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HISTORY OF ALPENA COUNTY AFTER 1870 BY WILLIAM BOULTON IN 1876
June 29th, 1871, J. C. Viall first commenced the publication of the Alpena Weekly Argus as the representative of the Democratic party in Alpena. Previous to this event the Pioneer had been the only newspaper in the county; it had been in existence for some years, being first known as the Thunder Bay Monitor. We have been unable to ascertain the date when the Monitor was first issued. Mr. A. C. Tefft, the present editor and proprietor, assumed control of the Pioneer October 12th, 1867. The Pioneer represents. the Republican party in Alpena county.
The propellor Wenona arrived at Alpena, August 11, 1871, on her first trip, Captain L. R. Boynton being in command.
October 3d, 1871, Lodge No. 170 I. O. O. F. was established, and during the same month the first brick business block, that of Bolton & McRae, was finished. This building is situated on Dock street, near the river, and forms a very imposing appearance.
The injunction business, which of late has been a very prominent feature in elections, originated about the latter part of the year 1871. owing to the exorbitant school taxes which were levied about that time. There is no doubt but that considerable of the school funds were misapplied, and to such an extent had the taxes been raised that nearly all the largest taxpayers formed a union for the purpose of preventing further unreasonable burdens being placed upon them. This union was termed the "Klu Klux, " and the members comprising it investigated very closely the affairs of the county. Thirty-three of the principal taxpayers got out an injunction to restrain the treasurer from collecting the school tax, which they claimed had been assessed illegally.
Alpena Michigan
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