with one consent, call her one "of the daughters who have done virtuously, but she excelled them all."-- Prov. xxxi. 29. Prov. xxxi. 29. Thus ended the life of two pioneers, who were, for a season, citizens of Monroe county sixty years ago.

William Kedzie, the eldest son, was a schoolmate of the writer in 1826, under the tuition of Anthony McKee, since a resident of Deerfield, now deceased. Our school-mates of that day were Alexander D. Anderson, John Anderson, Robert and John Clark (all now deceased), and Charles Lanman, now residing in Georgetown, D. C. He lived on the same farm fiftythree years, up to the fall of 1879, when he, with a competency, removed to Adrian to spend in ease the remainder of life.

James T. Kedzie still resides in Blissfield, one of our most intelligent and highly esteemed citizens.

Professor Kedzie, of the Michigan Agricultural College, at Lansing, Michigan, the third son, is constantly adding new laurels to an already well-established reputation.

George Kedzie resided in Deerfield, highly esteemed, until April 13, 1886, when he departed this life, stricken down with typhoid pneumonia, after an illness of eight days the first male in the family called by death since that of the father in 1828.

The Reverend A. S. Kedzie, still living, resides at Grand Haven, Michigan, and is editor. of the Grand Haven Herald.

The Kedzie family have contributed as largely as any family in Southern Michigan in laying the foundations for moral, religious and educational institutions in this portion of the State.

THE

HE majority of the population of Michigan continued to be French until the year 1818, when a portion of the public lands was thrown upon the market. The moderate price and easy terms of payment, based upon a credit system, encouraged a wonderful emigration of thrifty and energetic Americans from the Eastern States, as well as New York. The pioneers immediately turned their attention to surveying public roads and facilitating com

merce.

The 27th day of August of this year, 1818, the first steamboat made its appearance in the straits of Detroit. She was named Walk-inthe-Water, and was built at Black Rock, and when finished was taken to Buffalo, not by her own motive power, as steam then had limita tions, but by what was called the "horned breeze "-- several yokes of oxen being employed to tow her. The Indians were told "the ship was drawn by sturgeons," and they swarmed along the shores to witness the wonder. This steamboat made weekly trips, and often brought one hundred passengers, which crowded her to her utmost capacity.

Gradually roads were constructed for the passage of emigrant wagons which came through Ohio, or were loaded on schooners at Buffalo. A military road extended ten miles beyond Monroe. Still the use of pack animals was necessary to penetrate the interior along the lesser streams. Judge Campbell's history tells us "The ponies which abounded in the woods were very serviceable for traveling through the country upon the trails. They ran at large, and droves of them were met near all the settlements. When the seasons were dry they would come to the streams for water in large troops, and would gallop through the streets at night with a great clatter, but doing no harm unless salt barrels were left exposed, when they would break them in to get at the salt. On a journey they were usually span

celed with a strap or fettered at night, and the bell which each one wore was freed from the straw which had bound its clapper through the day. The horses seldom strayed from camp, and lived on what they could pick up on the road." The surveyors and voyageurs, on their journeys through the wilderness along the Indian trails, took nothing superfluous with them. Their food consisted of parched corn, pounded fine and mixed with maple sugar, pork or tallow in small quantities. They added to this simple diet such fish, game, wild plums or other fruit as they might secure on the route. Quite a number of our prominent men and women came hundreds of miles on these small ponies, and settled in Monroe and adjoining towns.

During the year 1818 an effort was made to obtain a popular vote to make Michigan a State, but was not successful.

General Cass, who was Governor over the Territory during eighteen years, was one of its most public spirited men, and in every way advanced the interests of the people The land had been represented as worthless tamarack swamps, bogs and sand-barrens, not worth giving as bounty lands to the soldiers of the War of 1812, who instead received their grants in Illinois and Missouri.

In order to do away with the mischievous representations made in regard to the resources of Michigan, Governor Cass organized an expedition by way of the lakes to the headwaters of the Mississippi. He communicated his plan to the Secretary of War, Mr. Calhoun, with the objects and purposes of his expedition, which were: First, a personal examination of the different Indian tribes, of their moral and social condition, of their feelings toward the United States, of their numerical strength; second, to procure the extinction of Indian title to the land in the vicinity of the Straits of St. Mary, Prairie du Chien and Green Bay,

!

and open the communication between the two latter places; third, the examination of the body of copper in the vicinity of Lake Superior; fourth, to ascertain the views of the Indians in the vicinity of Chicago respecting the removal of the Six Nations to that country; fifth, to explain to the Indians the views of the Government respecting their intercourse with the British authorities at Malden, and distinctly announce to them that their visits must be discontinued; sixth, to ascertain the state of the British fur trade within that part of our jurisdiction.

General Cass asked for no compensation for his time and services, and one thousand dollars, which had been appropriated for the expedition, was scarcely enough to defray the actual expenses of the trip.

The expedition left Detroit, May 24, 1820. General Cass was accompanied by Captain Douglass of the Engineer Corps, Lieutenant McCay of the Corps of Artillery, Alexander Wolcott, physician, James Duane Doty, Major Robert A. Forsyth, and Henry L. Schoolcraft, a scientific geologist and topographer, with Charles C. Trowbridge as his assistant, and Alexander R. Chase. Three bark canoes, each adorned with a flag of the United States flying from the stern and propelled by Indians and voyageurs, carried the notable expedition from the wharf at Detroit, where the citizens all assembled, well aware of the importance and hazard of the undertaking. The canoes were paddled into the stream amid the cheers and huzzas of the multitude, and seemed to fly against a strong wind and current, the voyageurs regulating the strokes of their paddles to the time of their inspiring row songs, and the Indians encouraging each other by shouts of wild exultation. An effort was made by the Indians, who propelled one of the large canoes, to take the lead, and an exciting boat-race was improvised over the now fashionable racecourse, in which the Indians by their superior skill soon left the other canoes far behind.

The party reached Mackinaw on the 10th of June, where they divided the company and freight among four canoes, and added to their escort a number sufficient to fill a twelveoared barge, then proceeded to the Sault Ste. Mary, where Governor Cass negotiated a treaty with the Chippewas and secured a cession of sixteen square miles of land for the purpose of

establishing a military post. But it was not accomplished without danger to himself and small band of sixty men. A chief appeared in the council at St. Mary's in the full dress of a British officer of rank, and during the conference showed the greatest contempt for the Americans. When the chiefs were about to retire after General Cass had explained his mission, and demanded no more interference upon American soil of those who were subjects of the British Crown, the chief in British colors spurned with a kick the presents which were laid in the center of the marquee where the council was held, and rushing out raised the British flag over the Indian lodges. When Governor Cass beheld this insult, he walked over to the lodge over which the flag was flying, where the discontented chief stood, and seizing it, dashed it to the ground and trampled it under his feet. The Indians were panicstruck by the indignation of Cass. He called his interpreter and addressed the chiefs; said a repetition of such acts would not go unpunished. In less than fifteen minutes the squaws and children abandoned their camp and were landed on the British shore, and everything pointed to an immediate attack by the Indians. Preparations were made for defense, but a chief who had not been present at the council interposed and brought the Indians to a more favorable mind, and in a few hours after the sun had gone down the treaty was signed.

From the Sault they prosecuted their explorations; visited the great copper bowlder on the Ontonagon river; penetrated the St. Louis river to a portage near Savannah river, down that stream through Sandy Lake to the Mississippi, and ascended that river through Lake Winnipeg and beyond. The knowledge of the country and its resources derived from the exploration was of great value. General Cass returned from Chicago to Detroit by land over a road for which he had secured appropriations from Congress as well as aid from the Territory. The construction of the various roads through the Territory encouraged the young men prospecting for cheap lands to settle in Michigan, and the population which had remained nearly stationary for fifty years increased to twice the number of a previous

census.

In 1823 an act of Congress provided for the

establishment of a legislative council. Nine members were to be selected (out of eighteen elected by the people) by the President, and to be confirmed by the Senate. This number was increased to thirteen, and in 1827 the choice was left entirely to the people of the Territory. When in 1825 the Erie canal was finished that gigantic work conceived by the far-seeing and liberal-minded Gouverneur Morris, a new and direct route through the State of New York, connecting at Buffalo with a line of boats across Lake Erie —indeed the first grand and decided avenue to the prosperity of Michigan was opened. Settlers were now provided with cheap and comfortable transportation for their families and merchandise, and the line was crowded by those who had left the hard and stony soil of the East for the more generous and promising land of Michigan. The Indians continued to code their domains to the General Government and retired farther into the wilderness. Their canoes sought the winding rivers, while our white sails dotted the lakes and navigable streams Capitalists sought out the most eligible tracts to establish prospective cities and towns. Villages sprang up as if by magic along the streams affording commercial advantages.

President Jackson summoned General Cass to a seat in his cabinet in 1831, which gratified the territorial pride although they parted with him reluctantly. According to the Jacksonian policy, "To the victors belong the spoils of office," General Cass's successor was chosen from Virginia, "passing over men of ability passing over men of ability and education who were familiar with its affairs and fully possessed of the public confidence." Judge Cooley in his history of Michigan writes: “The appointment of any one of these to the vacant office would have been recognized as that of a competent and suitable person. Some of them as for example, William Woodbridge, who had been secretary of the Territory, and as such had occasionally acted as governor in the absence of Governor Cass, and who, after resigning the office of secretary, had been successively delegate in Congress and judge; and Austin E. Wing, who had also been delegate to Congress already well known at Washington, and others might have been known through Governor Cass had he been consulted." John T. Mason was appointed, but did not serve, desiring to go

were

abroad on business of a private character. His son, Stevens T. Mason, was appointed secretary in his place. He was but nineteen years of age, and not, therefore, of legal majority. A committee of citizens called upon him to inquire into the facts. Mr. Mason frankly told them he was under age, but that the President very well knew the fact when he made the appointment, and ingenuously justified the act, saying the emoluments of the office were needed for the support of his father's family during his absence abroad. The papers of the day took the matter up and great excitement prevailed that a boy should be put over the heads of experienced men ; but nothing moved the determined President, and the people, finding they appealed to deaf ears, made the best of it. At a banquet given by Governor Cass, after the wine had flowed freely, and good-nature reigned, the elder Mason appealed to the guests to "give the boy a chance," and they heartily promised their support. When the "Toledo War" broke out young Mason threw himself into the cause of Michigan with all his heart, and completely won the good-will of her people.

Perhaps no State in the Union was ever blest by a more stable and creditable number of settlers. They came from the older States where they were accustomed to self-rule, and valued highly the privileges of the ballot. The census taken in 1834 showed the population to be 87,273, more than the number authorizing them to apply for admission into the Union, two years before the question was agitated and a vote obtained in its favor.

The Black Hawk war had diverted the attention of those actively engaged in politics. Many sharp fights occurred, and our Michigan volunteers rendered important service. Black Hawk was taken prisoner and confined in Fortress Monroe for several months. Black Hawk was a treacherous chief of the Sacs in the employ of the British, upon whom he depended in his last campaign. He had been engaged in the War of 1812, and was familiar with the localities about Detroit. On his return from prison, his surprise was great to see the advance of that city and villages near.

There was a more silent enemy at work in the Territory and quite as alarming as the Indians. The Asiatic cholera reached Detroit early in the summer of 1832, and although every precaution was taken by boards of health author

ized by the Michigan legislative council, it was impossible to avert its ravages. People fled from Detroit into the country. A church was converted into a hospital. Business was paralyzed. Seven per cent. of the population of Detroit died in a single month. At night, by the street crossings, along the roads at intervals, and before private houses, great kettles of burning pitch blazed and filled the air with the smoke, in a vain endeavor to disinfect the oppressive atmosphere. The returning volunteers were attacked, and hundreds of them died in the woods on their return from the West. Such was the horror and consternation of the inhabitants, the passing bell was silenced. The continuous tolling for the departed added to the general panic, as it was heard early and late during those oppressive and solemn days. Governor Porter was among the cholera's last victims. He died July, 1834. Governor Porter had been appointed from Pennsylvania. He took great interest in agricultural pursuits, and encouraged the improvement of stock, introducing into the Territory a fine breed of cattle.

In May, 1835, a constitutional convention met in Detroit and framed a State constitution to be submitted to the approval of the people. An election was called for the first Monday in October to vote for a governor, lieutenant-governor, members of the State legislature, and a representative in Congress. The constitution gave the right of voting to all free adult white male inhabitants, then residents of Michigan, whether citizens of the United States or not. The legislature consisted of a senate and house of representatives, over whose acts the governor possessed the power of veto. The governor and lieutenant-governor were to be elected for terms of two years. The courts were to consist of one supreme court, and such inferior courts as the legislature might deem necessary. Provision was made for courts of probate and justices of the peace. Cabinet officers and other State officers were to be appointed by the governor and senate. County and town officers, judicial and ministerial, were made elective. Education was to be encouraged, and a superintendent of public instruction was provided for. State officers and judges

in cases of criminal and corrupt conduct were subject to impeachment. Slavery and involuntary servitude were not to be countenanced, except on conviction of crime.

The constitution was plain and well adapted to the necessities of an ambitious and growing State. It was ratified, and Stevens T. Mason was elected governor; Edward Munday, lieutenant-governor, and Isaac Crary was elected representative in Congress. Judges were appointed and courts organized. The legislature elected Lucius Lyon and John Norvell United States senators.

Michigan constituted herself a State, but as she would not consent to the conditions relating to the southern boundary, she still remained out of the Union, and President Jackson, who was greatly displeased with Governor Mason in regard to his action on that point, appointed John S. Horner, of Virginia, governor of Michigan. The president directed him not to recognize the pretended State officers or judges, and in accordance with these orders, Mr. Horner magnified his office and met with little or no respect. He found no one who would cooperate with him, and after addressing a meeting at the Detroit city hall, giving his views with much self-assertion, those present organized and resolutions were adopted. One by Jacob M. Howard (who espoused the cause of Michigan on the boundary question, and had gone to Toledo in battle array) was as follows:

Resolved, That if our present secretary of the Territory should find it beyond his control, either from the nature of his instructions, his feelings of tenderness toward those who had, for a long period of time, set at defiance as well the laws of the Territory as those of the United States, or any feelings of delicacy entertained toward the executive of a neighboring State. who has in vain endeavored to take a forcible possession of a part of our Territory, to enable him to properly carry into effect the existing laws of this Territory, it is to be hoped he will relinquish the duties of his office, and return to the land of his nativity."

Mr. Horner soon adopted Mr. Howard's advice and retired from Michigan.

Congress passed an act to admit Michigan as a State, June 15, 1836, but with a proviso "that this act should not take effect until the State of Michigan shall be admitted into the Union according to the provisions of the act