PIONEER SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

ELECTED JUNE 14, 1883

Lapeer..
Lenawee...
Livingston..
Macomb..
Marquette.
Monroe...
MONTCALM.

Muskegon..

Oakland..
Oceana...

VICE-PRESIDENTS

PIONEER SOCIETY OF
OF MICHIGAN

ANNUAL MEETING JUNE 13, 1883

ADDRESS OF HON. C. I. WALKER, OF DETROIT, PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY

You are to be congratulated upon the increasing interest that is taken in the transactions of the society, and we trust that interest, as it should, will continue to increase, and its usefulness thus be enlarged.

It is not ten years since this society was organized. Its object, as stated in the articles of association, was to collect and preserve historical, biographical and other information in relation to the State of Michigan. It has within this time fully shown its right to exist, by its works. It has gathered a large amount of valuable material illustrative of the history, condition, and resources, much of which would otherwise have been hopelessly lost. It has published three volumes of collections, and a fourth will soon be issued. The contents of these volumes are of rich and varied interest. They represent a large amount of careful research, as well as the recorded recollections of a large number of early settlers, many of whom have already passed away. Some of these recollections are of romantic interest.

While these collections are from their very nature, miscellaneous and fragmentary in their character, they will fall into harmony, and furnish to the future historian rich material for a history of our State, and enable him to get a vivid picture of its early social condition.

Not having been an active member of the society, I can speak with freedom of the zeal, energy, and wisdom with which its affairs have been conducted; and while many others have been efficient and successful workers, especial credit is due to the recording secretary, Mrs. Tenney, and the chairman of the historical committee, J. C. Holmes, for the results achieved.

While much has been done, much yet remains to be done in the line of work in collecting and preserving the material illustrative of the early history of our State, and its material and social condition during the different stages of its progress.

While Michigan is one of the newer States it has a peculiarly rich and

romantic history, reaching back for more than two centuries through the English and French dominion to that of the savage tribes that inhabited our borders. The history in all its details should be preserved, and the responsibility of doing this now rests largely upon this society. The legislature has shown its confidence by making appropriations to facilitate the publication of our collections and there is no other organization engaged in the work. The membership should be largely increased, and efforts should be made to attract attention to the great value and interest of our publications. No Michigan library should be considered complete without them.

Since our last meeting some of the pioneers have fallen asleep, and among them one of our oldest and most valuable members,-Charles C. Trowbridge. It would be difficult to name a man who was at once so widely known and so beloved and revered. For more than 60 years he had been a resident of Michigan, and intimately connected with its history. He not only made history, but he wrote history. Some of the most interesting papers in our collections are from his pen. I do not propose to pass any eulogy upon him, but I am glad to state that we may expect a tribute to his memory from one whose long and intimate acquaintance with Mr. Trowbridge especially fits him for that work of love-Hon. James V. Campbell. I trust that this annual gathering will be at once a pleasant and useful one.

REPORT OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY

OFFICE OF THE

PIONEER SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN,

Lansing, June 13, 1883.

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In accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Pioneer Society of the State of Michigan, I herewith present my ninth annual report.

ANNUAL MEETING 1882.

The ninth annual meeting of the society was held in Representative Hall, commencing at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, June 7, 1882.

OFFICERS PRESENT.

President-Prof. John C. Holmes.

Vice-Presidents-A. H. Morrison, J. W. Begole, E. F. Wade, F. A. Dewey, J. M. Sterling, A. C. Baldwin, T. North, A. B. Copley, E. D. Lay. Recording Secretary-Harriet A. Tenney.

Corresponding Secretary-George H. Greene.

Treasurer-E. Longyear.

Executive Committee-Judge Albert Miller, Henry Fralick, F. A. Dewey, Committee of Historians-Col. M. Shoemaker, Dr. O. C. Comstock, M. H. Goodrich, Harriet A. Tenney.

The president, John C. Holmes, called the society to order. The exercises of the first session were opened with the reading of scriptures and prayer by Rev. M. Hickey, and the audience united in singing "My country, 'tis of thee," led by Miss Addie Berridge, organist.

The reports of the recording and corresponding secretaries and the treasurer

were read, accepted, and adopted. "Guide me, O thou Great Jehovah” was sung by the audience.

The report of the committee of historians was made verbally by Col. M. Shoemaker, the chairman, H. G. Wells, not being present.

Memorial reports were received from Allegan, Berrien, Genesee, Shiawassee, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, Monroe, Oakland, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The audience then sang "Blest be the tie that binds."

Henry M. Utley, of Detroit, read a memorial paper on the life and character of Chancellor Henry P. Tappan, the first president of the Michigan University, and, on motion of Philo Parsons, of Detroit, the thanks of the society were voted to Mr. Utley for his valuable paper.

The president appointed as a committee on the nomination of officers for 1884, Henry Fralick, W. J. Baxter, J. M. Sterling, B. O. Williams, and A. B. Copley.

Rev. George Taylor presented his report as chairman of the committee on Pioneer Hospital. The report was accepted and placed on file. Albert Miller requested that the same committee might be continued, and report further at the next annual meeting. On motion of Dr. H. B. Shank, the report was made the subject of special order for Thursday afternoon, immediately after the election of officers.

The society then adjourned to meet again at 7 o'clock in the evening.

Wednesday Evening

The society met according to adjournment, the president in the chair. The exercises of the evening were opened with reading of scriptures and prayer by President T. C. Abbot of the Agricultural College.

"Like as a father pitieth his children" was sung by the quartette, Messrs. H. A. Lee and L. A. Baker, and Mesdames R. B. DeViney and D. F. Woodcock, with Miss Addie Berridge as organist.

John C. Holmes, the president, then delivered his address, which was followed by a solo and chorus, "The harvest time is passing," sung by the quartette.

Hon. George H. Hopkins, of Detroit, read a valuable memorial on the life of Ex-Governor John J. Bagley. The quartette followed with that beautiful song, "Lead me gently home, Father."

A poem, "Recollections of pioneer life." by George B. Turner, was read by T. C. Abbot. "The revolutionary rising," or "the spirit of '76," a recitation, was beautifully rendered by Miss Cara L. Peck. "Good night to the day" was sung by the quartette, and the society adjourned to meet again Thursday morning at 9 o'clock.

Thursday Morning

The society met according to adjournment, and was called to order by the president. Reading of scriptures and prayer were offered by Rev. George Taylor, and the audience joined in singing "Nearer, my God to Thee."

A paper on the life and times of Wm. A. Burt, of Mt. Clemens, was read by George H. Cannon. A song in the Indian language, with translation, was sung by Rev. Manasseh Hickey.

Col. M. Shoemaker read a memorial of Levi Bishop, prepared by J. E.