So Far From The Fort

Source (Fort In Diagram Of General Hull's 1809 Plan Of Detroit)

The first residence, down that way, I d not know who occupied it at that time, was an old style French-built house, with huge chimneys at each end. There was an old orchard on the west side. At one time, 1808, I think, it was occupied by Judge James Witherell and family, who, coming here soon after the destruction of the town by fire in 1805, found suitable tenements exceedingly scarce, and had to accommodate themselves to circumstances. It was somewhat perilous at that time for people living so far from the fort, as the Indians were none too friendly. I have often heard Mrs. Thomas Palmer, Senator Palmer’s mother, and daughter of Judge Witherell, relate how her father used to admonish the family to keep close indoors after dark for fear of being carried off by the [Indians].
Source: Detroit In 1827...By General Friend Palmer