Bay County, Michigan - The whole text, 1883 (part 17 of 20)

The County of Bay has not paid, and never will be called on to pay, one dollar of this interest, nor any part of the principal of these bonds, for the reason that the property of the company on which Bay County is secured by a mortgage, is too valuable to warrant the owners in parting with it for so small a consideration.

The principal of the bonds would be paid at once for the sake of reducing interest, if the owners would consent to surrender, but as it is they cannot be paid until maturity, September 1, 1887.

The proceedings of the Board of Supervisors should appear upon the records, and it is very strange that with so many gentlemen still resident in Bay City, who participated in these negotiations and knew all the details, your committee should have failed to get the desired information.

You may assure the tax-payers of Bay County that they never will be called on to pay one dollar, principal or interest, of this debt, and that whether they are or not, the County holds a mortgage upon the railroad, which in any event would indemnify them.

The Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw railroad was extended from Saginaw to Wenona in 1867, and was completed about the same time as the Bay City & East Saginaw branch of the Fhnt & Pere Harquette road.

The progress of the road from Jackson north was as follows : During the Summer of 1864 a company was organized for the purpose of building the road from Jackson to Lansing, and during the Winter of 1865 the enterprise was completed, and regular trains were running to Lansing, a distance of thirty-seven miles. In the Fall of 1866 the company purchased that portion of the Amboy, Lansing & Traverse Bay Eailroad which was then in operation between Lansing and Owosso, and by Jan. 1, 1867, regular trains were running between Jackson and Owosso, a distance of sixty -five miles. Surveys for the continuation of the line from Owosso north to Saginaw and Wenona were commenced June 4, 1866, and the work of construction was commenced in November of the same year, and by January 1, 1867, the entire line from Jackson to Wenona, a distance of one hundred and sixteen miles, was in successful operation. In Hay, 1870, the construction of the road north of Wenona was commenced, and fifteen miles were completed by January 1, 1871. By January 1, 1872, the road was in operation to WeUs, a distance of forty miles noith of Wenona, and up to date of December 20, 1872, one hundred and twenty miles of roadway was constructed north of Wenona. An average of ten miles of roadway per month was entirely completed during five months.

During the year 1872 the work was carried on under the general supervision of W. D. Thompson, of Jackson, with W. Donovan as chief engineer, and L. Hason and A. H. Bannister as assistant engineers on construction, and H. N. WeUs, E. Treadwell, H. F. Temple, John A. Hitchell, P. E. B. Du Pont, and C. Donovan, assistant engineers on location.

In September, 1871, the road passed into the hands of the Hichigan Central Eailway Company. This company has extended the road to the Straits of Hackinaw, and it is known as the Hackinaw division of the H. C. E. E.

The road runs through the townships of Bangor, Kawkawlin, Eraser, Pinconning, Standish, Lincoln, Deep Eiver and Hoifat. The road runs due North from Kawkawlin to Standish Station. From that point it takes a northwesterly course through Deep Eiver and Hoffat Townships.

The facts about the construction of the road from Saginaw to Wenona are as follows: - "In the Fall of 1866, Messrs. Sage, Hc- Graw & Co. and D. H. Fitzhugh, proposed to the Jackson, Lansing

& Saginaw Eailroad Company, that tliey would construct the roadbed, build the bridges and furnish the ties for the distance between the bridge at East Saginaw and Wenona, and contract to complete the same within twelve months for f 80, 000 in paid stock of the road. The offer was accepted, and the work prosecuted with great energy, and the agreement fulfilled. The cars were running upon the track in December, 1867. Much credit is due for the zeal with which so much work was accomplished, to Chas. C. Fitzhugh, Esq., acting as superintendent of this part of the route; J. F. Willey, who had the grading contract, and Mr. A. A. Wright, track layer. A delegation from Jackson and other towns, numbering 300 gentlemen, passed over the road in December, 1867."

The Detroit k Bay City Eailroad extends from Bay City to Detroit, a distance of about 108 miles, and was completed in 1873. It is an outgrowth of the Northern Michigan Eailroad project, which began to be agitated in 1868. James F. Joy and others, of Detroit, and James Shearer, the Fitzhughs, WiUiam and John McEwan and other leading citizens of Bay City, interested themselves in a project of building a road from Detroit to Bay City, thence to Superior City, connecting with the Northern Pacific Eailroad. About |50,000 stock was subscribed in Bay City. Meetings were held, estimates prepared and the enterprise fostered for some time. About 1872 the project was taken hold of in earnest by James F. Joy, and the Detroit & Bay City road built very nearly on the projected line of the Northern Michigan Eoad. This road was completed in the Spring of 1873, and the bridge across the river built.

Projected Railroads

Like all new and ambitious business centers, a number of railroads have been projected that failed in becoming realities. A quite important railroad enterprise in which Bay City took an active interest was the projected Grand Eapids & Bay City. This was agitated about 1874, and quite a large amount of stock subscribed. The roadbed was graded from Bay City to Midland, and is now a foundation for som^e future railway enterprise. Eailroads to Port Huron, up the Bay Shore, and in various directions, have likewise, been built on paper.

Coal

Discoveries of coal underlying portions of Bay County have at two different times produced considerable excitement, and led to the organization of companies for the purpose of mining.

In 1867 the Pioneer Coal Company was organized with the view of operating at Dolsenville, but beyond pefecting an organization nothing of importance v/as done. In boring for salt traces of coal had been discovered, and it was at first beheved that mining might be successfully carried out.

The greatest excitement was produced in 1875 by the discovery of coal in the Eifle Eiver region. The discovery was made in the Fall of 1874 and the following April, a company was organized by Bay City capitalists, called the "Eureka Coal Company," with a capital of $250,000.

"Some time in November, 1874, while prospecting in Section Three, Township Nineteen north, Eange Four east, on the Eifle Eiver, a stream tributary to the Saginaw Bay, Ira Bennett, a resident of tliat section, found in the bed of the river (the water being at its lowest stage) a piece of something which resembled coal. He almost immediately communicated the fact to Leman L. Culver, of

Bay City, who fortliwith proceeded to the spot designated and began an investigation. He dug down into the bed of the stream and found coal dust in large quantities. Knowing that the bed of the river had changed some time in the past, Mr. Culver arrived at the conclusion that the water had originally flowed over a coal bed, and that as it changed had washed portions of it into the newly formed stream. His belief was in due time communicated to - Messrs. E. G. Sovereign, WiUiam Westover, H. P. Merrill and E. P. Gustin, of Bay City, and these gentlemen decided upon an exploration. The company secured control of nearly 2,500 acres in that section of Bay County, and at once commenced prospecting.

Before doing this, however, they sent some of the pieces taken from the bed of the river to Dr. S. S. Garrigues, who analyzed the same and pronounced them very fine specimens. Experts in coal mining were also sent for and they expressed the opinion that large veins of coal existed there.

At tlie point where the specimens were taken from the bed of the river, the south banks rise abruptly to a distance of over 100 feet, while a little way above they lise almost perpendicularly to a height of 200 feet. This was known as the Pinnacle, a point 700 feet above the level of Saginaw Bay. Believing that if the coal vein existed throughout this section, outcroppings of it would be found on the bank of the river (where 100 feet less boring would be necessary) the company commenced boring.

The first hole bored was to the depth of 120 feet, and while a vein of only six inches of coal was struck, the miners discovered vast quantities of slate and fire-clay, which by many was thought to be as great a source of wealth as the coal. We subjoin a statement of the thickness of the different veins :

From the filings drawn up from this last vein bullets were made, and there was every indication that it was really lead. Aside from this it is a fact well known that the Indians, years ago, brought large quantities of lead into town, but always persistently refused to tell where they procured it, although various expedients were adopted and untiring efforts made to gain possession of the desired information.

The slate discovered was of various degrees of hardness, ranging from the very hard, such as is used for billiard tables, roofing, etc., to the very soft, used for slate pencils, etc.

Finding only six inches of coal in the first hole sunk, the machinery was moved to another part of the field and again boring was commenced. After shifting about several times, the operators, on March 30th, struck a vein of coal only eleven feet below the surface. Continuing the boring, the vein was found to be two and one-half feet in thickness. Below it five feet of slate was found, and* after this, another vein of coal five feet in thickness. Not satisfied with this, the machinery was moved further down the stream to a point where the south bank is in the shape of three shelves, a few hundred feet apart, from the brow of the bhitf almost to the water's edge. At the base of the last of these shelves, and about fifty feet from the bank of the river, the boring was again resumed, and on April 12th a vein of seven feet was found. This latter vein was nineteen feet below the surface - there being above the vein ten feet of clay and nine of slate. Below the vein there existed six inches of prickings, the presence of which was calculated to be worth more than an additional foot of coal, because in mining the coal the workmen easily remove the prickings with a pick, and break the coal down into the cavity, thus saving the expense of blasting.

After striking this vein the company decided to organize a stock company and commence mining. A general desire being expressed to see the coal, they resolved to sink a shaft at once, and this they did. The shaft was twelve feet square, sided up, and was entered by means of a bucket. Having gone five and one-half feet into the coal the company. May 13, 1875, procured a special train and invited the public to visit the fields. This opportunity about ninety people availed themselves of.

The excursion and result of observations made were described at the time as follows: - "The excursion left Bay City a little before 8 and arrived at Deep River at 9 : 15. There were ninety passengers, half of whom found teams there and the balance at Sterling. The former place, however, affords the best facilities and will be the town in that section, for the reason that it is a trifle nearer the mine than Sterling, while it is twenty minutes ride nearer Bay City. It also has superior hotel accommodations to its rival. The roads from Sterling and Deep River may be termed a "Y" Sterling being at the upper arm, Deep River at the lower, and the mine at the base. The distance from Sterling to the point where the road intersects the one from Deep River is one and three-fourths mile, while from Deep River it is one and one -half. For this distance the roads are in bad condition but beyond this, three and one-half miles to the fields, the road is good. The bad portion of the Deep River road is to be repaired, however, and soon excursionists will not be obliged to undergo such a jolting as they experienced to-day.

From Deep River to the mine. The soil here, is a sandy loam resting on clay, underneath which is sand. It is productive, as the beech, maple and oak would indicate. Unfailing wells of pure spring water are found at a depth of twelve to fifteen feet, all of which, added to the salubrity of the situation, renders the town a very desirable place of residence. Proceeding to the coal region, we pass through large tracts of pine, chiefly Norway; the soil grows lighter until it almost disappears in an extensive sandy tract on which even huckleberry bushes with difficulty grow. All the way the surface is nearly level, with here and there slight undulations.

In estimating the value of the coal fields, suppose we take six feet for the basis of our estimate, and we find a yield of 9,680 tons to the acre, and 5,995,200 tons to the square mile, reckoning one ton to the cubic yard. If the company realize 50 cents profit per ton the net income per acre will be |4,840 and |2,097,600 to the square mile. The company have nearly 3,000 acres. In this estimate we have taken six feet for the depth of the coal, although over seven and one-half feet is the actual depth at the place of measurement. Whether this will hold out over the whole surface of course can only be determined by further developments, but from present indications the yield is as likely to exceed as to fall short of this estimate. The vein evidently extends back under the bluff through the entire region, and as it extends back from the river rises slightly toward the surface. This will enable the miners to work without difficulty, as the water will run down to the shaft, when it can be pumped out into the river by the engine which will be stationed there to hoist the coal.

Testing the coal. A skeptical contemporary asks why the coal has not been tested. In reply we wiU state that it has. It has been tried in grates and burned splendidly, the length of time which it has been out of the ground making no difference with its excellence. Again, it has been tried in forges, and here it keeps up its excellent reputation. The writer of this saw some samples tested in the forge at A. Stevens & Co's blacksmith shop at Deep River, and can state that every particle of it was consumed, making very little smoke and causing a fine, white heat. The blacksmith there, who was skeptical at first, after using it for some time pronounces it of a very superior quality.

And now the public will probably desire to know what the company will do next. We will answer this conundrum by quoting the following from the statement of all articles of association and amendments filed in the office of secretary of state from April 27th to May 8th.

They will complete ihe organization of the company, retaining for themselves a half interest, and disposing of the remaining onehalf in shares of $25 each. Fifty per cent will be paid in first to pay for the land, and 5 to 10 per cent more, which will he sufficient for working capital. There will be no difficulty in completing the organization, as applications for interests have been made by the hundreds, including men from Ohio, New York and other states.

In this connection we may allude to the fact that the railroad lines of Michigan are already looking toward the Rifle River fields as the place where they can in the future secure their coal - not only because it is nearer home, but because they will not be required to transfer it over roads antagonistic to them.

J. F. Joy, of the M. C. R. R., is greatly interested. It will prove a *'big thing" for the Central, as a saving of 50 per cent on all coal used by them will be effected, the company not being obliged to transfer it over any road but their own.

Mr. Joy has agreed to build a branch road to the mine within sixty days after it is placed in operation. Of course it is to his advantage to do so, as well as for the benefit of the coal company.

Mrs. Dennis, wife of the host of the Deep River House, has the honor to be the one who took from the shaft the first piece of coal. In future years this will be something of which Mrs. D. can boast with pride."

The coal fever ran high. The news traveled rapidly abroad that coal had been discovered in Bay County, and glorious predictions were made for the future of this favored region, with prodigal liberality. The people of the county felt themselves growing rich collectively and individually, and the Rifle River region found itself suddenly famous. Nor were these bright expectations groundless ; that there was coal was unquestioned. Scientific men had visited the region, and viewed specimens of the ore through their spectacles, and pronounced the existence of coal in considerable quantities a certainty. Several car loads were shipped to Bay City and other places to be tested, and it was pronounced to be of superior quality.

Then came the important part of the enterprise ; that of making it pay. There were several reasons why nothing further was done. It was supposed at the time that facilities for transportation would be immediately furnished, but circumstances occurred which defeated all the contemplated arrangements, and none could be effected that the company felt warranted in undertaking. Again, none of those interested had any practical knowledge of mining, and the enterprise finally became dormant. In sinking the shafts the flow of water was found to be a hindrance which had to be overcome by pumping.

But whatever may have been the reason the enterprise was virtually ahandoned, and the coal beds of the Eifle Elver region still constitute a portion of the undeveloped resources of Bay County.

Rivers And Lakes

In the south part of the county are the Saginaw and Kawkawlin Eivers, two historic and important streams. In the north are the Pine, Eifle and Au Gres, all of which are important logging streams. There is hut one lake in the county, and that maintains a solitary existence in the townships of Au Gres and Arenac. This unromantic hody of water is known hy the suggestive name of Duck Lake.

The first steps toward a county fair association were taken in 1865. On the evening of August 2Gth, of that year, a meeting was held at the Wolverton House, in Bay City, for the purpose of effecting an organization. At this meeting committees were appointed to draft articles of association and arrange other preliminaries.

The next meeting was held at the court house, September 2d, at which a constitution was adopted and the following officers elected: - President, Judge Birney; vice-presidents, E. P. Essex, Hampton; D. Jones, Williams; John Grant, Arenac; N. Merritt, Portsmouth; E. D. Blend, Bangor; Col. Eaymond, First Ward, Bay City; J. E. Thomas, Second Ward; Israel Catlin, Third Ward; secretf»ry, John Culbert; treasurer, E. B. Denison; Executive Committee, J. F. Willey, C. Scheurmann, C. F. Corhin, A. E. McClain, E. J. Camphell, G. H. Van Etten.

It was resolved that the society hold a fair about the 1st of October, and the executive committee were instructed to make arrangements for the same, and report at next meeting.

At this time there were but few farmers in the county to sustain such an enterprise, but the business men came to the front, and the first fair was a creditable success.

In 1867-'68, B. F. Partridge was chosen chairman hy the society, and two more successful fairs were held, proving that the farmers as well as others were progressing and ]3rogressive.

At the annual meeting in January, 1878, the president, Hon. Isaac Marston, made a lengthy report upon the condition and interest of the society, and with reference to the situation at the beginning of 1877, said:

"At this time the society had no grounds or buildings, having before then given one-half the receipts for the use of the grounds and buildings owned by private individuals. The new^ board at once determined, if possible, to infuse new hfe and vigor into the society and to hold a fair at the proper time, and considering the rent demanded unreasonable, and that more interest would be taken in the success of the society if it should rent or purchase grounds and erect suitable buildings thereon, it was deemed best to make some efforts in that direction - while the importance of the society owning the grounds was conceded. Yet to purchase land upon credit, might be to over-burden the society at the outset and thus impair its usefulness. It was on the whole deemed best to rent grounds and accordingly, five acres, just outside the corporate limits of Bay City and fronting upon a plank road were leased from the Bay County Driving Park Association together with the sole right to the use of the track, building and grounds of the Driving Park Association during the week for holding the County Fair in each year. The lands and privileges were leased for a period of five years with the privilege of renewal, or the right to purchase the grounds at any time during the continuance of the lease or renewal. The treasurer reported that there was a balance held over from 1871, with interest thereon amounting to f 842.26. This, of course, would fall far short in the purchase of materials and erection of buildings ; if, however, the greater part of the materials could be procured in the shape of donations to the society, the amount of money on hand would go far toward purchasing the balance of the materials and paying the labor of erecting, painting and fitting them up for exhibition purposes.

Our lumber manufacturers and hardware merchants were therefore called upon, and the w^ants and desires of the society made known, and so prompt and cheerful was the response that suitable buildings, permanent in their character, were erected, painted and completed in time for the exhibition in September. The building and improvements made at a low estimate are worth fully $5,000, and I doubt if any county society in the state can show buildings more tasty in appearance, or better adapted to the wants of an agricultural society for exhibition purposes. In this connection it might be as well to say that at the time of their erection it ^\ as supposed that altogether too much room was being provided, and that less space, fully occupied would have been better. Yet it was soon found that with the exceptions of stables for horses and pens for sheep, every available inch would be occupied, and the fact actually was that every other department was overcrowded, and that application for space made by our merchants had to be largely reduced, some not being able to obtain any, owing to delay in making ajDplication.

Since that time the society has prospered, and in 1879 the county purchased the grounds where the race track and buildings had been provided at great expense. The society now has beautiful grounds, spacious buildings, and everything for future use.

General superintendent, Pres. Partridge; Art and Music Hall, G. E. Van Syckle; agricultural hall, Nelson Merritt; dairy and household products, L. L. Culver; fruits, G. Fred Lewis; agricultural implements, WiUiam Gaffney; hardware and machinery, WilHam Gaffney; vegetables, John Jones; grain, Charles Fisher; cattle, Isaac Marston; sheep, swine and poultry, E. P. Gustin; horses, Joseph Seligman; game, S. A. Van Dusen; Marshal, Capt. William Simmons.

This society probably had an existence piior to 1865, bat there are no records of proceedings back of that time. In 1865 a re-organization took place, and J. M. Miller was elected president, J. L. Dolsen, secretary, and J. L. Monroe, treasurer. Since that time the society has been in a fairly prosperous condition, and its work has progressed. At the last annual meeting held in Bay City, in January, 1883, the secretary, T. F. Shepard, made a report from which we extract the following:

*^The last annual meeting of the Bay County Bible Society was held in the Congregational Church in Bay City, on the evening of June 20, 1881. At that time the constitution of the society was so amended that the annuul meeting should be held on the

Bay City

"Fishing is carried on by means of trap nets and gill nets. The trap net grounds are inside the bay, the best places being Campbell's fishery, Plough's fishery and Sulphur Island. The gill net grounds lie off the coast a distance of from five to ten miles. The number of rigs employed in fishing varies every year, but they number, generally, about ten trap nets and ten or twelve gill net rigs. The yearly catch will average between four and five thousand barrels, worth, at least, $30,000. Lately, a large business has sprung up in the fresh fish line, the fish being packed iii ice in Alpena, and then shipped to various points below. The most convenient sites for the giU net boats are on North Point, Sugar Island and Gull Island. The best fishing season is during the Fall, when the fish come on the various reefs to spawn, but the reckless catching at such times has sensibly diminished the number of fish. The principal fish sought after are white fish and trout. In addition to those are pickerel, bass, sturgeon, herring, suckers and a number of other varieties.

At the present time, this industry is extensively carried on at Thunder Bay, giving employment to a large number of men, and constituting a very important branch of business. A United States hatchery has recently been established at Alpena.

"Among the many business pursuits followed in the Saginaw Valley, especially at and around Bay City, that of fishing may be designated as being one of the foremost as regards extent and importance. But little notice is taken by the general public of the vastness of the business, and but a few would hardly reahze its greatness were it not for the newspapers which occasionally allude to the large hauls, extensive shipments, etc.

The best grounds for Spring fishing are on the east and west shores of the Saginaw Bay, extending from the mouth of the river to about twenty miles north on either side. On the^e grounds are employed at least 450 nets, 400 to 500 men, and from seventy-five to 100 sail boats or fishing smacks, as they are termed down East. The boats are constantly on the move, bringing their slimy cargoes to the Bay Cities for packing and shipment. The fish, ''all alive," are transferred from the boats to the different wharves along the river, principally toward the mouth, where buyers are stationed eagerly awaiting the arrival of *'fresh" loads. Enormous quantities of fish have been taken this Spring, the number of tons aggregating forty, fifty and sixty tons a day, the latter amount having been caught on April 7th. Since that date the catch has gradually lessened, on account of the stormy weather w4iich has kept the bay in an unceasing splash and turmoil. Pickerel are the fish caught this Spring, though there is a sprinkling of perch, dog-fish, cat-fish, bullheads and the like, noticeable in every load brought to the city. The former fish come into the bay about April 1st, looking for some quiet and placid sheet of water in which to spawn, and it is when they are on nature's mission that they are entrapped. It would seem that there should be some law to protect the innocents, and thus prevent an impending extermination of these fish from Saginaw waters, but a fisherman of sixteen years experience informs a Tribune reporter that such a law is unnecessary. Says he: ''I tell you what it is, these pickerel are increasing every year a hundred fold, and we are catching more and more every season. A few years ago I thought we would soon clean out the fish entirely, but now there are more than ever. There are ten to every one we catch, which succeed in spawning, and one of their fitters, when full grown, would fill a net, so you can see how fast they increase." Sturgeon andwhite fish, like pickerel, have their seasons. Sturgeon will be caught in large num hers on the east shore and around Charity Island, in about two weeks. Their spaAvn is given to an old German who, by a process of his own, makes it into ''caveau" or apple butter as the boys call it, for shipment to Germany, where it is regarded as a very palatable dish when properly prepared. White fish, in the Fall, are caught in paying quantities, and brought here for packing and shipping.

-''The season thus far has been a very successful one, and having opened so early, a number of fishermen have been led to beheve that it will not last long. In years past it extended to July, the last fish of 1881 being purchased in that month. There are those, however, who expect the fish season will last for some time yet, if not running along to July.

"The buyers are about the same as last year. George Giddey, who has this year branched out for himself, still occupies the Red House at Banks, and has met with good success. Shepherd & Mc- Donnell, Riker & Kilbourn, W. A. Beebe & Co., Lourim Bros., C. W. Gauthier, George Penniman and W. F. Benson, are principal purchasers and shippers. They handle the bulk, if not all the crop.

"The packing process is simple. The fish are laid away in common pine barrels in layers, between them and around the side of the barrels, bemg layers of ice. As soon as packed, the barrels are brought to the F. & P. M, and D. & B. C. Railroads for shipment, no fish in barrels being allowed to remain in Bay City over night. The cities that get the fish are Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland and Cincinnati, the latter having the best market. From these places the fish are shipped throughout the southern country, very few going east.

"In Banks, or the First Ward of West Bay, are located what are called the "freezers," houses constructed for the purpose of freezing fish, at this and warmer seasons of the year, when it is not desirable to make shipments, or when there is a big supply and a light demand. Fish are placed in flat, galvanized iron boxes, which are closed by tight fitting covers. These boxes are placed in layers, surrounded by ice and salt, and frozen the same as ice cream, except that everything remains stationary.

"In Winter, fishing on the Saginaw Bay through the ice, by means of spears, is an occupation followed largely by residents of the two cities, there being at one time a city of 2,500 persons on the congealed liquid, having a store, saloon and business places. Every Winter cannot be depended on, some being far better than others. The past two Winters, owing to the mildness of the weather, no fishing of any great extent has been done."

County Officers, Etc

1862. - Clerk, N. Whittemore; Prosecuting Attorney, L. Beckwith; Eegister of Deeds, Aug. Kaiser; Sheriff, E. H. Weidman; Treasurer, A. S. Munger; Judge of Probate, S. S. Campbell; Circuit Court Commissioner, A. McDonell; Surveyor, B. W. Seeley.

1864. - Clerk, N. Whittemore; Prosecuting Attorney, L. Beck-, with; Eegister of Deeds, B. Witthauer; Sheriff, P. J. P^rrott; Treasurer, A. S. Munger; Judge of Probate, S. S. Campbell; Circuit Court Commissioner, A. McDonell; Surveyor, J. M. Johnson.

1866. - Clerk, H. H. Wheeler; Prosecuting Attorney, Isaac Marston; Eegister of Deeds, B. Witthauer; Sheriff, J. G. Sweeny; Treasurer, A. S. Munger; Judge of Probate, S. S. Campbell; Circuit Court Commissioner, William Daglish; Surveyor. E. L. Dunbar.

1868. - Clerk, H. A. Braddock; Prosecuting Attorney, Isaac Marston; Eegister of Deeds, T. A. Delzell; Sheriff, P. J. Perrott; Treasurer, C. Munger; Judge of Probate, H, H. Hatch; Circuit Court Commissioner, H. H. Norrington; Surveyor, E. L. Dunbar.

1870. - Clerk, H. A. Braddock; Prosecuting Attorney, C. H. Denison; Eegister of Deeds, T. A. Delzell; Sheriff , Miron Bunnell; Treasurer, C. Munger; Judge of Probate, H. H. Hatch; Circuit Court Commissioner, H. H. Norrington; Surveyor, E. L. Dunbar.

1874. - Clerk, H. A. Braddock; Prosecuting Attorney, G. M. Wilson; Eegister of Deeds, H. M. Hemstreet; Sheriff, Martin W. Brock; Treasurer, William M. Fennal; Judge of Probate, J. W. McMath; Circuit Court Commissioner, Daniel Mangan; Surveyor, Madison Johnson.

1878. - Clerk, W. M. Kelley; Prosecuting Attorney, Alfred Lyon ; Eegister of Deeds, W. G. Beard ; Sheriff, George Washington; Treasurer, J. A. McKnight; Judge of Probate, John Hyde; Circuit Court Commissioner, J. E. Simonson; Surveyor, H. C. Thompson.

1880. - Clerk, W. M. Kelley; Prosecuting Attorney, A. P. Lyon; Eegister of Deeds, W. G. McMath; Sheriff, George Washington; Treasurer, Charles Babo; Judge of Probate, T. E. Webster; Circuit Court Commissioner, I. A. Gilbert; Surveyor, E. L.Dunbar.

Personal Sketches

University, and after leaving there entered Michigan University at Ann Arbor, where he graduated in 1873 and immediately settled in Bay City and began the practice of law. In the Fall of 1880 he was elected judge of probate, and entered upon the duties of that ofl&ce January 1, 1881. Judge Webster is a young man of fine legal abilities, and in the office which he holds is particularly popular with the people.

Heney Lindnee, county prosecuting attorney, is a native of Germany, and came to this country in 1856, and for several years lived at Sebewamg, Huron Co., Mich., and soon after settled in Bay City and began the practice of law. He has earned the reputation of being an excellent lawyer, and has a good practice. In the Fall of 1882 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, on the Democratic ticket, and entered upon the duties of that office the first of the present year.

William Gaffney, county clerk, was born in Ireland in 1845. He remained there till ten years of age, attending school after proper age. He came to America with his father in 1855, landing in New York. He settled in Livingston County, Mich., but soon came to the township of Wilhams, Bay County.

In 1861 he bought forty acres of land in Section Thirty-three, made some improvements and built a log house. He attended district school in Wilhams, ar.d in 1863 high school at Flint. Soon after he sold the land in Williams and bought eighty acres on Section Twenty-two, Monitor, which he now occupies as a farm. He has since added eighty acres on the south side, and has eighty acres under improvement, a good farm house, barn and orchard.

In 1871 he was elected supervisor of Monitor, the third year after the town was organized, and has held the office ever since, twelve consecutive years, till elected county clerk of Bay County, in 1883. Mr. Gaffney is the first man elected to a county office in Bay County, outside the two cities.

He has been one of the prominent members of the Board of Supervisors, having been a member of the most important committees of said board for past years. He married Miss Kittie Conroy, of Canadian birth, in 1879, then a resident of Bay City. He has had two sons, the younger of whom only is living.

Mr. Gaffney went on his farm when it would be considered no better than a swamp, and has brought it to a high state of cultivation, and through his energy and perseverance has done probably more than any other man to estabhsh the successful sytstem of drainage which has proved a vast benefit to the town.

Charles F. Marsac, sheriff, was born in Bay City September 17, 1845, and is a son of the late Capt. Marsac, one of the most distinguished of the Saginaw Yalley pioneers. The subject of this sketch has been identified with the lumbering industry most of his life. He was married to Mary E. Wellington, of Saginaw County, August 20, 1871. Mr. Marsac was elected to his present office in the Fall of 1882. He sustains an excellent reputation, and in his official capacity is serving the people in a very respectable manner.

W. G. Beard, register of deeds, is a native of England, and in 1849 his parents emigrated to Canada. In 1878 he came to Bay City from Hillsdale, Mich., and in the Fall of that year was elected register of deeds and held the office one term. In 1880 he opened an abstract and real estate office, the firm being Flower & Beard. In June, 1882, the firm was changed to Beard & Brigham. In the Fall of 1882 Mr. Beard was again elected register of deeds, and is now serving the county in that capacity. He has a family consisting of a wife and five children.

W. E. Magill, M. D., treasurer of Bay County, is a native of Port Stanley, Elgin Co., Ontario, where he was born, November 3, 1848. He studied medicine and graduated at the Western Medical

Eeserve, Cleveland, Ohio, and from Bellevue Hospital, New York. He came to West Bay City in 1870, and has practiced his profession till the present time. He held the office of superintendent of schools for five years, and was elected mayor in 1881 and 1882, and county treasurer at the last election. He married Adehne Keefer, of Hillsdale, Mich. They have one son.

faithful service JosiAH TiMMis should be mentioned in connection with the county's affairs, having been in service as deputy county clerk since early in 1874. Mr. Timmis is a native of England, but came to this country when quite young with his parents who settled in White Pigeon, Mich. He came to Bay City in 1862. In 1874 the business of the clerks' office was increasing so rapidly that a better system of managing its affairs was necessary, and Mr. Timmis was employed to assist. At first he was engaged only a portion of the year but very soon his continuous service was required. He has been a faithful and valuable servant. He is accurate and systematic in his work, and obhging to all having business with that department.

Number Of Men Furnished To The War

The proclamation of Pres. Lincoln, calling for troops to suppress the rebellion was issued April 15, 1861. The loyal people of the peninsular state promptly responded and furnished the quota assigned. Austin Blair was governor and John Eobertson, adjutant general. By the end of the war Michigan had sent to the front 90,747 men.

The first company that went into service from Bay County, was raised by Col. H. S. Eaymond, then captain, in 1862. It was raised in Bay and Huron Counties.

It must be remembered that Bay County in 1861 was in its infancy, and Bay City was only a rude village. The people of the county responded promptly and hberally to every call, as the number of men furnished shows.

Valuations And Taxes In 1872

The following is a statement of State taxes for Bay County, apportioned by the auditor general, October 5, 1882, under various acts of the Legislature :

Number Of Acres Of Land Assessed In 1881

The following is the report of Charles Babo, county treasurer, for the year ending January 2, 1883 : Balance on hand January 2, 1882 f 16,131 25

Fine Account Contra

For many years past the financial management of the county has been excellent, and at the close of each year there has been a satisfactory balance in the treasury.

In the arrangement of this work it has been the aim of the compiler to study the convenience of the reader, at the same time preserving the symmetry of the work. It must he home in mind that in portraying the rise and progress of the county, as a whole, much that pertains to the several townships is necessarily included, and to repeat facts once stated for the purpose of multiplying the pages of the respective townships would be both wasteful and tiresome. The general picture of pioneer life already spread upon these pages is a faithful portrayal of what early settlers in this region experienced. We have endeavored to make that picture sharp in its expression and a truthful representation of the incidents and circumstances it recalls.

In the experience of most townships, have existed, at various times, circumstances of administration common to all newly organized communities, but not of sufficient general interest to enter into recorded history. The townships of Bay County have had some of those experiences. In the administration of town affairs have occurred disturbing incidents; som times in connection with public improvements, sometimes in the adjustment of county affairs, and in those divers and sundry other matters wherein it is possible for towns or individuals to be aggrieved. In reviewing the inner history of county and township affairs one is led to believe that Bay County has been comparatively fortunate in administrative matters. In the distribution of burdens and benefits there has been less partiality and injustice than is true in many other counties. In the matter of public improvements the county has been as liberal as good judgment and wise prudence would warrant. That unsavory combination, known as "Eings," so common, so hardy and so devouring has not afflicted Bay County to an unusual degree. The mention of the respective townships that follows has reference to things connected with their own administration and progress. The order and dates ci their oiganization are as follows:

Hampton, 1843; Williams, 1855; Arenac, Bangor and Portsmouth, 1859; Beaver, 1867; Kawkawlin, 1868; Monitor, 1869; AuGres and Clayton, 1870; Pinconning, Standish, Deep Eiver, and Merritt, 1873; Mason and Moffat, 1874; Fraser, 1875; Lincoln and Whitney, 1880. Frankenlust was taken from Saginaw County and annexed to Bay in 1881.

Pioneer Women

Before proceeding with the township, we desire to mention a class of pioneers, not usually recognized; namely the pioneer women of the land. Somehow the usual accounts of pioneer life are concentrated with powerful emphasis upon the husband and father, as though each and every family of the cabins in the woods was without wife or mother, whereas the truth is that neither civilization nor progress have ever been accomplished save by woman's aid and influence. But a true history of pioneer women deals with sterner trials and rougher experiences than simple separation from loved associations for an isolated existence, or the softening and humanizing influence of woman upon frontiei surroundings. It portrays her enduring the same privations, participating in the same hardships and facing the same perils as the hardiest men. She might have been seen in the logging patch working by the side of her husband in clearing a little spot of ground for their garden, or later on, planting and digging, without the aid of hoe or spade, that a few vegetables might be secured for the Winter that is to come. Through long, lonely months, while her husband is working miles away, she remains alone with her little ones in the depth of forest solitude, visited only by the sneaking wolves" and wandering Indians of the forest. Her house has a single room, and that room a single window, and that window often but a single pane of glass. She travels on foot through tangled thickets and miry swamps, distances that would terrify most men unused to pioneer life, and carries burdens that would crush her under other circumstances. There are many women in Bay County to day who, during the first years of their lives here, had severer experiences than any thus far indicated. It must be remembered, too, that among the pioneer women were many reared amid scenes of refinement and who shared the privileges and luxuries of affluence. They were highly educated, but untaught in any of the rudiments of hardship. Their hands were unused to toil and their feet had never pressed the rough spots in life's path. Many such have suddenly been brought face to face with the most trying experiences of frontier life. And to the everlasting honor of her sex it can be said that the instances are very rare where woman under such circumstances has not proved fully equal to the emergency, displaying qualities of courage and fortitude to a most remarkable degree.

Let the teacher of grammar understand that the "Pioneer" of this work is not necessarily of masculine gender; but on the contrary, where the word is used in connections of greatest significance, it will be very safe to decide that the feminine gender is correct. Posterity should know that there were mothers as well as fathers in the early days, who helped to dig and plant and build, and in the award of credit, simple equity will demand that bearers of a cross should all alike be wearers of the crown. This is emphatically an instance wherein the head of the household should not be allowed to be the sole representative of the family.

This township was organized in the Winter of 1843, and the name of "Hampton," selected by James G. Birney, that being the name of his wife's country seat in New York State. The first township meeting at Sidney S. Campbell's hotel, and incidents connected therewith have already been given. The whole history of the Lower Saginaw region, from 1843 to 1857, is the history of Hampton township for that period. The territory of Hampton was first

The present boundaries of the township are as follows : north by Saginaw Bay, east by Saginaw Bay and county line, south by Merritt and Portsmouth, and west by Portsmouth, Bay City and Saginaw River.

In passing over the present township of Hampton and looking upon handsome farms and farm buildings, soil rich and easily tilled, the visitor would scarcely realize the condition of this territory twenty years ago. Then it was literally covered with water a good part of the year with no apparent possibility of drainage. The early settlers who paid two dollars and fifty cents an acre for land and water, never dared hope that within so short a time they would have farms thoroughly drained and worth from seventy -five to one hundred dollars an acre. This Qhange, however, has taken place and within the space of a few years.

In 1849, Joseph Hudson, who was at that time sailing on the lakes, visited the lower Saginaw region on a prospecting tour, and being favorably impressed with the location, decided to settle in the vicinity. Mr. Hudson was a native of Ohio and in 1847 married Fidelia D. Essex, sister of the late Ransom P. Essex, of Essexville, but at that time living in Connecticut. Mr. Hudson reported the result of his observations to Mr. Essex, and in 1850 the two families arrived in the township of Hampton, then a part of Saginaw county. Mr. Essex was unmarried and was accompanied by his parents. Mr. Essex located eighty acres of land where the village of Essexville now stands, and Mr. Hudson located forty acres adjoining. Boih built houses upon their land and lived there, but for several years were principally engaged in fishing and did but little in the way of farming. As before stated the land was water soaked and unfit for cultivation. For several years these two families were the sole occupants of that locality. About 1855 settlers began to come into the county and soon after that, a few settled in the present territory of Hampton.

Early Settlers

Nathan Knight was born in Otisfield, Maine. His father came to Michigan in 1826 and settled in Avon, Oakland County. His son, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm in that place, and was educated at Austinburg Institute, Ohio. After concluding his studies he taught school at times and at others clerked it for ten years. He came to the township of Hampton in '1856, and since that time his principal business has been farming. He was a representative in the State Legislature from Bay County for four years: 1877-'80 inclusive. He held the office of justice of the peace for the period of ten years, and that of school commissioner for one term. He is now (1882) supervisor for the township of Hampton, an office he has held for twelve consecutive years, which may be taken as a fair indication of the esteem in which he is held by the voters of the township. He was married to Harriet Stevens of Bennington, Vt., in 1850. They have had three children, but one of whom, a son, Birdsey Knight, is now living.

Louis GuLLETTE was born at Mt. Clemens, Michigan, June 7, 1820, and came to Lower Saginaw in 1836, where he worked for the Saginaw Bay Land Co. about two years, and afterward for Eraser & Barney. In 1858 he went to live in Hampton, on land he had previously purchased, and where he now resides on a good farm cleared by his own hands. He has been twice married and has five children. His present wife was the widow of Leon Trombley, of pioneer fame.

J. T. Essex was born in Connecticut in 1818 and at eighteen years of age moved to Ohio where he remained till 1850, when he removed to Portsmouth and built a shingle cutting mill, worked at salt manufacturing, running small engine and watching in mills till 1857, when he purchased his present farm in Hampton, where he has since resided. He married Rachel Cooper, formerly of Mt. Morris, N. Y., in 1853. They have had four children, of whom three are now living, including Geo. E. Essex, who is nineteen years of age. Mr. Essex once owned twenty acres of land where the village of EssexviUe now stands and where his father resided for many years and finally died.

Gerardus Vennix is a native of Holland where he was born in 1830, and in August, 1855, emigrated to the United States, coming directly to Lower Saginaw, and in 1856 worked on the public roads under Michael Daily, the then overseer of highways. He first purchased twenty acres of land in Hampton Township and in 1858 his present farm. Mr. Vennix has been overseer of highways and is the present township treasurer. He has been three times married, once in Holland and twice in Bay City, and has now living, eight children.

Henry Rooiakers was born in Holland in 1830 and emigrated to America in 1855, coming direct to Bay City, then Lower Saginaw, where he resided two years when he* removed to the township of Hampton and purchased his present farm, three-fourths of a mile east of Essexville. He has been highway commissioner one year and path master three years. He married, in Bay City, Theresa Lescohier. They have five children.

William Roecker was born in Germany in 1830 and is a turner by trade. In 1852 he came to this country and worked in Philadelphia at his trade nearly three years. In 1855 he moved to Bay City where he remained about two years and a half working in the mills and on the docks. He then bought a farm of forty acres, a few miles from the city. There being no roads at that date he was obliged to cut his way from Essexville to his land. He held the office of township treasurer seven years. He married Rosina Kurc, also of Germany.

Michael Engelhardt, one of the oldest settlers in Hampton, was born in Germany, in 1826. He married Sabina Katrina Wisspeintnerin, also of Germany, in 1858, fgur years after his arrival in this country. He has a fine farm of forty acres, nearly all cleared. Their family consists of three boys anc^ne daughter, who was married in 1878 to Philip Frederick Pfennegar.

The Eddy Family. - Joseph Eddy, the father of the Eddy family, was born in Providence, R. I., in 1801. In 1826 he was married to Susan Salsbury. In 1836 they moved to the State of New York, and in 1855 came to Bay City, Mich. In 1858 he bought a farm in Hampton and has been a farmer ever since. They have had seven children - six boys and one girl, all of whom are living excepting the youngest son. Of the sons, George P., Edward A., and Albert Henry enlisted in the army in the early part of the war, serving until its close. George P. and Edward A. were members of Co. F., 23d Michigan infantry, and were promoted to be lieutenants.

Cakl Wagner was born in Germany in 1819. In 1840 he married Eliza Herbert. In 1856 he emigrated to America, bringing with him his family of eight children. The same year they started for Bay City by boat from Detroit. But on their arrival at Saginaw Bay they found it frozen and were obliged to go to Port Huron, where they spent the Winter. In 1857 they again started for Bay City and on their arrival rented a farm a few miles from the city. Soon after, he purchased a farm. He now resides in the township of Hampton, his son Philip living with him. His children are all married and settled around him. He has held the office of school director and justice of the peace for sixteen years.

Patrick Bergan was born in Ireland, March, 1823, remaining there twenty-eight years, when he came to America and settled in Connecticut and engaged in farming, remaining there five years. He came to Bay City and engaged with the late Jas. Fraser. In 1858 he purchased a farm in the town of Hampton, where he moved with his family. He was married in 1850 to Hannah Dowe, of Ireland, and has two children.

This village was founded by Ransom P. Essex, whose early settlement in Hampton has already been mentioned. In 1867 he had a tract of eight acres surveyed and laid out into village lots. The territory platted was the west half of the northeast quarter of the southeast fractional quarter of fractional Section Fourteen, Town Fourteen north, of Range Five east. The name he gave to the place was "Essex," but people drifted into the habit of attaching a "ville," and the village became known as Essexville. Mr. Essex afterward platted an addition to tlie village.

Mr. Essex was for many years the leading man of Hampton Township, and held the office of supervisor during the war. He died October 31, 1874, at the age of forty-three years. He never married, and lived with his parents in the house which he built when he first came to the place. He left considerable property. His father, John T. Essex, died February 25, 1877, and his mother died January 1, 1878. The Essex homestead is now standing in the center of the village.

Joseph Hudson lives upon the land he first purchased. His house is now at the edge of the village. Aside from Ins farm he owns considerable village property. He has held all the township offices, excepting that of supervisor, and is a trustee of the village of Essexville for the year 1883.

The postoffice was established in 1872, and William Ames was postmaster a short time. He was succeeded by Ransom P. Essex, who held the office until his" death. Since then the postmasters have been John J. Jack, A. J. Harris, J. F. Emery and Thomas Headford, who still retains the office. Mr. Headford settled in Essexville in 1870.

The first school in this vicinity was taught by a Miss Corbin, in a log building situated about a mile and a half below the village. The first schoolhouse in the village was built in 1870 and was burned in 1879. The present school building is a substantial and commodious two-story structure, pleasantly situated and built in 1879. The schools are under the charge of Mr. F. N. Turner, a very successful teacher, who has been in his present position two years. His assistants are Miss Jennie Fry and Miss Mary Felker. The number of pupils enrolled in 1883 is 271; number belonging, 175; average attendance, 140.

Essexville was formerly a field for missionary work by the churches of Bay City. About 1870 the M. E. Society held services here, and in 1872 Trinity Church estabhshed a mission, and afterward built a chapel. In 1879, Rev. J. B. Dawson came here as a Congregational missionary, and organized a society. The first meeting was held May 1, 1879. Good Templars' Hall was used for holding service. In May, 1881, a church edifice was begun, which is expected to be dedicated in June, 1883. The society has thirty-three members, and is in a flourishing condition. Rev. Mr. Dawson still remains pastor. The trustees are Warren Eddy, Joseph Leighton, Thomas Watt, A. C. Hall, J. B. Garber, F. M. Turner and A. J. Harris.

Secret Societies

As early as 1871 a Good Tem^Dlars Lodge was organized, but it had only a brief existence. During the Red Ribbon movement in 1877, a society of that name was organized, which existed until 1881, when it was re-organized into a Good Templars lodge, under the title of Prosperity Lodge, No. 350. There are about thirty active members. P. B. Root is W. C. T. ; F. N. Turner, Sec'y, and Mary Felker, Treas. The lodge room is in Bartlett Hall.

Light House Lodge, No. 235, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted, July 1, 1874, with nine members. As early as 1872 the subject of organizing a lodge was agitated, but not more than five or six Odd Fellows could be got together. In April, 1874, a meeting was held in a vacant house in the outskirts of the village and it was there determined to organize. Among those who were instrumental in starting the lodge were James Burgess, G. Parker, J. H. Stokoe, William Elliott, D. C. Fisk, John Jack, J. Hudson, C. C. West pinter. The first officers of the lodge were James Burgess, N. G. ; George Parker, V. G,; C, C. Westpinter, R. C; J. W. Jack, Treas. At the expiration of the first term there were thirty-three members. The lodge has now a good membership, among whom are some of the leading men of the place. Officers, J. Anderson, N. G.; William Warren, V. G.; Wilham Leighton, R. S.; Wilham Felker, P. S. ; George L. Fisk, Treas.

The principal business done in the village during the first few years was by saloons. In 1875, A. J. Harris came from the state of Kansas and opened a drug store; the first one in the \dllage. Since that time the growth of the place has been gradual but continuous. There are several neat residences, the most extensive being that of Mr. J. R. Hall, a view of which appears in this work.

The Essexville Mystery

A locality that cannot boast of at least one mystery, has reason for life long lament. About 1871, Essexville had its mystery, the particulars of which were narrated at the time about as follows: able to walk dry shod over a swampy tract of land just below Essexville, owned by Capt. Smith. In this marshy tract is, what is locally called, an island - an elevated piece of ground, high and dry, covered with willow and underbrush. While leisurely walking over this island the boys' attention was drawn to some decaying logs by the fetid and unbearable smell that came from them. One of them stepped on a log, and peering over, shouted fco the other boy. Both looked over and were petrified for the instant at the sight of a bloated, swollen human body, with upturned face. An old horse blanket, which had probably been wrapt round the body when it was carried to where it was found, was by it, and had been either pulled away by hogs or the elements. The body lay partly on this blanket. The boys, noting nothing of what they saw further than that it was a human body, hurried to the village and made known their discovery. The magistrates at that time were Capt. Smith and Kansom Essex. As it was then a late hour of the day, and darkness was coming on, it was deemed prudent to defer an examination to confirm the boys' story till the next day. At an early hour the whole unemployed population of the neighborhood turned out and went to the place indicated by the boys, but no body was there. There was the same fetid smell, and the exact position where it had lain was shown by a huge mass of crawhng worms. Where the body had lain the worms lay in a mass, inches deep, but they were beginning to crawl away. On examination it was discovered that two men had that night come and taken away their loathsome burden. Their footprints were distinctly visible in the oozy ground of the partly dried up marsh, but as soon as the dry timber ground was reached all trace was lost, although it was stated in the newspapers at the time, that the body was taken to a mill dock in a sack and thrown into the river. The men searched the neighboring .woods thoroughly, but all trace was lost and every sign failed to yield a clue to workrupon. The magistrates put forth every effort, and many surmises were afloat, but the difficulty was that the body having been hid, no one dared make a complaint with no evidence to stand upon. Therefore after much talk for over a month, the matter quieted down. This is all of the subject ever given to the public ear. We will now follow it up in a general way, and state what was the opinion at that time of those who were observant of the event, and how after circumstances went to corroborate that opinion.

Soon after the great facilities for making salt in the valley became noised abroad, a great number of adventurers flocked hither, and saloons sprang up in every hole and corner. Most of them were classed as boarding houses, and were in fact saloons and boarding houses combined. As the rush to the valley was so great, the then established hotels could not accommodate all that came. To better understand what is to be said, it would be well to state that many of these saloon boarding houses were well conducted and orderly. With some it was otherwise, and it is the few black sheep that bring a bad reputation to the whole flock. The saloons of the last mentioned class, so it is stated, were in the habit of employing men of affable demeanor to *'spot" strangers, to keep in their company, and chat and talk to them, if of that disposition. In the larger cities, without coming nearer home, they are said to have their board and lodging, and the run of the bar free, and get their income and living by plunder in the way of gambling, etc. The proceeds of these nefarious transactions are divided between the stool and the man he works for. After the finding of the body, as we have stated, and the worst of the excitement had lulled down, Mr. Essex had a circumstance brought to his mind, from which in some way or other he could not divert his attention, thinking that it was in some way connected with this tragedy. About two months before the body was found in the woods, a stranger came to Essexville and had several times stayed over night at one of the saloon boarding houses. Twice he had called upon Mr. Essex to negotiate for some ehgible village lots, and was to have called again, but he never came. Mr. Essex thought he would make inquiries, and knowing where the man put up, called on the proprietor and asked him at once and off-hand where such a person, naming him, could be found. The dogged manner of utterance and florid tinge of countenance of the man spoke volumes to a man like Eansom Essex, who was gifted with a keen penetration of human character. Mr. Essex has been heard to state that he was well aware he had a secret enemy in this man, whom it was well to guard against. Subsequently he made inquiries in Bay City, and learned the place where he had frequently put up, but no hotel register was kept to give a clue to where he came from, nor could any one tell his name. He was a man perhaps thirty-five years of age, had the air and bearing of a store keeper, of light build and genteel appearance generally. The taking away of his body at night, after the report of the -boys, was conclusive evidence that the murderers were in Essexville at that tmie. During the same year (1870) several persons were missed. One was a man from Bay City with over |400 that he had collected for his employer on his person, and was never heard of again. There was a man over the river missed after receiving money from the office of Sage & McGraw, but his body was found in the river. At each of these times the pubhc would rest on the idea, and remain satisfied, that the missing man was identical with the man whose body was seen by the boys in the Essexville woods. Eansom Essex is now dead. The man on whom strong suspicion had ever rested, left the j)lace. And so the affair remains a mystery.

The vihage of Essexville was incorporated by act of the Legislature in the Winter of 1883. At the first election under the village charter the following persons were elected to the offices named :

John Sharp was born May 11, 1812, in Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y. From there his parents removed to Onondaga County. In 1842 he came to Michigan, locating at Flushing, Genesee County, where he was engaged in the blacksmith, grist and saw mill trades. About 1854 he removed to Saginaw City, and run a ferry across the Saginaw Eiver fco East Saginaw for the late Judge Davenport. He continued in that business until 185S(^when he was appointed keeper of the light house at the mouth of the Saginavi^ Eiver. This position he held for seven years, when he resigned on account of insufficient salary and the impossibility of giving his children an education in that isolated locality. While he lived at the light house it used to be, in Winter time when the ice was good, a favorite drive for many a merry party from the Saginaws and Bay City. On his removal from there he came to Bay City, and for a number of years occupied the old *'Longton House." After coming to Bay City he engaged in the fishing business, which he has followed more or less ever since. He was in partnership with the late Julius B. Hart in the fish trade for a couple of years. He now lives with his son, Will P. Sharp, at Essexville, who is also a fisherman. He has been married twice, both wives being dead, however. He has had nine children, only three of whom survive. Mr. Sharp has always been an ardent sportsman, and a few years ago no hunting party was considered complete that did not number "John" in it.

Henry F. Emery was born in 1844, in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. When he was but a child, his parents removed to Genesee County, where he lived some twelve years. In January, 1860, he went to Wisconsin. He run an engine in a saw mill at Knowlton for a number of months, and also was over a year in a machine shop at Madison. In 1861 he enlisted in the Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. He served until 1863 when he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. He was wounded twice, once at Bayou Cache, Ark., and once at Bolivar, Miss. About the time of his discharge he was promoted to a second lieutenancy. He went back to the state of New York, when he left the army, and for a time was agent for the United States Petroleum Company, and also sold portable engines in the Pennsylvania oil regions. He then came West again and lived for a while at Keokuk, Iowa ; run an engine on the Chicago & Rock Island and the Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroads. He lived at Ligonier, Ind., for a year, and also had a machine shop at White Pigeon, Mich., for a time. He came to the Saginaw Valley in 1868. He lived at Salzburgh for some months, and then came to Essexville and was engineer in Carrier & Co's mill for six and a half years. In 1875 he built a shingle mill which was afterward burned, a few days previous to which he had one of his hands cut off. Since then he has been engaged in the agricultural implement trade. In 1875 he purchased what was known as the Smith & Hart portion of Essexville. He was postmaster two years, justice of the peace seven years, school director and other minor offices. He has also been a lumber jobber for a number of Winters. He was married, December 25, 1865, to Miss Polly J. Howard, of Wyoming County, N. Y. They have one child, a son, living.

J. R. Hall is a native of Maine, where he was born in 1830. He remained in the state until 1860, when he moved to Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio. In the Fall of 1870, he came to Essexville and the following Spring built a shingle mill, which at the present time cuts 51,500,000 annually. In connection with his shingle mill, in 1875, he added machinery and facilities for manufacturing salt on a large scale, the product reaching 58,000 barrels in ten and one-half months, ending December 1, 1882. In 1876 he made Essexville his permanent home, and in 1879 built his present residence, in the design of which he has shown extremely good taste.

Fred. E. Hall, son of J. R. Hall, of Essexville, was born in Maine, in 1853. In 1860 he went to Ohio where he remained until 1871. He then moved to Bay City, and engaged in lumbering and salt with his father until 1880, when he opened a general store m Essexville. The business Jaas been successful, and he is now building a fine brick store, which will be occupied by him in April. The building is situated on the corner of Main St., and Woodside Ave.

Alexander C. Rorison came to the Saginaw Valley m 1867, and in company with his father, built a saw mill on the Middle Ground, in South Bay City, then Portsmouth. In 1869 he enlarged the mill, and Abram Miller became a partner, the name of the firm being Rorison, Miller & Co. In 1871 A. C. Rorison sold his interest to H. Richards. The mill is owned at present by E. J. Hargrave. Mr. Rorison then built a saw^ mill at Deep River in Bay County, and sold that to A. Stevens & Co. In 1880, in company with George Lanford, he built a shingle mill at Essexville, town of Hampton, the firm being Rorison & Lanford. They still continue the business there.

George Lanford was born in the state of Ohio, in 1844. In 1846 he came with his parents to Grand Rapids, Mich. In 1851 he went to Grand Haven, then to White Lake, in Muskegon County, and in 1869 came to Bay City, where he engaged in the lumber business in company with A. C. Rorison. The firm have a mill at Essexville, in the subur >s of Bay City, with a capacity of 14.000,- 000 per annum. Mr. Lanford was married in 1865 to Mary E. Finch, of Muskegon.

Anthony Walraven was born in Holland and came to the United States in 1855. Lived for some time in Cleveland, Ohio, coming to Bay City in 1858. In 1870 he built a hotel in Essexville, which he kept until 1881, and then sold it. He is now engaged in farming in the township of H impton. He also keeps a restaurant and saloon in the village of Essexville. Has been married twice and has a family of four children.

George M. Hall is a native of Brunswick, Maine. Came to Michigan in 1869. First located at Midland, where he was in the employ of J. R. Hall, shhigle maker, for three years. He removed to Hampton in 1872, to become superintendent of Mr. Hall's shingle mill there, which is the largest in this part of Michigan. Was married in 1879, to Charlotte J. Pix, of Middlesex Co., Ontario. They have one child, a boy.

Amos Felker was born in Wentworth County, Ontario, in 1831. In 1860 came to Bay City and engaged in business as a mill-wright. Has assisted in building some of the mills on the Saginaw river. In Essexville he built a shingle mill which he run for three years in company with a Mr. Smith. In 1881 he sold out his interest, and has since been working at his trade. Is at present with C. E. Lewis. Mr. Felker still resides in Essexville.

John W. Cupit was born in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1850. Came to the United States in 1871. Was for three years chief clerk and assistant cashier in the Detroit offices of the Great Western Railway. In the Spring of 1875 he left the employ of the Railway Co., to take the position of clerk of the propeller "Benton," which used to ply between Bay City and Cleveland. He remained in that position for three seasons, and then became business manager and bookkeeper for J. R. Hall, the well known shingle and salt manufacturer of Essexville, in the township of Hampton. He was married in 1877, to Alice L. Hall, of Essexville. They have one child, a boy.

Thomas Atwell was born in Ireland, March 29, 1814. In 1848 moved with his parents to Merrickville, Canada, and was there nine years. While there, attended school. In 1857 moved to Bothwell, in the oil regions of Canada, and while there learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1868 moved to Bay City, and engaged in the blacksmith business, which he has followed ever since. In 1882 he engaged with J. R. Hall, of Essexville, to do his blacksmith work for his mills and salt blocks. He has been successful since coming to the valley. He was married August 2, 1877, to Lorinda Rikerd, of Tuscola County, and has two children.

Joseph Paulin DeCourval was born January 22, 1832, at Three Rivers, Quebec, Canada. Came to Bay City in 1866, where he remained three years. In 1869 he removed to Essexville in the township of Hampton. For a number of years he followed the lumber piling business, doing that job for Carrier & Co. Was afterward in the mercantile trade, and also run a shingle mill in 1875-76. Hehas held the office of township treasurer for two years, and was a justice of the peace for six years. Is married, and has a family of four children - one son and three daughters.

William C. Webster was born in Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio. Enhsted in August, 1861, in the 11th Ohio, and served for three years, the term of his enlistment. In 1876 came to Bay County, since which time he has been employed in J. R. Hall's

Calvin H. Walrath is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y. Came to Michigan in 1869. Lived in Kalamazoo till 1875. Returned east to Watertown, N. Y., and was in the live stock business for two years. Prom 1877 to 1878 was bookkeeper for the oar factory at South Bay City. 1878 to 1879 was engineer in Fray & Merrill's grist mill. In 1879 became bookkeeper at Carrier & Co.'s saw mill, in the township of Hampton, where he is at presnix; school inspector, John H.Sharp; superintendent of schools, Ralph Pratt; justice, full term, Philo B. Root; highway commissioner, Wm. Maxson; constables, Dennis Brunett, H. VanWort, N. Culler, James Wynne.

John B. Garber, engineer for J. E. Hall, a native of Pennsylvania, Avas born in 1838. In 1868 he came to Michigan, stopping a short time in Pine Eun, and Midland. In 1872 he engaged with Mr. Hall. He has lately purchased a farm in Hampton township of fifty-one acres, most of which he has cleared himself. Married Mary M. Collar. They have six boys and one girl.

James Beebe was born in Genesee County, N. Y., in 1828. In 1838 he moved with his parents to Oakland County, Mich., their only conveyance being a horse. At night they would camp by the roadside. They remained in Oakland County until 1884, when they moved to Saginaw City, then to Thunder Bay. In 1851 he came to Bay City, engaged in the business of looking land for lumbering, which he still continues. He was married in 1851 to Angeline Foot, of Bridgeport, Mich.

Hampton is regarded as the banner township of the county. It contains many exceptionally fine farms, among which are those of Nathan Knight, Gerardus Vennix,Wm. Maxson,L., H. Fisk, John Jones, Amos Bailey, and Henry Eooiakers. The stock farm of William Westover, is in Hampton. He has a very fine herd of Holstein cattle, one of which is represented on this page of the history. Gustin & Merrill, wholesale grocers in Bay City, have each

Taxes For 1882

Edwin E. Phillips was born in Monroe County, Mich., April 3, 1835. In 1837 wdth his parents he moved to Oakland County, and was there until 1870. During that time was engaged in the produce business. He brought his produce to Bay City in a wagon, as there was no railroad at that time, and the roads were very bad in those days. In 1870 he moved to Bay City and engaged in the agricultural business, selling mowing and threshing machines. Was agent. for B. F. Dow & Co., sixteen years, selhng mowers and reapers. In 1873 he engaged in the dairy business, which he still follows with good success. Keeps fifty milch cows beside other stock, lie has imported stock from The Hague, Holland. Since 1878 he has been engaged in the lumber business. He gets out on an average, three milhon of shingles yearly. Is living on the McGraw farm, one and one-half miles east of Bay City, in Hampton township. Was married December 23, 1862 to Miss M. E. Draper, of Oakland County.

G. W. BuTTERFiELD is a native of Michigan. He was born at Utica, Macomb County, in 1843, where he remained until nineteen years of age. On the breaking out of the late civil w^ar he enhsted in Company B, 22d Michigan Infantry, Col. Wisner's regiment, August 7, 1862. In November of the same year, was transferred to the signal corps, where he served in all the principal campaigns of the West under different Generals, among whom were Generals Eosecrans, Thomas, Grant and Sherman, including the campaign of Atlanta and the Carolinas; also Sherman's famous march to the sea. He was present at the surrender of Johnston in 1865, May. 23 took part in the Grand Eeview at Washington, and on July 10, 1865, at St. Louis received an honorable discharge. He then returned to Michigan and settled at Lapeer, where he remained until 1869; then wishing to try his luck elsewhere, went to Kansas, where he resided until 1874, when he returned to Michigan, and in the Spring of 1875 settled in Hampton, where he engaged in the dairy business, supplying milk for city use. Married in 1866 to Miss Amanda E. Hicks, of Lapeer, Mich. Has three children, J. H., Katie M., and Ira W.

Truman Eundel w^as born in Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1860, locating in Tuscola County where he lived about three years. He enhsted in 1864, and was a member of Company H, Michigan, Twenty-third Infantry. Was wounded at the battle of Nashville, aud remained in hospital for nearly a year. On his return to Michigan he took up his residence at Bay City, where he lived until 1879, when he bought a farm in the township of Hampton, and now^ prides himself upon raising potatoes that "take a yard stick to measure them." He was married in 1851 to Clarissa J. Crippen, of Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y. Their family of children consists of "two pair," which he says will beat any "three of their kind." During Mr. Eundel's earher days he twice circumnavigated the globe, and was for seven years a gold digger in California. During his residence in Tuscola County he served a term as justice of the peace.

Andrew J. Walton was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1829. He cam9 to Michigan in 1873 and settled in Bay City. Previous to coming to Michigan he was the sheriff of Geauga County, Ohio, from 1866 to 1869. He was married in 1855 to Carohne Griswold, of Geauga County, Ohio. They have two children, boys; one of whom, Chfford S., is now in his second year as cadet at West Point, where, in a class of 103, he stands No. 3. The other son, Frank G., is a member of the well known Knight Templar band, of Bay City. Mr. Walton in 1879 was appointed keeper of the Bay County poor farm, which is situated in Hampton Township, and the farm and poor house under his management^ are very favorably spoken of.

J. J. Eichardson was born in Lunenburgh County, Va., November 24, 1836, and at eleven years of age moved with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained seven years, then moved to Detroit and was there and at Lansing till February, 1855, when he came to East Saginaw and two years later to Bay City, where he remained till 1870, when he purchased a farm in the township of Hampton, which he has since occupied and improved. He was married October 18, 1859 to Mary M. Duclos, a native of Green Bay, Wis. They have had two children, one of whom is dead.

George Parker is a native of Ohio, where he was born, July 3, 1844. In 1862 he enhsted in the Seventh Cavalry, under Gen. Gerard, as a private, but served on the General's staff as an §id, ranking as second lieutenant. He served two years and ten months, and was wounded at Blue Springs, Tenn., and Crab Orchard, Ky. In April, 1868, he came to the Saginaw Valley, and since 1871 has been employed as engineer in (Jarrier & Co's mill, Essexville. He was married to Sarah J. Kenedy, and they have five children.

E. E. FisK was born in Cass County, Mich., November 26, 1855, and in 1866, with his parents, came to the township of Hapipton. Bay County, where his father purchased land and engaged in farming and raising small fruits, which he continued until 1880, when he sold out and with his family went to Kansas where he died the same year.

The subject of this sketch then returned to Bay County and settled on Section Fourteen in the township of Hampton, wh^re he has since resided, and engaged in gardening and raising small fruits. He was married, July 4, 1876, to Miss Minnie A. Smith, of Hampton, and has one child.

James McGill was born at Amherstburg, Ontario, September 18, 1825. Shortly afterward he removed to Cattaraugus County, N. Y. He came to Detroit, Mich., in 1849, and to Bay City in 1862. He engaged in the carpenter businesfe and built the new Baptist Church, corner of Madison and Center Streets, in 1873. He then removed to his farm in Wisner Township, Tuscola County, returning to Bay City in 1881 to recommence business. He resides just out side of the city limits upon a small farm, upon which he has a comfortable residence.

Charles Wintemeyer was born in Germany, January 8, 1830. In 1850 he came to Bay City and engaged in different saw mills until 1859, when he purchased a farm in the town of Hampton where he still resides. He was married in November, 1859, to Anna Blesloa, of Germany.

John Wait was born in Buffalo, N. Y., August 30, 1850. In 1860 he moved to Saginaw, Mich. In 1862 he came to Bay City, remaining here until 1881, when he took a trip to Saginaw in search of his child which was stolen from him. After finding her he returned to Bay City, remaining here ever since. Mr. Wait is at present engaged in boring and repairing salt wells. He resides with his little daughter at Essexville, in the town of Hampton.

John B. Demars was born in St. Johns, New Montreal, Canada, June 25, 1844. In 1862 he moved to Hartford, Conn; then to Springfield; then to Chicopee, Mass. In 1864 he was employed by the Government in a harness shop and remained there six months, and then moved to Cohoes, N. Y. In 1865 he enhsted in the One hundred and forty-second Eegiment, Company K, where he remained until the close of the war, when he received his dis- charge and returned to Troy, N. Y. In 1867 he moved to Detroit, Mich., remained there until 1878, when he came to Bay City and engaged in the carpenter and joiner's trade which he still continues. He was married to Emily Lemprent, of Rouses Point, N. Y.

HoEACE P. Waefield was born in Bradford County, Pa., April 14, 1843. In 1846 he moved with his parents to Wayne County, Pa., remained there until 1861 when he enlisted in Company C, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry as private, and was promoted to lieutenant, remained until the close of the war, then returned home and engaged in the lumber business. In 1866 he came to Bay City and engaged with H. W. Sage & Co., in the saw mill. In 1877 he engaged with J. R. Hall, of Essexville, as manager of the salt works, which position he still retains. He was married January 2, 1872, to Olive M. Rounds, of West Bay City.

Joseph Sheimer was born in Germany in 1826, and followed farming there until 1855 when he emigrated to America. After a year's residence in Marine City, Mich., he moved to Bay City where he obtained employment in one of the mills. Within two years he purchased land in Hampton Township. He married Ehzabeth Riejl, also a native of Germany. They have one son.

Gilbert Boutell was born in Livingston County, Mich., in 18 '4, and came to Bay City in 1869. He followed' sailing until June, 1880, having raised himself to the position of master. He then bought a small farm in Hampton Township, where he now resides engaged in gardening. He married Susie A. Prime, a native of Canada. They have two daughters.

Cornelius Huskens was born in Holland in 1831, and came to America in June, 185 5,. stopping first in Lower Saginaw where he worked at odd jobs and at fishing, in partnership with his brothers, tiU the Fall of 1881, when he removed to the township of Hampton and engaged in market gardening, having purchased land for the purpose, and has built thereon a neat, comfortable residence. He married Mary Van Wort in Bay City, who came from Holland in 1887. They have four. children.

Legrand H. Fisk was born at Girard, Erie Co., Penn. His father removed with his family to Michigan in 1837, where they settled in Calhoun County. Since then Mr. Fisk has lived in Jackson and Gratiot Counties. In 1866 he bought a farm in the township of Hampton, and has been engaged in farming up to the present. He was married first in 1858. After the death of his first wife he was married to Callista D. Kimmerley in 1878. Miss Kimmerley was a nati e of Grey County, Ontario.

William Maxson was born in Orleans, Jefferson Co., N. Y. His parents removed to Michigan in 1846, where they bought land and engaged in farming. Mr. Maxson is also a farmer, and lives in Hampton, Bay Co. He enlisted in the Tenth Michigan Cavalry in the early part of the war and served until the close. He has been a highway commissioner for twelve years, school commissioner, six years, and is now acting as one of the superintendents of poor for Bay County. He was married, to Mary J. Woods, of Akron, Ohio, in 1859. They have had a family of seven children, ^Ye of whom are now living.

John Jones is a native of West Virginia, where he was born, in 1830. In 1856 moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., and in 1857 removed to Michigan, and for two years following passed his time in Detroit and Chicago, and in 1859 came to Bay City, on the "Sam Ward," and worked for Judge Birney on a farm where now stands the High School building. He afterward -engaged in draying, and market gardening on Eighth Street, where he continued till 1869, when he came to the township of Hampton and engaged in farming and raising small fruits; married Miss Clifford Harris, of Royal Oak, Oakland County, Mich., in 1860. They have had four children, of whom two are dead. Mr. Jones can look back to the first years of his residence in Bay County and note many changes which have taken place. Having cut the timber from the grounds now occupied by the High School, and having been the first to engage in market gardening in Bay County, he feels that he was in fact one of the pioneers

Jesse Underwood, a native of England, was born in 1823. Was married to Mary Colhngs in 1845. In 1857 they removed to Bay City, Mich., where they remained until 1861. Mr. Underwood at that time purchased some wild land in what is now the township of Hampton, and is now the possessor of a fine farm of nearly eighty acr^s. They have a family of eight children, five of whom are sons.

Joseph Ziermeyer was born in Germany, in 1809, and came to Bay County in 1852. He was a resident of Bay City for sixteen years. He then purchased and cleared a farm, about three miles from the city. He died in 1872, leaving a wife and five children, Martin and Frank, who five on the farm with their mother and John N., clothier, and John B.,' brewer, in Bay City. One son, Joseph, has been a sailor on the lakes for twenty-four years, and lives in Buffalo.

Peter Vanerp was born in Holland, September H, 1837, remaining there sixteen years, during which time he learned the jewelry trade. He then moved to Detroit and engaged with Frederick Lingman, where he remained one year, and George Schuyler, where he remained until 1857, when he came to Bay City, and was engaged in different occupations. He purchased a farm in the town of Hampton, where he moved with his family, remaining there ever since.

Merton a. Smith was born in Geauga County, Ohio, in 1859, and moved to Bay County with his parents in 1871. Soon thereafter his father, Cyrus A. Smith, purchased land near Essexville, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1879. In addition to the homestead, Merton A. has bought some adjoining land, and has engaged in market gardening on quite an extensive scale, and will, without doubt, receive the reward his industry merits. He married Emma E. Brownson. They have one child.

Frank Vereycken was born in Belgium in 1839. Came to Michigan in 1859, and after spending a year in Detroit he settled in Bay City. In 1865 he purchased land near the city, and for twelve years was engaged in gardening. In 1877 he moved to his farm in the township of Hampton, where he now lives. Married Philomena Cup, also of Belgium. They have six children.

The town of Williams was organized by the Midland Board in 1855, and comprised Towns Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen, north, Eange Three east, and all of Arenac County. Charles Bradford was the first Supervisor of the township. Upon the organization of Bay County, in 1857, Williams and Hampton were under full township organization. These two are the pioneer and banner town - ships of the county. The first supervisor from Williams to the Bay County Board was Geo. W. Smock.

Williams has contributed of its territory to the formation of other townships, until now it is reduced to an area of six miles square, bounded on the north by Beaver, east by Monitor, south and west by county line.

The pioneer farmers in Bay County settled in Williams, laid the foundation of its prosperity as well as their own, and most of them are still living upon their original purchases, enjoying the fruits of their haidships and labors.

In the Fall of 1854, before the township of WilHams was organized, a party of gentlemen, consisting of Charles Bradford, John Gaffney, William Spofford, Charles Fitch, George W. Smock, and Lyman Brainard, visited this region on a tour of observation. They found an uninhabited wilderness, the nearest attempt at civilization being at Low^er Saginaw, wdiich was just beginning to show signs of life. The land evidently pleased them, as they proceeded to Flint, in October, and purchased the land upon which they shortly afterward settled. Of these men, Messrs. Bradford and Gaffney remain upon their original purchases. The others are living in other localities, or dead.

In that same month, William W. Skelton, A. J. Willse, and Amos Culver also purchased land, Mr. Skelton locating in North Williams. Messrs. Culver and Willse are still living upon their farms. Mr. Skelton died in the Winter of 1883, as related further along.

In 1855, Samuel Eowden, David Jones, Josiah Perry, and John Plant, came into North Williams. Messrs. Eowden, Perry, and Jones remain. John Plant died in 186G, and his family are still living at the homestead. John C. Eowden, a brother of Samuel Eowden, came into the tow^nship a boy, about this time, and afterward purchased land. The Buck family also located here soon after the year above given.

There were several first settlers in Williams, but a precise calculation would place Mr. John Gaffney a little in advance of the others, as he was the first to stay upon his land and strike a blow, and awake the echo of civilization.