In 1783, by the Treaty of Paris, at the close of our Revolutionary war, Great Britain ceded to the United States all the rich and extensive territory known as the Northwest Territory - the most valuable part of the vast territory wrested from France just twenty years before.

The Indians disregarded the treaty between England the United States as they had, twenty years before that between France and England, they had taken no part, and had not been consulted, in the making either.  They continued their depredations on the white settlements, encouraged by the English commandant and instigated by English fur traders.

We see, therefore, that this country was really a part of the British Province for twenty years, from the close of the French and Indian War with England in 1763, to the close of our Revolutionary war in 1783.  Yet England usurped jurisdiction thirteen years longer, for it was not until 1796 that the United States acquired possession of Detroit and what now constitutes the county of Monroe.

This part of Michigan was a portion of New France up to the year 1763, when it came into possession of the British and was actually held by them until 1796, although nominally transferred to the United in 1783, at the close of the Revolution.  By Hull's Treaty of Detroit, in 1807, the Indian titles to lands in the county were extinguished, except nine sections of land upon the Macon reserved for the above four tribes.  Encouraged by the British these Indians became unfriendly and during the War of 1812, the eastern part of the county became the scene of bloody hostilities.  Marching to the relief of Detroit Gen. Winchester, with 1,000 Kentucky troops, was surprised January 22, 1813, by British and Indian allies and suffered almost crushing defeat; nearly all being killed and captured.  The scene of the battle  and the terrible massacre, was on the banks of the Raisin, about a mile east of the site of Frenchtown, but as the river was frozen it extended southward as far as the poor soldiers succeeded in eluding their savage pursuers.  Gen. Winchester, who was spending the night at the cabin of Col. Francis Navarre, was himself captured and taken to Fort Malden, Canada.  "Remember the Main" is but a paraphrase of the Kentuckians, "Remember the Raisin" used later as a battle cry.  In 1818 the bones of the unfortunate troops were collected and buried with honors at Detroit in the Protestant burying ground.  In 1849 they were transferred, along with others from t he battlefield, to Frankfort, Kentucky.  The disgraceful surrender of Detroit in August, 1813, was followed within less than a month of the glorious naval victory of Commodore Perry and the stars and stripes floated over city.  five times had the flag changed within the half century.

Monroe has "Remembered the Raisin" by erecting two beautiful monuments.  One in honor the Ken [paper torn] the southern part of the city and the other on the banks of the Raisin in the northeastern part of the city, opposite the River Raisin paper Co.

Robert Navarre with Peatt Navarre, who were enlisted in the cavalry, with others that could be pressed into the service, were with their ponies and French trains used in transporting the wounded prisoners that had escaped the tomahawk and scalping knife, to Sandy Creek, three miles north of the river Raisin, where Colonel Proctor, with his army, encamped the first night after the surrender.  The same night Colonel Navarre dispatched his son with Mrs. Navarre and eleven children on a French train, for safety, to Detroit, and as they passed the quarters of Colonel Proctor on Stony Creek, could distinctly see the drunken.  Indians scalping the wounded American soldiers and their inhuman and barbarous manner of accomplishing it, by cutting with a butcher knife a circle around the crown of the head, and then placing one foot on the neck, with their hands in the hair, by main force peeling the scalp from the head.

Colonel John Anderson resided, at the time of the massacre, on the site of the homestead of the late Judge Warner Wing, who married the daughter of Colonel Anderson; directly opposite the old building, was occupied by the Colonel as a fur and Indian trading store, liberally supplied with goods adapted to the wants of the Indians, together with an abundant supply of "fire water."  When the news reached him of the capture of General Winchester and his forces, knowing well the barbarous habits and customs of the savages, especially when under the influence of liquor, he hurried to the cellar of his tore, where his liquors were stored, and knocked in the heads of his whiskey barrels, then concealed himself under the plates of a neighboring barn for two days.  The Indians burst in the doors, ransacked his store, then prostrated themselves on their breasts in the cellar and filled themselves with whiskey.  When besotted, drunk and wild, they repaired to the residence of Colonel Anderson and with the most unearthly yells and whoops, emptied the scalps they had gathered in bags on the parlor floor, and dancing around the room, slapping the bleeding scalps against and bespattering and disfiguring the walls and ceiling.  Mrs. Anderson was in the room adjoining, seated on a large chest containing the money and valuable of her husband.  the Indians threatening with upraised tomahawks and knives, commanded her to rise up.  She, having often traded with the Indians, speaking fluently their language, raised her voice to the highest pitch, and pointing her finger, with the expression: "Shame, shame, so many Indians fight one squaw!" was by the interference of two resolute Indians, left unmolested and retained her treasures.

Monroe County was named by General Lewis Cass in honor of James Monroe, who soon after became president of the United States.  it appears that Cass and Monroe were devoted friends.  That fact is substantiated by General Cass being appointed to an honorable position in Monroe's cabinet.

[Page Torn] ... arrived upon the bank of the River Raisin, known by the Indians as "Namet Cbyi" which river takes its name from the great number of wild grapes (raisins) that were then growing in profusion on its banks.  In 1785 he purchased from the Pottawatamie tribe of Indians, then in possession, their title to the farm on the south bank of the River Raisin and built the first log house, which was subsequently occupied as the headquarters of General Winchester at the time of the massacre on the River Raisin, in the winter of 1812-1813; now the site of the elegant mansion of the late Dr. A. J. Sawyer.

It was not until 1784, four years later, that over one hundred families of Canadian Frenchmen arrived and founded Frenchtown upon the north bank of the Raisin just opposite Monroe.  The same year other French families settled upon the creek to the north and south.  During the same year a goodly number of families settled upon Sandy Creek three miles north; Stony Creek, five miles north; and Otter Creek five miles south of the river Raisin.  it was at this time that Colonel Francis Navarre, riding on his pony, following the Indian trail, brought from Detroit seven scions, about the size of ones little finger, of the French pear which has since become famous for their delicious fruit, a number of which are now vigorous and healthy, and yielding annually from thirty to forty bushels.

First American flag on Michigan soil in Frenchtown by Captain Porter, 1796.  Site of River Raisin block house occupied by american troops.  Burned by the British Captain Elliott under order of Colonel Proctor, August 1812.

Bedford was settled by the French and among the first was Benj. Soulier.  The first American settler, as is supposed, was a man by the name of Owen, who built on section 4, town 9 just in the present limit of the township (Milan) in 1820.  After him a family by the name of Sibley occupied the same house and traded with the Indians, selling whiskey and other articles.  One night they wanted some whiskey, not having it, they stabbed him.  His wife was sick, but got out of bed, and went four miles for assistance.  In the mean time, he crawled off and hid under the military bridge across Half-Way Creek, where he was found in the morning when assistance came.  He then left, and in 1830 or 1831, Silas Smith settled in the town, on the same farm occupied by Owen and Sibley, took out his patent therefore in the Detroit land office.  He moved into his house December 13, when the roof was only half completed.  The farm has not gone out of the family since it was so platted.

Frenchtown was established by Gen. Lewis Cass, May 4, 1818 and comprised all its present limits and including Ash and Berlin.  Its present western boundary was defined April 12, 1827.  Stony Creek was made its northern boundary March 11, 1837.  March 5, 1850 its northern boundary [paper torn]  the exception of 1 and 2.  February 14, 1859 its present boundary was established by adding sections 1 and 2 to Ash township.  the first election was held at the home of Francis Lasalle 1827.  It derived its names from the little village Frenchtown on the north bank of the River Raisin and which was founded by French settlers.

Brest at once time a thriving village within the limits of this township was founded by French settlers and without a doubt was named after Brest in France from which place some of the early settlers may have come.  The original plats of the village extended for a few miles each way from Stony Creek and was only outdistanced by the thriving city of Monroe.  its plat was made June 7, 1836.  All remains of this village today is the name  and a couple of stores.

Steiner is a small trading post in the western part of the township on the P.M. railroad and was named after Wm. Steiner of Monroe.

Was created by an executive act of General Lewis Cass, May 4, 1818 and comprised practically its present territory.  its name came from the little village Monroe on the south bank of the Raisin. 

The greater part of its history is identified in the history of Monroe.

Created by executive act of Gen. Lewis Cass, May 4, 1818.  its first western boundary was a north and south line extending through the present village of Erie to the state line below Toledo.  April 12, 1827 it included the present township together with LaSalle, Bedford and Whiteford.  In 1831 LaSalle was taken away and in 1834 Whiteford, in 1836 Bedford.  it gets is name from the lake which it borders.

The First settlement in Erie was Bay Creek and in 1819 there was a considerable community and wanting a place to worship built a Catholic church with a thatched roof.

The village of Vienna was plated Dec. 28, 1835.

Precisely who the first white settler was, or when he came is not known, but Father Hennepin was unquestionably one of the first visitors to these shores, and Colonel John Anderson, Daniel Mulhollen and Henry Disbrow were the first American settlers at the Raisin River.  The first two came before the ware of 1812, the latter the year following.

Created by executive act of General Louis Cass, May 5, 1818, and included all the western part of the county.  Sept. 10, 1822 it included all of the county west of Eric, Monroe, and Frenchtown townships.  its present limits were defined April 12, 1827 but had jurisdiction over the territory which subsequently became Exeter, London, Milan, Dundee, Summerfield and Ida.  it gets its name from the River Raisin.  Nearly all the farms in this township ar on the original French or private claims.

It was claimed by the early settlers and surveyors that the jug of whisky determined the length of these claims thus making a regular length.  The surveyors when staring out in the morning were given a jog of "Fire Water" and they continued to survey till the contents were exhausted, thus the longer the whisky lasted the longer the claim.

Was organized out of Raisinville including Dundee and Milan, October 21, 1829 and was first called Flumen and November 5th, 1829 the name was changed to Summerfield.

PETERSBURG

Petersburg, a thriving village in this township was named after Richard Peters, one of the early pioneers.  The original plat was made Aug. 1, 1836.  The village was settled in 1824 by John N. Wadsworth, Richard Peters, Elihu Ward, Charles Peters, the first white child born in Summerfield on March 17, 1826.

Was created out of Erie July 31, 1830 and defined its western boundary as the old west line of Erie.  March 4, 1831 it was discovered that 2½ rows of sections had been omitted and which were added making the present township.

LaSalle township was settled about the year 1790 there being at Otter Creek, in 1794, 22 families.  It was named after a man by the name of LaSalle who had a store in the banks of Otter Creek at the time of its organization.

Winchester is the name by which the station is known on the P.M. railroad which railroad crosses the identical spot where Gen. Winchester camped with his army on the way to Monroe in 1813.  Winchester was platted April 6, 1836 but the lines are scarcely followed today.

Another historical mark, the Harrison Oak which stood up to about two years ago when it was cut down, a short distance south of otter Creek along the Monroe and Toledo turnpike.  Gen. Harrison camped with his army on his march through the county in those early days.

London originally included three townships and was organized out of Summerfield and Raisinville, June 13, 1832, with the exception of the row sections along the west line of the present township.  The mistake was discovered and corrected March 7, 1834.  It was named after London, England, the birthplace of an army officer, who was living in the vicinity at the time.  Its present size was established March 26, 1836.

OAKVILLE

Oakville a number of years ago was a thriving village, the plat being recorded Feb. 19, 1835.   It gets its name from the profusion of scrub oak which were in the community in the early days.

Eighth Township - Organized March 7, 1834 and was first extended into Ohio including Sylvania.  David White was elected supervisor at the first election and was the man after whom the township was named.

OTTAWA LAKE

Ottawa Lake is the only village of any consequence in the township and [page torn] building of the first railroad in this part of the county.

Taken from Erie by legislative act March 23, 1836.  The first election was held at the home of Levi Lewis in 1836.  William Dunbar being elected supervisor.  the origin of the name is obscure.

TEMPERANCE

Temperance is a little town in Bedford Township which was platted on a farm belonging to one of the Anstead's and in all the deeds that were made out the temperance clause was added forbidding the sale of intoxicating liquors for a period of 99 years and as a consequence the town was not long in choosing a name.  One time an intoxicated man was riding on one of the trains through the county and asked the conductor how far it was to Temperance, whereupon he was told to "quit his drinking." The first plat of the village was laid out March 1, 1895.

SAMARIA

Samaria is another little town which had its beginning at the advent of the Ann Arbor railroad.  The name originated in a peculiar way.  Two prominent young people Samuel and Mary Weeks who were good entertainers and well liked among the young people, who wen wanting a good time would suggest going over to Sam and Mary's, and when the town wanted a name we have "Samaria" as a result of the two original names.

LAMBERTVILLE

Lambertville was first called West Erie and known as a village as early as 1835, the name Lambertville is associated with one of the early settlers by the name of Louis Lambert.  The plat however was not surveyed until Aug. 13, 1888.

Milan was established out of London, March 23, 1836, by a legislative act.  The origin of its name has not been known but is probably named after the city, by the same name in Europe.

In 1833 the post office was opened with Bethuel Hack, it was known as Farmers or Tollenville.  In 1834 David A. Woodward was appointed and in 1836 the name changed to Milan although up to 1859 it was called Tollenville.  Woodward's mill and Milan at which time the name was officially changed to Milan by order of the Postmaster General.

West Milan was opened as a post office in 1859 with John C. Cone as postmaster.  In 1880 Wabash railroad was opened through and the station was called Cone and the following year the name of the postoffice was changed to correspond.

East Milan or Reeves Station was opened as a postoffice in 1866.  September 1, 1887 the Postmaster General issued an official order changing the name of the postoffice from East milan to Azalia.

Taken from London by legislative act, March 26, 1836.  The first election was held in April 1836 and Gilbert Palmer was elected supervisor and who named the township after his birthplace, Exeter Co. New York.  Geo. J. Coppernall was from the same place.

The village of Maybee within this township is a direct outgrowth of the building of the Canada Southern railway.  The large amount of timer adjacent to the site first developed the manufacture of charcoal, and a small village sprang up around the kilns and side track.  Its original site was on the farm of Abraham Maybee and from this the place took its name.  

Scofield another little village in this township was the direct outgrowth of the building of the railroad.  Simon Scofield who had a large sawmill at this point is the one after whom the village was named.

PORT LAWRENCE

Was a township in the disputed Ohio strip and which lost to this county when the boundary line dispute ended on the submission Michigan as a state to the Union, January 26, 1837.  The original plat of the city of Toledo which was known in the early days as Port Lawrence, is still recorded in the register of deeds office in the county of Monroe.

Ash was carved out of Frenchtown by a legislative act, march 11, 1837 and comprised more than all its present territory including Berlin.  Its southern boundary was Stony Creek until March 5, 1850, when the present southern line was established with the exception of sections 1 and 2 which was added to Ash, February 14, 1859.  its present shape was assumed when Berlin was created Dec. 19, 1867.  its name came out in a peculiar way when a meeting was called at Oldport at the home of John M. Beaubien to talk over the establishment of the township.  Arba Ash, who held an appointment from the state to help organize counties and townships was present at this meeting.  Ash was a man who could doze off into dreamland at a minutes notice and especially, when in a warm room.  He was thus sleeping when the name for the new township was under discussion.  John G. Hood one of the pioneers of this vicinity made an effort to arouse him and get his opinion.  When upon awakening, he brauled out his own name as if answering to a roll call.  the men were amused and the incident brought the suggestion of "Ash" as the name for the new township.  The first election was held in 1837.  

It is an excellent farming country.  Until the introduction of railroads, this township was sparsely settled and heavily timbered; now comprises many of the most productive farms in the county.

CARLETON

The village of Carleton was laid out in April 1872 by Daniel A. Matthews and Charles A. Kent.  The original plat comprised 80 acres, 80 acres were added shortly afterward by D. A. Matthews and William Hickok.  The village was named by Mr. Matthews after Will Carleton, Michigan famous poet at the time and it is not at all unlikely that his poem, "Over the Hills to the Poorhouse" which about this time had attracted so much attention was the medium which let Mr. Matthews to admire Will Carleton.  Will Carleton has visited the village on three or four occasions and was pleased to note that he had been remembered in this kind way.  The first building erected was the Matthews House, a two-story building of good size, on the railroad crossing.  Saw mills, a stave mill, heading works were early introduced in this village.  It is yet one of the thriving little towns of the county.

GRAFTON

Grafton was a little village in Ash township started in 1835 and named by Solomon Littlefield, after his birth place, Grafton, Rensselaer county, NY and was progressive until the two railroads in 1872 and 1873 crossed the township of Ash and established the village of Carleton at the junction.

Created by legislative act March 11, 1837 and was taken out of Raisinville and a piece of Summerfield.  When the organization of the township was progressing a woman friend capable of assisting in such a matter was called in.  When these men were racking their brains for a name, some one suggested naming it after Mrs. Ida M. Taylor, who had been so untiring in her services.  She lived with her husband on the banks of the River Raisin, the home had been built in 1834 and which stood until about 3 years ago.  She died young, as the marble slab in the London cemetery will reveal.  Hiram Carney was elected the first supervisor.  The firs plat of the village was recorded Nov. 6, 1868.  The township has been made practically by its drainage system.

Organized March 31, 1838 out of Summerfield.  The original plat was made Nov. 12, 1833.  The first white child born within the limits of the township was R.P. Ingeroll and who is still living in the village.  The origin of the name is evidently associated with some of the early Scotch settlers and whose birthplace probably had been Dundee, Scotland.  This is the second town of the county and a thriving village.  

There is one little village in the western part of the township by the name Rea, which was founded by William Rea, one of the pioneers of the community.

The town (village) of Monroe, according to a plan therefore laid out into lots, streets, commons and public squares, on the farm of Joseph Loranger, and some adjacent ground on the borders of la Riviere aux Raisin, and was reported by John Anderson and Wolcott Lawrence, August 11, 1817, to the executive of the territory, was organized and established Sept. 4, 1817, by proclamation of William Woodbridge, secretary of the territory, and was made the permanent seat of justice for Monroe county.  It was incorporated as a village by regular act of incorporation, April 12, 1827.  It was incorporated as a city, March 22, 1837.  It had five wards, afterwards three, and now has four.

Berlin was the last township organized in Monroe county and was a part of Ash till December 19, 1867 which date becomes its birthday.  It was named by Frederick Niedermeier after Berlin, Germany in honor of the city of his birth.  John Strong was the first supervisor in 1868 and was followed the net year by Mr. Neidermeier.

Newport now known as Oldport was founded  by William White and Louis LaDue and was named Newport by Mr. White after his birth place, Newport, NH, and for many years run a store on the banks of Swan Creek.  With the coming of the railroads the village gradually follwed the line of travel.  The plat of Oldport was laid out July 5, 1835.

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Updated 23 Jun 2008
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