The following is an excerpt from “The History of Leelanau Township” by The Leelanau Township Historical Writers Group.
Leelanau means “delight of life,” according to historian, Dr. Milo M. Quaife, was a Chippewa maiden in one of the tales of Schoolcraft. Just as the name “Leelanau” has an interesting Indian heritage, Leelanau Township has an unusual historical heritage.
In 1840, Grand Traverse County was erected from Mackinaw County. The Grand Traverse Bay region at this time was practically one big county, including the counties we now call Antrim, Benzie, and Leelanau. Later, in 1853 the territory of both Benzie and Leelanau constituted one township called “Leelanau” within Grand Traverse County. In 1853, the first township meeting was held at the home of Peter Dougherty.
Samuel Voice was the first supervisor, followed by Joseph Dame in 1854. Lansing Marble in 1856. In 1856, the area the township now encompasses today was established. In 1857 Otis White was the supervisor, followed by Philo Beers, who held the office between 1858 and 1862.
On Feb. 22, 1863, Leelanau county was erected from Grand Traverse. This move also separated Leelanau from Benzie, which became a county as well. This historical background shows that Leelanau Township has been in existence longer than Leelanau County itself, and it is interesting to note the name of the township never changed, territories being erected from it to make other townships.
The Board of County Canvassers under the provisions of the act of organizing Leelanau County met in Northport at the home of Joseph Dame during that winter of 1862-1863. They organized and prepared for an election of county officers and brought before the voters a selection of the county seat. Northport became the county seat.
The first term of Circuit Court for Leelanau County was held in Northport on May 5, 1864 in an old school house on the hill. The only business transacted was the appointing of necessary county officers and the designation of the jail in Grand Traverse County as the jail for Leelanau County too.
The second term of Circuit Court at Northport in 1864 sentenced a man for burglary and another man for adultery.
The following is a list of early Leelanau Township supervisors after 1863: S.G. Wood — 1863 N. Barnes — 1864 J.W. Ranger— 1865-1869 R. Lee — 1870-1873 V.C. Miller —1874-1875 J.W. Ranger — 1876-1879 Even through the county seat was located at Northport during the year 1875, much controversy started over the possibility of moving it. There was a fire in the town hall at Northport in 1881 but evidently it was discovered in time to prevent the destruction of the entire building and its records. Then, finally in 1882, the county seat was moved to Leland. Stories have been handed down from “oldtimers” that Northport should still be the county seat.
In a letter to the editor published in the “Leelanau Tribune” on March 19, 1875, a writer who signs only his initials,” expresses his opinion.
“What has Leland? It has a furnace, and a Company Store; nothing else. No hotel, no grist mill, no brewery, but plenty of smoke. Last summer a friend of mine was compelled to pass through Leland, and on inquiring for a hotel, or a place where he could get a dinner, was directed to go to P.A. Cody’s store; which he did, and for this, and for his dinner had what? Beer and crackers. Voters beware! In my humble opinion … of all places for a county seat, Leland should be last. Any place is preferable.
“Mr. Editor, it is growing late, and I hear my better half calling me, so will bid you a good night.”
