Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-10-08

During the winter of 1887 and '38 a lit
circumstance occurred well remembered by
early settlers which admirably illustrates the
manager principle which govern
some men Heaven be thanked that there
are no moro of them) in their social inter-
course with their fellows. Just at the close
of navigation, in the fall Of '37, the schooner
Virginia, dismasted in gale and driven by
adverse winds, made her appearance at the
mouth of the river, owner on board, who was
determined not to winter here, and was bound,
if possible, to reach Chicago, even though his
vessel was in such a crippled state, and ice
had already began to accumulate around her
sides and adhere tenaciously to her rigging.
When there was no longer the slightest hope
Of success the project was abandoned, and
owner and crew took up their abode with our
citizens. The owner of the vessel, however,
was found to be, at times insane, and during
the winter was often placed under keepers to
prevent him doing injury to himself or others
with the deadly weapons which he was in the
habit of carrying with him. He was man
of some wealth, and was known to have had
considerable money when he came ashore,
both in paper and specie, but in the spring
scarcely sufficient could be found in his pos
session to repair his vessel. But, upon his
own confession and circumstantial evidence, it
was ascertained that he had burned his mon
ey, under the impression that it had niagne-
tized him 10y no means the first thus magne
tized) and he was determined to heat it until
it should lose its magnetic influence. This
caused the destruction of the bills, and in his
stove was found Jumps of silver, remains of
dirks, DC.
The vessel belonging to this individual was
freighted in part with flour. The quantity
in the settlement was nearly exhausted mea-
ger famine began to stare anxious citizens in
the face; food must be obtained. Mr.. Rob
inson offered to purchase of him for the re-
lief of the needy, and rendered him check
Of $1,000 for one hundred barrels-a price
far above the market value at Grand Rapids
but it was stoutly refused, and ST 600 de-
handed This was an extortion that could
not be submitted to; but bread material
must be obtained, and it was now mid-wintel
no access to the Rapids by boat. Mr.. Rob-
CONSTRUCTION Of the ioad Is l raada RabbTIdSiss
now known as the Grandville Road" Thi,
company was six weeks in completing s
track to Grandville, Mr.. Robinson continuing
with them the whole time, using the utmos
despatch until the work was completed anc
a full supply of flour brought in for the use
Of the settlement.
The vessel of this singular visitor afterwarc
went ashore, and the -four on board spoiled
by getting wet and souring-a total loss tc
the avaricious owner. She was, however
got off in the spring and reached Chicago
under the direction of Captain Kanouse.
Our duty as a faithful historian compels
us to state truly and impartially the origin O
the name " Battle Point" an appellation now
used to designate the little jutting point Oh
the opposite side of the river to the claims
r just above mentioned The name at once
suggests to the mind all the horrors of bloody
war, fierce encounter perhaps between the
red man of the forest the rightful owner O
the soil, and the intruding pale face where
the deadly tomahawk the swift winged ar
row and the unerring bullet caused the life
} blood of contending foes to crimson the bat
tle-field, and left the bones of many brave
to bleach under the influences of the gentle
, dew, the refreshing shower of summer, OF
the sharp frost of dreary winter-no faith.
) ful friend to care for their burial. And som,
may even now picture to themselves in i'm
, agination the cry Of agony Or shrek of des
pair that escaped the ashy lips of some luck
less prisoner as he is tightly bound to the
) stake by the cruel savages and the blazing
| fagots are crowded closely around the victim
of Indian vengeance, writing anon in fierce
torment that no pen can describe, till wei
come death puts an end to insupportable tor
! lures. But, reader, take breath no such tale
Of horror our pen unfolds: n simple contest