Boyne City’s Historical Past
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Continuing our series on historical markers – this marker is a tribute to John & Harriet Miller, Boyne City’s first permanent settlers.
On November 14, 1856, John and Harriet Miller arrived on the shores of Pine Lake (now Lake Charlevoix) from upstate New York. They are recognized as Boyne City’s first permanent settlers – and their journey was inspired by a dream.
According to local legend, Harriet had a vivid dream of a lake shaped like a bear, with an abandoned cabin at the eastern end. She believed it was a sign and convinced John to sell their property so they could search for this mysterious place.
Traveling from New York to Northport, they met a man named John Saxon Dixon, who agreed to take them to the eastern end of Pine Lake. Upon arriving they were astonished to discover the very cabin Harriet had seen in her dream.
John and Harriet were married on Christmas Day in 1840. John, born in 1811, was the son of Scottish and Irish immigrants. Harriet, born in 1824, was of Irish descent, born to Canadian parents. They had two sons, Hugh and James.
John became known throughout the community as “Uncle John,” and Harriet earned a reputation as Boyne’s first psychic. They named their new home “Boyne” after the River Boyne in Ireland, the site of a famous battle.
John passed away on May 8, 1896, and Harriet followed him two years later.