Heritage \ People \

James Gillespie Birney (1792-1857)
One of the Founders of Bay City: Antislavery leader,
twice candidate for President of the United States and Governor of Michigan.

By Marvin Kusmierz - Jul., 2002 (Updated Feb., 2010)

The Most Prominent Political Person in Bay City's History!
Few Citizens Are Aware of His Stature in American History!

The following biography only highlights the unique history of James G. Birney, volumes of books and other documents have been published during his time and for years after his death. I encourage you to learn more about his life. I've provided links to some of them in the right hand column of this page.

Birth: February 4, 1792 in Danville, KY
Death: November 25, 1857 in Eagleswood, NJ
Burial: Williamsburg Cemetery, Groveland, Livingston Co., N.Y.
Spouse: Agatha McDowell, married 1816 in KY.
Spouse: Elizabeth Potts Fitzhugh, married Mar. 25, 1841

James Gillespie Birney II was born into a wealthy Irish family, and this, along with his own capabilities, provided him with the financial means and freedom to pursue many worthy causes throughout his life, including a leadership role in bring an end to slavery in America.

He is labeled as James II, as his earliest identified ancestor found was his father, also named James Gillespie Birney. His eldest son (III) and a grandson (IV), were also named James, which can be confusing in following this family's history. Most of the histories regarding James II's family are provided on this page. Each in their own right were men of prominence, and carried forward the traditional characteristic of honesty and public service personified by their father's life.

James G.Birney I

His father, James Gillespie Birney, Sr, was born in 1767, in Ireland. He left Ireland in 1793, immigrating to the promises offered by a new nations, the United States of America. He settled in Pennsylvania for a short time, before moving on to Kentucky, settling in Danville, where he lived out the rest of his life. His expectations of a good life in America was not denied, and trough hard work and exceptional investments, he established himself a sizable wealth in farming and in the manufacturing business. He was a shareholder in the Kentucky River Company, which was formed to improved navigation of rivers in Kentucky.

On April, 5, 1791, James I married Martha "Maria" Reed, daughter of John Reed and Littice Wilcox.

Their first child, James Gillespie Birney II, was born on February 4, 1792. A year later their daughter, Anna Marie Reed Birney, was born on July 4, 1793. (In 1809 she married Judge John J. Marshall, and died in 1859.)

In 1795, Martha died and James I's became a widow, at which time h. years laterames Sr., only 26 years-old, and a widow. Shortly thereafter, he decided it was in the best interest of the children's upbringing that they be raised by their aunt.

Little Known About Early Years.

Nothing was found regarding the early years of young James, nor specifically which aunt he lived with. She may have been his father's sister, Anna Marie, or one of his mother's sisters. It is assumed that James grew up near or in Dansville, KY, where his family reside. What is known is that he received a fine education -- attending Transylvania College at Lexington, KY and the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) where he was graduated with a law degree, on September 26, 1810. The following is from a book on Birney, written his son, William:

He was a popular with his class-mates and fellow students. Some these expressed their indignation when it was announced that the first honor of the class had been given to another, but he calmed them by his declaration that the faculty had decided fairly, because he had always been inferior in mathematics to his successful competitor. For the abstractions of science he had no taste and a talent not more than respectable, but he greatly excelled in history, moral and political philosophy, general literature, and the classics. He was especially proficient in Latin, and read it easily without a dictionary -- a practice he kept up during his life. Much of his time in college was given to preparation for debates and to his studies in logic and moral and political philosophy, pursued under the direction and instruction of Samuel Stanhope, Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Divinity, and president of the college.

After his schooling he returned to Kentucky and two years later, moved to Philadelphia where joined the law office of Alexander J. Dallas. Here he was able to study law "first-hand" for the next three years, before returning to Kentucky and setting up his own law practice.

Meets Agatha McDowell.

Young James took a fancy to Agatha McDowell, the daughter of William McDowell, U.S. Circuit Court Justice. and member of one Kentucky's most influential families. Her uncle, George McDowell, was a Governor of Kentucky. James successfully courted Agatha, and the two were married on On Feb 1, 1816. That year also marked the beginning James' political career. He was elected as a representative to the Kentucky state legislature. Although he was a slave owner, James aligned himself with the minority group of legislators that were opposed to slavery. On June 7, 1817, in Danville

James M. III

In 1817 Agatha gave birth to their first child, James III, who lived to the age of seventy-one.

1818 - Move to Alabama.

James purchased a cotton farm plantation near Madison City, Alabama where he settled with his family. In addition to managing his farm, James continued his political, running successfully for a seat in the Alabama state legislature. He was a member of the first legislature to operate under a new Alabama constitution enacted in 1819. During this time he took strong stances against slavery. He pushed, unsuccessfully, for legislation that would prohibit slaves from other states being sold in Alabama. He voted nay when a resolution was introduced to honor General Jackson, on the grounds Jackson was a slave owner.

William

In 1819, Agatha gave birth to their second child, William who lived to the age of eighty-eight.

1820 - Huntsville, AL.

James sold his unprofitable plantation and moved to nearby Huntsville where he opened up a law practice. The decision proved to be a timely one, as shortly thereafter, he was appointment solicitor of the northern circuit and this helped considerably in the growth of his law practice.

-- Two years later, in 1821, Agatha gave birth of a "daughter" and their third child, Margaret who lived only one year.

David Bell

-- Five years later (1823) their fourth child, Dion B., was born. He lived to the age of thirty-nine.

-- The next year, 1825, their fifth child, David Bell was born. He lived to the age of thirty nine.

1826 - Change of Faith.

Under gentle pressure from Agatha, James decided to give up his Episcopalian church to join the Presbyterian faith. During their years together they were active and influential members in Presbyterian congregations wherever they lived.

Birney was a devout Christian and faithful to its principles, an example of this is found in local history. In 1848 Birney joined in parnership James Fraser and Daniel H. Fitzhugh to purchased the faltering Saginaw Bay Company, that had laid out the village of Lower Saginaw in 1838. The new owners had the property re-platted, and on Birney's insistance, the new plat set aside "free lots" on Washington Avenue, so new religious congregations would have property available for erecting a church building.

1827 - Legislative Success.

James legislative persistence was rewarded when the Alabama legislature finally passed the provision that he had introduced eight years to "prohibit importation of slaves from other states for sale in Alabama."

That year, Agatha rewarded his successes with the birth of their sixth child, Arthur Hopkins who lived to the age of six.

1828 - Political Success.

By 1828, James had established himself as a prominent person in Alabama politics. He was a candidate for presidential elector on the Adares ticket, canvassing the state for the Adams party. Locally, he was recognized as a leader in educational concerns and other improvements to the Huntsville community.

In 1829, Agatha gave birth to their seventh child, Martha Reed, who lived only to the age of four.

1830s - National Recognition

The 1830s saw James anti-slavery efforts reached beyond local and state politics. He made an attempt to engage Henry Clay, a close friend of his father and a powerful political figure in Kentucky, to lead an emancipation movement in Kentucky. However, Birney failed to persuade Clay in that directory, and their relationship became distant, but somewhat cordial. For several years during this incident, James involved was an advisor to the Cherokee nation. This experience expanded his interest, and strengthen his political position towards support of not only blacks, but any group had been wronged by existing laws. Laws he considered inconsistent with the principle defined in the United States Constitution.

1831 - Tired of Alabama Politics.

Disgusted and frustrated by the evil influences of slavery in Alabama, James decided it was time to leave the state. He moved to Jackson, Illinois, where he believed he might have a better chance of moving the thrust of anti-slavery movement forward. However, before departing Alabama he was unexpectedly offered an appointment by the American Colonization Society, who want Birney to work for them as an agent in the southwest. Birney decided this was the best opportunity for advancing his cause, and accepted the position. However, it became clear to him that that he was waisting his time trying to influence Alabama's powerful politicians in his direction, who were deeply entrenched in the economics of slavery. After only one year he resigned.

In 1832, Agatha gave birth to their eighth child, George who lived to the age of twenty-four.

1833 - Return to Kentucky Roots.

After resigning his position with the American Colonization Society in 1833, James returned to his roots in Kentucky, where he thought a more favorable result might be achieved in moving anti-slavery convictions. If he could influence Kentuckians to emancipate their slaves, it could act as a catalyst that could lead neighboring states, like Virginia and Tennessee, to do the same. However, his efforts faltered as things in Kentucky had changed considerable during his absence. Henry Clay and other individuals had strengthened their opposition to anti-slavery movements. Undaunted, James freed the slaves he had inherited from his father after his death in 1834. A year later, he formed the Kentucky Anti-slavery Society, which at the time consisted of forty members.

In May of that year, he went to New York to speak before the American Anti-slavery Society, which had proclaimed him as the leading abolitionists in north, associating him the likes of Judge William Jay, Theodore Weld, Alvan Steward and Thomas Morris. The occasion proved to be regenerative experience for Birney. Upon returning to Kentucky he was intent on establishing a weekly anti-slavery newspaper. However, even this proved discouraging as he could not find a publisher was willing to print the newspaper for him. It volatile time of conflicts among opposing interests, for and slavery. Those advocating the end of slavery were confronted with serious threats of violence endangering their lives. Even President Jackson took a negative stand against the against abolitionist. He actively lobbied Congress and state legislatures to enact laws that would prohibit "incendiary" (anti-slavery) publications, and refuse use of the mail system for their distribution.

That year, Agatha gave birth to their ninth child, Florence. The year of her death is unknown.

1835 - Move to Cincinnati.

In spite of these obstacles and personal threats to himself and family, Birney persisted. He moved his family to Cincinnati, OH, where he hoped he would start his newspaper. While conditions would be somewhat better here, Birney was well aware that it would not be without some difficulties. A concern he shared in a letter to his friend, Gerrit Smith:

"The solicitations from various quarters that my paper should be published have become so importunate that I have determined to go on with such resources as I myself can command... I shall commence the paper in small village (New Richmand) about twenty miles up the river from this place; or, if not there, at one (Ripley) about fifty miles above, where I can print without being mobbed, but with the expectation of making way for the introduction of the press in a few months to this city... All I expect is to keep from losing anything by the paper; but a paper out here we must have."

On January 22, 1836, an organized mob against his abolitionist paper gathered out in front of Birney's publishing business. Birney sought help from local law enforce, but they to no avail, stating they were without the means to protect his property. Birney was left with little choice other than his power of persuasion. He confronted the mob with calm and conviction, then spoke to them about evils of slavery in such a manner they could understand how corrupting slavery was to the soul of person. He convinced the majority with his reasoning, and the mob disbanded.

That year Agatha gave birth to their tenth child, Georgina who lived less than one year.

The Philanthropist

His publication the " Philanthropist" gained in circulation -- Birney's oracle quality, writing expertise and ability to master a subject served him well as an editor. Possessing intimate and extensive knowledge of a subject, he presented his opinion in an confrontational manner that often won over those who held an opposing point of view. Much of his personal time was spent doing speaking engagements. He traveled to towns and cities in the free states, where he often addressed legislative bodies and civic groups. The common theme of his lectures pointed to the unlawful methods used by those favoring slavery. Unless these methods are confronted they would eventually lead to erosion freedom of speech, press, trial by jury, and expand the injustice of slave labor. He called on them to rally up against these political encroachments being made by powerful pro-slavery factions of the south, who seek to spread slavery to other states.

1837 - Move to New York.

In 1837, Birney was unanimously elected as Secretary of the American Anti-slavery Society. After accepting the position in September, he moved to New York City with his family. Birney knew the move to New York and his new position would elevate his influence in national politics, and would allow him provide the anti-slavery cause with a prominent political voice.

Appearance Before U.S. Supreme Court.

In 1838, Birney received the opportunity to appear before Supreme Court of the United States and address the subject of slavery. The following is an excerpt from his speech:

"Judging from the best and most authentic history of the Convention of 1787, it was well known then, that liberty and slavery could not permanently co-exist -- that if liberty got the upper hand, slavery, its everlasting antagonist, in some form or other, must, in the same proportion, go down, and vice versa. Being incongruous elements, they cannot dwell peaceably together -- for incongruous they ever have been, and ever must be, as sin and holiness; one must, in time, put the other down. But the ingenuity, or, rather, the lubricity of the human mind is very great; men, without much difficulty, are persuaded to think of themselves as belonging to a clique or section of society, rather than to the race, and prone to interpret or construe matters pertaining to that section according to the prepossessions, prejudices, or passions which prevail among those who are looked on as composing it."

(A link to the full text is at the bottom of this page.)

-- That year Agatha gave birth to their eleventh child, Ellen, who lived less than one year.

1839 - Family Losses & the Presidency.

In 1839, James lost his love, friend and companion of thirty-three years. Agatha's passing left an emptiness in Birney that could only be overcome by his deep faith in God. In spite of his great loss, Birney carried on dealing with the issues of great importance in his life. The following year he traveled to England where he gave frequent lectures. The following was written by one of Birney's friends who was there and felt compelled to speak openly about Birney's many virtues .

"It was truly refreshing to me while I was in Great Britain, amid the many complaints against my countrymen to which I was obliged to listen, to hear our excellent friend, James G. Birney so frequently spoken of, and always in terms of unqualified approbation and respect. The mention of his name in these circles in which he was known, and they were both numerous and extensive, invariably imparted pleasure, and many were the inquiries which were made in respect to his welfare. I could not but observe that intelligent men both in England and Scotland very highly appreciated him for that trait in his character, which I have always from my first acquaintance with Mr. Birney, regarded as exhibited by him in a remarkable degree. You will doubtless understand me as referring to his candor. He never deals in exaggeration or sophistry. In his public addresses and discussions, which were numerous, in that country, as well as in his private conversations, by the sobriety of his own views, by the fairness and fullness with which he stated the positions and arguments of his opponents, and by the manliness with which he met and refuted them, he ever impressed his auditors with a conviction of the soundness of his sentiments and of the perfect reliance which might be placed upon his statements. The visits of such men to foreign lands, are an honor to our country, and leave behind them a savor which is grateful to an American citizen."

Source: Impressions of Mr. Birney expressed by Mr. Kellogg after his return to Illinois from England.

In August death once again visited Birney's heart, with death of his father, whom he had a short time earlier. Equally as dis-concerning for Birney was his father's inheritance left him with twenty slaves. Reference from William Birney's book:

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,
That, I, James G. Birney, late of Kentucky, but now having my residence in the city of New York, believing that slave-holding is inconsistent with natural justice, with the precepts and spirit of the Christian religion, and with the Declaration of American Independence, and wishing to testify in favor of them all, do hereby emancipate, and forever set free, the following named slaves which have come into my possession, as one of the heirs of my father, the late James Birney, of Jefferson County, Kentucky, they being all the slaves held by said James Birney, deceased at the time of his death.

Then follow their names and descriptions, and the deed concludes:

In testimony of the above, I have hereunto set my name and affixed my seal this third day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.

JAMES G. BIRNEY.

Abolitionist Political Party.

Gerrit Smith

Leaders in the abolitionist movement were divided on whether or not using a political approach was an effective means for promoting the anti-slavery cause. However, opinions of many against the political position had changed.

In December abolitionist gathered for a convention in Warsaw, New York for the purpose of establishing an abolitionish political party, which they called the Liberty Party. Candidates were chosen to run the 1840 elections. Birney, nominated by his friend Gerrit Smith, was elected to head the party's ticket as its candidate for President of the United States, with Thomas Earle, of Pennsylvania, as his running mate for Vice-President.

The results of the elections held the following year were quite dismal. The Birney-Earle ticket received only 7,369 votes. However, Birney knew establishing a national party was an important first step that would lead to greater success in time in forwarding the abolitionist agenda.
-- Note: Votes for the election were cast from Oct. 30 thru Dec. 2.

1841 - A New Wife and New Home.

This was a memorable year for Birney, both personally and politically. He was in full campaign mode, spending much of his on the road to rally votes in his campaign the presidential election.

Birney, who had known Dr. Daniel H. Fitzhugh from their college days together at Princeton, developed an intimate relationship with his sister, Elizabeth. They also shared another family connection, Elizabeth's sister, Anne Carroll Fitzhugh was the wife of Gerrit Smith, a longtime abolitionish friend of Birney. These Fitzhughs were children of Col. William Fitzhugh, a descendant of George Mason. Col. Fitzhugh was born in 1761 in Maryland, and came to New York in 1815. He and his close friends Nathaniel Roschester and Charles Carroll, were prominent and wealthy men in New York history. When the Colonel died in 1939, he left his children a substancial fortune. -- From the papers of Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote on January 25th, 1841:

"To morrow morning we are going to Peterboro, where we shall probably meet Mr. Birney. Cousin Gerrit is blowing a little flame between Mr. Birney & cousin Nancy's sister, Elizabeth Fitzhugh. She is a woman of years & fortune. I think it would be a very suitable match, & I do hope his honour the 'Judge' may succeed."

On March 25th, Elizabeth Potts Fitzhugh, became the second wife of James. A few months later Elizabeth happily announced she was expecting their first baby.

Birney and Dr.Fitzhugh were to play very significant roles, investing heavily in Bay City's early growth, which ultimately lead to many of their children settliing here in later years to handle their parent's estate. These Birney and Fitzhugh descendants were well-known not only locally, but also around the state.

Dr. Fitzhugh was one of the largest land holdersin the state. He been coming to Michigan for twos before it in 1837, to buy investment properties from government. Dr. Fitzhugh, although he a medical degree, he never practiced medicine except for a short stint as surgeon for the fleet of Commodore Perry during the battle of Lake Erie. While he never resided in Bay City, he was here often for many years looking after his properties, which include the village of Salzburg, that he founded, platted, but never filed for its organization. This would be today, the southern portion of Bay City's west side.

In November, with the elections still in progress, James left for England to attend the World Anti-slavery Convention. During the voyager there he met a friend, Henry B. Stanton and his wife, b>Elizabeth Cady, who had just recently been married. They were also heading for the convention. Elizabeth (prominent feminist advocate), in later years she would recall a discussion she had with Birney aboard ship, in a book, "Eighty Years And More: Reminiscences 1815-1897," published in 1898. It gives another perspective on James, and also makes mention of Birney's love, "Miss Fitzhugh of Geneseo."

"Mr. Birney was a polished gentleman of the old school, and was excessively proper and punctilious in manner and conversation. I soon perceived that he thought I needed considerable toning down before reaching England. I was quick to see and understand that his criticisms of others in a general way and the drift of his discourses on manners and conversation had a nearer application than he intended I should discover, though he hoped I would profit by them. I was always grateful to anyone who took an interest in my improvement, so I laughingly told him, one day, that he need not make his criticisms any longer in that roundabout way, but might take me squarely in hand and polish me up as speedily as possible. Sitting in the saloon at night after a game of chess, in which, perchance, I had been the victor, I felt complacent and would sometimes say:"

[Continued...] (Full document at digital.libary.upenn.edu/women/stanton/years/years-v.html]

Upon returning from England in November, James and his brother-in-law, Dr. Fitzhugh, made a trip to the Saginaw Valley, in Michigan to purchase land. Birney bought a sizable amount of property the Lower Saginaw area, the largest being on the west side of the Saginaw River. However, it appears that Birney investments in property was more than just a speculative investment.

Birney involvement in Michigan politics increased considerably, his name often appearing in the newspaper of the Signal of Libery, published by the Michigan Anti-Slavery Society:

The Signal of Liberty – August 18, 1841
From Gerrit Smith's Correspondent in Tennessee.

Things of the South

MR. BIRNEY'S CHARACTER AT THE SOUTH.
_______

I am happy to hear that my friend Birney is married. On one of his friends can more sincerely rejoice in his happiness. -- My acquaintance began with him in Alabama. He was then in the front rank of his profession at the bar. The highest honors of the state were within his reach if he would have accepted them. I next knew him while in Kentucky. While I was in the stage in company with slaveholders between Maysville and Lexington they spoke of his paper intended to be published at Danville, and said he should not survive the second number if he did the first. I thought it my duty to apprise him of his danger by letter – but I am mortified to recollect that it contained a censure on abolitionists for going ahead of the public sentiment. I soon became convinced that Mr. Birney was right, and have only regretted that I could not do more for a cause in which so much is involved. I hope most sincerely that he may yet be President of the United States. He had talents of the first order, firmness and independence, with all the qualifications necessary for the Chief Magistracy of this great nation.

In November, Birney and Elizabeth, with their youngest daughter, Florence left the comforts of New York, headed for Michigan where they planned to settle in the wilderness of the Saginaw Valley. They arrived at the village of Saginaw (Saginaw at that time occupied only the west side of the river.), where they found accommodations at the only plate avaiable, the Wester house built in 1837. The hotel was quite large for the small number travelers and boarders it was intended to serve. Indeed the place was unoccupied. The owner must have been extremely exstatic when Birney offered to lease the whole building for his temporary for his private residence. -- On November 19, 1841, Birney dispatched the following letter to Dr. Fitzhugh:

"On Monday I went to Lower Saginaw, and made a rather extensive survey of both sides of the river, more than was done when we were together. I am more and more convinced this is to be an important commercial point. The schooner Warren, showing nothing aboard except for our furniture -- all of which could not have exceeded 10 tons -- was unable to make it over the bar (sand bars between here and Saginaw). Vessels which can navigate the bay can always make it to Lower Saginaw."

"So well convinced am I that Lower Saginaw is to be a place of some importance that I have made up my mind -- Elizabeth concurring -- to make the vicinity of it our place of settlement, and this without any expectation of changing our location."

1842 New Homestead and New Child.

On January 2nd, Elizabeth gave birth to their first child, a son named, Fitzhugh -- James' twelfth child.

View Plat Map

In the Spring of 1842, James and the family made the move up river to Lower Saginaw (Bay City). Accommodations here were even more limited than at Saginaw. The village, laid out in 1837, by the now struggling Saginaw Bay Company, was sparsely settled and the only framed structures at that time were erected up by the Saginaw Bay Company, except for a house built by Judge Sidney Campbell. The family settled into the Saginaw Bay Company's warehouse:

The Hon. James G. Birney, who was in 1844 the Abolition candidate for president, came to Lower Saginaw with his family in 1842. Mr. Birney's house was built on the corner of Fourth and Water streets, where he lived for several years, when he sold these eight lots and house to his son David B., and his son David B. sold to B. F. Partridge, who sold the same to James Fraser, where he lived several years. That house was moved to the corner of Saginaw and Fourth streets, and changed into a hotel known as the Moulton house. While Mr. Birney lived here he imported some very fine Durham stock, and for many years he and Mr. Fitzhugh bred fine stock.

(Source: History of Bay City, Mich., by B. F. Partridge, 1887)

The conditions were very primitive to say the least, it was a true pioneer setting with log cabins scattered among the forest that surrounded the village. There substantial more native Indians populating this region than white settlers.
-- In July James dispatched a another letter off to Dr. Daniel Fitzhugh in New York:

"The mass of our neighbors are Indians -- drunken Indians -- made drunk by white men. I'm raising my voice in protesting the inequity of making Indians drunk and cheating them."

This was typical of James, he would rise up against an injustice whenever or wherever he encountered it.

James in the meantime was traveling to various communities around the state making speeches on behalf of the abolition movements, including a trip the village of Flint, in August:

GENESEE COUNTY LIBERTY CONVENTION.

Agreeably to previous notice the friends of Equal Rights met at the Court House in the village of flint, August 22nd, 1842: privious to business Mr. J. G. Birney, of Saginaw, gave a very able and spirited address to the citizens who had assembled from different parts of the County. The House was filled to overflowing with the most virtuous and intelligent part of our cumminity.

The profound stillness which prevailed and the deep interest with which the audience listened to the speaker, betrayed the effect of Mr. B's just and very appropriate remarks, which riveted the attention of the assemblage for two and a half hours.

(Source: Signal of Liberty, Sept. 26, 1842.)

1843 A New Birth and Michigan Politics.

That year Elizabeth gave birth to their second child (Birney's thirteenth), Anna Hughes who lived to the age of two years, two months old. Her death occurring on March 6, 1846, do to measles.

John S. Barry

From his wilderness environment of his homestead along the Saginaw River, Birney continued to stayed in touch with his abolitionist friends and associates out east. Surprisingly, he immediately involved himself in Michigan's politics. So much so, that he ran for governor of Michigan under the banner of the Free Soil party that year. Birney wasn't well known, most of Michigan's polution being in the Detroit and Ann Arbor area, was soundly defeated by John S. Barry, who received 23,123 votes to Birney's 2,776.

1844 - Second Attempt at Presidency

James II (1844)

In 1844, Birney made a second attempt at the presidency while a resident of this city. Guy Beckley, another local resident, is believed to have written the platform for the Liberty (Freedom) Party on which Birney ran. Guy was a former Methodist paster in Vermont where two first met each other. Both were long-time activist in the anti-slavery movement. Guy went on the road traveling to the campaigning in populated area promoting Birney's candidacy. Birney received 62,263 votes, and might have considerable more except for a conflict that developed before the election was held. The Whig party three days before the election date circulated a forged letter stating that Birney had withdrawal from the election. This letter, known as the "Garland forgery", was widely circulated in Ohio and New York and is believed to have cost Birney a significant number of votes. However, the number of votes Birney did get were sufficient to tip the scale in favor of James Poke who was in a close race with well-known Henry Clay.

1845 – Another Political Loss, Traggic Injury.

Alpheus Felch

Once again Birney was called upon by the Free Soil party to be their candidate for governor of Michigan, and the results this time equally as disappointing. He was defeated by Alpheus Felch, democrat, who received 20,123 votes to only 3,023 for Birney.

In the summer of 1845, James' health was given a tragic blow -- out horseback riding with son William, James was thrown from his horse. Feeling capable at the time, he remounted his horse and rode back to the house. The next morning he was paralyzed. Birney struggled with his condition for twos at his Lower Saginaw home before he decided to head East in 1853 to Eagleswood, New Jersey. There he hoped he might get better medical treatment to give hime some relieve to his problem. He died November 25, 1857, the same year Bay County was organized. His burial took place in the family plot at Williamsburg Cemetery in Groveland, Livingston Co., New York. Also buried here is his wife, Elizabeth, and two of their children, their daughter Anna and son Fitzhugh.

The Birney's in Bay City.

The Birney Legacy

In 1963, Sidney Glazier, professor of history at Wayne State University, concluded that, "James G. Birney was one of twenty-two "most outstanding citizens" in Michigan history."

James G. Birney's legacy is quite unique to Bay City. I am not aware of any community in the history of the United States that can claim a founder with these credentials: Lawyer -- Member Alabama Legislature -- Newspaper publisher -- Abolitionist leader -- twice a Presidential candidate -- twice candidate for Governor of Michigan -- help establish the First Antislavery Political Party.

Bay City's Birney connection didn't end with the death of James G. Birney. Elizabeth remained here for many years. Their eldest son, also James, moved here with his family to assist his mother in managing his father's large estate, and became well-known around the state. He played a prominent role in getting Bay County organized. He also served as circuit court judge, State Senator, and Lt. Governor of Michigan, and as a U.S. ambassador. Members of James G. Birney's family carried on his legacy, making many contributions to Bay City, and to Michigan and the nation.

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Closing Comments. I encourage you to learn more not only about the Birney's, but the other prominent pioneers who contributed to the rich history that represent our community's heritage.