within three months preced- ing that event, his mother and only sister had died, -- thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the family, without fortune or means. Upon the death
of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car- penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare time to reading and the acquirement of knowledge. In 1846, he began the study of law, and was ap- pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du- ties of this office he performed four years, when he was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected in 1852. In 1854, he took part in the first movements for the formation of the Republican party, and was a member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus- tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor.
In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, and again in 1866, during each term filling the posi- tions above mentioned. Among various reports made by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the death penalty, and another against a proposition to pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin, which then commanded a very large premium, may be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. In 1863, from his seat in the State Senate, he de- livered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama-
162
CHARLES M. CROSWELL.
tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, and of his general policy in the prosecution of the war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- ates, was afterwards published. In 1867, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and chosen its presiding officer. This convention was composed of an able body of men; and though, in the general distrust of constitutional changes which for some years had been taking possession of the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- tion they proposed had been prepared with great care and skill.
In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was elected a Representative to the State Legislature from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the close of the session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, and the fairness of his rulings were freely and form- ally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre- sented with a superb collection of their portraits handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years, Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi- gan; in which position, his propositions for the amel- ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- nevolence of his nature, and the practical character of his mind.
In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party in August of the same year, he was put in nomination by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At the election in November following, he was chosen to the high position for which he had been nominated, by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. His inaugural message was received with general favor; and his career as Governor was marked with the same qualities of head and heart that have ever distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman.
Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad- dresses with care; and, as his diction is terse, clear, and strong, without excess of ornament, and his de- livery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in the public prints, and have a permanent value. He has always manifested a deep interest in educational matters, and was foryears a member and Secretary of the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal opening of the Central School building in that city, on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public address, an "Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public Schools."
In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as exemplary as in his public career he has been suc- cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar- ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh- ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in business difficulties, for which his unfailing pru- dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov- ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of like political faith with himself, but with those who differ from him in this regard.
During Gov. Croswell's administration the public debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap- propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elec- tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened, and the new capital at Lansing was completed and occupied. The first act of his second term was to pre- side at the dedication of this building. The great riot at Jackson occured during his administration, and it was only by his promptness that great distruction of both life and property was prevented at that time.
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Daviset Sauce
GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN.
165
DAVID G. JEROME.
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DAVID H. JEROME, Gover- nor of from Jan. 1, 1881, to Jan. 1, 1883, was born at De- troit, Mich., Nov. 17, 1829. His parents emigrated to Michigan from Trumansburg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828, locating at Detroit. His father died March 30, 1831, leaving nine children. He had been twice married, and four of the children living at the time of his death were grown up sons, the off- spring of his first union. Of the five children by his second marriage, David H. was the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his widow moved back to New York and settled in Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained until the fall of 1834, the four sons by the first wife continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the Governor formed those habits of industry and ster- ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the district school, and in the acquisition of the funda- mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity and an application which won for him the admiration of his teachers, and always placed him at the head of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two
older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 years of age David received his mother's permission to attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend- ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de- ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following winter performed the same service for James Ogden, also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purpose of continuing her son in school. While attending said academy one of his associate students was Sena- tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He completed his education in the fall of his 16th year, and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac.
In 1847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair Coun- ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining as such during 1848-'49, and receiving much praise from his employers and the people in general for the ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board the lake vessels.
In 1849-'50, he abandoned office work, and for the proper development of his physical system spent several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850, his brother " Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer "Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas- ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged in the passenger and freight traffic between Port Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which
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DAVID H. JEROME.
vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels from one lake to the other, and put his plan into operation. Through the influence of practical men,- among them the subject of this sketch,-Congress removed the obstruction above referred to, and now vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000 bushels of grain.
During the season, the two brothers succeeded in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract to raise the "Gen. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, but. possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the spring of 1851, he was clerk and acting master of the steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- ton," running between Detroit and Buffalo.
In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- tion, among the mountains near Marysville. He re- mained there during the summer, and located the Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, but when the water supply began to fail with the dry season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, about a year after his departure. During his absence his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in 1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Black- mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management of the business. . From 1855 to 1873 he was also ex- tensively engaged in lumbering operations.
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