![]() ![]() He knew the river and its valley was nearby, east of the trail, and he was alert so as to become aware of it.Īfter 200 walking feet, the river flood plane came into view and was not what he expected. When he returned to the working line, he marked the location of the trail in his notebook, where it crossed the section line and continued east, back into the forest. He saw sure signs that caused him to say to himself, "I can't believe it" and he wrote in his personal notes, "This is probably the encampment made during the War (War of 1812) by General William Harrison. Since Francis knew a river was north, he explored the trail south for a quarter of a mile and discovered an acre of land cleared of trees. This was certainly the trail, it felt comfortable compared to the leaves, roots, and stones he usually had to walk on. ![]() Not seeing or hearing anything, he finally stepped into the path and stood to feel the bare clay ground under his feet. Because of the War of 1812-1815 and the Indian uprising around Monroe, Francis was always cautious in the field. Since he thought this might be the trail south to Tecumseh and Ohio, he listened and watched carefully. However today, he would make some remarkable discoveries that always made his work seem useful.Ī little before the noon hour, after working his way in the forest, he could see a little clearing through the large oak trees. He wanted to help farmers establish boundaries for their land. ![]() After four years, he would return to civilized Ohio where surveying made more sense, at least to him. He was buoyed by the thought as he finished with this section of Michigan, that he would retire and go home. They were marking the boundary line between Sections 1 & 12 of what would be known as Saline Township. His survey crew followed him, creating a line using a chain and link, chronometer, transept, hammer, stakes and other surveying equipment. In November 1819, Deputy Surveyor Joseph Francis was happy after walking most of the morning in the Michigan Territory, which had a reputation as a swamp wasteland. Also, the leaves on bushes and trees had fallen and visibility greatly improved. Blood loving Michigan insects that feasted on human flesh were gone. The water table was low, making wet swamps less troublesome. But, for early 19th century surveyors, it was the best of time. To most Michigan people, "Cold November" is the time for watching football and celebrating Thanksgiving. ![]()
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