Only a few days ago we saw the venerable pioneer settler, Antoine Campau, erect and with elastic step, remarkable for a man of his years, walking the streets to and from his place of business. But suddenly he fell sick and, after a short, severe illness he has passed away, his death occurring on Saturday afternoon last, at his family residence on South Division street. Thus again are we called upon to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of one who was a prominent citizen, neighbor, friend, and whose life is woven into the history of Grand Rapids, from its planting as the home of civilized men and society to the present moment.

Antoine Campau was born at Detroit, 13 June 1797, and was therefore 77 years of age at the time of his death. He resided at his birthplace till about 30 years of age, and in youth and early manhood was one of a prominent family having large interests in that city and active in promoting its growth; having received the advantages of a good business education. In 1827, his older brother, Louis, who was at Saginaw doing a lucrative trade in furs for an eastern company, came to Grand Rapids, and Antoine removed to Saginaw, succeeding his brother in that trade. That proving an unhealthy location for his family, however, he returned in a year or two to Detroit, and purchased a farm, for many years afterward known as "the Antoine Campau farm" at Gross Point. He resided there till the latter part of 1832 or the early part of 1833, when he came to Grand Rapids, and removed his family here the following year. Here he engaged in trade, putting up one of the buildings last year torn down at the junction of Monroe and Pearl streets, the first and only frame house residence being at that time the dwelling of Joel Guild, the pioneer "Yankee" steeler, where now stands the City National Bank. Mr. Campau erected a small dwelling for his family a short distance above the Rathbun House, which place he subsequently sold to Julius C. Abel. In 1845 he removed to his farm, and the house he has occupied ever since.

His trade during his life has been in good part with the Indians, and mostly in furs, and in the earlier years selling them provisions and blankets and clothing in return, dealing much for eastern fur companies. But after removing to his farm he made farming also a prominent business, keeping his place a model of good cultivation and thrift, and possessing there a most excellent, quiet, happy home, a retreat at all times from business cares and anxieties to the bosom of a loving family. Nearly twenty years ago he began to plat portions of his farm of 100 acres into city lots, for sale, and now "Campau's Additions" show a very large number of handsome private residences, with his modest homestead reservation and its neat adornments a prominent feature in the landscape.

Mr. Campau was a man of fine presence, over six feet high in stature, straight and erect, of noble and dignified carriage, and manly and affable to high and low, and, as thousands who knew him will testify, of sterling and spotless integrity of character, kind and courteous to all, humane and sympathizing with those in distress, a man universally admired, respected and loved. In all his business dealings he was scrupulously punctual and exact. Probably no man among the pioneers of Michigan had the confidence of the Indians in a greater degree than he. He has passed away in the ripeness of years; yet when, but for the severe form of his last sickness, he seemed to have promise of many more with sufficient strength for business activity, so well was he preserved.

Mr. Campau leaves a widow, venerable and loved, the companion of a long life; also two sons and two daughters. One son, Dennis, is now in California, and telegraphs that it will be absolutely impossible for him to be present at the funeral. The other son, Andrew, is in the city, having been here since the death of his brother, Anthony. One of the daughters, Mrs. Ryerson, of Muskegon, is now in Europe, having been there for the past five years. The other, Mrs. J. M. Stanly, is in Detroit. One brother, Mr. George Campau, also an early settler, quiet, unassuming and highly respected, lives on Charlotte street. Of more distant relatives there is a large circle, both in this city and in Detroit.