Pure Michigan Genealogy-Migration and Immigration

Pure Michigan Genealogy

"If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you" is the Michigan state motto and I imagine my ancestors who immigrated from foreign lands coming to Michigan and seeing the beauty that I see when I look at my home state.  Clear blue lakes and rivers, rock structures and mountains, sandy beaches and dunes are what Michigan had to offer the first immigrants.

Before 1837, when Michigan became a state, Native Americans were the very first inhabitants.  Next, came the French, who were the earliest missionaries in the area. Then, the British arrived as a result of the expansion of the British Empire. Eventually, others realized what great opportunities Michigan offered.

Three rivers were important to the early settlement of Michigan.  The Clinton River Valley saw the settlement at Mt. Clemens, Pontiac, and Rochester.  Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti were formed along the Huron River.  Monroe, Tecumseh, and Adrian were settled along the Raisin River.  All three of these areas form a circle around Detroit.

The early Michigan pioneers migrated from New York and the New England area, settling in the Michigan Territory from 1830-1837.  Michigan became attractive to the early settlers because traveling to the territory became easier.  Originally, the only mode of transportation was by horseback or wagon train, which was a long and treacherous trip.  Steamship travel on Lake Erie became available, too.  The completion of the Erie Canal, in 1825, made migrating easier for New Englanders. Road construction from Ohio to Detroit and Chicago allowed settlers to arrive that way. Plus, land offices were opened in Monroe and Detroit.  These factors helped draw settlers to the territory.  140,000 pioneers came to the Michigan Territory from 1830-1837.  New York, Ohio, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts were the top five states early settlers migrated from.

Fertile land, forests, and mines were all available for early immigrants to develop.  Agriculture was the main economy.  Michigan's early history was rich in industrial development, much as it is today. Iron mining helped the manufacturing of stoves, steam engines and farm implements.  The Soo Locks and Railroads helped to grow Michigan's economy.  Copper mining was a draw as well as the lumber industry.  Later, automobile, chemical, and cereal manufacturing made Michigan a place to migrate to.

Foreign immigrants came from many countries to make Michigan a true melting pot. Michigan was made the state it is today from the many immigrants who traveled from their homeland during the years 1837-1924.

I will discuss the push (reasons for leaving their homeland) and the pull (reasons to immigrate to Michigan) factors by country.  The below countries are where the greatest number of immigrants came to Michigan.

1.  Canada
     Push

• Political refugees from a 1837-1838 revolt.
• Depression of the timber and shipbuilding industries

     Pull

• Military, agricultural, economic, and industrial opportunities after the civil war
• Michigan's close proximity to Canada provided a fresh start for some

Advertisement for M. H. Allardt, Michigan Commissioner of Emigration who was sent to Germany and set up an office in Hamburg.  Allardt published an eight-page magazine promoting Michigan to the Germans.

2.  Germany

     Push

• Economic hardships, unemployment and crop failure
• To avoid war and military service
• German government encouraged the poor to emigrate

     Pull

• Fertile farmland
• State of Michigan recruited immigrants
• Established German settlements (see note)

Note:  The first German immigrants came to Washtenaw County, in 1830, setting up missions.  Two early missions were in Ann Arbor, 1833, and Frankenmuth, 1845. These missionaries wrote back to Germany and encouraged others to immigrate.

The Cornish brought pasties (pass-tees) to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  

They were eaten by the miners and heated with a Cornish stove-

a candle under a shovel.

3.  England/Cornish

     Push

• the dying copper mining industry in Cornwall, which is in southwest England.  Once a great copper mining area.

     Pull

• copper and iron mines in the Keeweenaw Peninsula, in the Upper Peninsula, which today is known as "Copper Country"

4.  Ireland

     Push

• Famine

     Pull

• a place to start new
• improvement of existence

The Irish in Michigan worked in mining and construction of railroads and canals.  They helped build the canal in Grand Rapids in 1835.  Some Irish were known as pack-peddlers.  Merchants from Northern Ireland traveled rural areas selling fine table and bed linens.  

5.  Netherlands

     Push

• Religious upheaval in Netherlands
• King William I tight control over the Reformed Church
• Economic depression 

     Pull

• Religious freedom
• Improvement of existence
• Economic opportunities in furniture industry, utilities and finance

6.  Finland, Sweden, Norway

     Push

• Lack of suitable farmland
• End of the guild system led to more urban centers
• Change from rural to industrial system
• Left to escape parental control, military service, political or religious persecution

     Pull

• Availability of land
• Economic opportunities with many Scandinavians working in the railroads, mining and furniture making.

7.  Poland

     Push

• Failure of political revolts
• Small land holdings
• Low wages
• High taxes

     Pull

• Labor, including railroad workers, sewer and water main workers, and street pavers.  Later, for automobile and foundry.

8.  Hungary

     Push

• Liberal revolts in 1848-1849
• Peasants lack of economic success
• Antisemitism led to immigration of Jews.

     Pull

• Labor opportunities in mining; lumbering; and sugar beet producing in the Thumb area of Michigan.

9.  Italy

     Push

• Few economic opportunities

     Pull

• Manual labor and mining jobs 

During the Post World War II era, Michigan saw an influx from the African American population. They came from the Southern United States and were looking to improve their economic circumstances.  Many worked in the automobile and foundry factories.

Mexican immigration occurred around the same time.  Many Hispanic Americans worked in the farm industry.  Some were migrant workers and left for warmer climates in the winter months after all harvesting was done.

Michigan was hit hard during the manufacturing and economic crisis of a few years ago.  For awhile Michigan was losing population.  The past year or so, it has been more balanced, but not growing at this time.  Michigan is still reliant on manufacturing, but strides have been made in recent years to diversify the economy.  Recent efforts to diversify have led to jobs in the retail, government, medical and bio-tech sectors.

There were some common bonds among the immigrants no matter what country they emigrated from. Many immigrants wrote home encouraging others to join them in Michigan.  They came to Michigan looking for what we would now call the American Dream.  They wanted a job, a home and something better for their children.  

Sources:
DeBoer, Shirley, M, NGS Research in the States Series:  Michigan, Arlington, Virginia:  National Genealogical Society, 2008.

Eichholz, Alice, Editor, Red Book, Provo, Utah:  Ancestry, 2004.

Family Search Wiki, Michigan, [online resource],  Wiki https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Michigan,_United_States_Genealogy

Accessed 24 January 2022.

Holick, Jennifer, Legacy QuickGuide Michigan Genealogy, Surprise, Arizona:  Millenia Corportation, 2013.

"Scandinavian  Immigration", Harvard University Library, Immigration to the United States, 1789-1930.  http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/immigration/scandinavian.html:  Accessed 26 April 2013.

VanderHill,  Warren C.  Settling the Great Lakes Frontier:  Immigration To Michigan, 1837-1924.  Lansing, Michigan:  Michigan Historical Commission, 1970.

This post is the second post in a series of Pure Michigan Genealogy posts on researching your ancestors in Michigan.  To see the other posts, click on the post title below.

1.  Michigan History

2.  Migration and Immigration

3.  Records

4.  Yankee Migration

5.  Churches and Cemeteries

6. Archives, Libraries, Societies and Organizations

7.  What Else is There? 10 More Resources

8.  Maps 

9.  Living History

10. The End

 

 

   

Brazil Immigration Records for Francis Henry "Hank" and Mabel Glover

Watching the Rio 2016 Olympic Games reminded me of the time my Uncle Hank Glover and Aunt Mabel (Ruff) Glover lived in Brazil. My uncle worked for General Motors and after having spent time in South Africa, he was sent to work in Brazil. They lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil for a few years.

I remember when my uncle and aunt were in Brazil.  They visited once or twice while there.  I have a purple amethyst and yellow topaz from Brazil that they gave me.  My aunt and uncle enjoyed living in South Africa, but didn't find Brazil as nice. I remember my aunt talking about the lizards on the walls.  Conditions were not like they were use to.

Family Search has a record group: Brazil, São Paulo, Immigration Cards, 1902-1980. This record contains "registration cards for foreign citizens with permanent residency in São Paulo, issued by the Office of Public Safety and housed at the Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo", according to the Family Search description. Below are the cards for Francis Henry Glover and Mabel Louise Glover.

1975

Source:  Brasil, São Paulo, Cartões de Imigração, 1902-1980," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2S7-XMR8 : 3 June 2016), Francis Henry Glover, 1975; citing Immigration, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, certificate , registration , Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo State Public Archives, São Paulo).

Source: "Brasil, São Paulo, Cartões de Imigração, 1902-1980," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2S7-XMB1 : 3 June 2016), Mabel Louise Glover, 1975; citing Immigration, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, certificate , registration , Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo State Public Archives, São Paulo).

1977

Source: "Brasil, São Paulo, Cartões de Imigração, 1902-1980," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV9-HK93 : 3 June 2016), Francis Henry Glover, 1977; citing Immigration, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, certificate 9466422, registration 364166, Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo State Public Archives, São Paulo).

Source:  Brasil, São Paulo, Cartões de Imigração, 1902-1980," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV9-HSJ2 : 3 June 2016), Mabel Louise Glover, ; citing Immigration, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, certificate 9466421, registration , Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo State Public Archives, São Paulo).

The type of information included on these cards is

• Name of Immigrant
• Date of immigration
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status
• Parents’ names
• Profession or occupation
• Place of residence in country of origin
• Passport number with its date and place of issuance
• Signature of the immigrant

I knew a lot of the information on this record already but the information provided here is great for genealogists.  One note: Francis Henry Glover listed his mother as Sarah L. Glover.  Sarah L. Glover was his step-mother.  Francis Henry Glover's biological mother was Emma Winkler, who died shortly after giving birth to Francis.

This is a piece of family history that brought back fond memories of my aunt and uncle.  They were both very loving, caring and special people.  It was nice to see their pictures and information from a time I remember.

Caspar Graf's Immigration Record-Where is His Wife, Mary?

Why can I find the arrival of Caspar Graf, but not for his wife, Mary?  I have scoured the records to no avail. Were Caspar and Mary married in Germany or the United States? I have looked at marriage records in Germany, New York, and Indiana? Where are you hiding Mary?

Source: "New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957," database, Ancestry.com, Entry for Johan Casper Graf, arrival date 18 Nov 1859.

Johan Caspar Graf, age 34, male, merchant, of Hannover, traveled from Bremen, Germany aboard the ship Roland, mastered by Hermann Wieke. He arrived at the port of New York on 18 November 1859.  The country which he intends to be a inhabitant of is New York. I believe this is not Caspar's original trip to the United States for reasons I list below.

Also, on the ship manifest is Johan Georg Graf, age 32, and Anna Graf, age 24.  The other information for Georg and Anna is the same as Caspar.  I know through other research that Caspar had a brother, Georg. This manifest does not have Mary or any children on it.

The next year in the 1860 United States Census records, I find Caspar Graf (transcribed as Grove), living in Harrison, Miami county, Indiana with his wife, Mary, age 25; and children Caroline, age 7; Philippina, age 5; Jacob, age 3; and Philip, age 1.

Information gleaned from this census record, which may or may not be accurate, shows that Caspar and Mary were born in Bayern; Caroline in New York; Philippina, Jacob, and Philip in Indiana. Using that information tells me that Caspar, Mary and Caroline were in New York by 1853.  They have moved to Indiana by 1855 at the time of Philippina's birth.  I looked without success at the 1850 U.S. Census Records for Caspar and/or Mary.

Complicating the research further is that Caspar dies in 1869, leaving me with only the 1860 Census record for Caspar. I have Caspar's baptism record, though.  He was baptized 19 October 1827 in Rockenhausen, Pfalz, Bavaria with a birth date and place of 14 October 1827 in Katzenbach.

The 1870 Census complicates things a little because it shows Mary living in Harrison, Miami, Indiana with her children: Caroline, Philippine, Jacob, Philip, Henry, George, Valentine, and Elizabeth, all children born in Indiana! After I get over my admiration of Mary for being a widow and raising eight children, I go to look for more information.

The 1880 Census has Mary living in Harrison, Miami, Indiana with Jacob, Philip, Henry, George, Valentine, Elizabeth, and Henrie Ettie.  Henrie Ettie is age six and listed as a daughter.  This is a problem for another day, with Mary's husband dying in 1859. Again, all children born in Indiana. This is consistent for the six children who were in the previous census.  Mary dies in 1898, leaving me with the 1880 Census as the last one Mary is found in.

Caspar and Mary's first born child, Caroline, who I am trying to find out where she was born, hoping it will lead me to more information, is not in the house at this time.  The next thing I do is look for a marriage record. Caroline Graf married Charles E. White on 21 March 1871 in Miami county, Indiana.  Since the record was an index only one, I need to find the original record and see if her birthplace is listed.

Further searching shows marriages for Caroline and Charles White's children.  One states her mother was born in New York and another says Indiana.  I will not give up, I will not give up.

I know I have only touched the very basic sources for Caspar and Mary Graf by using the census, marriage and death records.  I can surmise that their daughter, Caroline, was born in the United States, probably in New York or Indiana.

How does this help me with my original question of finding out when Mary Graf immigrated?  It gives me a time frame of pre-1853 to look at.  I need to find out when Caspar and Mary were married as well.  Was it in the United States? or Germany?  Another Graf researcher states Mary's maiden name as Wrightweasner, but I cannot confirm this.  I can't even find that surname in any research. I have done.

This show the best and the worst parts of why I love genealogy.  I love the puzzle that it provides and working on putting all the pieces together, but it is frustrating to have conflicting information in so many records.

What are my next steps?  This is where I am asking my readers to weigh in. What would you do next?  Please leave a comment and together we will find Caspar and Mary?  Oh, and while I am at it I would love to confirm Mary's maiden name!

David Watt's Passport

Source: "U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925," [database on-line], Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 3 March 2015), entry for David Watt; Passport Applications, 1795-1905; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1372, 694 rolls); General Records of the Department of State, Record Group 59; National Archives, Washington, D.C.Passport Applications, January 2, 1906-March 31, 1925.

David Watt was planning a visit to England and Scotland in August of 1920 to visit relatives. He applied for a passport for this trip.  I found his passport application at Ancestry.com in the database, "U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925.  David's application was filled with information that genealogists love to find.

This form was filled out by David himself.  He swears to the following information:

• Birth: 25 September 1858
• Birth Place: Methil, Scotland
• Father's Name: John Watt
• Father's Birth Place: Scotland
• David's Emigration Date: about 28 April 1879 from Glasgow
• Residence: Marquette, Michigan from 1882-1920
• Naturalization: Marquette County, Marquette, Michigan on 5 December 1886
• Occupation: Locomotive Engineer
• Signature: See Document
• Description of Applicant: 
• Age: 61 years
• Stature: 5 feet, 7 1/2 inches, Eng.
• Forehead: high
• Eyes: blue
• Nose: straight
• Mouth: medium
• Chin: round
• Hair: brown, partly gray
• Complexion: fair
• Face: long
• Distinguishing marks: left ear partly gone

And the best part of the whole application:  THE PICTURE!  

I had known some of this information, but it is always nice to have a second source that confirms it. It amazed me how one document could provide such rich information and description of my great grandfather, David Watt.

Next steps for me was to 1) look for his naturalization papers-which I found at the Archives of Michigan and 2) look for David Watt on a passenger list-I found the passenger list for his return to the United States from this trip. I am still looking for the passenger list when he emigrated from Glasgow.  

David arrived back in the United States on the 23 October 1920 having sailed from Southhampton, England to New York, New York aboard the Mauretania.  Images of the Mauretania can be found here, at ancestry.com.

Who knew that a two page document would provide such rich genealogical information.

Border Crossing Documents

These two documents are from Border Crossings: From U.S. to Canada 1908-1935 from ancestry.com.  These two records show that Harry Glover and his wife, Lilla Glover travelled from Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Canada on 31 May 1920 for the purpose of working in Toronto, Canada.

Information gleaned from Harry's record:
Address in 1920:  484 Cass Ave. Detroit, MI
Occupation:  Mechanical Engineer
Birthplace:  Jackson, Mich
Race or People:  Eng
Religious Denomination:  Presbyterian
Condition of Health:  Good
S.S. Name:  Harry

Information from Lilla Glover's record, that is different from Harry's:

• Occupation:  Housewife
• Birthplace:  Marquette, Mich
• Race or People:  Scotch

When I showed these two records to my father, he wasn't aware that his parents had lived in Toronto, or that his father ever worked there.  These records are from 1920, my father was born in 1925.

Harry Glover worked for Chrysler Corporation during his career.  His work must have taken him to Toronto during this time.  I don't know how long Harry and Lilla stayed in Toronto.

A Letter to Shoreham (Vermont) 1832

The July 1955 Vermont Quarterly published a letter that Orlo H. Fenn wrote to his parents, Daniel and Huldah (Rowley) Fenn, my great-great-great grandparents.  Orlo H. Fenn is the brother of my great-great grandfather, Daniel C. Fenn.  The letter dated July 1 AD 1932 was sent to his parents in Shoreham, Vermont from Dexter, Michigan Territory.


Orlo writes of his trip from Shoreham, Vermont to Michigan.  Orlo H. Fenn, with his wife Lois (Lawrence);  Truman Lawrence, with his wife Matilda; and William A. Davis 'Arnold', with his wife Abigail (Lawrence) started their journey in Shoreham, Vermont on a Monday.  They travelled to Whitehall, New York arriving the same day they left Shoreham.  They spent the night here.  From Whitehall the group travelled to Troy, New York- arriving on a Friday morning.  From Troy they travelled to Buffalo, New York.  Orlo states in his letter that they arrived in Buffalo on Saturday of the next week, a trip of twelve days.


The group secured passage aboard the steamboat, Ohio, in Buffalo and travelled to Detroit in the Michigan Territory, arriving on a Monday.  On Wednesday morning, Orlo writes that Arnold Truman, Matilda and Orlo left Detroit by stage travelling to Dexter.  They arrived at a Mr. Spaulding's house on Thursday at noon.  The rest of the week was spent looking at land.  During this time, Arnold Truman and Orlo Fenn travelled by foot (which took four days) to Lapeer to look at land.  Arnold and Orlo decided they would rather settle in the Dexter area.  

Arnold and Orlo then left for Detroit to buy land at the land office.  Orlo purchased 120 acres of land, 9 miles from Dexter Mills.  In addition, he bought one yoke of oxen, one cow, and a calf.  Orlo H. Fenn's land records can be found at Bureau of Land Management-General Land Office Records.  There are three certificates issued:  Certificate Numbers 6927, 6928, and 13156.  The area that the land was bought eventually became the township of Sylvan, which was organized in 1834.
The letter continues with prices paid for livestock, information on planting the land and building homes.  He reports on conditions pertaining to life, Indians, and religion.  Orlo was living in a barn when he sent the letter as a log house was being built for Arnold (Davis) which they all were going to live in until after sowing, when Orlo planned to build his own.


Orlo H. Fenn's family members also settled in the same area.  His parents, Daniel and Huldah (Rowley) Fenn arrived in the Spring of 1833.  The following brothers and sisters settled in present day Washtenaw County too:  Tully C.P. Fenn, Betsy Fenn, Daniel C. Fenn, Aminda Fenn, and Abel Fenn.


Orlo H. Fenn's letter home represents early settlers experiences in travelling to the territory of Michigan.  I admire the independent spirit and sense of adventure of my ancestors.


Sources:
Fenn Orlo H. "A Letter to Shoreham." Vermont Quarterly (July 1955), p 229-230.


History of Washtenaw County, Michigan: together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships,...portraits of prominent persons...and biographies. Chicago: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., 1881.


United States Bureau of Land Management, "General Land Office Records," Database and digital images. . http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/ : 2010.   Entry for Orlo H. Fenn  Certificate Number 6927 and 6928.