Pioneers of St. Clair County, Michigan - Person Sheet
Pioneers of St. Clair County, Michigan - Person Sheet
NameMichael ARRITT
Birth25 Dec 1773, Alsace-Lorraine, France2281, date only,2282, date only,2285
Death6 Dec 1845, Potts Creek, Alleghany, Virginia2286, p 126; year & place only,2281 Age: 71
BurialPotts Creek, Alleghany, Virginia2281
ResidenceAlleghany County, VA2286, p 140
FlagsEldest Child
FatherChristopher ARRITT (1742-1812)
MotherCatherine Mary WOLFE (1752-1819)
Individual Notes
• Michael Erret, according to tradition, became a wagon driver and while driving a freight wagon to the Ohio territory, he came through the Potts Valley of what is now Alleghany County, Virginia, on the old Sweet Springs Turnpike Road. He supposedly fell in love with the valley and returned to live. More likely he fell in love with his future wife, Mary Magdalene Wolf, whose family lived in the valley. He and Mary Magdalene were married in 1795 and the marriage is recorded in the courthouse at Fincastle, Virginia.1726, p 2

• Michael and Mary Magdalene lived with their children on Potts Creek in Alleghany County, Virginia. Michael is listed in Index to the Soldiers of the War of 1812 as a Private in the 108th Regiment of Shanklins Virginia Militia. As was common for the time, he got a substitute, Alexander Gray, to serve for him and no further records of his service are listed. Michael was a “Gentleman Justice” when Alleghany county was formed in 1822 and served as a County Supervisor in 1829. He was also Sheriff of Alleghany County from 1828 to 1829. He was also known as “Squire Mike.” He owned and operated a General Merchandise Store on Potts Creek providing services from weaving flax and tanning hides to milling grain and selling coffee, flour, sugar, brandy, shoes, clothing, and hay and feed. Michael’s heirs at his death in 1845 were his son, John, two daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth, and his (second) wife, Sarah (Humphries). His land, amounting to over 4,000 acres was divised to these heirs according to his will. Prior to his death, Michael had deeded portions of his land to the children of his son, George, who had predeceased him.1726, p 3
Census
• 1810 Census: Monroe County, Virginia. Michael Arite.2284, p 7
• 1820 Census: Monroe County, Virginia. 001201/01101. Michael Arett.2289
• 1830 Census: Alleghany County, Virginia. 00001101/00012001. Michael Aritt1735
• 1840 Census: Alleghany County, Virginia. 000100001/00001. Michael Arrill.1736
General
• [In Potts Creek] iron ore mining was a chief industry during the 19th century. The Double Ridge Mine, Bess Mines and Jordan Mines were among those giving employment to many people. During the peak of production at the Jordan Mines, 40 to 75 houses stood around the site of the present post office.
The mines closed because of the discovery of iron in the Lake Superior region, which was of better grade and cheaper to get to the mills.2290, p 65
Military
• Did not serve in the War of 1812 but hired a substitute.2284, p 3

• Michael Arret is listed in the Index to the Soldiers of the War of 1812 as a Private in the 108th regiment of Shanklins Virginia Militia. However, as was common for the time, he got a substitute, Alexander Gray, to serve for him and no further records of his services are listed.1726, p 3
Spouses
Birth10 Jun 1772, Virginia2281,2282, date only,2284, p 1
Death18 Apr 1832, Potts Creek, Alleghany, Virginia2281, date only,2282, p 2; date only,2824 Age: 59
BurialPotts Creek, Alleghany, Virginia2284, p 8
Ancestral File #129F-1GX2824,2288
FatherJohn Christian WOLFE (~1746-1829)
MotherMary Magdalene PORTER (~1750-1829)
Census
• 1820 Census: Monroe County, Virginia: 001201/01101.2289
• 1830 Census: Alleghany county, Virginia: 00001101/00012001.1735
ChildrenJohn M. (1796-1866)
 Jacob (Died as Child) (1798-1799)
 Catherine A. (1800-)
 George W. (1802-1839)
 Elizabeth (1805-1850)
Birth19 May 1812, Monroe County, West Virginia2281, date only,2282, date only,2283
FatherWilliam HUMPHRIES
MotherHannah
Individual Notes
• Daughter of William Humphries.2284, p 3
Census
• 1840 Census: Alleghany County, Virginia: 000100001/00001.1736
Marriage18 Nov 1834, Monroe County, West Virginia2281,2282, p 1; date only,2291,2283
Marr Memoformerly in Virginia
Last Modified 10 Jun 2005Created 12 Mar 2025 using Reunion for Macintosh
Updated 12 Mar 2025
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