The twofold phase of our government, state and federal, is familiar to us all. The desirability of a knowledge of the principles and institutions of state concern, as distinguished from those of a national character, is now quite generally admitted. Indeed, it is thought that a familiarity with the institutions common to our townships, counties, and the state, should precede the study of the more distant and complex institutions of the general government. It is likewise generally believed that in the study of history the analogy holds true, and that the youth, before he is required to learn and comprehend the great national and world wide movements of history, should be told the story of his own state. One of the essential equipments for good citizenship is a knowledge of that noble band of men and women who, as pioneers, felled the forests, made the homesteads, organized the townships and the counties, and laid the foundations of the commonwealth. With a thorough knowledge of the history of the state and the principles of its government, the youth is at least equipped to discharge intelligently those civic duties with which he is most intimately connected, while a desire for a knowledge of history and government in their higher and broader relations is also fostered.
It is to fulfill this mission in Michigan that this little book has been prepared. It is dedicated to the boys and girls of Michigan, as it was inspired by the belief that their lives would reflect a higher standard of civic virtue if lived with an intimate acquaintance with those patriots and statesmen whose efforts have made for the state an honorable fame.
