DeLAND’S HISTORY

oF

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

A Concise Review or its EarLy Setriement, InpusTeit De

 

 

Present Conpitions, TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING, R

 

COLONEL CHARLES Y. DELAND

  

A Coprenexsive Comrespium or LocaL Biocrariy, EMuracinc Lire SKETCHES oF

Many Wett-xxown

 

ILLUSTRATED

 

 

 

166 JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

mostly witnessed it are so well acquainted
with it as not to be deeply interested in the

into the history of events and improvements
which will be traced under their appropriate

simple details, other than they will be woven | headings,

CHAPTER XI.

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY—HISTORY OF ITS ORIGIN

AND

ORGANIZATION.

‘The fact that the great and successful
Republican party was born “under the oak:
at Jackson is a sufficient excuse for placing
a detailed account of that significant event
in a history of Jackson county, especially
made by one who was an active participant
in the convention and many of the important
movements leading up to that event.

The constant agitation of the slavery
question had been an impending peril in
national polities ever since the adoption of
the constitution, It had resulted in much
friction and had always to be settled by some
kind of compromise. Among the earliest
of these difficulties was the admission of the
state of Missouri, which, while it admitted
Missouri as a slave state, was accompanied
with a compromise or agreement that no
more slave states should be allowed or ad-
mitted north of the parallel of latitude
thirty-six degrees thirty minutes north.
‘This was the southerly line of Missouri and
covered all the Louisiana purchase to the
line of the Rocky mountains, that being
then the western limit of the United States.

‘The Mexican war, in 1846, resulted in
the acquisition of Texas and the Mexican
states of New Mexico, Arizona and upper
California, all of which, except a part of

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

California, was south of the compromisé
line and which was immediately claimed
by the South for slave territory. The
discovery of gold in California. started
an immense immigration to that state in
1849, which continued for several years,
‘Those from the slave states took their slaves
with them and there immediately sprang
up rival parties, trying to secure recognition
of a slavesstate or a free-state constitution,
After a bitter and prolonged contest, the
free-state men won and, after an equally bit-
ter contest in congress, California was ad-
mitted into the Union as a free state,
‘These events caused a sort of new align:
ment in national polities, many northem
Demoerats supporting the “Wilmot Pro-
viso,” which was virtually a declaration
against the admission of any more ‘slave
states into the Union, while the southern
Whigs took sides largely with the pro-
slavery Democrats of the South. In the
presidential election of 1852 both parties
tried, to a large extent, to dodge or straddle
the issue, but the Abolition party and the
Free-Soil party, which had defeated General
Cass as the Democratic: candidate in 1848,
kept the issue in the public mind and the re-
sult was the defeat of the Whig ticket, headed

 

 

 

JACKSON COUN’

ITY, MICHIGAN. 167

 

   
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  

General Scott, and the loss of almost the
entire Whig element in congress from the
|. This sweeping political victory for
slave element was followed by legislation
congress repealing the Missouri Compr
se and substituting in its place Mr. Doug-
doctrine of “popular sovereignty” in

itories and states, as had been done in
‘Glifornia. About this time the supreme
itt of the United States handed down the
sion in the celebrated “Dred Scott case,”
arising under the fugitive slave law, which
med the constitutionality of slavery, and
aile it practically legal in all the territories,
Mr. Douglas had introduced into con-
"gress his bills to organize the territories of
msas and Nebraska, with the “squatter
‘sovercignty stump speeches in their bellies,”
as the venerable Thomas H. Benton char-
‘acterized it, and these were being pushed
through congress. The whole country was
‘soon aflame with excitement. Men from the
south invaded the unorganized territories
with their slaves, while emigration societies
‘were formed at the North to send free state
men into the same territory. All during the
year 1853 there was outlawry and brigand-
age on both sides. All through the North
ieee. meetings were licld to’ deiounee: the
Kansas-Nebraska bills, while armed bands,
organized in the slave states, invaded Kan-
sas and devastated the settlements of north-
‘em emigrants with fire and sword. “Bor-
“der Ruffians” and “Bleeding Kansas” were
"standing headlines in all the newspapers, and
“astate of actual warfare existed for months.
jt was in the month of December, 1853,

in these midst of these conditions, the Free
Democratic state central committee issued a
call for a Free-Soil party state convention

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

| to be held at Jackson on the 22d of February,
1854. This call recited the conditions which
existed at Washington and invited all op-
posed to the repeal of the Missouri Compro-
mise and the surrender of any free territory
to slavery to participate. Taking advantage
of this offer a number of influential Whigs
and editors of Whig papers were invited to
meet at Jackson the same date and confer
upon the situation, ‘Those who attended
this conference were Henry Barnes, of the
Detroit Tribune, George A. Fitch, of the
Kalamazoo Telegraph, Charles V. DeLand,
ot the Jackson Citizen, Harvey B. Rowlson,
of the Hillsdale Standard, Seth Lewis, of
the Marshall Statesman, C. B, Stebbins, of
the Adrian Expositor, Aaron B, Turner, of
the Grand Rapids Eagle, and Zephaniah B.
Knight, of the Pontiac Gazette. Among
leading Whigs were H. H. Emmons and
William A. Howard, of Detroit, Whitney
Jones, of Eaton county, James M. Edmonds,
of Washtenaw, A. H. Morrison, of Berrien,
and George W. Lee, of Howell.

‘These gentlemen met at the Marion
House and organized by electing Henry
Barnes president and George A. Fitch, sec-
retary, They formulated a proposition for
calling a convention of all who were op-
posed to the repeal of the Missouri com-
promise and making an attempt to or-
ganize d fusion of Free-Soil Democrats,
Anti-siavery Whigs and all opponents of
pro-slavery legislation upon a state ticket in
jon to the regular and pro-slavery
‘The Missouri Compromise had
not then heen repealed, and the Kansas and
Nebraska bills had not passed and the time
did not yet seem ripe for the effort at fusion.

‘The Free-Soil convention was presided
over by Hon, William T. Howell, an old

 

 

 
 

 

  

  

 

168

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

 

Democrat, with Jabez Fox, editor of the
Michigan Free Democrat, as secretary. Af
ter due deliberation the convention decided
to nominate a full ticket, but upon it they
put the names of several hitherto well-known
Whigs. Subsequently the convention lis-
tened to speeches by Kinsley S. Bingham, S.
B, Treadwell, Fernando C. Beaman, Free-
Soilers, and Henry Barnes and Halmer H.
Emmons, Whigs, and adopted a resolution
aaithorizing their state central committee, in
their discretion, to call a subsequent mass
meeting to act upon any proposition for a
fusion, and if one was possible “to withdraw
the ticket this day nominated, and act with
any new organization they may designate or
deem advisable
the committee consisted of Hovey K.
Clarke, of Detroit, F.C, Beaman, of Adrian,
K. §, Bingham, of Livingston, Erastus
Hussey, of Calhoun, Nathan Power, of Oak-
land, D. C. Leach, of Genesee, and Lovell
Moore, of Grand Rapids.

The following are the proceedings and
resolutions adopted by this convention, as
taken from the Citizen of that date:

      

 

 

 

‘This Convention convened at the Court House in
this village on the 22d ult, and was organized by
appointing Gen, W. T, Howell, of Jonesville, presi-
dent: eight vice-presidents and three secretaries.

‘About three hundred delegates were present the
following resolutions were discussed and adopted
at the afternoon session:

‘The Independent Democracy of Michigan
sembled in convention on the anniversary of the
birthday of WASHINGTON, deem it an appropri-
ate oceasion to express our veneration for the char-
acter of this illustrious man, and our appreciation of
the wisdom and patriotism which aid the founda-
tion of onr national prosperity in that admirable in-
strument, the Constitution of the United States. We
desire now and always to proclaim our attachment

 

 

 

to that ion among the people of the United States,
‘of which the Constitution is the bond; and that the
great purpose “to establish justice, insure domestic
tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote
the general welfare, and secure the blessings of
liberty to themsslves and their posterity,” is, and
ever shall be ours. And, as a political party ot=
ganized to promote this purpose, we believe it to be
our duty, a duty which is especially and solemnly
enjoined upon every man who has sworn to suppott
the Constitution, to support every measure calculated
to advance this purpose, and to resist with the
energy of inflexible principle every scheme which
may defeat or retard it, .

We therefore Resolve,

1. That we regard the institution of domestic:
slavery, which exists in some of the states of the
inion, not only as a foe to the domestic tranquility
and the welfare of such states, but as subversive of
the plainest principles of justice, and the manifest
destroyer of the blessings of liberty, As an institue
tion we are compelled to denounce and abhor it
Yer we concede that in states where it exists, it is
politically beyond our reach; but as we eanmot deny
our responsibility concerning it, so long as it finds:
protection tnder the laws of the federal government,
so we will never cease to war against it, so long as
the purpose of the Constitution shall remain unac-
complished to secure the blessings of liberty to all
with its power.

‘That in following in the footsteps of the fathers
of the republic, who regarded freedom the nation
and slavery the sectional sentiment, we best vin
cate their eltinis to enlightened patriotism, and out
‘own to be considered loyal supporters of the gov
ferment they established; and that opposition to
any extension of slavery, and to any augmentation
of its powers, is clearly the duty of all who respect
the doctrine or the practice of the wisest and ables
of the framers of the Constitution.

‘That the attempt now pending in congress to
repeal the enactment by which the vast territory
nerth of the Missouri Compromise Tine was dedi
cated to freedom is an outrage upon justice, human
tnd good faith, one by which traitorous ambition
confederating with violaters of a solemn and time:
honored compact, #s seeking to inflict upon the nation

deep and indelible disgrace, We denounce the
sekerie as infamous; and we call upon the people
to hold its authors and abettors to the most rigid
and righteous accountability.

‘That executive patronage has grown to be an
evil of linmense magnitude; consolidating the power

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

169

 

ment into the hands of the incumbent
ial mansion, to a degree subversive
‘accountability to the people; and for
to adequate remedy short of a trans-

et from the President to the peopl.
in favor of cheap postage by land
grants of land out of the public

ted quantities to actual settlers; of
“river improvement, national in. their
gad of grants by the government in aid
ad to the Pacific in such form as shall
‘wasteful splendor of the government
ie the early completion of the road.
questions of state policy we ate in
Teenaciment of the law for the sup-
trafic in intoxicating liquors, with

i a5 shall remove all constititional

   
  
    

We are in favor of general laws under
al may be associated and combined for

bindetrial pursuits; we are in favor
and of sich a. disposition of the
4 sill promote the interests of the
the interest of any individual or
Bhd expecially are ye ‘Opposed to the
Be palic money at 1 per cont interest
Babjecs likely to be presented to the
Enext legislatfte are such as require the
ie offces of senstors and representar
i of sound head, of business capacity,
ible integrins; and we take the
cating tis subject t the seasonable
leonederaion of the electors of this
Bre sosred that it is only by such
Hs important tis, that wise Tega
plished, and the recurrence of the
panty inthe memory of the
fecsally prevented
made 10 postpone the nomination
Bat after much discussion it was
fhe convention proceeded to make the
ns.
Kinsey S. Bingham, of Liv-

Governor—Nathan Pierce, of Cal-

  

State—Lovell Moore, of Kent,
Silas M, Holmes, of Wayne.
eral Philetus Hayden, of | Van

l—Hovey K. Clarke, of Wayne.
‘of Land Office—Seymour B.

 

Superintendent of Public Instruction—Elijah H.
Philsher, of Lenawee.

Member Board of Education—Isaae P. Chris-
tiancy, of Monroe.

A committee to correspond with the nominees,
consisting of C. C, Gregory, Jabez Fox and S. A.
Baker, was appointed,

‘A state central committee, consisting of S, A.
Baker, Samuel Zug, J. W. Childs, R. R. Beecher,
W. W, Murphey and D. W.C, Leach, was appointed.

Quoting from the “Life of Zachariah
Chandler :”

Contemporaneously with this organized action of
the Free-Soilers and Independent Democrats, but
outside of it and of all recognized party lines, there
were held many public meetings throughout Michi-
gan to denounce the Kansas-Nebraska act, One of
them took place in Detroit on the 18th of February,
1854. Zachariah Chandler was among the many
prominent citizens who signed the call, and was one
Of the five speakers, the others being Maj. Jonathan
Kearsley, Samuel Barstow, James A. Van Dyke and
D. B. Dofleld

‘The tone of all the speeches was wholesomely
defiant and this was also trtte of the resolutions,
which were reported by a committee consisting of
Jacob M. Howard, Samuel Barstow, Joseph War-
ten, James M, Edmunds and Henry H, LeRoy.

The effect of this demonstration in the metrop-
olis of the state was very marked, and it and like
non-partisan action did much to pave the way for
the success of the subsequent convention of Jackson
in July. In many places anti-Nebraska tickets were
run for local officers in April, and anti-slavery
coalitions were successfull in many municipal con-
tests, notably in the important city of Grand Rapid,
which chose Wilder D. Foster mayor on that issue,

 

 

The city of Jackson promptly followed
Detroit in its protest against the Kansas-
Nebraska legislation, the following call being
issued:

MASS coNvENTION,

Suant tHe Mrssover Comrrosise nz Rereatto?

‘A meeting of the citizens of Jackson and vicinity,
without distinction of party, is requested at the court
house, on Friday evening next, at seven o'clock, to
consider the provisions of the Nebraska bill, by
which the Missouri Compromise is sought to be
repealed, and to express the sentiments of the com-
munity in relation thereto,

 

 

 

170

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN,

 

Dated, Jackson, February 27, 1854.

James A. Dyer, Eugene Pringle, John Sumner,
Geo, M. Crittendon, M, McGee, R. L. Spear, Lon-
son Wileox, Oscar F, Pool, Dorrance & Gavet, Geo.
G, Wells, C. V. DeLand, E, B, Brigham, E, W. Baker,
€. Loud, John W, Hulin, John S. Hurd, John Fish-
er, L. Kassick, J. B. Tomlinson, A. Bennett, Jr.,
Austin Blair, Herrman Levy, D. Merriman, Dya?
Foote, B, F, Eggleston, John L. Ford, W. R. De-
Land, G, L. Smalley & Bros, Cyrus A. Lewis, W.
Wormington, Wm. §. Moore, M. E. Andrews, J. L.
Mitchell, E.'W. Heaton, M. E. Dyer, A. Bennett,
B. W. Rockwell, Wm. M, Avery, J. M. Root, Thos.
Beebe, B. F, Aldrich, J. L. Hutchins, D. W. C.
Smith, John Webb, Wim. 0, Stone, A. D. Loud,
Levi G. Merriman, Frank W. Carr, J. M. Tread-
well, and many others,

Of the signers of the call, Messrs E.
Pringle, G. M. Crittenden, C. V. DeLand,
A. A. Dorrance, D. Merriman, Alonzo Ben-
nett, J. L. Mitchell, M. MeGee and W. S.
Smalley are still living. ‘The following ac-
count of the proceedings of the meeting is
from the Citizen:

Pursuant to public call, a meeting of the citizens
of Jackson, opposed to the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise, as proposed in the Nebréska-Kansas
Bill, now pending in congress, was held at the court
house in the village of Jackson, on Friday evening,
March 3¢.

‘The meeting was organized by the appointment
of S. B, Treadwell, Esq, president, George F, Rice
and E. W, Heaton, vice-presidents, and Dr. C. L,
Merriman, L. Kassick and J. M, Treadwell as
secretaries.

‘On motion of E, Pringle, Esq, a committee of
five was appointed to report resolutions expressive
of the sentiments of the meeting. The following
gentlemen were appointed such committee: E,
Pringle, A. Bennett, A, Blair, Dr. D. Foote and L.
Wileox.

‘Austin Blair, Esq,, in pursuance of a call of the
meeting, addressed it at length in explanation of
the principles of the Nebraska bill, exhibiting in a
‘masterly and convincing manner the falsity ant
danger of the pretexts and arguments resorted to
bby the friends of the measure, and eliciting the fre~
quent applause of the audience.

‘The commitiee on resolutions reported the fol-

 

 

   
   
  
 
   
    
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
    
 
 
   
    
  
  
   
 
   
  
   
  
 
 
   

owing, which were diseussed by Messrs, Pringle, E)
Livermore, A. Blair, C. V. DeLand, Joseph E. Beth
S, B, Treadwell and other gentlemen, and adopted
unanimously

Resolved, That, being as we are, firmly, unalter
ably, immovably and forever opposed to the exter
sion of slavery: into free territories, and believing
as we do that the provisions contained in the bill
now before congress, providing for the organiza
of the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, by wh
the so-called “Missouri Compromise” is sought t
be repealed, are calculated, designed and intends
to promote and secure an open way for the spread
ing of the curse of slavery over a vast region, we do
now here without distinction of party, and as
man, utter and record what we mean to be an
ignant and emphatic protest against the passage of]
this bill, so Tong as such provision shall be the
contained.

That whatever may be our abstract opinions
to the propriety of “compromises” in legislation, 9

 

 

the south are morally and honestly bound to abide
by, and especially as the bargain or compact
already executed on the part of the north, by
mitting Missouri and Arkansas to enter the Unin
as slaveholding states.

‘That the facts force upon us the conclusion, th
the southern statesmen who now favor the repeal d
the “Missouri Compromise,” are false to the idea of
their own boasted chivalry, and are deliberately at
ing in perfidy and bad faith towards the North, bit
that we can see some semblance of an excuse for
them in the fact that northern men so often in of
national councils desert and betray the free spi
and literty-loving ideas of those who elevated
to places of trust and honor.

That we regard those northern members ofc
gress, and offciels of the general government
being sufficiently informed to know all the inher
haseness of this new scheme for the extension of
slavery, still favor it, as traitors and doughfac
every way unworthy of our confidence, respect
support.

That we regard the pretence, that these terme
tories are so far north and so barren that slave
cannot and will not go there, is disproved; 1%,
the fact that the “peculiar institution” now,
for a long time, kas existed further north and it
regions not more fertile; 24, by the fact that a fe
slaves bave already heen carried there by the fs
settlers in disregard of law; and, 3d by the f
that a Bill has recently been prepared and print

 

 

  

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

471

 

under the direction of the committee on Indian
affairs, in the house of representatives, by which it
is not only proposed to legalize the Indians’ holding
slaves, but to offer bounty lands to such as shall be-
come owners of them in these very territories,

‘That whatever now or in 1850 may have been our
individual opinion as to the compromise measures
of that year, we never supposed that it was intended,
bby them to repeal or abrogate the compromise of
1820, That we are not at all deceived by the pre-
tense that the legislation now proposed is necessary
‘or proper to carry out and establish the principles
asserted in the so-called “Compromise or Finality
measttres” of 1850, because we know that “compro-
mises” can never Be based upon principles, and that
they can establish none; that yielding a principle
‘once for a consideration can never, by any possibil-
ity, become a reason for yielding it again with or
‘without an equivalent. If the assertion were cor
rect that the measures of 1850 settled the constitu
tional question thus recently raised as to the power
‘of congress to legislate for the territories, against
such power, then it follows that the principle of
such settlement would be violated by this very bill,
Which provides that governors, judges, secretaries
and other officials shall be appointed by the national
government.

That while we believe in the democratic idea of
self-government, yet we disbelieve that the trappers,
Indian traders, soldiers, government officials and
other transient persons, who ordinarily compose a
majority of the people of a new territory on its
first settlement, are hetter fitted than the congress
of the United States to provide for the future wants,
prosperity and greatness of stich a country as Kan-
sas and Nebraska embrace, and henee we prefer the
old way of having congress “make all needful rules
and regulations for the territories,” and among the
most needful we consider the inhibition of human
slavery,

That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting
be sent to the Hon. David Stuart, representative in
congress from this district, and that the papers of
this village be requested to publish the same,

S.B. Treapwent, President.

 

 

 

Gunace F. Rice,
E,W. Heatox,
Vice-Presidents, —

 

 

‘Throughout the spring of 1854 many
conferences were held in Michigan, among
representative men of the Whigs, Free-Soi
ers, Abolitionists and the out-spoken anti-
Nebraska Democrats to discusse the feasibil-
ity of political union in opposition to the
lavery tendencies of the regular Demo-
cratic party and to turn the tide of southern
aggression. ‘The action of the Independent
Democratic convention in February was a
serious obstacle in the way. On the 2oth of
April a meeting of the nominees on the Free-
Soil ticket was held in Detroit, and there
‘met with them many prominent men from all
parts of the state, at which it was decided to
take steps to withdraw that ticket, and make
an effort to force the anti-Nebraska and
anti-slavery element into a concrete mass
and to overturn the Cass-Demoeratic party
in the state.

The readiness with which Mr. Bingham
and the Free-Soil, Whig and Independent
Democrats accepted this proposition soon
bore fruit. The Free-Soil state central com-
mittee issued a call for a mass convention,
to be held at Kalamazoo on the 21st of May.
‘The call was full of denunciation of the
slave propagandists and evidenced from its
vigor how intense the popular feeling had be-
come.

Meantime many of the old Whig papers
of the state were making a vigorous cam-
paign for such a fusion, The Detroit
Tribune, the Free Democrat, the Pontiac
Gazette, Jackson Citizen, Marshall States-
man, Adrian Expositor, Jonesville Gazette,
Constantine Mercury, Kalamazoo Gazette,
Grand Rapids Eagle, Saginaw Enterprise,
Hillsdale Standard, Flint Citizen and several
other papers were strongly advocating the

 

 

 

   

 

 

172

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

 

 

consolidation of the anti-Nebraska strength,
and urging the calling of a state convention
for this purpose.

THE KALAMAZOO CONVENTION.

‘The 21st of May was dark, rainy and
unpleasant, but it did not prevent the as-
sembling of upwards of one thousand earn-
est and patriotic citizens of Michigan who
were deeply interested in the potiticat situa
tion, ‘A special train of five passenger cars
brought delegates from the east on the Mich-
igan Central Railroad, while scores of stages
and teams poured into Kalamazoo from
Grand Rapids and other towns north and
south. The largest hall in the village was
Geensely packed and many could not find a
place to stand.

 

 

 

Hon. Moses A. McNaughton, of Jack- |

son, was made presiding officer, assisted by
H. H. LeRoy, of Detroit. W. W. Murphy,
of Jonesville, and Rey. Thomas Ferry, of
Grand Haven, as vice-presidents, Aaron B.
Turner, of the Grand Rapids Eagle, Rev.
Jabez Fox, of the Detroit Free Democrat,
and George A. Fitch, of the Kalamazoo Ga-
zette, secretaries. Hon. Hovey K. Clarke,
of Detroit, Charles V. DeLand, of Jackson,
Chester Gurney, of Constantine, D. C.
Leach, of Flint, and N. W. Beecher, of
Adrian, were appointed a committee on reso-
lutions.

The meeting was addressed by Hon.
Kinsley S, Bingham, Philetus Hayden, S.
8B. Treadwell, Nathan Pierce, S. M. Holmes
and Isaac P, Christianey, all nominees on the
Free-Soil ticket, and all favored the forma-
tion of a fusion party.

‘The committee. on resolutions reported
a stirring set of resolutions, the last one of
which provided for withdrawing the Free-

 

Soil ticket, and removing the only formida?
ble obstacle to a complete union of all the
elements of opposition. The following are
the resolutions as reported and adopted :

 

Whereas, This convention, called to aid in con
centrating the popular sentiment of this state to
resist the aggressions of the slave power, are deeply
impressed with the importance of the ctisis in our
national affairs; we are compelled to contemplate &
strife in the councils of our nation participated in,
to some extent by the people, in which the eiemens
tary principles of wrong and injustice are warring:
against the interests of justice and liberty. We have
seen this strife carried to a degree of success shame-
ful to its authors, and which excites the most alarm=
ing apprehensions for the peace and prosperity of
the country; we have seen our national government
sink from the position of the freest nation on
earth, to that of a mere presidential despotism—and
that,'too, controlled by a system of iniquity which is
the disgrace of our country and the scorn of man-
kind, Therefore,

Resolved, That the Constitution of the United
States establishes a government of freemen for iree
people; and that in so far as the goveernment ha
been perverted from its original purpose, it is the
duty of every lover of hhis country, to seek its com:
plete restoration to the original purpose of its
authors.

Resolved, That the institution of slavery that
existed in some of the states at the formation of
the Constitution, was then regarded as exceptional,
and focal in its character, and which was to be
Timited and restricted until it should finally dis
appear.

Resolved, That in the recent passage of the bill
for the organization of the territories of Nebraska
and Kansas, we see the crowning act of a series of
aggressions, by which the sectional and exceptional
character of slavery has been gradually changed tnt
it has become the great national interest of the
country, for the protection of which every other
interest’ must be sacrificed; and its power has be:
come so potent, that from the President to the post:
master, all of the functionaries of the executive
government and a majority in congress, are twisted
and corrupted by it into absolute subjection to its
insulting demands,

Resolved, That evils so great as these demand
a remedy; and that if that remedy cannot be found
in the virtue of the people, a people who are 3

 

 

 

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN,

173

 

€ fo the instincts of liberty, to the immortal
ciples promulgated by the fathers of the Consti-
05, a people who enjoy the blessings of the go
they established, and a people who are yet
tw display something of the energy and per-
ince, and if need sacrifice which moved the
its of ’seventy-six to the accomplishment of
‘great work, then the days of the republic are
mbered, and i must soon become what its laws
fil make it, nation of slaves.

solved, That we do not, and will not, despair;
at we believe the people of this State are ready 10
pond to the call of their country in this emer
micy; that they are ready, irrespective of all past
ical preference, to declare in an unmistakable

their will; and that will is that slavery aggres-
en upon their rights shall go no. further—that
bere shall be no more slave states—that there shall

‘no more slave territory—that the fugitive slave

be repealed—that the abomination of slavery
Ml-no longer be perpetuated under the sanction
the federal Constitution—and that they will make

will effective by driving from every place of

ial power, the public servants who have so

shamelessly betrayed their trust, and put in their

men who are honest and capable; men who

hee faithful to the Constitution and the great
claims of humanity.

Resolved, That the Free Democracy of Michigan
jice to behold the indications of popular senti-
tment, furnished by this convention; they are con-
‘ious that the deeply aroused feelings of the masses,
“ofthis state will seek a suitable expression in a con-
vention springing from themselves, irrespective of
‘any existing political organization; and that if such
& movement shall be animated and guided by the
principles expressed in the resolutions of this con-
vention, and shall contemplate an efficient organiza
tion t0 give effect to our principles in this state, we
shall willingly surrender; our distinctive organiza
fion, and with it the ticket for state officers nomi-
sated at Jackson, on the 22d of Feb. last; and that
‘we commit the execution of this purpose to a com-
‘mittee of sixteen—two persons from each judicial
istrict, to be appointed by this convention,

  
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
    
   
  
 
 
  

 

 

The following is the committee of sixteen
provided for in the last foregoing resolution :
| Harvey K. Clark, Detroit; Rev. Jabez Fox,
Detroit; Isaac P. Christiancy, Monroe;
Femando C. Beaman, Lenawee; Dr. J. A.
Bingham, Livingston; Austin Blair, Jack-

 

 

son; Walter W. Murphy, Hillsdale; Ches-
ter Gurney, St. Joseph; Alex. H. Morrison,
Berrien; Erastus Hussey, Calhoun; J. H.
Van Zandt, Barry; Thomas D. Gilbert,
Kent; Dr. J. H. Whiting, St. Clair; Dewitt
C. Leech, Genesee; Daniel L. Case, Ingham,
and James Birney, Saginaw.

This ‘committee immediately organized
by electing Isaac P. Christianey as chairman
and C, V. DeLand secretary, and adjourned
to meet on the 23d at Detroit.

‘The bill to repeal the Missouri compro-
mise of 1820 was passed in Congress on the
2ad of May, 1834. The next day the com-
mittee of sixteen met in Detroit, and at a con-
ference with leading citizens, among whom
were Jacob M. Howard, Zachariah Chan-
dler, Henry Barnes, H. P. Baldwin, C. H.
Buhl, Franklin Moore, John Owen, Eber
B. Ward, Judge S. Conant, Jacob S. Far-
rand, William B. Wesson, John J. Bagley,
D. B. Duffield, David Smart, William A.
Howard, T. N. Lockwood, Patrick Hig-
gins, R. W. King, James F. Joy, H. T.
Backus and others drew up and signed the
following call: -

 

 

 

To THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN,

A great wrong has been perpetrated. The slave
power of the country has triumphed—liberty is
trampled under foot. ‘The Missouri Compromise, a
solemn compact entered into by our fathers, has
‘been violated, and a vast territory dedicated to free
dom has been opened to slavery.

This act, so unjust to the North, has been per
petrated under cizeumstances which deepen its per-
fidy. An administration, placed in power by
Northern votes, has brought to bear all the resources,
of executive corruption in its support.

Northern senators and representatives, in the
face of the overwhelming public sentiment of the
North, expressed in the proceedings of public mect-
ings and solemn remonstrances, without a single
petition in its favor on their table, and not daring
to submit this great question to the people, have

 

174

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAD

 

 

yielded to the seductions of executive patronage,
‘and Judas-like, betrayed the cause of liberty; while
the South, inspired by a dominant and grasping am-
bition has without distinction of party and with an
‘unanimity almost entire, deliberately trampled under
foot a solemn compact enered into in the midst of
fa crisis threatening to the peace of the Union—
sanctioned by the greatest names of our history—
and the binding force of which thas, for a period of
‘more than thirty years, been recognized and declared
by numerous acts of legislation,

Such an outrage upon liberty, sueh a violation
of plighted faith, cannot be submitted to. This
great wrong must be righted, or there is no longer
a North in the councils of the nation

“The extension of slavery under the folds of the
‘American fag is a stigma upon liberty. ‘The indefi-
nite increase of slave representation in congress is
destructive of that equality between freemen which
is essential to the permanency of the Union.

“The safety of the Union—the rights of the North
—the interests of free labor—the destiny of a vast
territory and its untold millions for all coming time
—and finally, the high aspirations of humanity for
universal fredom, all are involved in the issue forced
upon the country by the slave power and its plastic
Northern tools,

‘In view therefore of the recent action of congress
‘upon’ this subject, and the evident designs of the
slave power to attempt -till further aggressions up-
fon freedom,—we invite all our fellow citizens with-
font reference to former political assocations, who
‘think that the time has arrived for a union at the
North to protect liberty from being overthrown and
down trodden, 10

 

 

ASSEMBLE IN MASS CONVENTION,

fon Thursday, the 6th of July, at one o'clock, at
Jackson, there to take such measures as shall be
thought best to concentrate the popular. sentiment
of this state against the encroachment of the slave
power,

‘This call was published the next day, the
‘2gth of May, in the Detroit Tribune, the De-
troit Advertiser, the Michigan Free Demo-
crat and other papers, the Detroit Free Press
alone refusing to copy it. The secretary of
the committee was authorized to have one
thousand copies printed in circular form to
be mailed to parties in the state, and a circu-

lar letter was printed and sent with it, as
follows:
Jacksox, Micw., June 1, 1854
Dear Sit: Enclosed find call for a public mass
ameeting in this city July 6th next, with the attached
sheet for signatures. Please have the same circulated
and signed, and published (names included) in your
local paper, and send copy to the secretary of the
committee. When not so printed, mail petition to
swith as little delay as possible
Isaac P, Curistiaxcy, Chairman,
©. V. DeLann, Secretary.

 

 

We, the undersigned, citizens of. ....+.00+5
who ate in full sympathy with the sentiment and
objects set forth in the above call, hereby endorse
the same, and will use our influence to promote and
pledge ourselves to do all in our power to carty it
into effect and promote its stccess.

‘These were sent to every county, and, as
far as possible, to every township in the
state, and before the first of July over nine
thousand signatures had been returned to the
secretary, most of which had been published
in the papers of the state.

Tn anticipation of the convention, the
citizens of Jackson held a meeting the last
week in June, and appointed committees to
make the necessary preparations for it, Gen»
eral committee of arrangements, C. V. De-
Land, Amos Root, John H. Bennett, E. H.
Whitmore, Ethan H. Rice, W. H. Warner,
C. T. Beebe, John Stewart. Finance com-
mittee, A. A. Dorrance, Robert F. Lattimer,
John M. Root, J. $. Hurd, George F. Rice
Reception committee, Austin Blair, M. A.
McNaughton, Alonzo Bennett, William R.
DeLand, Dr. Ira C. Backus, Eugene Prin=
gle, William K. Gibson, Joseph E. Beebe,
Benj. Shaw, William Jackson, P. B. Loomis,
Chester Bennett, B. F, Eggleston and Dr
| Chas. S. Merriman.

The 6th of July was a most beautiftl
day, bright and sunshiny, but not excessively

  

 

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

175

 

warm. Delegations began to arrive on the
sth, among them a party of twenty from the
Saginaw valley, who came all the way, over
a hundred miles, on horseback. At nine
o'clock on the morning of the 6th there were
‘not less than three thousand strangers in the
city who came to attend the convention.
The first session opened at half past ten in
the Bronson Block. It was called to order
by Austin Blair and Judge Levi Baxter, of
Hillsdale, was chosen temporary president.
He was a pioneer settler of Michigan and the
founder of a family of marked prominence
in the state, He was well known as a bu
ness man, a successful Iawyer and a man
of great spirit and enterprise. He had been
a Whig and a Free-Soiler, had been a state
senator and a circuit judge. Mr. Baxter
‘made an eloquent and stirring speech, which
filled the audience with enthusiasm. At its
close Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, of Detroit,
was chosen temporary secretary, and, on
motion, the chair appointed Samuel Bar-
stow, of Detroit, C. K. Van Cleek, of St.
Clair, Isaac P, Christianey, of Monroe, G.
W. Burchard, of Niles, Lovell Moore, of
Grand Rapids, James W. Hill, of Saginaw,
Henry N. Lord, of Pontiac, and Newell
Avery, of Detroit, as a committee on per-
manent organization.

‘As there was no hall in the city that
would hold more than a small part of the
people, the general committee had erected a
large stand and temporary seats in a grove
of oak trees on what was known as “Mor-
gan’s land,” near what is now the intersec-
tion of Second and Washington streets, and
the meeting at Bronson Hall adjourned to
‘meet in the grove at one P. M.

The grove was a beautiful spot. The
stand was erected on the apex of a large

 

 

   

 

 

mound, the ground, covered with a thick
sward of grass, sloping gently in all direc-
tions and shaded by fully a hundred fine oak:
trees. The growth of the city has long since
absorbed the old grove, and it is now thickly
covered with fine residences. Only a few
of the grand old oaks are standing in the
yards and on the street lines, as no pains
have been taken to preserve them. But it
was a brilliant and picturesque place and
scene on that memorable 6th of July, when
thousands of intelligent citizens had assem-
led in a patriotic spirit and effort to arrest
the demoralizing political tendencies of the
times and were about to lay the foundation
for the greatest political revolution of mod-
em times, It was a day memorable in the
history of the country and the world, and
marked a crisis in the affairs of this country,
as did the 4th of July, 1776.

When the people had assembled in the
grove after dinner and the venerable presi-
dent had catted to order, he was surrounded
by a galaxy of men who were destined to
play an important part in the history of their
state and the nation, Among them we re-
member Zachariah Chandler, Jacob M.
Howard, Austin Blair, Isaac P. Christianey,
George Martin, H. P. Baldwin, James
Joy, J. M. Edmonds, John F. Driggs, James
mey, E, B, Fairfield, D. S. Walbridge,
C. T. Gorham, F.C. Beaman, Walter W.
Murphy, Charles M. Croswell, Rev. Jabez
Fox and others.

Before them were prominent and intelli-
gent citizens, representing all shades of
former political opinions, Whigs, Demo-
crats, Free-Soilers and Abolitionists. To
weld such a diverse mass into congruous
and homogeneous opinion and action
looked like an impossible undertaking, but

 

  

 

 

 

 

176

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

 

the underlying sentiment that had brought
them together was a deep seated determina-
tion to stop the further ‘spread of slavery,
and vindicate the right of free men to ter-
ritory dedicated to their use, and restore the
powers of government to their proper and
representative uses as the heritage of the
people, and put a stop to the further expan-
sion of the vice and curse of human slavery.
‘The committee on permanent organiza-
tion were called upon and reported the fol-
President, David S. Wal-
bridge; vice-presidents, F.C. Beaman, Alvin
Johnson, Rudolph Diepenbeck, Thomas
C. Curtis, Charles T. Gorham, Dr. Pliny
Power, Emanuel Mann, Charles Draper,
George Winslow, Norman Little, John Me-
Kinney and Walter W. Murphy; secretaries,
J. Van Rensselaer, J. F. Conover and Aaron
B. Turner.
ir, Walbridge was a prominent business
man of Kalamazoo, who had been an active
and influential member of the Whig party.
He had served several terms in the state
legislature, and subsequently served three
terms in congress, He was a man of fine
presence, good voice and pleasant and genial
manners. The mention of his name was
greeted with great applause, which at once
marked the harmonious feelings of the gath-
ering. He returned his thanks in a brief but
singularly felicitous speech, in which he said
he was a Whig, not out of place, but in a
new place, because his duty to his country
demanded it, and he appealed to all his hear-
ers to forget their former asperities, and
join hands to rescue the virgin soil of a new
and great America from the despoiling
hand of the slave power. “We must,” he
said, “unite as did our fathers, to resist

 

lowing officers:

 

 

   
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
    
    
 
   

fraud, deception and tyranny, and show, like
them, that we are giants in the defense of o
rights and constitutional liberties. Whi
we do not make any aggressive war upon the
institutions of our sister states, the time
come when we must insist upon their ob
servance of the sacred compromises of
past and demand unqualifiedly, protect
for the future.”

Mr. Walbridge’s speech was cheered t
the echo, At its conclusion the meeting:
separated into four divisions to select fo
members of a committee on resolutions frot
each congressional district. When the com
vention came together the following selex
tions were reported and unanimously
dorsed: First district, Jacob M. Howard
of Detroit, Austin Blair, of Jackson, Danald
MeIntyre, of Ann Arbor, and John Hilsed
gen, of Detroit; second district, Charles
Noble, of Monroe, Alfred R. Metcalf, of
Adrian, John N, Turner, of Coldwater, a
Levi Baxter, of Jonesville; third district

fourth district, Charles Draper, of Pontia
M. L. Higgins, of Flint, J. E. Simonds,
Saginaw, and Z. B. Knight, of Pontiac.
Jacob M. Howard was made chai
of the committee. Mr. Howard was an al
lawyer, had represented the state in congrs
and afterward served the state as a senato
and was the author of the thirteenth amend:
ment to the national Constitution, 3
Howard had prepared a draft of a platfo
in advance of the convention, by request of
others, and thé committee adjourned to
clump of trees on the corner of Second and
Franklin streets, to deliberate. While

JACKSON COUN’

 

'Y, MICHIGAN. 77

 

  
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
    
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
  

engaged the mass meeting listened to
speeches from the prominent men on the
platform.

Hon, Kinsley S. Bingham was the first
“speaker, and graphically described the con-
tests over the slavery question during the
four years he was in congress, the struggle
over the famous “Wilmot Proviso,” and the
unbearable insolence of the slave power.
Among the incidents he brought out was
‘one of peculiar significance. While a
“homestead bill” was pending in the house
of representatives, a Mr. Cobb, of Georgia,
proposed an amendment as follows:
“That in addition to the land to be home-
“steaded to the heads of families, that for
“ten or less servants of such head of family,
‘vo hundred acres, and for twenty such ser-
“yants, or more, five Inndred acres may be
“40 homesteaded.” This was not only ree-
‘ognizing the right to take slaves into the
tertitories, but was offering a premium for
‘taking them there, and the only way it was
defeated was by killing the homestead bill,
and denying the privileges to the free men
of the nation,

Mr. Chandler was next called upon and
‘made a strong and forcible speech. The re-
‘port in the Detroit Free Democrat said: “We
“would say in parenthesis that an allusion
‘mst generously made to Mr. Bingham drew
from the crowd three rousing cheers for the
Aatter gentleman.” The Jackson Citizen gives
a synopsis of Mr. Chandler's speech, in which
‘itsaid: “When, in the course of his speech,
he gave a brief history of Wilmot Proviso-
in Michigan, he alluded to the anti-slav-
“ety resolutions passed by the Democratic
stite convention in 1849, and the resolutions,
struction to the senator and representa-

ives in congress hy the state legislature on
12

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

the same subject, and then exclaimed that not
one of the representatives had ever been hon-
est enough to carry them out except Kinsley
S. Bingham; a spark of enthusiasm fired the
crowd, shouts of approbation rang through
the vast assemblage, and if any doubt had
previously existed as to who should be the
man for governor that doubt was there re-
moved.”

‘These addresses were followed by the
report of the committee on resolutions, which
was read by Mr. Howard amid frequent out~
bursts of applause, and were unanimously
adopted :

 

 

THE FIRST REPUBLICAN PLATFORM,

‘The freemen of Michigan, assembled in conven-
tion, in pursuance of a spontaneous call emanating,
from various parts of the state, to consider all the
measures which duty demands of us, as citizens of 2
free state to take, in reference to the late acts of
congress on the subject of slavery and its anticipated,
further extension.

Resolved, That the institution of slavery, except
in the punishment of crime, is a great moral, social
and intellectual evil; that it was regarded by the
fathers of the republic, the founders and best friends
of the Union, by the heroes and sages of the Rev~
‘olution, who contemplated and intended its gradual
and peaceful extinction, as an clement hostile to the
liberties for which they toiled; that its history in
the United States, the experience of men best ac-
quainted with its workings; the dispassionate co
fessions of those who are interested in it; its ten-
dency to relax the vigor of industry and enterprise
inherent in the white man; the very surface of the
earth where it subsists; the vices and immoralities
which are its natural growth; the stringent police
‘often wanting in humanity, and speaking to the sen~
timents of every generous heart which it demands,
—the dangers it has already wrought and the future
dangers which it portends to the security of the
Union, and our constitutional liberties: all incon-
testably prove it be such an evil, Surely that
institution is not to be strengthened or encouraged
against which Washington, the calmest and wisest
‘of our nation, bore unequivocal testimony; as 10
which Jefferson, filled with the love of liberty, ex-
claimed: “Can the liberties of a nation ever be

 

 

178

thought secure when we have removed their people,
that these liberties are the gift of God? That they
are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed,
I tremble for my country, when I reflect that God
is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever; that
considering members, nature and national means
only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an ex-
change of situation is among possible events; that
it may become probable by supernatural interference!
The Almighty has no attribute which can take sides
with us in such a contest !”

And as to which another eminent patriot in Vir-
ginia, at the close of the Revolution exclaimed:

“Had we turned our eyes inwardly, when we sup-
plicated the Father of mercies to aid the innocent
oppressed, when we invoked the Author of right-
cousness to test the purity of our motives and the
justice of our cause, and implored the God of War
to aid our exertions in its defence, should we not
Ihave stood more self-convicted than the contrite
publican!”

We believe these sentiments to be as true now as
they were then,

Resolved, That slavery is the violation of the
its of man as a man; that the law of nature,
which is the law of liberty, gives to no man rights
superior to those of another; that God and nature
have secured to each individual this inalienable right
of equality, any violation of which must be the
result of superior force; and that slavery is there-
fore a perpetual war upon its victims. ‘That whether
we regard the institution as first originating in cap-
tures made in war, in the subjection of the debtor
as the slave of his creditor, or the forcible seizure
and sale of children by their parents, or subjects by
their kings; and whether it be viewed in this coun-
try as a “necessary evil,” or otherwise, we find it to
be like imprisonment for debt, but a relic of bar-
barism, as well as an element of weakness in the
midst of the state, inviting the attacks of external
‘enemies, and a ceaseless cause of external appre~
hension and alarm. Such are the lessons taught
us, not only by the history of other commonwealths
but by that of our own beloved country.

Resolved, That the history of the formation of
the Constitution, and particularly the enactment of
the ordinance of July 13, 1787, forever prohibiting
slavery north of the Ohio, abundantly shows it to
hhave been the purpose of our fathers not to pro-
mote but prevent the spread of slavery. And we,
revering their memories, and cherishing their pure
republican faith as our richest inheritance, which
we now at whatever expense seek to defend, here

 

 

 

 

 

 

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

publicly proclaim our determination to expose, by
all the lawful and honorable means in our power
now and henceforth, all attempts, direct or indies,
to extend slavery in this country, or permit it to be
extended into any region or locality where it does
not now exist by positive law, or to admit new
slave states into the Union, ;

Resolved, That the Constitution of the United
States gives to congress the full and compiete power
for the municipal government of the. territories
thereof—a power, which, from its nature, cannot be
cither alienated or abdicated without yielding up
to the territory an absolute political independence
which involves an absurdity. ‘That the exercise of
this power naturally ooks to. the formation af
states to be admitted into the Union; and on
question whether they shall be admitted as fre
states or slave states, congress has a right to a
such prudential and preventive measures as
principles of liberty and the interests of the w
country require, That this question is one of the
gravest importance to the free states, inasmuch
the Constitution itself creates an inequality in
appointment of representatives greatly to the detti
ment of the free and to the advantage of the slave
states, This question, so vital to the interests off
the free states (but which, we are told by cen
political doctors of modern times, is to be treated
with indifference), is one which we hotdit to b
ever right to diseuss—which we hold it the duty
congress, in every instance, to determine, in
equivocal language, and in a manner to prevent
spread of slavery, and the inerease of such une
representation. In short, we claiti that the Nor
is a party to the new bargain, and is entitled to have
a voice and influence in settling its terms. And,
view of the ambitious designs of the slave por
we regard the man or party who would forego this
right as untrue to the honor and interest of th
North; and unworthy of its support.

Resolved, That the repeal of the “Missouth
Compromise," contained in the recent act of cote
gress, for the creation of the territories of Ne
braska and Kansas, thus admitting slavery into
region until then sealed by law, equal in extent
the thirteen old states, is an act unprecedented i
the history of the country, and one which must
age the carnest and serious attention of
Northern man, And as Northern freemen, ind
pendent of all party ties, we here hold this meas
up to the public execration for the followi

That it is a plain departure from the policy

 

 

  
   
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
  
 
 
   
  
 
 
  

 

 

 

 

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

179

 

   
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
  
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
  

the fathers of the republic, in regard to stavern, and
4 wanton and dangerous frustration of their pur-
oes and thier hopes,

‘That it actually admits and was intended to
init Savery into’ said territories! and (to. use
the words applied by Judge Tucker of Virginia to
the father of that commonwealth), “thus sows the
zed of an evil which, like @ leprosy, hath descended
‘pon their posterity with accumulated rancor, visit
ing the sins of the fathers upon succeeding. gen-
tration:

That it was sprang pon the country stealthy
ani by surprise, without necessity, without petition
nt without previous diseassion, thas violating. the
cial principle of republican government, which
quires all legislation to accord with the opinions
sentiments of the people.
‘That on the part of the South i is an open and
anisgused breach of faith, as contracted between

North and South in the settlement of the Mis-
4 question in 1820, by which the tranatility of
two sections was restored!—A compromise
ging upon all honorable men.
That it is also an open violation of the com-

cof 1830, by which, for the sake of peace
Wl to calm the distempered impulses of certain
enemies of the Union, the North and South ac-
eed and acquiesced in the odious “fugitive slave

‘of that yer:
That it is also an undisguised and tnmanly

pt of the pledge given to the country by the
nt dominant party at their national convention
1852, not to “asitate the subject of slavery either
ar owt of congress’—being the same convention
ich nominated Franklin Pierce to. the  presi-

 

 

 

 

That it is greatly injurious to the free states,
10 the territories themselves, tending to retard
fdr seitlement and to prevent the improvement of
country by means of free labor, and to dis-
age forcign emigrants from resorting thither
ome
That one of its principal aims is to give to the
states such a decided and practical preponder-
tin all the measures of government as shall re-
ge the North with all her industry, wealth and
prise to be the mere provinces of a few slave-
ing oligarchs of the South!—ta a position too
ful to be contemplated;
Because, as is openly avowed by its southern
ds, it iS intended as an entering wedge to the
further augmentation of the slave power by the
eitisition of other territories cursed with the
ane “leprosy.

   

 

 

Resolved, That the obnoxious measures to
which we have alluded ought to be repealed, and a
provision substituted for it, prohibiting slavery in
said territories and each of them,

Resolved, That after this gross breach of faith
and wanton efforts to us as Northern men, we hold
ourselves absolved from all “compromises” except
‘those expressed in the Constitution, for the protec-
tion of slavery and slave owners; that we now de-
‘mand measurés of protection and immunity for our-
selves, and among them we demand the repeal of the
fugitive slave law; and an act to abolish slavery in
the District of Columbia.

Resolved, That we notice without dismay certain
popular indications of slaveholders on the frontier
‘of said territories, of a purpose on their part to pre-
vent by violence the settlement of the country by
non-slaveholding men. To the latter we say, be of
good cheer; persevere in the right; Tae Noxrst
Wu Derexp You.

‘Resolved, That, postponing and suspending all
differences with regard to political economy or ad-
ministrative policy an view of the imminent danger
that Kansas and Nebraska will be grasped by
slavery, and thousand miles of slave soil be thus
interposed between the free states of the Atlantic
and those of the Pacific, we will act cordially and
faithfully in unison, to avert and repeal this gigantic
wrong and shame,

Resolved, That in view of the necessity of
battling for the first principles of republican gov-
ernment and against the schemes of aristocracy, the
most revolting and“oppressive with which the earth
was ever cursed or man debased, we will co-operate
and be known as Rerusticans until the contest be
terminated.

Resolved, ‘That we earnestly recommend the
calling of a general convention of the free states,
and such of the slaveholding states or portions
thereof as may desire to be there represented, with
view to the adoption of other more extended and
‘effectual measures in resistance of “the eneroach-
ments of slavery; and that a committee of five per-
sons be appointed to correspond with our friends in
other states on the subject,

Resolved, That in relation to the domestic af-
fairs of the state, we urge a more economical ad-
ministration of the government and a more rigid
accountability of our public officers; a speedy pay-
ment of the public debt, and the lessening of the
amount of taxation; a careful preservation of the
primary school and university funds, and their dili-
sent application to the great objects for which they
are created; and also further legislation to prevent

 

 

 

180

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

 

the unnecessary or imprudent sale of the lands be-
longing to the state,

Resolved, That in our opinion the commercial
wants of the state require the enactment of a gen-
cral railroad law, which, while it shall secure the
investment, and encourage the enterprise, shall also
guard and protect the rights of the public and of
individuals; and that the preparation of such a
méasure requires the first talents of the state

Succeeding the adoption of the platform,
Hon, Isaac P. Christiancy, chairman of the
special committee of sixteen, appointed at
the convention held at Kalamazoo on the
2ist of May, took the stand and formally
withdrew the ticket nominated by the Free-
Soil state convention held on the 22d of
February, “relegating to the people the pow-
er and right to select such a ticket as they
desired to represent the Republican party of
Michigan, and which he hoped would ulti
mately become the Republican party of the
whole country.” He exhorted them to nom-
inate tried and true men,—honest men, whom,
the people can honor and trust—and said
such a ticket npon such a platform would
certainly be endorsed by the people, and
elected. The announcement was received
with great applause, that culminated in three
hearty cheers by the multitude,

Following this a motion was made and
carried that the meeting divide into judicial
conventions, and that ten delegates be select
from each of the eight districts to act as
2 nominating convention to present candi-
dates, and that they report the ticket for rati-
fication at a meeting to be held on the pub-
tic square at seven P. M. ‘This committee
of eighty delegates comprised among its
members many of the ablest men of the
state. It repaired to Bronson Hall, where it
organized with Jacob M. Howard as chair-
man, Charles T. Gorman, Moses Wisner,

 

 

 

Charles M. Croswell, F. C. Beaman and Nor-
man Little as vice-presidents, and Henry,
Barnes, C. B. Stebbins and LeRoy Walker
as secretaries.

The subject of apportioning the ticket to
different elements was first settled, by decide
ing to give the Whig clement three places,
the Independent Democrats two places, the
Free-Soilers two, and the Abolitionists one
place on the ticket. Kinsley S. Bingham was
conceded as candidate for governor by all,
while the other Free-Soil representative was
Silas M. Holmes, of Detroit, for state treas-
urer. The Whigs drew lieutenant-gover-
nor, auditor-general and  attorney-general,
and presented Hon. George A. Coe, Whitney,
Jones and Jacob M. Howard as their candi-
dates. The Independent Democrats were
assigned the secretary of state and superin-
tendent of public instruction, and presented
John McKinney and Ira Mayhew, while the
old-time Abolitionists presented Seymour B.
‘Treadwell for commissioner of the state land
office. The convention completed its labors
harmoniously and at the adjourned meeting
reported the ticket, which was enthusiasti-
cally ratified and became

 

 

 

THE FIRST REPUBLICAN TICKET.

For governor, Kinsley S. Bingham, of
Livingston; lieutenant-governor, George A.
Coe, of Branch ; secretary of state, John Mc-
Kinney, of Van Buren; state treasurer, Silas
M. Holmes, of Wayne; attorney-general,
Jacob M. Howard, of Wayne; auditor-gen-
eral, Whitney Jones, of Ingham; commis-
sioner of land office, Seymour B. Treadwell,
of Jackson; superintendent of public instruc-
tion, Ira Mayhew, of Monroe; members of
board of education, John R. Kellogg, full

   

 

JACKSON COUNTY,

MICHIGAN. 181

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
  
   
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
   
  

term, of Allegan; Hiram L. Miller, to fill
yacaney, of Saginaw.

Considerable has been written and many
claims made as to who is entitled to the
honor of naming the Republican party. The
call for the July convention was mailed to
4 mumber of men of national reputation.
Among them was William H. Seward, Thut
low Weed, Horace Greeley, Silas Wright
“and D. §. Dickinson, of New York; Senator
Collamer, of Vermont; Senator Hamlin, of
Maine: David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania;
Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts; Benj. F.
Wade, and S. P. Chase, of Ohio; J. W.
Grimes, of Io and Governor Bissell, of
Mlinois, Several of these gentlemen wrote
etters endorsing the action and suggesting
what action should be taken. Nearly all
siggested some combination name. Sena-
“tor Seward mentioned the “American Union
Party;” Horace Greeley, the “Democratic-
Republican Union party;” Mr, Wade, “any
ame but Pro-Slavery Democrat ;” S. P.
ase, “Anti-Slavery Us Mr. Wilmot,
“Free-Soil Union;” Silas Wright wrote,
et tis go back to Thomas Jefferson's appel-

 

  

 

 

 

 

    

 

   

can party.”

These letters were all placed at the dis-
of the committee on resolutions, and
len the question came up.to fill the blank:
‘fora name, Zephaniah B. Knight, a member
the committee and the editor of the Pon-
Gazette, made a motion to fill it with
single word “Republicans.” Mr. Knight’s
tion was adopted, and to him belongs the
ior of suggesting the simple but compre-
ive party name that has become so con-
ons and historic among the names of
political parties in this county.

 

 

‘The claim that the Republican party was
first organized and named at the Jackson
‘onvention cannot be successfully disputed.
It has been asserted that it was first organ-
ized in Wisconsin. This claim rests upon the
action of a small meeting in a country vil
lage in that state. Maj. A. E, Bovay, whose
death at the age of eighty-five occurred at
Santa Monica, California, recently, used to
stoutly contend that the earliest Republicar
organization ever formed was held in Ripon,
in Wisconsin, March 20, 1854, the call hav-
ng been issued by himself, and that he at that
e proposed the name “Republican” for
‘The writer had the opportunity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ti
the party.
to investigate that claim in the fall of 1854

 

when assisting his friend, the late Hon.
Charles Billinghurst, in his campaign for
congress against Ex-Governor Bouék. A.
local meeting in denouncing the repeal of the
Missouri compromise resolved in favor of
“returning the government to republican

principles,” but this was only the expression

of a local meeting that did not a
gfeat national organization. Other old-time
Republicans have pointed to Edwin D. Hurl-

but, of Oconomowoc, as the sponsor of the
party, for at its first convention, held at Mad-
ison, he offered the resolution which gave it
its name. ‘The first Republican convention
in Wisconsin was held at Madison on July
13th, and the call was dated July 9, 1854.
‘This convention had the advantage of the
results of the Jackson convention, and copied
its declaration in one of its resolutions as
follows:

“Resolved, that we accept the issue forced
upon us by the slave power, and in defense
of freedom will co-operate and be known
as Republicans.”

On July 19, 1854, the Anti-Nebraska and

 

 

182

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

 

Anti-Slavery men of Massachusetts held a
convention at Worcester and passed the fol-
lowing resohution :

“Resolved, that, in co-operation with the
friends of freedom in sister states, we hereby
unite to form the Republican party of Massa~
chusetts.”

In Vermont, July 13th, a similar state
convention closed its resolutions with this
declaration:

“Being in favor of resisting, by all con-
stitutional means, the usurption of the prop-
agandists of slavery, we propose and re-
spectiully recommended to all the friends of
freedom in this and other states, to co-oper-
ate and be known as Republicans.”

A mass convention was held at Colum-
bus, Ohio, July 13, 1854, which organized
a campaign that swept the state that fall, but
the party did not formally adopt the name
Republican tntil the conyeation in 1855, that
nominated Salmon P. Chase for governor.

July 24th the Anti-Nebraska men and
Whigs of Iowa held a state convention at
Burlington, nominated James W.
Grimes for governor and accepted the desig-
nation of Republicans. ‘These were the first
states to officially accept the party name. AIL
the others ran tickets headed “Union” or
“Anti-Nebraska,” and Pennsylvania did not
adopt the name Republican until 1860 in the
Lincoln-Douglas campaign.

Senator Chandler, in the senate, in Sep-
tember 14, 1859, claimed priority of both
for Michigan. Senator Henry Wilson, in his
books, “The Rise and Fall of the Slave Power
in America,” after a thorough investigation
of the different local claims, gives Michigan
credit for the first: organized effort to form
a new party, and gives credit for priority to
the Jackson convention,

 

and

 

 

 

It is true that the convention of July
6, 1854, was the development of a settlement
of feeling that impregnated the whole North,
and that the forces that gave it birth wert
in no sense local. Similar movements were
in progress in many other states, but it w:
left to the men who congregated, in mille
summer, from all parts of Michigan, to grasp
a great opportunity. They were optimistic
enough to seize the great opportunity, to not
only act for the present, but ta build for ti
future, and it was this point and prescience
that induced them to found the great party
of the future, on July 6, 1854, “under the
oaks at Jackson.”

 

 

 

STILL TO THE FRONT.

      
 

The results of the state election in 1854
had given the Republicans of Michigan great
hopes of making it a national party, and early:
in 1855 steps were taken to secure unity of
action among all the opponents of slavery in
all states. With this end in view, the]
state central committee issued the following.
call:

   

  

 

 

More than a year has passed away since the day
‘upon which the friends of human liberty and the
opponents of the further extension of slavery met
together at Jackson, and, casting behind them all
previous party ties, struck hands together in muta
alliance,

‘The act repealing the Missouri Compromise, axd
destroying the line of freedom consecrated by it, had
stirred to their profoundest depths the hearts of the
electors of the state, who, being made conscious how
unstable and treacherous all previous reliance upon
the two leading party organizations had proved, de-
termined for themselves thenceforward to know 20
party except that which should make freedom the
principal object of its organization, and should recog-
nize opponents only among her enemies,

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 183

In this independent organization Michigan took
the lead of all other states, and originated the work
of a revolution and reorganization of parties. She
centered the canvass which immediately followed un-
der the fresh flag of her newly associated strength—
she bore i¢ gallantly onward through the contest,
unintimidated by opposition—undismayed by treach-
ery-undeterred by misgivings. Strength of heart
‘gave her strength of arm; inflexible purpose inspired
her steps with majesty; a strong confidence and un-
hesitating, steady advance reinforced her ranks. She
triumphed, and as the brilliant sun of victory shot
its rays from out dark clouds which had so long.
hhung threatening above, they fell upon the bright,
fresh folds of the Republican fla,

Other sovereign states have, one after another,
acknowledged before the world that their frst politi-
cal obligation is due to human freedom, and have
taken upon themselves the Republican name and
organization, as an outward emblem of their faith,
Ohio, linois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, New
Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and | Maine
have thrown aside the vain trappings of mock war-
fare, and stand upon the arena, git with power, for
a death struggle upon a living issue, ‘The busy note
of preparation sounds throughout the great camp
‘of the Empire state, and upon fer all eyes wait,
and in her freedom’s hopes center. A hold defiance
has already rung out on the plains of Ohio, and the
steady advance of the mighty hosts of freedom shakes
the ground.

Te has been thought advisable by the Republican
state central committee of Michigan, in view of the
magnitude of the issue, its absorbing character and
the near approach of the presidential campaign,
when for the first time it must be put to the test as
‘a national question. that a convention of the Repub
ican masses of Michigan be held preparatory to
farther detailed organization, to give an opportunity
for a full and free interchange of views, to further
the ends of consolidation and assimilation, and,
lastly, to evince to those who sympathize with us
and with freedom, in other states, that Michigan,
the first to take the field, will be the last to feave it,
and that the fruits of the Republican organization
with her have been harmony, unity, efficient effort
and triumphant success. In view of the objects of
the great cause which binds us together, the mem-
bers of this committee unanimously concur in ex-
pressing the hope that the friends of freedom and
‘of the Republican organization and its objects in
Michigan, will meet together st Kalamazoo on
Wednesday, the 12th day of September next, at

 

  

 

 

 

 

12 o'clock noon, then and theré to take such further
measures as may be by them deemed appropriate,
Rorus Hoses, —S. P. Mean,
F.C Brawax,  G. W. Lee,
D. MeIxryer, Jou. McKinney,
W.R.Noves, Piny Powsas,
I. P. Cunistacy, State Central Com.
Dernorr, August 1, 1855,

‘The following is in part the record of
this mass convention, taken from the Kala-
mazoo Telegraph of the succeeding day :

 

Repesticas Coxvenrion ar Katastazoo—6,000
Faezuex 1 Counct—No Moar Suave Srates—
No Mone Stave Texerrory—Faexoos, to Be Na-
‘TioNAL—Staveny SecrioNAL.

KAtamazoo, Sept. 12.

‘The convention assembled at noon, and was
called to order by R, Hosmer, Esq, chairman of
the state central committee.

On motion R. Hosmer, of Detroit, was ap-
pointed chairman, and Geo. A. Fitch, of Kalamazoo,
secretary, for the purpose of a temporary organiza

‘On motion a committee of one from each judi-
cial district was appointed to report permanent offi
cers for the convention, as follows: J. M. Howard,
Wayne; A. Blair, Jackson; James Sullivan, Cas
CW, Hobart, Lenawee; W. M. MeConnell, Oal
land; G, M, Dewey, Genessee; J. McKinney, Van
Buren; A. B. Turner, Kent

The convention then adjourned to meet at half
past 1 o'clock.

Artenxoon Sessiox.—The convention reassem=
bled at Firemen’s Hall, ‘The hall was filled to over=
flowing, and many crowded the different entrances,
tunable to get within seeing, much less hearing, di
tance of the stand.

‘The committee on permanent officers not being
ready to report, the chairman read several letters
which he had received from prominent men, includ-
ing Cassius M. Clay, of Kentucky; William H,
Seward, of New York; David Wilmot, of Penn-
sylvania; Gov. James W. Grimes, of Towa}
Hon, Thomas H, Benton, of Missouri; Abraham
Lincoln, of Tlinois; Samuel Galloway and Gov.
Chase, of Ohio, closing with the following from
United States Senator Sumner

Bostox, Sept. 8, 1855,
My Dear Sia:—My pleasant and instructive
cirewit through the west ended only yesterday on

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

184

JACKSON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

 

my arrival at my home in Boston, Amidst many
pressing cares, incidents to my protracted absence,
I make haste to acknowledge the honor of your
invitation, and to speed my profound regret that I
cannot, according to your invitation, meet the Re-
Publicans of Michigan in their state convention,
then and there, face to face, to exchange congratula-
tions and confident hopes that the sectional party of
slavery which now, in the livery of a false Democ-
racy, dominates over the republic, will surely yield
defore our national party of freedom,

Let the people comprehend the true issue, and
they must be on our side; if they cannot compre-
hhend it, or, comprehending it, they hesitate, then ate
they wanting in backbone.

As Republicans we go forth against the oligarchs
of slavery. Bit if another name be needed for our
organization, embracing the true, good and staunch
men from all quarters, without regard to previous
alliances, let it he called the Backbone party

Ever faithfully your:
Cuantes Suacves.

 

 

The committee on permanent organization re-
ported as follows

For president, Hon. George A. Coe, Branch;
vice-presidents, C. W. Hobart, of Adrian; C,
Shanahan, of Cassopolis; J. M. Howard,
troit; M. A. McNaughton, Jackson; J. Mel
ney, Lawton; Nathan Power, Farmingion; N. G,
Isbell, Howell; Lovell Moore, Grand Rapids; see-
retaries, George A. Fitch, Kalamazoo; C. V. De-
Land, Jackson; Joseph Warren, Detroit; F. H.
Bankin, Flint.

Mr. Coe, on taking the chair, remarked that he
‘knew that the convention did not call him to the
chair to hear him make a speech, so he would sim-
ply return his heartfelt thanks for the renewed
token of confidence which this nomination gave him.

Some little interruption was occasioned here,
as the crowd outside were unable to obtain a hea
ing and desired an adjournment to the Court House
park, After some interlocutory conversation, the
convention finally decided to remain, as the weather
was very forbidding.

On motion the following committee on resolu-
tions was appointed: Rufas Hosmer, W. W. Mur-
phy, Chas, Draper, E, Lakin Brown and Thomas D.
Gilbert.

‘The meeting was addressed by Hon, Henry
Wilson, of Massachusetts. An editorial mention of
hiis speech says:

“Hon, Henry Wilson acquitted himself with

 

 

 

 

 

 

great credit. Many were disappointed in the speak)
er entirely. Being a self-made man, it was hardly:
expected he would evince the power, forecast and:
reliability which pervaded every part of the effort he)
made at Kalamazoo. He is indeed a powerful man,
‘one who has not been too long in places of honor and
power as to have forgotten altogether the feelings:
and the instincts of the people. Look at him im
whatever light may be presented, the 12th of Sepe
tember he made a host of friends in Michigan?

Owing to the drizzling rain, only a part of the!
assembled mass could be accommodated in the
Fireman's Hall, and meetings were organized in the
court house and in three other halls, all of which
were filled to overflowing. ‘These meetings Were ad-
dressed by Governor Bingham, who made one of,
his happiest efforts; by Zachariah Chandler in one
of his earnest and fiery appeals; by Hon. Austin
Blair in a masterly effort; by Henry Waldron, of,
Hillsdale; William A, Howard, of Detroit; Fran-
cis W. Kellogg, of Grand Rapids; J, A, Hubbel, of
the Upper Peninsula, and others,

After Senator Wilson had finished his speech
at the main meeting, the committee on resolutions:
made a long report, reaffirming the principles of the.
party, and concluding with the following:

“Resolved, That we repeat the recommendation
made at the Jackson convention, of July 6th, 1854
for 2 general convention, of the Republican party
of the free states and of such of the other states
as may see fit to be there represented, with a view
to the adoption of more extended and effectual
measures in resistance of the encroachments of.
slavery; and that a committee of five persons be
appointed to correspond and co-operate with our
friends in other states on the subject.”

The resolutions were adopted unanimously, and
subsequently read in the other meetings and ap
proved by each,

On motion a national committee of five was
appointed to confer with like committees from other
states respecting the calling of a national convention,
and forming a national Republican organization, as
follows: Hon, Jacob M. Howard, chairman}
Zacharieh Chandler, of Detroit; Fernando C. Bea-
man, of Lenawee; David H. Walbridge, of Kala-
mazoo; Francis W. Kellogg, of Kent.

Five different meetings were held in the even=
ing, addressed by the same speakers and, others,
and at ten o'clock P. M,, the assemblage dispersed
with the utmost good feeling, and a firm determina
tion to uphold, now and forever, the rights of the
states, and of the North—that no more aggression

   

 

 

 

 

 

JACKSON COUNTY; MICHIGAN.

will be submitted to; that freedom is and must be
and slavery sectional; that Kansas be
restored to its original condition as free territory;
and that not another acre of the possessions of this
common country shall be polluted with the wither-
ing curse of human servitude,

national,

 

Here was the beginning of that great
movement that culminated in the calling of
the national convention in June, 1856, that
nominated Gen, John C. Fremont and Will-
jam L. Dayton as the first national Republi-
can candidates, and the present organization
of that grand old party, that was destined to

   

 

 

 

 

185

| save the Union, emancipate the slaves, put
down a gigantic rebellion, and to live, pro-
tect and preserve the country in spite of
treason, faction and the enduring” political ,
hatred of the leaders of southern pro-slavery
sentiment. Michigan is entitled to the credit
of being first in these great achievements.
andl it is useless to try to rob her of the laurels

the state has earned or to deny her patriotic
izens praise for their foresight, boldness
and devotion to the principles that led the
nation up to the second great birth of free-
dom.

 

CHAPTER XII.

EARLY BUSI

 

= Michael Hogan was the first merchant
in Jackson. He continued in the business
about a year and sold out to Daniel Coleman
in the fall of 1831, removing to a place called
Bristol, on the Chicago Toad.

Daniel Coleman succeeded Hogan, in
i831, and did business in a small frame
More for about a year, when he was acci-
dentally killed, as heretofore related.

‘The Coleman stock was, in 1833, pur-
chased by Daniel Dwight, who brought with
him his nephew, John N. Dwight, as a clerk,
but soon sold out to the latter and his cousin,
David F. Dwight. But Daniel Dwight con-
tinued a citizen of Jackson and did business
for many years as a real estate broker and
money lender, and died about 1850. He had
a daughter, who married Dr. Abram Sager,
afterwards and for many years a professor

 

  

 

NESS MEN OF JACKSON.

 

the medical department of the University
of Michigan,

John N. Dwight came to Jackson in 1833
as a clerk for Daniel Dwight. About two
years later he bought out the store, and, with
David F. Dwight, continued the business for
twenty years. He was elected justice of the
peace in 1836 and county treasurer in 1838
and 1840. When P. B. Loomis came to
Jackson, he bought out D. F. Dwight, and he
and John N. did business as Dwight &
Loomis. The latter purchased the Kennedy:
Steam Mills, and was afterwards in company,
with the late C. W. Penny. Mr. Dwight re-
tired from business in 1850, but continued to
reside in Jackson until his death, which oc-
curred in 1853. He left two sons, John N.
and Charles Fox, and a daughter, Lizzie,
who married George H. Gorham, of Mar-