Michigan Genealogical Records

Michigan Birth & Baptism Records

Michigan Births (1867-1902)

Images of birth registers, recording names, date and place of birth, gender, race, parents' names, residence, parents' places of birth and father's occupation. Searchable by an index of over 1.4 million names.

Michigan Births & Christenings Index (1867-1911)

An index to over 900,000 birth and baptism records, which may include name, gender, race, date and place of birth/baptism, parents' names and birthplaces, names of grandparents and more.

US French Catholic Church Records (1695-1954)

An index to and digital images of registers recording the baptism, marriage and burials of 10,000s of French Catholics.

Michigan Births and Christenings (1775-1995)

An index to over 1.6 million birth and baptism records, including name, gender, date and place of birth and parents' names. The index can be used to order copies of original records, which may contain further details.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

Michigan Marriage & Divorce Records

Michigan Divorce Records (1897-1952)

Summaries of around half-a-million divorce cases, which may include names and ages of both parties, date and place of marriage, number of children, who filed the divorce, cause of divorce, whether the case was contested, whether a divorce was granted and more.

Michigan Marriages (1868-1925)

Images of registers recording marriages in the state, including date and place of marriage, name, colour, residence, age, place of birth, occupation and other details. Searchable by an index of over 1.5 million names.

Michigan Marriage Records (1867-1952)

An index to and digital images of marriage registers and licences recording over 8 million marriages. Details vary, but may include race, residence, parents' names, occupation and more.

Michigan County Marriages (1820-1935)

Digital images, indexed by name, of registers recording marriages. May include ages, places of birth, residences, occupation, parents' names and other details.

Michigan Marriages (1822-1995)

An index to over 1.9 million marriages. The index may include the name of the bride and groom, their age and place of birth, date and place of marriage, race, marital status and parents' names. Can be used to locate original records, which may contain further details.

Michigan Death & Burial Records

Michigan Death Records (1897-1920)

Digital images of 925,000 death records, searchable by a name index. Records may include name, date and place of death, gender, colour, spouse's name, date and place of birth, occupation, parents' names and birthplaces, cause of death and more.

Michigan Deaths (1867-1897)

Images of registers recording over half-a-million deaths. Entries include name, date and place of death, gender, race, marital status, age, birthplace, cause of death, occupation and parents' names. Searchable by a name index.

Michigan Death Index (1971-1996)

An index to over 2 million deaths, including name, date of birth, date of death, gender, residence and place of death. The index can be used to order a full death certificate, which will contain further details.

Michigan Death Index (1921-1952)

An index to almost 1.7 million death certificates issued by the state. May include a deceased's age, gender, date and place of death, marital status, date and place of birth and parents' names.

Michigan Deaths & Burials Index (1867-1995)

An index to over 1.3 million deaths and burials. Entries may include name, gender, race, date and place of birth, occupation residence, street address, spouse, date and place of death/burial, parents' names, parents' birthplaces and a reference to order a copy death certificate.

Michigan Census & Population Lists

Michigan State Census (1894)

An index to households in Michigan, recording around 380,000 of their residents, including their name, age and gender.

1884 Michigan State Census (1884)

Digital images of schedules listing households and their inhabitants. Includes name, age, gender, color, relation to head of household, marital status, marriage details, place of birth and parents' places of birth.

Michigan Census & Substitutes Index (1827-1870)

An index to 300,000 names found in the 1827 territorial census, 1837 Kalamazoo County census, several state and federal censuses and other records.

US WWII Old Man's Draft Registration (1942)

Records registering over 15 million men born between 1877 and 1897, including name, age, birth date and place, residence, employer, and physical description.

1940 United States Census (1940)

A name index and digital images of registers recording almost 135 million people living in the United States. The registers record age, place of birth, relationships, occupations and more.

Newspapers Covering Michigan

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

Newspapers.com (1728-Present)

A growing collection of text-searchable, digitalised newspapers from the United States of America. Contains thousands of titles and over 100 million pages.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Name Card Index to AP Stories (1905-1990)

An index to over 2.1 million people mentioned in Associated Press stories, including name, subject, location, date and a reference to the article.

Michigan Wills & Probate Records

Michigan Wills & Probate Records (1784-1980)

An index to and images of more than 250,000 wills and probate documents. They typically record details of the deceased's relatives; and sometimes describe real and personal property, sentiments, convictions, intended places of burial and more.

British Inheritance Disputes Index (1574-1714)

An index to almost 78,000 wills that were disputed. The index can lead you to documents that may shed a great deal of genealogical information as disputes often arose between siblings and cousins.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. I (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. II (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Michigan Immigration & Travel Records

New York Passenger and Crew Lists (1909-1957)

Digital images of registers recording the arrival of passengers and crew at New York harbour. Varying details are included, such as name, age, gender, occupation, nationality, race, last place of residence, intended place of residence and more. The registers can be searched by a name index of over 28 million names.

Canada-US Border Crossings (1895-1956)

This database contains an index of aliens and citizens crossing into the U.S. from Canada via various ports of entry along the U.S.-Canadian border. It may include name, age, date and place of birth, gender, ethnicity/nationality, names of friends and relatives and more.

San Francisco Passenger Lists (1893-1953)

Name index and images from passenger lists of those arriving in San Francisco, California. Records details, such as place of birth and occupation of around 3 million people.

New York Passenger Arrival Lists (1892-Present)

Images of passenger and crew lists, searchable by an index of more than 51 million names. Lists may contain details such as age, gender, place of origin, occupation and much more.

Boston, MA Passenger Lists (1891-1943)

Digital images of passenger lists, recording passenger names, their age, gender, occupation place of birth, citizenship, place of residence and intended place of residence. Searchable by an index of almost 3 million names.

Michigan Military Records

Registers of Deaths of Union Volunteers (1861-1865)

An index and digital images of registers listing the deaths of around 250,000 Union soldiers. The registers list name, rank, company, date and place of death, cause of death and miscellaneous notes.

Michigan Volunteers Civil War Service Records (1861-1865)

A history of regiments during The Civil War, with specific mention of some men who served with them.

US World War II Draft Registration Cards (1942)

Digital images of over 10 million registration cards, which record name, address, date and place of birth, next of kin, employer and more. Cards can be searched by a name index.

US WWII Old Man's Draft Registration (1942)

Records registering over 15 million men born between 1877 and 1897, including name, age, birth date and place, residence, employer, and physical description.

US Army WWII Enlistment Records (1942-1945)

Details of millions of American men and women who enlisted in the US Army, including serial number, residence, education, enlistment location and date, Army branch and grade, height and weight, military specialty, and other data.

US Passport Applications (1795-1925)

Digital images of applications for passports, which list name, date and place of birth, father's particulars, immigration and naturalisation details, residence, occupation, photograph and more. Searchable by a name index.

US Social Security Applications & Claims Index (1936-2007)

An index to 49 million applications and claims for social security. The index includes name, SSN, date and place of birth, nation of citizenship, gender, father's name, mother's maiden name and race.

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

US Pension Office Correspondence (1889-1904)

Name index and images of the name and subject index to correspondence of the Records and Pension office. Searchable by an index of almost 800,000 names.

US Freed Slaves to Liberia Records (1817-1964)

An index to and images of correspondence, account books, annual reports, news clippings and other documents relating to freed slaves in the US who settled in Liberia.

Michigan Taxation Records

IRS Tax Assessment Lists (1862-1918)

An index to and digital images of registers recording 8.8 million instances of taxation. The records list the name of the person or business being taxed: their address and details tax assessed and paid.

Michigan Land & Property Records

US General Land Office Records (1796-1907)

An index to and digital images of 2.2 million land patents, primarily cash and homestead, from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Michigan Homestead & Cash Entry Patents (1770-1908)

Documents recording land transfers. The records contain names, acreages, signatures, dates, mineral rights, bounds, descriptions of land and more.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Union Army Provost Marshals' Papers (1861-1867)

Over 235,000 documents relating to Union prisoners, legal proceedings, oaths, land forfeitures and more.

Michigan Directories & Gazetteers

Facts and Figures About Michigan (1885)

This is a small compendium of statistics, charts, timetables, and political information published by the Michigan Central Railroad. It includes lists of members of state boards, the state legislature, and officers of military regiments. Population figures, vote tallies, and numbers drawn from the report of the state treasurer for fiscal year 1884 accompany useful commercial intelligence such as the locations of local post offices and national banks or names and sites of regional newspapers.

Michigan State Gazetteer & Business Directory (1873)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Michigan State Gazetteer & Directory (1865)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Michigan State Gazetteer & Business Directory (1863)

A directory of Michigan businesses and a gazetteer of state geography. Providing a listing of post offices and an alphabetical listing of cities, towns and villages, it includes a brief history and description of the state's natural resources. Additionally, it lists a number of local officials, business people, churches, associations and educational institutions in the region.

Michigan State Gazetteer (1863)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Michigan Cemeteries

Michigan Gravestones (1800-Present)

A growing database of over 69,000 gravestones, searchable by name and organised by cemetery.

US Veteran's Gravesites (1775-2008)

A database containing details of the burial of 7.6 million US military veterans. Entries may contain details of birth, next of kin and more.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Cemetery Interment Control Forms (1928-1962)

This database contains cards recording details for members of the US Army interred in national cemeteries. May include details of next of kin, military service and other details.

Michigan Obituaries

Michigan Obituaries (1820-2006)

An index and images of around 380,000 obituaries concerning Michigan residents. Searchable by a name index.

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Obituary Collection (1700-Present)

A growing database containing 10s of millions of abstract obituaries with a reference to the publication it occurred in and a link to the full obituary if available online.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

Michigan Histories & Books

Facts and Figures About Michigan (1885)

This is a small compendium of statistics, charts, timetables, and political information published by the Michigan Central Railroad. It includes lists of members of state boards, the state legislature, and officers of military regiments. Population figures, vote tallies, and numbers drawn from the report of the state treasurer for fiscal year 1884 accompany useful commercial intelligence such as the locations of local post offices and national banks or names and sites of regional newspapers.

US County and Regional Histories and Atlases (1804-1984)

A collection of 2,200 books recording history, biographical sketches, maps, business notices, statistics and population numbers, pictures, descriptions of industry and business, stories of early settlement and pioneers, colleges and universities, military history, geography etc. of localities in the US.

Michigan: A History of the State & Its People (1500-1930)

A detailed history of the state from pre-colonial times, including information on Indians, settlement, war, politics, commerce and amenities. Also contains biographies of notable people from Michigan.

Michigan Medical History (1800-1930)

A history of medicine in Michigan from the early nineteenth century. Drawn from reminiscences, historical chronicles, anecdotes, scholarly journals, letters and biographical accounts.

The American Gazetteer (1798)

One of the earliest attempt to form a comprehensive dictionary of places in The Americas.

Michigan School & Education Records

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

A growing index to over 300 million entries in middle school, junior high, high school, and college yearbooks linked to digital images of the yearbook pages. Yearbooks usually include name and photo, but may include biographical data, such as family relations, academic achievements and hobbies.

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

An index to and digital images of over 20,000 year books, listing details of schools, students and staff. Many contain photographs.

US School Catalogues (1765-1935)

A variety of publications listing names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with US universities, seminaries and theological institutes, normal schools, medical schools, academies, military schools, etc. Records include catalogues, obituary records and necrologies, class histories, speeches and addresses, commencement exercises, class reports, registers, prospectus, circulars, proceedings, annual reports, magazines and other documents.

High School Student Lists (1821-1923)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated primarily with preparatory and similar schools, including academies, high schools, seminaries, reform schools, institutes, industrial schools, military academies, dance schools, grammar schools, Latin schools and others. Searchable by an index of around 650,000 names.

US College Student Lists (1763-1924)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of college students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with places of learning. They include catalouges of students and officers, histories, biographical sketches, retrospectives, memorials, registers, anniversary books, annual reports, addresses and commencement exercises, alumni lists, lists of lectures and courses, board proceedings, catalogues of fraternity members, and other items.

Michigan Occupation & Business Records

Facts and Figures About Michigan (1885)

This is a small compendium of statistics, charts, timetables, and political information published by the Michigan Central Railroad. It includes lists of members of state boards, the state legislature, and officers of military regiments. Population figures, vote tallies, and numbers drawn from the report of the state treasurer for fiscal year 1884 accompany useful commercial intelligence such as the locations of local post offices and national banks or names and sites of regional newspapers.

Names & PO Addresses of Farmers in Michigan (1878)

A searchable book containing information relating to the area, its residents and businesses.

Michigan Medical History (1800-1930)

A history of medicine in Michigan from the early nineteenth century. Drawn from reminiscences, historical chronicles, anecdotes, scholarly journals, letters and biographical accounts.

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

US Federal Census Non-Population Schedules (1850-1880)

An index and digital images of schedules recording statistical data concerning agriculture, industry, social and other areas. Includes many people and businesses.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Michigan

Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (1620-1938)

Pedigrees of women who were descendants of one or more servicemen of The American Revolutionary War. Contains 100,000s of names.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Colonial Families in the US (1600-1920)

Genealogical charts, and coats of arms where appropriate, of prominent families in America's early history.

Ancestry Member Family Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A compilation of lineage-linked family trees submitted by Ancestry users. The database contains over 2 billion individuals and is searchable by numerous metrics.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

Michigan Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

History of England Society & Government (56 BC-1867)

A lengthy history of England detailing the country's connection to the U.S.A. Includes much detail on royalty, nobility and other historical figures of note.

Michigan Church Records

US French Catholic Church Records (1695-1954)

An index to and digital images of registers recording the baptism, marriage and burials of 10,000s of French Catholics.

US Quaker Meeting Records (1681-1935)

An index to and digital images of documents recording almost 6 million names. They include registers of births, marriages and deaths; lists of members; movement of members between congregations; records of discipline; disownment; burials and more.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Index to Quaker Records (1680-1940)

An index to close to 900,000 names occurring in Quaker meeting records. These cover items such as discipline, admittance, movement between meetings, some vital events and much more.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

Biographical Directories Covering Michigan

US County and Regional Histories and Atlases (1804-1984)

A collection of 2,200 books recording history, biographical sketches, maps, business notices, statistics and population numbers, pictures, descriptions of industry and business, stories of early settlement and pioneers, colleges and universities, military history, geography etc. of localities in the US.

Michigan Biographies (1700-1924)

Includes members of Congress, elective state officers, justices of the Supreme court, members of the Michigan Legislature, Board of regents of the University of Michigan, State board of agriculture and State board of education.

Michigan: A History of the State & Its People (1500-1930)

A detailed history of the state from pre-colonial times, including information on Indians, settlement, war, politics, commerce and amenities. Also contains biographies of notable people from Michigan.

Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans (1904)

A ten volume work containing close to 20,000 biographies of notable Americans.

American Biographical Library (1774-1949)

Over 75,000 biographies covering congressmen, women, military and other notable individuals.

Michigan Maps

US County and Regional Histories and Atlases (1804-1984)

A collection of 2,200 books recording history, biographical sketches, maps, business notices, statistics and population numbers, pictures, descriptions of industry and business, stories of early settlement and pioneers, colleges and universities, military history, geography etc. of localities in the US.

US Enumeration District Maps & Descriptions (1940)

Maps recording districts used to allot areas in which census takers would operate. Searchable by street name and more.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Old Maps Online (1497-2010)

An interactive index to thousands of maps covering the world, continents, countries and regions. The majority of maps cover Britain and Ireland.

Michigan Reference Works

Periodical Source Index (1825-Present)

An index to over 2.7 million articles published in various genealogical, historical and ethnographic publications.

US Free Genealogical Data Search Engine (1513-Present)

A search engine that covers over 2.5 million pages of vital records, family trees, biographies and other genealogical resources.

A Guide to the NARA Field Branches (1988)

Details of record collections held by numerous sub-branches of The National Archives.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

US Family Historian's Address Book (1997)

A directory of bodies that hold important collections of genealogical and historical records, ordered by state. As it was published in 1997, some contact details may be out of date, but the organizations' names can be used to locate updated information.

Historical Description

MICHIGAN. This is one of those members of the American Union which were formerly comprised in the “North-west Territory.” In the year 1640, it was partially explored by a few French traders from Canada; and the first settlement was formed at Detroit, in 1670. By the peace between France and England, in 1763, the latter obtained possession of the territory, and, at the termination of the revolutionary war, ceded it to the United States-retaining control of Detroit, however, until 1796. It was organized as a territory of the United States in 1805; but, in the course of the war of 1812, again fell into the hands of the British, from whom it was recovered, in a short period, by the American forces under General Harrison. In 1836, it was admitted into the Union as an independent state.

Boundaries and Extent

Bordered on the northern and eastern fronts by two of the great lakes, and parted near its centre by another, the land surface exhibits two distinct peninsulas-the base of one lying adjacent to Ohio and Indiana on the south, and that of the other commencing at the boundary of Wisconsin on the south-west. The main peninsula, known as Michigan proper, is bounded north by the waters of Lakes Huron and Michigan; east by Lakes Huron and St. Clair, and by a portion of Lake Erie, with the intermediate straits or rivers; south by the states of Ohio and Indiana; and west by Lake Michigan. The northern or upper peninsula is bounded north by Lake Superior; east and south-east by Lake Huron and the waters therewith connected; south by Lake Michigan; and south-west by the Menonomee and Montreal Rivers, which separate it from Wisconsin. The southern peninsula is 282 miles long, with an average breadth of 140; the length of the northern is 324 miles, and its mean width 60. The whole area of the state, including some 36,300 square miles of water surface, comprises about 92,500 square miles. Its geographical position is between 41° 30' and 47° 20' north latitude, and extends from 82° 25' to 90° 30' west longitude.

Government

The governor, lieutenant governor, and senators are elected biennially, and the representatives annually—the latter numbering 54, and the Senate consisting of 18. These elections are by the people, who, by a late amendment of the constitution, elect also the judges and cabinet officers. The sessions of the legislature commence annually on the first Monday of January; and the present seat of government is established at Lansing, Ingham county. A residence of only six months in the state, immediately preceding an election, confers the right of voting on all white males who have attained their majority.

Judiciary. Until the recent modification of the constitution, the judges of the Supreme Court were appointed by the governor and Senate for seven years. The Supreme Court comprises a chief justice and four associate justices, one being assigned to each of the five judicial circuits into which the state is divided. These courts hold one or two terms an nually in each county; and there are also County Courts, having general common law jurisdiction, both civil and criminal. Persons charged with offences punishable by confinement in the State Prison may demand trial before the circuit judge, who in such case is to preside in the County Court. The county judges hold office four years. Probate Courts are held in each county, the judges of which, as well as those of the county courts, are elected by the people.

Education

The subject of education has received a just share of public attention. The common school system is generously supported, and many literary institutions of a higher order have also been established and liberally endowed. At Ann Arbor is located Michigan University, which has academic branches in various other parts of the state. There are sundry colleges, maintained by different religious denominations, and generally in a flourishing condition. In ]849, the number of scholars in the state, which derived benefit from the public funds appropriated for purposes of education, was upwards of 125,000. There is a Board of Education, consisting of eight members, chosen by the legislature, which has charge of a well-endowed state Normal School, at Ypsilanti. Munificent appropriations have also been made for the erection and maintenance of asylums for the deaf, dumb, blind, and insane.

Finances

At the opening of the year 1850, the state debt exceeded the immediate available means of payment by somewhat more than $2,000,000. During the year ending November 30, 1850, the receipts into the treasury amounted to $429,268, and the expenditures to $449,355. The revenue is derived not only from direct state taxes, but from specific taxes, charges on sales of public lands, and other sources. It was estimated by the governor, in a late annual message, that the assessment of property for purposes of taxation, instead of being based, as heretofore, on a valuation of only about $30,000,000, would be more equitably made if based upon a cash valuation; in which case the value of taxable property, it is supposed, must exceed $100,000,000.

Surface, Soil, &c.-Michigan proper presents a diversity of surface. It is mostly either level or slightly swelling, but is occasionally rough and hilly; and towards the central points, between the eastern and western shores, is elevated to a height of some six to seven hundred feet, forming rugged and irregular ridges. On the western side of this range of eminences, the land slopes gently and smoothly towards the lake, but again rises on the coast into steep and broken sand banks and bluffs. The northern half of this peninsula is as yet but sparsely peopled; and its soil is regarded as inferior to that of the southern portion, although most of the lands in the interior are said to be, in general, well adapted to agricultural purposes. In the settled parts, the soil is quite productive; and flax, hemp, all the varieties of grains, garden vegetables, &c., are raised in abundance. The forests yield excellent timber, of almost every description known in this climate; as, the oak, walnut, hickory, elm, ash, maple, sycamore, whitewood, hackberry, cottonwood, poplar, butternut, cherry, &c. There are also large tracts of pine, spruce, and hemlock-trees in the northerly parts of the state. Of the upper or northern peninsula, no very great amount of knowledge has yet been obtained, beyond what is, in some degree, connected with the recent geological survey of this region. It is but thinly inhabited by permanent residents, its soil promising but poor remuneration to the cultivator. Mountains, valleys, hills, plains, forests, and rivers variegate the surface. The most lofty of the elevations ascend to a height of 2000 feet; some of the forests embrace millions of acres of pines and other evergreens; and a hundred rivers, large and small, affording valuable mill sites, flow from the uplands into the lakes, on either side of the Porcupine Mountains, the grand ridge which towers as a sort of dividing barrier between Lakes Superior and Michigan.

Rivers

The high lands in the central parts of Michigan proper give rise to several large streams, which generally run into the lakes on either side. The principal of these are Raisin and Huron, flowing into Lake Erie; the Rouge, Clinton, Black, Saginaw, Thunder-Bay, and Cheborgan, emptying into sundry straits and bays on the east; and the still larger rivers, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Monistic, Maskegon, and Grand, which connect with Lake Michigan on the west, and are partly navigable. Small lakes, yielding plenty of fine fish, abound in the southern counties of this peninsula. Excepting the Montreal and Menonomee, which form a part of the boundary, the rivers of the northern peninsula, though numerous, are comparatively inconsiderable, so far as they have yet been explored. The most important appears to be the Ontonagon River, which flows into Lake Superior.

Internal Improvements

The Central Railroad, extending from Detroit to Lake Michigan, and the Southern Railroad, finished as far as Hillsdale, are the principal public works of this class within the state. They were both originally projected, and partially completed, under the authority of the state, whose property they were until 1846, when they were sold to certain incorporated companies. The Central was disposed of for $2,000,000, and the Southern for $500,000. Several branches extend in different directions from the above roads, embracing an aggregate length of some 70 miles. Other works have been projected, and will doubtless be prosecuted.

Minerals

The northern peninsula of Michigan is known to be peculiarly rich in mineral treasures. In Ontonagon River, about the centre of the region, immense masses of native copper have been found; and there are doubtless vast beds of that and other minerals that yet remain to be developed. Iron and lead are known to exist in abundance.

Manufactures

Several millions of capital are employed in various descriptions of manufactures; but the articles produced are such, in general, as are only required for domestic use, or home consumption. Wheat flour is, perhaps, the only manufactured commodity which is exported to any considerable amount from the state. In 1849, there were 228 flouring mills in the state, which manufactured 719,478 barrels of flour. There are some hundreds of saw mills scattered throughout the several counties, which prepare for market large quantities of lumber, and some portions of this product are also sent abroad.

Indians

There are several tribes, or parts of tribes, of the red races, dispersed in different quarters of the state, the most numerous of which are the Chippewas, which compose upwards of one half of the Indian population, and reside mostly in the upper peninsula. The Ottawas are next in numerical order; then follow the Monomonies and Pottawatamies, with a few Wyandots. These, altogether, number nearly 8000. They occupy various localities, dwelling for the most part on tracts specially reserved for their use.

Population

Michigan, like the other North-western States, is peopled by the representatives of divers lands and races. The natives consist of the descendants of the aborigines, of the first French settlers, and mestizoes, or the offspring of white and Indian progenitors. Among the foreign population are immigrants from Great Britain, Germany, and other European countries; and there are multitudes of settlers from New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Canada. Very few of the African race are found in the state.

Climate

There is a marked dissimilarity between the climates of the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, arising from their different geographical positions. The former is subject to great extremes of heat and cold, to sudden and severe changes, while the latter enjoys a comparatively mild and uniform temperature. Long and cold winters, followed by short and hot summers, are the principal seasons in the upper peninsula; for the transitions are so rapid as to afford but a brief interval of spring or autumn. The contrast between the two portions of the state, in this respect, is owing, doubtless, to the varied influences of the winds from the lakes. The general adaptation of the climate to human health may be said to equal that of the central portions of Indiana and Illinois. Among the diseases most common are fever and ague, and other maladies originating in malaria. In some seasons, affections of the lungs, of the bowels, the limbs, &c., prevail to greater or less extent, depending upon atmospheric agencies. The goitre, or swelled neck, is a disease peculiar to the inhabitants residing on the lake shores.

Religion

Of the religious denominations the Methodists are the most numerous. Presbyterians, Baptists, Episcopalians, and Roman Catholics constitute the bulk of the remainder. There are, however, a few congregations of Lutherans, Dutch Reformed, Unitarians, Universalists, &c.

Curiosities

Among these may be classed the ancient forts or mounds, the relics of former races, many of which are found in this and the neighboring states, varying in form and dimensions, and containing remains of human bodies, arrows, medals, ornaments, strangely-shaped vessels, &c., but as yet yielding no clew to the development of their mysterious origin. Certain “garden beds,” so called, are found in various parts of the state, evidently of very ancient Indian origin. In many instances they cover hundreds of acres, exhibiting traces of the most careful labor in the regularity of their outlines and compartments, and the fineness of their soil, as compared with the surrounding land.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States (1854) by Thomas Baldwin

Most Common Surnames in Michigan

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Johnson73,1391:1433.33%2
2Williams58,0261:1803.02%3
3Brown53,7171:1953.03%4
4Miller49,9111:2103.66%7
5Jones47,2631:2222.84%5
6Davis39,1931:2672.79%6
7Anderson31,4021:3333.09%8
8Wilson30,7291:3413.16%9
9Jackson28,6591:3653.45%16
10Taylor28,4681:3683.18%11
11Moore28,2401:3713.28%13
12Thomas28,0171:3743.21%12
13Clark24,8771:4213.45%22
14Martin24,8141:4223.03%17
15Harris24,1221:4343.13%21
16White23,6161:4432.91%18
17Thompson23,0571:4542.92%20
18Robinson21,0881:4973.36%27
19Hall20,6381:5073.33%30
20Allen20,3881:5143.27%28
21Walker19,9881:5243.15%26
22Lewis19,1691:5462.97%25
23Young18,5771:5643.10%31
24Wright18,2541:5743.28%33
25Hill18,2441:5743.36%35
26Baker18,1051:5783.35%36
27Green17,5711:5963.27%37
28King17,2771:6063.08%32
29Adams16,9721:6173.06%34
30Lee16,7131:6271.99%15
31Scott16,6351:6293.10%38
32Nelson16,4031:6383.06%39
33Campbell16,1031:6503.27%41
34Cook15,3171:6843.87%56
35Mitchell14,5241:7213.18%45
36Phillips12,9861:8062.95%47
37Collins12,6631:8273.02%50
38Parker12,5721:8333.01%51
39Carter12,5561:8342.59%42
40Turner12,5391:8352.93%48
41Evans12,3501:8482.72%46
42Peterson12,2761:8533.36%59
43Reed11,9861:8743.45%66
44Cooper11,5151:9093.16%61
45Stewart11,4541:9142.85%54
46Edwards11,4171:9172.68%49
47Bell11,3651:9213.15%62
48Rogers10,8531:9652.82%57
49Murphy10,7461:9742.79%58
50Cole10,6791:9814.21%109
51Bennett10,6711:9813.28%74
52Wood10,6341:9853.16%69
53Howard10,4541:1,0023.14%70
54Brooks10,3691:1,0103.17%73
55Morris10,2041:1,0262.54%55
56Fisher9,8921:1,0593.57%94
57Foster9,8591:1,0623.35%81
58Kelly9,7071:1,0792.95%72
58Morgan9,7071:1,0792.66%60
60Ward9,6181:1,0892.91%71
61Myers9,4981:1,1033.24%84
62Russell9,4591:1,1073.42%95
63Schultz9,4441:1,1096.75%262
64Gray9,3971:1,1142.93%75
65Watson9,0401:1,1582.83%76
66Coleman9,0141:1,1623.23%92
67Perry8,8541:1,1833.22%98
68Stevens8,8111:1,1883.72%119
69McDonald8,6551:1,2103.69%122
70Hamilton8,3801:1,2503.22%102
71James8,3721:1,2512.78%79
72Snyder8,1451:1,2863.92%144
73Powell8,1411:1,2862.96%97
74Sanders8,0911:1,2942.89%90
75Barnes8,0461:1,3012.87%89
76Alexander8,0401:1,3023.07%101
77Fox8,0131:1,3073.91%147
78Price7,9751:1,3132.73%86
79Marshall7,9611:1,3153.50%128
80Long7,9551:1,3162.78%87
81Patterson7,9041:1,3253.10%107
82Rose7,8691:1,3313.93%156
83Wagner7,8651:1,3313.74%139
84Graham7,8531:1,3333.04%103
85Hayes7,8201:1,3393.18%114
86Butler7,6481:1,3692.70%88
87Smith7,6271:1,3730.26%1
88Burns7,5751:1,3823.42%131
89Cox7,5581:1,3862.20%67
90Gibson7,5291:1,3913.14%117
91Schmidt7,5051:1,3953.80%160
92Garcia7,4851:1,3990.83%10
93Woods7,4091:1,4133.36%132
94Jenkins7,2981:1,4352.66%100
95Spencer7,2741:1,4404.19%201
96Griffin7,2221:1,4502.86%111
97Carpenter7,1841:1,4584.27%212
98West7,1461:1,4652.79%104
99Hunt7,1431:1,4663.54%152
99Kennedy7,1431:1,4663.14%129
101Henderson7,1251:1,4702.60%99
102Crawford7,1171:1,4713.30%134
103Rodriguez7,0961:1,4760.83%14
104Murray7,0381:1,4883.05%124
105Rice6,8401:1,5313.59%169
106Ellis6,8021:1,5402.78%115
107Hunter6,7201:1,5583.39%158
108Peters6,7181:1,5593.84%198
109Palmer6,7101:1,5613.39%159
110Carlson6,7091:1,5613.96%207
111Nichols6,7011:1,5633.60%177
112Hicks6,6931:1,5653.40%161
113Wallace6,6791:1,5682.63%110
114Sullivan6,6261:1,5802.26%83
115Hoffman6,6151:1,5833.58%178
116Berry6,6141:1,5833.74%192
117Harrison6,6111:1,5842.80%120
118Richards6,5911:1,5893.96%217
119Simmons6,5851:1,5902.58%106
120Jordan6,5841:1,5902.59%108
121Wells6,5461:1,6002.94%130
122Gardner6,5441:1,6003.47%173
123Mason6,4701:1,6193.20%151
124Bradley6,4641:1,6203.61%188
125Martinez6,4391:1,6260.80%19
126Porter6,3941:1,6383.17%153
127Shaw6,3851:1,6403.06%143
128Washington6,3731:1,6433.11%146
129Daniels6,3271:1,6553.43%179
130Johnston6,3231:1,6563.58%193
131Armstrong6,2721:1,6703.57%196
132Curtis6,2151:1,6854.70%280
133Simpson6,1101:1,7143.00%149
134Warren6,0861:1,7213.16%165
135Weber6,0791:1,7234.10%244
136Ferguson6,0631:1,7273.15%166
137Mills6,0521:1,7303.18%171
138Arnold6,0471:1,7323.22%175
139Hudson6,0371:1,7353.50%203
140Gordon6,0111:1,7422.80%136
141Chapman5,9731:1,7533.58%215
142Tucker5,9481:1,7612.83%140
143Owens5,9341:1,7652.61%127
144Jacobs5,9111:1,7723.74%228
145Black5,9031:1,7742.87%145
146Schneider5,8891:1,7784.15%258
147Hart5,8731:1,7833.27%186
148Hansen5,8501:1,7903.11%174
149Hernandez5,8301:1,7960.82%23
150Wheeler5,7621:1,8173.57%225
151Webb5,7291:1,8282.70%137
152Elliott5,7281:1,8283.20%189
153Austin5,7121:1,8333.71%233
154Stone5,6941:1,8392.86%157
155Andrews5,6401:1,8573.16%190
156Warner5,6391:1,8575.10%336
157Olson5,6251:1,8622.61%135
158Hawkins5,5241:1,8963.05%182
159Dixon5,5101:1,9002.69%148
160Gilbert5,4811:1,9113.67%241
161Lawrence5,4161:1,9333.37%227
162Cunningham5,3601:1,9543.05%197
163Dean5,2291:2,0033.41%235
164Carr5,2251:2,0043.32%230
165Matthews5,2141:2,0083.10%211
166Fuller5,1961:2,0153.66%259
166Weaver5,1961:2,0152.95%195
168Payne5,1791:2,0222.91%191
169Dunn5,1591:2,0302.71%172
169Watkins5,1591:2,0303.16%221
171Riley5,1581:2,0303.05%209
172Freeman5,1421:2,0372.38%133
173Ryan5,1071:2,0502.68%170
174Bishop5,0941:2,0563.32%234
175Walters5,0891:2,0583.71%268
176Grant5,0361:2,0792.78%183
177Klein5,0211:2,0864.28%310
178May4,9521:2,1153.63%270
179Patel4,9421:2,1192.14%123
180Willis4,9131:2,1312.95%216
181Burke4,8971:2,1382.92%214
182Perkins4,8911:2,1413.04%226
183Larson4,8751:2,1482.90%213
184Harvey4,8081:2,1783.22%240
185Burton4,7871:2,1883.35%253
186Stephens4,7651:2,1982.60%180
187Ray4,7391:2,2102.74%202
188Little4,7051:2,2263.54%276
189Welch4,6801:2,2383.30%257
190Knight4,6781:2,2392.73%206
191Reid4,6641:2,2453.26%252
192Powers4,5681:2,2923.68%293
193Gonzalez4,5321:2,3110.73%29
194Cross4,4261:2,3664.38%385
195Love4,3991:2,3803.94%331
196Harper4,3951:2,3832.72%224
197Bowman4,3461:2,4103.16%267
198Potter4,3351:2,4164.66%423
199Banks4,3241:2,4223.26%278
200Oliver4,3131:2,4283.04%255
RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Smith21,5971:763.42%1
2Johnson9,6101:1702.51%2
3Brown9,4611:1732.66%3
4Miller9,1931:1783.28%6
5Clark6,8171:2404.08%10
6Williams5,6341:2901.76%4
7Davis5,0771:3222.00%7
8Wilson4,9581:3302.64%8
9Jones4,8041:3411.51%5
10Allen4,3561:3763.62%21
11Hall4,3391:3773.58%20
12Thompson4,2551:3842.70%13
13Taylor4,0711:4022.40%9
14White4,0621:4032.52%11
15Martin4,0281:4062.74%15
16Cook3,8911:4204.44%33
17Baker3,7491:4363.37%25
18Anderson3,6681:4462.51%17
19Moore3,6301:4512.27%12
20Green3,5861:4562.94%19
21Wright3,3791:4843.17%26
22Wood3,3401:4904.18%38
23Lewis3,3331:4912.81%22
24Campbell3,1661:5173.68%34
25King3,1151:5252.94%27
26Robinson3,0671:5332.96%30
27Cole2,9641:5525.70%73
28Young2,9431:5562.55%24
29McDonald2,8931:5665.55%72
30Hill2,7431:5962.60%28
31Harris2,7261:6002.12%18
32Parker2,7051:6053.37%37
33Thomas2,7001:6061.85%16
34Scott2,6531:6172.54%29
35Adams2,6101:6272.68%31
36Walker2,6091:6272.22%23
37Sullivan2,5181:6503.75%48
38Bennett2,4851:6584.67%70
39Stevens2,4031:6815.15%85
40Reed2,3971:6833.18%42
41Fisher2,3721:6903.55%49
42Rogers2,3611:6933.77%55
43Fuller2,3091:7096.96%157
44Palmer2,3051:7105.55%110
45Carpenter2,1321:7675.72%130
46Jackson2,1211:7711.44%14
47Murphy2,1161:7732.23%32
48Stewart2,1081:7762.95%45
49Roberts2,0311:8062.54%39
50Collins1,9861:8242.61%41
51Fox1,9691:8314.94%118
52Warner1,9651:8336.79%175
53Lee1,9591:8352.37%35
54Bailey1,9531:8383.55%66
55Snyder1,9301:8484.11%84
56Hunt1,9211:8524.43%102
57Ward1,9141:8552.86%50
58Reynolds1,9001:8613.92%81
58Perry1,9001:8614.08%87
58Russell1,9001:8614.07%86
61Curtis1,8801:8706.56%179
62Peterson1,8341:8923.74%79
63Foster1,8291:8943.08%62
64Nelson1,8261:8962.64%47
65Cooper1,8211:8983.05%60
66Phillips1,8011:9083.01%59
67Rice1,7951:9113.90%91
68Kelly1,7881:9152.45%44
69Graham1,7761:9213.82%88
70Wheeler1,7581:9314.48%120
71Welch1,7461:9374.33%115
72Pierce1,7361:9424.70%133
73Nichols1,7211:9514.91%146
74Wells1,6731:9783.63%92
75Shaw1,6611:9853.83%103
76Spencer1,6531:9904.89%155
77Brooks1,6361:1,0002.98%68
78Wilcox1,5961:1,0258.28%283
79Harrington1,5841:1,0338.07%277
80Mills1,5741:1,0394.30%138
81Howard1,5671:1,0442.53%56
82Turner1,5531:1,0531.97%40
83Richardson1,5481:1,0572.64%64
84Myers1,5431:1,0602.66%65
85Stone1,5411:1,0623.84%116
86Rose1,5401:1,0625.02%167
87Ryan1,5331:1,0672.88%69
88Austin1,5051:1,0875.29%182
89Kelley1,4981:1,0923.16%82
90Richards1,4931:1,0964.64%160
91Andrews1,4921:1,0974.41%154
92Hamilton1,4831:1,1033.04%80
93Hart1,4811:1,1053.61%112
94Watson1,4801:1,1052.50%63
95Armstrong1,4751:1,1093.90%129
96Potter1,4701:1,1136.19%221
97Chapman1,4561:1,1244.23%151
98Barnes1,4491:1,1293.07%83
99Gray1,4301:1,1442.41%61
100Holmes1,4171:1,1553.83%132
101Crawford1,3931:1,1743.49%117
102Ross1,3901:1,1772.77%76
103Pratt1,3851:1,1816.41%245
104Mitchell1,3811:1,1852.16%54
105Patterson1,3751:1,1902.73%75
106Warren1,3501:1,2123.75%143
107Sherman1,3431:1,2186.40%252
108Burns1,3421:1,2192.61%74
109Gardner1,3401:1,2213.65%136
110Dean1,3171:1,2424.74%189
111Knapp1,3151:1,2449.02%411
112Dunn1,3121:1,2473.12%109
113Long1,3091:1,2502.18%58
114Butler1,3061:1,2532.49%71
115Briggs1,3041:1,2556.43%260
116Mason1,3021:1,2573.00%101
117Ford1,2951:1,2632.87%96
118French1,2931:1,2655.53%226
119Porter1,2901:1,2682.86%95
120Evans1,2891:1,2691.75%43
121Bell1,2861:1,2721.93%51
122Gilbert1,2781:1,2804.43%176
123Arnold1,2581:1,3003.47%140
124Webster1,2551:1,3045.41%230
125Chase1,2361:1,3245.31%228
126Bush1,2041:1,3595.10%224
127Case1,2011:1,3627.96%394
128O'Brien1,1931:1,3713.03%119
129Powers1,1911:1,3744.19%183
130West1,1891:1,3762.57%90
131Ellis1,1881:1,3772.63%94
132Carter1,1781:1,3891.43%36
133Bates1,1771:1,3904.51%195
134Murray1,1651:1,4043.07%128
135Wallace1,1591:1,4122.59%97
136Peck1,1541:1,4186.54%320
137Peters1,1461:1,4284.19%191
138Price1,1421:1,4332.08%67
138Morgan1,1421:1,4331.78%53
140Norton1,1391:1,4365.18%242
141Barber1,1331:1,4445.13%241
142Edwards1,1271:1,4521.72%52
143Perkins1,1231:1,4573.08%139
144Howe1,1191:1,4626.88%359
145Baldwin1,1131:1,4704.40%207
146Phelps1,1051:1,4816.81%362
146Whitney1,1051:1,4816.74%352
148Kennedy1,1021:1,4852.72%114
149Sweet1,0991:1,48910.85%622
150Marshall1,0851:1,5082.83%125
151Hicks1,0811:1,5133.60%168
152Randall1,0791:1,5166.74%369
153Morris1,0741:1,5231.54%46
154Mead1,0711:1,5288.04%457
154Weaver1,0711:1,5282.90%131
156Wagner1,0701:1,5293.46%166
157Harrison1,0681:1,5322.43%100
158Carr1,0601:1,5433.10%152
159Root1,0561:1,54912.89%773
160Day1,0551:1,5513.34%163
161Griffin1,0521:1,5552.36%98
162Cox1,0461:1,5641.74%57
163Morse1,0451:1,5665.63%294
164Henry1,0421:1,5702.45%107
165Monroe1,0401:1,5737.27%418
166Hopkins1,0371:1,5783.60%177
167Freeman1,0341:1,5822.97%148
168Riley1,0311:1,5872.39%104
169Leonard1,0231:1,5994.12%209
169Morrison1,0231:1,5993.53%174
171Bishop1,0151:1,6123.62%184
172Simmons1,0141:1,6132.61%123
173Babcock1,0091:1,6219.89%614
174Parks1,0081:1,6234.77%248
175Henderson1,0061:1,6262.00%77
176Ferguson1,0041:1,6294.65%244
177Bradley1,0021:1,6333.17%162
177Decker1,0021:1,6335.91%338
179Marsh1,0011:1,6345.12%278
180Gould9891:1,6547.03%428
181Buck9841:1,6636.52%395
182Hoffman9791:1,6713.02%158
183Gibson9771:1,6752.36%111
184Beach9501:1,7229.78%650
185Lane9491:1,7242.68%145
186Ball9481:1,7264.20%236
187Drake9431:1,7354.61%256
188Hammond9331:1,7535.03%295
189Hunter9221:1,7742.25%113
190Lawrence9201:1,7783.60%201
191Mathews9151:1,7883.11%171
192Hayes9131:1,7922.90%164
193Osborn9121:1,7945.41%342
194Grant9111:1,7962.86%161
194Cross9111:1,7964.78%287
196Hubbard9051:1,8084.54%272
197Crane9041:1,8106.21%412
198Church9001:1,8187.94%551
199Avery8981:1,8227.94%552
200Newman8971:1,8244.05%240