The History of Detroit and Michigan By Silas Farmer
Sans Crainte Signature
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Monday, May 25, 2009
Divided loyalties in a doomed empire ... - Google Book Search
Divided loyalties in a doomed empire ... - Google Book Search: "The genealogy of the French-speaking members of the Lewis and Clark expedition can often be traced back to the times where the fleur-de-lys was flying over New France. The terra incognita was explored to gratify Louis XIV's lust for the brown gold of the fur trade. By the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the French were well integrated into the North American population. These men were instrumental in the success of the Corps of Discovery. Observers from the Montreal North West Company spied on the expedition for fear of American encroachments. New Spain sent in vain a French adventurer to capture Meriwether Lewis. The legend of the West has both French and American heroes in common among the coureurs de bois (white Indians) and mountain men."
Friday, May 22, 2009
Coureurs des bois , Detroit Founded
Legends of Le Detroit By Marie Caroline Watson Hamlin, James Valentine Campbell, Isabella Stewart Gardner
For nearly sixty years after Cadillac’s founding of Detroit, It was a completely French town socially as well as governmentally
"Cadillac's village," or "Detroit under Cadillac." With list of property owners, and a history of the settlement 1701 to 1710 By Clarence Monroe Burton
"FRENCH RULE CAME TO A END
in Detroit in 1760 when the village was given to the British as part of the spoils of the French and Indian War. Although Part of a long European power struggle between France and England, the conflict was almost entirely a North American war. It grew out of the desire of the English seaboard colonies for the vast Ohio River and Great Lakes country, which Were French property. The war lasted from I 754 until 1760, but Detroit never came under direct attack from the British was settled elsewhere, on the Plains of Abraham just outside Quebec. On September 13, 1759, British General James Wolfe scaled the high bluff that appeared to make the city impregnable and decisively defeated the French defenders. Only Montreal was left, and it was surrendered Sept.8,1760" Taken from “This is Detroit, 1701-2001” By Arthur M. Woodford
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Redefining Fallen Timbers
Redefining Fallen Timbers
The Treaty of Greeneville was a successful Indian treaty for the Americans, especially when contrasted with earlier treaties signed by the Miami, Shawnee, or Wyandot tribes.[67] Historian Rufus King wrote of the Treaty of Greeneville: "Never after that treaty, to their honor be it remembered, did the Indian nations violate the limits which it established. It was a grand tribute to General Wayne that no chief or warrior who gave him the hand at Greene Ville ever after 'lifted the hatchet' against the United States."[68] However, the treaty did not prevent but merely delayed an era of renewed hostilities. Historian Reginald Horsman writes that, "The resounding phrases of the famous Treaty of Greenville thus meant very little...The Indians thought the Greenville line was to last forever, the Americans know better."[69] Land organized for settlement in 1796 and 1800 pursuant the Northwest Ordinance ignored the boundary line agreed upon at Greeneville. Indian participation in the War of 1812 was primarily influenced by further American encroachments past the defined boundaries. Just as Fallen Timbers had failed to be the final military action of the Old Northwest, the Treaty of Greeneville failed to be the final peace of the Old Northwest.
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For me it is not to define the Treaty of Greeneville, pass judgment or to focus on the event, I am more interested in looking at the
"Family ties and relationships" of the Interpreters involved "my ancestors" with the Indians-Kevin Lajiness
The Treaty of Greeneville was a successful Indian treaty for the Americans, especially when contrasted with earlier treaties signed by the Miami, Shawnee, or Wyandot tribes.[67] Historian Rufus King wrote of the Treaty of Greeneville: "Never after that treaty, to their honor be it remembered, did the Indian nations violate the limits which it established. It was a grand tribute to General Wayne that no chief or warrior who gave him the hand at Greene Ville ever after 'lifted the hatchet' against the United States."[68] However, the treaty did not prevent but merely delayed an era of renewed hostilities. Historian Reginald Horsman writes that, "The resounding phrases of the famous Treaty of Greenville thus meant very little...The Indians thought the Greenville line was to last forever, the Americans know better."[69] Land organized for settlement in 1796 and 1800 pursuant the Northwest Ordinance ignored the boundary line agreed upon at Greeneville. Indian participation in the War of 1812 was primarily influenced by further American encroachments past the defined boundaries. Just as Fallen Timbers had failed to be the final military action of the Old Northwest, the Treaty of Greeneville failed to be the final peace of the Old Northwest.
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For me it is not to define the Treaty of Greeneville, pass judgment or to focus on the event, I am more interested in looking at the
"Family ties and relationships" of the Interpreters involved "my ancestors" with the Indians-Kevin Lajiness
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Legends of Le Détroit By Marie Caroline Watson Hamlin, James Valentine Campbell, Isabella Stewart Gardner
Legends of Le Détroit By Marie Caroline Watson Hamlin, James Valentine Campbell, Isabella Stewart Gardner
The following Genealogies are from the Legends of Le Detroit as for their accuracy
I have not confirmed They show some of the family connections between the Interpreters at Detroit (Please do not take down the tree it was made and developed by me)
(I Question this date and I think father Flazet was "Rev Father Flaget". Jean B. Sanscrainte (John B Sancraint) he may of been on a missionary tour in 1765 but I think his father was at Michilimackinac as early as 1760 records show He would of been 11 years old in 1765 records show him having the same name as his father Jean I can find no other record of a Flazet Sanscrainte or anyone of that name- Kevin Lajiness)
History of Monroe County, Michigan ... By Talcott Enoch Wing
History of Monroe County, Michigan ... By Talcott Enoch Wing
History of Monroe County, Michigan ... By Talcott Enoch Wing
History of Monroe County, Michigan ... By Talcott Enoch Wing
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
SansCrainte Timeline
1723 Jean Baptiste Romain Dit Sanscrainte b: May 16, in Montreal, Canada
1754 Married: 25 FEB in Montréal, QC Suzanne-Amable DENIAU
1754 Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte b. probably Laprairie
1760,January 7, JEAN ROMAIN DIT SANSCRAINTE witnesses the mutual consent ofthe nuptial benediction to michel Boier and to josette marguerite de lignon at michilimakinak
1760 October 9 Jacque(one source says female) Sans Crainte born to Jean Baptiste Sans Crainte and Indian slave michilimakinak
1761 jean romain dit Sanscrainte witnesses, the mutual consent of pierre duprés and of marie joseph carignan at michilimakinak
July 18, 1765 Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte (John Soncrant) came from Quebec ( this would have been the father the son would have only been 11 years old and the date may be right for when he set up the post but he was in Michilimackinac as early as 1760 and up to 1795 as noted by Greenville treaty notes –Kevin Lajiness) and settled on the north bank of the Huron river(Detroit Area) at present day West Jefferson. He sold this property to Gabriel Godfroy in 1796- Rockwood, The Huron River, Patricia Quick, Rockwood Area Historical Society
1778 Margaret Solo m.Jean Baptiste7 Romain dit Sanscrainte, bap 24 Dec 1754 Montréal PQ; ma
13 Oct Detroit MI 1779 Serjeant Sanscrainte, whose father (who had come with Clarke from the Ilinois) at that instant stepping up raised the muzzle and obtained his son's life by applying to Colol. Clarke
By John McClelland Bulkley
1754 Married: 25 FEB in Montréal, QC Suzanne-Amable DENIAU
1754 Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte b. probably Laprairie
1760,January 7, JEAN ROMAIN DIT SANSCRAINTE witnesses the mutual consent ofthe nuptial benediction to michel Boier and to josette marguerite de lignon at michilimakinak
1760 October 9 Jacque(one source says female) Sans Crainte born to Jean Baptiste Sans Crainte and Indian slave michilimakinak
1761 jean romain dit Sanscrainte witnesses, the mutual consent of pierre duprés and of marie joseph carignan at michilimakinak
July 18, 1765 Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte (John Soncrant) came from Quebec ( this would have been the father the son would have only been 11 years old and the date may be right for when he set up the post but he was in Michilimackinac as early as 1760 and up to 1795 as noted by Greenville treaty notes –Kevin Lajiness) and settled on the north bank of the Huron river(Detroit Area) at present day West Jefferson. He sold this property to Gabriel Godfroy in 1796- Rockwood, The Huron River, Patricia Quick, Rockwood Area Historical Society
1778 Margaret Solo m.Jean Baptiste7 Romain dit Sanscrainte, bap 24 Dec 1754 Montréal PQ; ma
13 Oct Detroit MI 1779 Serjeant Sanscrainte, whose father (who had come with Clarke from the Ilinois) at that instant stepping up raised the muzzle and obtained his son's life by applying to Colol. Clarke
History of Monroe County, Michigan: A Narrative Account of Its ..., Volume 1
1786,15, May Deed from Potawatomie for land on the River Raisin; signed by 5 Indians with totems; witnessed by J. B. Sanscrainte and Francois Navarre. From Labadie Family Papers. (This is attributed to both Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte 1749-1822(I question these dates) and Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte b.1754)
1790 Explorer Hugh Heward’s journal describes a
trading post, operated by Jean Baptiste Sanscriante, in near the Potawatomi settlement
Moravian indians
1795 (Nov 9 1810 –fifteen years ago) the late surveyor, McNiff came up the Huron with Sanscrainte the interpreter to survey land by order of John Askins
1795-No prisoners remain in our hands in the neighborhood of Michilimackinac. Those two Frenchmen present (Messieurs Sans Crainte and Pepin,) can witness to the truth of this assertion " (Indian to general Wayne)
Burnet’s Notes
Notes on the early settlement of the North-western territory
Burnet’s Notes on
Aug 10th? 1795
To General Anthony Wayne and nations of Indians present at
Mash-i-pi-nash-i-wish, Chief of the Chippeways spoke as follows: “father I have heard, and understand, all that you have said. I am perfectly satisfied with every part of it;
My heart will never change. No prisoners remain in our hands in the neighborhood of Michilimackinac. Those two Frenchmen present (Messieurs Sans Crainte and Pepin,) can witness to the truth of this assertion.”
Charles Michel de Langlade
Charles Michel de Langlade: "In June 1752, with 250 Ottawa and Chippewa warriors, Langlade and Pontiac attacked the village (Pickawillany) at sunrise when most of the defenders were away. The village was torched, and La Demoiselle and an English trader were eaten.16 Tongue in cheek, White wrote that La Demoiselle, who had vowed not to return to the French alliance, 'had died without returning to the alliance, but the alliance had nevertheless incorporated him once more [by eating him].'17 And 'in the aftermath of Langlade's victory, Onontio reincorporated his errant children back in the alliance.'18 This would not be the last time Langlade would be associated with what both French and British officials considered atrocities.
Langlade, himself the son of an Ottawa, was to win praise for this effort but with a qualification. On October 25, 1753, Governor Duquesne wrote a letter to the French Foreign Minister commending Langlade's raid. But he added,
as the Sieur de Langlade is not in the service and has married a Savage woman, I will content myself with asking you Monseigneur, for a yearly pension of 200 livres wherewith he will be highly pleased . . . such a reward would have very good effect in the country.19
But Langlade was already a cadet in the king's service, a position his father had purchased for him on March 28, 1750.20
"After his victory at Pickawillany, Langlade was also appointed as Indian agent for the pays d'en haut, distributing annuities to the Western tribes.
Perhaps Langlade's marriage to Agathe was failing or perhaps Langlade saw a marriage to "a Savage woman" as detrimental to his career. At any rate, on August 12, 1754, Charles Moras, Sieur de Langlade, and Charlotte Ambroisine Bourassa were married with the Church's blessing at Mackinac. Bourassa was the daughter of Rene Bourassa and Marie Catherine Laplante of Montreal.21 Her father, a well-to-do trader who settled at Mackinac, was prominent enough to be mentioned in the English-French peace treaty of 1763.22
Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
(Renee) Bourassa moved his family to Michilimackinac during the 1740s. He became a prominent member of the small trading community, owning one of its 40 houses, another lot in the fort, and a meadow outside. A number of slaves helped manage his properties. By the late 1740s Bourassa was apparently semi-retired, and his business was handled primarily by his sons René and Ignace. He had an active social life, attending numerous baptisms and weddings. Marriage ties linked him to other prominent families in the fort. In 1744 his son René had married the daughter of Jean-Baptiste Chevalier* and in 1754 his daughter Charlotte-Ambroisine married Charles-Michel Mouet de Langlade.
List of Pages in the Eddleman Geneology Library
Antoine Deshetres moved, to Detroit in 1751. Rene Bourassa followed him in 1765 with a large family. Louis Dequindre, who later became a colonel of militia in Detroit, lived for some years on the St. Joseph. The names Chevallier, Leveque, Dumay, Hamelin, frequently occur in the register. Little by little, after the British occupation, the number of French inhabitants declined. In 1780 there were eight families comprising forty-one persons, and seven individuals," each one in his house," (Mich. Hist. Colls.,XIII, 58-59).
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Cheboygan County MI Genealogy:
"9 October 1760 Jacque Sans Crainte born to Jean Baptiste Sans Crainte and a slave belonging to him . Witness, Jacques Guillard his wife LeFranc 1. born day before yesterday
2. also signed Madelaine Mgulpine"
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Langlade, himself the son of an Ottawa, was to win praise for this effort but with a qualification. On October 25, 1753, Governor Duquesne wrote a letter to the French Foreign Minister commending Langlade's raid. But he added,
as the Sieur de Langlade is not in the service and has married a Savage woman, I will content myself with asking you Monseigneur, for a yearly pension of 200 livres wherewith he will be highly pleased . . . such a reward would have very good effect in the country.19
But Langlade was already a cadet in the king's service, a position his father had purchased for him on March 28, 1750.20
"After his victory at Pickawillany, Langlade was also appointed as Indian agent for the pays d'en haut, distributing annuities to the Western tribes.
Perhaps Langlade's marriage to Agathe was failing or perhaps Langlade saw a marriage to "a Savage woman" as detrimental to his career. At any rate, on August 12, 1754, Charles Moras, Sieur de Langlade, and Charlotte Ambroisine Bourassa were married with the Church's blessing at Mackinac. Bourassa was the daughter of Rene Bourassa and Marie Catherine Laplante of Montreal.21 Her father, a well-to-do trader who settled at Mackinac, was prominent enough to be mentioned in the English-French peace treaty of 1763.22
Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
(Renee) Bourassa moved his family to Michilimackinac during the 1740s. He became a prominent member of the small trading community, owning one of its 40 houses, another lot in the fort, and a meadow outside. A number of slaves helped manage his properties. By the late 1740s Bourassa was apparently semi-retired, and his business was handled primarily by his sons René and Ignace. He had an active social life, attending numerous baptisms and weddings. Marriage ties linked him to other prominent families in the fort. In 1744 his son René had married the daughter of Jean-Baptiste Chevalier* and in 1754 his daughter Charlotte-Ambroisine married Charles-Michel Mouet de Langlade.
List of Pages in the Eddleman Geneology Library
Antoine Deshetres moved, to Detroit in 1751. Rene Bourassa followed him in 1765 with a large family. Louis Dequindre, who later became a colonel of militia in Detroit, lived for some years on the St. Joseph. The names Chevallier, Leveque, Dumay, Hamelin, frequently occur in the register. Little by little, after the British occupation, the number of French inhabitants declined. In 1780 there were eight families comprising forty-one persons, and seven individuals," each one in his house," (Mich. Hist. Colls.,XIII, 58-59).
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Cheboygan County MI Genealogy:
Baptismal Records of the Mission of
St. Ignace de Michilimackinac
1757 - 1760
Transcribed by Sally Eustice
"9 October 1760 Jacque Sans Crainte born to Jean Baptiste Sans Crainte and a slave belonging to him . Witness, Jacques Guillard his wife LeFranc 1. born day before yesterday
2. also signed Madelaine Mgulpine"
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| Total Records: 1 | |
| Mckmarr ID | 143 |
|---|---|
| Transcript | January 7, 1760, I, *** received the mutual consent of and gave the nuptial benediction to michel Boier and to josette marguerite de lignon, after the publication of three bans-in the presence of the undersigned witnesses and of others in attendance. M. L. LEFRANC, miss. of the society of Jesus. MI. LAMARQUE; MICHELLE BOYER; JEAN ROMAIN DIT SANSCRAINTE; SEJOURNE; BOURASSA; FARLY; LANGLADE; LA FAINTESSIE; RENE BOURASSA, fils; BOURASSA; LANGLADE; AMABLE CHABOILLEZ; RENE BOURASSA, petit-fils. (Chaboillez spelled Chaboilllez in record) |
| Extra Notes | |
| Record Source | 2 |
Monday, May 18, 2009
Charles Michel de Langlade - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Charles Michel de Langlade - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Charles Michel de Langlade (1729 – c. 1800), was a Great Lakes fur trader of New France and Odawa heritage. His father was Augustin Langlade; his mother was a sister of Odawa war chief Nissowaquet.
In 1752, Charles Langlade led the raid on Pickawillany, which paved the way for the French and Indian War. In 1755, he led a group from the Three Fires confederacy over Edward Braddock and George Washington at the Battle of Monongahela. He took part in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, leading a group of Odawa warriors.
Later, during the American Revolutionary War, Langlade led Great Lakes Indians as an ally of the British commanders in Canada, and was promoted to captain in the Indian Department.
He later settled in Green Bay, and as the first permanent partially-European settler in what became Wisconsin, he is remembered as the 'Father of the State.' Langlade County, Wisconsin is named after him.[1]"
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In 1752, Charles Langlade led the raid on Pickawillany, which paved the way for the French and Indian War. In 1755, he led a group from the Three Fires confederacy over Edward Braddock and George Washington at the Battle of Monongahela. He took part in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, leading a group of Odawa warriors.
Later, during the American Revolutionary War, Langlade led Great Lakes Indians as an ally of the British commanders in Canada, and was promoted to captain in the Indian Department.
He later settled in Green Bay, and as the first permanent partially-European settler in what became Wisconsin, he is remembered as the 'Father of the State.' Langlade County, Wisconsin is named after him.[1]"
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August 12, 1754, Charles Moras, Sieur de Langlade, and Charlotte Ambroisine Bourassa were married with the Church's blessing at Mackinac. Bourassa was the daughter of Rene Bourassa and Marie Catherine Laplante of Montreal.21 Her father, a well-to-do trader who settled at Mackinac, was prominent enough to be mentioned in the English-French peace treaty of 1763
All Midwest Pioneers: Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Vol. 18 results for Sanscrainte
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In 2020 Ypsilanti
VISION FOR 2020
In 2020 Ypsilanti enjoys its rich cultural and architectural heritage, the end-result of centuries of historic migrations to this ancient river
crossing. Native American, European American and African American groups settled here, each with a distinct and venerable history.
Paleo-Indian ancestors of Native American tribes lived in Michigan as early as 1200 B.C.1, 2 In 1772, an English officer’s report
describes a small Native American Bodewadimi (“Potawatomi”) settlement on the banks of the Huron River, situated near the
intersection of the Potawatomi and Sauk Indian trails, location of present-day Ypsilanti.3 Explorer Hugh Heward’s journal describes a
trading post, operated by Jean Baptiste Sanscriante, in 1790 near the Potawatomi settlement (today the Riverside Arts Center Annex).3
View Larger Map
Gabriel Godfroy subsequently acquired the trading post from Sanscriante, and submitted a French Claim in 1808 to protect his rights to
the trading post and property.3 European Americans established a settlement here in 1823 and Ypsilanti’s first African American
settlers joined the community in 1837 and 1838.
In 2020 Ypsilanti enjoys its rich cultural and architectural heritage, the end-result of centuries of historic migrations to this ancient river
crossing. Native American, European American and African American groups settled here, each with a distinct and venerable history.
Paleo-Indian ancestors of Native American tribes lived in Michigan as early as 1200 B.C.1, 2 In 1772, an English officer’s report
describes a small Native American Bodewadimi (“Potawatomi”) settlement on the banks of the Huron River, situated near the
intersection of the Potawatomi and Sauk Indian trails, location of present-day Ypsilanti.3 Explorer Hugh Heward’s journal describes a
trading post, operated by Jean Baptiste Sanscriante, in 1790 near the Potawatomi settlement (today the Riverside Arts Center Annex).3
View Larger Map
Gabriel Godfroy subsequently acquired the trading post from Sanscriante, and submitted a French Claim in 1808 to protect his rights to
the trading post and property.3 European Americans established a settlement here in 1823 and Ypsilanti’s first African American
settlers joined the community in 1837 and 1838.
Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online: " From the American revolution to 1796 Detroit was under military government, with little civil jurisdiction. In 1789 Askin became a justice of the peace there, and in this capacity took part in the enforcement of “such regulations . . . as are generally practiced in the internal polity of the towns of Quebec and Montreal and which are most conducive to prevent public nusances, and to preserve the health and convenience of the inhabitants.” Although Askin continued to reside in Detroit after it was turned over to the Americans in 1796, he chose to remain a British subject and became a jp for the Western District of Upper Canada in 1796.
In the spring of 1802(John) Askin moved to Sandwich, a change of location he had apparently been intending to make for some time. Although much of his land passed to Todd and McGill in payment of his debts, they gave him back the property on which he established his estate, Strabane, near Sandwich, and he acted as land agent for them. He continued to hold extensive lands of his own, acquiring the nickname the Count of Kent. As in his early years he took a great interest in farming, recording in a diary the day-to-day activities of his farm. He seems to have lived in considerable comfort. An inventory of his estate in 1787 listed among other things carriages, silver plate, mahogany furniture, and a well-stocked library.
Although Askin’s first three children, John, Catherine, and Madelaine, were probably born to the Indian slave Manette (Monette) whom he freed in 1766, he made no distinction between them and the nine children of his marriage to Marie-Archange Barthe, contracted at Detroit on 21 June 1772. His connection with the Barthes, a prominent local family, soon gave him a relative in high office, since in 1774 his wife’s sister married Alexander Grant, an officer in the marine forces on the Great Lakes and later an executive councillor. John Askin Jr became collector of customs for Amherstburg in 1801 and storekeeper for the Indian Department at St Joseph Island, Upper Canada, in 1807. Askin’s other children married British military officers or members of locally influential families. Catherine’s second marriage was to Robert Hamilton. Thérèse married Thomas McKee, son of the deputy superintendent general of Indian affairs in Upper Canada, Alexander McKee*.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Draper to the Craper
Draper Manuscripts
140 J. B. Sanscrainte Jr. taken at Vincennes.
. John Baptiste Sanscrainte was a native of Vincennes ( he was at Vincennes no other information on him says he was a native; Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte (John Soncrant) came from Quebec in 1765
and settled on the north bank of the Huron river(Detroit Area) at present day West Jefferson. He sold this property to Gabriel Godfroy in 1796- Rockwood, The Huron River, Patricia Quick, Rockwood Area Historical Society) this was surely the father ,the son he was out with a party of British Indians ( ( IHB: Hamilton at Vincennes, December 18, 1778, to February 22, 1779 February 1st. [1779] The two Ottawa Chiefs Egushewai & Chamintawa with the Peoria chief came with 10 Warriors, designing to go to the falls of Ohio, & beggd to have Serjeants Robert and Sanscrainte of Captain La Mothe's Company to go with them-- (244))-Kevin Lajiness), & ^Who returned with scalps first after Clark took Vincennes in Feb. 1779-- & all were captured: all were seated on a bench to be shot or tomahawked: Several old French women came into the fort where Sanscraint's father was ^--J. B. Sanscraintes Sen.? & said "your son Baptiste is among the prisoners about to be killed-- try & save him." "I can't help it--if my son has painted ^and dressed himself up like an Indian, & gone to war with them, he must take the consequences with the others." When Clark heard of the affecting circumstance, he went to the aged father, & bade his go & select out his son, & save him; but he still declined--& it was only when the excited French women finally took him by the arms & dragged ^the father to the bench where the condemned party were seated, that he took away his son. It was a deeply affecting ( there are very different accounts of this, i find Draper to have a bias against SansCrainte, a better one is with the Indiana historical society-Kevin Lajiness)
141 J. B. Sanscrainte--trader--death scene-- though father & son were as stoical as Indians, & the father exhibited all the higher traits of the ancient Romans. Young Sanscrainte's face was washed of its paint, & again took his place with the whites--had slit ears J. B. Sanscrainte, the younger, was a very large man. Had this from Sanscrainte himself, & from informan't mother, a native of Vincennes, & there when Clark took the place, & saw the whole affair.{Memo: Very likely the details of this incident are nealy correct, except that it was not Sainscrainte who was thus saved: he probably stated it but not of himself as the one saved: It was a son fo Lieut. St. Croix: see Gen. S. R. Clark's Narrative to Geo. Mason. LCD }(I guess the mother lied too, unlikely and if she was there she would of appealed to Clarke for her sons life-Kevin lajiness) Can tell nothing farther of Sanscrainte's services. He was a great Indian trader--lived at Detroit--was near by when Tippecanoe battle was fought (See Hosmer's Hist. Maumee Valley, p. 24). Took sides with the British & Indians, during the war; when out in the woods, hunting horses,( fur trader hunting horses in Michigan in the woods I Guess ?) & too groggy, on Coldwater river, Michigan, in the fall of 1828, perhaps near 80, lost his life--precisely how, was not known. His body was subsequently found, mangled & partly eaten by wolves or other wild animals--but was recognized by his clothing. He left several children--all now dead.
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(This Guy Draper tries to discredit Sanscrainte he says the younger was not well like by the Pro Americans at the raisin yet we know the father and the son saved many from the Indians with there influence. The father was a interpreter for Clarke ,successful trader, signed the Treaty of Greenville dealt with many dignitaries, distinguished and famous people, fought to save lives and for peace, as a mater of fact most of the Indian Interpreters were from the Detroit- River raisin area and were all related. Would one of the first and famous fur traders be out shooting Horses, doesn't know how he dies but says he's to groggy, Sounds like Draper wants to put his own spin on things or out and out lies) as for the father saying he can't help if the son wants to dress like Indians and fight with them maybe because his mother was born at an Indian village was raised by an Indian Mother and they lived with the Indians at times-Kevin lajiness)
Now in Clark's words
George Rogers Clark Papers, 1771-1781 By George Rogers Clark, James Alton James, Illinois State Historical Library, Trustees
Now the Real story From the Indiana Historical Bureau
IHB: Clark Recaptures Vincennes, February 22 to March 5, 1779
(About two in the afternoon the party of Indians which had gone towards the falls of Ohio returnd, and advancing over the common to the fort, seeing the English flag flying and not knowing that we were attacked, discharged their pieces-- tis usual with them to fire three vollies on their approach to a fort or a town, as a salute, this is practiced also among themselves-- This party was in all but 15 or 16 men, of whom were the two serjeants of Volunteers-- Colol. Clarke being informed of their arrival, sent off 70 men to attack them, who fired on these people unprepared for such a salute, killed one wounded two and made 5 of the rest prisoners taking them to the Village-- On their arrival, they were placed in the street opposite the Fort Gate, where these poor wreches were to be sacrificed--one of them a young Indian about 18 Years of age the son of Pontiach, was saved at the intercession of one Macarty a Captain of Colol. Clarkes Banditti, who said he was formerly owed his life to the Indian's father-- One of the others was tomahawked either by Clarke or one of his Officers, the other three foreseeing their fate, began to sing their Death song, and were butcherd in succession, tho at the very time a flag of Truce was hanging out at the fort and the firing had ceased on both sides-- A young chief of the Ottawa nation called Macutté Mong one of these last, having received the fatal stroke of a Tomahawk in the head, took it out and gave it again into the hands of his executioner who repeated the Stroke a second and third time, after which the miserable being, not entirely deprived of life was dragged to the river, and thrown in with the rope about his neck where he ended his life and tortures--This horrid scene was transacted in the open Street, and before the door of a house where I afterward was quarterd, the master of which related to me the above particulars-- The Blood of the victims was still visible for days afterwards, a testimony of the courage and Humanity of Colonel Clarke-- When the prisoners were brought in, Bosseron the Villain already mentioned, levelld his piece at Serjeant Sanscrainte, whose father (who had come with Clarke from the Ilinois) at that instant stepping up raised the muzzle and obtained his son's life by applying to Colol. Clarke--)
140 J. B. Sanscrainte Jr. taken at Vincennes.
. John Baptiste Sanscrainte was a native of Vincennes ( he was at Vincennes no other information on him says he was a native; Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte (John Soncrant) came from Quebec in 1765
and settled on the north bank of the Huron river(Detroit Area) at present day West Jefferson. He sold this property to Gabriel Godfroy in 1796- Rockwood, The Huron River, Patricia Quick, Rockwood Area Historical Society) this was surely the father ,the son he was out with a party of British Indians ( ( IHB: Hamilton at Vincennes, December 18, 1778, to February 22, 1779 February 1st. [1779] The two Ottawa Chiefs Egushewai & Chamintawa with the Peoria chief came with 10 Warriors, designing to go to the falls of Ohio, & beggd to have Serjeants Robert and Sanscrainte of Captain La Mothe's Company to go with them-- (244))-Kevin Lajiness), & ^Who returned with scalps first after Clark took Vincennes in Feb. 1779-- & all were captured: all were seated on a bench to be shot or tomahawked: Several old French women came into the fort where Sanscraint's father was ^--J. B. Sanscraintes Sen.? & said "your son Baptiste is among the prisoners about to be killed-- try & save him." "I can't help it--if my son has painted ^and dressed himself up like an Indian, & gone to war with them, he must take the consequences with the others." When Clark heard of the affecting circumstance, he went to the aged father, & bade his go & select out his son, & save him; but he still declined--& it was only when the excited French women finally took him by the arms & dragged ^the father to the bench where the condemned party were seated, that he took away his son. It was a deeply affecting ( there are very different accounts of this, i find Draper to have a bias against SansCrainte, a better one is with the Indiana historical society-Kevin Lajiness)
141 J. B. Sanscrainte--trader--death scene-- though father & son were as stoical as Indians, & the father exhibited all the higher traits of the ancient Romans. Young Sanscrainte's face was washed of its paint, & again took his place with the whites--had slit ears J. B. Sanscrainte, the younger, was a very large man. Had this from Sanscrainte himself, & from informan't mother, a native of Vincennes, & there when Clark took the place, & saw the whole affair.{Memo: Very likely the details of this incident are nealy correct, except that it was not Sainscrainte who was thus saved: he probably stated it but not of himself as the one saved: It was a son fo Lieut. St. Croix: see Gen. S. R. Clark's Narrative to Geo. Mason. LCD }(I guess the mother lied too, unlikely and if she was there she would of appealed to Clarke for her sons life-Kevin lajiness) Can tell nothing farther of Sanscrainte's services. He was a great Indian trader--lived at Detroit--was near by when Tippecanoe battle was fought (See Hosmer's Hist. Maumee Valley, p. 24). Took sides with the British & Indians, during the war; when out in the woods, hunting horses,( fur trader hunting horses in Michigan in the woods I Guess ?) & too groggy, on Coldwater river, Michigan, in the fall of 1828, perhaps near 80, lost his life--precisely how, was not known. His body was subsequently found, mangled & partly eaten by wolves or other wild animals--but was recognized by his clothing. He left several children--all now dead.
_________________________________________________________
(This Guy Draper tries to discredit Sanscrainte he says the younger was not well like by the Pro Americans at the raisin yet we know the father and the son saved many from the Indians with there influence. The father was a interpreter for Clarke ,successful trader, signed the Treaty of Greenville dealt with many dignitaries, distinguished and famous people, fought to save lives and for peace, as a mater of fact most of the Indian Interpreters were from the Detroit- River raisin area and were all related. Would one of the first and famous fur traders be out shooting Horses, doesn't know how he dies but says he's to groggy, Sounds like Draper wants to put his own spin on things or out and out lies) as for the father saying he can't help if the son wants to dress like Indians and fight with them maybe because his mother was born at an Indian village was raised by an Indian Mother and they lived with the Indians at times-Kevin lajiness)
Now in Clark's words
George Rogers Clark Papers, 1771-1781 By George Rogers Clark, James Alton James, Illinois State Historical Library, Trustees
Now the Real story From the Indiana Historical Bureau
IHB: Clark Recaptures Vincennes, February 22 to March 5, 1779
(About two in the afternoon the party of Indians which had gone towards the falls of Ohio returnd, and advancing over the common to the fort, seeing the English flag flying and not knowing that we were attacked, discharged their pieces-- tis usual with them to fire three vollies on their approach to a fort or a town, as a salute, this is practiced also among themselves-- This party was in all but 15 or 16 men, of whom were the two serjeants of Volunteers-- Colol. Clarke being informed of their arrival, sent off 70 men to attack them, who fired on these people unprepared for such a salute, killed one wounded two and made 5 of the rest prisoners taking them to the Village-- On their arrival, they were placed in the street opposite the Fort Gate, where these poor wreches were to be sacrificed--one of them a young Indian about 18 Years of age the son of Pontiach, was saved at the intercession of one Macarty a Captain of Colol. Clarkes Banditti, who said he was formerly owed his life to the Indian's father-- One of the others was tomahawked either by Clarke or one of his Officers, the other three foreseeing their fate, began to sing their Death song, and were butcherd in succession, tho at the very time a flag of Truce was hanging out at the fort and the firing had ceased on both sides-- A young chief of the Ottawa nation called Macutté Mong one of these last, having received the fatal stroke of a Tomahawk in the head, took it out and gave it again into the hands of his executioner who repeated the Stroke a second and third time, after which the miserable being, not entirely deprived of life was dragged to the river, and thrown in with the rope about his neck where he ended his life and tortures--This horrid scene was transacted in the open Street, and before the door of a house where I afterward was quarterd, the master of which related to me the above particulars-- The Blood of the victims was still visible for days afterwards, a testimony of the courage and Humanity of Colonel Clarke-- When the prisoners were brought in, Bosseron the Villain already mentioned, levelld his piece at Serjeant Sanscrainte, whose father (who had come with Clarke from the Ilinois) at that instant stepping up raised the muzzle and obtained his son's life by applying to Colol. Clarke--)
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Jacques Godfroy
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents Volume 70
[1] (p. 21). — Jacques Godfroy (Godefroy) de (or dit) Marbœuf, was born at Three Rivers in 1684; in 1710 he formed a partnership with Paul Chevalier and Joseph Senécal (Burton’s Cadillac’s Village, p. 27; but Tanguay makes him Adrien Senécal), for trading at Detroit. In 1716 he married Marie Anne Chesne, by whom he had ten children; he died in November, 1730. His eldest son, Jacques (born in 1722), was also a fur trader; he was proficient in several Indian tongues, and acted as Indian interpreter for many years, acquiring great influence over the savages who resorted to Detroit, as well as among the French habitants. In 1764, he was arrested on suspicion of treason, as a supposed sympathiser with Pontiac, but was afterward released. In 1758, he married Louise Clotilde, daughter of Dr. Chapoton (vol. lxix., note 71), by whom he had three children; he died in 1795.
RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project: Lyons: "# ID: I0313
# Name: Margaret SOLO 1
# Sex: F
# Birth: 3 MAY 1761
# Religion: Catholic
# Note: Margaret was born May 3, 1761 at the Coast of the Potowatomies South West Coast of Detroit
___________________________________________________________________
Father: Claude SOLO b: 21 SEP 1732 in Montreal, Quebec
Mother: Margaret Descomps 'dit' LABADIE b: 22 AUG 1734 in Montreal, Quebec
Sources:
1. Title: Genealogy of the French Families of the Detroit River Region 1701 - 1936
Author: Rev. Fr. Christian Denissen
Publication: Published by Detroit Society for Genealogical Research
Note: Detroit Public Library is locates on Woodward Ave. in Detroit, Michigan 48202
Note: Very Good
Repository:
Note: Library of Congress & Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library
Media: Book
Page: Page 1145"
(Margaret's Mother Died When she was 4 years old, she would of been Razed by the second wife
a Sauteuse Indian. Maybe this would be a partial explanation to her husband John Bapte. SansCrainte and son of the same name intimate ties with the Indians besides being born
at the Coast of the Potowatomies and having a brother that was half blood-(Kevin Lajiness)
____________________________________________________________________
BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS
SECTION VI
HUGH HEWARD'S JOURNAL FROM DETROIT
TO THE ILLINOIS: 1790
Thursday Ap1 1st 1790. Early in the Morning came to red
Cedar under the high Banks & continued with a Strong
Current the Water by the Banks to nearly Mid Day when
we met with several Small pine Trees the Banks still high
& barren abounding with diminutive Red Oak Trees & the
Soil with Fern, about 4 oClock passed an Indian Cabbin
& Cornfield & arrd at Sans Craints5 before Sun Set. Distance
& Course nearly as yesterday. Encamped.
Friday April 2d 1790. Could not get an Indian to pass
the Portage but engaged one to meet us at the Fork of the
River to conduct us this Post seems to furnish good small
peltrie Sanscrannt seems to have about 12 packs. Set off
about 10 oClock our Course up the River nearly West
Notes:
5 On the Sanscrainte line see ante, 324. Apparently the individual here noted
was Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte who was born in 1754 and married at
Detroit, Oct. 13, 1778, Margaret Solo. She was buried here on March 19, 1793.
They had several children born at Detroit, most of whom subsequently became
residents of River Raisin settlement. Sanscrainte was bitterly accused by the
British authorities of pro-American activities prior and subsequent to Wayne's
campaign of 1794. See Denissen, op. cit., and Mich. Pio. Colls., XII, 162 ff.
341
Father: Peter Henry SOLO Mother: Ann Teresa GAMELIN b: 2 FEB 1707 in St. Francis du Lac Marriage 1 Sauteuse INDIAN Children
Marriage 2 Margaret Descomps "dit" LABADIE b: 22 AUG 1734 in Montreal, Quebec
Sources:
|
# Name: Margaret SOLO 1
# Sex: F
# Birth: 3 MAY 1761
# Religion: Catholic
# Note: Margaret was born May 3, 1761 at the Coast of the Potowatomies South West Coast of Detroit
___________________________________________________________________
| Margaret Solo m.Jean Baptiste7 Romain dit Sanscrainte, bap 24 Dec 1754 Montréal PQ; ma 13 Oct 1778 Detroit MI, |
Mother: Margaret Descomps 'dit' LABADIE b: 22 AUG 1734 in Montreal, Quebec
Sources:
1. Title: Genealogy of the French Families of the Detroit River Region 1701 - 1936
Author: Rev. Fr. Christian Denissen
Publication: Published by Detroit Society for Genealogical Research
Note: Detroit Public Library is locates on Woodward Ave. in Detroit, Michigan 48202
Note: Very Good
Repository:
Note: Library of Congress & Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library
Media: Book
Page: Page 1145"
(Margaret's Mother Died When she was 4 years old, she would of been Razed by the second wife
a Sauteuse Indian. Maybe this would be a partial explanation to her husband John Bapte. SansCrainte and son of the same name intimate ties with the Indians besides being born
at the Coast of the Potowatomies and having a brother that was half blood-(Kevin Lajiness)
____________________________________________________________________
BURTON HISTORICAL RECORDS
SECTION VI
HUGH HEWARD'S JOURNAL FROM DETROIT
TO THE ILLINOIS: 1790
Thursday Ap1 1st 1790. Early in the Morning came to red
Cedar under the high Banks & continued with a Strong
Current the Water by the Banks to nearly Mid Day when
we met with several Small pine Trees the Banks still high
& barren abounding with diminutive Red Oak Trees & the
Soil with Fern, about 4 oClock passed an Indian Cabbin
& Cornfield & arrd at Sans Craints5 before Sun Set. Distance
& Course nearly as yesterday. Encamped.
Friday April 2d 1790. Could not get an Indian to pass
the Portage but engaged one to meet us at the Fork of the
River to conduct us this Post seems to furnish good small
peltrie Sanscrannt seems to have about 12 packs. Set off
about 10 oClock our Course up the River nearly West
Notes:
5 On the Sanscrainte line see ante, 324. Apparently the individual here noted
was Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte who was born in 1754 and married at
Detroit, Oct. 13, 1778, Margaret Solo. She was buried here on March 19, 1793.
They had several children born at Detroit, most of whom subsequently became
residents of River Raisin settlement. Sanscrainte was bitterly accused by the
British authorities of pro-American activities prior and subsequent to Wayne's
campaign of 1794. See Denissen, op. cit., and Mich. Pio. Colls., XII, 162 ff.
341
Friday, May 15, 2009
CADILLAC'S HOMESTEAD. Where did Cadillac live?
____________________________________________________________________
(Pierre Chesne and Pierre Roy were to be inlaws- Kevin Lajiness)
_____________________________________________________________________
The City of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922 By Clarence Monroe Burton, William Stocking, Gordon K. Miller
The History of Detroit and Michigan By Silas Farmer
(Pierre Chesne And Antoine Cuillerier were inlaws. Pierre Chesne nephew was Jacques Godfroy
The date of 1717 May be wrong some reports say 1707 this may just mean his father of
the same name came before him, I'll Check
The French Regime in Wisconsin ... 1634-1760 By Reuben Gold Thwaites
____________________________________________________________________________
Pontiac Plots 1763
the same name came before him, I'll Check
The French Regime in Wisconsin ... 1634-1760 By Reuben Gold Thwaites
____________________________________________________________________________
Pontiac Plots 1763
Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
METIS CULTURE 1729-1732
A second conference was held on the Potawatomis’ territory, but the Algonkians who had been invited did not attend. The plan took form. The Indians were to ask Gladwin, the commandant at Detroit since 23 Aug. 1762, to bring together a great council. They were to make their way into the fort, hiding their arms under their clothes; a certain number of arms would be distributed to the French residents, and the conspirators would go into action on a signal from Pontiac. The Ottawa chief claimed that François-Marie Picoté* de Belestre, the former commandant of Detroit, had sent him a war belt.
An informer – his name is a matter for conjecture – had warned Gladwin of the plot. On 7 May Gladwin nevertheless let some 300 of the factious Indians into the fort, but he had doubled the guard. He and his officers wore their swords at the assembly on the parade ground, and the whole garrison surrounded the intruders. Pontiac then realized that his scheme was known. He did not give the order to fight. After this failure he went next day with three Ottawa chiefs to parley with Gladwin, in order to alleviate his suspicions; he claimed that there had been a misunderstanding about his men’s attitude, and announced that he would come back to the fort with them shortly “to smoke the pipe of peace.” In the meantime he invited the Hurons, Potawatomis, and Canadians from round about to play lacrosse in his village, to display their peaceful intentions. On 9 May he returned to Detroit with 65 canoes to make a second attempt. This time Gladwin did not open the gates. Annoyed, and wishing moreover to preserve his influence, the Ottawa chief rapidly changed his tactics. He decided to besiege the fort and to set ambushes around it. There were soon victims among the farmers, and upstream the Ojibwas attacked Charles Robertson’s detachment; they killed Robertson as well as Sir Robert Davers and two soldiers.
On 10 May Pontiac said that he was ready to propose a truce to Gladwin. He brought some Indian and French followers together at the home of Antoine Cuillerier, dit Beaubien. Among them were Jacques Godfroy, who later took part in the insurrection, and Pierre Chesne, dit Labutte, an interpreter.(( Jacques Godfroy (had half Blood Indian brother of the same name) was the nephew of Pierre Chesne and Marie Madeleine Roy, Pierre's 1st wife and the daughter of Marguerite Ouabankikoue (Miami Indian) and Pierre Roy (said to be at Detroit before Cadillac). Pierre Chesne and Antoine Cuillerier were inlaws-Kevin Lajiness))They sent for delegates from the other side to talk about peace. Two officers, Donald Campbell and George McDougall, arrived and were taken prisoner. Immediately the Potawatomis and Hurons were advised. They captured two Englishmen at Fort Saint-Joseph (probably Niles, Mich.) and took them to Cuillerier’s house, where they were put to death. Pontiac, who still had two hostages, called on the commandant, Gladwin, to surrender, but met with a refusal. The next day Pontiac, with the Potawatomi chiefs, forced some farmers to hand over provisions to him. This action scarcely encouraged them to collaborate with him. The Christian Hurons of Téata’s band were also reluctant to follow him. Father Pierre Potier* advised them to remain neutral, but Pontiac used intimidation to bring 60 warriors over to his side. Other groups put themselves directly under his authority, in particular 250 Ojibwas from the Baie de Saguinam and the Rivičre ŕ la Tranche. On 18 May he called a conference of all the habitants and demanded that they write to Pierre-Joseph Neyon de Villiers, the commandant of Fort de Chartres, to ask him for help. They did so, but unwillingly, it seems, for the signatories added a note to the letter: “We are forced to submit to what the Indians demand of us; the English are shut up, and all passages are cut off; we cannot express our perplexity to you. . . .”
____________________________________________________________________________
METIS CULTURE 1729-1732
__________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Rockwood
May – The Huron River
Patricia Quick, Rockwood Area Historical Society
Have you ever taken time to take a really good look at the Huron River? There are places along the shore,
visible from the road, that are as pretty a scene as can be viewed in all Michigan. The clouds of red-bed
and hawthorn trees, blossoming along the river in the spring, is a sight to behold. The lazy stream in
summer, with the large white sycamores, and graceful, pale-green willows, is cooling and refreshing to
the eye. In the fall the crimson-red, the purple, brown, and gold of the autumn leaves reflecting in the
water creates a scene that any artist would love to paint. Even in winter, the inky blackness of the rushing
current between the icy, snow-covered banks is a chilly, thrilling sight.
Ask a former student of the U. of M. from anywhere in the U.S.A. or a foreign country about the Huron
River. He will appear puzzled for a moment, then will smile as memories of under-grad days, of boating,
or merely strolling along the river come flooding back. It is safe to say that even though the Huron River
is not significant or important, it truly is a river known ‘round the world.
In 1966, two boys digging in the sandy bank at Cara Lane and Huron River Drive found bones and Indian
artifacts. A spokesman from the University of Michigan stated that an Indian village could have been
located here as early as 500 BC. So you see the river has been in this area for quite some time.
The Riviere Aux Huron first appeared on a map drawn by Joseph Gaspard de Lery in 1749. It is shown
on another French map dated 1752. Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte (John Soncrant) came from Quebec in 1765
and settled on the north bank of the river at present day West Jefferson. He sold this property to Gabriel Godfroy in 1796. On early maps you will see the name “Godfroy” on many acres of land throughout this
area. Notations on a 1790 map are as follows:
“The Riviere Aux Hurons is navigable for large canoes for 100 miles. There is a portage of 64
chains to the Grand River, thence to Lake Michigan. The Riviere Aux Hurons is a very rapidly
flowing stream with a sandy bottom”.
It was a land of plenty for the Native Americans. The lakes and rivers provided food and transportation.
They journeyed down the river to the British Ford Malden at Amherstburg where they bartered for
trinkets and hatchets.
A 1798 church census shows twenty Protestant families and eight Catholic families living along both
sides of the river. In 1803 the Office of Indian Affairs sent Jouett to conduct a census of sorts. He
reported The Riviere Aux Hurons deep, with gentle current, navigable for large boats for more than
twenty miles. In this same year, 1803, Gabriel Godfroy provided a ferryboat for travelers using Anthony
Wayne’s trail across the Huron River. His tenant farmer Claude Campeau worked the farm and operated
the ferry. Mr. Compeau operated the ferry until the War of 1812. The first bridge across the Huron River
was hastily constructed by the troops of Gen. William Hull’s American Army on July 4, 1812. The
soldiers laid additional logs on Anthony Wayne’s corduroy road to enable the supply wagons to cross the
low-lying marsh at this time. March of 1817 saw a survey party paddling up the Huron. They sought the
site of the Indian portage to the Grand River. In his journal, Joseph Fletcher writes of the rain and bitter
cold. The survey lists meander posts, claims, types of land, trees and their diameter. Except for the marsh
and swampland, the most frequent description reads: “Very good farmland, heavily timbered”. Distances
were measured in links and chains.
____________________________________________________________________
"Gabriel Godfroy, ... of the Miami tribe, and son, Durand. (Robes worn ... were Frances Slocum's.)" From the poster announcing the Slocum family reunion, Peru, Indiana, August 15, 1916. Click image for a larger postcard version. "Gabriel Godfroy is very popular among his acquaintances, and is noted for his liberal and princely hospitality. He is widely known, and is visited by many strangers, on account of being the son of the last war chief of the Miami's, [Francis Godfroy], and the husband of a grand-daughter of Frances Slocum." From page 222, Biography of Frances Slocum, by John F. Meginness, 1891. Kin-o-zach-qua;
Mrs. Gabriel Godfroy
From page 184, Biography of Frances Slocum, by John F. Meginness, 1891.
May – The Huron River
Patricia Quick, Rockwood Area Historical Society
Have you ever taken time to take a really good look at the Huron River? There are places along the shore,
visible from the road, that are as pretty a scene as can be viewed in all Michigan. The clouds of red-bed
and hawthorn trees, blossoming along the river in the spring, is a sight to behold. The lazy stream in
summer, with the large white sycamores, and graceful, pale-green willows, is cooling and refreshing to
the eye. In the fall the crimson-red, the purple, brown, and gold of the autumn leaves reflecting in the
water creates a scene that any artist would love to paint. Even in winter, the inky blackness of the rushing
current between the icy, snow-covered banks is a chilly, thrilling sight.
Ask a former student of the U. of M. from anywhere in the U.S.A. or a foreign country about the Huron
River. He will appear puzzled for a moment, then will smile as memories of under-grad days, of boating,
or merely strolling along the river come flooding back. It is safe to say that even though the Huron River
is not significant or important, it truly is a river known ‘round the world.
In 1966, two boys digging in the sandy bank at Cara Lane and Huron River Drive found bones and Indian
artifacts. A spokesman from the University of Michigan stated that an Indian village could have been
located here as early as 500 BC. So you see the river has been in this area for quite some time.
The Riviere Aux Huron first appeared on a map drawn by Joseph Gaspard de Lery in 1749. It is shown
on another French map dated 1752. Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte (John Soncrant) came from Quebec in 1765
and settled on the north bank of the river at present day West Jefferson. He sold this property to Gabriel Godfroy in 1796. On early maps you will see the name “Godfroy” on many acres of land throughout this
area. Notations on a 1790 map are as follows:
“The Riviere Aux Hurons is navigable for large canoes for 100 miles. There is a portage of 64
chains to the Grand River, thence to Lake Michigan. The Riviere Aux Hurons is a very rapidly
flowing stream with a sandy bottom”.
It was a land of plenty for the Native Americans. The lakes and rivers provided food and transportation.
They journeyed down the river to the British Ford Malden at Amherstburg where they bartered for
trinkets and hatchets.
A 1798 church census shows twenty Protestant families and eight Catholic families living along both
sides of the river. In 1803 the Office of Indian Affairs sent Jouett to conduct a census of sorts. He
reported The Riviere Aux Hurons deep, with gentle current, navigable for large boats for more than
twenty miles. In this same year, 1803, Gabriel Godfroy provided a ferryboat for travelers using Anthony
Wayne’s trail across the Huron River. His tenant farmer Claude Campeau worked the farm and operated
the ferry. Mr. Compeau operated the ferry until the War of 1812. The first bridge across the Huron River
was hastily constructed by the troops of Gen. William Hull’s American Army on July 4, 1812. The
soldiers laid additional logs on Anthony Wayne’s corduroy road to enable the supply wagons to cross the
low-lying marsh at this time. March of 1817 saw a survey party paddling up the Huron. They sought the
site of the Indian portage to the Grand River. In his journal, Joseph Fletcher writes of the rain and bitter
cold. The survey lists meander posts, claims, types of land, trees and their diameter. Except for the marsh
and swampland, the most frequent description reads: “Very good farmland, heavily timbered”. Distances
were measured in links and chains.
____________________________________________________________________
"Gabriel Godfroy, ... of the Miami tribe, and son, Durand. (Robes worn ... were Frances Slocum's.)" From the poster announcing the Slocum family reunion, Peru, Indiana, August 15, 1916. Click image for a larger postcard version. "Gabriel Godfroy is very popular among his acquaintances, and is noted for his liberal and princely hospitality. He is widely known, and is visited by many strangers, on account of being the son of the last war chief of the Miami's, [Francis Godfroy], and the husband of a grand-daughter of Frances Slocum." From page 222, Biography of Frances Slocum, by John F. Meginness, 1891. Kin-o-zach-qua;
Mrs. Gabriel Godfroy
From page 184, Biography of Frances Slocum, by John F. Meginness, 1891.
Gabriel Godfroy
From ArborWiki
| Gabriel Godfroy | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Gabriel Godfroy |
| Born: | 1758 |
| Died: | 1832 |
In 1809, Col. Gabriel Godfroy (1758 - 1832) (alt spelling: Godfrey) established a trading post where the Potawatomi Trail crossed the Huron River - approximately where the Riverside Arts Center stands today - becoming the man whom most histories of Washtenaw County or Ypsilanti begin with. While other French traders had passed through the area before, Godfroy's post was the first intended to be permanent. (His partners in the project, Francois Pepin (or "Francis Pepin") and Romaine De Chambre (or "Louis Le Shambre"), receive less recognition.)
Col. Godfroy was, as Beakes puts it, "a man of means. He was a man of influence." Not merely a man with a tradinghouse, Godfroy held various military and political posts during his life. At the beginning of the 19th century, he followed Judge Woodward as Colonel of the First Michigan Regiment. In 1803, he was made Assessor for the City of Detroit. Later, Gen. William Henry Harrison, Secretary of the Northwest Territory, appointed Godfroy to the post of Subagent and Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
Godfroy was additionally an experienced businessman. Around 1795, he and two partners purchased a pair of mills in Detroit. In 1802, he ran a ferry across the Detroit River. In 1815, he owned a Detroit tannery. One account has him running multiple other trading posts between Monroe and Fort Vincennes. Between these various business and political responsibilities, it is unlikely that Godfroy (or his partners) ever maintained a permanent residence in Ypsilanti.
The trading post was profitable in its early years, but as the natives were moved further west by treaty, the volume of trade dropped off. It was abandoned as not profitable enough in 1820, three years before Benjamin Woodruff and company established a permanent settlement.
Sources:
- Beakes, 1905, pp. 540-542.
- The Past of Ypsilanti, 1857. p. 6.
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