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 49
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Robert Munford has a fine assortment of general merchandise, and is also Postmaster. He is an old settler, having opened his business here in 1860. The village is supplied with a daily mail from Sand Beach and westward to the railroad station, Adams' Corners.
Dr. W. L. Schoales is the village physician.
Mrs. M. A. Ferguson is landlady of the Cottage House, which is one of the old pioneer establish- ments, having been opened here twenty-five years ago. It was burned in 1871, but was rebuilt again. When the fire came on they fled into the lake for safety, which was all that saved them. The people flocked in from the country and rushed into the lake as the only means of saving their lives. Everything was destroyed in the village. The people managed, by ducking into the water and keeping themselves wet, to save their lives. Mrs. Ferguson, who lost one eye, relates that after the fire was over they went back with their children to where their hotel had but a short time before stood. Their home was gone! Her little boy picked up three clothes-pins, which was all there was left. During the fire it was so dark that they could see nothing. . One empty wagon and a buggy were rolled out into the lake, that they might be saved. After the fire was over they were found burned down to the water's edge, with only the ends of the spokes just above water!
They have a good school at this village and a good brick school-house, which cost $2,000. W. W.
Brown is Principal and Miss Minnie Spearin as- sistant.
CHURCHES.
The Congregational Church was organized in 1879, and built their church edifice the same year ; cost, $1,400. Rev. R. M. Burgess was Pastor. The church was dedicated in 1880. At this time they had twelve members.
The Methodist Church was established at White Rock in 1879. A building was erected the same year. Rev. Robert Bird was in charge. A Method- ist society has existed here since 1854. Services are now held every two weeks, the minister coming from Minden. Among the . old settlers of White Rock village are Charles McKee, Orson King, David Snady and Isaac Van Wermer.
This village is pleasantly situated, and has good agricultural country back of it.
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WINSOR GOWNSHIP.
INSOR Township is the youngest in Hu- 9 ron County and the last to be organized. It was organized in 1880, from Fair Haven. The election was held on the 6th of May. Charles E. Grant, C. Link and F. Thomp- son were the Inspectors. John Linsen was chosen Supervisor, Charles E. Grant, Treasurer, and J. N. McKay, Clerk; William Kappen, Highway Commissioner ; John Linsen, Samuel Gieger, Adam Harder and Wm. Kohn, Justices of the Peace; H. Harder, Superintendent of Schools.
The school districts are organized as follows : No. . I, on section 28; No. 3, on section 7; No. 4, on section 10.
The township is bounded on the north by Case- ville, on the east by Oliver, the south by Brookfield, and on the West by Fair Haven Township. Its number is 16 north, of range ro east.
The Pontiac, Oxford & Port Austin Railroad (broad-gauge) passes north and south through the western portion of this township. The soil is clay loom, and its productiveness is of a high degree.
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HURON COUNTY.
474
There is considerable swamp land, which contains, however, some valuable timber. It is watered by the Pigeon River and Shebahyonk Creek. The township contains some valuable farms and good farm buildings. An extensive limestone quarry exists in Winsor, from which is shipped a large amount of stone for building purposes. This is a most valuable adjunct to the township. A branch road from the.Saginaw, Huron & Tuscola Railroad runs to this quarry. The present destination of this railroad is eastward, running across the county through Bad Axe to Sand Beach. Parties have been boring near this quarry, and it is reported that
they have found a good material for grindstones.
William Holmes has a saw-mill, located near the southern line of the township, which he started in 1881. He cuts hard and soft lumber for the home markets, and is doing a good business.
A Lutheran Church has been established here, with a membership of twenty families. Services are held in a school-house in section 10, school dis- trict No. 4. It is presided over by Rev. Frederick Menke.
John Linsen has the honor to be the first and only Supervisor elected by the township to attend to its municipal affairs.
POLITICAL
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URON County held its first general election in the fall of 1860, when there were only two tickets in the field, - Republican and Democratic. The Re- publican ticket received a majority of the votes cast. On ac- count of the destruction of the rec- ords by fire, it is impossible to give a 0 report of this election, or of the elec- tion following, until 1864. To the memory of Hunting Trescott we are . indebted for the names of some of the county officers elected during this period. R. W. Irwin was elected as County Clerk in 1860, and he held that office until 1866, having been re-elected in 1864. Wesley Arm- strong was elected Sheriff in 1860, and in 1862,
Wm. Furman. Samuel Lawder was elected County Treasurer in 1860, and C. B. Cottrell in 1862. C. H. Gallup was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1860, and re-elected in 1862-4.
Huron County, since its organization, has been Republican until the late election, when it went Democratic. In local or county matters it has fre- quently elected Democratic candidates. Since the war there has been a strong Greenback element in the county, and of late years some agitation among the Prohibitionists. At the late election the Demo- crats and the Greenbackers fused, and the Prohibi- tionists put up a straight ticket. The people of the county have been very fortunate in the selection of their public servants from the first. They have been men of ability, integrity and worth. The county is practically out of debt, and financially and politi- cally is in a good condition.
The accompanying list gives the official vote of
HURON COUNTY.
475
the county from its organization (excepting from 1860 to 1863) up to and including 1884.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1864.
President-Abraham Lincoln, Rep., 360; George B. McClellan, Dem., 337.
Governor-Henry H. Crapo, Rep., 360; Wm. M. Fenton, Dem., 338.
Representative in Congress-John F. Driggs, Rep., 360; William Willard, Dem., 338. /
State Senator-Wm. R. Nims, Rep., 360; Nathan- iel B. Eldridge, Dem., 338.
State Representative-Richard Winsor, Rep., 341 ; Wm. R. Stafford, Dem., 325.
Sheriff-John H. Tucker, Rep., 328; Joseph Maukin, Dem., 339.
Treasurer-Chas. B. Cottrell, Rep., 382; James McIntosh, dem., 296.
Probate Judge-James B. Armstrong, Rep., 330; Robert Scott, Dem., 318.
County Clerk-Robert W. Irwin, Rep., 341 ; Charles S. McKee, Dem., 339.
Register of Deeds-Robert W. Irwin, Rep., 341 .; Charles S. McKee, Dem., 339.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Caleb H. Gallup, Rep., 344; A. E. Chadwick, Dem., 317.
Prosecuting Attorney-Caleb H. Gallup, Rep., 344; John Divine, Dem., 318.
County Surveyor-Charles B. Cottrell, Rep., 359 ; H. H. Case, Dem., 309.
Coroners -- Robert Munford, Rep., 351; Oscar F. Purdy, Rep., 35 1.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 13, 1866.
Governor-Henry H. Crapo, Rep., 505 ; Alpheus S. Williams, Dem., 332.
Representative in Congress-John F. Driggs, Rep., 502 ; Julius K. Rose, Dem., 334.
State Senator-John S. Jones, 487.
State Representative-Caleb H. Gallup, Rep., 459; Wm. R. Stafford, Dem., 37 I.
Sheriff-Joseph L. Quinn, Rep., 497; Frederick Hauselman, Dem., 310.
County Clerk and Register of Deeds-Herman W. Dickinson, Rep., 494 ; Niel C. Eachem, Dem., 336.
County Treasurer-Chas. B. Cottrell, Rep., 494; Truman B. Johnson, Dem., 336.
Prosecuting Attorney-Caleb H. Gallup, Rep., 38.
County Surveyor-Richard Smith, Rep., 511.
Coroners-John Muellerweiss, Rep., 503; H Tres- cott, Rep., 565.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1867.
Circuit Judge -- James S. Dewey, Rep., 347 ; Wm. T. Mitchell, Dem., to.
County Superintendent of Schools -- Charles B. Cottrell, 293.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, 1868.
President-Ulysses S. Grant, Rep., 698; Horatio Seymour, Dem., 477.
Governor-Henry P. Baldwin, Rep., 697; John Moore, Dem., 479.
Representative in Congress-Randolph Strick- land, Rep., 678 ; William Newton, Dem., 492.
State Senator-Richard Winsor, Rep., 646; George Smith, Dem., 497.
State Representative-Joseph W. Snell, Rep., 687 ; Carl Heisterman, Dem., 484.
Probate Judge-Robert W. Irwin, Rep., 653; Robert Scott, Dem., 492.
Sheriff-S. Kene, Rep., 611 ; Joseph W. Mankin, Dem., 481.
County Clerk and Register of Deeds-Richard Smith, Rep., 693; James E. Haywood, Dem., 481.
County Treasurer -- Charles B. Cottrell, Rep., 681 ; Wm. H. Cooper, Dem., 489.
Prosecuting Attorney-Caleb H. Gallup, Rep., 658; J. S. Barclay, Dem., 468.
Circuit Court Commissioner -- C. H. Gallup, Rep., 658; J. S. Barclay, Dem., 469.
County Surveyor-J. Ludington, Jr., Rep:, 651 ; James Miller, Dem., 508.
Coroners-Bennett Richards, Rep., 692 ; Joseph Wyrzykowski, Rep., 740.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1869.
Circuit Judge-William T. Mitchell, Rep., 497; E. F. Meade, Dem., 324; D. S. Dewey, Pro., 19.
County Superintendent of Schools-Chauncy Chap- man, elected. -
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1870.
Governor-Henry P. Baldwin, Rep, 511 ; Charles T. Comstock, Dem , 369.
Representative in Congress -- John G. Sutherland, Rep., 469; John F. Driggs, Dem., 413.
476
HURON COUNTY.
State Senator -- John C. Waterbury, Rep., 698; David Mills, Dem., 373.
State Representative-James E. Haywood, Dem., 468; John W. Wilson, Rep., 412.
Sheriff -- John C. Budde, Rep., 412 ; Byron Bartlett, Dem., 365 ; J. L. Quinn, Ind., 98.
County Clerk and Register of Deeds-Richard Smith, Rep., 534; James Adams, Dem., 35 I.
County Treasurer-Edmond Cole, Rep., 519; Moses Vance, Dem., 234.
Prosecuting Attorney-Richard Winsor, Rep., 530; Caleb H. Gallup, Dem., 267.
Circuit Court . Commissioner-James S. Ayres, Rep., 312 ; Caleb H. Gallup, Dem., 181.
County Surveyor -- Thomas B. Woodworth, Rep., 434; S. C. Carpenter, Dem., 25 1.
Coroners -- Bennett Richards, Rep., 487; Alex- ander M. Johnson, Rep., 479.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1872.
President-Ulysses S. Grant, Rep., 812; Horace Greeley, Dem., 243.
Representative in Congress -- Omar D. Conger, Rep., 946; John H. Richardson, Dem., 308.
State Senator-Ira H. Butterfield, Rep., 864; Joshua Manwairing, Dem., 385.
State Representative -- James E. Haywood, Dem., 712 ; Joseph W. Snell, Rep., 527.
Probate Judge-Robert W. Irwin, Rep., 749; Carl Heisterman, Dem., 476.
County Clerk and Register of Deeds-Richard Smith, Rep., 719; George Drury, Dem., 330.
Sheriff-Hugh McKinzie, Rep., 690; John C. Budde, Dem., 544.
County Treasurer-Edmond Cole, Rep., 856; Er- nest J. Beck, Dem., 394.
Prosecuting Attorney-George S. Engle, Dem., 644; Richard Winsor, Rep., 605.
Circuit Court Commissioner-Richard Winsor, Rep., 601 ; George S. Engle, Dem., 16.
County Surveyor-George Brown, Rep., 816; Byron Bartlett, Dem., 429.
Coroners-James Eakins, Rep., 864; Henry W. Dickinson, Rep., 864.
ELECTION OF .NOVEMBER 8, 1874.
Governor-John J. Bagely, Rep., 811; Henry Chamberlain, Dem., 620.
Representative in Congress-Omar D. Conger, Rep., 870; Enos Goodrich, Dem., 544.
State Senator-Jeremiah Jenks, Rep., 893; Joshua Manwairing, Dem., 526.
State Representative-Jeremiah Ludington, Jr., Rep., 794; Frank Buschkowski, Dem., 630.
Sheriff-William H. Merrick, Dem., 854; Duncan McKinzie, Rep , 518.
County Clerk and Register-Richard Smith, Rep., 868 ; George H. Van Woert, Dem., 552.
County Treasurer-James H. Haywood, Dem., 744; Edmond Cole, Rep., 674.
Prosecuting Attorney-James H. Hall, Ind., 767 ; Richard Winsor, Rep., 652.
Circuit Court Commissioner-James H. Hall, Ind., 715 ; James M. Skinner, Rep., 713.
County Surveyor-E. F. Bacon, 1433 ; no opp.
Coroners-James Eakins, Rep., 1433; John Ross, Rep., 1433.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1875.
Circuit Judge-Edmond W. Harris, 1085.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1876.
President-Rutherford B. Hayes, Rep., 1269; Samuel J. Tilden, Dem., 1038.
Governor-Charles M. Croswell, Rep., 1273; Wm. L. Webber, Dem., 1038.
Representative in Congress-Omar D. Conger, Rep., 1292 ; Anson E. Chadwick, Dem., 1034.
State Senator-John C. Montgomery, Rep., 1272; Ira M. Clark, Dem., 1042.
Probate Judge-Robert W. Irwin, Rep., 1330; George S. Engle, Dem., 977.
Sheriff-Wm. H. Merrick, Dem., 1247 ; Joseph L. Quinn, Rep., 1068.
County Clerk-Charles E. Thompson, Rep., 1464; Frank Higham, Dem., 840.
Register of Deeds-Richard Smith, Rep., 1153; Carl Heisterman, Dem., 1155.
County Treasurer-Edmond Cole, Rep., 1225 ; James E. Haywood, Dem., 1091.
Prosecuting Attorney - Richard Winsor, Rep., 1207; George W. Carpenter, Dem., 915.
Circuit Court Commissioner-George C. Green, Rep., 1297 ; George S. Engle, Dem., 1020.
Surveyor-Elbridge F. Bacon, Rep., 1246; James Miller, Dem., 1060.
Coroners-James Eakins, Rep., 1284; D. W. Mc- Lean, Rep., 1271.
$
HURON COUNTY.
.477
ELECTION OF. NOVEMBER, 1878.
Governor-Charles M. Croswell, Rep., 976; Or- lando M. Barnes, Dem., 705 ; Henry M. Smith, Green., 240.
Superintendent of Public Instruction-C. A. Gower, Rep., 984; Zelotes Truesdell, Dem., 709; David Par- sons, Green., 236.
Representative in Congress-Omar D. Conger, Rep., 1007; William T. Mitchell, Dem., 742 ; Charles F. Mallary, Green., 191.
State Senator-Benj. W. Huston, Rep., 1009; Al- onzo Downing, Dem., 800.
State Representative-Jeremiah Ludington, Rep., 979; Mark Carrington, Dem., 698 ; James H. Hall, Green., 245.
Sheriff-Wm. T. Chappell, Rep., 773; John Beattie, Dem., 744; Luke Johnson, Green., 411.
County Clerk-Charles E. Thompson, Rep., 1146; Ira W. Haywood, Dem., 589; Ransom Bartlett, Green., 183.
Register of Deeds-Carl Heisterman, Dem., 1344; Luther Ripley, Rep., 555.
County Treasurer-Edmond Cole, Rep., '1103; James Green, Dem., 828.
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Prosecuting Attorney-Richard Winsor, Rep., 1026; George S. Engle, Dem., 869.
Circuit Court Commissioner-George C. Green, Rep., 986; George W. Carpenter, Dem., 789.
County Surveyor-John H. Tucker, Rep., 960; Henry B. Gillard, Dem., 684; Richard Smith, Ind., 287.
Coroners-James Eakins, Rep., 984; John Gard- ner, Rep., 1687.
ELECTION, APRIL, 1879.
Circuit Judge-Levi L. Wixon, Rep., 1271 ; C. P. Black, Dem., 1216.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1880.
President-James A. Garfield, Rep., 1713; Win- field S. Hancock, Dem., 1216.
Governor-David H. Jerome, Rep., 1634; Fred- erick M. Holloway, Dem., 1384.
Representative in Congress-Omar D. Conger, Rep., 1733; C. P. Black, Dem., 1194.
State Senator-Richard Winsor, Rep., 1810; George S. Engle, Dem., 1 104.
State Representative-James Eakins, Rep., 1798; Frank Buschkowski, Dem., 1146.
Probate Judge-Horace G. Snover, Rep., 1882; Ezra A. Engle, Dem., 1076.
Register of Deeds-Carl Heisterman, Rep., 1640 ; Luther Ripley, Dem., 1334.
County Clerk-John M. Cary, Rep., 1792; Rich- ard Randall, Dem., 1158.
Sheriff-Wm. H. Merrick, Dem., 1508; Thomas Morrow, Rep., 1467.
County Treasurer-Charles E. Thompson, Rep., 1774; James E. Haywood, Dem., 1196.
Prosecuting Attorney-Hiram L. Chitman, Rep., 1894; Wm. T. Bope, Dem., 1077.
County Surveyor-Edward C. Soule, Rep., 1743; H. Gillard, Dem., 1219.
Circuit Court Commissioner -- Lyman A. Orr, Rep., 2481 ; James M. Skinner, Dem., 1735.
Coroners-G. B. Harris, Rep., 1727 ; John Gard- ner, Rep., 2016.
ELECTION OF APRIL, 1881.
Circuit Judge-Levi L. Wixon, Rep., 1702.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1882.
Governor -- David H. Jerome, Rep., 1547; Josiah W. Begole, Dem., 1181.
Representative in Congress-John T. Rich, Rep., 1454; Ezra C. Carlton, Dem., 1286.
State Senator-Joseph W. McMahon, Rep., 1471 ; John Tennant, Dem., 1263.
State Representative-Olin Pengra, Rep., 1486; John P. Shairer, Dem., 316; E. P. Green, Green., 930.
Sheriff-Wm. H. Merrick, Dem., 1480; Thomas Morrow, Rep., 1263.
County Clerk-John M. Cary, Rep., 1433; John L. Brennan, Dem .; 1280.
1. County Treasurer -- John Ballentine, Rep., 1288; James Adams, Dem., 1425.
Register of Deeds-Charles E. Thompson, Rep., 1435 ; Carl Heisterman, Dem., 1290.
Prosecuting Attorney-Thomas B. Woodworth, Rep., 1377 ; Wm. T. Bope, Dem., 1175.
Circuit Court Commissioner-James M. Skinner, Rep., 1486; E. F. Bacon, Rep., 1486.
County Surveyor-Duncan McFadden, Rep., 1407; Henry Stradwick, Dem., 1329.
Coroner-T. B. Sutton, Rep., 1389; George M. Stewart, 14II.
ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1884.
President-James G. Blaine, Rep., 1355 ; Grover Cleveland, Dem., 1454; J. P. St. John, Pro., 179; Benj. F. Butler, Fus., 444.
478
HURON COUNTY.
Governor-R. A. Alger, 1347 ; J. W. Begole, Fus., 1884; David Preston, Pro., 177.
Representative in Congress-Edgar Weeks, Rep., 1296 ; E. C. Carleton, Dem., 1936 ; John Russell, Pro., 150 ; O. J. Atkinson, Green., 34.
State Senate-Joseph M. Gaige, Rep., 1323 ; Carl Heisterman, Dem., 1917 ; W. F. Clark, Pro., 173.
State Representative -- Olin Pengra, Rep., 1344; L. E. Lincoln, Dem., 1913; Bell Irwin, Pro., 16 t.
Probate Judge -- H. G. Snover, Rep., 1349; W. H. Merrick, Fus., 1960 ; James Miller, Pro., 115.
Register of Deeds-Charles E. Thompson, Rep., 1671 ; John Boegert, Fus., 1595 ; James Currie, Pro., 141.
County Clerk-L. D. Griffin, Rep., 1314; John Ryan, Fus., 1725 : J. M. Gwinn, Pro., 170.
Sheriff-Moses Gregory, Rep., 1513; Robert Win- terbottom, Fus., 1761 ; G. B. Gillesby, Pro., 138.
County Treasurer -- Henry Frank, Rep., 1328 ; Ira Haywood, Fus., 1707; Felix Filion, Pro., 180.
Prosecuting Attorney-T. B. Woodworth, Rep., 1483; W. T. Bope, Fus., 1862.
County Surveyor-Duncan McFadden, Rep., 1553 ; Henry Stradwick, Dem., 1722.
Circuit Court Commissioner-George A. Maywood, Rep., 1364; Enos Hartsell, 1342 ; George C. Green, Dem., 2006; John F. Murphy, 1858.
Coroner-W. H. Deady, Dem., 1984 ; Charles S. McKee, Dem., 1856.
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479
Starbor of Refuge.
HE project for the construc- tion of a harbor at Sand Beach was adopted by the general Government in '7 3. The object was to provide a place of refuge for vessels engaged in commerce in the northern and northwestern lakes when caught by heavy weather near the dangerous Point aux Barques. Before the year 1876, or before a retreat was made here, whenever vessels were thus caught they were obliged to sail a distance of sixty miles to take refuge in the Saint Clair River. After the en- gineer corps of the Government had completed its surveys, and designated Sand Beach as the most suitable point to carry out the ob- ject in view, work was begun. The amount expended to June 30, 1882, was $776,618.86, and resulted in completing 5,205 feet of breakwater, and partially building 845 feet. The amount expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, was $76,993.81, and resulted in the construction of 520 feet of break- water. The amount required to complete the work on the present plan is as follows :
Superstructure of lake arm. $ 60,000 Superstructure of south arm. 40,000
Dredging and repairs 75,000
.
For this great work the following sums have been appropriated :
1871 $100,000
1876. $ 75,000
1872
100,000
1878. 100,000
1873
75,000
1879.
75,000
1874.
75,000
1880
75,000
1875
100,000
1881 50,000
Total. $825,000
For the work of 1884, the engineer recommended that the sum of $100,ooo be appropriated. Congress appropriated $75,000, which amount was expended.
The west breakwater is 1,500 feet in length. From the north opening to the main entrance the break- water is 4,575 feet. The main entrance is 600 feet wide. From the south end of the breakwater it is 1,925 feet. The north opening is 300 feet wide. The proposed depth froin breakwater to dock is eighteen feet : it is now fourteen feet. The cribs are seven feet above the mean level of the water, and the sea wall is five feet high, or above this. The east crib is thirty-eight feet wide and sixty-five feet long. The water along the breakwater is from twenty-five to thirty-five feet in depth. The light-house is to be placed at the main entrance. The crib has been put down. The superstructure is to be made of concrete, and the frame of superstructure iron, and is to be finished in 1885. A light-house has been erected on the angle crib of the breakwater. At times, when severe storms are threatening the lakes, a hundred vessels may be seen in the harbor. It is a great acquisition to Sand Beach, and from its skillful con- struction and the crescent formation of the shore, it is one of the best harbors on the lakes. This is the only place on Lake Huron where the water level is taken every day, which is done at 12 m. The whole commerce of the great chain of northern and north- western lakes will be benefitted by this grand work.
Capt. Robert M. Wagstaff, an old and trusty sea- man, who has been in the service of the Government for many years, is custodian at present.
Total $175,000
Part of this work has been done this year.
HURON COUNTY.
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480
HURON COUNTY.
Life-Saving Service.
NE of the most interesting features of this coast, and the most humanitarian institution of the country, is the Life- Saving Service; and the his- tory of Huron County would be incomplete without it. The au- thority to establish a life-saving station on this coast, was given to the Secre- tary of the Treasury by act of Con- gress passed June 20, 1874. This act authorized the establishment of a " complete life-saving station " at Point aux Barques. This was designated as the " T'enth District." It went into commission in 1876. Stations at Sand Beach and Grindstone City were established and went into commission in the fall of 1881. The superintendent's headquarters of the Tenth District was removed from Detroit in 1882. There are thirteen stations embraced in this dis- trict, eight on Lake Huron and five on Lake Superior. The stations on Lake Huron are located as follows : Sand Beach, Point aux Barques, Grindstone City, Tawas, Sturgeon Point, Thunder Bay Island, Middle Island and Hammond Bay ; on Lake Superior, Ver- million Point, Crisp's, Two Heart River and Mus- kallonge Lake.
Since this station has been established, hundreds of lives have been saved on this and Lake Superior coast. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883,
there were 195 persons' lives involved, and none lost. Total value of property involved, $493,720; amount saved, $465,325,-by these brave men. But in try- ing to save others from death, the men of the Life- Saving Service sometimes meet their own. A calam- ity of this kind occurred off the coast of Huron County some years ago; and, as most of the brave, unfortunate men lived in the county where they had families and friends, it is thought that a pretty full report of the same would be acceptable and desir- able by the patrons of this history.
„The Captain of the scow "J. H. Magruder," bound for Detroit, after having weathered a fearful storm and heavy sea through the long night, every moment of which he, with crew, wife and two chil- dren, was threatened with destruction, discovered at daybreak, on the morning of the 23d of April, that he was off Point aux Barques Life-Saving Station No. 2. The sea was still breaking over the vessel's bow and there was several feet of water under the stern. Fearing that there was great danger unless assistance was rendered, he displayed his ensign at half mast. A little after seven o'clock he saw the answering signal from the station, and soon after observed the surf-boat coming out. Then he lost sight of her, thought the sea was too heavy, and that she had gone back. In about one hour and a half he saw her again, a mile north of him, and pulling to the eastward to get out of the breakers on the reef. In a short time he beheld her go down in the trough
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481
of a heavy sea, and when she came up she had cap- sized. She was righted, bailed out, and again pulled for his boat. In about twenty minutes she again capsized. He observed several men clinging to her for a time, and then he saw only one! (This life- saving crew has been criticised by some for their action here, but the Captain of the "Magruder" thought they used good judgment.) The Captain threw his deck-load overboard, the wind shifted to the northward about noon, and making sail he cleared the reef and arrived in Sand Beach all safe, but leaking badly.
The sequel to this sad story we will let Captain Kiah, the gallant keeper of this station, tell himself: " A little before sunrise on the morning of the 23d, James Nantau, on watch on the lookout, reported a vessel showing signal. I got up, and saw a small vessel about three miles from the station, bearing about east and by south. She was flying signal-of- distress flag at half mast. I saw that she was at anchor close outside the reef. All hands were im- mediately called; ran the boat out on the dock; · and, when ready to launch, surfman Deegan, on patrol north, came running to the station, having discovered the vessel from McGuire's Point, one and one-half miles north of the station. At this time a warm cup of coffee was ready, of which we all hastily partook, and a little after sunrise (5:15 by our time), we launched the boat. Wind east, and fresh, sea running northeast, surf moderately heavy. We pulled out northeast until clear of the shore surf, and then I headed to cross the reef where I knew there was sufficient water on it to cross without strik- ing bottom. We crossed the reef handsomely, and found the sea outside heavier than we had expected, but still not so heavy as we had experienced on other occasions.
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