Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-10-15


in moro spacious and beautiful house, re-
Gently erected by the great liberality of our
citizens, and now on the eve of its compile
ton. But amid all these changes let not
cherished mementoes of the past be forgot
ten. But word on our early political and
judicial history. ..t..o..r
The county of Ottawa was formerly attach
ed to the county Of Kent for judicial and po-
litical purposes but in the year 1888 severed
its connection Herewith and assumed the re-
sponsibility of manhood and self government;
county officers were duly elected in the fall
of 1888. Our friend, Henry Pennoyer, Esq,
was chosen its first Sheriff He has acted SO
conspicuous part in the affairs of our coun-
ty, and is SO well known throughout the State
Though not Immediately connected with the
first settlement of the Grand River Valley),
that passing notice, at least, ought to be
afforded him.
Mr.. p. is a native of the State Of Connect
icut and there spent his early years; but sub
sequently accompanied his fathers family to
Cayuga county, New York. His father was
farmer in medium circumstances, and could
only afford his sons a common school edUca-
ton. But his good Datured abilities has en-
abled him to rise superior to his early disad-
vantages, and has given him an enviable po-
sition in the social and political affairs Of our
county and State, as member of her Legis-
laturc and a prominent adviser in her politi-
cal councils, as well as in the more humble
station of town and county Offices In 1884
Mr. P. left the State of New York and re-
moved to Chicago, then in its infancy, where
he engaged in successful business operations.
In 1886 he removed thence to Muskegon, in
this county, and became Postmaster and pro-
prietor Of public house at that place, and
there continued till the spring of ls4S, when
he removed to Grand Haven and became
lessee of the hotel known, as will be recollect-
ed, as the Ottawa House, and in 1851 of the
Washington House. His manner of catering
for the public, in situation of so much res
ponsibility as that attached to /" mine host"
ical, lo are they not all recorded in the
memories of our citizens?
The first Register of Deeds in Ottawa
county was G. B. Albee, Esq; Hon. limo.
Eastman, first County Clerk; Edmund II.
Badger, first Judge Of Probate. The follow
ing statement will admirably illustrate the
prosperity of our county and its rapid growth
for the last six years:
It's population in 1850, was 5,5S7 in 1854,
9,233; an increase of nearly 80 u cent in
4 years; and at the same rate of progress
ion the present population must be some 49,
900. The valuation of real and personal
property in 1851, was S4S1,Sl7 %; in
1856, $2,363,729 21; which shows an in
crease almost unprecedented in the history of
Western Michigan.
GOLD BUCK" AuEAp.-We heard yester-
day, of good joke, which occurred in this
county.
A Fremont book -peddler called at the
house of man while he was from home,
and the following conversation occurred be-
tween the peddler and the lady of the house,
after the former had explained his mission
and exhibited his wares:
Peddler-Well, madam, who are the peo-
pie here going to vote fors
Lady-Somc few is goin' for Mr.. Fremont,
and some agin' for Mr.. Fillmore, and one or
two for Mr.. Buchanan, but not many l reck
on.
Peddlor-Then suppose Fremont is
ahead.
Lady-Lord bless YOU mol
Peddler-Who is then? Fillmore
Lady-No he don't stand no chance.
Peddler-Buchanan then, L
Lady-(impatiently mo, of course not.
There's an old feller they call Mr.. Buck
some of 'em calls him OLD BUCK" but
that's nothin' agin' him, at I knows on, grey
amt to be LATED at, young man-and most
every body as goin' IN for him, strong.-
They say he's sort of a copy of old Giner-
al Jackson.
Exit peddler, in hurry.
The Buffalo Express learns that a bet of
$4,000 side, was made on Saturday, by
two gentlemen of that city, prominent men,
bers of the Democratic and Know Nothing
narties. on the relative strength of Buchan-