Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

at Tippecanoe, the River Raisin, Fort Meigs, the Thames and at New Orleans; always the same good and brave old Kentucky. Response by Hon. W. P. Thomason, of Kentucky.

7. "Ohio"The eldest of the galaxy of the Northwest; bright as ever; may her luster never die. Response by Mayor Jones, of Toledo. 8. "Michigan"- No less eminent for her commerce, agricultural and mineral resources than for her intelligent and liberal system of education and public charities. Response by Response by Governor Baldwin, of Detroit.

9. "Detroit "The oldest city in the Northwest; an honor to the State for her intelligence and sterling worth and her connection with the pioneer history of the lakes, especially with the River Raisin. Response by Hon. Levi Bishop, who read his poem entitled the "Battle of the River Raisin."

10. "No North, no South, no Atlantic, Pacific nor Western States, but our country, our whole country and nothing but our country; would that she were ever right; but right or wrong, our country, sacred, tangible and unprofaned forever." Response by Chief Justice Campbell, of the Supreme Court of Michigan.

11. "The American Press "-Independent, enterprising and intelligent, it distributes knowledge and the spirit of freedom through out the length and breadth of the land, affording the best evidence and guarantee of her institutions. Response by C. Waggoner, of the Toledo Commercial.

12.

"Our Regular Army "-Though small in number yet eminent in services, gallant in spirit, the educated intelligence that guides and instructs the patriotic zeal of a nation in its defense. Response by General Custer.

13. "The Sir Knights of the Order of the Knights Templar "—The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Response by Dr. A. I. Sawyer, of Monroe.

14. “Sackett's Harbor”-One of the turning points of 1812. Response by General Joseph W. Brown, of Cleveland.

The Monroe Commandery of Knights Templar prepared a sumptuous repast at their hall on Washington street, to which after the exercises at the grove, they invited the Knights Templar from abroad, and many other guests. and citizens. Their tables were spread with every luxury, and their guests were feasted, toasted and made merry to an entirely satisfactory degree.

A quantity of fireworks were provided, to be sent off in the grove in the evening, but owing to an untoward accident the most and the best of them were destroyed. In sending off a revolving rocket, it discharged directly into the box containing the best pieces, and these were thereby prematurely discharged and destroyed. It was a great wonder that the accident did not result in serious damage to those who were en gaged in sending off the fireworks, but luckily no one was injured.

Many of the guests from abroad left on the earlier trains, and the late trains were literally alive with people, taking away the bulk of those who had united in the festivities of the day. We heard of not a single accident throughout the day, and as a whole, exceeding good order and decorum was maintained through all our streets. Probably not less than 20,000 people were in the city, participating in the commemorative festivities, which will long be remembered by the old veterans and pioneers, as one of the happiest of their lives. They all expressed themselves highly pleased and flattered with the reception given them, the provisions made for their comfort, and with the general arrangements for the occasion.

On Friday morning the veterans were escorted to the depot, and left for home, profuse in their thanks to the citizens of Monroe for conceiving and getting up the re-union and celebration.

Preparations had been made for taking in groups the veterans and prisoners, and they were assembled on the porticoes of the seminary for that purpose. But the daguerrean

15. "Civil and Religious Liberty "- Re- artist failed to meet his appointment promptly, sponse by Dr. Curtis, of Cincinnati.

16. "Our Foreign-born Citizens"- Response by ex-Mayor Kraus, of Toledo.

and their patience being exhausted they dispersed; hence the failure to secure the pictures as desired.

CHAPTER X.

GENERAL LEWIS CASS.

HE record of the deeds of an individual

THE

who by his own personal effort, the energy of his spirit and force of his talents, has raised himself to a conspicuous and prominent position among his countrymen, is the best incentive that the young men of our country can have placed before them. General Lewis Cass has risen from the station of the humblest citizen to that of one of the first statesmen of his country, scarcely less known and celebrated among the great powers of Europe than in his own country, and wherever known commanding attention, esteem and respect.

He was born at Exeter, New Hampshire, October 9, 1782. His father was a practical mechanic, and at the commencement of the Revolutionary War was industriously pursuing his occupation in a quiet New Hampshire village, but the first shot that proclaimed hostilities between the mother country and the colonies awakened his patriotism. He joined the army of patriots on the day after the battle of Lexington, and served under General Washington in the most memorable contests of the war. His services were rewarded with a major's commission in Wayne's army. At the

close of the war he settled down on the Muskingum River, where he died respected by all, having been permitted to witness the rising greatness of his son Lewis, who at the time of his father's death had been for thirteen years Governor of the Territory of Michigan.

The foundation of the education of Lewis Cass was laid at the Exeter Academy, where he received a classical education of a high order. He applied himself studiously to the acquirement of knowledge, and in a short time was qualified to take charge of the Wilmington Academy, at Wilmington, Delaware. He remained at the head of this institution until we find him at the age of seventeen, in the year 1799, crossing the Alleghenies on foot, carrying his knapsack, and seeking unaided and without

the help of wealth or power a new home in the wilderness of Ohio. He located at Marietta, then a small settlement at the mouth of the Muskingum. Here he commenced the study of the law, and entered upon its practice. At the bar he acquired a reputation which placed him among the eminent lawyers of the West. His fame as a lawyer spread through the country, and the unfortunate pioneer who became entangled in the meshes of the law looked upon his release as certain if he could secure the advocacy of Lewis Cass.

At the age of twenty-five he was elected to the Legislature of Ohio, then just admitted as a State. Here he was no less conspicuous for his powers, both as a speaker and writer. He was placed at the head of important committees, and though the youngest member of the House of Representatives was regarded as the leader of his party.

The detection and exposure of the conspiracy of Aaron Burr brought the young legislator into more conspicuous notice, and made his name and patriotism objects of national interest. Ohio was then, in 1806, the scene of Aaron Burr's incipient operations. His progress was arrested by the prompt and decisive action of Mr. Cass, who drew up the law which put an end to Burr's designs. The Legislature of Ohio forwarded President Jefferson an address on the occasion written by Mr. Cass, which is replete with the noblest sentiments than can animate the bosom of an American citizen.

In 1807 President Jefferson appointed Mr. Cass Marshal of Ohio, in which capacity he · served until the year 1811, when the Indians, instigated by the British officers at Malden in Canada, attempted the recovery of the lands they had ceded to the Americans by treaty, and attacked the American camp on the Wabash. Mr. Cass was one of the foremost who reached Dayton, the place of rendezvous. Here he was by acclamation elected colonel of the

Third Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. In anticipation of the War of 1812, a call was made on the Governor of Ohio for a draft of militia and volunteers for the service of the United States. Colonel Kingsbury, of the First Regiment of United States Infantry, was designated as the commander of the force, and was ordered to Washington to receive his instructions. Sickness at that place prevented his assuming the post, and General William Hull, who had acquired a high reputation in the Revolutionary War, and who was then at Washington,

Larned, to Colonel Sylvester Larned of Detroit in 1833, with the promise it should not be made public until the last survivor should die. The last survivor was David Cooper of Detroit, many years ago.

After the death of Mr. Cooper, Colonel Sylvester Larned placed the original Round Robin in the possession of Hon. B. F. H. Witherell, President of the Detroit Historical Society, and it cannot now be found.

This conspiracy was defeated by the perfidy of one of the number.

[graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

the chapters under the head of "The War of tuple treaty, and thereby prohibited the estab1812."

Lewis Cass was the second Governor of the Territory of Michigan. As its executive he governed wisely for seventeen years, taking the position in 1813 and continuing until 1830. His sword has helped to win freedom to the great Northwest. He was the fifth citizen to represent the young State in the Senate of the Nation, and in that high station he served for twelve years. He was called to the cabinet of President Jackson, and held the portfolio of war four years, and was then transferred to the French court as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, which place he graced for six years. His wisdom and discretion prevented trouble between the two countries, and restored friendly relations. While at this post he prevented the ratification of the Quin

lishment of the right of search on the high seas, so strenuously asserted by England. As Secretary of State he served nearly four years, resigning in the year 1861, a few weeks prior to the close of the administration of President Buchanan.

The official life of Lewis Cass embraces a period of fifty-seven years of service as legislator, soldier, executive, cabinet officer, and diplomat. But one citizen, John Quincy Adams, exceeded that length of service.

Although he was approaching the age of life when shadows foretell the nearness of evening, his days were prolonged that he might see the flag for which he had given his early manhood triumphant, the Union he had loved so well reestablished, and again form one of the main bulwarks of our civilization.

THE

CHAPTER XI.

BIOGRAPHIES OF RESIDENTS ON THE RIVER RAISIN PRIOR TO THE WAR OF 1812.

COLONEL FRANCIS NAVARRE.

HE above gentleman, the first white settler on the banks of the River Raisin, was born in Detroit in 1767. His father, Robert Navarre, was of a family illustrious in the early days of the colonies. The family trace back in an unbroken line their ancestry to Antoine de Bour. bon, Duke de Vendome, father of Henry the Fourth. His father, Robert Navarre, was a very handsome man, with courtly manners, most engaging and charming in conversation, and blessed like all the French of that period, with an exceptionally large family.

Francis and Marie (Suzor) Navarre were married November 9, 1790. Their children were: Robert F. Navarre, born September 2, 1791; married Miss Du Chane, of Monroe. Francis Navarre, born December 8, 1792; married Miss Mettez, of Monroe. David Navarre, father of Frank Navarre, of Monroe, married the daughter of Colonel Francis Lasselle, now and for so many years connected with the Lake Shore Railway. Victoria Navarre married Hon. James J. Godfroy, of Monroe. Joseph G. Navarre, born December 3, 1795; married Miss Martin of Monroe. Marie Archange Navarre, born April 6, 1794; Julia Navarre, born December 18, 1796; Hessalette Navarre, born June 15, 1798; Paul or Perti Navarre; Roselle Navarre. Samuel Navarre had one son, Charles F.; and two daughters, of whom the elder married Charles Morris, of Monroe; the younger Mr. Reswick, of Toledo, connected with railroads. Joseph G. Navarre, fourth son of Colonel Francis, was intended by his father for the priesthood, and spent seven years at the Catholic Institute at Bardstown, Kentucky, preparing for orders; but before completing his studies for the priesthood, entered as a law student the office of Hon. William Woodbridge, of Detroit. While there he was called home by the sickness and death of his father, and was occupied a number of years in administer

ing and closing up the estate. He then ceased pursuing his studies, settled upon the farm south of and adjoining the city of Monroe; owned and occupied it up to the time of his death, which farm is now owned and occupied by his son, Alexander T. Navarre. Eliza Ann, daughter of Joseph G., married John Brevoort, of Detroit Mary T., daughter of Joseph G., married John D. Machin, of Pittsburgh, Pa. J. B. F. Navarre, son of Joseph G., married. Miss Sweet; entered the United States army; was wounded at the battle of Bull Run; was by profession an engineer, attained prominence in his profession, and at the time it was discovered that the Washington Monument was settling performed the wonderful enterprise of laying the second foundation; now resides at Portland, Oregon.

Charles F. Navarre, grandson of Colonel Francis, and son of Samuel, is a farmer residing in Washington Territory, and is owner of a large ranch therein.

Ignatius, son of Colonel Francis Navarre, enlisted in the engineer department of the United States army. When the War of the Rebellion closed, he sought Washington Territory for his future home; followed his profession as a civil engineer; was many years engaged in surveying the lands of the Territorystudied and practiced law successfully, and was honored for years with the office of Judge of Probate.

Alexander Touissant Navarre, grandson of Colonel Francis Navarre and son of Joseph G. Navarre, was born in Monroe, married Marietta, the daughter of Ezekiel A. Peltier, a merchant of Monroe, May 5, 1868; entered the Union Army; remained therein twenty months; has been honored with the office of supervisor of Monroe a number of years; has also been elected treasurer of Monroe county, and discharged the duties with credit to himself and his constituents, and now resides on the

« ZurückWeiter »