Author: Elizabeth Teabolt

This Master's Thesis was published in Ypsilanti Gleanings in three parts. Part II appears in the issue of February 1981 and part III in the issue of April 1981.

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Original Plat of Village of Ypsilanti
Registered April 21, 1826 in Detroit

Although this plat was registered in 1826, lots were advertised in 1825 in a Detroit newspaper.

Plat west of Huron River

It was bounded on the north by Steward Street, on the east by the Huron river, on the south by an unnamed street, on the west by Hamilton Street.

New street names:

Steward, Huron, Hamilton, Adams, Washington, Pearl, Congress, Michigan, Woodward

Jack Harris and others have had a great interest in the ‘Becker’ house at 601 W. Forest Avenue.

Here is a recent letter from George Becker, son of Charles J. and Julia E. Becker which explains when the interesting house was built.

J.M.B. Sill, one of the first graduates of the Michigan State Normal College and former Principal of that school, lived on the north side of Forest Avenue but owned property on both sides of Forest which perhaps is why 601 W. Forest was known as the ‘Sill’ property.

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April 10, 1980

Dear Mr. Fletcher:

Mr. Becker has been ill for over a year and is unable to answer your letter, therefore I am lending him a hand, so to speak. Mr. Becker has dictated this to me.

The property at 601 Forest, was formerly known as the Sill property. Mr. Sill was a Professor at the College. When the house was built is unknown.

Mr. Sill lived there and owned the property. My dad purchased it in approximately 1889. The house was square and very unattractive. My dad designed and had the tower built. The tower had no utilitarian purpose, it was only to improve the building, as the Street was very prestigous in those days. The new house my folks built on Perrin Street was built in approximately 1918.

We surely do appreciate you keeping in touch, as your letter was a bright spot in our days.
Sincerely,
George Becker
200 MacFarland Drive
Delray Beach, Florida 33444

Author: Solon Goodell

Ada Holmes brought us this interesting story of the Army Draft during the Civil War. Solon Goodell, Ada's grandfather, was born November 30 1840 on a farm in Canton Township, Wayne County, near the edge of Washtenaw County on Proctor Road. He was a State Represenative and State Senator-two terms each. He died in 1920.

The story as written by Solon was published in a Detroit newspaper in the 1890s.

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Story of Conscription Order of 1865 and How it was Met by Men of Canton Township

Solon Goodell and a man named Trumbull were the only ones out of thirty-six names drawn who reported for duty-

As there is much being written and said on the way to increase the membership and efficiency of the army, either by volunteer or conscription, my mind is carried back to the winter and spring of 1865, when, after the last call of Abraham Lincoln for 600,000 more men, a number of States failed to furnish their quota, and a conscription order was passed by Congress. Among the different States that had not furnished their quota of men was Michigan, and from memory and experience I will relate some of the things that took place in Wayne Co.

Wayne was short a few hundred men, and March 5 1865, was designated as a day that all the townships in the county and all the wards in the city of Detroit would be drawn on by the Provost Marshal for its lack of men. Then followed a table giving the number of each ward and township would be drawn upon for. The manner of drawing the names created great excitement and interest.

I well remember the day and occasion. The Provost Marshal's was in or near the old Biddle House on Jefferson Avenue. The names of all men of military age in a given ward or township were placed in a circular glass; it was revolved something like a revolving churn, and a man blind folded and with both arms bare to the shoulders drew a ballet from the globe, handed it to a secretary, who read in a loud voice the name drawn.

The Township of Canton, in which I have had the honor of living for more than fifty years, had to furnish thirty-six men and thirty-six names of citizens of that township were drawn from the wheel of fortune. My name was one.

It is sad to relate that only two men could be found on whom personal service could be made. Among those drawn I recall the names of a few-Robert McKinstry, John Artley, Lee Lyonn, Seymour Howard, Oreseamus Trumbull and the writer of this article, Solon Goodell.

And such a scattering of citizens. They left home on urgent business. Some, it was learned afterwards, wandered over into Canada, and it was stated at that time the draft in Wayne county for over 1,000 men did not produce fifty.

Well, I reported to the Provost Marshal and was complimented on my “patriotism”. My comrade Trumbull, who was rejected on account of disability, also reported. I was directed to report at Fort Wayne at once. The Commandent, (I have forgotten his name) gave me a welcome I distinctly remember.

“Who sent you here?”

I replied, “Marshal Flanigan, Detroit”.

“Oh, you're a conscript, are you? Where are the rest of the boys?”

“Oh, they will be along in a day or two,” I replied.

“The h— they will,” said the Commandant

I was assigned to a certain company and was told to make myself comfortable until morning.

Well, I got supper and breakfast-black, strong coffee, no cream in it, good bread, but without butter. The next morning I applied for a furlough for a few days to go home and bid farewell to wife and friends but he refusted with the remark-

“No, you're the only conscript that's shown up or likely to and we want you as an exhibit”.

I wrote to Marshal Flanigan to intercede for me, telling him I had served my country-drove a four-horse team to pole rasings, marched and carried a banner in the campaign for Fremont, how I had stood around the country store urging the boys to enlist and save the country, etc., and Flanigan sent a request that I be given a short leave. I entertained a furlough came home and found my business in such shape it took a long time to get it settled. Soon General Lee surrendered, the war was over and there terminated by military career as a conscript.

Author: Genevieve Ward Williams

I was born November 8th 1890 on Ridge Road two and one half miles north of Michigan Avenue, one quarter south of Fowler's corner in Superior Township. The fourth child of Archibald and Rebecca Luvenia Ward who lived as tenant farmers on the McDougal farm. (East of Prospect on Ford Rd.)

About three years later my father hired-out to George Seymore and moved his family in a house owned by Mr. Seymore who lived on what is now Geddes Road.

I started to school with my brother and sister in the one room school known as the Fowler School which had only one teacher. I attended the school one year then my family moved into the city of Ypsilanti and lived in a rented house at 53 E. Forest, owned by Charles Peck.

Father secured a job at the Flat-Iron Factory which was located by the river south of the street which is now Factory Street south of the Water Works Plant.

His wages of $9.00 a week went to support his family which was not too hard to do because food prices as well as clothing and heating was at an all time low. During the two years we lived there with a little help from the work mother was able to get they were able to save enough money to make a very small down payment on a home at 722 Norris Street where they lived until they passed away, father in 1924 and mother in 1948.

My time in the 4th Ward School was short because the Board of Education announced that any children living within the City limits of Ypsilanti could enroll in the Michigan State Normal Training School now known as Welch Hall.

I entered the Training School in the 4th grade with a Miss Plunket as the Critic Teacher and Mr. Dimon H. Roberts as Principal whom everyone liked very much.

I remember so well the school janitor was a Mr. Thomas and hard to deal with. No one liked him so the students named him “Tom Cat”.

The attendance at the school grew so fast additions had to be added and a room was supplied to give the children Manual Training for both boys and girls.

Soon a room was outfitted with cooking facilities for the girls and Miss Florence Swain was hired to teach cooking. Then another room was outfitted for a sewing class. I remember winning first prize for the most and neatest sewing for the year. I was very proud to get an eighteen inch tall doll the largest one I had ever Owned.

My grade teachers after Miss Harriet Plunket were Miss Mary Steagle, Miss Abbie Roe, Miss Mattie Martin and Miss Alma Cook, eighth grade. My main subject was spelling. I never had to take the final exam because my average was one hundred.

After finishing the eighth grade I went to the old Ypsilanti High School but dropped out before finishing.

Back in the 1900's many colored came to Ypsilanti from Canada. Some came before marriage and many married after arriving here because the opportunities of making a better home life was much better here.

Very few decendants of those people are still in Ypsilanti. The Kersey family, James and George have left many.

My mother was a Canadian coming to Ypsilanti and living with an older brother who with his family lived on North River Street near Highland Cemetary. Mother came here at the age of eighteen and after her brother James moved to Detroit she secured a job with the Helen Swift family who owned all the property where the Gilbert Residence is now located.

My father was born in Indiana but his parents died when he was very young. His mother passed when he was five, his father when he was seven. So father knew very little of his family except that his grandmother was a full = blooded Indian. He was raised by foster parents who made him work hard and he got very little schooling.

My parents never talked about how they met and married.

Farmers who had live stock for market drove their cattle down Forest Avenue to the stock yard for shipment to the slaughter houses, especially Chicago. The stockyard was along the railroad track just south of Forest Avenue.

Near the Cross Street bridge stood Duebels Flour Mill where farmers would bring their corn, wheat and oats to be ground and prepared for public consumption in different forms.

Up the river was the Woolen Mill. Their products were mainly men's underwear because more work was down outside than now, and winters were severe.

On Washington Street just south of Michigan Avenue was a livery stable. My sister and I rented a horse and buggy and drove to Saline to visit some relatives one Sunday and stayed too long. Dark caught us before we got back to Ypsilanti and you can be sure we were two scared girls. Matilda and Mary Morris still live in Saline and may remember the incident.
On the corner of South Washington and Harriet Streets stood the car barn that housed the street-cars that ran from Ypsilanti to Saline.

On the northwest corner up on the hill at East Michigan and Prospect still stands a brick building that was the 5th Ward School until the present Woodruff School was built, about 1900.

Mark Whitman who lived on the corner of Forest and Norris Streets was the caretaker at the old Michigan Central Depot. His flowers were so arranged they spelled “Ypsilanti”. (Mark was also the Telegrapher for the Michigan Central Railroad.) For many miles along the route Ypsilanti was known to have the most beautiful station's surroundings.

Back then Ypsilanti boasted of having three hotels, namely the Hawkins House of which the building still stands, the Occidental Hotel on Huron Street and the Lewis House that stood where Sam's Party Store is on the corner of Michigan and S. River Streets. The Lewis Hotel burned one night causing the sky to be lighted up for miles around and that fire was the largest Ypsilanti has over known. When the wine and liquor bottles got hot that were stored in the basement the explosion was so great it sounded like an army was near by.

After street carnivals were no longer permitted to set up tents on Main Street circuses that came to town were allowed to pitch tents on Ainsworth's farm (known as Rhinehart's Field).

The big boom for Ypsilanti came when Henry Ford began paying $5.00 for laborers. (1914)

These are the main things that have or did occur during my life time in Ypsilanti which grew from about 7,000 population to its present size.

Respectfully by
Mrs. Genevieve Ward Williams

On November first, LaRea and Ward Swarts moved to Reston, Virginia.

A great loss to Ypsilanti and especially to the Ypsilanti Historical Society and the Museum where LaRea has been the Director for four years.

LaRea Foote Swarts was born in Auburn, Indiana. After graduating from Auburn High School she went to the University of Indiana at Bloomington.

On September 2 1928 LaRea who was also born in Auburn. Ward began a Pre-Med. course at DePauw University but hated it. Desecting a frog was not to his liking at all. The young married couple moved to Ann Arbor where LaRea worked in Foster's Art Shop and joined the cultural life, going to concerts and hearing lectures by great world figures. She also took courses at the University in the School of Architecture and Design.

After Ward graduated in Architecture in 1935, they moved to Port Huron to wait out the required time before he took the State Board examination for Architects. Then in Ypsilanti 1938-1959 and on to Williamsburg, Virginia where Ward served on the Board of that fabulous project as an Engineer and later as Director of Architecture and Engineering.

LaRea was busy during those years with the rearing of their two children, Stephen and Susan. The family lived in the Greenhow House on Duke of Gloucester Street with its lovely flower gardens. LaRea found time to work in the Craft Shop, attend classes at the College of William and Mary, founded in 1693. Both Swarts' youngsters graduated from that famous college. LaRea and Ward also served as Host and Hostess for many of the Williamsburg functions, all the time learning from the very special wood and metal craftsmen who lived and work in Williamsburg.

In 1963, LaRea and Ward returned to Ypsilanti. They had spent fourteen years in Williamsburg. Virginia where they were deeply involved in the restoration of our finest example of America's Historical Heritage.

With such a background, how can we ever replace LaRea? She has always been so modest about her ability, just going ahead doing everything that had to be done in the Museum and making the place an outstanding Historical Museum in the State of Michigan and also the middle west. She set displays, entertained special groups with interesting talks but never too busy to check on the Museum to be certain all doors were locked, lights were out, rooms dusted and floors mopped after a leaking roof. Intelligence and energy, plus many talents…we are unable to heap enough praise and thanks on LaRea Foote Swarts.

She has been working with three of our devoted members; Doris Milliman, who was our first volunteer Museum Director, Harriet Stewart and Bets O'Neill, explaining techniques and procedures so that the Museum will be in good hands.

Ward and LaRea both served on the Board of Directors of the Ypsilanti Historical Society with Ward giving so many volunteer hours of architectural advice on old homes in Ypsilanti. He drew the plans for the present rooms for the Archives. No other City or Museum has ever had such a high ranking Williamsburg authority as a willing consultant.

We repeat again, Ypsilanti has been doubly blessed having Ward and LaRea Swarts as our residents.

Mr. & Mrs. Ward Swarts

11675 Charter Oak Ct. Apt 101
reston, Virginia 22090

Author: J. W. McMath

“My memory of the southeast part of Washtenaw and the western portion of Wayne county, known formerly as the “Willow Run”, goes back to the year 1828, and I propose to give my personal recollections of that locality, of its first settlers, and of some of the events which oc-curred there from that date on for about six years.

The Willow Run is a small stream that gives its name to the region, and is a tributary to the river Huron, into which it empties its waters near the present village of Bellville (sic.). With this part of the State and its first inhabitants are connected my earliest as well as many of my pleasant memories. I knew all the people who first settled there, and was myself one of them. I was born in the town of Romulus, in that beautiful part of the State of New York lying between the Seneca and Cayga lakes, and came at quite an early are with other members of our mother's family, late in the year 1827, into this portion of the then territory of Michigan. We moved at once upon a farm, previously purchased from the general government by my late father, Samuel McMath, who, with my two older brothers, Archy and Fleming, had come on the year before to select and prepare a home for the family in this new country. My father, after having made the purchase and assisted in making some improvements upon the land, was smitten with the fever and died before the family came.

The place chosen for the dwelling and buildings was pleasantly situated upon the east bank of the Willow Run. When we all arrived (there were nine of us, I being the Youngest,) there were built and ready for use, a good large log house and a large log barn, with the other small buildings usually found upon a farm. All these old structures are well photographed upon my young mind, and though they have long since disappeared, they now come up before me as dis-tinct and as well defined in every outline as any object I see today. On the east side of the house, running along the whole length, was a generous stoop, as it was then called, with the usual mass of vines and ivies reaching up and over the windows on that side. To the southeast forty or fifty feet, was the well, with its old fashioned sweep and bucket. From this well we drew and drank the purest and best of cold water. The large log barn with one or more sheds at-tached, stood a few rods to the north and just across the old territorial road (later known as Tyler Road) which ran from the bank of the stream east and was supposed to lead to Detroit. On the west, and eight or ten rods from the house and just across another road running north and south, was the deep bank of the Willow Run. Down this bank a short distance and right opposite the house, was a fine spring of clear cold water, the flow from which never seemed to dim-inish or increase. Upon and along this bank were a number of fine old black oak trees with their wide, leafy tops. To the northwest of our place, four and a half miles was the village of Ypsilanti, started upon the east side of the Huron river, while adjoining our farm on the south, was the one of Clement Loveder, who with his wife had settled there the year before we came. They were English people and had come directly from near the city of London. They were good, honest, intelligent folks, and made good neigh-bors. They built their dwelling upon the bank of this same Willow Run and had as beautiful and fine a situation for a home as I have ever seen. They had no children for me to play with, yet I often went to their house and much did I enjoy my visits, hearing her talk of her dear old England. and looking upon the many quaint old pictures that hung here and there upon the walls. He was now and then a little petulant and harsh towards his better half, and, believing in the old English common law rule, that the husband was not only the head of the domestic establishment, but had as such the right to administer corporal punishment to the wife on such occasions as he might deem proper, that is, when he was mad about something, he attempted at times, as I remember, to put this rule into force, but as she was quite a large, strong woman, while he was rather a small man, his success in these efforts was not always just what he liked. The good faithful wife, however, never seemed to question his legal right in this matter, though she never conceded that her conduct was such as to warrant an enforcement of the rule. In the main they lived very happily, and he soon changed his views as to his marital rights, accepting the more modern American theory. They both died many years since, leaving, as I believe, no heirs or relatives in this country.

Farther on to the south, beyond the Loveder farm, and by a winding woods road, one and one half miles distant, was the village of Rawsonville; why the vile was added to this name I do not know. There was only one house and a very small mill there, they being upon the north side of the Huron river. To the east of our house, and within the door yard, stood the old fashioned brick oven, in which all the delicious loaves of good, honest bread, the pumpkin pies, biscuits and cookies for the family were duly baked, and where, too, everything was done just right…

To the west of the house and across the Willow Run was an unbroken wilderness for several miles to the westward. It remained so, unsettled and uninhabited for many years, the home and hiding place of wolves and other wild beasts. Wild hogs in great numbers roamed over the whole region. They were often hunted as game, caught with great difficulty, and like the man's horse, worth but little when caught; they were too poor for pork, and too wild and savage to be either fatted or tamed.

The old territorial road, but little used after the building of the Chicago road, was the route usually taken by the Indians, then roaming over this part of the terri-tory, when going to and returning from Detroit, to obtain their annuities from the general government. Their pil-grimage was made in the fall, and they went in bands num-bering from fifty to five hundred, counting squaws, pap-pooses and ponies, and not counting the dogs. While on the march they were generally quiet and orderly, marching always single file, each pony carrying a squaw, two or three pappooses and a lot of camping utensils. They often camped near our house in the woods a little to the east, and when they had no liquor, they were quiet and peaceful, but this seldom happened. Whisky was cheap then and, if possible, more easily obtained than now, and it required but a very small quantity of whisky to cause a very large drunk among the noble red man, and then the very mischief was to pay; quarreling and fighting was in order and they made night hideous with their racket…

The location and general appearance of our old place was indeed very fine to look at, and gave promise not only of a happy home for the family, but of abundant crops as a reward for their industry. The timber consisted mostly of black oak, white oak, oak bushes, and a species of wooden turnip, which was called oak grubs. These last had above ground a clump of bushes resting upon an immense bulb of the size and shape of a half bushel basket. These oak grubs gave no little trouble in clearing the land, and their use in the economy of nature, if they ever had any, is a lost art. The timber was not large nor the tree numerous, hence the land was cleared easily. During the first three years, from seventy-five to ninety acres of this farm were cleared, fenced and put under the plow. By the fourth and fifth years the soil had been thoroughly tested and its productive capa-city fully ascertained…

As the land did not grow tame hay, the corn stalks and straw used for fodder for the stock were supplemented by wild hay cut from a marsh, three or four miles to the east, lying along the tarritorial road. My first knowledge of legal proceedings was obtained from a lawsuit which grew out of this wild hay business. My brother Fleming had, during the summer, cut and stacked a quantity of this hay, leaving it to be hauled home as wanted for winter use. After this was done, and while it remained on the place where cut, a man bought the land and claimed to own the hay. Fleming removed it and was sued for its value, the plaintiff com-mencing proceedings by civil warrant issued by a neighboring justice whose name was Dalrimple. The arrest was made at our house where Fleming happened to be, the justice him-self being present with the constable to see that every-thing was done in proper legal form. Fleming requested permission to go over to his own house for some papers and for his other clothes, in order that he might not only better defend his legal rights, but that he might make a more respectable appearance in court. But as his house was just over the county line, and within the county of Washtenaw, and as our house was in the county of Wayne, where these proceedings were being carried on, his request was denied, and when he absolutely refused to go he was taken by the coat collar and forcibly compelled by the officers of the law, very much to his indignation and to the terror of all present. But on the trial the case went against the plaintiff and the prisoner was discharged…

A mile or so northeast of us lived the Combs family. Old grandfather Combs (he was a very old man), during the fair weather, visited us two or three times a week to gossip and talk over old revolutionary times. He and my mother had, during the colonial struggle for freedom, lived in the State of New Jersey, and she had, when a child, fled with her parents before the marauding march of the British army, across that State. The other members of the Combs family were John Combs, his wife and their four or five children. John was the hunter of the settlement, and many a gallant stag fell before his deadly rifle, to furnish venison, not only to the Combs household, but to the neigh-bors as well. He was also chief musician for the community and played the violin when the young people gathered for a dance. A very nice, clever fellow was John, but he had a fondness for whisky and betimes took more than was proper.

There was also another member of the Combs family deserving mention; old Lois, a colored woman. She was quite large and of a clear coal black color; born a slave, the property of old grandfather Combs, she was given her freedom by the laws of the State of New York, in 1824. She had remained with the family, however, and followed their fortunes to the new territory of Michigan. She was a kind, faithful creature, caring for the children and doing most of the work, not only in the house, but in the fields as well. She could use an ax as well as a man, and I often looked on in wonder while she would chop down the trees and then chop up the trunks into wood. The family, however, did not seem to thrive. Too much time was spent in hunting and playing the violin, and too little in work upon the farm.

In 1827 our oldest sister, Roxana, was married, in the old home, to Orrin Derby, and they went at once to Ypsilanti to live. Wedding tours were not fashionable then. Mr. Derby was a New England youth, of good habits, had a good trade, was active and thrifty, and he and his little wife (she was very small) began life with good prospects. He built a house on the east side of the river Huron, some three blocks back, and on the south side of the main street. For a time they “kepp tavern” here; he, however, had a shop near by, where he made and sold saddles and harnesses. As soon as they were well settled, sister Mary went from the old home to live with them, and remained a member of the Derby family till she married.

In 1830 our oldest brother, Archy, who, since father's death had, under our mother, been the head man of the family, was married to Miss Elisabeth Kimmel and went over to the north about five miles, near his father-in-law's, Henry Kimmel, and began business upon a piece of new land, with the view of making a home. His wife, when they were first married, was one of the brightest, prettiest and smartest brides I ever saw, and “chockfull” of innocent fun and mischief. She was called “Betsy” by her own people, and is better known by that name now. Her parents were from Pennsylvania. In their early married life they had settled in southern Illinois, upon the Kaskaskia river. After remaining there a few years they left and came, with all their stock of cattle, horses, wagons, etc., through the State of Illinois to the south and of Lake Michigan, and thence on around the end of that lake up through northwest Indiana, and nearly the whole width of Michigan, to where he was living in 1830, and where he remained till his death, which occurred only a short time since.

I think it was the next year after brother Archy married that the cholera broke out. This caused great excitement, but I remember of no cases of it in our vicinity.

In 1831 our good sister Mabelle was married at the same old home. This was made eventful by the large number present, and more particularly to me, by the fact (sorry to admit it) that I got most ingloriously drunk on the occasion. It was the custom then to have wine at wedding dinners. A large table had been spread, at which the guests had just dined; at the side of each plate was one of those very small wine glasses, filled with wine; this the guest was supposed to taste of only, leaving some of it in the glass. Being myself very small, I did not sit down with the grown folks, but when they had all left I came into the room, hungry and dry (a boy is always dry), and seeing these little glasses tasted one and rather liked it. It occurred to me to see how many of then I could dispose of; so I began going around the table taking them in course. Very soon everything be-gan to swim around, then I began to feel queer myself. I lay down, then rolled over and over; finally I lay quite still. Some one coming in thought I was dead, but I wasn't. Finally, after I had created quite a commotion, I was laid on mother's bed to sober off. The usual headache followed on this, and is still well remembered.

Sister Mabelle and her husband, Asahel Williams, also went to Ypsilanti to live after their marriage. He was a fine looking young man, bright and active, but was lacking in that stability in business pursuits essential to ultimate success. He was a tailor by trade, but soon left that for other business.

After living at Ypsilanti for two or three years he went to some place in Indiana, where his wife soon after joined him.

The next to leave the old home was our brother Robert. In 1831 or 1832, and when he was about 17 years of age, it was decided, after much talk with our then pastor, Rev. Ira M. Weed, and after many family consultations, that he should become a minister, and with that in view he left home to begin the studies preparatory to entering college. He was then small of his age, not very robust in health, but was of a studious turn of mind, loved to study and to read. Brother Samuel, on the other hand, who was two or three years older than he, was the mechanic of the family. Everything in that line seemed naturally to go to him, and I must say that he was always able to do about everything; could make a sled, mend a wagon, make a pair of shoes, a drum or a violin. He also played well upon the snare drum. Brother Robert blew good music upon the fife, and together they often made the whole country echo at evening time with the best of martial music.

The habits of the people of this settlement were simple and their wants few. Grocery and dry goods bills were light. Maple sugar was made in the spring and did duty for most purposes the whole year round. The making of it was hard work; we had to go four or five miles to find the trees; but it was looked upon as a sort of holiday entertainment; was engaged in by whole families and heartily enjoyed by all. Barley did very well for coffee; the best of butter was made at home; pork and beef were home productions; of good, fresh eggs we had an abundance; the river Huron supplied us with excellent fish of choice varieties, and the forest held plenty of nice strawberries, whortleberries and sweet nuts, all to be had in their proper season. Farmers never buy flour, corn meal or vegetables; we did not then. Buggies either with or without canopy tops were not used. When a young man wanted to attend a social, five or ten miles away, he just mounted his good horse and taking his best girl on behind, went. This may have been a little hard on the horse, but the riders enjoyed this mode of conveyance and always had a lively time of it. The nearest mills where corn and wheat could be ground, during the first two years, were at Detroit and Pontiac. Going to mill then was no small matter and took several days; but in the third year Mark Norris and John Brown built a gristmill on the Huron river, at Ypsilanti, and then our wants in this direction were more easily supplied. The health of our people, if nothing be said of the fever and argue, was generally good. I remember of no deaths occuring while we lived there. The argue, however, was there, and it stayed. The doctor, with his whole saddle bags of medicine, did but little good; it paid its unwelcome visits to about everyone, and none could shake it off. I alone of the whole family escaped; that was a wonder to the others, but I am not willing to confess that I ever regretted not having it.

The clothing for the family, as well as the materials for it, were made at home, excepting, perhaps, the materials for extra fine dresses and a few articles in the millinery line for the women folk. Linen sheets, woolen blankets and rag carpets adorned the house; hair mattresses, patent spring beds and marble topped bedroom sets were not known then; but we had, instead, good feather beds, nice pillows, and home made bedsteads which, if they did not cost as much as the modern kind, were considered then very good, and gave just as sweet and refreshing sleep. The big spinning wheel for wool, and the little wheel, with its distaff, for flax, then so common in every house, have long since gone out of use, and are now objects of curiosity only. A few sheep provided the wool which was clipped, carded and spun at home. A hand loom wove it into cloth, which was sent away to be fulled. It was soon returned a good, substantial gray cloth, which was cut and made up in the house into winter suits for the men folks, and always did good service. There was not much effort at style; clothes were just cut, made and put on, and that was about the whole of it. For summer wear, for the men and boys, a good linen suit was always in order. Boys did not tear these linen clothes; they couldn't. The girls made us straw hats for summer, and for winter they manufactured for us hats or caps of some kind of woolen stuff. These latter would hardly be thought in style now, but they were comfortable and handy and kept the ears from freezing in cold weather. For shoes, the leather had to be bought, but brother Samuel, somehow without having learned the trade, made us very good shoes. They might not have locked as well as those now worn, but they fitted the feet and did not hurt the corns.

The Beers family came in 1830, and built a small house on a part of Brother Flemin's land, just north of his house, where they lived two or three years. Mrs. Beers taught the first school in the neighborhood, and the first I ever at-tended. Later I attended a school tauught by my sister Mabelle, over on the Chicago road, nearly a mile east of Bowen's place. While I was attending this school some one broke into the schoolhouse one night and stole nearly all our little school books, with about everything else that could be carried off. We learned, a few days after, that the thief had been caught near Detroit, tried and convicted, and severely punished by whipping; such was the law then in the territory. Our books were returned to us. A little later I went part of a summer to a school located near the Supes farm, about a mile southeast of Mr. Loveder's place…

Most of the settlers were of Presbyterian stock and at-tended public worship on the Sabbath. Our family, Mr. and Mrs. Loveder and Uncle Fleming's people went to Ypsilanti. Betimes some wandering minister would favor us and hold ser-vices on an evening at some of the private houses. I well remember my first appearence in meeting at the old red Presbyterian Church in Ypsilanti. The late Rev. Ira M. Weed was in the pulpit; he had but recently come from some-where among the hills of New Hampshire to make his first effort here as pastor of a church. Long board seats were arranged on three sides of the audience room, rising one above another for the use of the men and boys, while in the body of the church were some long seats with backs to them; these were for the ladies and the more genteel part of the congregation. There were no pews and no organ. We had a long sermon in the forenoon, an intermission (Sabbath schools were not commenced then) of two hours, then another service lasting until half past three, and then again another in the evening. People in the country did not usually remain for the evening service. Such long services, filling up nearly the entire day, would be thought tiresome now and we are inclined to pity those who formerly had to endure them; yet it must not be forgotten that most of the men and women who grew up under those old fashioned ways, and long Sunday ninistrations, were strong in religious faith and doctrine and good honest people who paid a hundred cents on the dollar every time.

Besides those already mentioned there were a few others that came and settled near us, but not many. Mr. Supe located on the Huron river two or three miles below us. He was a German of the Pennsylvania kind, a man of means. He soon had a fine, well cleared farm. The Vining family lived near him, while two miles or so to the northeast of us settled a family by the name of Horner, a respectable, thrifty, well to do household.

Ypsilanti grew apace meantime, the west side of the river after awhile taking the lead. The present part of the town where the depct and upper bridge are now seen, was then still overgrown with trees and brush. Among its prominent men I now recall the nane of Solomon Champion, Mark Norris, A. H. Ballard, Jas. M. Edmunds, Madison Cook, John Brown, Walter B. Hewitt and Orrin Derby. The good old Dr. Millington looked after the health of the people, while the lawyers, Marcus Lane and Elias M. Skinner, saw to it that their legal rights were preserved or a fair opportunity given to contend for them before the proper courts."

---

Reprinted from MICHIGAN PIONEER AND HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS,
Volume #14-1889-section headed “Annual Meeting”

McMATH, John Watson-born July 3, 1824, Romulus, New York, son of Samuel & Mary Fleming McMath-John was the last child in a family of ten children-died July 21, 1900 Bay City, Michigan. Graduate of University of Michigan 1851. Judge of Probate, Bay County 1875–79.

John's father was Samuel McMath who served in the war of 1812 and became a Colonel. “He was born in January of 1782 in Pennsylvania and died in September of 1826 in log house he built on farm taken up from government in 1825. Buried at Woodruff's Grove in a field near a lone apple tree a few rods nw of where Mr. Foersters' house now stands (and of Grove Street). Supposed to be second white person to die in county”. Fr. McMath generalogy.

Author: Foster L. Fletcher

At the close of the previous installment of the Historical Outline, we were in the year 1862.

Just a brief review of a few interesting items for the previous Decade, 1850-1860:

In 1851 the farm Animal population was:

342 horses and 304 working oxen in the Ypsilanti area

494 horses in Superior Township

509 horses in Salem Township

5524 sheep in the Ypsilanti area

92,964 sheep in Washtenaw County

Eighteen fifty one was the year of the great fire in Ypsilanti when almost the entire business block of wooden buildings on the north side of Congress Street (Michigan Avenue) between Huron and Washington Street was burned out but soon replaced by brick structures that are there today.

The Ypsilanti population increased in that decade from 1792 to 3956 in 1860.

And now we return to the days of The War Between the States. According to Official Records, the Fourteenth Michigan Infantry was organized in Ypsilanti in February 1862. Recruiting and enlistment began at once.

One interesting Ypsilanti recruits was Sylvester ('Vett”) Noble, age 20 and living with his parents at 22 S. Huron, now 212 S. Euron.

Sylvester ('Vett') Noble was born in Ann Arbor Michigan, March 27, 1842. Some of his early education was in a one room country school and then his family moved to Ypsilanti. His father, Alonzo Noble, was a photographer specializing in the Daguerreotype picture and also bought and sold horses, the Amy being his best customer.

The old house at 22 South Huron was demolished about 1903 to make way for the handsome fieldstone house built by Darwin Griffin, a very successful Ypsilanti attorney. Some of the decorating in that house is reported to have been done by the same man who did the dome in the Nation's Capitol. At any rate, the house is now owned by Joseph D. Lawrence whose progenitors were very prominent in Ypsilanti mercantile history. The two story brick barn, still standing on the property, gives evidence of horses and activities of Alonzo Noble the father of Sylvester.

Vett was a natural story teller, always good naturedly observing and analizing his surroundings. The 135 letters written from the various Army camps in the South to his family show a writing ability far beyond that of the correspondents from the newspapers of that far off day. These letters are in the Archives of the Ypsilanti Historical Museum., thru the great talent of Louis S. White for collecting historical items. These are only part of the letters Vett wrote to his mother during his enlistment as Company Clerk in the 14th Michigan Infantry Regiment. Often critical of Army procedure but never complaining about the rigors and hardships of Army camp or his pay of $13. Per month. He enlisted February 13,1862, a brash, strong, intelligent young man not quite twenty years old and so able to clearly express himself orally or in writing, and after many campaigns, miles of foot travel, from Nashville to Atlanta, and to the Atlantic Ocean, serving as Clerk for General Tecumseh Sherman, he was discharged July 18 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. After The War Between the States, Vett served as City Clerk in Ypsilanti and then joined a cousin in Houston, Texas in the office of the Huston and Texas Central Railroad. He died in 1916 and is buried in Columbus, Ohio.

Donald W. Disbrow has read and with remarkable talent annotated and edited these 135 letters. His pamphlet, reprinted from the March 1968 CIVIL WAR HISTORY MAGAZINE, is in the Ypsilanti Historical Museum Archives.

Richard Beaham was Captain of Company “H” of the Fourteenth Regiment. The regiment was presented with a. handsome flag from the ladies of Ypsilanti, left Ypsilanti in April 1862, after a delay caused by the U.S. not sending in the payroll money.

By April 28th 1862 the Regiment was in Farmington, Tenn., “One and one half miles from the Rebels”, according to one of Vett's letters.

1862 April 6-7 1862 The battle of Shiloh in Southwest Tennessee. General Grant with 33,000 men vs. Beauregard and Johnson with 40,000 men. The North claimed a Union victory, breaking the hold of the Confederacy on western Tennessee.

May 3, 1862 The Battle of “Fair Oaks”, Virginia. McClellan with 42,000 men vs. Johnson and Smith with 42,000. A draw. Johnson was wounded and Robert E. Lee became Confederate Commander.

July 17th 1862 The United States authorized Negroes for Military Service freeing some three million blacks.

July 1, 1862 “Malvern Hill” battle, Virginia. McClellan with 80,000 men vs. Lee with a like number. Union victory claimed by the North after almost certain defeat.

August 29-30 1862 Second Battle of Bull Run, across the Potomac from Washington. Pope with 64,000 vs. Jackson with 78,000. A Confederate victory and opening the way for Lee to invade the North. Burnside removed from command by the North.

September 11 1862 William Sidney Porter (O. Henry) born Greensboro, North Carolina.

September 17 1862 Battle of Antietam-Maryland. McClellan with 82,000 vs. Lee with 40,000. Union victory but McClellan removed from command. Bloodiest battle of the War.

In 1862-Ypsilanti Parmenio Davis was re-elected Mayor of Ypsilanti and Rev. George Tindall was selected as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.

1862 Rev. Edward Van Pammell appointed Resident Pastor of St. John's Catholic Church.

December 13 1862 The Battle of Fredericksberg, Virginia, where the winters are so often mild, Burnside with 113,000 men vs. Lee with 78,000. A Confederate Victory. Burnside again removed from Command.

W.H. Pattison served as Sheriff from 1861 thru 1863.

E.D. Lay was Supervisor 1861 thru 1865.

Thomas Ninde was Probate Judge 1861 thru 1865.

C.S. Woodard, Surveyor 1861 thru 1869.

1863 January 1, 1863-President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing three million blacks all in rebel territory.

It was early in that year that a School for Training Teachers was established as the Michigan State Normal.

The Ypsilanti Historical Archives has a copy of an interesting letter from another Ypsilanti recruit.

1863-April 23

Relief Camp of Picket Guard

Dear Cousin:

…We have left our camp at Washington for good now. Our camp is at Fairfax Court House…and camp Brigade is composed of 5th, 6th and 7th Mich. Cavalry, is doing picket duty on a line 16 miles long.

We expected an attack…it rains like sixty. My dogtent leaks…We have nothing but the shelter tents here perhaps you never saw one of them. They are made of common cotton cloth and in two pieces about 4 ½ feet square put up in style both ends open so the sun can shine in and rain comes in like now when it rains.

Give my love to your father and mother and all the rest of the folks. I would like to see you all.

fr: John F. Lusk, Corporal

C.K. 5th Mich. Cavalry
Washington, D.C.

September 19th, 1864 this young man was killer in action at Winchester, Virginia.

We regret being unable to learn more about this young man, the name of his parents or the 'Dear Cousin'. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Roberts have the original letter.

Thru the courtesy and kindness of Russella and Agnes Wardroper we have copies in the Archives of many poignant letters written by Robert Wardroper, a Confederate soldier, age 40, to his wife and children in 1863. We excerpt from letters written by this Confederate soldier.

Monroe Co. Cotton Gin, Miss. April 11, 1863.

Dearest Bettie:

Just a week since I left home at Cotton Gin on the Bigby, the extreme head of navigation on that river. At the Bigby took steamboat to Choctaw Bluff, staying on board two days and long enough to get tired of it. The present encampment is very disagreeable being flat and other forces being encamped here before. Columbus is decidedly a rather pretty place, particularly in the suburbs-some very handsome fixed-up places.

We have stricter rules today than ever before, nobody passing outside the lines without a pass. Whiskey, I think is the cause as there are several stills about. There is one government one in sight but they neither sell nor give.

If you did not get my last letter, the wool to be Wardroper letter continued-

sold at the highest rates. It will be worth four or five dollars in August if the war continues. If there is a showing for peace, it ought to be sold off quick.

Your affectionate husband,
Robert Wardroper

Okolona, June 10th 1863

Dear Eddy:

Your ma wrote me that you are spelling great. I was glad to hear it and when knives come about again, you shall have a fine two blade knife. You must feed the poultry and help keep ay garden clean, go to the mill and learn to catch your horse yourself.

Howdy Davy for me and tell the black ones they must be smart or provisions will be scarce. I want to see you very much but soldiers cannot do as they please. It seems strange for me to live here in Mississippi while you live at hone in Alabama three or four hundred miles apart. Goodbye. Kiss me in your thoughts,

Your affectionate father
New Albany, Sept. 30 1863

Dear Bettie:

…I feel in much better spirit myself owing to Bragg's success and the tone of the French Emperor and think the Confederacy is looking up a little, I am writing under a tent of my own construction which is my blanket stretched over a pole, the corners tied out, and a little trench round the edges, which will keep me dry as a bone. It is now raining, the first in two months…

Robert Wardroper
June 16th 1864 Forsyth, Hardie Hospital, Georgia

Dear Wife:

I arrived here today worn out with work and attacks of diarrhea. I am here sleeping under a roof and on a bunk away from that eternal skirmishing. Sick at the craw but now expect to get strong again.

letters continued

Johnson has not given away any for 20 days and I am in hopes he will be able to hold his ground as the yanks have enough of Georgia, and the wheat growing portion too.

Two of my company were wounded and our Colonel is supposed to be killed if not a prisoner.

Sink a twenty dollar bill, if you have a new issue, in your next letter. We are on the railroad between Atlanta and Macon.

I any stay here three weeks or three months. Kiss and hug the children for me and also consider yourself fully remembered in loving kindness by your affectionate husband.

Robert Wardroper
Love to John and Davy
August 7, 1864 Forsyth, Georgia

Madam:

It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your husband, Robert Wardroper, who died in Hardie Hospital on the 16th of July.

Knowing you would like the particulars concerning his sickness and death, but for the past two months we have been so crowded with sick and wounded, and their attentions divided so the nature of his sickness and length of time he was confined to his room I am unable to tell you.

Those men I inquired of spoke of Mr. Wardroper in terms of praise. He seemed to be much resigned to his sickness and never complained…

He is buried in the soldier's burying ground at this place and his name is marked on his head board so you will have no difficulty in finding his grave if you ever visit this place.

Very respectfully yours,
T.W. Myers, Clerk
Hardie Hospital
Forsyth, Georgia

1863

April 1 1863 The 27th Michigan Regiment recruited in the counties touching Lake Superior and the 28th Regiment was at Ypsilanti. Both were slow in signing Recruits. The 27th was ordered to Port Huron and then to Ypsilanti where the two Regiments combined and thereafter known as the 27th Michigan Regiment reaching full strength by April 10 1863.

July 24th 1863 War Department, Washington Governor H. Barnes, Esq., of Detroit has applied to this department for authority to raise a regiment of colored troops in your State. The department is very anxious that such regiments should be raised and authorizes you to raise them…

Edwin M. Stanton
Secretary of War

To: His Excellency, Austin Blair Governor of Michigan, Jackson

War Department
Adjutant General's Office
July 25th 1863

Sir:

I am instructed by the Secretary of War to inform you that you are hereby authorized to raise one regiment to be composed of colored men, to be mustered into the United States Service for three years, or during the war.

To these troops no bounties will be paid. They will receive ten dollars per month and one ration per day, three dollars of which monthly pay may be in clothing…I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C.W. Foster, Assistant Adjutant Gen.

The recruiting of the regiment commenced April 12 1863 under Colonel Henry Darnes. Peter E. Mead from Ypsilanti is listed as 2nd Lieutenant in Co. B. He became 1st Lieutenant November 16 1864 and served to Honorable Discharge September 30 1865.

1st Colored Michigan Volunteer Infantry and a list of those from Ypsilanti-October 26 1863 to March 25 1865. Note the wide range of ages-15 to 44.

Name	Age	Company
Anderson, John	30	A
Bonson, Dondridge	26	I
Carter, Wilborn	18	F
Davis, Thomas I.	44	B
Potson, John	23	K
Embrose, William	32	C
Gay, John	34	C
Goings, Daniel	13	C
Gray, John E.	22	C
Grayson, Henry	19	F
Harper, Benjamin	20	F
Hart, John K.	30	C
Hawkins, Washington	35	C
Hays, William	21	C
Hopkins, Henry	18	E
Hyatt, James	18	K
Johnson, Sylvester	18	G
Johnson, William R	44	D
Jones, Wilbourn R.	43	G
King, William	19	K
Laker, Henry	18	K
Leake, Frederick	25	C
Lewis, Robert E,	40	D
Lewis, Wilbourn B.	18	D
Long, Frederick	18	D
Lowe, Edward	29	G
Moore, George H.	29	C
Morgan, George H.	21	E
Oliver, Jesse	30	F
Patton, Jeremiah	41	E
Porter, John	21	K
Price, John	20	A
Pritchard, Isiah	20	K
Ratliff, Albert J.	18	F
Scott, Alexander	36	G
Scroggins, Alexander	19	K
Sterling, Martin	28	F
Stewart, Jesse	18	K
Thomas, George	34	G
Ward, James R.	28	F
Washington, George	25	F
Watts, Alexander	35	C
Weaver, William P.	27	H
Wilson, Edward	35	H
Wilson, John	33	C
Wilson, William H.	40	H
Winslow, Oliver	18	F
York, David	18	B
York, George	15	B

Thru the diligent research of A.P. Marshall we are able to list these names. So far as known this is the first time these colored recruits have been recognized in Ypsilanti. Act of July 1 1862 6th Section made it the duty of any person liable to Income Tax on or before first Monday in May each year to list his annual income.

On July 12 1862 the Congress established the Medal of Honor and the first awards were March 25 1863 for the Army and April 3rd 1863 for the Navy.

Three men in the 'Normal Company' were awarded the Medal of Honor in 1863, they were: Andrew J. Kelly, Irwin Shepherd and David McFall.

March 3 1863 Conscription began causing riots in New York and other large cities. (The Confederate States passed a Draft Law April 16 1862).

During The War Between the States, composers of Music were “busy. George F. Root composed several sad ones: “just Before the Battle Mother”, “in A Prison Cell I Sit”; “Lorena”” was composed in 1857 by Rev. Henry DeLafayette Webster and became a favorite of both Yanks and Rebels during the War. The Confederates often sang that sad ballad and after 1865, some of the Confederate Generals blamed the loss of the War on that song, adding to the homesickness of the Rebel troops and causing wide desertion.

After every big battle, someone wrote a song about it. James Pierpont wrote many songs for the Confederacy but today he is only remembered for his “Jingle Bells”. “The Yellow Rose of Texas” was very popular with both sides. words Changed to fit the south or North as were so many songs in those days.

1863 David Edwards served as Ypsilanti's Treasurer

May 2 1863 Battle of Chancellersville, Virginia. At the close of this great Confederacy truimph, Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson, one of the great military Captains of all time, riding ahead of his outposts in the gloaming, as all firing ceased, a single shot by a faroff outpost, brought on firing by both sides.

In the confusion of the twilight, Jackson was accidently shot by one of his own men. He is reported to have said before he died: “Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees”:. A very touching and lengthy statement for a man whose arm had been sawed off with anesthetics in a crude field hospital.

May 18 1863 Battle of Vicksburg, Miss. U.S. Grant vs J.C. Pemberton. A Union victory and cutting the Confederacy in two and opening the Mississippi river.

June 20 1863 State of Virginia established as the 35th State giving the Union more men and materials.

July 1-3 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Meade with 93,5000 men vs. Robert E. Lee with 70,000 men. Union victory and turning point of the long war.

July 2 1863- Land Grant Bill passed to establish Agriculture Colleges, allowing 13 million acres to be distributed to the various States with a State being able to receive as many as 30,000 acres within its borders.

September 19-20 1863-Battle of Chicamauga-William S. Rosencrans with 55,000 men vs. Braxton Bragg with 70,000. Chattanooga was kept in Union hands.

Second Lieutenant James M. Wallace married Ellen Davis, daughter of Dr. Parmenio Davis.

November 19th 1963-President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, almost unheard and unhearalded at the time. (we can't write to George Washington because he is dead but you can write to Abraham Lincoln because we have his Gettysburg Address).

1863 November 23-25 1863 Battle of Lookout Mountain, “above the clouds”-U. S. Grant vs. Braxton Bragg. Union victory.

November 25-1863 First National Bank of Ypsilanti organized and granted a Federal Charter, one of the early National Banks in the State and the first such charter in Washtenaw County.

1864 January 1st 1864 Frederic H. Pease whose father father founded Oberlin College in Ohio, was appointed Professor of Music for the Normal succeeding E.M. Foote.

January 5th 1864 First National Bank opened for business, NE corner Congress (Michigan Ave) and Washington Street. Asa Dow, President; Daniel Lace Quirk, Vice President, Benjamin Follett, cashier.

The exact location for this Bank is uncertain. One report says: “second floor” in the Hewitt Block. A small business card by an attorney reads: “North side of Congress over First National Bank, north side of Congress Street””. The location was on the north side of Congress Street but within a year, the First National Bank bought the building at 121 W. Congress and moved there remaining there until 1905.

January 13th 1864 Stephen Collins Foster died in New York City an unknown pauper.

January 1864 David Edwards elected Mayor of Ypsilanti.

E.D. Lay served as County Supervisor from Ypsilanti Township 1861-65.

March 1st 1864 First issue of “Ypsilanti True Democrat” with Charles R. Pattison as beligerant, crusading editor and owner. A well educated man who had been a school teacher and also an ordained Minister. A year later the name of the weekly newspaper was changed to “Ypsilanti Commercial”. Charles Woodruff, classical school, an intellectual and able writer, edited a weekly newspaper, “The Sentinel” with very opposite views and beliefs.

In 1864 the weekly “Ypsilanti True Democrat” carried many letters from men in the Service and had a column telling of War victories, deaths and failures as well as local events. We list a few:

March 10th 1864 Citizens to meet in Hewitt Hall to consider building at the Normal College an Agricultural Museum by the State Agricultural Society, There was great interest in farming and general agriculture all over the country.

March 10th 1684 Austin B. Norton family arrived in Ypsilanti coming from Sharon Springs, New York.

March 21st 1684 General Ambrose E. Burnside, Union General was on a train which stopped for a few minutes at the Ypsilanti Depot.

April 1st 1864 “March work for the Farm-Working oxen need to be in good flesh or spring work will pull hard on them”.

A business card says: “D.B. Greene, Attorney, will give special attention to all War and Pension Claims at fair rates”.

April 2nd 1864 Governor Austin Blair spoke in Hewitt Hall.

Two day exhibit of the Hosler-Vaughan “Polerama” with life-like pictures of Civil War battle scenes.

April 8th 1864 “The True Democrat” has a real estate item saying the home of Edwin Mills has been sold: “Edwin Mills, a resident of Ypsilanti for only a few years, has been emminently successful and is now removing to Jackson, Michigan”. Mr. Mills built the large brick structure with its many handsome features in evidence today-the big Tiffany window was removed by Eileen Harrison and other Historical Society members, and it is on display in the Historical Museum-the house is located at 130 North Huron Street right at the end of Washtenaw (old Ellis Street). Later it was the home of John Starkweather and after Mr. Starkweather's death, Mrs. Starkweather gave the property to the Ladies' Library Association.

April 22 1864 Captain A.A. VanCleve of the 20th Michigan Infantry has left to rejoin his regiment.

“Colonel Byron M. Cutcheon called on us Tuesday last, and like a true patriot subscribed for our paper. His address at present will be Annapolis, Maryland. He goes to join Burnside's corps.”

May 6th 1864 “In the town of Augusta (Township) on the 27th ult., Mary Muir, wife of Andrew Muir, deceased, age 94. She died as she lived, a practical Christian”. The Muirs were in Augusta Township as early as 1827.

May 6th 1864 Battle of the Wilderness-General U.S. Grant with 120,000 trying to dislodge General Robert E. Lee with 62,000 from Eastern Virginia.

May 8th 1864-Battle of Spotsylvania

May 12th 1864-Commander J.E.B. Stuart, one of the greatest and most ingenious Confederates, died of wounds, Yellow Tavern, Virginia.

May 13th 1864 17th Michigan Infantry Captives Near Spottsylvania, Virginia Dear Friends: Yesterday our division, in common with the whole Army, charged the enemy's works, and after much loss at least 100 of our Regiment were taken prisoners. I have no reason to complain of treatment thus far. I am well and feel in good spirits. As near as I can ascertain brother Frank is all right with his regiment. I wish you to have no fear for me for I am well clad and of a robust constitution.

Very truly,
Your son and brother
Delos Phillips-Captain 17th Michigan
Infantry

May 19th 1864- Lynchburg, Virginia

Dear Mother:

I am here a prisoner of war-arrived yesterday. Expect to be soon sent to Georgia, I am entirely well and in good spirits. Be of good cheer and in due time I will be again with you.

Your affectionate son,
Delos Phillips

May 18th 1864 Daniel B. Greene appointed Ypsilanti Postmaster.

John Howland and others bought the Bumpus Tannery on the North side of Forest Avenue at the vest end of the bridge.

McAndrew (William) and Stanway opened a furniture store at 115 W. Congress (Michigan Avenue).

The Ypsilanti Home Association became “Soldiers' Aid Society” during the War years. Sojourner Truth spoke at one of their meetings.

June 1-3 1864 The Battle of Cold Harbor, Grant vs. Lee, two West Pointers battling each other, with Lee and the Confederates claiming victory. Grant's worst defeat.

June 10th 1864 “Death of Private Alphonso Hawkins, son of J.K. Hawkins. Alphonso was a student in the Normal College at the time he enlisted. His father enlisted at the same time”.

June 18th 1864 York Township organized the “Soldier's Aid Society” as more and more Veterans were in need.

June 24th 1864 “D.C. Holmes, one of the former proprietors of this printing office (“True Democrat”), was killed in the Battle of the Wilderness. Dave was a brave soldier, he loved his country and manfully has fallen in her defense”.

Delos Phillips and two others who escaped from the train taking them to Prison Camp have reached home.

July 4th 1864 The payment of money in place of serving in the Union Army ended.

July 6th 1864 Lake & Co., Great Western Circus showing in Ypsilanti.

July 11th 1864 The Confederates in the outskirts of Washington.

July 13th 1864 Entry in the 'Diary' of William Lambie confirms the above-“Got in a little wheat-the Rebels said to have taken Washington”.

July 14th 1864 Highland Cemetery dedicated-the first burial in the new cemetery was that of Elias Norton an early pioneer owning acreage SE of Ypsilanti. The second burial was that of Mrs. Asa Dow. The Dows lived in the brick mansion at 220 North Huron which now houses the Ypsilanti Historical Museum and Archives.

Ypsilanti population 4189. Township 1359 in 1864: new school for Blacks built on South Adams below Buffalo Street, 4 grades with John Hall as teacher. The old Presbyterian Church building, a frame structure, on Pearson Street, had been used as a school for Blacks.

August 10th 1864 Ypsilanti political convention held in Larzaleer Hall, NW corner of old Congress and Washington Street. Eurotas Morton, Chairman and Charles Holmes, Jr., Secretary.

August 12th 1864 “James H. Case died in General Hospital at Little Rock, Arkansas, from battle wounds, age 16 years and 5 months. He was in Company “D” 3rd Michigan Cavalry”.

September 2 1864 The fierce battle for Atlanta which began July 22nd was completed. William Tecumseh Sherman vs. John B. Hood, Confederate General. Union Victory and the city burned, looted and occupied by Union troops.

October 19th 1864 Two unrelated events on this date. Shelley Byron Hutchinson born on family farm in Superior Township.

It is also the date the Confederates raided St. Albans, Vermont and escaped into British North America as Canada was called, with $200,000 in cash from the St Albans bank. One of the most daring of many raids made by the Confederates in northern New York and Vermont. Once in Canada, the Union could do nothing except fume and deplore that Canada would harbor such outlaws.

October 21, 1864 “All Clubs or organizations desirous of securing FLAGS, Mottos or Banners will take notice that Thompson's Paint Shop at the Depot is the place to get them on shortest notice-O.E.Thompson”.

October 31, 1864-Nevada becomes 36th State.

November 11th, 1864-“Besides a thousand barrels of Apples, the New Yorkers are going to send Grant's Army $50,000 worth of turkeys for Thanksgiving. Our patrons will please remember our Army of printers”.

November 26th, 1864-Edwin Booth's great truimph as 'Hamlet'-four months later his younger brothers John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln shocking Edwin into retirement-he was persuaded to return to the theatre January 3 1866 but was never quite the same. He died June 7 1893.

December 6, 1864-“NOTICE-My wife, Elizabeth Cause, having left my bed and board without just cause or provocation. I hereby forbid all persons to trust or harbor her on my account as I will pay no debts of her contracting-Lea W. Gause”.

December 15-16. 1864-Battle of Nashville, George H. Thomas with 55,000 vs John B. Hood, Confederate General, with 23,000. Union victory and ended the war in the West.

1864

December 19th, 1864-The United order requiring a Passport for all travelers between British North America (Canada) and the United States. This drastic measure greatly reduced railroad income. This is the only time in 200 years that a passport was required to cross that 3000 mile unfortified border. The Act was recinded March 1865, never to be resumed again.

December 23rd, 1864-“5 percent Special Income Tax for 1863 now due, and should be paid before the 7th of January to save 10 percent penalty…””.

December 30th, 1864-“Strayed or Stolen-A Dard Red heifer calf from the pasture of William Watling, 1 ½ miles south of Ypsilanti-Jas. W. Binghans”.

December 30th, 1864-“Tuesday morning the painful intelligence was announced to our citizens through a telegraphic dispatch, that Benjamin Follett was no more. It produced a profound sensation. A public calamity has befallen us. Though Mr. Follett died in early manhood, only 45 years old, he had accomplished a vast deal for himself, his family and this community”. (Mr. Follett had gone to a Spa in New York State hoping to regain his health).

December 30th, 1864-“Great Picture of Wilton's 'Paradise Lost'-this great work of Art that created such an intense excitement in Eastern Cities and Europe, will be exhibited at Follett Hall two days and one afternoon”.

1865

January 6th, 1865-“A narrow escape-Tuesday morning a fire occured in Dr. Gerry's office over 1st National Bank at 4 A.M. William Sheldon and Frank Joslin were sleeping in the Bank. The fire was put out by pails of water from neighboring wells. Strange as it may appear there is no cistern on Congress Street”.

Francis Lambie and wife, Mary, had come to America from Scotland in 1839 and with their family of 8 children, the oldest William Lambie age 18, had bought the Moon farm on Geddes Road in Superior Township straight north of . Even after nearly 20 years he was not satisfied with the Yankees and the States. In 1858, with 4 of their grown children, they moved to British North America (Canada), and bought a splendid farm on the Detroit River below Windsor, Ontario.

Francis Lambie kept a “Waste Book” which is defined by Webster's International Dictionary as the British term for “Record Book”. In the 'Waste Book' entry for January 4th, 1865:

“Moderate today-an embargo is enforced this week on passengers across the Borders by the States Government by demanding a passport. There is little stir”…

January 11th, 1865- “Slaying good but few people passing, too cold I suppose, and the passport”.

January 15th 1865- “River frozen over for some-time, few people passing, the passport system still”.

*****

January 3rd 1865- “Second Baptist Society bought the old frame building on Pearson Street which has been the First Presbyterian Church for many years and the Society will now make use of it”…

January 12th 1865- “The enlarged Hewitt Hall dedicated-3rd floor of the brick building, NE corner of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street”. (Seventy years later this 3rd floor was removed).

January 20th 1865- “Dickinson & Lambie are designing to leave us about March 1st. They have done well at the Depot. They may go in business in Jackson a city that is outstripping its neighbors”.

January 20th 1865- “Major Cicero Newell is at home with us once more. His term of service has expired. He passed thru many 'hair breath' escapes as a Cavalry officer, and has excaped without any mortal wounds”.

January 24th-25th 1865- “Tenth Annual meeting of Michigan Dental Association held at the Follett House with twenty-five registered”.

January 29th 1865- From. “The Chicago Tribune” The Charleston Mercury presents a radically changed Southern view of Abraham Lincoln: “In the Cabinet and the field he has consistently and fearlessly carried out the search for men who could advance his cause and has as unhesitatingly cut off all those who clogged it with weakness, timidity, imbecility, or failure. Blackguard and buffoon as he is, he has pursued his end with an energy as untiring as an Indian's, and a singleness of purpose that night almost be called patriotic. If he were not an unser upulous knave in his intentions and a fanatic in his political views, he would undoubtedly command our respect as a ruler”.

January 31st 1865- “SLAVERY ABOLISHED”: The 13th Amendment was passed by the Senate April 18 1864 but defeated in the House. Reconsidered and passed by the House January 31 1865 and ratification completed December 6 1866.

February 10th 1865- “The Follett House Hotel has been sold at the astonishing low figure of $10,000. A great bargain! The Newell House Hotel, opposite the Depot, a splendid building, is for sale at a surprising low figure”.

February 24 1865- “Mr. Charles Worden, who has been quite out of health for several months, died Sunday morning last. Mr. Worden and brother carried on the tin and hardware business for several years. They built the block which bears their name”.

“Real Estate: Mrs. David Carr to Ward W. Swift $7,000”.

“Mr. Rently Leases the Hawkins House Hotel & furniture to Mr. John kinyon of Plymouth”.

February 24th 1865 = “We were glad to receive a call from Lt. L.B. Loomis, 7th Michigan Cavalry. He is home on a visit and strong in the faith that ultimate victory at no distant day will bring lasting peace”.

March 17th 1865- “Asa Dow sold his residence on North Huron Street to A.H. Goodrich receiving $14,000 for the house and household furnishings”.

“Mrs Anna Wilkinson lest two children from Scarlet Fever”.

“THE DRAFT-No Delay-13 men lacking in the 4th and 5th Wards”.

March 24th 1865- “We notice that the ground is broken and Robert Hemphill is devoting his sole attention to the work of erecting a suitable building for the Ypsilanti Woolen Company. Hail to the first Ypsilanti Factory!”.

(The location was on the west side of the Huron River, south of the Forest Avenue Bridge).

“A March storm with violent winds loosened the spire of the Presbyterian Church from its base and caused it to lean six feet toward the northeast”.

“Mrs. Mary H, Grant offers for sale her brick residence on Washington Street and adjoining lot. Also a quantity of elegant furniture in rosewood, walnut and mahogany, oil paintings and other items”. (now owned by Ladies' Literary Club).

In 1865 the Income Tax was still a novelty and most people proud to have their income made public. Here are a few veil known names and taxable income as published in the newspaper.

I.N. Conklin	$2200
C. Cornwell	4000
Asa Dow	5300
Benjamin Follett	$4000
R.W. Hemphill	650
Joseph Kitchen	1621
Robert Lambie	$1157
D. McIntire	2865
E.J. Mills	4000
Samuel Post	1600
D.L. Quirk	$5300
D. Showerman	800
John J. Thompson	919

April 7 1865- E.P. Bogardus elected Mayor of Ypsilanti.

April 9 1865- Pain Sunday and surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, immaculate and handsome in his Army Uniform, at Appomattox in the McLean House.

Headquarters of Army of Northern Virginia
April 10th 1865

General Order No. 9

After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need net tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them.

But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that would compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuence of the contest, I have determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.

By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed. I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you His blessing and protection.

With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

Robert E. Lee, General

This polgnant farewell was written by a Staff Officer and circulated but never spoken by General Lee to his men.

April 9th 1865- “Huge celebration over news of General Robert E. Lee's surrender”.

April 14th 1865- President Lincoln shot by John Wilkes Booth, while attending a performance of “Our American Cousins” at the Ford Theatre in Washington.

April 15th 1865- (From the “Waste Book' of Francis Lambie). Had Agnes (Mrs. Dr. Inglis) and the children on a visit before they leave for the far West. Went to Sandwich (Ontario) with them and got my papers, President Lincoln is shot and Seward killed.

“John Hewins, age 18, second son of Jessie Hewins of Augusta, a member of Company “H” 24th Michigan, died at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois”.

(From the diary of William Lambie) “My birthday-44 years of my life gone-heard that PRESIDENT LINCOLN has been shot”.

April 16 1865- (Lambie diary) “Mr. Tindell preached about the President's death-the church draped in mourning”.

April 19th 1865- “Sober overflow crowds at Presbyterian Church and Hewitt Hall at time of Lincoln's funeral”.

Headquarters Military Division of
Mississippi
Washington, D.C.-May 23 1865

Dear Ma:

Last Saturday I went over to the Reg't and yesterday (Monday) morning I had my Discharge Papers. Before noon had my money $331.55. Wandered around this little city of Washington till night-got tired and went-to theatre. Then went to hotel and stayed… Found Headquarters about 4 P.M. they had moved since Saturday into town from near Alexandria-tiring myself out looking at the Review of the Army of the Potomac.

General Sherman's Army is to be reviewed tomorrow.

I couldn't think of going off and miss seeing the whole of this Grand Affair-the equal of which the world never yet saw and it will probably be some time before another such is seen.

I have seen the Capitol, Treasury Dept., War and Navy Depts., Patent Office, etc.,etc., also President Johnsons and more Secretaries than you could shake a stick at…

Goodbye-Vett

June 4th 1865- “Sunday, 20th Michigan Infantry passed thru City enroute to Jackson for mustering out”.

August 19th 1865- “General Grant in Ypsilanti, August 15th. The special train conveying the hero of a hundred battles paused here. There was a large gathering of people to greet him. The cars remained about 10 minutes giving quite a number of citizens an opportunity to take him by the hand keeping him very busy. He looks every inch the soldier and has an intellectual look. The people delighted to do him honor”.

October 7 1865- “Some arguement over the location of a Catholic Cemetery in the Jarvis subdivision on Ann Atreet”.

“Real Estate Sale: Prof J.F. Cary to Addison Fletcher, farm half mile down the river, $9,000”.

December 2, 1865- “Dr. Edward Batwell, late surgeon of 14th Michigan Infantry has become a resident of our City”.

“A town clock is being erected in the Episcopal Church by the Common Council aided by a number of citizens”.

Editor C.R. Pattison thru the War years published many favorable articles about the colored troops and tures telling of the virtues of the colored people. Any time he heard of a slight or insult by whites to the colored people he published the item and scolded the whites. He noted in 1865: “…the colored population in Ypsilanti is gradually improving, They now have two Churches…”. June 10 1865 “The Ypsilanti Commercial” printed an editorial from the PRESTON, Minnesota paper about the War coming to an end and 'every living soul, as soon as it ceases to be enslaved, becomes endowed with the rights of an American Citizen””, (except women!).

December 9 1865- “Comment from Ex-Governor Gates saying he disagrees with Governor Cox of Ohio who has said:”…white and colored cannot live in the same country…In Washington one of the wealthy citizens is a colored man, and he employs white clerks who can not only endure the 'degredation' but very glad of the employment”.

Ad. for Furniture: “William McAndrew and D. Stanway-Cabinet Ware-Hairs, Sofas, Bureaus, Marble top tables-also keep a Hearse and Coffin and offers services on reasonable rates. Please call and examine work and prices. Congress Street two doors west of Bogardus Bank”.

December 16 1865- Nasby at Washington:-“…Since November elections I have bin spending the best uv time in Washington. I find a melancholy pleasure in lingering around the scene of so many Demoocratic triumphs-Here wux Brooks; the heroic bludgeoned Summer; besides its the easiest place to dodge a board bill in the United States-there's so many Congressmen here who resemble me, that I have no difficulty in passing for one two-thirds of the time…The power in the hands uv Radicals, a state of affairs disgusting in the extreme to the highly sensitive mind””.

Petroleum V. Nasby is the name David Ross Locke used in writing his humorous sketches which were very popular during the War. In one of his long articles he has a soldier step forward to answer where he enlisted? The soldier briskly answered:

At New York, April 12 1864, Bounty $1,000 and

at Philadelphia, April 14 1864, Bounty $700,

at Pittsburgh April 16 1864, Bounty $800, and

at Cincinnati April 18 1864, Bounty $400

Which perhaps explains why the Bounty sustem was abandoned. Nasby is often discouraged about “living in a Democratic community”.

January 6 1636- “Shall we have railroads? The most feasible is from Toledo thru Adrian, Tecumseh, Ypsilanti, Holly on to Saginaw”.

February 3 1866- “Major James N.Wallace and his brother have returned to their home in Ypsilanti after an absence of nearly five years spent in the Army. Major Wallace has connected himself with the firm of McCormick, Wallace and Davis”.

February 3rd 1866- Jesse James and Gang in first train robbery.

“Editorial Comment:-Street Boys. In no other town have we witnessed such disgraceful acts on the part of street boys-Who is blameworthy for such a reckless class of boys? First the parents should be held responsible. And unless parental training is radically reformed woe to the rising generations!”.

February 17 1866- “Business Card-Cornwell, Hemphill and Co., Bankers (Cornelius Cornwell and Robert W. Hemphill) NE corner of Congress & Huron Streets”.

April 6 1866- “First Post of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) formed at Decatur Illinois.” (The GAR became a political influence thru the following decades.

First National Encampment of the GAR was at Indianapolis, Indiana, November 2 1866. The last encampment was also held at Indianapolis, August 31 1949 with six of sixteen surviving veterans.

May 31st 1866- Fenians invade Canada at Fort Erie-Canadian authorities suppressed it.

June 9 1866- “Common Council-Resolved that the Street running East and West from River Street on the north side of 5th Ward Park be called 'Babbitt Street'-adopted.”

June 16 1866- “Three samples of cloth made by the new Woolen Mill were exhibited. These were speciments of the first work of the Mill. They were much admired”.

Lewis Cass, the veteran Statesman of Michigan, is dead at the ripe age of 83. Territorial Governor of Michigan, Secretary of War 1831; Ambassador to France 1836; United States Senator 1845.

June 16 1866- “Common Council-Resolved that Martin and Lucking have leave to establish a slaughter house south of River Street on the bank of the Huron River-adopted”.

June 23 1866- “Married-Col. J. Webster Childs of Ypsilanti and Miss Frances E. Crawford of Florida-and June 12th-married-Capt. Lewis E. Childs of Ypsilanti to Fannie H. Richardson of Mass”.

July 7 1866- “Common Council-Resolved that the duty to the dead will be best performed by vacating the Cemetary of Summit Street”.

July 27 1866- First Cable across Atlantic Ocean completed.

Four room brick schoolhouse built NW corner E. Congress and N. Prospect. (5th Ward school)

August 1st 1866-Wednesday- “Emancipetion Day Celebration. Delegations from neighboring towns met in the morning at the A.M.E. Church. Marched to Crosse's Grove where all enjoyed 'feast of reason and flow of…” lemonade, etc.

“William McAndrew joined with James N. Wallace and William J. Clarke for furniture and Undertaking”.

“William S. Henderson and Henry P. Glover bought out Samuel Post 'Dry goods'. (In a short time, Henderson withdrew and it was just 'Glover' located NW corner Congress and N. Huron.)

August 18 1866- “The President is to be in Letroit on the 4th of September, on his way to attend the Douglas Monument Inauguration”.

September 1 1866- “The President and his train of Bread and Butter men will pass thru Ypsilanti on September 6th, next Thursday. Let those, and only those, who greet him who cursed him two years ago. Let Republicans reserve their shouts for Grant and Farragut”.

From the William Lambie Diary-

September 5th 1866- Frank and I went to the Depot saw some of the great men of the earth-President Johnson, General Grant, Seward, Farragut and some other leading men.

September 6 1866- Beautiful cool morning. Have hardly any money in the house-almost no water in well-nobody seems to want to buy our wheat or thrash our wheat-the cows get over the fence and rive very little milk, I don't seem to be able to do much good…

September 8 1866-PRESIDENT AND SUITE IN IPSILANT “There was a very rair turnout to see the President. Many had never seen one before. It wan an amazing pity that they could not look upon a better specimen for the first time. There was but little enthusiosn Grant and Farragut receiving the only cheers given. The speech we need not retail to our readers. We had read it in print a dozen times. It was packed with bombast, sophistry and lies. His looks don't belie him-a skin distended to its utmost limits with whiskey. A food many Republicans staid away, feeling a good deal as the Michigan Colonel did: '…you may take Johnson boiled, fried, stewed or sandwiched between tow as good potatoes as Grant and Farragut and he stinks'.

December 31 1866-Rev. Ebenezer Cheever, Dastor of the First Presbyterian Church died.

*****

We are indebted to “Stories of Civil War Songs” by Ernest K. Emurian; Chapman's “Illustrated History of Washtenaw County”; Gilpin's “The Territory of Michigan 1805-1837”; “All our Yesterdays” by Frank B. and Arthur Woodford; “Mr. Jefferson's Disciple-A Life of Justice Woodward”-and the old newspapers, books, and records in the Ypsilanti Historical Archives.

Foster L. Fletcher
City Historian

Alas, 'That' Season is Here Again!

They're Still Talking about that Cyclone that Spread Ruin in the City 40 Years Ago.

Ypsilanti, May 6-Some heavy winds may have struck Ypsilanti, but if the old-timers of the city-such as Tracy Towner, Tom McAndrew, John P. Kirk, Dan Quirk and others-are to be believed, they were mere zephyrs when compared with the big wind that hit just 40 years ago. (April 12, 1893)

It was a freak storm. It dipped down and passed over the trees in the west section, landed squarely near the corner of Congress St. and Chicago Ave. (now Michigan Ave.) bounded like a huge ball down Congress St. through the business section, then veered slightly northeastward and ripped through a few places along Pearl St. and Huron St., crossed the river to strike down once more on River St. and disappeared as mysteriously as it had come.

People Feared Judgment

The tornado cut a swath, possibly a block wide, uprooting trees, uprooting buildings and bringing fear of the Judgment Day to the people of Ypsilanti. Its roar was eerie-like a dozen hayracks racing down Michigan Ave., MacAndrew says, or much like the Wolverine racing through at top speed, according to Towner. But as the town had never seen nor heard a tornado before and this one passed in two minutes, an exact description is impossible.

Towner, eighty-nine-year-old lawyer, is perhaps best informed concerning the holocaust. He was the ‘Free Press’ correspondent here at the time and that night was working as a clerk in the postoffice.

“I had hardly opened the window and started handing out the mail when I heard a strange noise”, he relates. “Seconds later Iheard the pounding of something on the tin roof of the building and before I could think further, the roof simply up and left. The people in the office went into a panic, most of them yelling, “Save me, save me'. I remember looking at Mrs. Randall, the assistant postmaster, and her eyes simply popped. I hurried through the crowd in the front out into Pearl St. There I saw a man unconscious and with someone else, carried him over to Doc. Patterson's. He was the only many hurt, so far as I know, and he had been blown out of his buggy.

“Of course, I had to have the particulars for the paper, so I went around on Congress St. There I saw where one of the walls of the opera house had been blown out and in falling had cut through a section of the Hawkins House like a paring knife through a potato. A funny thing about it was that a drummer (salesman) who had been carried up to his room on the second floor of the hotel and put to bed drunk, had crashed through the dining room and awakened uninjured but as sober as a deacon. His room had been No. 13.

“The Chinaman who ran the laundry where the Masonic Temple now stands lost everything. ‘No washee-all blow to Hellee’ was about all he could yell. And Dick Whiting, who had a nice stand of white whiskers, had them dyed when a paint pail blew his way.

“John McAllister's place was damaged in an odd way. A vacumn formed all around it and the pressure from inside bluged all the walls.

“Of course, the wires were down, so I gathered and wrote news until 11 p.m. and then took it into Detroit on the train and hurried down to the office with it. Frank Codrington was State Editor then, and he took the stuff and told me to write verything more I could. The ‘Free Press’ beat the world on that one”.

MacAndrew, now 81 years old, told the story as he sat in front of a stove in his furniture store. “I was sitting right here with Henry Curtis when it happened”, he relates. “The day had been warm and the wind was blowing hard. I went out to get a center table that was standing at the curb and just as I got back the cyclone hit. When it got here it took the ventilator off the top of the building, left the next two untouched and then struck at the one next to the corner. Meanwhile, it had taken the tower off Cleary College (N.Adams and Michigan Avenue) and hit the Opera House and Hawkins House, on the other side of the street. By the time most of us realized what was happening, it was over.

“It's a good thing that it didn't go farther north than it did. A revival meeting was going on in the Methodist Church over on Washtenaw and Washington and it was full. If the cyclone had hit there, a good many people might have been killed”.

Reprinted from “Detroit Free Press” May 6, 1933

---

Tracy Towner was working in the Postoffice on that Sunday night, April 12 1893, when the devasting cyclone struck Ypsilanti. It was the most destructive disaster that ever happened in Ypsilanti. At that time the Postoffice was in the building at the south west corner of North Huron and Pearl Street. Tracy became an attorney and his office was in the Ypsilanti Savings Bank building (19–21 Congress (Michigan Ave) corner Huron Street) and he lived at 303 N. Huron until his death in 1943.

The Archives of the Museum has many photographs of the damage wrought by the cyclone-part of our Florence S. Babbitt collection.

View the following images of the Cyclone of 1893 in our Gleanings image gallery:

*Views after the Ypsilanti Cyclone, April 12, 1893
*Illustration of Mrs. Steve Denyke's Residence after Ypsilanti Cyclone, April 12, 1893

Author: Foster L. Fletcher, City Historian

1872
June
In 1871 the Chicago and Canadian Railroad began building a railroad to connect Niagara Falls Ontario with Chicago, Illinois. In June of 1872 the rail were laid as far as the Detroit River. A bridge was proposed across the river but the Wayne County Board of Supervisors denied such a structure saying it would bother the traffic on the river. (From an article furnished by our member James Pugsley). So a ferry service was established from Stoney Island off Grosse Isle to Gordon, Ontario, a small port just above Amherstburg, Ontario.

1873
John J. Bagley elected Governor of Michigan, serving two terms. He reorganized the State Militia into the National Guard.

March 1
The Governor appointed George H. Hopkins, Ypsilanti as his private Secretary. George had served with distinction in the 17th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War. He was a graduate of Michigan State Normal College in 1867 and University of Michigan Law 1871.

February Adv. in the Commercial:
Bordine Bros. Livery Stable
Horses, Carriages, Cutters, etc. Tip Top rigs at reasonable rates. Stable on Huron Street, just south of Congress at A.M. Noble's old stand (212 South Huron Street)

Feb.
John H. Wortley having found a business connection in Kalamazoo, the Directors of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Association (Farmer's Store on East Cross) tendered him a unanimous vote of thanks for the faithful service rendered the Association.

Feb.
William H. Sweet with partner William Robbins, bought out the retail clothing business of Robert Lambie. Lambie did not sell the building at 120 W. Congress (Michigan Avenue)

Feb.
Enrico Caruso, W.C.Handy (“St Louis Blues”) and Feodor Chaliapin were born.

Feb. 3
Fire at Ypsilanti Cornwell Mill, loss $16,624 (on the Huron River where the Ford Generator plant is).

February 25
Married: Elijah McCoy to Mrs. Mary E. Brownlow in the A.M.E. Church by Reverend Jesse Bass.

February 27
Married: Herbert Sweet to Amada Seely at the residence of the bride's father, James Seely, South Washington Street.

March 1
The Commercial typewriter came on the market.

March 1
C.R. Pattison again assumed full management of the Ypsilanti Commercial.
A quote from the Commercial of that date. “The new Cross Street Bridge is ready for wagon and team traffic. It was built by the American Bridge Co., of Chicago. Two trusses 231 feet long, 37 1/2 feet wide… . Total cost of $12,000”.

April 16
One Day Only-In Hewitt Hall, the great and original and renowned General Tom Thumb and wife-(Hewitt Hall 3rd floor-NE corner Michigan Avenue and Washington).

May 1
David W. Livingstone died. It is also the date of the first postal card.
Marie Dressler (Leila Koerber) was born in Ontario. World Almanac lists her birth as 1869.

July 4
Semi-Centennial celebration for the Settlement of Woodruff's Grove. The celebration was held on Independence Island, an island in the bend of the Huron River at old Race Street.

July 18
From the Diaries of William Lambie: “Paid Mr. Garrison $4.75 for new rent”.

August 1
Fire destroyed what was called the first Gymnasium of the Michigan State Normal College. The building was back of the old main building, south of Forest Avenue and East of where Starkweather Hall is now located.

August 2
Cornwell & Co. Paper Makers, offer to donate $1,000 toward purchasing a a Steam Fire Engine for the City and kept “no farther North than Pearl Street and no farther West than Washington Street”.

August 16
A submarine diver from Detroit, Mr. Thomas Wilson, explored the river channel above the Iron Bridge (Old Congress Street-now Michigan Avenue) and found the big coffeesack containing the valuable City Records which had been stolen.
Mayor Watson Snyder came in a carriage and took the sack to Edwards, McKinstry & VanCline's Dry Kiln (NE corner Adams and Michigan Avenue). At least nine tenths of the papers were saved.

August 16
Ad in the Commercial:
$500 Reward
The above reward will be given for such information as will lead to the detection and conviction of the incendiaries who set fire to the Normal School Gymnasium, and to the Barn and Sheds opposite the Follett Mill on the on the nights of August 1st and 2nd 1873
Watson Snyder, Mayor

August 26
The Stoney Creek Grange was organized.

The Deubel Brothers, William H. and James P., coming from Plymouth Michigan bought the Huron Flouring Mill located at the East end of Cross Street Bridge and on the North side of Cross Street, which had been owned by Nathan Follett.

During the same year, the father of the two Deubel Brothers, William D. Deubel, bought the Ypsilanti City Mill located on the East Side of the Huron River below the the Congress Street (Michigan Avenue) Bridge.

At this time, there were several cigar makers. Growing tobacco plants was common in the Ypsilanti area during this decade and the largest cigar makers were: Schimmeld and Cook followed by Guild & Son.

L.C. Wallington converted the old Peck School House on East Forest, called Mill Street, in the old days, into a Malt House. He was followed by F.J.Swaine who enlarged the building and continued the business. He also built the handsome brick house that year at 201 East Forest.

September 13
The Arbeiters Versin had a big time in their Grove (South Grove, NE corner of Stewart Street) last Tuesday. It was preceeded by the Parade of the Light Guards-they marched thru several Streets and made a fine appearance.

September 20
Great excitement in Wall Street-Jay Cook & Co. suspended from trading. A financial panic. They had dealt too heavily in Northern Pacific railroad. Ypsilanti Banks offered to give anyone their money if they wanted it. Very few withdrawals and most deposited next day.

The new Steam Fire Engine has come-It can be seen at Curtis' Carriage Factory (SW corner of Michigan Ave. and Adams Street).

September 27
Washtenaw County Medical Society Meeting at Follett House on East Cross Street. The all male membership was astonished by a membership application from Miss Gertrude Banker.

Dr. Batwell from Ypsilanti offered a Resolution excluding ladies from Membership. After much discussion pro and con, the Resolution was lost and Gertrude Banker accepted as a member.

October 4
Reverend A.T.Hall will suceed Reverend Jesse Bass as Pastor of the A.M.E. Church. Reverend Bass goes to a parish in Southern Indiana.

Advertisement in the Commercial:
The Best seat in the Presbyterian Church for sale on reasonable terms. Inquire Champion's Drug Store (South Side of East Cross, opposite the Railroad Station),
Charles R. Champion

October 10
Eighth Annual Reunion of the 20th Regiment of Michigan Infantry-120 Members of this Regiment met for their Reunion in Ypsilanti: Three Ypsilanti men were given credit for the splendid success of the affair: C. S. Wortley, Secretary-Treasurer; A.A. VanCleve and John Wise.

October 14
Mrs. Lois Ninde died from Typhoid Fever, daughter of George C. Crane and sister of Albert Crane, age 26.
Notes from Ann Arbor: Land was plenty when the University got its 40 acre Campus and so we have a good ballground giving plenty of impulse to base and football. Considering ourselves as good as anybody, we have challenged Cornell University to play us a match game of football in three weeks… (The game was cancelled by the Presidents of both Universities).

October 25
City Council was asked by Cornwell Fire Company for water wells to be made at the end of Congress Street at the Bridge (now Michigan Avenue), Cross and Forest Avenue bridges and for an Engine House.
Reverend G.P. Tindall completes ten years as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
Bishop Wyman of the A.M.E. Church preached in the A.M.E. House of Worship last week to a crowded house. He resides in Baltimore, Maryland (from the Commercial).
More from the Commercial: We give credit to George Carr for closing his saloon, but we see it open again, conducted by a third person we suppose. It seems to us, George, that you might have retired in full of your laurels last week. We are informed that you cleared $500 Tuesday evening. An eyewitness told us that at 12 o'clock a large crowd was in front of the saloon waiting their turn to get in.
Commercial advertisement:
Ypsilanti Medical Institute, Arcade Block (next door south to Detroit Edison office building on North Huron Street).
Health Life-Electric Baths-Russian Baths-The Swedish Movement These and other remedial agents are here used in the treatment of Rheumatism, Paralysis, Catarrh, Dysepsia, Disease of Females of the Kidneys, Liver, Eye and Ear, etc.
W.H. Hall, M.D. & O.E. Good, M.D.

November 15
“The hanging of 48 Americans by the Spanish authorities in Cuba, is an outrage upon modern civilization”.

December 20
I. Burdine, teacher of the Colored School, is elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A.Y.M. (colored) of the State of Michigan.

The new fire engine pumped water for two hours into the new cisterns but they did not hold water.

December 27
William G. Shipman has leased the Barton House and proposes to keep a Temperance Hotel (corner of North Washington and Pearl Street NW).

1873
Nineteen divorces in Washtenaw County

Author: Foster L. Fletcher

It is impossible to record all the events and happenings in Ypsilanti during the two decades from 1850 to 1870 even if our space was not limited. However, certain ones must be listed while many deserving mention are left out.

The Ypsilanti Normal Teacher Training School was dedicated October 5 1852 and there were three in the first graduating class: Helen C. Norris, Alzina Horton and J.M.B. Sill. On October 29 1859, the original building burned. It was replaced and classes resumed April 10 1860.

March 29 1857, the Seminary burned and did not reopen until August 17 1858. That building stood until it too burned in 1877. Prior to 1860, Primary Grades were conducted in the brick building on the East side of River Street which had housed the First Methodist Society; a brick structure on East Forest Avenue at River was a Grade School and another was in the building on the SW corner of South Washington and Woodward Street.

By 1857 the First Presbyterian Society which also included the Congregational Society, had outgrown the frane building on Pearson Street, North of the Westside Public Square. A handsome stone and brick structure with a single steeple was built on the NE corner of Washington at Emmet. The dedication that year had Rev. G. L. Foster as distinquished speaker.

The Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1859 with a membership of 16. Mark Norris contributed the lot on which the first Church for Lutherans was built, NE corner of E. Michigan and Grove Street.

The Home Association was organized in 1857.

Charles Griswold Wiard, born June 25 1835, had married a widow, Mrs. Catherine Arnold Ackley in 1858. Later he purchased the Ezra D. Lay farm on East Michigan, which was formerly known as the Colby Stand which was taken up from the Government by Zolva Bowen. Zolva was an early Tavern Keeper at that location.

August 29 1859, the first oil well was drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania, causing a greater change in our civilization than that other event in the same year: Charles Darwin published his “Origin of the Species” astonishing only a few scientific minds. Both events went unnoticed in Ypsilanti where citizens were doing very well with the horse and buggy, well water, the outhouse and unpaved streets.

The ‘American Troubador’, Stephen Foster, composed “My Old Kentucky Home”, “Old Folks at Home” and other simple, sentimental appealing melodies; Henry Clay Work published “Carry Me Back to Old Virginie”, the popular temperance song, “Father Dear Father, Come Home With Me Now”, “Year of Jubillo” and many others. September 19 1858 Daniel Decatur Emmett composed the stirring song “Dixie”. Music caused or follows the moods of the people.

October 6, 1859 the most militant of the abolitionists, John Brown, and 21 of his followers, seized the little town of Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and then captured the United States Arsenal there. Under command of Lt. Col. Robert E. Lee, the United States Marines, retook the Armory, killing 11 of the raiders including two of John Brown's sons, and five cililians. The Marines lost one man. On December 2nd, John Brown and five of his followers were convicted of Treason and publicly hanged in what is now Charles Town, West Virginia.

March 19 1860, William Jennings Bryan was born in Salem, Illinois. Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City, October 27 1858.

The Anti-Slavery Society was formed in 1833 causing serious division of citizens in the United States with violence, bloodshed and death in several of the States.

Slavery was the greatest problem facing the Nation but there were many places where opinions differed on problems having nothing to do with Slavery. During the 1850s local problems led to anger and a division of Ypsilanti. The prominent men on the East side of the River Huron were determined to separate from the city on the west side of the river. It took state legislative pressure to join the two factions and establish the City of Ypsilanti in 1858 with Chauncey Joslyn as Mayor and Arden Ballard graciously retiring as President of the Village of Ypsilanti.

Benjamin Thompson came to Ypsilanti in 1828 as a young millwright and helped install machinery in many sawmills; gristmills and pulp-paper mills on the Huron River. During the next decades the Thompson name was prominent in the business and civic affairs of the City. He established his own business making carriages and wagons.

When Mark Norris sold the triangle of land occupied by his Great Western Hotel-an imposing brick structure, on the NE corner of River and East Cross. Benjamin Thompson moved his wagon and carriage works into that building and was joined by his son Oliver E. Thompson who manufactured farm implements in that location for the next sixty years. The many Thompson properties located between E. Cross and Maple Street, were part of the growing 4th Ward of the city. The first Volunteer Fire Department, the Masonic Lodge in the Norris Block and many other Civic enterprises always found the name Thompson leading the way.

Oliver E. Thompson was Mayor of Ypsilanti. 1901–02 and it was his personal project which arranged bringing the big Parrot Rifle to Ypsilanti and having it mounted in Prospect Park where it stands after 112 years of lonely silence having never been fired in its lifetime. This unusual cannon was cast in a foundry at West Point, New York and in 1864 it was mounted at Fort McClery, Kittery, Maine, as part of the defense of the Atlantic Coast.

The intention is to make a modest outline of the history of Ypsilanti but it is so easy to expand on certain names and events. Those selected are not the only ones that deserve mention.

Daniel Lace Quirk and Asa Dow his close friend and business associate from Chicago, built handsome brick mansions side by side on North Huron Street with grounds extending down to the Huron River. Quirk, with Mansard roof style at 304 North Huron and Dow at 220. Both had carriage houses to match their hones. Two of the really fine homes in Ypsilanti.

Robert Lambie, who had come as a youth of 14 with his parents, Francis and Mary Lambie, from Strathaven, Scotland in 1839 to Superior Township, built a Greek Revival type house on the NE corner of Hamilton and old Ellis.

The John Gilbert residence, with square tower and other features, at 227 N. Grove Street, became an imposing show place for Washtenaw County when completed in 1860. Spacious grounds provided ample room for tennis courts, outdoor Roman type swiming pool with attractive fountain in the center, fruit orchard, flower gardens and fish pend. The Gilberts entertained graciously thru the years for many social gatherings in their lovely home.

The 350 mile Erie Canal opened in 1825 and several million people and tons of merchandise and household goods passed thru it until the 1850s when the railroads took over.

Toward the end of the 1850s, there was a great amount of building, both brick and frame, in the newly incorporated City of Ypsilanti.

One of the largest and finest brick homes, was that of John S. Jenness at 324 West Forest Avenue. John A. Watling who became a world famous dentist, built his brick residence with handsome square tower, at 121 N. Huron Street. The Jerome Walton brick at 404 N. Huron is an example of how brick was used in building the Greek Revival style.

Edwin J. Mills, successful hardware merchant, built his large Victorian brick house at 130 N. Huron which twenty years later became the home of the John Starkweathers and then the location of the Ladies' Library when Mrs. Starkweather gave the property to that active association of women in 1890.

The Nathan Follett home at 219 North Huron is a combination of cobblestone and brick, a portion of the house having been built in 1845. Much of the Arden Ballard house at 125 North Huron is brick construction and commands attention after 140 years.

The Isaac H. Conklin house at 126 Adams Street is basicly brick, and the Charles King at 103 North Adams is one of the fine homes built by Cecil Millington. Erastus Samson, a drug store owner as early as 1840, built and lived in the sturdy Italiante brick home at 302 West Cross Street. The William H. Deubels built and lived graciously for many years in the handsome brick at 211 North Washington, Street, a site of many social gatherings. The Hiram Batcheldor brick home at 210 North Washington Street was another of note in that block along with the Charles Bassett house at 201 North Washington. The brick house of Mark Horris. dating back to 1834, stands at 213 River Street. George W. Kishlar, an early builder, built the impressive brick house at 221 South Washington Street. There were many more brick houses built during the time of Ypsilanti's expansion, so many gone even though the ravages of time did not destroy them.

The Brick Yards of Charles McCormick and Murray P. Holmes & Co., were classed among the great brick yards of the State.

In 1860 the United States Census listed a population of 3956 for the City of Ypsilantiand 1357 for the Township. There was no distinct division of City and Township except on the maps showing the surveyed boundries of the City. Chickens, cows, pigs and horses, though less in numbers were as common in the City of Ypsilanti as in the Township farms where there were elemant homes equally those in the City. Because of the great forests in Michigan, and the coming of the saw and abundant waterpower to operate the circular saw, the shift from log cabin to the clapboard house was rapid. The axe, hand hewn beams, studs continued as long as labor was cheap and plentiful. Log cabins and farm log structures were in evidence on Hitchingham Road, Willis Road and other parts of Ypsilanti Township even a decade or more after the turn of the Century.

The Greek Revival style of Architecture, conspicuous because of its simple balance, was brought to Ypsilanti from New York State and New England and used extensively.

The Timothy Showermans built a home at 206. North Huron using this style as did Dr. Francis Rexford at 111 North Huron, on the West side of the Street. At the south end of old Cemetery Street, now Prospect Street, where it joins South Grove Street, Addison Fletcher built a Greek Revival house, side to be the finest example in Ypsilanti of that style. The lot on which it was built was part of the site of Woodruff's Grove, now lost as well as the house, to antiquity except for the Marker placed by the Ypsilanti Chapter of the DAR in 1923 to commemorate the location of Woodruff's Grove.

Charles Sherman Woodard, a Civil Engineer who came with the new railroad to Ypsilanti in 1838 made his home in Ypsilanti and his fine residence was at 301 North Grove Street. The Greek Revival structure at 218 North Washington Street has the name of Arden Ballard linked to it and became the home of Elijah Grant. It hss been restored recently by the Ladies' Literary Club, the owner for sixty-two years, and is a very lovely structure of which Ypsilanti is proud.

Joseph Estabrook, an early influence in Education and Religion in the State of Michigan, built a fine frame house at the NW corner of West Forest and Lowell Street. Joseph Kitchen, a well known merchant, built an elegant home at 116 North Adams Street in which many beautiful stained glass windows were used. In Ypsilanti Township, an example of Greek Reviral Architecture can be seen at 1276 North Huron River Drive. built in 1842 by John Starkweathar.

The Ezra Lay home, an impressive Greek Revival example with corner pilasters, was built at 1701 East Michigan (the Chicago Road) in 1834. It was saved from destruction and oblivion in 1966 by the Charles Haglers who moved it to 3401 Berry Road in Superior Township, restoring it, perhaps, even beyond its former elegance.

East of the Lay residence a quarter mile or more was the large handsome home of the Spencers, Grove and Edward with templelike pillars in front. The George Wiards, the Lyman Wiards, the Burrells and many others were on the East edge of the Township. There was a Tollgate on the Northside of East Michigan at Holmes Road. Following the Huron River south, we find Edward King whose land in the riverbottom was known as ‘Kings Flats’, Charles Crane, Ben Emerick, Alvim Cross, Adam Yeckley, Isaac Bumpus and many names long forgotten. South, along the Monroe Road, as Whittaker Road was known, Seth Arnold, Hiram Seaver, George Moorman, A. R. and Lyman Graves …along Stoney Creek Road was George Elliott, N.E. Crittenden, with David Gardner, Watson Barr and Robert Campbell in Augusta Township.

As the Monroe Road turns southeast, there was the Joseph McIntyre farm and that of Edward Gorton with the Paint Creek Post Office on Willis Road in Augusta Township. Others of note were Asa Darling and Aaron Childs.

Going toward the west on the Sauk Trail, (Chicago Road, now Michigan Avenue), there is the Gothic Victorian house, the former farm home or Edwin C. Warner. 1024 Michigan Avenue. The Evan Begole home was just beyond the West edge of French Claim #690. Fountain Watling and George Sherwood, south of the Trail at the West edge of Ypsilanti Township, with excellent farm and well kept buildings; Philo Parsons, west of Evan Begole with a white frame house, a modified Victorian style; a mile farther West at the corner of Ellsworth and Carpenter Road, was the impressive home of H.H. Ellsworth, with balanced pilasters at the two front corners, a structure that only neglect could destroy with indifference. H.B. Hewitt's farm was in the NW corner of French Claim #691, on the eastside of Hewitt Road.

The Victorian frame house began to outnumber the Greek style, which had lasted with variations for thirty years in popularity. The home of Randall Ross, 5138 West Michigan. was a splendid example of the Victorian style. Today it is preserved and kept in excellent condition by the Joseph Schmidts. The Grove Sanders house at 4980 W. Michigan is another example of that style and giving evidence that the old builders produced sturdy, handsome houses.

North of Ypsilanti there is an unusual brick house, the Jeremiah Newton farm at 830 W. Clark Road in Superior Township, built in 1847 by Charles Francis Newton, son of Jeremiah, and now owned by Mr. & Mrs. Herbert H. Cornish.

Other handsome homes on the North and in Superior Township: James W. Voorhees, SE corner of LeForge and Geddes a splendid Greek style home with attractive innovations; the homes of J.L. Strang and William Mulholland on Cherry Hill road; O.A. Sober and I.M. Loverridge on Geddes Road East of Prospect; L.L. Kimmel, Harris road and the sturdy brick of John Rooke on the west side of Gotfredson road.

Many of the roads were given their present names by the Detroit Edison Company after 1900.

As land was cleared to raise crops, crops for live stock, the crops and live stock were often housed better than the farmer's family.

During the 1860s, the name Worden was very prominent in Ypsilanti. Alva Worden, an inventor with several patents to his credit; Charles Worden, a drygoods merchant; William H. Worden with a gun shop upstairs in the building of the NE corner of North Huron and old Congress Street with John S. Worden in the same building on the first floor with a popular saloon. 105 North Huron was once a Worden home. Three Wordens built handsome brick structures, mansard style, one at twenty East Michigan, another at 24 East Michigan and one on the NW corner of River and Congress Street. Such elegant homes and now all gone, the last one in 1974 to make more parking space.

Ypsilanti had a Distillery as early as 1827, only two years after the Village was platted and named. A Temperance Society was formed in 1829.

For the first Independence Day Celebration in the County, July 4 1824 and in Woodruff's Grove, Clark Sills, walked to Detroit to procure two gallons of whiskey which he brought back on his back…perhaps lightening the load a little by taking a swig now and then to reduce the weight. That first Distillery was located on the south side of Congress not far from the west end of the old bridge. Nearby was the Tannery of Isaac Crane. Another early Tannery was that of John Howland located on the north side of Forest Avenue at the west end of that bridge. Across the road, was the Jacob Grob home and icehouse, also the first established Brewery. Breweries make Beer and Distilleries make Whiskey and both used to make money.

April 3, 1860 the Pony Express began service between Sacremento, California and St Joseph, Missouri-80 riders, 40 saddle horses and 190 relay stations.

Thirteen months later the Pony Express gave up, even though one of the riders was William Frederick Cody, later attaining dime-novel fame as ‘Buffalo Bill’. ‘Buffalo Bill’ was in an Ypsilanti parade in the summer of 1899.

In May of that year, one George W. Washburne, a local butcher, was accused of killing his wife, Ypsilanti's first murder.

May 18, 1860 Abraham Lincoln was nominated as Republican Candidate for President.

Evidence of homor is found for those days in the 1860 City Directory for Ypsilanti where the following is found:

J.M. Howard, principal business is courting what few ladies there are that are willing to be bored with him, boards east side Huron between Emmet and Ellis (Washtenaw).

1860-Edgar and F.B. Bogardus opened a private Bank in a frame building on the south side of Congress Street near the SE corner of Washington Street. ‘The Barton Hotel’ was built on the NW corner of Pearl and Washington.

The State Legislature denied Michigan State Normal School money for a Gymnasium. The Normal School now had 255 students.

Nov. 6-Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States, with a salary of $25,000. In ten of the thirty-three States he did not receive a single vote.

Dec. 4-President Buchanan's Annual Message to Congress is read to that body. Buchanan holds that no State has a right to secede from the Union.

Dec 6.-A Committee of thirty-three is appointed by the Speaker of the House, one from each State, to consider and try to resolve the issues between the South and the North.

Dec. 20.-The South Carolina Convention passes an Ordinance of Secession from the United States.

Dec. 31.-Judah Benjamin, in a dramatic scene in the Senate, declares “The North Can never subjugate the South-Never-Never!”.

The ‘War Between the States’ was about to begin. There is no record of War ever being declared.

1861:-

January 9.-Mississippi voted to seceed followed by nine other States.

The first shot fired in the ‘War Between the States’. A cannon was fired at the unarmed merchant steamer, “Star of the West”, as it entered the harbor at Charleston, South Carolina with supplies for the troops in Fort Sumpter.

January 29.-Kansas admitted to the Union.

February 4.-First meeting of the Confederate Congress.

February 5.-Moving picture Peep-show machine patented by S. D. Goodale.

February 9.-Jefferson Davis elected President of the newly formed Confederacy in Montgomery, Alabama.

February 11.-Abraham Lincoln and family say farewell to Springfield, Illinois and the only home they ever owned.

March 4.-Abraham Lincoln inaugurated as the 16th President of the United States.

April 2.-Dakota Territory created.

April 9.-Meanwhile, in Ypsilanti, Ralph W. Van Fossen was appointed Postmaster. Parmenio Davis elected Mayor of Ypsilanti and served for the next two years.

April 9.-Sixty-seven year old Edmund Ruffin fired on Fort Sumpter.

April 17.-President Lincoln sent out a call for 75,000 men.

April 20-Col. Robert E. Lee resigned from the Army of the United States after having been offered Com= mand of the Arny of the North by General Winfield Scott.

April 23-Robert E. Lee became Commander of the Army of Virginia the “Old Dominion State”.

When the United States became a Nation after the Revolution, the Armed Forces were reduced to a small number. Every man was supposed to answer a call to Arms if necessary. Each State was to supply their own quota and recruit the needed men.

The Congress made the demand for men from the States in the time of the Civil War and after the first burst of Patriotism, the response was small. A Draft Law was put in operation, but aain it was the problem of each State to enforce it. Bounties as much as $300 caused forceful recruiting by Bounty Hunters and there was wide spread corruption by families able to pay for a substitute. The Draft Law included all men from twenty-one to forty-five and did not exempt anyone for occupation or married with a family to care for. Riots were frequent in the big cities, New York City having the largest and most destructive, 1000 or more being killed in the riots.

In 1861, Ypsilanti responded immediately to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men. The names of Ypsilanti's first recruits are listed here followed by the old newspaper story telling of those spirited exciting times.

First enlistment roll at Ypsilanti for Civil War “The undersigned, citizens of the State of Michigan, do hereby by enlist and consent to be mustered into the Military Service of the State of Michigan, pursuant to an Act entitled “An Act to provide a Military Force”, first approved March 16, 1861, and to hold ourselves subject to all liabilites and obligations, created by said Act, and for the period and purposes therein set forth”

Name, age, residence

J. S. Whittlesey, 34, Ypsilanti
David A. Wise, 35, "
M.A. Parks, 35, "
George R. Anderson, 21, Canton
Smith Babcock, 22, "
George W. Baker, 23, "
Murray Baker, 21, "
Thomas Baker, 27, "
James W. Bingham, 20, Green Oak
Hiram S. Boutell , 25, Ypsilanti
Decatur Brundage, 21, Augusta
J.M. Carr, 23, Belleville
Edward J. Carson, 21, "
Phillip Chivers, 24, Ypsilanti
Peter Clark, 22, Milan
Addison Curtis, 21, Belleville
Joseph Davis, 21, "
Thomas Davis, 21, York
F. Eaton, 21, Saline
Norman Ellis, 37, Belleville
Truman W. Elton, 21, Ypsilanti
Alonzo Ford, 21, "
Benjamin W. Fuller, 40, Van Buren
L. Haight, 21, Saline
Wm. Herdman, 18, Ypsilanti
Edwin A. Herrick, 19, "
Jas H. Hodgkin, 18, "
A. D. Hoffman, 28, Belleville
Fred C. Joslin, 18, Ypsilanti
Michael Kean, 25 Ypsilanti
Wm. B.Kelly, 21, Canton
Orin King, 27, Ypsilanti
Rufus Lawrence, 28, "
Clark Macomber, 21, Augusta
George Marshall, 24, Belleville
James McCoy, 19, Ypsilanti
Geo. W. Monroe , 21, Dundee
Cicero Newell, 20, Ypsilanti
John Norton, 21, "
Wm. H. Parker, 25, "
R. J. Parkhurst, 20, "
C.P. Perry, 29, "
G.S. Phillips, 20, "
Henry Post, 25, "
David Punches, 41, Belleville
Nathan Putnam, 21, Milan
Lewis C. Randall, 34, Pittsfield
Wm. H. Randall, 20, Ypsilanti
J. L. Ransom, 28, "
Henry Reed, 21, Belleville
Robert Reynolds, 26, Ypsilanti
W. W. A. Russell, 20, Green Oak
H.R. Scovill, 19, Ypsilanti
J.E. Schafer, 23, "
G.H. Simmons, 18, York
W. D. Simmons, 22, "
Alvah Smith, Jr., 25, Clinton
Charles Smith, 21, Livonia
Fenton W. Smith, 23, Augusta
John Smith, 21, Belleville
Lewis Spawn, 41, "
Clinton Spencer, 21, Ypsilanti
J. StClair, 21, "
Albert Stuck, 23, "
Charles Twist, 23, "
Ira B. Tuttle, 25, "
Oscar VanValkenburg , 21, York
Marcus Vining, 19, Ypsilanti
James N. Wallace, 21, Ionia
Harman Wise, 18, Ypsilanti
Wm. H. Worden, 27, "

From the front page of THE YPSILANTI COMMERCIAL, published every Saturday morning at the corner of Huron and Cross Streets, Ypsilanti, Michigan, by C.R. Pattison, January 6, 1877:

Prior to the Civil War, there was a Militia Company existing in Ypsilanti, one of the best drilled in the State. J.W. Whittlesey was Captain of the Company; F.P. Bogardus, 1st Lieutenant. When news reached Ypsilanti of the fire on Fort Sumpter the Company disbanded. A public meeting was called at Hewitt Hall (3rd fl. of the building NE corner Michigan and Washington), the 22nd day of April 1861. The most intense enthusiasm pervaded the meeting, and before noon of that day the persons whose names are given were inscribed upon the roll of honor. Mr. F.P. Bogardus was anong the most influential in organizing the Company, though his name does not appear on the Roll, on account of the necessity of his abiding by the bank of which he is now cashier. Mr. B. preserved the enlistment roll, each member signing his own name. We are indebted, however, to David A. Wise for the manuscript, having it in his possession. We requested it for publication. The next Sunday, April 28, 1861, was one of the most thrilling ever seen in this City. The Company, in the afternoon, were drawn up in the Public Square (The Public Square was open space on W. Congress between Adams and Hamilton) and religious services were held, participated by all the Clergymen of the City. The officers of the Company, as far as we can ascertain, were: Captain-J.W. Whittlesey; First Lieutenant-David A. Wise; Second Lieutenant-M.A. Parks. Sergeants-C.P. Perry, Cicero Newell, H.R.Scovill, Fred C. Joslin. The Company went to Fort Wayne, Detroit, and then to Washington, forming Co. H. of the First Regiment, Col. Wilcox commanding. July 21, 1861, the Company was in the Battle of Bull Run, and acquitted itself nobly. The enlistmen was for three months, and during that time it did splendid service. Not a single company was so favored in furnishing Officers for special duty as Co.H. At the end of three months it disbanded and coming home a large number united with the First Infantry Regiment organized at Ann Arbor. We are able to give a brief record and present whereabouts of a few members of this Company. Captain Whittlesey, after the captrure of Alexandria was made Provost Marshal of that City, and though in a trying position received high enconium from his Superior Officers. He served as a Major at the Battle of Bull Run. Grand Rapids is his present place of residence. Lieutenant Wise, at Alexandria was appointed Quarter master of the Regiment and placed in charge of the Marshal House. M.A. Parks was promoted to the Captaincy of the Company and at Bull Run was taken prisoner. He lay in that hell of doom the remainder of the year and came out a wreck. He is dead. (Parks was given an Honorable Medical Discharge and returned to Ypsilanti where he established a jewelry store in part of the Samson Drug Store on West Michigan). Fred Joslin is now in California. James W. Bingham was the son of Senator Bingham and died during the war. Captain Wallace, W.A. Russell and Bingham were students at the Normal Collere. Captain Wallace served for four years and at the close of the War was a Major. Captain Clinton Spencer, our Postmaster, was a brave soldier and left a leg at the battle of Gettysburg which was not as agreeable as his three months experience. Lewis Spawn was wounded at Bull Run. Captain Newell at the expiration of his enlistment entered the Cavalry and served during the War with high honor. Harmon Wise, age 18 when he enlisted was killed in the Battle of the Wilderness, Phillip Chivers disappeared at the battle of Bull Run and has never been heard from. L. Haight from Saline was killed at the Battle of Chancellors-ville. H.R. Scovill at the end of his enlistment drove a lumber wagon to California, returning after the War to become a partner, with Follmore in the Sash and Blind business on Frog Island.

The old hand written list of these young men who were the first volunteers in April 1861, was given to the Ypsilanti Historical Society by H.R.Scovill's daughter, Mrs. Genevieve Scovill Bisbee Moon and it is in the Archives. After the sobering disaster of the Battle of Bull Run, it was quiet along the Potomac for ten months.

1862:

January 12-Timothy Showerman died, an old prominent pioneer in the area. Showerman built a fine home in the mid 1850s on the large double lot at 206 N. Huron which later became the home of the William Deubles and then was bought and rebuilt by D.L.Quirk, Jr.

February 1-The Fowler Schoolhouse in Superior Township burned. The Fowler School was on the south side of Geddes Road 1/4 mile West of Ridge Road. James N. Wallace was the first teacher in that one room School which had 45 ungraded pupils.

February 5-“The Atlantic Monthly” printed “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia Ward Howe.

February 15-Fort Donelson of the Cumberland surrendered to General Grant.

Rev. G.L. Foster resigned as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church.

April 11-Charles Lvans Hughes born.

April 16-Slavery abolished in District of Columbia.

Thirteen members of the Presbyterian Church took letters of Mombership Severance to from a Congregational Churoh and erect a building on the East side of the Huron River. The plan did not work out and people returned to the Presbyterian Church.

Benjamin Follett formed a Bank with R.W. Hemphill and located in the Follett block on E. Cross Street.

Mark Norris died, a remarkable man who did much in guiding the growth of Ypsilanti.

May 6-Henry David Thoreau died.

May 29-The 17th Regiment of Infantry was authorized.

July 1-President Lincoln called for 300,000 men-Governor Blair issued orders for 7 more Regiments of Infantry and 4 of Calvary.

The Ypsilanti Normal School was still in session. A Normal Company was planned but the Summer Session closed before it was organized and students had scattered to their homes.

Austin George was born June 15, 1841, on a farm near Litchfield, Michigan. At the ape of 12 he lost his right arm in the machinery of a flouring mill in Jonesville, Mich.

Austin became a student in the Michigan State Normal School in Ypsilanti and was living in Ypsilanti when that July 1st call came in 1862 for more troops. Because of his disability, he was unable to enlist in the Army but being endowed with an excellent mind, unusual energy and engaging personality, he began recruiting for the Normal Company “E”. of the 17th Infantry, writing the scattered young students and urging their enlistment.

He opened a Recruiting office in the Smith & Kinne Book and Drug Store on the North side of old Congress Street near Huron. The Normal boys responded to his letters and many came to Ypsilanti to enlist. Some replied but could not join the Normal Company as they had already enlisted in their home community. Every morning Austin assumed the responsibility of hanging out the flag at the Recruiting Office. The Normal Company was soon full.

When the 17th Michigan Infantry went to the front, he went as Company Clerk, later serving as Regimental Postmaster and Clerk for Brigade and Division Headquarters but never being too busy to keep track of his Normal Company with sympathy and encouragement for every homesick youth.

Austin George became Superintendent of Ypsilanti Public Schools in 1896 and he and his family lived out his lifetime in the handsome mansard roof style house at 111 N. Normal Street. A man who contributed so much to Ypsilanti and now the family name is gone except in our history.

Gebriel Campbell had graduated from Michigan State Normal School in 1861 and was a student at the University of Michigan the following academic year. Gabriel is credited with getting thirty of his former classmates to enlist and at the organization meeting was elected Captain; Thomas Mathews, First Lt., James T. Morgan, 2nd Lt., This Company was not entirely young Normal men but it originated there and the three Commissioned Officers, four of the five Sergeants, four of the eight Corporals and nearly one third of the men were Normal Students.

The Company went to Detroit and mustered in on August 19th, 1862. They were assigned to the 17th Infantry as Company “E” and left for Washington August 27th.

The Confederates had crossed the Potomac below Washington into Maryland and marched north around the Capitol. The Union Regiment was soon sent into Maryland and marched forty miles north, passing thru Frederick the home of Betsey Ross, while crowds gathered and cheered as the Normal Co. sang in beautiful harmony as they marched.

Company “E” was in the battle of South Mountain, less than three weeks after the ovation given their departure from Ypsilanti. Four in that Company were killed, two of them Normal Students-David S. Howard and Lucian Jones-and many badly wounded. Alexander McKinnor, well known in Ypsilanti was one of those killed. The holiday spirit of adventure had vanished.

William H. Brearly in later years wrote the following poignant account to Daniel Putnam:

When I was at the Normal in 1861, I had as my seatnate Alexander McKinnor. My age was then 14 and he was two years older. He tried to enlist with us but could not be taken as our number was complete. Although the Company was full, he went with us to the Darracks in Detroit, tried to get in and would not leave us; and he finally got accepted as a substitute for Stiles who was taken sick and discharged. We walked and talked and slept together on the way all along from Washington to South Mountain. He said he didn't expect to live but thought it was his duty to give his life to his country. You must know all about this and yet you didn't know him personally to such an extent as I did, nor know how sweet and patriotic a spirit he had. He was at my side at South Mountain, and when he fell, I stopped for a moment beside him to see if he was dead, and then went on. No loftier or purer life wnt out that day on the slope of South Mountain than that of dear McKinnor. His name and memory cannot be too highly honored by the Normal today. When the Regiment moved on, I was left in charge of the burial party and I saw McKinnon's body placed with the other Michigan dead in a long grave, and marked the spot with a head board for each.

It was in the battle of South Mountain that Captain Gabriel Campbell lost the handsome sword that was presented to him before the Company left Ypsilanti. (The Gabriel Campbell sword in the Ypsilanti Eistorical Archives is the splendid sword given as a replacement after the war ended).

On September 17 1862 was fought the great battle of Antietam in which the 17th lost 18 killed and 87 wounded. The loss to Company “E” was four killed including the Normal boys John H. Marvin, Webster Ruckman and Fred S. Webb. Antietam is now a small village on the north side of the Potomac and the battlefield National Historic Marker is on the south side of the river, nearly forty miles south of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

A placque was made by the Michigan State Normal School “In Memory of the Students who Died at the Front in the ‘War of the Rebellion’”. Thirty names were placed on this plaque and room left at the bottom where more names when known could be added.

(The information given on Comapy “E” is from A HISTORY OF THE MICHIGAN STATE NORMAL SCHOOL at Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1649–1899 by Daniel Putnam, A.M.,L.L.D., Professor of Psychology and Pedagogy. For more information and interesting reading it is suggested you read Chapter X LV “The Normal School in the Civil War”.

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The original hand-written list of the men of Company “E” was given to the Ypsilanti Historical Society Archives by the local Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

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KEY-(to Street names & geographical locations)

THE MONROE ROAD-South Huron from City limits-becoming Whittaker Road.

CHICAGO POAD, (Chicago Avenue)-West Michigan Avenue from Ballard Street intersection

CONGRESS STREET-Ypsilanti's Main Street, Michigan Avenue, which was named ‘Michigan Avenue’ in 1914 when an attempt was made to have the Detroit to Chicago Road called ‘Michigan Avenue’. Ypsilanti already had a ‘Michigan Street’ which in 1914 became ‘Ferris Street’, honoring Woodbridge N. Ferris, Michigan Governor 1913–1916.

SAUK TRAIL-The Indian name for the Detroit to Chicago trail which became the route of the United States Servey for Michigan Avenue and US 12

ELLIS STREET-Namad for Elijah Ellis, prominent pioneer and changed in 1926 to Washtenaw when the road was paved making a direct road to Ann Arbor.

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This article continues in the November 1976 issue.