Buena Vista Township

The territory embraced in the township of Buena Vista was called by the aborigines Tik-wak-baw-hawning, or Hickory Place. Even after the establishment of the American Fur Company's post on the east bank of the river, and for some years after Leon Snay made it his home, this district, known in the United States survey as township 12 north of ranges 4 and 5 east, bore the singular appellation of Tik-wak-baw-hawning. Justin Smith was the first patentee of lands within the boundaries of Buena Vista. Gardner D. Williams made the first clearing and may be said to have been the first fanner in the township, as just below the business center of the city was the "farm," a small clearing cultivated once or twice previous to its purchase by Norman Little in 1849. This was the beginning of agriculture within the township, even as the Emerson Mill was the beginning of its manufacturing industries.

NAMING THE TOWNSHIP.

Emerson, who located at Saginaw City in 1816, was accustomed to cross the river in the morning, attend to his milling business until evening, and then return to the town of Saginaw. This proceeding became distasteful after a year or so, and he determined to make a home for himself.

In May, 1847, prior to his actual settlement on the east bank of the river, he heard loud words telling of anything but what is friendly or complimentary. Walking quietly toward the shanty, from which the sounds proceeded, he saw three females, attired in working costume, standing by their wash pails; heard them treating one another to abusive harangues, even listened to their indulgence in language that would make the most profane man on the "drive" turn pale, or drive him to flight. The mill-owner never quailed; he was determined to witness the denouement.

After a prolonged debate the argumentum ad judicium failed, and that of the staff was enforced. Soap, suds, clothes, pieces of wood, all portable articles within reach, were cast at fair heads by fair hands, until Emerson rushed among the amazons, appealed to their modesty, and succeeded in arranging an armistice, if not a permanent peace. Returning that evening to Eleazer Jewett's house, he described vividly the battle which he witnessed, when Mrs. Jewett remarked, "It was a regular Buena Vista." "Yes, that it was," replied Emerson, "and I will call the place by that name." Subsequently, when he opened a store there, built his first home and gathered round him a few industrious working men, the district east of Bristol street bridge, extending to Brady Hill cemetery, won that name, and his house he was pleased to call "The Hall of the Montezumas." It is thought, however, that the name was conferred in honor of the Union victory during the Mexican war. In 1850 the township was organized under the name of Buena Vista. To render the name as applicable now as it was then sarcastic, is the work of later settlers, and in the accomplishment of this work, there seems to be a rare unanimity. The "Hall of the Montezumas" was burned in 1866, when the following five verses, at once mysterious and rude, were written:

In the following sketch, written immediately after the death of the Montezumian, the events characteristic of his life are reviewed:

Curtis Emerson, the pioneer citizen of Buena Vista, was born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vt., Feb. 4, 1810. He came to Michigan in the spring of 1836, when it was a Territory, and located at Detroit, where for 10 years he was engaged in the manufacture of malt liquors. He removed to Saginaw City Dec. 26, 1846, and the following 4th of July to the east side of the river, and named his location Buena Vista, in honor of Gen. Taylor's victory over Santa Anna, Feb. 22, 1847. Mr. Emerson bought the property known as "Emerson's Addition" to East Saginaw, which consisted of a steam saw-mill, a boarding house, two dwelling houses, a blacksmith shop, and a barn, and 171 acres of land, the mill being located on the present site of the City Gas Works. There were only four mills on the Saginaw river at that time, and Mr. Emerson had plenty of sawing to do. He brought the greater portion of his logs from the Cass river, his lumber camp being situated within half a mile of Caro, the present seat of Tuscola county. There were no hotels in East Saginaw when Mr. Emerson located there, and for many years the "Halls of the Montezumas" was an "open house" to all travelers far and near, and many of the pioneers and early settlers of Northern Michigan remember Mr. Emerson's genuine hospitality with feelings of deepest gratitude.

In 1837, the first year of his residence at East Saginaw, Mr. Emerson shipped to C. P. Williams & Co., Albany, N. Y., the first full cargo of clear lumber shipped from Michigan. In 1849 Mr. Emerson, in connection with three others, constructed the first steamboat on the Saginaw river. It was christened the "Buena Vista" and was engaged in carrying passengers, lumber, and towing rafts to the bay. About 1855 or '56 Mr. Emerson retired from the lumber trade, and devoted the remainder of his life to the real-estate business. He was never married, and his only sister, Mrs. Atwater, died many years ago.

Curtis Emerson was a man in whom the citizens of Saginaw county had the most implicit confidence. Always honest and upright in his dealings with his fellow men, he enjoyed the good will and esteem of all classes since his entry into Saginaw county. He was ill during the past 10 years of his earthly pilgrimage, but bedridden only a few months. On Feb. 11, 1880, he was "gathered to his fathers," and a few days following his remains were laid to rest.

FIRST REGULAR SETTLEMENT IN THE TOWNSHIP.

Curtis Emerson located just outside the original plat of East Saginaw in 1847. At that time there were only two dwelling houses, a boarding house, a blacksmith shop and the Emerson saw-mill and office. One of the houses was the property of Capt. Leon Stray; the others may be, said to belong to Emerson. In 1848 he fitted up the blacksmith shop as a store, and succeeded in gathering round him a limited circle of genial spirits, who made his store their church, school and public hall, and were not slow, when circumstances pointed out such a summary course, to adjourn to his dwelling-house. This settlement actually existed in 1848-'9 on the river front, near the foot of Bristol street, above the "Hoyt Plat." This mill is referred to in the county history as built by Harvey Williams, for Mackey, Oakley, Jennison and Little in '36, and as purchased by Curtis Emerson and James Eldridge 10 years later.

PATENTEES OF U. S. LANDS IN BUENA VISTA.

The principal portion of the lands of Buena Vista at the disposal of the general Government was entered in 1835-'6. A few entries were made previously, between 1830 and 1832, but the earliest recorded in the United States survey dates back to May 31, 1823, when Justin Smith entered a fraction of sec. 7. Up to the period when the last acre of the township lands was purchased (1855) the country was in its wild state. The village of East Saginaw, organized that year, was very primitive indeed; and yet it was so improved at that time that it bore the same comparison to the township as the city of the present time would to the village of the past. What vast improvements have been effected within a quarter of a century in the township of Buena Vista will be learned from the figures and descriptions given in these pages. The first land-buyers, and particularly the occupying proprietors among them, claim the honor of building up the township to a prosperous condition:

ORGANIC.

Buena Vista was organized under authority given by the State Legislature, during the winter session of 1849—'50. The act directed "That township number twelve north, of range six east, and the fractional part of township number twelve north, of range number five east, being all that lies east of the Saginaw river, and also that part of township number twelve north, of range four east, that lies south and east of Saginaw river, in the county of Saginaw, be and the same are hereby set off from the township of Saginaw, and organized into a separate township, by the name of Buena Vista; and the first township meeting therein shall be held at the house now occupied by Curtis Emerson, in said township."

This act was approved March 28, 1850. Since its first organization the boundaries of the township have been subjected to many changes; new territory has been added at one time, cession of portions of original lands has been made at other times.

The organization of the townships, noticed in these pages, tell of the various additions to and subtractions from the Buena Vista of the year 1850.

The organization of Buena Vista was perfected May 1, 1850, when the people assembled within the "Hall of the Montezumas," for the purpose of electing officers of the new township. The meeting was presided over by Stephen Little, with Alfred M. Hoyt, Clerk: George Oliver and A. K. Penny, Inspectors. The entire number of voters present was 19. The election resulted; For supervisor, Curtis Emerson; for treasurer, Stephen Lytle; justices of the peace, Andrew Evart, George Oliver and Stephen Lytle; township clerk, Charles W. Grant; director of the poor, Curtis Emerson and A. K. Penny; commissioner of highways, Sylvester Webber one year, and those well known "highwaymen," A. K. Penny and C. W. Grant, for two and three years respectively; school inspectors, A. M. Hoyt and A. K. Penny; and for constables, Archibald Campbell, David Joslin, George Miner and Erastus Vaughan.

The affairs of the township were well administered during the years immediately succeeding. Roads were cut through the heavy timber lands; in a few cases corduroy roads were made, the creeks bridged and many enterprising works inaugurated. In 1855 the village of East Saginaw was detached from the township of Buena Vista and placed under municipal government. The records of the township from organization to 1859 cannot not be found; it is supposed they were destroyed by fire. The earliest record on the books, in possession of Mr. Weidmiller, goes back only to 1859, the date of the organization of the city of East Saginaw, and its total separation from the township.

A meeting of the electors of Buena Vista, held at the Wadsworth school-house, April 4, 1859, with Wm. Wadsworth, supervisor, presiding, and Jason Steele, township clerk. Henry Guiley was appointed inspector of election. The result of this meeting was the choice of Wm. L. Goulding for supervisor; Augustus Lull, township clerk; Wm. Wadsworth, treasurer; Henry Guiley, Jason Steele, George Shaidberger and Thomas Redson, justices of the peace. The list of supervisors, clerks, treasurers and justices of the township, from 1859 to the present time, is as follows:

SUPERVISORS.

CLERKS

TREASURERS

JUSTICES

The township officers for 1881 are: C. W. Payment, supervisor; Herman Weidmiller, clerk; Charles Roselind, treasurer; August Roenicke, James Boulton, James Passmore, C. W. Kimball, justices of the peace; C. M. Payment, superintendent of schools; Harvey Smith, commissioner of highways; George Zuckermandel, school inspector; Russell Lytle, township drain commissioner; Henry Bader, pound master, and D. B. Leroy, Henry Bader, Adolph Bruske, Michael Reidel, constables.

SCHOOLS.

There are six school buildings in the township, each located in the center of its district. No. 1 is situated on the southeast quarter of section 29, with sections 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, and half of sections 27 and 34 forming the district. No. 2 is located on the southeast quarter of section 26, with sections 25, 26, 35, 36, and the east half of sections 27 and 34, comprising the district. District No. 3 comprises sections 15, 16, 22, 21, the southeast quarter of section 17, the northeast quarter of section 20, the southern half of sections 9 and 10, and a large portion of section 23. School district No. 4 comprises sections 1, 2, 12, 11, and the northern half of sections 13 and 14. No. 5 district is formed by sections 3, 4, 5 and the northern parts of 8, 9, and 10. District No. 6 adjoins East Saginaw and comprises portions of sections 8, 17, and 20.

The number of pupils, between the ages of five and 20 years, is 637, of which number 417 were enrolled as attendants during the year 1880. The school buildings comprise one large brick and five frame structures, valued at $8,450. The bonded debt on on school property at the end of 1880, was $2,850. There are three male and four female teachers employed.

PERSONAL.

We continue the history of Buena Vista township by presenting personal sketches of some of its representative citizens and pioneers:

John M. Baumgartner, farmer, was born in. Bavaria, Germany, in 1832. In 1852 he accompanied his father, George M. Baumgartner, to this country, locating on his present farm in the autumn of that year. He has materially assisted in the various improvements made in Buena Vista tp., and is a strict Republican, and a faithful member of the German Lutheran Church. He was married, in 1858, to Maggie Sacher, a native of Bavaria, where her father lived and died. They have 6 children—George L., Johnnie, Maggie, Fred., William and Henry, all living at or near the old homestead.

James Boulton was born Aug. 29, 1826, at Norfolk, England. In 1836 his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Boulton, located at Sackett's harbor, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where they lived and died,—father Aug. 9, 1868, mother Nov. 25, 1877. In 1852 James went to California, overland, remained there some time and returned to his native State, where he was married to Miss Louisa C. Smith, Nov. 11,, 1861, a native of Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y. Their family consists of 3 children—David H., Welford G. and Mina L. Mr. B. is one of the stable men of Buena Vista tp., having held the office of Justice of the Peace for the past five years.

Patrick Brown was born in 1830, in County Weekford, Ireland. His father was a farmer; he had 8 brothers and sisters, all of whom are dead except 2 girls, who still reside in the old country. The subject of this sketch and his brother James came to this country together, separating in New York, and they have never met since. Patrick sailed before the mast when but a lad 16 years old, visiting most of the principal ports of the old country during his calling. Was on coast-survey boat, when, learning that he had been selected for the training ship, he deserted, having to swim some three miles to reach the shore. In 1849 he came to Saginaw aboard the old steamboat "Charter;" engaged in lumbering for a while, when he again returned to seafaring life. He recites many incidents of his shipwrecks, etc. In 1864 he was married to Catharine Lauris, by whom he had 2 children—Andrew and Mary. In 1868 Catharine, the wife of but a few years, was laid to rest in the family cemetery. Mr. B. was again married, this time to Miss Mary Doyle. Mr. Brown represents one of the staunch, sturdy yeomanry of Saginaw county.

James Coleman, born in Ireland in 1833; George, his brother, in 1830. James came to this country in 1847, landing in New York city. After his arrival here he worked in different States and the Canada's until the spring of 1855, when he came to Saginaw county, locating his present home of 160 acres, which was then, at certain seasons of the year, covered entirely with water so deep that a yawl boat could be run over any portion of it; but hard labor has accomplished the desired effect, producing as fine a fertile tract of land as is in the tp., of which he sold 40 acres; the remainder he divided with his brother George, who came to United States in 1850, pursued different vocations until 1856, when he came to Saginaw and became interested with his brother. Their father and mother, Thomas and Mary, died in Ireland; their father's family consisted of 5 children—Mary, Ann, James, George and Elizabeth, all residing in Saginaw county.

Peter Dean, farmer, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and emigrated to this country in 1848. For two years he was located near Detroit, Mich., but in 1850 bought his present farm of 100 acres, and participated in the building of the first public road in the county. He suffered many hardships in his new home, often having to carry his provisions from Flint to his home on his back, the road being inaccessible for teams. He is independent in politics, and always votes for the best men, irrespective of party. He was married in 1853 to Barbara Stoltz. They have 4 children—Mary, John, Louise and George. The 2 former are married, and the 2 latter live on the farm.

Conrad Dietrich, farmer, sec. 26, Buena Vista tp., was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1819. He was reared amid rural scenes, and in 1846 emigrated to this country. He located in Clarion Co., Pa., but four years later came to East Saginaw, when Curtis Emerson's saw-mill and stage stable formed that village. He was employed by Norman Little to build the first house in the place, and was offered, in payment for his work, two lots of Genesee avenue, now occupied by "Little Jake's Clothing Emporium." Mr. D. refused this offer, and purchased a farm on sec. 26, upon which he built a log shanty. He experienced great difficulty in developing his tract of land on account of its lowness, it being covered with water in the spring of the year of sufficient depth to float a canoe upon any portion of it. At present his land is second to none in improvements in his district. Mr. Dietrich says: "I am a staunch Republican, because I can't help it." He is also a member of the Lutheran Church. He was married in 1853 to Dora Schenkwa, who has proven a faithful and efficient wife to him in the many hardships and trials of pioneer life. They have 9 children, 2 of whom are married and residents of Clare Co., Mich.

Charles P. Hess, lumberman, residence South Saginaw, is a son of Peter and Orissa Hess, and was born in Oneida county, N. Y., Oct. 29, 1847; came to East Saginaw in 1860 and engaged in the drug business, but remained only six months; thence to South Saginaw, where soon after went into same business with William Gallaghan; they remained together six years; then subject of sketch turned his attention to the lumber trade, which he still follows; is a member of the Greenback party, and owns 200 acres of land in this county; was married in November, 1867, to Abbie E., daughter of James Burroughs, born in Huron Co., O., in 1838; 2 children are living—Frank B., born in November, 1869, and Nettie P., born Oct. 29, 1873; 1 child deceased; wife is member of Episcopal Church.

A. Hilliker, one of East Saginaw's live, energetic men, was born in North Canada in 1839. His school days were passed at the log school-house of North Canada; came to Michigan in 1856, locating at Matamoras, where he entered into the true life of a backwoodsman, locating and clearing up 80 acres of land. Of late he has been identified with Saginaw county in her manufacturing interests.

C. W. Kimball was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1819. His early years were passed in that vicinity. In 1837 he came to the southern portion of Michigan, where he passed one year, when he returned to his former home. He then opened a brick manufactory. In 1857 he traded his house and lot for an 80 acre tract of land near where he now resides. In 1858 he came to Saginaw to see his property, not intending to remain any length of time; after looking his property over he concluded to try farming, and with that in view, he purchased his present home of 160 acres, then in its wild state. By perseverance and hard labor he has succeeded in developing the then wilds into a fine fertile farm. In 1840 was married to Miss Clarissa Reed, of Rochester, N. Y: by this union he has had 8 children, 4 of whom are living. In 1860 a kind mother was laid to rest. In 1875 he was married to Mrs. Amanda Kent (nee Wardsworth), of Lewiston, N. Y. Mrs. Kent's family consisted of 2 daughters, 1 married and living near Cleveland, O. Mr. Kimball is a man that takes a great interest in the educational interests of his community; has been School Director six years as well as Justice of the Peace of his tp.

Wm. Kramer was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1828; he is a brick maker by trade. In 1852 he came to this country, landing at Quebec, from which place he came to East Saginaw, where he worked in grist and planing mill some 10 years, when he bought his present home, which he has cleared and improved in good manner. Mr. K. is one of Buena Vista's most influential citizens, having held the office of Supervisor nine years, Justice of Peace nine years, Road Commissioner six years, School Director seven years. He was married in Mecklenburg, 1852, to Sophia Zwerk. His children are—Edward, Emma, George, Minnie, Arthur and Bertie. In 1861, at the first call for three-months' men, he responded to the call and was elected Captain.

Michael J. Leidlein, one of Buena Vista's oldest and most respected citizens, was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 15, 1827. His education was gained there at a school similar to the common schools of this country. As soon as he was old enough he was left upon his own resources; his first business was that of rope-making, which occupation he followed until the year 1847, when he embarked for America, landing in New York, Nov. 8; from New York he came to Syracuse, where he remained one winter, at which place one of his brothers was drowned. In the spring of 1848 set forth for the Valley of the Saginaw; upon arriving here they procured the services of a surveyor to pilot them to their new home in Blumfield. Not a road nor even trail was made at that time, East Saginaw comprising but a few cabins. In 1852 he sold the farm he first located upon in Blumfield tp. and purchased the property on which he now resides in Buena Vista tp.; here he built a saw-mill, it being the first in the tp. In the spring of 1865, while away procuring men for the army, his mill was set on fire, entailing a loss of over $7,000. Not disheartened, he set about with his accustomed energy to rebuild; in about three months the mill was again running. In 1866 the project of a plank road from Saginaw to Vassar was agitated. Mr. L., seeing the benefit of such an enterprise, lent it his aid, securing the building of the road, over which, for the past five years, he has been President. In 1854 was married to Miss Dora Meyers, a native of Bavaria, Germany, her parents emigrating to this country at an early day. Their family consists of 8 children—Fredericka, married to Mr. Martin Messner; Barbara, married to Mr. John Weber, of East Saginaw; Maggie, married to Mr. Christian Jacekel, residing in Dubuque, Iowa; John, a young man of sterling integrity, respected by all; John George, Caroline, Mary and John Karl. Mr. L. has retired from active labor, allowing those who come after to reap a rich reward from the broad acres which cost him years of toil and privation. Has held nearly all the positions of trust in his tp.—that of Justice of the Peace for the past 20 years. Mr. L. has been identified with all public enterprises which in his good judgment would advance the interests of his community. Open-hearted, frank, and fearless to express his opinion, he is one of Buena Vista's most influential citizens.

Mrs. Chloe Melrose was born in Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio; her father, Wm. Jones, a well-known citizen of that place, came to this State in 1853, residing for seven years at Ypsilanti. In 1863 she was married to Marshal J. Franklin, of Cleveland, Ohio. He died in 1870, leaving 2 sons—George T. and Franklin J. In 1871 she moved to this county, locating at her present home, sec. 17. In 1875 she was married to Chas. A. Melrose, a lumberman of considerable note in this county, who was born in Quebec, C. E. Mrs. Melrose's home is pleasantly located on Crow Island road, about one-half mile from East Saginaw city limits. She is a lady of energy and culture, which her home attests.

George L. Meyer, farmer, and one of the most worthy citizens of Buena Vista tp., was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1827. He emigrated to the United States in 1848, and the first four years of his residence here worked in a saw-mill. His earnings saved accumulated sufficiently to enable him to buy a small farm in the new tp. of Buena Vista, and subsequent additions have increased it to 120 acres. Mr. Meyer was married in 1851 to Catherine Eidleman, a daughter of a pioneer settler of Buena Vista tp. They have 3 children living.

Samuel C. Munson was born in Bainbridge, N. Y., Aug. 2, 1800. His father, Moses, was born in Litchfield, Conn., a soldier of the Revolutionary war. His mother was Miss Julia Cornwall, a native of Wales. Moses' family consisted of 2 boys and 3 girls. Samuel passed his early school days in his birth-place. At 17 years of age he started to the Territory of Michigan, passing through Buffalo and Cleveland, which then contained, the former 12 buildings and the latter 7. Arriving in Detroit in June, 1817, he engaged in trading with the Indians. In 1819 he came to Saginaw to the treaty made by Governor Cass, held at the fort, located where the Taylor House now stands. In 1818 his brother Asa and Otis Fisher, a Lieutenant in the army, built the first water sawmill probably in the Territory. "Uncle Harvey Williams," then a blacksmith in Detroit, made the iron crank to the saw-mill, which weighed 150 pounds, he receiving for his labor 50 cts. per lb. In 1824 he left Detroit and came to the town of Orion, Oakland Co., and built a saw-mill on Paint creek.

In 1830 he moved to Pontiac with Eurotas Hastings, President of the Bank of Michigan; bought Pontiac Mill Co.'s entire property; also entered into the mercantile business. In four years he went into partnership with Robert Leroy, now living at Fentonville, Genesee Co., Mich. In 1831 Mr. Hastings and himself built the first steam saw-mill in the State, situated eight miles north of Pontiac. In 1838 Samuel moved to Fentonville and built a flouring mill in company with Mr. Leroy. In 1840 a large party from Fentonville went to Fort Meigs, to Harrison's celebration. About 1841 he moved to Groveland, Oakland Co., where he bought the tavern property of B. C. Whitmore, starting a line of mail stages to the town of Shiawassee.

In 1843 he rented his property to Capt. David Lyon and returned to Pontiac, going into a hotel there known as the "Pontiac Place." In 1845 he returned to his property in Groveland, remained there until 1848, bought the Genesee House at Flint and moved there. In 1850 he was engaged in helping to build the plank road from Flint to Saginaw, in company with a Mr. Doan; in 1853 moved to East Saginaw, and opened a hotel known as the "Valley House," there being only five or six houses in the town at that time. In 1855 he went into the Kirby House, where he remained until 1861, when he moved upon the farm where he now lives.

George M. Ricker, farmer, was born in the Province of New Brunswick in 1812. His father, Martin Ricker, a native of Germany, emigrated at an early day to New Brunswick, where he became a large land-owner. George M. is the youngest of a family of 8 children, and was formerly engaged in milling and the lumber business. In 1851 he removed to this county, and worked at the carpenter's trade and at lumbering until he has accumulated a snug competency. He has always been prominently identified in all public improvements. He was married in 1838 to Mary Ann French, by whom he had 1 daughter, Charlotte R., Mrs. Ricker died in 1845, and in 1851 he married Elizabeth Davis, of New York. They have 2 children—Bertha, wife of Wells A. Barrett, a farmer residing near East Saginaw, and Fred, a student at the East Saginaw public schools.

Charles Roseland, son of Christopher and Dora Roseland, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1842; in 1857 they emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Saginaw county, where he engaged as clerk in a confectionery establishment, with the purpose of learning the trade; but the death of his employer defeated this project, and he entered the hardware store of E. B. Burkhardt, where he remained over 12 years. In 1867 he married Miss Caroline Schrem, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, where her father died. In 1853 the widow with her family sought a home in this country, stopping in Detroit until 1855, when she hired teams to convey her to the Saginaw Valley, paying $25 for the same, and $30 more for teams to assist in pulling them out of the mud on their route. At last the desired goal was reached; but one privation after another encountered them, having to grind their corn in a coffee-mill to make their "Johnny-cake." In 1873 Charles and wife commenced on their farm to make a home; where then stood the giants of the forest, now stand as fine improvements as can be found in the tp. Mr. R. has held different positions of trust in his tp.; is in his second term as Tp. Treasurer; is one of the oldest members of the Workingmen's Association, having acted as Treasurer for some 12 years. His family consists of 3 children—Alfred, Caroline and Louisa.

Geo. Schaitberger was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1819; his father, Andre, was a business man of Kotzoltzburg; he also owned a farm near the village, which his son George controlled until he was compelled to enter the German army, where he remained six years; at the expiration of his term of service he returned to his old canton and bought a farm, where he remained holding the position of Squire until the eventful year of 1847, when occurred the German Rebellion, he being one of the principal actors in his portion of the canton against the Government; the Rebellion was speedily put down, when he was compelled to flee for life, leaving friends, home and property, taking his only child, a baby girl. His friends stole him aboard a vessel, he carrying his babe rolled up in an over coat under his arm; the soldiers in the meantime were scouring the country endeavoring to accomplish his arrest; but a short time elapsed until the vessel was under way, and then a heart beat with happiness to know that ere long he could claim the protection of the freeman's flag. Arriving in Baltimore without incident, he spent some three and one half years in Western Pennsylvania, when he started for Saginaw, arriving here in 1850, bringing with him the second horse team in East Saginaw; squatted on a piece of land about the center of what is now known as East Saginaw; built here a shanty and engaged in carrying passengers from that point to Flint. In 1851 bought a quarter of sec. 26 and moved upon it, it being a thorough wilderness, on which he has laid the foundation for one of the most fertile farms in that section. In 1847 he married Mary Barbara Bair, who died 14 months after, leaving the infant girl Katie heretofore spoken of. In Pennsylvania he again married, this time Miss Elizabeth Leitel, a native of Bavaria, by whom he had 8 children—John, Maggie, Leonard, John, Michael, Caroline, Lizzie and Conrad; 4 of these are married and residing in Saginaw county. In 1869 his second wife died; in 1878 he was again married, to Mrs. Kate Steinert, by whom he has 1 child, George.

Harvey Smith was born in Rome, N. Y., in 1825. His father, Samuel, was a native of New York. In 1826 he emigrated to the then Territory of Michigan, locating in Oakland county, where he was known to be one of its leading and most respected citizens. His mother was Lucinda, nee Fox, of Rome, N. Y. Harvey passed his early days at the old homestead. Having a desire to see what he had often read of other places. he shipped as a sailor for a number of years. In 1848 he permanently located in East Saginaw, there being but a few houses in what now comprises the above-named city; engaged in numerous vocations; he finally bought a steamboat, which he commanded. Twenty years ago he located on his present farm, to which calling he has given his principal attention of later years. In 1853 he was married to Miss Caroline Grant, of Steuben Co., N. Y. Her father, Andrew Grant, was one of the old and respected citizens of this county. Their family consists of 2 children—Nellie M., who is married and resides near the old homestead, and Edna May, who is with her parents.

Herman Weidemiller, farmer, was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1832. After arriving at the age of 20 years he became so favorably impressed with the idea of the American system of government that he resolved to make the United States his future home. He landed at the port of New York in the, spring of 1852, and after remaining in Massachusetts two years, came to this county, locating in Blumfield tp., it taking him three days to reach that place from East Saginaw, distant only eight miles. In 1862 he enlisted in the 23d Reg. Mich. Vol. Inf., and at the close of the war established a bakery at East Saginaw, where he remained one year, and then bought his present farm. He is a Democrat, and in 1879 was elected Tp. Clerk, which position he still holds. He was married in Massachusetts in 1852, to Edonia Fiedler.

George Zuckermandel, farmer, sec. 29, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1821. He was reared on a farm, and in 1854 came to New York city, and immediately to Saginaw county, locating upon his present farm. Mr. Z. was in limited circumstances when he commenced life, but by working hard and earnestly, night and day, has succeeded in possessing a good farm and a comfortable home. In 1854 he married Margaret Pardner, who has borne him 4 children—Andrew, Anna, Stephen and Margaretta. Mr. Z. is a member of the Lutheran Church.

BACK TO LIST OF TOWNSHIP HISTORY 1881

Source: History of Saginaw County Michigan, By Michael A. Leeson, Damon Clarke, Published 1881 Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Chicago pages 772-785.

Copyright ©  2010 of  all rights reserved by: Volunteers hold copyright to the online material they have donated for this site.  Not to be copied and used in any format to any other site or in any other media. Personal use within family files is allowed.