History
Early Pittsfield Township
In the early 1800s, the famous Sauk Indian chief, Black Hawk, crossed through Pittsfield Township with other indians from the junction of the Rock River and Mississippi River (in Illinois) on their annual trip to Malden (in Canada) to receive tribute payments from the British. In his autobiography, Black Hawk also records coming through the township to fight on behalf of the British during the War of 1812.
In 1824, the first purchase of federal land in what later would become Pittsfield Township was made by Geo. W. Noyes in what is now Township Section 10. Section 10 is located between Platt and Stone School Roads, bordered by Packard Road on the north and Ellsworth Road on the south. Most of this area now has been annexed into the City of Ann Arbor.
Government land in the township was rapidly taken after Noyes purchased his lot in May 1824. Since little land was taken by speculators, it was acquired and settled quickly by individual landowners. For a list of patentees from the 1820s and early 1830s, please see 1820/1830s List of Owners by Section.
This area, which was part of Wayne County, became Ann Arbor Township in 1827. The population consisted of mostly immigrants from eastern states such as New York and Pennsylvania. By 1830, the land had been divided between Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Saline Townships, as follows: two and one-half miles on the north was connected with Ann Arbor; the west half of the remainder to Saline, and the east half to Ypsilanti.
Naming Pittsfield Township
The township of Pittsfield was organized according to the act of the Territorial Council, in 1834, its first town meeting being held in April of that year. Prior to the organization of the township, a meeting was held at the McCracken schoolhouse for the purpose of selecting a name. At this meeting there were 13 people present, each of whom chose the name of the town from which he had come. Some of the names proposed were too long to suit the majority. Finally, Ezra Carpenter (his homestead was located in Section 11 - the present area southwest of Carpenter and Packard Roads) offered the name of "Pitt," for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham (see below). His suggestion was seconded by Roderick Rowley, a resident of Section 36 (the present area west of Munger and Bemis Roads). Such admiration and respect was inspired by the great British orator and statesman, fifty years after his death, that the Township was named "Pitt Township" by its residents.
The Sixth Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan passed the Act enabling the organization of the "Township of Pitt" on 7 March 1834. This name was retained until 22 March 1839 when it was changed to "Pittsfield Township" by act of the Michigan State Legislature. One hundred and thirty-three years later (1972) the residents of Pittsfield Township voted to become a charter township and the name was changed once more to "Pittsfield Charter Township.”
William Pitt, 1708-1778
Pittsfield Township was named for William Pitt (1708-1778), who was elected to parliament in 1735. During his time in office, he accused his government of neglecting the two million people in the America colonies. His concern for America lasted his whole life. William Pitt won the cooperation of the colonies when he directed the war that drove the French from America. He had endorsed the repeal of the Stamp Act, proclaiming "This country has no right under heaven to tax America" and warned, "If you conquer them, you cannot make them respect you". It is not difficult to see why the pioneers settling the Americas were impressed by his leadership.
Historic Sites
The Sutherland-Wilson farmstead located at 797 Textile was acquired by Pittsfield Township from the family November 16, 2000 with the understanding it would be preserved as an historic site. Renovation/restoration of the buildings to their 19th century state was done by the Pittsfield Township Historical Society and the Township, and it is now an educational resource for the community.
The Sutherland-Wilson Farm Museum is used for special events, such as the annual Pittsfield Township Harvest Festival (on hold 2020-22 due to Covid). Free docent-led tours of the farmhouse are held the 3rd Sunday of every month May-October, from 2-5 pm. The newly updated meeting/class room in the farmhouse may be used for historical society meetings and other educational programs.
Sutherland-Wilson Farm Brochure
Description of Sutherland-Wilson Farm
The Sutherland-Wilson Family
Note: This introduction to Sutherland-Wilson farm and the families that lived there, was written by Mary Campbell, herself a long-time resident of Pittsfield Township.
The Sutherland-Wilson family lived on their farm at 797 Textile for six generations -- from the time Langford Sutherland purchased it in 1832 until 2000. This family may have been continuous residents of the township longer than any other.
Over the years Langford bought more land. He and his wife, Lydia, had eight children, one of whom, Tobias, made his home on the part of the farm that now is owned and preserved by Pittsfield Township as an historic site.
Tobias married Harriet Knaouse and they had two children, Ernest and Bessie. Ernest and his wife, Delia Rheinfrank Sutherland had an only child, Mildred who married Arthur Wilson; their son, Harold and his wife Mary Roy Wilson continued to live in the beautiful old farm house until 2000. Neal, their only child and his wife Anita Bruder Wilson lived next door in the old tenant house. In later years, the Wilson's rented their land to other farmers, but continued to garden as long as they lived there.
Harold and Mary Wilson Oral History
The Contemporary Roach Farm on Textile Road
The Webb Farm, c. 1862
The Webb homestead lay on the west side of Thomas Road, halfway between Morgan and Textile roads (NW 1/4 Sec. 22). The people in front of the farmhouse are from left to right: Joseph Frederick Webb; James Hadley Webb (Iron Brigade volunteer--Civil War); Emma Marriott Webb; Ann Marriott (wife of the covered wagon owning Joseph Marriott who cleared the land and built a log cabin and ultimately the house) and unknown black man holding the horse (possibly an Aray; their property adjoined the Webbs).
During the summer of 1825, Pittsfield erected the first schoolhouse in Washtenaw County (Malletts Creek School). Built of logs, it was located on the northwest quarter of section 11 (near Platt and Packard roads). The history of this and some other Pittsfield Township schools are included here.
Malletts Creek School, 1825-1853
Carpenter School, 1837-present (preceded by Malletts Creek School)
Roberts School, 1837-1953
Town Hall School, 1840-1957
Stone School, 1854-present (preceded by Malletts Creek School)
Valentine School, 1857-195?
Pittsfield has historic cemeteries, one of which is no longer extent. These cemeteries are:
Crittenden Cemetery, originally at Bemis and Carpenter roads; all graves and stones have been removed.
Harwood Cemetery, southeast corner of Textile and Campbell roads; the first burial occurred here in 1824.
Terhune Pioneer Cemetery, north of Packard, east of Platt, and south of Washtenaw; now in Ann Arbor; the first burial occurred here in 1825.
Old Negro Burying Ground is alluded to in various historic documents. Learn more in this article by PTHS archivist Helen Richards where she describes the evidence that it was at an unidentified location described as being south of Ellsworth Road and east of Carpenter Road.
Pittsfield Preserve - In April 2002, the 535 acres that currently comprise the Pittsfield Preserve were acquired by Pittsfield Township. This area, along with the previously owned Palmer Park, will define Pittsfield Township, providing space for historic habitat; passive and active parks; and other township facilities. A portion of this space -- at the southeast corner of Morgan and Thomas Roads -- may become an Historic Town Center. This is where the original Town Hall (1853-1955) and old Town Hall School (1840-1957) were located.
Pittsfield Junction - In 1917, the Ann Arbor Railroad erected a new station at Pittsfield Junction, south of Ann Arbor, at a connection with the NYC's Ypsilanti branch. The cost of the station was $2,200. This station took the place of a station that burned down two years before. [Insert Pictures]
Historic Textile Road in Pittsfield Township, Michigan – Did you know Textile Road tells a fascinating story about 13,000 years of natural and human history? Find out how by reading this article by Pittsfield historian C. Edward Wall.
The East Ann Arbor neighborhood encompassed the area around Packard and Platt roads, which now is part of the city of Ann Arbor. It is the contemporary community that emerged from the historic Malletts Creek Settlement. Read the History of East Ann Arbor by Mary Cruse written c. 2000, and and a history of Malletts Creek Settlement and School, 1824-1853 by R.C. Campbell published in 1924.
People
Early Settlers of Pittsfield Township
Note: The following description of Pittsfield Township is taken from the NEW HISTORICAL ATLAS OF WASHTENAW COUNTY MICHIGAN ILLUSTRATED, Everts & Stewart, 1874, Compiled, Drawn and Published From Personal Examinations and Surveys Chicago, Ill. 1874.
Pittsfield, memorable not alone for its unsurpassed fertility and location, but for its many self-denying early pioneers. This town was first settled in 1824, in which year Samuel McDowell, Ezra Maynard, Lewis Barr, and Oliver Whitmore, with their families, came and occupied the land. Mr. Barney settled in 1825, in the Whitmore settlement. On the books of the United States Land Office at Detroit we find the following entries of land for this year, viz: June 4, Ezra Barr, in Section 2; Ezra and Charles M. Maynard, the south half of Section 3; John Hiscock, Sections 4 and 9; Claudius Britton, Jr., Section 3; June 7, Oliver Whitmore, Section 11; Samuel McDowell, southwest half of Section 2; June 14, Luke H. Whitmore, Section 2; July 29, Joseph Parsons, Jr., Section 2; September 21, Charles Anderson, Section 2. In the spring following (1825) Eri Higby located on Section 4; Dr. Kellogg on Section 3, Robert Geddes on Sections 7 and 18, and John Gilbert and Jonathan Kearsley on Section 31. These were the first purchases. David Hardy came in 1825. Thomas Wood was also an early settler in the south part of the town, and one of the most successful farmers in the County. Of him it is said: “He made the most money from small beginnings of any one in this section.” He died some eight years or more ago.
Pittsfield was organized in 1836, prior to which it was included in the civil jurisdiction of Ann Arbor Township. When organized, it was christened "Pitt," after the celebrated statesman and orator; but, subsequently, “field” was very appropriately added, as it is truly a region of fertile fields. In the early day her people not only went to Ann Arbor for marketing, blacksmithing, etc., but to church, with ox-teams. The Indians supplied them the first year or two with cranberries and venison. "Quinine and marsh-hay" also were valued allies in those days. Mr. Maynard says the boys of that time often used to go hunting and fishing with the Indians.
Oliver Whitmore was the first justice in Pittsfield; Miss Brooks the first school teacher, in 1826-7. The first birth was that of a daughter of Samuel D. McDowell, now Mrs. A. R. Hall, in 1824. The records inform us that the members of the First and Second Wesleyan Societies of Pittsfield Township met at school-house in District 3 on the 22d day of September, 1845, and organized a society known as the "First Wesleyan Methodist Society of Pittsfield." David Page bought the farm, and sold it to the County, about 1836, upon which the poorhouse was built. The first structure, a frame building, was commenced in the summer and finished in the fall of 1836, and two years later the stone building was constructed. Its first superintendents were Lewis Barr and Samuel D. McDowell, of Pittsfield, and Job Gorton, of Ypsilanti. Moses Boylan was the first keeper.
Pittsfield is noted for its grain, stock, and excellent fruit, its fine farms and thrifty farmers. There is neither village, hamlet, nor post-office, in this town.
People of Note
Carpenter, Ezra - Ezra Carpenter was born at Attleborough, Mass. on 16 August 1776. He moved to Groton, Tompkins Co., N.Y., in 1803, and drew the first load of household goods ever brought into that town -- at a time when it was a wilderness, and heavily timbered. In 1826 he came to Michigan, arriving at Detroit on May 12, and in Pittsfield Township fifteen days later. He acquired land on sections 11 and 12, now called "Carpenter's Corners." He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, of Ypsilanti, and a "standard bearer" in that body of Christians. He died on 17 February 1841, at 65 years of age.
Source: This brief entry was prepared by the Historical Committee of Pittsfield Township, which helped compile information for The History of Washtenaw County Michigan (Chas Chapman & Co., 1881). Members of the Historical Committee were Horace Carpenter, David Dupue and Randall Boss.
Harwood, William Sidney (d. 1963) bio by Marcia Ticknor
Lillie, Robert A., Pittsfield Township Supervisor, 1969-1983, tribute by C. Edward Wall
Reader Sr., James D, Pittsfield Township Treasurer, 1967-1987, tribute by C. Edward Wall
The Pittsfield Township Oral History Project was coordinated and chaired by Emily Hopp Salvette from 2000-2008. Interviews were conducted by volunteers, and all costs were covered by contributions to the Pittsfield Township Historical Society.
Permission to use transcripts in whole or in part is granted for educational and research purposes. Re-publication or any commercial use of transcripts is strictly prohibited without advance written permission of the Pittsfield Township Historical Society.
Interview Descriptions
Aldrich, James: James Aldrich served on the Pittsfield Township Board of Trustees from 1970 - 2000. He was born in Ypsilanti and moved to Pittsfield Township when he and his wife bought a home in 1965. In his 30 years on the board, he and his colleagues managed many changes as development turned the Township from a rural to suburban one. Interview date: 1/9/2005
Campbell, Mary: Miss Campbell, whose mother's family came to Pittsfield Township in 1833, was born at Cobblestone Farm on Packard Road in 1915, living there most of her life until the City of Ann Arbor acquired the 271 acre farm in the early 1970's for use as an historic park. Interview date: 1/19/2000
Cruse, Mary: Mary Maury Cruse was born in Ann Arbor in 1926 and has lived almost her entire life in Pittsfield Township. She and her husband Ronald owned and operated East Ann Arbor Hardware for 25 years. Mary also is an accomplished photographer, and has taken many photographs of scenes in Pittsfield Township. Interview date: 4/13/03
Farrell, Rose: Rose was born 10/23/1921 in Pulaski, Michigan. Her mother was from Poland and her father was from Russia. Rose grew up on a farm, went through nurses training and worked as a nurse in various capacities during her life. She and her husband brought a house in Pittsfield Township in 1953 where she still lives. She served on the Pittsfield Planning Commission for 23 years and was a Charter Member of the PTHS. Interview date: 3/9/2004
Fritts, Ethel: Ethel West Fritts was born at home in Howell, MI on July 18,1922. Her family moved to the city of Ann Arbor when she was a baby. These were hard times for the family during the depression, when her father lost his job and worked for the WPA. She married Harold Fritts in 1946 and after his military service, they moved up north to farm. They returned to the Ann Arbor area, moving to Pittsfield Township in 1952. They raised 4 children, including their oldest daughter Marcia Fritts Ticknor, one of the founders of the Pittsfield Township Historical Society. Interview date: 3/11/2004
Geddes, Pauline Witherby; Hannah Geddes Wright; and Jennifer Wright Pauline Witherby Geddes came to Pittsfield Township in 1943 after her marriage to Charles Geddes. They lived, worked, and reared six children on the Geddes family farm, which had been established in 1845 by Charles' great-grandfather William Geddes. Mrs. Geddes and her daughter, Hannah Geddes Wright describe the daily routine of farm life from WWII to the 1980s. Interview date: 10/28/2003
Gutekunst, Lillian Peters: Lillian Peters Gutekunst came to the township as a teenager in the 1920's. She married and raised her family, participating in many activities common to rural wives of the period: the Pittsfield Grange, Extension Group, and Pittsfield Ladies Aid. Interview date: 7/21/2000
Gutekunst, Walter; and Carl Thayer: Water Gutekunst (son of Lillian Gutekunst) and Carl Thayer are long-time members of the Pittsfield Township Fire Department, which began in 1948. They describe the development of the department, training, equipment, and major events related to firefighting in Pittsfield Township and surrounding communities. Interview date: 1/12/2003
Hertler, Carlton: Carlton Hertler, who was born at the family farm on Michigan Avenue in 1924, is related to many of the long-time families in Pittsfield: Webers, Harwoods, and Steebs to name a few. Interview date: 3/10/2002
Johnson, Lloyd: Lloyd Johnson has been a successful businessman and active member of the Pittsfield Township community since 1946. He and his wife Mabel owned Whitehall Convalescent Home and other nursing homes in Florida. They also owned and operated the local radio station, WAAM. Interview date: 6/10/2001
Leverett, Dorothy: Mrs. Leverett and her late husband, Charles, opened a produce stand at Carpenter's Corner in 1957 that evolved into Leverett's Country Market, a 45-year institution in the township at the corner of Carpenter and Packard roads. Interview date: 3/11/2001
McCalla, William: Mr. McCalla was a life-long farmer in Pittsfield Township who turned his father's Broadview Farm on Stone School Road into one of the premier hog operations in the state of Michigan. Interview date: 4/9/2000
Meenan, Ernestine Wilson: Ernestine Wilson Meenan is the daughter of Arthur and Mildred Sutherland Wilson and sister of Harold Wilson. She grew up in the 1930s on the Sutherland-Wilson farm. Interview date: 7/30/2001
Morris, E.A. Jackson (Jack); and Douglas Woolley: Jack Morris and Doug Woolley both were Pittsfield Township Supervisors. Jack served on the Pittsfield Township planning commission from 1969 to 1983. Then he was appointed to fill Robert Lillie's unexpired term as Supervisor. He ran for election in his own right the next November, and served as Supervisor until February 1995, when he was succeeded by Doug Woolley. Doug, who had served as a Township Trustee for 20 years, was Supervisor until November 2000. They were involved in the governance of Pittsfield Township during years of incredible growth. Interview date: 6/8/2003
Nordman, Frank: Frank Nordman was born in 1905 and lived most of his life in Pittsfield Township. He remembers as a small boy going with his father to Dan Ellsworth's to pay taxes and falling asleep behind the cook stove. Interview date: 6/9/2002
Paul, Kenneth: Ken Paul grew up on and farmed his grandfather's farm bought in the 1870s. It was located just west of the Sutherland School House. Ken, with the help of childhood friend Russ Payeur who was in the audience, reminisce about life on the farm, in country school, and in the farm community that was Pittsfield Township until recently. Interview date: 1/13/2008
Payeur, Richard and Russell: Richard and Russell Payeur are brothers who grew up near Pittsfield Junction during the 1930's and 40's. They were members of the volunteer fire department for many years and operated a construction business in the area. They know everyone! Interview date: 9/8/2002
Phillips, John, and Elizabeth McGuire: John Phillips was Director of Public Safety for many years. He joined the department in 1978 when it had six employees, and retired in December 2008 when it had 104. Elizabeth Hopp McGuire joined the department in 1985, and at the time of this interview, she was Deputy Director of Police Services. Interview date: 3/12/2006
Reader, James: James Reader was treasurer of Pittsfield Township from 1967 to 1987. He played a significant role in the transition of the township from a rural community to a major charter township. Interview date: 10/14/2001
Wilson, Harold and Mary: Mr. Wilson, a descendent of one of Pittsfield Township's first settlers, Langford Sutherland, is a life-long resident of the township -- living on the historic Sutherland-Wilson farmstead, which was built in the 1830s and recently acquired by Pittsfield Township for preservation as an historic site. Interview date: 4/3/2001
Township Operation in 1858
Written by Robert Campbell, 11 August 1858
I will now give you a sketch of our township proceedings.
The Township' elections are by ballot. The officers to be elected are Supervisor, Township Clerk, Treasurer, 3 School Inspectors, 3 Highway Commissioners, 2 Justice of the Peace, 3 Constables, 2 Poor Masters, 1 Pound Master and an Overseer for each road district in the Township.
The duty of the Supervisor is to go in the month of April to every house in the Township and take down the real estate and personal property of each individual liable to pay taxes. This he is allowed by law to value according to his own judgement. The valuation is usually quite moderate. After he had received from the proper quarter the amount of money to be raised by tax in the township then he makes out a list of the amount to be paid by each and hands it over to the Treasurer for collection. He also received the school reports from the director he sends to the County Treasurer in order to get the public money. He has to attend the board of supervisors with one from each Township in the County.
The Township Clerk is one of the School Inpsectors by virtue of his office. He attends on Inspection days, writes out and signs the teacher certificates. He keeps the Township Library and gives out the books to the Inspectors of several districts. He does a number of other things too, too many to mention.
The Treasurer in the month of December goes through the Township to collect the taxes, remit the money to the County Treasurer. Then in the spring draws from him the library school money belonging to his township.
The School Inspections are taken from the most learned. They visit the schools at least once in each term, selecting books for the library layout and the school districts and make any change in the same that may be deemed beneficial.
The Highway Commissioners receive petitions, survey and lay out new roads, shut up old one where necessary, order bridges to be built and ditches to be dug.
The Justice of the Peace does the law jobs and so at times marries a couple.
The Poor Masters attend to cases of destation, sometimes they give money, sometimes clothing, and sometimes sends them to the County Poor House.
The Pound Masters take charge of stray cattle that are brought to him, advertise them and if not claimed in a given time are sold expenses paid, the balance if any, goes to the poor.
The Road overseers generally termed Path Masters receive their warrants from the road commissioners with the number of days each individual in his district has to work. Warns them when and where he wants the work done and should see that it is judiciously applied.
Lists of local officials and election results
Township Supervisors, 1834-present
Township Clerks, 1834-1980
Township Treasurers, 1834-1880
Township Justices of the Peace, 1836-1880
Election returns sent to the Washtenaw County Clerk from 1885 to 1901
Documents
Orange Risdon's Map of 1825
This is a section of the first map of southeastern Michigan, which was created by Orange Risdon in 1825. This portion includes lands actually surveyed by Risdon, including Pittsfield Township and the Saline area, which he later founded as a community.
Pittsfield Township is the first "Township Three" directly west of Ypsilanti/Woodruff's Grove and north of the dividing line between the Detroit and Monroe Land Office areas.
Note Malletts Creek in the northern part of Pittsfield Township, along which some of the first homes were constructed and near which the first school in Washtenaw County was built in 1825.
Also note the important "United States Road from Detroit to Chicago" -- known originally as the Old Sauk Trail -- subsequently the Chicago Road, US 112, Route 12, and Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Road was surveyed by Orange Risdon, making it one of the first roads laid out with federal funds. When Risdon began surveying the road, it was his intent to make the road as straight as possible between Detroit and Chicago. He started his survey from Detroit, but by the time he reached Pittsfield Township -- and encountered the marshes east of Saline -- he realized he would have to closely follow the original Old Sauk Trail to avoid major obstacles like the marshes. Thus, west of Pittsfield Township, the road is much more meandering and winding than is the road between Detroit and Pittsfield Township.
Source: This image from Risdon's map is provided courtesy of the William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan. The University owns two of the thirteen surviving copies of the Risdon map. This portion of the map is mounted on the Pittsfield Township Historical Society website with the permission of the Clements Library.
Plat Maps
Plat maps show who owns a section of land. Below we have Pittsfield Township maps for various years along with its list of property owners (sometimes it's hard to read the handwriting!). Some years' plat maps aren't available, but we do have the list of owners.
We start with the 1820/1830s plat map of Pittsfield Township Patentees. A patentee is the person who originally received the land from the federal government. Most patentees sold their land to settlers. See more about Federal Land Patents, including the ability to look up specific patents, at the US Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. Of interest is the Sutherland-Wilson Farm Land Patent issued 1 December 1831 to Jonathan Meeds, who transferred ownership to Langford Sutherland in 1832.
1820/1830s Plat Map of Pittsfield Township Patentees with an introduction by Marcia Ticknor and a list of patentees by section
1895 List of Owners by Section
Treaty of 1807 With the Ottawa, Etc.
Note: By this treaty, native peoples transferred ownership of an area that includes Pittsfield Township to the United States Federal government. To view a map showing the affected area in Michigan, please see: Michigan 1. The affected land in southeast Michigan is depicted in green. For details, click the Zoom In button and then click the green portion of the map. On the map, the "or" in "Ann Arbor" appears where Pittsfield Township is located.
November 17, 1807
Proclaimed January 27, 1808
Articles of a treaty made at Detroit, this seventeenth day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seven, by William Hull, governor of the territory of Michigan, and superintendent of Indian affairs, and sole commissioner of the United States, to conclude and sign a treaty or treaties, with the several nations of Indians, north west of the river Ohio, on the one part, and the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the Ottoway, Chippeway, Wyandotte, and Pottawatamie nations of Indians, on the other part. To confirm and perpetuate the friendship, which happily subsists between the United States and the nations aforesaid, to manifest the sincerity of that friendship, and to settle arrangements mutually beneficial to the parties; after a full explanation and perfect understanding, the following articles are agreed to, which, when ratified by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States, shall be binding on them, and the respective nations of Indians.
ARTICLE I. The sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the nations aforesaid, in consideration of money and goods, to be paid to the said nations, by the government of the United States as hereafter stipulated; do hereby agree to cede and forever quit claim, and do in behalf of their nations hereby cede, relinquish, and forever quit claim, unto the said United States, all right, title, and interest, which the said nations now have, or claim, or ever had, or claimed, in, or unto, the lands comprehended within the following described lines and boundaries: Beginning at the mouth of the Miami river of the lakes, and running thence up the middle thereof, to the mouth of the great Au Glaize river, thence running due north, until it intersects a parallel of latitude, to be drawn from the outlet of lake Huron, which forms the river Sinclair; thence running north east the course, that may be found, will lead in a direct line, to White Rock, in lake Huron, thence due east until it intersects the boundary line between the United States and Upper Canada, in said lake, thence southwardly, following the said boundary line, down said lake, through river Sinclair, lake St. Clair, and the river Detroit, into lake Erie, to a point due east of the aforesaid Miami river, thence west to the place of beginning.
ART. II. It is hereby stipulated and agreed on the part of the United States, as a consideration for the lands, ceded by the nations aforesaid, in the preceding article, that there shall be paid to the said nations, at Detroit, ten thousand dollars, in money, goods, implements of husbandry, or domestic animals, (at the option of the said nations, seasonably signified, through the superintendent of Indian affairs, residing with the said nations, to the department of war,) as soon as practicable, after the ratification of the treaty, by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States; of this sum, three thousand three hundred and thirty three dollars thirty three cents and four mills, shall be paid to the Ottoway nation, three thousand three hundred and thirty three dollars thirty three cents and four mills, to the Chippeway nation, one thousand six hundred sixty six dollars sixty six cents and six mills, to the Wyandotte nation, one thousand six hundred sixty six dollars sixty six cents and six mills, to the Pottawatamie nation, and likewise an annuity forever, of two thousand four hundred dollars, to be paid at Detroit, in manner as aforesaid: the first payment to be made on the first day of September next, and to be paid to the different nations, in the following proportions: eight hundred dollars to the Ottoways, eight hundred dollars to the Chippeways, four hundred dollars to the Wyandottes, and four hundred dollars to such of the Pottawatamies, as now reside on the river Huron of lake Erie, the river Raisin, and in the vicinity of the said rivers.
ART. III. It is further stipulated and agreed, if at any time hereafter, the said nations should be of the opinion, that it would be more for their interest, that the annuity aforesaid should be paid by instalments, the United States will agree to a reasonable commutation for the annuity, and pay it accordingly.
ART. IV. The United States, to manifest their liberality, and disposition to encourage the said Indians, in agriculture, further stipulate, to furnish the said Indians with two blacksmiths, one to reside with the Chippeways, at Saguina, and the other to reside with the Ottaways, at the Miami, during the term of ten years; said blacksmiths are to do such work for the said nations as shall be most useful to them.
ART. V. It is further agreed and stipulated, that the said Indian nations shall enjoy the privilege of hunting and fishing on the lands ceded as aforesaid, as long as they remain the property of the United States.
ART. VI. It is distinctly to be understood, for the accommodation of the said Indians, that the following tracts of land within the cession aforesaid , shall be, and hereby are reserved to the said Indian nations, one tract of land six miles square, on the Miami of lake Erie, above Roche de Boeuf, to include the village, where Tondaganie, (or the Dog) now lives. Also, three miles square on the said river, (above the twelve miles square ceded to the United States by the treaty of Greenville) including what is called Presque Isle; also four miles square on the Miami bay, including the villages where Meshkemau and Waugau now live; also, three miles square on the river Raisin, at a place called Macon [this is 12 miles south of Pittsfield Township], and where the river Macon falls into the river Raizin, which place is about fourteen miles from the mouth of said river Raizin; also, two sections of one mile square each, on the river Rouge, at Seginsiwin's village; also two sections of one mile square each, at Tonquish's village, near the river Rouge; also three miles square on lake St. Clair, above the river Huron, to include Machonce's village; also, six sections, each section containing one mile square, within the cession aforesaid, in such situations as the said Indians shall elect, subject, however, to the approbation of the President of the United States, as to the places of location. It is further understood and agreed, that whenever the reservations cannot conveniently be laid out in squares, they shall be laid out in paralelograms, or other figures, as found most practicable and convenient, so as to contain the area specified in miles, and in all cases they are to be located in such manner, and in such situations, as not to interfere with any improvements of the French or other white people, or any former cessions.
ART. VII. The said nations of Indians acknowledge themselves to be under the protection of the United States, and no other power, and will prove by their conduct that they are worthy of so great a blessing.
In testimony whereof, the said William Hull, and the sachems and war chiefs representing the said nations, have hereunto set their hands and seals.
Done at Detroit, in the territory of Michigan, the day and year first above written.
William Hull [L.S.]
Chippewas:
Peewanshemenogh, his x mark, [L.S.]
Mamaushegauta, or Bad Legs, his x mark, [L.S.]
Pooquigauboawie, his x mark, [L.S.]
Kiosk, his x mark, [L.S.]
Poquaquet, or the Ball, his x mark, [L.S.]
Segangewan, his x mark, [L.S.]
Quitchonequit, or Big Cloud, his x mark, [L.S.]
Quiconquish, his x mark, [L.S.]
Puckenese, or the Spark of Fire, his x mark, [L.S.]
Negig, or the Otter, his x mark, [L.S.]
Measita, his x mark, [L.S.]
Macquettequet, or Little Bear, his x mark, [L.S.]
Nemekas, or Little Thunder, his x mark, [L.S.]
Sawanabenase, or Pechegabua, or Grand Blanc, his x mark, [L.S.]
Tonquish, his x mark, [L.S.]
Miott, his x mark, [L.S.]
Meuetugesheck, or the Little Cedar, his x mark, [L.S.]
Ottawas:
Aubauway, his x mark, [L.S.]
Kawachewan, his x mark, [L.S.]
Sawgamaw, his x mark, [L.S.]
Ogouse, his x mark, [L.S.]
Wasagashick, his x mark, [L.S.]
Pattawatimas:
Toquish, his x mark, [L.S.]
Noname, his x mark, [L.S.]
Nawme, his x mark, [L.S.]
Ninnewa, his x mark, [L.S.]
Skush, his x mark, [L.S.]
Wyandots:
Skahomet, his x mark, [L.S.]
Miere, or Walk in the Water, his x mark, [L.S.]
Iyonayotha, his x mark, [L.S.]
In presence of --
George McDougall, chief judge court D. H. and D.
C. Rush, attorney general.
Jacob Visger, associate judge of the D. court.
Jos. Watson, secretary to the legislature of Michigan.
Abijah Hull, surveyor for Michigan Territory.
Harris H. Hickman, counsellor at law.
Whitmore Knaggs.
William Walker,
Sworn Interpreters.
1850 Census for Pittsfield Township
by Marcia Ticknor
The following are excerpts taken from the 1850 Census for Pittsfield Township. It lists and identifies the occupations of Township residences.
Resident Occupations:
- 1 Surveyor: Charles S. Woodard age 28
- 1 Tailor: William Taylor age 72
- 1 Woolen Mfr: James Morris age 68
- 1 Baker: Jacob Kohler age 35
- 1 Soldier: Jacob Crist age 78
- 1 Clergy: Jonathan Post age 67
- 1 Miller: Samuel Kisisley age 60
- 1 Peddler (sic): William Robinson age 26
- 1 Paper maker: James White age 36
- 1 Poor Master: Giles W. Ticknor age 31
- 2 Cooper: Darius Douglas age 53, Sidney Burham age 24
- 2 Potter: Paul B. Garrison age 62, Robert L. Garrison age 23
- 3 Shoemaker: Daniel Ostrander age 28, Rubin Babbit age 25, Richard Allchin age 45
- 3 Physician: Nathan Webb age 42, Asa Goow age 79, Orin Bonsteel age 25
- 4 Blacksmith: John Wade More age 22, Alexander Cooper age 50, Philo A. Prichard age 46, Charles E. Prichard age 20
- 4 Student: Benjamin F. Collins age 25, Birus E. Holmes age 17, Everett Clark age 18, Peter Burgoduz age 16
- 6 Mason: Orvil Lathrop age 49, William Clausey age 19, Elijah Lathrop age 74, Hector K. Harris age 32, Samuel Kleinfield age 38
- 11 Carpenter: John Post age 22, Edwin Ford age 20, Henry Stuck age 29, Henry? age 38, N. R. Rowley age 35, Isach Clark age 21, Henry Eddy age 29, Daniel Williams age 26, Abram Williams age 21, Chancey Burgorduz age 22, M.B. Corey age 46
- 18 Laborer: Levi R. Dunn age 23, Luther Boylan age 42, William Clark age 30, Guarhard Hile age 34, Joseph Canfield age 24, Richard Low age 44, William Low age 17, Jonathan Post age 23, John Gatens age 48, John Becker age 20, ? Snell age 49, Thomas Bolwer age 80, John Madigan age 57, Walter Ryan age 27, Thomas Harper Age 47, Philip B. Long age 51, Barney Harkins age 55, John Edwards age 57
- 307 Farmers: List too large to include
Farmers were working 9,279 acres of improved land and also owned 5,858 acres of unimproved land. This total acreage of 15,137 out of a total acreage of 23,040 for a township left 9,903 acres that were used other then for farming.
Joseph Crane had 205 acres of improved land and 95 acres of unimproved land with a total value of $6,400. He had on his farm 2 horses, 6 milch cows, 4 working oxen, 4 other cattle, 40 sheep, 13 swine with a livestock value of $398. He produced 1,000 bushels of wheat, 500 bushels of Indian corn, 500 bushels of oats, 210 lbs. of wool, 100 lbs. of Irish potatoes, 500 lbs. of butter, 50 tons of hay, 20 bushels of clover, 10 bushels of flaxseed and 30 lbs. of beeswax and honey. Joseph's property was in section 1 on the 1840 plat map along the edge of what is Washtenaw Ave. today.
Joseph Merritt had 6 acres of improved land and 60 acres of unimproved land with a total value of $3,000. He had 2 horse, 4 milch cows, 3 other cattle, 24 sheep, and 4 swine with a livestock value of $225. He produced 110 bushels of wheat, 110 bushels of Indian corn, 50 bushels of oats, 80 lbs. of wool, 20 lbs. of Irish potatoes, 200 lbs. of butter, 20 tons of hay. Merritt's land is located on Thomas Road in the 1856-plat map.
Langford Sutherland had 140 acres of improved land and 180 acres of unimproved land with a total value of $4,500. He had 5 horses, 4 milch cows, 2 working oxen, 5 other cattle, 65 sheep, and 3 swine with a livestock value of $502. He produced 740 bushels of wheat, 200 bushels of Indian corn, 60 bushels of oats, 178 lbs. of wool, 40 lbs. of Irish potatoes, 60 bushels of buckwheat, 200 lbs. of butter, 100 lbs. of cheese, 20 tons of hay, 6 bushels of clover seed. The Sutherland farm is the Sutherland-Wilson Farm on Textile Road; the building site is owned now by Pittsfield Township.