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The Fur Trade of Michigan's ThumbThe Gun, Silver, and Blacksmiths and the Makers of Brandy and Rum
By Mark R. Putnam
Caro, Michigan
This is a work in progress! Table of Contents
Introduction Conchradum
Chapter One Ekandechiondius and Skenchioedontius 1600 - 1700
Chapter Two Les Pays Plats 1700 - 1760
Chapter Three The Flat Country 1760 - 1776
Chapter Four The Thumb of Michigan 1776 - 1837
Conchradum
Franciscus Creuxius drew the map that is seen above in 1660. At the mid-left is what is called today Michigan's Thumb. The Thumb contained the canton called Pagus Ekandechiondius. Here also was the lands called Pagus Etioheroius and Pagus Skenchioetontius. In the center of this portion of the Creuxius map is the Sweet-water Sea, Which was later known as Mare Dulce and Lacus Huronum. The great fresh water lake today is called Lake Huron. The Thumb of Michigan was the extended and . . . the headland.
The Eastern Thumb of Michigan was called Skenchioe. It was the land or canton of the Fox People. The Fox were also called the the People of the Other Shore . . . the Outagamie. Michigan's Thumb was a woodland plain and the hunting ground of Native People. Here beaver and other fur trapping was at its best. The control of the Thumb of Michigan was often hard-pressed.
On the Great Lakes, the early 1600's was the dawn of written history, And, the Flat Land, the Thumb of Michigan, was held at a premium. Michigan's Thumb lay along the western shore of the Great Freshwater Sea. It was called early on Conchradum.
Conchradum seems to mean land's end. In Huron "condechra" means land, and "ata" means end. Chonchradum or "condechrata" then means land's end. Today's Saginaw was later called Ekandechiondius. "Ek" means there or where; "Ondechon" means land while a point or peninsula is "iondius. Ekandechiondius means "where there is a land extended or projected". In the mid-1700's, a group of Native People in Detroit were called the Kandechiateeronnon. They were associated with the Etioreendi. "The River's Mouth [People]" is the meaning of Etioreendi. The Etioheroius were likely also called the Ariatoronnon. They were the People of the River's Mouth known now as the Sauk. Before 1640, Pagus Etioreendi and Pagus Ekandechiondius were occupied by the Sauk.
Just a few years later, the Sauk and Fox people were expelled by the influence of the Iroquois, And, the Iroquois by 1700 were displaced by the Ottawa and the Chippewa. The Thumb was the enchanted home of Native man, woman, girl, and boy. This was the early site of the the great hunting chasse. In Chippewa and Ottawa language, the Thumb of Michigan was called the "Tessi-aki". In English, this meant the flat country.
Much has been said about the name Skenchioe, The Onondaga word "uschentchios" means the plainn or land that is flat. In the early 1700's, the Thumb of Michigan was called by the French Le Pays Plat. The English in the late 1700's called it the Flat Country.
In 1660 east of Chonchradum lived the Gens Neutral or the Neutral Nation. The Neutral Nation were the ancient brothers of the Iroquois. Michigan's Thumb was a land of hope and aspiration. Many ambitions here would aspire. The enchanted fur of the Thumb of Michigan was held with great joy. Conchradum was the place of the Native hunting camp and fire.
The Thumb of Michigan was just east of the great river's mouth, Which was called Kariendiondi. In Huron "arenti-" meant river's mouth. Today's Saginaw Bay was at this time also called "Tekariendiondi", And, was later called "Karegondi". Today Fluvius Kariendiondi is called the Saginaw River. All these names all have the same root, it seems, with without dispute. They're root means where there is an outlet to a river. In Huron "tek" means "where" and "areenti-ondi" means "a river extends or opens out". In Huron, "arend-ondi" means a rock projects out. However, Fluvius Kariendioni seems to means the river's mouth or outlet river.
Creuxius' map fo 1660 shows the Etioheroius or the River's Mouth People. In Sanson's later map, they seem to be called the Ariatoronnon, which likely means the Outlet People.
The Huron People who lived on the eastern shore of Lake Huron or the Sweet Water Sea. They were called by the Iroquois the Ouatogie. Which is said to mean the people of the west. On the Western shore was Conchradum the land of the beaver where trapping and hunting was at its best. In the land of Conchradum was also found the glittering rivers along with the enchanted furs.
Lake Karegondi, the bay and lake of the River's Mouth, emptied into Lake Kandekio. In French Kandekio in the late 1600's was called Lake St. Claire. The Iroquois called it Otsiketa or Salty Lake. The French called it Chaudiere or Kettle Lake, Which in Huron was Ganatchio. The name Kandekio is a shortened form of "condechrada" which means the land end or the land extended. Lake Kendekio was the lake in the land projected. It was the lake that was bright and fair.
The Thumb of Michigan contained rivers that glittered. The Belle River also called the Riviere Belle Chasse and the Riviere Blanc was likelwise called the White River. The rivers of the Thumb of Michigan glittered and sparkled. They were the running waters of light. They were the rivers that rippled. In Chippewa and Ottawa, "wasseia" means light. In Onondaga "wazaoenji" also means to glimmer. In the Thumb of Michigan the rivers radiated, curled, and coiled. Here the rivers gleamed and glittered like a sun's ray. Three great rivers emptied into Fluvius Kariendiondi and then went into the great bay. These rivers were later called Tittiba-wassee, Wakishegan, and Shia-wassee. They glittered and flashed. Each was was a river that shined and glimmered.
Tittabawassee comes from the Chippewa word "tittiba", Which means it twists or turns from hence it arose. "Wassee" means it gleams, shines, or is filled with light. Shiawassee comes from "shia" meaning it is straight, correct, or right. Wakishegan means simply it glitters, gleams, or glows.
These three great rivers empty into Fluvius Kariendiondi, Which will be called the Saginaw River. The Tittabawassee from the west turns or rolls in to the Saginaw. The Shiawassee flows in straight to the Saginaw, And, the Wakishegan River, which is later called the Cass River, flows west to the Saginaw. These were the waters that are bright. These are the waters of light.
Fluvius Fluvius Kariendiondi, the Saginaw River, empties into Lacus Huronum, Which is located just northwest of Michigan's Thumb. The water very gently passes around the Thumb of Michigan passed White Rock. The Chippewa and Otawwas call White Rock "Wasse-bik". The water of Lake Huron then enters a narrow channel or lock. Down the Otisketo River, it flows, and into Lake Kandekio it empties. Here it is met with water from the La Riverie Belle Chasse. Kandekio was often filled with ducks, geese, and swan in many a flock. The glittering waters pass through Lake Kandekio pass white swans and their wakes. Southward the water flows and leaves Lake Kandekio, where it picks up the pace and then breaks. Here it runs down the Great Strait the French call La Riverie Le'Detroit,
Teuschagronde, the Great Beaver Hunting Ground, is the name of the shores and inland streams at Le' Detroit. The current southward runs to Lacus Erius, Felis, or the Cat Lake. Eastward it flows from water shallow then deep. Over a great thundering water fall called Niagara, the water then will sweep. Down Niagara Gorge the water runs and enters Lacus Ontarius, or Lake Ontario, The beautiful lake of the yachtsman, Lake Ontario is also known as Lewis' Lake, On to the Atlantic Ocean the water will go.
The Thumb of Michigan will become a battle-ground. Many skirmishes over the magical pelts here are to be found. Michigan's Thumb is also indeed a part of Tiosharondion or Teuschagronde, Which is the great the beaver hunting ground. The streams here are filled with beaver dams and deadwood tree. A beaver dam in Iroquoian languages is called "sahr". To the Iroquois, Michigan is that Land Afar. It is also the Land of the Great River's Mouth and the great freshwater sea.
At the heart of the Thumb of Michigan is the river called Wakishegan. It is also later known as the Mattawan. Mattawan means the magical or enchanted furs. The Thumb will also be called later by the French "Le Pays Peles", Which seems to mean The Country of Pelts or Furs.
Chapter One Ekandechiondius and Skenchioedontius1600 to 1700
North of Lake Erie, reside the Cheveux Relevez, "The Erect Hair", who are later be called the Ottawa. The Gens de Petun, Tobacco Nation, also live northeast of Lake Erie. North of Mer Duce or Lake Huron live the Sault or Chippewa. In the northwest live the Puans or Winnebago Nation. In the Michigan's Thumb in the southeast, live the Assistagueronon. They were the Fire Nation.
The Isle de Kaoutotan will be called the Isle of Manitowan, Manitowan means the Ile of Spirits. The Ile of Driftwoodis the meaning of Kaoutotan. South of Lac D'Erie, the Les Gens de Chat, or Cat Nation, find the land full of benfits.
In defiance of the French in 1606 in search of furs, the Dutch enter St. Lawrence River. In 1609, the Henry Hudson discovers for the Dutch the North or Hudson River. By 1610, the Dutchman Arnout Vogels is trading on the Hudson River. Vogels has two Frenchman who trade for him. Soon there other Dutch traders who follow Vogels' fur trading whim. Lambert Van Tweenhuysen and Adriaen Block then locate at the mouth of the Hudson river, Where they trade from their ships with European goods during warmer weather. In s short time, a trading post is opened by the Dutch West Indias Company: However, it proves unprofitable, initially.
The Iroquois the Mohawk object to any abandonment of trade, And, encourage the Dutch to relocate to the upper Hudson and there build a stockade, Which is located near the mouth of the Mohawk River. So in 1614, the Dutch are builting Fort Nassau on Castle Island on the Upper Hudson River, Where the pine woods are plentiful and beautiful,
This became then for years the main location for trading fur. The forests then were plentiful and pristine.
In 1624, the Dutch built Fort Orange on the east bank of the Hudson River, Which was located opposite the mouth of the Mohawk River. For trading, the Mohawk River was the doorway. The Mohawk River led to woodlands abounding in fur. For wealth and sufficiency, the Mohawk River was the passageway. The Mohawk led to Lake Ontario and Oswego Bay. The waterway form Oswego Bay eventually lead to Lake Erie and Huron and the Saginaw Bay.
In 1628, the Mohawk defeated the Mohican and became a dominate player in the Indian fur trade. The Mohawk People then became the middlemen to the Dutch for peltries of high grade. To increase the trade, the Mohawk and the French in Canada made a pact of peace. However, the French soon found that the Mohawk would bring to the Dutch and the best of fleece.
For Dutchmen, the Mohawk People would be for years the middleman. Soon, there was a profitable trade for the Dutch in Fort Orange. That would not for many years change. The influence of the Mohawk eventually reach to Michigan. The Dutch in Fort Orange soon requested of the governor a trade monopoly. In bargaining, the Dutch at Fort Orange were successful. Fort Orange became the only place of exchange. Many Dutch merchants became very profitable. They imported few of their trade goods. They sewed, forged, and brewed many their own goods. This greatly reduced their cost. Because of their hard work, in the fur trade they seldom lost.
In New Netherlands, now New York, the Indian fur trade was the largest source of money. The furs shipped to Europe were the largest part of the economy. The Indian fur trade generated a great deal of money. In the system, furs passed through many a hand. Until the beginning of the 1800's, peltries were in great demand.
The furs included muskrat, martin, and mink, raccoon, possum, fox, lynx, and bear. But, most important was the peltry of the beaver. It seemed that the trapping of furs in New Netherlands would not come to an end. However, each year hunting and trapping further west would extend.
The Iroquois People and Dutch were allies, and from this marriage often arose. They were very close. In many a Dutch and Iroquois village, there was a common marriage. There were many Dutch descendants that had a Iroquois ancestor. However, it was a Mohawk who would ventured to the western frontier.
In 1635, the French and Canada were in an excellent trading position. As the Mohawk traded further west, the French began trading with the Iroquois called the Onondaga; "The People of the Standing Stone" was their name translation. However, the Mohawk did not want the French to trade with the Onondaga. The Onondaga lived between Fort Orange and Niagara Falls, which was then the frontier. Eventually, the Mohawk ousted the French from this western land with the help of the Dutch weapons financier.
Between the Mohawk and the French, the Dutch expressed they were neutral. However, an ensuing war between the Iroquois and French became pivotal. To the cause of the Iroquois, the Dutch would side. The Dutch would help to turn the tide.
In 1640s, beaver in the Iroquois homeland was nearly in extinction. However, the Iroquois understood that land of the Far Indians had the best of furs. The Iroquois planned to conquer the Great Lakes and Michigan. They intended to control the Land of the Huron and the Canadian rivers.
To trade, the Iroquois needed to control the Ottawa River and the Land of the Huron. So, soon, the Iroquois were in a rapid advance. They gather excitedly around the war dance. However, the French began to arm the Huron. The Huron then lived on the eastern shore of lake of at the river's mouth Karegnondi. War pitted the Iroquois and Dutchman against the Huron and Frenchman. The battle began over land of the Huron and the fresh-water sea. Park of the stake or pot were the peltries, the riches, of the Thumb of Michigan.
Previously in 1633, the French had provided the Huron with bakers, farmers, artisans, and blacksmiths. The latter were also good at being gunsmiths. To this region, both French and Dutch goods were drawn. Artisans of every type were called upon. In 1642, the French built a fort at the north end of Lake Huron on the St. Marie's River. It was the place of refuge for the Native Algonquin hunter, trapper, and warrior.
Already, on the St. Marie's River were the Sault or Chippewa. Also, there were their brothers the Ottawa. When all was said and done. It was the blacksmith who was the most valued artisan. They made and repaired the trap, axe, gun.
In 1642, Huron and Iroquois conflict rose to a peak along the south shore of Lake Huron, As the Dutch supplied the Iroquois with powder, gun, and shot. The Huron called themselves the Wyandot. Wyandot meant the people of the extended land, The people of the peninsula or island. Those with the fabulous hair was the meaning of the French name Huron. The Iroquois in the end drove the Huron from their Ontario homeland. The Huron, then, eventually, went to La Bay, Wisconsin .The Iroquois had moved them through Michigan and toward the western sun. The Iroquois then became the sojourners of Michigan's Land's End, Nottawa or Snake River then became the name of the major river of Ekandechiondtius or Land's End.
This was at the north end of the land called Tiosahrondion. Tiosahrondion meant where there are beaver dams many. The Iroquois, now, controlled also Skenchioedontius or Skenshioe. The flat land of the promontory. This was the flat-land of Michigan's Thumb. This land was now a part of the Iroquois and Dutch trapping consortium. The land was also called the great pinery and Sankinan.
By 1650, the Iroquois, the Nottawa, were telling the grand stories of Sankinan. They were making their way to this place with ease to the land of the enchanted fleece. The Anie, Agnie, or Mohawk led most of the talk. The Huron called them the Annniehronnon.
The Nottawa also included the Onneiohronnon who were the Cayuga; The Onnontaëronnon who were the Onondaga; The Sonnontouaheronnon who were the Seneca; And the Onionenhronnon who were the Oneida.
As shot, powder, and gun arrived in Michigan, It started a great tribal migration. With shot, powder, and gun, the Iroquois caused a grand displacement, Toward the setting sun, many a Native People went. The Iroquois controlled then the land about Skenchioe and Lake Kandekio. They also possessed much of Lake Ontario.
However, in 1653, the Chippewa defended the Iroquois on Lake Superior. They destroyed a large party of Iroquois. This was the farthest extent of the Iroquois into the northwest frontier. Although defeated, there, Ohio and Lower Michigan continued to be held by the Iroquois.
Then, a new player appeared in the fur trade. On Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, the Ottawa became the French middleman. Into the northwest of Michigan, the Iroquois would not again invade, As the Ottawa began to controll Northern Michigan. Once known as the Cheveus Relevez, the hair raised, they were now known as the Ottawa, Whose name meant the trading people or the salesmen.
In bringing in furs, Montreal began to rely on the Ottawa, While the Dutch still employed the Five Nations or Nottawa, Who would bring in pelts to Fort Orange shortly after the spring thaw. After the defeat on Lake Superior, the Five Nations penned a truce. This further encourage the Chippewa and the Ottawa . . .! Because there was peace, both groups went to trapping, which made money profuse.
Defeating the Huron was not enough for the Iroquois for the Ottawa took their place. For the French, the Ottawa kept up the slack in the trading pace. They brought in many valuable pelts to Montreal in great spring fleets, which brought them renown. The Ottawa were the "Great Selling People" of many a Native village or town.
The Iroquois each winter, however, were still trapping on the enchanted beaver ground. The best of beaver was in Ekandechiodondius and Skenchioedontius. Here magical beaver fur everywhere was to be found. This was the fur over which everyone made a fuss. North of Tiosahrondion in the Flat Country was the preeminent beaver trapping. Here, the hunt was the most promising.
The Iroquois were hunting the Thumb of Michigan the land of the beautiful chase.They also traded with Dutch goods. They trapped the beaver dams and ponds within the pine and hemlock woods. They loaded their dugouts each spring and headed to Albany in a mad race. In Albany, Sankinan fur was a prize. It's properties to everyone was a surprise.
Great was the river called Nottawa. Great were the furs of Saginaw.
The best of furs were the muskrat, mink, and beaver. These were found along the Shining River. The grandest of hunting ground was the region of the Nottawa River. Also, celebrated were the giant beaver dams of the Tittabawassee River. On the Nottawa River in the winter, the Iroquois were to be found. The woods would filled with them all around.
The fame of this region is remembered name of the Belle or Belle Chasse River. It was the place of the beautiful hunt. It was the home of the elk, moose, mink, and beaver. It was here that Native People lived without want.
In 1653, the Iroquois had gone to Montreal to sued for peace. The best hunting was done when there was pact of peace. The leading negotiator Canaqueese was both Dutch and Mohawk and also called Jan Smith. He was likely a son of a Dutch gunsmith or blacksmith. In making terms, when Canaqueese was pushed by the Onondaga and Oneida, Canaqueese made it clear the Mohawk were the utmost. The Mohawk would make the terms of peace. Canaqueese gave the great boast: "Frenchmen listen to the Mohawk over the Onondaga and their close kin the Oneida".
In the 1650's, Dutch trading by law was only held within the walls of Fort Orange, Which was opposite the mouth of Mohawk River. By law, in the forest, trade could not be done or arrange. Dutch law prohibited the traded of goods in the interior. The law prohibited forest runners or "bosch loppers".
At this time for the Dutch, the Iroquois were the middlemen. Many Iroquois were also half-brothers of the Dutch trader. The trading of furs ultimately was done only by Fort Orange aldermen, Who were often smiths and brewers. Many never went into the far western countryside. In Fort Orange, they would trade and reside.
In the Great Lakes Region, the Iroquois undertook fur collection. They would travel to the Western Lands and Michigan. The Dutchmen often took an Iroquois bride, So, trading and family were allied. The Iroquois was often the Dutchman's brother or brother-in -law, And, it was the Iroquois who went to the forests of Saginaw.
However, the Dutch would acted as the middleman in the exchange of prisoners. At this time, Dutch Captain, Otsi-rdiakhon went to Three Rivers with a Mohawk peace keeping team. His goal was to buy back prisioners. Because it allowed hunting and trapping, peace was beneficial for all. With peace instead of war, hunting and trapping could commence each the fall, Along the many a western river and stream. With peace, furs made their way to the Dutch on the Hudson River, And, also furs were brought to the French on the Ottawa River.
It was not long before there was war in Europe and an overturn in Dutch rule ensued. In 1664, the Dutch and English were in a feud. In North America, without firing a gun, a large English fleet took control of New Netherlands. The colony then went into English hands. New Netherlands was afterward called New York. However, Dutch residences were still in charge of the fur trade was in Fort Orange on the Hudson's River upper fork.
Fort Orange, however, was given a new name Albany. Although it was then English, it still followed the local Dutch strategy. Canada was known then as New France. Both regions were deeply steeped in the fur trade romance. Yet, each spring from the western woodlands the Iroquois the Five Nations, Brought furs again back to their now "New York" habitations.
In New York before 1664, the drinking of rum was rare. After 1664, the consumption of rum in New York was everywhere. A part of the Triangular Trade, it was a British commodity. In the Indian trade, the English began to use rum widely. The English could make rum at half the cost the French made their brandy.
The Dutch of Albany, New York, also still made Indian trade goods at a low cost and high quality. English rum was a by product of West India sugar making, so it was made very cheaply. After the English took control of New York, the sales of rum was done widely. Dutch goods and English Rum greatly influenced the trade on every stream and lake. They lifted and extended the trade to a high and new level of wake.
In New York, the trading of furs still was legally only done at Albany. However, illegal trade was done in other towns including the neighboring town of Schenectady. Many of those in Schenectady were close in kin to the Mohawk. On occasion some Dutch went westward with their ally the Mohawk. It is likely that nameless Dutch of both Schenectady and Albany made their way to Lake Huron in the wars before 1653.
The trading of furs was only done officially within the walls of Albany. It was forbidden to those of Schenectady. However, many people in Schenectady had an intimate understanding of the frontier and its woods. The also were experts at making trade goods. Schenectady also supply many interpreters. Many in Schenectady would also become French prisoners.
As a captive, a prisoner would often learned the Chippewa and Ottawa language. Because of their western knowledge, past prisoners formed a vital bridge. They later often became negotiators, guides, and interpreters, They were also at times illegal traders. The people of Schenectady were very valuable. They were often at the negotiating table. . The Dutchmen of Albany traded with goods for the furs of Tiosahrondion. They use the Iroquois who trapped, hunted, waylaid, or traded in Michigan. Probably, in the end, those that prospered the most were the Albany aldermen. A valuable person also was one who operated the local tavern or Inn.
Western woods runners were called by the Dutch "bosch loppers". Were young Iroquois who made their way to Michigan and its many rivers. New York came under the control of Englishmen. To the western woods, the English would eventually send Scotts and Irishmen.
In the war between the Huron and Iroquois, the Dutch tried to be neutral. To the Iroquois, the Dutch were vital. The Dutch furnished them with food, guns, and goods. These the the Iroquois also used for trade in the far woods.
In 1664, began a period of competition. New Netherlands, now New York, was taken over by England. At the same time, Canada was going through consolidation. France was arming the Chippewa and Ottawa, And they had ambitions to control the rivers in Saginaw.
The Great Lakes fur trade was yet a great part of the economy. Albany was supplying goods and arms to the Iroquois who traveled to Michigan's Skenchioe. The Indian or fur trade included goods such as gee gaws and charms. The Indian trade also included many arms. Skenchioe could not be lost. Here the trade was undertaken at a great cost.
Near their Northern Michigan palisades the Ottawa, also, collected furs, and took them Montreal. A great camping site of theirs was the Island of Mackinaw. In Montreal, the Ottawa traded for blankets, beads, powder and gun. Also a part of every request, or trade, was a bit of brandy. For the French, brandy made selling furs cheaper when all was said and done. Brandy might clinch a sell quickly.
The legacies of the Indian or fur trade were guns and brandy and rum Spirits made the trials of the forest much more numb. Brandy and rum was often requested over calico and ornament. The English and Frenchman almost always supplied spirits at their eastern settlement. However, a message sounded from many a woodland drum. "French brandy was expensive while cheap was British rum.
The English carried on the policies of the Dutch who were supported by the Iroquois. The Dutch and Iroquois knew each other since they were small girls or boys. Even to the Mississippi River and to Mackinaw, English and Dutch goods sold. They had a cost that was very low. Even Ottawa and renegade Frenchman came to Albany, it is told. On the bottom line of every English financial statement, this would show.
The aldermen of Albany were acquiring fortunes that they invested in land. These fortunes they had gained from trade from Michigan's rivers of gravel and sand. In 1664, the occurrence of beaver dams near Albany was very rare. In the Indian trade, furs from the west became the greatest share. A major part of the Indian fur trade was, then, in the Lower Great Lakes. There were also occasions of waylaying, which was not uncommon, just after the season of snow flakes. Trapping and trading would wax and wane between peace and war in this domain. Everywhere it was noted the Nottawa River had the best of peltry on its great pine and hemlock plain.
The fur trade went on as it was a large part of the economy. It was the driving force behind domestic and foreign policy. Along the Southern Shore of Lake Huron, it would last two hundred years. It would effect both commercial and political careers.
In 1664, King Louis XIV of France sent settlers and a military force Canada. Fighting against the Iroquois with diligence, within 3 years, the Iroquois were subdued in their raids to Canada. Again, in 1667, the Iroquois sued for peace. They wanted their loses to decease.
The year before in 1666, Canada had sent a a force to New York against the Iroquois. Frenchman, Chippewa, and Ottawa advanced toward Albany and the homeland of Iroquois. Governor Nicols of New York, quickly, negotiated for peace, Which caused the trade at Albany to increase. When there was a truce, the trading at Albany, New York, was good. The value of peace in Albany was widely understood.
But, the English and Dutch traders felt that the French might be grasping all the trade. The French now were ventured into the Iroquois glade. The Iroquois, now, no longer controlled the Ottawa River route from the Great Lakes to Montreal. To the Upper Great Lakes, French Canadians now had a clean passage. For them this would bring in a fur trade golden age. The Ottawa were bring in piles of furs to Montreal that were valuable and stacked wide and tall. , Before 1670, the French did not track along the Saginaw Bay shore. France's holdings, then, were only along the Upper Great Lakes. With the opening of the Ottawa River, French profits began to sore. Many furs were coming from Minnesota and the land of the sky-blue water, streams, and lakes. To oppose the French on another front, in 1670, King Charles II of England Chartered the Hudson Bay Company. It was located in Northern Ontario and there competed with the French successfully.
In 1673, the Iroquois began another invasion, which caused the French to move northwestward. With this invasion, the Iroquois maintained control of Ohio and Lower Michigan. The Iroquois were again in the Algonquin's front yard. The trade divided between Montreal and Albany, But Native People were being swayed by Albany's goods of low price and high quality.
The Dutch and English had an advantage in the Indian trade. They make excellence, cheaply priced, guns, spirits, and other goods. With this, they again dominated the South Great Lakes woods. The merchandise of the Dutch and English were a great aid. Because of this, Native People flocked to Albany. They wanted the goods of low price and good quality.
Near Fort Orange, or Albany, Native People lodged during the spring and summer season to sell their furs. Stores were told of the enchanted or magical furs. The trapping was good in the Saginaw wood.
The Canadian strategy relied on Frenchmen called "Coureurs De Bois". They ran or "coursed" the woods or "bush" in search of furs. The Dutch and English however, officially, only used the Iroquois as "Bosch Loppers". The Dutch also used renegade coureur de bois. Canada complained about the English competition in 1670. It was then that the Iroquois were encouragng the Ottawa to come to Albany.
When the Ottawa began coming to Albany, an imbalance in trade was created. So, in 1673, along eastern shore of Lake Ontario, the French built Fort Frontenac. This stopped the movement of many Ottawa to Albany and their dugouts burdened with fur pack. With the building of the fort, the French position was strengthened. The French prevented the Ottawa from trading at the Orange stockade. The Algonquin trade with Albany was nearly stopped.
It then became the French goal to control the trade of Lake Ontario. The French objective was to control the trade with Fort Frontenac. They wanted to control the trapping all along Western Lake Ontario. Doing so, they would stop the trade along Lake Erie and also to the Straits of Michillimackinac. This move would greatly effect the Land of the Enchanted Fur about Saginaw. This region was seeing more and more the Chippewa and Ottawa. Fort Frontenac hindered the Iroquois from going to their winter camping ground, Which for years they have been bound.
This generated Iroquois hostility, Which also create insecurity for the French and their Algonquin Allies. The beautiful hunting ground of Michigan's Thumb was a great Iroquois enterprise. However, by the early 1670s, the Chippewa and Ottawa were moving into the the region. This was the prime hunting ground of Michigan. Occupation of the land would go hand in hand with the work of the French Missionary.
In 1675, a bold French missionary came to the shores and rivers of Eastern Michigan. French settlement before that had only been in St. Ignace at the top of Lake Huron. They were also located in Le Bay, Wisconsin, at the top of Lake Michigan.
Up until the Iroquois Wars or 1648, Lower Michigan's northeast shore had been occupied by the Wazhashkosag or Muskrat Clan. Also, heere were the Negawishininiwag or the Sandy Shore Men Clan. The Otawag Zainagog, or Ottawa Rattle Snake Clan, The Kishkagogag or Short-tail Bear Clan, And, the Otawag or Ottawa who lived just above the Bay of Saginaw. Saginaw was the ancient home of the Pottawatomi, Sacs, and Nassawakwatt or Fork Clan of the Ottawa. These tribes the Iroquois had chased away. In 1675, French Priest Father Marquette went to shores of Lake Michigan. Also, in 1675, Father Henry Nouvel came to western Lake Huron.
Sulpitians Dollier and Galinee passed through the Strait of Detroit and in the spring of 1671, But, they plied the eastern shore of Lake Huron. Father Henry Nouvel's journey spanned 3 months in Saginaw. Previously, Nouvel was for 4 years the Superior of the St. Ignace Mission to the Ottawa.
In the winter of 1675-1676, the Amikoniniwag, the Beaver People went hunting toward Lake Erie. These Chippewa People desired to have with them a missionary, So Father Henry Nouvel that winter went with them to stay in Saginaw. They began their journey from the Straits of Mackinaw.
Toward Lake Erie, then, headed two Frenchman, Father Nouvel, and the Beaver Clan. After 10 days journey, they found a lodge of Indians called the Oupenegous [or the [Alpena] Partridge] Clan. They found them on the southern shore of Michigan's Thunder Bay. From that point, they started out again the next day. As they traveld along the shore, the country was full of large oaks, maples, and excellent timber. From fine apple trees, apples they would gather.
On day 12, they rounded Point Au Sable, or Sand Point, and there they found a marsh. Here it was hard to find a camping place as it was the northern part of Saginaw Bay. The next day the was weather foggy as they canoed into the bay. The weather was cold and harsh. For 6 days, they were confined by ice, and there they would stay.
Breaking the ice before them, they eventually made progress toward a small island, Which was called [Little] Charity Island. On the following day, December 1st, they entered the Saginaw River as the ice was breaking up. As winter was fast approaching, they quickly hastened onward during the short warm-up.
They camped on the Saginaw River. The next day, they quickly made their way, and mistakenly passed the mouth of the Tittabawassee River. By mistake, they went straight ahead and up the Shiawassee River. There were three rivers, here. The Twisted River of Light, the Straight River of Light, and the Wakeshigan or River of Light. "Wasse" meant to shine, glitter or be bright. They traced their steps back to where they had camped the previous night.
They had camped at Green Point or where the rivers diverged. Here the Tittabawasse, Shiawassee, and Nottawa or Wakeshigan Rivers jointed to form the Saginaw. They took the Tittabawasse River, the river that turns, and onward they surged. They headed northwest up the Tittabawassee River to its fork with the Chippewa.
Part way up the Chippewa River at the place where the Beaver People previously had a camp, they stopped. There they stayed. The woodland game had been allowed to increase through the years. At this place, there were many colossal beaver dams or weirs.
At the camp, were many furs from hunting. There were skins of bear, deer, and wild turkey. There were also pike and bass from fishing. The Chippewa had come to this site around 1670. Three days later, the Beaver People and Father Nouvel arrived at the fork in the Chippewa and Tittabawassee River, It was the 4th of December.
The Place of the Forks was very advantageous for hunting as elk, deer, bear, and raccoon were prevalent. Geese and ducks were also abundant. Here there were apple and large walnut trees.
Going up the Chippewa River, they arrive on the 7th of December at their camping place for the winter. Here everyone gathered in strength. Here, there were, Chippewa People waiting with great joy, Man, woman, girl, and boy.
This the Chippewa River was the Chippewa winter hunting ground. Father Nouvel's was not confined To mission to the Native People who there wintered. Father Nouvel was also found, At the camp of a neighboring band of Nipissing that winter on one day, And, likewise at a camp of the Missisagau several days jouney, away.
It did not take long for Father Nouvel, To construct a chapel and cabin on the Chippewa River. On his journey to the Nipissing, Father Nouvel, Saw the destruction of much timber caused by beaver. In this the region in which they were not long been hunted. He also saw many great lodges, which the beaver had constructed.
On Father Nouve's journey to the Mississagua the weather was very bitter. It was during the month of January, But Father Nouvel's dedication was extraordinary. Till March was Father Nouvel stay along the Chippewa River. Father Nouvel's cabin and chapel were made of arched bowers. Here he taught and preached on end for hours.
The cabin and chapel floors, walls, and vault were made of bark. The door was made of animal skin. There was an opening for smoke in the roof in his small ark. Which, also, allowed light within. Here Father Nouvel did stay. Not far from Saguinan Bay.
In 1679, to the English, Frontenac produced a chill, In 1679, New York required a pass of any Canadian trading in Albany. This increased the English till. At the same time, though, the Dutch and English of Albany, Went to Montreal and Quebec with their goods. Everyone wanted Dutch and English goods.
Because of the lost of trade to Albany, In 1679, La Salle of Canada made plans to stop the flow of furs to Albany. He wanted the beaver hunting ground to be under the control Canada. La Salle began building a shipyard above the Falls of Niagara. He was helped by Chippewa and Ottawa. La Salle's built the vessel called "Griffin", which quickly made its way toward Saginaw and Mackinaw.
The Griffin was the first yacht, That sailed the Upper Great Lakes. Through the Strait of Erie, or Detroit, which was wt of the old home of the Huron or Wyandotte. Opportunities ofr the French lay in the vessel's gentle wakes. The ship was destined, however, For devastating weather,
Up the Strait of Detroit, it passed. By the ancient Grand Village of the Iroquois . . . Tiosahrondion. Up shallow Lake Kandechio it floated. To the Great Lake Huron. Onward it skimmed passing to Saguinan Bay, Then onward to Thunder Bay.
In Lake Huron's northwest corner, Above the Isle of Mackinaw, The Griffin docked at St. Ignace to barter, With the Chippewa and Ottawa, Then went on to Le Bay or Green Bay, Where it collected many pelts during its short stay . . . without delay.
The Griffin's full with fur headed back, To St. Ignace and the Straits of Millillimackinac. To build forts, LaSalle went by foot to the Miami and the Illinois River. As the Griffin went on its way, violent winds filled the weather and fear was instilled in each sailor. The Griffin was lost in a storm in great dismay. As it returned along the waterway.
Two years later, in 1681, the Iroquois Destroyed La Salle's Fort on the Miami or St. Joseph's River, Previously in 1680, the Iroquois had destroyed Fort Crevecoeur on the Illinois River. Even now they still made their way to Saguinua. The Iroquois would develop an equilibrium, On the war path again were they in the western kingdom.
In 1680, the Iroquois wanted new hunting ground, So they, made war with the Illinois whom they did astound. The Iroquois were successful. They returned east with canoes full. mmm mmm
Canada's Du Chesnau and Frontenac, Said in the war that the English were the instigators, That the English and Iroquois had a pack, That the Algonquin allies of France needed to be force to the English trade doors. In raids, the Iroquois came near to Canada. However, the Dutch in order to trade wanted peace with with Canada.
War prevented beaver trapping and hunting. The Iroquois defeated the Susquehanna, In the region later called Pennsylvania. To the west, the Susquehanna were fleeing . The Iroquois as they looked or new conquests, Put the English through many political tests. The Iroquois were saying the enemies, Were hunting upon Iroquois land, And, contrary to Indian Custom, that their enemies would seize, Both male and female beaver from the land, Not allowing the beaver to replenish. This was also the saying of the English.
In 1681, Dutch traders had asked the Albany Court to regulate the fur trade. France had begun licensing traders for the interior to establish posts. France supported them with new military posts. The interior, the Huron, Pottawatomi, Ottawa, and Chippewa a thee posts could trade. They now did not have to go to the St. Lawrence River, To sell their peltry or fur.
Military posts helped prevent waylaying by the Iroquois. In 1682, Huron and Marquis Denonville, Went on a mission against New York's Iroquois. The maneuver was planned with skill. They planned to go to New York's Irondequoit Bay, Disrupting the Dutch trade and there they wanted to stay.
More.
After Governor Frontenac came French Governor La Barre. In New York, Thomas Dongan, an Irishman Became New York's Governor. These political changes effected the Upper Great Lakes and Southeast Michigan. William Penn at this time was also founding Pennsylvania, Penn requested that the Iroquois sells lands to him on the Susquehanna.
The people of New York and Albany feared, That William Penn would divert the fur trade, New York's Governor Dongan requested, The Iroquois not go to Canada to trade. But, that the Iroquois make peace with the far tribes, shortly, And, allow them to go to Albany.
The Iroquois said their enemies were disrupting nature's equilibrium. They were destroying the regions of hunting. That was the Iroquois' argument in sum. In 1683, New York's Governor Dongan of New York told the French no Englishman Had every been to Michigan.
He said no New Yorker had been beyond the Seneca Country. The French, however, were more aware, About the number of furs going to Albany. The French wanted a larger share. In 1684, the Iroquois informed French Governor La Barre, The Iroquois had guided Dutchmen to the Great Lakes Country.
The Great Lakes Native People learned that better and cheaper goods were obtained at Albany. To that place a passageway was being made. Along the Great Lakes it laid. So, the Far Tribes made peace with the Iroquois to a great degree. In 1684, the Dutch and English obtained many furs from the Iroquois. At this time, the French were seeking war against Iroquois.
New York Governor Dongan wanted the Jesuits expelled from the west, So, forts connecting the Great Lakes and Albany he planned. In 1684, Canada's Governor La Barre went on an expedition against the Iroquois, which was a test. In his attempt, La Barre failed. La Barre's failure brought much fur to the English. That in the end was New York's wish.
In the spring of 1684, New York's Dongan, Caused the Iroquois, the Five Nations, to assemble at Fort Orange, or Albany, "To stimulate" the Iroquois against the French Indian allies in Saguinan, And, to make en incursion in the Saguinau Country. It was Dongan goal also to take held of the French missionaries, And, replace them with English emissaries.
Dongan allowed private merchants, To give arms and ammunition presents, To the Iroquois or Five Nations, Along with other valuable accommodations. Father de Lamberville, missionary to the Onondagas, the French would advise, That the English wanted his demise.
In 1684, the Iroquois made their way to Saguinan. With an expedition against the Huron, Chippewa, and Ottawa, Who lived near the Straits of of Mackinaw, And, who hunted the winter at Saguinan. Governor Denville of Canada wrote from his chateau, The English had more to do with the expedition than even the Iroquois who struck the blow.
The Iroquois campaign to Saguinam To Michigan and the Thumb, Allowed the Dutch and English to venture the next year to the region in a trade flotilla. The Dutch and English were destined to obtain furs from the Chippewa and Ottawa. mmm mmmmm In 1685, the Ottawa and Ojibwa were supplying the French with 2/3 of their furs. One third of the trade was going to the English. Controlling the fur trade around Saguinan was everyone's wish. New York land claims pushed further west along the Ne w York rivers, Its ventures in the end would prove a plus. New York would in the end be very prosperous.
In 1685-86, when Dutchman Johannes Roseboom's party was at Saguinaw and Mackinaw, Denonville wrote, "Dongan works secretly to debauch our French and Indians. "His pretension embraces no less than [from the Great] Lakes to the South Sea," Denonville would note. On Lakes Ontario and Erie, English canoes made their way to Ottawa Indians. Denonville would say, "Mackinaw belongs to them." New France has a great problem.
The Dutch and English trading party, Had acquired Frenchmen who were accustomed who knew the Saguinaw woods, Who knew the beaver hunting country. The Far Indians understood, then, that the English had better bargains . . . cheaper goods. Only military might would stop the English from their great progress. Only military forts and action would make French commerce a success.
Denville wrote that the French needed to establish, A right good right fort at the portage near the Falls of Niagara, Which would keep out the English, And, "bar them from going to Mackinaw. The most valued furs, at this time, Come from "Saguinau," seem to have been the American ditty or rhyme. . In 1685, New York Governor Dongan had issued a pass to the Roseboon party, Who wented hunting and trading among the Far Indians. In the winter of 1685-1686, Johannes Roseboom's party, Had reached as far as Mackinaw and was successful in trading with the Ottawa Indians. The following year, the winter of 1686-87, Dongan sent out two parties, but the French were alerted. They were also ready, and the two parties they captured.
Under the orders of Denonville, in June 1686, Daniel Du Luth a Frenchman who was a coureur des bois, Or, a French runner of the woods, Built Fort St. Joseph on Lower Lake Huron's to oust the Iroquois, And, to stop the passage in the area English rum and Dutch goods. The forest around Fort St. Joseph, a picket fort, filled with tall pines, evergreen, Tall pine trees that waved in the sky overhead pristine. Du Luth built Fort St. Joseph at the mouth of the Black River, Which became known as the Du Luth River. It was not far from the mouth of Lake Huron. The following year, in 1687, Two Hundred Frenchmen and 500 Indians assembled. The route for English trade into Lake Huron essentially blocked.
It was, then, the New York adage: "Encourage your young men to go beaver hunting as the French do, And, a large amount of wealth from trade will ensue." In the West, the English wanted to take front stage. After being captured, 3 months later, Dongan’s parties were returned to the English. Intense war between Iroquois and French began, and the far trade would languish.
Canada's Governor Denonville built forts at Green Bay and on the Mississippi River. The local Native People were impressed. He also granted land to the Jesuits on Michigan's St. Joseph River,Which was near Old Fort Miami that the Iroquois had destroyed. For two years, Daniel Du Luth was assigned to the Lower Lake Huron military post. This latter step may have prevented the English from trade on the Great Lakes the most.
War again had begun Over the control of the Great Lakes, The French would this time win for the most part this woodland fen. This war produced pains and aches. But, English influence on the Kandekio or Otsi-keto River would not easily quench. The Upper Great Lakes, however, would soon belonged to the French.
When New York Governor Thomas Dongan issued licenses to fur traders, Many had hopes of being wealthy, By sending their sons to the far west rivers. In 1686, Major Patrick Mc Gregory led a trading party. That same year Dongan appointed McGregory Muster Master of the Militia. In the spring of 1687, McGregory hope to trade with the Ottawa and Chippewa of Mackinaw.
Young men mostly from Albany and Schenectady composed the expedition. In the winter of 1686, they went Oswego Bay in their canoes. Here McGregory's party camped the winter while Roseboon went on toward Michigan. Their hopes did not defuse. As their vessels created wakes. At stake was the future of the Upper Great Lakes. Major McGregory had learned Native languages, In hopes of earning furs in their villages. The young men of Schenectady and Albany, Would make history and meet destiny, During this the second excursion of record to Michigan, By New York's Scottsmen, Englishmen, and Dutchmen.
With them, they carried rum, calico, and gee gaw, To Saguinau and Mackinaw.
The 1686 Charter of Albany, Had given the sole right to trade in the far woods to the City of Albany. It was a fur trading monopoly. Albany would, also, set Indian policy. But, it was a piece of paper. Real possession of the Great Lakes would lie with military might and power.
In 1686, the McGregory party wintered in New York's Oswego Bay, Destined after the spring thaw, To go onward to Lake Erie and Michigan's Saguinau and Thunder Bay. Johannes Roseboom on his second journey was captured near Mackinaw, While the McGregory party, Was captured on Lake Erie. Mc Gregory's party to Mackinaw was full of Dutch progeny: Nanning Harman and Johannes Bleecker, Jr., Sons of Aldermen of Albany, And, Arnout Corneliuse Viele were there, Arnout Viele was linked to Schenectady, And, was an interpreter, As well as a skilled trader.
While at Michillimackinac, the French captured the Roseboom party, The French took the captives to Montreal as prisoners. New York's Governor, however, was able to free the party. With a number of goodwill gestures. The Canadian who had helped the New York expedition, Was severely punished and sentenced to execution.
Schenectady's Dutch brewing families, Were also very important in the fur trade, The Van Slyck, Viele, Van Eps, and Bradt families. Also from Schenectady, a great aid, Were the gunsmiths such as the families Fonda and Post. Brewing, gun working, and tanning were occupations valued the most.
Also, important were Scotsmen such as the Glen's. Who worked well with the Dutch. And, the Anglo-Saxon Scotch. Later, would be important the family called the Riley's. Ultimately, the most important skills for an Indian agent or broker, The axe, gaudy ware, trap, and gun maker.
In the western trade, the gunsmith and blacksmith were very much wanted. This occupation to the Native American was very dear, Along the mid-western frontier. It was always necessary that an axe or trap be forged. In 1688, the Iroquois complained to New York's Governor Thomas Dongan, That the French with Fort St. Joseph blocked the route to Michigan.
Two years after the capture of the English expeditions, Du Luth was reassigned to the Northwest, Baron de Lahontan was appointed commandant of Fort St. Joseph. However, the new Fort St. Joseph, Would have a short history--though it had past a major test. Now, the The French had their eyes on the Grand City of Iroquois below St. Clair River. The French determined to settle at Tiosahrondion at the Straits of Detroit on L'Detroit River.
In 1689, world conflict intensified, France and England began a series of wars. To Canada, Frontenac was recalled. It was Frontenac who favored missionary corps. So, Denonville was replaced. Fort St. Joseph on the Black River was abandoned.
Despite the progress of French in the woods, Iroquois were trading English goods. To the western tribes, however, in small amounts. The French could not completely eliminate the English discounts. Western tribes liked Dutch goods and their price, But, sought French armory and military advice.
Staples of trade were axes, gee gaws, guns, and powder, British rum and French brandy. Calicos, and blankets, were also important, and always kept handy, By, the French and English trader. In 1689, the English paid for furs two to four times as much as the French: But, the French military was very much entrench.
Canada's, La Salle and Frontenac wanted to extend Canada's influence. They heavily favored the coureur de bois, In their profitable westward advance, The coueur de bois worked closely with Chippewa and Ottawa. La Salle and Frontenac opposed Jesuits who objected to brandy, And, the life of a coureur de bois that was reckless and ruddy.
Missionaries wanted to confine the trade to Montreal. There was little trade for three years after 1689. The Iroquois were winning the war after all, They defeated the French at La Chine in 1689 The battle lead to the abandonment of Fort Frontenac, But, the French had the post at Mackinac. . The western tribes sought peace with the Iroquois, But, other events shaped the outcome. In 1689, the New York Revolution helped Montreal. Events in New York were not calm. Jacob Leisler overthrew Nicholson, which was enjoyed by the people of Shenectady However, the people of Albany, and New York in general, refused to recognize Leisler’s authority.
Under Leisler's government, Albany continued and was armed. The people of Schenectady, However, were isolated and little protected. Schenectady was vulnerable to a French sortie. In the winter of 1689-90, the Massacre of Schenectady by French and Indians occurred. In February 1690, Schenectady the French burned.
In 1693, the Iroquois suffering many heavy losses. They were dismayed with the English and Dutch, Who would not help them against the new French bosses. New York did not help them much. So, the Iroquois, the Five Nations, Commenced peace negotiations.
Near the old Mission on Western Michigan's St. Joseph River, A New Fort St. Joseph, the French established, But, in the spring of 1694, the fort the Iroquois attacked. In 1693 and 1695, huge flotillas laden with fur, Made their way to Montreal. For the French, these were the years of the great haul.
In 1694, Frontenac assigned Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, As the commander of Mackinac. Control over the Upper Great Lakes they foresaw, Which would produce a monopoly in the fur trade for Montreal. Cadillac began making a small fortune in the fur trade. Soon plans for a fort at :L'Detroit they laid.
The English, Dutch, and Iroquois wanted peace, So, that trade might again go on with the Western Tribes. So, the Iroquois sued for peace. However, the French stopped it against Iroquois complaints and diatribes. In Albany, trade was not talked about much from Michigan. In 1692-1694, English trade with the Shawnee South of Lake Erie in Ohio had begun.
The Nation of the South People, the Shawnee, Then, lived in Ohio blow Lake Erie. In 17693, to them, left Arnout Viele's trading party from Albany, The party went far into Ohio Country. The French, however, were alarmed, And, trade eventually was stopped.
The venture was led by Arnold Viele, Who was of Iroquois and Dutch ancestry. He was connected with the Dutch in Schenectady and Albany. He was very good in a fur trade deal. The two year expedition to the Shawnee, Went along the Ohio River valley. When Frontenac returned to Canada, The morale and prestige of the French was restored. He was praised by the Chippewa and Ottawa. Women in Albany for safety to New York City retired. As late as 1700, the Indian trade was wholly in decay. The Iroquois, English, and Dutch would not be seen at Saginaw Bay.
Chapter Two The French PeriodLe Pays Plat 1700 - 1760
Lahatan's Map of 1704 Shows the "Chasse des Castor des Amis de la Francois", Near the Bay of Sakinaw. The remnant of Fort St. Joseph is near the Lower Lake Huron Shore.
They were now were ready to make a peace, So, that their fur trading might increase. To Montreal went Algonquin and Iroquois warriors. They number 800 and 300 respectively, In any war between the French and English, the Iroquois pledge neutrality.
With the Treaty of 1701 with the Iroquois, The French laid the foundation for the City of Detroit. Cadillac wanted a French colony to be established at L'Detroit. The strait was just below Sakinaw. The place could be easily fortified. July 24, 1701, Cadillac landed at L'Detroit, and Fort Pontchartrain he founded.
Nothing was to be done by New York's Governor Dongan. He would not stop the French from building a fort and colony in Southeast Michigan. However, the Iroquois to the French complained, At the same time, settlements near Montreal the Iroquois raided. The Iroquois said, "The French and their Indian allies have taken the hunting ground, Where the bear, deer, and beaver abound."
The Iroquois were very much dismayed, They seems to have lost the lower shores of Lake Huron. Here the Iroquois in the winter had hunted and stayed. The "good hunting" seemed gone. The Iroquois said that the beaver hunting grounds for 60 years we did own. Now the Huron the beaver and elk hunting grounds they called their throne.
The Iroquois said, "In a handful of years, the Huron did this because of avarice." The French insisted, "Iroquois may hunt the beaver ground! For your protection, we have built Fort Pontchartrain near near where there beaver does abound, We will also provide you with powder, lead, and things needed for hunting. The fort will stop you and the Ottawa from warring.'
When hearing this statement of the French, The Huron likewise complained, "The Mississauga the Huron land here have clench." . To the new fort, Fort Pontchartrain. I, too, have invited both Frenchmen and Indian to settle near the port. Here all our goals we will attain. For the next 9 years, Cadillac commanded the fort.
To that date, the biggest resettlement of Indians would take place. The Huron, Miami, Ottawa, and Chippewa, Would established villages along the river above and below this French base. In 1705, the departure of the Huron and Ottawa, From the Mission of St. Ingnace, Force the Jesuits to abandon that place.
In 1702, the Huron asked the French to remove the Chippewa from Southeast Michigan. At that same time, the Wyandotte and Miami Indians. Informed the Iroquois that they then dwelled near Detroit in Michigan. The Wyandotte and Miami said for this land they had their own devices and plans. The strategic point was now Pontchartrain on L'Detroit, This was the area that everyone wanted to exploit.
During the 1690s and early 1700s, in New York many bosch loppers or woods runners, Were brought before the the Albany Court. There was still a great demand for furs.
There was, also, now a large amount of furs for the trader, South of Tiosahrondion in the land of the Maumee, Near the Bay of Sandusky. Below Sandusky there was a place to portage to the Ohio River. In 1701, the Iroquois gave a deed of land for the King of England, Which included the Ohio land.
The deed was to Canagariarchio, which meant where beaver is fine. The land abutted the Twichtwich's or Maumee. Here great hunting was, also, the headline, The Maumee lived southwest of Lake Erie. Here beaver, elk, deer, and such beast kept. This was where many of the Iroquois slept.
The old Iroquois City of Teuchsagronde or Tiosahrondion, Was also called "Wawyachtenok", Passageway above this town lead to Lake Huron, And, the sacred place to Native People called White Rock. The narrow passageway, L'Detroit was a fortuitous place in which to stay.
From L'Detroit, one could go southwest, Through the land of the Maumee to the Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers, It was, also, a great land for trappers. But, the Thumb of Michigan, Sakinaw, was the where the hunting was the best. To hold that land, Indian Country or the land of the Great River, was to L'Detroit Town, Which was then held by the French Crown.
In 1686, Denonville had ordered Daniel Greysolon Du Luth To build a picket fort called St. Joseph on the Otsi Keta, or St. Clair River. Otsi Keta meant salty to the tooth. The fort as built during a stormy winter. Situated on the Black River on a hillside, The palisade only for a short time was occupied,
In 1702, peace reopened the trading of furs. Prominent men of Albany went to Montreal. There they traded as foreigners. The Christian Iroquois living at Caughnawaga near Montreal, Would go to the west without hindrance. But, near the end of 1702, war broke out in Europe between England and France.
Called Queen Anne’s war, A conflict between England and France had started, But, the Caughnawaga came and went as before. New York's Governor Hunter attempted to stop their passage--but it was not stopped. After a small Canadian skirmish, trade went on with vigor. Between Canadian and New Yorker.
Trade prospered during peace and neutrality, During Queen Ann's War, neutrality was Albany's policy. To a greater degree, it was also the policy of the Iroquois. Peace with the French and western tribes was enjoyed by the Iroquois. American policy was to maintain a balance, At least on this side of the ocean with France.
There was peace as Cadillac, a Frenchman, built Fort Pontchartrain. Which the local fur trade would sustain. The palisade fort was strategically situated. On the high river bank, 40 yards from the river it was located. mmm mmm
Fort Pontchartrain was 60 yards square. Though primitive and open, it would forebear. Cadillac, then, consolidated the Chippewa, Pottawatomie, and Ottawa. Who came to the Great City of Michigan. Along with many a Frenchman.
Drawing Frenchmen to Fort Ponchartrain, Canada left open the opened the New York frontier, Which was good for the people of New York and Albany. Here they would carry on trade on every river. As far as the Great City. The Dutch were trading with both the Iroquois and Canada. The bulk of Queen Anne's War fell on New England, which was desolated by Canada.
In 1703, Canada made a census of the warriors and their tribes, That were about Detroit. Along Lake Erie there were no tribes. Three Hundred leagues from Montreal was Detroit. At Detroit, the Huron there numbered 180 warriors. With a coat of arms bear and black squirrel, the Ottawa there numbered 200 warriors,
The Pottawatomi had a village at Detroit of 180 warriors. A golden carp and a frog they used as a coat of arms. The Mississaugues lived in a small village at the entrance of Lake Huron with 60 warriors, With a crane for a coat of arms. The Ottawa of Saguinan were in number 80 warriors. With a bear and black squirrel for a coat of arms, they set their fires.
During Queen Anne's War, New York was spared the cost of defense. But, by 1709, the atmosphere was, however, tense. The British government sent an expedition against Canada. Against it was Albany, who wanted traded with Canada. Against the expedition were New York's handlers or traders. For the expedition, were New York farmers.
In 1711, after a failure of an expedition to Canada, New England sent Hunter to the Iroquois to ask them to defend the frontier, Which would start another attack on Canada. In 1712, Secretary Clarke wrote the the country was averse to war, Between the French and the Iroquois. as before.
New York choose to sit still. In 1713, there was peace, , again. This increased the influence of the English and brought cash to their till. In Albany, Robert Livingston, wanted New Yorker's to go into the frontier, again, And, establish many a trading post. That was the policy of New York that was foremost.
Robert Livingston was from Scotland. He married into the Schuyler family of Albany, And, had been the clerk of that city. With the Albany aldermen, he had worked hand in hand. Since 1675, Livingston had been the Secretary for Indian affairs. He, also, knew much about Albany goods and wares.
The Livingston Plan was to have peace. He also wanted to build trading posts or forts. He wanted one at Detroit so that English influence would increase, And, one among the Five nations as a halfway point of sorts. He encouraged bush loping or going after the trade, Into the woodland or forest glade.
Livingston wanted to place a fort in Onondaga country, Which would attract the western tribes. The Iroquois, however, opposed him, respectfully. A western post may not allow them to exploit the western tribes, The Iroquois wanted to remain as middlemen. They gained the vote of the Albany aldermen.
Although cheap English goods and rum were irresistible; The Iroquois attitude and French Forts kept the western tribes from going to Albany.
After Frontenac, Vaudreuil tried to abandon the western French posts, He cancel licenses to trade and gave interests to missionaries. In 1702, Lord Cornbury and the Albany Indian commissioners invited Detroiters come to Albany. He found five Indians in 1702 at Albany who came from French post of Detroit. He urged them to come again and to settle near Niagara or Albany. Hunter, also, urged the Five Nations to allow Far Indians to come to Albany.
In 1707, Vaudreuil reported trade was significant especially from Detroit. In 1711 , Lake Superior Indians were coming to Albany each year. It seemed the English would soon be masters of all the upper great lakes. To pursue this end, the English planned to establish trading posts And, develop itinerant traders. This was not traditional Albany style and was not adopted.
Albany was only getting a fraction of the western trade. The Iroquois opposed plans that would displace them as middlemen Neutrality, trade with Canada, trade at Albany were all parts. After the war, trade both with the west and with Canada increased. Primarily due to the cheap English trouds, which were coarse woolen blanket They were staples of the Indian trade. French government was compelled to to buy strouds in England for export to Canada, the easiest way to get strouds was to buy at Albany. no attempt was made in New York to prohibit this trade, but Canadian policy varied. Trade was carried on chiefly by Caughnawaga. French secured goods necessary for the Indian trade, Albany got a share of the western fur trade via Montreal. Hunter wrote in 1720 that the value of this trade was ten to twelve thousand pounds a year. Two reasons assigned for the weakness of French influence. One was the policy of restriction. During the war, issuing licenses to trade had been abandoned, The post at Mackinaw was given up, Second, the sale of brandy was forbidden. At the close of the war Michilimackinac was reëstablished, The licenses were partially restored,
In 1714 and again in 1717 laws were passed to encourage the western tribes to come to Albany. In June 1717, in a talk between Canada's Marquis de Vaudeuil and the Ottawa of Saguinau, It was said that the Pottawatomi and Saguinau, Left Detroit that year to go to trade at Orange or Albany. The left with 17 boats. Six went to Montreal, and 11 returned to Detroit with De Tonty. Shamgoueschi spoke to Vaudreuil in Montreal for the Ottawa from Saguinau. And, said that matters had altered very much since the arrival to Detroit of Sabrevois.
In 1717, Canada permitted the sale of limited amounts of brandy. In 1720, licenses and brandy were again discontinued, But, they would in 1726 be restored.
The second French weakness in the west was the war with the Fox Indians, Which broke out in 1712 and lasted until 1731. This affected French in the far west. They still held Detroit and Fort Frontenac, through the efforts of Joncaire and other agents were able to gain considerable influence among some of the Five nations, notably the Seneca and the Onondaga. As early as 1716 Joncaire had a trading house in the Seneca country, Later, he relocated to Niagara. In 1726 the trading house was turned into a fort. Despite French influence in the lakes western tribes continued to go to Albany. Where they were welcomed. In 1719 the Albany commissioners made the significant statement That goods could be obtained more cheaply at Albany And, he French themselves had no goods but what they got at Albany.
In 1726, Indian commissioners were speaking of the coming of the Western tribes as a usual thing. The western tribes came in increasing numbers to Albany, There also were New York traders who would go out after trade. In 1716, six traders got permission to open a trade at Irondequoit, In 1720, Vaudreuil reported that the English had a post at Niagara for several years, He gave that as a reason to build a French post there. At Albany were two groups of traders. One group traded with Canada. The other group trade with the Five nations and the western tribes. The Canadian trade gave the largest return. With Fort Oswego and the law changes in the 1720s, The fur trade moved west way from Schenectady and Albany.
In the 1720's, from Schenectady and Albany, Many a batteaux, Made its way to Fort Oswego, To the river's dock or quay. Furs from the west, Niagara, Detroit, and the Thumb of Michigan. The outposts was manned by sons of many a wealthy Albany alderman. In 1725, Indian Commissioners estimated the quantity of furs obtained from Canada And, those obtained directly from the Indians. Trade with Canada was then illegal. Fifty-two canoes and nearly 100 people were engaged at Oswego, They brought in 788 bundles of furs. Forty-three canoes came from the western Indians Who came to Orange bringing in 200 bundles. One hundred and seventy-six bundles of beaver came in from Canada.
Trade with Canada was easy, profitable, and risk free, Trade was done through Montreal. Fur trade policy ignored the political factors. When the French sold goods to the western tribes, they maintain influence among them. When western tribes bought goods of New York traders or Albany, The political influence of the English was increased. English trade with Canada lessoned English influence The Iroquois called attention to the fact that the French got their goods at Albany. Governor Hunter was hostile to this trade and promised to stop it.
Burnet relied on the same advisers, and continued Hunter’s policy. Robert Livingston was an advocate of expansion. Between Hunter and Burnet, Peter Schuyler as senior member of the council in charge of the province, Robert Livingston suggested suspending trade with Canada for three months. With hopes of building up the trade with the west by sending men to Niagara and Seneca country. This was not approve by Peter Schuyler. Livingston as speaker of the assembly put through an act forbidding trade with Canada Albany traders did not want the enforcement of the act. Despite the act that the trade between Albany and Canada did not stop. Trade increased with the western tribes. Prohibition of trade with Canada was half of Burnet’s plan. The other half was building a fort at Niagara as a center for trade In 1721, Burnet sent out a party of traders to trade with the western tribes This would counter the influence of Joncaire among the Seneca. In 1725, a trading post was established at the mouth of the Oswego river In 1727 a fort was built there.
There was opposition at Albany to the Fort Oswego. The Iroquois also opposed it because it endangered them as middlemen, The Iroquois also protested the sale of rum at Oswego. Rum was sold to keep the trade. There was a conflict between retailers and wholesalers, also. Between New York and Albany, which profited with Canadian trade.
The small trader wanted direct trade with the west. Small traders had increased in Albany since the peace of Utrecht. They made trips yearly to Oswego to buy furs. This method of trade became popular. In 1726, most people wanted trade. Profits from direct trade free was higher. Trade with the French was also possible at Oswego.
Canadian the trade was a wholesale business. The Indian trade was largely in the hands of the New York merchant, In 1726, so strong was the opposition that an act Prohibiting trade with Canada was repealed In its place, a double duty on goods shipped to Canada was placed. Prohibiting Canada trade had decreased the quantity of Indian goods New York exported.
Burnet’s policy had political advantages, Gained was the friendship of western tribes And, diminution of French influence.
In 1727, many tribes were making Detroit their home, Wyandotte, Miami, Fox, Ottawa, Sauk, Mississauga, and Potawatomii. It's history would be written in many a story or poem,
By 1737, New York's Governor said that the Shawnee dwell at Detroit. The Seneca and Cayuga had sold their land in Susquehanna from under their feet", So, they had gone to Detroit. Here was many a tribal seat. Here they all come to meet.
In 1729 the New York assembly put equal duty on Indian goods that were shipped to Canada or Oswego. With proceeds supporting the fort and garrison of Oswego. Where Albany traders played but a small part. Opponents of Burnet policy were London and New York merchants. Who wanted free trade.
The English had economic advantages in displacing the French from the fur trade. New York merchants were fond of the Canada Trade, They sold large amounts of goods without trouble, The French took the goods from their doors. Whereas the Trade with the Indians was carried on with a great toil .
When the merchants of Montreal Heard of the establishment of Oswego, They persuaded the Canadian governor to set an expedition to raze the fort. The governor abandoned the idea Oswego extended English influence into the Great lakes.
In 1749, New York's trade was at five times what it had been before Burnet policy
About Eight leagues above Lake St. Claire, was the entrance to Lake Huron, Which is as large as Lake Erie. Thirty leagues into Lake Huron, you find in a westerly direction the Saguinan, Where there are settled some Ottawa amounting in number 60 men, fully, They live on the island at the entrance to Saguinan Bay, Where they have villages, cultivated fields, raise grain and for the most part stay.
When they are not at war with the other nations, They raise crops on the mainland, But they always till the land in both locations, For fear that their supply of food may fail on the island. Their land is very fertile, And, game of all sorts is abundant, and fish the water fill.
The Saguinan nation Is the most unruly and unmanageable in this whole region. They have the same customs in every respect as the Ottawa. On the other side of Lake Huron--that is to the north, is the Matchiache, Which is settled by Missisauguas, who have the same customs as the Ottawa.
In June 1742, the Saguinan, Outaouacs, or Ottawa, Gave a speech to the Governor of New France, Marquis de Beauharnois. Who knew of their circumstance. The governor had sent Monsieur de Blainville to their village That spring with a message
The dispatch was the Ottawa, Of the Mackinaw and Saginaw, Would find brandy at Montreal. If they brought their furs to its hall, And, not to the English. The Saginaw Ottawa promised not to go to the English.
The Ottawa made their way to Montreal, Braving the rapids and the danger. They nearly perished in the cataracts of the Ottawa River. And, one of their canoes was broken before reaching Montreal. They assured Governor Beauharnois that they would do his will. They would not go to the English, still.
They desired, however, a new canoe, And, for when they broke gun and axe, They wanted a blacksmith for their village, too. With this item they hoped the governor would not be lax. They had no one to mend each item. But, were obliged discard them.
The Governor responded, I am delighted that those of Saguinan have listed to Monsieur de Blainville. I thank that to the English no more have you traveled, And, that your young men have come to me your needs to fill. A father is always glad to see his children, And, his hands are open to them with present and token.
He went on saying, I thank you, For braving danger to see me. I will replace your broken canoe. I am convinced that you speak with a sincere heart to me. I will give you the blacksmith you ask who is Amoit of Missilimakinac. That will be between us our pax.
Because of the good reports about you Achaouabeme, I give a mark of distinction, Which the King grants only to whose holds he, In the greatest consideration. May this induce thee to continue to devote attention to affairs that are right. Smoke calmly on your mats, and drink peacefully, like true brothers, tonight.
Governor Beauharnois latter gave orders, To the Sieur de Vercheres, To send the second in command officer, To spend the each winter With the Ottawa in Saguinan Bay. To prevent the Ottawa from trading with the English in any way.
During the 1744-1748 War, trade was interrupted, But, after the war it resumed. Trade at Oswego in 1749 was £21,406. Trading at Oswego offset the influence of Joncaire Among western Iroquois Oswego was the only Barrier against the French to all the Provinces Between New England and Georgia. The establishment of Oswego Lessened the importance of Albany. The Indian trade was now at Oswego, Traders went there from Albany.
Settlement up Mohawk towards the fort grew. William Johnson was carrying on a good trade with Indians. In 1745 some of the five nations told conrad weiser, “The Indians . . . will on no occasion trust an Albany man,” “We could see Albany Burned to the ground or Every Soul taken away by the great King and the other people planted there. When after thirty years of peace, War again broke out between England and France, Albany commissioners, still favored neutrality Which had served Albany well during Queen Anne’s war. With peace the frontier be safe And, trade with Canada would continue. Governor Clinton wanted New York to be at war Indian commissioners resigned And, Clinton appointed William Johnson to command the Iroquois. Which marked the end of Albany control of Indian affairs. control of the fur trade and Indian relations No longer was entrusted to a small group of Albany traders. In 1755, with the appointment of Johnson as Indian superintendent Albany ceased to exert any great influence, again.
In 1727, the New York Courts made trade free. Palatines were settling on the upper Mohawk and along the Schoharie. Scotch and Irish settlers, also, were settling on the frontier. Which increased the fur trade trade into the interior. Traders received goods in bulk at Albany And, roads were made westward from Albany.
Schenectady was the best place of departure. Its inhabitants had always traded, which was against the the law, They were ready for the new conditions They extended their journeys to the western parts New York, to Detroit, and to Mackinaw.
That it was time from settlement to commence at the bay, The principal Seneca village was near Genesee River Twenty miles below Irondequoit Bay.
In 1749, 193 Indian canoes brought 1,385 packs of fur to Oswego Which was a tremendous amount of money.
Early traders of Saginaw were blacksmiths, gunsmiths, and silversmiths. Very commonly they were armorers maker of weapons or arms. The trading of the Michigan's Saginaw are wrapped in myth, Along with a good bit of charm. As a group they were very adventuresome, To have worked in Michigan's Thumb.
Before the Dutch, the earlier traders of the Thumb, the Saginaw River, The Saginaw Bay, the Cass River, along Western Michigan's Grand River. Were the families Campeau and Barthe. Who were Frenchmen. Charles Andre Barthe, Was one of the Mackinaw and Detroit aldermen. He was very gifted and fluent in the language of the local Native American. Barthe was, also, a maker and dealer of the weapon. Early on in Detroit he was in charge of making armor. He was an iron forger, blacksmith, an iron worker.
Charles Andre Barthe married Theresa Campeau, Daughter of Detroit's Marie Roberts and Louis Campeau. Barthe sailed a small Mackinaw boat or pirogue, Which plied the waters of Western Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay. Trapping the Thumb of Michigan was then much in vogue. Louis Campeau's son Jacques Campeau, Also, paddled the waters, rivers, and streams of Saginaw Bay. A hunter also was Jacques Campeau, And, he often made trips up the Saginaw River to the island called Crow.
The place of meeting on the Saginaw River was the Camping Ground. A place of merriment and celebration, it was, also, Campeau's trading ground. Historically, it was the place of the trading post. Here trade was carried on the most. Native American's called it Pasuning or Gbeshidning. It was the place of the winter lodge a place for winter camping.
TheCamping Ground was the place of the "gbeshiiwgamig" The trading lodge or the place of the inn. Here there was the large wigwam or shelter that was big. Here pirogues were loaded with goods of barter and fur skin. The trader here along the Saginaw was Charles Andre Barthe, Who would come here in from the bay.
In 1747, Charles Barthe married Teresa Campeau, Teresa was the sister of Jacques Campeau. The surname Barthe seems to mean maker of the battle axe. In Detroit, Barthe was in the trade of making the iron axe. The skilled Charles Barthe was a Detroit armorer, And, a well known Saginaw fur trader.
His forge and work shop was in Detroit. At his work was quite skill or adroit. He repaired guns and axes made. He was the most important person in the local local fur trade.
The Revolutionary War Woodland fur trading proprietor, Of the Cass, Tittibawasee, Shiawasee, and Saginaw Rivers, And, Western Michigan's Flat and Grand Rivers, Up to 1789, was Barthe, Lefevre, and Bouropa. During this time, Barthe settled his accounts at the Mackinaw trading store, The families Campeau and Barthe were mentioned there often with much harrah. The name Lefevre meant "the fabricator of gold, silver, copper, or iron ore . . . The craftsman or simply the iron smith, Like Charles Barthe, the Campeau family, worked as toolmakers, trap makers, and smiths.
A major factor, however, that lead to the great trade by the Campeau's, Was their ability to produce and acquire brandy. Detroit's leading family, the Campeau's, Dealt widely in the manufacture owned a winery. The British and Dutch were sellers of whisky and rum, Along with the Northwest trade gun. The first of the Dutchman to come to Detroit, Was Isaac Gerrit Graveradt, a gunsmith who followed the Indian drum. After the British and American's had won, By 1761, he was in the old, stockade Village of Detroit.
Chapter Three The English Colonial PeriodThe Flat Country 1760 - 1776
The French and Indian War was over in 1761. This war between France and Great Britain the English had won. It was in 1761, that the British first occupied Detroit and Mackinaw. They also control the Indian Country, Which was also called Saginaw. Traders quickly sent from Albany.
The Campeau and Barthe families, Had been linked for many years with the trade on the Saginaw River But, the Dutch trader with his ancient expertise, Would soon be found trading and hunting on that river. The Dutch and English families would begin to take much of the trade away, Here near and along the shallow Saginaw bay.
With the 1761 surrender of Detroit and Michigan to the English, The old French guard began to move westward, Although many would stay in the area if that was their wish. The English traders had better goods, guns, and rum was still the word. North of Detroit was found the pineland, Which one would find along the Saginaw Indian Trail, which went inland.
To Detroit came many Dutchmen from the Indian Department of Albany. Many traders came from Fort Niagara to work in the Indian trade. Most were smiths who arms had made. They began to come here in 1760. Most were known By the early 1760's, they began to come to Michigan, To engaged in the Indian trade, make silver goods, and renovate the Northwest trade gun.
An early trader in Detroit was Jan Van Eps who was born in 1713, Jan married Maria du Trieux in 1743. Jan was a noted fur trader. On Lake Erie in 1763 during Pontiac's War, the Ottawa took Jan prisoner. He escaped, however, and reached Detroit in safety. In 1748, Jan Van Eps was in Oswego in a public capacity.
In 1748, Jan Van Eps was a resident commissioner. Jan's brother, James Van Eps was in 1715 born. In 1742/3, he married Catharina the daughter of Helmer Veeder. At Oswego, Jacobus was as a licensed Indian trader from 1744 to 1745 sworn. In 1759, Jan traded with the Seneca at Irondequoit. After 1760, the Van Eps likely traded at Detroit.
Two Dutch families made a permanent stay in Southeast Michigan. Each had been a laborer in New New York's early Indian fur trade. A silversmith or engraver was one. Another traps and gewgaws he made. Each likely gun revamping was his niche. They worked with forge, flux, and pitch.
They were armorers who made their way to many a Great Lakes stream and brook. They carried a variety of trade goods to each Native Indian nook. These goods included bead, kettle, needle, and blanket, And, the the all important Northwest trade musket. These people possessed with ancient trades were Indian fur traders. They went west to Michigan also as armorial makers.
A silversmiths and likely renovator of the Indian gun was Isaac Gerrit Graveradt. Another, his ancient family name seems to mean in German resin. He was Jacobus Harsen. The woods they would trod. mmm mmm
After 1761, with the end to the French and Indian War, These two and more came to Michigan to lend their lore, To the Old Indian and French town called Detroit, They seemed to have ventured to Sakinaw and other northern ground. To the great river north of Detroit, To the ancient beaver hunting ground.
Born in Albany in 1738, Jacobus Harsen, Was the son of Bernard and Catherine Pruyn Harsen. While a young man, Jacobus learned the gunsmith trade in Albany. By 1767, he was a resident of that city. He shortly thereafter removed to Michigan, And, the Straits of Detroit to ply the his skill as a smith who repaired the gun.
In 1764, in Albany, Jacobus Harsen had married Alida Groesbeck. In 1778, they were living in Detroit next to Alida's father William Groesbeck.
Many years before, Jacobus' father, Bernard, was born in 1714. In 1730, he was a blacksmith in the Seneca Country. He was then a client of Sir William Johnson and of the age of sixteen. Bernard had been baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church in New York City, In 1737, Bernard married Catherine Pruyn of Albany, Abut this time, he was a smith for the British Army.
Jacobus Harsen was resident of Fort Niagara 1766, After the Revolution, he was in Detroit the Northwest trade gun to fix.
The silversmith and gunsmith of Detroit and Michigan Territory, Was also a blacksmith. The French called them the orfevre and lefevre They were the fabricators who were steep in myth. The were the ones who silver, copper, and lead melt. Their work they traded for the pelt.
Michigan saw the trade of the Northwest gun. Which was easily repaired Other items in the fur trade, Were tomahawks, bells gaudy, Ribbons, butcher knives, and gewgaws.
Chapter Four The American'sThe Thumb
Following the Revolutionary War, Considerable trade was carried on with the Indians. From Schenectady several hundred boats went to Niagara Some of the boats went to on to Detroit loaded with dry and wet goods. mmm mmm
Just after the Revolutionary, Rev. William Andrews of Schenectady reported, That his church was better attended during the winters than in the summers. When the Mohawk River was open many men who were boatmen or Indian traders, To Fort Detroit and even to Mackinaw proceeded.
Jacobus Harsen was pivital in the early fur trade of the Thumb of Michigan and Saginaw. He would establish the first permanent white settlement, Between Detroit and Fort Mackinaw. In the Thumb Region, his purchase was the first transfer of land on a written document. In 1778, at the mouth of the St. Clair River, Jacobus Harsen purchase a large Island, Where he established an inn just off Michigan's mainland.
At his inn, he would many people house and feed. The Island became known as Harsen's Island. From the Chippewa Indian's, he had had purchased the land, For the small price . . . a keg of whiskey and a string of bead. Jacobus, also known as James, set up a distillery at his inn and trading post. According to the custom of the time, here he sold goods of whose quality everyone would boast.
At his trading inn, stories of the Thumb of Michigan filled the time. Jacobus Harsen was a skilled gun and blacksmith. New of his establishment widely would chime. Later, brothers William and Bernard, came to the island, And, join the merry band.
Steep in history and myth. To the Thumb of Michigan, they were the American vanguard. In the Flat Lands, they were the ones which one need to deal with. Trade goods they furnished. Their jewelry and tableware were well burnished.
Harsen's Island was just below the Belle Chasse River, Which was the river of the good hunt. A pathway lead along it to the northwest and the Nottawa River. The path followed the crest of the hills that led to the Saginaw Bay lakefront. The Indian Trail divided on the Nottawa, And, also went west to the camping ground of Saginaw.
On the way to Saginaw, The trail passed the fur trading post called Shop-ti-qau-no. This was the old home of the Nottawa, or Iroquois, The Nottawa River emptied into the Saginaw River above the Island of the Crow. Passed the Great Bend of the Nottawa River, Below the old camping places of the Iroquois that were shadowed by tall pine timber.
Then went along the bank of the Upper Huron River to Saginaw and Crow Island. The Upper Huron River was also called the Washington. And, was the early home of the Indians called the Wakisos.
Jacobus Harsen forged many goods of trade, Even traps he made. John Harsen, Jacobus' son, married a daughter of Isaac Gerrit Graveraedt, Likely even at times in Detroit a horse he would shod. They control the forge, During this time after the rule of King George.
Harsen's Log Inn would be destroyed by an explosion of a keg of gun powder. The first White settlement in the Thumb of Michigan Was the Tavern, Trading Post, and Inn of Jacobus Harzen, Made from rough cut pine timber.
His Island settlement was really the first permanent settlement in the Flat Country. The major part of the trade, now, was with American Whiskey. The Ottawa and Chippewa would come to he Inn to trade along the great waterway. They would stop here before going to Detroit from Saginaw Bay.
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When it was built, trading place at Fort Gratiot. Here tall dark woods were calm and quite. It was located above Harsen's Island on the St. Claire River. Both were stopping places between Detroit and the Saginaw River. Another route to the Saginaw Bay was over the Saginaw Trail. From Detroit to the Oak Lands, to Grand Treaverse, and Saginaw Bay, it would hail.
Near and outside of Fort Gratiot, The trade was still done by Frenchman, Who live the live of the Indian and their diet. Here near the confluence of the Black and St. Clair Rivers with Lake Huron, Trading, hunting, and trapping would go on.
A number of Frenchmen, to this spot were drawn. The major figure was Anselm Pettit. He was once a voyager who had worked with a French fur trade fleet. The Black River was originally called the De Luth. But, native people had always called it the Black River from its taninng color to tell the truth.
The name seems to set the mood, The river and forest were dark. Life was here somewhat primitive and crude. Here often there were many a Native hut, The woods were dark, Olive green and uncut.
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Probably, the greatest trader in these olive green. Was the Dutchman by marriage, James Van Slycke Riley. James was the son of ... Van Slyke and Philip Riley. The Van Slycke family was descended from an Iroquois "princess or queen". James Riley came soon after the Revolutionary War to Michigan. He and his father like him had repaired many a Northwest Trade gun.
Philip Riley was an agent to the Cayuga in 1750. He then worked repairing the trade gun. Philip was then stationed a Fort Niagara and was a client of Sir William Johnson. Both men were from Schenectady. Sir William Johnson was the Commission of the Indian Department. Philip may have worked within many a Chippewa tent.
James Van Slycke Riley married a Chippewa lady. She perhaps was the daughter of Flint River Chief Meomi. Her name was Mokisheenoqua. She was a Chippewa from the place called Saginaw. Perhaps, her name meant Good . . . . Lady. She had three sons by James Riley.
The Riley sons or boys, Understood each and every woodland noise. The elk, beaver, bear, and moose, they would take with wise agility. Such were the son of of James Van Sycke Riley. Their names were Peter, James, and John. They would be no one's pawn.
These men, the boys of the Menacumsequa, Would in the forest trade with trinket and gun. They were the most famous of bartering people of Michigan. They left a legacy in Michigan'sThumb in the Lower Peninsula. The languages Chippewa, Dutch, Iroquois, and English were part of their vocabulary. They moved between Native People and Detroit bourgeoisie, freely. The War of 1812
Because they wanted to protect their fur trade from the English, In 1686, the French built Fort St. Joseph a the head of the St. Claire River. Here Lake Huron meets with the river. Fort St. Joseph was abandoned after 1688, without a skirmish. Its garrison to Mackinaw was transferred. It was one of the oldest settlements in Michigan, although often abandoned.
In 1790, permanent settlement was made near old Fort St. Joseph by Anselm Petit. In 1807, a Chippewa Indian Reservation was platted on the south side of Black River. In 1814, American soldiers built Fort Gratiot, here. About 1819, Petit built the first house near Fort Gratiot, now called Port Huron on Court Street. The town of Port Huron was organized in 1828.
Having in interest in the Fur trade of Le Pays Plat, Anselm married Angelique Campeau, She was the daugther of Simon Campeau and granddaughter of Louis Campeau. Pettit knew well the land to the north, the timberland that was flat. The fur trading Petit family, Was related to the Saginaw trading families Campeau and Barthe.
Anselm Petit was a nephew of Andre Barthe, Who in 1789 had a license to trade on the Saginaw and Grand Rivers. They were both traders, Who knew each other well, and probably together went after furs. mmm mmm
The Treaty of Saginaw 1819
Points of trade along Southeast Michigan's shore, For the late Thumb fur trader, Were Harsen's Island, Fort Gratiot, and Detroit, which many did explore. A happy place to the trader Was also White Rock, or Rogers Point, And, above that was Traverse or Aux Barques Point.
There were major places to meet along Saginaw Bay southeast shore. One was called Shebeon meaning where is hidden the ore. The other place is called Bear River, Maquanicasse, or Quanicassee. The French called the place in between these two Du Fill or Thread River. The Algonquin called Thread River Sebewaing Sibee. Perhaps, meaning Sugar River.
These were the place of major trade. Also, the short bend on the Ottawa Rive was a camping ground. Where many came to trade and a deal was made. Here at Shop-ti-quano the trading horn or drum would sound.
Serving as a natural lighthouse White Rock, Was a favorite spot of Native People, and a sugar house. Waab-bik was the name of White Rock. Anselm's son, Edward Petit here would build a trading house. Edward started his stint in trade on the Saginaw Bay. In 1828, there he would stay.
For a few years before, He trade at the post on the creek called Shebeon, Just off the Saginaw Bay shore. The Upper Thumb trade Edward Pettit would own. mmm mmm
In 1813, during the war years between Great Britain and the United States, Edward Pettit was born in his father's log-house. He was the first child born into Angelique Campeau and Anselm Petit's house. In the woods and neighborhood were the sounds of old hates. The War of 1812 was going on, And, When Edward was just months old, his family loyalty was put upon. , The Pettit family fled to Detroit where they until the war ended. After the War of 1812, they returned home, and Anselm the building Fort Gratiot helped. About 182, amissionary school at Fort Gratiot was opened. Here Native People who to attended. A Mr. Graveradt was the interpreter. Jacobus Graveradt was likely his father.
The students numbered some 50 or 60. After 3 years, the missionaries were removed to Mackinaw. With the number of Native People following being about 30. At the school, Edward Petit took his first and only lessons. He had his eyes set on trading in the Saginaw. In its woods he would see many dawns.
Aa a boy, Edward amused himself with hunting and fishing. He learned from his Native friends their languages. He, also, learned the French and English languages. Along with his spirit, which was enterprising, He was well educated to do the books for a fur company. In boyhood, Edward was employed in the fur trade, quickly.
Trapping, hunting, and trading were part of his ancestry. His life experiences were of that of the forest. In 1828 at 15 years of age, Edward engaged in business at which he was the best. With the American Fur Company. To the woods, Edward took with him supplies of shot, powder, and blue broadcloth. He also took with him calicos and a customary cup of broth.
Edward traded, skillfully, For maple sugar and furs of beaver, mink, bear, martin, and otter. He worked for Gordon and Ephraim Williams of the American Fur Company. Edward became the clerk of the post on the Nottawa River. At the Short Bend, or the place called Skop-ti-qua-nou. The post met with a great deal of activity as we know.
The Indians of the Nottawa or Cass River, Were numerous and intelligent. Time trading was well spent on the that river. The traders who came here had plenty to eat was often the comment. They plenty to do looking them up the Native People. Here candied maple sugar was a staple.
On one occasion, the traders had a problem, thought, looking up a local band. Furs from the other encampments had been all bought. So, everyone was looking for the Otawas Clan. It was this group, too, that Edward Pettit sought. The group consisted of 5 to 6 families. They had gone all winter and had great quantities of fur or fleece.
Trader after trader went out and returned without fining them. The head of the camp was Chief Otawas, Was an old fellow and one of his sons had blue eyes. Edward Petit resolved to obtain this winter, haul of furs, as his prize. Edward started out with provisions on his back for a week looking for them. No one could find Otawas.
With articles of barter, Edward headed for Shebeon Creek. HIs guide was a Native man who had but one arm. The Native man's people shot him because he killed his wife at Delude River. But, left with his life so to speak. He was left with no more harm. In gratitude and servitude, he remained a trapper and hunter.
The two of them went off and hiking to Sebewaing. They, then, followed around the bay and then the Tip of the Thumb, They came down to the White Rock clearing. Here they made a bark shanty and camped worrisome. In the morning in a drenching rain, with nothing to cheer, and one a loaf of bread remaining, They continued in their searching.
After a tramp of five miles, they were rewarded. They found Otawas and his families preparing to make maple sugar. They had many brass kettles of all sizes that the British gave to make sugar. The site was not only a good site for sugar: it was a good site for fishing. Edward and his friend were almost starving. mmm
Otawas had only moose fat scraps. Edward, however, added his only loaf. For several days, they had bread and tallow scarps. The maple sugar, they also boiled off. Edward purchased from Chief Otawas 500 martin skins at $1 each. When back to the post, he sold them for $2 each.
Only the finest of the furs did Pettit take away. The others were in Detroit on another day. The coarse ones Pettit left for the other traders, Who would journey to Saginaw Bay. Returning to camp, Edwards wages were quadrupled by his employers,. Who were the William's Brothers.
WORK IN PROGRESS In 1845, a few German people built an Indian Mission, Near the mouth of the Shebeon Creek. Here the Native People a good like would seek. The Native chief here went by the appellation of Brilliant Rising Sun, Or, Soe-ache-wah-o-sah, Which is to say Wasseias mokaan gisiss.
The Chief had brilliant red hair. His tribe of 300 people saw the coming of the White settlement, Which put many in despair. After acquiring land in 1847, many of the Native People sold their entitlement. In 1856, for a small amount of money their land they sold. Thought a few remained it told.
These did not sell their land until much later, "Green Parrot" and "Middle Lake" were, then, each a grantor, Small pox and took a heavy toll within the tribe. No remedyculd be prescribe.
The Huron, or Nottawa, River, Was after 1819 called the Cass River. mmm It was the early home of the Wakishegan. Their main camp was at Mattawan. This was the home of the Chief Otusson.
Northwest of Otusson's Village was Sheboygan Creek whose current is slow. Cheboygan meant the rice gathering place. Cheboygan Creeks empties into the Saginaw River at the island called Crow. The Chief at the latter place, Was called Menitegow, which means island in the river. This was where
The land on the west bank of the Saginaw River, Opposite Crow Island, Was called "Mtigong", Meaning a place the the timber first come to the river. The name Zilwaukee would later be giving to the wetland. A woods is "mtig" and to be in front is "niigaan". This is where the pine trees first show along the Saginaw River.
At the Short Bend in the Mattawan River, The water would bubble and squeak, And, along the south bank was Dead Creek. Northwest of the Sheboyganing Is the stream called Quanicassee. It was also called "Maqua-na-ka-see. The later seems to have been the original wording, That described the creek. It meant The Black Bear Creek. It flows into the Saginaw Bay, Running almost strait north over much of its way. From Otusson's Village one can reach the shores of the bay in one day.
Further up the coast of the Saginaw Cove, Is the stream called Wiscoggin Creek, Whose name one may seek, Means "The Beaver or Muskrat Lodge", And, creek called Sebewaing, Du Fill, or Thread River is along the bay just above, Its mouth empties straight into the Saginaw Bay with a dodge. Above, Sebewaing is Shebeon Creek, Both, may come from "zibii" meaning "river" or creek. The Native word for netting or sack cloth is "assabiiwegin", At signer of the Saginaw Treaty of 1819, the local chief seems to have been Sepewan,
This estimable person made shoes for the horse, For covering ground the equine was the ultimate resource, For overland traveling, To where the Native People were camping. The horse was the ultimate form of transportation, Although usually going from one location to another location, Was done by walking. And, the heaviest of loads was transported in by voyaging.
The Latin word for to catch, Is "cape". While the Latin word for a fish cage, trap, or net is "nassa". In Chippewa a reed is called "assagaanshk".
Along the Northwest Thumb of Michigan, On the Thread, Du Fil River, or Sebewaing River, Trading at an early date had begun. Another good place for trapping and trading was the river, Quanicassee.
On Saginaw Bay at the mouth of the Wiscogan Creek, Was a good place to trap furs and was below Fish Point, The Old Indian sacred ground called White Point, On Lake Huron's east shore, also, had many a small, fur trapping creek. Trade, also, took place at the mouth of the Pigeon River . . . And, Pinnebog, River. |
