Class lU^iJo^ Book-E^SX i^/a^ji ^'^^^ GAZETTEER -re to be had only at the surgeon general's office at Washington, it became impracticable to visit that city for the purpose, without neg- lecting otlier more important parts of the work. The requisite data could not be obtained by correspondence. An abstract of the collection laws, the laws prescribing the general duties of state, county, and township officers, the mode of their election, tenure of office, salaries, etc. would have been inserted, but for the delayed preparation and publication of the Revised Statutes of the State. A succinct judicial history, a history of the legslatlon of th^ territory, and of the colony under the domination of the French, together with the more interesting facts connected with the initial settlements in each county, would havegiven a zest and interest to the work, which it would have been very agreeable to the author to have superadded. Another article was to have been inserted in the First Part, upon the nomenclature of proper names, and a collection of all the Indian names given to our lakes, water-courses, bays, islands, etc., together with their signification, arranged to accompany English names in the Third Part. The assistance ofa distinguished philologist of the Indian language had been politely proflered, whenever the requisite collection should have been made, and the author was anxious to carry the project into execution. * Samuel Yorke At Lee. INTRODUCTION. This is a subject that should be attended to before the names are for- gotten. The preservation of these names in our topography, while it accords with good taste, seems to be the best tribute we can render to the memory of a much injured race, fast sinking into the shades of oblivion. , • , • n ^• Tiie above arc among the pi incipal omissions winch it was found imprac- ticable to supply, without delaying the publication to an indefinite period. Experience has taught that a complete statistical work of a new State, is not the labor of a day, but of years; and that, what is done, must, in most cases.depend upon personal assiduity and perseverance, supported by the countenance of public approbation. The obstacles to the attain- ment of information, the vexation and discouragements incident to it, are D-reater than he had before any conception of; and he is not surprised to find that previous efforts to furnish aGazetteer of this State, have proved abortive. Not the least of the perplexities experienced in preparing this work, has arisen from a vacillating, unstable legislation, temporary changes, and growth of the State in improvements since the work was commenced. To correct these alone, from time to time, has cost an amount of labor equal to writing the whole work anew. A,°-reat difference may be observed in preparing a statistical work of a new or an old State— of the former, calculations, estimates, and statisti- cal data, have to be made or collected by the author; while of the latter, they are already collected in some or other of the public offices, prepared for the inspection or copy of whoever wishes to obtain them. The importance of State statistics are considered of so high importance to public policy and to intelligent legislation, that legal provision has been made in some States, especially by the State of New York, by which all necessary sta- tistics are collected and reported, as part of the duty of several public offi- cers. By such means, the resoxirces of a State are made known abroad, and its credit consequently enhanced. The authority of the facts sta'ed in this work, rests upon personal ob- servation of the author in his travels; upon facts collected in an exten- sive correspondence with responsible persons in different parts of the State ; upon verbal communication from gentlemen enjoying public confi- dence, from different sections of the State ; upon the laws, journals, records, reports, public documents, &c. either published, or examined in the public offices at the seat of government ; and upon such works of respectable au- thority as have been published from time to time, respecting the State and Territory. , , • i • The work was commenced at rather an unfavorable time, during the period of speculalion, when most persons were absorbed in some wild scheme of building a fortune in the sale of lands, village lots, &c. : yet, the coursepursued wassuch, as it was believed would insure correct information. The usual method was first taken, by opening a corres- pondence with gentlemen in different sect ions of the State. But it was very soon perceived, that this course would not answer the purpose. Let- ters in answer to the request for statistical information, were often writ- ten under an apparent misapprehension of the object of the correspond- ence,— occupied with matter entirely extraneous,— in descanting upon the 'admirable location,' 'proposed improvement!' of some village or 'city' in 'contemplation,' which was represented as about to become the great emporium— the centre of travel.— of the manufacturing and commercial interests of the State. Another more effectual resort w;is taken. Duringthe session of the legislature, in 1837, the autlior sought pccasion for personal interview with one or more gentlemen, members of the legislature, from each county in the State. Deliberate incjuines 1* VI INTRODUCTION". were instituted for such facts as were requisite to be obtained, and all information received, noted down at the time for consideration, or if sat- isfactory, immediately drafted in regular order at the author's room. The same course was pursued until every county in the State was can- vassed. Whei-e the individual was evidently interested in the facts coni-' municated, otlier persons disinterested were inquired of, and the state- ments of the two compared, and no statement was drawn oil" for publica- tion until he was fully satisfied of its correctness. Although this course was very vexatious to the author, he found that it was not without prece- dent, and most approved. The superiority of evidence obtained from a witness upon personal interview, over that obtained from correspondence, is obvious. From this course, and from subsequent correspondence with postmasters and other gentlemen of respectability, the greater part of the information respecting the villages, and the description and re- sources of the several counties, were obtained, beside much other inter- esting matter in the body of the woi'k. Enquiries having been continual- ly prosecuted inspecting subsequent improvements, it is believed this work exhibits the true condition of most of the villages, and of the various improvements of the State, as tliey were in the spring of 1838. Access has been had to such records, public documents, and laws of the Territory and State, as have been preserved, and much valuable in- formation collected. A regular file of the oldest paper published in the State, continued from 1817 to the present time, was politely furnished by a gentleman, and much interesting in the history and statistics of the State has been gathered. The Historical Sketches of Michigan, the writings and Travels of Mr. Schoolcraft, have furnished much authentic matter in both the civil and natural history of the State. The geological survey of the State, now in prosecution under such favorable auspices, will be of immense advantage in the development of its natural i-esources, and it will be per- ceived, that this work is not remiss in recording whatever of interest from that source, has been presented to the public. In topographical descriptions, reference has always been made to the most correct maps of the State. The directory in the Appendix is some- what indebted to the Western Guide for a few of the tables and some of the selected matter. The authorities noted in the margin of the work, and those stated, are the principal referred to, although much other in- formation, from various detached sources, heretofore published in frag- ments, has been here collected for preservation and futui-e comparative i-eference, such especially as relates to the trade and commerce of the lakes. Many facts, which tiow have no interest, at a future day maybe useful to show the progress of the growth and improvements of different sections of the State. The statistics of productions, accompanying the townships in the Third Part, collected as they were with great labor from the very imperfect returns made to the Secretary of State, are de-' void of any present interest, but many years hence our farmers of the several townships will make comparative reference to them with much pleasure ; and such reference would be of great assistance to develop the history of tlie townships. It will be objected by some, that too much common place matter is recorded — facts already too well known ; but it is to be remarked that these facts are entirely new to emigrants, and it is as important to the State to give them correct information, as our own citizens. The work, taken together and read by course, might be view- ed as tautologous in the extreme ; but it should be remembered, that it was written for a work of reference to the reader, each article intended, as far fts possible, to be entire, with as few references tj other portions of the INTRODUCTION. VII work as possible, consequently, repetition necessarily must happen. As it regards the plan of the work, after viewing several most approved eastern and western publications, the present plan, compreheniiing the doubleobject stated, was considered, for a western work, decidedly the best. Many of those who have sent in embellished descriptions of particular places or sections of country, may be disappointed to find them dismantled of their tinselled drapery, and presented with the accompaniment only of facts ; but he is fully convinced, that simple, unembellished truth, has claims, tar more winning, than high wrought descriptions that cannot bear examination. If an emigrant is induced to locate in a particular region, from descriptions he has had of it, but, upon examination, finds it to unequal his anticipations, he will retire from it with disgust, with a far more unfavorable opinion of the country than he otherwise would have had. The policy of oven'ating a country to induce settlements, is quite questionable. In the article of History it became necessaiy to touch upon some topics that are at present the subject of party controversy. In sketch- ing what is there said, it was the author's aim, though he has not perhaps succeeded, to give an impartial statement of the case, on all sides, as far as facts had been presented to his cognizance. Upon reflection, it is thought, that the comments upon the primary school law, thrown into the body of the article on Education, may to some be exceptionable ; but it is here to be observed, that they were made as a part of the result of several years experience, observation and re-flection on what he considers the most momentous subject to a free people ; that they are applicable to every State having a regular, legal system of education ; that, as it is the duty of government to recjuire the education of the youth of a State, it is considered an equally imperativeduty of that government to furnish the requisite means, as much as it does for the administration of justice ; thereby, disencumbering pai'ents from any farther trouble or concern, ex- cept to send their children to the schools so provided by government. Under such a system, the source of petty neighborhood disputes would be put to rest, which originate and obtain more or less in every district, often, in effect, entirely to defeat the object of the institution. For the author to name all the individuals to whom he is indebted for information, will not be expected, and to designate those from whom he has received tlie greatest assistance, would be an invidious task. To his various correspondents and other gentlemen throughout the State — to members of the legislature, and oflicers of State, the author returns his grateful acknowledgments for the facilities aiforded him in the collection of facts, and their politeness in imparting information; for it is much to their co-operation that this work will owe its value. For the patronage ex- tended to his undertaking by the State, in subscribing to a portion of the woi-k, the author returns his most respectful acknowledgments to a legis- lature, whose views of public policy are as enlightened and liberal, as its acts ax-e public spirited and honorable. There is one omission, that should have been, if possible, supplied in this edition of the work; and this is, the settlement of uniformity in the orthography of proper names ; but this has been prevented for the same reason that precluded attention to the etymology of the Indian names. The only rule followed has been to spell them agreeably to the most usual practice, where that was ascertained — a few cases excepted. In- dian names, not before written, are spelled agreeably to pronunciation. This is the first full announcement of the original plan and design of the Gazetteer of Michigan. The volume here offered as a substitute, has been made at the expense of much labor, and an abstraction of mind which Vlll INTRODUCTION. has deprived him of much of the common pleasures of society, to the detriment of his health and constitution ; and whether the original design shall be fully carried into execution and matured by his means, the re- ception and patronage extended to this effort will determine. That the work will be found entirely free from en-ors, the author has not the vanity to presume ; but, that errors of fact will be found frequent, where so much scrutiny and vigilance has been exercised, he cannot persuade himself to believe. Error, however, must and will occur in the first print of a statistical work, and owing to indisposition of the author while part of the work went to pi*ess, he will not be surprised to find errors typo- graphical, and of language, and even discrepancies to have occurred to some extent, which otherwise might have been avoided. Should such be found on perusal, this untoAvard circumstance will be sufficient explana- tion to the candor of those acquainted with the liabilities to inaccuracy, in composing from a manuscript written only for his own superintend- ence, and containing such an amount of figures and uncouth proper names. Whatever may be the fate of the work, he cannot be deprived of the satisfaction he may have to know, that he has thrown together some facts useful to the emigrant ; that he has had a share in contributing to propa- gate a knowledge of geography ; that he has made an effort, however feeble, to disabuse the public mind abroad, of the gross misconceptions produced by the misrepresentations the State has heretofore been subject to — a State, as fair and rich by nature, as her population are high- minded, enterprising, and intelligent. Detroit, October, 1838, CONTENTS. PART FIRST, Boundaries and Extent, Natural Divisions, Area, Upper Peninsula, Surface, Forests, Streams, Agriculture, Fisheries, Minerals, Climate, Peninsula, Face of the Country, Soil, Timbered Land, Openings, Plains, Prairies, Max'shes, Grasses, Wild Flowers, Productions, Geological Survey, Animals, Wild Animals, Domestic Animals Wild Fowls, Vegetables Wild Fruits, Grains, Garden Vegetables, Minerals, Geological Structure, Salines, Medicinal Waters, Page. 13—15 15 15—16 16—20 17 18 18 . 18 19 19 19 20 20—22 22—28 23 24 25 25—26 26 26—27 27 28—45 28—29 29—36 30—32 32—33 34—35 36—38 36—37 37 38 38—45 38—40 41—45 45 Rivers and Lakes, Rivers, Lake Siiperior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Interior Lakes, Coast, Depth, Transparency, Color, Temperature, Prevailing Winds, Fogs, Gales, Currents, Counter Currents, 54 Harbors, 54—55 Fish, 55—58 Fish Trade, 56—57 Elevation of the Lakes, 58 Recession, Flu:ces, and Re- fluxes, 58—65 Tides, 61 Freshets and Spring Floods, 62 Page. 45—65 45—46 46 47 47 48 48 48—49 49—50 50—51 51 51—52 52 52 53 Septennial Fluxes, Public Lands, Surveys, Taxes, Land Districts, Detroit, Monroe, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Grand River, Tables, 63—65 65—77 65—69 69—70 71-73 71 71 72 72—73 73 74—77 CONTENTS. Page Internal Improvements, 77 — 97 State Works, 78—88 Southern Rail-Road, 79 Havre Branch, 79 — 80 Central Rail-Road, 80—81 Northern Rail -Road, 81 Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal, Saginaw or Northern Ca- nal, St. Mary's Canal, Grand river, Kalamazoo river, St. Joseph river. Tabular statement, Michigan Internal Improve- ment Fund, Sinking Fund, Rail-road and Canal Compa- nies, 88 — 9 Mail Routes, 97—100 Na V igation andCoramerce, 1 00 — 1 09 Manufactures, 109—110 Government— Synopsis of the Constitution, 110—113 Civil Divisions, 113—116 Incorporated cities and villa ges, 114 Senatorial Districts, Apportionment of Represent atives. Judicial circuits, Climate and Health, 116—127 Meteorological Tables of the Upper Peninsula, 118—122 Meteorological Table of the southern part of Peninsula Proper, 123 Diseases, 126 Education, 127—148 University of Michigan, 129 Branches, 130 Primary Schools, 131 — 134 University and IPrimary School Lands, 134 School Fund, 140—141 Univ(u-sity Fund, 141 Michigan College, 142 Kalamazoo Literary Institute 143 St. Philip's College, 14.') .14 115 115 Page White Pigeon Academy, 145 Romeo Academy, 146 Detroit Female Seminary, 146 Historical Society, 146 Michigan State Literary In- stitute, 147 Young Men's Society of De- troit, 147 Religious Denominations, 148 — 150 Population and Immigra- tion, 150—161 Table of White Population, 151 Table of Indian Population, 156 Antiquities, 161 — 177 Tumuli of Belle Fontaine, 168 Ancient Gardens, 173 — 176 History, 177—209 Name. 177 Early History, 178 Settlement of Detroit, 180 Ottogamie War, 180 Capitulation of Detroit, 182 Poniiac's War, 182—187 War of the Revolution, 1^7 Clarke's Treaty, 189 Gen. Harmer's Defeat, 189 St. Clair's Defeat, 189 Liclians defeated by Gen. Wayne, 189 Randall and Whiting's Con- spiracy, 190 Possession taken of Detroit, 190 Ordinance of 1787, 191 First grade of Government, 191 Second do. 191 Hull's Treaty with Potto wat- tomies, Wyandotts, Chip- pewas and Ottawas, 191 War with Great Britain, 192-196 Capitulation of Detroit, 193 Massacre at tlie River Raisin, 194 Gen. Cass appointed Gover- nor of Miclngan, 195 Boundary controversy be- tween Michigan and Ohio, 197—209 Rejection of the proposition of Congress, 207 Michigd)! admitted into the Union, 209 CONTENTS. XI PART SECOND. Allegan County, Arenac County, Barry County, Berrien County, Branch County, Cass County, Calhoun County, Chippewa County, Clinton County, Eaton County, Genesee County, Gladwin County, Gratiot County, Hillsdale County, Ionia County, Ingham County, Isabella County, Jackson County, Kalamazoo County, Kent County, Page. 211 212 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 218 219 220 220 220 221 222 223 223 225 226 Lapeer County, Lenawee County, Livin^gston County, Mackinac County, Macomb County, Midland County, Monroe County, Montcalm County, Oakland County, Oceana County, Ottawa County, Sanilac County, Saginaw County, Shiawassee County, St. Clair County, St. Joseph County, Van Buren County, Washtenaw County, Wayne County, Page. 227 228 229 230 230 231 232 233 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 241 242 242 243 GAZETTEER OF MICHIGAN. PART FIRST GENERAL VIEW OF THE STATE. Boundaries and Extent ;— Natural Divisions ;— Area ; — Upper Peninsula ;— Face of the Country ;— Soil ;— Productions ;— Rivers and Lakes ;— Public Lands ;— Inter- nal Improvement ; — Mail Routes ; — Navigation and Commerce ; — Manufactures ; — Government; — Civil Divisions; — Climate and Health; — Education; — Religious Denominations ; — Population and Immigration ; — Antiquities ; — Plistory. BOUNDARIES AND EXTENT. The State of Michigan* lies between about 41° 45' and 48° north latitude, and between 5° 23' and 13° 32' longi- tude, west from Washington city. Its boundaries and shape are very irregular. It is bounded on the north, north-east and east by the British province of Upper Cana- da, from which it is separated by the straits of St. Mary, St. Clair, and Detroit ; and by Lakes Superior, Huron, St. Clair, and Erie ; on the south by the States of Ohio and Indiana, and on the west and south-west, by the territory of Wisconsin and lake Michigan. Its boundaries, as es- tablished by an act of Congress passed June 15, 183(3, de- fining the northern boundary of Ohio, and admitting Michi- gan into the Union, as a State, on certain conditions, are as follows, to wit : * The local pronunciation places the accent on the first syllable— Mich'-i-gan. 2 14 ^ GAZETTEER BOUNDARIES AND EXTENT. ', " Beginning at the point, where a line, drawn direct from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan to the most northerly Cape (called North Cape) of Maumee (Miami) Bay, intersects the eastern boundary line of the State of Indiana, and running thence with the said line to the said most northerly Cape of the Maumee Bay ; and thence from the said north cape of the said Bay, north-east to the boun- dary line between the United States and the province of Upper Canada in Lake Erie ; thence, with the said boun- dary line between the United States and Canada, through the Detroit river, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior, to a point where the said line last touches Lake Superior," (be- ing the mouth of Pigeon river,) "thence, in a direct line through Lake Superior, to the mouth of the Montreal river ; thence, through the middle of the main channel of the said river Montreal, to the middle of the Lake of the Desert; thence, in a direct line to the nearest head water of the Monomonie river ; thence, through the middle of that fork of the said river first touched by the said line, to the main channel of the said Monomonie river ; thence, down the centre of the main channel of the same, to the center of the most usual ship channel of the Green Bay of Lake Michigan ; thence, through the centre of the most usual ship channel of the said bay, to the middle of Lake Michigan ; thence, through the middle of Lake Michigan, to the northern boundary of the State of Lidiana, as that line was established by the act of Congress of the nineteenth of April, eighteen hundred and sixteen ; thence, due east, with the north boundary line of the said State of Indiana, to the north-east corner thereof; and thence, south, with the east boundary line of Indiana, to the place of begin- ning." Its extreme length from tlie north-western point the mouth of the Pigeon river, to the south-eastern point the northern • cape of the Miami Bay, is computed to be, in a direct line, 540 miles. Its breadth is various. The Penin- sula Proper is 282 miles long from north to south ; its breadth in the southern part from east to west is 170 miles ; its breadth, south of Saginaw Bay, 194 miles; its average breadth, 140 miles. The north-western or Upper Penin- sula, from its extreme eastern point, the Point de Tour, to its extreme western point, the mouth of the Montreal river, OF MICHIGAN. 15 NATURAL DIVISIONS. — AREA. is 324 miles. Its extreme breadth, from north to south, in a direct line from the isthmus of the Kew-y-wee-non Penin- sula to the Lake of the Desert, 108 miles. Its average breadth about 60 miles. Natural Divisions. Michigan consists of two Grand Peninsulas — the Peninsula Proper, or southern peninsula, and the Northern or Nortli-icestcrn Peninsula. The former, by way of eminence, is usually termed the Peninsula; the latter, in this work, for the purpose of distinction, will be designated as the Upper Peninsula, or Upper Michigan. The Peninsula is bounded on the south by the States of Indiana and Ohio; east by Lake Erie, Strait of Detroit, Lake St. Clair, Strait of St. Clair, and Lake Huron ; west by Lake Michigan. On the north it borders the two latter lakes, between which it terminates in a point at the Strait of Mackinac. The Upper Peninsula borders Lake Superior on the north ; the Territory of Wisconsin on the west and south- west. The eastern portion terminates in a point at the confluence of the Strait of St. Mary with Lake Huron, hav- ing the Strait of St. Mary and the lower part of Lake Supe- rior on the north-east, and Green Bay, Lake Michigan, Strait of Mackinac and Lake Huron on the south-east.* AREA. The superficial contents of the whole State, as embraced in the boundaries established by Congress, (including both land and lake surface) are estimated at 96,844 square miles. The area of the Peninsula is estimated at Acres. Sq. miles. 25,507,840 39,856 The C7p»cr Peninsula at 13,224,960 20,664 ^ 60,520 Total land surface, 38,732,800 * In this work, the WeMcrn States, when occasion offers to aUude to them will be considered as including all the thirteen new States ; the North- Western States, as including all the States north-west of the Ohio and which formerly constituted the North- West Territory ; the Sotith- Western States, as including the remaining western States, or the western slave-holding States, 16 GAZETTEER UPPER PENINSULA. The area of the part of Lake Michigan, included within the State boundaries, 11,592 Lake Superior, do. do. 15,660 Lakes Huron, St. Clair and Erie, do. do. 9,072 Total lake surface within the State, 36,324 96,844 Thus it will be perceived, that upwards of one third of the state, or 36,324 miles, is water, and the remainder, 60,- 520 miles, being less than two thirds, is land ; no estimate being made for the numerous rivers and interior lakes. The surveyed part of the State, which is erected into counties organized and unorganized, contains 16,407,040 acres, or 25,636 square miles.* The unsurveyed part of the Peninsula, north of the surveyed portion, constituting one part of the county of Mackinac, is computed to contain 9,100,800 acres, or 14,220 square miles. To this add the Upper Peninsula, 20,664 square miles, and there remain 34,884 square miles, or 22,325,760 acres in the State which have not yet been surveyed. That portion of the State lying in the Upper Peninsula between the Chocolate and Montreal rivers, to which the Indian title remains unextinguished, is computed at 12,- 888 square miles, or 8,248,320 acres. That portion of the Upper Peninsula lying east of the Chocolate river, the Indian title to which has recently been extinguished, is computed at 7,776 square miles, or 4,976,640 acres. Thus it appears that little less than two thirds of that great section of the state remains in the pos- session of the aborigines. UPPER PENINSULA. Of this portion of Michigan, very little satisfactory in- formation is to be had, and that which is known, is of a * This is not far from the present amount. Arenac and Gladwin, a small part of Isabella, Oceana, Ionia, Midland and Ottawa, are unsur- veyed, although the work is in progress. The amount of surveyed lands at the close of the year 1836, was about 21,963 square miles, or X4.056.320 acres. OF MICHIGAN. ^^ UPPER PENINSULA. — SURFACE. character devoid of much interest. It is inhabited, almost exclusively, by Indians, in a wild, uncivilized state, who are visited by traders to obtain peltry and furs. It might be expected that this latter class of persons would possess particular knowledge of the country, but it seems that they are mostly men whose tact and talent lie either in this pe- culiar occupation alone, or else, when possessed of intelli- gence, the exclusive abstraction of mind, induced by this species of commerce, precludes any considerable attention to extraneous subjects. Hence the dearth of geographical knowledge. Most of the information therefore, respecting this region, is to be had from the observations of intelli- gent travellers. The surface of the Upper Peninsula is much diversihecl by mountains, hills, valleys and plains. The eastern por- tion, from the head of the peninsula to the Pictured Rocks, is represented as undulating, rising gradually from Lakes Michigan and Superior to the interior, where it terminates in more elevated table land, with a shore on the north, sandy, and, on the south, calcarious rock. Proceeding westward, the country becomes broken into hills, with in- tervening plains, until it is interrupted by the Porcupine Mountains which form the dividing ridge, separating the tributary waters of Lake Superior from those of Lake Michigan. The highest peaks, toward the western bound- ary, have been estimated at from 1,800 to 2,000 feet high.* Their true position and extent appear to be undetermined. The ridge is often broken through by the larger streams, bordered by extensive valleys. The spurs of these moun- tains project in different directions, often exhibiting their denuded cliffs upon the northern shore. This ridge has a greater proximity to the northern coast, which it lines with rock, from the Pictured Rocks to the western extremity of this peninsula, except when interrupt- ed by occasional plains of sand. The structure of a part of the northern and eastern portion is of the primitive, and the southern, of the secondary formation. Many parts, and especially the belt embracing the northern portion, exhibits little else than ** developments of sublime scenery." Al- most entirely unfrequented by man, (or by beast, except the *Capt. Douglass. ] 8 GAZETTEER UPPER PEMNSULA. — FORESTS. NAVIGATION. more obnoxious species) some portions appear like a dreary, deserted solitude, surrounded by all the frightful terrors incident to such northern latitudes. The greater portion of this peninsula, the sand plains excepted, is covered with immense forests principally of white and yellow pine ; a proportion of spruce, hemlock, birch, oak, and aspen, with a mixture of maple, ash, and elm, especially upon the rivers. Of the pine lands, there are millions of acres, and much of a superior quality, un- scathed by fire, stretching between the strait of St. Mary, the Ontonagon and Montreal rivers. To convert this into lumber, there are discharging into the Lakes, 40 large and 60 smaller streams, whose descent warrant the belief of their furnishing many hundred mill sites of sufficient hy- draulic power to answer all desirable purposes. These streams, the longest of which does not exceed 150 miles, irrigate the country abundantly, and by their facility for navigation, furnish easy access to every part of the in- terior. The head branches of the opposite lake streams often interlock, and, when they do not communicate, fur- nish an easy portage from one to the other by which navi- gation from each lake is easily effected with the lighter craft. The lake coast alone has been estimated at between 700 and 800 miles in extent, and that five-sevenths of the entire peninsula may be reached by the common lake ves- sels. There can be no doubt, that these pine lands, will, from the universal and increasing scarcity of lumber, be- come very valuable, and their produce an article of export. This peninsula, (the northern part of which has some- times been called the Siberia of Michigan,) it is probable, will never be noted for its agricultural productions, or im- mediately for the density of its population. With the ex- ception of the fertile intervals on the rivers, the soil of tlie northern portion has all the evidences of^ sterility, as is exhibited in its mountains and barren sand plains. The southern part, in climate and soil, is more congenial to ag- riculture. This is the lime stone region, which extends to an undetermined line, separating the primary and secondary formations. Throughout this region, we find the sugar maple in abundance, interspersed with the white and red oak, the beech, and, occasionally, tracts of spruce, and other forest trees. It is here that the more even and fertile OF MICHIGAN. 19 UPPER PENINSULA. FISHERIES. MIN;ERALS. tracts of land are found, and where, at some future day, will cluster an enterprising population. The soil is admirably fitted for the grasses and all escu- lent roots. The superior quality of the potato is not ex- ceeded by any section of country. Garden vegetables grow with luxuriousness. Wheat and the other small grams may be cultivated, but for corn the country or climate ap- pears to be uncongenial. Of the other sources of wealth, ihe fisheries are destined to be of no inconsiderable importance. The very excel- lent quality, and inexhaustible supply of the fish on the shores of this peninsula, are notorious; and their increas- ing demand will add to the increasing commerce of tlie State The wandering bands of Indians inhabiting this region in the abandonment of the chase, subsist upon fish as 'their dependence, which is attributable to their ex- cellence, and the facility with which they are taken. The other remaining source of wealth will exist in the development of its mineral resources. Without anticipat- ing the result, which the future geological exploration may bring to light, it may be proper to observe, that from the earliest discoveries of this region, by the French, to the present time, it has enjoyed the reputation of a valuable mineral district : though ignorance of geological structure has prevented all enterprising experiments for working its mines, from producing any available profit. Iron, copper, lead &c. are supposed to exist here. Indications ot these metals are exhibited by the vast quantities of iron sand upon the coast, iron pyrites, found in the interior and upon some of the rivers, and the masses of native copper discov- ered upon the Ontonagon. But time and examination will better determine the question. The fur trade and fisheries are the only present produc- tive sources of profit arising from this territory, and the former is on the decline. The c/iwz«^e opposes the greatest obstacle to vegetation, thouah decidedly favorable to health. The summers are Bhort'er than in lower Michigan, but vegetation is quicker in growth and maturity. Native and acclimated exotic plants can be orofitably cultivated. Summer commences knd terminates of a sudden, and winter departs or succeeds 20 GAZETTEER PENINSULA. — FACE OF THE COUNTRY. often without the intervention of spring or autumn. In fact, the two latter seem scarcely to be known. The atmos- phere of St. Mary's is subject to great changes. It is not unusual for the thermometer to stand at 70°, 80°, and 90° above in summer, and in winter at 20°, 25°, and lower, below zero. In dry, cold winter mornings, smoke rises from the chimney tinged with a reddish hue — a phenomenon refera- ble to atmospheric origin. The mean temperature of June and July is from 60° to 64°. Strawberries ripen at Ke- weena portage the 25th of June, and potatoes are planted at the village of the falls the 20th. Although climate has, undoubtedly, a check upon the growth of vegetation, yet it is believed the indolence and improvident habits of its population have a greater ; and that, with proper attention and husbandry, scattered tracts of this peninsula might be- come farming districts, which, in conjunction with the wealth of the^forests, fisheries, and mines, would yield am- ple rewards to the industry of an enterprising population. (See Climate and Health.) PENINSULA. FACE OF THE COUNTRY. The surface of the surveyed part of the Peninsula is, generally, either level, undulating, or rolling, and, in some mstances, broken or hilly. The eastern portion, extending from the southern boundary to Point aux Barques, of a width varying from 5 to 25 miles, is mostly level. Pro- ceeding westward, the land gradually rises into an irregular ridge, in some parts of which, it attains a height of between 6 and 700 feet. This ridge has a much greater proximity to the eastern than to the western margin, and serves to separate the tributaries discharging into Lake Michigan, from those flowing eastward. The portion of the southern part of the State denomin- ated hilly, branches off from the principal ridge, in differ- ent directions, through parts of the counties of Hillsdale, Washtenaw, Jackson, Ingham, Oakland, Livingston, Ionia, OP MICHIGAN. 21 PENINSULA. — FACE OF THE COUNTRY. Barry, Kent, and Eaton. " The hills consist of an irreg- ular assemblage of somewhat conical elevations, occasion- ally attaining an elevation of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet, but ordinarily not more than from 30 to 40 feet." From the main portion of table land, progressing west- ward to the Lake, the country, with the above exceptions, assumes a very gradual descent, exhibiting a gently undu- lating, but very rarely broken surface. Of the unsurveyed part of the peninsula, north of a line passing east and west through the middle of Saginaw Bay, as little is known as of the Upper Peninsula. The ridge of land before spoken of, again takes its rise near the mouth of Sauble river, and is seen from the lake to stretch on for many miles along and beyond the coast. This ridge receives its name from the Sauble river, and is called the Highlands of Sauble. Its height has not been ascertained, but it has heretofore been estimated to be much the highest part of this peninsula.* A considerable portion of it has generally been unfavorably represented, as being interspersed with sand ridges and marshes, having an abrupt descent from the Highlands, eastward, and a gradual slope towards the west. Taking the great extent of this peninsula into consideration, it may, in a compara- tive point of view, be said to possess a great evenness of surface, with a sufficient declivity, however, to allow its waters to drain off in lively and healthful streams. These are the general features of the surface of the inte- rior. The coasts form an exception. The coast of both Michigan and Huron is someitmes exhibited in high, steep banks. The coast of the former, is frequently seen in bluffs and banks of sand, varying in height from one hundred to three hundred feet. To the traveller, the country presents an appearance em- inently picturesque and delightful. In a considerable por- tion of the surveyed part, the surface of the ground is so * A more geological, but rather uncouth view of the State, would con- sider the surrounding lakes exhausted of their waters, in which case, Michigan would exhibit an immense mountainous ridge more than GOO miles in extent, partially broken by a chasm or gap at Mackinac, rising in the north-west more than 4000 feet, and in the south upwards of 2500 feet above its valleys — the bottom of the great lakes before mentioned. 22 GAZETTEER even and free from underbrush, as to admit of carriages beinor driven through the uncultivated woodlands and plains, with the same facility as over the prairie or common road. The towering forest and grove, the luxuriant prai- rie, the crystal lake and limpid rivulet, are so frequently and happily blended together, especially in the southern section of the peninsula, as to confer additional charms to the high finishing of a landscape, whose beauty is probably unrivalled by any section of country. SOIL. The soil is of various kinds, but it is subject to a general classification sufllicient for the present purpose. It is generally free from stone, and of a deep, dark, sandy loam, frequently of the richest quality, and often mixed with various proportions of gravel, and sometimes of argile or clay. It may be classed agreeably to its natural cover- ing, or the aspect of its surface, as the pine lands — tim- bered lands — openings — ijJains — and prairies. Respecting that portion of the peninsula, which '\sunsur- veyed, especially all that section lying north-west of Saginaw Bay, very little accurate information has been received. As was previously observed, it has been unfavorably rep- resented, and the aspect of the shores around it is of the most forbidding character. But little reliance, however, can be placed on those reports which are not the result of actual survey and intelli- gent examination. It should not be forgotten, that during the long period, from the discovery of Michigan to the time of its survey, it was characterized either as an interminable morass or a sandy waste, and that the older geographies gave circulation to similar representations. It is said, even some of the first attempts to survey it, were abandoned for like reasons. But as it was surveyed and brought into market, its superior excellence gave it the reputation of one of the best agricultural regions in the western country. Very flattering accounts have been given of the south- western portion of the unsurveyed part, lying on the tribu- OP MICHIGAN. 28 SOIL. TIMBERED LAND. taries to Lake Michigan, north of Grand river, and it is not improbable, that it will be found to possess tracts of excellent land. On the north-eastern border, the evergreens seem to pre- dominate, as pine, spruce, hemlock, &c. and in the north- ern part, extending into the interior, are found large forests of pine and extensive tracts of well timbered land. Ex- tensive groves of beech, birch, sugar maple, and other for- est trees, are common. The sandy soil of the pine lands in the surveyed part, is generally well known, though it is stronger and more productive than it is commonly believed to be, by those unacquainted with it, as may be seen by reference to the Second Part of this work. The Timhered Land is found mostly upon the intervals, the low and wet and the elevated broken lands. It gener- ally consists of such tracts as have either too moist a soil to admit fire to overrun them, or of a dry soil, otherwise protected from its ravages. It often appears in dense and lofty forests and scattered groves, interspersed with timber of the largest size. Forest trees of almost every variety found in this latitude, are found here. Those which pre- dominate are black and white walnut, hickory and oak of every species, hard maple(commonIy called the sugar maple), soft maple, elm, all the different kinds of ash, bass or lin- den, sycamore, hackberry, cottonwood, aspen, locust, butter- nut, box or dogwood, poplar, whitewood beech, cherry, sas- safras, white, yellow and Norway pine, hemlock, spruce, tam- arack, cedar, cypress, chestnut, pawpaw, &/C. &c. together with a great variety of the smaller trees and shrubs, as the willow, alder, sumac, honeysuckle, &c. including most of the varieties found in the Middle and Eastern States. These are some of the varieties of timber found in Mich- igan, growing of course on soils suited to each respective- ly. Some of these trees are scarce, as the chestnut, the hemlock, &c. though the latter is plentiful on the coasts. Trees growing on every kind of land in this State, owing to the great depth and lightness of soil, take an unusually deep root, and often appear to have sunk in the ground. Hence, it is very rare to see a tree blown down by the wind, although heavy winds are sometimes experienced. The soil of interval, timbered lands, is usually black, and composed of decomposed vegetable matter, of great fertili- 24 GAZETTEER SOIL. — OPENINGS. ty. The soil of timbered lands is, generally, not warm. It is admirably fitted for the grasses, and produces the best crops of oats, potatoes, &-c., and when dry and sufficiently warm, excellent crops of corn. It is not so congenial to wheat. The interval or " bottom lands," in this State, are not in better estimation than the uplands ; but the coun- try on the Kalamazoo and St. Joseph is in high repute. The Openings are sometimes distinguished into openings and timbered openings^ owing to the different density of their timber. The major part of the unsurveyed portion of this peninsula is open land, or openings. These general- ly consist of table lands, lying between the rivers, and often bordering the streams themselves. They are sometimes deficient in timber, though frequently skirted with "plains" and woodlands. They are usually but very sparsely inter- spered with oak trees, of different varieties, often of a good size, but of a diminutive height. There is no underbrush, and the trees are in appearance unthrifty ; the cause of which may be traced to the annual fires which have been suffered to pass through them. But after these fires have been kept out for a few years, an undergrowth of timber springs up, with a thriftiness that proves the congeniality of the soil to the forest tree. A thick grass sward cov- ers the soil, and, although it requires no labor to prepare the way for the plough, it requires the strength of three or four yoke of oxen to break it up the first time ; yet, afterward it is cultivated with the same ease as the older lands. The soil is a loam, with a mixture of clay and sand, generally of a dark color, dry and stiff in its struc- ture. There seems to be very little or no covering of decom- posed vegetable matter on this soil, but there is another more durable principle, universal in the table lands, at- tributable to the mixture of lime, which not only makes the soil fertile, but makes it increase in fertility the more it is improved. This is superior for wheat growing. There is another characteristic which is rather unaccount- able. In some of the uplands there are found tracts of land, with a scarcity of timber, and a yellow or reddish soil, which to the casual observer is apparently sterile, or, at least, second or third rate lands. But these are often the best of lands. On being ploughed and exposed to the OF MICHIGAN. 25 SOIL. PLAINS. PRAIRIES. action of the atmosphere, the soil undergoes a chemical change, its color very soon turns black, and it is found to be in the highest degree productive. The Plains very much resemble the openings, except the soil usually contains more sand or gravel in its compo- sition. They are often covered with a beautiful growth of timber, free from underbrush, and appear like cultivated orchards, or groves planted by the hand of man. They are easily improved, and are said to be much fertilized by the addition of plaster. The timbered lands, openings and plains, yield according lo circumstances; of corn, from 40 to SO bushels and upwards; of oats, from 40 to 50 bushels to the acre. It is not unusual for the plains and openings to produce 30 bushels of wheat to the acre ; sometimes more ; the average may perhaps be placed at 25 bushels. The Prairies are mostly small, the largest but a few miles in circumference. They are found in different sec- tions, but mostly in the southern and south-western portion of the Peninsula. There is less prairie land in this, than in several other of the North-western States. This land is known by two appellations, the wet and the dry prairie. Prairie is the French word for meadow, and is properly wild or natural meadow land. They are free from all tim- ber and shrubs of every description, and covered only with grass. The dry prairies are often a little undulating, by means of which the water is conducted off, and they make arable farm land, possessing a rich soil, of easy cultivation, and producing the largest crops of grass, and every species of grain. Many of the prairies near the Kalamazoo and St. Joseph rivers, have a black, deep, rich, consistent soil, in- ferior to none in the western country. Vegetation is so luxuriant, that after the seed is deposited, they require little or no farther cultivation. From 30 to 50 bushels of corn per acre, have been raised upon them the first season, with- out being ploughed or hoed after planting ; and after the soil has been subdued, from 30 to 80 bushels of corn, and 40 of wheat, are usually raised to the acre. Other vegetation flourishes in the same proportionate luxuriance. The ivet prairies are more commonly too level to admit 3 26 GAZETTEER SOIL. — MARSHES. the proper drainage of the water. These, in their natural state, are generally too moist for grain growing, but they afford an abundance of wild grass which serves for either pasture or hay. With proper attention they become arable. Prairies are supposed to be the beds of once existing lakes, or ponds of water, which has evaporated. Others attribute their origin to the same cause that produced the openings and plains — the ravages of the annual fires. It is the universal custom with the Indians, occasionally to set fire to the prairies and forests, for the purpose of burning the dead grass and combustible matter on the surface. The consequence is, a fresh growth of tender grass, which serves to decoy the deer, and enhance the value of their hunting grounds, as well as to destroy most of the timber. There is yet another species of land, commonly denomi- nated swamj) or 7narsli land, found in different parts of the State, and sometimes in considerable tracts. One descrip- tion of marsh is inundated with water during the winter, and wet season of the year, but in summer, it becomes meas- urably dry. Another is wet and swampy, even to mire, during the whole year. This is commonly covered with a few scattering trees, sometimes by groves of tamarack, and occasionally with an overspread of tall coarse grass. These marshes are caused mostly by beaver dams, which were made across some brook or rivulet, prior to the settle- ment of a civilized population. This is evident, as the dams are still to be seen. Experiments which have been made, prove, that by ditching through the dams, they can be easily drained. The abundance of other land has avert- ed the farmer's attention to drier soils, but when they have been ditched, they have been found to make excellent meadow, and produce good crops. It may be said, with propriety, that Michigan, (the unsurveyed part at least) pos- sesses no irreclaimable marshes, or barren plains or ridges of sand. The lands of this State are generally equally well adapt- ed to grazing and tillage, and no obstacle presents to pre- vent its becoming a good dairy country. The wild grasses grow with the greatest luxuriance on every kind of land. The blue joint is found predominant on the prairies, growing five and six feet high, and, by good judges, considered for cattle nearly equal to timothy. The or MICHIGAN. 27 SOIL. TIMBER. wire grass and red top grow on the openings and prairies, in abundance, the latter of which is excellent for cattle. The wild rye, which grows to the height of six and eight feet, is an excellent substitute for the other grasses. AH these grasses are very nutricious, and cattle, turned upon the ranges in heat of summer, will fatten upon them. It is said that herds of cattle driven across the southern part of the peninsula, during that intense season, and left to range at night only, have been found much improved at the end of the journey. Wild flowers grow very plentifully. The prairies, in par- ticular, are literally covered with many varieties, of every hue, pink, crimson, white, purple, violet, orange, &c. With fev/ local exceptions, the country is plentifully ir- rigated by pure, cool, salubrious drinking water, and where springs and rivulets are not found convenient, the best water is procured by sinking wells. Timber, though sparse on the openings and plains, is sufficiently plenty, or easily obtained from the adjacent forests, to answer for farming and other economical pur- poses in a new settled country. As the State becomes more densely populated, it will be in greater demand. But to supply this demand, correspondent to the increased ne- cessities of the farmer, it is believed the young gro\t'th of timber, consequent to the final stoppage of the annual, des- olating fires, will be amply sufiicient. Some discrepancy occurs in the estimates of different in- dividuals, as to the amount of labor and expense of clear- ing and cultivating different kinds of land. It is thought, by some, that for the farmer without capital, the timbered land is the best ; but when capital is added, the openings and plains. The universal practice is to cut down and burn, on the timbered, and to girdle the trees, on the plains and openings. When the timber is thus destroyed on the tim- bered land, it is ready to be sowed without any ploughing, and requires only a team and drag to finish the work. The price for clearing timbered land is from 10 to 12 dollars the acre.* The plains and openings require three or four yoke * Tlie difference in the expense, for the same object in 1638 and 1838, is not inconsiderable. Tliere are on record, in Hartford, Conn, bills of labor for clearing a home" lot, which show that the price of clearing 28 GAZETTEER PRODUCTIONS. of oxen to break the sward, considerable labor to harrow in the seed and transport the fencing timber from a dis- tance. The poor man, with his axe and single team, can therefore accomplish more on the timbered, than on the open land. PRODUCTIONS. Every production of the earth is properly classed under one or other of the grand divisions of natural history — the animal, the vegetable, or the mineral kingdom. It cannot be expected or required, that much should be said on this subject, neither will the attempt be made. Results in ei- ther of these great divisions of nature, or their sub-divis- ions, can be attained only by prolonged and extensive re- search. Michigan is a new State. Her existence is stdl inchoate — the offspring of yesterday, though the promising youth of future scientific annals. The genius of civiliza- tion has but just begun to dispel the mists of savage life, or the power of science to imprint her footsteps upon the re- maining vestiges of Indian haunts. The range is laid open, a wide, extensive, and untried field, for every department of natural science. For the full development of her natural resources, the State, with a spirit as enlightened and liberal, as honorable to herself and the cause of science, has made provisions for its exploration. By the first act, passed in 1837, $29,000 were appropriated for the object— $3,000 the first year, $6,000 the second, $8,000 the third, and $12,000 the fourth year. The act of 1838 is still more liberal, in the increase of appropriations. In place of the previous appropriation, the annual sum of $12,000 for land for the plough was then fftij pounds sterling, per acre. (Vide Webster's Hist.) This seems almost incredible when the then enhan- ced value of money is taken into the account. But it should be remem- bered that the process of clearing land in those days, by cutting and dig- ging up the roots of trees, with much other equally unnecessary labor, was tedious and dilatory in the extreme. Our New England ancestors would probably not have been easily convinced of the feasibility and su- periority of our Western system of husbandij, for a new country. OF MICHIGAN. 29 PRODUCTIONS. ANIMALS. three years, is applied to defray the expense of a geojogica survey of the State, According to this act, four departments are constituted first, the geological and mineralogical ; second, the zoolo gical ; third, the botanical ; and fourth, the topographical The geological corps consists of a State geologist and three chief assistants, viz : a zoologist, botanist, and to pographer, each of which has the conduct of his appropri ate department under the general supervision of the State geologist. To complete the corps, the geologist is entitled to one minor assistant, the zoologist two, and the botanist t»ne. It becomes the duty of each, accurately to examine all parts of the State, and collect specimens in each depart- ment, one for the State, and if possible, sixteen more simi- lar specimens for the University and its branches. Under the act of '37,. the State geologist* was appointed, and the preliminary steps to a thorough exploration commenced. Under the present act, the geological corps has been com- pleted, and the survey is progressing with increased vigor. From the known high reputation of the geologist, and the respectable character of the scientific corps under his su- perintendency, a full and successful development of the natural resources of the State may be expected in the pro- gress of their labors. In view of this prospective result, but a passing notice will be taken of the various subjects properly coming with- in the purview of this article, under the classification indi- cated at its commencement ; and, indeed, this becomes measurably necessary from the dearth of information, and the want of the proper scientific lists, which is attributed to the slight attention hitherto directed to the subject. ANIMALS. In the northern parts of the State, wild animals and game of every description, are found in abundance. In the surveyed or rather settled portion, game is plenty, but the increase of settlements is evidently producing a sensible diminution. * Dr. Douglass Houghton. 3* 30 GAZETTEER Of the existence of an extinct species of animals, known only by their fossil remains, as the Mammoth of the genus Mastodon, found in other western States, there has been but one evidence presented to the public. This occurred in the month of August, 1837, near the Pawpaw river, 13 miles north of St. Joseph, in Van Buren county, as the work- men of the Waterford Company were employed in digging a mill race. The parts of a skeleton of this animal were . found imbedded in the earth twelve feet below the surface. Portions of the back bone were collected that measured twenty-seven feet. Two of the teeth which were in a pet- rified state, were saved, one of which weighed three pounds and ten ounces. One of the tusks measured seven feet long by eighteen inches in circumference. Much of the skele- ton, on exposure to the atmosphere, crumbled to powder. It is not improbable that this race once inhabited this State. The huffalo or hison^ formerly ranged the peninsula in immense herds, but it has long since fled the territory, and taken refuge beyond the Mississippi. The White Bear has been said to exist in some parts of this State, but if it exist at present, it must be in the secluded regions of the Upper Peninsula, as all personal enquiries for this animal have elicited no information of his present existence. Of the numerous wild animals, inhabiting the forests and plains of this State, the following, and their varieties, are the principal and most abundant: the wolverine, black or brown bear, wolf, elk, deer, moose, lynx, wild-cat, panther, fox, martin, raccoon, porcupine, opossum, weasel, skunk, polecat, gopher, squirrel, marmot or woodchuck, rabbit, hare, &-c. The smaller lakes and rivers and their vicinity, are found to be inhabited by the beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, &lq,. which supply the hunter and trapper in large numbers. The IV olverine or carcajou, the iirsiis luscus of the sys- tems, is an animal of much notoriety in this State. He is said to be of the white bear species, but unlike it, of a black color and of a shy, voracious and mischievous dispo- sition. The hlack hear is another variety, numerous in some parts of the State. Animals of this class appear to possess a gregarious disposition, at periods, and, like the squirrel. OF MICHIGAN. 31 an inclination to migrate from one to another section of country. They collect once in about three years, on the northern shores of Lakes Huron and Superior, and the country south of Hudson's Bay, and push their course south-westerly across the strait of St. Mary, in herds of thousands. We have never learned that they return from the opposite direction. There are three kinds of wolves, the canis lupus, or gray wolf; the canis latrans, or prairie wolf; and the canis ly~ caon, or large black wolf, all of which, in the opinion of our farmers and first settlers, are too plenty for conven- ience. The little prairie wolf is the most mischievous of all. Animals of the latter class are quite numerous on the prairies, where they live in burrows in the earth. Elk and moose are numerous in every unsettled part of the State. Two kinds of deer are found, the red and rein- deer, or Cariboo. The former, with one exception, are found in great numbers in every portion of the State. It is not a little remarkable, that in the Upper Peninsula, east of a line 120 miles west of St. Mary's, rein deer are found in considerable numbers, but the red deer and moose have never been seen in a single instance. On the other hand, the country west of this line abounds with the two latter species of animals, but not with the rein deer. Each seems to possess a territory inviolable to the intercourse of the other. The flesh, and especially the tongue of the rein deer, is considered a great delicacy. The lynx is shy, retired, and not often seen, and is found in the Upper Peninsula only. The wild-cat and panther are understood to be inhabitants of the northern, more than the southern regions of the State. The different varieties of the fox found in other sections of country, are found here in great numbers. There is an- other kind, called the arctic fox, found only in the Upper Peninsula. It has the flowing tail and shape, resembling the common fox, but in color, it is a perfect snow white, ex- cept the extreme point of the nose, and a few hairs within the ear, which are black. It is covered with hair and a downy fur, so beautifully white, as, at a short distance, to be mistaken for snow itself. The martin is found in great numbers only in the unset- tled parts of the State. 32 GAZETTEER The gopher is a singular animal. He is about the size, and in some measure, favors the common striped squirrel. The inferior parts of the body are yellow, and the superior parts, striped longitudinally, with a stripe of black or red- dish brown, and alternately, a stripe of qualified white. There are ten blafck, five on each side, and nine white stripes, one slightly delineated on the top of the back, and four on each side of it. Through the centre of each of the four black stripes, there is set, at regular intervals, a row of fourteen round white spots, the size of a pea, which give it quite a maculated appearance. He burrows in the ground, and subsists on roots and nuts. He digs subterranean passages somewhat similar to the mole, and throws up small hillocks or mole hills of earth. To facili- tate this operation, he is provided with a duplicature of the cheek, which serves as an inward sack, which is filled with earth with the paws, and disburthened on the surface of the earth. Of the squirrel, there are every species known in any of the western States, as the black, gray, fox, red and striped, or ground squirrel, commonly known at the east by the ap- pellation o^ chip-7nucJc. The three first mentioned are very plentiful in favorable seasons, while in others they are scarce. It is observed, that in those years when they ap- pear most numerous, they are itinerating. They migrate in those seasons, from north-east to south-west, overcoming every obstacle, even swimming the widest rivers. It is said, that when squirrels are abundant, it is owing to a plen- tiful supply of ''mast" or nuts, but this happens, some- times, when there is a scarcity. Their periodical increase and migration seems not to be satisfactorily accounted for. There is still another species of squirrel, found in the Up- per Peninsula, called the thirteen strip'ed squirrel, sciurus tredeccum. Rabbits are abundant in every part of the country. The hare seems mostly to inhabit the northern regions. The numbers of this latter species, in some parts of the Upper Peninsula, are truly astonishing. In winter they are snow white, but in spring, they shed their covering, and put on a vesture, suitable in color, to the surround- ing forest. They shed their summer coat, as the snow OF MICHIGAN. 33 falls. It is said that when the snow unseasonably thaws, their whiteness exposes them an easy prey to the hunter. Of the other quadrupeds before mentioned, whether car- nivorous or graminiverous, they are too numerous and well known to need any farther notice. The domestic quadrupeds and other animals, generally, partake of the kinds of the adjoining States, but more particularly of Ohio and Upper Canada, from which, most of them have been driven, though many have been taken from New York and New England. They are generally of an inferior quality, as is the case in all the Western States.* Emigrants have other more urgent cares to call their attention, than the rearing of fine horses or fine oxen. The first object is to erect a cabin, prepare and improve their land for a crop; in short, to live: and they procure the first domestic animals coming in their way. Utility, and not beauty, is the prevalent desideratum here. Horses are much used, but not as universally as in tire States south. The French or Indiin pony has long been the favorite ancient domestic of those classes of population, and he is still used to a considerable extent in the older parts of the State. Mules are still more rare, but are adopted as beasts of burden by some. Oxen are in greater demand for agricultural labor. Nothing short of their strength and firmness will answer to prepare the stiff, rigid soils of this State for farming. Neat cattle and swine are of the same breeds raised in Ohio, both of which, though far superior to the Tennessee and Kentucky breeds, are yet susceptible of great improvement. Michigan is naturally an excellent grazing country, and there are no natural ob- stacles to its becoming a good dairy and stock growing country. But little attention has been given to wool grow- ing, and there are but comparatively few sheep in the State. It is thought that this animal will thrive well here, though not equally to what it does in a mountainous region. * As allusion has been made to odier Western States, it is but ji;istiee to Ohio, to say, that within three or four years past, Agricultural Socie- ties have been formed, and, at a great expense, valuable breeds of do- mestic animals have been imported from Europe into the State, and exer- tions are making to propagate them in the valleys of the Miami and Scioto. 34 GAZETTEER ANIMALS. FOWLS. But under all the difficulties of a newly settled State, there is a spirit of enterprise and ambition in our popula- tion, that will not brook the present ordinary state of agri- cultural improvement and depreciated breeds of domestic animals. During the past year, a State Agricultural Socie- ty has been organized, and branches to the parent have been formed in many of the counties. Their attention will be directed to the dissemination of such information as is immediately beneficial to the farmer, and to the introduc- tion and propagation of a superior breed of horses, sheep, swine, and neat cattle. This is highly desirable^ and must and will be'done. Fowh.^ The wild fowls are mostly migratory, and, in kind, are, with some exceptions, the same that are found in the same latitude, eastward. Among the forest and field birds, are noticed the robin, blackbird of different varieties, thrush, lark, bluebird, sparrow of various kinds, wren, woodpecker of all the varieties, jay, cuckoo, &c. &c. Of the forest birds, which serve for game to the sports- man, are found in the greatest abundance, the partridge (pheasant of the south), quail, woodcock, grouse or prairie hen, wild turkey, pigeon, snipe, &c. The white partridge is found in the Upper Peninsula. Aquatic fowls are very numerous. The most noted are the wild goose, brant, duck, crane, bustard, swan, loon, plover, gull, &:-c. Of the carnivorous birds, the eagle, the buzzard, and other species of vulture, the crow or raven, the heron, and other varieties of the falcon, the owl, &c. together with others of the same character, are common to this State, or to some parts of it. The great white owl is an inhabitant only of the Upper Peninsula. Most of the forest birds of plumage and song, are like- wise birds of passage, who visit this region in spring, to * In a report upon the Ornithology of the State, made to the Legisla- ture, it is estimated that the State will yield 350 or 400 species, or 700 or 800 individuals by counting duplicates to embrace the sexes. " Making allowance for those that molt twice a year, it is supposed that a full col- ■ lection of Michigan birds will contain, at the lowest calculation, one thousand specimens." OP MI4CIIIGAN. 35 ANIMALS. BSES. propagate their species, and, in autumn, depart for the Avarmer climate of the Southern States, to pass the winter. This is the class of musical songsters, whose lively warbling cheers our fields and forests with melody, and heighten, the charms of rural life. The equal distribution and variega- tion of lake and forest, plain and opening, seem admirably adapted to invite the preference of those birds, and to ac- count for their great numbers. The rocky shores of Lake Superior, are so uncongenial to the growth of vegetation, especially of the wild rice, that it is not so favorite a resort for water fowl as the other lakes; all the other larger lakes, and particularly the rivers and interior lakes, are plentifully supplied. Wild geese are said not to be seen either in the Strait of St. Mary or Lake Superior. But they are found in great numbers in and around the small lakes, where they remain during the summer. The beautiful white swan is often seen, and is well known. But ducks, of every variety, size, and plumage, are found in myriads, upon these small lakes; in fact, they often literally cover them. ItJs believed, no part of the Union can boast of an equal abun- dance of water fowl. Here is a fine field for sportsmen. All these aquatic fowls resort hither for procreation, and, on the closing of the lakes, depart for a milder climate. The ducks return pre- cisely at the opening of the straits, but in late seasons their seeming impatience is sometimes manifested, by a too pre- cipitous reappearance. They are first seen in the western part of Lake Erie and Detroit Strait. Here they hover about for weeks, waiting for the opening of the rivers and interior lakes. The immense numbers, seen during this period, are astonishing. They are noticed in flocks mostly on the wing, passing up the strait. From estimates made at Detroit, it has been supposed that not less than 100,000, in the short space of an hour, have been observed to pass over one field of view. Some of the small lakes are not closed by ice, and are mostly covered with ducks, geese, &c. that prefer remain- ing during the winter. Bees. Wild bees are found plentifully in the surveyed part of the peninsula, and it is supposed, that they inhabit 36 GAZETTEEU VEGETABLES. FRUITS'. Other portions of the State. The hunting and gathering of their honey is made a profitable employment at the pro- per-season, by those experienced in the business. VEGETABLES. Of the principal forest trees, notice has before been tak- en. The most valuable for timber, are the oak, hickory, black walnut, maple, beech, ash, &c. which often grow to a great size. Wild nuts are found, at the proper seasons, in abundance, as the black walnut, hickory nut, hazelnut, butternut. The chestnut tree is scarce, and hence its nut. It may be remarked, not only for Michigan, but for the Western States generally, that the hickory nut is, in quality, far inferior to that of New England. There is commonly found a variety of fruit indigenous to the soil and climate of the peninsula, — wild cherries of va- rious kinds, both crab and thorn apples, several varieties of the wild or meadow plum, &c. all in abundance. The pawpaw is scarce, found, it is believed, only in the south- western part of the State. Wild shrub and vine fruits, it is probable, exceed, in abundance, any other country. Cranberries are so plentiful in the marshes as often to exclude everything else. Wild grapes of several varieties, currants, gooseberries of two kinds, whortleberries, bill berries, may berries, hawthorn- berries, blueberries, high and low blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, mandrakes or May apples, grow spontane- ously, and are found in great profusion. Every kind of wild fruit which is, and some kinds that are not found in the same latitude eastward, are not only lavished in supe- rior abundance, but sometimes in superior quality. Agricultural and horticultural productions grow with the same luxuriance. The greater portion of the settlement of the State, is too recent for much experimental knowledge, of its congeniality to the cultivated fruits. But, judging Note. Of the subjects in Ichthyology, no accurate list has been obtained. Some few facts collected concerning the fish of the lakes, are presented under the head of Rivers and Lakes. OP MICHIGAN. 37 VEGETABLES. from the wild fruits, and the domestic productions of the older settled parts of the State, there is no doubt that it will become noted as a fruit country. The valleys of the Strait of St. Clair, and especially of Detroit, are interspersed with orchards of various kinds of fruit. Formerly, there was greater attention paid to its growth and quality, and its superior excellence used to be celebrated. The Detroit cider was, not long since, noted, and constituted an article of export. But for some cause, of late, that attention has relapsed, and, although some good fruit is seen in market, there is too much of the natural kind, and that of an infe- rior quality. Where the proper care is used, every kind of fruit is produced on this strait, as apples, pears, peaches, quinces, the various kinds of plums and cherries, &c. The soil of the interior, however, is thought to be more con- genial to these fruits, than the argilaceous intervals of the Straits. But it is believed that the pear tree has a more exuberant growth, and produces more abundantly on this strait, than in any other section of country. This tree often attains a circumference of from five to eiofht feet, and a height of fifty and sixty feet. At a distance, it more re- sembles a forest, than a fruit tree. Of the grains and jield vegetables, Indian corn or maize, barley, oats, rye, wheat, buckwheat, pease, beans, turnips, potatoes, flax, hemp, &c. are produced in excellent crops. As a general occurrence, oats may be said to be the hea- viest crop raised, but corn and wheat are scarcely inferior, and may challenge any other State for their superior in quantity or quality. Rye and barley are, as yet, not much raised. It may be remarked, what is, however, already well known, that crops, especially of corn, can be raised to perfection in the west, with often one half the labor and expense bestowed upon the same in the east, and particu- larly in New England, Hemp and flax have been but little cultivated, but from the admirable fitness of many of the soils, there is every reason to believe that they will be favorite articles of culture. The wild grasses and flowers have been before spoken of. All the cultivated exotic grasses, as timothy, English clo- ver, &c. where introduced, succeed to admiration. The 38 GAZETTEER MINERALS. white clover is indigenous, or rather, it grows spontaneous- ly, as soon as the earth is the least cultivated. Garden Vegetables. The great luxuriousness of all gar- den vines, leguminous plants, esculent roots, &c. is notori- ous. Pumpkins, squashes, cucumbers, watermelons, musk- melons, pease, beans, and pulse of all kinds; onions, beets, carrots, radishes, cabbages, lettuce, tomatos, &c. grow in our gardens to a perfection and flavor, that adds, not a lit- tle, to the luxuries of the table. Of these the pumpkin often grows to a size, that if stated, might endanger the credulity of our eastern friends, at least, without occular demonstration of the fact. The light, deep, rich soils of the interior are especially favorable to onions, potatoes, tur- neps, beets, carrots, parsneps, &c. all, except the two former of which, penetrate to an astonishing depth, and are fre- quently of a mammoth size. The potatoe arrives to a superior excellence in every part of the State. Cabbages often have an exuberant growth. The tomato, (a fruit the most delicious, and above all, perfectly harmless, possess- ing likewise valuable medicinal qualities,) flourishes well, and, after once introduced, grows spontaneously, and to per- fection. Leeks, onions, &c. are found growing in a wild state upon the intervals. MINERALS. Since the minerals of any district are, to a considerable extent, found only agreeably to certain geological structure, it is to be observed of the Peninsula, that as far as examin- ations have extended, it seems to be exclusively of the sec- ondary formation. The Upper Peninsula, bordering Lake Superior, is primitive ; the southern part, bordering Lake Michigan and Green Bay, secondary. Primitive boulders or " lost rocks," are discoverable in every part of the State, especially upon the coasts and upon the margin, or in the beds of the rivers. These are found of enormous dimen- sions on the coast of Huron, especially north of Saginaw Bay. Here granite boulders exist, from one to one hundred' tons weight or more. These are not satisfactorily account- ed for. OP MICHIGAN. 39 " Michigan bears evident marks of once being partially or entirely inundated ; it is skirted by a belt of heavily timbered land, about twenty-five miles deep, surrounding the entire lake coast, which lies several feet below the adjoining plains and openings. It seems once to have been the bed of the lakes, long after the waters receded from the plains and burst their barriers through the Gulf of St. Lawrence.* The Peninsula is of the same geological formation as western New York, its rocks consisting of mostly horizon- tal strataof limestones, sandstones, and shales; the lime- stone being generally found in the beds of the rivers near the lakes, and the sandstones in the interior." The soil covering these strata is either alluvial or diluvial, having a depth varying fiom one to 150 feet. The upper sandstone occupies the central and more ele- vated portions of the Peninsula, and discovers itself often immediately under the surface of the soil. Its thickness and general inclination are uncertain. Quarries of this stone have been opened near Jonesville, Jackson, Napole-^ on, Battle Creek, Marshall, and at several other points. It generally admits of being easily quarried, furnishing a good building material, and is frequently used for grindstones. It is also seen in the bed of the Grand River, in the counties of Jackson, Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Ionia. It has been noticed near Corunna, Shiavvassee town, and at other places. The stratum underlaying the sandstone is a gray colored limestone, and found on the borders of the Peninsula. It has been traced from the rapids of the Maumee, in Ohio, to the Charity Islands of Saginaw Bay, and has been noticed at the river Raisin, the bed of which it forms at several places; at Stony Point, and numerous other points along this part of the coast of Lake Erie ; at Gibralter, Mon- guagon, the western part of St. Clair county ; portions of the counties of Oakland, Lapeer, Shiawassee, and Mid- land. ^' Associated with the rock, we find calcareous spar at nearly all the localities noted ; irregular hog-tooth spar at Monroe; Sulphate of Strontian at Brest, and Grosse Isle; tremolite at Brest ; sulphate of barytes, brown spar, and * Vide article Rivers and Lakes. 40 GAZETTEER MINERALS. gypsum at Grand rapids, and the latter will, undoubtedly, be found associated at the rapids of Maskegon." '' The limestone is, for .the most part, of a subgranular structure, quite compact, and well adapted to agricultural purposes; and although at many points it is capable of producing a valuable lime upon burning, it is not unfrequeotly too sili- cious to answer that purpose."* It is manufactured into lime and building stone at Monguagon, for the supply of the city of Detroit. It is likewise extensively used for both purposes in the vicinity of Monroe. Limestone, furnishing a good quality of lime, is manufactured in the south-west part of Eaton and Cass, and a few miles north of the village of Jackson. Large quantities of bog lime are found in Hillsdale. Beneath the gray limestone formation, the gray wacke or lower sandstone stratum is supposed to exist. This is no- ticed on the Lake Huron shore, on the St. Mary's strait, at the Pictured Rocks, and at various other points in the Up- per Peninsula. Gypsum, or plaster of Paris is found on Gypsum creek, in Kent county, on St. Martin's Island in Lake Huron, and on the south-western shore of Saginaw Bay. It is ap- parently abundant in the former locality. Indications of bituminous coal are found in all those counties, where the superior stratum or carboniferous lime- stone formation was said to exist, and upon the shores of some of the lakes and rivers. The indications are more distinct in Shiawassee, Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson. A bed of coal from eighteen inches to two feet thick, has been discovered on Grindstone creek in Eaton county. Marl exists in abundance in Ottawa, St. Joseph, Jack- son, Lenawee, Monroe, and other parts of the State, com- posed of deposites of recent shells, and when submitted to the process of calcination has been found to produce lime of a superior quality. It is likewise an excellent manure for lands, when judiciously applied. Deposites of marly clay are quite common. A superior bed occurs in the county of Macomb, near the Middle branch of the Clinton. It exists also near Ann Arbour, and pottery is manufactured from it with success. f Rep. of State Geologist to the Legislature, 1838. OP MICHIGAN. 41 MINERALS. SALINES. The sand composing the downs that border the Lake Michigan shore is said to be of a quality, in some instances fitted for the manufacture of glass. The best bed of sand for this purpose, yet discovered, occurs in considerable quantities, near Monroe* It is composed of small, snowy white, angular grains of pure quartz, which proceeded from the disintegration of a silicious lime rock. The Upper Peninsula presents many external evidences of the existence of the metallic ores. Large masses of na- tive copper have been found on some of the larger rivers. The large quantities of iron sand upon the coast of Su- perior, and the iron pyrites and specimens of lead ore found upon the banks of the rivers, presuppose the more exten- sive existence of those metals. Iron ore has been discov- ered in Hillsdale and Berrien, in the south-eastern part of Livingston and southern part of Branch county. It is said an abundance of bog iron exists in the south-western part of Cass. It is found in the county of Wayne, Ottawa, and in many other parts of the State. There is an extensive bed near the village of Kalamazoo; three specimens of which being subjected to analysis by Dr. Houghton, gave a mean result of 78.45 grains protoxyd of iron to 21.55 ex- traneous matter. Salines. Salt springs have been known to exist in differ- ent parts of the State, from its earliest history ; but no sci- entific test of their value, or successful efforts to improve them, have been realized. Attempts have been made, and abandoned, through insufficiency of means or want of skill in conducting operations. But a new era is commencing, and their value and importance becoming known. The saline district is reported by the State geologist to lie mostly north of "a line drawn from Monroe to Grand- ville, and although there are several indications in Wayne county, if the eastern point were removed to Mt. Clemens, the country north of that line would embrace all of much, or in fact, of any consequence, with the exception of those on the Saline river, in Washtenaw." These are described as occurring in five distinct groupes. First, those on Grand river, town six north ; second, those on Maple river, towns eight and nine north ; third, those on the Tittibawassee, town fifteen north ; fourth, those of Macomb county, town three north; fifth, those of Saline river, Washtenaw, town 4* 42 ' GAZETTEER MINERALS. SPRINGS. four south." Brine springs occur in the north, as on the Cheboiegon and also on the south coast of Upper Michi- gan. The Grand, Tittibavvassee, and their tributaries, fur- nish upon their borders the most numerous indications; and from the limited examinations already made, very desirable results are in anticipation. The table presented below, exhibits the result of the analysis of the several salines indicated. It is taken from the able report of the State geologist to the Legislature. It is to be observed that this analysis was made mostly under very unfavorable circumstances, the springs being often located in low grounds and marshes, and the water taken for experiment at the time, or soon after, heavy rains. Location of the Springs, S^c, No. ], is located on the Tittibawassee, 80 rods below Salt river. Midland county. Township 15 North, Range I West, section 25, owned by the State ; temperature of the spring 47° Fahrenheit. No. 2 — Tittibawassee river, half mile above Salt river. Mid- land CO., T. 15 N., R. 1 W., sec. 24, owned by the State. Temp, of the spring 47°. No. 3— mouth of Salt river. Midland co., T. 15 N., R. 1 W., sec. 25, owned by State. Temp. 50°. No. 4— Kent co., 3 m. below G. Rapids, T.6 N., R. 12 W., sec. 3. owned by State. Temp. 48°. No. 5 — the same location, &c., but temp. 52°. No. 6 — the same location, &c., but temp. 48°. No. 7 — near Grand Rapids, otherwise the same. No. 8 — the same. No. 9— Kent co., near G. Rapids, T.6 N., R. 12 W., sec. 10, private property. Temp. 51°. No. 10— Kent co., G. Rapids, T. 6 N., R. 12 W. on N. side Grand river, owned by State. Temp. 50°. No. 11 — Gratiot co., source navigation of the Maple, N. side, T. 9 N., R. 2 W., sec. 26, private property. Tem- perature 51°. No. 12 — Gratiot co. source nav. Maple river, S. side, T. 9 N., R.2 W., sec. 27, private property. No. 13 — Clinton co.. Maple river, Clinton Salt Works, T. 8 N., R. 4 W., sec. 15, private prop. Temp. 46°. OF MICHIGAN. 43 MINERALS. SPRINGS. No. 14 — Clinton co., Clinton Salt Works, lower marsh, T. 8 N., R. 4. W., sec. 15, private prop. No. 15 — Washtenaw co.. Saline, T. 4 S., R. 5 E., sec 12, U. S. reservation. No. 16— Macomb co., Salt river of L. St. Clair, T. 3 N., R. 14 E., sec. 2 and 11, owned by State. Temp. 50°. No. IT— Macomb co.. Salt river, T. 3 N., R. 14 E., sec. line between 2 and 11, owned by State. Temp. 52 ° No. 18— Macomb co., Frankfort, T. 3N., R. 13- E., sec. 31, private prop. Temp. 49°. No. 19— Macomb co., T. 3 N., R. 12 E., sec. 13, private prop. Temp. 58°. No. 20— Wayne CO., T. 2 S., R. 9 E,, sec. 2, private prop. 44 GAZETTEER O E. Muriat.Soda* Muriate Lime Mur. mag:nes. Carbon. Lime SulphateLime Carbona. Iron Veget.mattert Silicious and aluminous dot No. of Spring 8 - S p ^ o: to oi C./" U' QC' Itl! S to p 00 Oi V ►4^ Oi ' ' o "hii' ^ '*^ rf^ to * a o i 8 O 00 00 .^ o ^i bo ^ kj b: OT o OT o:/ >i^ Ul ^ 8 OD C". -J Ci to ox 3 i to CO — O >4-. *- 1— ' 00 1 8 01 H- 1— to ^ CO O C-. 00' '^ to Qi *- ^f to p 1 8 ^ O Ci Oi 00 ^ 1 p 8 H- 00 W^ >*^ Oi 1— ' 8 1— C-. >^ CO Cl «0 to hfi* to -+ § 00 00 on h— o^ to 8 -I CO c; H- ;^ t^ 8 H- o to ci cji t- CO C7« H- 0-' o cr- Oi 8 to to Ul to 5 p 8 to to -1 to >;^ 1 i to to to O OO O to Q0«O 00 § I— 00 to O to 4- p 8 t— ' ^ H- to CO OT CTi ^ J 55 •^ '^ OP MICHIGAN. 45 RIVERS AND LAKES. The analysis in the table was of water taken at the sur- face. A more recent analysis of the water of Clinton Salt Works, since a shaft has been sunk 40 feet, (the quantities in both cases, being equal, or three and a half wine pints nearly,) shows an increase of 92. 42 grains of solid matter, and 77.05 grains of salt. The advantage of boring is obvi- ous. In contemplation of improving those springs belong- ing to the State, $3,000 has been appropriated by the State, and the State geologist is directed to employ one or more assistants, and commence boring at one or more salt springs. Medicinal waters are known to exist in some parts of the State. These are mostly Chalybeate and Sulphur Springs, some of the latter, charged with sulphurated hydrogen, occur near Monroe, and Havre, and are useful in the treatment of cutaneous disorders. One near Havre is 35 feet deep and 150 in circumference, and produces a volume of water sufficient to propel a run of stones. RIVERS AND LAKES. The rivers of Michigan are, in general, comparatively smaller but more numerous, having in the peninsula, accor- ding to the volume of water, a greater length from their mouths to where they head, than is commonly observed in most other sections of country. This latter circumstance may perhaps be attributed not only to the uniformity of de- scent, but to the more favorable structure of the interior to furnish them constant supplies.* The Detroit, St. Clair, and St. Mary's are more properly Straits, and 7iot rivers. * What is the common intendment or literal signification conveyed by the words river, creek, brook, run, &c. is to be understood, not by any definite dimensions of the stream, but by the notion of comparative size locally attached to them, in diflfercnt sections of country. In New Eng- land the streams are mostly small; in the Southern States larger; in the South Western, and North Western States, generally numerous and very large. Hence,in New Eno-land, the streams, though in general very diminutive, are commonly termed rivers, and the most trifling are called brooks ; and thus in some parts of New York. But in a greater portion of the West, and especially in the South Western States, the grade of the streams is so various from the Mississippi downward, a different 46 GAZETTEER RIVERS AND LAKES. — LAKE SUPERIOR. They are tranquil, deep, copious and expansive streams, uniting the great lakes, the waters of which, they conduct toward the ocean. The largest rivers of the Peninsula are the Grand, Maskegon, St. Joseph and Kalamazoo, which flow into Lake Michigan ; the Cheboiegon and Thunder Bay River, that discharge into Lake Huron, and the Sagi- naw into Saginaw Bay. The streams flowing eastward are small, owing to the position of the dividing ridge, which is considerably east of the centre of the peninsula. The lar- gest are the Raisin, Huron, Rouge and Clinton. The lar- gest rivers of the Upper Peninsula, are the Montreal, the Great Iron, the Ontonagon, Huron, St. Johns, and Choco- late, which put into Lake Superior : and the Monomonie and Monestee, which flow, the former into Green Bay and the latter into Lake Michigan. There are several other considerable streams, though of a smaller grade, and which, together with all the before mentioned, may be found de- scribed in the Third Part of this work. In the surveyed part and in the remainder of the State as far as ascertained, the streams are, with few exceptions, lively, pure and heaHhy. Michigan is encompassed by five lakes, four of which are the largest collections of fresh water on the globe. They are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, and Lake Erie. These are connected by the Straits of Detroit, St. Clair, Mackinac, and St. Mary. Of these immense Mediterranean waters. Lake Superior is by far the largest. It is situated between about lat. 46°20' and 48° 58' N. and Ion. 84°12' and 92°25' West. It lies di- rectly north of the Upper Peninsula, and the greater part of its Southern coast is bordered by it. Its length is esti- mated at 500, its breadth in the widest part 190, and its cir- cumference 1700 miles, (by some 350 long, and 1500 in cir- cumference.) The coast, as well as the lake itself, is very irregular, exhibiting frequent indentations and bordered, es- pecially in the N. W., with numerous small islands. The largest are Middle Island, and Isle Royal, near the Amer- ican coast, and Michippicotton near the northern part of the notion prevails, and names are applied accordingly. Thus the larger axe called rivers, and what are termed rivers in New Enj,land are called creeks in the West, and a brook is called a run. But in Michigan, the rule is somewhat varied from other parts ofthe West, and, altliough many streams are called creeks, yet it is frequent to find very insignificant streams dignified with the name of river. OF MICHIGAN. 4? RIVERS AND LAKES. LAKE MICHIGAN, LAKE HURON. lake. Its tributaries are numerous, and many of them con- siderable streams, the greater portion of which put in from the American shore. St. Mary's Strait is the outlet that con- ducts its waters through a devious channel into Lake Huron. Lake Michigan is the second in size. It is between lat. 41°38'58" and about 46° N. and Ion. about S4°40' and 87° 8' W. It is a long and narrow lake, stretching a little northeastwardly between the Peninsula on the East and the territory of Wisconsin and state of Illinois on the west. The northern part, together with the straits of Mackinac, separate the two peninsulas of Michigan from each other. It is 330 miles* in extreme length, and on an average, 60 broad, and distant 120 miles from the Mississippi. It contains, according to Hutchins 16,981 square miles, or about 10,- 868,000 acres. It has many subsidiary streams both from the peninsula and Wisconsin. Its coast is generally sandy, but preserving great regularity. It is mostly free from islands except in the north, and in the strait of Mackinac, which communicates with it and Lake Huron on the north- ern point of the Peninsula. There are only three bays of any importance. Green Bay,t the largest, takes its name from the unusually dark green color of its waters. It lies on the N. W. and the great and little Traverse Bays on the north of the Peninsula. Lake Huron is the third in point of size, and is situated on the north-eastern border of the Peninsula, separating it from Upper Canada. It lies between lat. 43°5' and 46° 12' N. and between Ion. 79°50' and 84°30' W. Its length from north to south, is 260 miles, and coast wise on the south western shore, 360. It is 160 miles in breadth from east to the west, in the widest part, but exclusive of the Bay, on the north east, it is only 90, and its circumferance 1100 miles. Its area is 7,828 square miles, or 5,009,920 acres. The shape of this lake is extremely irregular. Its principal indentations are Saginaw Bay, which extends down into the Peninsula, and two others, one immedi- *ately north of the Manito Islands, and the other, south *All surveys made of these lake waters have been more or lass par- tial, and hence the discrepeucy in the calculations of different individu- als as to their true dimensions. Till a more general and complete explo- ration we must be content with the estimates of the best authorities on the subject, t See Green Bay^ Third Part. 48 GAZETTEER RIVERS AND LAKES. — EHIE, ST. CLAIU. INTERIOR LAKES. east of them. The latter, sometimes called the Manito Bay or Manito Lake, is very large, estimated at one fourth of Lake Huron. Huron receives several considerable streams, but far less in number and amount than either of the two former lakes. The waters of this lake find an outlet in the Strait of St. Clair, which conducts them from its southern extremity into Lake St. Clair. The next larger lake bordering this State is Lake Erie, Lake Erie extends from N. E. to S. W. between a peninsu- la of Upper Canada on the north and New York, Pennsylva- nia, and Ohio on the south, and Michigan on its western bor- der, between 41° 30' and 42° 55' N. lat. and from 78° 35' to 83° 20' W. Ion. More than 30 miles of its coast border Michigan. The lake is estimated at 280 miles long, and from 10 to 63 in breadth, and 654 in circumference, con- taining 3,520 square miles, or 2,252,800 acres.* It has comparatively few tributary streams, the largest of which is Maumee. It has its outlet on the north eastern extremity through the Strait of Niagara, which conducts its Avaters into Lake Ontario. Lake St. Clair is the smallest of the five lakes, bordering this State. It is situated on the east of the Peninsula, nearly midway between Huron and Erie, between about lat. 42° 18' and 42° 45' N. and Ion. 82° 23' and 82° 46' west. Its greatest length from N. W. to S. E. is 30 miles, and great- est breadth "28, and 90 miles in circumference, containing about 127 square miles, or 81,500 acres. Its shape might be compared to the figure of a heart, but, unlike it, receiv- ing its fluid at one extremity, from the Strait of St. Clair, through eight or ten large, beside numerous small chan- nels, and discharging it at the other extremity, by the Strait of Detroit. Interior Lakes. Michigan seems truly to be a lake coun- try. Not only surrounded, but the interior is interspersed with them from one border to the other. Of the unsurvey- ed part, there is less certainly, but in the southern half of the Peninsula, the country is literally maculated with small lakes of every form and size, from an area of one, to one thousand acres, though, as a general rule, they do notper- * Lake Ontario is estimated larger than Lake Erie by only al out 300 square miles. OF MICHIGAN. 49 RIVERS AND LAB:ES. COAST. haps average five hundred acres in extent. They are some- times so frequent, that several may be seen from the same position. Did they not possess so much beauty and so richly add to the picturesque and rural scenery of the coun- try, there would be less propriety in bestowing upon them the dignified appellation of ^' Lakes, ''^ when a less elep-ant designation would be more appropriate to their extent. They are usually very deep, with gravelly bottoms, waters transparent and of a cool temperature, at all seasons. This latter fact is supposed to be in consequence of springs which furnish them constant supplies. They are the favorite re- sort of various kinds of aquatic fowls, and are supplied with an abundance of fish, of the varieties and sizes found in the great lakes; as the trout, bass, pickerel, pike, muskelunjeh, dace, perch, cat, sucker, bullhead, &c. &:.c. which often grow very large. It is usual to find some creek or rivulet originating in them, but what is a very singular fact, and not easily accounted for, many of these bodies of livino- wa- ter have no perceptible outlet, and yet are stored with fish. A lake of this description, with its rich stores of fish and game, forms no unenviable appendage to a farm, and is prop- erly appreciated. The coast of the great lakes, contiguous to either penin- sula, wears a forbidding aspect and exhibits all the eviden- ces of sterility. The northern and southern shores of Lake Superior are rocky, barren, and in some places elevated. From Point Iroquois to the Pictured Rocks, it is sandy, then rocky to Fon du Lac, with occasional plains of sand, exhibiting the usual forest trees of those latitudes, as the pine, hemlock, birch, poplar, spruce, &c. There are sev- eral objects of curiosity on the southern shore, as the Pic- tured Rock, Doric Rock, Cascade La Portcdllc, &c., (for which See Third Part.) The eastern coast of Lake Michigan is more reo"ular, but exhibits a continued line of barren sand, covered occasion- ally with pine and some other evergreens, and extending sometimes, but rarely, several miles from the shore. The most prominent features are frequent sand hills, or bluifs rising often from one hundred to two hundred and fifty feet high. The " Sleeping Bear'' is a noted curiosity of this kind. (See Third Part.) The northern coast of Green Bay and Lake Michigan is, 5 50 GAZETTEEH RIVERS AND LAKES. — COAST. — DEPTH. in general, barren, consisting, in the main, of pine ridges or naked calcareous rocks. The Peninsular coast of Lake Huron has generally high and gravelly banks, some of it rocky, exhibiting frequently, primitive boulders of very large dimensions, especially north of Saginaw Bay. These may be seen likewise in great numbers at the bottom of the lake, at a great depth, near the coast. The Highlands of Sauble, w^hich extend a con- siderable distance along and above Saginaw Bay, are seen from the lake, covered, like the coast, with firs and ever- greens. The southern shore of Lake Erie, in part, presents a rock bound, inhospitable appearance, not greatly unlike what has heretofore been mentioned, but it may be remark- ed that all these outward appearances have proved very in- correct indices to the condition of the interior country. Wild fruits of different kinds are found on all these coasts. Juniper and strawberries, red and black sand- cherries are found on the islands and shores of Lake Hu- ron, in the greatest abundance. The latter grow to the size of the common tame cherry, and have a sweet, deli- cious taste. The rocky shores and uniform transparency of its wa- ters, render it probable that the bottom of Lake Superior is of rock. From like indications, partial soundings, and other signs, the same is inferred of Lake Huron. The bed of Lake Michigan is of both rock and sand. The foul, turbid state of Lake Erie, when ruffled by a gale of wind, is conclusive evidence of a muddy bottom, even where it is not proved by soundings. St. Mary's strait, and some parts of the strait of Detroit, have a rocky bottom. The depth of the three larger lakes has been the subject of speculation. It is generally said, though incorrectly, that they are " unfathomable !"* * That is, some suppose there is no boitom, and others, that it can- not be ascertained. Is not this word, (unfothomable,) a reproach, ■when applied to any tangible object 1 The use of this and like terms, which indicate impossibility or impracticability, implies a listlessness, a want of perseverance, disreputable to the cause of sci- ence, so worthy of being cherished. If the sounding of a lake or of the hidden recess of the ocean do not bring up a pearl ; or if the circumnavi- gation of the globe, or the discovery of the poles do not produce immedi- ate golden treasures, it may add those facts to science, which, indirectly. OF MICHIGAN. 51 RIVERS AND LAKES. — TRANSPARENCY, COLOR AND TEMPERATURE. Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, have been put down at 150 fathoms, till more recently, discoveries have doubled that depth, placing it at 300 fathoms, or 1,800 feet. Their depth below this is uncertain. A trial to this depth is said to have been made at the entrance of Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron, without reaching the bottom. No soundings are found in either Huron or Michigan, 15 miles from shore. Lake Erie is comparatively shallow. The deepest water found in this lake is opposite and be- tween Long Point and the town of Erie, Penn. Here the water has been found 60 fathoms, or 360 feet deep. The average depth of this lake is 25 or 30 fathoms, 150 to 180 feet. The average depth of Lake St. Clair is only 20 feet. The transparency, color and temperature of the waters are somewhat remarkable. Their great transparency is univer- sal ; in fact, it is, in a great measure, common to the waters of a large section of this north-western region, extending westward, sufficiently far to include many of the subsidiary streams of the Upper Mississippi. Either the soil, from which these waters arise, or the waters themselves, possess a defecating principle, by which they are purged of all ex- traneous matter. If they are rendered turbid by the occur- rence of storms, or any other cause, they become perfectly pure by the intervention of a calm. Not so with the Mis- sissippi. Whatever clarifying property may exist in any portion of her original waters, it loses its power when they come in contact with the turbid Missouri, and they roll on, dark and thick, till they meet the gulf. The color of the water is, in general, alight green, hav- ing different shades in different lakes. In Green Bay, and the northern part of Lake Michigan, it is a dark bottle green, and in the southern part of the lake a light green, similar to Lake Erie and the lower straits. Huron has a dark aspect with a green tinge of a slighter shade, and cor- may accomplish the same thing ; or if not, it will satisfy an inquiring, restless mind; nay, millious of such minds, which is equivalent to wealth itself. The discovery of apparently trifling facts and principles, (as we have had occasion to observe in another place) though unfore- seen at the time, are often productive of the most momentous results to science. It is to be hoped, that future exertions may yet be directed to elicit every geographical or scientifical knowledge respecting ihe largest lakes in the world.. 52 GAZETTEER RIVERS AND LAKES. TEMPERATURE. PREVAILING V/INDS. ^ responds with the representations of Lake Superior. The color appears brightest when the surface is ruffled, and hence, from the reflection of light, in conjunction with their transparency, is inferred the origin of the phenomenon. Objects can be discerned from ten to fifteen feet below the surface. Huron is the most transparent, and it is said that, in a calm, a piece of white paper may be plainly seen upon the bottom, 100 feet below the surface. A very agreeable scene is remarked to occur in some parts of this lake during a calm. The tranquil waters, at one view, appear like a vast traneparent mirror, and at an- other, by a kind of optical deception, the vessel seems sus- pended, as it were, in the heavens, the objects on the sur- face are reflected, the depth is magnified, and the spectator is left to indulge in all the pleasing or sublime reveries his imagination can suggest, till the enchantment is broken by the light breeze or the gale which often succeeds. The temperature of the deeper lakes is always cool. The heat of summer warms the surface, while a few feet below it is excessively cold. Lakes Huron and Superior are the coldest. A bottle sunk to the depth of a hundred feet, and filled, in mid-summer, feels, when brought to the surface, like ice water, and the water produces a like sensation to the teeth when drank. Even the surface of Huron is so cold, that a person falling into it at any season, and remain- ing the shortest possible time, is thrown into violent chills. The course of the prevailing icincls varies according to the position of the lake. On Michigan and Huron, they are northerly and southerly, and on Erie, north-easterly and south-westerly ; the former prevailing in spring, and the latter in autumn. They generally blow lengthwise with the lakes, and are heaviest from the north. There are but two serious obstructions to the navigation of these waters from Lake Superior to the Gulf of St. Law- rence, viz : the Falls of Niagara, which entirely puts an end to navigation, and the Falls (in Fr. Saiilt) of St. Mary which it partially interrupts. There is a prospect of the Jatter's being remedied by the construction of a ship canal around them. (See Sault de St. Marie and St. Mary^s river, Third Part.) The present and safest route iri sail- OF MICHIGAN". 53 RIVERS AND LAKES. — FOGS. GALES. ing is to keep the American shore of Huron and Erie, both in going and returning,' taking the Wisconsin coast in pass- ing up Michigan, and the Peninsular coast in coming back. Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and St. Clair, are generally plain sailing and of easy navigation. The strait of St. Mary, to the falls, is the most difficult to navigate. Its common sailing channel is a perfect laby- rinth, devious and circuitous, around islands and sunken rocks, passing cross-channels and shoals. It is ascended by a south-east wind only, and then none but the most ex- perienced can pilot a vessel either up or down it. The en- trance to Green Bay through the Traverse islands and the strait of Mackinac, is difficult to navigate without experien- ced pilots. Lake Superior is reputed to be of dangerous navigation. Lake Huron, on the contrary, is not only the most safe, but likewise the most agreeable to sail, but from Mackinac, on the northern shore of the latter,, as far a3 Cape Head, it is precarious and dangerous from the multi- tude of shoals, sunken rocks, or sunken islands, just under the surface of the water. There is a dangerous shoal eight miles N.E. of Bois Blanc Island. The northern shore of Lake Erie is to be avoided. Long Point projecting from it is especially dangerous. Of the other obstructions to navigating these waters, may be ranked the fogs. These are of frequent occurrence in summer, in the northern parts of Huron and Michigan, in Green Bay, St. Mary's strait and Lake Superior, and are truly frightful to the mariner and canoe-man, and particu- larly so in the strait and in the latter lake. These fogs are so dense as to obscure the nearest objects. They general- ly commence of a sudden, and often last three or four days, sometimes amid heaving billows and pointed breakers. The lakes are subject to gales, noted for being more dan- gerous than what occur on the ocean. The violenS^. — R. 3. E. — S. 8., which signi- fies that that particular section is in the fifth township south of the Base line ; in the third range east of the Principal Meridian, and section No. 8, of said township. Upon two trees at each corner, called witness or bearing trees, are marked the distance and course it is from the cor- ner stake. The quarter posts, or limits of a quarter sec- tion, are marked upon four trees simply thus, \> OF MICHIGAN. 69 PUBLIC LANDS. — TAXATION. Upon the north tier of townships however, the section corners only are marked ; there are no quarter posts or limits of quarter sections marked, and this omission is de- signed to prevent the confusion which would otherwise oc- cur from there being two sets of trees marked near each other, to indicate the quarter limits of different sections. Therefore, the quarter post, e. g. standing upon the town line, say between towns 2 and 3 north, in range 8 east, is intended to designate the quarter section boundaries upon the south line of town 3 north, and not the quarter section limits of the north line of town 2 north. In every Land District is a land office, at which is effected the sale of all public lands belonging to that district. The officers of each district are a Register and Receiver, ap- pointed by the President and Senate, and paid for their ser- vices by the general government. " The land, by proclamation of the President, is first offered for sale at auction, by half-quarter sections. If no one bids for it at $1.25 per acre, it is subject to private en- try at any time after, upon payment at the time of entry $1.25 per acre. No credit is allowed." '* In special cases, Congress have granted pre-emption rights where settlements and improvements have been made prior to public sale. Pre-emption rights confer the privi- lege only of purchasing the tract containing the improve- ments at $1.25 per acre, by the possessor, without the risk of purchasing at public sale." Unlike some of the Western States, resident and non- resident landholders are upon an equality as it regards tax- ation. According to the Revised Statutes, improvements of the value of one hundred dollars and under, on lands actually used and occupied for farming purposes, and all buildings of the same or a less value, erected thereon, are exempted from taxation. All taxes on real estate are as- sessed to the person who is the owner or in possession thereof, on the third Monday of April, in the township where the land lies. All lands are to be appraised at their true cash value, but no lands are to be assessed at less than two dol- lars and a half per acre. The assessment roll of all taxable persons and property in the township is made out between the third Monday in April and the second Monday in May. The apportionment 70 GAZETTEER PUBLIC LA^TDS. TAXATION. of state, county, and township taxes are made by the board of commissioners for the county, at its session in October following. On or before the 15th of November, the cor- rected assessment roll, with th^ taxes annexed to each val- uation, is given to the collector of the township for the collection of taxes. Taxes returned to the county treasurer unpaid, may in proper time be paid to such treasurer by the person upon whose property they are assessed. The collector is authorized to distrain and sell goods and chattels for the satisfaction of taxes, upon neglect or refusal to pay the same on demand made. Taxes remaining unpaid before the 1st of April, and so certified to the auditor general, are subject to a yearly interest of fifteen per cent, till paid^ and if the tax and interest remain unpaid three years from the first of January, following the year in which the same was assessed, the auditor general advertises the land for sale; and on the first Monday of June, the county treasurer, under his direc- tion, offers the same for sale at auction, at the county seat of the county in which the land lies — or such portion of it as is deemed necessary to pay all taxes, interest, and charges which may have accrued upon the lands. Upon sale of the lands, if the amount received exceeds the amount of taxes, interest, and expenses, the balance is deposited in the State treasury, to the credit of the owner, to be refund- ed to him upon proving to the satisfaction of the auditor general that he is the proper owner. The purchaser receives a certificate of sale from the treasurer, and upon presenting the same to the auditor gen- eral, receives a conveyance of the land in fee simple, from the auditor in the name of the people of the State ; which conveyance, if the previous proceedings have all been legal, is conclusive evidence of title. Provision is made, and the auditor general is required from time to time to give to any person applying for the same, a certificate of the amount of any tax, interest, and charges due on any tract or parcel of land, and upon pre- sentation of such certificate, the treasurer may receive such tax, interest, and charges, and give a certificate of receipt of the same to the person presenting it. OF MICHIGAN. 71 LAND DISTRICTS. DETROIT AND MONROE. LAND DISTRICTS. There are five Land Districts in Michigan, viz. : Detroit, Monroe, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, and Grand River. They are bounded as follows : The Detroit Land District has for its southern bound- ary the river Huron from its mouth to the south-east corner of township 3 south, range 8 east, and the line dividing town- ships 3 and 4 south, from said river west to the principal me- ridian ; its western boundary is the principal meridian, com- mencing at the south-west corner of township 3 south, range 1 east, and running north with said meridian to the north- west corner of township 5 north, range 1 east — also the line commencing at the south-west corner of township 6 north, range 12 east, dividing the Uth and 12th ranges of townships east, and running north by said line to Saginaw Bay ; the northern boundary is the line which divides townships 5 and 6 north, commencing at the meridian at the north-west corner of township 5 north, range 1 east, and running east from thence to the north-west corner of township 5 north, range 12 east — also so much of the coast of Saginaw Bay as extends from the line dividing the 11th and 12th ranges of townships to Lake Huron; the eastern boundary extends from the eastern termination of the last mentioned bound- ary, following the western shore of Lake Huron, south to St. Clair strait, down the St. Clair strait and the western shore of Lake St. Clair to the Detroit strait, down said strait to Lake Erie, and from the mouth of said strait on the west- ern shore of Lake Erie to the mouth of the Huron river. This District embraces the entire counties of St. Clair, Macomb, Oakland, and Livingston, together with all of Sanilac east of the division line between ranges 11 and 12 east ; the four eastern townships of Lapeer ; the two south- ern townships of Genesee ; the four southern townships of Shiawassee; the eastern half of Ingham ; the six north- eastern townships of Jackson ; the fifteen northern town- ships of Washtenaw ; and all of Wayne save one and a half townships in the south-western part of the county. The Monroe Land District is bounded east by Lake Erie, and that part of the principal meridian separating town- 72 GAZETTEER LAND DISTRICTS. KALAMAZOO AND SAGINAW. ships 1,2, and 3 south; on the south by the southern bound- ary of the State; on the west by the line dividing Michigan from Indiana, and the line dividing the counties of Hillsdale and Branch, and also by the western boundary of Jackson county ; on the north by the northern boundary line of town- ship 5 south, range 4 west, and that part of the Base-line separating ranges 1, 2, and 3 west, also, hy^ the line com- mencing at the north-west corner of township 4 south, range 1 east, and running east with said line to the Huron river, thence down said river to Lake Erie. This District embraces the entire counties of Monroe, Lenawee and Hillsdale, together with the twelve western and two south-eastern townships of Jackson — the five south- ern townships of Washtenaw, and the south-western town- ship, and one half of the adjoining township east of it in the county of Wayne. The Kalamazoo Land District is bounded east by a line commencing at the north-east corner of township 3 north, range 7 west, and running south to the Base line — also by the line dividing the 3d and 4th ranges of townships, west, commencing at the Base line, and running south to the south-east corner of township 4 south, range 4 west — also by the line dividing the 4th and 5th ranges of townships, west, commencing at the north-west corner of township 5 south, range 4 west, and running south by said line to the southern boundary of the State ; on the south by the line dividing the States of Michigan and Indiana; on the west by Lake Michigan ; and on the north by the line which divides townships 3 and 4 north, commencing at the north- west corner of township 3 north, range 6 west, and running with said line due west to Lake Michigan — also by so much of the Base line as divides the 4th, 5th, and 6th ranges of townships west. This District embraces the entire counties of Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren, together with the counties of Allegan and Barry, save the northern tier of townships in each, which are in the Grand River Land District. The Saginaw Land District is bounded on the east by the line commencing at the south-west corner of township 6 N., range 12 east, and running north with said line to OF MICHIGAN. 73 LAND DISTRICTS. GRAND RIVER. Saginaw Bay, on the south by the division line between townships 5 and 6, north of the Base line, ranges 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 east ; also by the northern boundary line of townships 10 north, ranges 1 and 2 west; on the west by the Principal Meridian, commencing at the S. W. corner of township 6 north, range 1 east and running north with said Meridian, to the south west corner ot township 11, N., range 1 east; also, by the line commencing at the S. W. corner of township 11 north, range 2 west, and running due north, to the northern extremity of the Penin- sula; and on the north-east, by lake Huron, and Saginaw Bay. This district embraces the entire counties of Sagin- aw, Midland, Gladwin, and Arenac, all of Sanilac Avest of the division line between ranges 11, and 12, east, likewise the four north eastern townships of Gratiot — all of Lapeer, save the four eastern townsljips, and of Genesee, save the two southern townships, and of Shiawassee, save the four southern townships, together with all of Mackinac County, in the Peninsula, not included in the Grand River Land District. The Grand River Land District, is bounded by the line beginning on the shore of Lake Michigan, between town- ships 3, and 4 north, and running ea?t on said line to the line between ranges 6 and 7, west of the Principal Meridian ; thence on said range line, south to the Base line, thence on said line, east to the Principal Meridian line : thence N. on said Meridian to the north boundary line of township 10 N., thence west on the line between townships 10 and 11, N. to the western boundary of range 2, west ; and thence north, following the line between ranges 2, and 3, W., so as to include all that portion of the Peninsula lying west of the last mentioned line. This District embraces the counties of Ottawa, Oceana, Kent, Montcalm, Ionia,. Isabella, Clin- ton, Eaton; the western half of Ingham ; the eight western, and four South-eastern townships of Gratiot ; and the nor- thern range of townships in the counties of Barry and Al- legan. It likewise includes all the surveyed country in Mackinac, north of the aforesaid counties. 7 74 GAZETTEER PUBLIC LANDS. The following table exhibits the names of the several land districts, the time and place of the location of the land offices and the names of the Register and Receiver of each respectively. When Offices Land Districts. estab- lished. where Located. Registers. Receivers. Detroit, 1804* Detroit, Olmsted Hough, Jonathan Kearsley, Monroe, 1823 Monroe, G. T. Bulkley, D. B. 3Iiller, Kalamazoo, 1831t Kalamazoo, Abraham Edwards, Thos. C. Sheldon. Saginaw, 1836 Hint, Michael Hoffman, Chas. C. Hascall, Grand River, 1836 Ionia, Benjamin Sherman, Wm. A.Richmond (II.) By certificate of the Clerk of the United State's Land Of- fice, we have the following statement of the sale of the Pub- lic Lands ir the Detroit Land District, from the year 1820, to 1836, bot h inclusive. Year. Acres. 100th Dollar?. Cts. 1820 2,860.82 3,575,40 1821 7,444.39 9,305,53 1822 20,068.01 25,718,95 1823 30,173.71 37,717,23 1824 61,919.15 77,770,09 1825 92,332.55 116,920,72 1826 47,125.13 58,906,60 1827 34,964.45 43,713,11 1828 17,43372 21,792,21 1829 23,409.48 29,261,93 1830 70,441.12 88,051,65 1831 217,943.51 272,444,49 1832 177,635.27 222,374,59 1833 771,503.76 214,389,77 1834 136,598.69 170,759,22 1835 405,331.88 506,761,56 183(i 1,475,725.59 1,845,207,16 * The establishment of the Detroit Land Office, in 1804, seems to have been merely for the adjustment of land titles, as none of the public do- main in this territory had been sold previously to 1818, when the public lands Vk^ere first brought into market by Proclamation of the President. t The Land Office of this District was first located at White Pigeon^ where it continued till the Spring of 1834, when it was removed to its present loc^tion.^^ -^ l?Q-,^ 03 OF , MICHIGAN. 75 PUBLIC LANDS. (III.) Exhibit of Sales made at the Kalamazoo Land Office, up to the first of Jan. 1838. 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 Acres. lOOths Dollars. Cts. 93,179 36 117,128 26 74,696 17 98,060 23 95,980 25 123,465 25 128,244 47 160,321 85 745'661 34 932,076 64 1,634,511 82 2,043,866 87 313,855 15 394,316 77 3,086,128 56 3,869,235 87 Vacant public lands in this district subject to entry at the above date were 449,056.15 acres. The amount of School Lands, was 95,662.60. University Lands, 35,014.84. In- dian Reservationsj 83,001.69 acres. Exhibit of the state in this district. (,v.) of the lands in the several counties County Allegan, Van Buren, Barry, Calhoun, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Lands Siil).iect ! School Lands 122,932.88: 90,003.39, 66,901.69 39,609.55: 83,914.611 29,694.88 27,036.76 22,520.87 16,441.521 University Lands. Indian Reserves, 11,140.34 11,47L45 7,638.92 12,726.70 4,993.85 12,264.14 9,136.83 18,525.68 10,186.51 13,860.44 9 923,08 10[l71.80 9,559.45 31,777.19 10,139.66 7,464.27J32,788.82 From a communication received from the clerk of the Receiver's Office of the Grand River Land District, the fol- lowing general statement is collected. The whole amount of land sold since the first com- mencement of sales in this district, 20th Sept. 1836, up to the first Oct. 1837, was 568,317.56 acres, amounting at the prices at which it was sold, to $714,253.85. The quanti- ty of lands remaining unsold, and which was then subject to sale, as near as could be ascertained, was about 1,100,000 76 GAZETTEER PUBLIC LANDS. acres. The whole number of acres then surveyed in this district, including the lands sold and those remaining un- sold, was upwards of 2,300,000 acres. (v.) The annexed table shows the amount of lands sold and moneys received at the Land Offices, for the sale of Public Lands, in the several States and Territories, v^ithin the year 1836, so far as returns have been received, as appears from a document sent to Congress. Ohio, 1,282,99L80 $1,663,116 56 Indiana, 3,245,344.13 4,061,492 68 Illinois, 3,199,708.64 4,000,294 36 Missouri, 1,655,687.66 2,071,204 35 Alabama, 1,901,409.00 2,375,771 47 Mississippi, 2,023,709.69 2,531,282 59 Louisiana, 879,456.06 1,099,323 58 Michigan, 4,189,823.12 5,241,228 70 xlrkansas, 963,535.12 1,204,544 20 Wisconsin Terr'y, 646,133.73 808,932 32 Florida, Territory, 87,071.97 108,839 94 Total, 20,074,870.92 $25,167,833 06 (Vi.) The following statement of the progress of sale of the public lands in the Western Land District, which then included all of the Peninsula west of the meridian, was made by Col. Abraham Edwards in 1832. " Public lands within this district which have been offered for sale at the minimum price, and which remained unsold and subject to private entry on the 31st Dec. 1831, were 3,843,930 acres. Lands that have been sold in the settled counties, and that were subject to entry in each, on the 31st Dec. 1831, as follows: Sold. Reniainino^ un?;old. Hillsdale, 2,450 433,395 Branch, 8,873 289,867 St. Joseph, 44,814 226,487 Cass, 44,312 260,154 Berrien,. 18,899 290,017 OF MICHIGAN. 77 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. *Jackson, 15,479 247,543 Calhoun, 15,357 413,863 Kalamazoo, 38,318 267,259 "The first land offered for sale in the counties of Hills- dale, Branch, and St. Joseph, was in Oct. 1828; in Cass and Berrien in June 1829 and 1831; fifteen townships in Calhoun in June, 1831 ; Kalamazoo in 1830 and '31 ; and a part of Jackson in 1831. "The lands, with very few exceptions, have been sold to actual settlers, A few hundred acres only have been sold in Van Buren and Barry." By act of Congress, approved June 23, 1836, proffering certain public lands to the State, on compliance with cer- tain conditions therein contained, and which were accepted by the State the 25th of July, 1836 — section No. sixteen of every surveyed township is granted to the State for school purposes — seventy-two sections, equal to two townships of land, are granted for the support of a university — five entire sections of public land, to be selected and located under the direction of the legislature, for the erection or comple- tion of public buildings of the State — all salt springs within this State, not exceeding twelve, with six sections of land adjoining, or as contiguous as may be to each, for the use of the State — five per cent, of the net proceeds of the sale of the public lands, lying within the State, which have been or shall be sold by Congress, from and after the first day of July, 1836, to be appropriated to make public roads or canals in the State, as the legislature may direct. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. Public works, calculated to facilitate internal communi- cation and commercial intercourse, are either those conr structed or to be constructed under the auspices of the State, or those to be constructed by incorporated companies;. ♦ " 12 townships, that part attached to this district.'^ 7* 78 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, BY THE STATE. and they consist of rail-roads, canals, and the larger rivers improved for slack-water navigation. The State has taken upon itself the construction of sev- eral of the most important projected works, and has adopt- ed measures to ensure their vigorous prosecution. To the end of forwarding these and other State improvements most judiciously, the legislature, at its session in March, 1837, appointed a board of commissioners consisting of seven members, called the '■'■Board of Commissioners on Internal Improvemeiit,'^ who are constituted supervisors and overseers of all public works belonging to the State, and who have the care and superintendence of all rail-roads, canals, and other State improvements. The legislature authorized this board to cause surveys to be made for three several rail-road routes across the Pen- insula, (viz.) the Southern route. Central route, and North- ern route; likewise, for the survey of the Clinton and Kcd- amazoo Canal route, and the Saginaio or Northern Canal; the Havre Branch Rail-road, and of the ^S*^. Marifs Ca- nal ; and of the Grand, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph rivers ; to each of which the requisite appropriations were made. The board were also authorized to purchase the rail-road and improvement of any incorporated company, where the same would be infringed upon, by the location and construction of State works. Under the direction of the board, and during the summer of 1837, competent engineers were appointed, and surveys made of the several works designated by the legislature. These surveys have extended over two thousand miles, and levels have been taken for almost an equal distance, at an expense in the aggregate of nearly sixty thousand dollars. The survey of the Southern and Havre Branch rail- roads were entrusted to the charge of Joseph S. But- ton ; the Central route to J. M. Berrien ; the Northern to Tracy McCracken; the Clinton and Kcdamazoo canal to Jarvis Hurd ; the iV^or^Acr?? canal, the St. Joseph, and Bad rivers, to Charles F. Smith ; the Maple river to H. S. Miles; and the St. Marifs canal, the Grand and Kalamazoo rivers to John Almy : all of which works were surveyed by the respective engineers, and, without excep- tion, favorable reports have been made for the contemplated improvements. It is to be remarked that the surface and soil of the Pen- OF MICHIGAN. 79 IXTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. SOUTHERN AND HAVRE BRANCH RAIL-ROADS. insula are unusually well adapted to the construction of ca- nals and rail-roads, and superior for these purposes to most other sections of country. Southern Rail-road. This road has been located in a manner that supersedes the "3Iau7nee rail-road route, '^ pass- ing through the southern tier of counties, (viz.) Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, and Berrien, established by the Maumee rail-road company, chartered in 1835, with a capital stock of $1,500,000. The Southern rail-road was located by the commissioners, to commence on the navigable waters of the river Raisin, and to pass through the city of Monroe, through, or as near as may be, to the villages of Adrian, Hillsdale, Coldwater, Mason, Branch, Centreville, Constantine, Mottville, Adamsville, Edwardsburgh, crossing the St. Joseph at Bertrand, and terminating at New Buffalo.* The road, when finished, will pass near some of the high- est lands in the Peninsula. These are in the county of Hillsdale, about 12 miles east of Jonesville. The summit level of the road is about two miles west of Hillsdale, and 631 feet above Lake Erie. Lake Michigan, at New Buf- falo, is found to be 14 feet above Lake Erie. The super- structure, adopted for this, as well as for the other rail-roads in this State, is of wood. The maximum grade or inclina- tion adopted by the engineer, is 40 feet per mile, and the maximum radius of curvature, 2000 feet. The grades are 20 miles at the rate of 40 feet per mile, and 26 3-5 miles at the rate of between 30 and 40 feet per mile. The aver- age inclination per mile for the whole distance, is 15 3-4 feet. The entire length of the road is 183 miles; and the estimated cost of construction, $1,496,376, or $8,176 92 per mile. The amount appropriated in 1837 and 1838, — $450,000. Havre Branch Rail-road. The Havre Branch Rail-road Company was incorporated in 1836, with a capital of $100,000. All its chartered rights have been assigned to the State, and the commissioners have located the same to * There was a local variation in some portion of tlie Southern route, made by the legislature at its session in 1S27 and .''28, but not ol material geioeral niterest. 80 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. CENTRAL RAIL-ROAD. commence at the village of Havre, running a few degrees north of west, to intersect the Erie and Kalamazoo rail- road about two miles north of the Ohio State line. The estimated expense of construction is $82,043, or about $6,360 per mile. Its length is 13 miles. Amount appropriated to construct it, $20,000. Central Rail-road, or Detroit and St. Joseph Rail- Road. This work commences at the city of Detroit, and is to cross the Peninsula through the second tier of coun- ties, viz : Wayne, Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, Kalama- zoo, Van Buren, and Berrien, and to pass through, or as near as may be, to the villages of Dearbornville, Wayne, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbour, Dexter, Leoni, Michigan Centre, Jackson, Barry, Albion, Marshall, Battle Creek, Com- stock, Kalamazoo, Lafayette, Mason, and Waterford, ter- minating at the village of St. Joseph. A private company was chartered in 1831, with a capi- tal of $1,500,000, to construct this work. In had been commenced, and was in progress, when in 1837 the State purchased the road and the chartered rights of the compa- ny. The company had expended thereon $116,902 67. The road is in progress of construction, and from Detroit to Ypsilanti, 30 miles, it was completed and cars com- menced running in the month of January, 1838. The cost of constructing this section of the road, includ- ing purchase of locomotives and cars, erection of depot buildings, &.c. &c. was about $400,000 The estiinated expense of constructing the bal- ance of the road from Ypsilanti to St. Joseph, 1,528,195 Making the total estimated expense of con- structing the road from Detroit to St. Joseph, 1,928,195 or nearly $10,000 per mile. The length of the road is 194 miles, and the amount of appropriations to construct it, $750,000. By certificate of the collector of tolls at Detroit; ap- pears the following exhibit of freight and receipts for 30 miles of the Central Rail-road, from Detroit to Ypsilanti,. during its first operation, four months and eleven days,, ©omraencing Jan. 10, and ending May 20, 1838 :. OP MICHIGAN. 81 INTERNAL IJIPKOVEMENTS. NORTHERN RAIL- ROAD. Receipts for this period, $23,963 54 From May 20, to July 18th, Passengers, 9,796 Lbs. Merchandise, 2,086,980 Bbls. Flour, 1,123 M. feet Lumber, 67 M. Shingles, 233 iQ ona at Total receipts up to July 18th, $42,872 15 There were at the last date, four locomotive engines in operation, five passage and ten freight cars. The business was increasing upon the means of transportation. The average weekly receipts for the six or eight weeks pre- ceding the first of July, was about $2,500. Up to the 24th of May, 4,500 persons had been transported from Detroit to Ypsilanti, mostly emigrants, and about 1,600 to inter- mediate places, making 6,100. An extension of the road is making from the depot in Detroit, to the river, through Woodward Avenue, extending 1,000 feet in the lower street, each side of it. The road is constructing from Ypsilanti to Ann Arbour, and both improvements will be complete by the first of October, 1838. Northern Rail-road. This road is located to commence at Port Huron, at the mouth of Black river, near the outlet of Lake Huron, and, passing through the counties of St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawassee, Clinton, Ionia, and Kent, and through, or as near as practicable, to the villa- ges of Lapeer, Flint, Owasso, Corunna, to Lyons, at the mouth of the Maple river, thence on the south side of the Grand river, to the village of Grand Rapids. This road, as located, falls within, and will form a connecting link of the contemplated ''Great Western Rail-road," from Boston, passing through Massachusetts, New York, Upper Canada, Michigan, and Wisconsin, to the Mississippi river. The summit level is 300 feet between the head waters of Mill creek and Flint river, 351 miles from the St. Clair. The maximum grade is 30 feet per mile, and least radius of curvature, 5,000 feet. The estimated cost of the road from Port. Huron, extend- ing by survey to Grand Haven, 201 miles, is $1,310,361, or about $6,504 per mile, exclusive of depot, locomotives, &c. 82 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. CLINTON AND KALAMAZOO CANAL. The distance from Port Huron to Grand Rapids is 167 miles, and the amount of appropriations for its construc- tion, 8110,000. Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal. This work is to com- mence at Mount Clemens, on the Clinton river, in Macomb, and pass across the Peninsula through the counties of Ma- comb, Oakland, Livingston, Ingham, Eaton, Barry, and Allegan, terminating at the mouth of the Kalamazoo river. It will connect Lakes Michigan and St. Clair. Its length, by survey, is estimated at 216 miles. The summit level, commencing at Pontiac and extending a distance of more than 42 miles, is 344.61 feet above the surface of Lake St. Clair, and 336.11 feet above Lake Michigan. The eleva- tion of Lake Michigan above Lake St. Clair, is eight and a half feet. Amount of lockage on the eastern declivity, 349.61 feet; on the western declivity, 341.11 feet, giving a suitable dis- tance between the locks. The six longest levels are (in whole numbers,) one of 42 miles; one of 28 ; one of 27 ; one of 18 ; one of 17, and one of 12 miles. The requi- site amount of water to supply the canal for its entire length, is 27.313 cubic feet per minute. The ascertained available amount receivable from Deer and Sycamore creeks, and the Cedar, Rabbit, Thornapple and Grand rivers, is 98,846 cubic feet per minute. The requisite amount upon the summit level is 4,833 cubic feet per minute, and the ascertain- ed available amount is 8,915 cubic feet per minute, exclusive of several streams and lakes not included in the estimate. The surface and soil on the surveyed line of this work is reported more than ordinarily favorable to the construction of a canal. Estimates have been made for the construction of 61 miles of the canal, from L'ance Creus Bay in Lake St. Clair, to Ore Creek. Cost of construction for this distance, $1,000,701 ; average per mile, $16,404. From Mount Clemens to Ore Creek, distance 59 miles, total estimated expense of construction, $990,550 ; average per mile, $ 16,- 890. Total expense, by substituting timber locks, for 61 miles, $662,231 ; average per mile, $10,856. Total ex- pense for the 59 miles, substituting timber locks, $658,020; average per mile, $11,153. The detailed expense for the remainder of the work is OF MICHIGAN. 83 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — SAGINAAV CANAL. — ST. MARY's CANAL. not estimated, but taking every tenth mile as a basis, the engineer estimates the entire expense of constructing the canal between the termini at $2,250,000. Appropriations made for its construction, amounted in 1838 to $245,000. Saginaw or Northern Canal. The object of this work is to connect the navigable waters of the Saginaw and Grand rivers, by canal. It is to commence at the forks of the Bad river, 15 miles above Saginaw, and terminate at the bend of the Mnple, 32 miles from its confluence with the Grand river. Its length will be about ]4 miles. Estimate for improving Bad river for small canal boats, with towing path, a distance of about seven miles, $60,- 000; for steam navigation, $57,829. Estimate for small canal connecting the Bad and Maple rivers, a distance of 14 miles, $121,830; for large canal, $148,731. The estimate for improving the Maple, 32 miles from the bend to Lyons, by clearing its channel, removing timber from its banks, cutting new channels across short bends, construction of locks, dams, &:.c. $31,680. The total estimated expense of improving the navigation of the Bad and Maple rivers, and the construction of the aforesaid canal for steam boats, $238,240 ; and the appro- priations for this purpose amounted in 1838, to $62,000. St. Mary's Canal. By this improvement it is intended to obviate the obstruction to the navigation from Lake Hu- ron to Lake Superior, caused by the falls in the Strait of St. Mary, by the construction of a ship and steam boat ca- nal around the rapids. The proposed dimensions of the canal are 4,560 feet in length, and where the excavation is to pass through rock, 50 feet in width upon the bottom, and 75 feet upon the surface of the water, and a depth of 10 feet ; the residue of the canal 100 feet wide upon the surface of the water. Estimates are made for three locks, each 100 feet long in the clear, and 32 feet wide. The amount of fall to be over- come by lockage is 18 feet. The entire cost of construction is estimated at f lllij- 544 80. The amount of appropriations made for the pur- pose, $50,000. 84 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — RIVERS, GRAND AND KALAMAZOO. Grand River. It is found by survey, that from the mouth of this stream to the Rapids, the distance is 40 miles; the average width, 800 feet; amount of fall, 10 feet ; the width of the rapids, 1000 feet; fall, 15 feet; distance from the rapids to Lyons, at the mouth of the Maple, 50 miles ; ave- rage width, 500 feet ; fall, 31 feet. The amount of fall from Lyons to Grand Haven, a distance of 90 miles, 56 feet. This stream is unusually free from the common ob- structions to navigation. For 20 miles from the mouth, the depth of water is not less than eight feet, and the remain- der of the distance to the rapids, variable, from eight to four feet. The rapids are caused by a stratum of lime rock which shows itself in the bed of the river, and in the banks, for a distance of a mile and a half. Its inclination is re- markably uniform, causing the water to descend without noise or commotion. A canal, owned by the Kent compa- ny, eighty-one feet wide and four and a half feet deep, is now cutting around them. Thq estimates for the improvement of this stream, are — From its mouth to the rapids, $9,000 For cutting a canal around the rapids, 43,751 For improving and clearing the channel proper for navigation from the rapids to the mouth of the Maple, 14,558 The total amount of expense of improving the river, $67,309 Amount appropriated, 30,000 Kalamazoo River. It is proposed to improve this river from its mouth to the village of Kalamazoo, a distance of 75 miles, by clearing its channel to the village of Allegan, a distance of 38 miles, and by erecting 21 dams, removing obstructions, &c. to create a slack-water navigation from Allegan to Kalamazoo, a distance of 37 miles. The average depth of water for eight miles from its mouth is 12 feet — for the next four miles, five and a half; average width of channel, 200 feet, with a current flow- ing at the rate of one and a half miles per hour. From Kalamazoo to Allegan, the average fall is about three feet per mile, or 111 feet for the whole distance, re- quiring, according to estimate, for slack-water, 21 dams of an aggregate height of 75 feet. OF MICHIGAN. 85 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — RIVER ST. JOSEPH. Estimate for improving the Kalamazoo river, — from its mouth to the village of Allegan, $7,799 For constructing locks, dams, &c., and removing obstructions from Allegan to Kalamazoo, 118,125 Total estimated expense of improving this river, $t25,924 Amount appropriated, 8,000 St. Joseph River. This river has been surveyed from its mouth to Union city. The difference between high and low water mark varies from four to six feet, according to its width. From St. Joseph to Niles, it varies in width from 300 to 400 feet. The width at St. Joseph is 900 feet. Between Sturgeon lake and Union city, 20 1-4 miles, the average width is 125 feet. Estimates for the complete improvement of the river have been made by the engineer, calculated to secure five feet of water to Three Rivers, and four feet from thence to Un- ion city. The distance from the mouth of the stream to the Indiana line, is 48 1-2 miles. The whole ascent is 68 1-2 feet. The amount of rise necessary to be over- come by the construction of 12 dams and locks, 46 1-2 feet. The expense of constructing dams, clearing channel, &c. $93,868. The whole distance of the river running through Indi- ana is 43 miles ; ascent 99 feet, or 2 1-2 feet per mile ; the whole rise to be overcome by dams and locks, 54 1-2 feet; and the requisite number of dams, 12. The estimated ex- pense of improvement, 893,134. The distance from the State line to Three Rivers, 21 3-4 miles ; ascent, 34 3-4 feet ; to be overcome by dams and locks, 11 feet; requisite number of dams, 4; estimated ex- pense of improvement, $24,680. The distance from Three Rivers to Union city, 46 3-4 miles; ascent, 83 3-4 feet; number of dams and locks, 14; estimated expense of improvement, $64,885. Distance from St. Joseph to Union city, 160 miles. Height of Union city above Lake Michigan, 285 feet. Requisite number of locks and dams, 42. Estimated expense of improvement, $276,568. Distance within the State to be improved, 117 miles. Number of locks and dams, 30. Estimated expense to Michigan for its improvement, $183,434. 8 86 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. TABULAR STATEMENT. Surveys have been made to ascertain the feasibility of constructing canals — one from Union city to Homer, uni- tino- the navigable waters of the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo rivers; another from the Kalamazoo to the Huron, at Dex- ter, thereby connecting the navigable waters of those two streams. Both projects are favorably reported. The distance from Union city to Homer is 20 miles ; the summit level between the two rivers 98 feet ; the estimated expense of constructing the canal, $144,008. 3 u * o Total lengt do. do do. do Southern R Havre Brai Central Ra Northern R Saginaw or St. Mary's Clinton an Improvemc Improveme Improveme > hi Si <•< 5 1 Vi o 1 1 3 2- 3-^ O S ? ? 3' O ■-^ 3 3 d 3 cc 3 3331— Otp?'P'p-oP ^ W93 5 S^ FP" 'p3p 3" '^"' ™ 3 G-O P Pu ? ? ■* o o ^§ 3 02 iO Or c 1—' lO en -+ 1— » i-J (—1 ^ ' tr* 3 ffq '6 JO W tn (^ — -ICOH-cnCnaJtOh-'OO ^ > o-„. h- »- ^ ^ -J-CnOCTiOW-:j^CCW rS 3-cr 3 CD 3 J. J, 3. 03 CO 1 ^ ^ ^ ^ M ^'t a to J-'J-' ^ •^3 ^ H S r CO OOJOCTiiLn^OO— JsSOOCrs o C5S- W Uij-J OJO 00 O 00 to 05 "oi^ Id w o oi "to w "k-* o CO t^a > U 05 Wt0 004i->^CTiCD*^-^ X § H >fv*^C£>Orf^OH-tr.WCr3 1 it OS ^ s > ^ o W ^ a cT o Oi rfi. to t— trr O to O SB'S o O Oi j:n o o o _p o "o o o o o o ^^5- w H-^ (O O O C' o o o o £ :z; CJ O' o o o o o o e-2 ^ m > 'rs •a -i 0) o to CO oj i::^ 3 s ,^x -^ CO O to rfa> Oi 0« tn m 'rn^ tn G00tn0i~-100 O .^ o % o ooooooo o ^ ^ w o ooooooo o CI- & o o ooooooo o ^2, m o^^^ 3 to i-i ^ ,^ s^ ^ ^^ •^3 to torfi.oiaii-'tntooi y^ » Cn OOOOiOtOOOOO a o o o o o o "o "o "o o o Pfc. o <7& ;5 o oooooocoo sik ? o ooooooooo OF MICHIGAN. 87 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — FUNDS. Michigan Internal Improvement Punch To carry on the projected State improvements, the legislature resolved to create a fund, which should be exclusively devoted to that particular purpose, called the Internal Improvement Fund. The requisite sum was not to exceed ^z;e millions of dollars. The Governor was authorized to negociate for a loan or loans to this amount, bearing an interest not exceeding five and a half (afterwards extended to six) per cent., payable semi-annually, redeemable at the pleasure of the State, after the expiration of 25 years, after the first of Jan. 1838. To effect this loan, certificates of stock or bonds of not less than one thousand dollars each, bearing interest as aforesaid, payable the first of January and July respective- ly, were directed to be made and issued, signed by the Gov- ernor, countersigned by the Secretary of State, with the great seal of the State affixed thereon, drawn in favor of, and indorsed by, the Auditor General. These were then made transferrable to, and by, the Governor, who was au- thorized to sell them at not less than par value, the faith of the State being pledged to the payment of the loan, princi- pal and interest, according to the terms of the contract made by him. Sinking Fund. For the extinguishment of the debt aris- ing from this loan, a separate fund is created, denominated the SinJcing Fund, which is to be applied to the payment of the principal and interest- of this loan. This fund is constituted, by the proceeds of all canals and rail-roads constructed by the State ; by the interest on all loans which may hereafter be made by the State from the internal im- provement fund ; and by the dividends arising from all bank stock owned, or which may hereafter be owned by the State. The Internal Improvement Fund is derived from the fol- lowing sources, (viz. :) Deposite of surplus revenue ; five per cent, proceeds from sales of public lands within the State; and from the State loan. "The amount placed to the credit of the fund of inter- nal improvement, as appears from the books of the auditor, up to the first day of January, 1838, is as follows, to wit : 88 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. From Surplus revenue, - - $286,751 49 Five per cent, from sale pub. lands, - 151 ,800 00 State loan, ... - 180,000 00 Sale iron to Det. & Pon. R. R. Co. - 5,293 00 1623,844 49 **The whole amount expended up to the first of January, 1838, as appears by the books of the auditor, is as follows, viz. On the Southern Rail-road, - $12,605 07 '' Havre Branch *' - - 61 74 \' Central " - - 367,995 25 " Northern " - - 8,226 25 «' Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal, 12,117 27 *' Northern or Saginaw '' 9,048 04 '' St. Mary's " 1,152 27 Survey of Grand and Kalamazoo Rivers, 1,287 84 Contingencies of the Board, - 3,145 02 $415,618 75 Leaving unexpended Jan. 1st, 1838, a bal- ance of .... $208,225 74" Vigorous measures are making to forward each of the improvements, and more or less of each is under contract, and in progress of construction. RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. Of those works in the construction of which the State has no concern, may be classed those which are merely projec- ted, and only the preliminary steps taken to their commence- ment, and those which have been already commenced and are in progress, or, in some cases, partly in operation. Sev- eral of these, and those the most important routes, are su- perseded by the State works , others have been suspended from causes proceeding from the derangement of the cur- rency ; and others are suspended, and will probably be en- tirely discontinued. The following statements exhibit the present condition of those roads which are to be constructed by chartered com- OP MICHIGAN. 89 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS^ — RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. panies, the time when each was incorporated, capital stock, the terminating and intervening points connected, the lim- itation of construction by charter, and such other matter as may show the progress of the improvement, and the probability of final completion. The length of each route as here stated, is put down as an estimate only, but purposely within the mark, and not the distance by survey, except in those cases where the ascertained length by sur- vey has been received. The Romeo and Mt. Clemens Rail-road Company, was incorporated in 1833, with a capital of $150,000, the de- sign of which was to connect. Romeo and Mount Clemens, in the county of Macomb. Nothing had been done to for- ward it in 1837. The company on pain of forfeiture of its charter is limited to six years, to construct and com- plete the road. Estimated length 15 miles. The Detroit and Maumee Rail-road Company, was in- corporated in 1835, with a capital stock of $500,000, de- signed to connect the City of Detroit with the Maumee Bay, in Ohio, by rail-road, through Monroe. It is by an- other act, authorized to vary the location so as to goto, or pass through the village of Havre. By charter it must be commenced within three years, and be finished in seven years. Its length when completed cannot be less than 55 miles. Its charter has since been still farther extended. The Allegan and 3Iarshall Rail-road Company, was in- corporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $400,000. The design of this road is to connect the village of Marshall, in Calhoun county, and Allegan, in Allegan county, and to pass through the villages of Battle Creek, in Calhoun, Com- stock and Bronson, in Kalamazoo. The charter requires 25 miles of it to be constructed in four years. The work is in active progress, and a considerable portion will soon be in operation. Its entire length when completed will be more than 50 miles. The State has loaned $100,000 to this company, to forward its construction. The Monroe and Ypsilanti Rail-road Company was in- corporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $400,000. The company have power to construct a road from some suita- ble point on the route which shall be designated for the 8# 90 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. River Raisin and Lake Erie Rail-road, so as to connect with the same at or near the village of Monroe, passing Rawson's Mills, or near them, to some suitable point of intersection with the Detroit-and St. Joseph Rail-road, to Yp- silanti. It is limited to commence in two years ; to have 12 miles finished in four years, and the whole completed in eight years. It remains in statu quo, being neither surveyed nor stock taken up. Its length would probably not be less than 25 miles. The Kalamazoo and Lake Michigan Rail-road Compa- ny was incorporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $400,- 000. The road is to commence at the village of Kalamazoo, in Kalamazoo county, and terminate at the mouth of South Black River, in the county of Van Buren. Its charter re- quires its commencement in three years, the construction of 25 miles in six years, and the final completion of the whole in eight years. Its length will not be less than 40 miles. The 3Ionroe and Afi?i Arbour Rail-road Company was incorporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $300,000. This road is to commence at the village of Ann Arbour, and to intersect the River Raisin and Lake Erie Rail-road, at or near the village of Monroe. Its commencement is limited to four years ; 12 miles to be finished in six years, and the entire route in eight years. Nothing further has been done for it. Its length is not less than 33 miles. The Constantine and Niles Canal, or Rail-road Compa- ny was incorporated in 1836, with a capital of $250,000. It is to commence at Constantine, in St. Joseph county, and terminate at Niles, in Berrien county. The object is to connect the waters of the St. Joseph river by either ca- i^^l or rail-road, at those points. It is required by charter to commence in two years, and complete the whole route in eight years. Its entire length will not be less than 33 miles. Nothing done to forward the work. The Detroit and Shiawassee Rail-road Company was incor- porated in 1837, with a capital stock of $500,000. The road is to commence at the city of Detroit, and terminate at the village of Shiawassee, passing through the villages of Farm- ington, Kensington, Howell and Byron. Its charter re- OP MICHIGAN. 91 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — RAIL- ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. quires it to commence in one year, to finish 25 miles in two and a half years, and complete the whole in six years. Its length will not be less than 85 miles. The Saginaw and Genesee Rail-road Company was in- corporated in 1837, with a capital stock of $400,000. The road is designed to commence at Saginaw city, and intersect the northern rail-road from St. Clair to Grand River, at such point in the county of Genesee, as may be deemed practicable. It must, according to charter, commence in one year ; 25 miles be put in operation in two and a half years, and the whole completed in six years. Its length will probably not be less than 40 miles. The Gibraltar and Clinton Rail-road Company was in- corporated in 1837, with a capital stock of $400,000. This road is to commence at Gibraltar, in Wayne county, and passing through Lisbon, terminate at Clinton, in the county of Lenawee. It must, according to charter, commence in one year ; 25 miles be finished in four years, and the whole completed in six years. Its length will probably not be less than 40 miles. From Gibraltar to Flat Rock, a canal is con- structing, one half of which is completed, and the remain- der will be in the course of the season, a distance of six miles, which will unite the Huron river with the Detroit. The Owasso and Saginaio Navigation Company was in- corporated in 1837, with a capital stock of $100,000, the object of which is to improve the Shiawassee river, by making slack water navigation between Owasso and its confluence with the Flint river in Saginaw county, so that it may be navigated by barges and steamboats. It must, according to charter, commence in eighteen months ; one third be completed in three years, and the whole in five years. The Pontiac and Huron River Canal Company was in- corporated in 1837, with a capital slock of $100,000. The object is to connect the village of Pontiac, in Oakland county, with the Huron river, by a canal. It is limited to commence in two, and to be completed in six years. The River Raisin and Grand River Rail-road Compa- ny was incorporated in 1835, with a capital stock of $1,500,- 000. It was intended to connect the navigable waters of the 92 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. River Raisin with the navigable waters of the Grand River, commencing at the head of ship navigation of the River Raisin, passing through the city of Monroe, the villages of Tecumseh, Clinton and Marshall, to Grand Rapids. By the charter, it must commence in two years, finish 30 miles in six years, one half in 15 years, and the whole in 30 years. The road is surveyed from Monroe to Marshall, and the stock all taken up. Its length from Monroe to Grand Rapids, is not less than 150 miles. The Macomb and Saginaw Rail-road Company w^as in- corporated in 1835, with a capital stock of $1,000,000, de- signed to connect the Saginaw and Clinton rivers, com- mencing at Mount Clemens, in Macomb, passing through Lapeer, and terminating at Saginaw city, in Saginaw coun- ty. Its charter limits the commencement of the road to four years from the passage of the act of incorporation — 10 miles to be finished in eight years, one half in 15 years, and the whole in 40 years. The stock is taken. Its length cannot be less than 90 miles. The ;S^^. Clair and Romeo Rail-road Company was in- corporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $100,000. It is designed to connect the villages of Palmer and Romeo, in the county of Macomb. It is surveyed, and the stock taken, and 10 miles under contract, and in progress of con- struction. The charter limits its commencement to two years — the completion of 12 miles in four, and the comple- tion of the whole in eight years. Its length is 26 miles. The Shelby and Belle River Rail-road Company was in- corporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $100,000. The road is to commence at the northern termination of the Shel- by and Detroit rail-road, at the village of Utica, in Macomb county, and pass northerly through the village of Romeo, to the Belle river, in Lapeer county. It must be commen- ced, according to charter, in two years — have 12 miles fin- ished in four years, and the whole completed in eight years. The stock is taken, but it is unsurveyed. Its length will not be less than 25 miles. The Clinton and Adrian Rail-road Company was incorpo- rated in 1836, with a capital of $50,000. The road is to commence at Clinton, and terminate at Adrian, Lenawee OF MICHIGAN. 93 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. county. Its charter requires its construction in five years. The stock is all taken. Its length is 15 miles. The five following roads are in part completed, and in progress. The Erie and Kalamazoo Rail-road Company was in- corporated in 1833, with a capital stock of $1,000,000. The design of this road is to connect the navigable waters of the Maumee and Kalamazoo rivers. The road com- mences at Toledo, in Ohio, and passes through Sylvania, Blissfield, Palmyra and Adrian, and from thence it is to continue on the most eligible route, to such point on the Kalamazoo river, as may be deemed most proper and need- ful. By the charter, it is limited to commence in three years — to finish to the village of Adrian in six years — one half the road in 15 years, and to complete the whole in 30 years. From Toledo to Adrian, a distance of 33 miles, the road is finished, and it went into operation on the first of October, 1836. It has been surveyed through the re- mainder of the route, and it is in progress of construction. The point at which it will meet the Kalamazoo is uncer- tain, but supposing it to be at Marshall, in Calhoun county, the entire length of the road would not be less than 90 miles. Abstract of statement of the Erie and Kalamazoo Rail- road, from Toledo, Ohio, to Adrian, in Michigan, 33 miles : Cost of rail-road, buildings, two engines, cars, wells, well-houses, and every thing, to 31st December, 1837, $257,659 72 (About $7,807 87 per mile.) The expense of repairs, and running, up to said time, December 31st, 14,181 52 Earnings of road, $55,821 52 Deduct expenses, &C., 14,181 52 Leaving profits for dividend, $41,640 00 or about 16 1-6 per cent, on whole cost of road, engines, property and fixtures. The Detroit and Pontiac Rail-road Company was incor- porated in 1834, with a capital stock of $100,000, to con- nect the city of Detroit with the village of Pontiac, by rail- road. The charter limits its construction to six years. It is 94 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. finished, and has been for some time in operation, to Royal Oak, a distance of 12 miles. It is in active progress the re- mainder of the route, and the company confidently expect to have the whole completed by the first of May, 1839. Cost of construction, 12 miles, about $6,000, per mile. Length from Detroit to Pontiac, 24^ miles. The company have received from the State a loan of $100,000, to forward its construction. The Shdby and Detroit Rail-road Company was incor- porated in 1834, with a capital stock of $100,000. The object of this road is to connect Utica and Shelby with De- troit. It has been surveyed and located, and the stock ta- ken, and six miles, commencing at Utica, is under con- tract, and in progress of construction. The whole route is expected to be finished by the close of 1838. By its char- ter it was limited to commence in two years, and to be completed in six years. The time was afterwards extend- ed two years. Its length is about 23 miles. The Palmyra and Jachsonhurg Rail-road Company was incorporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $300,000. The route is from Palmyra through Tecumseh, Clinton, Manchester and Sandstone, to Jackson. It is required to construct 10 miles of the road in four years, and in ten years finish the whole route. It is surveyed, stock taken, and 12 miles, commencing at Palmyra, finished, and the remainder is expected to be completed by the spring of 1839. Its length is 46 miles. The State has loaned $20,- 000, to this company to forward its construction. The River Raisin and Lake Eine Rail-road Company was incorporated in 1836, with a capital stock of $300,000. This road commences at La Plaisance Bay, in Monroe county, passes through the city of Monroe, and up the south bank of the river Raisin, through Dundee to Blissfield, where it is to intersect the Erie and Kalamazoo rail-road. A branch of this road is to commence at Dundee, and in- tersect the River Raisin and Grand River Rail-road, at the village of Clinton, in Lenawee county. It is limited to commence in two years, and to be completed in 10 years. It is surveyed, located, and the stock taken, and the work is in progress, and four miles, from its commencement to Monroe, completed. Its length, including the branch, is not less than 50 miles. OF MICHIGAN. 95 INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. RAIL-ROAD AND CANAL COMPANIES. The Auburn and Lapeer Rail-road Company was incor- porated in 1838, with a capital stock of $300,000, for the purpose of constructing a road from the county site of La- peer to the village of Auburn, in Oakland, where it is to intersect the Clinton canal. Its construction to be com- menced within one year — 10 miles finished within two and a half years, and the whole to be completed within four years. Estimated length, 30 miles. The Ypsilanti and Tecumseli Rail-road Company was incorporated in 1838, with a capital of $200,000, and authorized to construct a road from Ypsilanti, in Washte- naw, to Tecumseh, in Lenawee. Its construction must commence within two years, and be completed within four years. One hundred thousand dollars have been loaned by the State to this company, in aid of its construction. Es- timated length, 25 miles. The Mottville and White Pigeon Rail-road Company was incorporated in 1838, with a capital of $100,000, to construct a road from Mottville through White Pigeon, to an undetermined point on the Indiana state line. Its com- mencement is limited to two years, and its completion to four years. The Medina and Cdnandaigua Rail-road Company was incorporated in 1338, with a capital stock of $100,000, for the purpose of constructing a road from the village of Mo- renci through the villages of Canandaigua and Medina, to an indeterminate point on the southern rail-road, in Lena- wee county. It must be commenced within two, and finish- ed within four years. The following comprehends a list of the names of the several Rail-roads to be made under the auspices of char- tered companies, together with the estimated or ascertained length of each. Name. Miles. Name. Miles. Clinton and Aclritin, 15 Romeo and Mount Clemens, 15 Erie and Kalamazoo, 90 Detroit and Pontiac, '2.^) Shelby and Detroit, 23 River Raisin and Grand River, l.'iO Macomb and Saginaw, J)0 Detroit and Mauinee, 55 Allee;an and Marshall, 50 St. Clair and Romeo, 2G Shelby and Belle River, 25 Monroe and Ypsilanti, 25 Medina and Canandaigua. Palmyra and Jackson, Kalamazoo and Lake Michigan, 40 Monroe and Ann Arbour, 33 River Raisin and Lake Erie, 50 Constantine and Niles, 33 Detroit and Shiawassee, 8.5 Saginaw and Genesee, 40 Gibralter and Clinton, 40 Auburn and Lapeer, 30 Ypsilanti and Tecumseh, 25 Mottville and White Piireon, 96 GAZETTEER INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. — TERRITORIAL ROADS. The number of chartered Rail-roads is 24, and their ag- gregate length 1,011 miles. Territorial Roads. The principal turnpike roads in Michigan, are what are termed the Territorial or State roads. They were all constructed by authority of the gene- ral government previous to her admission into the Union as a State. They are six rods wide, and they were originally well constructed. They all commence at Detroit, and have their termination in different sections of the State. There are five of them. The^rs^ is the Detroit and Perrysburg State road, com- mencing at Detroit, and passing through Monroe, termin- ating at Perrysburg in Ohio. Its length is Q^ miles. A second, the Chicago State road, commencing at De- troit and terminating at Chicago, in Illinois, passing through Ypsilanti, Clinton, Saline, Jonesville, Coldwater, White Pigeon, Mottville, Adamsville and Bertrand, in this State. After leaving this State, it passes through the northern sec- tion of Indiana, passing along the southern coast of Lake Michigan, in the State of Illinois, to its termination at Chicago. The travel on this road is immense, equal to, if not more, than on any other in the United States of the same length. Its whole length is 254 miles. A third, the Grand river State road, commences at De- troit and passes through Redford, Farmington, Kensington, and Howell, on to some point on the Grand river not yet determined. This road is only in part completed. It is the last work of the kind undertaken by the general gov- ernment while Michigan was a territory. A fourth, the Saginaw State road, leading from Detroit through Pontiac, and Flint village to Saginaw. The whole distance is 100 miles. A fifth, the Fort Gratiot State road, leading from De- troit through Mount Clemens to Fort Gratiot, a distance of ^ miles. There are also State roads intersecting the Chicago road from Fort Wayne in Indiana, on the Maumee, and from the mouth of the Maumee river. Since Michigan has been admitted as a State, there seems to have been a disposition on the part of the general gov- ernment to relinquish the construction of these roads ; but efforts have been made to obtain appropriations for the pur- OF MICHIGAN. 97 MAIL ROUTES. pose, and it is presumed a claim so just will meet with the favorable consideration of Congress. The State roads, laid out b}^ the State legislature in dif- ferent parts of the State, are too numerous to mention. As a general remark, it may be said, that the roads from the eastern, or rather south-eastern border of the State, a distance of 15 or 20 miles west, are not good, especially in a wet season. After passing over that distance the soil and surface are more congenial, and the roads are tolerable across the peninsula. MAIL ROUTES. There are sixty-eiglit different Mail Routes in this State, on which the United States Mail is transmitted at assigned intervals. A statement of only fort i/-two of them has been received. Of that number, the following exhibit shows the commencement and termination, and the distance between those extremes — the intermediate^os^ o^ccs — and the num- ber of mails per week, received at each respectively; agree- ably to a statement from the General post office department dated Oct. 25, 1836. 1. Detroit and Lapeer Post Route — by way of Rochester, distance 70 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 2. Detroit and Utica Post Route — distance 24 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 3. Detroit and Howell Post Route — distance 50 miles, by way of Redford, Livonia, Farmington, Novi, and Red- ville — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 4. Toledo and Adrian Post Route — by way of Blissfield and Palmyra, distance 32 miles — mail forwarded and re- turned three times a week. 5. Toledo and Blissjield Post Route — by way of Tremains- ville and Whiteford post offices, distance 25 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 6. Maumcc and Jonesville Post Route — via Whiteford, Ba- kers, Unionville, Canandaigua, and Lanesville post offi- ces, distance 75 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 9 98 GAZETTEER MAIL ROUTES. 7. Ypsilanti and Plymouth Post Route — distance 15 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 8. Saline and Grass Lake Post Route — ina Columbia Lake and Richfield post offices, distance 27 miles — mail for- warded and returned once a week. 9. Saline and London Post Route — by way of York post office, distance 15 miles — mail transmitted once a week. 10. Clinton and Kent Post Route — by way of Napoleon, Jacksonopolis, and Eaton C. H. post offices, distance 120 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 11. Jonesville and Marshall Post Route — via Homer and Eckford post offices, distance 29 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 12. Coldwater and St. Joseph Post Route — via Centerville and Cassopolis post offices, distance 90 miles — mail for- warded and returned once a week. 13. Niles and New Buffalo Post Route — via Hudson post office, 29 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 14. Plymouth and Dexter Post Route — rm Rider's, North- field, and Webster post offices, 28 miles — mails forward- ed and returned once a week. 15. Ann Arhour and Pontiac Post Route — by way of Northfield, Green Oak, Lyon, and Walled Lake post offices, 48 miles — mail transported back and forth once a week. 16. Ann Arhour and Ionia Post Route — via Dexter, Ster- ling, North Lake, and Unadilla post offices, 96 miles — mail transported back and forth once a week. 17. Jacksonopolis and Durham Post Route — by way of Spring Arbour, Concord, Homer, Tekonsha, and Good- winville post offices, 50 miles — mail transported to and from once a week. 18. Marshall and Coldwater Post Route — via Lyon Lake, Tekonsha, and Gerard post offices, 27 miles — mail for- warded and returned once a week. 19. Marshall and Centreville Post Route — by way of John- son, Athens, Durham, and Nottawa post offices, 43 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 20. Pontiac and Ionia Post Route — by way of White Lake, Byron, Shiawassee town, and county seat of Clin- ton, 110 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. OF MICHIGAN. 99 MAIL ROUTES. 21. Mount Clemens and Fort Gratiot Post Route — by way of Desmond post office, 66 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week, 22. Mount Clemens and Lapeer Post Route — by way of Macomb, Washington, Romeo, Bruce, and Bristol, dis- tance 48 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 23. Adrian and Jonesville Post Route — by Rollin and Ad- ams, a distance of 35 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 24. Adrian and Defiance ( Ohio) Post Route — by Canan- daigua, distance 53 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 25. Michigan City (Indiana) and Grand Haven Post Route — by New Buffalo, St. Joseph, and Saugatuc, distance 115 miles — mail transported back and forth once a week. 26. Battle Creeh and Eaton C. H. Post Route — by Verona and Bellevue, distance 28 miles — mail transported back and forth once a week. 27. Black Creek and Kent Post Route — by Geloster and Middle Village, distance 63 miles — mail forwarded back and forth once a week. 28. Battle Creek and Schoolcraft Post Route — by Climax Prairie, distance 30 miles — mail carried back and forth once a week. 29. Kalamazoo and Saugatuc Post Route — by Allegan, distance 46 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 30. Kalamazoo to the mouth of South Black river Post Route — distance 36 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 31. Kalamazoo and Kent Post Route — by Plainville and Grandville, distance 55 miles — mail forwarded and re- turned once a week. 82. Saginaw and mouth of Saginaio river Post Route — dis- tance 18 miles — mail transported to and from once a week. 33. CassopoUs and Elkhart (Indiana) Post Route — by Ed- wardsburgh and Adamsville, distance 25 miles — mail transported back and forth once a week. 34. Lapeer and Grand Blanc Post Route — by Farmer's 100 GAZETTEER NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. Creek and Davison's mills, distance 32 miles — mail for- warded and returned once a week. 35. Howell and Kent Post Route — by Saranac post office, 96 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 36. Kent and Grand Haven Post Route — distance 33 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 37. Centreville and Michigaii City (Indiana) Post Route — by Constance, Mottville, Bristol, Elkhart, Mishawaul- kie. South Bend, and Laporte post offices in Indiana, distance 100 miles — mail transported to and from once a week. 38. Nortlijield and Howell Post Route — by Hamburgh, dis- tance 17 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 39. Ionia and Saginaw Post Route — by Maple river, dis- tance 75 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 40. New Buffalo and Laporte (Indiana) Post Route — dis- tance 15 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. 41. Bellevue and Middle Village Post Route — by Hastings post office, distance 37 miles — mail forwarded and return- ed once a week. * 42. Eaton and Ionia Post Route — distance 35 miles — mail forwarded and returned once a week. NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. Michigan, considering her insular position, and her facil- ities for internal and external communication, possesses commercial advantages, unequalled perhaps by any other inland State. The tipper Peninsula, having Lake Superior on its northern, and Lake Michigan and Green Bay on its south-eastern buundary, has a navigable lake coast estima- ted at more than 700 miles. This estimate includes the whole distance from the mouth of the Montreal to Point de Tour, and from thence to the mouth of the Monomonie river. Besides this, it enjoys singular advantages for inter- communication by means of numerous streams, small lakes, OF MICHIGAN. 101 NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. and portages. It has been estimated, that five sevenths of this portion of Michigan can be visited by such vessels as commonly navigate the lakes. The Peninsula Proper is not the less favored portion of the State. Having Lake Michigan upon one border, and Lakes Huron, St. Clair, and Erie, together with the Straits of St. Clair and Detroit on the other, it cannot, agreeably to the other estimates, possess less than 800 miles of navi- gable coast. To this may be added the facilities of pene- trating the interior by means of the various navigable rivers discharging into the lakes. The whole coast navigation of Upper and Lower Michigan may therefore be estimated at not less than 1,500 miles. Under the head of Internal Improvement, is exhibited the various works of internal communication, by wiiich eve- ry portion of the southern half of the State is to be united. •The amount of these prospective improvements, to be made by the State and by incorporations, is 2,065 miles, of which 557 miles of Rail-road, 231 miles of Canal, and 321 miles of slack water navigation, amounting to 1,109 miles, are constructing by the State, and 956 miles of rail-road ^md canal by chartered companies. At the expiration of five years hence, should the country return to its wonted finan- cial prosperity, the most important at least, of these works will undoubtedly be completed, and many of them before that period, or half that period expires. The pre-eminent advantage which Michigan is destined to possess, in a commercial point of view, is her eligi- ble situation with respect to the principal markets, New York, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. With the former she is already connected by direct communication, and with the two latter, she will soon be connected by the in- ternal thoroughfares and improvements making in the ad- jacent States. The contemplated improvement through Wisconsin, uniting the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and through Illinois, uniting Lake Michigan with the Illinois river by canal, and through Indiana, connecting the wa- ters of Lake Michigan with the Wabash river, is calculated to open a direct channel from the western part of the State to New Orleans. The canal now constructing to unite Lake Erie with the Wabash, through Ohio and In- diana, and the rail-roads and canals made and making 9* 102 GAZETTEER NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. from Lake Erie to the Ohio river through the State of Ohio, will furnish other avenues to the southern and south- western markets. The improvement making from Cleve- land to Pittsburg, through Ohio, and the rail-road con- structing from Erie to Philadelphia, by way of Sunbury, through Pennsylvania, will open anew market to this State. The Great Western Rail-road constructed in part, and con- structing from Boston through Massachusetts, New York, and Upper Canada, will, when completed, give Michigan an expeditious route to the eastern markets. At present, the great flow of emigration here gives an ample market within the State. But after the State be- comes more settled, and emigration subsides, these several improvements will be completed, and then will be perceiv- ed the great advantage of being placed, as it were, midway between the three principal markets in the Union. To the farmer and the merchant, no local advantage can be superi-- or to that which gives a choice in markets, while others are mostly confined in their purchases and sales to the fluc- tuations of only one market. The lake navigation is now quite extensive, and the com- merce upon the lakes is fast increasing. The obstruction to the navigation of the St. Mary's, is about being removed by the construction of a ship canal around the falls, and for which purpose $50,000 have been appropriated by the State. This will extend the commerce of the lower lakes into Lake Superior. From four to five months in the year, the navigation is entirely closed by ice. From various causes, it opens and closes at different points at different periods. The south- ern portion of Lake Michigan, the western extremity of Erie, and the Detroit strait, clear their ice much sooner than other portions of the lakes. Navigation opens at De- troit, Maumee Bay, and as far east as Cleveland, on an aver- age, from the 20th of March to the 1st of April ; at Macki- nac, sometimes the 15th of April ; at Sault St. Mary and Buffalo, on an average, from the 1st to the 10th of May, though sometimes sooner or later. St. Clair breaks up long before Huron, and the southern part of Michigan two or three weeks before the northern part. The ice shuts up the lakes, and puts a final stop to all navigation at St. Mary, by the 20th of November, and at Buffalo, and on all OF IvilCHIGAN. 103 NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. the lake waters, generally, by the 1st or the 15th of De- cember. Ice freezes to a various thickness, from two to four feet on and near the shore. The continual action of the waters prevents their freezing across. Floating hil- locks of ice, or ice-berges, sometimes accumulate and rise to the height of 15 or 20 feet. The following, from authentic sources, shows the open- ing of navigation at different ports, for several years. Lake opened at Buffalo, Lake opened at Buffalo, 1807, June 1. 1818, April 21. 1809, May 26. - 1810, April 30. 1811, June 4. 1814, April 19. 1816, May 16. 1817, April 29. Average, 6th May. Since the mole was built, Lake opened, Canal o 1826, May 23. 1. April 1. May 10. April 6. May 8. 1832, April 27. 1833, " 23. 1834, " 8. 1835, " 8. Average, 26th April. The following is a statement made by the collector of the port of Cleveland. 1829, first arrival from Detroit Buffalo Detroit Buffalo Detroit Buffalo Detroit Buffalo Detroit Buffalo ie27, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831, April 1819, 1820, May 6; 6. 1821, 19. 1822, 1823, April 16. " 27. 1824, ** 29. uffalo, Canal opened at Albany, 21. 1. April 21. '' I. 25. " 29. 15. *' 20. 16. '' 16. 18. '' 25. 22. *^ 22. 16. '* 17. 15. '*-15. 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, to Cleveland , April 10. a May 23. (I April 3. a (< 17. (( Mar. 29. (( May 12. (( Mar. 28. << May 8. (( April 2. «« (( 17. 104 GAZETTEER NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. " This statement continued to the present time, stands thus : > 1834, first clearance for Detroit, Feb. 1. " " arrival from " " 15. " Lake opened at Buffalo, April 6^ 1835, arrival from Sandusky, March 20. " Lake opened at Buffalo, May 8. 1836, cleared for Detroit, April 14. '' arrival from Buffalo, " 30. From these facts, the difference in favor of early naviga- tion from Cleveland to Detroit, over that from Cleveland and Buffalo, was, in 1829, 42 days. 1833, 15 days. 1830, 17 " 1834, m '' 1831, 44 '' 1835, 49 " 1832, 40 " 1830, 14 " Being for a period of the eight preceding years, an aver- age of a little under 36 days, as shown by actual arrivals and departures. The lake, as stated above, is often open many days before voyages are made between Detroit and Cleveland." This will account for two or three discrepan- cies between this and the former statement. " Although there is no uniformity in the differences shown, a period of four weeks might be relied on as available for business pur- poses, on the western section of the lake, previous to the opening of the eastern. An examination of the custom house files discloses the fact, that actual navigation from Cleveland up the lake, commences earlier now than for- merly.'" Of the history of the commercial increase of the imports and exports, and navigation upon these lakes, less satisfac- tory information is possessed than is desirable. The ex- ports, for many previous years, consisted mostly of fish, furs, and peltries. The latter trade is on the decline in this region, but the former is increasing. The imports -have increased with the increase of emigration to consume them. It appears the first vessel that ever navigated the lakes, was the " Gi^iffift," built at Erie, in 1679, for the expedi- tion of the celebrated La Salle. The first steamboat navi- 9-atingthe lakes, was of 338 tons burthen, built in 1818, and OF MICHIGAN. 105 NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. called the " Walk-i?i-t7ie-WaferJ' The amount of ton- nage on Lake Erie for this year, is stated at about 1,000 tons. From that period to the present, it has constantly in- creased. In 1836, October 1st, the total amount of the re- gistered tonnage of this lake, reckoning vessels of every description navigating the lakes, was 24,045.76 tons, con- sisting of 45 steamboats, with an aggregate tonnage of 9,016.56 tons; 2 ships, 7 brigs, 1 barque, 47 gloops, 144 schooners, and 10 schooner scows, amounting in number to 256. The Buffalo District had registered 13 steamboats, 2 ships, 3 brigs, 1 barque, 41 schooners, 1 sloop, and 10 schooner scows. Detroit District had 17 steamboats, 3 brigs, 43 schooners, and 37 sloops. Cleveland District had 4 steamboats, 1 brig, 39 schooners, and 3 sloops. The Sandusky District had 4 steamboats, 9 schooners, and 6 sloops. The Presque Isle District had 4 steamboats, and 7 schooners. The Miami District had 3 steamboats, and 5 schooners. The aggregate steamboat tonnage for the Buffalo Dis- trict was 2,769.61 ; for the Detroit, 2,694.93 ; for the Cleveland, 1,488.26; for the Presque Isle, 1,105.37; for the Sandusky, 986.67; and for the Miami District, 571.72 tons. The aggregate tonnage for each District, including lake boats and vessels of every description, was as follows, (viz.) Buffalo, . - - . 8,541.09 Detroit, . . - - 6,703.73* Cleveland, - - . . 4,518.33 Sandusky, _ . - - 1.792.75 Presque Isle . - - - 1,-562.29 Miami, - . . . 927.57 Total, - . . - 24,045.76 To this, add 5,950 tons for seventeen steamboats build- ing at different ports on Lake Erie in 1837, averaging 350 tons each, and the tonnage is increased to 29,995.76 tons, ♦ This statement was published at Buffalo, in 1837, as the accurate tonnage of this district; but there appears to be a great discrepancy be- tween it and the one below for the same year. 106 GAZETTEER NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. without making any account for sloops and schooners building at the same time in different ports. The number of men employed on these vessels was estimated at over 5,000. The following shows the name, tonnage, and district where owned, of 19 of the larger steamboats navigating the lakes in 1836 and '7 : Districts. Steamboats, Detroit, Michigan, Monroe, Uncle Sam, Niagara, Sandusky, U. States, DeWitt Clinton, Daniel Webster, Gen. Porter, New York, Chas. Townsend, Sheldon Thompson, Oliver H. Perry, Columbus, N. America, Robert Fulton, Thomas Jefferson, *' Pennsylvania, Wm. Penn, But since that period the steamboat tonnage has much increased, and boats are constructed of much larger dimen- sions, and many with a beauty, elegance, and strength, unrivalled by either the Eastern or Mississippi boats. The returns for the present year are very imperfect, and the notice respecting them must consequently be limited. The largest boat yet constructed upon the lakes, is the Illi- nois, 755 tons, built at Detroit. Some of the other large boats are, the James Madison, stated by the proprietors at 720 tons; Erie, 650 tons; Cleveland, 580 tons; the Great Western, Buffalo, Milwaukie, Anthony Wayne, Constitu- tion, Constellation, Wisconsin, Bunker Hill, Rochester, and New England, will range from 400 to 600 tons. In 1819, the shipping owned in this territory was about Sandusky ^ BuifalOy 3Iiatiii, Cleveland. It Presque Isle, Tonnage. 472 tons 341 220 210 377 366 413 358 342 325 312 241 352 391 368 368 428 305 251 OP MICHIGAN. 107 NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. 600 tons. The vessels were of the smaller size, varying from 10 to GO tons burthen. The following is a statement of the aggregate tonnage belonging to the Detroit district in each year, from 1830 to 1837, both inclusive, as given by the clerk of the custom house in that district. Year. Tons. Year. Tons. Year. Tons. 1830 995 1833 2,575 1836 5,066 1831 1,105 1834 4,009 1837 6,994 1832 2,740 1835 4,652 The tonnage for 1838, it is estimated will exceed 8,000 tons. From 1795, the time of cession of this territory to the United States, to the commencement of the last war, the supply of a garrison at Detroit, and goods for traffic in the fur trade, constituted most of the commerce. After the war, it began to increase, and has continued to keep pace with the progress of emigration ever since. A statement of the imports and exports of the territory for 1819, has been prepared from an exhibit published at the time, and is here presented ; although a like statement for the present year could not be procured for comparative reference, as was originally intended. The imports for the fur trade in that year, were estimated at $150,000; but the exports, including furs and peltries, were much greater. The coasting trade, carried on with Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, consisted of salt, pork, beef, flour, corn, butter, cheese, lard, whiskey, &c. which were trafficked for cider, apples, fish, &c. Furs were transported to Buf- falo, Albany, and New York markets in large quantities. The value of the fur trade has never been made known by those engaged in it, at any period. There were two collector's districts, Detroit and Macki- nac; but the coasting trade was principally connected with the former. In 1818, there were entered at the port of De- troit, 3,501 bbls. flour, 2,843 bbls. salt, 1,948 bbls. whiskey, 888 bbls. pork, 295 bbls. fish, 693 firkins butter, 5,062 bush, corn, 1,042 head beef cattle, 1,435 fat hogs. There were cleared from the same port during the same year, bound principally to the military stations on Lake 108 GAZETTEER NAVIGATION AND COMMERCE. Huron and Michigan, 2,024 bbls. flour, 1,282 bbls. salt, 753 bbls. cider, 1,478 bbls. fish, 105 bbls. pork, 394 bbls. beef, 453 bbls. whiskey, 153 firkins butter, 1,280 bush. corn. Merchants then, as they do now, supplied themselves with ' European goods mostly from the city of New York. But the mercantile interest has ever been much impaired, and the revenue of the United States defrauded, by the illicit trade which is continually carried on with the neighboring province. The present trade is very great, and in the absence of custom house reports, we may suppose its increase com- mensurate with the increase of tonnage, and that there is a common ratio between the value of trade the present year and 1818, and the amount of tonnage at these two separate periods. (Vide farther Detroit, Third Part, and for the fish trade, see Article Rivers and Lakes.) From a statement published at Buffalo, in 1836, the capi- tal invested in steamboats was estimated to exceed $1,000,- 000. The expense of running those boats which perform regular trips through the lake, including wages of men, wood, provisions, and ordinary contingencies, was from $100 to 8 150 per day each. The amount of wood consumed by a steamboat during a trip through the lake and back, from 100 to 300 cords, averaging probably 150 cords. Each boat performs from 30 to 35 trips in a season, and of course consumes 5,000 cords of wood. The whole amount consumed by 24 boats, the number usually engaged in regular trips through the lake, would be J 20,000 cords. The smaller boats, and those employed upon the rivers, use probably 30,000, which would make the whole amount consumed 150,000 cords. The price of wood varies in different ports from $1 53 to $2 per cord — average $1 75; making the average cost of wood consumed by steamboats over $250,- 000 a year. The number of hands employed on steamboats running through the lakes, is from 20 to 30 each. The smaller boats employ from 8 to 15 each. The whole number of men engaged in conducting the steamboat navigation was about 1,000. Wages of men are various. The Captain, per year from $600 to $1000 OF MICHIGAN. 109 MANUFACTURES. First mate, per month, from $36 to $40 Second mate, 18 28 Steward, 25 35 Engineer, 50 90 Wheelman, 15 20 Fireman, 18 Sailors, 16 1st Cook, 25 2d '' 18 3d '' 10 Other hands 10 V 15 MANUFACTURES. Both Upper and Lower Michigan possess almost unlim- ited facilities for manufacturing. Several large, and many considerable streams, with innumerable branches, rise in every part of the State, and furnish any desirable amount of hydraulic power. From diligent inquiries on the subject, it is found to be in a measure universal, although some sections are, from the various declivity in the surface of country, better pro- vided than others. The Raisin, the Huron, the St. Joseph, the Little St. Joseph, Clinton, and the branches of each, have a large amount of water power. There can be no doubt, if, in the course of time, the interest of the State should require a more especial attention to this particular source of national wealth, but that manufacturing might be carried to any assignable extent. The Clinton canal, when constructed, will furnish an additional source of hydraulic power. The rapids of Grand river, and of the Maskegon, have individually a large supply. Steam mills are not unfrequent, and steam power is some- times used where hydraulic power might be easily substi- tuted. The present application of steam and hydraulic power, is in the manufacture of flour, lumber, and in card- ing and cloth-dressing. Manufactures in Michigan, as well as in all new States, are in an incipient condition, and 10 110 GAZETTEER GOVERNMENT. SYNOPSIS OF THE CONSTITUTION. carried on no farther than the immediate wants of the set- tler absolutely require. Several saline springs known to be of value exist within the State, but the manufacture of salt has been little attend- ed to till very recently; their value having become known, enterprise and capital have been enlisted in the business. The " Clinton Salt Works" are among the most noted and valuable, and a company has been chartered to prosecute the business of manufacturing. (See Salines.) The cultivation of the mulberry, and manufacture of silk, which is undoubtedly destined to be a lucrative busi- ness, are beginning to attract public attention, and prepara- tions are making to embark in the enterprise in various parts of the State. Public attention has likewise been turned to the growing of the suffar beet, and to the manufacture of suaar from its root. This vegetable attains a large growth, and the manu- facture of sugar has been quite successful. The State has oifered a bounty of two cents for every pound of beet sugar manufactured within the State. Legislative aid has also been given for the encouragement of the silk manufacture. Ship and boat building has been carried on to a con- siderable extent at Detroit, Mt. Clemens, on the St. Joseph, and several points on the eastern and western coast. The number of manufactories of different descriptions within the State, in November, 1837, according to the census re- turns made to the Secretary of State's office, as is shown in a table appended to this work, was 114 grist mills, 433 saw mills, 23 carding machines, 12 cloth-dressing shops, one glass manufactory, and 16 distilleries. The returns were incomplete. GOVERNMENT. SYNOPSIS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF MICHIGAN. The Convention, which formed the present Constitution, met on the 2d Monday of May, 1835. The Constitution is, in general, similar to those of the other States of the Un- OF MICHIGAN. Ill GOVERNMENT. — SYNOPSIS OF THE CONSTITUTION. ion, and many of its provisions are literally the same. The first article is principally a rehearsal of the inherent rights of the people. The second article defines the qualifications of electors, and provides that all white male citizens above the age of 21 years, having resided in the State six months next preceding any election, shall be entitled to vote at the same, limited in the exercise of this right, to the district, county, or township in which they actually reside. All votes are to be given by ballot, except in cases specified. Electors are privileged from arrest during their attendance at elections, and in going and returning from the same, ex- cept in cases of treason, felony, or breach of the peace; — they are likewise exeuipted from performing military duty on election days, except in time of war. The powers of Government are divided into three distinct departments — the Legislative — the Executive — and the Judicial. By the fourth article, the Legislative power is vested in a senate and house of representatives ; the number of mem- bers of the house is never to be less than 48 — nor to ex- ceed 100; and the senate is to equal one third of the house, as nearly as may be. Representatives are to be chosen an- nually, on the first Monday of November and the following day ; each organized county to be entitled to at least one representative. Senators are elected for two years, and at the same time of the election of representatives. The State is to be divided, at each new apportion- ment, into not less than four nor more than eight senatorial districts. The qualifications of representa- tives and senators are, simply, to be citizens of the United States, and to be qualified electors in the respective coun- ties and districts which they represent. Certain officers therein named are precluded from holding the office of sen- ator or representative. They are privileged from arrest and any civil process during the session of the legislature, .except in eases of treason, felony, and breach of the peace. In all elections by either or both houses, votes are to be g'lxenviva voce. Every bill passed by the legislature must be presented to the Governor for approval. The Governor if he approve, must sign it; if not, he is required to return it to the house from whence it originated, with his objec- tions. The bill is then to be reconsidered by both houses successively, and if passed in each by a majority of two thirds, it becomes a law, without the signature of the Gov- 112 GAZETTEER GOVERNMENT. — SYNOPSIS OF THE CONSTITUTION. ernor. The bill may likewise become a law in the former case, by a retention of the same by the Governor for ten days after presentation. The legislature are to commence their session on the first Monday in January, and at no other time, except when directed bylaw or the constitution. The Executive power is vested in a Governor and Lieu- tenant Governor, who hold their offices for the term of two years. They are each elected directly by the people. Their qualifications are, to be citizens of the United States five years, and of the State two years previous to their election. The Governor is commander in chief of the militia, army, and navy of the State. The Lieutenant Governor is, by virtue of office, president of the senate — and, in case of the death, resignation, absence from the State, or removal from office of the Governor, he is to discharge the duties of that office until such disability shall cease. The Judicial power is vested in one supreme court and such other courts as the legislature may establish. The judges of the supreme court hold their offices for the term of seven years. They are nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appointed by the Gov- ernor. The supreme court appoint their own clerk or clerks. Each organized county is to have a court of pro- bate established in it ; and each organized township is enti- tled to four justices of the peace, who hold their offices for four years, and are elected by the qualified electors of the township. Judges of probate, judges of all county coitrts, associate judges of circuit courts, are to hold their offices four years respectively, and are to be elected in the same manner as the clerk of the county court — by the qualified electors of the county in which they reside. Article seventh directs that there shall be a Secretary of State, Auditor General, Attorney General for the State, Prosecuting Attorney for each county, who shall hold their offices for two years, and receive their appointment from the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. Their duties are prescribed by the Constitution and by law. There is to be a State Treasurer appointed by joint vote of the two houses of the legislature — holding his office for two years. There are to be a sh^riflT, county treasurer, one or more coroners, register of deeds, and county surveyor, to hold their offices for two years respect- OF MICHIGAN* US CIVIL DIVISIONS. ively, and to be chosen by the qualified electors of each of the several counties. A Superintendent of Public Instruction is to be nomina- ted, and, by and with the consent of the leg-islature on joint vote, appointed by the Governor biennially. His duties are prescribed by law. Slavery and involuntary servitude aie forbidden, except for the punishment of crimes. All offi- cers of the State — executive, legislative, and judicial — ex- cept such inferior officers as are exempted by law, before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, are to take and subscribe an oath or affirmation, to support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, and to faithfully discharge the duties of their offices to the best of their ability. The government of the State is enjoined to encourage internal improvement and promote the cause of education. Acts of incorporation cannot be passed without the assent of at least two thirds of each house. The legislaUire cannot pass bills of divorcement, but may authorize the higher courts to grant them. Lotteries and the sale of lottery tickets within the State are forbidden. The seat of government of the State is to be located at the city of Detroit until 1847, when it is to be permanently located by the legislature. The legislature is authorized to cause a census to be taken of the people of the State, in 1837, in 1845, and in every tenth year thereafter. These are some, of the principal features of the Consti- tution, — fraught, however, with other provisions equally liberal and honorable to its framers. CIVIL DIVISIONS. The State is divided into thirty-nine counties, the names- and area of which will be found in a table in the Third Part. The number of the Peninsular counties surveyed or in progress of survey, is, exclusive of Mackinac, 87, con- taining in the aggregate, 2-5,636 square miles, or about live- twelfths of the State. The balance, or seven-twelfths, which includes the counties of Mackinac and Chippewa, is 10* 114 GAZETTEER CIVIL DIVISIONS. SENATORIAL DISTRICTS. unsurveyed. Those counties at present laid out in the sur- ve3'ed portion of the State, average 700 square miles each. If the balance of the State should be laid out according to the plan heretofore pursued, the counties of Mackinac and Chippewa have surface suflicient for 52 more counties, making in all 89, each of which, on an average, would con- tain 700 square miles. Each county is subdivided into townships, which mostly accord with the land surveys. They contain 30 square miles each. In some cases where the population is sparse, several surveyed townships are united into one organized township. Fractional townships are often included in the adjacent organized townships. The present number of organized townships is 317. The policy of constituting these minor civil divisions in a State with adequate executive and judicial powers, vested in appropriate officers, is admirable for the purposes of gov- ernment, the support of internal police, and for the conven- ience of the people. The policy is of ancient origin, and its wisdom has been amply tested and approved, both in France and England, It has been adopted in New Eng- land generally, and it is believed in all the north-western States, except Illinois. Its comparative good effects in the different States, are observable in these respects, that those States in which it is adopted to the greatest extent, are most noted for their efficient police and good order. There are two cities, viz : Detroit and Monroe, and 23 incorporated villages, viz : Ann Arbour,* Grand Rapids, Pontiac, Adrian, Jackson,* Romeo, Allegan, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Centreville, Marshall, Tecumseh, Clinton, Mackinac,* Utica, Coldwater, Mt. Clemens, White Pigeon, Constantine, Niles, Ypsilanti. Dearbornville, Palmer,* Agreeably to the late act for the apportionment of Sena- tors and Representatives, the Legislature consists of 17 Senators and 52 Representatives. Senatorial Districts. The State is divided into seven Districts, for the election of senators, as follows, viz : The fij-st district consists of the county of Wayne, and elects OP MICHIGAN. 115 CIVIL DIVISIONS. — APPORTIONMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES.— JUDICAL CIRCUITS. two senators. The second district consists of the counties of Monroe, Lenawee, and Hillsdale, and elects three sena- tors. The third district consists of the counties of Oak- land, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawasse, and Clinton, and elects three senators. The fourth district consists of the coun- ties of Macomb, St. Clair, Saginaw, Chippewa, and Macki- nac, and elects two senators. The fifth district consists of the counties of Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston, and Ing- ham, and elects three senators. The sixth district consists of the counties of Kent, Ionia, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Kalamazoo, and Calhoun, and elects two senators. The seventh district consists of the counties of St. Joseph, Branch, Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass, and elects two sen- ators to the legislature. Apportionment of State Representatives. The county of Wayne is entitled to elect seven members to the house of representatives ; the county of Washtenaw, six; the county of Oakland, six; the county of Lenawee, four; the county of Macomb, three ; the county of Monroe, three; the coun- ty of Kalamazoo, two; the county of Calhoun, two; the county of Jackson, two ; the county of St. Joseph, two ; the counties of Cass and Van Buren, two; the counties of Livingston and Ingham, two ; the county of Hillsdale, one ; the county of Branch, one ; the county of Lapeer, one ; the county of St. Clair, one; the county of Saginaw, one; the county of Chippewa, one; the county of Mackinac, one; the county of Berrien, one; the counties of Ionia, Kent, and Ottawa, one ; the counties of Allegan, Barry, and Eaton, one; and the counties of Genesee, Shiawassee, and Clinton, one. Judicial Circuits. The State, for judicial purposes, is divided into three circuits, in each of which, twice in a year, a court is held in each of the organized counties, by one of the three judges of the supreme court, who, by law, is allotted a particular circuit, and who, with two associate judges appointed in each county, constitutes the circuit court. The First Circuit is composed of the counties of Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer, Mackinac, Chippewa, and the country attached to each of said counties for judicial pur- poses. 116 GAZETTEER CLIMATE AND HEALTH. The Second Circuit is composed of the counties of Mon- roe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Oakland, Saginaw, Jackson, Hillsdale, and the country attached to each for judicial pur- poses. The Third Circuit is composed of the counties of Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Kalamazoo, Allegan, Calhoun, Kent, and the country attached to each for judicial pur- poses.* The chancery court, which has an independent jurisdic- tion from the courts of common law, is held by the chan- cellor, two sessions in a year, in each judicial circuit of the State, at the place appointed for holding the supreme court in each of the aforesaid circuits. The supreme court is the final court of appeal from the court of chancery. CLIMATE AND HEALTH. The extensive geographical limits of Michigan, naturally produce a local difference of temperature, and hence we have the climates of Upper and Lower Michigan. The dis- tinctive difference consists in the great extremes of heat and cold to which the former is subject, while the latter is mild and temperate ; the one is exposed to quick and vio- lent changes, while the other has a more equable tempera- ture. The winters of the Upper Peninsula are generally long and cold — the summers short and often subject to in- tense heat. As is usual in such cases, the period of spring or autumn is brief, and the transition from winter to sum- mer and from summer to winter, rapid. The register annexed, made at different military posts, in nearly the same latitude, exhibits a comparative state of the climate of Upper Michigan for three successive years. The observations were made by the surgeon attached to each post, by order of the war department, and may be im- plicitly relied upon for their correctness. The hours of ob- servation were 7 A. M. and 2 and 9 P. M. for each day in the three years stated. As to the position of Fort Brady, ♦ Unorj^anized counties attached to those organized,, at the time of the signing of tliis Constitution.. OP MICHIGAN. 117 CLIMATE AND HEALTH. in addition to its being located about 2° farther north than either of the other posts, it may be remarked, that it is situ- ated at the falls of the St. Mary's strait, and, from its con- tiguity to Hudson's Bay, the open country intervening, the cold winds which course over the country direct from the ice that accumulates in and around the bay, together with the exposure to the winds of Lake Superior, must conse- quently give an aspect to the climate at that point, of great- er severity, than would be found in other portions of this Peninsula, unexposed to these influences. The position of Fort Howard, likewise, at the head of Green Bay, is ex- posed to the winds, blowing up the bay from the north-east, and over the extensive open country from the west and south-west. The larger portions of the Peninsula north of Saginaw Bay, and of the Upper Peninsula, must conse- quently be of a temperature much warmer than at either of those points. With these considerations, an inspection of the following table is the best comment upon the compara- tive climate of the northern part of Michigan, the coast of the Atlantic, and the regions lying upon the Mississippi, in the same latitude. (Vide also Upper Peninsula.) 118 GAZETTEER CLIMATE AND HEALTH. METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER FOR 1823. Fort Brady, (at Sault St. Marie, Upper Michigan,) Lat 46° 39', Long- 84° 43'. Elevation above tide water, 595 feet. Fort Snelling, (junction St. Peter's and Mississippi rivers, Wisconsin,) Lat. 44° 53', Lon. 93° 08'. Elevation above tide water, 780 feet. Fort Sullivan, (near Eastport, State of Maine,) Lat. 44° 44', Lon. 67° 04'. At tide water. Fort Howard, (month Fox river, Wisconsin,) Lat. 44° 40', Lon. 87° 00' Above tide water, 600 feet. • THERMOMETER. 'p..,,,;i|P'-evail Places of Observation. Aggrei^ate mean temperature highest degree. lowest degree range ing winds ing weath- er { Fort Brady, 22.10 52 — 6 58 N. Snow. Jan. < ' Fort Sullivan, 21.02 42 —10 52 N. Fair. ( Fort Howard, 19.74 42 —21 63 S.W. Cl'dy. 1 Fort Brady, 9 47 24 —30 54 Fair, Feb. < ' Fort Sullivan, 17.30 34 - 7 41 N.W. Fair. ! Fort Howard, 15.17 40 —38 78 N.W. Fair. i Fort Brady, 20.48 54 —29 83 S.E. Fair. March, - Fort Sullivan, 28.91 51 — 7 58 S. i Fort Howard, 25.98 54 21 75 S.W. Fair. ( . Fort Brady, 39.69 68 8 60 S.E. Fair. April, < ' Fort Sullivan, 39.02 60 17 43 Fair. Fort Howard, 42.60 76 5 71 N.E. Rain. ( . Fort Brady, 46.96 76 29 47 N.W.' Fair. May, < ' Fort Sullivan, 47.61 70 32 38 S. Fair. ' Fort Howard, 52.23 76 30 46 N.E. Fair. - Fort Brady, 59.77 90 31 59 W. Fair. June, ' Fort Sullivan, 54.73 84 39 45 s. Fair. * Fort Howard, 66.01 100 32 68 N.E. Fair. : Fort Brady, 68.44 90 50 40 W. Fair. July, [ Fort Sullivan, 62.67 88 50 38 s. Fair. : Fort Howard, 71.73 94 50 44 S.W. Fair. i Fort Brady, 64.17 88 42 46 w. Fair. Aug. 1 Fort Sullivan, 62.22 90 52 38 s. Fair. ( Fort Howard, 69.09 86 54 32 S.W.'Fair. C Fort Brady, 53.20 74 31 43 W. Rain. Sept. ? Fort Sullivan, 54.97 80 33 47 s. Fair. ( Fort Howard, 53 45 80 24 56 S.W. Fair. C Fort Brady, 42.49 76 26 50 s. Rain. Oct. ) Fort Sullivan, 47.36 66 30 36 s. Fair. ( Fort Howard, 42.56 74 |6 58 S.W. Fair. C Fort Brady, 29.72 48 6 42 Snow. Nov. ) Fort Sullivan, 31.65 51 8 43 N.W. Fair. ( Fort Howard, 29.91 56 8 48 S.W. Fair. c Fort Brady, 19.69 51 — 8 59 Snow. Dec. ) Fort Sullivan, 28.30 20.06 45 45 N.W. Fair. ( Fort Howard, 42 - 8 50 S.W. Fair. OF MICHIGAN. 119 CLIMATE AND HEALTH. METEOROLOGICAL REGLSTER FOR 18'24. THERMOMETER. i 1 Prevail ing winds Prevail Places of Observation. Aggregate mean temperature highest lowest degree degree range 64 ing weath- er. ' Fort Brady, 19.95 43 —21 S.E. Fair. Tnn, Fort Snelling, 17,17 42 —24 6G N.W. Fair. Fort Sullivan, 20.91 40 — 1 41 W. F'air. .Fort Howard, 24.4.5 44 — 2 46 s.w Fair. rFort Brady, 12.65 38 —33 71 w. . Fair. Feb. J Fort Snelling, 1420 43 —27 70 s.w. Fair. { Fort Sullivan, 21.11 47 —19 66 Fair. (.Fort Howard, 17.95 52 —18 70 N.E. Fair. f Fort Brady, 25.19 54 —14 68 S.E. Fair. JMarch j Fort Snelling, 'TFort Sullivan, [Fort Howard, 23.80 57 -10 67 N.W. Fair. 29.30 53 1 52 N.W. Fair. 28.48 52 -4 56 S.W. Fair. ' Fort Brady, 39.34 62 26 36 w. Fair. April, Fort Snelling, 41.78 73 25 48 s.w. Fair. Fort Sullivan, .Fort Howard, 40.38 58 20 38 N.W. Fair. 42.19 74 24 50 S.W. Fair. fFort Brady, 48.54 89 33 56 w. Fair. May, Fort Snelling, 56.29 89 27 62 s.w. Fair. Fort Sullivan, 46 07 64 32 32 Fair. .Fort Howard, 53.53 92 24 68 N.E. Fair. f Fort Bradj--, 60.07 84 39 45 w. Fair. June, / Fort Snelling, 1 Fort Sullivan, 66.03 85 54 31 Fair. 55.85 86 42 44 s. Fair. I Fort Howard, 65.12 100 38 62 N.E. Fair. C Fort Bradv, 64.56 84 49 35 W. Fair. July, J Fort Snelling, 73.03 96 55 41 Fair. Fort Sullivan, 63.52 84 52 32 s. Fair. . Fort Howard, 73.07 98 56 42 S.W. Fair. f Fort Brady, 62.87 81 51 30 w. Fair. Aug. J Fort Snelling, 70.50 92 53 39 Fair. 1 Fort Sullivan, 62 27 80 52 28 s. Fair. iFort Howard, 67.92 92 48 44 s.w. Fair. fFort Brady, 57.86 79 44 35 S.E. Fair. Sept. 1 Fort Snelling, 61.03 84 42 42 Fair. Fort Sullivan, 56.69 82 42 40 s. Fair. .Fort Howard, 59.54 90 32 58 s.w. Fair. 'Fort Brady, 42.61 67 31 36 w. Rain. Oct. , Fort Snelling, 41.92 68 25 43 s.w. CI'dy. Fair. Fort Sullivan, 45.33 66 30 36 N.W. .Fort Howard, 42.52 70 24 46 S.W. Fair. fFort Brady, 31.35 48 17 31 S.E. Snow. Nov. I Fort Snelling, 29.96 57 — 1 58 S. CI'dy. j Fort Sullivan, 34.28 48 20 28 CI'dy. CI'dy. I Fort Howard, 30.50 50 50 S.W. fFort Brady, 26.45 40 2 44 S.E. Snow. Dec. Fort Snelling, 22.23 42 42 N.W. CI'dy. Fort Sullivan, 2/.67 48 12 36 .Fort Howard, 27.25 54 4 50 s. w^ CI'dy 120 GAZETTEER CLIMATE AND HEALTH. METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER FOR 1825. es of observation. THERMOMETER. 6JD PL, ^g Plac Aggregate mean temperature highest degree lowest degree range 61 If /- Fort Brady, 18.73 36 —25 S.E. Snow. Jan. ) Fort Snelling, 14.84 38 -14 52 S.E. Fair. 1 Fort Sullivan, ^ Fort Howard, 21.18 18.51 44 42 — 4 —12 48 54 Fair. Fair. S.W. /' Fort Brady, 25.62 47 —14 61 S.E. Snow. Feb. ) Fort Snelling, 26.25 50 —15 65 S.E. Cio'dy i Fort Sullivan, 22.35 47 — 2 49 N.E. Clo'dy ^ Fort Howard, 28.15 48 — 2 50 S.W. Cio'dy f Fort Brady, 30.97 52 6 46 Fair. March, J Fort Snelling, 36.29 61 21 40 S.E. Fair. 1 Fort Sullivan, 32.92 53 14 39 N.W. Fair. ^ Fort Howard, 34.05 60 18 42 N.E. Fair. /• Fort Brady, 41.54 72 18 54 W. Fair. ) Fort Snelling, 55.19 82 34 48 S.E. Fair. April, i Fort Sullivan, 42.29 70 22 48 S.W.iFair. ^ Fort Howard, 47.29 84 20 64 N.E. Fair. ^ Fort Brady, 52.55 80 30 50 S.E. Fair. I Fort Snelling, 60.90 83 42 41 S.E. Rain. May, 1 Fort Sullivan, 50.14 77 34 43 S. Fair. ' Fort Howard, 56.93 88 32 56 N.E. Fair. /. Fort Brady, 61.96 88 44 44 W. Fair. 1 Fort Snelling, 70.67 83 54 29 S.W, Cio'dy June, 1 Fort Sullivan, 60.97 92 46 46 s. Fair. ^ Fort Howard, /- Fort Brady, 69.26 67.39 94 89 46 51 48 38 T?.^:,. W. Fair. ) Fort Saelling, 75.54 92 54 38 S.W.iFair. July, 1 Fort Sullivan, 67.33 94 52 42 s. Fair. V Fort Howard, 79.13 100 54 46 S.W. Fair. ^ Fort Brady, 67.99 88 55 33 w. Fair. 1 Fort Snelling, 73.01 89 59 30 S.W. Fair. August 1 Fort Sullivan, 64.83 91 50 41 s. Fair. [ Fort Howard, 68.56 100 54 46 Fair. ^ Fort Brady, 54.84 71 42 29 w. Rain. 1 Fort Snelling, 62.87 79 43 36 S.W. Fair. Sept. 1 Fort Sullivan, 56.57 79 41 38 N.W. Fair. ' Fort Howard, 56.55 83 32 51 S.W. Fair. - , Fort Brady, 45.70 78 29 49 N.W. Fair. j Port Snelling, 45.98 82 20 62 N.W. Fair. Oct. \ Fort Sullivan, 47.81 87 28 59 S.W.iFair. I Fort Howard, 48.95 84 20 64 S.W.iFair. . Fort Brady, 36.77 72 4 68 S.E. Fair. . Nov. \ Fort Snelling, 33.94 69 10 59 Fair. \ Fort Sullivan, 37.94 66 18 48 N.AV.lFair. I Fort Howard, 37.25 76 6 70 S.W.'Clo'dy . Fort Brady, 17.48 40 —21 61 S.E. Cio'dy 1 Fort Snelling, 14.36 40 40 N.W. Fair. Dec. \ Fort Sullivan, 28.33 50 — 5 55 W. Fair. ( Fort Howard, 16.19 40 —25 65 S.W. Fair. OP MICIITGAN. 121 CLIMATE AND HEALTH. METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER. AVERAGE FOR 1823. THERMOMETER Prevailing wind Places of observa- tion Aggregate mean temperature Highest degree Lowest degree Range Prevailing weather Fort Brady, Fort Sullivan, Fort Howard, 39.66 41.25 42.38 90 90 100 —30 —10 —38 120 100 138 W. N.W. S.W. Fair. Fair. Fair. AVERAGE FOR 1824. Fort Brady, 40.94 89 -33 122 W. Fair. Fort Snelling, 43.17 96 —27 123 S.W. Fair. Fort Sullivan, 41.66 86 —19 105 N.W. Fair. Fort Howard, 44.37 100 —18 118 S.W. Fair. AVERAGE FOR 1825. Fort Brady, 43.52 89 -25 114 S. E. Fair. Fort Snelling, 47.51 92 -15 107 N.W. Fair. Fort Sullivan, 44.39 94 - 5 99 N.W. Fair. Fort Howard, 46.70 - 100 —25 125 S.W. Fair. AVERAGE OF THE OBSERVATIONS AT EACH POST, FOR TEE YEARS 1822-3-4 AND 5. Fort Brady,* 41.37 90 —33 123 W. Fair. Fort Snelling,t 45.00 96 —29 125 N.W. I-'air. Fort Sullivan, 42.44 94 —19 113 S. Fair. Fort Howard, 44.50 100 —38 138 S.W. Fair. * Not included in the report for 1822. tNot included in the report for 1823. 11 122 GAZETTEER CLIMATE AND HEALTH. WEATHER. TABLE OF WEATHER FOR 1823. Places of observation Fort Brady, Fort Sullivan, Fort Howard, Number fair days 154 213 176 Number! Number Number cloudy rainy snowy days days days 37 105 110 94 30 43 74 17 36 Number days of observation 359 365 365 TABLE OF WEATHER FOR 1824. Fort Brady, 166 38 93 69 366 Fort Snelling, 195 87 59 24 366 Fort Sullivan, 211 111 35 9 366 Fort Howard, 204 84 56 22 366 TABLE OF WEATHER FOR 1825. Fort Brady, 162 43 95 65 365 Fort Snelling, 194 64 88 19 365 Fort 8ullivan, 215 120 24 6 365 Fort Howard, 215 76 56 18 365 To form correct conclusions respecting the climate of any assigned section of country, it is necessary, that exten- sive observations should be scientifically taken, by qualified and responsible persons, at the same times, under (as near as possible) the same local influences, and during several consecutive years. Observations taken without attention to these, or at least some of these particulars, are unwor- thy of reliance. Even the position of the thermometer is important. Two instruments, equally graduated, placed in proximity to substances conducting caloric in different de- grees, will give, at any given place of observation, results, at variance with each other, in proportion to the strength of those influences. It is equally important that observations should continue for a series of years, as a succeeding year, or month, at .any place, is subject to greater or less atmos- pheric variation from the one preceding it. The history of climate, in America at least, shows a successive series of cold or moist seasons or years, and a series of warm or dry ones, mutually following each other like the waves of the sea. The inutility of partial observations is therefore quite obvious. OF MICHIGAN. 123 CLIMATE AND HEALTH. METEOROLOGICAL KEGISTER. The meteorological observations taken at Detroit and Fort Gratiot, not having been seasonably received for this work, the following table has been compiled from detached fragments published at the time the observations were made. They were taken by the surgeon at the hospital attached to the garrison at Detroit, in the years indicated. By comparing these with those taken at Fort Columbus in the harbor of New York, and at Fort Wolcott at New- port, R. I., conclusions are drawn in favor of the climate of this State. Detroit is in N. lat. 42° 19' 53", and in Ion. W. from Greenwich 82° 58'. o 2 g .:n Ci S s ^ P o o o o a 03 3 c< n3 ^ C3 1 2 & t^ ^ rn w >. rn M ^ s ^ ^ ■-a 03 i i So • S £ bjD ^ < CO W o m 1 1 PL, ^2 o "3 P4 >> o 1817* 31.10° 28i° 4l! 8 — 10<^ w. 5 16 4 6 14 Dec. 1821 31.12 27 50 16 zero. s.w. 21 9 — 1 1827 37.33 35i 50 25 1 21 s.w. 9 13 7 2 4i 1818 28.66 24^ 4312 —14 w. 14 12 2 Jan. 1822 27.33 23i 4810 —14 N.&N.W 11 16 1 3 • 1828 36.00 33 60j 9 ! 3 s.w. 6 12 11 2 5 1818 23.50 16 44 3 —13 w. 12 11 2 2 Feb. 1822 34.00 30 6216 10 S.&.S.W. 16 U 1 1828 38.50 35§ 5121 1 16 S.W. 15 9 4 m 1818 1 March, 1822 1828 44.00 41 64 33 18 s.w. 24 6 1 — Aug. 1817 64.00 61 84 58 57 w. * These observations were taken during the series of universally cold seasons, — and, as is perceived, the year succeeding the cold summer of 1816 — known to all at the present day, as " the cold summer" 124 GAZETTEER CLIMATE AND HEALTH. By a diary of the weather kept in the summer and fall of 1816, from the 24th of July to the22d of Oct., making eighty-nine days, it appears that 57 were fair, 12 cloudy, and 20 showery or rainy. By a diary kept at the garrison, from the 16th. Nov. 1818 to the 2Sth Feb. 1819, making 105 days, 40 of these were clear, 40 cloudy, 13 clear and cloudy, and 12 cloudy with rain or snow. For January, February, and March, 1824, 90 days, 48 were fair, 27 cloudy, 8 rainy, and 10 snowy days. 1824 ^}'S^''^' decree. Jan. Feb. Marcli 63 66 66 lowest degree. —10 4 19 prevailing fair Iclou- wind days dy N.W. S.R.&W. snowy 1 4 5 The winter of 1817 and '18 was one of unusual severity for Michigan, as was testified by the ancient residents on the Strait; and yet, seasons may be found in some of the Atlantic States, having a more southern latitude, of still greater severity. Less snow falls here, and continues for a shorter period, than in the Eastern States. The eastern cli- mate is generally less mild and temperate, while this is more humid, and subject to more frequent showers. This remark seems to result from the experience of emigrants, and is in a good measure confirmed by observation. Both results are undoubtedly caused by the proximity to the^immense bodies of fresh water with which Michigan is surrounded, and the extensive forests, which, in part, over- spread the country ; and, it is not improbable, that the influ- ences that soften the climate of the Mississippi valley, extend by the prevalence of the western and south-western winds, to this region. Unseasonable frosts sometimes occur, but not, it is believed, more frequently than in New England or New York. " Snow," it has been said, " falls at Detroit from six to eight inches deep, and remains two or three weeks. The transition from the cold of spring to the heat of summer is rapid — from summer to winter, gradual and prolonged. As general characteristics, the spring is wet and backward — summer dry — autumn mild — winter cold and dry. The average temperature is, in the spring, 50° Fahrenheit — summer, 80° — autumn, 60° and 65° — winter, OP MICHIGAN. 125 CLIMATE AND HEALTH. 20°." These remarks, without material variation, apply to the southern half of the Peninsula. The serenity of a Michigan autumn is proverbial ; and the beauty of an autumnal twilight is the admiration of visitors. Before sunset, the western heavens occasionally assume a deep golden effulgence, too beautiful to admit of description. The sun seems to set in a sea of golden flame, (if we may be allowed the comparison,) which reflects upon the broken clouds from the horizon to the zenith, in a thousand varied shades. This is succeeded by a brilliant orange of the most lively hue, which grows fainter and van- ishes witli the twilight. The same appearances, though less splendid, are exhibited in the morning ; and it requires no ordinary exertion of the fancy to imagine the beauties of the scene. The most splendid scenes are seen only un- der a peculiar state of atmosphere and a certain com- bination of clouds. The phenomenon is known neither in the East, South, or South-west, but is witnessed in the vicinity only of the great lakes. It commences in the fall, after the foliage of the forest has fallen or turned yellow, and continues with variations through autumn and winter, and until the forests are again covered with their wonted green. The cause has been assigned to the contiguity of immense forests and lakes, and the reflection, refraction, and combination of light upon the clouds. It is not uncommon for persons at the east, otherwise pleased with the country, and desirous of availing themselves of its advantages, to be deterred from emigrating, through the apprehension of finding a sickly climate. This is a prevalent error in the New England States. With but oc- casional local exceptions, we find a pure atmosphere, a country covered with clear crystal lakes and ever-living springs of wholesome water, which discharge themselves into the great lakes, through lively channels. These are not the usual concomitants of sickness, but, on the con- trary, the unequivocal evidences of general health. The principal cause of indisposition among emigrants to the Western States, is generally to be traced to imprudent expo- sure ; and it cannot be too well inculcated in their minds, that prudence is the conservative of health. CoQiparisons may seem invidious ; but it is not the less true that there are grounds for believing the general salu- 11* 126 GAZETTEER CLIMATE AjVD HEALTH. DISEASES. brity of the Michigan climate superior to that of the cen- tral part of Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois. The observation and experience of residents in the two sections, will go to the support of this position. The remark receives further confirmation from the observation of travellers. No one who has visited Michigan, and the central part of those States during the intensity of summer, or even in winter, but has involuntarily observed the evident contrast in the ruddy complexions of the former, and the more sallow com- plexion often incident to the latter. This may be observed to a greater or less extent, throughout the central and south- ern portion of the Mississippi valley. The cause cannot be assigned to temperament of body, as it is too general. It may naturally be supposed to be the effect of climate. Diseases. We have been informed by medical gentle- men who have had ample means for making observations on these subjects, that the diseases most prevalent in Michi- gan, are such as have their origin in malaria, or marsh ex- halations. These are the various forms of autumnal or bilious fever, and fever and ague. Being governed by a general law, which increases their virulence in proportion to their approach to the tropics, they become milder here, than diseases »f the same type are, when prevalent in any of the States south of Michigan. Our population is also, at different seasons of the year, subject to various affections depending upon atmospheric vicissitudes, such as catarrh, pneumonia, rheumatism, and diarrhea; but not equally so with the inhabitants of the States to the south-west of us, where there is less timbered country, and greater diurnal changes in the temperature of the atmosphere. Along the shores of the lakes and the intervening straits, the disease known under the name of goitre, or swelled neck, is rather prevalent, particularly among females, and may be regarded as peculiar to this re- gion ; at least, it is altogether unknown in the eastern part of the United States. There are also some species of cu- taneous diseases prevalent in this State, which are scarcely known in New England. Strangers, on first arriving in the State, are a])t to experience derangements of the diges- tive organs, owing to the qualify of the water. Consumption, which is so desolating in the eastern parts of the Union, is comparatively rare in the Peninsula, and OP MICHIGAN. 127 EDUCATION. many instances have been known of relief having been ob- tained from impending puhnonary disease, by removal to this State. It has been claimed by some, that an original case of consumption has never occurred here. To show, however, that this affection was not altogether unknown in the State prior to the commencement of active emigration hither, we quote the following from a statement made by Z. Pitcher, M. D., surgeon U. S. army, (now of Detroit) to S. G. Morton, M. D., author of a valuable work on this sub- ject. " My recollections of twelve years intercourse with our Indian tribes, authorize me to assure you, that con- sumption is a disease familiar to all those with whom I have had any personal acquaintance : and I think also, that I may go farther, and state without the fear of contradiction, that it is prevalent among all the tribes of natives of the northern section of our continent." '' It has been remarked by others, and my experience goes to confirm the observation, that the mixed blood descend- ants of the European and the Red race of Gmelin, are more liable to become the victims of phthisis than the full blood Indian." Endemical disease is incident to all large districts of country, and sometimes to those more confined, and pro- ceeding from causes merely local ; but as before observed, there are none in Michigan of that incorrigible character, that cannot be prevented by the emigrant if he use the requisite prudence until he become acclimated.* EDUCATION. The constitution of Michigan not only recognizes the right and expediency of advancing the cause of sci- ence and literature, but enjoins upon the legislature, the * It may not be uninteresting to notice a fact almost entirely unknown in the east, and, it is believed, mostly peculiar to the western country. We allude to diseases of the liver, to which domestic animals are sub- ject. From the age of one and two years, and upwards, this viscous be- comes diseased to an extent to render it unfit for use. This is universal in the west. But what may appear singular, of the large number of beeves slaughtered for the Detroit market, the proportion found to be diseased, was much greater in cattle driven from Ohio, than those raised in Canada or Michigan, by a disparity, as estimated by proper judges, of seven to one. 128 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. encouragement of learning, and the general diffusion of knowledge among the people.* It authorizes the appoint- ment of a " Superintendent of Public Instruction" — the inviolable application of the interest of the proceeds of all lands granted to the State for primary instruction, exclu- sively to that purpose — a general system of common school organization — the establishment of at least one library in each township, and the application of the proceeds of all penal and milifary fines to the support of such when estab- lished — the disposition of the university lands, and the in- vestment of their proceeds in a permanent fund, and the application of the interest arising from it, to the support of a State University and its several branches. The first and most important act done by the legislature, was the appointment of a " Superintendant of Public In- struction," giving him the entire supervision and manage- ment of the university and primary school lands and other property devoted to the purposes of public education, re- quiring him to report to the legislature all matters pertain- ing to them, and likewise to prepare and report a plan for a university and its branches, and a system for the organiza- tion of common schools. In pursuance of this act, (of July 26, 1836,) the superin- tendant made to the succeeding legislature a report, pro- posing a plan for the university and its branches — a system of primary schools, and a plan for the disposition of the university and primary school lands, all of which, with lit- tle variation, were adopted by the legislature. This act has been recently amended and improved, as embodied in * Similar provisions, for education, have been added to the fundamen- tal law of several Slates, the utility of which is found, more in the effect of the policy of inserting them, and thereby putting to rest any doubt of constitutional^ right, which might arise from the cavilings of the oppo- nents to legislative enacimeius on the subject, than in conferring any ad"- ditional right or power to the legislature. It is a principle of natural or universal law, founded as a maxim in the conventional organization of government, that every government, of whatever nature, possesses the attribute— the peculiar right of perpciualiuQ itself. There is not the laast doubt that republican guvernment is based upon the intellifencc as well as the virtue of its members. Hence, the encouragement of univer- sal education among the people, is a prerogative, not to say an impera- tive duty, inherent m the government of every republican Slate, whether the provisions for that purpose are expressed, or not expressed in its constitution. OF MICHIGAN. 121) EDUCATION. — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. the Revised Statutes, the substance of which is here pre- sented. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. This institution has been permanently located at the vil- lage of Ann Arbour. When completely organized, it will embrace the various departments of literature, and the whole circle of the sciences and arts. The government is vested in a board of twelve Regents, who are nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appointed by the governor. The governor, lieutenant governor, judges of the supreme court, and chancellor of the State, are ex officio, members, and the governor is president of the board of Re- gents. This board is constituted a body corporate, empow- ered to elect a chancellor and appoint the prescribed num- ber of professors and tutors, and likewise a steward, and to fix the amount of their salaries, and to enact laws for the government of the university. The university consists of three departments. First, The department of literature, science and the arts. Second, The department of law. Third, The department of medicine. In the first department is to be established one professor- ship of ancient languages; one of modern languages; one of rhetoric and oratory ; one of the philosophy of history and loaic; one of the philosophy of the human mind ; one of mord philosophy ; one of natural theology and history of all religions; one of political economy; one of mathe- matics; one of natural philosophy; one of chemisty ; one of geology and mineralogy ; one of botany and zoology ; one of the fine arts, and one of civil engineering and draw- In the second department is to be established one profes- sorship of international law; one of common law and equity; one of constitutional and statute law ; one of com- mercial and maritime law, and one of jurisprudence. In the third department is to be established one profes- sorship of anatomy ; one of surgery ; one of pathology and physiology; one of practice of physic; one of obstetrics and the diseases of women and children, and one of mate- ria medica, pharmacy and medical jurisprudence. The regents regulate the course of instruction, and pre- 130 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN. BRANCHES. scribe, under the advice of the professorships, the books to be used — confer degrees and grant diplomas. The imme- diate government of the several departments is intrusted to their respective faculties. Under the regulations prescribed by the regents, the institution is to be open to all persons resident in the State, who may wish to avail themselves of its advantages, without charge of tuition ; and to all others, under restrictions to be prescribed by the regents. The fee of admission never to exceed ten dollars. The superintendent of public instruction appoints annu- ally, a board of visiters, consisting of five persons, who make a personal examination into the state of the several departments of the university, and report to the superin- tendent, which report is transmitted to the legislature. The regents are likewise required to make an annual ex- hibit to the superintendent, of the condition of the univer- sity, in all its departments. They are authorized to expend a portion of the interest of the university fund, in the pur- chase of the necessary philosophical and other apparatus, a library, and cabinet of natural history. Branches. The board of regents, together with the su- perintendent, are authorized to establish branches of the university in different parts of the State, and to establish proper rules for their government. No branch has per- mission to confer degrees. Provision 'is made for the estab- lishment of an institution, in connexion with each branch, for the education of females in the higher branches of knowledge, to be under the same general direction and management as the branch with which it is connected. In each branch is to be a department especially devoted to the education of teachers for primary schools, and such other departments as shall be prescribed by the regents. Pro- vision is made for the establishment of a department of agriculture, in some one of the branches, with competent instructors in the theory of agriculture, including vegeta- ble physiology, agricultural chemistry, and experimental and practical farming. The buildings of the university have not yet been con- structed, but they are to be erected as soon as the most ap- propriate plan shall be decided upon. It seems to have been most convenient and practicable to establish the OF MICHIGAN. 131 EDUCATION. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. branches first, instead of the university, and thus creating supports or tributaries to the latter, preparatory to its be- coming fitted for the reception of pupils. Pursuant to the law authorizing the same, branches have been established at the following places, viz : Detroit, Mon- roe, Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Centreville, Niles, Grand Rapids, Palmer, Jackson, and Mackinac. The male department of the Detroit, Pontiac, Kalamazoo, and the male and fe- male departments of the Monroe branch, have gone into successful operation. To aid in hastening the operation of the university, in anticipation of the funds that will soon accrue, the State has made it a loan of $100,000. Provisions have been made for enriching its cabinet of natural history, by en- titling it, and the branches, to sixteen specimens of all col- lections, in each branch of science, which shall be made in the geological survey now in progress. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. Every organized township in the State is separated into a suitable number of school districts, in each of which, a school is to be established for the education of youth be- tween the ages of 5 and 17 years. Schools so established, are supported by the interest arising from the primary school fund, and an equal amount raised by tax upon the township, as apportioned by the county commissioners, and by voluntary tax by tlie legal voters of the school district. The officers consist, first, o^ three School Tnqjectors, who are chosen by the people of the township at the annual township meetings, to act in the capacity of inspectors of schools for the township. It is their duty to divide the township into suitable districts, receive and apportion all school moneys arising from school fund or township tax, and money to be applied to the support of libraries. Those districts that neglect to provide a school kept three months in the year, by a qualified teacher, forfeit tlieir proportion of school money, and likewise the money to be apportion- ed for libraries, when provision for their support accord- ing to law is neglected. The board are required to re- port to the county clerk annually, the number of districts in the township, and to transmit the several reports of 132 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. school directors in the same, under a penalty of 850, to- gether with the full amount lost by their failure. It becomes the duty of this board, to examine all candi- dates for teaching primary schools, as to moral character and ability to teach school, and if satisfied with the quali- fications of such candidates, to give certificate of the same, signed by the members of the board, which certificate shall be in force one year. The board have power to re-examine any teacher at any future time, and annul his certificate. It is the duty of the board to visit all primary schools twice in a year, inquire into their condition, examine scholars, and give proper advice to both teacher and scholars, and to fill any vacancy that may occur from whatever cause. School inspectors receive one dollar and fifty cents per day for their services, and a refusal to serve in the oflice, forfeits, from the person refusing, to the use of the town- ship school fund, twenty-five dollars. The township clerk is, ex officio, clerk of the board, and performs the various duties incident to the office. The district officers are a moderator, director, and as- sessor, elected annually, and obliged to serve or to forfeit, by refusal, to the use of the district library, ten dollars. The moderator presides at all meetings of the district, signs warrants for the collection of taxes and orders for the pay- ment of money disbursed by the district, and countersigns warrants of the director upon the board of inspectors, for money apportioned to the district. The assessor is bound to make out an assessment roll of the district, which is transcribed in part from the township assessment roll, with the addition of the property of resi- dent and non-resident persons, purchased since the town- ship assessment roll was last made — to give notice when a tax shall have been assessed — call a meeting of the board for the equalization of taxes — collect taxes, and pay them on the warrant of the moderator — distrain and sell goods for non-payment, after publishing the sale for ten days, &c. &,c. Non-payment of school tax subjects lands and tene- ments to be sold by the county treasurer, in the same manner as is prescribed for the collection of county taxes. It is the duty of the director to record all proceedings of the district, in a book kept for the purpose, and preserve copies of all reports made to the board of school inspectors, OF MICHIGAN. 133 EDUCATION. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. to employ and pay a teacher — payment to be made by draft on the board of school inspectors — to call meetings of dis- trict board — to levy an additional tax when the former ap- portionment shall be insufficient to pay the teacher — the amount however not to exceed the sum voted by the dis- trict ; and in case all prescribed resources fail, to assess the deficit upon parents and guardians in proportion to the time their children have attended school — to take a census of the children of his district, and register their names and furnish a copy thereof to the teacher — to keep the school- house in repair, and furnish proper appendages — keep and present an account of expenses to district board, and to give notice of annual and special district meetings. It is his duty to report to the board of school inspectors, at the end of the year, the census of the children of the district, the number attending school, the time a school has been taught by a qualified teacher, the amount of money receiv- ed from the boaid of school inspectors — amount lor libra- r}^ — amount of money raised in the district, the purposes for which it was raised, and the books used in the school. The moderator, director, and assessor, form the district board, and have power to levy and assess all moneys voted by the district — equalize assessment roll, procure a school- house, purchase for the district, or dispose of district pro- perty as directed by the district at proper district meet- ings — to divide district money into not more than two por- tions, and apply one of such portions to each term in the payment of a qualified teacher — to require the assessor to give bonds for the faithful discharge of his duties — to make report to the annual district meeting, of the receipts and disbursements of the past year. The board receive their appointment at the annual district meetings, and such compensation, for their services, as is voted by district. The qualified voters, when assembled at any legal district meeting, have power to designate or change the site for a school-house, and purchase or lease the same — to build, purchase, or lease a school-house, and impose a tax for the purpose, not exceeding five hundred dollars in a year, and such other taxes, from time to time, as may be necessary for the support of a school — to determine the length of time (not less than three months,) a school shall be kept, 12 134 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. — UNIVERSITY AND PEIMARY SCHOOL LANDS. and to fix the amount of money in addition to the appor- tionment, which may be raised for the support of a school the ensuing year, which sum is not to exceed ninety dollars. Those districts procuring a library case and imposing a tax not exceeding ten dollars a year for the support of a library, are entitled to their proportion of all the clear pro- ceeds of all fines collected in the several counties for any breach of the penal laws; and also their proportion of the equivalent for the exemption from military duty, for the support of the district library. UNIVERSITY AND PRIJilARY SCHOOL LANDS. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, who has their care and disposition, was authorized to sell, at public auc- tion, at the limited minimum price of twenty dollars per acre, so much of the University lands, as shall amount to a sum not exceeding ^i>e hundred thousand dollars (f500,- 000) ; and so much of the primary school lands, at a limited minimum price of eight dollars per acre, as will amount to a sum not exceeding one million jive hundred thousand dol- lars ($1,500,000). The terms of payment being, one tenth of the purchase money in cash, the remainder in annual instalments of ten per cent., at an interest of seven per cent, to be paid annually at such place as shall be specified in the instrument of security. In the discretion of the superin- tendent, security in addition to the ten per cent, purchase money may be required. On the sale of any lands, the purchaser takes immediate possession, and is entitled to a certificate of the sale, which includes the conditions upon which the sale is made ; and in case of the performance of the conditions therein contained, he is entitled to a convey- ance of the land in fee simple ; but upon failure, he forfeits all right to the land, and it reverts immediately to the State, and is again subject to sale by the superintendent as before. All moneys arising from these sales, are to be deposited in the State treasury, and upon application, to be loaned to the several counties, to an amount not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars to each; the county receiving the same, agreeing, by its proper officers, to pay the interest annually, OP MICHIGAN. 135 EDUCATION. and the principal when called for after the expiration of ten years. After supplying the counties applying for the mo- ney, the balance is loaned to individuals on bond and mortgage upon unincumbered lands, which, exclusive of buildings, are valued at double the amount of the money loaned. Lands rejnaining unsold, the superintendent is authorized to lease for a term not exceeding three years. The foregoing embrace the main principles, the out- lines, constituting the frame-work of the public system of education, and the means for its support, established in the State of Michigan. As a system, taken in all its ramifica- tions, it is undoubtedly equal, if not superior, to that of any other State. The plan of the university and its branches, and that for the disposition of the university and school lands, are founded upon a firm basis, exhibiting a symmetry and wisdom in the projection, that may com- mand the admiration of all. There are but two*obstacles that can seriously be sup- posed to interfere with the successful operation of the uni- versity — those which may originate in the conflicts of sec- tarian and political preferences and opinions. As it regards the former, there is but little cause of apprehen- sion. To the honor of Christianity it may be said, few States exhibit that degree of harmony between the several denominations, that exists in Michigan. As to the eifect of political preferences upon its prosperity, there may be ground for some solicitude. It is to be hoped, however, that a noble and more lofty principle may actuate the future controllers of this institution, than that which would sacrifice the lights of science and literature upon the altar of party. The most important era in the history of a literary insti- tution, is the period of its incipient operations. This may emphatically be said to be the climacteric of its existence. Reference is not here had to pecuniary affairs, but to the healthy tone of moral feeling. High trusts devolve upon those who conduct it ; but much fortuitously depends upon the character of the first members who compose its various classes. If they bear a high moral character, that charac- ter will become a standard that will transmissibly stamp its 136 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. impress upon its future members. But, on the contrary, if the virus of corruption be inoculated within its first germ, it will become radical and pervasive — generating, instead of extinguishing the elements of pollution. The most rigid and discreet faculty, under such adverse circumstances, would find obstacles to encounter that might prove insur- mountable. As it commences, so will it be apt to continue. As are the sources, so will be the stream itself; for it can hardly be expected, if the fountain be corrupt, to find the waters pure. As this is to become the nucleus around which will cluster the youth qualified at the several branch- es, how important that the latter severally commence under favorable auspices ! Every institution is the receptacle of more or less vice, and it is believed to have originated, more from inattention under the first, than under any subsequent administration. In the provisions of the primary school law, there is much to admire ; yet, it is believed, that it will be found to be in some measure defective, not only in practice, but in principle. This is the most important law of a State. It is general in its operation, productive of the most important results, bearing upon the most momentous subject. Among the improvements that would be useful to this as well as the school systems of the other States, a well digested school code, adapted to every subject connected with the business of teaching, and fitted to the nature of republican institu- tions, and the genius of the American people, is worthy of notice. And it is a question of doubt, that our schools can flourish without a suitable collection of principles and laws, energetically administered by competent and efficient agents, invested vv'ith judicial and ministerial powers adequate to the proper discharge of their duties. It was said the present system is defective — by which is meant, defective in principle, so far as the provisions of the law, deviate, in their application, from a scientific system of education. Our prescribed limits can admit of only a bare allusion to this vital point. Whatever is worthy the dignity of science, to maintain such appellation, it is required to be administered, and its principles carried out and applied in a scientific manner. To be thus conducted, efficient, learned, and experienced agents are indispensable, ai\d an orgrnization, that does not provide such competent OF MICHIGAN. 137 EDUCATION. agents, or that is not adapted to that particular science, must be defective. The competency of agents will be found to depend upon the intelligence, unity, and independ- ence of the appointing power. If that power resides in a source subject to the instability of popular caprice, the inevitable consequence will be, the election of agents of a like character, and the like administration of their duties. The science tims degraded, becomes a mere nullity by the empiricism of its conductors. This reasoning is of uni- versal application, and might be illustrated by the legal and military sciences. Law, the highest of human sciences — " the perfection of reason," — retains its rank as such, only through the learn- ing and character of its agents, the wisdom and independ- ence of a judiciary. Compare those States which have an independent judiciary, with those that have consigned it to the fate of popular election. The lawyer consults the reports of Massachusetts or S. Carolina; but, of the cases adjudicated in Mississippi or Georgia, (if reported,) he never examines or regards. In the two former, the ad- ministrators of justice are known to be learned, reputable, independent: in the two latter States, these qualities are wanting — in the one, law is placed upon the elevated stand of a science : in the other, it has, as administered, no claims to such an appellation — in the one case, the judges receive their appointment at the hands of the two other depart- ments of government ; and in the other, by popular elec- tion. Military science is constituted such by the principles that compose it ; and although, like every other, its princi- ples are immutable, yet, its dignity may be prostituted, by the impotency of its organization, or the imbecility of its officers, so as to render its application fruitless. Witness the army and militia establishments, and trace the degradation of the latter, and the high standing and efficiency of the former, to the standing of their officers; and the worth of those, to the appointing power. The great point, then, is this; to have competent officers, invested with all necessary powers to the performance of their duties; and where science is concerned, to have those who are skillful and well versed in it. To obtain this desideratum, those officers should be appointed by a power, that may be supposed ^ at least, to 12* 138 GAZETTEER EDUCATIO-V. know the qualifications of those whom it appoints. It is in these respects, that weakness is attributed to the present common school systems. In the very able report of the superintendent to the legislature, in 1837, the various top- ics relating to primary school organization, are learnedly discussed. And if, as a community, the people of Michi- gan have arrived to that elevated standard of intelligence and refinement they are ready to boast of, and which will allow the application of scientific principles, it may be regretted, that, with regard to the point under considera- tion, the plan recommended was not more correspondent to the principles avowed. The principles set forth in the report are undoubtedly correct ; that it is "the duty of government to require, of all persons having the care of children, their education ;" and yet it is recommended, and the Islw m-dkes it disc?'efiona}y with the school district, to support a school, or not. The report " regards education as a science and an m-t,'^ and the avocation of a teacher as a learned "profession," — the im- portance of entrusting the business of teaching " to the best talents of the country," — the insufficient number of competent teachers, attributable to inadequate compensa- tion allowed them, in respect to other professions; and yet, these, and many other essentials to the system, are intrusted to either the township school inspectors, or the district school board, whose election is immediate, and who, in many cases, may be supposed to be incompetent to the duties assigned them ; or, from the tenure of their offices, subject to popular sway, especially if a majority should happen to be opposed to making provision for education. Will it be surprising, then, however perfect the system may otherwise be, if, in application, it should be governed by popular caprice? In this point lies the weakness of all American primary school systems. This popular method may apply efficiently to Germany or to Prussia, although subject to more arbitrary governments, but experience teaches that it will not succeed on this side of the Atlantic. If the business of education is a science, then let its con- cerns be controlled and managed, in all its ramifications, by scientific men — and bi/ scientific ?ne)i alone. It should he understood, that, by what has been said, no right is questioned, but merely the, i)ractical expediency of exercis- OP MICHIGAN. 139 EDUCATION. ing that right. Every one.perceives the absolute absurdity of a corps of geologists, a corps of engineers, the presi- dent and professors of a college, or the judges of a court, obtaining their offices through the influence of popular ca- price or personal popularity : and is not a high order of tal- ent and acquirement as necessary in rearing and instruct- ing the youth of a State, as it is to grace the professions and stations referred to ? It will not be denied. To secure such an order of persons as the guardians and instructors of youth, provision should be made to make the profession desirable to the teacher, respected by parents, and honored by the learned. And to obtain such persons, let their ap- pointment be made by the superintendent. If this should not meet with public approbation, an assistant officer, ap- pointed by the superintendent, might be associated with the board of school inspectors and the district school board, who should have the principal control of all concerns of the schools in the county. Strength, efficiency, and regu- larity, in every branch of the subject, are essentials to command respect to the system, and for its final success and usefulness; and these qualities are all as indispensable to a school as to a court of justice. To correct and perfect the present system, let the gov- ernment resume its powers over the whole subject, and commit the same to the superintendent. Let preparations be made for supporting a school in every district through the year. " A three months' school" will never prepare a youth of the rising generation for the duties of life, or the duties of a citizen. All taxes for the support of schools, should be levied and assessed in the same manner as the county or state tax — and distributed equally with the inter- est of the school-fund. School houses, appendages, and appurtenances — books, stationery, apparatus, &-c. — should all be furnished by the proper officers, at the expense of the school-tax or the fund. Let the powers of school inspect- ors, the district school board, and the corporate powers of the district be abolished, and the same assumed by the superintendent of schools for the county. Let the super- intendent of public instruction appoint one or more deputy superintendents for each county in the State, who shnll assume all the duties incident to the before mentioned offi- cers, and such others as are expedient, and who shall have fuir control of all matters, under his supervision, amenable to^ 140 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. SCHOOL FUND. the superintendent of public instruction, and who shall have a fixed salary. Let a committee of three persons from the township and three from each district, be elected annually, assistants to the deputy superintendent in such matters as he may re- quire. Let him have power to convene either of these committees at pleasure, or the members of any school dis- trict, for the purpose of conference, if he may deem neces- sary. And lastly, but not the least in importance, let every officer and teacher be well paid for his services. Without stating the reasons for all these alterations, which are too obvious, it is confidently believed that these, with some other necessary corrections, would remedy nine tenths of the evils of our primary schools, in this and the neigh- boring States. But whatever the result may be, the subject is one of superlative moment to the rising generation, and should receive the candid consideration of the friends of education; and, whatever the plan of organization may be, it becomes the imperative duty of a people — of all parties and sects — unitedly to give it a cordial support. SCHOOL FUND. The primary school lands consist of section No. IG, in every surveyed township in the State, granted by Congress for the support of primary schools. It is estimated by the superintendent, making due allowance for waste lands, that the amount of primary school lands in the Peninsula will be not less than 704,000 acres, and in the Upper Peninsula, 444,160 acres, without any allowance for waste land, mak- ing in all, 1,148,160 acres. Taking the estimate for the surveyed portion of the State, for 1836, made in a note to the first article of this work, at 14,056,320 acres, one thir- ty-sixth part will give 390,453 acres of surveyed school lands. Alost of these can be made available immediately, and if sold at no more than the minimum price of eight dol- dars per acre, would amount to $3,123,624. One thirty- sixth part of the Peninsula is 708,551 acres. If the excess of the round numbers, 700,000 acres, be allowed for waste, which is undoubtedly too much, the peninsular school lands would amount, at the minimum, eight dollars per acre, to OF MICHIGAN. 141 EDUCATION. UNIVERSITY FUND. $5,600,000. One thirty-sixth part of the Upper Peninsula is 307,360 acres ; giving the excess of 360,000 acres for waste, and at the minimum price they would amount to $2,880,000, and the aggregate of the Upper and Lower Peninsular school lands to" $8,480,000. It is probable however, that the major part of the Upper Peninsular lands will not, when brought into market, sell at the rate of the minimum price. Taking the estimated avails, made by the superintendent, at $1,000,000, the aggregate of the school lands will amount to $6,600,000, which, at an interest of six per cent, would yield to the State annually, to be appli- ed to the support of schools, $396,000. *' Under the act for the disposition of the university and primary school lands, 34,399 acres have been sold, at an average price of $11.97.1, per acre, amounting to $411,- 794.33, the interest of which, at seven per cent, is $28,- 825 60, payable between the 5th of July and the 20th of October, 1838. We have then this result — the unsold school lands, 1,114,294 acres, at $5 per acre, a safe esti- mate, will produce $5,571,470.00 34,399 acres at $11,97.1 per acre, as sold, 411,79433 Total, 5,9S3,-264.33 " To the interest, $28,825.60, add an equal sum, to be raised in the several counties, and we shall have for distri- bution on and after the first of .January, 1839, $57,651.20, for the support of primary schools."* UNIVERSITY FUND. ''This fund originally consisted of two townships, equal to seventy-two sections of land, reserved from sale, and granted by an ordinance of Congress, to the State, for the purpose of founding and supporting a university, and three sections obtained at the treaty made with the Indians at Fort Meigs, for the promotion of the same object. Nearly the whole of the seventy-five sections, equal to 48,000 acres, was selected in the early settlement of the country, and hence, comprising some of the most choice lands to be found in the State. Of this amount, four sections were sold by the former trustees for $ ; of this sura, ♦ Second Annual Report of Superintendent of Public Instruction. 142 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. MICHIGAN COLLEGE. $5,000, with interest, amounting to $454,71, has recently come into the hands of the superintendent, to be re-loaned. During the summer of 1837, under the provisions of the act for the disposition of the university and school lands, 6,583 acres have been sold for$150,447.90, the interest of which is payable between the 5th of July and 8th of August,' 1838 ; at which time it will pass into the hands of the treas- urer of the State, to the credit of the university fund, to be paid to the treasurer of the university on the warrant of the auditor general. There remains, therefore, unsold, of the university lands, 38,857 acres. We have this result : 38,857 acres, at $20 per acre, the minimum price, 8777,140 00 6,583 acres at |22 85^ per acre, as sold, 150,447 90 " By former trustees, 5,000 00 Due on notes for use of improved lands and natural meadows, 2,000,50 Total, $934,588 40 The superior excellence and eligible location of these, warrant the belief of their sale exceeding the minimum, $20 per acre, sufficiently to amount in the final aggregate to at least $1,000,000, which, at seven per cent, would give an annual income of $70,000, to be applied to the support of the university."* COLLEGES, PRIVATE SEMINARIES, AND LITERARY SOCIETIES. Institutions of learning, as well as those institutions con- nected with every other public improvement, are in an in- choate condition, and depend much upon the fostering aid of public spirited friends, for their existence. The number at present in operation is few, though most of them, con- sidering the recency of their existence, and the embarrass- ments they have been liable to encounter, consequent to a new settled country, are in a prospering state. MICHIGAN COLLEGE, This institution, which is to be located at Marshall, coun- ty of Calhoun, was projected in the autumn of 1835, but * Second Annual Report of John D, Pierce, Superintendent Public In struction, i OF MICHIGAN. 143 EDUCATION. KALAMAzOO LITERARY INSTITUTE. will not, probably, go fully into operation before the spring of 1839. The Board of Trustees is composed of the following gen- tlemen, viz : Rev. John P. Cleaveland, Dr. Arthur L. Por- ter, Eurotas P. Hastings, and Robert Stuart, Esqrs. of the county of Wayne ; Hon. Austin E. Wing, Hon. Wolcott Lawrence, and Col. Oliver Johnson, of the county of Mon- roe ; Rev. John M. Ellis, and Rev. William Page, of the county of Jackson; Rev. Ira M. Wead, of the county of Washtenaw: Rev. Ashbel S. Wells, of the county of Oak- land; Rev. William Wolcott, of the county of Lenawee: Rev. Alexander B. Brown, of the county of Berrien ; Ly- man Ketcham, Esq., and Dr. John P. Greves, of the county of Calhoun. Rev. John P. Cleaveland, Chairman of the Board. Rev. Ira M. W^ead, Secretary. Eurotas P. Hastings, Esq. Treasurer. The Trustees are mostly of the Presbyterian denomina- tion, and the institution may be considered as under its im- mediate patronage. The Rev. John P. Cleaveland is president of the college. He received the appointment to this office on the 2d of Feb- ruary, 1837, and on the 20th of October, signified his ac- ceptance. For this purpose he was dismissed from his con- gregation in Detroit, on the 26th of November. The site selected for the college buildings is one of the most beauti- ful in the State — upon an elevation overlooking the village between a handsome piece of table land in front, and a de- lightful oak grove in the rear. No information, as to the amount of funds belonging to it, has been received. A tract of land, of more than 350 acres, is ovvned by the Trus- tees, bordering the Kalamazoo to the extent of half a mile, and fronting the village of Marshall. The erection of build- ings commenced in the spring of 1838. A preparatory school, under the care of the Trustees, is already in opera^ tion at Marshall, and an act of incorporation is expected from the legislature. KALAMAZOO LITERARY INSTITUTE. Trustees. — Hon. Caleb Eldred, Hon. Epaphroditiis Ran- som, Hon. Lucius Lyon, Hon. H. H. Comstock, Hoo. Ross 144 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. KALAMAZOO LTTEKARY INSTITUTE. Wilkins, Rev. William Tajlor, Rev. John Booth, Rev. S. Goodman, Rev. John Harris, Rev. C. H. Swain, Rev. Rob- ert Powell, Rev. H. J. Hall, Rev. Jacob Price, Rev. T. W. Merrill, Rev. Jeremiah Hall, Rev. Robert Adams, Deac. Isaac Bricrgs, Col. Anthony Cooley, Col. H. B. Huston, Col. J. W. Curtenius, Dr. John J. Treat, Rufus Tiffany, Esq., John P. Marsh, Esq., Enoch Jones, Esq., Nathaniel Cothren, Esq., William Duncan, Esq., Ezekiel Ransom, Esq., Nelson Sage, Ksq., Allen Goodrich, Esq., Sands Mc Camley, Esq., James Newton, Esq., L. Pratt, Esq., D. S. Bacon, Esq., R. Manning, Esq., L. Goddard, Esq. Hon. Caleb Eldred, President. Rev. T. W. Merrill, Secretary. Executive Committee. — Hon. Caleb Eldred, Rev. William Taylor, Rev. Jeremiah Hall, Col. A. Cooley, Col. H. B. Huston, Ezekiel Ransom, Esq., Z. Piatt, Esq. N. A. Balch, A. B., Principal of the Academic Depart- m,ent. S. H. Ransom, General Agent. Col. Roswell Stone, Superi?itendent of the Boarding House. This institution is located at the village of Kalamazoo, in Kalamazoo county. It was incorporated in 1833, for the pur- pose of " promoting a knowledge of all those branches of education usually taught in academies and colleges." It may be considered as under the immediate charge of the Bap- tist denomination. It was established at Kalamazoo, by an act of the Board of Trustees, in September, 1835. It is located on a tract of twenty-four acres, in a beautiful plain, about 80 rods south of the court house. It was originally established upon the manual labor plan, and it is designed to furnish the diligent student with the means in part, of supporting himself Its funds consist of real estate, valued at $3,000 Claims for property sold, 800 A subscription by responsible persons, amount- ing to 6,700 Total, $10,500 The course of studies embraces the ordinary elementary branches of English ; the higher branches of English, math- OF MICHIGAN. 145 EDUCATION. — ST. PHILIP'S COLLEGE. — WHITE PIGEON ACADEMY. ematics, the Latin, Greek, and French languages. Terms, for the ordinary bi>anches, (per quarter,) $4 ; for the higher branches, (per quarter,) $5. Board is furnished at the institution, at $1 50 per week. Present number of pu- pils, 57. ST. Philip's college. This institution is under the auspices of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Rese, Bishop of Detroit, and located in Hamtramck, three miles above the city of Detroit, on the Strait, in view of Lake St. Clair. The regency of the college is Roman Catholic. The course of instruction embraces the classics, modern languages, &c. &:.c. It is governed by a president and three professors. It is contemplated to build two addi- tional college buildings, with a chapel between them; the one for males, the other for females. Vacation six weeks from the loth Aug. Annual commencement first Monday in Oct. Present number of pupils, 30. WHITE PIGEON ACADEMY. Trustees. Rev. P. W. Warriner, Rev. A. H. Brown, Rev. Luther Humphrey, Neal McGaffey, Esq., Henry Cha- pin, Jr. Esq., Elijah White, Esq. Preceptor. David Wilson, A. M. This institution, under the patronage of the Presbyteri- ans, is located at the village of White Pigeon, in the county of St. Joseph, where it commenced in Nov. 1837, although it had been in operation, and had received its charter some years previous. The object is to afford every convenience and facility for young persons of both sexes to obtain a respectable education. Facilities are afforded for atten- tion to husbandry and horticulture, to those who desire it. The institution, though in an incipient condition, and num- bering, at present, but a few pupils, has spacious and com- modious buildings, has commenced with apparent vigor, and, owing to many advantages in its location, it may be expected to become one of the future flourishing seminaries of Michigan. 13 146 GAZETTEER EDUCATION. DETROIT FEMALE SEMINART. LITERARY SOCIETIES. ROMEO ACADEMY. This is a flourishing classical seminary, under the super- intendence of Mr. Ornon Archer, and is located at the vil- lage of Romeo, in the county of Macomb. It has been in operation some eighteen months. It is eligibly situated, in a healthy village, and, under the charge of its present pre- ceptor, who enjoys public confidence in his vocation, its future prospects are promising of success. Present num- ber of students, 35. DETROIT FEMALE SEMINARY. This is a permanent institution, devoted to female educa- tion, established in 1835, at the city of Detroit. Mr. George Willson, ) r> • • / Mrs. '■ Willson, K"""^"'^- Prof. Fasquelle, Treacher of Modern Languages. Miss Euphemia Dudgeon, Teacher of Music. The course of instruction embraces the several useful and ornamental branches of a finished education. The building is of brick, fifty-six feet front by forty feet deep, situated in one of the pleasantest parts of the city. It has three stories above the basement, which contain, inclusive of the school-rooms, eighteen rooms besides an ample hall in each story. The ground was given by the public au- thorities of the city, and the building erected by individual liberality, at a cost of about $8,000. The building is fin- ished in an appropriate manner, with the addition of a val- uable philosophical and chemical apparatus. Present num- ber of pupils, 60. LITERARY SOCIETIES. Historical Society. This society was formed about 12 years since, by an association of literary and scientific gen- tlemen, for the purpose of collecting historical information of this State and the north-west, and likewise specimens in natu- ral histo»-y — the formation of a library, &c. It is located at OP MICHIGAN. 147 EDUCATION. — MICHIGAN STATE LITERAKY INSTITUTE. Detroit. A series of discourses delivered before the soci- ety has been collected and published, which forms a valu- able store of historical matter. It has likewise a respecta- ble museum. Michigan State Literary Institute. This is an associa- tion of " professional teachers and members of literary, philosophical, and historical societies" within the State, formed for the purpose of *' promoting the interests of edu- cation and the diffusion of knowledge — to elevate the char- acter of teachers by raising the standard of their qualifica- tions ; and to aid, as far as may be proper to do so, in the formation of plans for the early and efficient application of the university and common school funds of this State." Members of the legislature are ex officio members of this society. The officers are, a president, two vice presidents, also a vice president and one director from each senatorial dis- trict, a corresponding and recording secretary, and a treasur- er, each of whom is chosen annually. Members residing in each senatorial district constitute a section, who meet for the promotion of the objects of the society, and report to the society annually. Provision is made for the appointment of lecturers to deliver addresses at either the annual or special meetings of the society. The annual meeting is to be held on the second Monday of January, at the city of Detroit. The society was formed at Detroit, in January, 1838, at which time were assembled, agreeably to previous notice, a highly respectable meeting of literary gentlemen from dif- ferent sections of the State. Several days were spent in the interchange of views, and in the discussion of several interesting questions laid before them, pertaining to the great objects of education. The most useful result of this meeting was, the originating of the establishment of a peri- odical devoted to the interests of education. Young Men's Society of Detroit. This is a highly re- spectable association of the young men of Detroit. The object of the institution is principally, the moral and intel- lectual improvement of its members, and the general diff*u- sion of knowledge, by means of public lectures, debates, &lc. It has been generally well sustained by talented and effi- 148 GAZETTEER RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. METHODISTS. PRESBYTERIANS. cient members. Preparatory steps have been taken for the erection of a building suitable for a reading room and the library, and a hall for lectures and debates. The society has, at present, a well selected library of 1,200 volumes, and 300 members. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. The statistics of the various religious denominations may be considered as approximating to accuracy, although the increase of their members, the flux of emigration, and other circumstances, render them, in some cases, somewhat un- certain. The most numerous religious denomination of Protest- ants in this State, is the 3Iethodist Episcopal. The Mich- igan Conference embraces nearly all the Peninsula, and three districts in Ohio. It contains seven districts, viz. Wooster, Norwalk, Tiffin, (in Ohio,) Maumee, Detroit, Ann Arbour, and Flint River, (in Michigan.) There is one district in the State, called Laporte, which belongs to the Indiana Conference. There are six stations, viz. Detroit, Ann Arbour, Monroe, (in Michigan,) Maumee, Elyria, and Mt. Vernon, (in Ohio;) — 41 circuits; 15 mis- sion circuits — one of which is at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, for the Wyandot Indians ; — and 100 travelling preachers, including those in probation. The whole number of com- municants in the Conference, in 1836, was 18,826 whites, 29 colored, and 12 Indians. The whole number of com- municants in the State, after deducting the three districts in Ohio, and adding Laporte district, was 9,241. The aggregate number of communicants for 1837, is, for the whole conference, 20,759 white and 43 colored. The esti- mated number for Michigan, is about 10,000. The Presbyterian Denomination consists of one Synod which embraces the State, and contains five presbyteries, viz. Detroit, Monroe, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Washte- naw; the two latter of which were established by the Synod in Oct. 1837. The following statistics are from the min- OP MICHIGAN. 149 RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. BAPTISTS. EPISCOPALIANS. utes of the General Assembly for 1837, when the Synod consisted only of the three former presbyteries. The Presbytery of Detroit has 27 churches, 12 minis- ters, and 1,083 communicants. The Presbytery of St. Joseph has 19 churches, 10 minis- ters, and 522 communicants. The Presbytery of Monroe has 28 churches, 12 minis- ters, and 1,639 communicants. The aggregate number of churches in the Synod of Michigan, is 64 — ministers, 34 — communicants, 3,294. The increase of members for the year ending May, 1837, was 841. The Baptist Denomination had, in 1837, three Associa- tions — the Michigan, the River Raisin, and the La Grange. The Michigan Association has 30 churches ; the River Raisin Association, 28 churches ; and the La Grange As- sociation, 20 churches. The aggregate number of churches in the State, is 78 ; the number of ordained ministers, 50 ; and the number of communicants, 3,230. The Episcopalian Denomination has one Diocese, which embraces the State of Michigan and the Territory of Wis- consin. Within the State there are 19 clergymen, includ- ing the Bishop ; 10 churches built and building; 20 con- gregations ; and about 448 communicants. The 3Iethodist Protestant Denomination is, in numbers, inconsiderable, and but little information has been received respecting it. As far as known, it has a ie\N members in different parts of the State, and several preachers. Congregationalists. There are many of this denomina- tion ; but they are, for the present, united with the Presby- terians. Of the Lutherans, Dutch Reformed, Seceders, Covenant- ers, Christ-ians, Unitarians, Universalists, — there are a few scattering congregations in different parts of the State : but sufficient statistical information has not been received of the number of ministers or members. Their numbers are, however, inconsiderable. The Roman Catholics have one Diocese, which embraces the whole State within its limits. They have, exclusive of 13* 150 GAZETTEER POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. the bishop, 30 priests ; and they claim a Catholic popula- tion of from 20',000 to 24,000 ; 3,000 of whom are con- verted Indians ; 8,000 are English, Irish, German, and American ; and the balance are French.* POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. The population of Michigan, previous to its final relin- quishment by Great Britain, in 1796, and for a long period thereafter, was inconsiderable, and that, restricted mostly to the confines of the three principal settlements at Sault St. Mary, Mackinac, and Detroit. On its possession being ta- ken by the United States, it was immediately incorporated with the North-Western Territory. The census seems to have been taken without regard to sectional distinctions. In the promiscuous enumeration of 1800, the North- West Territory contained 45,365 inhabitants. In 1810, five years after Michigan became a distinct Territory, the popu- Tation of Michigan, agreeably to the census, was 4,528. This is believed to be the first, exclusive, ascertained enu- meration made in the territory. In 1820, the number of inhabitants was 9,048, having about doubled in the ten preceding years. In the succeeding ten years, the popula- tion had nearly quadrupled — being in 1830, 32,538. The accession for 1831, was then estimated at 10,000, making in the aggregate, upwards of 40,000, for 1831. The in- crease in 1832 was thought to be considerably less. In 1834, the population had increased to 87,278. The in- crease for the years "33, '34, '35, and '36 was very great. The amount of immigration for 1836, though uncertain, is believed to have been greater than the history of any oth- er State can produce, during an equal period of time. The census taken at the close of the year 1837, shows the present aggregate population to be 175,000. =»- The Roman Catholics, in their estimation of numbers, include not nly adults, but the children of adult members of the church. OF MICHIGAN. 151 POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. Population of Michigan at difcrent periods. In 1810. Males. f Females. F. Blacks. Slaves. Total. Under 10 years. 800 406 1.206 Of 10 and under 16, 351 332 '683 " 16 " " 26, 583 368 951 " 26 " '' 45, 763 311 1,074 " 45 and upwards, 340 130 470 120 24 144 Total, 2,837 1,547 120 24 4,528 In 1820. Under 10 years. 1,220 1,230 55 2,505 Of 10 and under 16, 559 525 31 1,115 U IQ U " 26, 1,486 692 21 2,199 " 26 " " 45, 1,692 595 43 2,330 " 45 and upwards, 609 266 24 899 Total, 5,566 3,308 174 9,048 In 1830. Under 10 years, 5,345 4.809 51 3 10,208 Of 10 and'under 16, 2,005 i;786 49 7 3,847 U IQ « " 26, 3,143 3,038 60 12 6,253 " 26 " " 45, 6,128 2,939 57 8 9,132 " 45 and upwards. Total, 1,743 1,306 13,878 40 257 2 32 3,091 18,364 32,538 In 1834. Under 10 years, 15,308 14,164 74 29,546 Of 10 and under 16, 5,437 5,042 85 10,564 U IQ U » 26, 7,546 7.354 76 14.976 " 26 " " 45, 16,471 li;583 40 28,094 '' 45 and upwards. 2,8GS 1,211 19 4,098 Total, 47,630 39,354 294 87,21 The returns of the census of 1834, show a population in the several counties, as follows : Wayne, St. Clair, 16,638 Monroe, 8,542 Washtenaw, 14,920 2,244 St. Joseph, 3,168 Berrien, 1,787 Branch, 764 Calhoun, 1,714 Jackson, 1,865 Calhoun, 1,714 Jackson, 1,865 Cass, 3,280 Oakland, 13,844 Macomb, 6,055 Lenawee, 7,911 Kalamazoo, 3,124 Mackinac, 891 Chippewa. 526 152 GAZETTEER POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. In 1837. White Population. Allegan, 1,4G9 Ingham, 822 Monroe, 10,611 Barry, 513 Ionia, 1,028 Oakland, 20,163 Berrien, 4,8G3 Jackson, 8,693 Ottawa, 628 Branch, 4,016 Kalamazoo, 6,367 Saginaw, 920 Calhoun, 7,960 Kent, 2,022 Shiawassee, 1,184 Cass, 5,296 Lapeer,* 2,602 St. Clair, 3,673 Chippewa, 366 Lenawee,* 14,540 St. Joseph, 6,337 Clinton, 529 Livingston, 5,029 VanBuren, 1,262 Eaton, 913 Mackinac, 664 Washtenaw, 21,817 Genesee, 2,754 Macomb, 8,892 Wayne, 23,400 Hillsdale, 4,729 Total white population, 174,169 Colored population, 379 Indians te ixed, 27 174,575 Add for two townships not returned, say 425 Population, exclusive of Indians not taxed, 175,000 To questions put to individuals residing in various counties, as to the increase of immigration for 1836, it has generally been answered, that the population had doubled, and in some cases, more than doubled, during that period. Owing to the universal derangement of the currency, and the consequent pressure of the times, emigration to the west, except by foreigners, has been paralized, and the ac- cession to Michigan, or to any other western State, during the years 1837 and 8, has been comparatively itiuch less than for either of the two previous years. From the an- nexed tables, and from tables Nos. 2 and 5, in the article on puWic lands, some inferences may be drawn as to the progress, and probable comparative amount, of emigration to Michigan for several years, and especially for the year 1830. No. 1. The following table exhibits the amount of moneys re- ceived, by the government of the United States, in return for the sale of Public Lands, from the year 1821, to 1836, inclusive. ♦ Returns not made from one township in each of these counties. OF MICHIGAN. 153 POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. Year. Dollars. Year. Dollars. 1821, 1,212,906 1829, 1,517,175 1822, 1,803,581 1830, 2,329,356 1823, 910,525 1831, 2,210,815 1824, 984,418 1832, 2,023,331 1825, 1,210,U90 1833, 3,009,082 1826, 1,393,785 1834, 4,887,020 1827, 1,494,815 ' 1835, 14,757,000 1828, 1,018,308 1830, 25,107,833 The public lands sold in 1830, in the several States and Territories, amounted to 20,074,870 acres. No. 2. By a statement of the collector of canal customs, at the port of Buffalo, the following account of property is given. which passed at that port on the Erie canal to other States, in the year 1830. Merchandise. Furniture, Pennsylvania, 1,909,250 lbs. 105,950 lbs. Ohio, 27,821,432 3,300,930 Blicliigani 21,814,542 4,819,554 Indiana, 4,323,070 144,808 Illinois, 5,570,903 1,257,548 Kentucky, 827,780 20,055 Tennessee, 477,008 Alabama, 40,987 Missouri, 145,539 18,324 Upper Canada, 80,213 123,990 By the table above, marked (No. 1.) it may be perceived, that the sale of public lands in the several States and Terri- tories, for the three or four latter years, and especially the last, far exceeded any of those preceding. By the second and third tables, (under the title " Public Lands") is shown theunexampled increase in the sale of lands for 1835 and 6, and especially the latter year, although there is no regular proportional increase for the several years preceding it ; and table (No. 5.) of the public lands, and table (No. 2.) above, respectively show the superior comparative amount of the public domain sold in Michigan in 1830, and the great comparative amount of furniture and merchandise imported during the same period. The sale of public lands, importation of furniture and mer- 154 GAZETTEER POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. chandise, furnish a tolerably correct index to the amount of emigration. It may fairly be concluded, then, without as- signing any considerable portion of sales to speculators, t-hat Michigan has been, and still is, the central point of emigration. A more palpable illustration of the maxim, that *' popu- lation is wealth, or its equivalent," has rarely been pre- sented, if we examine the facts connected with the his- tory of immigration for the period under consideration. And considering Michigan as the central point of destina- tion, for so large a proportion of emigrants, it is likewise the most desirable, for the immediate accumulation of wealth. Lands of the first quality, are purchased of gov- ernment at $1,25 per acre, and by the accumulation of actual settlers around it, its value is increased, in the course of one or two years, by a trifling improvement, (sometimes, by none at all,) to often, from two, to six fold the first cost. It has been a common remark, that, by purchasing a lot of land this year, it was sure to have doubled its value by the next. This is only the case in a community of actual settlers. A general investment in lands, by spec- ulators, among speculators onli/, will not produce this en- hanced value. Hence the exemplification of the fore- mentioned principle. Hence too, the superior advantage of investing money in Michigan, for actual settling, (not for speculation merely, as that object tends to defeat itself,) over most other sections of the western country. It is proba- ble there have been more fortunes made, more instances of individuals, possessing a mere pittance, sufficient to locate a lot of eighty acres, who have risen to a competence, or state of independence, in the short period of five, three, or perhaps two years only, than can be found in many of the older States in perhaps twenty years. The advantages of settlement here, are infinitely superior to what was the dilatory process of settling Ohio, and several other western States, whether it regard the improvement of fortunes, or the enjoyment of any other desirable acquisition or immu- nity. Michigan may with propriety, and without the least exaggeration, be said, in every point of view, to possess all the advantages that can be enjoyed by a new State, with far less of the disadvantages, incident to most other recent- ly settled States. OF MICHIGAN. 155 POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. The population of Michigan, and it may be said of the other north-western States, are either emigrant — those who make a mere transient settlement, or immigrant — who lo- cate a permanent abode. Both classes are numerous. Some are anxious to be the first to break the romantic forest, and are impatient, as their habitations are too dense- ly surrounded with settlers. They then sell their farms at a good profit, and wend their course westward. Of this class, the New Englander is sometimes not a little distin- guished as ?L pioneer. As it respects the origin of the different classes, it is diffi- cult to give a definite or even a proximate proportion, which one class bears to another. The native population consists of the aborigines or Indi- ans, Mestizoes and French. The foreign population are immigrants from almost every nation in Europe, but are mostly Germans, Irish, English, Scotch, &/C. There are likewise some Canadians. The native American popula- tion is composed of immigrants from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. There are occasionally seen some of the Negro race, but they are fortunately few in number. The Indians consist chiefly of Chippewas, Ottowas, and Monomonies. The Chippewas are by far the most numer- ous, and inhabit the northern part of the Peninsula, and Upper Michigan. The Ottowas inhabit the Peninsu- la. The Indians generally inhabit the unsurveyed' parts of the State, and upon the reservations. They have ceded to the general government all their lands in the Peninsula, except the reservations, and all the Upper Peninsula lying east of the Chocolate river, reserving however the right of retaining possession of the same, until surveyed and sold by government. They live mostly in the rude habits of savage life, and subsist by hunting, fishing, and the ruder arts. They procure furs and peltries by trapping and the chase, and, in the proper season, manufacture sugar from the ma- ple in considerable quantities, both of which they exchange with the whites for blankets and utensils suited to their wants. The following exhibits the number and location of each tribe of Indians within the State. 156 GAZETTEER POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. INDIANS. MESTIZOES. FRENCH. Indian Population. Name of Tribe. Chippewas, do. do. do. do. do. do. Ottowas, do. do. do. do. Monomonies, do. do. Pottowattomies, Wyandotts, Location. Swan Creek, Lake St. Clair, Slack River of the St. Clair, Saginaw. These Indians live on VEirious re- serves in Saginaw, Genesee, Shiawassee, Midland, Arenac, and Lapeer counties, Thunder Bay and River au Sauble, On West side of the Peninsula, - Beaver Islands, Upper Michigan, - - - - Grand River, . _ _ . . L'Arbre Croche and Little Traverse Bay, Cheboiegon, . - _ _ - Drummond Island, _ - - - South of Grand River, - - - - Hunting north of the Monomonie river, Villao-e of the Cross, . _ . _ Bois Blanc Island and Mackinac, St. Joseph River, _ _ - - - Flat Rock, on the River Huron, Number 180 2o0 soot 103* 728* 105* 3.201+^ '945* G75* 102* 61* 200t 90t 305* 59* loot 30t Number of Chippewas in the Upper Peninsula, 3,201 " " " Lower Peninsula, 2,146 Total number of Chippewas, - - 5,347 " Ottawas in Peninsula, - - 1,983 " Monomonies in U. Peninsula and Islands, 454 " Pottowattomies on St. Joseph, - 100 " Wyandotts on Huron, - - - 30 Total number of Indians of the Pninsula, - - 4,259 " " " " Upper Peninsula, - - 3,655 Aggregate Indian population within the State, - - 7,914 The 3IestizocSi or descendants of white and Indian pa- rents, compose part of the population of Mackinac and Sault St. Mary, and small, detached settlements on the frontier. The French population are found mostly in the two be- fore mentioned places, and at Detroit, Monroe, and in all the ancient settlements of the State. With but few ex- ceptions, they are Catholics; and, by the estimates of that denomination, amount to ten or twelve thousand. The dis- advantages, under which this class have labored, have ren- dered the majority mostly illiterate. They are noticed to * Census. t Estimate. Il OP MICHIGAN. 157 rorULATIOX AND IMMIGRATION. AMERICAN CITIZENS. be very tenacious of the ancient customs and manners of their nation, like the same population in other parts of America ; but they gradually adopt, though with seeming reluctance, the innovating customs of American immi- grants. O^ foreigners, the Germans are considered ihe most numer- ous.* Ot the native Anurican citizens, there are many from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey, and some from Vir- ginia; but the greater portion, estimated by competent judges, at nearly two thirds of the entire white population, is from New England and Western New York, and the larger part from the latter. The habits, manners, customs, and character of the peo- ple, partake much of that of the two sections last men- tioned, where the force of circumstances has not wrouo-ht a change. They are generally found to be kind, open hearted, generous, liberal. If there is any variation in character, its leading trait is unlimited enterprise, and an inordinate desire for making immediate fortunes. Society, like national character, must be partly formed from steady and permanent residence, consequently the former is in a rather deranged condition. Its materials are excellent, but the proportion of the emigrant, to the immigrant popula- tion, renders it in perpetual ferment, or vacilating state, which time and permanent residence only, will brincr to coalesce. Without the desire of giving an undue importance to Michigan, we cannot refrain, in justice to the State, and for the information of our eastern brethren, proposing to remove westward, from remarking further upon the compo- * It is a subject of regret, that, in taking the general decennial enumer- ation of the people of the United States, more diversified and extended inquiries have not been instituted. By means of a judicious selection of interrogatories, very interesting information, respecting our population might be elicited, to increase the value of our national statistics. In 1830, several additional queries were propounded, but tiiey were by ma- ny too few. If only the queries relating to the origin, place of nativity, and the time elapsed since his or her emigration, had been put to each adult, very useful developments would have been brought in aid to the philosophy of our national character, interesting and curious to the pres- ent and to future generations. 14 158 " GAZETTEER POPULATION AND IMMIGKATION. sition of the present population, and future prospects of society. The immigrants are mostly either young or middle aged, many of them wealthy, or in independent circum- stances, who have sold their lands in the east and come hither to better their fortunes. Very few, who do not own, or possess the means of owning, a farm. They are gener- ally freeholders. Tenants are rarely to be found, and indi- gence and pauperism, comparatively, but little known. We assume nearly two thirds of the population to be New Englanders or their descendants, and mostly of the latter. It has been estimated by competent judges, that about that proportion of the population of the State of New York is directly or remotely of New England descent. This fact will support the assumption. The majority of the population, then, is essentially homogeneous, and, for that very reason, more desirable to settle among, than that which is made up of such heterogeneous materials, as are frequent- ly met with in other Western States. It is needless to say, that that class of population is generally possessed of supe- rior intelligence and enterprize, when we see so much of the flower of those States in its composition. The great body of that class are what are tlicre considered industrious, enter- prising, intelligent farmers, mechanics, and professional men. From these facts, many important advantages are derived. Being essentially one people, descended from the same common stock of pilgrim ancestors, imbued with like prin- ciples of thinking and action, the same religion, habits, manners, customs — in short, educated essentially alike — they will, undoubtedly, be noted for their public spirit, for their unity and concert in social life, and in the vigorous pros- ecution of public objects. Under the influence of this class, the balance of society must and will amalgamate. Social society, though at present unorganized, by the friendly tie that binds community together, as the result of long ac- quaintance, and the habitual exercise of the kinder feel- ings, will, however, soon establish itself on a basis, whose structure cannot fail to be of a high order. United enter- prize and public spirit have already displayed themselves to a degree unknown before to an infant State. Look at OF MICHIGAN. 159 POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. the magnitude of the public improvements projected and commenced ; look at the system of public education, now going into operation : and then inquire for another State in the first year of her birth, that can boast its equal. Five years hence, when these systems shall be in successful oper- ation, what State, old or new, may not be challenged for comparison ? What State can noiu exhibit a superior plan of public education ? And, why is all this witnessed, in a new State too, if it is not attributable to the enterprise, gen- eral intelligence, sameness, and unity of population ? The other North- Western States, although endowed with equally ample means for the support of education, are still, either without any regular systems of public instruc- tion, or, where they have been established, they were too defective to produce any adequate public benefits. Efforts, which have been made to supply these deficiencies, have mostly proved abortive. The renewed exertions which are now making by humane and public spirited individuals, though they may have the effect of partially enlightening public sentiment, it is to be feared, will terminate in like results. The latent cause of this lamentable state of things, is to be found in the discordant sentiments and conflicting elements of society, which it will require an age to amal- gamate. Its principles and origin are as ancient as the republic. It is to be traced to principles diametrically oppo- site, the offspring of germs, emanating from scions, the one planted at Jamestown, and the other upon the rock of Ply- mouth ; and while the branches of the former continue to predominate and flourish, supported by the tares of a for- eign immigrant population equally discordant; no substan- tial system of education is likely to be established. But not so with Michigan. The spontaneous burst of a united and enlightened public sentiment, without distinction of party, in the incipient stages of her existence, prove the reverse. Her motto has been, onward, and she " suits the action to the word." These remarks are made, far from the invidious spirit of State rivalship ; they will apply, with some variation, to several other States. But they are facts with which emi- grants are deeply concerned, and for that reason, they should be as distinctly stated. Before closing this article, we advert to the plan of form- 160 GAZETTEEK POPULATION AND IIVIMIGRATION. COLONIES. ing special colonies for immigration. The project is so feasible, and at the same time, so highly advantageous, that it is surprising it is not more frequently resorted to. In several of the Western States, we find communities planted on the colonial plan, and they have uniformly succeeded to admiration. Marietta, Worthington, and Granville, in Ohio, might be cited as instances. One of the greatest obstacles to emigration, even where the advantages of it are well ascertained, is", the effort it costs in making the attempt. There is a tender melan- choly in the thought of quitting the scenes, and pleasing associations of our youthful days. We have a dear affec- tion for our own native land. At the thought of parting with it forever, it is then the inanimate objects of nature have a charm, an endearing beauty we never before discov- ered. The sequestered walk, the meandering brook, the murmuring rill, the grove, the rock, the dale — all rise in lovely images, and forbid us depart. But when we think of severincr the social relations, of tearincr aside the cords which bind us to an endeared, perhaps refined society of kindred and friends, and bidding each a final adieu, to seek precarious fortunes in a distant land of unfeeling strangers ; the heart revolts at its own imaginings, it falters in the accomplishment of its own enterprises. As a means of obviating this difficulty, at least in a great measure, resort should be had to the formation of colonies for immigration. Ten, thirty, or fifty families jof a neigh- borhood, might agree upon the project, appoint a compe- tent and trusty agent to select and locate a body of lands, suitable and sufficient for the company. The choice of each might then be determined by lot. A farm of 80 acres of government land costs 8100 — 160 acres, or a quarter section, $200 — 3J20 acres, or a half section, $400 — 640 acres, or a section, $800 — a township of land, or 23,040 acres, $28,800. Each individual may estimate the amount of land he wants, its cost, and the expense of emigrating. A father may sell his' small farm in the East for a sum that will purchase a dozen large ones in the West, of the best quality of land. He may thus better his own condition, and settle a handsome property upon each of his family, who, in a few years, may become wealthy and independent, without the least difficulty. By or MICHIGAN. 161 ANTIQUITIES. uniting in this scheme, his friends, neighbors, and kindred, they might all remove and locate at the same time, and take their portions in severalty. In the clearing and im- proving their lands, they might render each other mutual assistance. Such a community would have all possible advantages for making the best order of social society, and being united, might monopolize all its benefits. By proper vigilance, the vulgar and immoral could be easily excluded. Children might be educated in a moral atmosphere, un- tainted by the intercourse of the vicious. In short, such a colony, with the loss only of native associations, would possess all the advantages of society they before enjoyed, together with the means of raising it to the highest state of perfection. ANTIQUITIES. Evidences of the existence of a race or races of men, anterior to what are termed the aborigines of America, are numerous in the valley of the Mississippi; and from the progressive discoveries which have been and are still mak- ing in the West, are becoming of increasing interest to the antiquarian and the philosopher. Some, devoid of any taste for the subject, finding it easier to reject than to defend, to doubt than to investigate, affect to treat all speculations upon the subject as the ro- mantic dreams of the visionary. Yet there is another class, who view the antiquities of the West with intense interest, and look forward to future developments, to solve the mysteries that shade the antique remains already disco- vered. Among the latter are found men whose learning and individual eminence and researches in Archeology and the sciences with which it has connection, have rendered their opinions, on either side of the Atlantic, of high regard. Reasoning a posteriori, some have supposed from the various relics of this continent, that America was not only known, but received colonial accessions from the nations, or rather tribes, inhabiting the north of Europe and Asia, 14* 162 GAZETTEER ANTIQUITIES. both before the subversion of the Roman empire, and, per- haps, during the dark ages; nay, that the Romans them- selves, the Carthagenians, or the Phcenecians, the Grecians, and probably the Egyptians,* had a knowledge of it, and that some or all of them had a share in peopling some por- tion of this vast continent. How far any of these, and various other similar theories, are correct, it is not the purpose of this article to inquire. Suffice it to say, there appears to be strong presumptive evi- dence adduced to their support. Ancient relics exist, to a greater or less extent, in every part of North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the great lakes. These are various, distinct in kind, and indicate different degrees of civilization. They are most numerous South of the great lakes. West of the Alleganies, and East of the Rocky Mountains, extending south-westerly, through the Missis- sippi valley and Texas, to Mexico. The more notorious are found chiefly in the form of mounds and forts. The more interesting are found upon the Ohio, Illinois, upon the Mississippi and several of its other branches. Tliey increase in size and number as you proceed south-westerly from the 40th degree of latitude to Mexico; but north of this line they are diminutive and rude, excepting those south- west of Lake Michigan and in the northern part of Indiana. The forts are found of diflferent figures, circular, rectangular, and irregular, inclosing from two to 130 acres. They have often, ramparts and ditches, the former of which approach the height of 12, and the latter u width of 20 * The reason we are not in possession of this ancient geographical knowledge, is obvious. We might point to the pillage of Rome and the indiscriminate destruction of the Roman libraries. The unparalleled bigotry of Islaimism might be instanced in the destruction of the most valuable repository of lecu-ning the world ever saw. Tlie Calif Omar, in answer to Amri, the Saracen g-eneral, who had soliciied his orders as to the disposition of the Alexandrian library, replied: "That if the books contained the same doctrine with the Koran, they could be of no use; because the Koran was sufficient of itself, and contained all neces- sary truths: but if they contained any particulars contrary to that book, they ought to be destroyed." The force of this bigoted logic, left no alternative to the Mussulman chief, and the library was accordingly burned. Thus, with the mighty store of ancient learning, was extin- p-uishcd thelight of ancient discoveries. OP MICniGAJT. 163 ANTIQUITIES. feet.* The mounds are in height from six to ninety feet, and their bases measure from three and a half to fifty rods in diameter. In shape, they are conical and semi- truncated cones, or else, ellipsoidal or truncated ellipsoids. * Mr. Peck, author of the Gazetteer of Illinois, seems inclined to reject any opinion formed upon the supposition of a race existing prior to tlie Indians, whom he supposes to be the builders of these monuments of an- tiquity; and he discards tiie notion of any ■military works existing. In tJie narrow limits of this work, we shall make no attempt to refute seve- ral untenable positions put forth in that work, and we notice but one. In speaking of the fortifications found in various parts of the West, he exchaims with great emphasis : " But wiiat people, savage, barbarous, civilized, or enlightened, ever constructed a fortification around five or six hundred acres, with a diich in Ike iiisidc! Or what military people made twenty or thirty such forts within two or three miles !" With a candor, which the author indulges the hope to believe may be extended to any inadvertent error in this work, he was inclined to attri- bute the last sentence to a mere slip of the quill, that went to press with- out correction, until the same, without alteration, was repeated in the sec- ond edition of that work. We barely allude to the absurdity of finding 29 or 30 forts of 600 acres each (amounting to 12 or 18,000 acres,) within three miles square, (5,760 acres.) We notice this only for its immediate connection with the previous sentence, which is expressed with an em- phasis and surprise evidently intended to characterize an a.bsurdity. That fortifications containing 5 or 600 acres, or those of smaller dimen- sions, are common with a ditch, on the i7iside too, we have yet to learn, although some of large dimensions are found on Paint Creek in Ohio, in Arkansas, and several places in the West. But suppose the position granted, and what then ] The two first principles of fortification, wheth- er anterior or subsequent to the science of gunnery, are ; first, that every point of a permanent work, should be defensive, or opposing strong re- sistance to an enemy; second, that every part be so constructed as not only to defend, but to be defended by another part. Now, if these works possess these two qualities, suitably to the times in which they were made, they may reasonably he supposed to be fortresses, though rude ones, of a military people. At least, they should be proved to have been used forsome other purpose, before this position can be relinquished. We maintain, then, that they are fortresses, and cannot reasonably be attributed to any other use than military defence. Had bastions been added, the matter would have been beyond controversy. Those found with an embankment from eigljt to twelve feet high, and, of a proportionate thickness, are sufficiently strong to come within the first maxim, and those whose embankment is only three or four feet high, may have wasted away, by the hand of time, to their present condi- tion. That they possess the second principle to as great perfection as was anciently practised in the East, is not easily disproved. The science of gunnery added to the use of the bastion, is the g^reat distinguishing feature that has carried the second principle to pertection in modern prac- tice. Anciently, this principle was carried out by other means, as by towers, from which to discharge missiles, to every part of the work ; or else, by some similar temporary con^truclion. \n these works,, it is n^- 164 GAZETTEER ANTIQUITIES. They bear a striking resemblance to ancient tumuli found in Mexico, Siberia, Tartary, and several European coun- tries, to which different names are applied. In Mexico, they are called Tepee, and in Turkey, Tepe ; in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, cairn; barrows, in Eng- land, and logrl in Russia and Siberia.* In the contents of the mounds of the western States, and the logri of Russia, there seems to be little or no diversity. In both are found human bones, arrows, medals, vessels of fantastic construc- tion, trinkets and ornaments of sometimes copper, but rare- ly of silver or gold. There is an inscrutable mystery that shades the antiqui- ties of this country. Every mound is an enigma which per- petually presents itself to the mind for solution. The rest- less inquirer propounds to himself the question, who erect- ed these tumuli, and for what purpose? What was the ori- gin and the history of their founders? Of what variety of ther impossible, nor improbable, that temporary constructions of this kind, perhaps of wood, were stationed on the whole line of battlement, from which the work might be defended. And, who knows that the ditch, which so rarely, if ever, occurs " in t/ic inside," was not made and intended, by some ingenious contrivance, to entrap the besiegers, should they succeed in scaling the i-am part? We would inquire, is it necessary to constitute an ancient fortress, that its construction be agreeably to the principles of gunnery and modern military science'? Or, can we con- sistent^ declare, because a work, constructed without regular bastions, rampart, and parapet proportionate, ditch on the outside, glacis, and other necessary appendages according to its location, as horn-works, crown-v7orks, &c. &c. agreeably to the principles of a Vauban or a Coe- horn, that it was not anciently constructed and used for military defence? Thus we perceive, that without regarding the developments of science, and the progress of the human mind in minute but importemt principles, we may attribute false estimates and conclusions-soapparently trifling indeed thnt after their discovery we are wondering that they were not found out before. Hence, the human mind is slow to believe the former benighted state of human knowledge. Who, but for history, would be willing to credit the fact, that the Egyptians, the wisest, most learned, and power- ful people of the ancient world, could have been ignorant of the impor- tant principles of the arch, in their application to architecture'? or that the Romans, excelling in science, arts, and inventions, should have passed by, undiscovered, one of the first and most important laws of hydro- statics'? • That very learned and eminent divine. Dr. Adam Clarke, whose travels in Russia afforded the most ample range to Ills astute mind, seems to be of the opinion, that those tumuli had their origin in the first ages, after the dispersion of mankind, after the building of Babel._ OP MICHIGAN. 165 ANTIQUITIES. the human race? What were their Laws, their manners, customs, religion — their knowleclcre of arts and sciences? — in short, their civilization and final destiny? From the dearth of traditional and historical knowledge on the sub- ject, the imagination has been introduced by some in build- ing fi^nciful theories to account for their origin. Were we to attempt a suggestion of their authors, we should adopt what appears to be the best established theory on the subject, and one which has the strongest support from the learned. We should point to th.e researches of Baron Humbolt, and the traditionary history of the ancient Azteka or Mexican nations, who inhabited the vale of Mex- ico.* According to the manuscripts of the Aztekas, they, as a nation, lived far to the north, in the country o^ Aztelan, which, Humbolt is of the opinion, from what is related of their journeyings, must have been as far north, at least, as the forty second degree of north latitude. In these symbol- ical manuscripts are found the history of their migration from Aztelan to Mexico, with an account of each separate journey, (there v/ere fifteen journeys in all,) the length of time they halted and were building towers, tumuli, &c. He is of opinion that the whole time employed in this mi- gration was " four hundred and sixteen years." This opin- ion is strengthened by the fact that they were themselves usurpers in Mexico, as is affirmed in Spanish history. The traditions of the Wyandott Indians declare the authors of the western tumuli to have been expelled from this conn- try, and driven to the south, by savage invaders from the north-east. This they affirm happened many hundred years ago.f In the Azteka language, A T L, signifies water, and the derivative Aztelan, signifies the country of water or of lakes, (" lake country,") and Aztekas, the " people of the lake country," or " people of the lakes." As stated before, the opinion of Humbolt was, that this country lay as far north as the forty second degree of lati- tude, which would place it above the southern boundary of Michigan, making it embrace, not only a greater or less * Humbolt's Researches in South America, Vol. ii, p. 61. t See Am. Antiquities— a work, by the way, if obnoxious to the im- putation of originating some wild and contradictory theories, contains, notwithstanding, a fund of interesting informaWon on this subject. 166 GAZETTEER ANTIQUITIES. extent in the Peninsula, but perhaps a considerable portion of the present Territory of Wisconsin. The appellation of "lake country" would be peculiarly appropriate to the Peninsula, and the name of lake people applicable to those inhabiting it. For it is believed that there is no section of country that can compare with the southern half of the Peninsula, in the number of its lakes. The southern portion of this State, and the northern part of Indiana, and a considerable section of Wisconsin Territo- ry, might receive this appellation with the greatest proprie- ty, as the country is literally spotted with small lakes of from one half to three and four miles in circumference, and above all, surrounded by several of the largest lakes in the world. The very origin of the word " 3Iichigcm,'' goes to support the position, for it is not improbable, that the present race of Indians succeeded the Aztekas, and adopted, in their own language, an appellation correspond- ing, by great similarity in signification, to the name Azte- lan.* Hence, the probability that this was the iden- tical region inhabited by these people in the primeval ages of their existence in America. And if inducements were wanting to attract a people, no section of country, for agri- cultural pursuits and scenic beauties, could exceed that bordering the small crystal lakes in Michigan, which are coveted by the emigrant even at this day. To suppose that the Peninsula was the central seat of their power, would be suggesting an improbability, as the comparative slight- nessof the works remaining indicate. Perhaps that seat of power was farther west, as traces of some of the most stu- pendous works of western antiquity have been recently discovered in that quarter. t The information respecting the antiquities of this State, is too general and unsatisfactory, and although diligent in- quiries have been prosecuted, the minds of emigrants have been directed more to the pursuits of business than the gratification of curiosity. The antiquities of Michigan consist of mounds or tumuli^ forts, and what are commonly called gardens. The former are of frequent occurrence in different parts of the State, * See the etymology of " Michigan," in the succeeding article, enti- tled History. t See American Antiquities, i^assrm. OF MICHIGAN. 167 ANTIQUITIES. but mostly upon, or near the banks of the larger rivers — as the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, the Grand, &c., though they are found in other places. Tlie fortifications are few in number, and of small dimensions. The mounds are gene- rally diminutive, varying in height from 6 to 12 feet, and rarely exceeding the latter height, yet some are said to be 20 feet high. Some of the most remarkable that have been noticed, are in Gerard township, Branch county, and in Raisin township, in the county of Lenawee. One of the latter was opened, which contained many human bones. Branch is said to contain numerous mounds of much inter- est. There are several mounds at an Indian village of about forty families, on the north side of Grand river, 10 miles from its mouth. One of these is elevated some 8 or 10 feet, and has a large pine tree growing on its apex, three feet in diameter, and 80 or 90 feet high. One of these was excavated to its base, and nothing discovered ; but in penetrating three feet below the natural level of the land around it, decayed human bones and pieces of iron, three or four inches long, and arrow heads, were found, to- gether with some pieces of brass, and the remnant of a brazen vessel which was much mutilated.* In the south-west corner of the county of Calhoun, on the north side of the St. Joseph, is a semi-circular fort, 200 feet in diameter, and another in the south-east corner of the county, of the same dimensions, with an embankment from one to three feet high. In the county of Wayne, in Spring Wells township, on the north bank of the Detroit river, is a fort of the circular or elliptical kind, with an em- bankment two or three feet in height, and encompassing perhaps an acre, situated on firm land and surrounded by a swamp. On the east side, in approaching the fort, there * la some of the north-western States, and hi Ohio especially, public attention was early awakened, and choice cabinets, both private and public, have been collected of the monumoits of antiquity ; and it is in some measure to these enlightened efforts, that the world are indebted for the light thrown upon western Archeology. If this spirit had prevailed in the first settlement of Kentucky and western New York, by preserv- ing some of the best specimens, which are now lost to scientific investi- gation, by the reckless desecration and ignorance of the first settler — what is- now merely hypothetical, might admit of demonstration. The virtuoso,'reflects with the deepest chagrin upon that Vandal spirit which consigned to oblivion those curious specimens of antiquity ; but tiiey 'are lost forever. 1C8 GAZETTEER ANTIQUITIES. are two parallel embankments of earth, within a few feet of each other, rising four or five feet, and crossing the swamp in a direct line towards the fort. If this, and the two last mentioned works, deserve the name of forts, as they are called, these two embankments might have been covered ways, which led from the fort to this swamp, which, at this place, was formerly a ravine, as present appearances indi- cate. But it is seriously doubted whether these works have ever been used for military defences of any civilized peo- ple, without their embankments have dwindled from a re- doubtable elevation to their present inferior condition. Without they were stockaded, they coukUhave presented no formidable resistance to an invader. It is not improbable that they were the work of our native Indians, who, in great emergencies, have been known to entrench them- selves in a similar manner. Forts of the square, or tlie rectangular kind, are some- times found. There is said to be one two miles below the village of Marshall, one in the township of Prairie Ronde, several on th^ Kalamazoo, and in some other places. In Bruce township, in the county of Macomb, on the north fork of the Clinton, are several. The latter consists most- ly of an irregular embankment with a ditch on the outside, and including from two to ten acres, with entrances, which were evidently gate-ways, and a m.ound on the inside oppo- site each entrance. In the vicinity there are a number of mounds. Several small mounds have been found on a bluff of the Clinton river, eight miles from Lake St. Clair. In sinking the cellar of a building for a missionary, sixteen baskets full of human bones were found, of a remarkable size. Near the mouth of this river, on the east bank, are ancient works, representing a fortress, with walls of earth thrown up, similar to those in Ohio and Indiana.* In Spring Wells township, (Belle Fontaine,) three miles below Detroit, exist a group of mounds on the right bank of the river. Several years ago, one of these was opened and found to contain bones, arrow heads, stone axes, &lq. in abundance. In the spring of '37, the author in company with a scien- tific friend, resolved to excavate another of them, in order * American Antiquities. OF MICHIGAN. 169 ANTIQUITIES. to obtain a more minute information concerning their con- tents. On repairing to the spot, they were found to be lo- cated upon a sandy elevation, or bluff, which gradually pro- jected into the river, and rose above the surrounding coun- try, a prospect of which it commanded for some distance to the interior, and of the river both above and below, a dis- tance of at least seven miles.* A selection of one was made for excavation. The shape of it was conical, and the height about eight feet. In surveying the surface upon the top, small fragments of pottery, pieces of human bones, and sev- eral of the molar teeth were discovered, the latter of which, in apparent perfection; but on examination, only the ena- mel remained, which is a phosphate of lime, a substance said to oppose a stronger resistance to decay than any other part of the human system. The excavation was com- menced on the top, and continued a depth of four feet be- low the base. The soil, like the country around the mound, was sandy, but exhibited a mixture of decomposed animal matter, and occasionally fragments of bone, some of which had evidently undergone the process of calcination. At the depth of about two and a half feet, in distinct positions, were found the remains of six different human skeletons, that appeared to have been buried in a promiscuous man- ner. Deposited near each were arrow heads, stone axes, spear heads, and some other utensils of stone of such un- couth shape as to be difficult to imagine their use, much more to name. There was likewise found a kind of rouge, that had the appearance of the earth called Spanish brown, and supposed to have been used as a pigment. It was in a friable state, and colored a deep red by applying it to any substance. In each deposit there were several pounds. About one foot from the base of the mound, a stratum of charcoal, three inches thick, was penetrated. Immediately below this were found six other human skeletons, not col- lectively, but lying in as many separate places, in different * Some have supposed, that, from the unusually eligible locations in which they are found, they were used for places of look-out, or for military defence. A moment's reflection would seem to refute this notion. Think of a mound in sha]ie of a mole hill, of six, ten. or even thirty feet high, to be used as a defence against an enemy, or for the purpose of espying his approach ! Is it not more probable, that their battle fields, by chance, happened to be here, and that these monuments are the memorials, as well as sepulchres of the fallen brave whose manes are here inhumed '? 15 170 GAZETTEER ANTIQUITIES. parts of the mound. Each one had the appearance of hav- ing been inhumed in a kneeling, or rather sitting posture, with the knees so far bent as to leave a space of only four inches between the tibial and femoral bones of the lower limbs, with the body a little reclined backward, with the head pointing invariably towards the north, and supporting with the hands an earthen vessel, in the manner of a per- son in the act of preparing to drink from a ponderous ves- sel.* The bones- were generally decayed, except the larger ones of the lower limbs, arms, some of the ribs, and of the cranium, yet these were more or less imperfectly preserved. In all cases, that portion of the cranium which lay under was decomposed, while the superior part was sound. One, which was the most perfect, and which may serve as a sam- ple of the remainder, was decayed on the left and inferior sides. The occipital, right parietal, part of the sphenoidal bones, and the bones of the face, were in perfection. The superior and inferior maxilar bones were whole and with- out the loss of the teeth, which were, without exception, perfectly sound. They were worn off on the edge, so as to present a flat surface, and, so much so, as to indicate their possessor to have been of a greater age at his death, than is usually known in modern times. The general contour of the cranium was different from what is commonly noticed * Mr. Schoolcraft has preserved some traditions of the Chippewas, concerning their funeral rites, which seem in a measure to favor the belief entertained by some, that the Indians were the authors of the mounds. ^ • i , " For several nights afler the interment of a person, a hre is placed upon the grave. This fire is lit in the evening, and carefully supplied with small sticks of dry wood, to keep up a bright, but small blaze. It is kept burning for several hours, generally until the usual hour of re- tiring to rest, and then suffered to go out. This fire is renewed for /our nights, and sometimes longer." It is related, that a warrior killed in battle in defeating his enemies, is never buried. On the contrary, he is dressed, and all his property de- posited beside him, for his use in his journey to the land of spirits. He is then placed in a sitting posture, with his back against a tree, and his face toward the place where his enemies ^td.— Schoolcraft's Travels in 1821, p. 404. ,, , Admitting the analogy— the specious resemblance between the two ^-ites— yet there is but faint proof of the identity of the authors of these mounds, or the common origin of the two customs. Obscure and uncer- tain as \h& origin of most of the Indian superstitions are, there is as strong a probability, that they borrowed them from the Aztekas, or what- ever people were aboriginal, as, that they were originated by their own tribe. OP MICHIGAN. 171 ANTIQUITIES. in the present races of inhabitants now among us. The mouth, large and broad ; face (especially the lower part,) wide and short; sockets of the eyes extremely large; the forehead exceedingly low and receding backward in an un- usual degree, making the volume of the cerebral portion of the brain very small, which, agreeably to the modern doc- trine, would indicate small intellectual powers. The skull was unusually thick. It was the unanimous opinion of the party, on the first view, that the frontal part of the cranium most resembled the negro race. From some calcula- tions made on the femoral bones, it was judged that the stature of none would exceed five feet three inches. Arrow heads, small pieces of hornstone and some of a silicious kind, (the same with that manufactured into gun flints,) and quartz, wrought and unwrought, of the rudest kind, used undoubtedly as a substitute for knives, were found bu- ried beside them. Some of these were so sharp as to cut flannel and several other substances, with the same facility as a knife. No metal was discovered; but the oxyd, or rust of iron, was traced in the shape of a vessel, holding some two or three gallons, which proved it to have been of iron. By the side of one was found the remains of an uncommon- ly large white marine shell. Around the bodies of two were found some 30 or 40 rosaries, or beads, made of the same kind of shell just mentioned. Their shape was cylindrical, three fourths of an inch and an inch in length, and half an inch thick, with a perforation through them in a longitudinal direction. It is probable there were many more. They lay on different parts of the skeleton, and six were found enclosed in the mouth. From the latter cir- cumstance, it is inferred, that they were amulets, supposed to possess the talismanic property of preserving and defend- ing the soul of the deceased from evil. The vessels were generally too much broken to preserve their natural shape. They appeared to be in the shape of half an egg, abruptly contracted toward the mouth, with a flaring brim, and with- out a handle, smooth on the inside, carved and marked with various fantastic figures on the exterior, and with the capa- city of holding two or three gallons. Their composition was argile, or clay, and pounded quartz and other stone. In place of broken quartz, sometimes coarse sand was sub- stituted. Their appearance showed that they had been 172 GAZETTEER ANTIQUITIES. subjected to the action of fire, and perhaps used for culina- ry purposes. They appeared to be of the same kind which the author has found in Tennessee, Ohio, and New Eng- land, and which are common to western tumuli.* There are some general inferences, naturally drawn from the few facts here presented, taken in conriexion with simi- lar facts, respecting other ancient works found in the west, already before the public ; and 1st. That the tumuli were generally used as deposito- ries of the dead, and not improbably for their chiefs or priests, exclusively. 2d. That as it regards the mounds at Belle Fontaine, they evidently contained two distinct classes of persons. The bones found near the surface were probably those of the Indian, as not only these mounds, but the country on and about the bluff, had been used by them as a burying ground. Those deposited near the bottom belonged to the race who were the real authors of the mounds, whose di- minutive stature, shape of features and cranium, indicated an entirely different people from the Indians. 3d. That they were one remove from the savage, or emerging into a civilized state of society. Stone knives, stone axes, spear and arrow heads, indicate the savage. The uniform soundness of the teeth, is strong evidence of a coarse habit of life, unaccustomed to the luxuries of refine- ment. But the pottery, iron and brass, show a knowledge of some of the economical arts of civilization. Brass, for instance, is a compound of zink and copper, and no people possessing a knowledge of chemical principles sufficient to combine those two metals, merit the appellation of savage, to the import usually given the term. 4th. That the antiquities of Michigan are of a class the same as have been found in various parts of the Mississippi valley. The fortress in Macomb, with mounds at the gates, though comparatively smaller, has a striking resemblance to * Mr, Schoolcraft, in his Travels, mentions much larger specimens, dug at the depth of 80 feet from the surface, at some of the salines in Illi- nois. They were composed of the same material, and he appears to consider them the best adapted to resist the action of heat. Some time since, thei'c was found, in digging a well in Washtenaw county, an eai-then vessel of this description, eight feet below the surface of the ground. Its form was entirely different, and it held about eight gallons. OF MICHIGAN. 173 ANTIQUITIES. GARDENS. similar works found at Marietta, Paint Creek, and in other places in Ohio. The shell beads, found in the mound at Belle Fontaine, are precisely like those discovered by Mr. Atwater, in a large mound in Cincinnati. 5th. That the authors of these works inhabited this re- gion in the primeval nge of their existence. The history of man proves, that the progress of nations and tribes, in society, is generally on the advance or decline, either ris- ing more or less perceptibly in the scale of civilization, or retrograding into barbarism. It is presumable that this an- cient nation was in the ascending node of national exist- ence, while inhabiting this region of America, although but one remove from barbarism. Comparative perfection in the arts, is a sure index to the state of civilization. The simple fact of the identity in the class of northern and southern lelics, and the superiority, both in number and perfection of the latter, are adduced in support of the posi- tion. Now, agreeably to the history of the antiquities of the other Western States, as before observed, these ancient works are the largest, approach the nearest to perfection, contain a greater number of utensils and emblems of civil- ization, on the banks of the Ohio, the Mississippi, the Illinois, and Rock rivers, than are to be found north of them ; and that they decrease in size and quality, northward from a parallel of 40 degrees, to the great lakes, save those on some of the streams of Illinois and Wisconsin. Hence, this was the region of the first habitations of this people, from which they were probably expelled by foreign tribes from the north; and by supposing this to be the country of Azte- lan, the hypothesis has support from the traditions of the Wyandott Indians, before mentioned. From the annoying attacks of these northern hordes, they might have been induced to journey southward, and settle upon the Missis- sippi and its branches, where they increased and attained the higher degree of civilization which the monuments re- maining tend to prove. Garden Beds. These are a species of antiquity, a descrip- tion of which it is believed has not heretofore been present- ed to the public. The remains of ancient Indian corn fields are of frequent occurrence in all those parts of Michigan previously occupied by the Indians. The agriculture of the 15* 174 GA^ETTEElt ANTIQUITIES. GARDENS . Indians is as rude as they are uncivilized and indolent. It consists in a preparation of the ground in the crudest and most irregular manner, and barely planting the seed, and with trifling assistance, leaving nature to rear the crop. So that between these and the following, there is not the most distant analogy. The ancient garden beds, as they are called, are found near the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo rivers, in Cass, St. Jo- seph, Kalamazoo, and Calhoun counties; but the most nu- merous in thethr.ee former. They exist in some of the prairies and burr oak plains, in some of the richest soil, and, without exaggeration, it may be said, a soil as fertile as any in the United States. It is a very fine loam, of a color perfectly black, and possessing a cohesive quality, even when dry, which is unknown to any other soil. The cause of this tenacious property is not to be satisfactorily accounted for, as the amount of argile, if any, entering into its composition, is so trifling as not to be easily dis- cerned. Whatever the cause may be, neither time nor the inclemencies of weather, have effaced the traces of anti- quity — the impression of ages, which it possesses the qual- ity of retaining as legible, almost, as rock itself These beds are occasionally found in soils of so little consistency as to be less easily discerned, while in .other places their delineations are as perfect as the work of yesterday. One of the most singular circumstances is, their won- derful extent. They cover from 20 to 1 00 acres, and it is said upon credible authority, that some extend over a su- perfices of 300 acres in one field or garden. Were there any thing which they resemble, with which they might be compared, it might be supposed that they were used for other purposes than cultivation. They appear in various fanciful shapes, but order and symmetry of proportion seem to govern. Some are laid off in rectilineal and curvilineal figures, either distinct or com- bined in a fantastic manner, in parterres and scolloped work, with alleys between, and apparently ample walks or avenues leading in different directions, displaying a taste that would not discredit a modern pleasure garden. It is regretted that one of the more interesting speci- mens could not be obtained in season for this work. The specimen here presented, is a small section of one i2^iC^c::ii2hC^o^^::^^:^l^Cl^c^c^c:::^c^t::^c:^c^c^c:^i::^ \ u 1 Ml 5f ^Zi iC^\o /2^t:^'c:hC:^£2itiMi^ii^c:itz:^i2:^i:zhi::ht2:^t2h£2^^h 1 1 I i 1 1 1 c^c::^c^ii::^ChC^c:h£:^Chi2i([^ii^c:hC^£::^t2^i^i^c:^c:^ ■~l! 176 GAZETTEER ANTIQUITIES. — GARDENS. of the ordinary kind. It is found in the county of St. Joseph, on the west bank of the St. Joseph river, a short distance from the village of Three Rivers, on one side of an oval prairie, surrounded by burr oak plains. The prairie contains about 300 acres, of the black soil before mentioned. The garden is judged to be half a mile in length, by one third in breadth, containing about 100 acres, regularly laid out into beds, running north and south, in the form of parallelograms, five feet in width and 100 in length, and 18 inches deep, with alleys between them of 18 inches in breadth and of the same depth. At the extrem- ity of each, is a semi-lunar bed, or a semi-circle, of the same depth, and diameter corresponding to the width of the beds. The whole was covered with a tough sward of prairie grass. The beds have the appearance of being raised above the adjacent country, and their regularity and out- line are as perfect as if recently made. These gardens evidently bear the stamp of antiquity and civilization. Of antiquity, as they are often found over- grown with burr oaks of an age precluding their construc- tion within the last two centuries, at least; beside, the In- dians belonging to the ancient Peninsular tribes, to all in- terrogatories on the subject, betray the same ignorance of their origin and history, as they do of the mounds and forts. When they were constructed, and by whom — whether by the builders of the mounds and forts, or not, we know nothing; but of this we do know, they are the certain evidence of the former existence of a great agricultural population, possessing industry and cultivated taste, subsisting not upon the precarious success of the chase, but upon the fruits of the earth. One reflection : If the ancient Indians built these mounds, forts, gardens, &.C., would not their descendants possess, at least, some traditionary knowledge respecting them 1 Is it possible these monuments could have stood ill the eyes of any people whose forefathers were the con- structors, and their history suffered to pass into oblivion? There is a curiosity natural in man, to inquire into the ori- gin of things, especially those of artificial constructions. Is it not, then, to be presumed, the history of these would have been traditionally transmitted from father to son, through all succeeding generations, so that at the present OF MICHIGAN. 177 HISTORY. NAME. day, some vestige of it, at least, might be found in the tribe 1 The contrary supposition seems to violate the laws of the human mind. The plain inference is, that they were made by some people, other than the present race of Indians, In conclusion, it is remarked, that the several hypotheses put forth in this article, have been thus presented and argu- raentatively supported, more for the purpose of engaging serious attention to an interesting subject, than a confident reliance in the infallibility of any of them ; and it is to be hoped, that some exertions will be made by the scientific, to rescue these ancient relics from an oblivion, to which the otherwise absorbing business of an enterprising people, or the ignorance or heedless inadvertence of others may sub- ject them.* HISTORY. The outlines of the history of Michigan are all that the limits of this work will permit, and these collected from scattered fragments and delineations more or less imperfect, from the loss of many facts with which the incidents of its history are connected. Name. The word Michigan appears to be derived from two words of the Chippewa language, 3Iitchdw, great, or mighty, and Sagi'egan, lake — great lake. As Lakes Hu- + A mound shoukl be examined by scientific persons exclusively. A select party is most agreeable, and it is preferable to conduct the examin- ation privately, to preclude the presence of rude spectators. The exam- ination should be deliberate, the excavation made with great care, and every subject found should pass the most rigid scrutiny. A minute de- scription should be given of every thing discovered within it, however trivial it may be, together with every circumstance attending thediscov- ery. An apparently trifling fact is not unfrcquentjy produ'ctive of im- portant developments in archeology. A mound is a species of public property, that should be preserved, for the gratification of public curios- ity, and the developmeni of their history should be entrusted to the charge of qualified persons, who are the rightfal disposers of this species of knowledge. Each of the party should apply the spade, and no Vandal hand be allowed to search for what it is incapable of appreciating. The inconvenience resulting from the manual operation, will be amply repaid by the plettsure and satisfaction it will pj-ocurc. 178 GAZETTEER ron and Michigan formerly constituted one lake, as is shown by geological indications, the name was probably given to that lake, although now restricted to but apart of it. The word " Michigan," then, according to its etymology and present application to the Peninsula, is rendered, "the country, or land of great lakes." Its discovery and early settlement were promoted by the French, the motive of which, seems to have been the en- grossing of the Indian fur trade, and, incidentally, the con- version of the aborigines. In prosecution of the latter pur- pose. Father Sagard reached Lake Huron, by way of the Grand river (of Upper Canada), in 1632, seven years sub- sequent to the founding of Quebec, although the present site of the city of Detroit had been visited as early as 1610. Soon after the middle of the seventeenth century, trading posts were established at Sault de Ste. Marie, Michillimaci- nac (old fort), and Green Bay; the two former, in a mili- tary point of view, very important positions. From information received through the Indians, that there existed a large river west of the great lakes, running south, it was supposed from the limited geographical knowledge at that time, that this river discharged into the Pacific. To ascertain this important fact, the French Intendant, M. Talon, eip.ployed Joliet, a citizen of Quebec, and Father Marquette, a Jesuit, to make the discovery. They conducted the expedition through the lakes, ascended the Fox river, crossed the portage, and descended the Wisconsin, to the Mississippi, where they arrived the 17th of June, 1673. They descended the Mississippi to the Arkansas, which they ascended ; but, from some untoward circumstance, were thwarted in their purpose, and compelled to return, without accomplishing their object. But the project was not to be abandoned. Robert de La Salle, a native of Normandy, but who had, for many years, resided in Canada, — a gentle- man of intelligence, enterprise, and the most indefatigable perseverance, — obtaining the permission of the king of France, set upon this expedition of discovery, from Fronte- nac, in 1678, accompanied by Chevalier Fonti, his lieutenant, Father Ilenepin, a Jesuit missionary, and 30 or 40 men. He built the first vessel that ever navigated these lakes. She was called the Griffin, and was launched at Erie, in 1679. In this year he embarked, sailed up the Detroit, OF MICHIGAN. 179 reached Mackinac, where he left his vessel, and coasted along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, built a fort at the mouth of the " river of the Miamis," (supposed to be the site of Chicago,) crossed the country to the Illinois river, and descended it a distance, but was stopped for want of supplies. Here he built a fort, and proceeded back to Canada for supplies, and returned. He then explored the valley of the Mississippi, to its mouth, and took possession of it, in the name of Louis, king of France, and called it, in honor of his name, Louisiana. The details of this ex- pedition abound in incidents of the most thrilling interest, but they are too elaborate to be here related. The fur trade has been ever regarded as the great source of wealth, and it formerly constituted the chief value of the regions bordering the lakes;* the possession of it, was there- fore, the principal subject of contention between the French and English. Its lucrativeness was not confined exclusive- ly to this region, for it appears that most of the internal jealousies and contentions of the English colonies, espe- cially the infant New England colonies, had their origin, not so much in the loss of soil or jurisdiction, as in a fear of thereby losing the exclusive right to this invaluable trade.t To obtain exclusive right of trade with the Indians, it was necessary to cultivate their friendship. But however great the exertions of the English might have been, there * To give some idea of the lucrativeness of this business, the subjoined account of the trade at Leech Lake, near the source of the Mississippi, is appended. "The standard of value and computation in this trade, is an abimi- nikwa, or prime beaver, called plus by the French. A plus, tradition states, was given for as much vermillion as would cover the point of a case knife, and the same price was paid, respectively, for four charges of powder, or four charges of shot, or fifteen balls, or two branches of wampum. It is related that an outfit of six bales of goods, worth, say $2,0()0, bought from Athabaska, ninety-six packs of beaver, each of which would weigh ninety pounds, at a time when prime beaver was worth S4.00 a pound," [that is, the value 0/ $2,000 ingoods,m exchange for S34,000 worth of furs.] In 1784, cittliepostofthe Pic, "a bear was estimated at one plus, an otter, three martins, a lynx, fifteen muskrats, respectively, one plus. A buf- falo robe, two plus. A keg of mixed rum, thirty plus." (Schoolcraft's Expedition through the Upper Mississippi in 1832.) t Vide Webster's Hist. 180 GAZETTEER seems to have been a want of success, owing to a predilection of the Indians to the French, or to a more natural affinity in their habits and manners, which the two latter had to each other. The French succeeded in captivating the affections of most of the tribes, save the Ottogamies or Foxes, whose aversion could never be overcome. It was to more effectually secure these regions to their possession, that prompted the possession of the strait of Detroit, the great key to the northern lakes. This politic measure had been determined upon by the English, but their rivals were first to effect it. The expedition was fitted out by the Governor-general of New France, in 1701. It was headed by Mons. de La Motte Cadillac, accompanied by a Jesuit and 100 men, car- rying all the necessaries of a military establishment. In June of the same year, after careful examination of the strait, the present site of the city of Detroit was selected, and its occupation effected. When first visited by the French, it was the site of an ancient Indian village, Teuch- sa-gron-die, or according to some accounts, it was called Waweatonong — in signification, indicating the circuitous approach to it. The work erected was a rude, stockaded fort, inclosing a few houses, occupied by fur-traders and those attached to the post, of slight construction, and "calculated rather to overawe the Indians, than seriously to resist them." It was called Fort Ponchartrain. From this period to the commencement of the adminis- tration of Governor Cass, the history of the Peninsula may be said to be the history of Detroit, although many of those facts most interesting in its history, are disconnected, mea- gre, and obscure. The Indians were always the instruments, used by the contending parties, in their strife for sovereignty. No sooner had one party gained the ascendancy in some par- ticular, than the other, piqued at the success, redoubled ardor and professions of friendship to the Indians, as the opposite party relaxed into coldness and security. The tri- umph of the one was but the undoubted prelude to finesse and intrigue in the other. The French having gained this important post, the Indi- ans next, were to be wrought upon, as the only means of OP MICHIGAN. 181 dislodging them. The chiefs, living in the vicinity, were in- vited to Albany ; but they returned disaflected to the French. The town was set on fire, but it was fortunately extinguish- ed, without much injury. The Indians were afterwards repulsed with success, by Sieur de Vincennes, in an attack made on the fort. There were three villages in the vicin- ity — a Huron and a Pottowattomie on the south, and an Ottawa on the opposite side of the strait — facts which show the attachment of the three tribes to this region of the Peninsula. Game was abundant, and herds of buffalo ranged the prairies and valley of the Detroit. This, and the superior beauty of the country, are supposed to be the cause of their selection of this location, the place of com- mon resort to various tribes of the interior. The Fox or Ottogamie Indians had long been the ene- mies of the French. They were probably instigated by the English, who used the means of gaining their favor by the interchange of presents, as early as 1686. From some cause unknown, they broke out into open hostility to the French. Jn May, 1812, they collected in great num- bers around the fort, in the absence of the friendly Indians, who were engaged in hunting. Their plot, intended to be secret, was discovered by a friendly Ottogamy. Ex- presses were sent for the friendly tribes, and preparations made for defence. The garrison, then under command of Du Buisson, consisted of only 20 soldiers. The Foxes finding their plot discovered, commenced an attack upon the fort, but desisted and retired into an entrenched camp, on the appearance of the friendly Indians. In this, they were besieged by the allied forces, and, although twice suing for peace, made a determined resistance, which al- most disheartened their enemies. They at last retreated, under cover of night, to the border of Lake St. Clair. Here they were pursued and attacked, but they resisted their opponents with the greatest bravery. At the end of four days, by means of a field battery, their position was carried, and the besieged put to the sword, save the women and children, who were divided as slaves among the con- federates. The loss of the Ottogamies, in this expedition, was more than 1,000 warriors. This tribe afterward, collected their scattered bands, and settled on the border of Fox river, where they were 16 182 GAZETTEER able to command the portage between it and the waters of the Mississippi. From this position, by their war parties, they continued to harrass all who had opposed ihem, till they were invaded in their intrenchments, and humbled into submis- sion. From this time forth, to 1760, the posts of the Penin- sula were compelled to struggle with all the incidents to which their insulated condition, and the fickle inconstancy and treachery of their savage neighbors, exposed them. In 1749, government sent out emigrants, furnished with farm- ing utensils, provisions, &c., to settle the regions lying on the Detroit. Peace was scarcely enjoyed by this remote colony. During the early part of the eighteenth century, the mother country was continually at war with England— a circumstance, which inevitably resulted in involving their colonial plantations in like contentions, and retarded the growth and prosperity of both. But in 1760, the fortune of war changed, and the die was cast in favor of England. By the capitulation of Mont- real, Detroit and the other western posts were taken posses- sion of by the British. It is to be remarked, to the honor of the French, that, even in times the most adverse, during the three following years, when the least opposition would have been the means of releasing them from their adversaries and regain- ing their former sovereignty, the articles of capitula- tion were kept inviolable. But it was soon found that the temporary triumph of the English over their rivals, w^as a secondary matter, wholly different from winning the affec- tions of their savage allies, whose settled aversion could never brook their domination ; there was a rankling in the breast, at the loss of the favors and friendship of their allied friends and associates. A crisis in the affairs of every nation, whether civilized or savage, finds a leader competent to conduct their forces, and decide their destinies. Pontiac, the great Ottawa chief, was destined to be the hero of his country, the Napoleon of his age — whose deeds of bravery and greatness of mind richly entitle him to a niche in the gallery of the renowned warriors, whose fame is stamped with immortality. In this respect, he may rank with Philip, of Mount Hope, with Tecumseh, or with Oceola. OF MICHIGAN. 183 His influence over the neighboring tribes had no limits, and hence the success of his deep laid plans. He had the bit- terest hatred and enmity to the English, which prompted a revenge that no sacrifice was too great to satiate or retard. After the surrender, the first detachment sent by the English to relieve the French garrison at Detroit, was stop- ped in the way, by Pontiac, who demanded the object of the mission. This was satisfactorily explained to him by Major Rogers, who commanded the detachment. Pontiac professed friendship, and proper belts were mutually ex- changed, and permission and protection given him to ac- complish his object ; and even assistance to forward his supplies. But this formal friendship was undoubtedly de- lusive, and very probably affected, merely for the purpose of executing a deeper design, which might have been conceiv- ed on their first interview. This design was to extirpate the English, and drive them from his country beyond the Alleganies. His scheme was to unite all the Indian tribes on the western frontier into a confederacy, and, with treacherous secrecy, fall simultaneously upon the garrisons, and massa- cre them. But Pontiac was equal in power and ingenuity to the magnitude of his project.* Every inflammatory topic was used to exasperate the feelings of his subjects against the English. He exhibited to the Indians a belt, which he pretended to have received from the king of France, with commission to expel the English. He con- vened a great council at the River auxEcorces, and related a dream of a Delaware Indian, who professed direct inspi- ration from the Great Spirit. This professed prophet dis- pensed express directions how to conduct themselves in the expulsion of their adversaries, by the mortification of their persons, and abstinence from the use of all arti- cles of civilization. These, and many other directions, were related by Pontiac, accompanied with the most exas- perating phillippics against the English. The natural aver- sion, the deadly enmity of the renowned warrior, Pontiac, * It is relt\ted, that during the war, Pontiac issued bills of credit, which were inscriptions (hawn on bark, representing the article deliver- ed to him, and tlie figure of an otter, the arms, or totem of his family, under it. 1'his currency was received by the French settlers, and faith- fully redeemed by him. 184 GAZEJTTEER breathing insidious eloquence, together with the command of the Great Spirit, inspiring success, soon united the fron- tier bands to hostility. Whether in savage or civilized warfare, it is rare to find a plot of such magnitude, however secret it might be, that terminated with such extraordinary success. The posts were Niagara, Presque Isle, Le Boeuf, Venango, Du Quesne, (now Pittsburg,) Detroit, Michillimacinac, Sault St. Mary, Green Bay, Chicago, St. Joseph, beside one other, making twelve in number, and extending on a frontier of more than one thousand miles. Du duesne and Niagara were regular fortifications; the others were temporary works, calculated merely to overawe the savages. In the month of May, 1763, a simultaneous attack was made upon all these posts, and so completely were they surprised, from the secrecy of the plot, that nine of the un- suspecting garrisons were captured and shared the fate which savages usually mete to their victims. Niagara, Pittsburg, and Detroit, narrowly escaped. The circumstances of their capture are little known. Governor Cass gives the following relation of the capture of Michillimacinac : " The Ottawas, to whom the assault was committed, prepared for a great game of ball to which the officers were invited. While engaged in play, one of the parties gradually inclined toward the fort, and the other pressed after them. The ball was once or twice thrown over the pickets, and the Indians were suffered to enter and procure it. Almost all the garrison were present as spectators, and those upon duty were negligent and un- prepared. Suddenly the ball was again thrown into the fort, and all the Indians rushed after it. 'The rest of the tale is soon told. The troops were butchered and the fort destroyed.* * A like instance of Indian strataji^em in surprising a garrison, is re- lated by Prof. Beck, of an ancient French Fort in Illinois, opposite the mouth of the Tennessee. " The Indians then at war with the French, laid a curious stratagem to take the fort. A number of them appeared in the day time on tlie opposite side of the river, each of whom was cov- ered with a bear skin and walked on all fours. Supposing them to bo bears, a party of the French crossed the river in pursuit of them. The remainder of the troops left their quarters to see the sport. In the mean time, a large body of warriors, who were concealed in the woods near by, came silently behind the fort, entered it without opposition, and very OF MICHIGAN. 185 But Fort Detroit was, of all, the most important post ; and the taking of this, Pontiac reserved to himself. It seems to have consisted of a quadrangular stockade with a single row of pickets — block houses at the corners and over the gates, and an open court intervening between the houses and pickets, encircling the town. The fort was manned by two six pounders, a three pounder, and three mortars, but badly mounted. The fort was commanded by Maj. Gladwin, and the garrison consisted of eight officers and one hundred and twenty-two men ; to which may be added forty traders and engagees, who resided in town. Two armed vessels were anchored in the river, fronting the town. The plan of attack was to meet the British com- mander in the council, and, at a concerted signal — the pre- senting a belt of wampum in a particular manner — to fall upon and massacre the officers, throw open the gates, admit the warriors, and slaughter the garrison. On the 8th of May, 1763, Pontiac presented himself at the gates of the Fort, with a body of warriors, requesting a council with the commanding officer. Each had his armour complete. They had previously sawed off their rifles that they might conceal them under their blankets. But, fortunately, the plot was revealed to Maj. Gladwin, on the eve previous to the intended massacre, by a friendly Indian woman, employed in making moccasonsfor the gar- rison. No time was to be lost. The fort was immediately put in order, and every man within it was prepared for the in- tended catastrophe, and the officers walked the ramparts during the night. All was silent but the songs and dances of the Indian camps. Morning came. Pontiac and his warriors were admitted into the council house, where they were received by Maj. Gladwin and his officers. "The garrison was under arms, the guards doubled, and the offi- cers were armed with swords and pistols. Pontiac inquired of the British commander the cause of this unusual appear- ance. He was answered that it was proper to keep the young men to their duty, lest they should become idle and ignorant. The business of the council then commenced, few of tlie French escaped the massacre. They afterwards built a foit on the same ground, and called it Massac^ in memory of the disastrous event." — Vide Beck's Gazetteer. la* 186 GAZETTEER and Pontiac proceeded to address Maj. Gladwin. His speech was bold and menacing, and his manner and gesti- culations vehement, and they became still more so as he approached the critical moment. When he was upon the point of presenting the belt to Maj. Gladwin, and all was breathless expectation, the drums at the door of the council house, suddenly rolled the charge, the guards leveled their pieces, and the British officers drew their swords from their scabbards. Pontiac was a brave man, constitutionally and habitually. He had fought in many a battle, and often led his warriors to victory. But this unexpected and decisive proof, that his treachery was discovered and prevented, en- tirely disconcerted him. Tradition says he trembled. At all events, he delivered the belt in the usual manner, and thus failed to give his party the concerted signal of attack. Maj. Gladwin immediately approached the chief, and draw- ing aside his blanket, discovered the shortened rifle, and then, after stating his knowledge of the plan, reproaching him for his treachery, ordered him from the fort. The In- dians immediately retired, and as soon as they had passed the gate, they gave the yell and fired upon the garrison."* The war, thus commenced, was prosecuted with the ac- customed barbarity of their race. They laid siege to the fort, and used their endeavors to annoy the garrison from behind several out-houses and rows of pickets. The fire was returned, but with little injury to either party. The de- sign was then conceived of obtaining Maj. Campbell, (an officer who had held the command of the fort for the three previous years, and who had but recently been superseded by Maj. Gladwin,) and holding him in pledge for its surren- der. Under pretence of wishing to terminate the war, Pon- tiac succeeded in inducing him to come into his camp, by the promise that he might go and return in safety. Lieut. McDougall accompanied him. But they were both treach- erously held as hostages. The latter succeeded, by swift- ness of foot, in an unguarded moment, to escape, and the former, after remaining sometime, was murdered by an Indian, though to the pointed displeasure of Pontiac. In the latter part of the month of May, a detachment, on their passage from Niagara, to succor the fort, were sur- * Governar Cass's Discourse before the Historical Society. OF MICHIGAN. 187 prised at Point Pelee, and twenty-three batteaux, laden with stores and subsistence for the defence of the garrison, taken and all on board captured or killed, save an officer and thir- ty men who escaped in a boat to Sandusky Bay. On the 3d of June, 1768, information was received of the peace between France and Enwland, and of the cession to the latter of all New France. But this did not hinder the progress of the war with the Indians. Pontiac afterward attempted to enlist the French in his favor, but without any success. Skirmishes frequently happened in course of the siege, between the belligerents, but mostly, by annoying the reinforcements while ascending the strait. On the 30th of July, a party of 300 troops from the gar- rison, while on their way to attack the Indian camp, was way-laid at Bloody Bridge, and although a brave resistance was made, seventy of the British were killed, includino- their brave commander, Capt. Dalyell, and forty wounded. During the remainder of the siege of 13etroit, which in all continued eleven months, little occurred worthy of notice. In the course of the season following. Gen. Bradstreet, with 3,000 men, arrived, and a treaty of peace was concluded with the various tribes, but Pontiac took no part in it. This haughty spirit, too lofty to consent to the humiliation of a peace dictated by his adversaries, left the country and took his abode in Illinois, where his life was terminated by the hand of a Peoria Indian. From this period, the country enjoyed uninterrupted peace and prosperity to the breaking out of the American revolution. Politic measures were adopted, and the Indi- ans became warmly attached to the British interests. The contest between England and her Anglo-American colo- nies, found her newly acquired French possessions attach- ed to her interest. Detroit ceased to be the sufferer, but on the contrary, was the nucleus of Indian marauders, and from which, devastation and the horrid deeds of savao-e bar- barity were dispensed on the western frontier settlements. Congress, in 1776, in secret session, projected an expedi- tion against it, but other objects of more pressing impor- tance caused it to berelinquished. War parties were o-oino- and returning continually during the revolution. One o^ the most important was that led by Capt. Byrd, consistincr of regulars, militia, and a large body of Indians. The party 188 GAZETTEER left Detroit, ascended the Maumee, and descended the Mi- ami to the Ohio. They then ascended the Licking, into, the interior of Kentucky, and spread ruin and devastation in every direction. AVith a like force, in 1778, Governor Hamilton proceeded from Detroit, for the purpose of dis- lodging Gen. George Rogers Clarke, who had been sent by the Virginia governor, against the British forts in Illinois, and had succeeded in reducing Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and several minor posts. But the expedition failed. He was surprised in his camp by Clarke, and having surrendered, was, with some of his counsellors who had instigated his system of savage warfare, sent to Virginia in irons, though the militia were allowed to return. A definitive treaty of peace was concluded in 1783, by which the Peninsula was included within the United States' boundary. Preparatory to taking possession of the coun- try, a treaty was held with the Indians, in 1785, by Gen. Clarke, at Fort Mcintosh, by which*, the former ceded all that tract of country, six miles in breadth, and extending from the river Raisin to Lake St. Clair, and bounded on the east by Lake Erie, the Strait of Detroit, and Lake St. Clair. Two years subsequent, the island of Michillimaci- nac was likewise ceded. Although hostilities ceased between the late contending parties, yet, there was little good feeling between them. By the treaty stipulations, the military posts south of the lakes were to be immediately surrendered. Slave property was to be restored, and no property whatever, was to be carried off. On the other hand, the Americans had agreed to pay the British merchants all debts contracted before the war, in sterling money. It was not long after the war that the two countries began to charge each other with viola- tions of the treaty — a charge (as has been observed) which although reciprocally denied, was reciprocally proved. There were doubts raised, on the part of the British, as to the legal restoration of captured negroes to their masters as slaves, under the English law ; consequently that article was violated. Being deprived of their slaves, to work their plantations, produced an inability in the Americans to liquidate their British claims in the required medium. This delinquency, and the unjust compulsion of some of the States, to receive depreciated paper in lieu of specie^ OF MICHIGAN. 189 was seized upon by the British, as a pretext for retaining the posts south of the lakes. One failure and infringement produced another. The Indians north-west of the Ohio, who had been irritated into frequent depredations on the frontier settlements, had risen in open hostility ; and there were many demonstrations, on the part of the British in this region, to prove the malign influence which was exer- cised to excite them to it. Pacific overtures had been made to them, but without effect. In 1791, Gen. Harmar was despatched with 300 regulars and 1,100 Pennsylvania and Kentucky militia, to destroy their settlements on the Scioto and Wabash rivers. An engagement ensued, in which the militia, panic struck, fled, leaving him defeated with the loss of 360 killed. Arthur St. Clair, governor oftheNorth-Western Territory, afterward took the field, with a force of 2,000 regulars and militia, and proceeded to lay waste the Indian villages on the Miami ; but the shameful conduct of the militia caused a second defeat, by an inferior number of the enemy. His loss was 38 officers and 600 privates. Towards the close of '93, Gen. Anthony Wayne re-occu- pied the ground on which St. Clair was defeated, and built Fort Recovery. He then returned to Fort Jefferson, where he wintered with the main body, of his army. July 4, 1794, he commenced his campaign against the Indians. He proceeded north, scouring the country on every side, and routing the enemy. He finally brought them to a de- cisive battle on the 20th of August. His force was about 3,000 men — three-fourths of whom were regulars, and the remainder, mounted militia from Kentucky, under com- mand of Gen. Scott. The Indians are differently estimated at 2,000 and 3,000, but only 900 of the American force were engaged. His victory over them was complete. Af- ter this triumphant defeat, he took possession of the coun- try, which he secured by erecting and garrisoning all of the most important points. The campaign lasted three months, and terminated in humbling the insidious schemes and machinations of the British, and in the future peace of the frontier. Jay's treaty soon after followed, which ad- justed alhdifficulties with Great Britain, and the treaty of Greenville amicably settled all diflJiculties with the Indians. In 1795, there was a scheme, set on foot by one Robert 90 GAZETTEER Randall, of Pennsylvania, and Charles Whiting, of Ver- mont, for obtaining of the United States, the pre-emption right of eighteen or twenty millions of acres, lying between Lakes Huron, Erie, and Michigan. They had, for this purpose, entered into an agreement with several fur traders, at Detroit, and had endeavored to enlist several members of Congress in their views. This tract of country was to be divided into forty-one shares, twenty-four of which were to be given to those members of Congress who should lend their aid in obtaining the requisite law. The sum pro- posed to be paid for this pre-emption right, was from half a million to a million dollars. The two persons mentioned were taken into custody of the House, for "an unwarrantable attempt to corrupt the integrity of its members." They were examined, and the latter was discharged ; but Ran- dall received a reprimand from the Speaker, besides being obliged to pay the fees that had accrued in the case. Thus terminated what would have been, if executed, of the most serious consequence to the prosperity of Michigan. In June, 1796, Capt. Porter entered and took possession of Detroit. Michigan, from this time, was included under the government of the North-Western Territory. Cincin- nati was the seat of government, though afterward, it was removed to Chiilicothe. Arthur St. Clair was its governor. The government under the dominion of the French was arbitrary ; being exercised by a " commandant" in whom was concentrated both the civil and military authority, within his precinct. Lands were held directly from the king. Tempora- ry or permanent undergrants were made by his governor-gen- eral, to which feodal rem was incident. The rules respect- ing devises, succession, and tlie marriage relation, and those regulating the rights of property, generally, were those of the French customary law, (coutume de Paris) as far as applicable to the circumstances of the country. In 1810, their recognition was abandoned throughout the ter- ritory. In coming into the possession of the United States, the ordinance of 1787 was extended over it. This ordinance has been much extolled for its wise provisions, and its au- thorship attributed to a distinguished jurist of a more il- lustrious State in the American confederacy.* This Hon. Nathan Dane, of Massachusetts. OP MICHIGAN. 191 Magna Charta was declared irrevocable without the con- sent of those whom it governed, and provided for the es- tablishment of the most salutary laws. The executive pow- er was vested in a governor, the judicial in the judges, and the legislative in both united; all of whom were appointed by the general government. The legislature was restricted from originating any laws, or of adopting any except from the codes of the several States. Slavery ivas prohibited. This is a short provision, but one in which the rights, the happiness," and the morals of the North- Western States were more deeply concerned than in any other, and one, which if it had extended to a more southern latitude, might have averted a multitude of evils to that section of the Union. This was the first grade of government. Whenever the Territory should contain 5,000 free white males, of full age, the people, at their pleasure, might choose a legisla- •tive body from among themselves, and the General Assem- bly were authorized to elect a delegate to Congress. But the people were liable to pay the expenses accruing from this new order of things. This was the second grade of government. Whenever the Territory should attain a population of 69,000, it was entitled to be admitted into the American Union. These, of many, are some of the leading features of the Ordinance of 1787. In 1798, theNorth-Western Territory assumed the second grade of government, and the county of Wayne, then co- extensive with the Peninsula^ sent one representative to the General Assembly, at Chillicothe. Bills of credit were now issued to defray the public expenses. Indiana was erected into a separate Territory in 1800, and in 1802, Ohio was aduiitted as a State into the confederacy, and the Peninsula was annexed to Indiana. In 1805, the Territory of Michigan was constituted, and the provisions of the Ordinance of 1787, became its funda- mental law. On the 11th of June, 1805, Detroit was en- entirely consumed by fire. On the 1st of July, the govern- ment of the Territory was organized at Detroit by Gen. William Hull, its first Governor, who proceeded immedi- ately to lay out Detroit according to its present plan. In 1804, a Land Ofiice was established at Detroit. In 1807, Gov. Hull held a treaty with the Pottowattomies, 192 GAZETTEER Ottawas, Wyandotts, and Chippewas, who ceded to the United States a tract of country, bounded south by the Maumee bay and river, west by the present principal me- ridian, and north-west by a line running south-west from White Rock, cutting the said meridian at a point where an east and west line, from the outlet of Lake Huron, in- tersects the same. On the 6th May, 1812, Congress passed a law for the survey and location in the Territory, two million acres of the public lands, intended for bounty lands, to the soldiers of the then impending war. But, in 1816, the law was repealed, and the lands were located in Illinois and Arkansas. If we consider how the progress of settleiTient and improvement has been retarded, in the former State, by this location in some of her best lands, Michigan can never have cause to regret, that the unfavor- able aspect of her soil, had averted a very great evil from her borders. June 18th, 1812, Congress declared war against Great Britain. The first shock fell upon Michigan. The igno- minious capitulation of Detroit by Gen. Hull, and the immense loss of property incident to the disasters of war, and the riotous pillage of ruthless savages and a wanton sol- diery, are facts, too fresh in the minds of the present gener- ation to require minute detail. A sketch, however, of the principal events of the war, as far as they directly affected this Territory, may not be uninteresting to the general reader. Previous to the close of 1811, there had been peace with the Indian tribes on the western borders. Hostilities now commenced, and indubitable evidence was then and afterward exhibited, to show that they had been instigated to them by the British. A " Shawnese prophet," the brother of the celebrated Tecumseh, was another principal instigator among the In- dian tribes. Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, with a small force, entered his territory, and, on the 6th November, 1811, an engagement took place at Tippecanoe, thh principal village, in which he entirely defeated him, and laid was government. As means of pacifying the precipitant hostili- j 17* 198 GAZETTEER HISTORY. tiesofthebellio-erents, Messrs. Richard Rush and Benja- min C. Howard had been appointed by the president media- tors between the parties, but with less beneficial results than was anticipated. To give a brief statement of the case touching this dis- puted territory, and likewise to give a connected view of the history of legislation upon the subject by congress, it becomes necessary in the following sketch to recapitulate some of the events previously recited in this article. The line claimed by Michigan as her rightful southern boundary, extends due east from the southern extreme of Lake Michigan to, and through Lake Erie, to the western line of Pennsylvania. That portion of country north of this line, within the present jurisdiction of Indiana, is ten miles in width, bounded west by Lake Michigan, east by the western boundary line of Ohio, north by an east and west line 105 miles long, and on the south by an east and west line about 130 miles long. The tract is estimated to contain about 1160 square miles, or upwards of thirty entire townships. That portion (the western tract) within the present jurisdiction of Ohio, north of the disputed line is bounded east by Lake Erie, west by the eastern boundary of Indiana, north by that part of a line (known as Harris line) about seventy-two miles in length, running froni the southern extreme of Lake Michigan to the northern Cape of the Maumee Bay, and which is east of Indiana; and on the south by the line (known as Fulton's line) about nmety miles long, being the east and west line clayned by Michi- gan The greatest width of this tract on the east is nearly seven miles, and on the west about five miles, containing about 468 square miles, or thirteen townships. * The eastern tract claimed by Michigan as falling w-ithin her original boundary, as defined by the ordinance of 87, but within the present jurisdiction of Ohio, lies in the north eastern part of the State of Ohio, bounded east by the wes- tern boundary line of Pennsylvania, north by Lake Erie, and south by the aforesaid line running due east from the southern extreme of Lake Michigan. It includes the greater portion of Ashtabula county, the northern part of Geauga, and a small portion of Cuyahoga county, supposed to cover an extent often or eleven hundred square miles, or perhaps the amount of thirty townships^* ^ ♦ This estimate upon the extent of the eastern tract is to be regai-ded or MICHIGAN. 199 The eastern tract has always been under the jurisdiction of Ohio ; the western tract has ever been under the jurisdic- tion of Michigan until wrested from her by Ohio, sanctioned by the odious and illegal act of Congress of June 15th, 1836. >^ The tract lying within the present jurisdiction of Indiana, was under the jurisdiction of Michigan from 1805 to 1816, when by another illegal act of Congress it was assigned to Indiana. The excellence of the western tract, together with the importance of being in possession of the valuable harbors of the bay, and the outlet of the most important river of the lake, had a tendency to increase the warmth of conten- tion between Ohio and Michigan, to a degree, greater per- A^ haps, than might have been expected under other circum- stances. The origin of this dispute was not dissimilar to the caus- es which produced the several State and colonial conten- tions for boundary among the original States of the con- federacy, all of which arose either from ignorance of local geography, the unappreciated importance of the incipient colony, or an unpardonable disregard to the sacredness of vested rights. The crown did not seem to consider that a right once granted was so far aliened as to divest itself of all power over its future resumption and disposition, al- though consonant with natural law and with the common law of England. At least, such is the natural inference from a simple view of the acts of the crown in disposing of the possessions held in America. In consequence of these loose notions or inadvertence to rights once given, grants and chartered rights were conferred upon one company, and at a succeeding day, the same territory was included in the charter of another. Hence ensued contentions and con- flicting jurisdictions. The condition and territorial relation of Michigan much ' resembled that of the ancient colonies. The thirteen origi- nal States having succeeded to the possessions of the crown only as approximate, being nriade from a map exhibiting merely thetown- sliips — a sectioiial map not being at liand. If the line known as Harris' line, running from the southern extreme of Lake Michigan to the nortli- ern Cape of the Mau nee Bay were continued eastward in the same direction, it is supposed that it wculd cut off from the north-east corner of Ohio about 334 square miles, or the amount of nine townships. 200 GAZETTEER in America, proceeded to make disposition of the same in the creation of similar establishments for their government ; but with the light of all former painful experience, it is not a little surprising that with respect to Michigan, the same . error should be committed by Congress, in assigning terri- torial limits, especially as a territory is destined eventually to hold rank with the States of the confederacy. It would seem that some of the laws touching this territory were passed under the erroneous apprehension that Michigan was not a regularly organized territory ; that she was not a person artificial in law, but a wild, vacant possession, with- out any rights, and subject to any disposition Congress might deem fit to make of it. As before stated, Michigan claims for her southern boun- dary, a line running east across the Peninsula from the southern point of Lake Michigan, extending through Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line ; a claim founded in a right nested— a right (inalienable except by common consent) accruing to her by compact ; which compact is the Ordi- nance of '87 — the parties to which were the thirteen origi- nal States, and the territory north-west of the Ohio ; and, by the succession of parties under statutory amendments to the Ordinance and laws of Congress— the United States on the one part, and each territory north-west of the Ohio, (as far as effected by their provisions) on the other. Michigan claims under the prior grant or assignation of boundary. Indiana and Ohio claim upon subsequent acts of Congress admitting them into the Union, and removing their north- ern boundaries to the confines of their present jurisdiction. How far the claims of the parties are tenable, may be seen by the following recited acts. The celebrated Ordinance of 1787, " for the government of the Territory of the United States north-west of the river Ohio," declares the acts therein contained *' articles of compact between the original States and the people and States in the said territory, and forever to remain unaltera- ble, unless by common consent." This Ordinance defines the territory to include all that region lying north and north- west of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi rivers. In the fifth article it is provided that there shall be formed not less than three, nor more than five States, within its confines. The boundaries of the three States are defined so as to in- J OF MICHIGAN. 201 elude the whole territory, conditioned however, that if it should be found expedient by Congress to form the one or two more States mentioned, Congress is authorized to alter the boundaries of the three States ** so far as to form one or two States in that part of the said territory which lies north of an cast and ivest line draion through the southerly hend or extreme of Lake Michigan.'' The first act touching this point, is an act of Congress approved April 30th, 1802, which was to enable the people of Ohio to form a constitution, and to admit her into the Union, &c. The boundary of that State is declared to be *' on the north by an east and west line drawn through the southerly extreme of Lake Michigan, running east, after intersecting the due north line aforesaid, from the mouth of the great Miami, until it shall intersect Lake Erie, or the territorial line, and thence, with the same, through Lake Erie to the Pennsylvania line." The constitution of Ohio adopted the same line, with this condition : " Provi- ded, always, and it is hereby fully understood and declared^ by this convention, that if the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan should extend so far south, that aline dravvn due east from it should not intersect Lake Erie, or if it should intersect Lake Erie east of the mouth of the Miami river, then in that case, with the assent of the Congress of the United States, the northern boundary of this State shall be established by and extend to a direct line, running from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan to the most north- erly cape of the Miami Bay, after intersecting the due north line from the mouth of the Great Miami as aforesaid, thence north-east to the territorial line, and by said territorial line to the Pennsylvania line." At the succeeding session of Congress, the constitution of Ohio was submitted to Congress, and referred to a com- mittee of the House of Representatives, which, through its chairman, Mr. Randolph, reported that with regard to this part of the boundary, " as the suggested alteration was not submitted in the shape of a distinct proposition, by any competent authority, for approval or disapproval, it was not necessary or expedient for Congress to act on it at all." And it was not acted upon, until another disposition was made of it, as we shall see, in 1805. The proposition was considered by all parties concerned, to be of a distinct char- 202 GAZETTEER acter, requiring special consent of Congress to make it a valid part of the constitution of Ohio, and, that it has ever been so regarded by Ohio, her continued application to Congress for the right of extending her boundary to the proposed line, sufficiently proves. The 3d section of the act of 1802, above mentioned, provides that all that part of the territory lying north of this east and west line, from the southern extreme of Lake Michigan, shall be " attached to, and made a part of, the Indiana territory," " subject to be hereafter disposed of by Congress, according to the right reserved in the fifth arti- cle of the Ordinance aforesaid ; and the inhabitants therein shall be entitled to the same privileges and immunities, and subject to the same rules and regulations, in all respects whatever, with all other citizens residing within the Indiana territory." The next act in order is that approved January 11th, 1805, entitled " an act to divide the Indiana territory into sepa- rate governments." By this act, the territory of Michigan is established, its boundaries defined, a similar government to that provided by the Ordinance of '87, and the provis- ions of an act for the government of the North-Western Territory, conferred upon it; all the rights, privileges, and advantages of the Ordinance aforesaid conferred upon its inhabitants, and its southern boundary defined to be '' a line drawn ca^t from the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan, until it intersects Lake Erie.'' It does seem that the question of boundary between Michigan and Indiana, and between Michigan and Ohio, with regard to the western tract, in a legal point of view, was irretrieva- bly settled by this act, so far as Congress had to do with it. Even if the Ordinance had had no binding effect, this must be conclusive. " The consent of Congress" had not been given to the line conditionally proposed in the constitution of Ohio, but, on the contrary, the dissent of Congress is ex- pressly given by this act itself, while the proposition of Ohio is pending, and the line is established agreeably to one of the lines defined in the constitution of Ohio previously pro- posed and accepted by Congress, and agreeably to the fifth ar- ticle of the Ordinance of '87, at least, so far as regards the boundary line west of Lake Erie. By this act. Congress gave to Michigan what was solicited by Ohio, divested it- OF MICHIGAN. 203 self of all future right of its disposition, by vesting that right in an artificial person of its own creation — the territory of Michigan. To any change restricting the boundary of Michigan after this act, her forraal and unequivocal assent became neces- sary, — an assent which she has never given, although the controversy for the present is suspended. All acts of Con- gress after this of 1805, restricting her boundary, must be considered nugatory, and, as Congress had discharged its final constitutional duty, all controversies of boundary be- tween Michigan and another territory or State, properly became questions of judicial cognizance, subject to the de- cision of that tribunal only whose jurisdiction extends "to controversies between two or more States," and " to all cases in law and equity arising under the constitution and laws of the United States." At some periods of the controversy the claim of Ohio seems to have rested upon the omission of Congress to act upon the question at the time of accepting her constitution, by which a feigned admission of her right to the claimed boundary was inferred : and yet, at other periods, she ap- peared to deem the question unsettled by insisting upon the action of Congress in its disposition. Accordingly we find by act of Congress approved the 20th May, 1812, the Sur- veyor General authorized, under direction of the president, to cause a survey to be made of the boundary between Ohio and Michigan as established agreeably to the act entitled " an act to enable the people of the eastern division of the territory north-west of the river Ohio (now State of Ohio) to form a constitution and State government, and for the admission of such State into the Union," &c. — " to cause to be made a plat or plan of so much of the boundary line as runs from the southerly extreme of Lake Michigan to Lake Erie," &lc. For some cause tlie line was not immediately sur- veyed. In 1816 an appropriation was made for the purpose, and in 1818 the line was run. In consequence of a resolution introduced in the house of representatives April 24th, 1820, the claim underwent a rigid examination before the com- mittee on public lands, of which Mr. Anderson, of Ken- tucky, was chairman. The claim of Oliio was strenuously urged by her delegation, and as ably opposed by Mr. Wood- bridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The final result 204 GAZETTEER HISTORY. was .the unanimous report of the committee in favor of the due east and west line claimed by Michigan, though little to the satisfaction of the unceasing importunity of Ohio ; and nothing but the pressure and hurry of business pre- vented the passage, by both houses, of a resolution recog- nizing that to be the true boundary line between Ohio and Michigan. The extension of the jurisdiction of Indiana upon th© soil of Michigan was marked with less acerbity of feeling, thouo-h against the assent of Michigan. The south-western border of the Territory then contained but few, if any set- tlements, and but comparatively little was known respect- ina its value. The act was passed likewise upon an exparte representation of the case, consequently with less regard to the interests of Michigan. This act, approved April 19, 1816, entitled '' an act to enable the people of the Indiana Territory to form a constitution and State government, and for the admission of such State into the Union, on an equal footincr with the original States," defines the northern boundary of'that State to be " an east and west line, drawn throucrh a point ten miles north of the southern extreme ot Lake'^Michigan." Thus Michigan was deprived of a valu- able tract of territory on her southern frontier by an act of assumption of power by Congress, as untenable in law as repugnant to the act of 1805, and the sacred rights of Michigan, In the early part of September, 1835, Charles Shaler, of Pennsylvania, received the appointment of Secretary, in place of Mr. Mason, but the office not being accepted, John S Horner, of Virginia, was appointed in his place. He arrived in Detroit and commenced the duties of his office on the 21st of the month. At the first election on the first Monday in October, the Constitution was submitted to, and ratified by the people. Stevens T. Mason was elected Governor, Edward Mundy, Lieut. Governor, and Isaac E. Crary representative in Congress. The first session of the legislature under the Constitution was commenced at the capitol in the city of Detroit, on the first Monday of No- vember, at which John Norvell and Lucius Lyon were elected Senators to Congress. A regular election for delegate to Congress was held as OP MICHIGAN. 205 usual under the territorial laws, and George W. Jones, of Wisconsin, received the necessary certificate and obtained his seat in Congress, although by the official returns the Hon. William Woodbridge was entitled to it, having the greatest number of votes. A highly important act was passed March 8th, 1S3G, appointing the Hon. William A. Fletcher to prepare a code of laws for the government of the State. This code was accordingly prepared. At an extra session held specially for the purpose, and the regular session following, it was submitted, revised, and passed into a law, to take effect in September, 1838. In May, lS3o, the western part of Michigan having been erected into a distinct Territory by the name of Wisconsin, the acting Governor for Michigan Territory was appointed its Secretary. By act of Congress passed June 15th, 1836, the Constitution and State government of Michigan was accepted; and, ^^ upon condition,^' of accepting the pre- scribed boundary limits, admitted into the Union.* This act could be viewed by the people of Michigan in no other than an odious light — as an act of injustice. The conditions of the compact, contained in the Ordinance of '87, had long since been complied with, by possessing the requisite number of inhabitants, and by forming a constitu- tion for State government, which was essentially republican, and was as such accepted by Congress. By the Ordinance, Michigan had a right to the east and west line draun through the southern extreme of Lake Michigan to the Pennsylvania line, for her southern boundary; and by the act of 18. 5, she had a right to a line drawn through the southern extreme of Lake Michigan, through the middle of the lake to the northern extremity, and then a line due north to the northern boundary of the United States, for her western boundary. Afier Congress had given the eastern tract, of more than a thousand square miles, to Ohio, by the act of 1802, — beside, between eleven and twelve hundred square miles to Indiana, by the act of 1810, it would seem, that the work of excision, on the part of Congress, ought to have ceased. But another operation was yet left in reserve. Notv^'ithstanding the boundary had been fixed by the Ordinance of '87, and again confirmed by the act of ♦ For this boundary sec page 14. IS 206 GAZETTEER 1805, still, in the face of these acts, Congress presumed to require as a condition, that Michigan should purchase her admission into the Union, in accepting for her southern boundary the line claimed by Ohio, and thus giving to Ohio an invaluable tract of about 470 square miles, apparently, as a supposed equivalent, in exchange for a wild and com- paratively Scandinavian waste on the shores of Lake Superior. The sequel is well known, and might be here omitted, were it not that it may be immediately connected with the future adjudication of the question. In the history of nations and States, it is not unfrequent to find, that, in cases of great public emergency, requiring the greatest unanimity of public sentiment, party divisions and discord intervene, to retard, if not prevent, their successful termina- tion. This was unhappily the case with Michigan. A1-. though a decided unanimity prevailed with regard to the justness of her claim to the tract in dispute, yet, under the circumstances, the expediency of retaining or relinquishing her right, had become a subject of contention between two formidable parties. A year had already elapsed since the formation of the State Constitution, and half that period spent by her delegation to Congress in fruitless solicitation for admission. Some began to despond. One party seemed to consider the participation in the benefits of the Union paramount to all other considerations. The force of this had a greater weight at that time, from the fact that a large amount of surplus revenue was about to be distributed among the several States; and which, it. was supposed, might°be lost to the State, by an unseasonable admission ; therefore, by farther delay, there was much to lose and noth- ing to gain. By the other party these reasons had no weight. Rather than to submit to so gross an act of injus- tice, they were inclined to forego the inconveniences which might result from delay, till a more favorable action of Congress. Full reliance was placed in Congress ultimately to do her justice by unconditionally admitting the State into the confederacy ; that the State, having a present right to admission, would consequently have an equitable right to her proportionate share of the surplus revenue, which Con- gress could not refuse to grant, whenever she was admitted. Thus stood the parties when a special session of the legis- OF MICHIGAN. 207 lature convened at Detroit, on the 11th July, 1836. On the 20th, an act was approved, providing for the election of delegates to a convention, to accept or reject the proposi- tion of Congress. It provided that fifty delegates should be elected, and that the convention should be held at Ann Arbour, on the 26th of September. This convention was composed of a full representation of both parties. On the 30th, it adjourned, dissenting to the proposed boundary by ^ a vote of 28 to 21, and three delegates were appointed to repair to Washington, at the next session of Congress, to co- operate with our representatives on the general interests of the State. This dissent was unsatisfactory to a considerable portion of the people, and, without waiting the regular call of a convention by the legislature, means were resorted to, by which to reverse it. During the autumn, two respectable primary assemblies of that portion of the people assenting to the conditions, were held, one in the county of Wayne, and the other in the county of Washtenaw, two of the most populous counties in the State. A second convention of the people was proposed to be held, for another trial of the question ; and the Governor was requested to call the same by proclamation. Although the proposed convention was approved of, yet the issue of a proclamation, unauthor- ised by law, was, for its alleged want of validity, very pro- perly declined by the executive. However, a convention had been decided upon, and, on the 14th of November, a circular from the proper officers of the assenting party, was issued, which recommended the qualified voters in the several counties to meet on the 5th and 6th of December, and elect delegates to attend a convention ; that the num- ber of delegates be twice the number elected to the popular branch of the legislature, and that the election be conducted at the proper places, by the same officers, and agreeably to the legal formalities governing other elections. The elec- tion was accordingly held, though unattended by those who dissented to the proposition of boundary, or who consid- ered the convention as void from its illegality. The dele- gates elected to this convention, met at Ann Arbour on the 14th December, and on the 15th, unanimously resolved to accept the condition imposed in the proposition of Con- gress; but at the same time, protesting against the constitu- 208 GAZETTEER tional right of Congress to require this preliminary assent as a condition of admission into the Union. The proceedings of this convention were immediately submitted to Congress. As might have been expected, in the debate on the subject, the validity of the last conven- tion was called in question. By some, it was urged that this conventioii was entirely ex parte ; that, having been volunta- rily originated from a portion only of the people, being unau- thorized by any legal provision, it could not, by its acts, bind the remaining portion of the community, nor even itself, or those whom it represented, any more than the vol- untary expression of any other public assemblage of the people; that questions of this magnitude, affecting the sovereignty of a State, could only be determined by the people, according to such form, as the supreme power of the State might prescribe. By others, it was urged, that while the assent of a majority of the people was necessary, it was immaterial how that assent was given, whether according to a prescribed law of the State, or not — it was sufficient if the will of a majority of the people was ascertained; and moreover, that no act of Congress had prescribed any mode by which the people should give their assent ; and, that the recent convention /fac? expressed the will of a majority of the people of the State, evidence of a change in public opinion since the first convention, was adduced to prove. By others, again, it was maintained, that the expression of the first convention, authorized by the legislature at the extra ses- sion, was the only legal expression of the will of the people of Michigan on the question ; that the proposition of Con- gress, requiring the State to relinquish part of her territory, to obtain admission, was wholly gratuitous — was unjust and wrong ab initio ; that any determination Congress might make upon the validity of the latter convention, would be equally gratuitous, and could neither alter the facts in the case, whatever they might be, nor the rights of the State ; that former proceedings ought to be disregarded, and that Michigan ought to be unconditionally admitted into the Union, on an equal footing with the other States of the confederacy ; that thereby Congress would have discharged a duty incumbent on it, and the contending parties might be at liberty to settle the controversy, before the proper judicial tribunal of the country. OF MICHIGAN. 209 These were some of the opinions and arguments elicited by the parties in debate on the subject. However conflict- ing these opinions might be, there seemed, withal, to be a disposition in all parties, to admit the State, although the dissatisfaction of some, at the irregularity of the proceed- ings in accomplishing the object, and the obnoxious pream- ble coupled with the act of admission, prevented their votes being given in the affirmative. The final decision was made by an act approved the 26th of January, 1837, which, ^<^ after asserting, by preamble, that the people of the State * had given their consent to the proposed boundaries, in the convention of the 15th December, declared Michigan "to be one of the United States, and admitted into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects whatever." 18* GAZETTEER OF MICHIGAN PART SECOND. GENERAL VIEW OF EACH COUNTY. Containing the boundaries, area, seat of justice ; the names of the principal lakes, water courses, villages, and organized townships ; a description of the surface, soil, and natiiral resources ; the land and senatorial districts ; the number of senators and representatives to be returned to the legislature ; and the population of each county, respectively : ARRANGED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. ALLEGAN COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Ottawa and Kent, east by Barry, south by Kalamazoo and Van Buren, and west by Lake Michigan. It was organized in 1835, and has an area of 840 square miles. Seat of justice, Allegan. Watcf^ courses. — The principal rivers are the Kalama- zoo, the Black, and Rabbit, besides numerous small creeks. Organized Totonskijjs. — Allegan, Manlius, Newark, Ot- sego, Plainfield. Villages. — Allegan, Newark, Otsego. Allegan county has generally an undulating surface, and, in some parts, it may be said to be hilly. It possesses al- most every variety of soil found in the State ; and on the Kalamazoo and other streams, it is a deep black alluvion. 212 GAZETTEER ALLEGAN. ARENAC. BARRY. In some portions of the county, especially the coast border- ing the lake, and even in some parts bordering the river banks, it is sandy — in other sections, clay predominates, or a mixture of clay and sand. Its productions are simi- lar to those of the adjoining counties, as far as cultivation has extended. The manufacturing of lumber is carried on to a great extent. In the south-western part of the coun- ty is a limestone quarry, which may become valuable. The public lands were brought into market in 1832, but from its distant local position, and the quantity of unsold lands east of it, together with other causes, very few settlements were made until '35, since which it has settled rapidly, and its population still continues to increase. The greater portion of the public lands is taken. The northern tier of townships belongs to the Grand River, and the balance of the county, to the Kalamazoo Land District. Allegan, in conjunction with Barry and Eaton, elects one representative, and belongs to the sixth senatorial dis- trict, which returns two senators to the legislature. Popu- lation, 1,469. ARENAC COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Mackinac, east by Saginaw, east by Saginaw Bay, south by Saginaw Bay and Midland, and west by Gladwin. It is unorganized, and attached for judicial purposes to Saginaw, and contains an area of 544 square miles. Sandy river is the principal stream. The county is unsurveyed, and there are but few, if any, settlements of a white population. It is embraced in the Saffinaw Land District. BARRY COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Kent and Ionia, east by Ea- ton, south by Calhoun and Kalamazoo, and west by Alle- gan. It is unorganized, and contains 576 square miles. Water courses. — The principal stream is the Thorn Ap- OF MICHIGAN. 213 pie. The smaller streams are, Little Fork, Muddy creek, Fall creek. Lakes. — The principal are, Thorn Apple, Clear, Fine, Pine, Gun, Crooked. Organized Townships. — Barry, Hastings, Johnstown, Thorn Apple. The south-western part of this county is interspersed with numerous small lakes. The face of the country has a diversified appearance, from a gently undulating and roll- ing, to sometimes a broken surface. Its soil will compare with the adjacent counties. In the eastern and northern portions are found belts of heavily timbered land, consist- ing of beech, sugar maple, whitewood, ash-, and the other usual forest trees of the Peninsula. The county is new, and not yet extensively settled, though it is said to be rap- idly increasing in population. The principal settlements are. Middle Village, Bull's Prairie, and Hastings, upon the Thorn Apple, and Yankee Springs, upon the road leading from Grand Rapids in Kent, to Gull Prairie in Kalamazoo. It is well watered by the Thorn Apple and its branches, in the northern part, and in the south, by several inconsidera- ble tributaries of the Kalamazoo. There are some fine lands in this county, not yet taken. The four northern townships are included in the Grand River Land District, and the remainder in the Kalamazoo L^nd District. Barry, in conjunction with Allegan and Eaton, sends one representative, and belongs to the sixth senatorial dis- trict^ which sends two senators to the legislature. Popula- tion, 512. BERRIEN COUNTY Is bounded north by Van Buren and Lake Michigan, east by Van Buren and Cass, south by the State of Indiana, and west by Lake Michigan. Seat of justice, St. Joseph. Water courses. — The St. Joseph, Pawpaw, Galain, Dow- agiake rivers ; Pine and Pipestone creeks. Organized Townships. — Bainbridge, Berrien, Bertrand, Buchanan, New Buffalo, Niles, Oronoko, Royalton, St. Jo- seph, Weesaw. 214 GAZETTEER Villages. — St. Joseph, Niles, New Buffalo, Bertrand, Berrien, Royalton. The surface of the county is somewhat rolling, but not hilly. The soil, upon the St. Joseph, is mostly a deep, black, sandy loam, producing the most exuberant crops. In other parts of the county it is various. The timber, in the valleys of the St. Joseph and Pawpaw rivers, is remark- ably heavy, and consists of oak, whitewood, linden, beech, elm, hickory, sugar tree, &c. In some parts of the county, there is a suthciency of pine, suitable for manufacturing into lumber. The rivers and creeks furnish excellent mill- sites, many of which are improved, or in progress of im- provement. There are several stone quarries, in different parts of the county — one of free stone, on the St. Joseph, 16 miles from its mouth ; and one on Blue creek, in the vi- cinity of Newburgh, both of which are valuable. This county belongs to the Kalamazoo Land District. Berrien elects one representative, and is included in the seventh senatorial district, which returns two senators to the legislature. Population, 4,863. BRANCH COUNTY Is bounded on the north by the county of Calhoun, east by Hillsdale, south by the State of Indiana, and west by St. Joseph. It was organized in 1833, and contains an area of 528 square miles. Seat of justice, Branch. Water courses. — The St. Joseph river, Hog river, Prairie river, Swan creek, Cold Water river. Organizecl Townships. — Algansee, Batavia, Bronson, Butler, Coldwater, Elizabeth, Gerard, Gilead, Mattison, Ovid, Quincy, Sherwood, Union. Villages. — Coldwater, Branch, Union City, Mason. The surface of this county is generally rolling. The soil is of a dark, rich, sandy loam, free from stone, except in a few places. Two-thirds of the county are oak openings, and the remainder is heavily timbered land. The timber- ed land affords excellent grazing ; the remainder is better fitted for grain. Iron ore has been discovered in the south- ern part of the county. The settling of this county com- menced in 1831. It is included in the Kalamazoo Land OP MICHIGAN. 215 District. There are some valuable Public Lands in this county, remaining unsold. Branch elects one member to the house of representatives, and belongs to the seventh senatorial district, which elects two senators to the State legislature. Population, 4,016. CASS COUNTY Is bounded on the north by the county of Van Buren east by St. Joseph, south by the State of Indiana, and west by Berrien county. It was organized in 1829, and contains an area of 528 square miles. Seat of justice, Cassopolis. Water courses. — The St. Joseph is the principal stream. Christiana river, Corbett's river, Dowagiake river, Putnam's creek. Lakes. — Pleasant lake, Stone lake, Deadwood lake. Organized Townships. — Calvin, Howard, Jefferson, La- grange, Mason, Milton, Newburg, Ontwa, Penn, Pokagon, Porter, Silver Creek, Volinia, Wayne. Villages. — Edwardsburg, Cassopolis, Whitmonville, Ad- amsvillc. The surface is generally level ; the eastern part is rath- er broken. The soil is as fertile as any in the State. It may be divided into two kinds; first, that of the dry prai- ries, which includes Beardsiey's, Young's, Lagrange, Poka- gon, Little Prairie Round, McKinney's and Baldwin's Prai- rie, which consist of a dry, black, rich loam. They are all exceedingly fertile, and owned by actual settlers, who have rendered them in a good state of cultivation. The sec- ond description of soil is the white and yellow oak openino-s. This soil is a yellow sand loam, and has the appearance of perfect sterility, but when cultivated, it is exceedingly fer- tile, and produces excellent crops of wheat and oats. The bur oak openings have a soil similar to the dry prairies. The productions of this county are the same as those ad- joining, and on the west of the meridian. It is not as good for grazing or corn, as some others, but it is common to raise crops of wheat yielding from 20 to i]5 bushels to the acre — averaging perhaps, 30 bushels : and oats sometimes yield 80 bushels. All vines and vegetables grow here with the greatest luxuriance. Two-thirds of the county are said to be oak open- 216 GAZETTEEU ings and prairie ; the remainder, limbered land. Cultiva- ted lands sell from five to fifty dollars per acre. Iron ore, bog iron, and lime stone, all of a good quality, are found in the southern part of the county. There is a plentiful supply of water power. It has been settled principally within the four past years. It is embraced in the Kalamazoo Land District. Cass and Van Buren together, elect two representatives, and belong to the seventh senatorial district, which returns two senators to the legislature. Population, 5,296. CALHOUN COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Barry and Eaton, east by Jackson, south by Hillsdale and Branch, and west by Kala- mazoo. It was organized in 1833, and contains 720 square miles. Seat of justice, Marshall. Water courses. — The Kalamazoo, the St. Joseph, Battle creek, Seven Mile creek, Ten Mile creek. Rice creek, Pine creek, Nottawasepee, Bear creek, Beaver creek, and Kalamazoo south branch. Organized Toionships. — Albion, Athens, Burlington, Cady, Convis, Clarendon, Eckford, Fredonia, Homer, Le- roy, Marengo, Marshall, Milton, Newton, Pennfield, Sheri- dan, Tekonsha. Villages. — Marshall, Battle Creek, Homer, Waterloo, Albion, Tekonsha, Verona, Waterburg. The surface of the county is generally undulating, though some portions may be said to be rolling. The soil, a rich, sandy loam. In the western part there are several beautiful and valuable prairies, but most of the county is bur and white oak plains, which for farming are held in high estimation. The grains and grasses that flourish in the adjacent counties, flourish here in the richest luxuri- ance. The advantages for manufacturing a*-e numerous, being crossed by the Kalamazoo and the St. Joseph rivers, two among the most important streams in the Peninsula, together with the various branches of the former, which ir- rigate the county in a beautiful manner. The attention of many is being turned to the manufacture of sugar from the beet, which grows here most luxuriantly. There are some OP MICHIGAN. 217 valuable quarries of sand stone on the Kalamazoo river, and in other parts of the county, some of which are successfully wrought for building material. The first settlements were made in 1831. It is embraced in the Kalamazoo Land District. The larger portion of the public lands is sold. Calhoun elects two representatives, and belongs to the sixth senatorial district, which sends two senators to the legislature. Population, 7,960. CHIPPEWA COUNTY Consists of all that tract of country in which the Indian title is extinguished, included in the following boundaries: "Beginning on the north side of Lake Huron, at the isle of St. Vital, running thence due north lintil it strikes a river (Carp river,) which falls into the north-west part of Muddy Lake of the Strait of St. Mary; thence up said river, to its source ; thence west to the Monestee river of Lake Michi- gan ; thence up said river to the parallel of 46° 3r ; thence due west to the Montreal river," (the extreme western boundary of the State,) thence, following said boundary line down the said river to its mouth ; thence, following said western boundary of the State, in a straight line across Lake Superior to the mouth of Pigeon river ; thence with the northern boundary line of the United States, returning through Lake Superior and St. Mary's Strait, back to the mouth of said river ; thence south-west to the place of be- ginning. The land surface covers the whole southern shore of Lake Superior, which lies within the State, for its north- ern boundary, having the county of Mackinac on its south- ern boundary, St. Mary's river on the east, separating it from Upper Canada, the Montreal river on the west, sepa- rating it from Wisconsin Territory. It was organized in 1826, and contains an area, excluding lake surface, of 7,200 square miles. Seat of justice, SauJt de Ste. Marie, or St. Mary's village. St. Mary is the only organized township. ' Chippewa elects one representative, and belongs to the fourth senatorial district, which sends two senators to the legislature. Population, as per census, 336. (See farther, " Upper Peninsula.") 19 218 GAZETTEER CLINTON. EATON. CLINTON COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Gratiot, east by Shiawassee, south by Ingham and Eaton, and west by Ionia. It is as yet unorganized, and contains 576 square miles. Water courses. — Grand, Looking Glass, and Maple riv- ers ; Stony, Prairie, and Loss creeks. Lakes. — Some of the principal are Bryan, Parke, Round, and Muskrat. Organized Townships. — DeWitt, Wandaugon, Water- town. Clinton is generally level. It has a good soil, which is heavily timbered. In the south-eastern part it is swampy. In many respects it resembles Shiawassee county. The valleys of the Looking Glass, Grand, and Maple rivers, furnish some timbered and rich arable land, rarely equal- ed. There is excellent hydraulic power on the rivers, but it has not been much improved. There are some line lands not yet taken up by emigrants. It is generally less settled than many other counties where the same quantity of the public lands is sold. It is embraced in the Grand River Land District. Clinton, in conjunction with Shiawassee and Genesee, elects to the legislature one representative, and belongs to the third senatorial district, which elects three senators. Population, 529. EATON COUNTY Is bounded north by Ionia and Clinton, east by Ingham, south by Jackson and Calhoun, and west by Barry. It was organized in 1837, and contains 576 square miles. Seat of justice, Bellevue. Water courses. — The Grand river, Big Fork of Thorn Apple, Grind Stone creek, Sebewa creek. Battle creek. Organized Townships. — Bellevue, Eaton, Kalanio, Onei- da, Vermontville. Villages. — Bellevue, Vermontville, Charlotte. The surface of this county is gently undulating, and the soil mostly a deep calcarious and sandy loam, with a thick OF MICHIGAN. 219 covering of vegetable mould. The county is generally heavily timbered ; in the northern part, south of Battle creek it is openings and plains. In its productions, it will com- pare with Calhoun county. On the Grand river, in the north-eastern part, is a valuable quarry of sand stone, and on Battle creek, in the south-west corner a quarry of lime stone, which is wrought to a considerable extent, and which supplies the surrounding country with lime. The first settlements commenced in 1833, and the county is now rapidly increasing in population. It belongs to the Grand river Land District. Eaton, in conjunction with Allegan and Barry, elects one representative, and is included in the sixth senatorial dis- trict, which returns two senators to the State legislature. Population, 913. GENESEE COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Saginaw and Lapeer, east by Lapeer and Oakland, south by Oakland and Livingston, and west by Shiawassee and Saginaw. It was organized ir 1836, with an area of 504 square miles. Seat of justice Flint. JVater roiwses. — Flint river is the principal ; Pine, Con, Swartz, Kearsley creeks; Thread river, and Shiawassee east branch. Lakes. — The principal are Long and Grand Blanc. Organized Tozvnshijjs. — Argentine, Flint, Flushing, ^'en- ton, Genesee, Griind Blanc, Mundy, Vienna. Villages^ — Flint, Leroy, Grand Blanc, Fentonville.i The face of this county may be said to be rolling. / The soil is mostly a dry, sandy loam, and generally free/ fvOiU stone, but there is a sufficient supply, however, for farming purposes. In the southern part are found oak oj)cnmgs — the remainder is timbered land, and what is there tbrmed ** hazle brush.'' On the Flint river are found tracts of excellent pine timber, which are very valuable. Th« coun- ty is said to be good for grazing, and generally brings good crops of wheat, rye, oats, corn, potatoes, &.c. Tlxe Flint river and its branches furnish plenty of mill sites, i This county has been settled principally within thi|iee years 220 GAZETTEER GLADWIN. GRATIOT. HILLSDALE. past, and emigration to it is increasing. Except the two southern townships, which belong to the Detroit Land dis- trict, it is embraced in the Saginaw Land district. Genesee, together with Shiawassee and Clinton, elects one representative, and belongs to the third Senatorial district, which sends three Senators to the legislature. Population, 2,754. GLADWIN COUNTY Is bounded north and west by Mackinac, east by Arenac, and south by Midland. It has an area of about 576 square miles, and, being un- organized, is attached to Saginaw county, for judicial pur- poses. It is in possession of the Indians, and no settle- ments have yet been made by a white population. It is unsurveyed, and little known respecting it. It is embraced in the Saainaw Land district. GRATIOT COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Isabella and Midland, east by ^ginaw, south by Clinton, and west by Montcalm, t remains unorganized, and is attached to Saginaw for judicial purposes. It contains a surface of 576 square miles. She streams are the Maple and Pine rivers, besides several smaller ones. Giatiot has an undulating surface, well timbered, and is natuially a good farming county. The northern part is pine tiAiilier. The four north-eastern corner townships are em- braced in the Saginaw Land district, the remainder within the Grand river Land district. I HILLSDALE COUNTY Is bounded on the north by the counties of Calhoun and Jackson, east by Lenawee, south by the State of Ohio, and west by the State of Indiana and the county of Branch, It OP MICHIGAN. 221 HILLSDALE. IONIA. was organized in 1835, and contains a surface of 576 square miles. Seat of justice, Jonesville. Water courses. — The St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, the St. Joseph of the Maumee, and the little St. Joseph ; Goose creek, Tiffin's or Bean creek, Hog river, Sandy river, Kala- mazoo south branch. Organized Townships. — Adams, Allen, Canaan, Fayette, Florida, Litchfield, Moscow, Pittsford, Reading, Scipio, Somerset, Wheatland. The yV/ceof this county is generally undulating and roll- ing, and interspersed occasionally with marshes. It is em- phatically a country of kills and clales^ and contains some of the most elevated land in the Peninsula. The soil is a dry, black, rich, sandy loam, which produces large crops of wheat, rye, corn, oats, &/C. About one half of the county — the northern part — is ''oak openings," the remainder is heavily timbered land. This is an admirable section of country for oats, which grow in the greatest possible luxu- riance. The timber is mostly oak, whitevvood, black wal- nut, sugar maple, and hickory. This is anew county, and, as yet, but few improvements have been made. Various mills and manufactories are going up, and from the abundance of mill sites on the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo rivers, it may in time become a manufacturing region of some note. In some instances great crops of grass are raised, but in gen- eral it is not as good a county for grazing as some others. Here are frequently found quarries of fine sand stone, excel- lent, both for building and grind-stones. These are found plentifully in the northern part of the county. Iron ore has been found in some places, and it is thought it may be man- ufactured to advantage. Considerable quantities of bog lime have also been discovered. It belongs to the Monroe Land district. It sends one representative, and belongs to the second senatorial district, which sends three Senators ta the legislature. Population, 4,729. IONIA COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Montcalm, east by Clinton, south by Eaton and Barry, and west by Kent. It was or- 19* 222 GAZETTEER ganized in 1837, and contains 576 square miles. Seat of justice, Ionia Centre. Water courses. — The Grand, Maple, Flat, and Looking- glass rivers ; Sebewa, Loss, Lake, and Prairie creeks. Organized Toivnships. — Boston, Cass, Ionia, Maple, Otisco, Portland. Villages. — The principal are Ionia Centre and Lyons. The surface of the county is gently undulating. Open- ings frequently intervene between heavy groves of timber_, such as the oak, ash, maple, butternut, elm, black walnut, whitewood, &c. &c. The soil is mostly a black, rich, sandy loam, and of an alluvial formation, on the bottoms — very little waste land, and irreclaimable swamp. It is nat- urally arable, and fitted for grazing. It is free from stone, but quarries are found on the Grand river, that serve the purposes of building material. The hydraulic power is not so abundant in this, as in some of the more eastern counties. There is a considerable tide of emigration to the county, which has continued from its first settlement. This county is embraced in the Grand River Land District. Ionia, in conjunction with Ottawa and Kent, elects one representative, and is embraced in the sixth senatorial dis- trict, which sends two senators to the legislature. Popula- tion,' 1,028. INGHAM COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Clinton and Shiawassee, east by Livingston, south by .Tackson, and west by Eaton. It was organized in 1838, and has an area of 560 square miles. Watejr courses. — The Red Cedar, Willow creek, Mud creek. Sycamore creek. Lakes. — Pine, Portage, Swampy. Organized Townships. — Alaiedon, Aurelius, Ingham, Onondaga, Stockbridge, Vevey. Villages. — Mason Centre is the only village in this county. The face of the country is generally level, but somewhat uneven on the openings. The greater part is heavily tim- bered land. Plains and openings constitute the remaining OF MICHIGAN. 223 ISABELLA. JACKSON. portion, the former of which are found in the south-eastern, and the latter in the south-western part of it. It is repre- sented generally, as a rich section, with soils like those found in other parts of the State, designated by the appel- lation of plains, openings, and timbered land. The timber is principally sugar maple and beech, in considerable quan- tities, sycamore, basswood, black walnut, &.c. It is gene- rally well supplied with water power. There were but few settlements made in the county previous to the summer of 1837. Commencing with that period, there has been con- siderable emigration to it. There are many tracts of excellent land in this county yet unsold. One half of the county, including the eight townships east of the meridian, belongs to the Detroit, the balance to the Grand River Land District. Ingham, in conjunction with Livingston, elects two rep- resentatives, and belongs to the fifth senatorial district, which returns three senators to the legislature. Popula- tion, 822. ISABELLA COUNTY Is bounded on the north and west by Mackinac, east by Midland, and south by Gratiot and Montcalm. The principal streams are the Chippewa and Salt rivers. It is unorganized, and attached to Ionia for judicial pur- poses. It has an area of 576 square miles. It is in pro- gress of survey. No settlements of consequence have yet been made. It is embraced in the Grand River Land Dis- trict. JACKSON COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Eaton and Ingham, east by Washtenaw, south by Lenawee and Hillsdale, and west by Calhoun. It was organized in 1S32, and contains about 720 square miles. Seat of justice, Jackson. Water courses. — The Grand, the Kalamazoo, the Rai- sin ; Portage creek, Goose creek. Sandstone creek, and the South and East branches of Grand river. 224 GAZETTEER Lakes, — Gillet's, Grass, Vineyard, Clark's, Cranberry, Pleasant, and Swain's. Organized Toionsliips. — Concord, East Portage, Grass Lake, Hanover, Jackson, Leoni, Leslie, Liberty, Napoleon, Parma, Pulaski, Rives, Sandstone, Spring Arbour, Spring- port, Tomkins, West Portage. Villages. — Jackson, Concord, Barry, Grass Lake, Swains- ville. The surface of this county is generally undulating, and a very small portion may be said to be broken or hilly. The soil is of that known under the appellation of plains and openings. The west and south-west portion, constituting perhaps one fourth of the county, is burr oak plains; the greater portion of the balance of the county, is oak open- ings and timbered land. There is no dry prairie. Small tracts of wet prairie are interspersed throughout the coun- ty, which are easily drained. This county is generally well timbered and watered, and has a large portion of superior farming land. The soil is mostly of a rich sandy loam. The plains, much resembling orchards, are covered with a sparse growth of burr oak, white and red oak, and hickory trees, generally free from underbrush, and in the summer months, with a succession of the most beautiful wild flowers. Wheat, oats, corn, barley, and potatoes, succeed to admira- tion. Indications of stone coal have been discovered near Jackson, and large quantities of white sandstone, of a supe- rior quality for building and other purposes, are found in the vicinity of Jackson and Napoleon. Limestone of an excellent quality, and in abundance, is found at Jackson and Spring Arbour. The county is gener- ally well supplied with hydraulic power. The first settle- ments commenced in 183L Six townships, lying east of the meridian, numbering one, two, and three, south, belong - to the Detroit, and the remainder of the county is included in the Monroe Land District. Jackson sends two representatives, and belongs to the fifth senatorial district, which elects three senators to the legislature. Population, 8,702. OP MICHIGAN. ^25 KALAMAZOO. KALAMAZOO COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Allegan and Barry, east by Calhoun, south by St. Joseph, and west by Van Buren. It was organized in 1830, and contains 576 square miles. . Seat of justice, Kalamazoo. Water courses. — The Kalamazoo, the Portage; Four Mile creek. Gull creek, Bear creek. Organized Townships. — Alamo, Brady, Charleston, Cli- max, Comstock, Cooper, Kalamazoo, Pavilion, Portage, Prairie Ronde, Richland, Texas. Villages. — Kalamazoo, Schoolcraft, Comstock. Kalamazoo is generally level, though sufficiently undu- lating to conduct off the waters in healthy streams. It is divided into prairie, open, and heavily timbered lands. About one third of the county is heavy timber, of beech, maple, ash, basswood, whitewood, butternut, and black wal- nut. There are eight prairies, viz. Prairie Ronde, Grand Neck Prairie, Dry Prairie, Genesee Prairie, Grand Prairie, Tolland's Prairie, Gull Prairie, and Climax Prairie; in all, containing about one eighth of the county. Every portion of the county is admirably adapted to agriculture. The soil is a black loam, rich and fertile in the extreme. The productions are similar to the counties adjoining. There are numerous mill-sites in different parts of the county, with a hydraulic power sufficient to support the most ex- tensive manufactures. The principal mill streams are, the Portage river of the St. Joseph, and the Portage river of the Kalamazoo, and Gull creek. The Kalamazoo river runs through the county, near its geographical centre, and is skirted with heavily timbered and open lands of the first quality. The settling of this county commenced in 1829. In 1830, two or three townships of land were offered for sale by the general government. In 1831, the balance of the county, save a reservation of one township, was brought into market. The public lands are mostly taken up in this county, by actual settlers, though some remain unsold, of a good quality. It belongs to the Kalamazoo Land District. Kalamazoo elects two representatives, and belongs to 226 GAZETTEER the sixth senatorial district, which returns two senators to the legislature. Population, 6,367. KENT COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Oceana, east by Ionia, south by Barry and Allegan, and west by Ottawa. It was organi- zed in 1836, and has an area of 763 square miles. Seat of justice, Grand Rapids. Water courses. — The Grand, Flat, Rouge, and Thorn Apple rivers ; Buck, and Gypsum or Plaster creeks. Organized Tuivnships. — Ada, Byron, Kent, Plainfield, Vergennes, Walker. Villages. — Grand Rapids, Grandville. The surf ace of the eastern half of the county is rolling, and upon the Grand river, hilly. The soil is mostly of a deep vegetable loam, covering a substratum of clay. The greater portion of the county, and especially that part east of the Thorn Apple river, is of the class of soil called " oak openings." The north-western, western, and south-west- ern parts, or perhaps one third of the county, is timbered land. Indian corn, wheat, oats, and potatoes, are produced in excellent crops, and frequently on lands which eighteen months since were in possession of the Indian. Black walnut, beech, sugar maple, and white wood, is the princi- pal timber, which often attains a magnificent growth. North of Grand river, especially upon the Rouge, are found large forests of heavy, pine timber, of great value. The hydraulic power is very considerable, and abounds on all the streams. There is an immense power at Grand Rapids, and at several points upon the Rouge, Flat and Thorn Apple rivers, and their branches. Gypsum, or plaster of Paris, of an excellent quality, and in abundance, is found on Gypsum creek. Lime stone, and building materials of different kinds, both of wood and stone, are in plentiful sup- plies. Brine springs have been found near the mouth of Gypsum creek, and in some other places on Grand river. This county has many facilities for intercommunication, and will, after the canal at the Rapids and the rail-road connecting the Grand river with St. Clair, are completed, enjoy superior advantages. The greater portion of the OF MICHIGAN. 227 public lands south of Grand river have been located. Lands of the richest quality, lying north of Grand river, supposed to be two-fifths of the county, remain unsold, although portions of it have been settled by " squatters." This county belongs to the Grand River Land District. The first settlement of the county was made at Grand Rapids, about four years since, but the greater portion — nine-tenths of its population, have settled within the two or three past years. Kent, in conjunction with Ottawa and Ionia, elects one representative, and belongs to the sixth senatorial district, which sends two senators to the legislature. Population, 2,022. LAPEER COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Sanilac, east by St. Clair, south by Macomb and Oakland, and west by Genesee and Saginaw. It was organized in 1835, and contains 828 square miles. Seat of justice, Lapeer. Water courses. — Flint and Belle rivers ; Black, Cedar, Elm, Bottom, Kearsley, Farmer's and Mill creeks, and the north branch of Flint. Organized Townships. — Atlas, Bristol, Floa, Hadley, Lapeer, Lomond, Metamora, Richfield. Villages. — Lapeer, Newburg. The surface is gently undulating. The southern part is mostly oak openings, and the south-eastern, ** brush land.'^ There is half a township west of Lake Nepissing, almost entirely sugar maple, long since known as the ** Nepissing Sugar Orchard." The soil, on the intervals of the Flint and its branches which irrigate this county, is very rich, and of a quality well fitted for farming. The timber of the northern part is mostly oak, linn, elm, beech, ma- ple, and pine. The pine on the north of the Flint river is of an excellent quality, and in abundance, intermixed with the other timber before mentioned. The quality of the water is equal to any other portion of the State. The hydraulic power is sufficient for all purposes of manufac- turing. There is one mill of some description on nearly every stream, and many more mill sites which remain un- 228 GAZETTEER LENAWEE. occupied, though they might be occupied to advantage. The most dense population is in the southern part of the county. There are considerable quantities of public lands in the county, of the first quality, un-entered. The eastern range of townships belong to the Detroit, and the balance to the Saginaw Land District. Lapeer elects one representative to the legislature, and belongs to the third senatorial district, which returns three senators. Population, 2,602, exclusive of one township not returned. LENAWEE COUNTY Is bounded on the north by the counties of Jackson and Washtenaw, east by Monroe, south by the State of Ohio, and west by Hillsdale. It was organized in 1826, and con- tains 735 square miles. Seat of justice, Adrian. TVater courses. — Rivers Raisin and Ottawa ; Tiffin's or Bean creek, Macon, Little Raisin river ; Goose creek, Evans' creek. Bear creek, Beaver creek. Wolf creek. Lakes. — Micheraanetuc or Devil's lake, Evans' and Wam- pler's. Organized Townsliips. — Blissfield, Cambridge, Dover, Fairfield, Franklin, Hudson, Logan, Madison, Macon, Me- dina; Ogden, Palmyra, Raisin, Rollin, Rome, Seneca, Te- cumseh, Woodstock. Villages. — Adrian, Tecumseh, Clinton, Blissfield, Pal- myra, Rollin, Hudson, Canandaigua. The surface of this county is rather undulating. The northern pai-t is somewhat hilly. The southern portion is the best timbered. The soil consists of black, sandy loam, and in some places, argile is a component part. It is geji- erally dry and free from stone, and the bottoms are rich and prolific. It is natural for grass, corn, oats, and wheat, which can be raised in abundance. Iron ore has been found in the township of Franklin, and is said to be of good quality. It is about twelve years since it was first settled, but it has received the greatest accession from emi- gration within three or four years past. Lands that are ta- ken, sell from five to twenty-five dollars per acre. The pub- lic lands of the best quality, are mostly taken up. The OF MICHIGAN. 229 LIVINGSTON. county is included in the Monroe Land District. It sends four representatives, and belongs to the second senatorial district, which sends three senators to the legislature. Pop- ulation, 14,540. LIVINGSTON COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Shiawassee and Genesee, east by Oakland, south by Washtenaw, and west by Ing- ham. It was organized in 1836, and it contains 576 square miles. Seat of justice, Howell. Water courses. — The Shiawassee and Huron are the principal. South branch of the Shiawassee, Ore creek, and Ore creek of the Shiawassee, Woodruff's creek. Portage river. Lakes. — Bass, Portage, Crooked. Organized Townships. — Brighton, Deerfield, Genoa, Green Oak, Hamburg, Handy, Hartland, Howell, lena, Iosco, Marion, Oceola, Putnam, Tyrone, Tuscola, Una- dilla. Villages. — Howell, Benton, Livingston, Unadilla. Livingston is very well watered. The surface is undu- lating, and the soil, in the openings, is a black, sandy loam, with an occasional mixture of clay, and peculiarly adapted to grain growing. In the northern part, it is well timber- ed with the forest trees usually found in this State ; togeth- er with a small tract of good pine timber. The remainder, and the larger portion of the county, is open land. There is considerable hydraulic power, especially on the branches of the Huron, in the south, and of the Shiawassee, in the north, some of which has been improved for manufacturing purposes. Saline springs have been discovered near the centre, and iron ore in the south-east part of the county. The first settlements were made in 1832, and emigra- tion has been much directed to it for two or three years past. It is settled mostly by permanent settlers. It is embraced in the Detroit Land District. Livingston, in conjunction with Ingham, elects two representatives, and belongs to the fifth senatorial district, which sends three senators to the legislature. Population, 5,029. 20 230 GAZETTEER MACKINAC MACOMB . MACKINAC COUNTY Is divided into two parts, by the Strait of Mackinac. One portion includes all the region of country in the Peninsula, lying north of Saginaw Bay, and the counties of Arenac, Gladwin, Isabella, Montcalm, and Oceana^, and between Lake Michigan on the west, and Lake Huron on the east. The other portion, located in the Upper Peninsula, and ex- tending from the county of Chippewa on the north, to Lake Huron, Strait of Mackinac, Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and Wisconsin Territory on the south, and from the river Monestee and Strait of St. Mary on the east, to the Terri- tory of Wisconsin on the west. It likewise includes the islands of Mackinac, Bois Blanc, Drummond's, and several other smaller ones. It is organized, and contains an area, excluding lake surface, of 27,684 square miles — 13,464 in Upper, and 14,220 in Lower Michigan. The seat of jus- tice is Mackinac, situated on an island of the same name. Mackinac sends one representative, and belongs to the fourth senatorial district, which elects two senators to the legisla- ture. ■ Holmes is the only organized township in the coun- ty. Population, as per census, 604. (See farther, '* Upper Peninsula.") MACOMB COUNTY Is bounded on the north by St. Clair and Lapeer, east by St. Clair and Lake St. Clair, south by Lake St. Clair and Wavne, and west by Oakland. It was " established" Janu- ary'l5t'h, 1818, and contains an area of 458 square miles. Seat of justice. Mount Clemens. Water courses. — The Clinton is the principal stream ; Frog creek, Saline river, Red river. Price river, Beach creek, Beaver creek. Stony creek. Partridge branch, Heaty branch. Middle branch, north and east forks of the Clinton. Organized Townships. — Armada, Bruce, Clinton, Har- rison, Hickory, Lenox, Macomb, Orange, Ray, Richmond, Shelby, Stirling, Washington. Villages. — Mount Clemens, Utica, Romeo The surface in the eastern and north-eastern part is rather level, andYor the most part heavily timbered ; yet it is suffi- OP MICHIGAN. 231 ciently uneven to drain off its waters in healthy channels : the western part is rolling and somewhat broken, or hilly, and consists of oak openings, plains, and prairie land. These plains and openings, as well as the prairies, are ex- ceedingly fertile, and produce every kind of grain in abund- ance. It is well fitted for grass, and possesses every advan- tage for a grazing and dairy country. The forests are heavily timbered with white oak, elm, ash, basswood or lin- den, whitewood, and other timber peculiar to rich, moist land. It is, in a measure, owing to its vicinity to superior timber, as well as other natural advantages, that Mt. Clemens is beginning to be noted for its facilities for ship building, which has been carried on to some extent, both by residents and by persons living at Detroit, and without the State. The county is well supplied with hydraulic power by the Clinton river, and its subsidiary streams. The proximity of this county to navigable waters, and to markets, give it natural advantages superior to many of those in the interior. The advantages of this, as well as some of the other eastern counties, have been in a measure overlooked in the rage for going farther west. But for the two or three past years the attention of capitalists has been attracted, and large sums are expending both for permanent improvements and manufactories ; and it will probably be noted in the future history of the State, for its manufactures. There are two salt springs in this county, one in the town- ship of Washington, reserved by government, and another near the north branch of the Clinton, both of which are thought to be valuable. The public lands of most value are located by actual set- tlers. The county is embraced in the Detroit Land district. Macomb dects three representatives, and is embraced in the fourth senatorial district, which sends two senators to the State legislature. Population, 8,892. MIDLAND COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Gladwin and Arenac, east by Saginaw and Saginaw bay, south bj Saginaw and Gratiot, and west by Isabella. It is unorganized, and attached to Saginaw for judicial purposes, and contains 680 square miles. 232 GAZETTEER Rivers. — Tittibavvassee, Chippewa, Salt, and Pine. Midland is said to be either level or undulating in sur- face. The north and south-east parts contain heavy for- ests of Norway and white pine timber. The remainder is well timbered, and is naturally a good farnjing country. There are but few or no settlements yet made in it. It is embraced in the Saginaw Land districts MONROE COUNTY Is situated in the south-eastern part of the State, border- ing Lake Erie, and is bounded on the north by the counties of Washtenaw and Wayne, east by Lake Erie, south by the State of Ohio, and west by the county of Lenawee. It was constituted a county by proclamation, July 14th, 1S17, and contains 532 square miles. Seat of justice, the city of Monroe. Water courses. — Rivers Huron, Raisin, and Ottawa. Swan creek. Stony creek, Sandy creek. Plumb creek, Plaisance creek, Otter creek, R. aux Vase, Bay creek, Vance creek. Saline river, Macon river, Little Raisin river, Grandcouille, and Monille. Organized Toivnships. — Ash, Bedford, Dundee, Erie, Exeter, Frenchtown,I(la, La Salle, London, Milan, Monroe, Raisinville, Summerfield, Whiteford. Villages. — Dundee, Oakville, Lisbon. The surface in the north and eastern parts is level and heav- ily timbered ; the western and southern parts are rolling, al- ternately abounding with prairies, openings, or heavy groves of timber. It is mostly of a rich soil, and is well watered. Sand sometimes predominates, and in the southern part a sandy loam. It produces good crops of corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, and other grains. The county is peculiarly well fitted for grazing. It is well supplied with building stone from the beds of the rivers, especially from the Raisin. There is a lime-stone quarry four or five miles from Dun- dee, — said to be excellent. There are sulphur springs in various parts, one of the best quality is found in Raisin- ville — one near Monroe. A large spring of this kind in Erie county produces water sufficient to propel a run of stone. This county is generally settled. The publiclanda OF MICHIGAN. 233 MONTCALM. OAKLAND. having been in market for several years past are mostly taken. It belongs to the Monroe Land district. It elects three representatives, and with Lenawee and Hillsdale, three senators to the legislature. Population, 10,646. MONTCALM COUNTY Is bounded on the north bv Mackinac and Isabella, east by Gratiot, south by Ionia, and west by Oceana. It is un- organized, and contains 576 square miles. It is attached to Ionia for judicial purposes. Water courses. — The Rouge and Flat rivers, and Prairie creek. This county is new, inhabited only by a few Indians, and perhaps by some squatters who have recently made loca- tions. This, and the adjoining counties north and west, are in progress of survey. As far as information has been received, it possesses some excellent lands, especially on the intervals. The face of the country is similar to the adjacent counties. It is included within the Grand river Land district. OAKLAND COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Genesee and Lapeer, east by Macomb, south by Wayne and Washtenaw, and west by Genesee and Livingston. It was organized in 1820, and has an area of 900 square miles. Seat of justice, Pontiac. Water courses. — The Clinton is the principal stream ; Stony creek, Paint creek. North Fork of Clinton, north and west branches of the Rouge, Red river, Kearsley creek, Thread river, Woodruff creek, Shiawassee east branch, Beaver and Beach branches of Red river. Lakes. — The principal are Stony, Thompson's, Square, Elizabeth, Orchard, Pine, Whitney, Burt, Walled, Silver, White, and Society lakes. Organized Townships. — Addison, Avon, Bloomfield, Brandon, Commerce, Farmington, Groveland, Highland, 20* 234 GAZETTEER Holly, Independence, Lyon, Milford, Novi, Oakland, Orion^ Oxford, Painsville, Pontiac, Rose, Royal Oak, Southfield, Springfield, Troy, Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake. Villages. — Pontiac, Auburn, Rochester, Farmington, Franklin, Birmingham, Kensington, Stony Creek. The/fl!ce of this county is varied from a rolling to a hilly surface — the southern part being rolling and well timbered with oak, black walnut, elm, beech, maple, white wood, &/C-, and the northern part hilly and interspersed with marshes. The soil, though of a great variety, is in some parts sandy. It may be said to be divided into the soil found in the plains, the openings, and timbered lands. The county presents a very singular appearance, being com- pletely maculated with small lakes of pure water. Around and at a distance from its geographical centre, of from one to ten miles, are not less than fifty small lakes, varying from an eighth of a mile to a mile in diameter. They abound with excellent fish. Oakland is remarkable for the great quantity of its hydraulic power, especially on the Rouge and the branches of Red river, Clinton river. Paint and Stony creeks, and the extreme branches of the Huron. Many of the mill sites are improved, and, comparatively speaking, there is con- siderable manufacturing, of different kinds, done in the county. Although there are some unsold public lands, they are mostly taken up. It is embraced in the Detroit Land district. Oakland elects six representatives, and is included in the third senatorial district, which elects three senators to the State legislature. Population, 20,176. OCEANA COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Mackinac county, east by Montcalm, south by the counties of Kent and Ottawa, and west by Ottawa and Lake Michigan. It is unorgan- ized, and attached to Kent for judicial purposes. It con- tains an area of 8'34 square miles. The rivers are the Rouge, Maskegon, and White. It is said to contain a body of excellent land, but it is in pos- OF MICHIGAN. 235 session of the Indians — though in progress of survey. It is embraced in the Grand River Land District. (See Ottawa county.) OTTAWA COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Oceana, east by Kent and Oceana, south by Allegan, and west by Lake Michigan. It was organized in 1837, and contains about 794 square miles. Water courses. — The Grand, Maskegon, and Black rivers ; Pigeon creek, Rush creek. Organized Toiunships. — Maskegon, Ottawa, Talmage. Villages. — Grand Haven is the principal. On the lake shore, bordering this and the county of Oce- ana, the soil is sandy, with occasional sand bluffs, which rise in some cases, to a great height. Passing eastward a short distance from the lake, the country assumes an undulating, sometimes a rolling surface, covered with pine and hem- lock, to a considerable extent, and with hard timber, of sev- eral varieties. In the eastern part, it is rolling, with bluffs, especially along the Grand river, and abounding in forests of the same kind of timber as is found in the western part. In the interior, is a large grove of timber, consisting of Norway and white pine, and extending from near the Black river on the south, to the Maskegon on the north, and from eight to ten miles in width. The soil is generally a red, sandy loam, in the southern part, and of a rich quality, especially on and near the Black river. South of the Grand river is found marl, of a good quality, and, after calcina- tion, is an excellent substitute for lime, and is much used in building. The soil, in the northern part, is a black, sandy loam, and of the richest quality, and is the same on the intervals of the Maskegon river. Contrary to the received opinion of many, there is but little swampy land in the southern part of the county. A greater portion of it is arable, when cleared, and but little irreclaimable. In the northern part are a few small prairies, and some openings, but they are few. It may be remarked, that vegetables, vines, and grains of different kinds, grow, both in this, and in the county of Oceana, in the greatest luxuriance. It is 236 GAZETTEER said that good crops are frequently produced on the pine lands. There is considerable hydraulic power, but not equal to some other counties. The soil is generally free from stone, and but little of the latter found suitable for building. In the bed of Grand river, twelve or fifteen miles from the lake, are found some good stone for quarrying. Brick are mostly substituted. Iron ore has been found in several places south of the Grand river. The county com- menced settling two years since, and is rapidly increasing in population. It is estimated to have increased three fourths within the last three years. Emigrants have not only located the surveyed land on the south of Grand river, but have extended their settlements into the northern part, in the valley of the Maskegon, and as far north, in the county of Oceana, as White river. Ottawa is said to be as much settled on the unsurveyed lands, as on those which have been brought into market. The settlers are, in most cases, combinations of men, (or squatters,) formed to lo- cate a particular section of country, in the expectation that government will, when the lands are brought into market, extend to them the right of pre-emption. The lands north of the Grand river, in Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, and Oceana, are not yet brought into market, though they will probably be soon, as they are in progress of survey. They are all included in the Grand River Land District. What has been said in the description of this county, will, in a great measure, apply to Oceana, and, with some exceptions, to the western border of Mackinac, as far north as Monestee river. (See Third Part, under the heads, Grand, Maskegon, and North Black rivers.) Ottawa, in conjunction with Kent and Ionia, sends one representative, and is included in the sixth senatorial dis- trict, which elects two senators to the legislature. Popula- tion, 628. SANILAC COUNTY Is bounded on the east by Lake Huron, south by St. Clair and Lapeer, on the west by Saginaw and Saginaw Bay, and north by Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. It is unorgan- OF MICHIGAN. 237 ized, and attached for judicial purposes to Lapeer and St. Clair. Its area is about 2,460 square miles. Rivers. — The principal are the Cass and Black. The creeks and smaller streams are numerous, especially on the Lake Huron coast. The surface of the county is gently undulating. The soil is a yellow loam, and almost entirely free from stone. In the western part, there are some lands of the best qual- ity. Although this county is entirely new, and no experi- ments have been made in farming, yet, it is believed, that, from the reports of surveyors and those acquainted with it, the soil is mostly second rate. The timber is of great vari- ety, as is common to other counties ; but beech and maple, interspersed with pine, predominate. Beech and maple heavily timber the western part of the county, along the bottoms of Cass river ; pine, which is of the heaviest growth, is found in the eastern part of it. Tamarack is found here in great excellence, and, with the pine, furnishes inexhaustible supplies of the best of spars. It is believed, that after cultivation and improvement, it will be a good grazing country. The streams in the different parts of the county, furnish excellent water privileges. It will proba- bly be noted, after settlement, for the manufacture of lum- ber. There is a tract of country, in the eastern part of the county, running south, from Saginaw Bay to St. Clair coun- ty, represented as a swail ; but there is very little which is irreclaimable. It abounds in almost every species of forest game, except wild fowls, which are few. The most noted wild animals of this region are, the elk, moose, and mar- tin, which, in numbers, are supposed to equal any other part of the State. But a small portion of the public lands is taken. The eastern part of the county, lying east of the line dividing the eleventh and twelfth ranges of townships, belongs to the Detroit Land District ; the balance west of said line, belongs to the Saginaw Land District. SAGINAW COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Midland and Saginaw Bay, east by Sanilac, Lapeer, and Genesee, south by Genesee and Shiawassee, and west by Gratiot and Midland. It was organ- 238 GAZETTEER SHIAWASSEE. ized in 1835, and contains 1,031 square miles. Seat of jus- tice, Saginaw. Wafe)^ courses. — Saginaw, Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, Mish- tegayock, Tittibavvassee, Michessibee, Bad, Kewkawlin rivers. The Saginaw is the principal, and the remainder, except the last, are subsidiary to it. Saginaw county composes one township only, under the name of Saginaw. The villages are Saginaw (or Saginaw city) and Lower Saginaw. The /«ce of the country is generally either level or gen- tly undulating. The soil, a dark, sandy loam, varying from eighteen inches to two feet deep, of a rich, alluvial forma- tion, covering a sub-stratum of clay. It is generally free from stone. In the northern, and in some other parts of the county, are found some marsh and wet prairie. There are no dry prairies. The county is irrigated by the Sagi- naw river, which receives the Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittibawassee, near its centre. They are all comparatively large streams, possessing fine intervals, covered, generally, with hard and heavy timber. In the vicinity of Saginaw Bay, the surface is level. Oak, beech, maple, pine, hicko- ry, &/C. are the predominating species of timber. Pine is found mostly in the south-eastern and eastern portions of the county, and it is supposed that one third of the county is of this kind of timber. There are no quarries of stone, except in the north-western part, near the Bay, where lime- stone and gypsum are found. Settlements have been made mostly upon the rivers. During two years past, the acces- sion of emigrants has been very great. There are large quantities of the public lands yet unsold. It is included within the Saginaw Land District. Saginaw sends one representative to the legislature, and is embraced in the fourth senatorial district, which elects two senators. Population, 920, SHIAWASSEE COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Saginaw, east by Genesee, south by Livingston and Ingham, and west by Clinton. It OP MICHIGAN. 239 was organized in 1837, and has a surface of 544 square miles. Seat of justice, Corunna. Water courses. — Shiawassee, Looking Glass, and Mishte- gayock rivers. Organized Townships. — Antrim, Bennington, Burns, Owasso, Shiawassee, Vernon, Woodhull. Villages. — Shiawassee, Corunna, Owasso, Byron. The surface is rolling in the central and south-eastern part, but in the western and northern part it is level. The soil is admirably adapted for agriculture, in the south-east and central part, consisting of oak and timbered openings, of a superior quality. In the south-west is a large prairie, called Looking-glass Prairie; and in the north, a large body of flat and somewhat swampy country, well adapted to the raising of cattle. Large crops of corn, rye, oats, bar- ley, and potatoes, are raised, especially on the bottom lands of the Shiawassee river and its branches. There is a good quarry of stone near the centre of the county, and a mine of stone coal, which may be valuable. Mills of various kinds have been and still are erecting in different parts of the county. A great number of excellent mill-sites are to be found on the Shiawassee, Looking-glass, and Maple rivers, which could be profitably employed either in the manufacture of flour or lumber. For two or three years past, there has been a great flow of emigration to this county. There is yet much excellent land, which is not yet entered. The southern tier of townships belongs to the Detroit — the bal- ance to the Saginaw Land District. Shiawassee, in conjunction with Genesee and Clinton, sends one representative to the legislature, and belongs to the third senatorial district, which elects three senators. Population, 1,184. ST. CLAIR COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Sanilac, east by Lake Huron and Strait of St. Clair, which separate it from the Province of Upper Canada, south by Lake St. Clair and Macomb, and west by Macomb and Lapeer. It was organized in 1821, and contains an area of 935 square miles. Seat of justice, Palmer. 240 GAZETTEER ST. CLAIR. Water courses. — Black, Belle, Pine, and Swan rivers, and Mill creek. Organized Townships. — China, Clay, Columbus, Clyde, Cottrelville, Ira, Lexington, Riley, St. Clair, Port Huron. Villages. — Algonac, Palmer, Port Huron, Newport. The surface is generally undulating, in the south and east it is heavily timbered and fertile. There is some prairie land on Lake St. Clair, and likewise on the St. Clair river. The soil of the northern and western parts is sandy, yet it is said to be in a good measure productive. The greatest present source of wealth to the county is its heavy pine timber, which predominates in this section. In pass- ing over the county, the traveller occasionally observes swamps and marshes covered with tamarack, sometimes spruce, and forests of red and white cedar, especially on the Lake Huron shore. Being, in a commercial point of view, so eligibly situated, it enjoys superior facilities for exporting its products to various parts, not only of Michi- gan, but to the adjacent States. The products of agricul- ture find their market mostly within the county. Pine lum- ber is the staple export. It was estimated, by competent judges, that the manufacture of lumber during the past year, exceeded 12,000,000 feet. The following account exhibits the exports of Desmond and Clyde townships for 1836, most of which were shipped from Port Huron, at the mouth of Black river, and a portion from Palmer, at the mouth of Pine river. There are twelve saw mills, which keep in constant ope- ration twenty saws, and cut of pine 10,000,000 feet, at an average of $10, per thousand, $100,000,00 Square timber, 5d0M0 feet, ($40 per thousand,) 20,000,00 Do. do. shipped to Detroit, 49577 cubic feet, (3i cts. per foot,) 1,735,19 Logs shipped to Detroit, 1,528 reduced to board measure, 292,226 feet, (at $2.50 per thou- sand feet ) ♦ 730,56 Shingles, 500,000 ($2 per thousand,) 10,000,00 Spars, 100, ($10 per spar,) 1,000,00 Tan Bark, 800 cords, ($3 per cord,) 2,400,00 Steam Boat Wood, 2.000 cords ($1,50 per cord,) 3,000,00 I\sh, 2,500 bbls. ($5 per bbl.) 12,500,00 Amount of exports, $151,365,75 OF MICHIGAN. 241 ST. JOSEPH. This is one of the elder counties of the State, but the set- tlements have been made mostly in its southern and south- eastern half, or on the St. Clair strait. Considerable por- tions of the government lands in the north, are unsold. It belongs to the Detroit Land District. St. Clair sends one representative to the legislature, and belongs to the fourth senatorial district, which elects two senators. Population, 3,673. ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Kalamazoo, east by Branch, south by the State of Indiana, and west by the county of Cass. It was organized in 1829, and contains a surface of 528 square miles. Seat of justice, Centerville. IVatcr courses. — The St. Joseph is the principal stream. Swan creek. Pine creek, Bear creek. Portage river, Rocky river, Mclnlerfer's creek, Pigeon river, Crooked river, Prairie river. Organized Toivnsliips. — Bucks, Bur Oak, Colon, Con- stantine, Fawn River, Florence, Flowerfield, Leonidas, Mottville, Nottawa, Park, Sherman, White Pigeon. Villages. — Constantine, Centerville, White Pigeon, Three Rivers, Mottville. This was formerly considered the best county in the State. The surface of the country is moderately undula- ting. The soil is exceedingly fertile, and consists princi- pally of oak openings and prairies. There is, however, a sufficiency of timber found in the western part of the county, as high up as the Portage river, and down as low as the Grand Traverse. The principal prairies are Sturges, White Pigeon, and Nottawasepee, which are not exceeded for their fertility, by any in this or any other State. There are innumerable water privileges in this county, especially on the St. Joseph, Hog creek. Crooked, Portage, and Pigeon rivers. The public lands are mostly taken up. This county is included in the Kalamazoo Land District. St. Joseph elects two representatives, and belongs to the seventh senatorial district, which elects two senators to the State legislature. Population, 6,337. 21 242 GAZETTEER VAN BUREN. WASHTENAW. VAN BUREN COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Allegan, east by Kalamazoo, south by Cass and Berrien, and west by Berrien and Lake Michigan. It was organized in 1837, and contains 633 square miles. Water courses. — The Pawpaw is the principal stream; South Branch of Black river, Dowagiake, Brush creek, the north, east, and south branches of the Pawpaw. Lakes. — Cedar, Grass, Round, Bankson's, Sister, Four Mile, and Onion. Organized Townships. — Antwerp, Clinch, Covington, Decatur, La Fayette, Lawrence, South Haven. Villages. — Mason, Pawpaw, Keelersville. The surface of Van Buren very much resembles that of Kalamazoo county. About one half of it is heavily timber- ed, and the remainder is open land. There are no prairies. There is some valuable pine timber in the county — the oth- er timber is the same as that of Kalamazoo. The Paw- paw, the Black river, and their tributaries, furnish numerous and valuable mill sites. The Pawpaw is boatable 70 miles from its mouth, to the county seat. The county is new, being but a few years since its lands were brought into market. It contains much desirable land for agricultural purposes, which is fast being entered and settled. It be- longs to the Kalamazoo Land District. Van Buren, in conjunction with Cass, sends two repre- sentatives, and belongs to the seventh senatorial district, which returns two senators to the legislature. Population, 1,262. WASHTENAW COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Livingston and Oakland, east by Wayne, south by Monroe and Lenawee, and west by Jackson. It was organized in 1826, and has an area of 720 square miles. Seat of justice, Ann Arbour. Water courses. — The Huron, the Raisin ; Mullet's creek, Honey creek, Mill creek, Paint creek, Macon and Saline rivers. OF MICHIGAN. 243 Lakes. — Whitmore's, Forty Acre, Columbia and Portage. Organized Townships. — Ann Arbour, Augusta, Bridge- water, Dexter, Freedom, Lima, Lodi, Lyndon, Manchester, Northfield, Pitt, Salem, Saline, Scio, Sharon, Superior, Sylvan, York, Ypsilanti, Webster. Villages. — Ann Arbour, Ypsilanti, Dexter, Saline. The surface is gently undulating. The soil is very pro- lific, and is generally a deep, black, sand loam, and clay. Prairies, oak openings, and heavily timbered land, alter- nate throughout the whole county, in which they are so agreeably diversified, as to present a very beautiful and pic- turesqe aspect to the traveller. Of timber, is found the beech, white wood, walnut, maple, butternut, red, white, and black oak, basswood, with a great variety of the other kinds of forest trees. Mill sites are numerous, and many of them are in progress of improvement, for manufacturing of various kinds; though the capitalist can find many unimproved that might be usefully employed, on the Raisin, the Huron, and its branches. Taken together, the coun- ty of Washtenaw, for agriculture, facilities of manufactur- ing, and beauty of country, generally, is not exceeded by any in the State. The southern tier of townships belongs to the Monroe, and the remainder to the Detroit Land Dis- trict. Washtenaw returns six representatives, and is included in the fifth senatorial district, whicli sends three senators to the legislature. Population, 20,176. WAYNE COUNTY Is bounded on the north by Oakland and Macomb, east by Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit, which separate it from Upper Canada, *" south by Monroe, and west by Washtenaw. There is no record of its organization in the archives of this State. It is said, from the best verbal authority, to have been organized by Gen. Wayne, in August, 1796, co- extensively with the Peninsula, and it sent delegates to Chil- licothe, then the capital of the North-Western Territory. Its present area is limited to about 600 square miles. Seat of justice, the city of Detroit. Water courses. — The Rouge and the Huron ; Milk creek, 244 GAZETTEER Tremble's creek, Bloody run, River aux Ecorces, Mon- guagon creek, Brownstown creek, Muddy creek, Woods creek, Swan creek, south, middle, and north branches of the Rouge, Tonquish creek, Collins' creek, Ruldeau's creek, Campbell's creek. Organized Townships. — Brownstown, Canton, Dear- born, Detroit, Ecorce, Greenfield, Hamtramck, Huron, Li- vonia, Monguagon, Nankin, Plymouth, Redford, Romulus, Spring Wells, Van Buren. Villages. — Dearbornville, Plymouth, Northville, Red- ford, Gibralter, Flat Rock. The surface of Wayne is generally level, but in the west- ern part, undulating. The predominating quality of soil is clay, and in the southern and western part are found some small sections of sandy loam. There are but few openings, and those are diminutive ; the greater portion is heavily timbered land. There is a belt of black ash swamp, twenty-five or thirty feet above, and running parallel with the Detroit, and extending from the Rouge nearly to Lake St. Clair, which was considered valueless, till recently, by leveling and draining, it is established without doubt, to be not only reclaimable, but to be, after draining, some of the best quality of land, and capable of a high state of cultiva- tion. This marsh is found to be caused by beaver dams. This county is generally first rate grass land. The west- ern part is peculiarly well fitted for small grain of every kind. On the Rouge and its branches, in the western part, is considerable water power, both used and unoccupied. Lime stone of an excellent quality, much used for manu- facture and transportation, is found in Monguagon town- ship. Bog iron ore, of a reported good quality, is found in considerable quantities in the township of Greenfield. Several sulphur springs are known to exist in the township of Brownstown. The south-west corner township, and one half of the township of Huron, belong to the Monroe, and the remainder to the Detroit Land District. Wayne elects seven representatives, and composes the first senatorial district, which elects two senators to the le- gislature. Population, 23,400. GAZETTEER OF MICHIGAN PART THIRD. TOPOGRAPHY AND STATISTICS. Containing a particular description of all the organized townships, villages, post offices, water courses, lakes, bays, prairies, capes, islands, &c., within the State. ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED. Ada, a recent settlement at the mouth of the Thorn Ap- ple river, in Kent counfy, contains a post office and a few inhabitants. It has a very handsome location, and possesses valuable water power on the Thorn Apple, which is about to be improved. Adams township, Hillsdale county, consists of township six south, of range two west. Statistics as per census. — Population, 279. — A saw mill ; 1,543 bushels wheat, 1,065 bushels corn, 1,220 bushels oats, 91 bushels buckwheat; 147 pounds flax ; 217 head neat stock, 12 horses, 40 sheep, 276 hogs. Adamsville, a village handsomely situated in the southern part of the county of Cass, on both sides of the Christiana 21* 246 GAZETTEER ADD ADR ALB river. It has a post office, flouring mill intended for 6 run of stone, 3 are now in operation; a saw mill, 2 stores, and a physician. The Chicago road passes through it. It is flourishing. Distant 12 miles from Cassopolis, and 163 south-west of Detroit. Addison township, Oakland county, is comprised of town- ship five north, of range eleven east. Statistics as per cen- sus. — Population 343. — A grist mill, 2 saw mills. Adrian, a village, post office, and seat of justice for the county of Lenawee, in the township of Logan, and near the township line of Logan and Lenawee, opposite the junc- tion of Beaver creek with a branch of the Raisin river. Here is a bank, 3 churches, one each for presbyterians, bap- tists and methodists, the two former of which are hand- some brick edifices ; a book store, printing office that issues a weekly newspaper, a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, pottery, iron foundry, tannery, 2 forwarding and commission stores, 2 extensive leather and shoe stores, an extensive cabinet factory propelled by water, 15 dry goods stores, 4 large grocery establishments, a druggist, 2 large hollow ware stores, 6 lawyers, and 4 physicians. There is an appropriation for, and the work commenced of building^a court house, jail, and Register's office, the former of which is to be of brick, at an expense of $10,000. The rail road from Toledo to this place, went into operation in October, 1836. Here is a respectable select school, of some 40 or 50 pupils, in which are taught the classical and ordina^-y branches of education. Adrian is at present one of the most flourishing villages in Michigan. It possesses extensive hydraulic advantages and artificial facilities for intercom- munication with different important points, and an enter- prise and capital that executes the projects of public and individual importance. It is said 100 buildings were erected in 1S36, and that an equal number would be, in 1837. It has a pleasa&t location, and a population estimated at 1,200. Distant 65 miles south-west of Detroit, and (by way of De- troit j 591, and (by way of Monroe) 523 north west Wash- ington city. Aince's village, a Chippewa village at Oak Point. Albion township, Calhoun county, is comprised in town- ship three south, of range four west. Statistics as per cen- sus. — Population, 773. — A saw mill; 7,166 bushels wheat,, OF MICHIGAN. 247 ALG ALL ALL 5,300 bushels corn, 7,285 bushels oats; 547 head neat stock, 99 horses, 167 sheep, 648 hogs. Alffonac village of, vide Manchester. Albion, a village of recent origin, situated on the Kala- mazoo river, on the located route of the central rail road, in Albion township, Calhoun county. It has a post office, a saw mill, a flouring mill, a tavern, 3 stores, and 4 physi- cians. It is on the surveyed road from Monroe to Marshall, and one and a half miles south of the territorial road, ten miles from Marshall, and 100 from Detroit. It contains about 40 dwellings, and is in a thriving condition. Allegan township, Allegan county, consists of townships one, two, three, and four, north of range thirteen and four- teen w^est. Statistics as per census. — Population, 621. — 5 saw mills, 4 merchants. Allegan, the seat of justice for Allegan county, pleas- antly situated on both banks of the Kalamazoo river, in Allegan township. It has a post office, 3 dry goods stores, a provision store, a furnace, a banking association, 2 law- yers, and a physician. A select school has recently been commenced, which is respectable. Allegan has an elevated location of about 30 feet above the river, on a dry, sandy soil, and commands a view of some beautiful scenery. It is on the routes of the Grandville State road and the State road leading to Battle creek. The Marshall and Allegan rail-road is chartered to pass through it, and which is in progress of construction. Allegan was laid out in 1835, and has since been flourishing — 50 frame buildings were estimated to have been built during 1836, and as many more were expected for '37. The principal business here is the manufacturing of lumber. It was esti- mated that 3 or 4 million feet of lumber was exported the past season. Two bridges are building across the Kalama- zoo, which will connect the adjacent parts of the village. The village stands at the head of navigation, and commands eight feet of hydraulic power for manufacturing purposes. Population estimated at 700. Distant 160 miles west of Detroit, and QS^ north-west Washington city. Allen township, Hillsdale county, consists of township six south, of range four west. Statistics as per census. — Population, 353. — 2 saw mills; a merchant; 3,057 bushels wheat, 110 bushels rye, 1,830 bushels corn, 7,114 bushels 248 GAZETTEER ANN ANN oats, 425 bushels buckwheat; 242 head neat stock, 51 horses, 42 sheep, 310 hogs. Amhcrsthw^g, a village in the province of Upper Canada, in Maiden township, Essex county, situated one and a half miles from the mouth of the Detroit, and on its eastern bank, opposite Bois Blanc and the southern part of Fight- ing Islands. It is compact, but generally built in an indif- ferent manner. It is a port of entry, has a post office, a bank, 7 stores, considerable trade, and some shipping. The site of Fort Maiden occupies the northern part of the village. The village has not flourished since the war of 1812. It is inhabited by a few English, Dutch, and some Americans; the balance of the population are insolent ne- groes. Distant 16 miles south of Sandwich. Ann Arbour township, Washtenaw county, consists of township two south, range six east. Statistics as per cen- sus. — Population, 2,944. — A grist mill, 5 saw mills, a card- ing machine, a cloth dressing shop, a distillery ; 18 mer- chants; 10,721 bushels wheat, 18,065 bushels corn, 18,860 bushels oats, 2,592 bushels buckwheat; 1,062 head neat stock, 164 horses, 337 sheep, 1,280 hogs. Ann Arbour, a village, post office, and seat of justice for the county of Washtenaw, in a township of the same name, situated on the west bank of the Huron river. It has a court house, jail, a bank, 2 banking associations, 4 churches — one, each, for presbyterians, baptists, episcopa- lians, anduniversalists, — 2 printing offices, which issue two weekly newspapers, — a book store, 2 druggists, a flouring mill with 6 run of stone, a saw mill, woollen factory, card- ing machine, iron foundry, an extensiveplough manufactory, 2 tanneries, 17 dry goods stores, 11 lawyers, and 9 physicians. Here is a flourishing academy — number of pupils, about 70. The legislature has established the location of the Univer- sity of Michigan at this place. It is passed through by the Detroit and St. Joseph state road, and by the state rail-road between those two places. There is likewise a charter for a rail-road connecting it with Monroe. Ann Arbour bears the reputation, generally, of being one of the most pleas- ant and flourishing inland towns in the State. It is regu- larly laid out, on an elevated and dry soil ; but it is not very compact. There is considerable hydraulic power in the OP MICHIGAN. 249 ANT ASH AUG vicinity. Population estimated at 2,000. Distant 40 miles west Detroit and 566 N. W. Washington city. Antwerp township, Van Biiren county, is comprised in township three south, of range thirteen west. Popula- tion, 23-2. Armada township, in the north-eastern part of Macomb county. It has a post office of the same name. Mail once a week. Statistics as per census. — Population, 1,001. — 3 saw mills, a carding machine; 7,676 bushels wheat, 971 bushels rye, 2,918 bushels corn, 2,869 bushels oats, 364 bushels buckwheat ; 430 lbs. flax ; 773 head neat stock, 104 horses, 416 sheep, 591 hogs; 539 yards wool- len and cotton goods. Argentine township, Genesee county, consists of town- ships five north, ranges five and six east. Statistics as per census. — Population, 434. — Has 4 saw mills, one merchant. Ash township embraces all that part of the county of Monroe lying north-west of Stoney creek. Statistics as per census — Population, 1,011. — 4 saw mills, 2 merchants ; 3,965 bushels wheat, 30 bushels rye, 3,815 bushels corn, 3,750 bushels oats, 520 bushels buckwheat ; 200 lbs. flax ; 14 tons potashes ; 772 head neat stock, 149 horses, 32 sheep, 847 hogs. Atlas township, Lapeer county, consists of township six north, of range eight east. Alliens township, Calhoun county, consists of townships three and four south, of range eight west. Stntistics as per census. — Population, 288. — A saw mill; 7,040 bushels wheat, 36 bushels rye, 716 bushels corn, 1,900 bushels oats, 2,250 bushels buckwheat; 180 head neat stock, 43 horses, 28 sheep, 182 hogs. Auburn, a village and post office, Pontiac township, coun- ty of Oakland, situated on the north side of the river Clin- ton. It contains a banking association, a flouring null with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a tannery, 2 stores, an academy, a baptist church, and a physician. Distant 4 miles from Pontiac, 23 from Detroit, 549 N. W. Washington city. Augusta, a village in Kalamazoo county, on the south side of Kalamazoo river, just commenced, with improve- ments making to some extent. It has a tavern, 2 saw mills, and several dwellings. There is a fine farming country S50 GAZETTEER AUG BAD BAR around it. Distant 12 miles from Kalamazoo, and 10 from Battle Creek. Augusta township, Washtenaw county, embraces town- ship four south, range seven east. Statistics as per census. — Population, 559. — 2,h^45 bushels wheat, 5,307 bushels corn, 2,352 bushels oats, 409 bushels buchwkeat ; 345 lbs. flax ; 480 head neat stock, 49 horses, 66 sheep, 524 hogs. Aurelius township, Ingham county, consists of townships one, two, three, and four north, of ranges one and two west. Avon township, Oakland county, consists of township three north of range eleven east. It contains the village of Rochester. The Clinton river waters it, and furnishes some excellent mill-sites. Statistics as per census. — Popu- lation, 1,289. — 5 grist mills, 6 saw mills, 3 carding ma- chines, 3 cloth dressing shops, a distillery, 7 merchants. B. Bad river, a stream which takes its rise on the southern border of Saginaw county, and flows north, emptying into the Hare river, a branch of the Saginaw river — a State ca- nal is connecting it with Maple river. Bainhridge township, Berrien county, is comprised in township four south, of range seventeen west. Statistics as per census. — Population, 99. — 3,800 bushels wheat, 1,440 bushels corn, 80 bushels oats, 50 bushels buckwheat; 81 head neat stock, 8 horses, 97 hogs. Bainhridge post ofiice, Bainbridge township, Berrien county. Mail received once a week. Bankson's Lake, a small collection of water of about two miles in length, by three fourths of a mile in breadth, situated in the south-easterly township of Van Buren county. Barry, a village and post office. Sandstone township, coun- ty of Jackson, situated on Sandstone creek. It is a small but flourishing settlement, and contains 2 stores, a saw- mill, and 2 physicians. Here is a quarry of sandstone. It is on the State road from Detroit to St. Joseph, and on the route of the Detroit and St. Joseph rail-road. Dis- tant 6 miles from Jackson and 86 from Detroit. Barsalo river, a diminutive stream that empties into Lake Superior, east of the mouth of the St. John's river in the Upper Peninsula. OF MICHIGAN. 251 BAS BAT Bass Lake, an inconsiderable collection of water in Hamburgh township, in the southern part of the county of Livingston. It has a communication with Portage lake, an expansion of the Huron river. Its length is about one mile, and it abounds with fish of a fine quality. Batavia township, Branch county, consists of township six south, of range seven west. Statistics as per census. — Population, 357. — A saw mill, 3,320 bushels wheat, 7,257 bushels corn, 8,650 bushels oats, 365 bushels buckwheat ; 120 lbs. flax; 184 head neat stock, 52 horses, 232 hogs. Battle Creek, a flourishing village in the north-western part of the county of Calhoun, situated at the junction of Battle creek and the Kalamazoo river. It contains a bank- ing association, 6 stores, 2 taverns, 2 saw mills, 2 flour mills, 2 machine shops, a saddlery, cabinet manufactory, 2 smitheries, besides several other mechanic shops. The hydraulic advantages are said to be some of the best in the State. Distant 12 miles N. W. Marshall, and 122 from Detroit. Population, estimated at 400. Battle creek, or Wapikisko, the most considerable branch of the Kalamazoo river that flows into it on its northern bank, has its source in Narrow lake, in Eaton county, and flowing north for the first ten miles of its course, thence south-west, through the county of Eaton, which it leaves at its south-western corner, and enters Calhoun coun- ty, thence south-west, till it discharges its waters into the Kalamazoo river, at the village of Battle Creek, in town- ship two south, of range eight west, section one. Its length is not less than 40 miles, and by its serpentine course it is much longer. It is noted for its mill privileges, stone quarries, and fine bottom lands, and the heavy timber which covers them. The Indian name of its northern branch is Wandogna. It is understood that the name of Battle creek took its origin from an adventure, arising out of a dispute between the first surveyors of the public lands and the Indians, in which two of the latter were killed. Baubese or St. Joseph Lake, near the centre of the coun- ty of Hillsdale, is about two and a half miles long, by one and a half wide. It abounds in various kinds of fish. Bay creek, an inconsiderable stream of Monroe county, that rises in the township of Erie, and flowing south-east- 252 GAZETTEER BE A BE A erly, empties into an inlet on the north-west of the Maumee bay. Bean or Tiffin^s creek, rises in Michemanetuc or Devil's lake, in the county of Lenawee, and on the eastern border of Hillsdale, and flows south, south-east, and south-west, through said county, and after passing through a part of Williams and Henry counties, in the northern part of the State of Indiana, empties into the Maumee river, one and a half miles above the mouth of the Auglaize. It is a river that affords a great abundance of hydraulic power in Len- awee county, and it might, and probably will be used to great advantage in manufacturing. Its length, from the source to the mouth in a direct line, is 54 miles; but as its course is very winding, its entire length must be much greater. Beach branch, a rivulet, branch of Red river, rises in Troy township, Oakland county, and flowing south-easter- ly through said county, empties into Red river on the northern side, and in the township of Clinton, Macomb county. Bear creek, an insignificant stream in the township of Marshall, in Calhoun county, that discharges into the Kalamazoo river. Bear creek, a rivulet that rises on the confines of Kala- mazoo and Calhoun counties, and after passing in a south- westerly course, through Calhoun and a part of St. Joseph, discharges itself into the Nottawasepee river. Bear creek, a stream of Lenawee county, that rises on its western border, and flows in an easterly course, and emp- ties into the Raisin. It is possessed of a great supply of hydraulic power. Beardslei/' s prairie, is situated in Ontvva township, in the south-west part of Cass county. It has a dry, rich soil, and produces large crops of grain. The settlements about it are considerable. Bear plains, located in the townships of Marengo and Marshall, in Calhoun county. Beaver Islands. — There are some five or six of this name. They are small : Big Beaver is the most consider- able, and contains perhaps 40 square miles. They all lie in the vicinity of each other, and within a few miles north- west of Grand Traverse bay, in lake Michigan. Beaver Island, lake Superior, off Point Keweyweenon. OP MICHIGAN. 253 BEA BEL BEL Beaver creek, a branch of the Raisin, that discharges into it at Adrian, after passing in an easterly course through the townships of Rome and Logan. Beaver Branch of Red river, rises in Troy township, Oakland county, and flows in a south-easterly course into the township of Jefferson, Macomb county, where it dis- charges into the Red river. Bedford township, Monroe county, consists of township eight south, range seven east. Statistics as per census : — Population, 431. — A grist mill, 3 saw mills; a merchant; 2,589 bushels wheat, 126 bushels rye, 2,372 bushels corn, .2,250 bushels oats, 25 bushels buck wheat, 260 pounds flax ; 442 head neat stock, 62 horses, 398 hogs. Belle river, a considerable stream that has its source in the south-eastern part of Lapeer county, and after flowing easterly and south-easterly through the counties of Lapeer and St. Clair, discharges its waters into the St. Clair river. Its length is upwards of fifty miles. It may be navigated by batteaux a short distance only from its mouth. Belle river post office is located north of the confluence of Belle river with the St. Clair, in St. Clair county. Belvidere, a village in Macomb county, located at the mouth of the Clinton river, at its confluence with the St. Clair, in the township of Harrison. Here is a post office recently established, sub-collector's office, a steam saw mill, a store and store house, tavern, several mechanics, and some 12 or 15 dwellings. A steam-boat was built here in 1837, of 175 tons burthen, and it is represented as a favorable location for ship building. A bar at the mouth of the Clinton obstructs its navigation in some staores of the water. The depth on the bar is said to vary from five to eight feet. Although the country around has long been settled, the village was not commenced till two years since. Distant four miles from Mount Clemens and 30 from Detroit. Bellevue township, Eaton county. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 438. — 3 saw mills, 2 merchants; 1,963 bushels wheat, 1,515 bushels corn, 1,720 bushels oats, 30 bushels buckwheat; 264 head neat stock, 38 horses, 142 hogs. Bellevue, a village and seat of justice, in the south-west corner township of Eaton county, section 28. As its name imports, it has a commanding and pleasant location, and is situated on Battle creek, at the rapids, and at the head of 22 254 GAZETTEER BEN BER BER navigation for boats. There is, it is said, a sufficiency of hydraulic power here to propel 20 run of stone. The place now contains a post office, 3 saw mills, and prepara- tions are making for the erection of a flouring mill, — 2 taverns, 2 stores, 3 physicians, a boot and shoe manufac- tory, a tobacconist, chair manufactory, besides various other mechanics' establishments. It has also a respectable English school in operation. The lime stone quarry here is of great importance. There are six kilns, from which lime of an excellent quality is made, and then transported to supply the country for fifty miles distant around it. The villao-e is passed by the State road from Marshall to Ionia centre. There is another connecting it with Hastings. The first settlement made here was three years since. The village is now very thriving, and contains, by estimation, 400 inhabitants. Distant from Marshall 16 miles, to Ver- montville 15, and to Detroit about 115 miles. Itislocated in the midst of a rich farming country. Benton township, Berrien county, is comprised in town- ship four south, of range eighteen west. Benton post office, Saline township, Washtenaw county, on the Chicago road. Benton, a village and post office, pleasantly located on Ore creek, in the south-eastern part of the county of Liv- ingston, contains a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a store, and a physician. This village is newly settled, but flourishing and healthy. Benton is situated on the Grand river Turnpike. Distant 10 miles from Howell, 40 north-west of Detroit. Berrien, a village and post office, in a township and county of the same name, situated on the west bank of the St. Joseph river, 15 miles in a direct line from its mouth. It contains 2 stores, a physician, a few mechanics, and per- haps 100 inhabitants. It is distant 15 miles south-east from the village of St. Joseph. Berrien township, Berrien county, consists of townships six south, ranges seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, and twenty, west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 496. — 4 saw mills, 2 merchants; 1,735 bushels wheat, 12,190 bushels corn, 5,525 bushels oats; 440 head neat stock, 124 horses, 256 sheep, 1,035 hogs, 906 acres improved land — (by esti- mate,) 15,000 bushels potatoes. OF MICHIGAN. 255 BIR BLA Bertrand township,, Berrien county, consists of fractional township eight south, of ranges seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 1,262. 2 grist mills, 3 saw mills, a distillery, 12 merchants ; 14,333 bushels wheat, 25,275 bushels corn, 12,472 bushels oats, 300 bushels buckwheat ; 225 pounds flax ; 835 head neat stock, 285 horses, 395 sheep, 1,784 hogs. Bertrand, a post village in a township of the same name, in the south-eastern part of the county of Berrien, is pleas- antly situated on the east bank of the St. Joseph river, at the crossing of the Chicago road. It has 6 stores, a law- yer, 2 physicians, and the usual supply of common trades- men. It is, like Niles, a place of considerable business, and is fast increasing in wealth and population. Its popu- lation is supposed to be GOO. Distant four miles south of Niles, 30 south-east of St. Joseph, and 180 south-west of Detroit. Big Fork of Thorn Apple river. (See Thorn Apple river.) Big Rock, St. Mary's river, one mile above the falls. Big Beaver Island. (See Beaver Islands.) Birmingham, a newly settled but flourishing village, pleasantly located on one of the head branches of the Rouge river, in the county of Oakland. It contains a flouring mill with 3 run of stone, saw mill, furnace, 2 dry goods stores, 2 groceries, a lawyer, and physician. The Saginaw turn- pike passes through it, and it is expected that the Detroit and Pontiac rail-road will likewise. Considerable business is done here at the furnace, and constant employ is furnished to the various mechanics. It is said to be the second place in the county in point of business. Distant 7 miles from Pontiac, and 17^ from Detroit. Black creek, a trifling stream in the north-eastern part of Lapeer county, that empties into the North branch of the Flint river. Black Lake, a collection of water about five miles long, and from one half to one and a half miles broad, situated in the south-western corner of Ottawa county. It may pro- perly be said to be the widening or expansion of the North Black river in its passage to lake Michigan. Black river, or (North Black river,) is a stream that has its source on the borders of Allegan and Ottawa counties, 256 GAZETTEER BLA and after collecting its waters by numerous small branches, flows in a westerly course, through the southern part of Ottawa county, and discharges into lake Michigan, near the boundary line separating Ottawa county from Allegan. Its branches are inconsiderable. Its length from the source to the mouth, in a direct line, does not exceed eighteen miles. At a distance of five miles from its mouth, it ex- pands into a lake, called Black lake, but it contracts to its usual width before it enters lake Michigan. At its mouth is capable of being made a fine harbor. Black river, (or Dulude,) has its source in the eastern part of Sanilac county. Its course is southerly, running nearly parallel with the coast of lake Huron, at a distance of five or six miles from it The length, in a direct line from the mouth to the source, is about forty-five miles, though the entire length by the windings of the stream is much greater. The soil of the interval is good ; but the heavy pine timber which encumbers its banks and the country around has rendered it notable. It passes through parts of the counties of Sanilac and St. Clair, and dis- charges into the St. Clair river about two miles from lake Huron. It is navigable for vessels of considerable burthen as far as Mill creek, more than twenty miles from its mouth. Black river, (or South Black river,) is a stream ris- ing in the south-western part of Allegan county, flowing south-westerly, and emptying its waters into lake Micliigan in the north-western corner of the county of Van Bur en. There is a prospect of a good harbor being had at its mouth. It has two tributary branches ; the West Branch and South Branch. The South Branch heads in the northern part of Van Buren county, and directs its course north-westerly through the county, and serves, with its tributaries, to water all the north-western part of the county of Van Buren. The West Branch heads on the confines of Allegan and Van Buren counties, and follows mostly a westerly course till it empties into the main stream, not far from the conflu- ence of the South Branch. The principal stream, or either of its branches, is not short of thirty miles in length. Black river, an inconsiderable stream of the Upper Pe- ninsula, rising in the Porcupine mountains, flowing north, and discharging its waters into Lake Superior. Blissfield,,di village and post office, situated on the north OF MICHIGAN. 257 BLI BLO BOX bank of the Raisin river, in Blissfield township, and county of Lenawee. It contains a flouring mill, 2 saw mills, 4 stores, and perhaps 60 dwellings. The Adrian and Tole- do State road passes through the village, and the Lake Erie and River Raisin rail-road intersects the Erie and Kalama- zoo rail-road at this place. Blissfield is a village of four years growth, but it is in a flourishing condition, and owing to its natural and artificial advantages, there is a prospect of its being a place of some importance. There is exten- sive water power in the vicinity of it, and considerable building is going on. It is said that 20 or 30 buildings were erected in the season of '36, and among other build- ings, is a large flouring establishment erecting the present season. Distant 10 miles from Adrian, and 65 south west of Detroit. Blissfield township, Lenawee county. Statistics as per census: — Population 559. — a grist mill, 2 saw mills, 3 mer- chants; 2,244 bushels wheat, 11 bushels rye, 225 bushels corn, 4,835 bushels oats, 45 bushels buckwheat, 60 lbs. flax; 2S0 head neat stock, 94 horses, 536 hogs. Bloojnjicid township, Oakland county, consists of town- ship two north, of range ten east. Statistics as per census: Population, 1,4S5. — 2 grist mills, 4 saw mills, a carding and cloth dressmg shop, 3 merchants. Bloomjidd post office, Bloomfield township, Oakland county, on the post route from Detroit to Pontiac. Bloody a^ecJc, a small stream that rises in Royal Oak township, Oakland county, and passing south-easterly through said county, and crossing the eastern part of Wayne county, empties into the Detroit strait opposite Hog island. Blue creek, a small stream mostly in St. Joseph township, St. Joseph county, emptying into the Pawpaw river, four miles from its mouth. It takes its name from the very singularly blue color of its waters, the cause of which is unknown. Boi/deji's Plains^ lie east of Dexter, in the county of Washtenaw. Bois Blanc island, stretching in form of a crescent be- tween the island of Michillimacinac and the peninsula of Michigan, is from 10 to 12 miles in length, by three in breadth, in the widest part. The lower part of it is a sandy plain, but by far the greatest portion is fertile and well 23* 258 GAZETTEER BOT BRE BRO adapted to tillage, bearing a forest of elm j maple, oak, ash, white wood, &lc. It furnishes the fire wood and building timber for Michillimacinac, as well as pasturage for the cattle and horses. It is a very important appendage to the latter place. It has been surveyed, and a light house at- tached to its eastern point. Bottom creek, the most considerable tributary of the north branch of the Flint river, rises near the centre of La- peer county, and flows in a northxourse into the North Branch. Brandon township, Oakland county, is comprised in township five north, of range nine east. Population, 263. Bracly township, Kalamazoo county. Statistics as per census: — Population, 1,292. — A saw mill, 1 distillery, 9 merchants; 30,630 bushels wheat, 150 bushels rye, 31,881 bushels corn, 62,434 bushels oats, 731 bushels buckwheat ; 1,159 head neat stock, 416 horses, 256 sheep, 2,506 hogs. Branch, the seat of justice for Branch county, situated on the west branch of the Coldwater river, in Coldwater township. It contains a post office and a few families. Distant three miles from Coldwater, and i 13 south west of Detroit. Brest, a village situated at the mouth of Stony creek, in the township of Frenchtown, and county of Monroe. The settlement is small. It contains a saw mill, store, a few dwellings, and a banking association. It belongs to a company who are constructing piers in the harbor, and making other improvements. Distant six miles from Mon- roe, and 34 south*west of Detroit. Bridgfjcater township, Washtenaw county, consists of township four south, of range four east. Statistics as per census: — Population, 923. — 10,209 bushels wheat, 42 bush- els rye, 9,997 bushels corn, 14,250 bushels oats, 519 bush- els buckwheat, 912 lbs. flax; 860 head neat stock, 129 horses, 342 sheep, 1 273 hogs. Bristol post oflice, Bristol township, Lapeer county, on the Mt. Clemens and Lapeer m^il route. Bristol township, Lapeer county, consists of township six north, of range twelve east. Bronso7i's Prairie is a dry, rich prairie, in length and breadth about one mile, situated in the county of Branch. Branson township, Branch county. Statistics as per cen- OP MICHIGAN. S59 BRO BRY BUC sus : — Population, 635. — 2 saw mills, 5,051 bushels wheat, 5,224 bushels corn, 7,465 bushels oats, 625 bushels buck- wheat ; 543 head neat stock, 81 horses, 21 sheep, 573 hogs. Broivnstoum township, Wayne county, is situated in its south-eastern corner. Population, 846. Brownsto7vn creek originates in the township of Browns- town, Wayne county, flows through it in a south-easterly course, and empties into Lake Erie. Brownsville is a village within half a mile of Tecumseh, and will be soon incorporated with it. It has a saw mill and 2 stores* (See ^'Tecumseh.''') Brush creek, a small rivulet, tributary to the Pawpaw river, has its rise in the southern part of Van Euren coun- ty, and running north, enters the Pawpaw on its southern shore, in township three south, of range fifteen west. Bruce post office, Bruce township, Macomb county, on the Mount Clemens and Lapeer mail route. Bruce township occupies the northern part of the county of Macomb. Statistics as per census: — Population, 889. — A grist mill, 4 saw mills, 15,679 bushels wheat, 900 bush- els rye, 4,050 bushels corn, 10,999 bushels oats, 965 bush- els buckwheat, 525 lbs. flax ; 614 head neat stock, 170 horses, 390 sheep, 708 hogs, 1,133 yards woollen and cot- ton goods. Bryan Lake, a small collection of water in the south- western part of the county of Clinton, in township five north, of range one west, section twenty-six. It does not exceed one half mile in diameter. Buchanan township, Berrien county, is comprised in township seven south, of range eighteen west, lying west of the St. Joseph river. Statistics as per census: — Popula- tion, 172. — 3 saw mills, 828 bushels wheat, 2,625 bushels corn, 147 bushels oats, 80 bushels buckwheat, 20 lbs. flax; 253 head neat stock, 36 horses, 28 sheep, 493 hogs. Buck creek, a small rivulet, that takes rise on the bor- ders of Kent and Allegan counties, in range twelve west, and flowing northerly and north-westerly within said range, and through the south-western corner of Kent, empties in- to the Grand river on its southern shore, and at the village of Grandville. Bucks township, St. Joseph county, consists of township 260 GAZETTEER BUR BYR CAL six south, of range twelve west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 382. — 3 gristmills, 4 saw mills, 5 merchants. Burlington township, Calhoun county, is comprised in townships three and four south, of range seven west. Pop- ulation, 378. Burns township, Shiawassee county, is comprised in township five north, of range four east. Burnt Pine river, has its source between the Huron and the head waters of the Salmon Trout rivers, in the Upper Peninsula. It discharges its waters into Lake Superior near the Huron Isles. Burt Lake, an inconsiderable collection of water, situa- ted in the county of Oakland, in township two north, of range eight east. Byron township includes a part of Kent and Ottawa counties. Statistics as per census: — Population, 362. — A gristmill, 6 saw mills, a merchant; 1,150 bushels wheat, 3,551 bushels corn, 2,700 bushels oats ; 73 head neat stock, 33 horses, 82 hogs. On the north side of the river were 3 saw mills, 150 bushels wheat, 420 bushels corn, 12,390 bushels oats; 331 head neat stock, 60 horses, 257 hogs. Byron township, Livingston county, comprised in town- ship three north, range five east. The name of this town- ship has been altered to Oceola. Statistics as per census : Population, 317. — 2 sawmills; 1,019 bushels wheat, 521 bushels corn, 231 bushels oats, 40 bushels buckwheat ; 298 head neat stock, 15 iiorses, 15 sheep, 366 hogs. Byron is a small settlement in the south-eastern part of the county of Shiawassee, on the Shiawassee river, situated on its northern bank. Here is a fall in the river of eight or nine feet, which might be employed to good advantage. It is 12 miles from Shiawassee and 62 from Detroit. C. Calf Island, a small island in the Detroit river, near its mouth, and near Grosse island. Calvin township, Cass county, consists of township seven south, of range fourteen west. It is well watered by sev^eral small creeks, and by the Christiana river and its tributaries. Statistics as per census: — Population, 201. — A grist mill, a saw mill, a distillery ; 1,235 bushels wheat, 61 bushels rye, 4,970 bushels corn, 2,850 bushels oats; 75 OF MICHIGAN. 261 CAM CAR lbs. flax ; 151 head neat stock, 73 horses, 147 sheep, 333 hogs. CamphelVs creek, an inconsiderable tributary of the Rouge river. It waters the townships of Redford and Spring Wells in Wayne county. Cambridge township, Lenawee county, embraces town- ship five south, range two east. Statistics as per census : — Population, 523. — A grist mill, 3 saw mills, a merchant ; 4,990 bushels wheat, 3,398 bushels corn, 7,412 bushels oats, 57 bushels buckwheat; 260 lbs. flax; 459 head neat stock, 62 horses, 55 sheep, 770 hogs. Canandaigua, a village and post office in a township of the same name, situated on Bean creek, and near Bear creek, in the western part of the county of Lenawee. Here is a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a store, and physician. The place is newly settled. Distant 17 miles from Adrian and 82 S. W. Detroit. Canton township, Wayne county, consists of township two south, range eight east. It is watered by the head branches of the South branch of the Rouge. Population, 1,050. Carp river is an inconsiderable stream of the Peninsula^ that rises in the north-western part of Mackinac county, and empties into Lake Michigan, at a distance of perhaps 15 miles south of Grand Traverse bay. Carp river, an inconsiderable stream in the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, that forms the boundary line be- tween Mackinac and Chippewa counties. It flows east, and discharges into St. Mary's strait. Cascade La Portaille, one of the curiosities of the Pic- tured rocks, on the southern shore of Lake Superior. It consists of a beautiful stream of water emerging from a cliff'of the Pictured Rocks, 70 feet above the lake. In its escape into the lake, it leaps to such a distance, that boats pass dry and safe, between it and the rocks. This cascade contributes a beauty to the sublimity with which the scene is surround- ed. (See Pictured Rocks.) Cassopolis, village, post office, and seat of justice of Cass county, situated on the north-western border of Stone lake. Here is a court house, jail, 3 stores, a distillery, 2 practicing attorneys, and 2 physicians. Distant 180 miles south-west Detroit. 262 GAZETTEER CAS CED CHA Cass river, one of the larger branches of the Saginaw river, takes its rise in the south-western part of Sanilac county and flowing south-westerly and westerly, through a part of Sanilac and the eastern portion of Saginaw, dis- charges into the Saginaw river about 20 miles from its mouth. It passes through a rich but uncultivated interval, covered with a heavy growth of beech and sugar tree. The soil is of a superior quality. Plenty of mill sites are found on this stream and its tributaries. In high water, it is boatable for 15 or 20 miles from its mouth. Cedar Island, an inconsiderable island, lying at the en- trance of Detroit strait into Lake Erie. Cedar Point, one of the capes of the Miami bay. It lies at its entrance on the left, immediately opposite North cape. Cedar creek, a trifling stream in the county of Lapeer, tributary to the North branch of the Flint river. It passes through a marsh for the greater part of its course. Cedar Ijake, a small collection of water in the south-east- ern corner of the county of Van Buren. Its waters are con- ducted into the St. Joseph river, by a branch of the Dowa- giake river, which rises in it. Cedar Lake is in the central part of the county of Cal- houn. Centreville, a village, post office, and seat of justice for the county of St. Joseph, pleasantly located on Hog creek, sometimes called Prairie river — contains 2 banking associations, a court house, jail, 2 dry goods stores, an apothecary, printing office, a lawyer, 2 physicians, a saw mill, and flouringinill. Here is located one of the branches of the university. It derives its principal importance from being the shire town of the county, but it is improving. Distant 140 miles S. W. Detroit; (SQQ N. W.Washington. Channing township, Lenawee county, consists of town- ship nine and fractional township ten south, of range four east. Charleston, a newly laid out village in Ottawa county, on the south bank of Grand river, 18 miles from its mouth, and at the mouth of a small creek, which has eight feet water power. There is a saw mill building upon it, and several other buildings are erecting. It was formerly an Indian trading post. Charleston, a settlement but recently commenced. It is OF MICHIGAN. 263 CHE CHI CHO situated near the centre of Prairie Ronde, in Kalamazoo county. Here is a store erected, and some few dwelling houses. Cheboiegon river is the largest stream on the northern part of the Peninsula — rises north-west of Saginaw bay, flows in a northerly direction, and empties into the strait of Mackinac opposite Bois Blanc island. There are on this river, springs, 12 or 15 miles from its mouth, strong- ly impregnated with salt. Chenoux, a channel on the north coast of Lake Hu- ron, between Point St. Vital and Mackinac, masked by a chain of islands. China township, St. Clair county, consists of township four north, ranges fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen east. Statistics as per census : — Population, 603. — A grist mill, 5 saw mills, a merchant ; 2,452 bushels wheat, 73 bushels rye, 1,553 bushels corn, 6,152 bushels oats, 575 bushels buckwheat; 527 head neat stock, 108 horses, 74 sheep, 439 hogs. China post office, China township, St. Clair county. Mail once a week. Chippewa river, a considerable branch of Pine river. It rises in Isabella county, and flowing easterly through a part of Midland county, discharges itself into Pine river, near its mouth. There is some valuable land upon this river, but much excellent arable soil will be found when once it is cleared. No settlements of consequence have been made in this part of the state. Christiana river is a stream that rises in the eastern part of Cass county, and flowing south-westerly and southerly, passes through the county of Cass, into the northern part of Indiana, where it discharges its waters into the St. Jo- seph at the village of Elkhart. This is an excellent mill stream throughout the year, and furnishes an abundance of hydraulic power. There is a belt of heavily timbered land, coverinof a rich soil, extendinff from the banks of this river, northerly, above its source. Choiskwa, a noted rock formation and point of encamp- ment, on the north coast of Lake Michigan. Chocolate river, a considerable strenm of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, takes its rise in a small lake in the highlands, north-east of the Monomonie river, and running 264 GAZETTEER CLA CLI CLI northerly and north-easterly, discharges its waters on the southern border of Lake Superior. Clay township, in the southern part of St. Clair county. Statistics as per census: — Population, 394. — A saw mill ; 5 merchants; 440 bushels wheat, 1,250 bushels corn, 590 bushels oats; 50 lbs. flax; 327 head neat stock, 85 horses, 134 sheep, 299 hogs. Clark's Lake lies near the centre of the township of Na- poleon, in the county of Jackson. Its waters are conduct- ed into the Grand river, by the South branch of that stream. Clear Lake, a trifling collection of water in the southern part of Barry county. Its waters are conducted into the Big Fork of the Grand river. Clinch township. Van Buren county, is comprised in townships one and two south, of ranges thirteen and four- teen west. Population, 108. Clinton river has its source in the numerous small lakes scattered over the central part of the county of Oakland, and after collecting their waters, passes out of said county in a north-easterly direction, and flowing thence south-east- erly and easterly, discharges into the northern part of Lake St. Clair, opposite the mouth of the St. Clair river. It is about 50 miles long. Its principal tributaries are the North Fork, Stoney creek, and Paint creek, which discharge upon the north side, and Red river on the south side. It is boatable to Rochester, 20 miles, and after the bar is removed at the mouth, vessels of the largest class can come to Mt. Clemens, six miles from the lake. It waters the country in a very beautiful manner, and furnishes many and important mill privileges, to the accommodation of a flourishing por- tion of the State. Clinton township is located in the southern part of the county of Macomb, bordering on Lake St. Clnir, and west of the line dividing townships thirteen and fourteen east. It is watered by Red river. Statistics as per census : — Population, 1,193. — A grist mill, 4 saw mills, a glass man- ufactory, 6 merchants; 2,516 bushels wheat, 515 bushels rye, 1,790 bushels corn, 3,165 bushels oats, 884 bushels buckwheat; 190 lbs. flax; 10 tons potashes ; 705 head neat stock, 171 horses, 159 sheep, 810 hogs. Clinton Salt Works, Clinton county, a village located on section No. fifteen in township eight north, range four J OP MICHIGAX. 265 COL west, upon the Maple river, belonging to a company incor- porated in 183S for the purpose of boring for salt water and manufacturing salt. Clinton, a village and post office in the township of Te- cumseh, on the east bank of the North Branch of the River Raisin, near the northern line of the county of Lenawee. Here is a bank, a church for episcopalians, flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, an Ifon foundry, 6 dry goods stores, an extensive grocery establishment, a druggist, a lawyer, and 3 physicians. The methodist and preshyterian denominations are respectable in numbers. It is situated on the Chicago road, and on the route of the Jacksonburg and Palmyra rail road. It is a pleasant, flourishing village, and a place of considerable business. There is a good supply of hydraulic power here on the River Raisin. The popula- tion is supposed to be about 600. Distant 1.5 miles from Adrian, and 50 south-west Detroit. Clyde township, St. Clair county, consists of townships five, six, seven, eight, and nine, north, of ranges thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen east. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 339. — 2 grist mills, 12 saw mills, a mer- chant ;~ 1,67.5 bushels wheat, 710 bushels rye, 391 bushels corn, 2,885 bushels oats, 50 bushels buckwheat, 40 pounds flax ; 329 head neat stock, 62 horses, 106 hogs. Clyde, a village and post office, county of St. Clair, situ- ated on the Black river, 12 mifes from its mouth, at the heanl of steamboat navigation. It has a flouring mill, 2 saw mills, and a store. Distant 20 miles from Palmer, and Q^ north-east of Detroit. Coal creek, an insignificant tributary of the Flint river, in the western part of Genesee county. Coguaiack prairie Vies in the eastern part of the county of Kalamazoo, near the Kalamazoo river. Coldwatcr river takes its rise in the south-east corner of the county of Branch, and flowing north-westerly, receiv- ing in its course the East Branch and Hog river, dis- charges into St. Joseph, on the northern line of the county at Union city. ,. Coldwater township. Branch county, consists of townships six, seven, and eight south, of range six west. It contains the village of Coldwater, and is watered by the Coldwater river and its branches. Statistics as per census : — Popula- 23 266 GAZETTEER COL COL COM tion, 960. — 3 grist mills, 3 saw miJls, 10 merchants, ; 6,899 bushels wheat, 5,5 J 5 bushels corn, 9,847 bushels oats, 50 bushels buckwheat ; 359 head neat stock, 125 horses, 698 hogs. Coldwater, a village in the county of Branch, and town- ship of Coldwater, situated on the East branch of the Cold- water river. It has a post office, banking association, 5 stores, 2 saw mills, a lawyer, and 4 physicians. There is a church for the methodists building, which will be completed soon. There is considerable water power near the village. Within the distance of three miles there is a fall of 50 feet in the river, with a volume of water sufficient to propel any required amount of machinery. This is a very flourishing and pleasant village, located in Coldwater prairie, and on the Chicago road. There is much building going on here at present. Distant 110 miles from Detroit. Exertions are making to remove the county seat from Branch to this place. Coleman's creek, a diminutive stream of the Kew-y-wee- non Peninsula, that empties into lake Superior. Collins creek, Livonia township, Wayne county discharges into Power's creek. Colon township, St. Joseph county, consists of township six south, of range nine west. Population, 368. Colon, post office, in Colon township, St. Joseph county. Mail received once a week. Columbus township, St. Clair county, is comprised in township five north, of range fifteen east. Statistics as per census : — Population, 85. — 348 bushels wheat, 50 bushels corn, 633 bushels oats, 81 bushels buckwheat; 56 head neat stock, 9 horses, 26 hogs. Columbia Lake in the northern part of the township of Bridgewater, in Washtenaw county. Columbia Lake post office is near Columbia lake. Mail once a week. Com7nerce township, Oakland county, consists of town- ship two north, of range eight east. It contains an Indian village on its southern border. Population, 747. Commerce post office. Commerce township, Oakland county. Mail once a week. Comstock village and post office, Kalamazoo county, pleasantly located on the north bank of the Kalamazoo OF MICHIGAN. 26.7 COM CON CON river, in the township of Comstock. It has a flouring mill, 2 saw mills, a store, physician, and 2 lawyers. It is situ- ated on the State road from Detroit to St. Joseph. The Allegan and Marshall rail-road is to pass through it. Dis- tant 4 miles from Kalamazoo, and 136 west of Detroit. Comstock township, Kalamazoo county, consists of town two south, ranges nine and ten west, and three south, nine west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 1,383. — A grist mill, 4 saw mills, 3 merchants; 19,457 bushels wheat, 155 bushels rye, 11,834 bushels corn, 32,088 bushels oats, 690 bushels buckwheat, 120 pounds flax; 1,394 head neat stock, 222 horses, 362 sheep, 1,484 hogs. Ccf/r/;orw township, Wayne county. Population, 1,317, Decatur township. Van Buren county, is comprised in township four south, of ranges thirteen and fourteen west* Population, 234. Deerji.dd township, Livingston county, consists of town- ship four north, ranges five and six east. Statistics, as per census: — Population, 369. — 2,174 bushels wheat, 10 bush- els rye, 365 bushels corn, 384 bushels oats, 292 bushels buckwheat; 379 head neat stock, 24 horses, 14 sheep, 141 hogs, 2>c5wo??r/, village of. (Vide Pcr^ //wrow village.) DETROIT city, port of entry, seat of justice for Wayne county, and capital of the State of Michigan, has a healthy and beautiful location on the west bank of a strait of the same name, upon a site elevated 30 feet above its surface, of which, and the surrounding country, it commands ex- tensive views. It is seven miles below the outlet of Lake St. Clair, and 18 above the western extremity of Lake Erie, in north lat. 42° 19' 53'', and west loner, (from Greenwich) 82° 58', or (from Washington) 5° 56'^ 12". Difference of OF MICHIGAN. 271 time from New York city, 35 min. 47 sec. ; from Washing- ton, 23 min. 44 sec. Distant 30*2 miles west of Buffalo, 3:2*2 from Mackinac, 202 north Columbus, 32G north-east Indianapolis, 4^2 north-east Vandalia 55G north-east St. Louis, 1,768 from New Orleans, 257 from Cincinnati, 253 north-west Pittsburg, 500 north-west Philadelphia, 6G5 (by canal) west Albany, 810 by canal, or 687 land route from New York city, 750 from Hartford, 832 west Boston, 828 south-west Quebec, 648 south-west Montreal, and 526 north-west Washington city. For the distance of a mile upon the river, and for three- fourths of a mile extending back, it is more or less densely settled. The plan of the city is rather uncouth and labour- ed, ^#th much mathematical ingenuity, better suited, it is acknowledged, to flatter the fancy than to promote practical utility. Upon the river, and for 1,200 feet back, it is rec- tangular — in the rear of this, triangular. The streets are spacious. Among the more noted arc the eight avenues : viz : Madison Avenue, Michigan Grand Avenue, and Washington Grand Avenue, each 200 feet wide : Wood- ward Avenue, Monroe Avenue, Miami Avenue, Macomb Avenue, and Jefferson Avenue, each 120-feet wide; all except Michigan, Monroe, and Jefferson, terminating at one point called the Grand Circus. The other streets are 60 feet wide, and generally cross at right angles. Atwater street, upon the river, Woodbridge street, running parallel with it upon the declivity, are mostly occupied by stores and deal- ers in the heavier articles of merchandise. Woodward avenue, leading from the river at right angles, to Jefferson avenue, through Campus Martins and the central part of the city, is becoming of increased importance, and ranks among the first of the business streets. The principal street running with the course of the river upon the summit of the declivity, and through the central and most densely popula- ted part of the city, is Jefferson avenue. Upon this are most of the public and private offices located, as well as the fancy and dry goods stores, and the dealers in the lighter articles of merchandise. This is a beautiful and pleasant street, and will compare with the most noted streets of any of our western cities. There are several convenient public squares, the most noted of which is the Campus Martins. The principal public sewers have been constructed in a 272 GAZETTEER permanent manner. Owing to the argilaceous quality of the soil, the streets are bad in spring season, and at other seasons, after the intervention of continued rains. The proper authorities have, however, commenced paving with wood, which must, in the end, obviate the only objection to its pleasantness. The city is at present partially supplied with water, by steam power, from the strait. A new hydraulic estab- lishment is being erected by the corporation, which will amply supply the city with the purest water. It consists of a circular brick tower, 64 feet in diameter, raised 50 feet above the surface of the water, erected upon a wharf extend- ing into the Detroit in the upper part of the city. The tower is made up of two circular walls, connectedly 16 partition walls. The partition walls are 12 and 16 inches thick, and the outer wall 16 inches. The partition walls are to terminate in an arch at their upper extremity, for the support of the tank or reservoir. The reservoir is of cast iron, 60 feet in diameter, and 20 feet deep, with a capacity of 425,000 gallons. This is to be supplied by means of a high pressure steam engine* of 25 horse power, and double acting piston pump. The water is to be distributed by means of cast iron pipes. It is to be taken six feet below the surface of the river, 450 feet from the shore, through a pipe 12 inches in diameter, which supplies the reservoir. The main distributing pipe is 10 inches in diameter, and the main lateral pipes, three, four, and six inches. One hundred fire hydrants are connected with the works, capa- ble each of throwing water into the third story of any build- ing in the city. The tank is to be inclosed by a frame work, and the whole covered by either a dome or conical roof The height of the tower from the surface of the wa- ter to the top of the tank, is 70 feet. The whole is intend- ed to be in operation during the season of '39. The entire expense is estimated at $100,000, and $50,000 have been already expended. Detroit, although one of the most ancient settlements in North America, is, to every appearance, and, considering its present condition, in reality, of recent growth. Of the * It has been in contemplation, in lieu of steam, to apply, for this pur- ]>03e, a power generated by the force of the river current, acting upon a wheel constructed and moving upon the principle of the wind milh OF MICHIGAN. 273 DET ancient style of the French buildings, scarcely a vestige remains. The city is mostly built of wood, and in a man- ner to accommodate its emigrant population, which it is supposed composes one half or two thirds of the city. Stores and dwellings of this class are often constructed upon leased grounds, and so constructed as to be easily removed ; and it is a common occurrence to see one or more buildings removing from one part of the city to an- other, as the covenience of their owners requires. Although these temporary structures form no inconsiderable portion of the city, there are many permanent dwellings, not dis- proportionate to the number of resident citizens, built in a respectable style; and a few elegant private mansions. There are several extensive blocks of stores, constructed of brick, in a style and permanence highly creditable to the appearance of the city. Considering the enterprising and fluctuating nature of the great mass of the population, the city has altogether a cheerful and comely appearance, and, aside from the trifling inconveniences mentioned, inviting to the emigrant ; and it has not a few outward indications of high cultivated taste and refinement. The most interesting of the public buildings are, the capitol, the city hall, St. Paul's church, the presbyterian church, the baptist church, the cathedral of St. Anne, and the bank of Michigan. The State House is a commodious edifice of brick, con- structed in the Ionic order, 90 feet by 60. The porti- co in front is supported by six columns, and the entablature at the sides by pilasters. The steeple, crowned with a dome, is 140 feet high. From the dome is had a view of the city, th§ strait for many miles above and below, Lake St. Clair, and a delightful landscape stretching far beyond the Canada shore. The extent and beauty of the prospect are only surpassed by two others in the country — that from the dome of the capitol in Boston, and the one from the dome of St. Michael's church in Charleston, S. C. The Citi/ Hall is a neat edifice of brick, built at an expense of about $20,000 — 100 feet by 50, with two stories and a stone basement. The first story is used for a mar- ket. Upon the second is a spacious hall, where the various courts hold their sessions. Sf Paul's Church is a handsome brick edifice, built in 274 GAZETTEER DET the Gothic style, measuring, exclusive of the vestry, 90 feet by 50. The tower to the top of the pinnacles, is 115 feet. It is proportioned with much symmetry, finished in a supe- rior manner, and furnished with an excellent organ. The Presbyterian Church is a neat edifice of brick, erected at an expense of $25,000, and said to be one of the best churches in the Western States. It is constructed in the Grecian style, with a pediment in front, supported by six Doric columns 24 feet high. The length of the building is 100 feet, and, exclusive of the portico, 90 feet; the breadth is 60 feet, and the height of the steeple is 130 feet. The Baptist Church is a neat, plain building, located upon an elevated site, constructed in the Ionic order, 70 feet by 50, with a steeple rising 100 feet, ornamented with a handsome dome. St. Anne's Cathedral is an edifice of hammered granite, 116 feet by 60. It is built in the Roman Doric style, with two steeples in front, ornamented with iron crosses. An octagonal dome rises in the centre 30 feet high, with a diame- ter of 30 feet. Its organ is said to be one of the largest in the United States. The Bank of Michigan is a substantial edifice, built of polished stone. The style is Grecian, and its dimensions are 56 by 40. Its height is two stories, and exclusive of the basement, it is 41 feet high. The expense of construc- tion was upwards of $40,000. Detroit contains eight churches — one, each, for presby- terians, episcopalians, methodists, baptists, German Luther- ans, and one for the colored population, the latter of which is ministered to by clergymen of different denominations. The Roman catholics have two churches — ^^one for the French, and one to accommodate the English, Irish, and German population. There are four banks, with an aggre- gate capital of $2,250,000 ; 3 markets ; a theatre, museum, circus, a public garden, State penitentiary and county jail ; government magazine; mechanics' hgll ; four printing offices, three of which issue 9 newspapers, viz. 3 dailies, a tri-weekly, and 4 weeklies, one of which is a religious paper, — and a monthly periodical devoted to the cause of education. Of the larger mercantile establishments, may be numbered 27 dry goods stores, 25 grocery, and grocery and provision stores, 14 hardware stores, 7 clothing stores, OF MICHIGAN. 275 DET 8 silversmiths and jewelry stores, 8 druggist stores, 10 ex- tensive forwarding and commission stores, 3 bookstores, and the repository of the American Sunday School Union. There are 27 lawyers and 22 physicians. Among the vari- ous public offices, are, a distributing post office for the State; office of the collector of customs; office of the de- partment of Indian affiiirs ; the public land office; and the office of the board of internal improvements. The markets are usually well supplied. For a few years past, Ohio, Indiana, and Upper Canada have furnished the greater portion of the cattle slaughtered here. The fish market is not only the most abundantly supplied, but one of the best in the Western States. There are several extensive manufactories. There is a large steam saw mill, sash factory, edge tool manufactory, 3 iron foundries, a brass foundry, and 2 breweries. The. Detroit Iron Founder y has attached thereto, a found- ery, finishing, pattern, and boiler shops, calculated to man- ufacture extensively all kinds of castings, mill irons, mill gearing, steam engines, &c., and it employs from 25 to 30 workmen. The Michigan Iron Foundcry is nearly as exten- sive, and employs from 18 to 25 workmen. The City Brew- ery, owned by Thomas J. Owen, Esq., built in 1837, at an expense of $20,000, is the largest west of Albany. The main building is of brick, 40 feet by 140, and three stories high. It is capable of brewing 25,000 barrels annually, which would require for consumption from 80,000 to 100,000 bushels of barley. The Detroit Br civ ery is also an extensive establishment that does a large business. There are several charitable institutions, which reflect much credit upon the city, and upon their benevolent founders. There are two orphan asylums, one under the patronage of the catholics, and the other of the protes- tants. The latter is a handsome two story brick edifice, situated a mile and a half above the city, erected through the influence and benevolence of the ladies of Detroit. The ladies' free school society (protestant), supports three schools, by receiving indigent children of every de- nomination, furnishing books, and educating them gratui- tously. Average number, 200. Among the other charita- ble institutions, are the St. Clare English and Germamfree school (catholic), and the French female charity school. 276 GAZETTEER • DET They average each about 40 pupils. The hospital and poor house are supported by a county cess. There are several scientific and literary societies, as the historical society, instituted in 1829 ; the Michigan State literary institute, in 1838 ; the medical society of the State of Michigan ; and the young men's society for moral and intellectual improvement, instituted in 1832 ; the algic society was instituted in the same year, for the purpose of civilizing and christianizing the N. W. Indian tribes. Considerable attention is paid to education, and increas- ing exertions are making to extend the means to all classes of society. Here is located one of the Branches of the University, which recently went into operation ; and three miles above the city is located St. Philip's college. (For the latter, see first part, article, Colleges, j There are two very respectable Female Seminaries. The ^'Detroit Fe- male Seininary,'' superintended by Mr. and Mrs. Willson, is very respectably conducted and receives a goodly patron- age. (See article Colleges and Seminaries, first part.) The " Young Ladies^ Institute,'^ conducted by Mrs. Hec- tor Scott and daughters, is a fashionable boarding and day school for young ladies. The number of pupils is limited. Indefatigable attention is paid to the morals of the pupils, and, to their instruction in the more substantial and useful, as well as ornamental branches of education. Usual num- ber of pupils, 35. St. Clarets Seminary for young ladies, is under the direction of the ladies of St. Clare, where most of the English and ornamental branches are taught. There are several respectable schools for boys. The principal of which are Mr. Bacon's select school ; number of pupils lim- ited to 25. The Detroit English school by Mr. Mitchell, average number 40. The Detroit Latin and English school, by J. T. Blois ; average number of pupils 40. "Be- sides the above, there are several other male and female private schools in different parts of the city. Heretofore schools have been established on the emergencies of the times in the absence of a regularly organized system of pub- lic instruction. This deficiency is being supplied by the establishment of the university and primary schools, and popular indications exhibited since the system has com- menced operation warrant the belief, that most of our pub- lic and private schools, both in the interior and in the city, t OP MICHIGAN. 277 DET will, eventually, merge in those established by law. The census taken to first of March, 1834, showed that, of a popu- lation of 4,968, 777 were under 15 years, and 251 be- tween 15 and 20, making 1,028, or about one-fifth of the population of the city. There were then 12 schools, and 448 children in attendance. During the present season there have been established seven school districts within the city. Agreeably to the census taken first January, 1838, the total number of chil- dren under 15 years was 3,156; of 5 and under 15, 1,842; of 15 and under 21, 1,199; total under 21, 4,355, or near one-half the population of the city. Detroit is in need of a well selected public library. There are many private libraries which are respectable- There is a circulating library of 1,000 volumes. The Detroit Young men's society have a library of 1,200 vol- umes. The Michigan State library, at the capitol, con- tains 1,900 volumes. The legislature have appropriated ^1,000 per annum for five years to its enlargement. Detroit, often denominated "the city of the Straits," is the great commercial mart and emporium for the State. It is peculiarly well situated for commerce, and has ever been the centre of trade, especially of the fur trade, for a large section of this north-western region. The fur trade, how- ever, having decreased with the increase of population, is now comparatively inconsiderable. The American fur company have an agency here, but the value of the trade, being one of the secrets of the company, is entirely un- known to the public. The value and amount of the various kinds of merchandize sold are uncertain. It is sufficient to say, the several stores before mentioned are mostly those doing an extensive business in each respective line, and are but a part, when the smaller establishments are enumerated. The city trade is quite disproportionate to that from the country. Many of the interior merchants make their en- tire purchases here, while others come to the city to re- plenish their stock. It is estimated by different merchants that from one-half to three-fifths of the merchandise sold goes to the interior. The exports to other States are compara- tively inconsiderable. The principal article is fish. (See article Rivers and Lakes.) An illicit trade is, and has been for many years, carried on to a great extent upon the 24 278 GAZETTEER frontier, in detriment, not only to the city trade, but to the revenue of government. Western emigration has been a great resource of sup- port to the city for several years past. Of this, Detroit has been the principal avenue, or rather the portal to the inte- rior. It is the season of open navigation, usually eight months of the year, that activity and business prevail. Detroit is deeply engaged in the lake trade, and it has been the seat of considerable ship building. The first steamboat, called the " Walk-in-thc-icafer," arrived at this city the 11th of August, 1818. The amount of shipping belonging to this port was 849 tons ; the value of exports was $69,330, and of imports $15,611. In 1825, the num- ber of arrivals was 270, and an equal number of clearances. In 1829, the export trade of the city and tlie ports north and south of it, was estimated at nearly $400,000, of which $325,000 were supposed to be furs and peltries. Aggregate tonage owned in Detroit in 1830, 995 tons ; in 1834, 4,000 tons. The number of arrivals and clearances in 1834, was (not including those vessels navigating in the district only,) 2,112. From data received through the custom house of this port, we find in 1837, the aggregate number of vessels of every description owned in the city 47, amounting to 5,164 tons, including the following descriptions and aggre- gate tonage, viz : 10 steamboats amounting to 2,184 tons, 3 brigs, 560 tons; 26 schooners, 2,200 tons; 8 sloops, 220 tons. The total amount of wharf made is 5,900 feet. From calculations made in 1836, it was estimated, for seven months navigation, that, of the steamboats navigating the lake waters, ''two of the first class and one of the second, arrived and departed daily ; the former averaging 200 pas- sengers each way, and 50 tons import freight, — the latter 50 passengers and 20 tons import freight." Of the other lake vessels, "an average of three arrived and cleared daily, averaging each way ten passengers and 100 tons import freight." The profits realized during this season upon steamboats were estimated at from 50 to 70 per cent., and upon schooners from 80 to 100 per cent. Detroit is the central point from which diverge most of the principal roads in the State. The central rail-road leading to St. Joseph is finished and in active operation 30 jniles to Ypsilanti, and is fast progressing. It now termi- OP MICHIGAN. 279 DET nates at the depot on Campus Martins, but is about being extended to Atwater street, where it is again to be extended 1000 feet on each side. The depot buildings are but in part constructed. The engine building is completed, and is used as a deposit for engines when unemployed or under repair. The building is of brick, 150 feet by 32, two sto- ries high. The other building for the deposit of passenger cars is not yet constructed. It will necessarily be a large structure. (See central rail-road.) The rail-road leading to Pontiac is finished, and in operation for 12 miles to Royal Oak. The rail-road to Shelby is in progressive con- struction. There are five territorial or State roads, one leading from the city to Ohio, one to Chicago, one to the Grand river, one to Saginaw, and one to Fort Gratiot. It is likewise connected with Canada by a steam ferry. The present site of the city seems to have been visited by the French as early as 1610. In 1720, the French fort Ponchartrain had been previously located here. In 1759, Detroit fell into the hands of the British. In 1784, by treaty it fell into the possession of the United States, and from 1796, till within a few years past, a garrison has been stationed here. In 1802, it was incorporated, and was de- stroyed by fire in 1805. In 1810, the act of incorporation was repealed. In 1812, the fort and town were surrendered to the British, but again re-occupied by a division of the army of the United States in 1813. In 1815, it was re-in- corporated. In 1832, the cholera visited the city, and in '34, this scourge produced a great mortality. In 1837, a great fire happened and the destruction of much property. (See first part, article History.) The French were the first European settlers. The popu- lation is now, like most of the western cities, composed of all classes and almost of all nations. The French and their descendants still compose a large class, and their language is yet spoken to a considerable extent, but they are fast amalgamating with the predominant immigrant population. By the census taken at different periods we find the in- crease of population to be gradual, until recently it has increased almost without precedent. In 1810, the popula- tion of the city was 770; in 1818, 1,110—596 males, 444 females; in 1820, 1,442—887 males, 488 females, 67 colored; in 1828, 1,517 ; in 1830,2,222; in 1834, 4,968— 280 GAZETTEER 2,904 males, 2,064 females ; on the first of January, 1838, 9,278. Detroit strait. This stream conducts the collected wa- ters of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and St. Clair, to Lake Erie. It is the largest stream of Michigan, and its local position makes it the most important. The word D'Etroit, (Fr.) signifies strait, and, as applied to this stream, is a more appropriate appellation than the word river, and was first given to it by the French on its discove- ry. It is about 25 miles long, and on an average, one and a tenth of a mile broad, and 36 feet deep. It moves with an equable current of about two miles per hour. Its de- scent is three inches per mile, or six feet and three inches for its whole length. Its course is first south-westerly, and then southerly. In the winter season, it closes with ice only after a continued succession of severely cold weather. If the temperature of the atmosphere moderates but for a few days, and that moderation even not above the freezing point, it will open by the action of its powerful current, which wears away the thickest ice in a short time. Hence, the stream is not often long closed. It has been known to remain one frozen bridge for six weeks, but it was a phe- nomenon in its history, rarely known, and then only in sea- sons of the greatest severity. It receives several inconsider- able streams from the American, and two or three from the Canadian shore. The most considerable is the Rouge. There are a number of islands that divert its waters, though they add to the beauty of its scenery. Among the largest are Grosse and Fighting islands. From some cause, there appears to have been a peculiar attraction to the banks of the Detroit, more than to any other stream in Michigan. The first settlements of the French were made on it, and the French travellers found three tribes of Indians equally tenacious in their attachment to it. From a gradual acces- sion its banks on either side have been subdued and settled, so that in many places, for miles, it has the appearance of a continued village, of a much older country, than the re- cent State of Michigan. Like the lakes which it connects, it abounds with fine fish, the taking of which has become lucrative. The navigation of the strait is easy, and in the season of it, its waters are covered with steamboats and vessels of every description. The Detroit, although but OF MICHIGAN. 281 DEW DEX DOR a few miles in length, is one of the pleasantest and most beautiful streams in the United States. With banks of great fertility, covered with orchards of various fruit, with farms cultivated and productive, accompanied with incomparable scenery, the prospect is rendered exceedingly delightful in passing up the strait. Dewitt township, Clinton county, comprises ranges one and two, or the eastern half of the county. Dexter township, Washtenaw county, consists of town- ship one south, of range four east. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 596. — 8,854 bushels wheat, 4,470 bush- els corn, 13,672 bushels oats, 1,393 bushels buckwheat; 188 head neat stock, 228 hogs. Dexter, a village and post office in the county of Wash- tenaw, and township of Scio, has an elevated and healthy location, and is pleasantly situated on Mill creek, at its con- fluence with the Huron river. Here is a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a tannery, 5 stores, 1 grocery, 1 druggist, 1 lawyer, 3 physicians. It is on the Territorial road from Monroe to Grand river. The Detroit and St. Joseph rail-road is to pass through it. There is hydraulic power in its vicinity that might be used to any extent. Dexter is very thriving ; many buildings were erected dur- ing the two seasons past, and many are now erecting. Distant nine miles from Ann Arbour, and ^0 miles west Detroit, 576 north-west Washington city. Dixborougli, a village and post office in the township of Superior, and county of Washtenaw, situated on Fleming's creek, a small branch of the Huron, and on the road from Detroit to Ann Arbour. It has a flouring mill, with two run of stone, a saw rriill, 2 stores and a physician. The country around it is excellent for farming. Distant 5 miles from Ann Arbour, and 35 from Detroit. Doric Arch, (or Doric Rock) is a name applied to an isolated mass of sand stone, which has the appearance of the work of art, consisting of four pillars supporting an en- tablature or stratum of stone covered with soil, and a hand- some growth of pine and spruce trees, some of which are 50 or 60 feet in height. This curiosity is a projection of the Pictured Rocks on the southern shore of Lake Superior, and presents an interesting view to voyagers of the great lake, (^ee '^ Pictured Rocks.'') 24* 282 GAZETTEER DOU DRU DUN Double Hearted (or Twin) river, has its origin in the in- terior of the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, and dis- charges its waters into Lake Superior. Dover township, Lenawee county, is embraced in town- ship seven south, of range two east. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 680. — 8,255 bushels wheat, 7,166 bush- els corn, 4,430 bushels oats, 47 bushels buckwheat, 493 lbs. flax; 462 head neat stock, 26 horses, 127 sheep, 557 hogs. Dousman's creek rises in the northern part of the Penin- sula, in Mackinac county, flows north, and empties into the strait of Mackinac. Dowagiake river takes its rise in the southern part of Van Buren and north-eastern part of Cass counties, and passing over the northern, north-western, and western por- tion of the latter, in a south-western direction, into Berrien, enters the St. Joseph river near the village of Niles. It is upwards of 30 miles in length, and receives a number of tributaries, which, with the main stream, furnish excellent mill sites. DrummoncV s Island, at the mouth of St. Mary's, 40 miles long, has the best quality of secondary lime stone, several harbors and fisheries, and a soil covered with pine and ma- ple. The western extremity is the site of an ancient Brit- ish fort. Dry Prairie, a small prairie in Kalamazoo county, in the township of Corastock, in surface perhaps one mile. Like other prairies in this part of the country, it has an ex- ceedingly fertile soil. Dry Prairie, a tract of country passing by this name, in the south-western corner of the county of Calhoun, bor- dering Branch county, and on the bottom of the Nottawas- epee. The soil is excellent. Duck liCike, a small collection of water lying in the north- eastern corner of Calhoun county. Its waters pass into Narrow Lake. Dulude river. (See " Black river.") Dundee, a village and post office, in the township of Sum- merfield, and county of Monroe, situated on the River Rai- sin, 18 miles from Lake Erie, contains 2 dry goods stores, a shoe store, flouring mill, 4 saw mills, a lath and dish manufactory, grocery establishment, druggist, and 3 phy- sicians. A flouring mill is being constructed for four run OF MICHIGAN. 283 ECK ELB of stone, likewise three churches, one each for Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists, all of which will undoubtedly be completed the ensuing season. The routes of the La Plais- ance Bay turnpike, and Lake Erie and River Raisin Rail- road, are through this village. The water power at this place is seven and a half feet. Dundee is said to be pleas- ant and flourishing. Many buildings are at present con- structing, both for public and private use. Distant 15 miles from Monroe, and 53 south-west of Detroit. E. Eagle's nest river, a trifling stream of the Kew-y-weenon peninsula, that empties into Lake Superior. East Strait, lying between the Great Manito on the east, and the Lesser Manito on the west, being one of the outlets of St. Mary's strait. East Farmington post office, Farmington township, Oak- land county. Mail once a week. East Portage township, Jackson county, consists of township one south, of range two east, and the twelve sec- tions, numbered from one to twelve inclusive, in township two south, of range two east. Eaton township, Eaton county, is comprised in town- ships one and two north, ranges three and four west. Sta- tistics as per census: — Population, 330; a gristmill, 2 saw mills ; 1,777 bushels wheat, 780 bushels corn, 317 bush- els oats, 51 bushels buckwheat ; 218 head neat stock, 7 horses, 4 sheep, 151 hogs. Eclford post oflice, in Calhoun county, on the post route from Jonesville to Marshall. Eclford township, Calhoun county, is comprised in township three south, of range five west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 530; a saw mill; 10,991 bushels wheat, 5,260 bushels corn ; 10,104 bushels oats, 100 lbs. flax; 443 head neat stock, 47 horses, \(S sheep, 515 hogs. Ecorces township, Wayne county. Population, '709. Edwardshurg village and post office, in the southern part of Cass county, on the Chicago turnpike, at the north-east- ern corner of Beardsley's prairie, and on Beardsley's lake. Here are 4 stores, 2 lawyers, 3 physicians. It is pleasant- ly situated and very flourishing. Distant 10 miles south- west Cassopolis, and 170 south-west Detroit. Elba Island, a small isle on the south of Grosse island, at the mouth of the Detroit strait. 2S4 GAZETTEER ERM Elizabeth township, Branch county, is comprised of town- ship seven south, of range seven west. Statistics as per census : — Population, 177. — 945 bushels wheat, 1,518 bush- els corn, 1,183 bushels oats, 1,000 bushels buckwheat; 167 head neat stock, 37 horses, 152 hogs. EUzaheth Bay lies between the mouths of the Sandy and Monestee rivers of the Upper Peninsula, on the north shore of Lake Michigan. Elizabeth Lake, is in Waterford township, Oakland county. It is very diminutive, and its waters are conducted into the Clinton river. Elizabeth Lake post office is located near Elizabeth lake, in Oakland county. Mail once a week. Elm creek, a trifling stream, and branch of the North Fork of the Flint river, in Lapeer county. Erie township, Monroe county, consists of township eight south, range eight east. Here is a good stone quarry. It is watered by Vance river and Bay creek. Statistics as per census: — Population, 999. — A merchant; 3,932 bush- els wheat, 41 bushels rye, 4,518 corn, 11,980 bushels oats, 4,876 bushels buckwheat; 350 lbs. flax; 864 head neat stock, 346 horses, 388 sheep, 759 hogs. Erie post office is in Erie township, Monroe county, on the Toledo and Blissfield post route. Erie, a village recently laid out at the confluence of the Thorn Apple and Grand river, in Kent county, containing a post office, tavern, and several dwellings. A bridge is constructing across the Tiiorn Apple. It is distant 10 miles from the rapids of Grand river. Ermatingcr' s Island, Lake Superior, the western bound- ary of Indian concession by treaty, 2Sth March, 1836. Escliol is situated at the mouth of Prairie river, at its confluence with the St. Joseph, in the county of St. Jo- seph. Evans' creek, a small creek in the northern part of Len- awee county, a branch of the Raisin. Evans' Lctkc, a small collection of water in the northern part of Lenawee county. Its waters are conducted into the Raisin river, by Evans' creek. Exeter township, Monroe county, consists of township five south, range eight east. Statistics as per census : — Population, 156. — 687 bushels wheat, 839 bushels corn, OF MICHIGAN. 285 FAL 458 bushels oats, 202 bushels buckwheat ; 106 lbs. flax ; 195 head neat stock, 19 horses, 203 hogs. F. Fall creek, an inconsiderable tributary of the Big Fork of the Thorn Apple river, in the central part of Barry county. Farmer^ s creek, a stream rising on the confines of Oak- land and Lapeer counties, and, running north-easterly through the latter, empties into the Flint river, at the vil- lage of Lapeer. It is about 12 miles long, and is possessed of fine mill sites and good bottom lands. Farmington village and post office, Oakland county, situ- ated in the southern part of the county, on one of the head branches of the river Rouge. It contains 2 flouring mills with 3 run of stone — one propelled by water and the other by steam, — 2 saw mills, 2 stores, 1 druggist, and 2 physi- cians, and perhaps 20 families. This is a flourishing vil- lage, and is surrounded by a fine farming country. Dis- tant 14 miles from Pontiac, and 19 N. W. Detroit. Farmington township, Oakland county, consists of town- ship one north, of range nine east. It is watered by the North branch of the Rouge and Powers' creek. Popula- tion, 1,784. Fairfield township, Lenawee county. Statistics as per census: — Population, 203. — 1,071 bushels wheat, 2,305 bushels corn^ 610 bushels oats; 146 head neat stock, 264 hogs. i^ayc^^e township, Hillsdale county, consists of townships six, seven, eight, and nine south, of range three west. It is watered by the St. Joseph river. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 685. — A grist mill, 4 saw mills, 6 mer- chants ; 3,891 bushels wheat, 3,813 bushels corn, 1,952 bushels oats, 395 bushels buckwheat; 40 lbs. flax; 373 head neat stock, 69 horses, 29 sheep, 517 hogs. Fentonville, is a small settlement in Genesee county. It has a saw mill, a store, and physican, and some mechanics. Distant 18 miles from Flint village. Fire Steel river, a stream that empties into Lake Supe- rior fron its southern shore, and east of the Ontonagon river. It has its source in the Porcupine mountains, in the Upper Peninsula, 286 GAZETTEER FIG Fighting Island, one of the most considerable islands in Detroit strait, and situated about midway between Lakes Erie and St. Clair, below the confluence of the Rouge. It is about seven and a half miles long, and contains per- haps eight square miles. Fine Lake, a small portion of water, situated in, the southern part of Barry county. Its waters are conducted into the Big Fork of the Thorn Apple river. Fish Lake, a trifling body of water, lying on the border of Wilder's Prairie, and near the St. Joseph river, in the southern part of the county of Calhoun. Its waters are conducted into the Nottawasepee river. It is noted for the abundance and excellence of its fish, from which it proba- bly received its name. F'lat Rock (or Smooth Rock), a village and post oflice in the township of Brownstown, and county of Wayne, sit- uated on the river Huron, six miles from Gibraltar, with which it is connected by canal. Here are 4 stores, 2 saw mills, a flour mill with 2 run stones, and perhaps 250 inhab- itants. The fall of water is about eight feet, and it is esti- mated that there is hydraulic power in the lowest stage of water, to propel at least 2-5 run of stones. Roads to De- troit, Monroe, and Ypsilanti, pass through it. Distant 24 miles to Detroit, and 18 to Monroe. Flat Rock Point, is a projection of land into Lake Hu- ron, from the Peninsula, opposite the Thunder Bay islands. Flat river, (or Co-cob-au-quosh,) heads in two small lakes in the northern part of the county of Montcalm, and, after flowing a south-westerly course through the counties of Montcalm, Ionia, and Kent, discharges its waters into the Grand river. It is eight rods wide at its mouth. It is a shallow stream, and the country on its borders is hilly and broken. Flint river, one of the most considerable branches of the Saginaw river, takes its rise in the south-eastern corner of Lapeer county, and flowing first north-westerly, then south- westerly, through a part of the county, passes into Gen- esee, it then changes to a north-westerly course, in which it continues through the county of Genesee and a part of Saginaw, where it discharges into the Saginaw river, about 30 miles from its mouth. , Its course is quite serpentine, and its entire length cannot be less than 100 miles. This OF MICHIGAN. 287 FLI FLO FOR stream affords much hydraulic power, as well as its tributa- ries, and is being applied to various manufacturing pur- poses. There is much excellent heavily timbered land up- on this stream. There are some groves of a good quality of pine. It is boatable some 20 miles from its mouth. Flint river, (North hranili,) is a considerable tributary of the Flint river, that waters the northern part of Lapeer, and the southern part of Sanilac counties. Flint township, Genesee county, is embraced in town- ships seven, eight, and nine north, ranges five, six, and seven east. Statistics as per census: — Population, 1,288. A gristmill, 7 saw mills, 11 merchants, Flint, a village, post office, and seat of justice for Gen- esee county, situated on Flint river. It has a banking as- sociation, an edge tool manufactory, saw mill, 2 dry goods stores, 2 groceries, 2 physicians, a lawyer, and the land office for the Saginaw land district. The United States road passes through it. There is a good supply of water power in, and around it. The emigration to this place has been very great the two past years, and still continues. The village is flourishing, and the farming country around it excellent. It is estimated to contain 300 families. Distant ^Q miles N. W. Detroit, and 584 N. W. Washington city. Florence township, St. Joseph county, consists of town- ship seven south, of range eleven west. Population, 440. /^/or/cZ« township, Hillsdale county, is comprised in town- ships seven and eight, and fractional township nine south, of range two west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 156. — 2 saw mills, a merchant; 453 bushels wheat, 428 bushels corn, 95 bushels oats, 155 bushels buckwheat ; 78 head neat stock, 10 horses, 84 hogs. Flowerjield township, St. Joseph county. Statistics as per census : — Population, 406, — 2 grist mills, a saw mill. Flowerjield post office, Flowerfield township. Mail once a week. Fort Brady was established in 1822, at the village of Sault de Ste. Marie, on the St. Mary's strait, in north lati- tude 46° 31'. It is garrisoned, at present, by two compa- nies. (See Sault de Ste. Marie.) Fort Gratiot stands at the head of a rapid at the outlet of Lake Huron, the entrance of which it commands. The present fort was built at the close of the late war (1814). 288 GAZETTEER FOR FOU FRA It consists of a stockade, including a magazine, barracks, and other accommodations to a garrison of one battalion. Distant 71 miles N. E. Detroit. Fort Holmes. (See Michillimacinac village.) Fort Mackinac, {^ee Michillimacinac village,) Fort Maiden is situated on the Detroit strait, at its mouth, on the Canada shore, near Amherstburg, and oppo- site Grosse Island. Fort Michillimacinac, Old Fort. (See Michillimacinac ^ Old Fort.) Fort St. Clair^ (Old Fort,) situated at the mouth of the Pine river, at its confluence with the St. Clair strait, and opposite the village of Palmer, in St. Clair county. Forty Acre Lake, a trifling body of water in the county of Washtenaw, Lima township, drained by the north branch of Mill creek, into Huron river. Forty Mile Point is a projection of land into Lake Hu- ron, at the mouth of the Cheboiegon river, on the Peninsu- la Proper. Four Mile creek, a rivulet rising in the southern part of Barry county, and passing south through the north-east cor- ner of Kalamazoo county, and emptying into the Kalama- zoo river. Four Mile Lake, a body of water lying a little south-east of the centre of Van Buren county. Four Mile Prairie is a dry, rich prairie, lying in Cass county, near its southern border. It contains some eight or ten square miles, and is mostly taken up and improved. It is not very well supplied with timber. Fox Island, a small island lying southof Fighting island and between Grosse island and Canada. Fox Isles, two in number, situated a few miles south- west of Great Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. Frenchtown is an ancient settlement situated on the north bank of the Raisin, opposite the village of Monroe, with which it is incorporated. (See " J/onroc") Frenchtown township, Monroe county. Statistics as per census : — Population, 1,-503. — A grist mill, a saw mill, 5 merchants. Franklin, a village and post oflice, Oakland county, situ- ated on one of the head branches of the Rouge. It has a saw mill, fulling mill, carding machine, and a store. Here, OP MICHIGAN. 289 FRA and in the vicinity, is considerable water power. It is but a small village, though flourishing, pleasantly located and healthy, and contains 10 or 12 families. Distant 8 miles from Pontiac and 22 from Detroit. FrankUn township, Lenawee county. Statistics as per census: — Population, 989. — 2 saw mills; 12,040 bushels wheat, 15 bushels rye, 8,802 bushels corn, 16,084 bushels oats, 406 bushels buckwheat, 1,135 lbs. flax ; 904 head neat stock, 127 horses, 175 sheep, 1,540 hogs. Freedom township, Washtenaw county, consists of town- ship three south, of range four east. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 795. — 5,622 bushels wheat, 5,137 bush- els corn, 7,4*^.5 bushels oats; 798 head neat stock, 70 horses, 1,030 hogs. Frog creek, a trifling stream emptying into Lake St. Clair on the north. It passes near the boundary line between St. Clair and Macomb counties. Fulton's Line, a line between Ohio and Michigan, run- ning due east from the southern extreme of Lake Michigan and claimed by the latter as her rightful boundary. G. Galain river, a stream rising in the southern part of the county of Berrien, flowing south westerly, and emptying into Lake Michigan in the south-western corner of the county, at New Buff"alo. It is about 20 miles in a direct line from its extreme source to the mouth. There are some tracts of good timber on its banks. At the mouth, for three miles, it widens into an estuary. Garlic river, a diminutive stream that enters Lake Supe- rior on the southern shore, west of Presque Isle river, in the Upper Peninsula. Geloster, a village in Richland township, in the northern part of Kalamazoo county, on Gull Prairie. It contains a post office, 2 churches, 4 stores, and several mechanics. It is a flourishing village, first commenced in 1833, and now contains many families. Geneva, a small settlement situated on the north side of Deadwood Lake, in Cass county. It has an iron foundery and 2 stores. The country around it is very heavily tim- bered. Distant 2^ miles east of Cassopolis, and 178 from Detroit; Genoa township, Livingston county, is comprised in township two north, of range five east. Statistics as per 25 290 GAZETTEER GER census : — Population, 361. — 907 bushels wheat, 147 bush- els corn, 45 bushels buckwheat ; 301 head neat stock, 23 horses, 297 hogs. Gerard post office, Gerard township. Branch county, on the Marshall and Coldwater post route. Gerard township, Branch county, consists of township five south, of ranges five and six west. It is watered by Hoo- creek. There is an Indian village near the centre of the township. Statistics as per census : — Population, 448. A saw mill ; a merchant ; 4,767 bushels wheat, 3,599 bush- els corn, 9,814 bushels oats, 366 bushels buckwheat, 170 lbs. flax, 10 lbs. hemp ; 380 head neat stock, 60 horses, 37 sheep, 553 hogs. Giant's Arch. (See " Michillimacinac Island.") Gihr alter, a village and post office in the township of Brownstown, and county of Wayne, situated on the west bank of the Detroit, at its entrance into Lake Erie. Here is a banking association, 2 stores, a large store house, a large hotel, and perhaps 15 or 20 families. The harbor here is said to be good. A light-house is erected, and about 150 feet of wharf built. The road from Detroit to Monroe passes through this place. The Gibralter and Clin- ton canal terminates here, and about three miles are com- pleted. By this canal, 13 feet of hydraulic power is crea- ted, which may be valuable. The canal passes through a valuable quarry of lime stone, about half way from Gibral- ter to Flat Rock. Distant 20 miles south Detroit. Gilead township, Branch county, is comprised in frac- tional township eight south, of range seven west. Statis- tics as per census: — Population, 184. — A saw mill ; 3,452 bushels wheat, 2,975 bushels corn, 1,146 bushels oats; 48 bushels buckwheat ; 142 head neat stock, 39 horses, 93 sheep, 569 hogs. Gilead Lake, a small collection of water in the south- western part of Branch county. Gilead post office, near Gilead Lake, in Branch county. Mail once a week. Gillefs Lake is a collection of water lying on the western border of Grass Lake township, in Jackson county. Its waters are drained into the east branch of Grand river. Goose creek takes its rise in Wheatland township, Hills- dale county, in Some of the highest lands in the State. It flows through a corner of Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Jackson OF MICHIGAN. 291 GRA GRA counties, and forms the north branch of the Raism. It is possessed of considerable unimproved hydraulic power. Grand Blanc settlement, in the southern part of Genesee county. Here is a physician and a store. It is located on the Detroit and Saginaw road. It is thickly settled in the vicinity, and there is a rich farming country around it. Grand Blanc Lake is situated on the corner of Oakland and Genesee counties. It contains perhaps 800 acres, and is drained into the Flint river by Swartz creek. On its southern shore is an Indian village. Grand Blanc township, Genesee county. Statistics as per census: — Population, ost office, Allegan county, on the Kalamazoo and Kent mail route. Plaisance Bay, is the indentation of the coast of Lake Erie, to a considerable extent, on the north-eastern border of Monroe county, at the mouth of the Raisin river, 29* 342 GAZETTEER PLA PLY POI Plaisance creek, an inconsiderable stream in Monroe county, emptying into Lake Erie, a little south-west of Plaisance bay. Platte river, is a stream rising in the Peninsula, in the western part of Mackinac county, and after flowing in a north-westerly direction, empties into Lake Michigan, in latitude 45° north, and at a distance of some 15 miles north of river aux Betsies. Pleasant Lake, a body of water in the south-west part of Cass county. Pleasant Lake, a small collection of water, lying in the northern part" of Jackson county, and drained into the Grand river, from M'hich it is three miles distant. Plum creek, a stream in Monroe county, about three miles south of the river Raisin, with which it runs nearly parallel, and empties into Plaisance Bay. It is about 12 miles long. Plymouth, (or Plymouth Corners,) a village in a township of the same name, in the county of Wayne, situated on the West branch of the Rouge, in the north-west corner of the county. Here is a post office, a presbyterian church, 5 stores, a banking association, 3 taverns, a druggist, a lawyer, and 3 physicians. The State road from Detroit to Ann Arbour passes through it. The village is flourishing, and in the midst of a fine farming country. The population is esti- mated at 300. Distant 25 miles north-west Detroit. Plymouth township, Wayne county, consists of town- ship one south, range eight west ; watered by the head branches of the west branch of the Rouge. Population, 2,246. Point a Id 31ission is situated south of Wagooshance, or Fox point on the north of the Peninsula, in the strait of Mackinac, and at L'Arbour Croche. Point an Foin is a projection of the Upper Peninsula into the centre of " The Bay" of Lake Superior, on its southern shore, six miles south-west of the mouth of Red Carp river. Point aux Barques is a cape at the northern extremity of Sanilac county, projecting into Lake Huron, and be- tween the waters of Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay. Point aux Ciques, a cape at the entrance of Swan creek, on Lake Erie, in Monroe county. OF MICHIGAN. 343 POI POI POI Point mix Clinton is a cape on the south-eastern shore of Macomb county, extending into Lake St. Clair, two miles south of the mouth of Clinton river. Poijit aux Huror is a cape lying north-east of Point Mouille, at the mouth of the Huron river, and on the coast of Lake Erie. Point aux Pcaux, a cape on the shore of Lake Erie, be- tween Stony Point and the mouth of Swan creek, in Mon- roe county. Point aux Sable is a point of land extending into Sagi- naw Bay, on its western side, opposite Shawangunk island, and at the right entrance into the river -aux Sable or Sandy river, on the eastern coast of Arenac county. Point aux Trembles, a cape of the southern part of St. Clair county, at the entrance of the north channel of the St. Clair strait. Point de Tour is in latitude 45° 54' north, opposite Drummond's island, and the west cape of the entrance into St. Mary's strait. Point Guiguolet, a cape extending into Lake St. Clair, eastward from the boundary line between Macomb and Wayne counties. It is the north-eastern extremity of the latter. Point Iroquois, (or Nad-o-waiv-c-gu'-7iing , signifying in the Indian language, the place of Iroquois bones,) is situ- ated on the south shore of Lake Superior, and extends north into what is termed '' The Bay," at its outlet. It lies west of the mouth of Carp river, and 15 miles south- west of Sault St. Mary, and immediately north of the strait of Mackinac. It received its name from the memo- rable and exterminating slaughter of the Iroquois Indians, who were making their hostile incursions into the southern borders of Lake Superior, and upon the Chippewa In- dians, in 1680; the latter secretly and with much arti- fice, collecting themselves, made an unexpected and sud- den attack upon them at night, while they were asleep. The Iroquois awoke to receive the death blow of their ene- mies, and very few of the party escaped to relate the tale of woe. Point la Barbe is a projection of the Upper Peninsula into the strait of Mackinac, opposite, and 4 miles distant from Gros Cape, of the Peninsula proper. 344 GAZETTEER PON POR Point Mouille, a cape at the mouth of Mouille creek, on the border of Lake Erie, and county of Monroe. Point St. Ignace is a village, situated on the Upper Pe- ninsula of Michigan, at the strait of Mackinac, 5 miles west of Mackinac. It has a Roman catholic chapel and missionary school. Population, 200. Distant 5 miles from Mackinac. Point St. Vital is a cape, five or six nfiiles west of Point de Tour, projecting into the northern pah of Lake Huron, from the south-eastern extremity of the Upper Peninsula. A reef off this point. Pokagon township, Cass county, consists of township six south, range sixteen west. Statistics as per census : — Population, 506. — A saw mill ; a merchant; 15,710 bush- els wheat, 145 bushels rye, 12,057 bushels corn, 26,800 bushels oats, 292 bushels buckwheat ; 660 lbs. flax; 514 head neat stock, 1.59 horses, 472 sheep, 1,017 hogs. Pontiac township, Oakland county, consists of township three north, range ten east, containing the village of Pon- tiac. It is watered by the Clinton river and its branches. Statistics as per census : — Population, 1,700. — 3 grist mills, 3 saw mills, 2 carding and 2 cloth dressing shops, a distil- lery, 4 merchants. Pontiac, a village, post office, and seat of justice for Oakland county, situated on the river Clinton. It contains a court house, jail, a Branch of the University, a bank and three banking associations, a church for congregationalists, 2 flouring mills (of 1 and 3 run of stone), 2 saw mills, a full- ing mill, an iron fopndery, a tin ware manufactory, a cabinet manufactory ; together with the usual supply of mechanics. There are likewise 7 dry goods stores, 2 shoe stores, 4 groceries, a hardware store, a druggist, 2 printing offices, from which are issued 2 weekly newspapers; 5 physicians, and 6 lawyers. The turnpike from Detroit to Saginaw passes through it, and the Detroit and Pontiac rail-road terminates here. It is now very flourishing ; and the pros- pect of its future growth is quite flattering. Distant 24 miles north-west Detroit — 550 north-west Washington city. Population, estimated at 1,000. Portage Lake is a body of water of the extent of four or five square miles, on the northern boundary line of Wash- tenaw county, and base line of the public surveys, and is a OP MICHIGAN. 345 POR POR mere expansion of the Huron river to the width of two miles in breadth, and three miles in length. Portage Lake, a trifling body of water in the south-east part of Ingham county. Its waters are conducted into the Portage lake of Huron river, by Portage river. Portage Lake, a considerable body of water in the south- ern part of Kalamazoo county, and drained by Portage river and Mc Inlerfer's creek into the St. Joseph river. Portage river, a stream rising in the southern part of Kalamazoo county, near the branches of the Kalamazoo river, and flowing southerly and south-westerly through Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties, and discharging into the St. Joseph river, at the village of Three Rivers. It is a copious and excellent mill stream, passing through some tracts of excellent land. Portage river, of the Kalamazoo, takes its rise west of Sandy lakes, and near the source of the Portage river, of the St. Joseph, and flows north, through Kalamazoo coun- ty, and empties into the Kalamazoo river, at the village of Bronson. Portage river, a stream rising in a small lake of the same name, in the county of Ingham, flowing south and then east, on the confines of Livingston and Washtenaw counties, empties into Portage lake of the Huron river. It interlocks in many places with the branches of the Grand river. Portage creek, has its source in Unadilla township, Livingston county, and flows westerly and south-westerly through a part of Washtenaw and Jackson, and empties into the Grand river, four miles below Jackson. It is a deep, muddy stream, fifteen yards wide at its mouth, and passing in its course through a chain of low, marshy prai- ries. Its branches interlock with those of the Huron of Lake Erie, and the Indians, by crossing a portage of one mile and a half, pass from one stream to the other. The name " Portage^' seems to have been applied in eve- ry case, where the river, creek, or lake, so called, was in the vicinity of some other, and so near as to furnish points from which the Indians and fur traders embarked and trans- ported their canoes and baggage across to some neighbor- ing lake or creek. Thus between the Grand and Huron, the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo rivers, there were "pw- 346 GAZETTEER POR POR PRA tages," and hence the creeks and lakes, the places of arrival and departure, received the name. Pointer, village and post office, (formerly called Union post office,) in the southern part of the county of Cass. This place is but newly laid out, and has two taverns and a few families. Porter township is located in the south-eastern corner of Cass county, and is abundantly supplied with water and water power by several branches of the St. Joseph river, which passes through it. Port Huron (formerly Desmond) township, St. Clair county. Statistics as per census : — Population, 824. — A grist mill, 2 saw mills ; 6 merchants. Port Huron, (formerly called Desmond,) a village in St. Clair county, at the confluence of Black river with the St. Clair, two miles from Lake Huron. Here is a post office, a steam saw mill, a steam flour mill, tannery, and twelve stores ; a printing office from which a weekly newspaper is issued, sub-collector's office, 3 lawyers, and 2 physicians. It is situated on the Fort Gratiot Turnpike, and it is ex- pected that the rail road, to be constructed from Lewiston to London, (Upper Canada,) will be extended to opposite this place. The northern rail-road has been located to commence here. It is a thriving village, and, being the central point for the lumber business, it is considered the most flourishing of any in the county. It possesses excellent facilities for ship building, and furnishes an abun- dance of the best material, especially spars, for that busi- ness. The lumber business, and the good farming country around it is its principal support. It is healthy, and well supplied with excellent water. Distant 12 miles from Pal- mer, and 57 north-east of Detroit. Prairie creek (Muscota river, or River of the Plains,) a rivulet rising in Montcalm county, and flowing southerly into Ionia, empties into the Grand river, 18 miles (by land) from the mouth of the Rouge of Grand river. It enters the Grand river with a rapid current, and is about 40 feet wide. Prairie creel', a trifling stream in the southern part of Clinton, rising in a tamarack swamp, and flowing north-west into the Looking-glass river. OF MICHIGAN. 347 PRA PRE PRO Prairie Lake, an inconsiderable body of water, contain- ing about 600 acres, lying in the north-eastern part of Cal- houn county, and drained by Rice creek into the Kalama- zoo river. Prairie Ronde is a beautiful tract of prairie land, and equal to any in the State for fertility. It lies in the south- west corner of Kalamazoo county, is four miles in diameter, and mostly surrounded with wood-land. Near its centre is a beautiful grove of timber of about a mile in breadth, con- sisting of sugar maple, hickory, and black walnut. Prairie Ronde, a small prairie lying about four miles north-west of Detroit, on the Grand river road. Prairie Ronde township, Kalamazoo county, consists of township four south, of range twelve west. Statistics as per census : — Population, 665. — 2 saw mills ; 4 merchants; 16,502 bushels wheat, 170 bushels rye, 15,340 bushels corn, 37,915 bushels oats; 545 pounds flax; 719 head neat stock, 259 horses, 433 sheep, 1,113 hogs, 510 peltries. Prairie river is a considerable tributary of the St. Joseph river, having its source in the southern confines of the county of Branch, in several small lakes, and discharging into the St. Joseph river, two miles south of the village of Three Rivers, after meandering in a north-westerly course through the counties of Branch and St. Joseph. It is be- tween 40 and 50 miles long, and is generally noted for the excellent interval lands, and the copious and superior mill privileges on the river and its tributaries. Presque Isle river, an inferior stream of the Upper Penin- sula, that enters Lake Superior on its southern shore, north- west of Dead river. Presque Isle river, an inconsiderable stream of the Up' per Peninsula, rising east of the Black river, in the Porcu- pine Mountains ; it flows north, and discharges into Lake Superior. The falls of this stream are a sublime spectacle. Presque Isle Pay, an indentation of the southern coast of Lake Superior, between Garlic and Dead rivers. Price river, an insignificant stream in Ray township, Macomb county, emptying into the Middle Branch of the Clinton river. Prospect Hill, in the northern part of the county of Washtenaw, near Portage lake, and a recently laid out village, called " Saratoga of Michigan." It is quite ele- 348 GAZETTEER PUT RAB RAI vated, and affords a fine view of Portage lake and the sur- rounding scenery. It is said to be 300 feet above the lake. Putnam township, Livingston county, consists of town- ship one north, of range four east. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 367. — A grist mill, a saw mill ; 4,580 bushels wheat, 2,557 bushels corn, 2,217 bushels oats, 170 bushels buckwheat ; 136 head neat stock, 48 horses, 51 sheep, 473 hogs. Putnam's creek, a rivulet in Cass county, rising in La- grange township, flowing west through Howard and Poka- gon townships, and discharging into the Dowagiake river. Q Quincy township. Branch county, consists of townships six, seven, and eight south, of range five west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 569. — 1,630 bushels wheat, 210 bushels rye, 3,065 bushels corn, 1,880 bushels oats, 150 bushels buckwheat ; 201 pounds flax ; 282 head neat stock, 46 horses, 338 hogs. R Rabbit river, a considerable branch of the Kalamazoo river, rising, by various tributaries, in the eastern and north- eastern border of Allegan, and south-eastern corner of Ot- tawa, and flowing in a westerly and south-westerly direc- tion, discharges into the Kalamazoo, seven miles (by land) from its mouth. It passes, in its various course, through a variety of soils and timber. There is considerable swampy, though much arable land on it and its branches. Rabbit's Back, or Sitting Rabbit, an isolated cliff*, north- west of Mackinac. Raisinville post office, Monroe county, in Raisinville township, two and a half miles east of Dundee. Raisinville township, Monroe county. — Statistics as per census: — Population, 614. — 2 saw mills; 3,362 busiiels wheat, 5,290. bushels corn, 13,441 bushels oats, 1,900 bush- els buckwheat ; 430 pounds flax; 802 head neat stock, 225 horses, 265 sheep, 996 hogs. Raisin township, Lenawee county, consists of township six south, of range four east, watered by the Raisin river. In this township is a post office of the same name. Statis- tics as per census: — Population, 1,076. — 21,997 bushels wheat, 790 bushels rye, 19,421 bushels corn, 34,264 bush- OP MicniGAN. 349 RAI RAP RAU els oats, 352 bushels buckwheat ; 1,770 pounds flax; 1,480 head neat stock, 207 horses, 382 sheep, 2,198 hogs. Raisin i-ivcr, heads in Wheatland township, Hillsdale county, and empties into Lake Erie, two and a half miles below Monroe, after passing, in an extremely winding course, through Jackson, Washtenaw, Lenawee, and Monroe coun- ties. It is the most serpentine stream of the Peninsula. Its course is first north-easterly, then south, then north-easter- ly, and south-easterly. In a direct line from its head to its mouth, it is 60 miles ; but by its meanderings, it is not less than 130 miles. It is one of the most important streams in Michigan ; affording as much hydraulic power as any other ; having high and beautiful banks, and an extreme- ly rapid current; the bottom being a limestone rock, which produces a good quality of building material, is exten- sively quarried for that purpose. The water power is improved to a considerable extent, and has been the means of building up respectable villages at Manchester, Clin- ton, Tecumseh, Adrian, Palmyra, Blissfield, Petersburgh, Dundee, and Monroe. Its name is derivedfrom the dense clusters of grape vines which formerly lined both banks. Rapid river, a trifling stream of the Upper Peninsula, that discharges itself into Lake Huron. Rapids of Grand river. (See Grand Rapids.) Rapids of the St. Marfs Strait, (or Sault de Stc. Ma- rie,) the largest of the three which impede the naviga- tion of the strait of St. Mary, between Lakes Superior and Huron, and which puts a final stop to ship navigation of the northern lakes, is 15 miles below the foot of Lake Superior, and 90 north-west the island of Mackinac, in north latitude 46° 31'. The fall is 22 feet 10 inches in three fourths of a mile. Canoes and barges can go up with only half a load, the balance being transported over the portage. A ship and steamboat canal is about being constructed around them, and $50,000 have been appropriated by the State to that object. (See St. Mari/'s strait, both in this, and the First Part.) R. aux Betsies is an inconsiderable stream, that rises in the Peninsula, in the western part of Mackinac county. It flows in a westerly course, and empties into Lake 30 350 GAZETTEER RAU RAY REA Michigan at a distance of about 30 miles north of the mouth of Monestee river. jR. aux Carpes is a considerable stream that rises in the north-eastern part of the Peninsula, in Mackinac county, and flowing north-west and north, empties mto the strait of Mackinac, south-east from Bois Blanc island. R. aux EcorceSf a small stream in Wayne county, empty- incr into the Detroit strait, between four and five miles south of the mouth of the Rouge river. R. aux Miners, a superior stream, originating in a spur of the Porcupine mountains, in the Upper Peninsula, a few miles north of the Great Bay de Noquet, flowing north, and discharging into Lake Superior, a little east of Grand Isl- and Bay. R. aux Misere. (See Miserable River.) R. aux Sable, an inconsiderable stream of the Upper Peninsula, emptying into Lake Superior a few miles east of the mouth of the Chocolate river. R. aux Sable, an inconsiderable stream that rises in Mackinac county, in the Peninsula, and flowing south-east, through Arenac county, empties into Saginaw Bay. R. aux Trains, a stream that rises in the interior of the CT/jpe?' Peninsula, north of Green Bay, and after flowing in a northerly direction, enters Lake Superior, a few miles east of Laughing-fish river. R. aux Vase, a trifling stream in Monroe county, that empties into Lake Erie, between Bay creek and Otter creek, one and a half miles from the latter. R. de laPte. Mouille. (See Mouille creek.) Ray township, in the northern part of Macomb county. Statistics as per census: — Population, 786. — A grist mill, 4 saw mills ; a merchant ; 4,222 bushels wheat, 353 bush- els rye, 4,628 bushels corn, 2,408 bushels oats, 735 bushels buckwheat ; 667 lbs. flax ; 766 head neat stock, 99 horses, 512 sheep, 792 hogs. Reading township, Hillsdale county, is comprised in townships seven, eight, and nine south, range four west. Statistics as per census : — Pepulation, 227. — 715 bushels wheat, 613 bushels corn ; 160 head neat stock, 9 horses, 131 hogs. Readingville post office is located in the south-east cor- OF MICHIGAN. 351 RED RED RIC ner of Waslitenaw county, in Ypsilanti township, on Paint creek, near Oakville. Red Cedar river. This is a considerable stream, ori- ginating in the interior of Livingston county, through which it passes in a north-westerly course, into Ingham ; thence across the north part of Ingham, where it discharges into the Grand river in township four north, of range two west, about midway between Grindstone creek and Looking-glass river. It is 35 yards wide, and can be ascended by small boats 25 or 30 miles. Red Carp river originates in the interior of the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, and, flowing north, enters *' The Bay," in Lake Superior, near its outlet. Redford, a village, located in a township of the same name, in the county of Wayne, on the North branch of the Rouge. It contains a post oflice, a store, 2 saw mills, a flour mill with 2 run of stone, and 2 taverns. The settle- ment is small. It is situated one half mile from the Grand River road, on the road from Detroit to Farmington. Dis- tant 13 miles from Detroit. Redford township, Wayne county, consists of township one south, range ten east ; watered by the North branch of the Rouge, and Powers' creek. Population, 1,021. Red river, the largest branch of the Clinton river emp- tying on its southern shore. It has its source in several branches, rising in the south-east part of Oakland county, and collecting its waters and flowing north-easterly through the south-west part of the county of Macomb, and enter- ing the Clinton river, six miles above Mt. Clemens. Rice creek, a considerable tributary of the Kalamazoo river, rising in Jackson county, and flowing west through a part of Calhoun county, into the Kalamazoo river, at the village of Marshall. The Indian name for this stream is Nimuisepee. Richjield township, Lapeer county, consists of township eight north, range eight east, an-d the northern half of township seven north, range eight east. Richland township, Kalamazoo county, consists of the large and beautiful prairie called Gull Prairie, Gull Lake, and the villages of Geloster and Millport. Statistics as per census : — Population, 720. — A grist mill, 5 saw mills; 4 merchants ; 12,970 bushels wheat, 510 bushels rye, 7,300 352 GAZETTEER RID ROC ROM bushels corn, 37,625 bushels oats ; 970 head neat stock, 162 horses, 17 sheep, 1,062 hogs. Ridgeway is a village and post office in the county of Lenawee, situated on the Monroe turnpike, five miles east of Tecumseh. It contains a store, tavern, and steam saw mill. Distant 15 miles from Adrian. River of Islands , an inconsiderable stream, west of Con- nor's creek, in the C^ppe/- Peninsula. It rises in the Porcu- pine mountains, and discharges into Lake Superior. Rives township, Jackson county, is comprised in town- ship one south, range one west. Robinson's Lake, a body of water in the central part of the county of Kent, in the great bend of the Grand river. It contains perhaps 600 acres. Rochester village and post office, Oakland county, town- ship of Avon, pleasantly situated in the eastern part of the county, at the forks of Paint creek and Clinton river. It contains a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, an iron foLindery, a tannery, 4 stores, a druggist, 3 physicians. There is a considerable water power in the vicinity of Rochester. Clinton river and Paint creek both furnish mill sites that might be very profitably employed, and capi- tal likewise well invested. Distant 10 miles from Pontiac, 25 north Detroit. Rochy river, a stream in the western part of St. Joseph county, discharging into the St. Joseph river. RoUin, a village and post office in a township of the same name, situated on Bean creek, in the western part of the county of Lenawee, has a flouring mill with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a store, and a physician. It is anew but growing place. It has considerable water power in it. The State road passes through, and it is expected that the Erie and Kalamazoo Rail-road will pass through it. Distant 16 miles from Adrian, and 80 south-west Detroit. Rollin township, Lenawee county, consists of township six south, range one east, watered by Tiffin's creek. Sta- tistics as per census: — Population, 508. — A grist mill, 2 saw mills; 2 merchants; 4,476 bushels wheat, 3,154 bush- els corn, 1,305 bushels oats, 170 lbs. flax: 262 head neat stock, 27 horses, 20 sheep, 615 hogs. Rome township, Lenawee county, consists of township six south, range two east, watered by the head branches of OF MICHIGAN. 353 ROM ROU ROU Beaver creek. Stasistics as per census : — Population, 826. 9,221 bushels wheat, 5,987 bushels corn, 3,935 bushels oats, 120 bushels buckwheat, 1,035 lbs. flax; 562 head neat stock, 36 horses, 60 sheep, 1,059 hogs. Romeo village and post office, Macomb county, Wash- ington township, pleasantly situated one mile from the north branch of Clinton river. Here is an academy, 4 stores, an iron foundery, a tannery, a lawyer and 2 physi- cians. The academy here is in a flourishing condition ; number of pupils 50. Two rail-roads are to pass through it. Romeo is surrounded by an excellent farming coun- try. Distant 22 miles from Mount Clemens, and 32 north Detroit. Romulus township, Wayne county, consists of township three south, range nine east. Population, 389. Rose township, Oakland county, is comprised in town- ship four north, of range seven east. Population, 202. Rouge river (of Grand river,) has its source in two small lakes in the county' of Montcalm, and flows south-west through the counties of Montcalm, Oceana, and Kent, and empties into Grand river 12 miles from the mouth of the Thorn Apple, and six miles above the Grand Rapids. It is 40 miles long, and has its banks shaded with lofty forests of white pine. Rouge river (of the Detroit,) consists of three principal tributaries, the north, the west, and the south branches, which severally take their rise in the southern part of Oak- land and western part of Washtenaw counties, and after flowing in a south-westerly course, they unite in the eastern part of Wayne, and discharge into the Detroit five miles below the city of Detroit, It is navigable for small vessels to Dearbornville. Towards its mouth it is deep and slug- gish, but the greater portion of it is very rapid, having great descent, and, with its numerous branches, furnishing almost any assignable amount of hydraulic power. It is the larg- est stream flowing into the Detroit. Its length, in a direct line from its head branches, is about 30 miles, though by its meanderings, much longer. Round Island, an inconsiderable island in the northern part of Lake Michigan. Round Lake, a trifling body of water of this name, about a mile north of the Looking-glass river, in the south-east- 30* 354 GAZETTEER ROU ROY SAG em part of Clinton county, surrounded n^ostly by marshy land. Round Lahe^ in the south-eastern part of Van Buren county, near the county line, is a collection of water of per- haps 500 acres in extent. JRoi/alton/ 3. village and post office in a township of the same name, in the county of Berrien, is situated on the St. Joseph river, three miles from its mouth. It is a small set- tlement, with a pleasant location, containing 2 stores, a physician, and perhaps 100 inhabitants. It is distant three miles south of St. Joseph.- Royalton township, Berrien county, consists of township five south, ranges seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen west. Statistics as per census : — Population, 175. — 2 saw mills : a merchant; 42 bushels wheat, 1,170 bushels corn; 100 head neat stock, 20 horses, 215 hogs. Royal Oak, a village and post office in the south-eastern part of the county of Oakland, containing a banking asso- ciation, a steam saw mill and a store. Though this place is now small, it has the prospect of being a place of some importance. This is a station of the Detroit and Pontiae rail-road, which passes through it. Distant 15 miles from Detroit. Royal Oak township, consists of township one north, range eleven east, watered by the Red river, and crossed by the Saginaw road. Population, 825. Ruldaus crtek, a tributary of the Rouge, in Wayne coun- ty, rising west of Campbell's creek, and running parallel and emptying into the Rouge on its northern side, three miles from its mouth. RusJi creek, a very small rivulet in the eastern part of Ot- tawa county, that empties into Grand river. Rush Island, an islet lying at the mouth of Detroit river, below Grosse island. S. Saddle Bags Island. (Vide Isle St. Vital.) Saginatv Bay, the largest bay in the State, and the largest of the inlets that serve to indent the shores of Lake Huron. It is in the eastern part of the State, and is com- puted to be 60 miles in length and 30 in width, and has a number of small islands, the largest of which is Shawan?- OF MICHIGAX. 355 SAG gunk island, situated near the centre. The navigation is safe for vessels of any burthen, and its numerous coves and islands present some of the best harbors on the lake. The Saginaw is the principal stream emptying into it. Saginaw City, a village, the seat of justice for Saginaw county, situated near its geographical centre, on an elevated location of about 30 feet above the water, on the western bank of the Saginaw river, 23 miles from its mouth, com- manding a handsome prospect of the river above and below it. This site was formerly occupied as a trading post, and during the late war by a military force. Here is a post office, a deputy collector's office, a banking association, a printing office, 2 dry goods stores, a hardware store, 2 warehouses, a tannery, one steam saw mill in operation and another erecting, a druggist, a lawyer, and 2 physi- cians. There are owned here a steamboat, a sloop and a schooner. The village is very recent, having been com- menced only three years since under the auspices of a com- pany for its settlement, but it is remarkably flourishing. Many buildings were erected the two past seasons. As far as natural and artificial advantages are concerned, the loca- tion is favorable to become a place of future importance. It is the termination of the Detroit and Saginaw turnpike, and is expected to be of a rail-road whose construction is in contemplation. Distant 100 miles north-west of Detroit, and 626 north-west Washington city. Population estima- ted at 400. Saguiow, (hower.) (See '' Lmvcr Sagi?iaw.") Saginaw river is one of the largest rivers watering the Peninsula of Michigan. It is formed by the confluence of several large tributaries from opposite and different reoions of the State. These tributaries are the Cass from the east the Flint and Shiawassee from the south — and the Tittiba- wassee from the north-west — all of which are described un- der their proper heads. The length of the Saginaw, from the mouth of the Flint, where it may be said to commence, is about 2.5 miles in a direct line to its mouth, though the length of some of its branches, following their various meanderings, exceeds more than four times the length of the main stream. It pursues a north-easterly course, empty- ing into the head of Saginaw Bay in the county of Saginaw. It varies in depth from 25 to 30 feet. Its waters are rather 356 GAZETTEER SAI SAL sluggish, which causes the country in some places on its banks to be unhealthy at particular seasons of the year. There is a sand bar in the river below Saginaw city. The water cumulates upon it sometimes to the height of eight feet, and falls at others to four and a half. The usual height is from five to six feet. This cumulation of water is owing entirely to the winds upon the lake. A north-east- erly wind frequently raises it three feet above its usual level. Its name originated from the name of the Sauks, a tribe of Indians who formerly dwelt upon its banks. It is under- stood that the word Saginaw signifies the same as " Sauks land." This tribe was nearly exterminated by the combin- ed forces of the Chippewas and Ottawas. The battle was fought on a small island in the river below Saginaw city. They were so much reduced in this defeat, that they found it expedient to quit the country. They afterward settled on the west of Lake Michigan, where they exist to this day. Sailors Encampment Island, a small island south of Su- gar island, and nort!i-west of St. Joseph island, in the St. Mary's strait. A British vessel was frozen in and wintered here in 1817. (Neebishlsle.) Salmon Trout river, a stream that rises in the high lands of the Upper Peninsula, between the head waters of the St. John's and Huron rivers. Its course is north-easterly, and it discharges its waters into Lake Superior, on its southern shore. Salem township, Washtenaw county, consists of township one south, range seven east, containing Salem and Summit post offices. Statistics as per census: — Population, 1,354. 2 saw mills ; 1,264 bushels wheat, 455 bushels rye, 15,865 bushels corn, 16^30 bushels oats, i,000 bushels buck- wheat ; 1,000 head neat stock, 226 horses, 875 sheep, 1,927 hogs. Saline river, a stream rising in the interior, and near the centre of Washtenaw county, in the township of Lodi, and emptying into the River Raisin, in the township of Raisin- ville, Monroe county. Its course is south-easterly, and its length, in a direct line, 20 miles. Saline river, a rivulet rising within a mile of the eastern border of Macomb county, and flowing south through it, and emptying into the northern part of Lake St.. Clair. Its length does npt exceed ten miles. OF MICHIGAN. 357 SAL SAN SAN Saline township, Washtenaw county, consists of town- ship four south, range five east. Statistics as per census : — Population, 1,130. — A grist mill, 3 saw mills; 4 mer- chants ; 9,130 bushels wheat, 8,640 bushels corn, 15,921 bushels oats, 55 bushels buckwheat; 778 head neat stock, 124 horses, 177 sheep, 174 hogs. Saline, a village and post office, in a township of the same name, pleasantly situated on the east bank of the Sa- line river, and on the Chicago road, in the county of Wash- tenaw. Here is a church for methodists, a banking asso- ciation, 3 stores, 2 physicians. Near the village is a flour- ing mill and saw mill. Valuable salt springs have been dis- covered in the vicinity. It is in the midst of a fine farm- ing country. Distant 9 miles from Ann Arbour, and 40 from Detroit. Salt river, discharging into Lake St. Clair, on the north, has its origin and extent in townships three and four north, range fourteen east. Salt river rises in Isabella county, and flowing east into Midland, empties into the Tittibawassee river, ten miles above the mouth of the Chippewa river. Sandstone township, Jackson county, consists of town- ships one and two south, of ranges two and three west. Sandstone ereek, a tributary of the Grand river, in the county of Jackson, rising near Spring Arbour, and flowing north into Grand river. Sandy Bay lies on the eastern coast of the Peninsula, in Mackinac county, north of Thunder bay. It is inclosed by the shores of the Peninsula on the one side, and three islands intercepting it from the lake. Sandy ereek, a stream running south-easterly through a part of Monroe county, rising and flowing between the River Raisin and Stony creek, and discharging into a part of Plaisance Bay. It is perhaps ten miles in length. Sandy Lakes are several bodies of water, lying a little south of the geographical centre of Kalamazoo county, the waters of which are conducted into the St. Joseph river. Sandy river. (Sec R. aux Sable.) Sandy river, an inferior stream about ten miles long, rising in a small lake in Fayette township, Hillsdale coun- ty, and flowing north-east into the St. Joseph river. Sandy river ^ a small stream that rises in the Peniu' 358 GAZETTEER SAR SAU $ula in the south-western part of Mackinac county, flows in a westerly direction, and empties into Lake Michigan, at a distance of perhaps 20 miles north of Pere Marquette river. Sandy river, of the Upper Peninsula, rises in the high lands which divide the watersof Lakes Superior and Michi- gan, and east of the Monestce river. It flows in a souther- ly direction, and empties its waters into Lake Michigan, at its northern extremity. The soil on its banks indicates its name. Sandwich, a village in the Province of Upper Canada, in Sandwich township, Essex county, very pleasantly situated on the east bank of the Detroit strait, three miles below the city of Detroit. It is the seat of justice for the county, and contains a post office, court house, jail, a catholic and epis- copal church, one steam flouring mill, a carding and fulling mill, brewery, 3 taverns, 1 physician, 6 lawyers, and a respectable school. It is a small village, but beauti- fully located, has considerable wealth and some trade. Saratoga of Michigan, a village located on the border of Portage lake, in the county of Washtenaw, six miles from Dexter, and 55 from Detroit. It is surrounded with pure water, and chalybeate springs are reported to have been dis- covered in its vicinity. In the rear of the village is Pros- pect Hill, wdiich rises 300 feet above the lake. The settle- ment is yet in its infancy. Saugatuc post office, Allegan county, on the Michigan city and Grand Haven post route. (See Newark.) Sault de Ste. Marie, (commonly written Sault St. Mary, and pronounced Soo St. Mary,) a village on the south, or American shore of the rapids of St. Mary's strait, has a post office, and is the seat of justice for the county of Chippewa. It is elevated and pleasantly situated, and was formerly, the site of an ancient French Fort and military station. It contains a jail, catholic church, a church for baptists, in which is also kept a missionary school, both for white and Indian children. This school receives the annual appro- priation of $1,000 from the general government for the sup- port of an Indian school, agreeably to the treaty of Fan du Lac. The school is generally well attended, and the In- dian children exhibit an unusual fondness for learning. The day school is attended by about twenty pupils. The OF MICHIGAN. 359 SAU methodists have a house of worship and a missionary school. They have had great success and have been very useful. A school is kept in the fort, in which are taught the chil- dren of the citizens and officers. There is a banking asso- ciation located here, three stores kept for retailing, one for the garrison, and one belongs to the American fur compa- ny. Steamboats occasionally visit here in the summer with parties of pleasure. Vessels from Lake Superior come to the head of the rapids, and in the course of the summer per- haps twelve or fifteen vessels from the lower lakes come up to the foot of them. Those with cargoes destined for Lake Superior, unload and transport the same to the head of the rapids by land, where they are again re-shipped. A mail is received at the post office once a week in the summer, and once in six weeks in the winter season. Here is established an agency of the American fur company. There is an agency of the Hudson Bay fur company at the settlement on the opposite side. Here is Fort Brady, and at present garrisoned by two companies. It was established in 1822. The summers are pleasant, though subject to the most vio- lent changes ; the winters are very severe, and mercury sometimes congeals with cold. It is not uncommon for the thermometer to stand 25° and 30° below zero. (See Cli~ mate, First Part.) Navigation opens for vessels the first of May, and closes the 20th of November. The river does not generally freeze till December, but it keeps closed until the month of May. Very few vegetables or grains are raised, although the soil is said to be susceptible. The inhabitants depend, for provisions, manufactures, &c., al- most exclusively on the imports received in exchange for furs, fish, and sugar. Fish of various kinds, especially white fish, are caught here in great numbers, and of the best quality. (See ^S*^. Marifs strait.) The population is partly American and Canadian, but mostly French, and a mixture of French and Indians, or Mestizoes. They employ them- selves mostly in a trade with the Indians for furs, and in the fisheries, which are very profitable. The permanent popu- lation is estimated at 800, though it is much increased at some seasons by the influx of fur traders and Indians. The distance to Detroit is estimated at about 400 miles, to Mackinac 90, and to Washington city 928. (See Rapids of St. Mary's strait,) 360 GAZETTEER SCI SCH SHA Scio township, Washtenaw county, consists bf township two south, range five east, watered by the Huron river, Honey and Mill creeks. Scio post office is in the northern part of the township. Statistics as per census : — Popula- tion, 1,44'2. — 2 grist mills, 3 saw mills ; 6 merchants. Scipio township, Hillsdale county, consists of township five south, of range three west. Statistics as per census : — Population, 469. — A saw mill ; a merchant ; 5,078 bushels wheat,,3,466 bushels corn, 3,484 bushels oats, 381 bushels buckwheat ; 60 pounds flax ; 294 head neat stock, 70 hor- ses, 20 sheep, 356 hogs. Scipio post office is in a small settlement, in a township of the same name, in the county of Hillsdale. Here are per- haps 10 or 12 families. Schoolcraft Mountain, between Presque Isle and Granite Point, Lake Superior. Schoolcraft, a village and post office, Kalamazoo county, pleasantly situated in the south-western part of the county, near the centre of Prairie Ronde, and in the midst of a rich and fertile farming country. Here are a banking associa- tion, 3 stores, 2 lawyers, and 2 physicians, together with the usual supply of mechanics. It is a healthy and thriving village. Distant 14 miles from Kalamazoo, and 160 west of Detroit. Seheiva creek originates in the north-western part of Eaton county, and flows north into Ionia, in the south-eastern part of which, it discharges into the Grand river. It is a good mill stream, 20 miles long, and for the last four milas of its course very rapid, with a hard, stony bottom. Seneca township, Lenawee county, is embraced in town- ship eight south, ranges one and two east. Statistics as per census: — Population, 431. — A merchant; 4,925 bushels wheat, 100 bushels rye, 3,564 bushels corn, 2,950 busliels oats, 127 bushels buckwheat ; 230 pounds flax ; 1 ton pot- ashes ; 309 head neat stock, 33 horses, 12 sheep, 259 hogs. Seven Mile creek, an inferior rivulet, running in a south- westerly course across the north-west corner of Calhoun county, into the Kalamazoo river. Sharon township, Washtenaw county, consists of town- ship three south, range three east. It has within it a post office of the same name. Statistics as per census : — Popu- lation, 782. — 2 saw mills; 2 merchants; 34,423 bushels OF MICHIGAN, 361 SHA SHE SIII wheat, 10,340 busiiels corn, 20,055 bushels oats; 1,818 head neat stock, 139 horses, 59 sheep, 1,030 hogs. Shawhoaway^s village, on the Chenoux channel. Shaivangunk Island is located near the centre of Sagi- naw Bay, opposite Point aux Sable, about 15 miles from the eastern and western shore, and 30 from the mouth of Saginaw river. It is by far the largest island in the Bay. Shelby township, Macomb county, consists of township three north, range twelve east; watered by Clinton river. Sta- tistics as per census : — Population, 1,153. — A grist mill, 3 saw mills; 3 merchants; 18,855 bushels wheat, 2,G16 bushels rye, 8,508 bushels corn, 9,810 bushels oats, 2,800 bushels buckwheat ; 14,455 lbs. flax; 876 head neat stock, J 79 horses, 1,076 sheep, 1,193 hogs; 3,268 yards woollen and cotton goods. Shddrakt river, an inconsiderable stream of the Upper Peninsula, that flows east, and discharges its waters into '' The Bay," near the outlet of Lake Superior, and about 4 miles north of the mouth of the Tonquamenon river. Sheridan township, Calhoun county, is comprised in townships one and two south, range four west ; watered by Rice creek, and containing the village of Waterburg. Statistics as per census : — Population, 353. — A saw mill; 3,324 bushels wheat, 1,520 bushels corn, 2,740 bushels oats ; 501bs. flax; 342 head neat stock, 47 horses, 396 hogs. Sherman township is situated in the south-eastern part of the county of St, Joseph, south of the townships of Colon and Nottawa, and east of White Pigeon ; watered by Prai- rie creek. Here is a post oflice of the same name. Popu- lation, 1,043. Sherwood io\NX\s\\\^, Branch county, consists of township five south, ranges seven and eight west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 217. — A saw mill; 2,169 bushels wheat, 2,409 bushels corn, 1,650 bushels oats, 243 bushels buckwheat; 35 lbs. flax; 229 head neat stock, 28 horses, 362 hogs. Sherwood' s Mills is located on Pine creek, near its junc- tion with the Kalamazoo river, in the county of Allegan. It is the oldest settlement in the county, and contains 2 saw mills, a flour mill with 2 run of stone, a store, and a few dwellings. The settlement is growing. Distant 9 miles from Allegan. Shiawassee is a small village recently laid out, a little 31 362 GAZETTEER SHI SIL SIS south-east of the centre of the county of Shiawassee, and on the Shiawassee river. Here is a flouring mill with 4 run of stone, a saw mill, 2 stores, a physician, a lawyer, and a few mechanics. The village is flourishing. Distant 75 miles north-west Detroit. Shiawassee river. This is a superior stream of the Pe- ninsula, and a large tributary of the Saginaw river. It is more than 50 miles in a direct line from its source to its junction with the Flint, though its winding course would probably increase it to 75 miles or more. It is a quick and beautiful stream, rising by various sources in the interior of Livingston and Oakland counties, watering all the northern part of the former and the north-western part of the latter, with the southern part of Genesee, where it collects itself near the village of Byron, and meandering through the county of Shiawassee in a north-westerly, and the south of Saginaw, in a northerly course, joins the Flint, to form the Saginaw river. The intervals towards its mouth are low. It is boatable to the centre of Shiawassee county. On it and its tributaries, are many desirable mill sites, improved and unimproved, and lands of a rich and imperishable soil, both open and timbered, that may suit the fancy of every agriculturist and manufacturer. Silvan township, Washtenaw county, is comprised in township two south, range three east; watered by the North branch of Mill creek. Here is a post office of the same name. Statistics as per census : — Population, 480. — A grist mill ; a merchant ; 6,893 bushels wheat, 2,530 bush- els corn, 8,280 bushels oats, 1,409 bushels buckwheat ; 101 lbs. flax; 576 head neat stock, 62 horses, 98 sheep, 660 hogs. Silver creek township, Cass county, consists of township five south, range sixteen west; watered by the Dowa- giake river. Statistics as per census: — Population, 108. — 115 bushels wheat, 486 bushels corn, 57 bushels oats, 125 bushels buckwheat ; 83 head neat stock, 34 horses, 48 sheep, 427 hogs. . Silver Lake, in Waterford township, Oakland county, is located between Thompson's and Vananden's lake's. In extent it is diminutive. Sister Lakes, are several bodies of water, lying on and near the north-western corner of Cass, and on the border of Van Buren counties. OF MICHIGAN. 363 SKO SMI SOU Skpnnwha river, a river of the Upper Peninsula, rising in the highlands of the interior,' near the sources of the Chocolate river, and emptying into Green Bay. Skull cave. (Michillimacinac island.) Sleeping Bear. This is a curiosity, interesting both to the mariner and traveller. It is located on the eastern coast of Lake Michigan, between Point aux Betsies and Great Tra- verse Bay, 30 miles north of the former and 50 south of the latter. It consists of a conical cliff of white sand, with a circumference at the base of about two miles, and rising to an altitude of between 300 and 400 feet, and per- haps higher. On the apex of this cliff is a clump of pine trees and shrubs of various evergreens, clustered together in such a manner, as, by contrast with the whiteness of the sand below, to resemble a black bear in a sleeping posture. It is supposed that this cone of sand was formed by the ac- tion of the lake winds upon the beach, causing the sand to drift into this shape. It is seen by the mariners of the lake, a distance of 35 or 40 miles. Sniithjielcl post office, Jackson county, in the western part of the county, on the road from Jackson to Waterburg, and near the St. Joseph road. Society Lakes, (thus named from their proximity,) are several little lakes, in the vicinity of each other, no one of which exceeds perhaps 50 acres in extent, lying in High- land tovvnship, Oakland county, south-west of White lake. Somerset township, Hillsdale county, consists of town- ship five south, range one west. It contains some of the highest land in the State. {See Wheatland.) Statistics as per census : — Population, 441. — 2 saw mills; a merchant ; 3,507 bushels wheat, 2,222 bushels corn, 4,160 bushels oats, 22S bushels buckwheat; 75 lbs. flax ; 326 head neat stock, 40 horses, 93 sheep, 603 hogs. South Black river. (See Black river, South.) South branch of South Black river. (See Black river, South.) Southerland, a village in Upper Canada, on the St. Clair strait, opposite the village of Palmer. Southjield tovvnship, Oakland county, consists of town- ship one north, range ten east ; watered by the head branches of the North branch of the Rouge. In it, are Tonquish post office, and one of the same name of the 364 GAZETTEER SOU SPR township, together with the village of Franklin, in its north- western corner. Population, 956. South Haven township, Van Buren county, is comprised in township one south, ranges fifteen, sixteen, and seven- teen west, and township two south, ranges sixteen and seventeen west. Population, 65. Spring Arbour, village and post office, in a township of the same name, county of .Jackson, situated near one of the head branches of the Kalamazoo river, at the site of an ancient Indian village, and in the midst of burr oak plains. Here is a store, 2 physicians, and a few families. Distant 9 miles from Jackson, and 89 from Detroit. Spring Arbour township, Jackson county, consists of township three south, range two west ; crossed by the head branches of the Grand and Kalamazoo rivers. It contains the villages of Barry and Spring Arbour, and an Indian village in the southern part. Springjield township, Oakland county, embraces town- ship four north, range eight east. Population, 403. Springville, a village situated in the northern part of the county of Lenawee, contains a post office, store, and a few families. Distant 12 miles from Adrian. Spring Wells township, Wayne county, is situated on the Detroit and Rouge rivers, and south of the township of Greenfield. Population, 960. Square LaJ^e, a diminutive body of water in Bloomfield township, Oakland county. Stirling post office, Washtenaw county, on the Ann Ar- bour and Ionia post route. Stirling, (formerly Jefferson) township, Macomb county, township two north, range twelve east. Statistics as per census: — Population, 523. — 2 saw mills; 2,322 bushels wheat, 232 bushels rye, 1,444 bushels corn, 1,711 bushels oats, 190 lbs. flax; 305 head neat stock, 39 horses, 337 sheep, 44.5 hogs. Stockbriclge township, Ingham county, consists of town- ship one north, of range two east. Stone Inland, an islet in the Detroit strait north-west of Fort Maiden, and between Grosse island and the Canadian shore. Stone Lalce, a little body of water in Lagrange town- ship, county of CasSj one half mile south of CassopoUs. OP MICHIGAN. 365 STO STC Stony Point is a cape on the border of Monroe county, extending into Lake Erie, in a south-easterly course, and is the most extensive projection of land in this part of the lake, north of North Cape. It is located between the mouths of Swan and Stony creeks. Stony creek is a stream of Lake Erie, lying mostly in the county of Monroe, but rising in Ypsilanti, the most south- easterly township of Washtenaw, and flowing south-easter- ly through Monroe county, discharges into Lake Erie at the village of Brest, five miles north-east of the mouth of the Raisin River. Its length, in a direct line, is about 30 miles. Stony creek, a stream rising near the central part of the county of Clinton, and flowing in a westerly course into Ionia county, and discharging into the Maple river, two miles from its mouth. Its length is about 25 miles. Stony creek, a stream that rises on the eastern confines of Oakland county, crossing into Macomb and re-crossing in- to Oakland county, where it empties into the Clinton river. Its general course is south, following the boundary of Oak- land and Macomb. Stony creek, a village situated on the north side of a stream of the same name, in the eastern border of the coun- ty of Oakland, and township of Avon. Here is a baptist church, a flouring mill, with 2 run of stone, a saw mill, a fulling mill, a carding machine, and a store. Distant 11 miles north-east of Pontiac, and 26 from Detroit. Stony Lake, a small lake situated in Oakland county, in the centre of township five north, range ten east. Strait of Mackinac. (See " Michillimacinac Strait.") Strawberry Plains are in the township of Webster, in the county of Washtenaw, east of Portage lake. Sturges' Prairie, is a rich tract of prairie land, in the township of Sherman, St. Joseph county, crossed by the Chicago road. Sherman post office is on its north-eastern border. Sturgeon river, a trifling stream of the Upper Peninsula, that empties into Kew-y-wee-non bay. >S^^ Clair Lake. (See '* Lake St. Clair J') St. Clair, a strait uniting Lakes Huron and St. Clair. It is a large, noble stream, receiving, from the southern ex- tremity of Lake Huron, the accumulated waters of Superior, Michigan and Huron, and conducting them in a south- 366 GAZETTEER STC STC STJ westerly direction, when, towards its latter course, it breaks into no less than six principal, and numerous smaller chan- nels, and disembogues into Lake St. Clair on its north-east- ern shore These channels are the " channel a Carte," on the east, and, successively, Squirrel channel, Walpole chan- nel, Eagle channel. Turtle channel, and the North chan- nel, which latter, on the Michigan side, is the only one navigated in ascending and descending the strait. The islands are few and trifling, except those made by the chan- nels just mentioned. These are Stromness, Harsons, and Walpole, of which, the latter is by far the largest, and be- longs to the British. The tributaries are none on its east- ern shore; but on the west, it receives from St. Clair coun- ty, the Dulude or Black, the Pine and Belle rivers, all streams valuable to the Peninsula. It has several flourish- ing villages on its banks, at Fort Gratiot, Port Huron, at the mouth of Black river. Palmer, Hallville, and Newport on the Michigan, and Southerland on the Canada shore. The length of the St. Clair river is 40 miles, with 35 miles of ship channel, and, on an average, one half mile in breadth. The depth is, on an average, 50 feet, and the cur- rent three miles per hour, with an entire descent of 13 feet, as near as has been ascertained. Its descent for 30 miles, is four inches per mile. It is an exceedingly beautiful stream, o£ clear, transparent waters, easy of navigation, meandering majestically through a region of country de- lightful by nature, and occasionally improved by the enter- prise and arts of civilized life; alternately regaling the mind with a view of the romantic wilds of nature, and the rich plantations of th.e husbandman, teeming with the fruits of domestic and agricultural improvements. As to the gene- ral character of its features, in other respects, it resembles the strait of Detroit. St Clair township^ St. Clair county, on the strait of St. Clair, watered by Pine river. Statistics as per census: — Population, 501. — 2 saw mills; 6 merchants ; 1,240 bush- els wheat, 22 bushels rye, 289 bushels corn,. 3,150 bushels oats, 170 bushels buckwheat, 60 lbs. flax; 212 head neat stock, 188 hogs. St. Helena Island, a small island near the strait of Mack- inac, in Lake Michigan. Here is. a good harbor. St. Joseph Island is a considerable body of land, in the OP MICHIGAN. 367 STJ STJ STJ St. Mary's strait. There are the remains of an old fort and establishment of the British government, on its southern ex- tremity. St. Joseph Lake. (See '' Baubcse Lalic.'') St. Joseph township, Berrien county, is comprised in township four south, ranges seventeen, eighteen, and nine- teen west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 599. — A saw mill ; 10 merchants; 70 head neat stock, 55 horses, 32 hogs. St. Joseph river (of the Maumee.) This stream origi- nates north of the central part of the county of Hillsdale, in numerous branches, and flowing in a southerly course, collects its waters on the southern border of Hillsdale ; it then takes a south-westerly direction, across the north-west corner of the State of Ohio, (Williams county,) into La- grange county in Indiana; and, pursuing the same course, forms a junction at Fort Wayne, with the St. Mary's river, which, together, constitute the Maumee river, or Miami, of Lake Erie. Its numerous head tributaries abundantly water the whole southern half of Hillsdale county, furnishing many and valuable mill streams. The principal of these is the Little St. Joseph river, which rises in the western part, and flows south-easterly into the main stream. Without esti- mating the devious course of the St. Joseph, it is upwards of 60 miles, in a direct line, from the source to its mouth. St. Joseph river of I^ake Michigan, takes its rise in the north-eastern part of the county of Hillsdale, and flowino- north-west through Hillsdale, south-west through Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph and Cass counties, into the State of In- diana, thence west through Elkhart and St. Joseph coun- ties in that State ; thence passing north-west into and through the county of Berrien in the State of Michio-an, discharges its waters into Lake Michigan. In length and volume of water, it will rank as the second in the Peninsu- la. Its course is very serpentine and irregular, and it has been estimated by some to be 250 miles in length, followino- its many deviations ; but from the source to the lake, in a direct line, it would not exceed 120. It is navigable for keel boats, to Lockport, 130 miles. The breadth, near its mouth, is one fourth of a mile, and its depth from 9 to 14 feet. At the mouth is a good harbor, which, when the pier is finished, will be sufficiently capacious for any. assigned 368 GAZETTEER STJ STJ STJ number of vessels, and to answer all the purposes which a lake port in future may require. There is a sand bar at the mouth, upon which is six feet water. The general govern- ment have appropriated $35,000 to remove it, and improve the harbor, and operations have already commenced. The St. Joseph river is a beautiful stream, of gradual descent and equable current. It is not often known to rise at its mouth more than 18 inches, even in times of the highest freshets, although far above, it rises from four to six feet. It admits a number of considerable streams, many of which water a rich and fertile country, and furnish fine mill sites for manufacturing. Among the largest are the Elkhart, the Little Elkhart, Pigeon, Prairie, Hog, Pine creek, Port- age river, Mclnlerfer's creek, Dowagiake and Pawpaw. The soil on the intervals is eminently rich, and generally uncommonly deep, and gives the greatest luxuriance to every agricultural production. From the mouth to the vil- lage of Niles, the intervals are very heavily timbered ; then, in passing up the stream to its source, are oak openings, aiid occasionally, prairies. (See " >S^^ Joseph river,'' p. Ot.) St. Joseph, the seat of justice for the county of Berrien, and in a township of the same name, is a village handsome- ly situated at the confluence of the St. Joseph river with Lake Michigan. It has a jail, bank and banking associa- tion, a church for episcopalians, 2 steam saw mills, post office, a printing office from which is issued a weekly news- paper, 4 large forwarding and commission stores, 10 dry goods stores, an extensive grocery establishment, a drug- gist, 8 physicians, and 4 practicing attorneys. It is eligi- bly located for commerce, and is the first of that character on the western side of the Peninsula. There are three steamboats owned here, though the amount of other shipping is very trifling. Prospectively, there may be said to be a good harbor ; $35,000 have been appropriated by the general government to improve it. A pier and other improvements are constructing, and 2000 feet of wharf is already built. A bridge across the St. Joseph, at this place, is now being constructed at an expense of $15,000. The harbor at present admits vessels drawing 6^ feet of water. Here ter- minates the State turnpike, and the State rail-road from De- troit. Several companies have charters to connect this place with. Cassopolis, New Buffalo, Niles, &:c., by rail- OF MICHIGAN. 369 STM roads. Whether, or when, they will be constructed, is un- determined. St. Joseph is elevated from 45 to 60 feet above the harbor, and commands a pleasant view of Lake Michigan. It is at present very thriving, and increasing in both wealth and population. The latter of which is said to have doubled within two years past. Its population is esti- mated at 1,200 or 1,500. Distant 180 miles from Detroit, and 706 from Washington city. Sf. John's river, a considerable stream of the Upper Peninsula, which rises in the high-lands of the interior, and after flowing in a north-westerly course, discharges into Lake Superior, on its southern shore, between the mouths of the Salmon Trout and Barsalo rivers. *S'^. Blary's Strait, (Indian name Poiwateeg.) This strait unites Lake Superior, (of which it is the outlet,) with Lake Huron. It is a large stream, rising on the south-east- ern extremity of Lake Superior, and, after conducting its waters in a south-easterly course, disembogues into Lake Huron by three mouths, called the East, the Middle, and the West straits. There are four large islands in this strait, which, together with several smaller ones, serve to block up its waters, and divert its course into a number of de- vious windings, and cross channels, in their passage to Lake Huron. The first, in order, after leaving the Bay of Supe- rior, is Sugar Island, the next is Sailors Encampment Island and Lime Kiln island, then comes the St. Joseph, and lastly, Drummond's Island at its mouth. They are large, and although interspersed in the successive order here men- tioned, those contiguous, have but small channels between them. This stream is the most difficult to navigate of any in or around the Slate, if not in the world; and no one but an experienced pilot can ascend or descend it without the most imminent hazard. This is attributable to the dense fogs, common to the warmer season, and to the multitude of is- lands, shoals, and sunken rocks, in every part of the stream. The usual ship channel in ascending the strait, is to pass up the west strait, and up the stream on the west of Drummond's island, on the south of St. Joseph and Lime Kiln islands, east of Sailors Encampment, and north-east of Sugar islands. It can then only be ascended with a north-east wind. Its 870 GAZETTEER STM SUG SUM length, by this circuitous route, from the mouth to the vil- lage of Sault St. Mary, is estimated at 60 miles. The main channel of the river forms the boundary line between the United States and the British Province of Upper Canada. Its breadth, on an average, is three-fourths of a mile, and its current, (exclusive of the rapids,) moves at a medium rate of a mile and a half per hour. It is navigable for large vessels both above and below the rapids, which are 15 miles from Lake Superior. These rapids entirely obstruct the navigation of the river for large vessels. They are three- fourths of a mile in length, and have a fall of 22 feet 10 inches. The entire fall of the river from its head in Lake Superior to its mouth is 44 feet 8 inches. To render the river perfectly navigable, it is proposed to remove a sand bar in a part of the river called Lake George, and to con- struct a canal around the falls for steamboats and vessels of the largest class. This strait abounds with excellent fish, the taking and exporting of which afford profitable em- ployment for the people inhabiting its banks. The princi- pal kinds are white fish, bass, and their varieties ; trout of two kinds, sturgeon, herring, mullet, eel-pout, cat, gar, sunfiish, pike, pickerel, &c. (See Sault de Stc Marie.) St. Martin's Islands, three of the same name, one of which, 8 miles north of the Island of Mackinac, is about 4 miles in circumference, and is said to contain gypsum in abundance. Sucker river, an inconsiderable stream of the Upper Pen- insula, emptying into Lake Superior, north-west of the head waters of the Monestee river. Sugar Island is one of the largest islands in the St. Ma- ry's strait, and belongs to the British. It is the first island encountered in descending the river below the Bay of Lake Superior, and is a little belov/ and south-east of the rapids. Sugar Island, a small islet at the mouth of the Detroit strait, east of Elba Isle. Sugar Loaf Rock. (See Michillimacinac Island.) Summerville, village and post office, situated on the Dow- agiake river, in Cass county. Here is a saw mill and a store. Distant 1 1 miles from Cassopolis. Summerfield is a small settlement in the township of the same name, in the county of Monroe, situated on the River OF MICHIGAN. 371 SWA Raisin, about sixteen miles from Lake Erie. It has a post office, sawmill, and several families. Suinmtrjicld township, Monroe county. Statistics as per census : — Population, 1,128. — A grist mill, 3 saw mills; 4 merchants ; 3,747 bushels wheat, 342 bushels rye, 9,954 bushels corn, 5,128 bushels oats, 441 bushels buckwheat; 699 pounds flax; 2 tons potash ; 645 head neat stock, 131 horses, 95 sheep, 878 hogs. Summit post office is in Salem township, Washtenaw county, on the road between Pontiac and Ann Arbour. Superior township, Washtenaw county, is comprised in township two south, ralige seven west. Statistics as per census : — Population, 1,378. — 2 grist mills, 6 saw mills ; 2 merchants. Swain's Lake, a small collection of water in the county of Jackson, four miles south-west of the village of Jackson. It is a mere expansion of the South Branch of Grand river. Swainsvillc, a village and post office, in the township of Napoleon, county of Jackson, has a flouring mill and 2 stores, and a number of mechanics. Sivan river, a rivulet in the southern part of St. Clair county, rising in China township, and flowing south into Lake St. Clair, on the north. Sivan creek, a stream rising in the south-western corner of Wayne county, in a wet prairie, flows south-easterly across the north-east corner of Wayne county, into Lake Erie, between Stony creek and Huron river. It is 15 miles long. At its mouth it opens into a frith, two miles in length. Swan creek rises in a lake near the central part of the county of Branch, and flows south-westerly into St. Joseph county, and north-westerly into a lake, an expansion of the St. Joseph river. Swartz's creek is a stream originating in Grand Blanc lake, on the north-west corner of Oakland county, and flowing north-westerly and north-easterly, discharges into the Thread river, near its junction with the Flint. Sycamore creek, a stream watering the western portion of Ingham county, rising by several branches, in its southern part, and flowing north-westerly into the Red Cedar river, at its confluence with the Grand river. Its length is up- 372 GAZETTEER TAC TEC TEK wards of 15 miles, and its bottoms are covered with a rich growth of the various forest trees of the Peninsula. T Tecumseh, a village and post office, in a township of the same name, county of Lenawee, situated at the junction of Evans' creek with the River Raisin, on its northern bank, at the crossing of Plaisance Bay road. The seat of justice is to be removed to Adrian in the fall of '38. (See Adrian.) Here is a court house, jail, bank and banking association, printing office that issues a weekly newspaper, a flouring mill with 3 run of stone, 2 saw mills, a carding machine, a tannery, 9 dry goods stores, 2 large grocery establishments, a large shoe store, 3 lawyers, and 2 physicians. There is an episcopal church erected which has a respectable congre- gation. The presbyterian congregation is likewise large. There is a flouring mill erecting for 6 run of stone. — Through this passes the Chicago road and the rail-road from Palmyra to Jackson. There is an abundance of water power in its vicinity. Tecumseh has a pleasant location, much capital, does a good amount of business, and is a place of considerable public importance. It is estimated to contain 1,000 inhabitants. Distant 10 miles from Adrian, 55 south- west of Detroit. Tecumseh township, Lenawee county, consists of town- ship five south, range four east, containing the village of Clinton, in the north, Tecumseh in the south, and watered by the River Raisin. Statistics as per census : — Popula- tion, 2,462. — 3 gristmills, 7 saw mills, 2 carding machines, a cloth dressing shop, a distillery, 24 merchants ; 12,981 bushels wheat, 1,625 bushels rye, 12,725 bushels corn, 28,731 bushels oats, 1,256 bushels buckwheat; 1,397 pounds flax ; 1,132 head neat stock, 386 horses, 507 sheep, 2,481 hogs. Tekonsha post office, Calhoun county, on the Marshall and Coldwater post route. Tekonsha township, Calhoun county, is comprised in township four south, range six west. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 278. — A saw mill ; a merchant; 3,285 bushels wheat, 1,765 bushels corn, 1,275 bushels oats, 85 bushels buckwheat; 526 head neat stock, 38 horses, 466 hogs. OF MICHIGAN. 373 TEK THO THR Tekonsha^ a small village in Calhoun county, in a town- ship of the same name, 12 miles south of Marshall, on the St. Joseph river, containing a post office, 2 stores, a saw mill, several mechanics, and a population of 150. It is flourishing. Ten Mile creek, a stream rising in the south-east corner of Barry, flowing south-westerly, and entering the north- west corner of Calhoun, and discharging into the Kalamazoo river. Thorn Apple river, a considerable tributary of the Grand river, originates in the central part of Eaton county, and flowing for the first part of its course westwardly, through Eaton and Barry counties ; it then takes a northerly course, leaving Barry and entering Kent, where it discharges into the Grand river, ten miles from the mouth of Flat river. Its length is upwards of 80 miles. It has one considera- ble tributary, the Little Fork, entering it on the east, about 12 miles from its mouth. There is considerable excellent land, both open and timbered, lying on the Thorn Apple and its tributaries, the latter of which irrigate an extensive region of country. Much of it may be termed first rate land. It possesses numerous mill sites, but ^ew of which are im- proved. At the mouth of this river, is one of the most re- spectable Indian villages in this section of the State. It contains 12 or 15 families, under the chief Nong-gee. There are two other villages on this river, one 20, the other 26 miles from its mouth. Thorn Apple Lake is an expansion of the Thorn Apple river, in Barry county, below the mouth of Muddy creek. Thread river is a stream that originates in the north- western part of Oakland, and, running north-westerly through a corner of Lapeer, passes into Genesee, and enters the Flint river near the Flint village. The Saginaw road follows the valley of this river. Three Rivers, a village situated on the St. Joseph river, between the confluence of Portage river and Stony creek, and opposite Lockport, or Buck's post office, in the coun- ty of St. Joseph. Here are a flouring mill for 6 run of stone, a saw mill, 2 stores. The State road from Centre- ville to the mouth of St. Joseph, passes through it. The St. Joseph is navigable to it for boats of 30 tons. The 32 374 GAZETTEER THO THU TIT St. Joseph, Portage river, and Stony creek, each affords an abundance of water power, — especially the two latter streams, — which may be used to any extent. Capital is em- ployed, and arrangements are making by constructing a dam across the St. Joseph, above Lockport, to take the water from the river and carry it to Lockport for manufac- turing purposes. By this means, a fall of upwards of ten feet is obtained in a distance of 96 chains. It is intended to consolidate the two villages of Lockport and Three Riv- ers, after which and the execution of the contemplated im- provements, it will become a place of considerable impor- tance. Distant 6 miles from Centreville, and 146 south- west Detroit. Thompson'' s Ldie, a collection of water, of perhaps 1,500 acres, lying across the boundary line between Ponti- ac and Waterford townships, in the county of Oakland. It is drained into Clinton river, by way of Silver lake. Thunder Bay, an inlet of Lake Huron, on the eastern coast of the State, and on the north of the strait that leads into Saginaw Bay. The waters are of a reddish color. Here is an excellent harbor, with a depth of five or six fath- oms water. Thunder Bay Islands, two small islands on the eastern coast of Michigan, east of Thunder Bay, and near the en- trance of it. When the wind is from the north, a good shelter is found for vessels on the south and west of these islands, 40 or 50 rods from the shore, in five or six fathoms water. Thunder Bay river uses in the Peninsula, in Mackinac county, north of Saginaw Bay, and flows in a south-east- erly direction, and empties into Thunder Bay. Tijin's creek. (See Bean creek.) Tittibawassee river, the largest branch of the Saginaw river, rises in the Peninsula, in the southern part of the county of Mackinac, and after flowing south and receiv- ing a number of important tributaries, through the coun- ties of Gladwin and Midland, thence south-east through Midland and Saginaw counties, empties its waters into the Saginaw river, near the mouth of the Cass river. It is boatable from its mouth to 40 or 50 miles above the mouth of Pine river, and has a strong but equable current. The OF MICHIGAN. 375 TON TRO UNA soil on its banks is of a rich quality, covered with heavy timber. Tonquamenon river, an inconsiderable stream, which rises in the interior of the eastern part of the Upper Pe- ninsula, and empties into what is called " The Bay," near the outlet of Lake Superior. The falls in this river are a fine scene. Tonquish creek, an insignificant stream rising in Can- ton township, Wayne county, flowing east through Nankin township, into the West branch of the Rouge. Tonquish plain is located on this stream, toward its mouth. Tremainsville post office, Monroe county, in Erie town- ship. Tremble's creek, a small creek in the northern part of Wayne county, that passes across the corner of the county in a south-east direction from Macomb, and enters the De- troit strait opposite Hog island. Troy township, Oakland county, consists of township two north, range eleven east ; watered by the head branch- es of the Red river. It contains a post office of the same name. Population, 1,439. Troy, a small settlement on the Galain river, in the township of New Buffalo, Berrien county. It has 2 saw mills, a store, and a few inhabitants. Distant 25 miles from St. Joseph. Triiago, a village and post office in the township of Monguagon, in the county of Wayne, situated on the west bank of the Detroit, three miles above Gibraltar, opposite Grosse isle. It has a wharf and store house, a tavern, and perhaps eight or ten dwellings. Turkey Isle, an islet in the Detroit strait, lying south- east of Fighting island, and between it and the Canada shore. Turtle Island, is an islet in Lake Erie, lying about two miles north-east of North Cape. It is of note only from the light house erected upon it. Twine river. (See Double Hearted river.) U. Unadilla village and post office, on the Portage river, in the south-western part of the county of Livingston. Here are 2 saw mills and a store. It is new, and improwing very fast. 376 GAZETTEER UNA UNI UTI Unadilla townsh'\]p, Livingston county, consists of town- ships one and two north, range three east. Statistics as per census: — Population, 642. — 2 sawmills; 3 merchants; 1,922 bushels wheat, 652 bushels corn, 900 bushels oats, 154 bushels buckwheat; 89 head neat stock, 19 horses, 120 hogs. Union City^ a village and post office in the township of Sherwood, and county of Branch, is new; situated at the junction of the Coldwater and St. Joseph rivers, on the Jackson road. It has a store, saw mill, physician, a num- ber of mechanics, and a few dwelling houses. It is the proper head of navigation of the St. Joseph. Here is a considerable amount of water power that might be used to advantage. Distant 14 miles from Coldwater, and 115 south- west Detroit. Union post office. (See Porter,) Union township. Branch county, is comprised in town- ship five south, range seven west. Statistics as per cen- sus : — Population, 260. — A grist mill, a saw mill ; 785 bushels wheat, 1,380 bushels corn, 1,985 bushels oats; 126 head neat stock, 22 horses, 280 hogs. Unionville post office, in the south-western part of Len- awee county, on the post route from Maumee to Jonesville. Utica, a village and post office in the county of Macomb, pleasantly situated on the east bank of the river Clinton. Here is an academy, a banking association, a flouring mill, with 3 run of stone — a fine establishment, that does a good business; a saw mill; 4 stores, 2 physicians. Here is an iron foundery and manufactory, sufficiently extensive to manufacture iron in all its branches; 2 churches, one each fo/presbyterians and methodists, arc now erected. A rail- road is now constructing between this and Detroit, and will be finished in the course of the year; and a separate com- pany is incorporated, to continue it north through Romeo, to the foot of Lake Huron, and the stock principally taken. At this place, the road from Mount Clemens to Pontiac crosses the Clinton. Here, both above and below, are fine mill privileges to be found, and an excellent farming and wheat country. Utica is a thriving village, and when the improvements now progressing are finished, will be a place of considerable importance. Distant 10 miles north-west Mount Clemens, 20 miles north Detroit, OF MICHIGAN. 377 VAN VER VIN V. Van Burcn, a small settlement in Van Buren county, near the centre of the county, on the Pawpaw river. Van Buren township, Wayne county, consists of town- ship three south, range eight east, watered by the Huron river. Population, "799. Vance river ^ or Half-way -creek, a trifling stream rising in the southern part of Monroe county, and flowing south- eastwardly on its confines, and the northern boundary of Ohio, and discharging into an inlet on the north-west of the Miami Bay. Vanfossenville, post village. Concord township, and coun- ty of Jackson. (See " Concord.'^) Vernon township, Shiawassee county, is comprised in township six north, of range four east. Vermillion Bay, Lake Superior, two leagues west of White Fish Pond. Vermontville township, Eaton county, is comprised in townships three and four north, of ranges five and six west. Statistics as per census: — Population, 145. — 75 bushels wheat, 360 bushels corn, 447 bushels oats, 14 bushels buck- wheat; 78 head neat stock, 8 horses, 48 hogs. Vermontville, a village in a township of the same name, located upon the north bank of the Thorn Apple river, in Eaton county, township three north, range six west, section 21, being about two miles east from the western line of the county. It consists of a colony of about 40 families of Vermonters, who have taken up about 10,000 acres of land, and are making improvements. It has high prospects of" becoming a wealthy, flourishing village. Distant 15 miles from Bellevue, 25 to Ionia, and about 115 to Detroit. Verona, a small village in the county of Calhoun, on Battle creek, 12 miles north-west of Marshall, has a saw mill, store, smith shop, and a few dwellings. Vienna township, Genesee county, is comprised of town- ship nine north, of ranges five, six and seven east. Popula- tion, 107, Vineyard Lake, a collection of water on the southern border and south-east corner township of Jackson county, three-fourths of a mile west of Wampler's lake. Its waters 32* 378 GAZETTEER VOL WAM WAT are drained by the north branch of the River Raisin. It contains a surface of about 1,000 acres. Volinia township, Cass county, consists of township five south, range fourteen west. Statistics as per census : — Population, 427. — 2 saw mills ; 3 merchants ; 6,975 bush- els wheat, 11,915 bushels corn, 15,560 bushels oats; 70 bushels buckwheat, 250 lbs flax; 334 head neat stock, 137 horses, 260 sheep, 799 hogs. W. Wagooshance, (or Fox Point,) is a point in the south- west part of the Strait of Mackinac, and north-west of the Peninsula. Here is a light-house erecting. Walled Lake post office, Novi township, Oakland coun- ty, on the Ann Arbour and Pontiac post route. Walled Lake, a body of water lying on the northern bor- der of Novi township, in the county of Oakland, drained by the western branch of the River Rouge. On its northern bank is an Indian village, containing several families. The road from Ann Arbour to Pontiac, passes through this vil- lage, and on the west of thelake. Wainpler's Lake is a collection of water, containing per- haps 1,500 acres, lying on the corners of Lenawee, Jack- son, and Washtenaw counties, and vented into the north branch of the Raisin river by a small creek. Washington township, Macomb county, consists of town- ship four north, range twelve east, watered by Stony creek and the head branches of the middle branch of the Clinton river. It contains the flourishing village of Romeo. Sta- tistics as per census: — Popubuion, 1,329. — A grist mill, a saw mill; 9 merchants; 25,946 bushels wheat, 7,642 bush- els rye, 10,833 bushels corn, 21,476 bushels oats, 5,4S9 bushels buckwheat, 2,309 lbs. flax; 1,275 head neat stock, 329 horses, 1,600 sheep, 1,803 hogs; 4,585 yards woollen and cotton goods. Washington post office, Washington township, Macomb county, on the Mount Clemens and Lapeer post route. Watcrford, a village situated on the west branch of the Rouge, near the centre of Plymouth township, Wayne coun- ty, containing a store, a flour mill, with 5 run of stone, a saw mill, with double saws, and a physician. It is of re- cent origin, and contains perhaps 20 dwellings. It has a OF MICHIGAN. 379 WAT WAY WES fine country around it, and sufficient hydraulic power at all seasons for at least 10 run of stone. It is on the road from Plymouth to Northville. Distant 28 miles from Detroit, Waterford township, Oakland county, consists of town- ship three north, range nine east, interspersed with numer- ous small lakes, with their outlets and tributaries, which serve to water the township abundantly. Here is a post office of the same name. Population, 828. TVaterfo2VJi township, Clinton county, consists of ranges three and four west, in said county. JVai/ne, a village containing a post office by the name of South Nankin, in Nankin township, Wayne county, situa- ted on the south branch of the River Rouge. It has 2 stores, a saw mill, tavern, a physician, and perhaps 12 or 15 families. Here is a station or depot of the Detroit and St. Joseph rail-road, which passes through it. It is also passed by the Chicago road, and by the road from Plymouth to Monroe. Distant by rail-road, 18| miles from Detroit. JVai/ne township, Cass county, consists of township five south, range fifteen west. Statistics as per census : — Popu- lation, 223. — A saw mill ; 1,100 bushels wheat, 1,995 bush- els corn, 1,075 bushels oats, 136 bushels buckwheat, 175 lbs. flax; 78 head neat stock, 58 horses, 102 sheep, 333 hogs. Webster township, Washtenaw county, is comprised in township one south, range five east. Statistics as per cen- sus: — Population, 832. — 9,260 bushels wheat, 4,138 bush- els corn, 6,346 bushels oats, 426 bushels buckwheat; 683 head neat stock, 82 horses, 552 sheep, 941 hogs. Wescav township, Berrien county, is comprised in town- ships seven and eight south, range nineteen west. Statis- tics as per census : — Population, 1 16. — 3 saw mills ; 815 bushels wheat, 1,290 bushels corn, 300 bushels oats, 71 bushels buckwheat; 83 head neat stock, 17 horses, 27 sheep, 199 hogs. JVest BloomJieM township, Oakland county, consists of township two north, range nine east. The northern por- tion of it is interspersed with numerous small lakes, whose waters pass into the Clinton river. Here is a post office by the name of West Bloomfield. Population, 1,004. West Farmington post office, in the south-east part of Novi township, Oakland county. 380 GAZETTEER WES WET WHI West Strait, one of the outlets of St. Mary's strait, that discharges into Lake Huron, passing between Drummond's Island on the east, and Point de Tour, of the Upper Penin- sula, on the west. This is the usual ship channel in the navigation of the strait. JVest Portage township, Jackson county, consists of township one south, of range one east, and twelve sections, numbered from one to twelve, inclusive, in township two south, of range one east. West branch of South Black river. (See " Black river south.") Wet Prairie. There are various prairies in the State, passing by this name — a name applied in contradistinction from those which are dry and arable. There are three to which this name is particularly attached, viz : one lying in the township of Royal Oak, in Oakland county, and in Greenfield township, in Wayne ; another on the confines of Branch and Hillsdale, and a third in the south-western part of Calhoun county. Wheatlajid township, Hillsdale county, consists of town- ship six south, range one west, containing some of the highest land in the State. In this township may be found the head waters of the St. Joseph, the Kalamazoo, the Grand and the Raisin rivers, four of the largest streams in the State, the three former emptying into Lake Michigan, at a considerable distance from each other, and the latter into Lake Erie ; each, with their tributaries, watering some of the fairest portion of the Peninsula. Here, likewise, is found the source of the St. Joseph river of the Maumee, which is a stream of considerable importance to this, as well as to the States of Ohio and Indiana. This township con- tains a post office and a village of the same name, which numbers some ten or twelve families. Statistics as per census : — Population, 729. — A saw mill ; 3,527 bushels wheat, 3,251 bushels corn, 1,120 bushels oats ; 140 bushels buckwheat; 70 pounds flax; 309 head neat stock, 10 hor- ses, 18 sheep, 387 hogs. White river rises in the Peninsula, in the south-western part of Mackinac county, and west of the head branches of the Maskegon river, and after flowing in a south-westerly direction empties into Lake Michigan, on the boundary line between Oceana and Mackinac counties. OF MICHIGAN. 381 TVhite Lake township, Oakland county, embraces town- ship three north, range eight east. Population, 363. WJiite Lake post office, Oakland county, on the Pontiac and Ionia post route. White Lake, a body of water lying on the boundary line between a township of the same name and Highland township. Its waters are drained into the Shiawassee river. Here, and around the lake, and the dividing ridge, the lands are covered with forests of chestnut timber, Wliitejish Point, a cape extending into Lake Superior, near its south-eastern extremity, and from the t^^^er Penin- sula. It is estimated to be about 30 miles in a direct line from the head of the St. Mary's strait, the outlet of the Lake. Whitmore's Lake lies on the northern border of Washte- tenaw county and the township of Northfield. It is vented into the Huron river by a small creek. Whitmanville, a village and post office, county of Cass, and township of Lagrange, situated on Dowagiake river. Here is a baptist church, a flouring mill with 4 run of stone, a saw mill, 4 stores, and a physician. Distant 3i miles from Cassopolis, and 185 from Detroit. White Pigeon township, in the south-west part of St. Jo- seph county. Population, 872. White Pigeon, village and post office, county of St. Jo- seph, handsomely located in White Pigeon prairie, and on White Pigeon creek. It contains 2 churches, one each for presbyterians and methodists, 5 stores, 2 physicians, and 2 lawyers. The Chicago road passes through it. It contains a few mechanic's shops and dwelling houses, and is a place of considerable business. Distant 12 miles from Centre- ville, and 144 from Detroit. Whiteford township, Monroe county. Statistics as per census : — Population, 257. — A saw mill ; 880 bushels wheat, 40 bushels rye, 1,564 bushels corn, 671 bushels oats; 216 head neat stock, 22 horses, 24 sheep, 268 hogs. White Pigeon township lies in the south-west part of the county of St. Joseph, watered by the St. Joseph river. Crooked river, and several branches of the former. It is a rich and fertile section of the country, and contains the vil- lages of Mottville and White Pigeon, besides being very densely settled. 382 GAZETTEER WHI WIN WOO Whitney Lake lies on the south-east corner of Waterford and south-west corner of Pontiac townships, in the county of Oakland. Its waters are drained by the Clinton river into Lake St. Clair. Wilder' s Prairie is situated in the southern part of Cal- houn county, near the point where the St. Joseph river en- ters Branch county, and is a tract of fertile, arable land. Willow creek, a trifling tributary to Sycamore creek, in Ingham county. Windmill Island, is an islet at the outlet of Lake St. Clair, at the head of the strait of St. Clair. Congress have appropriated five thousand dollars to erect a light-house upon it. Windsor, a village in Sandwich township, Essex county, beautifully situated on the east bank of the Detroit strait, immediately opposite the city of Detroit, with which it com- municates continually by a ferry boat, plied between the two places by steam power. It contains a bank, 6 stores, 2 bakeries, 3 taverns, 3 tailors, and several mechanics. It can hardly be doubted that the rail-road through Canada will terminate at this place. The landing here in the har- bor is excellent, and there is a fine farming country around which contributes to the support of the village. There is also considerable capital and enterprise, and it is in a flour- ishing condition. But its great and principal support arises from an illicit trade carried on with Detroit and the interior of the State, by which the revenue of Government an- nually looses thousands, and the mercantile interest of De- troit much injured. The village has an elevated site above the water, and commands a most delightful prospect of the country on the opposite bank, of the harbor and shipping of Detroit, and of the city itself, lying in great beauty be- fore it. Wolf creek, an insignificant stream in Rome township, Lenawee county, a branch of Beaver creek. Wolf creek post office, Rome township, Lenawee county, on Wolf creek. Woodruf's creek, the main head branch of the Huron river, rises in the south-west part of Oakland county, and, flowing south-westerly into Livingston county, enters the Huron river. It flows along some of the highest lands in the State. OF MICHIGAN. 383 WOO YOU YPS Woodruff's Grove is on the Huron river, in Washtenaw county, obliquely opposite Ypsilanti. Woodstock township, Lenawee county, embraces town- ship five south, range one east. Statistics as per census : — Population, 541. — A gristmill ; 3,354 bushels wheat, 1,840 bushels corn, 2,805 bushels oats, 352 bushels buckwheat ; 397 pounds flax ; 350 head neat stock, 58 horses, 36 sheep, 563 hogs. Y Young's Prairie, in Penn township, Cass county, on the north-east of Deadwood lake. York township, Washtenaw county, is in township four south, range six east. Statistics as per census : — Popula- tion, 1,197. — A grist mill, 3 saw mills. York post office, York township, Washtenaw county, on the post route from Saline to London. Ypsilanti township, Washtenaw county, is comprised in township three south, of range seven east, watered by the Huron river and Stony creek. Statistics as per census : — Population, 2,280. — 3 grist mills, 6 saw mills, 2 carding machines, a cloth dressing shop, a distillery; 14 mer- chants. Ypsilanti, village and post office, in a township of the same name, in the county of Washtenaw, situated on the Huron river, and on the Chicago road. It contains a bank and banking association, 2 churches, one each for presbyte- rians and methodists ; a flouring mill with two run of stone, 2 saw mills, a woollen factory, carding machine, iron foun- dery, tannery, a druggist, 8 or 10 stores, 5 lawyers, and 4 physicians. The Detroit and St. Joseph rail-road is to pass through it. There is considerable hydraulic power here, and it is in a flourishing condition. The population does not exceed perhaps 1,000. Distant 9 miles from Ann Ar- bour, and 30 from Detroit. SUPPLEMENT TO THE THIRD PART T. Stands for Township; R. Range; E. East; W.West; N. North; S. South; F. Fractional. TOWNSHIPS ORGANIZED AT SESSION OF 1837 AND 1838. Name. County. Situation. Alamo Kalamazoo T. 1 S.— R. 12 W. Alaiedon Ingham T. 3 and 4 N.— R. 1 and 2 W. Algansee Branch T. 7 and 8 S.— R. 5 W. Antrim Shiawassee T. 5 N.— R. 3 E. Ada Kent T. 5, 6, and 7 N.— R. 10 W. Byron Livingston changed to Oceola. Barry Barry T. 1 and 2 N.— R. 9 and 10 W. Boston Ionia T. 6 N.— R. 8 W. Brighton Livingston T. 2 N.— R. 6 E. Butler Branch T. 5 S.— R. 5 W. Burr Oak St. Joseph T. 7 S.— R. 9 W. Bennington Shiawassee T. 5 and 6 N.— R. 2 E. Cady Calhoun T. 2 S.— R. 7 W. Canaan Hillsdale T. 8 S. and F. T. 9 S.— R. 1 W. Cass Ionia Clarendon Calhoun T. 4 S.— R. 5 W. Climax Kalamazoo T. 3 S.— R. 9 W. Charleston T. 2 S.— R. 9 W. / T. 6 S.— R. 6 E. (the S. tier of Dundee Monroe < sections excepted) together ( withW.iofT. 6S.-R.7E. Fenton Genesee T. 5 N.— R. 6 E. OF MICHIGAN. 385 SU] 2> i o Counties. 1 1 g -a ^ ^ ^ '« J2 ^ Oi m 5 O ^ ^ '5 i PQ rS § M w Allegan, 1 17 17 Barry, 2 Berrien, 5 26 1 3 58 26,101 190 60,941 28,849 Branch, 4 10 11 27,612 40 34,2a6 44,145 Calhoun, 4 20 1 32 105,012 66 52,476 69,993 Cass, 5 19 1 2 ^^ 54,173 640 90,338 80,389 Chippewa, 3 Clinton, 2 3 3,305 1,715 3,955 Eaton, 1 5 2 3,815 2,655 2,484 Genesee, 1 13 16 Hillsdale, 1 15 14 42,661 160 28,524 32,G40 Ingham, 2,593 1,811 1,720 Ionia, *2 3 5 4,287 60 3,335 5,055 Jackson, 5 21 17 162,599 10 63,191 93,058 Kalamazoo, 3 21 2 34 103,787 1,060 80,964 197,807 Kent, 2 15 10 2,620 6,534 20.787 Lapeer, 3 11 8 11,976 30 1,877 6i600 Lenawee, 14 13 2 1 1 63 131,508 3,024 12G.725 181,935 Livingston, 3 11 9 40,835 10 19,483 19,332 Mackinac, 1 9 Macomb, G 25 2 1 20 85,028 14,036 40,240 61,232 Monroe, 7 25 1 1 42 27,256 1,019 42,741 50,242 Oakland, 17 40 8 G 3 38 Ottawa, 3 10 Saginaw, 1 5 5 2,288 4,650 1,230 Shiawassee, 1 4 2 2,%1 40 1,640 2,313 St. Clair, 4 30 22 6..816 825 4,462 9,380 St. Joseph, 8 13 2 27 Van Buren, Washtenaw, U 3G 3 2 2 55 164,663 734 122,989 203,874 "Wayne, 5 114 _27 433 5 23 1 12 244 16 795 1,014,896 21,944 791,427 1,116,910 APPENDIX. 391 TABLE No. IV. 2 ^ M ^ A o Counties. ^o Jj2 73 o i . C G w S^ P ^ S rf % ^^ o (5 o HI m o Allegan, Barry, Berrien, 1,153 995 2,950 927 1,089 5,728 Branch, 2,908 591 10 2,761 518 176 3,885 Calhoun, 3,419 760 14 6,094 1,209 882 6,784 Cass, 1,515 1,762 100 3,455 1,207 2,677 6,943 Chippewa, 59 30 11 Clinton, 22 415 25 39 179 Eaton, 95 560 53 4 347 Genesee, Hillsdale, 2,322 512 2,971 403 325 4,049 Ingham, 474 100 530 30 17 406 Ionia, 67 693 80 34 672 Jackson, 3,012 2,702 400 14,493 971 889 16,465 Kalamazoo, 2,059 865 5,920 1,449 1,221 8,469 Kent, 899 234 680 Lapeer, 340 560 1,265 110 130 Lenawee, 6,281 9,619 10,310 1,157 2,505 16,527 Livingston, 2,478 4,375 421 369 4,118 Mackinac, 122 72 25 Macomb, 13,061 19,493 6,899 1,555 5,365 8,286 Monroe, 11,731 2,891 5,734 1,220 1,221 5,751 Oakland, Ottawa, 22 29 Saginaw, SCO 643 1.50 547 Shiawassee, 314 405 941 96 81 l,i:22 St. Clair, 931 150 1,689 394 248 1,333 St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw, 11,480 2,423 15,732 1,726 5,412 16,640 Wayne, Total, 64,022 43,826 524 89,610 14,059 22,684 109,096 Note.— The townships, Irom which no report or only partial returns were made, are in Allegan, four; Barry, one; Calhoun, one; Genesee, five; Oakland, twenty-four; St. Clair, three; St. Joseph, ten; Van Buren, seven; Washtenaw, five; Wayne, sixteen; Monroe, two; Cass, two. Total, 82. 392 APPENDIX. TABLE V. The following general estimated value of products is made from the limited data of the above tables. The average Detroit market prices for grain during the past year, were taken as a standard, and for farm stock, tbe average country prices, as near as might be, for different descriptions, for the same time. The estimate was made purposely within the mark, and it is believed one fifth, or one fourth, might be added to the value of stock, without over-rating the true valuation. The census returns were for those counties having about 105,000, or about three fifths the population of the State ; it may reasonably be sup- posed, therefore, that the actual products of the whole State are two fifths more than the returns by census. We regard the final result as an approximation sufficient in absence of more complete data, for any practical purpose. Bushels grain, Eatimate for ' Valuation as per Valuation. State, adding for Census. two fifths. State. Wheat 1,014,896 ^1,268,620 1,691,499 f2, 1 14,366 Rye 21,944 21,944 36,573 36,573 Corn 791,427 791,427 1,319,045 1,319,045 Oats 1,116,910 698,069 1,861,515 1,163,446 Bckwht. 64,022 106,705 Total 3,009,199 $2,78C,060 5,315,317 $4,633,430 FARM STOCK. N. Stock Horses Sheep Hogs 89,610 14,059 22,684 109,096 $2,688,300 843,540 56,710 981,864 149,350 23,430 37,806 181,825 $4,480,500 1,405,800 94,515 1,636,425 Total 235,449 $4,570,414 2,780,060 392,411 $7,617,240 4,633,430 $7,350,474 $12,250,670 It is estimated, variously, that the crop of wheat the present season will give a surplus of from one half to 2,000,000 bushels for exportation. APPENDIX. 393 TABLE VI. Exhibiting the Condition of the Kalamazoo Land District, on the first day of January, 1838. Township and Range. Land vacant, subject to entry. School land. University land. Public buildings. T. 1 S.-R. 4 W. 4,594.34 589.51 2 u 562.81 640. 3 (( 360. (( 4 (( 2,905.30 u 1 5 7,073.71 617.19 2 u 963.37 640. 3 (I 600. (( 4 u 1,978.44 (C 5 (( 2,283.76 (( 6 (( 1,809.96 (( 7 (( 2,039.05 u 8 (( 689.47 (( 1 6 2,496.96 u 2 u 365.73 (( 3,707.37 3 u 1,563.28 « 4 (( 1,282.68 (( 5 (( 455.71 630.80 660.44 6 (( 200. 640. 2,560. 7 « '5,90192 (( 8 u 9,53 1.S9 615 58 1 7 2,817.52 640. 2 (( 240. (( 646.48 3 (( 2,566.03 a 4 (( 2,185.21 (( 5 <( 747.60 a 640. 6 <( 7U6.62 (( 7 (( 1,739.42 ii 8 (( 1,560. It 1 8 1,215.60 It 2 (( 521.80 It 3 « 3,487.01 (( 4 (( 1,829.76 (( 640. 5 u 1,482.34 620.13 6 (C 3,290.16 640. 7 (< 2,777.68 (( 8 (( 1,389.30 (( 394 APPENDIX. TABLE VL— CONTINUED. Township and Kange. Land vacant, subject to entry. School land. University land. Public buildinga. T. 1 S. -R. 9W. H,009.77 640. 2 (( 0. << 3 (( 3,480. (( 4 (( 1,260.04 (( 5 « 610.34 (( 1,833.27 6 « 1,200.95 it 638.32 7 <( 1,478.37 it 8 « 841.90 639.55 1 10 0. 640. 3,190.19 2 <» 671.24 « 3 « 3,005.60 tt 4 « 0. it 2,578.48 5 <( 0. it 2,537.07 6 (( 517.90 it 578.32 7 (( 2,126 50 a 8 (( 230.72 it 1 Jl 240. it 2 u 0. it 2,540.32 3 a 672.30 tt 4 li 593.28 tt 1,250.46 5 ti 700.23 it 6 « 157.24 604.70 1,877.29 7 it 2,171 20 640. 8 ii 169.56 605.35 1 12 4,803.67 640. 2 « 2,612.16 595.15 3 « 600. 616.65 4 « 1,567.81 640. 5 ( Joseph. y 700,000 1849 Bank of River Raisin, Monroe ; 5 Branch at } ( Pontiac. > 700,000 1857 Bank of Pontiac, Pontiac. 500,000 1865 Bank of Washtenaw, Ann Arbour. 500,000 1860 Michigan State Bank, Detroit. 500,000 1855 Erie and Kalamazoo Rail- road Bank, Adrian. 500,000 1865 Bank of Tecumseh, Tecumseh, 500,000 1865 Bank of Macomb county, Mount Clemens. 500,000 1875 Bank of Clinton, Clinton. 250,000 1857 Bank of St. Clair, Palmer. 250,000 1857 Calhoun county Bank, Marshall. 250,000 1857 Bank of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti. 250,000 1857 Bank of Constantine, Constantine. 250,000 1857 404 APPENDIX. cococorooococococococococococococococococococccoco aocncocoajajoocooocoooGoooGoaoGOQOGoaoQoooGooouooo bt) < m ^^ ^^ ^^ O ^ C3 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCDO ooocooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooo o^o o o o o^o^o o o o o o o o" o^ o" o" o" o" o" o" o" o~ o" o" o" o" o" o" o" o^ o" cT o~ cT o" o^ cT ovn)vooidovoiooooiovoir:)OOv.oooiOiOOiOOvo r-l T— ll— I— 1 r-lT— (r-l OJ— 'r-l r-fr-i :^ O i- o :j~^^ Dm t> !- yj ^ (b 5 ^ '^ ^ .- o O o «: a S ^.2 ^ o . o o m o > o , . a> ^ o -•^ o^ 23 cu ^ -^ O) V) ^^^ JT '^ ^.5 2 C3 b£) ■t' d o c S " — S^ o oj rS CD •Co t^ ^ "-» a; bjj o (D C3 c3 -w J3i o o o^ o Jsi Jji ^ tj ^ c c c v; ° cd rt «! fc2 rt 12 S b o ^ t: c c SiSfSm 3- o p^ C CS C3 t a ^ cs « m § a o 05 ^ *- ed a = 3 a r^ O rf Qj aj c« > ^> P en 4> IS aj vi^ TO QJ CO -I a o ■ 05 &, ■o2a2 goo Sac O C5 03 APPENDIX. 405 OOOOCOOOOOCOOOCDOOOOOOOOOOOOCO corocococococooocococococococo OOGOGOaDGOOOCDQOGOOOGOGOGOGOOO i «a 00 of vo^t>■"^-^^>^l>^o^a^a^c^^c^^>}■<^''-d^'~ g i-Hi-Hi-H— iT-Ht-li-iCMCM T-iC^CVJ ^ .x: ^ C::^::^^^^^^^^^^*^' — H^ fe :s^ 000000000000000 -5 000000000000000 .^ 000000000000000 0. 0^ 0'^ o*^ o'~ o'^ o'^ 0'^ o'' 10" o'' 0'' 0^ o'^ 0" 0'^ oioooioooiooovoioouriio I— 1 I— 1 l-H T— ( r-l -H 1—1 6 'd a S d g Ci- . cu 1 CO 5 Allegan co. Oakland co. Mills, Atlas, La i, Washtenaw co. Shiawassee co. our, Washtenaw Washtenaw co. on, Oakland co. , Jackson co. Jackson co. rrien co. ift, Kalamazoo co eek, Calhoun co. le, St. Joseph co. Ste. Marie, Chipp llegan, uburn, oodrich psilanti wasso, nn Arb uperior, ensingt rooklyn ckson, , iles, Be 3hoolcri atlle Cr entrevil lult dei - <<0>^0- rt m = w 3 -T3 -.0 CS higan acksoi I Rail- i'rie R nts' B nk, ^; C3 c ^ «« ^ ^"-^ H^ Q ^ - fAlleg f Aubu :hBan River fShia^ s'Banl f Supe fKens ints' B; andS I Coun ■s' Ban fBaitl s' and wa Co 0.= ^ c O^.^ ^^O ^0, M^n3 ^ N-^-i« g-r* P.^ S & acoj-c-SdcJ-, i3j:Ca£-- c re bJO (72 m s 0) re ^ _p -^ a *-' " re P c-° a) >, a; ■— ccjCi re t^_ t^H bD re re p, a- 'h re re re « ^ a> o) O) re re br b D re bfi O) be be re be bS) re cc re re 'rt C p p a fi S ^^ <^ 406 APPENDIX. INDIAN DEPARTMENT, MICHIGAN. Henry R. Schoolcraft, Superintendent. Acting Superintendency, Duplicate Offices at Detroit and 3Iackinac. Officers. — One Superintendent, one Interpreter, one Mes- senger. General Military Disbursing Agency — Offices at Detroit and Cliicago. Officers.— One Major of the U. S. Army, — Assistants, one Clerk. 1. Sab- Agency of Sagi7iatD, at Lower Saginaw. Officers.— One Sub-Agent, one Interpreter, one Overseer of the farming establishment, one Blacksmith, one Assistant Black- smith ; Farmers, occasional. 2. Agency of Michillimacinac^ Lake Huron. Officers. — One Agent, one Interpreter, one Blacksmith, one Assistant Blacksmith, one Gunsmith, one Keeper of Dormitory, one Physician. 3. Sub- Agency of Sault Ste. Marie, St. Mary^s Strait. Officers. — One Sub-Agent, one Interpreter, one Blacksmith, one Assistant Blacksmith, one Physician. 4. Reserve of Monestee, Lake Michigan. One Farmer, one Assistant Farmer, one Carpenter, one Black- smith, one Assistant Blacksmith. 5. Reserve of Round Island, Lake Huron. One Farmer, one Assistant Farmer, one Carpenter. 6. Grand River. One Physician, occasional. INDIAN TRADING POSTS AND VILLAGES. On Lake Superior. Taquimenon (or Tonquamenon) River, Grand Island, Ance Kewy weenon, Ontonagon River, Montreal River. On Lake Huron. Cheboiegon, Thunder Bay, River au Sable. River au Gres, Saginaw Bay. On Lake Michigan. Little Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, Monestee River, Pierre Marquette River, White River, Maskegon River, Grand River. Saginaw. River Saginaw, Tittabawassee River, Shiawassee River, Flint River, Cass River, APPtNDIX. 407 STATE OFFICERS. Salary. Gover7ior—Uis Excellency, Stevens T. Mason, $2,000 Lieutenant GoveTnor—HonorMe Edward Mundy, Chief Justice Supreme Court— Hon. Wm. A. Fleicher, 1,600 r ' S Hon. George Morell, 1,500 Associate Justices— ^ ^^^ ^ Ransom, 1 ,500 Chancellor— Hon. E. Farnsworth, 1,500 Superintendent Public Instruct ion-} o\m D. Pierce, Esq. 1,500 Secretary of Sfa^e— Randolph Manning, Esq. 1,000 Treasurer— HenxY Howard, Esq. 800 Attorney General— Feiei Morey, 500 Auditor General— Koheri Abbott, Esq. 1,000 c Thomas Fiizgerald, Esq, 1,250 Bank ComrMisstoners— ^ Alpheus Felch, Esq. 1,250 ( Kintzing Pritchetle, Esq. 1,250 Private Secretary to Governor— Calvm C.Jackson, Esq. ^^^ Adjutant General— Col John E. Schwartz, 125 Quartermaster General— Co\. Sheldon McKnight, 125 Acting Commissioner State Penitentiai^y—Beniam'm Porter, Jr. — compensation, ^2 50 per day. COMMISSIONERS INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. Lansing B. Mizner, of Wayne : Levi S. Humphrey, of Monroe ; James B. Hunt, of Oakland ; William A. Burt, of Macomb ; Edwin H. Lothrop, of Kalamazoo; Hiram Alden, of Brancli ; Rix Robinson, of Kent county. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY. {Et ofjicio,) His Excellency, Stevens T. Mason, Hon. Wm. A. Fletcher. Hon. Lieut. (rof.E. Mundy, Hon. George Morell, Hon. E. Farnsworth, Hon. E. Ransom. {Appointed,) John J. Adam, Isaac E. Crary, Samuel W. Denton, John Norvell, Lucius Lyon, Gurdon C. Leach, Ross Wilkins, Jonathan Kearsley, George Whittemore, Seba Murphy, Henry R. Schoolcraft, Zinza Pitcher. Secretary— ChdixXes W. Whipple. Treasurer— Charles C. Trowbridge. Librarian — Henry Colclazer. 408 APPENDIX. STATE GEOLOGICAL CORPS. Douglass Houghton, M. D., Geologist, in charge Geological and Mineralogical Departments, and General Superintendent of Survey. Columbus C.Douglass, sub-assistant do. Bela Hubbard, do. do. Abraham Sager, M. D., Zoologist, in charge of Zoological Department. William P. Smith, sub-assistant do. do. — in charge of Me- chanical Zoology. Dr. Wright, Botanist, in charge of Botanical Depart- ment. Dr. Bull, sub-assistant do. do. S. W. Higgins, Draftsman, in charge of Topographical De- partment. APPENDIX. 409 TRAVELLERS' AND EMIGRANTS' DIRECTORY : Exhibiting the principal Routes from New York, the East- ern States, and Canadas, to Michigan, including Rail- road, Canal, Stage, and Steamboat Routes— Distances— Expenses, et cetera. Th'e Erie canal and the lakes furnish the principal channel of emitrration to Michigan, though a considerable portion is diverted at particular seasons by the land route through Canada, and on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The following Table exhibits the routes and distances trom Albany to different parts of the State of New York. TABLE OF ROADS. From Albany to Buffalo and Lewiston, Schenectady Amsterdam Caughnewaga Palatine Bridge Little Falls Herkimer Utica Manchester Vernon Oneida Lenox Sullivan Manlius Jamesville Onondaga Hill Marcellus Skeneateles Auburn Cayuga Bridge Note. Roads and distances from every part of the State of New York and New England, to the city of New York or Albany, are so well known, that it is considered unnecessary to give them in this place. 35 miles 15 Seneca Falls 3 181 15 30 Waterloo 4 185 10 40 Geneva 7 192 ; 12 52 Canandaigua 16 208 21 73 East Bloomfield 9 217 7 80 West Bloomfield 5 222 16 96 Lima 4 226 9 105 Avon, East Village 5 231 8 113 Avon Post Office 2 233 5 118 Caledonia S 241 7 125 LeRoy 6 247 5 130 Batavia 11 258 6 136 East Pembroke 6 264 5 141 Pembroke 8 270 7 148 Clarence 8 278 8 156 Williamsville 8 288 tj 162 Buffalo 10 298 7 169 Niagara Falls 21 319 9 178 Lewiston 7 326 410 APPENDIX. From Albany to Rochester^ via Cherry Valley. Guilderland miles 14 Syracuse 7 127 State Bridge Cherry Valley 12 26 Elbridge J 5 14?l 26 52 Weedsport 6 148 Little Lakes 10 62 Montezuma 9 157 Bridgewater 20 82 Lyons 17 174 Madison 14 96 Palmyra 14 Pittsford 15 188 Cazeuovia 12 108 203 Manlius 12 120 Rochester 8 211 Batavia Rochester to Buffalo. I 36 I Buffalo 40 I 76 DISTANCES ON THE ERIE CANAL, To and from Albany, Vtica, Rochester, and Buffalo. > a Pi CD j ' > g ^ td O C 1 o c Names of Places. p ffal che Names of Places 3 P o 3" CD ^ ^ • 50 , O ^ • o Albany . . . . no 270 363 Nine Mile Creek 179, 69 91 184 Troy 7 103 263 356 Canton , . . . 185 75 85 173 Junction .... 9 101 261 354 Jordan . . i . 191! 81 79 172 Schenectady . 30 80 240 333 Weed's Port . . 197 87 73 166 Amsterdam . . . 46 64 224 317 Port Byron. . , 200 90 70 163 Schoharie Creek . 53 57 217 310 Montezuma . . 206 96 64 1.57 Caughnawaga 57 53 213 306 Clyde 217 107 53 146 Spraker's Basin . Canajoharie . . 66 44 204 297 Lyons . . . . 226 116 44 137 69 41 201 294 Newark . . . . 233 123 37 130 Bowman's Creek 72 38 198 291 Palmyra . . . 241 131 29 122 Little Falls . . . 88 22 182 275 Fullom's Basin . 254 144 16 109 Herkimer • . . 95 15 175 268 Pittsford . . . . 260 150 10 103 Frankfort . . . 100 10 170 263 Rochester . . . 270 160 93 Utica 110 160 253 Ogden . , . . 282 172 12 81 Whitesborough . 114 4 156 249 Adam's Basin . . }85 175 15 78 Oriskany . , . 117 7 153 246 Brockport . . . 290 180 20 73 Rome 125 15 145 238 HoUey . . . . 295 185 25 68 Smith's . . . . 132 22 138 231 Albion . . . . 305 195 35 58 Loom is' . . . . 138 28 132 225 Portville. . . . 309 199 39 M Oneida Creek . . 141 31 129 222 Oak Orchard . . 314 204 44 49 Canastota . . . 146 36 124 217 Medina . . . . 315 205 45 48 New Boston . . 150 40 120 213 Middleport . , . 321211 51 42 Chittenango . . 154 44 116 209 Lock port . . . 333 223 63 30 Manlius . . . . 162 52 108 201 Pendleton . . . 340 230 70 23 Orville . . . . 165 55 105 198 Tonawanta. . . 3.52 242 82 11 Syracuse. . . . 171 61 99 192 Black Rock . . . 360 250 90 3 Liverpool . . . 173 63 97 190 1 Buffalo . . . . 363 253 93 There is a Stage Route from Newburgh and Catskill on the Hudson, passing through Ithaca, Bath, Canisteo, Angelica, Elli- cottville, and Maysville, to Portland Harbor, on Lake Erie. APPENDIX. 411 Stage Route from New York to Buffalo. From New York to Newburgh miles 64 " Newburgh to Montgomery 12 " Montgomery to Bloomiugburg 12 " Bloomingburg to Rome 3 " Rome to Monticello 13 " Monticello to Cocheton 20 " CochetonloMt. Pleasant 23 " Mt. Pleasant to Trunkhannock 7 " Trunkhannock to Montrose 20 " Montrose to N. Y. State line 23 " N. Y. State line to Owego 8 *' Owego to Tthaca 29 " Ithaca to Geneva 45 " Geneva to Buflfalo 106 Total from New York to Buffalo 385 The distance, by another route, from New York to Utica, is 216 miles. The distance from New York to Albany is per- formed by steamboats, and from Albany to Utica by rail-road cars. Passengers from Utica to Buffalo, can take their choice of stages, or packet-boats to Lockport. From Lockport to Buffalo, there is a rail-road, by way of Niagara Falls. During the season of 1839, the rail-road from Utica to Aubura will be in operation. 71ie Route and Distances from Montreal to Buffalo, are as follows. From Montreal to Lachine, (Stage) miles 9 " Lachine to Cascades, (Steamboat) 24 " Cascades to Coteau, (Stage) 16 •' Coteau to Cornwall, (Steamboat) 41 " Cornwall to Prescott, (Stage) 50 " Prescott to Brockville, (Steamboat) 12 " Brockville to Kingston, " 60 " Kingston to Toronto, " 180 " Toronto to Burlington Bay, " 45 " Burlington Bay to Niagara, " 48 " Niagara Falls to Buffalo, (by land) 21 Total from Montreal to Buffalo, 506 This trip is pejforraed in three days. 412 APPENDIX. Stage Route from Buffalo (on the American side) to Detroit From Buffalo to Hamburg miles 14 " Hamburg to Cataraugs 17 " Cataragus to Fredonia 14 " Fredonia to Westfield 15 " Westfield to Erie 30 '' Erie to Fairview 9 " Fairview to Elk Creek 7 »' Elk Creek to Cincinnati 10 " Cincinnati to Ashtabula 14 " Ashtabula to Unionville 14 " Unionville to Painesville 14 " Painesville to Chagrin 10 " Chagrin to Euclid 10 " Euclid to Cleveland 10 " Cleveland to Sandusky S4 " Sandusky to Perrysburgh 32 " Perrysburgh to Toledo 10 " Toledo to Monroe 20 " Monroe to Detroit 40 Whole distance from Buffalo to Detroit, 374 Fare from Buffalo to Detroit, in the winter season, usually, $25.00. From Sandusky to Detroit, $7.50. The following is an Exhibit of the Stage and Steamboat Routes and Fare through Canada, from different points, to Detroit. From Prescott {opposite Ogdensburg) to Kingston 72 miles. " Kingston to Belville 60 " Belville to Coburg 46 " Coburg to Toronto 76 " Toronto to Hamilton {at the head of Lake On- tario) 50 Total 303 Stage fare from Prescott to Hamilton, $17. APPENDIX. 413 The Canada Route from Buffalo to Detroit y is as follows. Miles. I Fare. From Buffalo to Lewiston {opposite Queenston) 28 | " Gtueenston to Hamilton {head Burlington Bay)50 \ ^2.50 " Hamilton to Brantford 25 | 1.25 " Brantford to London 60 j 3.00 " London to Chatham 78 | 4.25 " Chatham to Sandwich {opposite Detroit) 52 | 2.00 293 $13.00 Distance from Buffalo to Detroit, by the Canada route, 293 miles. Fare from Queenston to Detroit, $^13. The Niagara at Lewiston, and the Detroit, at the city of Detroit, are both crossed hy ferry boats, which are in constant readiness for pas- sengers. The folloicing is a Table of Distances upon Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan. Miles From Buffalo to Dunkirk, 45 " Dunkirk to Portland, 16 Portland to Erie, 30 Erie to Coueaut, 30 Coneaut to Ashtabula, 14 Ashtabula to Grand river, 30 Grand river to Cleveland, 30 Cleveland to Black river, 30 Black river to Huron, 20 Huron to Sandusky, 10 Sandusky to Detroit, 75 Detroit to Fort Gratiot, 72 Fort Gratiot to Mackinac, 250 '• Mackinac to Green Bay, 193 " Cxreen Bay to Cheboiegon, 240 " Cheboiegon to Milwalkie, 40 " Milwalkle to Root river, 25 '* Root river to Chicago, 65 Return route to Detroit by way of St. Joseph and Grand river. From Chicago to Michigan city, 40 " Michigan city to New Buffalo, 13 « New Buffalo to St. Joseph, 25 *' St. Joseph to Kalamazoo, 45 " Kalamazoo to Grand Haven, 30 " Grand Haven to Mackinac, 215 " Mackinac to Fort Gratiot, 250 " Fort Gratiot to Detroit, 72 35* From Buffalo To Dunkirk, " Portland, " Erie, " Coneaut, " Ashtabula, " Grand river, " Cleveland, " Black river, " Huron, " Sandusky, " Detroit, " Fort Gratiot, " Mackinac, " Green Bay, " Cheboiegon, " Milwalkie, " Root river, " Chicago, Miles 45 61 91 121 135 165 195 225 245 255 330 402 625 845 1,085 1,125 1,150 1,215 Distance on the return route from Chicago To Michigan city, New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Grand Haven, Mackinac, Fort Gratiot, Detroit, 40 53 78 123 153 308 618 090 414 APPENDIX. Different individuals, although of long experience upon the lakes, are found to estimate- distances variously; but the above table is believed to be the most correct of any hitherto published. Emigrants and visiters enter Michigan at Detroit, Monroe, ur by way of the rail-road from Toledo to Adrian. The former is perhaps the preferable route, in most cases. Detroit is on the main steamboat route to the upper lakes. From this to Ann Arbour, the distance is performed by rail-road. The emigrant finds this much the cheapest and most expeditious route, and as the rail-road becomes extended, will become the principal travel- ling route through the State. To those passing through the southern tier of counties, the rail-road route from Monroe will shortly be preferable. From Detroit to different points^ by stage. Distance from Detroit to Marshall, 115 miles, stage fare, ^ 7 50 " " " to St. Joseph, 200 " " " 13 50 " " " to Chicago, 300 '' " " 21 00 The Grand Erie canal and Lake Erie form the great avenue for emigration. Albany may be considered as the common start- ing point for emigrants, it being about 150 miles from New York, 250 from Montreal, and 175 from Boston. It is approach- ed from the south by steamboats and sloops, through the Hud- son river, and by five or six grand routes by land, which lead to it from Vermont, Boston, Hartford, New Haven, &c. Those who remove from the northern parts of New England and New York, will find the route through Canada the shortest and cheap- est. Emigrants passing through the province are not subject to pay duties on any of their moveable property, provided it be in- trodu<;ed in good faith, for transportation merely.* On Lake Ontario there are upwards of 20 steamboats in ope- ration, which touch at Ogdensburg, Sacketl's Harbor, Oswego, Genesee river, Lewiston, besides various ports on the Canada side. Sloops and schooners also run from these various ports through the Welland canal into Lake Erie, and thence to all the other ports of the great lakes. Emigrants going to Michigan will often find it for their advantage to take this route, with their families, in preference to any other. * The following is the substance of an act passed at the session (1837) of the Provincial Parliament. It provides that no duties shall be levied on articles of personal baggage imported by any person coming into the Province, or passing through the same, from the United States of Amer- ica, such articles being bona fide imported for domestic use of the person importing the same, or tools used in the trade of the importer. Nothing^ in the act to extend to tea and wine, spirits, sugar, or other articles of goods, wares, and merchandise, not made up or prepared for domestic purposes. No collector to receive fees for articles not subject to duty, &c. APPENDIX. 415 Charges for passage on Steamboats, on this Lake. From Ogdensburg to Lewiston, ^8 00 " Sacketl's Harbor or Oswego to Lewiston, 6 00 " Genesee river to Lewiston, 3 00 These charges are for the cabin ; the deck passage on these boats is about one third the above prices. On the Erie canal, there are about 3,000 boats, of various descriptions, iu operation. Boats leave Albany for Buffalo al- most every hour, affording facilities to emigrants to convey their families and property at a small expense. Between a packet and line boat, there is but little choice, except that the former moves four miles, and the latter three, per hour. The price of passage in a packet, including meals, is four cents per mile, or $14 52, for a passage from Albany to Buffalo: on a line boat, one and a half cents a mile for passage, or two and a half cents a mile, including meals, making for a passage the whole route in the former case, $5U; in the latter, including meals, $9 07. Families are frequently taken for much less than this, in pro- portion. Terms for freight are various, depending upon the season of navigation and amount of business to be done, &c. It may be staled as a maximum for li2:ht goods from Albany to Buffalo, 75 cents; heavv, ^l 00, and furniture 75 cents per cwt. though these prices are greatly reduced, especially near mid- summer. Special contracts for transportation can often be made on very moderate terms. There are more than 50 steamboats, and upwards of 200 sloops and schooners upon Lake Eric; and during the year 1836, it was estimated that nearly 200,000 persons passed its waters, to the west. Steamboats fitted expressly for the accommodation of cabin and dedi passengers, many of them from 400 to 700 tons burthen, leave Buff'alo morning and evening, and stop at all the places mentioned before in the table of distances on the lakes. The price of cabin passage from Buffalo to Cleveland, is $Q ; to Mackinac, or Sault St. Mary, .^12; to Chicago Green Bay, and St. Joseph, !fi;20. The price of cabin passage from Buffalo to Detroit, is $S ; deck, ^3, and so in the same proportion to all the intermediate ports between Buffalo and Chicago. Sloops and schooners make a much longer passage, but the price of pas- sage and freight is much less. Freight from Buffalo to Detroit, as maximum prices, by steam- boats in the spring, is for heavy goods, 38 cents per cwt. Do. do. light do. 50 do. do. Furniture, four shillings, or 50 cents for a barrel's bulk. In lake vessels, from Buffalo to Detroit, light goods 28 cents per cwt. ; heavy, 40; furniture, 50 cents barrel bulk. From Buffalo to Chicago, merchandise, heavy, 75 cents ; light, ^1 ; furniture, ^l 50, for a barrel bulk. 416 APPENDIX. These are the maximum prices, which are variable, and sub- ject at times to be reduced. The price of freight for household furniture, and other property, such as emigrants generally choose to take with them, say from New York or Albany to the central part of Michigan, will average from ^1 50 to $2, per hundred. Farmers who remove to Michigan from New England or New York, will find it most economical to carry with them as many of their light tools and implements, as possible; also household furniture, most articles of clothing, and fine articles of cabinet ware; for these are dearer in the west than in the east, and if such are sold in the east by the emigrant, they are generally sold at a great sacrifice. TO EMIGRANTS. In closing this work, it may not be unacceptable to add a word upon the expediency of emigrating to the West, and the choice of a suitable location. As a general rule, persons in any State, enjoying a competency, or possessing the means of improving their condition to a reasonable extent, better remain than attempt a change of their condition for one of more promising success. But, nolwiihsianding, persons of even ordii ary enterprise and limited means, often attain to affluence in tiie west, while, in the east, enterprise and moderate capital combined are in a course of years but comparatively little producdve. Very few who have emigrated westward have been known to return, or serious^ly exhibit dissatisfaction with their adopted home. From these facts alone, the inference is obviously in favor of western emigration. If there are any who have regretted the change, it is from cau- ses, arising either from casualty, their own improvidence, or an injudicious selection of a location. It is true, individuals may be found who are disaflected. But these are to be found in every country and in every community. Disaffection is an innate dis- order — a natural deformity of the mind of some persons. These are easily persuaded to emigrate because they cannot be content- ed. They begin to search for the philosopher's stone in a west- ern paradise. They commence a westward progression with- out a fixed point of settlement or termination of travel. They will pass through the most delightful regions of nature without the thought of locating short of the " far west," Ai last they reach the Occident of emigration, the western frontier, and finally conclude to make a settlement. Such persons will rarely make a satisfactory choice. Every breeze of rumor chants the praises of other locations. They change and change till persuaded they APPENDIX. 417 I have gone too far. Their own folly begets disgust, and, if they retire, they return impoverished, casting imprecations upon the country. Every one proposing to emigrate would do well first to have a definite conception in his own mind what his wants are ; for if he has an indistinct idea of what he wishes to attain, he may find himself pursuing an ignis fatuus, and at last rue his undertaking. If he wishes to make a western location merely to better his condition, as an agriculturist, a manufacturer, or in the pursuits of commerce, he will not, if rightly informed, pass beyond Michigan. It is beginning to be very well understood, that good policy in emigrating, or in making judicious locations, is measured less by western longitude than by other more rea- sonable considerations. If, however, there are any who cannot be convinced by the experience of others, they must satisfy them- selves by their own experience. To mechanics of almost every description, we will observe, that they may remove with the satisfaction of knowing that they will not be in want of constant employ or good wages. This re- mark is almost needless, as by a moment's reflection, any one would be satisfied with the fact without the' suggestion. As to common laborers, they are, and will continue to be wanted for years. The canals and rail-roads constructing by the State and by chartered companies already employ many laborers, and the demand continues to be greater from the increased amount of public expenditure. There are two professions that are amply supplied; these are the legal and medical. This is so univer- sally the case, that it is not unfrequent to find many who have conmienced their professions with high hopes, and relinquish- ed them for other business more lucrative. Teachers well qualified for the instruction of youth are much wanted. It has been found in some cases most judicious to make loca- tions for settlement with more deliberation than is commonly practiced by emigrants. There are to be found among our wealthy farmers, those who came to Michigan in ordinary cir- cumstances, who, by their own industry, have earned suflBcient to purchase their farms at government price, and, by thus delaying one or two years after their arrival, have been able to select, in the meantime, better locations, than they otherwise would by purchasing at first sight. For the agriculturist, no lands are more desirable than the fer- tile openings, prairies, and plains of Michigan. Many emi- grants from the east having viewed the country and witnessed their unrivalled fertility, have made purchases at from $2 to ^5 f)ev acre, through the fear that they might be unable to find other ands equally good ; while perhaps lands of equal value were at the same time selling at the land ofl^ce at ^1,25 per acre. To give the reader some idea of the estimation in which Michigan lands are held by our farmers, we make an extract from one — se- lected from many communications to the author on this subject. 418 APPENDIX. It IS from a gentleman well known to the public, and one of our most substantial and respectable farmers. Although it is a de- scription of a particular section, it will serve as a sample of the entire interior of the Stale. " In answer to your enquiries, relative to that portion of the State of Michigan where I reside, I would remark, that I have been a resident of Jackson county for about four years ; the west part of said county where I reside, and with which I am best acquainted. I consider second to no section of country in our own or any other of the Stales of the Union, for general farming purposes. The land is generally a rich, sandy loam, freely interspersed with small pebbles of lime-stone, gently un- dulating, and sufficiently elevated to admit of the healthful drainage, of its liberally interspersed, small streams of water, that afford a sufficient supply of hydraulic power for all farming, mechanical, and manufacturing purposes. About two thirds of the land is covered wiih a sparse growth of bur oak, white and red oak, and hickory trees. The bur oak and hickory plains are very beautiful, generally free from underbrush, resem- bling orchards, and covered, in the summer months, with a suc- cession of the most beautiful wild flowers. Farmers unacquaint- ed with the character of our country, can have no idea of the great difference in the expense of effecting a settlement, and im- provements on our plains, or on heavily limbered lands ; as an evidence of which, I would slate the fact, that within the short time that I have been a Michigan farmer, 1 have improved, and put under the plough five hundred acres of land, three hundred of which are now to wheat. These improvements have been effected with comparatively limited means — every Jirst crop pay- ing the entire expense of each improvement. I have found the expense of taking ofi'the timber, fencing, ploughing, harrowing, and seeding the land, on free plains, to be about eight dollars an acre ; and then the farmer has the great advantage of having his land clear, or nearly so, of stumps, a great obstacle to the farmer on timbered lands. From my own experience and observation, I am satisfied that it is better for ajirst settler to pay ten dollars an acre for plains, when he can accommodate his farm (as may generally be done) with a sufficient quantity of timber, than to pay one dollar where the land is all covered with a heavy growth of limber. Our farmers have been decidedly more suc- cessful in growing different crops of grain on the plains, than upon the timbered lands. Wheat, oats, corn, barley, and pota- toes, and the English grasses, have a most prolific growth. * * ♦ * * * * In conclusion, I would observe, that the above remarks are char- acteristic of, and strongly applicable to the entire interior of our State, which constitutes a district of country most favorable to the general agriculturist, and as a wheat country, probably the very first in America." 7v 60, N gi c I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IIIIIHM 005 913 659 8411 LIBRARY OFCONG^^^- mB-^Q'^Slh^^