Bay County, Michigan - The whole text, 1883 (part 15 of 20)

"Her location is unequaled on the Saginaw Biver, being more elevated than any of her sister cities. Her business men and capitalists are enterprising and public- spirited, as is evidenced by the extensive and tasty brick blocks which hi.ve been erected, and many of which anticipate future necessities and are built after the most improved and modern style of architecture, both for adornment and permanence. Her city officials have proved themselves the right men in the right place, as they have succeeded in accomplishing the grand results mentioned, while they have also succeeded in keeping the city virtually free from debt. In fact West Bay City stands without a rival to-day in the country in every element which insures present success and futuie greatness. Below is given in detail a statement of the improvements for 1882, and we leave the reader to examine carefully and draw his own conclusions:"

Improvements Completed

H. H. Norrington, Litchfield and Ohio Streets, frame dwelling, one and a half stories, $1,200; Indiana and Litchfield, frame dwelling, one and a

W-. W. Vedder, Midland and Walnut Streets, brick store rebuilt, two stories, 1,200 H. H. Aplin, Midland and Linn Streets, new postottice interior $800; im-

H. W. Sage <fe Co., River Street, frame salt sheds, two stories, $3,000; frame drill house, W^ater Street, $1,500; brick boiler house and mill improvements, Jane Street, $5,000; total 9,000

Captain A. Neil, Center and North Union Streets, frame residence rebuilt. . . St. Mary's Church Society, South Union and Walnut Streets, imi)rovements

Patrick Callaghan, Linn Street, l)etween Joun and Jane Streets, improvement to Callaghan house and grounds, $1,200; frame drive barn and stables, $2,300 ; total

George W^ashington, Cornelia and Faxon Streets, frame dwelling rebuilt, tw^o stories, $500; frame dw^elling, corner Faxon Street and Chillson Avenue, two stories, $1,T00; frame dw^elling, Faxon Street, near Chillson Avenue, one and a half story, $800 ; total

S.Phelps, Moore Street and Chillson Avenue, frame residence improved, $()00 ; frame dwelling house, Chillson Avenue, ))etween Moore and Elizabeth Streets, rebuilt, 400 ; total *.

Wm. Dowling, Raymond Avenue and Jenny Street, frame dw^elling, one story John Jamieson, Jenny Street and Raymond Avenue, one story frame house

Frank Marshall, Hill Street, near Jane, one and one-half story frame house. . H. M. Williams, Midland and Carrie Streets, two story frame residence, Mansard roof ,

Scandinavian Lutheran Churcli Society, Henry and Thomas Streets, frame church completed, $40(); church parsonage on Thomas Street, l)etween Henrv and Catherine Streets, $()00 ; total

Impeovements Completed

C. A. Klemm, State and South Washington Streets, frame store and residence 2,500 Otto Kusch, State Street, near South Washington, frame house, one and a

Geo. Sturm, Washington and State Streets, frame liquor store, two stories. . 1,500 David Shupa<;h, State and South Washington Streets, frame house, one and

William Patterson was born in Ireland in 18B2, and is the son of William Patterson. At the age of fourteen he was bound out for four years as a sailor boy, and then entered Her Majesty's service as a marine. At the end of two years he left the service and shipped as a sailor on a Peruvian vessel. He sailed on the coast of Peru for two years, then returned to England and next \o Charleston, S. C. He engaged as first mate on an American vessel for two years, and then as commander of a vessel for two yeaiie. In 1858 he came to Canada, bought a Canadian vessel, the "Christiana,'" sailed her two years and lost her in a storm Avhile attempting to enter Oswego Harbor. He has been in command of different vessels on the lakes since that time. He has been eminently successful, not having met with any serious accident since that time, twenty- two years ago. In 1877 he settled in West Bay City, and in ' 1880 bought a house and lot on William Street, where he now resides. He was married in 1857 to Miss ]\fary Mulholland, of New York, a native of Ireland, by whom he had one child, a son, now living. He lost his first wife in 1873, and in 1876 married Miss Mary McCormick, of Ontario, by whom he has had three children, one son and two daughters, all living. He has succeeded in making a good living and enjoyed the full confidence of vessel owners by his strict attention to incumbent duties.

Province of Quebec, July 17, 1848, and came to Bay City September 26, 1866. He was married in 1874 to Mrs. Taitt, of Bay City, who formerly came from the vicinity of Mr. Smith's nativity in Canada. For twelve years Mr. Smith remained in Bay City, during which time he worked at lumbering about seven years, which includes five years in the Pitts & Cranage mill. He afterward kept the Hamblin House three years and the Phelps House about the same length of time. At present he is keeping the Chfton House, West Bay City, but in Tuscola County, ten miles east of Bay City he has a fine farm which he expects to devote almost exclusively to stock raising. At present he is feeding thirty head of cattle.

Louis Gayllainow was born in Paris, France, 18eS6, and lived there until five years of age. He came to America with his parents, landed at New York, remained there two years and a half, when his father removed to Montreal and engaged in ship building. One year and a half later he removed to Boston, Mass. At the age of eighteen Louis left home and w^ent to New Orleans, engaged as ship carpenter for four and a half years, after which he w^as chief repairing officer of a line of steamers plying from Ncav Orleans to St. Louis and ports above on the Mississippi and Missouri Eivers. He held this position nine years at a salary of $75 a month and found, for two years, then $90 a month for two years, then $125 a month for five years. Li the Spring of 1865 he came to Detroit and worked six months at ship carpentering, when he learned that his father and family w^ere at Montreal, and he accordingly proceeded there. He remained there five years engaged in main post store. He had the control of the repairing of a line of ocean vessels till the Spring of 1871, w^hen he came to Wenona. He bought a lot on the Birney property. Second Ward, erected a comfortable dwelling wdth his own labor and a fellowworkman of the ship yard, each making full time at Moore & Ballentine's ship yard during the erection of the house. He has continued to follow ship building. He has purchased adjoining lots and erected two more good dwellings ; purchased other lots in the neighborhood and erected two stores. He married Miss Mary Ann Porton, of Montreal, in 1857, who lived only nine months. He afterward married Miss Emma La Belle. Has had eight children - four sons and four daughters - of whom the four daughters are living.

W. E. Callendee, contractor and builder, came to Bay City in 1874. . He was born in Fayetteville, Ohio, November 11, 1839, and in 1868 was married to Martha Prentiss, of Syracuse, N. Y. They have two children, a daughter of thirteen and a son of eleven. In 1840 Mr. Callender removed to Williams County, Ohio, remaining there until 1874, with the exception of the time he spent in the army. During his residence in Williams County he was under-sheriff, constable and city marshal four years. In 1861 he enlisted for three months in the Cleveland Grays, and afterward re-enlisted with the Sixth United States Cavalry, serving two years, at the end of which time he received a commission as second lieutenant and was transferred to the Ninth Ohio Battery, Veteran Volunteers, serving to the close of the war, four years and two months, earning and receiving a captain's commission before his discharge.

As a contractor Mr. Callender makes a specialty of erecting drill houses and salt blocks, and is the principal builder here in that line. He has done more or less work for nearly every mill owner on the Saginaw Eiver. For N. B. Bradley he constructed two salt blocks and five drill houses, for L. L. Hotchkiss two salt blocks and two drill houses, and many others.

David H. Young, foreman for H. W. Sage & Co. in their salt business, came to West Bay City in 1871 , and has been in the employ of the above named firm since that time, with the exception of eighteen months he spent on his farm in Monitor Township. He was born Schoharie County, N. Y., in 1883. He lived in Syracuse, N. Y., twenty-six years, and during that time was engaged seven years in salt business. In 1862 he came to East Saginaw. He W'as married to Elizabeth Davis, of East Saginaw, in the Spring of 1872. At the first city election Mr. Young w^as elected alderman and served the term.

Andeew Thomson, contractor and builder, is a native of the north of Scotland, and was born in 1840. He came with his parents to Canada in 1848, and in 1872 came to Bay City, and in 1874 to West Bay City. Mr. Thomson was married in Canada to Miss Flora McQuarrie, and at Goderich commenced his present business of contracting and building. Of the notable buildings he has erected can be named the Mosher Block, Fisher Bank Block, Fisher Block, Lafayette Hall, Presbyterian Church, Library Building, Westover Block, Norrington Block and an addition to the Mosher Block in West Bay City. In Bay City the Taylor and Kose Block, Jennison Block and McEwan Blcck, besides hundreds of private residences.

JosEtH Pagot was born in Sandwich, Essex Co., Canada, in 1842. He came to West Bay City in 1869 and in 1872 returned to Canada and was married to Miss Philomene Parrent. They have five children, all boys. Mr. Pagot has a carriage and blacksmith shop which he has conducted for a number of years. As he came here with but small means he has demonstrated that independence can be reached by industry. He owns 200 acres of land in Monitor Township, where he wiU probably remove with his family next Spring, giving up his business in town.

Henry C. Willis was born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1884. He came to Michigan in 1860, locating in Ovid, Clinton Co., where he was married to Miss Mary J. Winfield in 1862. Mr. Willis is a mason by trade and does a large amount of work by contract, employing several men. When he first came to West Bay City it was then but a small village without a single brick building. Since that time hundreds of such buildings have been erected and as he is an industrious man he has found profitable employment and has earned a good reputation.

Frederick A. Peek was born in Oakland County, Mich., in 1845. He came to West Bay City in 1871 and entered the employ of Arnold & Catlin as foreman of their planing mill, acting for them in that capacity ten years. He now does a large business in contracting and building, making fine dwelling houses a specialty. In connection with Andrew Thomson he built the Fisher Bank Block. Mr. Peek is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Royal Arcanum. He was married May 8, 1876, to Miss Anna C. Chapman.

Charles Glaser was born in Germany in 1889, and sfcudied civil engineering before coming to the United States, which was in 1866. In 1869 he came to Michigan, and engaged with the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad as civil engineer, remaining with them till 1878, when the road was leased to the Michigan Central, after which he opened an office for himself in Wenona, now West Bay City, and continued in business as a surveyor and civil engineer till the Spring of 1882, when he engaged with the Michigan Central Railroad as clerk of the locomotive and car department. He married Mary Ketelson, also a native of Germany. They have two children.

engaged in the lisli busine3s, wliicli he has followed ever since. He has been successful and has accnmiilated property. He has a good fishery at Tobacco, on the west shore of the Saginaw Bay, where he carries on his fishing business. He lives in the First Ward of West Bay City, on the Prairie Road. Has a wife and six children.

Louis Potter, recent proprietor of the "Arlington" hotel, came to Michigan in 1841, from the state of New York, of which he is a native. He has resided in the Saginaw Valley some thirty years, the last ten of w^hich have been passed in West Bay City. He was married in 1855, and is the father of four children, all of whom are hving.

Henry Campau was born in Windsor, Ontario, April 18, 18B7, and w^hile quite young moved with his parents to Saginaw City. They remained there until 1843, when they removed to Crow Island, same county, and in 184(3 to East Saginaw. In 1848 he came to West Bay City w4iere he has since resided. In the Fall of 1859 he commenced working in saw mills which he has since followed. He was with the late James J. McCormick eleven years as circular sawyer, and has also been in different mills, being at present engaged in the capacity of circular sawyer with the firm of Hay, Butman & Co. Mr. Campau is an industrious man, and is the owner of a good home in the Fourth Ward of West Bay City. He w^as married November 21, 1860, to Miss {^etrumew, of West Bay City, and ha j four children.

John Golden was born in Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States when very young. He lived in New York City for two years, and near the city in Westchester County for some time. He went from there to Syracuse and went into the boot and shoe trade. He removed to Michigan in 1854, going to Corunna. In 1864 he came to Bay City, and in 1864 started a boot and shoe shop in Wenona. During his residence in Wenona and West Bay City he has held the office of justice of the peace for about eleven years, and is now a practicing attorney. John frequently refers with pride to the excellence of the boots he used to make, particularly one pair which he says were worn fourteen years, and if any hearer is incredulous as to the truth of the story, triumphantly refers him for proof to the man who wore them. He was married in 1867 to Mary Bessonette, and they have a family of eight children.

Perry Phelps is a native of Wayne Co., N. Y. He removed to Bay City in 1859 and remained there until 1862 when he entered the United States service. He returned in 1870 and engaged in keeping a hotel, after which he was in the lumber business four years. At present he is not in business, having sold his interest in a livery stable which he had been running for some httle time, but expects to open a restaurant in West Bay City where he resides, the first of February, 1883, He was married to Sarah A. Tolfree, of Ithaca, N. Y., in 1862. Mr. Phelps has held the office of village alderman four years.

Seth Bourn was born in Berkshire County, Mass., in 1833. He moved to St. Clair County, Mich., in 1862, stopping there three years, when he moved to Bay City, remaining two years, then going to Tuscola County, he remained there eight years. Keturning to Bay City in 1875 he entered the employ of his brother as foreman of his tannery, acting in that capacity till 1882. In June last, he commenced business on Linn Street, West Bay City, where he has a steam carpet beater and feather renovater. He has held the office of inspector of election in the First Ward. He was married in 1860 to Mary A. Sweet, of Vassar, Mich. They "have one daughter, who is married to Capt. Henry A. Hawgood.

the Spring of 1873 and engaged in the lumber business as inspector, but only continued for a short time, going into the drug business in the Fall following his arrival here. He met with a loss by fire in 1881.

Joseph McMahon, proprietor of the Toohey House, corner of Henry and John Streets, came to West Bay City in the Fall of 1870, and for a time was engaged in lumbering. He was born near Toronto, Ont., and married Margaret Cashin, also of Ontario. They have one child.

B. W. Merrick was born in London, Ont., November 4, 1837. In 1861 he left home and enlisted in the Fifth Michigan Infantry, Company E. He w^as w^ounded in the battle of Fredericksburg in 1862, by a shot in the shoulder, and remained in the hospital for five months, when he was mustered out of service on account of his wounds. In 1864 he again entered the army as first lieutenant, and was afterward promoted to a captaincy. He remained until the close of the war and was discharged at Detroit, Mich. He came to Bay City in 1872 and engaged in lumbering, jobbing, etc. He has been proprietor of the Wolverton House, on Water Street, Bay City, but at present is keeping a restaurant in West Bay City. He was married in 1865 to Estillo Livis, of Detroit, Mich., and has five children.

Warren B. Fuller was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1835; son of Edson Fuller. His father removed to Geauga County, Ohio, in 1844. Warren worked out by the month till he was fourteen, commencing at the age of nine. He then came to Eoyal Oak, Mich., and from there to Bay City. In 1850 he went to Au Sable and engaged in fishing for P. J. Perrott. He returned to Bay City and worked the following Winter in cutting the pine timber on the land subsequently purchased by Sage & McGraw, where they platted Lake City. In 1851 he commenced sailing; followed sailing Summers; lumber woods Winters for three years. He next engaged in fishing in Georgian Bay, Big Manitou Island, and in July was taken prisoner with ten others, schooner, and five sail-boats. They were kept about three months under the impression that they were Mormons from Beaver Island, Lake Michigan. They were then released with schooner and boats, and returned to Au Sable in the Spring of 1854, remaining there fishing and sailing till 1857. He was mate in 1856. He has followed sailing as mate or commander since that time Summers, and lumber woods Winters. He was married in 1858 to Miss Josephine McKay, of Sebew^aing, a native of Nova Scotia. He has had five children, one son and four daughters, three of whom, son and two daughters, are living. He bought lots on the Blend addition to Wenona in 1867, and erected the first dwelling on said plat, where he now resides, frugal, industrious and comfortably situated.

Karl G. A. Kusch was born in Germany in 1846. At the age of twenty-five he came to America. He landed in New York; thence to Chicago; then to St. Louis, and from there to Saginaw City. He w^orked at harness making there four months, then came to Wenona in 1872 and established harness making business, being the pioneer in that department of industry for Bay County.

Paul E. T. Kusch was born in Germany in 1851. He came to America in 1871; landed in New York; thence to Saginaw City. He remained there nearly one year, and came to Wenona in 1872, and joined his brother in the harness business, under the firm of A. Kusch & Bro., who have made steady advancement in business and erected a commodious brick shop. The younger, Paul, has a substantial brick house, and the older, Karl, owns two good frame dwellings.

Jonathan Smith was born in Ulster County, N. Y., in 18B0. He resided there until the age of twenty- two. He married Miss Eachael Ann Burger, of the same place, in 1851, whose age was twenty. In 1852 he removed to Laporte, Ind., and worked at carpentering and joinery. He remained there fifteen years and then moved to Three Oaks, Berrien Co., Mich. He carried on butchering business for three years. He came to Bay City in 1870, and lived there eight years. He came to West Bay City in 1878. He now resides on the corner of State and Fulton Streets, Second Ward. His principal employment is jobbing. He has had six children, of whom only one son and daughter are living. The daughter, Mary Lovina, Mrs. George H. Watson, is a resident of Bay City, and has four children. The son, C. C. Smith, of Tawas, married Miss Mary Eouech, and is superintendent of the car works and road.

James N. Bradford was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1824. At the age of twelve years he went to work with a brother at Binghampton, at the goldsmith business. He continued at it four years; thence to Otsego two years as a blacksmith; thence to Cazenovia, where he worked for two years in a machine shop; thence to Watertown, where he worked as a journeyman machinist for two years; thence to Oswego, where he was superintendent of a machine shop for seven years. He returned to Watertown and remained until 1855. He then removed to Mississippi, where he erected machine shops, of which he was proprietor, for the manufacture of plantation machinery, where he remained until 1871, being for a few months of the time in New Orleans during the occupation of that city by Gen. Butler. He then returned to Watertown, remained two years, and came to Bay City m 1873. Here he continued in the machinery business with the Smalley Bros., Saginaw Street, Bay City. He was married to Miss Diana F. Babcock, of Oswego, N. Y., in 1848, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., who died in Mississippi in 1871. He married the second time Miss Katie M. Scutt, of Imlay City, Lapeer Co., Mich., a native of Erie County, N. Y^, in 1874, by whom he has had four children, one son and three daughters, the youngest daughter having died in 1882. Mr. Bradford has in his possession a genealogy of his ancestors, dating back to the landing of the pilgrims and tracing his descent from Wilham Bradford, second governor of the Plymouth Colony, of which colony he was chosen governor in 1021 and held the office for thirty-one years. James N. is by direct descent of the seventh generation from the early governor. He now resides in West Bay City, King Street, where he has a pleasant and comfortable home.

Felix Young was born in Seward, Schoharie Co., N. Y. He moved with his father to Bay County when twenty-three years old. He engaged the first Winter at lumbering for H. W. Sage, after which he worked in Sage & Co's salt block for three years. He was foreman of the same the next year. He then in company with two brothers estabHshed a meat market ; continued for two years and sold out to his brother, and accepted the appointment of policeman fur Second Ward. The following June, 1882, he was appointed marshal of West Bay City, which office he still fills. He keeps house with his mother on the corner of Linn and Michigan Streets, as an officer giving satisfaction to the pubhc by strict attention to the duties thereof.

James Norton was born in Vermont, in 182B. At the age of seven his father moved to Frankhn Co., N. Y. He left home at the age of seventeen, and came to Jackson Co., Mich. He remained there four years, and returned home. He moved with his father to I Cleveland, 0., and remained eight years, till 1852, when he came to Saginaw City, and engaged in the manufacture of shingles with a cutting machine. He remained at Saginaw until 1871, when he came to Wenona and bought lots in the Fitzhugh & Keisel's Addition, and erected a dwelhng. He lost his house by fire in 1878, after which he bought and built a good residence on Jennie Street, in Raymond's Addition, where he now lives. He married Miss Louisa Quantrel, of English birth, then of Cleveland, in 1847. He has had eight children, five sons and three daughters, four sons and one daughter of whom are living.

James Fred Norton was born in Saginaw^ City, in 1853; remained with his father and came to Wenona in 1871. He had worked at engineering in Saginaw, and soon engaged in the business here, on a dredging machine, which was his principal business until 1879. He then opened, a retail fruit and confectionery store on Midland Street, being the owner of lot three, block tw^elve, Litchfield's Addition. He returned to engineering for the Summer of 1882, and in December he received the appointment by the City Council, of street commissioner, for the Second Ward, which posisition he still occupies. He married Miss Barbara Schwartz, of Saint Clair, in 1875, a native of New^ York.

Dominick Jean was born in Green Island, Canada, in 1847. He lived there until he was thirteen years old, and then went sailing. First trip to Bordeaux, France; thence to New York; thence to Liverpool; thence to New Orleans; thence to Havre De Grace, Bombay, Calcutta, and then back to New Y^ork; thence to Califorfornia and back to New York. He then spent three years in the West India trade with the United States. Thence to Marseilles and back to Philadelphia, and then commenced sailing on the lakes. He was two months at the wheel and the balance of the season was second mate. The next season he served before the mast on a sail vessel. The next two seasons as second mate, since which time, for twelve years, he has been master of different vessels, and had the extraordinary luck through care and attention to never lose a man by accident, or suffer any disaster to his vessel of any consequence. He married Miss Etta Goodson, of Toronto, in 1876, whose age is now twenty-eight. No children. Eesidence, First Ward, West Bay City, corner Joseph and Seventh Streets.

Nicholas Emery came to West Bay City eighteen years ago, where he worked about two years when he went to Willow Island, now Melborn, where he remained nine months, w^orking for W. K. Burt & Co. He returned to West Bay. City in 1873, and engaged with H. W. Sage & Co., as foreman, holding that position up to the present time. He was born in Monroe, Maine, in 1829. He has been twice married, first to Miss Oaks, and afterward to Miss Abbey A. Carr.

Frederick W. Lankenaw was born February 2, 1846, at Fort Wayne, Ind. He received careful instruction from private teachers, and at an early age entered Concordia College, in his native city, graduating therefrom in 1865. He adopted the profession of a teacher. He came to Michigan in 1866 and to Bay City in 1867, and has been connected with the educational interests of the county longer than any other teacher. He taught in the Bay City schools from 1867 until 1880, when he accepted the position of superintendent of schools for District No. 2, West Bay City, formerly Wenona, Avhich position he still holds. In 1872 he was elected superintendent of schools for Bay County, in which capacity he worked diligently to promote the interests of the public schools. He was married in 1869 to Miss Ellen Rogers, a native of Bay City. They have two children, a boy and a girl. Mr. Lankenaw has earned an enviable reputation as an accomplished and pains-taking teacher, and as such possesses in a remarkable degree the esteem of the community in which he resides.

Robert Bateson was born in 1824, and is a native of Scotland. While yet a lad he emigrated to Canada with his grand-parents, and settled in Lanark County, Ontario, on a farm where he remained until 1866. He then came to West Bay City, and worked five years in Sage's mill. In 1872 he purchased a lot in Bangor, on which he" built a small house, and afterward two lots and built a residence on Au Sable Street, in Salzburgh, where he now resides. He also purchased a farm of 160 acres in the township of Monitor, which he has divided with liis sons, retaining eighty acres for himself.

Jesse A. Bkaman was born at New Baltimore, Macomb Co.. Mich., where he learned the trade of an engineer. He came to Bay City in 1862, and for the last ten years has been the engineer at the steam saw mill and salt works of Moore, Smith & Co., and their successors. Smith Bros. He was married in 1868 to Elizabeth Cox. He has a family of three children, one of them by a first wife. He was an alderman for the First Ward of West Bay City in 1879-'81.

Capt. H. a. Hawgood was born in Wales. At live years of age he went to Milwaukee, Wis., with his parents, where he has since resided. At fifteen years of age he commenced sailing in the capacity of porter on the propeller "Bradburg," and afterward engaged in tugging on the Chicago Kiver and also the Saginaw Eiver. The Captain has an interest in the steam barges "Belle P. Cross" and "D. W. Powers," and the consorts of the "B. P. Cross," which are the "Chicago Board of Trade," "Stephen Clement," George H. Wand," **Little Jake" and "Henry W. Hoag." Captain Hawgood has recently built an elegant residence in West Bay City, where he will hereafter make his home.

Conrad A. Klemm was born in Saginaw City, February 18, 1859. At the age of fourteen he engaged with G. D. King in the grocery business. In 1879 he removed to West Bay City, where he has a general store. He was married in 1880 to Barbara M. List, of Frankenmuth.

Daniel C. Starr was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, January 1, 1881. In 1852 he moved to Indiana, and engaged in farming, remaining there seven years. He then moved to New York State, and remained there until 1861, when he entered the transportation department of the army, remaining there eighteen months. In 1862 he came to Bay City and engaged in different occupations until 1875, when he engaged in boat building, which he still continues in the First Ward of West Bay City. He was married December 12, 1864, and has two children.

John H. Little was born in Mercer County , Pa., July 11, 1818. Three years later he accompanied his parents to Silver Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where he lived for sixteen years. He learned the tailoring business, and in 1838 left home, and commenced sailing on the lakes. He followed sailing for a number of years, after which he engaged in business as a harness maker in Ohio. He came to Bay City in 1849, and in 1861 engaged in the grocery business in company with John Cottrell. In 1854 he purchased the property where the First National Bank now stands, and there carried on the grocery business. In 1868 he sold out to Smith & Travers, and in 1874 built the store now occupied by J. S. Hogle, and carried on business there for three years. He then retired from business, and removed to West Bay City, where he now resides.

Swan Johnson is a native of Sweden, and was born November 1, 1846. In 1870 he moved to New York, and remained there six years engaged in a wire spring factory. In 1876 he came to South Bay City, and was engaged at John McGraw & Co's mill two years, and the Wooden Ware Works three years. In 1882 he purchased a lot on the corner of Thomas and Henry Streets, in West Bay City, and erected a store, and engaged in the grocery and provision business, which he stiU continues. He was married in 1872, and has three children. Eesidence, over store.

Allan H. Stillman was born in Kome, N. Y., August 81, 1856, and remained there until 1875, attending school and employed in his father's store (wholesale and retail grocery). In 1875 he went to Saint Louis and into the employ of the Pullman Car Company, continuing in their employ three years. He then returned to Kome, N. Y., and was employed as book-keeper in the State Bank of Kome, in which position he remained until 1879, when he came to Bay City, and engaged as book-keeper with Gates & Fay, with whom he remained until 1882. He was then employed by H. W. Sage & Co., of West Bay City, as book-keeper, which position he still Holds. He was married February 10, 1880, to Miss Anna L. Adams, of Rome, N. Y.

Capt. T. G. Lester is a native of England, where he was born in 1831. At two years of age he came with his parents to Port Hope, Ontario, but soon thereafter they went to New Y'ork, remaining two or three years. In 1848 he learned the ship capenter's trade in Clayton, N. Y., working at it for a number of years. In 1852 he went to the Isthmus of Panama, in the employ of the Panama Kailroad Company, remaining four months, when he returned to New York. In the Spring of 1854 he went to California and worked in the United States Navy-yard at San Francisco, after which he engaged in mining, visiting British Columbia and Vancouvers Island. He returned to San Francisco, and in 1860 to New York. Soon thereafter he came to Shiawassee County, Mich., and purchased a farm, and two years later returned to New York and married Miss Augusta Wetherbec. In 1864 he entered the employ of the Government, building transports, but during the year sold his farm and visited Philadelphia, New York City and other Eastern cities. In the Fall of 1866 he came to Bay City, and has since been engaged in building barges.

The late John Grattan Sweeney was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1822. He came to this country with his uncle when only eight years old, and located at Kome, N. Y. In 1850 he enhsted in the regular army as a private in the Sixth Infantry, and saw service in Mexico and on the frontier. In 1851 he was promoted to the rank of corporal, and later in the year to sergeant. He received an honorable discharge in 1855, and coming to this state located at Banks in 1863. He married Margaref. McKittrick, of Detroit, bringing her to Banks. Subsequently he removed to Wenona, and in 1866 was elected sheriff of Bay County. After serving a short time in that capacity he resigned and w^as elected supervisor of Bangor Township, which office he held nine years. His wife and four boys survive him. His domestic relations were always happy and agreeable. He was a kind father and affectionate husband. Mrs, Sweeney is deserving -of much praise in having kept her boys together and teaching them habits of industry. They are aU good workers, and make their home with their mother at the old homestead on Midland Street, West Bay City.

John Brioham, Sr., was born November 21, 1806, in Lowville, Lewis Co., in the state of New York. His father, David Brigham, was of New England origin, having emigrated from Massachusetts to Lewis County about 1795, and was one of the pioneers of that section of the state. His mother was, before marriage, Sarah Veeder, daughter of Judge Veeder, who is mentioned by James K. Paulding as the Patriarch Veeder who presided over the first settlement on that portion of the Mohawk, "the advance guard of civilization." He was twice driven from his home by the Indians, and his buildings and personal effeois either burned or carried away. She was therefore famihar with the hardships of pioneer life, and was a descendant of the early Dutch settlers of the Empire State. Mr. Brigham was one of the early pioneers of Michigan, he having emigrated to Michigan Territory in November, 1833. He brought with him only the little sum of money he had been able to save while working out by the month, and first settled in what is now the township of Atlas, Genesee County, but in November, 1836, rerr^ moved to Haclley, Lapeer County. Here he cleared the fine farm of about 300 acres which is now occupied by his oldest son, Aaron G. Brigham, and here his home has been ever since that time except about two years, from 1841 to 1848, when he hved on a farm in Atlas, Genesee County. November 21, 18B8, he was married to Eliza 8. Goodrich, daughter of Levi H. and Eunice Goodricli, who, with her parents and brothers had emigrated to Atlas, Genesee County, in May, 1886. She was born in the town of Sempronius, Cayuga Co., in the state of New York* September 12, 1809. Wli^n she w^as about six years of age her family removed to what was then known as the Niagara Frontier, and settled on anew farm in Clarence, Erie Co., in the same state. Here slie continued to reside till the time of her emigration to Michigan. She died of cancer, March 8, 1874, after enduring three painful surgical operations. She was a woman of strong mind, resolute will, unassuming virtues and of remarkable devotion to her family. She had six brothers, whose names in the order of their ages are as follows : Moses Goodrich, Aaron Goodrich, Levi W. Gooodrich, Enos Goodrich, John S. Goodrich and Reuben Goodrich. All of these except Levi W. and John S. are now living. Moses and Levi W. were farmers, Aaron and John S., lawyers, and Enos and Reuben, merchants and men of general business. Aaron Goodrich is author of a work entitled "A History of the So-called Christopher Columbus and his Discoveries in America;" has been chief justice of the supreme court of Minnesota, secretary of legation to Belgium under Lincoln's administration, one of the Presidential electors of Tennessee, member of the Legislature of Tennessee and has held other positions of honor and trust. Enos and Reuben have both been members of the Legislature of this state, and John S. was elected judge of the Seventh Judicial District of Michigan, but died afthe age of 86, before entering on the duties of his office.

John Brigham had four sons and one daughter, viz: Aaron G. Brigham, John Brigham, Jr., Eliza Jane Brigham, Samuel L. Brigham and Charles S. Brigham, all of whom were born at Hadley, Lapeer County, except John, Jr., who was born during the sojourn of the family in Atlas. Of these children three; are now living, Eliza Jane and Charles S. having died in infancy.

John Brigham, Jr., w^as born August 29, 1842, in what was then Atlas, Lapeer, but now Genesee County. He graduated at the law department of Michigan University, March 25, 1868, and was admitted to the bar at Lapeer in the Summer of 1868. After graduating he returned home and remained till the Spring of 1874, when he went into the law office of Hon. J. B. Moore, of Lapeer, wdiere he remained a few months, after which he came to what was then Wenona, now West Bay City, and opened a law office February 1, 1875. He has continued to practice law, keeping his office in West Bay City from that day to the present time. Li Spring of 1879 he was elected an alderman of West Bay City, and is now the city attorney. He was married October 9, 1878, to Barbara M. Aitken, of St. Clair County, Mich., whose parents were from Glasgow, Scotland.

Samuel L. Brigham, junior member of the law firm of J. c^t S. L. Brigham, was born in Lapeer County, Mich. He graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1874, and came to West Bay City in 1876, when he formed a co-partnership with his brother in the practice of law. He is also a justice of the peace, for which position his legal attainments well qualify him.

Eugene Burr was born in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., in 1842. He remained there until the age of twenty-one. Li 1864 he enlisted in the Union Army, Company C, Thirtieth Michigan

Infantry, for three years, or during the war. He remained on detail service under Gen. Cutler, with headquarters at Jackson, Mich., until the close of the war. He worked at farming in various places until 1871, when he married Miss Nellie Rogers, of Watford, Ontario, and in 1872 came to Wenona, and engaged in mill labor, principally on boom. He continued in this capacity until 1880. Was then elected constable of Third Ward, West Bay City, also appointed policeman by the council. In 1882 w^as appointed harbor master, and in 1888 street commissioner of Fifth Ward. Residence, corner Ninth and Jackson Streets, West Bay City. Has two children, sons.

Bartholomew Staudacher was born in Germany in 1828, [jind worked with his parents, who were farmers, until 1854, when he emigrated to America, coming directly to West Bay City where he worked in saw mills four seasons. In 1855 he purchased 250 acres of land in Hampton Township, Saginaw Co., which he has improved until now he has 120 acres under cultivation. Mr. Staudacher has been highway commissioner tive years, and is now school director. Has been married twice, and has eleven children.

Stephen Swart was born in Lapeer County, Mich, and became a citizen of West Bay City in 1879, at which time he engaged in the watch, clock and jewelry business. He is also a practical watchmaker, and is doing a thriving trade. He married Miss Charlotte Woodruff, and has one child, a boy.

Jacob Swart was born in Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1819, and came to Michigan in 1886, settlinsr in Lapeer County, and engaging in farming. In 1844 he embarked in the mercantile trade at Goodrich, *Genesee Co. - For the past eight years he has lived in West Bay City, making his home with his son, Stephen Swart, the jeweler.

James Campbell was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1839. Family moved to Niagara County when he was three years of age. His father died in 1842, when the family moved to Kent Co., Canada, where he lived until seventeen years of age, after which he engaged in sailing Summers, and worked in the lumber woods Winters until the age of twenty-one, when he engaged in the lumber and square timber business for himself. Followed it until 1865, when he came to Bay County, and settled in Salzburgh. Engaged in the Huron Salt & Lumber Co's. mill as head sawyer for two years. Having had but limited advantages of education, he applied himself during the Winters to the study of arithmetic and book-keeping, under the instruction of A. L. Cumming, then principal of Wenona graded school. Soon after he established a biUiard room in the Campbell House Block, Bay City. Continued the business there and in the Ernst Block, West Bay City, until 1874, also carrying on lumbering for himself on the Kawkawlin River, in pine and oak square timber, and erected a two- story brick block on the corner of Midland and Linn Streets, where the Moeher Block now stands. In 1878 he erected a hotel at West Branch, Ogemaw Co. ; moved his family there and kept the house one year, after which he rented it and in a few months it was lost by fire. In 1875 he sold out his interest in the billiard business and gave his whole attention to lumber and square timber till 1878. He then commenced jobbing for S. 0. Fisher, which he still continues. He married, in 1863, Miss Bridget Brophy, of Kent County, Ontario. Has had three children, two daughters and one son, jill living. Has a commodious residence on Midland Street, West l^ay City, which he bought in the Spring of 1882.

Homer P. Chase was born in the Township of Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., December 25, 1850, and came to West Bay City in the Spring of 1865. Is a carpenter by trade and has been sailing on the lakes. For the past three years he has been with Charles Babo & Sons as clerk in their store. Married Sarah E.

C. E. Smaet was born in the town of Kochester, N. H., and came to Michigan in 185G. He stopped in Niles about one year, working in a machine shop, after which he traveled West and South, passing two years on the island of Cuba. In 1874 he entered the employ of the Michigan Central Eailroad as engineer, which position he held about one year and a half, when Jie took the position of Division Master Mechanic of the locomotive and car department at Saginaw, which he still holds. He married Mary Dugan, of Niles, Mich., and they have tw^o children.

J. A. Behmlandee, proprietor of the City Meat Market, West Bay City, was born in Frankenlust in 1853, and has always resided in the Saginaw Valley. For a while Mr. Behmlander worked in a shingle mill, and about 1872 engaged in the butcher business. In 1874 he commenced for himself, and is having a large trade. He married Barbara Hutchenroider, and they have one child, a daughter. Geo. Paul Behmlander, father of J. A. Behmlander, was one of the earliest settlers, having come here in 1838.

Patrick Callaghan w^as born in Bruce County, Ontario, in 1848, where he remained till twenty-one years of age, when he came to the Saginaw Valley and engaged with Mr. Toohey, with whom he remained about five years driving team, after which he worked in the Sage Mill for a while. Then engaging in the hotel business he was proprietor of the American House three years and the Callaghan House, his present stand, four years. Was married to Miss Annie Cook in 1872. They have one child, a son.

Griffith H. Francis was born in Oneida County, New^ York. He graduated at the Oneida Conference Seminary in 1872; also from the Michigan Law School in 1874. He commenced practicing law^ at Saline, Mich., but removed to West Bay City in 1876, and soon thereafter was appointed superintendent of schools to fill vacancy occurring by resignation of Dr. Magill. He was elected justice of peace of said city and served as such from 1877 to 1881, and is now (1882) supervisor for Second Ward. In 1878 he was married to Miss Harriet A. Hyne, of Biighton, Mich. They have one child, a girl.

Hiram A. ExMery was born in the state of Maine, and came to Michigan in 1864. He is a member of the firm of Emery Bros., who are largely engaged in lumbering. They also operate a steam saw mill at East Tawas. In addition, he owns and works a farm in the township of Bangor, Bay County, on which he lives. Is married to Eunice Anderson, also a native of Maine, and has a family of four children.

M. C. Danforth was born in Oswego County, New York, in 1836, and in 1865 came to Mason County, Michigan, and engaged in lumbering, remaining there two years, when he went to Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich., where he farmed and also manufactured brick. It is worthy of note that the second house built in Ovid was constructed from brick of Mr. Danforth's make. In 1876 he came to West Bay City and opened a cooper shop. He still continues the business, employing six to seven men. Mr. Danforth was married in 1859, to Miss Ehzabeth Dennis, of New York. They have one son.

James Eingwood was born in Syracuse, N. Y., and about 1867 removed to Saginaw, where he remained but a short time, when he came to Bay City, and from there to West Bay City where, soon thereafter, he opened a ^blacksmith shop and livery stable. About 1876 he moved his business to Bay City, where he is still doing business. In 1876 he married Ehzabeth Eobinson, of Bay City.

Christopher Mohr is a native of Germany. In 1867 he emigrated to America, and until 1873 was engaged in a tannery in New York, after which he came to West Bay City where he has since resided. In%874 he engaged in the liquor business on Linn Street, where he still continues it. He married Mary Eose, of West Bay City. They have two children, a son and daughter.

Michael Hufnagel was born in Germany in 1842, and before leaving his native land learned fche miller's trade. In 1865 he came to West Bay City, and in 1880 rented the Salzburgh Flouring Mill from F. Fitzhugh & Co., its location being the east side of Water Street, foot of Main. Mr. Hufnagel employs three men about the mill and is doing a good business, grinding at least 200 bushels per day through the season. In 1869 he married Barbara Heuman, of Bay City. They have one son and three daughters.

Dr. N. H. Webster was born- in Ohio in 1828, and in 1850 graduated in dentistry at Cleveland. After a brief practice in Ohio he removed to Indiana, and in 1859 to Hudson, Mich., where he remained till 1865; then coming to Bay City he practiced his profession till 1880, when, on account of poor health, he retired. In 1879 he came to West Bay City to reside, and built a handsome residence on the corner of Hart and Au Sable Streets. In 1854 he married Juha E. Brockett, a native of Ohio. They have one son, who has taken his father's practice in Bay City.

D. McLaughlin, is a native of Canada. He came to Bay City iii 1870, remaining one year, when he removed to West Bay City.' His early days were spent on a farm with his father. He married Josephine Donohue, of West Bay City, in 1879. They have two children, a son and a daughter. Mr. McLaughlin has been for some years in the employ of H. A. Emery, and has risen from a subordinate situation to a good position.

A. F. Hagadorn, M. D., is a native of the state of New York. Graduated from the Ann Arbor Medical College in 1875, and immediately commenced the practice of medicine in South Bay City, where he remained till the Spring of 1878, when he removed to West Bay City, where his office and residence can be found on the corner of Henry and Ohio Streets. He married, in 1875, Viola La- Eue, also a native of New York. They have two children, a son and daughter.

Capt. J. S. McNeil was born on Prince Edward Island in 1843, and at fourteen years of age commenced sailing. In 1863 he sailed on a lake vessel loaded with kerosene oil from Port Sarnia to Liverpool. He first took command of the "'Frances Ada," and has been mate and master of vessels since that time. In 1874 he sailed as captain tihe steamer "V. H. Ketchum,"at that time the largest vessel afloat on fresh water, and sailed her three years, when he purchased an interest in the "D. F. Eose" and two barges, "Boscobel" and "Marine City." He is captain of the "Eose." He resides on Center Street, West Bay City.

Harrison Lewis is a native of Vermont, where he was born in 1816. While young he went to Western New York with his father's family and remained until he was nineteen years of age. In 1835 he started out for himself, going first to Oakland County, Mich., and afterward to Genesee County where he cleared up several farms. In 1873, together with his son Henry S., came to West Bay City and opened a grocery store, which in 1880 they changed to hardware and are doing a successful business. Their store is on Midland Street.

Capt. James Kerr w^as born in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1837, and served his time there as machinist. In 1869 he came to Bay City bringing the *'Hattie Brown," of which he was captain, and continued in that position until 1874, when he sold out and went to Wisconsin where he remained about a year, then returned taking up his residence in West Bay City. He has been master of the "J. G. Hubbard," and is now master of the"C. A. Forbes," which runs between Bay City and Port Lookout, touching at Pine Eiver, Rifle River and Au Gres. He married Sarah A. Temple, a native of New York.. They have a son and daughter living, and have lost one daughter.

Capt. George McKay is a native of the North of Scotland, where he was born in 1834. At nineteen years of age he emigrated to the United States and after sailing two years between New York and Liverpool he was on the propeller "Hantar," and later on the ill-fated "Lady Elgin." When she was lost on Lake Michiigan, Capt. McKay was one of the few who survived that terrible disaster. In 1875 he came to West Bay City and now resides on Kawkawlin Road. He married Mary Ann McCarty, of Hamilton, Ontario. . -

John Kohler was born in Germany in 1838, aud was brought up on a farm. Li 1862 he came to Bay City and worked at salt making ten years', when he removed to West Bay City and purchased a brewery which he operated two years and a half, when he sold out. Mr. Kohler is married and has had seven children, five of whom are dead.

Capt. Allson Trudo is a native of Ontario, Canada. About the year 1861 he came to Bay City, and at sixteen years of age commenced sailing on the lakes. He first took command of the schooner "Rival," and sailed her five years. In 1879 he purchased the "S. P. Ames," and in 1880 the "McLelland" which he sold in 1881. He now owns the "Joseph Enright" and "Ames," the latter being sailed by his father. He married Bessie Thorington, of Wayne County, Mich.

DoMiNicK Minnie was born in St. Clair, Mich., September 5, 1836. In 1851 he moved to East Saginaw, remained there two years, then moved to Marine City engaged in the engineer business, remained there a short time, then moved to Saginaw City, engaged on the steamer "Alida" as engineer. He was also a number of years on the "L. G. Mason." He then moved to the state of Indiana and engaged in business for three years. He then returned to Bay City, and engaged with William Peter as engineer. He was one year on the steamer "Bay City," and is at present engaged with L. L. Hotchkiss in the same capacity. He was married to Elizabeth G. Diem, of St. Clair County, and has four children. Residence, in the Fifth Ward.

George F. Russell was born in Vermont, January 23, 1853. In 1855 with his parents moved to Detroit, Mich., remained there -two years, then moved to Flint, Mich., then to East Saginaw, remained there until 1862 when he came to Bay City. In 1863 he was engaged with Pitts & Cranage, sawing lath and remained with them two years. He then moved to West Bay City, engaged with Sage & McGraw as tally boy, and remained in that capacity five years. He then engaged as lumber inspector, which he continued for four years. He had charge of the Tittabawassee boom. In 1875 he took charge of Sage & Co's mill boom, which position he stiU retains. He was married in 1877.

George G. Cady was born in Macomb County, Mich., September 18, 1835, remaining there thirty years, during which time he was engaged in farming and saw milling. He then moved to Port Huron, where he also engaged in the saw mill business. In 1872 he came to Bay City and engaged in the manufacture of salt and saw milling. His father is one of the oldest settlers in Michigan. Mr. Cady was married August 7, 1863, to Alice E. White, of Birmingham, and has four children. Residence, corner of Crapo and Johnson Streets.

lumber yard; remained there until 1874 when he came to West Bay City, where he has since resided. Mr. McCloy is at present engaged with H. W. Sage inspecting lumber in the Summer season, and scaling logs in the Winter time, having been in their employ sixteen years. He was married to Nettie Russell of Bay City, August 28, 1877, and has one child. Residence on Henry Street. John R. Cameron was born in Sarnia, Canada, November 6, 1856. He came to Bay City with his mother in the same year. He was for some years engaged in the lumber business, and in 1879 w^as appointed mail agent on the Mackinaw branch of the M. C. R. R., which position he still holds. Mr. Cameron resides with his mother at 305 Bowery Street.

David B. Cardy was born in New Bedford, Mass., January 29, 1817, where he remained until 1852. He was engaged in getting out and speculating in vessel spars and masts, and was also in the employ of the government for some time in the southern states. In 1853 he removed to Canada, and in company with Messrs. Campbell & Wood, continued the business of getting out spars. In 1859 he came to East Saginaw and engaged in the lumber trade, and shortly afterward built a saw mill in Midland, Bay Co., where he resided until 1881. He then removed his mill to West Bay City upon the property of H. W. Sage & Co., where he conducts the business of his mill. He resides on Linn Street, West Bay City.

John W. Rhodes was born in Wayne County, N. Y., March, 1834. He remained there with his parents eleven years, when he moved to Jackson, Mich., and was engaged with his father in farming. In 1863 he was a guard at the Jackson State Prison, which position he held for one year. In 1865 he learned the carpenter trade, and in 1873 moved to West Bay City where he still remains. Mr. Rhodes helped to build the largest steamer ever built on the Saginaw River. He was married February 11, 1861, to Martha L. Fowler, of Jackson, and has five children. Residence, on Linn Street.

D. H. McMullen, of the firm of McMuUen & Co., was born in Stratford, Canada, July 5, 1858. He came with his parents to West Bay City in 1868. He graduated from the West Bay City" High School in the class of 1877, after which he was associated with his father in the lumber business. Last season (1882) the firm lumbered at Forest, on the M. C. R. R., and in 1883 operated on the north branch of the Au Sable River, near Grayling, where they will get in about 10,000,000 feet of logs. Mr. McMullen was married August 15, 1882, to Miss Sadie Curry, of West Bay City.

Frank Puddy was born in Somersetshire, Eng., February 2, 1851, remained there twenty-two years, during which time he was engaged in farming. In 1872 he came to Bay City, and engaged in gardening which he continued until 1883, when he opened a saloon on the corner of Linn and John streets, which he still continues. He was married to Minnie V. Reynolds of West Bay City, has one child.

Captain Samuel Murdock was born in Jefferson county, State, of New York, October 15, 1844. In 1857 he engaged as cook on the steamer Reindeer, remained in that capacity two years, and was four years before the mast. Sailed as mate one season on the bark Danube. In 1860 he came to Bay City and engaged in sailing, which he still continues. Capt. Murdock was at one time part owner of the propeller Dunkirk, barge. Bay. City, and owner of the barge, Helenstine and Morton, and is at present master of the schooner Winslow. He was married Nov. 28, 1876, to Miss Goodson, daughter of the late James 0. Goodson. Residence on Midland street.

1853. Moved with his parents to Baptist Creek in Essex county, remained there ten years, then" returned to Chatham, then moved to Bothwell, Canada. In 1865 he came to Bay City and engaged as fireman on the steamer Little Essex; was also engaged on other boats as fireman. In 1879 he became a licensed engineer and still continues the business, is at present engaged at H. W. Sage & Co.'s mill, West Bay City. He was married to Ada S. Hunter of Aylmer, Canada, and has three children. Eesidence corner Dean and Thomas streets.

AiNswoKTH T. Russell was born in Townsend, Middlesex county, Mass., April 18, 1811. At the age of eleven he moved to LoweU, Mass., remaining there two years engaged in a woolen factory. Then moved to Wilmington, while there learned the baker trade ; then moved to Lancaster, then to Boston, Mass. ; engaged with A. T. Blake as foreman of his bakery; remained with him two years and six months. Then took charge of the Revere House, remained there until the Mexican war broke ofit, enlisted and remained nine years in the U. S. service. He afterward came to East Saginaw as First Lieutenant of the second dragoons regiment, Company A, under Capt. Lyons, remained there a shorfc time then moved East. In 1861 he returned to East Saginaw, engaged in the bakery business, and furnished bread for the 23d Michigan infantry, which were being drilled for the war. He then came to Bay City and engaged in the same business for a short time; then moved to West Bay City where he has since resided. He is at present engaged at the carpenter and joiner trade, and has a fine residence on Henry street. He has a wife and six children.

James Corbitt was born in Liverpool, England, May 9, 1833, remained there until he was seven years old, then with his parents moved to Dumplin Pond, Connecticut, was there two years working in the wire factory then went to Delaware county, York State, was there six years farming, after which he returned from York State to Connecticut; he remained there one year and then moved to Toronto, Canada, and worked in a brick yard about four years; in< 1854 moved to Lakeland on Lake Simcoe, Canada, for the purpose of manufacturing brick, but -the clay was a failure. Then worked in Vances sawmill for six months; he then engaged with Sage, Grant & Hicks in their sawmill, was there eight years as head sawyer, then in 1866 came to East Saginaw, was head sawyer in Shaw & Williams' mill; in 1868 came to West Bay City and was eight years with H. W. Sage & Co. as head sawyer; he then spent four years getting out square timber at Averell Station on the Tittabawassee River; he then returned to West Bay City and resumed his old position in H. W. Sage & Co.'s mill, which place he still holds. He was married May 17th, 1855, to Miss Theresa A. Renney of Toronto, Canada. He resides on the corner of William and Jennie streets, West Bay City.

John H. Wills was born in Eastport, Maine, and came to Michigan in 1871. Lived in East Saginaw for four years, and then removed to Bay County. He was at first in the employ of J. M. Kelton of Banks, and afterward clerked for Phelps & Crane. In 1879 he went to work for E. J. Kelton, who is in the hardwood lumber trade, and is now (1883) in his employ. He was married to Fanny Gayllainow of West Bay City in 1881.

Peter Prior was born in Germany in 1847 ; came to America in 1867, landed in New York. Established as a carpenter in St. Clair, Mich., laboring at the trade in a planing mill. Came to the Valley in 1869, and soon to Bay City. Married Miss Catharine Reinhardt of Monitor in 1872. Has two children, one son and one daughter, both living. For the past three years has been located in the Nickel Block, West Bay City, where he has succeeded in maintaining a popular sample room.

of Eddington, Me., and came to Michigan in 1869. He lived in Bay City for about two years, and then removed to the west side of the river to accept the position of bookkeeper for Taylor & Moulthrop, lumber manufacturers, and has continued in that capacity for the several firms who have succeeded T & M. He was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Gray, of his native place, in 1875. They have two children, both boys.

Alonzo M. Perkins was born in London, Ontario, and came to Michigan in 1854, and, after residing in various places, located in West Bay City in 1870. By trade he is a millwright. In 1875 married Miss Hannah Herrington, of Valparaiso, Ind. They have one child, a boy.

Henry W. Weber was born in Detroit, Michigan, and became a citizen of West Bay City in 1873. He learned the trade of tinsmith in the shop of Moots & Rupff. In 1877 he was a member of the firm of Rifpff & Weber, dealers in hardware, etc. In 1880 he bought his partner's interest and continues the business. Was burned out in the large fire of December, 1881, but the store was rebuilt, and he now does a large trade in stoves, tinware, hardware, etc. Was married to Miss Charlotte A. Padley, of Bay City, in December, 1882.

Samuel W. Pixis a native of London, Ontario, and came to this country in 1869, locating in Bay City. He removed to West Bay City in January, 1881, where he opened a harness shop. Was married in i878 to Miss Kate McLaughlin of Dutchess Co., N. Y. Their family consists of two children, girls.

Alexander Laroche was born in Loraine, France, and came to the United States in 1852. Remained in Syracuse, N. Y., for two years when he went to St. Louis, Mo., and from thence to New Orleans, where he was at the breaking out of the war of the rebellion. He served two years and a half in the Confederate service as a member of the 1st Louisiana Infantry. Came North in 1863, to Syracuse, N. Y. Left there in 1867 for Bay City, Mich. In 1869 he opened " Lafayette Hall," West Bay City, which is well known as a first-class restaurant. He was a member of the board of trustees of Wenona (now West Bay City) for two years, also foreman of " Defiance" steam fire engine company in 1875-6. In 1864 was married to Miss Eleanora Morell of Syracuse, N. Y., and they have one cliild, a daughter.

Charles Anderson was born in Sweden, and landed in the United States in 1863. Lived in Portland, Me. for a short time. Was in the U. S. employ for a brief while during the war, as a teamster. Came to the Saginaw Yalley in 1864, and to Salzburgh in 1865. Has charge of Laderach Bros.' salt works in the Tliird Ward of West Bay City, of which Ward he is one of the Aldermen, holding office until the Spring of 1884. Was married to- Miss Frances Causley in 1866, and has a family of three children living, all boys.

Frederick A. Meyers was born in the state of New York, and came to Michigan in 1862. At first he lived in Bay City, but a number of years ago removed to the West Side. He has held a number of pubhc offices, and is now a deputy sherift'. He was married in 1858 to Jane North, of London, Ontario, and has a family of two children.

Harrison Miller was born in Monroe County, Penn., in 1841, and while quite young removed with his parents to Eastern Pennsylvania, and thence to Bushell Tannery, Penn., where he remained until twenty-three years of age, when he went to Philadelphia, where he remained three years. Removing to Beech Creek, Penn., he there engaged in the lumber business, which has been his occupation up to the present time. In 1867, with two others, took a contract of Taylor, Day & Morey for manufacturing and shipping lumber, and continued with them until the Fall of 1876. In Feb- ruary, 1877, he came to West Bay City and commenced the manufacture of lumber and salt, under a contract with the Keystone Lumber and Salt Manufacturing Company, which he continued one year, since which time he has been in the employ of the company. He married Sarah A. Linn, of Beech Creek, Penn. They have four children, two sons and two daughters.

Hugh Coyle is a native of Albany, N. Y., where he was born November 27, 1830. Early in hfe he came to St. Clair, Mich., and engaged in lumbering. Was with the firm of Oaks & HoUand two years, Mr. Oaks eight years, and Steel, Oaks & Lee five years, when he came to the Saginaw Valley. During 1873 he was foreman for Dolsen & Chapin, of Bay City, but in 1874 came to West Bay City and engaged with the Keystone Lumber and Salt Manufacturing Company as foreman of their mill, which position he occupied three years, since which time he has had charge of the company's sales and shipping.

George Hannah is a native of Canada, born in the county of Haldimand, Ontario, in 1844, and early in life engaged in the lumber business. In 1865 he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and engaged in the wholesale hquor business with Thomas Clark, remaining there six years, at the end of which time he came to West Bay City and entered the employ of Taylor & Moulthrop, in the salt business. He is now with C. E. Lewis, at the same place. He married Annie E. Hamilton, of Canada. They have had five children, only a son and daughter now living.

August Brunner was born in New York City in 1858, and in 1865 came to West Bay City, with his parents. When about twelve years of age he entered the employ of H. W. Sage & Co., and worked in their mill five or six years, after which he was wdth his brother in the grocery business for a time, when he went South, working in Arkansas and Mississippi. Eeturning worked again for his brother, but now is engaged in the grocery business for himself, on Linn Street. Married Miss Phoebe Bruete.

Thomas Walsh is a native of Cayuga, Ontario, where he was born in 1858. His occupation was farming until 1880, when he came to West Bay City and opened a boot, shoe and grocery store on the corner of Washington and South Streets, where he still continues. Married Eliza Finlen, of Ontario.

Frank A. ScuTT was born in Colden, N. Y., in December, 1850. In 1865, with his parents, came to Bay City, but soon removed to Lapeer and engaged in farming. Eeturned to Bay City in 1867. In 1871 he taught the Auburn school, retaining the position two terms, after which he went to Grand Eapids and engaged in dairying two years. In 1875 he purchased two lots on the corner of Washington and South Streets, West Bay City, on which he erected a store and engaged in doing a general mercantile business, dealing also in hoops. Married Ahce Lewis, of Dryden, Lapeer County. They have one child.

S. E. Burnham was born in Maine in 1831. In 1862 he enlisted in the First Maine Artillery and served to the close of the war, first as second lieutenant and later as captain. On account of a wound received in the battle of Petersburg, he was confined in the hospital two months. In 1865 he located in Sagmaw and engaged in boat building, remaining there about fifteen years, Avhen he canie to Bay City, and soon thereafter to West Bay City. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary He wins, of Maine. Mr. Burnham now owns twenty-five boats, which he lets principally to pleasure-seekers.

Henry Rogers was born in Lockport, N. Y., March 23, 1858. In 1861 he moved with his parents to Cattaraugus County, N. Y. Remained there until he was eighteen years of age, during which time he learned the engineer trade. In 1880 he came to West Bay City and engaged with James Davidson as engineer, which position

I). P. Clark was born in Medina County, Ohio, October 20, 1852, and at fourteen years of age engaged in bricklaying with his father, and continued ^vith him four years, when he commenced contracting for himself, in the surrounding counties. He designed and built the Church of Christ, and a great many of the stores and private residences of Medina, Ohio. He came to West Bay City November 1, 1882, and has opened an architect's office mtheMosher Block. He married Miss Allie Hickox, of Lodi, Ohio. They have one child, a daughter.

Thomas Whittaker was born in'Buffalo, N.Y., December 15, 1824. At the age of fourteen years he began to learn the blacksmith and shipsmith's trade, and continued in that busmess up to 1851. He then bought a vessel, sailed her two seasons aud lost her. She sank at Dunkirk harbor. He continued in the boat business up to 1859, then returned to his 8ld trade of blacksmithing. In 1866 he moved to West Bay City and engaged in the blacksmith and shipsmith business, w^hich he has followed ever since. He does the blacksmith work for the Bay City Chemical Works, and the shipsmith work for Wheeler & Crane. He understands his business to perfection. He has a wife and four children.

Thomas B. Raymond was born in the town of Ledyard, Cayuga Co., N. Y., December 16, 1818. In 1824, with his parents, he moved to Seneca County, and was there until 1839. He there learned the ship carpenter trade. In 1840 he moved to Tompkins County and was there working as a carpenter and ship builder until 1863; six years of which time he was engaged in the cattle busmess. Then he came to Saginaw City and engaged in the ship carpenter business. While there he invented a machine for shaving rafting pins, and thus established the manufacture of the rafting pin, which is in general use by all boom companies. In 1876 he settled in West Bay City and engaged in the lighter business and manufacture of rafting pins. He built a large dock of his own and rented it to A. Ballentine, of Saginaw, they used it for wooding their boats. He then sold out, and is at present engaged in the real estate business. He was married October 9, 1842, to Miss Lydia Ayers, of Tompkins Co., N. Y. Residence on Center Street, West Bay City.

William D. Hammond was born in Yates Co., N. Y., September 10, 1810. He remained there up to 1831, when he came to Trenton, Mich., fifteen miles below Detroit, and remained there up to 1861. While there he was engaged in the carpenter and joiners' trade. He then came to Bay City and remained four years, working at his trade as carpenter and joiner. He then moved to the state of Missouri. He was there two and a half years engaged in farming. He then, in 1868, returned to West Bay City, and has remained here ever since, engaged in the carpenter and joiner business up to 1882. He then engaged with the Michigan Central Railroad Company as flagman, at the crossing on Washington Street, in West Bay City. He has been a prosperous man since his coming to Bay City. Has a good home of his own on Linn Street. His two youngest sons are both employed by the Michigan Central Railroad. They are still single, and make their home with their parents. He was married December 26, 1850, to Miss Amanda Shaver, of Trenton, Mich. He has five children.

Frank Phillips was born in Detroit, Mich., December 16, 1851. In 1853, with his parents, he came to West Bay City, then called Bangor. He has made this his home ever since. He engaged in the saw mill business, doing all kinds of work. In 1875 he engaged with Taylor & Moulthrop, and has remained there ever since, though the mill has changed hands. The mill is at present owned by C. E. Lewis. Mr. Phillips is a hard working man, and by taking care of his earnings lias made for himself a good home. He lives on Transit Street, in the First Ward of West Bay City. He has a wife and one child.

William C. Davidson was born July 5, 1844, at Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. In 1849 he moved with his parents to Port Huron, Mich. In 1862 he came to Bay City on the propeller "Stockton," as cook. In. 1863 and 1864 he worked on the side-wheel steamer "Union," on Saginaw Eiver and Bay. Fired part of one season and engineered the balance of the time. In 1865, and two following seasons, engineered on the steamer "Wave," on Saginaw River and Bay. In 1868-'69 engineered on the steamer "General Sherman," trading between Saginaw and Cleveland. In 1870, and two following seasons, engineered on a steamer running on Saginaw River and Lake Huron. In 1878. and two succeeding seasons, engineered on the ferry boat "Sarnia," between Port Huron and Sarnia. In 1876 engineered on the steamer "Ketchum," trading between Buffalo and Chicago. In 1877 engineered on a tug in Saginaw Eiver and Bay. In 1878 bought the steam ferry boat "Hattie T. Brown," ferrying between Bay City and Banks. In 1882 sold her and bought the tug * 'Challenge."

In 1871 he was married to Mollie Holland, of Port Huron, has six children, four boys and two girls. One boy died in Port Huron. Mr. D. now resides in West Bay City, in the First Ward. Postoffice address, Banks, Mich.

James C. Danforth was born at Wyoming, N. Y., August 26, 1842. He remained there nineteen years, then with his parents, moved to Mount Morris, and was there five years in the grocery business. In 1862 he enlisted in the Sixty-ninth New York Infantry, served two vears. was discharged and returned home. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the New York Artillery, received four wounds, was confined to the hospital six months and received his discharge May 17, 1865, at Washington, D. C. He then returned to New York City, took a trip to Ireland and was absent two months. On his return he engaged in the oil business in Pennsylvania. In 1867 he moved to Buffalo and remained a short time, engaged in carriage making. In the same year he went to Midland, Mich., and remained three years. In 1871 he moved to West Bay City. In 1872 he was elected constable; in 1874 he took charge of A. Bailey's camps on the , Rifle River; in 1877 he was elected street commissioner, wiiich office he held until 1882. Since that time he has been in the employ of the Roscommon Lumbt r Company. He was married October 10, 1870, to Miss Mary A. Abram, of Goderich, Canada, and has two children. Residence, corner of Catherine and Jane Streets.

M. C. Miller was born in Harrisville, Mich., January 21, 1857. When he was a year old his parients moved to Histerman's Island, near Sebewaing, Huron Co., Mich., where they remained until 1862, when they came to West Bay City, then called Banks. At ten years of age he began sailing with his father, and has sailed the lakes ever since. He was a captain at twenty-one, saihng the steamer '^Hattie Brown," and has since then commanded different boats, being now captain of the "Cora B," owned by Mitchell & Boutell. He is a thorough sailor. He has a wife and one child. He resides in the First Ward of West Bay City.

Jefferson D. Beebe was born in Sandusky, Ohio, May 16, 1842. He remained there until 1849, when his parents moved to Oakland Co., Mich., and remained there nine years, daring which time he went to school. He then went to Livingston Co., Mich., staying there four years, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1862 he came to the First Ward of West Bay City, then called Bangor, and worked two years at the carpenter's trade. He then engaged in the fishing business, which he carried on for five years, and then worked at the carpenter's trade six years, returning again to the fishing business, which he followed until the present year, when he went into the employ of Smith Bros, as mill-wright. He has been successful in his undertakings, and has a comfortable home on Bangor Street, in the First Ward of West Bay City. July 3, 1863, he married Miss Adaline Trombley, of West Bay City.

Augustus Barie was born in Detroit, Mich., January 6, 1850. In 1853 liis parents moved to East Saginaw, where they lived until he was thirteen years old. During that time he attended school. , In 1866 he came to West Bay City, and has made this his home until the present time, being engaged in the hotel and saloon business, in which he has been very successful, and has accumulated considerable property, having three dweUing houses rented in the city. He is doing a good saloon business on the corner of Linn and John Streets. He is unmarried, and makes his home with his mother.

George L. Howard was born in Richmond Co., N. Y., March 21, 1829. At the age of fifteen he learned the ship carpenter's trade. Then he engaged in sailing on the ocean. In 1851 he settled in Cahfornia and remained there three years, engaged in the mines and also keeping a grocery store.

In 1854 he sailed for the Sandwich Islands, and remained there until 1856. He then sailed for New York City, arriving there in June of the same year. After visiting his parents, he came West and settled in Illinois. In 1856 he came to South Bay City, then called Portsmouth; he remamed there until 1861, when he removed to New York and engaged in getting out wood work for four monitors, which were being built for the late rebellion. He then returned to Bay City, and engaged in sailing Summers and working at his trade Winters, until 1878, when he purchased a farm in Tuscola County, where he moved. He remained there eighteen months, and then returned to West Bay City, and is at present engaged with James Davidson in his ship yard. He was married in 1860, to EHzabeth R, Willson, daughter of the late Capt. J. S. Willson, of Bay City.

John A. Hough was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., June 30, 1834. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Detroit where they remained two years, and sailed to Saginaw, locating at a place then known as the Bad River Canal, where they remained eighteen months. They then moved to what is now known as Bridgeport, in Saginaw County, where they remained three years, experiencing some of the inconveniences of pioneer life. Their corn was all ground by hand, as there was not a grist mill in that section of country. From there they moved to the Blower settlement where they resided five years, and during that time John A. attended school. Thence to SaginaAV City, where he learned the trade of carpenter, remaining there three years. At the age of seventeen he went to sea, spendmg two years on salt water and three years sailing on the lakes. Returning to Saginaw he enlisted in the army in 1864, and served until the close of the war ; was honorably discharged and returned home. He then moved to Au Sable, where he remained four years, working as carpenter and joiner. In June, 1881 he came to West Bay City and bought a home on the corner of Thomas and Crapo Streets. For the last two years he has been in the employ of H. W. Sage & Co. as carpenter and joiner. He has a wife and five children.

George Boston was born in Detroit, Mich., January 10, 1843. In 1861 he began to learn the ship carpenter's trade in Campbell & Owen's ship yard at Detroit. After learning his trade he was foreman for some years in J. M. Jones' ship yard. In July, 1872, he came to West Bay City and engaged as foreman for three years in Ballentine & Co's ship yard. He was then in different yards up to 1879 when he engaged with Wheeler i^ Crane of West Bay City, as foreman of their yard, which position he stiU holds, and is build- ing a steamer 190 feet keel and 215 over all, thirty-live feet beam ami fourteen feet hold. He resides in the Second Ward of West Bay City, of which he is alderman. He has a wife and five children.

Alexander Mullen was born in Cornwall, Canada, May 11, 1833. He remained there up to 18G7, during which time he had learned the millwright trade. He then came to West Bay City and engaged with Taylor and Moulthrop to do their millwright work and other building. Though the mill has changed hands several times he is still employed there. The present owner is C. E. Lewis. Mr. Mullen is a very pleasant gentleman and has been successful since coming to Bay City. He is a first-class mechanic, and attends to his business. He has a home of his own on Transit Street, First Ward of West Bay City. He has a wife and four children.

John Peterson was born in Sweden, April 7, 1842, and remained there until he was twenty-seven years old. After leaving school he served five years in the army; he was a member of the band. After leaving the service he went to Germany, was there one year, and then returned to Sweden, remaining there two years engaged in farming and teaching music. In 18G9 he came to Chicago, 111., and engaged as laborer on the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Kailroad, and was there two years. He was foreman one year on the Coldwater, Ohio & Mansfield Eailroad, and then contracted to build five miles of the Eockford & Greenville Eailroad. In 1873 he came to Bay City and built one and a half miles of the railroad that was to run from Bay City to Midland, but the company failed and the road remains unfinished. He was then engaged as foreman for the Bay City Water Works for a short time, and then returned to West Bay City and worked six years for Frank Fitzhugh. He then started in the saloon business. In 1882 he built a hotel on the corner of Washington and Eighth Streets, called the Johnson House, in the Fifth Ward of West Bay City. He is doing a good business and has many warm friends. He was married in 1863 to Betsey Peterson, of Sweden, and has two daughters.

William Cook, son of the late Thomas Cook, was born in West Bay City, April 27, 1859. At an early age he was employed in H. W. Sage & Co's mill where*he still remains, having been with the firm fourteen years. Mr. Cook has . the care of a Avidowed mother and her family on his hands and has never married. He resides on Henry Street, West Bay City.

1855 he moved with his parents to West Bay City. He attended school one year at Montreal and was in Ohio one year, acting as agent for a patent needle case, after which he returned to West Bay City and engaged in the fruit and confectionery business. He is at present erecting a building in which he proposes to open a grocery store. He was married April 25, 1880, to Florence W. Minnie, of Port Huron, Mich.

Desire Boucher was born in Quebec, P. Q., May 10, 1845, remaining there twenty years, during which time he learned the carpenter and joiner trade. In 1865 he came to West Bay City and engaged with Arnold & Catlin in their planing mill. In 1876 he started in the carpenter and joiner business for himself, which he still continues. He was married July 17, 1871 to Delia Lafrance of Bay City, and has five children. Eesidence, Center Street.

S. A. Plummer was born in Maine in 1835, and lived at home till eighteen years old. He worked in a mill and attended school till 1856. He married Miss Adeline Pratt, of China, Maine. He moved to Canada, on the St. Francis Eiver, and remained two years as a sawyer. Thence to Stillwater, Me., engaged at mill labor till 1863. He was active in 1862 and 1863 in filling the quota in his town for the war. In March, 1864, was drafted but secured a substitute for $800. In the meantime he secured the post of sutler, in the Two Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, which post he held to the close of the war. He returned to Maine, and in June, 1866, came to Wenona and engaged in the mill of Sage & McGraw, and remained with the firm and its successor, H. W. Sage & Co., for nine years, the last five of which he was foreman of the mill. In the Spring of 1875 he was elected supervisor of the town of Bangor. He was a member of the village council for three years, and one year president of the same. In 1875 and 1876 he was in company with E. T. Carrington in warehouse and commission business. Bay City. In 1877 he lumbered for himself and put in 4,000,000 feet. In 1878 he rebuilt five miles of logging railroad on the Titta baw^assee Eiver for the Plummer Logging Company, and operated the same till 1880. The following two years he was superintendent for Plummer & Bradley, at Ogemaw. For the past and present season he has acted as foreman and general superintendent at John Welch's mill. West Bay City. As a citizen Mr. Plummer has taken a decided interest in all matters for the advancement of the city.

General Development

In the progress of tliis work have been traced the pioneer and organic history of Bay County, and the growth of its two busy and beautiful cities. The lumber and salt interests have also been reviewed on account of their intimate connection with pioneer history and the two cities already represented. It now remains to consider the general development of the county, which includes a variety of subjects touching the past and future of Bay County.

Geneeal Agricultukal Resources

Upon the productiveness of its soil depends its prosperity and future importance as a county. Bay County was organized in 1857. At that time there were about twenty-five farms in the county. All eyes turned' in the direction of the Saginaw Valley beheld only the lumber traffic, and the value of lands was estimated according to the amount of standing pine upon them, without any regard to the kind of soil the lands might possess. Again, it was formerly a generally accepted theory that pine lands were wholly worthless for agricultural purposes, and the Saginaw Valley was particularly condemned on account of the fiat, swampy condition of the country. A few of the early farmers in the county were Nelson Merritt, who purchased land on the old "Cass" road, about 1856, and made a line farm, as described hereafter. Samiel Henry about the same time purchased land where he now hves in the town of Portsmouth. There were also Henry Hess, Jesse M. Miller, C. L. Meix, Mr. Essex, John Gaffney, Chas. Bradford, Amos Culver, Wilham W. Skelton, Nathan Knight, and a number of others who have made a success of farming. But slow progress was made in agriculture prior to about 1871; since that time the advance has been rapid.

In the course of an address before the AgriculturaL Society in 1878, Hon. Isaac Marston reviewed the situation as regards Bay County farming in a very clear and philosophical manner, as follows :

"In 1860 the population was 8,200, the greater number of which were then engaged in the business of manufacturing lumber, and in connection therewith, there was then but 102 farms in the county and but 2,567 acres of land improved. The principal crops raised were hay, (2,400 tons); oats, (3,900 bushels); corn, (4,600 bushels); and wheat (4,900 bushels). During the next decade there was some advance made, in 1870 the population had increased to 16,000, nearly five times as large as in 1860, yet the number of farms had but Httle more than doubled, or from 102 in 1860 to 271 in 1870, and the principal crops had increased in but the same proportion. In 1870 there was of hay, 4,000 tons; potatoes, 26,000 bushels; oats, 73,000 bushels; corn, 84,000 bushels; while wheat had increased but a little over 500 bushels, there being but 5,500 bushels of wheat; yet during the same year over 55,000 bushels of wheat were ground in the county, showing that nearly all the flour consumed in the county, even as late as 1870, was manufactured from imported wheat. ' During the next four years the improvement was more noticeable, the population had increased to 25,000, the number of improved farms had nearly doubled, there being 531, the number of acres improved had increased to 15,000, and a proportionate increase was observable in the crops. In 1876, 1,350 acres were sown to wheat, there was 1,451 acres of corn, 1,895 acres of oats, and the number of acres sown to wheat in 1877 was reported as 2,108. The yield of wheat in 1877 is generally estimated to be at least thirty- two bushels per acre as an average. The acreage sown the present year has been very much larger. This growth or progress while gratifying to many, yet falls far short of what it should have been. This can be seen more clearly on comparison with the counties similarly located and starting at about the same period. For the purpose of this comparison I take the counties of Tuscola and Gratiot, generally considered second to none in Northern Michigan for agricultural purposes, and the development of which has been rapid. In giving figures I quote round numbers, if Qver fifty, treat it as one hundred, if under fifty, not noticed. As already said. Bay County was organized in 1857, Gratiot, in 1855, and Tuscola, in 1850. In 1860 the population of Bay County was 6,000, Gratiot 6,000, and Tuscola 7,000. In 1864 the number of acres of land improved was Bay 4,000, Gratiot 17,000, and Tuscola, 20,000. In 1870 the population was. Bay, 16,000, Gratiot, 12,000, and Tuscola, 14,000. The number of acres improved at this time were. Bay 8,000, Gratiot 47,000, and Tuscola 48,000. In 1874 the population was, Bay, 25,000, Gratiot, 14,000, Tuscola, 17,000, and the number of acres improved. Bay 14,000, Gratiot 51,000, and Tuscola 61,000.