A PEEK AT THE PAST
by Leonard DeFrain

I have a letter, dated the 9th day of May 1869. The letter was from Johannes (John) Geiger of Rock Falls. It was written to his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He mentions about the new addition to his family and also the addition in his sister’s family. He goes on to tell about how the (1864) fire started near the lake and burned to about one-half mile to the west. The good thing about the fire was that it would be much easier to clear the land and there were very few stumps left. The soil varies of mixed sand and loam. Land was selling from four to six dollars an acre.

“If you wish to visit me, you can come by steamboat, which comes daily. The cost from Port Huron will be about 50 cents. The two boats that stop here are the Susenwart and the Klinton.”

I might add that the letter was written in German, but when given to me, it was translated into English.

“There was no German school or church in the vicinity, but soon there will be more German families, and soon will be getting an English school and a German church.”

“I remain your faithful friend.” – Johannes Geiger