THE MINING GAZETTE (under various names) of Houghton County, Michigan Copyright (c) 1999-2001 by Dick and June Ross. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ ____________________________________________________________________ 1877 January - April Issues - Some issues may be missing. ........denotes there was more to the article and the article with in is a shortened version. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 4, 1877 Mining safety squibs:..........In 1870, the late Mr S.H. DADDOW - a mining engineer of great practical experience - devised a simple, ingenious squib and match which are now generally used throughout the coal regions and are much safer, more reliable and economical than the old straw squib, or than fuse................ The people of this place are to be congratulated. Mr F.A. DOUGLASS, postmaster, after a long search has finally succeeded in securing quarters for conducting the business of the United States postoffice department, which are as good and comfortable as any in the State. The new postoffice, which is in the store formerly occupied by Mr GILBERT as an apothecary shop, is light and airy. Several new letter boxes have been added and other improvements made in the interest of the public. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 11, 1877 The mineral tract embracing a good portion of the north half of section 19......... And known as the St Louis mine, has been conditionally let to an old explorer in these parts named Dick PETERS, to examine. Mr Peters enjoys the reputation of being the discoverer of the Calumet conglomerate. As soon as the proper season arrives work will be commenced. Obituary: BAGLEY - Died at the Windsor Hotel, New York, on the 1st inst. George Frederick BAGLEY, age 41 years. Mr BAGLEY was well known on Lake Superior. As a member of the late firm of MOORE, FOOT & Co., wholesale grocers of Detroit, he had extensive business connections at one time in the copper and iron districts, which he used to visit quite often.........Mr BAGLEY was the brother of ex-Governor BAGLEY and leaves a wife and one child. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 18, 1877 Mr D.D. HENDRICK, of Calumet, has filed his caveat covering what now appears to be a great improvement in the manner of dressing mineral. Mr HENDRICK has succeeded in combining the "vanning" and "jigger" motion, and if the machine works as he expects it will, he....................... Annual meeting of the Miners and Mechanics Benevolent Society:.....the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Thos. KELLY, chairman, Franklin; Henry BENNETTS, chairman, Calumet; John S. HOSKING, secretary, Franklin; Wm REYNOLDS, secretary, Calumet; Thos. TAMBLYN, treasurer, Franklin. Ticket No. 1453, held by Miss Hattie NORTHY, of this place, won the $650 piano which was offered as a prize by Messrs. HOAR & GUOIN at their dollar store, Red Jacket. The drawing took place last evening. Died: MAYWORM - At Houghton, Wednesday evening Jan 17, F. A. MAYWORM, of Softening of the brain, aged 36 years and 8 months. Funeral takes place from Trinity Episcopal church, next Saturday at 2 o’clock P.M. Mr Carlos D. SHELDON, of this place, has received the appointment of collector of internal revenue, for the district which has been cut off from the old one. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Jan 25, 1877 Last Monday night the house of Daniel SHEA, at L’Anse, burned down, consuming the bodies of his wife and three children. Mr SHEA and his family formerly resided in this locality. At the time of the accident the unfortunate husband and father was up here. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Feb 8, 1877 Mr George CONWAY delivered a lecture before the Young Men’s literary club, Hancock, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 31, which is spoken of as one of the finest efforts of the kind ever heard in these parts. Mr CONWAY is an assistant teacher in the high school Hancock. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Feb 15, 1877 Probate Order: Estate of P. H. HOLLISTER, deceased.....petition of E.S. HOLLISTER,... that James ROSS to be appointed administrator........ Probate Order: Estate of William TRATHEN, deceased........petition of Joseph PRYOR, special administrator........................ PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Feb 22, 1877 Mr Louis DEACHAMPS, postmaster, Lake Linden, has been notified by the department at Washington that on and after the first of March next, the mail service between Calumet and Lake Linden will be increased from three to six trips per week. Mr Ed. C. HITCHCOCK, of Hancock, in a prize skating match with Mr D. BARNEY, of Marquette, at the rink last Saturday evening, was awarded the one hundred dollars for being the best and most graceful performer on ice............ A letter was received here the other day, asking if any of the county offices showed any record of a Will made by Fred. L. CASE, who died on Lake Superior some time in 1861-62. Died: LASIER - Sunday, Feb 11, 1877, at 1:20 o’clock A.M. Harriet Chase, wife of Thomas J. LASIER and only surviving daughter of the late Right Rev. Bishop Cariton CHASE, D. D. of New Hampshire, aged 34 years and 5 months and 8 days. (from the Washington Star) Obituary: Died, at his residence in Hancock, Sunday, Feb 19, Dr W.W. PERRY, age 50 years. He has been a resident of Hancock a long time. For a number of years he has been a partial invalid. In the winter of 1875 he received a blow on the head one evening while going to his home, which greatly tended to undermine a constitution already impaired............. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar 1, 1877 Birth: DUNSTAN - At the Central mine, Friday, Feb 23, Mrs T. B. DUNSTAN, daughter of Capt Samuel MOINSON AID (?), Hancock, had born to her a son.. Michael CUMMINGS, Joseph MONAHAN and Michael LUDWITH, three of the men implicated in robbing that jeweler’s trunk in this place a week ago last Sunday night, have been committed to the county jail, in default of $2500 bonds, to stand their trial at the circuit court, which convenes here on the second of April next in extra session. Wm. MALOCH, the fourth man engaged in the steal, who turned State’s evidence, is out on his own recognizance. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar 8, 1877 The following village officers were elected in this place last Tuesday: President, Carlos D. SHELDEN; Treasurer, August KRELLWITZ; Attorney, Thos. M. BRADY; Marshal, George OSBORNE; Trustees, Joseph CROZE, Joseph HENNES and Josiah PAULL; Assessors, Joseph P. EDWARDS and Gottlieb HARTMAN. On Tuesday, at the village election, held in Hancock, the following officers were elected: John GIBSON, President; George WERTIN, M.M. MORALES, and H. DRITTLER, trustees; M. FINN, recorder; Jacob BAER, treasurer; Thos. M. BRADY, attorney; John FLEMING, marshal; A. RUIJI and Wm. R. NOBLE, assessors. Peter LARKIN, at one time a resident of this locality, who removed to Virginia, Nevada, years ago, was arrested some 20 months since on the charge of murdering a man named CORCORAN. A woman and jealousy were the alleged causes of the crime. The testimony at the trial was all circumstantial, and the jury rendered a verdict of murder in the first degree. On the 18th day of last January, Larkin was executed, and up to the last moment protested his innocence. His bearing to the last showed the man to be very brave, and opinion at the time concerning his guilt was equally divided............... Superior City, at the head of the lake, has a new paper, called the Gazette, published by Richard RELF. Its venturesome proprietor must be a man of more than ordinary pluck. Mr Henry OBENHOFF’S soap factory, back of the Atlantic mine, caught fire last Monday morning and burned down. At a meeting of the school board in this place last Friday, Mr. R. M. HOAR was elected director, in the place of the late George BEESLEY. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar 15, 1877 Master John REES, of this place, who was appointed last year as a naval cadet from this district by Hon. Jay A. HUBBELL, and was prevented from passing on account of being one inch too low in height, has been designated again for the position, and as he is now "full five feet," his chances for entering the naval service of the United States are excellent. In his examination, Master REES’ mental ability was conspicuous. When he leaves he will go direct to Annapolis, the site of the Naval Academy. Probate Order: Estate of W. W. PERRY, deceased.....petition of O. W. Robinson praying that the widow of deceased and himself be appointed joint administrators.............. Probate Order: Estate of George BEESLEY, deceased.........Petition of Harry S. BEESLEY......... PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar 22, 1877 On Friday last Daniel MAHONEY and James MANAHAN, employed in the Quincy Mine, were "picking" a hole that failed to go off, when it exploded, killing the former and badly injuring the latter. Musical entertainment at Hancock:........Miss Gertie HOAR and Miss Annie WALLS will perform several solos on the piano. In addition, Miss Jennie NICHOLS will sing a pleasing number.............. Married: OBENHOFF - TREVETHAN - In Houghton, Wed. evening, 21st inst. at the home of the bride’s father, by Rev John SWEET, Mr Otto H. OBENHOFF and Miss Mary Emma TREVETHAN. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Mar 29, 1877 Lieut. J. M. INGALLS, of the United States army, who has been ordered to this point to give drill instruction to the High school pupils, has reported for duty. There’s lots of tender and loving romance in this world. Some five years since, Harry ODGERS, a miner from Truro, Cornwall, England, arrived in this locality. Before leaving home he loved a certain lass, the only daughter of an inn keeper, to whom he proposed marriage, but was rejected. Two years ago, Harry, who was employed at the Delaware mine, met with an accident by which he lost his eyesight. The news of his terrible misfortune didn’t reach the ears of his Truro sweetheart until quite recently. She thought of the man who once told her he loved her, and her woman’s heart softened. She wrote to a friend in Keweenaw county and, in time, got a history of his condition and the sad plight he was in on the distant shore of Lake Superior. The other evening a quiet little woman arrived on the stage from L’Anse, and before many hours she was at the house where the blind and maimed miner was stopping. She is as modest as she is good, and doesn’t want to be advertised as a heroine. She came to take Harry back to England, without any fuss or noise, and, if he’ll allow her, she intends to care for him as his wife the balance of his days. Monday’s stage took Harry and his old sweetheart on their return to Cornwall. She doesn’t want to be married until she gets home. If there is one seat better than another in heaven, we know a little woman who will be entitled to it when she leaves this world. One Gertrude HOOST, of this place, is inquiring through the Detroit papers for the whereabouts of one Jacob GOLITZ. At a special meeting of Rose of Sharon Lodge, No 3, I. O. of Philanthropies, Calumet, on the 25th day of March, 1877, the following preamble and resolution were adopted: Whereas,..........death..........has stricken down in the midst of his usefulness our highly esteemed brother, John GLANVILLE.........He leaves a father and mother.........and sisters to mourn.............. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr 5, 1877 Capt John HALLORAN, an old Lake Superior steamboat commander, died at Detroit last Monday. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr 12, 1877 First class fare from Portage Lake to Deadwood, Black Hills, is $50. Earl EDGERTON, of L’Anse, appears as one of the heirs of the great Newberry estate in Chicago, which is said to be worth millions of dollars. The late Captain John HALLORAN had been a sailor, man and boy, for forty years, during which time he was more or less connected with the navigation of Lake Superior. Judge BELL, of LaPointe, Lake Superior, has been a resident of this region forty-one years. He and Mr. Jas. K. PAULL of Ontonagon, are probably the two oldest residents on the lake. It is now ascertained beyond a reasonable doubt that John SKELTON and Thomas DUBAY, two men employed in carrying the mail from Isle Royale to the mainland, who have been missing since about the 20th of last December, were lost in crossing on the ice. SKELTON was from Ontonagon county and DUBAY lived at Duluth. Dr J. M. MEAD, late of the Cliff mine, has located at Hancock, where he intends to practice his profession as physician and surgeon. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Apr 19, 1877 Fifteen years ago a carpenter named WHITEHEAD, employed at the Jackson mine, swallowed a 3/8 inch copper tack. Last Monday a doctor at Negaunee dug it out of his shoulder blade. The dead body of a man was found floating near the Osceola dock last Saturday. The cadaver had the appearance of having been in the water for some time. The body is supposed to be that of an Indian named John PIQUOITE, who disappeared from these parts some weeks ago. File contributed for use in Houghton Co. USGenWeb Archives by Dick and June Ross. plh 2001 1877 May - August Issues - Some issues may be missing. ........denotes there was more to the article and the article with in is a shortened version. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, May 3, 1877 A week ago today a party of men were rolling logs into Sturgeon River, when one of them, named Ed. GERALD, was struck by a log, which resulted in his death. Among the arrivals on the first trip of the Ivanhoe were Mr. J. R. GROUT, of the smelting works, Mr J. B. STURGIS and family of this place, Mr L. M. DICKENS and Capt. HOOPER, of Ontonagon. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, May 10, 1877 Probate Order: Estate of William F. MILLER, deceased..............petition of Catherine MILLER, relict..................... Last Sunday a man named John OLENHEIMER, living at the Republic mine, Marquette county, ran five miles in 10 1/2 minutes. Mr Gray of Keweenaw county, is an active traveler. He left this point for below on Monday, April 2, and arrived here on his way back, Saturday, May 6. He was absent 31 days and visited New York, San Francisco, Virginia City, Nevada, Salt Lake, Deadwood, Black Hills, Detroit and Chicago. And what is wonderful, he says he "saw it all." PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, May 17, 1877 Among the list of patents granted by the department at Washington last week was one to D. D. HENDRICK, Calumet, for an improved ore washer. Last Monday John COUGHLIN, Franklin, discharged a fire arm at a rat, the ball of which glanced and shot and killed a little boy six years old, the son of Mr Benj. RILLSTONE. Married: A recent issue of the St Paul Minnesota Dispatch contained the following: The marriage ceremony of Miss Hattie I. DANFORTH, only child of Major and Mrs T. K. DANFORTH, of St Paul, and Mr T.. J. Miller, son of Hon. Eli R. MILLER, of Richland, Michigan was celebrated on the evening of the 8th inst., at the residence of the bride’s parents, No. 29 Mississippi Street. The ceremony was performed by Rev A.M. TORBET, the uncle of the bride, assisted by the Rev Henry GROSE. The happy couple departed for an extended trip through the East., after which they will take up their residence at Calumet, in northern Michigan, where Mr MILLER is engaged in business. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE., June 7, 1877 Probate Court Matters: Estate Lillian E. WRIGHT, minor, Charles A. WRIGHT appointed guardian for same, upon her nomination. Estate: CASPER, George and Francis BRAND, minors, Guardian of same cited to appear and make return of his doings. Died: EDWARDS - On the 30th ult. Of consumption, Charles E. EDWARDS, son of the late Capt. R EDWARDS., of this place, aged 24 years and 8 days. The deceased was born at the old Albion location (now the Manhattan), and removed with his parents to Portage Lake in 1863. Charlie had many friends by whom his early decease will be much regretted. His remains were attended to their last resting place on Friday last by a large concourse of relatives and friends from both sides of the lake. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, June 14, 1877 Obituary - SHEPARD - On Sat. June 9 at ?:30 A.M. the soul of Allen A. SHEPARD, M.D., left this for the spiritland. Dr SHEPARD was born in Rockville, Canada, June 20, 1835; studied theology at Belleville, Canada, 1861 and 1862, but feeble health induced him to give his attention to the study of medicine, which profession he chose instead of the ministry, graduating at Ann Arbor in spring of 1869, moving to the Quincy mine the fall of the same year, where till now he has remained - first as assistant, then as physician in chief.................loss to his family of a devoted husband, and affectionate father, a dutiful son, and a kind brother.......................... Probate order: Estate of William HARVEY, deceased.........petition of Grace HARVEY, relict....... Probate Order: Estate of Henry P. POTTER, deceased............................. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, June 21, 1877 Mr Edwin EMMONS, formerly of Ontonagon, but now residing on the northshore, is credited with having found a fine looking silver-bearing belt east of Thunder Bay. A man named St. AMORE, who lives at Sturgeon river, left for his home last Friday in a small boat, since which time nothing has been seen or heard of him. His craft was found down the river a distance, which fact goes to strengthen the position that its occupant must have fallen overboard and drowned. Mr ST AMORE is well thought of among those who knew him, and his uncertain fate is terribly trying to his family and friends. Last Sunday, a young man named CAUGHLIN, employed in the Osceola mine barn was kicked in the stomach by a horse, and soon after died from the effects of the blow. He was buried on Tuesday afternoon. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, July 5, 1877 Probate order: Estate of James CLIFF, deceased. Petition of John CLIFF, praying that Joseph CLIFF be appointed administrator.................. Estate of Allen A. SHEPARD. deceased petition of Eliza Jane SHEPARD, relict................ PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, July 12. 1877 Capt JONES has taken a tribute contract on the Isle Royale. His operations for the present will be confined to unwatering the mine and preparing to commence work at its south end. Ex-Gov. A. FELCH, of Ann Arbor, is now visiting his son-in-law in this place, Col. C.B. GRANT. Mr S. W. HILL, one of Lake Superior’s earliest mining men, is in the district. Last Saturday Barney HOFEN shot a bear on the Dodge mine that was a large one and if properly cornered would have no doubt fought before he yielded. The legendary achievements of Dick BAPTIST, the Chippewa Indian half-breed from Ontonagon who acted so nobly at the time the old steamer Independence went ashore of Whitefish Point are to be written up by a literary gentleman in Detroit, who will publish his "o’er true tale" in the Atlantic Monthly. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, July 19, 1877 A Lake Superiorite cast bread upon the waters, and after many years it came back well buttered. At the battle of Lookout Mountain, Col. James BUCKMASTER of the 18th Louisiana confederate infantry, fell from his horse, badly wounded. Nat MILLER, who belonged to a Michigan regiment that was in the engagement, and who enlisted from Keweenaw county, hearing the moans of BUCKMASTER, ventured forth from the breastworks he was behind, crawled up to the maimed and wounded officer and soothed his pain so far as he could. The rebel colonel obtained the name of his benefactor. All remembrance of the occurrence had slipped from the mind of MILLER, and after the close of the war he was mustered out, and returning to this district, married and settled down near Eagle Harbor. The other day he received a letter from a law firm in Baton Rouge, La, informing him that James BUCKMASTER, of that city was dead, and in his will had left MILLER $2,500, reciting the reason for doing so, referring to MILLER as a noble- hearted man who saw a fellow soldier suffering and didn’t stop to inquire which side he belonged to before administering to his pain. Mr MILLER has sent on the necessary proof of his identity, and expects before long to be in possession of a snug little sum, the result of performing a trifling act of kindness. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, July 26, 1877 Last Tuesday afternoon a team of horses belonging to Mr RUPPE, Hancock (illeg) violently to the ground Mr Joseph PESCHICH, who struck on his head, from the effects of which he died within a few hours. Mr Edwin EMMONS, a Lake Superior pioneer, now living on the northshore, is visiting this section. Mr Alex. SIBLEY, manager of the Silver Islet mine on the northshore and the Grand Portage at this point, was in town the other day. Married: INGALLS-THURSTON In this city, l7th instant, by the Rev G.S. DESHON, D. D., Lieutenant James W. INGALLS, U.S.A., to Harriet Elizabeth, daughter of Hon RR THURSTON, of this city. No cards - New London (Conn) Telegram. Probate Order: Estate of Charles E. EDWARDS, deceased. July 1877 Probate Order: Estate of Wm. HARVEY, deceased. 2 July 1877 PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE. Aug 2, 1877 The name of the Schoolcraft mine has been changed to that of Centennial. Owing to the low price of copper and depressed times, Capt. VIVIAN, Supt. Of the Franklin mine, has been instructed to discharge 50 miners Mr MILLER, telegraphic operator, has resigned his office and gone to Minnesota. The office here is now in charge of his late assistant, Mr Conn HARRINGTON. A new village, to be called "Calumet Village" has been surveyed and plotted on the land lying between the Mineral Range depot and the Torch Lake carriage road. Quite a number of buildings, have been lately created in the main street of the Red Jacket. Mr William ANDERSON has put up a large building, which is occupied as a boarding house. Mr Jerry D. LYNCH has just moved his billiard tables in his new building. Messrs. WERTIN & Son have lengthened their store about 30 ft., and Mr Edward RYAN is building a wing to his store about 25 feet wide and the full length of the store. The Burning of the Steamer "Ivanhoe": On Monday morning last a fire broke out on the Ivanhoe, while lying at her dock in this place, and before assistance arrived the flames gained such headway as resulted in the destruction of nearly her entire woodwork and inflicting great damage to the machinery of the vessel.......A portion of the crew, consisting of her commander, Capt. F.T. GONIN, Mr John DILLON, engineer; Wm. Fred. GETTLING, steward, John OLESON, James WELCH, A. BREES, H ECKMEYER, W. T. SCOTT, together with Mr Matt, MCCONNELL, conductor on the M. H. & O. R R, were aboard the boat and asleep at the time. The clerk and mate were ashore.... ............All escaped unharmed except Capt GONIN and the steward, both of whom were seriously maimed by fire. Fred GETTLING, the steward, was forced to crawl out of the window of his room and hang on to a fender, from which he was rescued......Capt GONIN was aroused by the watchman and attempted to get some of the others out......and had to crawl on his hands and knees through the flames.........to jump into the lake, from which he was rescued ..........Subsequently, James CREE and a man named NICHOLL, who were on the upper deck of the boat helping to put out the fire, received bruises from the falling of the smoke stack, and narrowly escaped being killed. NICHOLLS had his collar bone broken and got a severe cut on the head....... Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Aug 9,1877 Yesterday afternoon a boy named John SCHWARZ while swimming off the Hancock stamp mill dock, was drowned. At this writing his body has not been recovered. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Aug 16, 1877 Obituary: On Saturday last, Andrew HATTICH died in this place after a short illness. Mr HATTICH was known as the "old German gunmaker." He came here in 1860, and up to the time of his death had carried on a sort of universal light mechanical business. He was a thorough mechanic, as many can attest who have had occasion to require his services in repairing and doing little jobs calling for great skill in their accomplishment. In a larger field, and other different circumstances, Mr HATTICH would have taken a leading position among the intelligent mechanical minds of the country. He was a great favorite, not only with his countrymen, but with all classes as well. On Sunday last he was buried, his remains being followed to the grave by the fire organizations of Portage Lake and a large number of friends........... The Calumet & Hecla mining company has, as requested by many of the people in its employ, started an aid fund for its employees. Joining the fund is not compulsory. Those who join pay 50 cents a month, and boys whose wages do not amount to $30 a month are only charged 25 cents, the company with its usual liberality giving to the aid fund monthly the like amount that may be collected from the men. In case of death or becoming blind or crippled from injuries received whilst working for the company, the sum of $500. to be paid; if only partially crippled the sum of $300. In case of sickness from accident or otherwise, $25. Per month, to be paid for eight months. The above are the rates for persons who contribute 50 cents a month; those who pay 30 cents only to receive half the above benefits. As the Doctor’s fee for married men is to be reduced from $1. A month to 50 cents, the men can belong to the aid fund without paying any more than they are paying now. Mr. J. DISTARNELL, of Lake Superior and other map fame, has written a paper, which he is distributing in pamphlet form, on interest, usuary and taxation, in which he claims that as a people we pay too much interest for money. Mr. Distarnell’s effort is full of statistics which show care in their compilation. The two channel approaches to Portage Lake have been considerably deepened and otherwise repaired. Boats find no difficulty in coming into this port. In addition to what has already been done, Mr PRYER, the superintendent of the Portage River Improvement company, is going to do some dredging outside of the piers at the Entry, which will be a gratuitous performance on the part of the corporation. At the time, we failed to announce the appointment of Mr R. H. BRELSFORD as custom house officer of this port, in place of O. W. ROBINSON, resigned. Steamboat and vessel officers having business with the custom house will find the office in the Mineral Range railroad station, Hancock. Eighteen years ago today the first mercantile house in Hancock commenced business. The Indians have a complete monopoly of the whortleberry picking in these parts. Came to the enclosure of John REAULT, living at Boot Jack, Schoolcraft township, two large bay horses, one light and one dark. The dark one has a white spot on his forehead. The owner can have them by proving property and paying charges. Probate Order: Estate of Francesca STOLL deceased....verified of Andrew STOLL......... Probate Order: Estate of Michael STROM.....verified of Katrina STROM praying that John STROM be appointed administrator............ Died: LAWTON - On the night of the 8th inst. At the Delaware mine, Keweenaw County, of cholera infastum, George HARRIS, son of Fannie L.H. and John LAWTON, aged 4 months and six days. Died: LLOYD - At L’Anse, Michigan, Thursday Aug 9, 1877, Mr Joseph LLOYD. of Bristol, England, father of Samuel and Joseph LLOYD of this district, aged 77 years. The Mining Gazette, August 23, 1877 Mr Pat SHEA’s building in the Red Jacket, which he intends occupying as a livery stable is now completed., but he does not purpose commencing business until the snow is on the ground. Last Sunday night a young man employed in the Hecla barn named John PARIS, while on his way home, was assaulted by a couple of men named respectively HARRINGTON and MCCARTHY. In the row he lost his watch. His assailants have been arrested and stand a good chance of being tried on the charge of highway robbery. The nomadic or Gypsy-like habits of miners were brought out on a trial in Virginia City, Nevada, a while ago, when Thomas HAWKINS testified that he arrived from Cornwall, England, two years ago, and since then he bad worked in mines in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Nova Scotia, Canada, Lake Superior, Colorado, California, Montana, Idaho and Nevada, and when arrested for hitting a man over the head with a bottle was on his way to Australia. The effects of the Portage Lake extract works, including real estate, building and machinery, were sold "by the law" last Saturday to Mr. EMORY of Hancock, for a mere song. Congress will be petitioned to pension the heroic Ned LA PETE, of White Fish Point, for his last and previous acts of daring in saving human life. The painful intelligence was received in this city last week announcing the death of Dr Branaschweiler, well known to many of our people. It occurred at Los Angeles, California, on the 27th of July The Doctor became a resident of Appleton about ten years ago, having come here from the Lake Superior country, where he had achieved considerable distinction, both as a physician and mining engineer The deceased leaves a wife and three children who are residents of the First Ward of this city. (from the Appleton, Wis, Post) Owing to a miscalculation in railroad time and a heavy fog, Governor Croswell and the members of the legislature of the State of Michigan, who were due here last evening at 8 o’clock, did not arrive until 8 this morning they were met by a committee of citizens from Houghton county, composed of Hon. S. D. NORTH, Senator OSBURN, Hon. J.A. HUBBELL, Mr Chas. E. HOLLAND, Mr T.L. CHADBOURNE, Mr J. H. CHANDLER, Mr T.J. BROWN, Mr E. H. TOWAR, W. H. CARR, and Thos. N. LEE. The honored guests of the district are now out at Calumet taking in the wonders of that section Married: GARDNER - EATON. At the residence of A.J. COREY, Esq.. Quincy, Aug 16, by the Rev. E. W. FLOWER, Joseph L GARDNER, and Miss lnez M. EATON. Died: THOMAS. At Hancock, Wednesday, Aug 22, Rutherford 3. Thomas, son of John H. Thomas, ages 7 months and 13 days. Funeral tomorrow (Friday) at 3 o’clock. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, August 30, 1877 The Aaroostook county (Me) Pioneer, in noticing the death of W. DELAVAN, a "deaf mute," in San Francisco, states that the man was neither deaf nor dumb, but represented himself as such. In 1858 he was at Presque Isle, as a mute artist, representing that he was sketching scenery for a panorama of Aroostook. He was made much of and was admitted to every house as a welcome guest, and consequently became the possessor of many family secrets. He ran off with a blacksmith’s daughter, to whom he had revealed the fact that he was an imposter, but the enraged father overtook them, and they went back. They were finally married, however, and he subsequently deserted his wife and ran away with another woman. He afterwards turned up in the Lake Superior copper mines as a deaf mute government detective. Carry the news to Mary. A man arrived on the mail boat last night, who comes up here to find his wife, Mary Jane APPLETON, from whom he has been separated for 24 years. The last time he saw her was on the dock in Liverpool, England, August 27, 1853, just prior to his embarking for America. He thinks his Mary is somewhere in this section. Mr Appleton is a respectable, well-preserved old man, and appears to have money. Mary, come forth, and fall sobbing on the breast of your long-lost husband. Mr Geo. W. SHEARS has disposed of his meat market at Torch Lake to Mr Jacob STONAKER. of this place, Mr STONAKER to enter on the business on the first prox. The Allouez school the coming year will be in charge of Mr. W.A. HOBBS, assisted by Miss Emily J. BENNETTS, Mr PHILLPS will preside over the school at the stamps. A grand prize wrestling was commenced at Messrs. WILCOX & STEPHEN' ring in Red Jacket on Saturday last. It is to be continued on Saturday next, when fine play may be expected. The following is a list of the names of the teachers appointed by the trustees of the Lake Linden school: Mr Wm. BATH, Principal; Miss L. NICHOLS, preceptress, and music teacher; Miss A. STEWART, J. JOHNS, N. DALEY, F. GUCK; The Rev. Mr MILLER returned to his home in Wisconsin on Monday last, from whence he will send an answer to the call he has received.... The pulpit in the Congregational church is to be filled for the present by the Rev. Mr TUTHILL, of Minnesota. As a buggy, occupied by Mrs Clark THOMAS and two of her proteges....was crossing railroad at the entrance to Red Jacket....was run into by a car occupied by a gang of men who had been repairing the road On Tuesday evening last Miller’s Hall was comfortably filled with people to listen to a concert given by Mrs RB SHELDEN, of this place..........Mrs SHELDEN was to make her first appearance in public since her return from Boston, where she had been for a year for the purpose of cultivating her naturally fine voice................. On Monday evening last, Prof. Paul BINNER read Shakespearean and other selections before a limited audience at the court house................ Mrs Hulda FOOTE, teacher of German and music brings with her from her former home testimonials of the highest character.................. Last Tuesday evening John DUPUIS and Antoine SWEITZERBACHER got into a..... row........... The following is the list of teachers for the coming year in the High school, Hancock: S.E. WHITNEY, James B. LOONEY, Miss E. STRINGER, Miss E.M STOUT. Miss M. CLOSE, Miss M. BEDELL, Miss B. MAHONEY. Music teacher, Mrs C. A. WRIGHT. Monsieur Victor ALABESTA, of Sault Ste. Marie, who is now visiting some friends in this section, has been in the employ of the Hudson Bay company for 61 years. He entered the service when he was 20, so that he is now 81 years old. Mr J. H. THOMAS. superintendent of the Mineral Range telegraph line, has resigned, and his place has been filled by the appointment of Mr Fred BAWDEN, who had charge of the Hancock office for some time. The birch bark fans made at the Indian settlement south of Grand Island are prized very highly in Chicago, and the demand for them has been very large. The idle ones around here who are anxious to work can find employment for two years on the Canadian Pacific railway, on the northshore, at two dollars per day. Mr John GIBSON, merchant tailor, Hancock, started for below last Monday on the steamer Pacific to purchase his fall stock of goods. Mr Geo. BARROWS, a former resident of this place, but now in the printing business in Little Rock, Ark. Is visiting his friends up here. Probate Order: 13 Aug 1877, in the village of L’Anse: In the matter of the estate of Joseph D. LLOYD, deceased......................... Probate Order: 13 Aug 1877. in Houghton, Estate of Francesca STOLL, deceased ...........hearing set......................... File contributed for use in Houghton Co. USGenWeb Archives by Dick and June Ross. plh 2001 1877 September - October Issues - Some issues may be missing. ........denotes there was more to the article and the article with in is a shortened version. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich., September 6. 1877 On Friday last a miner named James RYAN was killed in the Hecla. His funeral on Sunday was largely attended. The inhabitants of the village of Red Jacket held their annual election on Tuesday last: Marshal, John STROM; Trustees, William NORTHY, Joseph WERTIN Jr., Peter RUPPE Jr., assessors, Capt John C. RYAN, Richard BASTIAN; Treasurer, Joseph HERMANN. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior. Mich., September 13, 1877 The wrestling match at Stephens & Wilcox’s ring was brought to a close on Saturday last, and the following were declared the winners of the several prizes: John BLYTH (the old country man), $50, first prize; Peter CARLYON, $45, second prize; James WILCOX, $20, third prize; Walter WILCOX, $10, fourth prize; Uncle Jim WILCOX, keg of beer, fifth prize. Owing to some financial difficulty, a certain amount of the paper of the Allouez mining company was allowed to go to protest the other day, and the result was there was no pay-day last week. The mine force stopped work, but after a consultation with the superintendent, Capt. Wm. HARRIS, went to work again, it being understood that the copper coming out is to used in paying employees’ wages......................... Wm. WITITE, as will be seen by his advertisement in today’s Gazette, has opened a blacksmith shop in town and intends making horseshoeing a specialty. At a regular meeting of the common council of the village of Houghton, held.........Sept 6, 1877, had present: C.D. SHELDEN, president; Wm MILLER. Josiah PAULL, Joseph CROZE, trustees........... William ROGERS has opened out a shop for job work in the tin shop formerly occupied by HOLLAND & SCOTT. He intends keeping a small stock of general hardware. A little son of Joseph LLOYD fell from the hay loft in the barn and broke his arm. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, September 20, 1877 In addition to the one built in the west of the village by Mr Geo. C. SHELDEN, Mr Peter GOTTSTEIN has commenced the erection of what is to be a sightly residence in the same locality. A miner from Cornwall arrived here last evening who was just 11 1/4 days from Liverpool, Eng. Last Thursday, John, son of Thomas DAVEY, who has charge of the Franklin stamp mill, was about starting away from the Pewabic dock in a row boat, when he fell over dead, the sudden snapping of life being caused it is supposed by heart disease. "Jack", as he was familiarly called, was a great favorite with all who knew him. His funeral on Saturday was a large one. The young man, Mathias EGGAN, who shot himself while out hunting partridges last week, is improving, and is now considered out of danger. John, a son of George CHAMBERS, employed by the M.H. & O.R.R as brakeman on an ore train, had his hand badly mashed while coupling cars at Spurr Mine last week. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton. Lake Superior, Mich, Sept 27, 1877 On Monday next the delinquent tax lands of Houghton county will be offered for sale at the office of Mr. J.B. STURGIS, county treasurer. On Friday last Mr Peter BELLEHEMEUR of this place captured at Pilgrim river one of the largest beavers ever taken in these parts. On Friday last a miner named JEFFRY was killed in the Franklin mine by a premature explosion. Alex SHIELDS is in the woods near Sturgeon river, exploring for slate. E. EDGERTON has the best crop of potatoes in L’Anse. A. THURLBY, superintendent Huron Bay slate quarry, has moved his family out to the quarry. I. A. BENNETT has a fine lot of light Brahma fowls and bronze turkeys, from pure stock purchased in Henry county, Ill. Win. MULOCH was somewhat injured at Pendry’s mill on Monday by the bursting of an emery wheel used for gumming saws. It was rather a narrow escape for him. P. C. MURPHY, who left L’Anse to work on the new road, building at Menominee, was dangerously hurt one day last week. He has since had his leg taken off. Mrs. M. has gone down to care for him. Geo. W. FEW of Fewsville, has been improving his property the present season. His numerous buildings have been painted white......................Mr. F. claims the honor of being the first man to raise watermelons successfully in the Upper Peninsula. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, October 4, 1877 The total revenue of the village of Red Jacket for the year ending Sep 4, was $8658.981 expenditures, $8864.19. Total amount due the village, $2,855; indebtedness, $2,186.50. Capt. W. HARRIS, of the Allouez mine, has purchased an interest in the mill erected for washing the sand made by the old Calumet stamps, and is to be the managing partner.................... L’Anse item: A new settlement has been started about 4 miles west of Baraga. James GUEST has located a homestead, and this year (his 3d one) he has 10 or 12 acres under cultivation. His crops are the finest in the county and consist of.............Three enterprising Swedes have located near Mr. G. and are doing their share toward clearing up and making a permanent settlement. They are steady, industrious................. Capt. Richard UREN started for the Black Hills on Tuesday. Died: CHADBOURNE - In Houghton, Oct 3, Eliza G., daughter of T.L. and G.K. CHAUBOURNE, aged 3 years. Funeral services from the house Friday at one o’clock. Mr Robt. SLOAN, the night watchman on the Hecla mine, whilst on his way to church on Sunday last, fell down when near St Patrick’s Hall.............., but is now fast recovering Mrs. E. L. MASON, who has been dangerously sick for the past three weeks, is now improving. Rev. Father JACKER, recently from Mackinac, preached in the Catholic church on Sunday 1st. His discourse was a very interesting one, being an account of the finding of the remains of Father Marquette. Prosper ROBERTS is moving away from L’Anse. He is going into the woods back of his farm at "Boot Jack," where he has a heavy lumbering contract with the Eastern company, which is building the mill at Pe­qui-qua wa-rn ng Point. Billy BART, son-in-law of Capt. BENDRY, went into the woods, directly back of his house, on Sunday last, hunting partridges. He did not arrive home at night, although when he started out he did not expect to be gone long. On Monday parties searched......And the mill whistle was blown at intervals.............. R M. STEAD was chosen captain, and an organized movement was decided upon...... about 9 o’clock Billy was found by an Indian, completely exhausted and unable to travel.................He had heard the whistle all day, but could not follow its sound. A limited number of miners can learn of a locality in South America in which to "pitch work", by application to this office. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior. Mich, Oct 18. 1877 The special event of the week was the marriage of Miss HARRIS, the youngest daughter of Capt. HARRIS of the Allouez Mine, to Dr PLEWS of the Quincy mine. The marriage took place at the captain’s residence, the Rev. Jacob HORTON, an old friend of the bride, officiating. Shortly after the ceremony the happy couple started on their wedding tour East. Meetings were held on the Calumet and Hecla locations on Saturday last for the purpose of organizing two fire companies.............For the Calumet fire company: Thomas HOATSON, president, James GRIERSON, vice-president, Fred MACKENZIE, secretary, John A. DAVIDSON, his alternate, John CAMM, treasurer, James RAMSAY, foreman, Duncan MACDONALD assistant, William DANIEL, 2d assistant, John HUTSON, 3d assistant. For the Hecla fire company: James WRIGHT, president, R. WAREHAM, vice-president, P.H. SWIFT, secretary, John DUNCAN, treasurer, Will A. CHILDS, foreman, Jacob REUTHER, 1st assistant, J. P. RYAN, 2d assistant. Married: PLEWS-HARRIS - At the Allouez mine, Oct 11, Rev Jacob HORTON, Calumet, officiating, Dr Bradford F. PLEWS, of Quincy mine, and Martha, youngest daughter of Capt Win. HARRIS. Married: CHAMBERLAIN - CONNER - At Hancock, Mich, Oct 9, by Rev E.R STILES, Wm H. CHAMBERLAIN, of that place, and Miss Pauline CONNER, of Depere, Wisconsin. Married: RICHARDS - LAY - At the Congregational church, Hancock, Oct 11, by Rev. E. R STILES, Richard S. RICHARDS and Miss Charlotte LAY, both of Quincy township, Mich. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, Oct 25, 1877 The Minong Mine, Isle Royale, has started on its winter siege under the guidance of Mr JACKMAN as mining superintendent and Mr HITCHCOCK in charge of the surface, both of whom have been on the property for some time. Mr J. R DEE, in charge of the Northwestern telegraph office at this place, has been experimenting with one of Professor A. Graham Bell’s telephones between his office, Hancock, Franklin and the Douglass House with the most satisfactory results. Conversations, laughter and songs, started at one end of the wire were distinctly heard at the other. Those familiar with the voice speaking at the time can readily distinguish it. Next week it is proposed to extend the wire into the parlor of the Douglass House and allow the ladies interested in the telephone to practically test its wonderful power in the transmission of the sound of the human voice. Married: STEWART - BEDELL At the home of the bride’s parents, in Hancock, Oct 17, by the Rev. D.B. MILLAR, Robert STEWART, of Daresville?, Mich, to Mary A. BEDELL, of Hancock. Charles L. AUGE has brought from his former home in Canada a pair of tamed wild geese, which he uses as decoys in hunting the untamed kind..................... File contributed for use in Houghton Co. USGenWeb Archives by Dick and June Ross. plh 2001 1877 November - December Issues - Some issues may be missing. ........denotes there was more to the article and the article with in is a shortened version. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich., Nov 1, 1877 Messrs. WARREN and REID, who were blasted in the Hecla mine as stated last week, are improving, but will each lose the sight of one eye. Last Sunday afternoon a little boy, son of John LA SEUR, fell off the Atlantic stamp mill dock and was drowned. The body was recovered on Tuesday. At the election in this place last Monday for village president to fill vacancy, Mr Wm. HARRIS was the successful candidate. Married: LYON - MEIKLE At Hancock, Oct 25, by the Rev E. E. STILES, Thomas Mclain LYON, of Houghton, and Miss Janet MEIKLE, of the former place. Portage Lake Mining Gazette, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, Nov 8. 1877 Last Tuesday, David MORGAN, a young man employed in the Concord mine, was ascending to the surfact with a drill in his hand, and when near the second level lost his balance and fell back to the fifth level. When he was picked up one of his limbs was broken and his skull badly fractured. He lived but a short time. Morgan was the sole support of a widowed mother who lives in Wales. He is to be buried today. Last Sunday morning the residence of Capt. Joseph CARTER, on Back Street, Franklin mine, was burned to the ground. Mr CARTER and family lost all their furniture, winter provisions, clothing together with a library worth several hundred dollars. Cause of fire unknown. Married: THENO - ZANGER In this place, on Tuesday, Nov 6, by Justice FLEISCHMANN, Frank THENO, of Pewabic Mine, AND Miss Louisa ZANGAR, of Hancock. L’Anse items: Jacob HOUGHTON, John R. THOMAS, Robert M. STEAD, and an Indian for packer, started out Monday morning, exploring for slate, to the vicinity of the Graphite mine, on Silver river.............. At a meeting of the school board of this graded district, held last week, K.R. PENBERTHY was appointed a trustee to fill vacancy caused by the removal from the district of Prosper ROBERTS, AND August MENGE was elected assessor. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, Nov 15, 1877 Capt. KRUSE, late of the Allouez, is going to take charge, the coming winter, of the mining operation of the........... property Isle Royale. Gathered in. Last Tuesday the body of Samuel EALDS, better known in this community as "Old Captain Saml," was found cold and stark in his bed at his residence. The coroner's inquest, held by Justice FLEISCHMANN, showed that death resulted from extreme age, the captain having reached his 90th year. In years gone by "Capt Sam" sailed on the ocean. He had been a resident of this place for a quarter of a century. The old man? Was a character in his way, and never had a great number of enemies. Mr DUGGAN is about to commence the skating rink on the dam adjoining the road leading to the Red Jacket An accident occurred in the Hecla mine on Friday night last. A party of miners, consisting of John HOCKING, Wm. JOHNS, and Wm. PHILLIPS, were engaged in charging a hole and had put in the third layer of sand, when by some means the charge exploded. HOCKING, who held the bar, received nearly the full burden, his skull being fractured in two places. One piece........Hocking was taken to the hospital where he expired on Sunday morning JOHNS and PHILLIPS were only slightly hurt. Wm. HOCKING's funeral took place on Monday afternoon, the body being followed to the grave by the members of the Temple of Honor, and of the DeWilton Lodge of good Templars, to which societies the deceased belonged. Hocking had been married only five weeks. Col. B.F. H. LYNN, who started the Ishpeming Iron Home, and at one time was editor of the Marquette Mining Journal, died at Mauch Chunk, Pa., last Saturday. Col. Lynn was the best newspaperman ever connected with the press of Lake Superior. The Red Ribbon club has fitted up one of the rooms in the old wheelhouse as a meeting place, where they propose holding meetings every Tuesday.............The evil of intemperance has been very strongly exemplified during the past week in the adjoining county by the death of Wm. RETALLACK, the photographer, formerly of Red Jacket Married: FORD - LALLY At Red Jacket, Monday, Nov 11, by Father PABLEAU, Mr. M. FORD and Miss Kitty LALLY. Probate Order: Estate of James BEESLEY, deased......petition verified of Annie VETTER, a daughter of deceased Probate Order; Estate of Emil E. MATZOID, deceased. E. D. ATWATER has moved his stock of hardware back to Negaunee, his trade not warranting the expenses of running a branch store at this place. In the item of last week in regard to the Silver River exploring party, the name of John R. THOMAS was inadvertently used instead of Capt. R. R. WILLIAMS. Jacob HOUGHTON, Esq. Is at the Lake Linden suffering from an attack of rheumatism, brought on by cold and exposure on his recent trip to Silver river. Wm HALL returned from the Huron Island lighthouse last week, where he is engaged as assistant, and found his family increased by the addition of a 12 pound boy. PENBERTHY & BRENNAN will get out a million feet of pine logs this winter. Their camp is located back of the Catholic mission and is already in running order, with 12 men at work, and Barney MCCAULEY as foreman. Sam. BOTRIN has established a logging camp on Sturgeon River, about 14 miles from L'Anse............. Martin MESSNER is laid up with a broken leg............He is under the care of Dr. FREMONT Probate Order: Estate of Virgil ST AMOUR, deceased................ PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, Nov 22, 1877 Out of the Range: Messrs. TAGGART & BUTLER are putting up a skating rink in the second street behind PINTON's iron clad store, and which they hope to have running in about two weeks. The township library will be reopened next week L'Anse: A youths' temperance society has been formed in L'Anse, with the following officers: James MACDONALD, president; Wm MACDONALD, vice-president; Willie MASON, secretary, and Josie LLOYD, treasurer. A.S. GUCK has manufactured about 1,000 cigars, since starting business here, and expects to be ready to supply his customers in Houghton county about Dec 1st...... Indian summer, interspersed with squaw winter, is still with us. F.G. ROBINSON, of the many weather prophets who make L'Anse Bay their home..........prophesies a late fall and a mild winter Miss E. S. BRUCE, Hancock, will give lessons in drawing, painting and music. For particulars inquire at the congregational parsonage. Arrangements are under way for giving the route between Calumet and Eagle River this winter first-class stage accommodations. Mr Geo. W. SHEARS, accompanied by his wife, has gone south for the winter, in the hope that his health will be benefited by the milder climate. Mr. Jno. DUNCAN has gone below for a month's vacation, during which time he proposes visiting his brother, Will, formerly of this place, but who is now the proprietor of a large hardware concern in Alexandrin, Nebraska. A special meeting of Portage township board was held last Saturday. Present, D. D. SHELDEN, supervisor, Seth REES and John PRYOR, justices and Wm HITCHINGS, clerk. The matter of Francis VOISARD, who claimed that his personal property had been rated too high, which was valued at $2,600 and called for a tax of $142.0l, was up for consideration. Justice PRYOR made a motion that Mr VOLSARD be refunded the sum of one hundred dollars by the township. Justice REES offered an amendment................. Antoine BLOING formerly treasurer of Webster township, presented a note............a motion was made and carried that Wm. HITCHINGS and Seth REES be appointed a committee ...........Voted and carried that George OSBORNE be appointed as constable to fill vacancy, caused by Louis DUQUETTE not qualifying. The friends of Mr. O.G. DITMARS in this section may like to know that he is now connected with the house of E. S. Jaffray & Co, No.850 Broadway, New York. To whom it may concern: Notice is hereby given that I, Abram JOSSILA, have, since the 31st day of March 1877, ceased to have any interest in or connection with the store owned by Henry JOHNSON & Co, at Red Jacket, Houghton Co, Michigan. Abram JOSSILA Red Jacket, Nov 6, 1877 PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, Dec. 6, 1877 Probate Order: Estate of James K. RYAN, deceased.............Petition duly verified of John RYAN, praying that John H. SPELLMAN, be appointed administrator............ Probate Order: Estate of Francis MAYWORM, deceased...........that the administrators, R. M. HOAR, and August KRELLWITZ, file their papers Probate Order: Estate of John EDDY, deceased. Petition duly verified of George WERTIN, administrator Probate Order: Estate of Michael, Thomas, Ellen, and James GALLIVAN, minors David HIMROD died at his residence in Waterford, Pa, on the 23d of last month. To the late Mr HIMROD is due much credit for calling attention to the iron ore of Lake Superior. He was a practical pig iron furnaceman, and as far back as 1851 visited Marquette County in a professional capacity. Mrs Samuel SHOYER, who died in Chicago last Friday, was formerly Miss Ella HANCHETT, and was well known in this section fifteen or sixteen years ago. Mr John CAMM, who has been so long and favorably known as chief clerk of the Calumet and Hecla mining company, has left its employ and proposes spending the coming winter with his friends in Canada where he hopes to do some tall shooting. The London Times states that the distress among the mining population of Cornwall has become so great as to require an organized charitable movement for their relief The Lake Superior News is the name of a neat looking paper that made its appearance in Hancock last Tuesday, on which day it is to be issued hereafter. The Messrs. HURLEY are its publishers, Mr Thos. HAGUE, a gentleman who we believe has had some newspaper experience, is credited with being the editor of the News. The treasurer of Portage township, Mr Joseph CROZE, as will be see in his announcement... will be at home every Friday during the balance of the month, to collect................. New stage line to L'Anse: I have now on the road between Portage Lake and L'Anse a number of first-class teams and stages, and am prepared to transport passengers and freight at the lowest figures. Luke WELSH The trustees have very recently procured a first-class piano for the use of the Lake Linden High School. At present Mr Wm. BATH, principal, is arranging what will prove a most enjoyable evening's entertainment, to take place in the lecture hall A housewife in town reports that in dressing a chicken for dinner last Sunday she found in his crop three paper 25 cent pieces Who says times are adamant! Billy FLAGSTAFF has taken a contract at $76 to fit out a private residence in this locality with Christmas evergreens. Died: WHITESIDES - At Houghton, Dec 12, of consumption, John WHITESIDES, aged 24 years. Funeral services tomorrow at 10:20 a. m. instead of 1:30 as previously announced. Mr P. H SWIFT, the president of the Calumet Reynolds' Reform club, upon the invitation of several of the residents of Torch Lake, attended at that place on Thursday evening last for the purpose of starting a "Red Ribbon" society there. About 22 members joined the club at the first meeting. Capt Richard UREN, who is out at the Black Hills in the interest of several of the prominent capitalists of the range and vicinity, has telegraphed here that the show on the location he went out to inspect is very favorable, and strongly advises a purchase. The skating rink on the Hecla dam was opened on Monday last to the public. Messrs. TAGGART & MORSE expect to have their rink ready for use next week. Mr F. G. WHITE, the township (Calumet) treasurer, will for the convenience of the tax-payers, attend at the Merchants' and Miners' bank every Friday during the month of December to receive taxes. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Houghton, Lake Superior, Mich, Dec 20, 1877 The Norwegians, Swedes, and Finlanders compared with other foreign classes, are in the majority on the Upper Peninsula. The Rev. Mr. STYLES, of Hancock, preached at the Congregational church on Sunday last. He and the Rev. Mr. MILLAR having exchanged pulpits for the day. Mr DUNCAN HAS RETURNED FROM HIS VISIT BELOW, DURING WHICH HE VISITED Nebraska in company with Capt. Geo. HARDIE, both of whom were very favorably impressed with the parts of the State they visited. Mrs Henry FISHER, Sr., died suddenly at her husband's residence, at Torch Lake, on Sunday last. The funeral took place in Houghton on Tuesday, and was attended by a very large number of friends and acquaintances. It is understood that Mr. PENNYMAN, of New Bedford, the present auditor of the Calumet and Hecla mining company, and who has made two visits to this country in the above capacity, will take the position of chief clerk, so long filled by Mr. CAMM. Mr PENNYMAN is expected here about the 1st proximo. The Red Ribbonites held ......a meeting in St. Patrick's Hall......Tuesday when the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: President - H. K. COLE, Vice pres. - J. A. DANIELSON, Sec - J. H. KERWIN, Treas - James WRIGHT, Fin'l see - Geo. WRIGHT, Sergts. - P.11 SWIFT, W. S. KINSMAN, Marshal - Thos. DEE. On Thursday last an accident occurred at the Hecla mine, by which one man was killed and two seriously hurt. A Finn named Jno. CARRINE was charging a hole in the hanging, while his partners John and Charles ISAACSON were charging a hole in the foot; all standing on the same stage. The hole that CARRINE was charging went off prematurely. CARRINE received a terrific blow.............from the effects of which he died in one hour. John ISAACSON had several ribs fractured, one penetrating his lung. Charles ISAACSON received a fracture in the right arm. Both the Isaacsons are doing well and have left the hospital for their homes. Early last Saturday morning the residence of Capt M. H. MERRIMAN, East Houghton, caught fire, and in a short time was consumed. Its destruction was hastened at one stage of the fire by an explosion inside of the house, cause unknown, of some considerable force, which blew up one end of the dwelling. Among the number present to render assistance was Mr Robert GIBBS, member of the carpenter firm of LEWIS & GIBBS. At the time of the explosion referred to Mr Gibbs was helping to remove some article from the burning house, and when the end of the building fell he was covered in under the ruins, and when taken out some little time afterwards, life was gone, and his body presented a horrible appearance, having been terribly burned and bruised. Mr GIBBS was a most estimable young man, and had resided in this section for a number of years. Through his industrious habits, sterling integrity, and exemplary mode of life, had had won a warm place in the hearts of those who knew him. His remains were buried last Sunday, and were followed to the grave by a large number of sorrowing friends. Last Saturday morning early, Capt M.H. MERRIMAN's residence in East Houghton, was discovered to be on fire, and in a short time was totally destroyed. Very little of the furniture was saved. During the progress of the fire an explosion took place in the burning building of great force, the cause of which, so far, remains a mystery. In accounting for the discharge, outburst, it was supposed that powder was the agent that produced it, Capt. MERRIMAN says there were no powder explosives of any kind on the premises. Some think the explosion resulted from some gas that was hidden between the walls. Besides the death of Mr Robert GIBBS, referred to elsewhere, which was caused by the explosion in question, a man named Anton RASSLER was severely injured about his person, having several ribs broken and receiving other painful bruises. "Toney" the name by which the hurt man is known, is a capital fellow, and those who know of his loyal conduct during the late sickness of Capt GUION, of the steamer Ivanhoe, heartily hope for his speedy recovery. Last Friday afternoon four or five boys were skating on the lake below Ripley, when they broke through the ice. One of the lads, named James DUNN, was drowned. Fortunately, Mr. H. S. BROWN, of Hancock passed at the time of the accident, and helped to rescue from the water the balance of the party. Mr J.H. FORSTER is in the district in the interest of the estate of the late Capt Thomas ROBERTS. Monday evening, Dec 31, Mr KASPERS, of Hurontown, gives a New Year's ball at his hall. In Memoriam - Died at Shelden-Columbian mine, East Houghton, Michigan, November 30, 1877, of paralysis, or consumption of the posterior columns of the spinal cord, Captain Thomas ROBERTS, aged 41 years. The subject of this notice was born at Camborne, Cornwall, England, and came to the copper mines of Lake Superior twenty-one years ago, and with the exception of a brief period passed in California and his native place, had resided here all those years. He was employed at the Cliff mine, the Pewabic and Shelden-Columbian at different times, and by good conduct and ability as a common miner, he, he earned his promotion to mine captain......For many years he had been an invalid..............His remains, with loving care, were interred in Forest Hill Cemetery On New Year's evening a grand ball will be given at the BAWDEN House, Eagle Harbor. A large number from this section are going over. Died: POPE - In Houghton, Dec 13 (or 15) Alice H., daughter of Graham and the late Alice H. POPE, aged one year and months. By a mutual arrangement with Mr H. D. LAFFERTY, of Calumct, Mr K.B. DRAKE, of Central Mine, has been made sole agent for the celebrated Weber piano and Estey organ, for Keweenaw county, Mich Valuable property for sale!...........well located Lots in and adjoining the Village of Houghton............a splendid waterfront and dock on Portage Lake in the Village of Houghton. Good tracts of Pine and hardwood land for sale cheap. Apply to R.K. ALLERTON, Portage Mine. PORTAGE LAKE MINING GAZETTE, Dec 27,1877 The annual election of officers of Houghton Lodge, No 218, F. & A.M., took place last Monday evening, resulting in the choice of the following gentlemen: Thos. N. LEE, W. M.; Dr. Geo. FULLER, S.W.; J. Am AMES, J. W.,; Wm HARRIS, treasurer; Joseph MAYWORM, secretary; E. E. LANGDON, Tylar. Installation of these officers will take place this evening Thursday, Dec. 7. The Union Temple of Honor, No.48, elected on Saturday last officers for the ensuing year as follows: James EVANS, W.C.T.; Hy JAMES, W.V.T.; Wm CRAZE, W, sec; Oliver SYMONS, W.F. rec; Stephen NICHOLAS, W. treas.; William BONDS, W, assistant secretary. Lieut. INGALLS, detailed by the war department to instruct the pupils of the High school in this place in military drill, and who has been residing here in that capacity for a year or more, has been recalled and ordered to report at the East Mr Peter DAVIS, who was overcome by heat last Monday while laboring in his garden, is recovering slowly. This probably the only case of sun-stroke occurring late in December on record on Portage Lake. ..............Our "oldest inhabitant' whom we've known for years and years is an immense success. He is full of years...........His memory is ripe and clear, and its tablets are ready to furnish data concerning details up here running back to 1795......His name is Edward SANTINAU and he was born in 1781. Mr SANTINAU has lived on Lake Superior for 90 years If the accounts from there are true, Mar John MARTIN, formerly of this place, has struck some very rich gold leads in the Black Hills. Wm. O. DUNCAN, so well known to old Lake Superiorites, died in Detroit last week. For years Mr. DUNCAN was an active business man in that city, and served as its mayor at one time. A Virginia City (Nev.) paper notes the shooting, at that place, as one "William BANCROFT a copper miner from Lake Superior." The item don't state whether the shot proved fatal or otherwise. File contributed for use in Houghton Co. USGenWeb Archives by Dick and June Ross. plh revised 2001