Devils Lake battles in water remembered.

The Long History of Property Disputes at Devil’s Lake

Devil’s Lake, located in Lenawee County, Michigan, has been the site of property disputes for over a century. Growing up in the area, I witnessed firsthand the battles between property owners fighting for just a few inches of waterfront frontage. I wrote stories on the legal and civil fights over what constitutes public and private lake frontage.

However, these disputes are nothing new. In fact, there’s been a “war on the water” at Devil’s Lake since the 1800s.

An Infamous Feud from the Late 1800s

One notable dispute occurred in August 1894 between local businessman George Beardsell and the proprietors of the Manitou Beach dock. The feud had already been simmering for some time, but on August 7, 1894, things came to a head. According to period accounts, the resulting chaos caused “heaps of fun for resorters” and several arrests.

The feud started when Beardsell dug out a channel at the lake, allowing the Manitou Beach dock owners and other businessmen to run their boats through it “provided he would be allowed to land at the big dock free of charge.” However, the dock owners did not live up to their end of the bargain, charging Beardsell $25 per year for dockage instead. This led to Beardsell driving piling on land he claimed to own in the water around Manitou Beach, topping the posts with barbed wire. But almost as soon as the barrier was erected, it was chopped down by residents. The back-and-forth continued until Beardsell called in the police to turn in those who had taken down his posts.

The feud was widely known in the area and compared to the loss of an indigenous princess in Native American oral tradition. A trial was set for October of that year, but the lawsuits were eventually discontinued after an agreement was reached between the parties.

The Legacy of Property Disputes at Devil’s Lake

Property disputes continue to be a contentious issue at Devil’s Lake, with battles often fought over mere inches of waterfront property. But for locals, it’s not a new phenomenon – it’s been happening for over a century.

While George Beardsell’s infamous feud may be of historical interest, it’s also a testament to the ongoing conflicts between property owners at Devil’s Lake. Little did Beardsell know at the time that his disagreements with the residents would set the stage for a long and tumultuous history of property disputes at the lake.

Dan Cherry, a Lenawee County historian, has witnessed firsthand the property battles at Devil’s Lake over the years.