USA > Michigan > Midland County > Portrait and biographical album of Midland County, Mich. containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 43
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Secret Societies.
ECRET orders are not well represented in Midland, there being only two orders now in existence here, the I. O. O. F. having met with such disastrous losses by fire that the society was discontinued indefinitely. But, doubtless, the various beneficent associations, with their secret signs of mutual recognition, will in- crease in numbers with the increase of population.
CENTRE LODGE, NO. 273, A. F. & A. M. received its dispensation Nov. 22, 1869. The fol- lowing officers served under dispensation : L. Church, W. M .; S. Olmstead, S. W .; W. H. Gallenger, J. W .; H. T. Olmstead, Sec .; G. A. Janes, Treas .; J. V. Lownsbury, S. D .; Edwin M. Witham, J. D .; Dan W. Chase, Tyler; Wm. McCreight and James W. Allen, Stewards.
The following gentlemen were charter members : Hiram F. Olmstead, James S. Allen, James V. Lownsbury, Sherman Olmstead, S. A. Bacon, Geo.
Robson, E. M. Witham, Geo. A. Janes, Thomas N. McIntosh, E. H. Beardsley, B. F. Bradley, William Patrick, W. H. Gallenger, Wm. McCreight, W. H. Reindscoff, Isaac D. Bailey, John W. Anderson, E. F. Gould, Mack Anderson, D. W. Chase and L. Church. The charter was received bearing date Jan. 13, 1870, and the first election under the same was held Jan. 20 of that year. Their lodge room was dedicated February 3, with appro- priate ceremonies, by Deputy Grand Master S. C. Warren and Acting Deputy Grand Master J. B. F. Curtiss, of Flint, Mich., assisted by Acting Deputy Grand Master James Hays, of St. John's Lodge, and Acting Deputy Grand Chaplain J. D. Bailey. The ceremonies closed with a public installation of the following officers: L. Church, W. M .; S. Olmstead, S. W .; W. H. Gallenger, J. W .; H. L. Olmstead, Sec .; G. A. Janes, Treas .; J. V. Lownsbury, S. D .; E. M. Witham, J. D .; D. W. Chase, Tyler.
This lodge has always enjoyed the highest degree of prosperity and numbers at this time about 75 mem- bers. They have in Midland the finest lodge room west of Saginaw, and are out of debt.
The officers for 1884 are : Rufus T. Clason, W. M .; Charles Fournia, S. W .; Ed. Smith, J. W .; Byron Burch, Sec .; W. L. Sias, Treas .; Edwin Witham, S. D .; Maxon Anderson, J. D .; Thomas King, Tyler ; Geo. A. Janes, Chaplain; Samuel L. Voshell and Robert Cluff, Stewards.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
Midland Council, No. 671, of this beneficiary or- der was instituted April 13, 1882, with 21 charter members. From the date of its organization it has enjoyed the greatest prosperity, and the members are highly delighted with its work.
The first officers were: J. W. Cochrane, Regent ; WV. D. Marsh, Vice Regent ; Geo. C. Presley, Orator ; Henry Hart, Past Regent; Fred T. Reed, Sec .; Sam'l Foster, Collector ; Abram Horton, Treas .; Rev. Geo. T. Ellis, Chaplain.
The present officers are: W. D. March, Regent ; William Kelly, Vice Regent ; Clark G. Russell, Ora -. tor; Henry Hart, Past Regent; F. T. Reed, Sec .; H. L. Fairchilds, Collector and Treasurer; Rev. Geo. T. Ellis, Chaplain.
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
This order, so extensively distributed throughout the United States, is largely represented here. As-
404
sembly No. 2,973 was instituted June 23, 1882, and the growth has been both steady and rapid. The first officers elected were : Wm. Brown, M. W .; Paul Marrin, W. F .; Benjamin Baker, V. S .; Henry Cotes, W. F .; Wm. McGill, A .; Judson W. Coon, R. S .; John W. Ross, F. S .; Harry W. Beacom, W. T .; Robert Murray, S .; Edwin Hodgson, V. K .; Wm. S. Norton, I. C .; Chas. Foster, O. C .; John McKinney, J .; Daniel McDonald, J. A.
The above named gentlemen, with Jeremiah Ward, WVm. Cotes, John S. Ayers, James McBaine, James Golden and Aaron Hygate, were charter members. The order now numbers over So persons, all men of intelligence and worth.
The election of officers for 1884 resulted in a choice of Judge Willard, M. W .; John Mitchell, W.
F .; Paul Lingal, V. S .; Benjamin Baker, W. I .; John Matthews, A .: Wilson Beardsley, R. S .; H. W. Bea- com, F. S .; John McKay, W. T .; John Bailey, S .; John McKinney, V. K .; Patrick Killian, I. C .; Mal- colm McKizie, O. C .; Benj. Freeland, J .; Paul Mar- rin, J. A.
Midland must take a high rank among the villages of Northern Michigan. Outside of the Saginaws and Bay Cities it would be hard to find a place in these northern regions where so many signs of enterprise show themselves. Main Street, with its large brick blocks, filled with all kinds of merchandise, is an honor to her citizens, and of these they may justly be proud. It is the third city of importance on the line of the Flint & Pere Marquette, Saginaw and Bay City alone shipping more products, and that not greatly in excess of Midland.
POLITICAL.
PROBATE JUDGES.
S. D. Gaskill
J. E. Willard
1856-68 | F. S. Burton 1868-76 | James Murphy
1876-So
1880
REGISTERS OF DEEDS.
Solon Kumvill 1856 Asa Bacon 1864-76
Geo. Turner 1858-60 Geo. C. Presley 1878-80
Nathan E. Carr I862
Thos. B. Main IS82
CLERKS.
D. M. R. Wilson 1856-8 | A. A. St. John 1 868
Henry Thomson 1860 W. Plummer
1870-4
J. L. Eastman 1862-4
Wm. Davidson 1876-82
James Bean I 866
- TREASURERS.
John Larkin
1856-74 |Roger W. Clason
1882
E. J. Brewster 1876-80
SHERIFFS.
D. G. W. Whiting 1856-8 | Alfred Avery 1870-2
H. M. Ellsworth 1860 Charles Oscar 1874-6
Geo. Bartlett 1862
John J. Ryan 1878-80
Alfred Avery 1864-6
M. W. Ryan 1882
B. F. Keating 1868
ROM the first, the political complexion of this county has been strictly Republican. The changes in political sen- timent have for the past few years assumed a more liberal phase, and the old party lines are not so closely adhered to at this time as in former years. The "Greenback " element has grown rapidly among the labor- ing classes, due very largely to the stirring appeals made by the Midland Sun, a staunch advo- cate of that faith. A summary is given below of the officials elected in Midland County since its organization in 1855, the years of their election being given :
MIDLAND COUNTY.
MIDLAND COUNTY.
405
CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
J. G. Sutherland
1856 Henry Hart 1870-2
Harvey Lyons 1856 J. Van Kleeck 1872
L. P. Bailey
1858 C. W. Tindall
1874
G. F. Hemingway 1858
M. H. Stanford 1874
C. T. Atwell
1860 Byron D. Burch 1876 D. M. R. Wilson 1860
J. Van Kleeck 1876
I .. P. Bailey
1862 Wm. Plummer 1878 L. P. Bailey 1862
D. W. Hitchcock 1878
T. P. Tucker
1864
Wm. D. Gordon
1880
C. B. Wright 1864
J. Van Kleeck 1880
Henry Hart
I 866
H. L. Fairchild
1882
Henry Hart I866-8
Wm. D. Gordon 1882
D. W. Hitchcock
868
G. F. Hemingway 1870
REMINISCENCES.
EMINISCENCES of great in- terest are related of the early pioneers, some of which are here published to perpetuate still further the characteristic traits with which those who have been residents of the county for a quarter of a century are quite familiar. Among those who live in the village of Midland is Jo- seph Townsend, who was reared from infancy in the woods of this county, and his youthful days were spent in hunting, with Indians, the game which at an early day abounded in the forests. Some graphic accounts have been given the historian of his exploits in the chase, a few in- stances of which are here published.
Capture of Cubs.
HEN a lad 14 years of age he, in company with young Pay-mos-ey-gay, the son of the noted chief of that name, started one morning to hunt for small game, having no weapons save a bow and arrow. Proceeding only a short distance, they came upon an old she-bear with her two cubs. The boys gave chase
and the bears took to trees, each climbing separate ones. Wishing to capture the cubs, it was decided that Pay-mos ey-gay should watch the trees while Joseph went for his father, the house being only a half mile distant. Arriving there, Joseph learned that his father was away, and he started for the home of his companion, which was only a few rods distant.
Stating the facts to the mother of Pay-mos ey-gay, she accompanied him, taking her blanket along. Making their way as rapidly as possible to the place where the lad was engaged in making noise enough to keep the animals from descending, they found the bears still in the trees, but evidently very anxious to come down. Mrs. Pay-mos-ey-gay hastily stripped off some birch bark, and the young hunters ascended the trees upon which the cubs were seeking safety. Pay-mos-ey-gay shook the cub quite easily from the limb upon which it had taken refuge, and it was caught by his mother in the blanket as it fell. Tying it securely to a tree, arrangements were made to se- cure the other in a similar way. This was not so easily done, however; for the cub showed fight, and attacked young Townsend quite savagely, biting and scratching him until his hands and arms were cov- ered with blood. Being quite plucky, Joseph main- tained his position as well as he was able, and at last succeeded in shaking it from the tree.
406
MIDLAND COUNTY.
The two cubs being well secured, the boys started homeward highly elated with their success, Mrs. Pay-mos-ey-gay bringing up the rear. The old bear came down from her perch and followed close be- hind, growling and snapping her teeth. When she came too close, the old lady would brandish her tomahawk and shout, which for the time kept her at a distance. The old bear grew bolder as they neared home and ventured tocome within a few feet of them. The party were debating the question of dropping the cubs and making good their escape, when a rifle shot rung out upon the morning air and the old bear tumbled to the ground. Mr. Townsend had re- turned, and, his wife informing him of the game the boys were after, he had started to aid them and made his appearance just in time. The scars young Townsend received that day will be carried as long as he lives, and will ever remind him of his first ven- ture in the capture of a live bear.
Townsend Chased by a Deer.
'T another time Mr. Townsend started off for a hunt, but had gone only a little distance from the house before he heard a deer coming, followed by a hound which had taken the trail. Taking a stand behind a tree, he espied the deer, a large buck, coming, and, hastily patting up his gun, fired, the ball striking the deer in the head, knocking out one of its eyes. The wound crazed the deer and he began turning around with great rapidity. Townsend proceeded to reload the gun, but the bullet became lodged, and despite his efforts would not go down. The deer espied him at last, and, maddened by the wound, attacked him with great fury. Townsend ran around a tree, closely pursued by the deer, until, weakened from pain and fatigue, the buck lay down a few feet from Joseph, who now again tried to force the bullet down in his gun.
At this juncture the dog came up and caught the deer by the nose, when a rough-and-tumble struggle commenced. Townsend threw down his gun, and, running to the deer, caught it by its hind legs and endeavored to throw it down. This he failed to ac- complish, and, becoming tired and fearful that the deer might escape in spite of himself and the dog, he
halloed for help. It happened that Henry Potter and Daniel Cronkright had just arrived at his house, and, hearing the shot and baying of the dog, were upon the eve of starting to the spot when the hallo for help reached their ears. It being no uncommon thing for hunters to be attacked by bears, they made "all possible speed and reached the spot as Town- send's strength was nearly gone. Their united efforts finally succeeded in throwing the animal on its side, when it was dispatched, even then with difficulty. The dog had not relinquished his first hold, and had ground its nose to a pulp with his teeth.
Deer-hunting with Townsend was a perfect speci- alty, and he had slaughtered scores of them. The last instance in which the task of throwing a deer was attempted cured him of all desire for that kind of sport, and is here related somewhat briefly.
A Deer Chased by Townsend.
SAVING only a couple of bullets in his pockets, he started out to kill a squirrel. About half a mile above where the village of Midland is now located he saw a deer and fired, wounding, but not entirely disabling it. The deer made for the river, into which it plunged, but, seeing the dog on the opposite side, continued swimming down stream without attempting to land. Townsend fired the remaining ball, but the deer continued its course. Having no more bullets, he made up his mind to catch the buck when it made an attempt to land should it come out on his side. Following it down the river for almost a mile, Town- send saw the deer making for the shore, and, running down to the bank, squatted in the pea vines which grew in abundance. The buck gained the shore and came clambering up the steep bank directly toward Townsend, who, when it nearly reached him, sprang forward and caught it by both fore-legs. The deer gave a tremendous leap and gained the top of the bank with Joseph still hanging to its legs! Then commenced a struggle for the mastery, in which first one then the other was on top. The deer kicked nearly all the clothes off Townsend's body and bruised him quite severely, yet he held on. After a long struggle he succeeded in opening his knife and
MIDLAND COUNTY.
407
=
eutting the deer's throat. When this was aecom- plished he stood up, and, putting his foot upon the dying buek, remarked as he glanced at his torn and muddy garments, "D-n ye! I've got ye at last." Just at this moment a ringing laugh at his side startled him, and his uncle, Charles Cronkright, stepped from behind a tree,-" You've done pretty well, Jo," said he, " for I've watched the whole per- formance."
The fact that this was done without lending a helping hand made Townsend angry, and he would not allow his unele to have any of the venison which he had labored so hard to secure.
Thirteen Deer in a Snow Prison.
NE other incident is related of early days, which is true, although seemingly incredible. In 1854 there was a tremendous snow- storm, lasting for several days, and the snow, when it ceased, was four feet deep on a level. A cold, drizzling rain set in, which, freezing as it fell, formed a hard erust upon the snow, and travel, except upon snow-shoes, was impossible.
Close to the Townsends lived a number of Indians, one of whom was observed to come home every day dragging behind him a deer. This was something out of the usual order of things, and he was watched by the Townsends. The next day he returned with another deer. Joseph and his father sat out in quest of the bonanza, and soon found the trail made by the Indian, which was followed only a few rods into the forest when they came upon a drove of deer 13 in number! They were hemmed in by a snow wall nearly five feet in height, the space which they oeeu- pied being less than 50 feet square. A trail led from that to a elump of small pines near by, where a sim- ilar enclosure had been formed, the deer having taken refuge among these pines while the storm was in progress, and in walking about had kept the snow beaten down. The animals had evidently been thus imprisoned for several weeks, subsisting entirely on the pine boughs. The Indian had found them while hunting, and instead of killing them with a rifle, had been knocking them in the head with his hatchet, to avoid letting his neighbors know of the " find."
The Townsends carried one home that and the next day, when a warm rain came, melting the crust, and the deer were liberated.
Surprise to Gov. Begole.
T another time the present Governor Begole came to Mr. Townsend's house to stay all night, being in the neighborhood looking after his lands. They had a venison steak for sup- per, which Mr. Begole enjoyed "immensely.' Expressing a desire to have a piece of niee venison to take home, Jo told him that perhaps a deer might be secured in time, although he intended returning the next morning. Arising early, Mr. Townsend shoul- dered his rifle, and, as good fortune would have it, he had not been gone more than a half hour when he brought down a fine buek. The deer was taken home, dressed, and some savory steaks were frying when Mr. Begole came out ready for breakfast. He expressed much surprise that a deer could be found so early in the morning, and enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing that he was to carry home the " saddle " of a prime deer.
Townsend had since then forgotten all about the affair until the Governor casually mentioned it a short time ago.
Hard Times.
OME of the early settlers had very hard times in making a living for their families. Teams were searee, and the land was covered with stumps to such a degree that farming could hardly be thought of.
Unele Jacob Wiltz, one of the pioneers of Homer Township, had an old ox that he called Tom, which did all his own work and much also for the neighbors for two or three years. Old Tom was used for plowing, log-rolling and going to mill; and Uncle Wiltz yet remarks that Tom made the handsomest team he ever owned.
Mr. Wil'z used to split shingles, tie the bunches
MIDLAND COUNTY.
408
together with a rope and float them to Saginaw, guiding them by means of his canoe, which was the usual method of conveyance to and from Saginaw. The shingles, after being thus made and taken to market, only brought $3 per thousand, and the goods purchased were sold at exorbitant figures, thus mak- ing it hard to support the family with even the most rigid economy.
Indian Small-Pox.
HE first frame barn erected in the county was built by Charles Fitzhugh, at a point
opposite the town of Midland. There were no carpenters in the country, and Fitz- hugh employed a man by the name of Cham- berlain, who lived ten miles below, to build it. Chamberlain frequently walked home nights, as his family were alone and the small-pox was at that time raging fearfully among the Indians, and likely to make its appearance at any time in his family. The mortality among the Indians was enormous, the "medicine man " being powerless to relieve them. Delirious, burning with fever, they would crawl from their huts along the river bank to the edge of the stream, where, drinking their fill, many of them died, and their bodies were often found floating in the river.
But to return to the story. Chamberlain was com- ing from home early one morning, and, feeling thirsty, stopped below a clump of willows which grew along the river bank and took a hearty draught of the cold water. As he continued his journey he espied two dead Indians floating among the willows not 30 feet from the place where he had been drink- ing! The remembrance of this event effectually cured him of drinking river water.
Indian Etiquette-Ugh!
N the spring of 1846, John A. Whitman was making sugar, and the trees were running copiously. The Indians on the opposite side of the river had made preparations for, and were just beginning, their " sugar dance," when Whitman was sent for. As he was then engaged in "sugaring off, ' it was impossible to leave
his kettles. The Indians were determined to have him come, however, and sent two young squaws over to attend the kettles. Mr. Whitman crossed the river in the canoe used by the squaws, and found the Indians having a "high old time." Whisky in abundance had been procured, and nearly all of them, both male and female, were already drunk, while the old squaws were busily engaged making sturgeon soup in huge iron kettles. Whitman was handed a dish, and an old squaw poured in a gourd- ful of soup, which was too hot to drink. After hold- ing it a short time in his hands, the squaw came back to ascertain if it had cooled enough, and while trying to taste it she, being quite drunk, fell forward and stuck her face into the dish up to her eyes. To refuse eating the soup would have been a breach of etiquette which an Indian would not have overlooked, and Mr. Whitman swallowed it like a martyr. His taste for sturgeon soup has never been so good since !
A Bear's Vengeance.
M. Davis, while out hunting near John Whitman's, came up to a number of In- dians that had gone into camp near the river. Davis had been unsuccessful in the chase, and told the Indians if they would find a bear they should be paid for their trouble, as he was quite anxious to kill one. Two of them started out, and soon returned with the information that a fine cub was in a tree about half a mile distant. The place was described, and Davis started, feeling quite elated at the prospect of securing such noble game. Reaching the place indicated, he saw the cub extended on a limb, lazily sucking its paw. In his hurry to fire, the aim was not accurately taken and the cub but slightly wounded. It set up a howl as it tumbled from the tree, but, falling in a clump of briers, Davis could not see closely enough to get another shot. As he was crawling about upon his hands and knees to get another shot, the old hear came tearing through the bushes and attacked him furious- ly, grabbing him by the seat of his trousers and shak- ing him as if he were a rat. This scared Davis so badly that in his fright the gun, which was already cocked, was discharged, leaving him comparatively
409
MIDLAND COUNTY.
at the mercy of Mrs. Bruin. Davis called loudly for help, and struggled so manfully that he finally escaped from the old bear's clutches, minus the major part of his trousers and vest. Mr. Whitman, having heard his first cries, went to his relief, and the two managed to dispatch both the old bear and the cub. It was providential that Mr. Whitman was so near, else the second attack of the old bear might have resulted disastrously for Davis, such animals frequently becom- ing quite vindictive while protecting their young.
Three "Immense " Bears!
OHN Whitman tells a story about a fellow named Win. Perkins, who used to live in Edenville Township. Perkins came down to Whitman's neighborhood, and while roaming in the woods espied three bear cubs in a tree. Although he had a gun, he was quite cowardly, and seeing so many bears at once frightened him so badly that his gun was discharged by accident. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him to Mr. Whit- man's house, and imparted the information that he had seen three immense bears out in the woods, and asked Mr. Whitman to go with him and help kill them. When they arrived the cubs were still on the tree, but were so small that they more nearly resembled raccoons than bears.
This occurrence was esteemed quite a joke in pioneer life, for bears were so numerous and the men so fearless that to run from a bear, much less a cub, was considered disgraceful.
Over-ruling the Verdict.
OME of the most amusing things happen- ing in an early day were the dicisions given by some of the local justices of the peace. One of the first justices in the county was Tom. K. Townsend, who attended to most of the legal business in the neighborhood of Midland. A case of assault and battery was brought before him at an early day and the parties demanded a trial by jury. Alfred Willie had struck James Hill, and the
parties were arrested by Joe Townsend, who was then acting as constable. Being men of note and having considerable money, both the parties to the suit had employed counsel from Saginaw, and the case was heard upon its merits, a great deal of sharp firing being indulged in by the lawyers. Their pleas to the jury were masterly efforts, and these tried and true men retired to deliberate and bring in their verdict. After being out a short time they decided that the provocation was ample enough to allow Willie to strike Hill, and as but little physical damage had been done the damage was placed at "six cents." This raised the ire of Esquire Townsend, who gave the jury to understand that "six cents " would not settle the matter, and, over-ruling their verdict, promptly fined Willie $2, and costs of suit.
Indian Shrewdness in Court.
ENRY C. Ashman, although a half-breed Indian, was, in his day, accounted the most shrewd lawyer in Northern Michigan. The Bar of Saginaw would rather meet any lawyer in the State than Ashman, for his legal tricks al- most always proved more than a match for their eloquence.
Henry went to Saginaw one day "on a bum," and it happened that an Irishman had stolen a pig from some one in the neighborhood, and was then arraigned before his honor, Seth Willie. The complainant had employed eminent counsel, and the pig having been found in possession of the Irishman, his conviction seemed certain. The poor fellow from Erin did not seem to understand the gravity of the offence, and had not employed any lawyer to defend him. Henry Ashman, seeing a number of men gathered about the cabin where the Justice held his court, sauntered up to see what was going on. Esquire Willie happened to see Ashman coming, and called him in. He told Henry to take charge of his prisoner's case, as he had em- ployed no lawyer. Ashman said he would do it, but as he knew nothing whatever about the circumstances leading to the arrest, would first have to talk a few minutes with the Irishman. As there was but one room, in which the Esquire, counsel for the plaintiff and the loafers were crowded, Ashman asked that the prisoner be allowed to step outside for a few
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