Walled Lake History
First Settlers
Walter Hewitt
Walter B. Hewitt is widely recognized as the first American settler of what is now Walled Lake, Michigan. In June 1825, he established a farm and built a cabin on the northern shore of the lake in Section 34, marking the beginning of permanent settlement in the area. While others soon followed, Hewitt is remembered as the pioneering figure who blazed the trail for future settlers. The following is a comprehensive look into the life and legacy of this prolific man.
Walter Hewitt was born on February 4, 1800, in Stillwater County, New York, as a third-generation descendant of English immigrants. He was named after his grandfather, a distinguished general in the Revolutionary War. Hewitt's parents had settled in the rapidly growing state of New York, having emigrated from Connecticut in search of a better life. Tragically, his father passed away when Walter was just two years old, and his mother, Cynthia Johnson Hewitt, remarried a few years later.
Hewitt's childhood was marked by both hardship and curiosity. His family was considered working class and lived in relative poverty. Despite these challenges, Hewitt excelled in school, where he was known for being shy, studious, and exceptionally bright. He was well-liked by both his teachers and classmates. At the age of 12, he received his first pair of shoes, a momentous occasion for him. It's said that when he encountered a muddy path, he would carefully remove his shoes, wrap them in a handkerchief, and walk barefoot through the mud to preserve them. His fondness for shoes would become more prominent in his later years.
A few years later, Walter challenged his schoolteacher to a footrace. Unfortunately, he fell during the race, seriously injuring his knee. In those days, most extremity injuries went untreated, often leaving people with lasting disabilities. However, Walter was not like most. Although he endured excruciating pain and was bedridden at times, his determined spirit refused to let the injury defeat him. Despite walking with a pronounced limp, he continued his education, making the long trek to and from school each day. Instead of spending time outdoors playing, climbing trees, or swimming with friends, Walter devoted himself to reading and writing. He honed his penmanship and expanded his vocabulary, eventually earning recognition as a scholar. His teachers and peers saw him not just as a student, but as an intellectual equal.
In 1825, Walter Hewitt married Polina Childs, a schoolteacher who shared his intellect and strong work ethic. That same year, the completion of the Erie Canal made it significantly easier for Americans to move westward, and the couple seized the opportunity to pioneer the unsettled lands. Their journey was fraught with challenges, including disease, famine, and financial setbacks. Walter often credited Polina for her strength and support during these trying times, famously stating on his deathbed, "Yes, to her I owe all that I am (1)."
The couple eventually arrived in the bustling shipping hub of Detroit, Michigan. From there, they continued their westward journey, guided by a Native American through the dense, uncharted forests of Michigan. They traveled along rough, narrow trails made by the scattered Native American tribes in the area, primarily the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Ojibwa. Traveling west of Detroit was particularly arduous, as the overgrown shrubbery and fallen trees rendered the paths nearly impassable, allowing only foot traffic. After days of difficult travel, they emerged into a small clearing beside a stunning, clear blue lake. Captivated by the beauty of the landscape, Walter B. Hewitt and his new wife decided to settle there. From their vantage point, Hewitt observed a Potawatomi camp of around 500 people on the western shore, along with a curious stone wall near the water’s edge (4).
Walter Hewitt’s farm is believed to have been located on the northwestern shore of the lake, near what is now the Walled Lake Cemetery. Despite the beauty of the area, he and his wife faced the immense challenge of building a self-sufficient farm. Unfortunately, their time in Walled Lake marked the beginning of a life filled with hardship. In their first few years, the family was struck by an illness that brought severe fevers. It is thought that the Hewitts only remained in Walled Lake for 2-3 years, as the swampy conditions made farming difficult, and the recurring illnesses made a healthy life nearly impossible.
Hewitt and his family eventually returned to Detroit, seeking employment and a stable income. Though he took on various odd jobs, it wasn’t long before he heard about the flourishing city of Ypsilanti. Once again, the family uprooted and began their journey westward. The roads to Ypsilanti were just as treacherous as the Native American trails they had encountered near Walled Lake. A 1923 biography of Hewitt notes, “The road was almost impassable to an ox team and it sometimes took three days to make the thirty-mile trip. For years after its opening, the Detroit road ran through seas of mud and over miles of jolting corduroy; no teamster thought of leaving home without an axe and log chain to cut poles and pry his wagon out of the mud. For a time, the road was so impassable that travelers had come from Detroit by way of Plymouth and Dixboro (2).”
In 1831, Hewitt’s childhood fascination with shoes led him to establish a successful shoemaking business, marking the beginning of his rise as a prominent figure in Ypsilanti. He soon became deeply involved in local affairs, helping others with their business dealings and serving the community in various capacities, including as a village trustee, town clerk, city treasurer, city president, and eventually, as a member of the State Legislature.
However, in 1851, a great fire swept through Ypsilanti, destroying much of the city, including the building that housed Hewitt's business. Undeterred, he rebuilt on the northeast corner of Congress and Washington Street, at what is now 126 West Michigan Avenue. This building, known as Hewitt Hall, became a cultural hub, featuring an auditorium that hosted theatrical performances, music, and poetry. Entertainers from all over came to perform for local audiences.
Tragically, a second fire later claimed the building. Following this loss, Hewitt and his family moved to a farm in what is now modern-day Ypsilanti. The road where his farm was located is now proudly named Hewitt Road.
Walter B. Hewitt is recognized as the first American settler of Walled Lake, Michigan, and is remembered for his significant contributions to the development of Ypsilanti. He passed away on September 4th, 1886, surrounded by his family in their farmhouse. To this day, his final resting place remains unknown (1,3).
References:
1. Walter B Hewitt: A Success Story Worthy of Dickens by Janice Anscheutz.
2. The History of Ypsilanti by Harvey Colburn 1923; retrieved from Janice Anscheutz article
3. Ypsilanti Commercial, newspaper. September 10th, 1886. Retrieved by Janice Anscheutz
4. Walled Lake Traces its Roots Back to 1825; Indian Resort Still Restful Haven.
5. West Oakland Press Gazzette. Thursday September 6th, 1979. p. E1-E2
6. History of Oakland County with Illustrations. Philadelpha LH Everts &Co 1877
Walter B. Hewitt and his beloved wife, Polina
Two post cards from Hewitt & Champion.
Fine Boots and Shoes.
Ypsilanti, Mich.
West Michigan Avenue Building. Shoe and Boot factory, store, and Hewitt Hall
Bela Armstrong
Bela Armstrong became the second settler of Walled Lake in 1826, establishing his homestead near Walter Hewitt’s log cabin on what is now the site of the Walled Lake Cemetery. Tragically, Armstrong passed away just a year later, becoming the village's first recorded death. He left his property to his wife, Mary Palmer, whom he had married in 1816 in Genesee, New York. Initially, Armstrong was buried on his own land, marking the village’s first burial ground. In 1837, his remains were relocated to the Baptist Church grounds, which eventually became the Walled Lake Cemetery. The property was later sold to J.J. Moore and eventually became the farm of Glen Buffmyer in the early 1900s (1,2).
Bela Armstrong Jr., a veteran of the War of 1812, likely received his property in Commerce Township as compensation for his military service. Following the war, the U.S. government often granted land, acquired through the Northwest Ordinance, to veterans as payment. Bela was born on April 17, 1790, in Franklin, New London, Connecticut, to Bela Armstrong Sr. and Bethia Sanford. He and his wife had six children: Ellen, Elon, Sullivan, Alfred, Shepherd, and Gordon. Ellen, Shepherd, and Gordon were born in Walled Lake (3).
One report suggests that after her husband’s death, Mary Armstrong returned to New York, later coming back to Michigan in 1836. It remains unclear whether she retained ownership of the farm or sold it during this period. Mary passed away in 1840. Their son, Alfred, returned to New York, where he worked as a farmer. In 1843, he ventured further west to the developing township of Ashland in Newaygo, Michigan, where he established himself as a prominent carpenter and farmer.
Sullivan Armstrong, born in 1823, led a life similar to that of his brother Alfred. Like Alfred, he pursued farming but returned to Walled Lake in 1839, where he stayed for two years, caring for his mother. After her death in 1840, Sullivan likely sold the family farm to J.J. Moore. In the fall of 1841, he left Walled Lake for Kent County, Michigan, where he married Mary C. Sheldon. In 1852, he followed his brother to Newaygo County, where he became a highly respected and prominent member of the community. Sullivan held positions as treasurer, representative to the State Legislature, and was even nominated by the National Greenback Convention as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor (4).
Bela Armstrong Jr. was the first death in the village of Walled Lake and the first person to be buried in the Walled Lake Cemetery.
References:
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History of Oakland County with Illustrations. Philadelpha LH Everts &Co 1877
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Severance, Henry Ormal.. G. E. Stechert & Co, 1931.
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https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/9CXP-XB5/bela-armstrong-jr.-1790-1827
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Newaygo County, Michigan: Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent Representative Citizens of the County ... Also Containing a Complete History of the County, from Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time. Chapman Bros, 1884.
Cornelius Austin
Cornelius Austin became the third white settler in the Walled Lake area, arriving around 1829. He initially settled a few hundred feet northeast of William Tenney's home, near Walter Hewitt's land. About a year later, Austin and his wife moved to the south side of the lake in Novi Township, where they raised their 14 children and remained until their deaths. Like Bela Armstrong, Cornelius Austin served in the War of 1812, but he was part of the New York Militia rather than the United States military.
Militiamen had different priorities than the regular government forces. They focused on defensive and protective efforts rather than engaging in offensive attacks or land seizures. Many in the militia were essentially anti-war, believing that government use of force was unconstitutional. Refusing to report for offensive duty, these men were seen as insubordinate to federal law and many faced fines of up to $2,000. The New York state constitution clearly stated that militiamen were only obligated to participate in defensive campaigns, but the federal government took a different perspective (1,2).
Cornelius Austin served in the New York Militia for just over a year, from May 9, 1812, to May 16, 1813, under the command of Captain Elias Hull from Lyons, New York. He left the militia one month before the notable Raid on Sodus Point on June 19, 1813. During this raid, the militia successfully repelled a force of around 100 British soldiers with relatively few casualties. However, the following day, the British returned to find the town abandoned, which they proceeded to loot and burn (1).
Cornelius Austin married Clarisa Bartlett on September 6, 1812, in Lyons, New York. After the War of 1812, the couple moved to northeastern Indiana before settling in Commerce, Michigan, in 1829. Throughout his life, Austin was known to be well-acquainted with a group of nearly 500 Potawatomi who camped along the lake's edge. Interestingly, the majority of the Potawatomi population resided in northeastern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, areas where Austin had previously lived. He often observed the Native Americans celebrating, dancing, and participating in their "Green Corn Dance," a ceremonial event held at the start of the harvest to ensure a bountiful yield. Reflecting on his relationship with the Potawatomi, Austin once remarked, "As neighbors, you could have none better" (3).
According to an intriguing legend, a Native American chief once contracted Cornelius Austin to build a fence around their burial ground to designate it as a sacred space, offering a horse in exchange for his work. However, the story goes that the Native Americans never provided the horse, and as a result, Austin never built the fence.
A man named J.D. Bateman once remarked that Cornelius Austin still wore the same clothes he had worn forty years earlier, offering a subtle glimpse into Austin's character. Cornelius Austin, the third white settler of Walled Lake, passed away on April 14, 1888, after slipping on ice and suffering a fatal head injury. He is now laid to rest in Novi Cemetery.
References:
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Battle of Sodus Point – War of 1812 (the battle). August 30, 2011. Tom Lightfoot. Retrieved from Military History of Wayne County, NY. The County in the Civil War. Lewis H. Ckark. 1883. Pg 197-203.
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New York Militia and Opposition to the War of 1812. Harvey Strum. New York History. Cornell University Press. Volume 101, Number 1. Summer 2020. Pp. 114-132.
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Walled Lake Traces its Roots Back to 1825; Indian Resort Still Restful Haven.
West Oakland Press Gazzette. Thursday September 6th, 1979. p. E1-E2 -
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10698027/cornelius-austin
