French Colonial Michigan
When France Claimed Michigan
1608-1763
Yeh, kinda forgot about that. Was some fur trade action too.
I think this weekend I'm gonna try to hit the homestead of Arnold, a black dude, born free in Virginia 1828, fought in the civil war enlisted 1864 in the 6th U.S. Colored Infantry, served 14 months. Settled on 160 acres here in Michigan with his wife Mary, and children Robert, Arnold, and Anna. Died 1899, oddly the death certificate is signed by my old ladies relative too. His wife Mary remained at the house until her death in 1911. Mary and Arnold are buried in a local township cemetery. Sometime around 1890, the land was split and Robert build his home on the south 80. The land remained in their names until at least 1945, but the homes were gone by 1954. All that remains are some fruit trees, lilacs, walnut trees, and cellar holes.
Not a big time history story, but a fun bit of research, and plenty to get the juices flowing. There's another homestead right across the road, and 10 more just to the south that I haven't gotten into yet.
It's here, just gotta look for it.