>^.- \y/ \^:: ■%.*^- <* ' • • ■• rJ ?5 ^^ o.. ^^„ \/: ^ -^ ■'. ^<^ ^- .N^ %.<^' ''/°- :>- ,^H .^ %. '" v^^ ^ '«-** \^ %,'<>"■* ,<^ .<-o %^ ""' - c.^- ^ \^^^ J' V^ ^ j5 Q^ 93, ' • v \> » " * " > Qf> = .^ =2^ ^.*' d^^ °- ^ --^^•',\^ /^-^^\^ ^^^"^f ^^'^'^^ --^^-:\^ :^-^-i = ^"^^ ^°^^:.^'^^^'^ ^°^:;^^'% ,^^^i^"'^^. ^^^.S:-^"^^ '^^:^^ ^' >\*'^ v-'''*\/ v'".V*\/ ci-^r.>\/ V'o''.V\/ v-.-\/ "= ^^0* : ■'•'r^/- -^^d* ;^^/: -=^^0^ ^^^m'-S^^^ ^^^'''^& ^r,^^''Vo^ r^ !L^ 0<. / I ^1^ (t. m i i V.\STO/,^. i i f m Hi -OF- LIVINGSTON CO. :M:ioi3:i<3-.A.isr. ith lOhistraiions anil ||t0(|rH^liicnl ^hdclie^ OF ITS i=K.o:M:insrE!isrT zmzeist j^i--2a PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. j^ .L9H6 D & II- y^/ 3S PREFACE. The History of Livingston County here presented to its patrons for their approval, is the result of long and patient labor and research, which have been bestowed upon it with the view of producing an authentic and connected narrative of events of general importance or interest, which have occurred in the territory now comprised in the county of Livingston, or in which its residents have been actors ; confining the account as closely as practicable to the limits of the county, and to its former and present inhabitants ; referring to outside matters only so far as is necessary, to show the connection of events. To the general matter pertaining to the county, is added a history of each of its townships, em- bracing notices of early settlers, sketches of churches, schools, societies, and other local organizations, and also special and statistical matters relating to the county and townships, intended chiefly for refer- ence. Other portions of the work are necessarily arranged according to the subjects of which they treat. In the preparation of the history many of the best and most reliable works bearing on the subject have been consulted, and no labor has been spared in the gathering of historical material from the most thoroughly informed citizens of the county ; and in these labors and researches it has been not more the object to collect all obtainable facts, than to exclude everything of doubtful authenticity. If errors are discovered (as it is almost certain that there will be) in the orthography of some of the family names of the early and later residents of the county, it is largely due to the fact that these names have been found spelled differently (and sometimes in as many as four or five different ways) in the county, town- ship, church, and society records. In several cases it has been found that different members of the same family vary in the orthography of their surnames ; one especially notable instance of this kind being that of two brothers, both of whom are highly educated and intelligent men, and both prominent and influential citizens of Livingston County. Under such circumstances it should not be thought strange if the several writers of the county and township histories, often finding themselves wholly at a loss to know which method of spelling to adopt, have sometimes made the mistake of choosing the wrong one. Beyond this explanation no apology will be made, for none is thought to be necessary. It is, of course, impossible to produce a history which shall be absolutely perfect, but every effort has been used to make this as nearly so as possible. Its patrons will judge it upon its merits, and it is hoped and confidently believed that it will meet their approval. To those who have kindly given their aid in the collection of material for the work, the his- torian desires to express his thanks. Among these he would mention the pastors and leading members of the churches, the editors of the county newspapers, the gentlemen of the legal and 3 4 PREFACE. medical professions in the county, and the honored Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit. A large number of pioneers and other citizens of the county have also been called on for aid, and they have all promptly and willingly responded with such information as they have been able to give. As there are in this list more than two hundred persons to whom acknowledgments are due, it is hardly practicable to mention them separately by name, but grateful and cordial thanks are returned to all for the assistance which they have so freely and courteously extended. F. E. PHiLADELrHiA, PA., Dec. I, 1879. CONTENTS. HISTOR^IGT^Xj. HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. CHAPTBK PAGE I. — Livingston County and its Indian Occupants . . 9 II.- Cessions of Indian Lands — Settlement of tlie County. 16 III. — Changes of Civil Jurisdiction — Erection and Organi- zation of Livingston County — Courts and County Buildings 25 IV. — The Press — The Professions — Livingston Civil List — County Societies ...... 35 V. — Internal Improvements . . . . . .51 VI. — Military Record of Livingston County . . .60 VII. — Fifth Infantry 67 VIII. — Ninth and Fifteenth Infantry 79 IX. — Twenty-second Infantry ..... 87 X. — Twenty-sixth Infantry ...... 96 XL— Third and Sixth Cavalry 108 XII. — Other Livingston County Soldiers .... 112 XIII. — Agriculture — Farmers' Associations — Population . 120 HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. Village of Howell Township of Howell . Village of Brighton Township of Brighton Handy . " Iosco " Putnam . " Hamburg " Genoa . " Unadilla " Green Oak " Conway " Marion . " Il.irtland " Oceola . " Tyrone . " Deerfield " Cohoctah '35 1 84 201 218 233 255 269 278 291 304 322 334 346 362 376 38S 413 437 B I O Q E. -A. 1= H: I O ^ Xj. PAGE PAGE Francis Monroe facing 162 William J. Jewell . ' . . . . . . . 269 Hon. Josiah Turner . 182 Hobart A. Twichell between 284, 285 Hon. William McPher .on, Jr. between 182, 183 Stoddard W. Twichell " 284, 285 S. E. Howe f.acing 183 Major George Mercer . 290 Sardis F. Ilubbell . . . 183 Hon. Willi.im Ball . 290 Peter Brewer . 200 Dennis Corey . 291 Solomon Ilildebrant . 200 Elias Davis . . 291 Hon. John Carter . 229 Joseph Rider . 302 Aaron H. Kelley . 229 Chester Ha/,ard . . 302 Rev. Ira Warner . • 230 Charles Benedict . • 303 Melzer Bird ■ 230 Ely Barnard • 303 Thomas Woulds . ■ 230 William Bloodworth • 303 George W. Conely • 231 S. G. Ives . between 312, 313 .Samuel M. Conely ■ 231 Philander Gregory . 320 t). K. Van Amburg • 232 Morris Topping . . 321 W. C. Sears • 232 David D. Bird . . 321 James Converse . . 250 Linus Clark facing 328 H.arvey Metcalf . • 251 Hon. Kinsley S. Bingh am • 332 Ralph Fowler . 252 Hannibal Lee • 332 George Lovely • 252 Cornelius Corson . • 332 Edwin Nichols • 253 Almon Maltby between 332, 333 Marvin Gaston • 253 John Hooper " 332, 333 S. P. Kuhn . facing 258 George Greao facing 362 " 374 " 374 " 374 facing 376 •' 378 " 37S between 380, 381 " 3S0, 381 " 3S0, 381 E. J. and E. W. Hardy (double page) " 3S4, 3S5 Portraits of Peter Y. Browning and Wife . . facing 3S5 Portrait of J. A. Van Camp " William Hazard FAGB . 386 . 387 TYRONE. Portrait of George Cornell . " David Colwell . Portraits of Hon. John Kenyon and Wife " Isaac Cornell and Wife " Rev. Isaac Morton and Wife Portrait of John T. Carmer . DEERFIELD. Portrait of John How .... Col. C. Sutherland . Portraits of Joseph Chamberlin and Wife COHOCTAH. Portraits of Ezra Frisbee and Wife Portrait of Alonzo Frisbee . " E. A. Frisbee . " Mrs. Margaret Van der Cook facing 390 " 390 " 392 " 396 . 412 • 413 facing 418 " 424 " 426 facing 461 " 461 " 461 " 461 ^^u^^^ MfiMe^i^o^ €@ % G , E N £ S £ £ HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. BY FRANKLIN ELLIS. CHAPTER I. LIVINGSTON COUNTY AND ITS INDIAN OCCU- PANTS. Locition and Nntiiral Features of the County — The Native Oc- cupants — Chippcwas and Pottawattamies — Indian Hunting- Grounds and Agriculture — The Saul- pcwas to cross to the island. This opportunity they were not slow to avail themselves of, and then followed another massacre, in which, as one account says, the males were killed, to the last man, and only twelve women were spared out of all who had fled there for safety. So thickly was the place strewn with bones and skulls of the mas- sacred Sanks, that it afterwards became known as Skull IsLuul.* Meanwhile, the co-operating force of Ottaivas, coming in from the south, struck the Flint River near its southernmost bend, and a desperate battle was fought between them and the Sanks, resulting in the defeat of the latter, and the massacre of all who were found in the valley of that stream. After completing their bloody work on the Sag- inaw, the invading army wa5 divided into detach- ments, which severally proceeded to carry destruc- tion to the villages on the Tiltabawassee, Cass, and Shiawassee Rivers. Murderous work was done by the bands that scoured these valleys, and every- * Mr. Epliraim S. Williams, fonnerly a fur trader at Saginaw City, and a brolher of Mr. li. (). William*, of Owosso, verifies this statement. He has often visited the island in earlier years, and h.is seen nunil ers uf bkulls exhumed from its soil. 12 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. wliere the result was the same, — the utter rout and overthrow of the Sanis, only a miserable remnant of whom made their escape, and, finally, by some means, succeeded in eluding their relentless foes and gained the shelter of the dense wilderness west of Lake Michigan.* After the Sauks had been thus utterly crushed and their villages destroyed, the victorious allies did not immediately settle in the conquered terri- tory, but held it as a common ground for the range of their hunting-parties. After a time they found that some of the young men who went out with those parties did not return and could never be heard of, and then it became their firm belief that the dim recesses of these forests were haunted by the spirits of the murdered Satiks, who had come back to their former hunting-grounds to take ven- geance on their merciless destroyers. And the result of the belief (so said the tradition) was that they abandoned this inviting region, and for years their hunters and fishermen avoided its haunted woods and streams, although the thickets swarmed with game and the waters were alive with fish. No one can say how long their superstitious terrors prevailed, but it is certain that they were partially overcome at last, so that the Chippciva and Ottaiva tribes built their lodges in the land which their bloody hands had wrenched from its rightful possessors. Those who came to the valley of the Saginaw and its tributaries, however, were principally CJiipfimjas, and from that time the In- dian inhabitants of this region were known as the Saginaiu tribe of the Cliippciva nation. They possessed all the characteristics of the parent stock, and, until overawed and cowed by the power of the whites, they showed a disposition as fierce and turbulent as that of their kindred, the Ojibivays of Lake Superior, who massacred the garrison of Fort Michilimackinac, in 1763. Much of their superstition still remained, though they had summoned sufficient courage to occupy the " haunted hunting-grounds." Long after the Saginaw and Shiawassee valleys were studded with white settlements, the simple Indians still believed that mysterious Sauks were lingering in their for- ests and along the margins of their streams for purposes of vengeance ; that AInncsous, or bad spirits, in the form of Sauk warriors, were hover- ing around their villages and camps, and on the * One of the Indian accounts of this sanguinary campaign was to the effect that no Sauk or Onott(nvny warrior escaped ; that of all the people not one was spared, except the twelve women before mentioned, and that these were sent westward and placed among the tribes beyond the Mississippi. This, however, was unques- tionalily an exaggeration made by the boastful Cliipft'was, and it is certain that a part of the Sauks escaped beyond the lake. flanks of their hunting-parties, preventing them from being successful in the chase, and bringing ill-fortune and discomfiture in a hundred ways. So great was their dread, that when (as was fre- quently the case) they became possessed of the idea that the Muiicsous were in their immediate vicinity they would fly, as if for their lives, aban- doning everything, wigwams, fish, game, and pel- try ; and no amount of ridicule from the whites could convince them of their folly, or induce them to stay and face the imaginary danger. Some of the Indian bands whose country joined that of the Saginatvs pla}'ed upon their weak superstition and derived profit from it, by lurking around their vil- lages or camps, frightening them into flight, and then appropriating the property which they had abandoned. A few shreds of wool from their blankets left sticking on thorns or dead brush- wood, hideous figures drawn upon the trunks of trees with coal, or marked on the ground in the vicinity of their lodges, was sure to produce this result, by indicating the presence of the dreaded Muiicsous. Mr. Williams, whose authority has already been cited in the foregoing pages, writes of this matter as follows : " I have had them come from places miles distant, bringing their rifles to me, asking me to examine and re-sight them, declaring that the sights had been removed (and in most cases they had, but it was by themselves in their fright). I have often, and in fact always did when applied to, re-sighted and tried them until they would shoot correctly, and then they would go away cheerfully. I would tell them they must keep their rifles where the Muncsous could not find them. ... At other times, having a little bad luck in trapping or hunt- ing, they became excited, and would say that game had been over and in their traps, and that they could not catch an3'thing ; have known them to go so far as to insist that a beaver or an otter had been in their traps and gotten out ; that their traps were bewitched or spellbound, and their rifles charmed by the Muiicsous, so that they could not catch or kill anything. Then they must give a great feast, and have the medicine-man, or con- juror, and through his wise and dark performances the charm is removed and all is well, and traps and rifles do their duty again. These things have been handed down for generations." And so, through all the domain of the Saginaws, their lives were made miserable by these superstitious fears ; and thus they expiated the crime committed by their ancestors against the unfortunate Sauks. The country of the Saguiazo Cliippcwas was an almost inaccessible fastness, and from this their warriors continually forayed against the unpro- LIVINGSTON COUNTY AND ITS INDIAN OCCUPANTS. 13 tected settlements on the Detroit, St. Clair, and Huron Rivers; and many wore tlie scalps and captives wliich they brought back from these hos- tile expeditions. They joined the Indian league which was formed in 17S6 in the interest of the British, for the purpose of destroying the Ameri- can settlements and driving them beyond the Ohio River, and they took part with the other tribes in the hostilities which continued until checked by the victorious campaign of General Anthony Wayne. Again, when the Shmvancsc chieftain, Tecumseh, and his brother, the " Prophet" Elk- swatawa, instigated by the British, sent forth their emissaries to ask the co-operation of the northern and western tribes in a project to exterminate the white settlements within the Northwest Territory, XhQ Sagi)ia7L' C/iippcwas were found ready and will- ing to join the league ; and they continued among the most active of all the Indian allies of the Eng- lish during the war of 1812-15. The Pottatvatiauiics were also prominent mem- bers of the Indian confederation instigated by Tecumseh, which aimed at the destruction of American power. A large detachment of warriors of this tribe fought against Harrison at Tippeca- noe, and a still greater number acted with the British in the operations which resulted in the dis- graceful surrender of Detroit by General Hull, in August, 181 2. Again, on the 22d of January, 181 3, they fought at the river Raisin (where the city of Monroe now stands), and were prominent and bloody actors in the massacre which followed the battle. Four hundred Pottawattainics took part in the assault on Croghan's command at Lower Sandusky in August, 1813; and the tribe was represented among the foes of America in every hostile movement down to and including the battle of the Thames, in October, 1813. Here Tecumseh fell, and the hopes of his Indian adhe- rents were crushed forever. The PottaiuaUaiiiics, like other tribes, sued for peace, and receiving the mercy which they did not deserve, gave hostages for their future good conduct, retired to their vil- lages, sullen at first, but thoroughly subjugated, and never took up the hatchet again. Between the time of the subjugation of the Michigan tribes, following the death of Tecumseh, and the time when white settlements began to be seen in the forests and openings of Livingston County, there had elapsed a period of about twenty years, during which the red men had moved rapidly on the road towards that state of decay which is invariably the result of the Indian's contact with the white race, and his access to the white man's whisky. Trading-posts had been established as early as 1820 on the lower Shiawassee River, and on the Flint, as well as at Saginaw; and at these posts the Indians had always managed to obtain from the unscrupulous traders the poison fire-water, which to their race, in even greater de- gree than to the white, has proved the fruitful source of degradation and misery. And so, in the demoralized and scattered bands which the early settlers found here, roving and homeless, they saw few, if any, of the characteristics which had marked the native tribes in the former days of their war- like pride and strength. They were quite numerous here, particularly in the summer season, and nearly all were of the tribe known to the settlers as the Shiawassees, which term had reference to that subdivision of the Sagiitazv Cluppcwas which occupied the valley of the Shiawassee River to its head-waters. The only Indians in Livingston known to be of Pofta- zvattaiuic lineage was a small band which lived in or frequented the southwest part of the county ; of which band the leader was an old Indian named " Toag," of whom Mr. Shields speaks as "a so- cial old fellow, who was on good terms with the settlers, though he would steal their potatoes." And he mentions also that, many years after this band had disappeared from the county, Mr. West- fall, while traveling in Ohio, was saluted by an Indian who seemed exceedingly glad to see him, and who proved to be none other than the " chief" Toag himself Several other bands were located in different paits of the county, though these locations were by no means permanent. In the eastern part, among the lakes of Hartland, lived " old Shakaw," a Chippiwa, who at one time was the leader of a small band. This band was afterwards scattered, and old Shakaw lived alone without a following. Later, he moved north to Isabella County, or that vicinity, and died there in recent years. On Indian Lake, in Deerfield, lived old Porta- beek, a chief or head man of some grade among the Shiaivassccs. He also had had a small following, but, like Shakaw, was afterwards chief of only his own wigwam. Another Indian (who is not known to have been a leader, but who was quite well known in Livingston County as a frequent claim- ant for bounty on wolf-scalps) was Neome, a C/tip- pnva, and perhaps a lineal descendant of the earlier Neome, who was one of the principal chiefs of the Scxginaws. Four or five miles northwest of the centre of the county, on the farm of Ira Brayton, in the town- ship of Howell, tiiere were found by the early settlers — ami openetl in 1843 — some sepulchral mounds; of which Mr. lilisha II. .Smith, one of the discoverers, writes as follows : " On the north- 14 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. west quarter of section twenty-two [Howell] there are several places of burial, judging from the ap- pearance of the mounds where they were interred. They commenced burying their dead at the top of the ground, covering the corpse with earth. They then placed other bodies above this one, until the mound was several feet high. Several of these mounds have been opened for phrenological ob- servation. Tiieir traits of character were found similar to those who lived here at the time of the settlement by the whites. They were buried with their heads in a southeasterly direction. The In- dians who lived here at the time the mounds were opened had no knowledge of them. On the e.x- posure of the bones to the atmosphere they soon decomposed." Some, who examined the place, believed that the presence of the mounds indicated the existence of an Indian village there at some remote period. Others thought differently; and the vagabond Indians who were living in this vicin- ity at the time knew nothing whatever about the matter. Another place where Indian graves were found was near the shore of Cedar Lake, in the township of Marion. In the vicinity of these some aborig- inal implements have been found. An elevated ground near the shore of this lake was a favorite camping-place of the Indians, at and after the time of the first settlements. On the shores of several other lakes of the county were also camping- grounds much frequented by the Indians. It is mentioned by the Hon. Ralph Fowler that there were three winter camps of Indians in the woods near his house, in Handy, in the winter of 1836-37. The occupants of these camps were numerous, and they had about thirty ponies brows- ing in the woods in their vicinity. The old Chief Okenios, with from fifty to one hundred of iiis band, was encamped there at the same time, being on his way back from Detroit to his home on the Looking-Glass River, in Ingham County. This old chief, although living outside the county of Livingston, is properly mentioned here, for his vil- lage was not many miles from the western border, and he frequently passed through here with his band, and was well known to many of the settlers. He was one of the chiefs of the Shiawassee branch of the Saginazv Ckippcwas, was born about the year 1788, and was consequently some forty-eight or fifty years of age at the time mentioned by Mr. Fowler. He had been a noted warrior in his youth. He was present, under Tecumseh, at the attack on Fort Sandusky in the war of 1812, and fought against the Americans on that occasion with great desperation. When the Indians learned that the commandant of the fort had been peremptorily summoned to surrender, they were inspired with unusual boldness, and they at once made a furious charge upon the work, but were driven back with slaughter. They returned to the assault, but were again repulsed, and this time Okemos fell, pierced through the body by a musket-ball. The retreat of the Indians was followed up by a sally and counter-charge by the defenders of the fort, and as they passed the spot where Okemos lay wounded a soldier gave him (as was supposed) a finishing blow. Thechief lay still, without a groan, showing no signs of life until the party had returned to the fort, and then managed to crawl to a swampy piece of woods near by, where he secreted himself until night came on, when, having the good fortune to see a pony grazing near by, he succeeded in securing and mounting him, though weak and almost fainting from loss of blood. The pony bore him to the Indian camp on the Maumee, where he remained until he had recovered from the effects of his wounds. He afterwards took part in many of the Indian depredations, but was finally induced by Colonel Godfrey, the Indian agent, to forsake the British and attach himself to the Americans, to whom he continued faithful during the remainder of his life. After the war he made a permanent settlement with his band on the Looking-Glass River, in Ingham County, near the village and rail- road station which still bear his name. He died at his village on the Looking-Glass in 1863. Like most of the Indians of whatever degree, he was greatly addicted to drunkenness, and in his latter years was little more than a beggar, but he was very proud of his early deeds, and often related them. He stood well in the estimation of General Cass, with whom he sat in treaty council several times. The Indians who were found inhabiting this region were entirely peaceable except when under the influence of whisky, and even then they were easily cowed and reduced to docility by the dis- play of firmness and resolution on the part of the whites. During all their stay here there is no account of their doing any murder or other seri- ous violence. They were great boasters, the older ones telling wonderful tales of their own and their ancestors' prowess in earlier years, before the pale- faces came to their hunting-grounds. They were universally unclean — even filthy — in their appear- ance, and their chief desire was for whisky. In these two vices the women surpassed the men, as they did also in lying and dishonesty. The Indian men were not generally dishonest. They almost invariably returned articles loaned to them by set- tlers, even firearms, the possession of which they prized so highly. LIVINGSTON COUNTY AND ITS INDIAN OCCUPANTS. 15 In various places, and in several different direc- tions, the county was traversed by Indian trails, which, by being traveled for years by them and their ponies, had become beaten paths, worn into tlie soft soil in some places to the depth of more than a foot. The principal of these was the great Grand River trail, crossing diagonally from the southeast to the northwest part of the county through its centre. This trail forked near the present village of Howell, the north fork being known as the Shiawassee trail, leading to Shiawas- seetown ; but this again forked near the northern boundary of Livingston County, and the western- most branch led to De Witt, Ionia, and Grand Rapids. A trail from Shiawasseetown also struck this county at Hillman's Tavern, in the northwest part of the township of Tyrone, and continued thence to Walled Lake, in Oakland County. From Hillman's, southward, the Washtenaw trail passed through the eastern townships to and across the Huron River. The Strawberry Point trail passed from the main Grand River trail south through the present township of Hamburg, and into Wash- tenaw County. In the west part of the county a trail followed Cedar River for a long distance, and forking, passed to Cedar Lake in Marion, and also through Unadilla. Besides these, a number of smaller trails passed through different parts of the county. Over the great through-trails, for many years after the first settlers came to Livingston County, hundreds of Indians from the Shiawassee and Grand River regions passed and repassed annually ; the throng being always particularly large at the time when they went down to receive their annui- ties. These yearly payments were made in the early times by both the United States and the British governments, the latter usually paying at Maiden. The amount paid there was fifty cents a head to Indians of all ages, from the red patriarch of eighty years to the papoose at its mother's back. On these occasions, therefore, every mem- ber of the several tribes took the trail, to be pres- ent at the muster for pay. The British did not long continue their Indian payments, and after a time the United States adopted the plan of paying at inland points (principally at Saginaw), to avoid the demoralization which ensued from vast collec- tions of Indians at Detroit. I'Vom the time when the attention of white im- migrants first began to be drawn towards the lands lying west and northwest of Detroit, the United States government had entertained plans for the gradual emigration of the Indians fiom Michigan, and their settlement together upon new lands west of the Mississippi, or at least beyond Lake Michi- gan. This project was pressed upon them by General Cass at the treaty of Saginaw, in Septem- ber, 1 8 19, but they positively and indignantly refused to consider it. This repulse, however, did not cause the government to abandon its cherished idea, and finally, after many long years of persua- sion, the minds of the red men seemed to have become fully prepared to entertain the proposition for ultinuate removal to the new countries of the far West. At the commencement of 1837, Mr. Henry R. Schoolcraft, as Indian commissioner, met the chiefs and delegates of the Saginaiu tribe of Chippcwas at Detroit, where, on the 14th of January, a treaty was concluded by the terms of which the tribe agreed to remove from the State of Michigan as soon as a proper location could be obtained, and for this purpose it was stipulated that a deputation should be sent to view the country occupied by their kindred tribes west of the most westerly point of Lake Superior ; " and if an arrangement for their future and permanent residence can be made there, which shall be satisfactory to them and to the government, they shall be permitted to form a re- union with such tribes and remove thereto. If such arrangement cannot be effected, the govern- ment of the United States will use its influence to obtain such location west of the Mississippi River as the legislation of Congress may indicate." The above was amended by a new treaty con- cluded on the 20th of December, 1837, at Flint River, between Henry R. Schoolcraft, commis- sioner, and the Saginaw chiefs and delegates, by the terms of which the United States agreed to reserve a location for the tribe " on the head-waters of the Osage River, in the country visited by a delegation of the said tribe during the present year; to be of proper extent agreeably to their numbers, embracing a due proportion of wood and water, and lying contiguous to tribes of kindred language ;" the meaning and intent of this being to nullify and abrogate that article of the treaty of January 14, 1S37, which entitled them to a location in the country lying west of Lake Superior. It was provided b\- the treaty that the sum of fifty cents for each acre of Indian land sold bj- the United States should be reserved "as an indemni- fication for the location to be furnished for their future permanent residence and to constitute a fund for emigrating thereto." The plan of Indian emigration from Michigan, formed and fostered by the government and as- sented to by the chiefs in the treaties of Detroit and Flint River, was partially carried into effect, though against the protestations and entreaties of the Indians, who had bitterly repented of the prom- i6 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ises made by their chiefs at the treaties named. In the montli of September, 1839, a sad procession of some hundreds of Indians, in charge of United States troops, passed westward through Livingston, bound for the new lands which had been assigned them beyond the Mississippi. There are yet many citizens of the county who recollect the passage of that dejected company. Mr. Joseph B. Skilbeck and others, in Howell, remember their own feelings of indignation at seeing the helpless e.xiles driven by soldiers, like cattle through the main street of the village, and herded temporarily for rest upon the old public square. But the indignation and sympathy of the white spectators availed nothing, and the unwilling emigrants passed on their weary way to the place of their banishment. Of the Shiazvnssccs, and other tribes or bands of the Saginaiv Cliippcwa nation, but few were re- moved from the State. The government did not insist on the performance of their agreement, and no general Western emigration took place ; but eventually the bands became in a great measure broken up, and the individual members gradually scattered away farther towards the north and west, some of them afterwards becoming the owners of small tracts by purchase (a course which was en- couraged by the government), many removed to reservations in Isabella County, where they or their children are still living; and some crossed the river and lake into Canada. CHAPTER II. CESSIONS OF INDIAN LANDS — SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. Treaty of Greenville — Tre.ity of Detroit and Cession of Lands, including the present County of Livingston — Treaty of Spring- wells — Treaty of Saginaw — Settlement of the County — Low Estimate of the Value of Michigan Lands by Travelers and Surveyors — Slow Progress of Settlement in consequence — Cor- rection of the Mistaken Opinion — Settlement of the Territory now Livingston County — Unusu.al Advantages Enjoyed by Set- tlers here — Friendliness of their Indian Neighbors — Regard of the Eirly Settlers for Education and Religious Worship. CESSIONS OF LANDS BY INDIANS. The United States government, from the time of its formation, has recognized the possessory rights of the Indian tribes in the soil ; and the principle has been established that these rights can only be acquired by the government, or with its consent, and can only be alienated from the native Indians by their own voluntary act, done in public and open council, where the tribes are rep- resented by their chiefs and head men, and the governtnent by its accredited agent or commis- sioner. This principle has always been acted on, and this method observed, by the government in its treaties with Indians for the acquisition of their possessory rights in the public domain. TRE.VTY OF GREENVILLE IN 1795. The first Indian treaty by which the aboriginal title to lands now within the State of Michigan was extinguished was made on the third of August, 1795, at Greenville, Ohio, by General Anthony Wayne, on behalf of the United States, with repre- sentatives of the Wyandots, SJiazvancsc, Ottazvas, Cliippcivas, Pottawattaviics ,7\.\\A several other tribes. By the terms of that treaty the Indians ceded to the United States government " the post of De- troit, and all the lands to the north, the west, and the south of it, of which the Indian title has been extinguished by gifts or grants to the French or English governments, and so much more land to be annexed to the district of Detroit as shall be comprehended between the river Rosine (Raisin) on the south, Lake St. Clair on the north, and a line, the general course whereof shall be si.x miles distant from the west end of Lake Erie and Detroit River. Several other large tracts were also ceded by the treaty; among these being "the post of Michilimackinac, all the island, and lands on the mainland adjacent," and the island of Bois Blanc, — mentioned as being an e.xtra and voluntary gift of the Chippciva nation. Also among the lands ceded by this treaty was " one piece of land six miles square at the mouth of Chikago River emp- tying into the southwest end of Lake Michigan." It was expressly stipulated in the treaty that, in consideration of the peace then and there estab- lished, and of the relinquishments made by the Indians, as well as to manifest the liberality of the United States as the means of making the peace strong and perpetual, "the United States relin- quish their claims to all other Indian lands north- ward of the river Ohio, eastward of the Mississippi, and westward and southward of the great lakes and the waters uniting them,* according to the bound- ary line agreed on between the United States and the King of Great Britain in the peace made be- tween thetii in the year 1783." And it was de- clared that "the. Indian tribes who have a right to those lands are quietly to enjoy them, hunting, planting, and dwelling thereon so long as they *In its relinquishment of these lands, however, the government excepted tlie post of Vincennes, on the Wabash, the jjost of Fort Mariac, towards the mouth of the Ohio, and lands at other places, actually in the occupation of French or other white settlers, to which the Indian title had before been extinguishel. CESSIONS OF INDIAN LANDS. 17 please, without any molestation from the United States ; but when those tribes, or any of them, shall be disposed to sell their lands, or any part of them, they are to be sold only to the United States ; and until such sale the United States will protect the said Indian tribes in the quiet enjoyment of their lands against all citizens of the United States, and against ail other white persons who intrude upon the same; . . . and if any citizen of the United States, or any other white person or persons, shall presume to settle upon the lands now relinquished by the United States, such citizen or other person shall be out of the protection of the United States, and the Indian tribe on whose land such settlement shall be made may drive off the settler, or punish him in such manner as they shall think fit ; and be- cause such settlements, made without the consent of the United States, will be injurious to them as well as to the Indians, the United States shall be at liberty to break them up, and remove and punish the settlers as they shall think proper, and so to effect the protection of the Indian lands herein- before stipulated." The Indians were also allowed, under the treaty, to have the privilege of hunting and fishing over all the ceded territoiy during their good behavior. TREATIES OF DETROIT (1S07), OF SPRINGWELLS (1815), AND SAGINAW (1S19). The treaty by which the entire southeastern part of Michigan (including all of the present county of Livingston) was ceded to the United States government was made and concluded at Detroit on the 17th of November, 1807, "by William Hull, Governor of the Territory of Michigan, Su- perintendent of Indian Affairs, and sole commis- sioner of the United States to conclude and sign a treaty or treaties with the several nations of In- dians northwest of the river Ohio, on the one part, and the sachems, chiefs, and warriors of the Otlaivay, Cldppczvay , Wyandotte , and Pottaivattaiinc nations of Indians on the other part." The terri- tory here ceded by the Indians, in consideration of goods and money paid and to be paid to them by the United States, was described in the treaty as "beginning at the mouth of the Miami River of the Lakes [meaning the Maumee], and running thence up the middle thereof to the mouth of the great Auglaize River; thence running due north until it intersects a parallel of latitude to be drawn from the outlet of Lake Huron, which forms the river Sinclair; thence running northeast on the course that may be found will lead in a direct line to White Rock, in Lake Huron; thence due east until it intersects the boundary line between the United States and Upper Canada, in said lake ; 3 then southwardly, following the said boundary line down said lake, through the river Sinclair, Lake St. Clair, and the river Detroit into Lake Erie, to a point due east of the aforesaid Miami [Maumee] River ; thence west to the place of beginning." For this cession, the government stipulated to pay (in money, goods, agricultural implements, or do- mestic animals, at the discretion of the superin- tendent of Indian affairs) the sum of three thou- sand three hundred and thirty-three dollars and thirty-three cents each to the OttaivaxnwA ChippraHi tribes, and one-half that amount each to the Potta- wattamics and IVyaiidots. with a perpetual annuity of two thousand dollars to each of the first-men- tioned tribes, and one-half that sum to each of the others ; all to be paid at Detroit. And it was fur- ther declared in the treaty, that "the United States, to manifest their liberality and disposition to en- courage the said Indians in agriculture, further stipulate to furnish the said Indians with two blacksmiths ; one to reside with the CIdppcivas at Saginaw, and the other with the Oltaivas at the Miami, during the term of ten years; said black- smiths are to do such work for the said nations as shall be most useful to them." The second line mentioned in the description of the tract here ceded — that is, the line running due north from the mouth of the Auglaize River, and a prolongation of it to the Straits of Macki- naw — was afterwards adopted by the United States surveyors as the principal meridian line of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The territory ceded by the Indians at the treaty of Detroit embraced all of Michigan lying east of that line as far north as the centre of the present county of Shiawassee, and extending from thence in a northeastwardly direction to the shore of Lake Huron, at a point a little above the northern bound.iry of the county of Sanilac. Within this ceded territory the In- dians reserved several tracts for their own uses (none of them, however, being within the limits of Livingston County), and they were also to have the privilege of hunting and fishing, under the same conditions as stipulated in the treaty of Greenville. The Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawattamie na- tions, by the offensive alliance which they made with the British in the war of 1812-15, and their general conduct through that struggle, were con- sidered to have justly forfeited the lands reserved to them. Nevertheless, the government magnan- imously determined not to enforce the forfeiture, but to adopt a conciliatory and friendly policy towards them; and in September, 1S15, General William H. Harrison, General McArthur, and John Graham, Esq., on the part of the govern- HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ment, held a council witii them at Springvvells, near Detroit, where, on the eighth of that month, a treaty was concluded, by which it was agreed that " the United States give peace to the Cliip- pciva, Ottawa, and Pottawattamie tribes. They also agree to restore to the said Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottazoattai//ii' tribes all the possessions, rights, and privileges which they enjoyed or were entitled to in the year iSii, prior to the commencement of the late war with Great Britain ; and the said tribes upon their part agree to place themselves under the protection of the United States, and of no other power whatsoever." And, at the same time, the treaty made at Greenville in 1795, and subsequent treaties between these tribes and the United States, were confirmed and ratified. At the treaty of Saginaw, made and concluded on the twenty-fourth of September, 1819, by Gen- eral Lewis Cass, Indian Commissioner, supported by a large retinue of officials, and guarded by a battalion of the Third United States Infantry, on one part, and by one hundred and fourteen C/iip- pc-wa and Ottawa chiefs, accompanied by some thousands of the people of their nations, on the other, an immense tract of country, north of the previous cessions, and extending west from the principal meridian to near the village of Kalama- zoo, and thence northward to Thunder Bay River, was ceded to the United States ; but this had no reference to the territory now included in Living- stoo County, for in this, the Indian title had been wholly extinguished by the cession made at De- troit in 1807. LOW ESTIMATE OF THE VALUE OF MICHIGAN LANDS. Until after the close of the last war between the United States and Great Britain, so little of actual knowledge had been gained concerning the Terri- tory of Michigan that — with the exception of a limited region lying along the Detroit River, and contiguous to a few of the more important points on Lakes Huron, Michigan, and St. Clair — the whole of the lower peninsula might properly have been termed an une.vplored and unknown country. In the first year of that war an act was passed by Congress requiring that two millions of acres of land in each of the (then) Territories of Michigan, Illinois, and Louisiana — in all six million acres — should be surveyed and set apart as military tracts, out of which each soldier serving in the armies of the United States in the war with England should be entitled to receive one hundred and si.xty acres of land fit for cultivation. Under the provisions of this act surveys were made ; but, while engaged in the work, the surveyors seem to have formed an idea of the country here similar to that expressed by Honton, one of the early French travelers, who, having had a glimpse of some of the swampy re- gions bordering the lakes and rivers, recorded as his opinion of the peninsula lying between the lakes, that it was in truth "the fag-end of the world." Much the same was the estimation in which these lands were held by the surveyor-general, as will be seen by the following extract from his report made November 13, 181 5, and having reference to the Michigan surveys, viz. : " The country on the Indian boundary line from the mouth of the Great Auglaize River [that is, the line established by the treaty of Detroit, in 1807, and identical, or nearly so, with the principal meridian of the government surveys], and running thence for about fifty miles, is, with some few e.xceptions, low, wet land, with a very thick growth of underbrush, intermixed with very bad marshes, but generally very heavily tim- bered with beech, cottonwood, oak, etc. ; thence, continuinsf north, and extendincf from the Indian boundary eastward, the number and extent of the swamps increases, with the addition of numbers of lakes from twenty chains to two and three miles across. Many of these lakes have extensive marshes adjoining their margins, sometimes thickly covered with a species of pine called tamarack, and other places covered with a coarse, high grass, and uniformly covered from six inches to three feet (and more at times) with water. The margins of these lakes are not the only places where swamps are found, for they are interspersed throughout the whole country and filled with water, as above stated, and varying in extent. "The intermediate space between these swamps and lakes — which is probably near one-half of the country — is, with very few e.xceptions, a poor, barren, sandy land, on which scarcely any vege- tation grows, except very small, scrubby oaks. In many places that part which may be called dry land is composed of little, short sand-hills forming a kind of deep basins, the bottoms of many of which are composed of marsh similar to the above de.scribed. The streams are generally narrow, and very deep compared with their width, the shores and bottoms of which are, with very few excep- tions, swampy beyond description ; and it is with the utmost difficulty that a place can be found over which iiorses can be conveyed in safety. "A circumstance peculiar to that country is ex- hibited in many of the marshes, by their being thinly covered with a sward of grass, by walking on which evinces the existence of water, or a very thin mud, immediately under their covering, which sinks from six to eighteen inches under the pressure of the foot at every step, and at the same time rises SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 19 before and bchiiul the person passing over it. Tlie mart,nns of many of the lakes and streams are in similar situation, and in many places are literally afloat. On approaching the eastern part of the military land, towards the private claims on the straits and lake, the country does not contain so many swamps and lakes, but the extreme sterility and barrenness of the soil continue the same. Taking the country altogether, so far as it has been explored, and to all appearances, together with information received concerning the balance, it is so bad that titere 'would not be more than one iuir out of (T lutndrcd, if there would be one out of a tliousand, that ivould in any case admit of cultiva- tion." Probably the above was an honest expression of opinion on the part of the surveyor-general, who, of course, based his report on the informa- tion furnished him by his subordinates who per- formed the work in the field ; but how they could have been so deceived (if indeed they zvere so far deceived as to believe the disparaging state- ments which they made) is certainly a mystery. However it may have been brought about, the result was that Congress passed a law (April 29, 1816) repealing so much of the act of 1812 as authorized the locating of soldiers' lands in Mich- igan, and, in lieu thereof, providing for the survey of one million five hundred thousand acres in Missouri; so that the brave men who had periled their lives for their country should not be wronged and insulted by the donation of lands of which, according to the surveyors' reports, not one acre in a hundred was fit for cultivation. The natural effect of all this was to bring the Territory of Michigan into contempt as a country unfit for agriculture; and this belief was fostered by the Indian traders, who were thoroughly ac- quainted with the interior country and its capabil- ities, but were only too willing to assist in perpet- uating the delusion, in order to postpone the evil day (as they regarded it) when their lucrative busi- ness should be ruined by the advance of white immigration and settlement. And so there grew up a belief, which became well-nigh universal, that all this region, now so beautiful and productive, was a land of irreclaimable swamps and barren sand-knolls, the home of every species of malarial disease, which must forever remain unfit for culture or white occupation; and that its obvious destiny must be to continue in the possession of wild beasts and the aborigines. There were those, however, who believed that this judgment was a false, or at least a hasty one ; and chief among those who were skeptical as to the absolute worthlessness of Michifjan lands v/as Governor Lewis Cass, who not only doubted, but resolved to test its truth, and to disprove or prove it by the evidence of his own senses ; and to that end he set out from Detroit, accompanied by Hon. Austin E. Wing and two or three other friends, on a tour of observation and discovery. Through the first stage of their Northwestern journey, after leaving the town, the aspect was by no means re- assuring, and as their horses sunk knee-deep in the sloughs or wallowed through the marshy places along that trail whose horrors and miseries after- wards became so well known to the pioneers, it really seemed as if the dismal tales of the survey- ors and Indian traders would be more than verified. But at last, after having floundered over a distance which seemed a hundred miles, but which in reality was not more than one eighth part of it, they emerged upon higher ground and into a more open and desirable country, which is now the southeast- ern part of the superb county of Oakland. From that point their journey continued easy and unob- structed towards the northwest, over a dry and rolling country, through beautiful open groves of oak, and along the margins of pure and limpid waters. One of the.se latter they named Wing Lake, in honor of a member of the party; another (the largest sheet of water in Oakland) they called Cass Lake; while a little farther on they named a lovely lake for Elizabeth, the governor's wife. During their journey (which was of about a week's duration) they penetrated more than half-way across Oakland County; and when they returned they carried back with them the knowledge and proof that Michigan was not the worthless desert which it had been represented; but, instead, a beautiful and fertile land, awaiting only the touch of the settler's axe and plow, and ready to yield an abundant increase to reward his toil. SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. The earliest settlements in Livingston County were made in its southern and southeastern parts, they being comparatively easy of access to immi- grants, who at that time came to the interior por- tions of the State from Detroit by way of Ann Arbor, the route by way of Royal Oak, Birming- ham, and Walled Lake, in Oakland County, not being in use until a somewhat later date. The first white person who came to make his home within the present limits of the county was Colonel Solomon Peterson, who settled on Portage Creek, in the township now Putnam, in the year 1828, his location being then included in the county of Washtenaw. Some years elapsed be- fore the colonel had any white neighbors in this township. 20 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Next to Putnam, Green Oak was the eailiest settled township, its first settlers being Stephen Lee and Benjamin Curtis, who came to make their homes there in the fall of the year 1830. Hartland's first settler was Colonel Samuel Mapes, from Niagara County, New York. The date of his coming to Hartland is not precisely known, but it was in either 1831 or 1832. One of his earliest neighbors in the town was Eli Lee, who came a year or two later. They had neigh- bors not far away, liowever, across the county line, in Oakland, as both settled in the east part of the township. Hamburg received its first settler in the person of Jesse Hall, who located there with his family in October, 1 83 1. In November of the same year Heman Lake settled in the same town, near its southeastern corner. Elijah Marsh and Job Cranston, the first settlers in Brighton, became residents in that township in the fall of 1832. Gardner Bird settled there in the following February. The last settled of the southern tier of townships was Unadilla, in which Eli Ruggles became the first resident, in June, 1833. He did not remain permanently, but after a time returned to Connec- ticut, from whence lie had come to Michigan. The ne.xt settlers in Unadilla after Mr. Ruggles were James Craig, Archibald Marshall, and David Holmes (all from Connecticut), who came to this township in the fall of 1833. In the same year, the first settlement was made in the northern tier of townships by Gilbert W. Pren- tiss, who built his shanty on or near the Shiawassee River, in township four, range four, now Cohoctah. He did not come, however, for the purpose of clear- ing and cultivating a farm as his future home, but only with the object of trading with the Indians; and it was not until the following )'ear that a per- manent settlement was made in the township by Mr. Sanford and family. Two other towns of the northern tier received their first settlers in the same year (1834), viz., John How, Sr., in Deerfield, in June, and George Cornell in the southern part of Tyrone in November. Five other settlers came to the same part of the same town in the follow- ing spring, viz., Isaac Cornell, Henry A. Cornell, Joseph M. Becker, William H. Berry, and William Dawson; and George Dibble settled .on the north line of Tyrone at about the same time. All these immigrants came into the county by the route through Oakland. In the central part of Livingston, settlements were made in 1834, by Sardis Davis, on the north line of Marion ; by James Sage, George T. Sage, David Austin, and Jonathan Austin, in Howell township, in June; by John D. Pinckney, in the same township, late in the fall. In Oceola, H. H. Graves settled in August, 1834, and Harry Neff came to the same town in the fall of that year. They were without neighbors in the township until the following June, when Thomas V. Parshall became a settler there, and two or three others came later in the season. In Genoa, Thomas Pinckney, Pardon Barnard, and Ely Barnard (these last two being bachelors) settled in the summer of 1835. In the same season Deacon Israel Branch settled in Marion, on the Howell town line. Settlements were made in Handy, in June, 1836, by Calvin Handy and Charles P. Bush, the former being the first arrival by a week or two. Iosco was settled in the summer of the same year, by George C. Wood, Richard M. Guggins, and Asel Stow, father of the Hon. Isaac Stow, of that township. In Conway, Julius F. Parsons, Levi Parsons, the Strong and Fay fainilies, Timothy Wait, and Robert Coborn made settlements in 1837. Mr. Coborn, coming in by way of Shiawassee County, settled on or near the north line of the township. The above is intended merely as a notice of the very earliest settlements, and the dates at which they were made in the different portions of the county. Detailed accounts of settlements and settlers form the most important part of the history of townships ; and such accounts will be found in subsequent pages, and in their proper connection. The experience of pioneers in all new countries is of necessity largely made up of privation and often of actual suffering ; these varying in degree according to the character, location, and capabili- ties of the region in which they settle, and to va- rious contingent circumstances. And this universal rule held good with the early settlers of Livingston County. Nearly all of them were farmers, or the sons of farmers, and most of them had left good and comfortable surroundings in the old and highly cultivated State of New York, ambitious and eager to resume their calling on the virgin lands of Mich- igan, where they hoped in time to make as good homes as those in which their earlier years had been passed, and to become owners of farms as well cultivated, and far more extensive than they could have hoped to possess in the East. Their wives — in most instances the daughters of well to- do or wealthy parents — cheerfully left their early associations and the civilization of the old State, and came, — sometimes as newly-made brides, — braving the then formidable perils of Lake Erie, and the worse horrors of the land- passage west of Detroit, to perform their part as pioneer women in SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 21 the wilderness of Livingston County; but many a one of tlicsc has felt her heart fail and her eyes grow dim with tears as she sat within the single, ill-lighted room of her floorless and mud-chinked log cabin, and mentally contrasted it with the com- modious farm-house, or, may be, the home of ease and elegance which she had left. And at night, when the silence of the hours was only broken by the wolf-howl, which had not yet become fa- miliar to her ears, she thought of cheery visits by friends and neighbors, of sleighing, of social gath- erings, and of the many comforts and delights which she had known in that far-away land of her youth, which she might, perhaps, never see again. The isolation of the settlers was almost com- plete during the first few years. So widely apart were they, that neighborship really did not exist in Livingston until after 1836. By the great in- flu.x of settlers in that year the population of the county was more than quintupled, and after that time social intercourse to some extent became possible, and was highly appreciated, especially by the female part of the community, on whom the deprivation had borne most heavily. The men endured it better, not only because differently con- stituted by nature, but because they were com- pelled occasionally to intermit the severe labor on their lands to make trips to Ann Arbor, or Salem, or Detroit to procure a few necessaries of life, which they purchased at exorbitant prices, and often brought back to their cabins on their own strong shoulders. These trips were no less labo- rious than the work of clearing and grubbing, but they served to break an almost insupportable mo- notony, and to renew hope and courage by contact with their fellow-men. The journeys to mill were also, to most of the settlers, very long and tedious, and, to many of them, involved an absence of two or three days. But this inconvenience, too, was greatly ameliorated, after 1836, by the erection of additional mills at more accessible points. But although the settlers in Livingston County were called on to endure — and did endure hero- ically — many hardships and privations which are inseparable from the life of the pioneer in any new country, they were yet exempt from many others which fall upon those who make the first settle- ments in less favored regions. One of the principal reasons which the early inhabitants of Livingston had for gratitude in this particular was their inmiu- nity from all danger of Indian barbarity. In the old settlements of Pennsylvania, New lingland, Eastern New York, and Michigan in the earlier times, the pioneer never slept free from danger of attack and massacre ; he never left his home with- out the consciousness that his cabin misrht be burned and his family butchered or carried into captivity before his return, and he never worked in his clearing but with his rifle in reach. But here the first comers braved no such danger. The settler might build his cabin in any spot, however isolated, miles away from neighbors or any possible assistance, and yet sleep in peace at night and work unarmed in his fields by day, without fear of harm from the hands of the red man, for the spirit of the Chippewa and the Pottaivattamic was cowed, their ancient ferocity gone, and they kept the promise to live in peace with the pale-face. There were, as has before been mentioned, a large number of Indians in Livingston County when the first settlers came in, and for a number of years afterwards. They roamed through the county in all directions, — principally on the trails and along the borders of the lakes and streams, — and were frequent callers at the dwellings of the pioneers. Settlers, and particularly settlers' wives, for a time after their arrival were often somewhat alarmed at the sudden appearance of a dark-faced crowd around their cabin, and the fearful stories of Wyoming and Cherry Valley would flash to their minds and blanch their cheeks ; but the hearty and good-humored laugh, in which the Indian always indulged on perceiving that his presence inspired fear, would dispel the alarm, and after a short time an Indian was hardly more dreaded than a grazing deer. Mr. William C. Rumsey, now of Howell, relates his first meeting with Indians in the sum- mer of 1833 at his farm, on Green Oak Plains, as follows : " In the winter of 1832-33, while making my home at Ann Arbor, it being the winter after the Black Hawk war, I heard a good inany Indian stories, which were well calculated to startle a new- comer. I did not have the privilege of seeing one until the month of June, 1833, while peaceably at work on my place alone, — the nearest house a half- mile distant, and the ne.xt two miles off. The first thing I knew was a couple of Indians came up behind me and saluted me. Looking up and be- holding some three hundred or more men, women, and children soon surrounding me, I thought my time had come. Concealing my fright as much as possible, all I could understand of their talk was 'whisky.' I shook my head to all their talk. After examining my jug near by, and satisfying them- selves that it contained no whisky, they left me and went on their way, some of them laughing, I suppose, at my fright. Tiiey came upon me so suddenly and unexpectedly that I was not pre- pared for that kind of a show. I left soon after for my boarding-place, giving my nervous system time to recuperate." As in their interview with Mr. Rumsey, so the 22 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. red men were always on the lookout for and anx- ious to obtain whisky; and they would always become intoxicated when they were able to pro- cure it in sufficient quantities. But it is the testi- mony of an old settler, that even when under the influence of the poison, " they were less to be dreaded than the same number of whites in the same condition." Besides being inoffensive and friendly, the In- dians were really useful to the settlers in a small way, by furnishing them with articles of food and utility. They brought game, fish, honey, sugar, beeswax, dressed deer-skins, baskets, and some other articles, and were always desirous to sell these, or to barter for other commodities. Fine saddles of venison, or wild turkeys, were sometimes sold by them for two cents per pound, at a time when pork was worth twenty-five dollars a barrel in Detroit, and flour brought twelve dollars per barrel. An instance is mentioned where a turkey of twenty-five pounds weight was given by an Indian in exchange for a quart of whisky cost- ing twenty-five cents per gallon; and a bushel of berries for the same equivalent. Any article pos- sessed by an Indian could be purchased from him for a small amount of whisky; but the idea is not intended to be conveyed that the settlers, or many of them, practiced that kind of barter for the sake of profit to themselves. Other articles than whisky were desired by the Indians, such as flour, meal, and salt. The first two of these, however, were too scarce (previous to the harvest of 1838) to be bartered by the settlers, who found it ex- tremely difficult to obtain them in sufficient quan- tities for their own necessities. Deer-skins, nicely dressed by the Indian method, were plenty among them, and were freely bartered or sold to the whites. "I have seen," says Mr. Isaac Stow, " whole suits of clothing made from Indian-tanned buckskin worn by white men, and pants made of this material were very common." The price of a good dressed deer-skin was three or four shil- lings if purchased, and a corresponding amount of other articles (according to the ideas of the Indian owner) in barter. A large proportion of the earl)' male settlers wore articles of clothing made from these skins. But it was principally in the fur- nishing of game and fish as articles of food that the Indian trade was most advantageous to the people, and it is said that supplies from this source have often been received with gratitude by families who were temporarily destitute of other provisions. The abundance of fish and game in this county in the early years of its settlement is spoken of as having been almost marvelous. Mr. Daniel Case, of Howell, mentioned that he saw t\vent)'-t\vo deer in one day, while looking for land with James Sage, and hundreds of wild turkeys were often seen in a day's travel. The Hon. Ralph Fowler says he has seen from his own door eight or ten deer browsing in the timber near by (but he also says lynxes and bears were more plenty than was desirable, and that in the first season of his resi- dencejlere he killed one hundred and twenty-five massAsaugers). The Hon. Isaac Stow, of Iosco, says, "Wild game was abundant, and contributed largely to tlie supplies of the early pioneer, espec- ially the deer and wild turkey ; the former being so common that, thougli they furnished the red man with food and clothing, they might almost daily be seen leisurely feeding or gamboling in the forests." Mrs. C. W. Burwell, of Genoa, in her pioneer reminiscences of that town, said, "The winter (1836-37) was very mild, with only snow enough to be pleasant, as were many of the suc- ceeding winters. The deer were very numerous, would come almost to the door, and if we went only a little distance from the house we were almost sure to see two or more of the graceful creatures. Once, and once only, we were sur- rounded by wolves ; we did not seek for nor admire them as we did the deer. Game of all kinds was very plenty, also fish in great abund- ance in our numerous lakes; a great help and luxury to new-comers." To be located in a region thus teeming with Nature's gifts was an advantage seldom enjoyed by settlers in new countries. Besides the partial supplies of game and fish furnished by their friendly Indian neighbors, the settlers themselves (most of whom were adepts with the rifle and fish- ing-gear) could easily gain from the forests and streams sufficient store of food at least to keep the wolf of hunger away from their cabins ; and many did supplement their slender supplies in this man- ner during the period of scarcity and ruinous prices of food which preceded the abundant har- vest of 1838. Notwithstanding these resources, however, actual suffering for lack of food did occur among the settlers in Livingston in those years, as appears from the following extract from an address of the Hon. W. A. Clark, before the Pioneer Society, in 1876. He said, " Families, to my knowledge, in 1837-38 lived for days, through necessity, on boiled acorns, with fish cooked and eaten without salt or fat of any kind. Provisions were then often held at fabulous prices; . . . beef, pork, and flour had to be brought from Detroit, at a cost of from one to two dollars per hundred, to Brighton, forty miles. It was not so very high, either, for the round trip, with an ener- getic teamster and an enterprising team, usually SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 23 took three to four days, if not longer." But even when mentioning the straits to which some fami- lies were brought for food in those trying times, Mr. Clark also shows that fish was a principal article of their scanty diet, and that without this aid, furnished from the prolific waters of Living- ston, their fare must have been still more meagre. After the harvest of 1838 all this was changed, and whereas, before that time, wheat had sold at two dollars per bushel, with flour, of course, in proportion, and other provisions at an equally ex- orbitant rate, after that time wheat was so abun- dant that it sometimes sold at less than three shillings.* Thenceforth, scarcity was unknown ; and the opposite condition — that of too great abun- dance — was complained of by many as a calamity. And it was such, in so far as the exceedingly low prices prevented farmers from realizing a money profit from their agriculture. But the calamity of seeing their granaries bursting with stores of un- salable bread-stuffs was a light one to the settlers compared with that of seeing their families in danger of suffering for lack of provisions. It was an advantage of no little importance pos- sessed by the early settlers in Livingston over pioneers in many other and less favored regions, that they found here a country ready for immediate use in the processes of agriculture. Instead of a dense and unbroken forest, extending over all the county, they found a large proportion of the lands to consist of beautiful oak-openings, occasionally interspersed with old Indian fields. In most of these the soil was comparatively easily worked, and frjable, and crops could be put in here with a ver\' small proportion of the delay and laborious ])reparation which is necessary to bring heavily timbered lands into fit condition for cultivation. Another and a very decided advantage was found in the unsightly marshes, which had been so contemptuously mentioned by the government surveyors. On these marshes there grew a heavy burden of tall coarse grasses, which, in the absence of timothy, clover, or other cultivated fodder, fur- nished very good food for cattle. Plain grass was also found in abundance in the openings (probably brought in by the annual fires kindled there by the Indians during many previous years), and this was equally good and nutritious. The existence of * Mr. R.ilph Fowler, in speaking of times in Livingston Couniy in 1844-45, s.iys al that time he hauled his wheat to Detroit, and there sold it al forly-foiir cents a bushel, receiving his pay in bills of the St. Clair Hank, which failed before he left ihe cily, and he sold the money at fifty per cent, of its face. " Vou could not," says Mr. Kowlcr, "sell the best fat cow in town for five ilullais in money." People became tliscour.igc997-2o $79-35 33-52 171.81 1 48. 89 39-52 69-54 $542-63 Amos Adams, County Treasurer, was directed to pay the amount of the State ta.x as above to the State Treasurer, out of any moneys paid into his hands by the several township collectors. The following county orders were issued : To John Hudson, for services at Board $12.00 " C. S. Culver, " " 12.00 " K. S. Uingham, " " 14.00 '• Phile-iler Jessup, " " 1300 " F.lnathan Noble, " " 7.00 " Eli Lee, " " 9.00 " 1'". J. li. Crane, for stationery for Koard 2.00 " |. J. Hennelt, " Sheriff's fees 10.00 "F.J. B.Crane, " Cleik's fees 3.57 " E. Barnard, " room rent for Register's office... 3.00 ** ** *' book for Supervisors 5-03 '* *' *' services as Clerk of Board 4.00 S94-57 The second annual meeting of the Board was held on the third of October, 1837, in Howell, at the village school-house, but on account of cold and lack of heating apparatus in that building, adjourned to the Register's office. The Supervi- sors present were the following named, represent- ing all the towns then organized in the county, viz. : Elisha VV. Brockway, of Green Oak. Thomas J. Rice, of Hamburg. William T. Curtis, of Genoa. John W. Smith, of Howell. Jacob Sncll, of Byron (now Oceoki). Aaron Palmer, of Putnam. John How, of Decrficld. Elnathan Noble, of Un ,dilla. Thomas PJoskins, of Marion. Eli Lee, of Hartland. One of the first items of business transacted at this meeting was the giving of authority and direc- tions to the sheriff " to purchase for the use of the county a good twenty-eight inch stove, and place the .same in the school-hou.se in the village of Howell, and sufficient length of six-inch English pipe for the use of the same, and charge the same to the county." The bounty on wolves was con- tinued at three dollars per head, and a fund of one hundred dollars was voted to pay such bounties. A fund of six hundred dollars was voted for con- tingent expenses of the county. Orders were issued on audited accounts to the amount of nine- teen hundred and sixty-three dollars and eighty- four cents. The taxes as apportioned to the sev- eral towns, and the assessment of each, was as follows : Aggregate As- Township. sessment of 'I'ownship, 1837. Township Tax. County and Stjte Tax, State Tax. Hamburg ?58oi5 g 100. 12 S106.15 $17.57 Byron 69,656 77.00 126.74 20.97 I'utnam 71,217 269.73 129.58 21.44 60.833 68,813 110.72 18.31 Hanland 87-75 125.21 20.73 Marion 64,952 85-50 11.8.20 1957 Howell ■ 26'„666 370.49 479.81 79-44 Deerfield i33-9'57 H523 243-65 40.34 Green Oak... 165,749 402.53 301.62 49.84 Un.adilla 122,095 200.00 222.22 3679 Total $1,079,203 $^,9^3-9° $325-00 The Board adjourned October 7th to meet No- vember 9, 1837, at which time, upon reassembling, there was no business to be transacted, and they adjourned sine die. At the annual meeting of the Board, held at the Register's office in Howell, October 2, 1838, all but one of the present townships of the county were represented, the following-named Supervisors being present: John How, from Deerfield. Thomas J. Rice, from Hamburg. George W. Lee, froin Marion. Jacob Snell, from Oceola (previously Byron). Robert Warden, Jr., from Green Oak. Charles P. Bush, from Genoa. Richard Lyon, from Brighton. Solomon Sutherland, from Unadilla. Ralph Fowler, from Handy. Rial Lake, from Howell. Alva Preston, from Tuscola (now Cohoctah). John J. Blackmer, from Hartland. Jo.seph I\L Becker, (rom Tyrone. George Reeves, from Putnam. Aid Osborn, from Iosco. The assessment and apportionment of ta.xes to each township, as there equalized, were as follows: 28 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. -Aggregate TowiBHIP. Township Assessment. Township Tax. Cniinty Tax. State Tai. Brighton §91,587 Deertield 73-189 Green Oak 87,662 Genoa 64.137 Howell 75-0^2 Handy- 58,689 Hamburg 74-38i Hanland 74,784 lena* 61,627 Iosco 59-121 Marion.- 66,076 Oceola- 74.06S Tuscola- 73-340 Tyrone- 69,622 Putnam- 75-155 UnadiUa 69,134 S217-49 145-75 92.71 248-61 194-95 26.75 2OO.7S I7S.73 139-31 232. 88 146-03 94-44 123.S9 209.30 S191.06 |il2S.40 152.6S 102.61 1S2.87 122.90 133-79 89 92 156.46 IO5-I5 122.43 82.35 15517 IO4-2S 156.02 IO4.S4 I2S.56 S6.4O 123.33 82.97 137-84 ■ 92-63 154.52 103.84 153.00 102.82 145-16 97-61 156.78 105.36 144.22 96.92 Total Si, 147,574 $2,251.62 S2.393-89 ?i,6o9.oo The previous vote granting bounties on wolves killed within the count}- was rescinded ; county orders were issued to the amount of two thousand three hundred and ninety-threedollars and eighty- nine cents, and the Board adjourned sine die, Oc- tober 6, 1838. By the provisions of a law passed by the Legis- lature in 1S3S, the powers and duties of the Board of Supervisors were transferred to and vested in a Board of County Commis.sioners. Under this law the first Board of Commissioners of Livingston County organized, and held their first meeting at the clerk's office, in Howell village, on Tuesday, the twentieth of November, 1S38. Present: the full Board, viz., Emery Beal, Charles P. Bush, and Orman Holmes. Emer\' Beal was chosen chair- man, and after resolving to rent a building for a Register's office, and directing the Register to place a stove therein at the expense of the county, the Board adjourned. Th e office of Co u ntj' Comm issioner was abol ish ed by act of Legislature approved February 10, 1842, and the duties and powers of that Board were transferred back to the Board of Supervisors of the count}-. The finst meeting of the Supervisors of Livingston Count}- under this law was held April 21, 1842, at the room where the courts were then held, in Howell. From that time until the present, the Board has continued to e.xercise its legitimate powers and functions undisturbed by further experimental legislation. ORG.\NIZ.A.TIOX OF COURTS. The act under which the county of Livingston was organized provided that " all suits, prosecu- tions, and other matters now [then] pending before any court of record, or before any justice of the peace" in the county of Washtenaw or of Oak- * Now Conwav, land, should be prosecuted to final judgment and execution in the same manner as if the act had not been jxissed. The first term of the court for the county of Livingston! was held at the school-house, in the village of Howell, on the eighth day of November, 1837. Present: the Hon. William A. Fletcher, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Hon. Elisha W. Brockway and Hon. Elnathan Noble, Associate Judges, all of whom are now dead. The names of the grand jur}- attending at that term were Price Morse, Edward F. Ga}-, Norman Brainard, Adoniram Hubbell, William E. Red- ding, Joseph Cole, Peter Y. Browning, Philester Jessup, James Wright, William L. Mead, Al- bert Parker, John Drake, George Walker, Horace Toncre, Jonathan Burnett, William B. Hopkins, Augustus Colton, Richard Toncre, and John An- drews. George W. Walker was appointed by the court, foreman. There being no prosecuting attor- ney for the count}-, the court appointed James Kingsley, of Ann Arbor, to act in that capacity for the term. The court appointed Samuel G. Percy as crier. The list of names of p)etit jurors at that term were as follows : Solomon Gew, Dan M. Fuller, Anson Nelson. Joseph Whitacre, Amos B. Root, Russell Blood, James Livermore. Seth G. Wilson, John Sutherland, Stephen Cornell, George Sewell, Frederick Goodenow, George W. Glover, Isaac Ela, Royal C. Barnum, Uriah Coil- son, James D. Mclntyre, and Francis Lincoln. The grand jur}- soon reported to the court that they had no business before them, and they were therefore discharged. There being no cases for trial, the petit jurors were also discharged. Judge Fletcher was a native of Massachusetts, and was engaged for some years in mercantile pursuits in that State. He settled in Michigan about the year 1820, and studied law in Detroit, and commenced the practice of his profession in that city. He was at one time attorney-general for the Territor}'. He was appointed chief justice of the Supreme Court after the admission of the State into the L'nion, and revised the statutes of the State in 1838. He resigned his oflSce as judge in 1842, resumed the practice of his profession, and died in Ann Arbor about 1S55. He was a man of high char- acter and strict integrit}-. The next circuit judge of the county was the Hon. Alpheus Felch. Judge Felch was born in Maine, in September, 1S06. He was a graduate of Bowdoin College. He emigrated to Michigan in 1833, and settled at Monroe. He f This account of the organization of the court for the county of Li»ing-ton is kindly furnished liy the Hon. Josiah Turner, Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit. COUNTY-SITE AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 29 was a member of the State Legislature in 1S36-37. In 1842 he was appointed auditor-general; a few weeks after which he resigned that position, and was appointed judge of the Supreme Court. In 1S45 he was elected Governor of the State, and in 1847 ^^'"^^ elected a senator in Congress for six years. He now resides at Ann Arbor. He was an able judge, and is still in the practice of his profession. The next circuit judge of the county was the Hon. Charles W. Whipple. The ne.xt circuit judge who presided in this county was the Hon. Sanford M. Green, who is now the cir- cuit judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, and resides at Bay City. The ne.xt circuit judge was the Hon. Josiah Turner, who is still the judge of this district, and resides at Owosso. THE PROB.A.TE COURT. No business was done in the Probate Office of Livingston County during the incumbency of its first Judge of Probate, the Hon. Kinsley S. Bing- ham. The first Probate Court in the county was held by his successor, the Hon. James \V. Stans- bury, in Pinckney village, on the twenty-fifth of December, 1838; and the first business done was the appointment of a guardian for the minor heirs of Henrj' Zulauf, deceased. The first letters of administration were granted March 13, 1838, to Phoebe H. Drake, of Unadilla, and Thomas G. Sill, of De-xter, on the estate of John Drake, of Unadilla, deceased. The first will admitted to probate, and recorded iji the Probate Office, was that of James Sage, the first settler of Howell village and township, who died June 29, 1839. The will was dated January 15th of that year, bearing the names of Wellington A. Glover, Mabel Glover, and O. J. Field as attest- ing witnesses, and was recorded July, 1839. Joseph H. Pincknej' was appointed executor of this will, which made bequests to the widow and children of the testator; the latter being mentioned as George T., James R., and Chester A. Sage, Marj' A. W. Pinckney, and Hannah A. Walker. The second will recorded was that of Timothy H. Munger, of Marion, dated June 29, 1840, bear- ing the signatures of Gardner Carpenter, Henry Green, and Horace Griffith as attesting witnesses, naming Horace Griffith as sole execu/z/.r, and be- queathing all the property of the testator to his wife, Adaline Munger. This will was recorded January 19, 1841. During the entire term of Judge Stansbury (1837 to 1840, inclusive) the Probate Court was held at his office, in the village of Pinckney. The first Court of Probate held at Howell was by Judge George W. Knceland, February 8, i84r, and the first business done at that time was the granting of letters of administration on the estate of Josiah P. Jewett. From that time until the present the Pro- bate Court has been held at the county -seat. COUNTY-SITE AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. It has been mentioned above that the first term of court for the county of Livingston was held in the Howell school-house, in November, 1837. This school-house stood within the original plat of the village, laid out by Messrs. Crane and Brooks in 1835 ; which plat had been designated as the county-site of Livingston, in 1836, by three commissioners appointed for the purpose by the Go%'ernor of Michigan in accordance with the pro- visions of an act, passed by the Legislature at its session in that year, to locate and establish county- sites for counties in which they had not been previously established. In 1837 an act was passed by the Legislature authorizing the Supervisors of any county to bor- row money for the erection of county buildings. The Supervisors of Livingston, thereupon, at their annual meeting in October, 1837, " Rcsoked, That the qualified electors of the county be notified that a vote will be taken at the ne.xt annual election (November, 1837) whether the Board shall be au- thorized to borrow, on the credit of the county, a sum not e.xceeding ten thousand dollars for the erection of county buildings," as provided in the act above named. The notice was accordingly issued and the vote taken, but the result in the county was adverse to the loan. In 1838 an act was passed (approved February 23d) providing "that the Board of Supervisors of Livingston County be, and they are hereby, au- thorized to borrow on the credit of the said county, at a rate of interest not e.xceeding seven per cent, per annum, and for a term not less than five nor more than fifteen years, a sum of money not ex- ceeding one thousand dollars, for the purpose of erecting a jail for said county." The question of taxation for the purpose of erecting necessary county buildings was again submitted to the voters of the county at the annual election of 1S38, and the result was the same as in the previous year. The courts continued to be held at the village school-house in Howell, and the sheriff continued to take such prisoners as he had to Ann Arbor for confinement, as authorized by an act approved February 8, 1858, which em- powered him "to convey prisoners to Washtenaw County, and deliver them into the custody of the sheriff or keeper of the jail of that county." On the twenty-first of April, 1842, the Board of Supervisors resolved " that George W. Knecland, 30 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Richard P. Bush, and Jared Clark be authorized to contract with Benjamin J. Spring for his house to hold courts and to do other business in until the first day of the next November term of the Circuit Court." And this committee reported that they had so contracted with Mr. Spring for his ball- room for that period, for fifteen dollars, he to fur- nish wood. At the same meeting the Board authorized the drawing of an order in favor of the Presbyterian Society of Howell, for twenty dollars " for the use of their meeting-house at the last term of court, on condition that they can have it at twenty-five dollars a term as long as it is necessary ; said house to be used for all county meetings." Soon after this, the Presbyterian Church building became the court-house of Liv- ingston County, and continued to be used regu- larly for sessions of the court for about three years, the county paying forty dollars per annum for its use. The prisoners of the county were still confined at Ann Arbor. From the time when the county-site was estab- lished at Howell, in 1836, a determined opposition to the location had been developed, and strong efforts were made to secure its removal. This project was brought before the Legislature at the session of 1837, and was met and defeated by the remonstrance of F. J. B. Crane (the proprietor of the original plat of Howell) and a large number of other signers. The agitation for changing the location of the seat of justice continued, however, unabated (and in fact rather increasing) for a number of years, and took the form of a project to enlarge the county, by taking in a part of Oak- land ; thus to bring Brighton nearer the territorial centre, and cause the county-site to be located at that village. This agitation had the effect of causing the defeat of all attempts to raise money by taxation for the erection of county buildings under the provisions of the acts of 1837 and 1838. The site on which the court-house and public offices now stand was not included in the limits established as the county-site in 1836. Within those limits Mr. Crane had laid out and donated a square of ground (still known as the " old public square") for the purpose of the erection of county buildings, and at the time of its laying out there seemed no reason to doubt that when such build- ings were erected they would be located on that square. Influences were afterwards brought to bear, however, which secured the passage of an act (approved March 20, 1841) providing "That the limits of the present county-site of the county of Livingston be, and the same are hereby, so extended as to embrace the west half of section thirty-six, township three north, of range four east ; and that the county commissioners* of said county be, and they are hereby, authorized to erect, in conformity to law, county buildings on the site they shall deem most eligible on tlie said described land ; provided the owners of said land shall convey to the county by a good and sufficient title, free and clear from all incumbrance, four acres of land for the site that shall be so selected." The tract thus added to the limits within which the site for county buildings might be located joins the original (Crane and Brooks) plat on the north and east, including all that part of the west half of the section not embraced in the plat.f It was from the lands em- braced within this extension that the present court- house square was selected. It includes a part of the northwest, and a part of the southwest quarter of section thirty-si.x, and was conve)'ed to the county in 1842 and 1843. The chain of title is as follows : The part lying in the southwest quarter was entered from government, December 3, 1833, by John D. Pinckney for Alexander Phraser. On the second of July, 1835, Alexander Fraser deeded to Alexander D. Fraser, trustee for Edward Brooks and Charles G. Hammond, both of Detroit. On the twenty-third of October, in the same year, it was conveyed back to Alexander Fraser, and on the twenty-fourth of the same month John D. Pinckney;}; and Alexander Fraser convej-ed an * From 1838 to the spring of 1842, a Board of County Commis- sioners exercised the powers which Ijefore and since that period have been vested in the Board of Supervisors. At a meeting t)f this Board of Commissioners held in the spring of 1841, they re- solved "that there shall be levied on the county of Livingston, in October next, a ta.x of two thousand dollars for the purpose of building a court-house in the village of Howell;" but on submit- ting the question to the voters, the result w.is the same as in pre- vious yeais. f The original plat covered the west half of the southwest quarter, and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of the section; so that the extension made by ihe act of March, 1841, included the east half of the southwest qu.irter, and the east half and northwest quarter of the norihwest quarter. J As having reference to a question which appears to have arisen in later years as to the perfection of the title from Mr. Pinckney, the following transcript from the record of the Board of Supervi- sors under date of January 14, 1863, is given, viz.: "The com- mittee on the claim of Mrs. John D. Pinckney 10 the lots occupied by the county buildings reported as follows: Your committee, ap- pointed to inquire of Almon Whipple and others aboui ihe claim of Mrs. Pinckney to the lands on which the county buildings stand, find that Mr. Pinckney located the lauds and then deeded them to Cowdrey, but his wife did not sign the ointed judge of the Supreme Court, and in the following November was elected circuit judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which office he has held (by re-election in 1S63, 1S69, and 1875) until the present time. The popularity' of Judge Turner in the countj- of his adoption is shown by the fact that at the time of his re-elec- tion, in i85g. he received three thousand four hun- dred and eight\--nine votes, out of a total of three thousand five hundred and sixty-nine cast in Liv- ingston for that office; and again, in 1875. he received four thousand two hundred and fort>-- seven votes out of the four thousand two hundred and sixty cast in the county. In the year 1S60, Judge Turner removed from Howell to Owosso, Shiawassee Countj*, as a more central point in his judicial circuit, and he still resides there. Frederick C. WTiipple, a native of Connecticut, and a graduate of L"nion College, in New York, came to Michigan in 1840. and after a short stay in Ann Arbor came to Livingston Count)-, where he was admitted to practice in May, i84i,and im- mediately established himself in his profession at Brighton. He was the first editor of the Lh'iag^- stori Courier, established in that village by Nicholas Sulli\-an, in 1843. In the jear 1846 he removed to Howell, where he lived during the remainder oi his brilliant professional career, in which he stood confessedly at the head of the bar of Living- ston County, and was regarded as one of the best jury lawj'ers in the State of Michigan. He held the office of prosecuting attorney (by appoint- ment) for several years, was elected judge of pro- bate in 1S48, re-elected in 1852, and was elected Circuit Court commissioner in 1868. He died in the township of Oceola, on the twent\--second of March, i S72. Immediately after his death, the Howell Lodge, No. 38, F. and A. M. (of which he had been a member and a Past Master 1, adopted the following resolution : " Whereas, The all-wise Governor of the Universe has seen fit to call our brother, Frederick C. Whipple, late Past Master of this lodge, from this transitor)- world to his more immediate presence in His spiritual temple; therefore, be it "Resolved, That in thb dispensation of Divine Prov- idence we recognize the loss of one who was ever a generous and public-spirited citizen ; an eminent law- yer; a kind husband and father, and a faithful friend : and whose early life and brilliant intellect gave promise of future greatness unsurpassed ; and whose memorv will linger long in the hearts of his neighbors, acquaint- ances, and friends." George W. Peck commenced business as an at- torney, in Brighton, in 1S42, and in that or the following year entered into a law partnership with F. C. Whipple. Mr. Peck was elected and served as representative in the Michigan Legislature of 1846, and as representative in the Thirt\--fourth Congress in 1855-57. He was a good talker, and ver\- effective before a jur}% but was not a profound lawyer. The profession was distasteful to him, and in the year 1847 he abandoned it, and afterwards removed to Lansing. He is now connected, in some capacity, with a coal-mining enterprise in Missouri. Lauren K. Hewett came from Washtenaw County to Howell, in May. 1842. He never ranked high as a law\-er. In 1857 he removed hence to Lan- sing, where he engaged in banking business, at which he was not more successful than he had been in the law. Lewis H. Hewett, then a lawyer of Ann Arbor, was admitted to practice in the courts of Li\-ing- ston Count)-, in November, 1839, and about four years later located as an attorney in Howell, where, in partnership with his brother, he formed the law firm of L. H. and L. K. Hewett. L. H. Hewett succeeded F. C. Whipple as editor of tlie Lh-ingstcrn Courier, on its removal to Howell, in 1S43. He was a fair lawyer, though careless and desultory in his methods. After five years' stay in Howell he removed to Detroit, where he died suddenly. Richard B. Hall located in Howell, in 1S43. He held the office of justice of the peace and some minor offices during his stay here, and left in 1S4S. He was what is known as a good fellow, told good stories, and was quick at repartee, but no more than ordinar\- as a lawyer. He is now a detective officer in California. James H. Ackerson also located in Howell in 1843, and remained there about five years, during which time he was once or twice elected justice of the peace, but it does not appear that he ever stood high in his profession. The Hon. J. W. Turner, in an address before the Pioneer Society-, thus mentions him : " At an early day there lived in Howell a lawyer named Ackerson, who at one time, I believe, boarded at Benjamin J. Spring's hotel. It was supposed by many that Ackerson would not hesi- tate, in a pinch, to use all the arts of a pettifogger. And, indeed, on one occasion, a man who was really guilty, but who was arrested for larceny on a defective warrant, got the privilege from the ar- resting officer to come down from the country and see Ackerson before he appeared to answer to the charge. His attorney of course discovered the invalidity of the process and arranged that he would come out and break down the f»ap»ers for a consideration, as well as ' run off' the defendant before another paper could be issued. Of course. THE LEGAL PROFESSION. 43 when Ackerson went out to attend the suit, he rode one horse and led another ; and some one who remarked his leaving town in that manner, spoke to Spring about it some time during the same day. Spring's reply was ' tliat Ackerson does a law and livery business both !' " Mr. Ackerson removed from Howell in the spring of 1848, and returned to the State of New York. John B. Dillingham commenced the practice of the law in Howell in or about 1845, and remained here until about 1859, when he removed to East Saginaw. He held the office of prosecuting at- torney of Livingston County for the term succeed- ing the election of 1856. He was a man of large heart and a good lawyer. He died in Howell, while on a visit, or business trip here, from Sagi- naw. Justin Lawyer settled at the county-seat as an attorney in 1846. He remained here but a few years, and removed to Union City, Branch County, Michigan. He now resides in the city of Cold- water. Charles C. Ellsworth came from Vermont in 1846, and commenced reading law in the office of Judge Turner. He was admitted to the bar in 1848, and, having married a daughter of Mr. Ed- ward F. Gay, of Howell, removed to Greenville, Montcalm County, Michigan, in 185 1. He is a lawyer of e.xcellent ability, and was elected to represent the district in which he resides, in the Forty-fifth Congress. Another of the law students of Judge Turner was John F. Farnsworth, who read in his office in 1S42-43. He was never a member of the Living- ston bar, but removed to St. Charles, Illinois, where he established himself in the profession, and has since served in Congress as representative from that district. William A. Clark commenced the practice of the law in Brighton, about 1848. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Livingston County in 1850 (being the first who filled that office by election), and was re-elected in 1852, about which time he removed to Howell. Some twelve to fifteen years later he removed to Saginaw City. Henry H. Harmon was a teacher in the Howell schools in the winter of 1847-48. After the close of his term, in the spring of the latter year, he com- menced reading law in the office of Lewis H. Hewett, and was admitted in 1S49. He was elected Circuit Court commissioner in 1852, prosecuting attorney in 1854, and judge of probate in 1864. He has accumulated a comfortable fortune in the profession, and is still in practice in Howell. M)lo L. Gay read law in the office of F. C. Whipple, and was admitted to the bar in 1853, but has never practiced in the courts. He is now a banker at F"owlerville, but resides in Howell. Marcus B. Wilcox was a lawyer of fine ability, an excellent and affable gentleman, and an upright man, against whom no word of rej^roach could ever be truly spoken. He was established in the practice of his profession at Pinckney soon after 1850, but afterwards moved to Howell. He was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney in i860, and again in 1866. Soon after the close of his term he died in Howell village. Sardis F. Hubbell, although the first law student in Livingston County (in the office of Wellington A. Glover, in 1840-41), did not commence practice here until fourteen years later. He completed his studies with Hon. A. C. Baldwin, at Milford, Oak- land County, and was admitted to the bar in that county in December, 1846. He then practiced for eight years in Oakland, and removed thence to Howell, in the spring of 1854. He was elected Circuit Court commissioner in the same year, and to the office of prosecuting attorney in 1858, 1862, and 1864. He is still a resident in Howell, and engaged in the profession which has given him a competence. Andrew D. Waddell, a native of Steuben County, New York, came in childhood with his parents to settle in Howell township, but on the death of his father, in 1837, returned with the family to New York, where, after reaching maturity, he com- menced the study of the law. In 1855 he re- turned to Howell, completed his reading in the office of John B. Dillingham, and was admitted to practice by Judge Sanford M. Green, in October, 1856. One month after his admission he was elected Circuit Court commissioner, and was again elected to the same office in i860. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorne)', and re-elected in 1874. He now resides in Howell, and is one of the most prominent members of the Livingston bar. Jerome W. Turner was only aboLit three years old when he came with his father. Judge Josiah Turner, to settle in Livingston County. Passing the years of his childhood and youth principally in Howell, he commenced the study of the law at an early age, was admitted to the bar in March, 1857, ''"'^ commenced business with Judge Fred- erick C. Whipple. After a j'ear or two of practice in Howell, he removed to Corunna, Shiawassee County, and was there elected to the State Senate in November, 1868. In 187 1 he removed to Owosso, where he still resides. Mr. Turner is ranked among the best lawyers of the State of Michigan. The foregoing mention of early attorneys — in- 44 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tended to include those who were located in busi- ness in the county during a period of twentj.- years from its organization — is based on information ob- tained from Judge Turner and others, who are necessarily well acquainted with the subject THE PRESENT BAR OF LmNGSTON. The bar of Livingston County at the present time is composed of the following-named gentle- men, viz. : H. H. Harmon, Howell. S. F. Hubbell, A. D. Waddell, Dennis Shields, " L. S. Montague, " B. T. O. Clark, Brighton. A. D. Cruickshank, Fowlerville. Rollin H. Person, Howell. H. F. Higgins, Fowler\ille. B. F. Button, John Conner, " F. H. Warren, J. T. Eaman, Pinckney. T. R. Shields, P. V. M. Botsford, Oceola. J. I. Van Keuren, " Hugh Conklin, Howell. UVINGSTON CIVIL LIST. In this list the names are given of those persons who have held count)" offices in Livingston, and also of citizens of the count}' who have held im- portant offices in or under the State or national government. UIsITED STATES SENATOR. Kinsley S. Bingham, elected in 1859 ; died at Green Oak, October 5, 1S61. GOVERXOR OF MICHIGAX. Kinsley S. Bingham, inaugurated January 3, 1S55 ; second inauguration, January 7, 1857. JUDGE OF THE SLTREME COURT. Josiah Turner, appointed May 9, 1857; served on Supreme Bench until January i, 1S58. REPRESEXTATTVE Df CONGRESS. Kinsley S. Bingham, elected in 1846 ; re-elected in 1848. PRESIDE]S"TIAL ELECTORS. George W. Lee, 1S60. ] Samuel G. Ives, 1872. DELEGATE TO FIRST COXN'ENTIOJf OF ASSENT.* EInathan Noble. * ConTened at Ann Arbor, September 26, 1836. DELEGATES TO SECOND CON-V'ENTION OF ASSENT.f George W. Jewett. Solomon Sutherland. Stoddard W. Twichell. DELEGATES TO CONSTITLTTONAL CON^VENTION OF 18504 Daniel S. Lee. I Robert Warden, Jr. Robert Grouse. | Ely Barnard. DELEG.\TE5 TO CONSTITUTIONAL CON^'ENTION OF 1867.1 Benjamin W. Lawrence. ] Edwin B. Winans. MEMBER OF CONSTITUTIONAL COM>USSION OF 1873-!! Ira D. Grouse. ST.\TE SENATORS. Edward M. Gust, Hamburg, elected in November, 1841 ; re-elected in 1842, 1843, ^^ and 1844. Gbarles P. Bush, Genoa, elected in November, 1845 > re-elected in 1846.** Nelson G. Isbell, elected in November, 1S47 ! ^^' elected in 184S, 1849, ^^^ 185°- William McGauIey, Brighton, elected in November, 1852. John Kenyon, Jr., Tyrone, elected in November, 1854. Marcus B. Wilcox, Putnam, elected in November, 1S56. Robert Grouse, Hartland, elected in November, 1S5S. John H. Galloway, Howell, elected in November, 1S60. William A. Glark, Howell, elected in November, 1862. Da\-id L. La Tourette, Tyrone, elected in November, 1866. Mylo L. Gay, Howell, elected in November, 1870. Gharles M. Wood, Pinckney, elected in November, 1874. Horace Halbert, Gonway, elected in November, 1S78. SPEAKERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENT-\TI\"ES. Kinsley S. Bingham, Green Oak, 1838, 1839, and 1842. George W. Peck, Brighton, 1847. REPRESENTATIVES IN THE LEGISLATLTiE OF MICHIG.AN. Second State Legislature, convened January 2, 1837. — Kinsley S. Bingham, Green Oak. Third Legislature, convened January i, 1838. — Kins- ley S. Bingham, Green Oak ; Flavins J. B. Grane, HowelL Fourth Legislature, convened January 7, 1839.— Kins- ley S. Bingham, Ira Jennings, Green Oak. f Convened at Ann Arbor, December 14, 1S36. J Convened at Lansing, June 3. \ Convened at Lansing, May 15. II Convened at Lansing, August 27. \ President of the Senate /ro tempore January I. 1S44. ** President of the Senate /ra tempore Janoarv 30, 1847. LIVINGSTON CIVIL LIST. 45 Fifth Legislature, convened January 6, 1840. — Charles P. Bush, Genoa. Sixth Legislature, convened January 4, 1841. — Kins- ley S. Bingham, Green Oak ; Charles P. Bush, Genoa. Seventh Legislature, convened January 3, 1842. — Kins- ley S. Bingham, Green Oak ; Charles P. Bush, Genoa. Eighth Legislature, convened January 2, 1S43. — Ely Barnard, Charles P. Bush, Genoa. Ninth Legislature, convened January i, 1844. — Ely Barnard, Genoa ; Robert D. Power, Brighton. Tenth Legislature, convened January 6, 1845. — Rob- ert D. Power, Brighton ; Ralph Fowler, Handy. Eleventh Legislature, convened January 5, 1846. — George W. Peck, Brighton ; Washington Wing, Iosco. Twelfth Legislature, convened January 4, 1847. — George W. Peck, Ira Jennings, Brighton. Thirteenth Legislature, convened January 3, 1S48. — Robert Grouse, Hartland ; Chester Hazard, Genoa. Fourteenth Legislature, convened January i, 1849. — Bradford Campbell, Brighton ; Joseph L. Hart- suff, Unadilla. Fifteenth Legislature, convened January 7, 1850. — John Kenyon, Jr., Tyrone; George W. Knee- land, Howell. Sixteenth Legislature, convened February 5, 1851. — Spaulding M. Case, Brighton ; Ralph Fowler, Handy. Seventeenth Legislature, convened January 5, 1853. (First Legislature chosen under apportionment prescribed by the constitution of 1850.) — James Gleason, Hartland; Charles W. Haze, Putnam. Eighteenth Legislature, convened January 3, 1855. — Samuel G. Ives, Unadilla; Charles A. Wilber, Howell. Nineteenth Legislature, convened January 7, 1S57. — Samuel G. Ives, Unadilla; John How, Deer Creek. Twentieth Legislature, convened January 5, 1859. — David Bush, Handy; John Gilluly, Brighton. Twenty-first Legislature, convened January 2, 1861. — Jacob Kanouse, Cohoctah ; Edwin B. Winans, Hamburg. Twenty-second Legislature, convened January 7, 1863. — Henry H. Harmon, Howell; Edwin B. Winans, Hamburg. Twenty-third Legislature, convened January 4, 1S65. — David G. Colwell, Tyrone; William Ball, Hamburg. Twenty-fourth Legislature, convened January 2, 1867. — William Ball, Hamburg; Alexander H. Bene- dict, Handy. Tiuenty-fifth Legislature, convened January 6, i86g. — Mylo L. Gay, Howell ; James B. Lee, Brighton. Twenty-sixth Legislature, convened January 4, 1871. — George W. Crofoot, Putnam ; Giles Ross, Hart- land. Twenty-seventh Legislature, convened January i, 1873. — D. W. Dinturff, Handy; John Carter, Brighton. Tioenty-eighth Legislature, convened January 6, 1875. — Louis Meyer, Brighton ; Isaac Stow, Iosco. Twenty-ninth Legislature, convened January 3, 1877. — Giles Ross, Hartland. Thirtieth Legislature, convened January, 1879. — Thompson Grimes, Pinckney. CIRCUIT JUDGE. Josiah Turner, elected in November, 1S57 ; re-elected in 1863 ; again in 1869 ; and for a fourth term in 1875- COUNTY JUDGE. Josiah Turner, elected in November, 1846 ; re-elected in November, 1850. SECOND JUDGES. John Kenyon, Jr., elected in November, 1846 ; resigned in 1849. W. R. Cobb, elected in November, 1849, to fi" vacancy occasioned by the resignation of John Kenyon. Leland Walker, elected in November, 1850. ASSOCIATE JUDGES. Elislia W. Brockway, Elnathan Noble, elected in 1836. Solomon Sutherland, Elisha W. Brockway, in office from 1838 to 1840, inclusive. William A. Buckland, Charles D. Topping, elected in November, 1840. William McCauley, Alonzo Slayton, elected in Novem- ber, 1844. JUDGES OF PROBATE. Kinsley S. Bingham, elected in May, 1836; qualified July 15, 1S36. James W. Stansbury, elected in November, 1836. George W. Kneeland, elected in November, 1840; re- elected in November, 1844. Frederick C. Whipple, elected in November, 1848 ; re-elected in November, 1852. Josiah Turner, elected in November, 1856; resigned May 9, 1857, having been appointed circuit judge. Ira P. Bingham, appointed May, 1857, to fill vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Turner. Ira P. Bingham, elected in November, i860. Henry H. Harmon, elected in November, 1864. Henry N. Spencer, elected in November, 1868. Jacob Kanouse, elected in November, 1872. Edwin B. Winans, elected in November, 1876. SHERIFFS. Justus J. Bennett, elected in May, 1836. William Tompkins, elected in November, 1837. Robert D. Power, elected in November, 1838 ; re- elected in November, 1840. Richard P. Bush, elected in November, 1842; re- elected in November, 1844. William E. Huntley, elected in November, 1846; re- elected in November, 1848. Edward Bishop, elected in November, 1S50; re-elected in November, 1852. 46 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Van Rensselaer T. Angel, elected in November, 1S54; re-elected in November, 1S56. John A. Tanner, elected in November, 1858. Henry Hartman, elected in November, 1S60 ; re-elected in November, 1862. Giles Tucker, elected in November, 1864. John G. Gould, elected in November, 1866. Elisha E. Hazard, elected in November, 1868 ; re- elected in November, 1870. William Goodrich, elected in November, 1872 ; re- elected in November, 1874. Charles E. Beurman, elected in November, 1876; re- elected in November, 1878. COUNTY CLERKS. Flavins J. B. Crane, elected in May, 1836; re-elected in November, 1836. Philester Jessup, elected in November, 1837. (Under Mr. Jessup the business of the office was chiefly done by Ely Barnard, deputy clerk.) Almon Whipple, elected in November, 1S38. (The deputy clerk under Mr. Whipple was George W. Jewett, who performed the duties of the office during the first half of Mr. Whipple's incum- bency, and a portion of them afterwards.) Jesse Mapes, elected in November, 1840. (During all of Mr. Mapes' term the duties of the office were performed by his deputy clerk, Josiah Turner, now judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit.) Mr. Mapes resigned in February, 1842. Josiah Turner, appointed by the Circuit Court, Feb- ruary 18, 1842, to fill the vacancy caused by res- ignation of Jesse Mapes ; elected in November, 1842 ; re-elected in November, 1844. Elijah F. Burt, elected in November, 1846; reelected in November, 1S48. Daniel D. T. Chandler, elected in November, 1850; re-elected in November, 1S52. Abel F. Butterfield, elected in November, 1854; re- elected in November, 1856. Neil O'Hearn, elected in November, 1S58. Elisha W. Grant, elected in November, i860. William R. Cobb, elected in November, 1862. Grin H. Winegar, elected in November, 1S64. Solomon T. Lyon, elected in November, 1866. Albert L. Hathaway, elected in November, 1868; re- elected in November, 1870. Benjamin F. Batcheler, elected in November, 1872 ; re-elected in November, 1874. Halsted Gregory, elected in November, 1876. Newton T. Kirk, elected in November, 1878. REGISTERS OF DEEDS. Ely Barnard, elected in May, 1S36 ; continued in office, by re-election, from 1S36 to 1840, inclusive. George W. Jewett, elected in November, 1840. Derastus Hinman, elected in November, 1842; re- elected in November, 1844. William C. Rumsey, elected in November, 1S46; re- elected in November, 1S48. Levi D. Smith, elected in November, 1850; re-elected in November, 1852; re-elected in November, 1854; re-elected in November, 1856. Amos S. Adams, elected in November, 1858. William Williamson, elected in November, i860; re- elected in November, 1862. Neil O'Hearn, elected in November, 1864; re-elected in November, 1866. Harry J. Haven, elected in November, 1868 ; re-elected in November, 1870. William E. Watson, elected in November, 1872; re- elected in November, 1874. William M. Beach, elected in November, 1876; re- elected in November, 1878. COUNTY TREASURERS. Amos Adams, elected in May, 1836. George W. Jewett, elected in November, 1838. Almon Whipple, elected in November, 1840. Chester Hazard, elected in November, 1842; re-elected in November, 1844. Ricliard P. Bush, elected in November, 1846. James M. Murray, elected in November, 1848 ; re- elected in November, 1850. Charles Benedict, elected in November, 1S52; re- elected in November, 1854. Henry Hartman, elected in November, 1856 ; re-elected in November, 1S58. Ira Knight, elected in November, i860. William C. Rumsey, elected in November, 1862 ; re- elected in November, 1864. Albert Riddle, elected in November, 1866; re-elected in November, 1868. Ira O. Marble, elected in November, 1S70. Horace Halbert, elected in November, 1S72 ; re-elected in November, 1874. William R. Miller, elected in November, 1876; re- elected in November, 1S78. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. The first prosecuting attorney for Livingston County was James Kingsley, of Ann Arbor, who was appointed as such by the court, for the first term, held in Livingston, November, 1837. Those who held the office by appointment during the period from 1837 ^° 1850 (when it became elect- ive) were the following-named persons, viz. :* Wellington A. Glover. Daniel C. Marsh. Lewis H. Hewett. Frederick C. Whipple. Charles C. Ellsworth. The list of prosecuting attorneys who have held the office by election is as follows : William A. Clark, elected in November, 1850; re- elected in November, 1852. * This list is furnished l:)y Jmlge Turner, who is un.^ble to give from memory the dates and duration of their respective terms of service. LIVINGSTON CIVIL LIST. 47 Henry H. Harmon, elected in November, 1S54. John B. Dillingham, elected in November, 1856. Sardis F. Hubbell, elected in November, 1858. Marcus B. Wilcox, elected in November, i860. Sardis F. Hubbell, elected in November, 1862 ; re- elected in November, 1S64. Marcus B. Wilcox, elected in November, 1866. Dennis Shields, elected in November, 1868; re-elected in November, 1870. Andrew D. Waddell, elected in November, 1872; re- elected in November, 1S74. Andrew D. Cruickshank, elected in November, 1876 ; re-elected in November, 1878. CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS. Henry H. Harmon, elected in November, 1852. Sardis F. Hubbell, elected in November, 1854. Andrew D. Waddell, elected in November, 1856. Mylo L. Gay, elected in November, 1858. Andrew D. Waddell, elected in November, i860. Dennis Shields, elected in November, 1862 ; reelected in November, 1864. Benjamin T. O. Clark, elected in November, 1866. Frederick C. Whipple, elected in November, 1868. William H. Wells, elected in November, 1870. Benjamin T. O. Clark, elected in November, 1872; re-elected in November, 1874. Andrew D. Cruickshank, elected in November, 1874. Philip V. M. Botsford, Rollin H. Person, elected in November, 1876. Phillip V. M. Botsford, James I. Van Keuren, elected in November, 1878. COUXTV .SURVEYORS. Amos .\dams, elected in May, 1836; re-elected in No- vember, 1836. John Farnsworth, elected in November, 1S38. Amos Adams, elected in November, 1840. Ezra N. Fairchild, elected in November, 1842. Amos Adams, elected in November, 1844. Ezra N. Fairchild, elected in November, 1846. Amos Adams, elected in November, 184S. Ezra N. Fairchild, elected in November, 1850. John Giiliily, elected in November, 1S52. Ezra N. Fairchild, elected in November, 1854. Abner B. Wood, elected in November, 1856. Ezra N. Fairchild, elected in November, 1858. John M. Clark, elected in November, i860. Abner B. Wood, elected in November, 1862. Ezra N. Fairchild, elected in November, 1S64; re- elected in November, 1866; re-elected in Novem- ber, 1868; re-elected in November, 1870. Miles W. Bullock, elected in November, 1872; re- ele{ ted in November, 1874. Isaac Teller, elected in November, 1876. Emerson W. Grant, elected in November, 1878. CORONERS. John W. Peavy, John Drake, elected in May, 1836. George W. Kneeland, elected in November, 1S38. Wilber Fisher, elected in November, 1839. Chauncey Childs, elected in November, 1840. William Younglove, Charles S. Norton, elected in No- vember, 1842. Charles S. Norton, John Kenyon, elected in November, 1844- Edward Bishop, Benjamin Crawford, elected in No- vember, 1846. Edward Bishop, Chester Townsend, elected in No- vember, 1848. Daniel Person, Amos Adams, elected in November, 1850. Joseph Brown, Conrad Hayncr, elected in November, 1852. William Beamer, Edward Dedemer, elected in Novem- ber, 1854. Ferdinand Grisson, Ira Knight, elected in November, 1856. Peter Russell, Calvin Handy, elected in November, 1S58. Ephraim J. Hardy, Benjamin W. Cardell, elected in November, 1S60. Edward Browning, Martin R. Foster, elected in No- vember, 1862. Edward Bishop, Conrad Hayner, elected in November, 1864; both these re-elected in November, 1866. Daniel Person, Conrad Hayner, elected in November, 1S68. Edward Bishop, Daniel Person, elected in November, 1870. Jeremiah Nichols, Benjamin W. Cardell, elected in No- vember, 1872. Benjamin W. Cardell, Alonzo Fowler, elected in No- vember, 1874. William R. Cobb, John Fulmer, elected in November, 1876; both re-elected in November, 1878. COUNTY COMMI.SSIONERS. Emery Beal, Charles P. Bush, Orman Holmes, the first Board of Commissioners of Livingston County, elected in November, 1838. Bradford Campbell, elected in November, 1839. Emery Beal, elected in November, 1840. Chester Hazard, elected in November, 1841. This was the last election of county commissioner, the office being abolished at the next session of the Legislature. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF COMMON SCHOOLS. Isaac W. Bush, elected in 1867. William A. Sprout, elected in 1869. Peter Shields, elected in 1871. William Ball, elected in 1873. COUNTY SOCIETIES. THE LIVINGSTON COUNTY PIONEER ASSOCI.A.TION. This association, of which "any person maj' be- come a member, who became a resident of Living- ston County previous to the fourth day of July, A.D. 1 850," has for its principal objects — as declared 48 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in its constitution — " to collect and keep in re- membrance the many interesting incidents connec- ted with the early settlement of Livingston County, and thus to be instrumental in handing the same down to future generations ; to cherish and keep alive that peculiar fellow-feeling existing among those who were called to endure together the thousand hardships and privations consequent upon the settlement of a new country ; to afford oppor- tunities for the interchange of thought, and the cultivation of a more social state of feeling in the community; and, through the medium of public lectures and addresses, to afford a pleasing and in- teresting entertainment for all." The first meeting of pioneers, preliminary to the formation of this association, was held, pursuant to previous notice, on the fourth of July, 1871, at the Melvin House, in Howell, from which place it was adjourned to the office of Mylo L. Gay. There it was called to order by Sardis F. Hubbell, on whose motion William C. Rumsey (being the oldest resi- dent of the county present) was called to the chair, and Mylo L. Gay appointed secretary of the meet- ing. After the transaction of some preliminary business, and the appointment of Edward F. Gay, Ezra N. Fairchild, and William C. Rumsey as a committee to draft a constitution, the meeting was adjourned, to reassemble at the court-house in Howell, on the twenty-seventh of the following September, for the purpose of adopting a constitu- tion, and perfecting the organization of the pro- posed association. At the adjourned meeting the association was fully organized by the adoption of a constitution, and the election of William C. Rumsey as Presi- dent, Mylo L. Gay as Secretary, and Hiram Wing as Treasurer, for the ensuing year. An able and entertaining address (the first given before the as- sociation) was then delivered by the Hon. Josiah Turner, and was warmly applauded, after which the meeting was adjourned to December 20, 1871. An article in the constitution fi.xed the third Wednesday in December of each year as the time of holding the annual meetings of the association ; but this was changed soon after, and the time was fi.xed " on the Wednesday evening of the week in which the Circuit Court for the county of Living- ston shall open, in the month of January in each year, at seven o'clock, p.m., at the court-house in Howell, at which time the officers shall be chosen for one year." The article was again amended January 16, 1878, fi.xing the Wednesday following the opening of the Circuit Court in June, instead of January, of each year, as the time of holding the annual meetinfr. It is understood that the convening of the an- nual meeting during the term of the Circuit Court in Howell is not more for the accommodation of members of the society who may be present as jurors, or witnesses, or litigants, than to insure the presence of Judge Turner, who, although now a citizen of Owosso, is one of the most prominent of the living pioneers of Livingston County, and per- haps the one who exhibits a deeper interest than any other person in the association and its objects. These meetings are regularly held at the court- house, and each one is made peculiarly interesting by one or more addresses from members, reciting half-forgotten incidents relating to the settlement of the county, and the struggles and privations of the brave men and women who first made their hoines here in the wilderness. Below is given a list of those who have become members of the association, from its organization until the present time, viz.: Name. Nativity. Where and WJien Settled. H.uinihal Lee New York Green 0.ik, Oct. 1S30. Levi Pullen Maine riitnam, August, 1831. Mary Lee Veiinont, 1811. Green Oak, 1S32. Robeit Warden Scotland " " M.ay, 1833. Benjamin Blaine New York Harlland, June, 1833. James Craig Scotland Unadilla, July, 1833. Is.aac Bennett New York H.amburg, October, 1833. Robert Bigham Vermont Brighton, April, 1834. Kiias .S|>rague Massachusetts.. " May, 1834. William Palmer New York " June, 1834. Elisha H. Smith " Howell, Octolier, 1834. George Palmer " Brighton, June, 1834. William C. lirockway.... " Green Oak, Oct. 1834. Mrs. John D. Pinckney... " Howell, October, 1834. Feulinand Grisson Gennany Hamburg, August, 1834. Jonathan Burnett Connecticut Green Oak. May, 1834. W.U.Corson New York " " 1S34. AViUiam C. Rumsey Vermont " " April, 1835. George L. Sage Born in Howell, Jan. 1835 Sardis F. Hubbell Ohio Hartland, October, 1835. Walter D. Whalen Vermont " Octol>er, 1835. David Hyatt New Jersey Han-burg, June, 1835. Morris Thompson New York Howell, ]une, 1835. Joseph Rider " Genoa, November, 1835. Freeman Fishbeck " " November, 1835. John A. Van Camp New Jersey Green Oak, May, 1835. Nicholas Kristler Delawaie Genoa, October, 1S35. Pardon Barnard New Yo.k " June, 1S35. Richard Walker " Oceola, Novemljer, 1835. Samuel G. Ives " Unadilla, April, 1835. Freeman Webb " Putnam, November, 1835. William S. Barnard " Genoa, October, 1835. F. G. Rose " Putnam, Novemljcr, 1S35. N. B. Green Massachusetts ..Marion, November, 1835. Mrs Sarah Brower England Putnam, M.ay, 1835. Mrs. Emily Pullen New York Hamburg, June, 1835. Mrs. Lucy A. Cobb " Brighton, 1835. Z. U. Drew " Hamburg, M.iy, 1835. Frederick J. Lee " Marion, June, 1S36. Ich.ibod Kneeland " Howell, June, 1836. Hiram Wing Massachusetts ..Marion, .Apiil, 1836. Benjamin Curtis New York Howell, June, i jj6. George D. Bdcer " Marion, Uecembci, 1836. William McPherson Scotl.and Howell, September, 1836. William .McPherson, Jr... " " September, 1836. Alexamler Mcpherson... " " September, 1836. Ephraiin J. Hardy Vermont Oceola, May, 1836. Erastus Watrous Connecticut ....Genoa, June, 1S36. Daniel Case ....New York Howell, May, 1836. Joseph Brown England M.arion, July, 1836. Elihu Haynes New York Hartl.and, June, 1836. Isaac Slow Vermont Iosco, S-ptember, 1836. N. S.uiuders.- New York Oceola, October, 1836. A.Saunders •' " October, 1836. COUNTY SOCIETIES. 49 N;imc. Where and When Settled. Nativity. William II. JilUs England Mniiun, August, 1836. Solumon T. l-ynn New York " August, 1836. Tciev lircwei- " Howell, July, 1836. Almon Brewer " " July, 1836. Orlantlo I'.rcwer " " July, 1836. Andrew 1>. W.iildell " " May, 1836. (ieorge K. IIoughtaling..Micliigan Civeen 0.\1<, August, 1836. William WhilaUcr New York Oeeula, July, 1S36. i;ii>lia K. Ila/.ard " I k-noa, August, 1836. (ieorge \V. Lee '• Marion, June, 1836. Kaloli Fowler " Handy, June, 1836. Marvin Gistoii '• Howell, .May, 1836. C. \V. linrlier " Green Oak, June, 1836. Chester llazanl " Genoa, August, 1836. C. \V. Hurwell " " November, 1S36. Jesse J. Ilause '• Putnam, June, 1S36. Edwin li. Winans " Unadilla, June, 1836. Jacoli Kanouse New Jersey Cohiictali, May, 1836. Neil O'llearn New York tireen Oak, Oct. 1S36. .Samuel J. Dains " I Iand)nrg, April, 1S36. O. S. I'arsons Mieliigan Conway, Dec. 1836. lohn W. Wright New York Iosco, October, 1836. Thomas Love Kngland Marion, July, 1836. Knoch 1). Davis New York Hamburg, May, 1S36. John li. La Rowe " Howell, 1836. i iL'orgc Sewell Knglnnd Marion, June, 1836. Henry H. Smith New York " June, 1836. William O'Hcarn Ireland Green Oak, Oct. '1S36. I'.li^ha C. Wright New York Iosco, Octolier, 1S36. Moses KuUer M.assacluisetts..I'utnam, Nov. 1836. O. B. Chambers Vermont Ilartland, Sept. 1836. T. C. Kuller M,issachusetts..l'iitnani, April, 1836. George Gjeady England Green Oak, Sept. 1836. George M. Kield New York " May, 1836. William Sexton " Marion, June, 1S37. I'arley H. Sexton " " Nov. 1837. Ed»iard F. G.iy Connecticut " April, 1837. Mylo L. Gay " " April, 1^37. Richard Fishbeck New- York Howell, Sept. 1S37. Ezra N. Fairchild ... " Marion, May, 1837. 'I hom.as B. Brooks " " January, 1837. Francis Monroe " IIowclI, June, 1S37. Abram A. Van Ness " " June, 1S37. Daniel Person Vermont Iosco, March, 1S37. Isaac W. Bush New York Handy, June, 1837. William A. Clark " Brighton, April, 1837. Almon Whipple " Handy, October, 1837. Joseph A. Dibble " Genua, June, 1837. Edwin B.icheler Rhode Island. .Oceola, February, 1S37. James A. Preston Michigan Cohoctah, .\pril, 1837. I'atrick Mcl.cer Ireland Unaililla, Nov. 1837. .\ndrew Sharp New York Genoa, December, 1837. Charles M. Wood Massachusetts.. Iosco, June, 1837. Alanson P. Dickinson New York Brighton, January, 1S37. H. B. Ralhbun " Cohoctah, March, 1S37. Cyrenus Morgan " Brighton, Sept. 1837. C. W. Leonard " Deertield, .\pril, 1837. Joel A. Chapin " " May, 1837. li. T. O. Cl.irk " Brighton, May, 1837. .\. C. Briggs " Oceola, March, 1837. Lewis V. Curry Born in Brighton, Octo- ber, 1837. L. Jud~on New York Brighton, August, 1S37. .Mrs. Jane L. Brooks Connecticut.. ..Marion, January, 1837. Myron .Mitchell New York " April, 1837. C. H. Person " ......Iosco, February, 1S37. James L. Tapping " Deerlield, June, 1837. Samuel M. Conely New York City. Brighton, August, 1837. John Wasson New York .... L'naurg, Sept. 1839. li. S. Ranisde!! " Cohoctah, 1839. N.imc. Nativity. Where an-J When Settled. James P. Clark New York Deerlield. May, 1839. L. E Riddle Oceola, October, 1839. James Parker Hamburg, October, 1839. Josiah Turner Vermont Howell, .■\pril, 1840. William R. Melvin Connecticut " October, 1840. William Williamson England Hamburg, October, 1840. Edward Bishop New York " M.ay, 1840. Graham N. Baiker " Conway, March, 1840. Ilemy O. Barnaid Born in Genoa, Dccem- lier 15, 1840. Benjamin F. Batchelor Born in Oceola, May 13, 1840. Dewitt C. Kneeland New York Howell, May, 1840. Charles E. Beurman Germany Genoa, August, 1S40. Ira O. Marble Maine Decrfield, 1840. Albert Tooley New York Genoa, June, 1S41. Vi'illiam More " Putnam, October, 1841. L(u-enzo .Smith " Marion, November, 1S41. Julius D. .Smith " " Noveniljcr, 1841. John Shields Ireland Unadilla, January, 1841. Dennis Shields " " January, 1841. John Ryan " Deerfield, June, 1S41. Ira P. Bingham New York Brightcm, June, 1841. Legrand Clark " Ilartland, May, 1841. Elizabeth Noble Born in Putnam, August, 1841. J. M. Ilolden Rhode Island...Green 0.ik, 1841. William P. Hopkins Ciuinecticut Howell, April, 1842. Alva G. Blood Michis-an Oceola, January, 1842. James B. Lee New York Brighton, October, 1842. L. K. Hewett " Howell, May, 1842. Henry S. Worthingtmi ... " Hariland, October, 1842. H. G. W. Fry " Oceola, September, 1842. Wdliam Brower " Putnam, November, 1842. Albert Wakenian Born in Tyrone, Novem- ber, 1842. J. L. Peilibone Born in Genoa, Decem- ber, 1S42. Mrs. Anna C. Kelly New York Brighton, 1842. J. C. Carmer " Tyrone, May, 1842. M.F. Harrow " Puinam, October, 1843. William B. Smith Canada Howell, October, 1843. Ira D. Crouse New York Ilartland, Nov. 1843. William Huntington " Howell, November, 1843. Henry Siivdcr " Coinvay,Septenil)er,l845. John D. iilanck " Cohoctah, October. 1S43. Hobart A. Twichell Connecticut Hamburg, May, 1844. George Wilber New York Howell, August, 1S44. George McDowell " Marion, April, 1844. M. H. McManus Ireland Green Oak, Dec. 1844. Edward G. McPherson... Born in Howell, March, 1S45. S. M. \ erkes Pennsylvania. ..Howell, May, 1845 James Harger New York Marion, May, 1S46. Arthur F. Field " Cohoctah, Nov. 1846. Abram Swiiz " Oceola, May, 1S47 Egbert F. Albright " Ilartland, March, 1S4S. William L.Wells " Howell, June. 1849. John W. Ingraham •' Tyrone, March, 1850. THE LIVINGSTON COUN'. Y BIBLE SOCIETY. This organization — the predecessor of the pres- ent society of the same name — was formed in tlie year 1S42, but no account of the proceedintjs on the occasion of its formation have been found. The first president, however, was the Rev. Jona- than Post. The annual meeting of the society for 1S43 was held at the Presbyterian meeting-house, in Howell, on Tuesday, the twenty-fourtli day of January. In the absence of the pre.sident, William Noble, Jr. (one of the vice-presidents), was called to the chair, and Josiah Turner was appointed secretary />ro U'l/i. The following were then elected officers of the society for the ensuing year, namely : President, Rev. Jonathan Post ; Secretary, Josiah Turner; Treasurer, A. L. Hill; Kxectitive Com- so HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. mittee, Rev. N. G. Chase, Rev. Mr. Cochran, E. F. Gay, Joseph B. Skilbeck, and William McPhenson; Vice-Presidents, Isaac Smith, of Green Oak ; John G. Horton, of Hartland ; William Noble, Jr., of Brighton; Dillis Dexter, of Tyrone; James Bur- nett, of Hamburg; Pardon Barnard, of Oceoia; Daniel Boutwell, of Deerfield; Charles Cowlam, of Putnam ; John T. Watson, of Marion ; E. E. Greg- ory, of Howell ; Alva Preston, of Tuscola ; John J. Brown, of Conway; Samuel Conklin, of Handy; John Wood, of Iosco; John B. Van Daren, ofUna- dilla. Notice was given by the Rev. Mr. Bacon that a branch society had recently been formed in Brigh- ton, and it was voted to turn over to that society the Bibles remaining in the hands of Mr. Noble. The executive committee were authorized to em- ploy the Rev. Mr. Dixon as agent to distribute Bibles to the destitute through this county, and the following named gentlemen were appointed delegates to the meeting of the State Bible So- ciety, at Jackson, February 1 6th, viz.: Rev. Jona- than Post, E. F. Burt, Rev. Mr. Dixon, Josinh Turner, Rev. K. E. Gregory, William McPIierson, Rev. Seth Hardy, Rev. E. Mosher, and Rev. John Scofield. The annual meeting of the society in 1845 was held at the Congregational (Presbyterian) meeting- house, in Howell, on the tenth of April, and the following officers were elected for the year, viz.: President, E. E. Gregory, of Howell. Vice-Presidents, Deacon Isaac Smith, Green Oak; Rev. J. G. Horton, Hartland; Rev. Jonathan Post, Brighton; Dillis Dexter, Tyrone; Deacon James Burnett, Hamburg; Pardon Barnard, Genoa; Lorenzo Boutell, Deerfield ; Charles Cowlam, Put- nam ; J. T. Watson, Marion ; A. L. Crittenden, Howell ; Hora^-e Cook, Tuscola ; Charles Thomp- son, Conway; Samuel Conklin, Handy; Levi Mun- sell, Iosco; J. L. Hartsuff, Unadilla. Secretary, Josiah Turner, Howell. Treasurer, Nicholas Sullivan, Howell. Executive Committee, Rev. J. H. Rasco, Rev. R. Pengelly, Rev. A. L. Crittenden, William Mc- Pherson, J. B. Skilbeck. The above account of the early meetings of the society is given principally for the purpose of re- cording the names of the men who were prominent in its organization, and who were earnestly engaged in the promotion of the praiseworthy objects for which it was formed and maintained. A new society, under the same name, was formed in 1849, but the names of its first officers cannot be given. That the interest in it was continued unabated for many years, and that its officers and members were no half-hearted workers, is shown by the following report of the proceedings of the society, at its annual meeting in 1859, viz. : " The eleventh annual meeting of the Livingston County Bible Society was held, agreeable to pre- vious notice, at the Methodist church in Howell, June 12, 1859; Hon. Josiah Turner, president of the society, in the chair. "The following officers of the society were duly elected for the ensuing year : " President, Hon. Josiah Turner. "Vice-President, J. B. Skilbeck. " Secretary, E. V. Burt. " Treasurer, George W. Lee. " Executive Coinntittcc. " Rev. R. McBride, Howell. " Rev. R. C. Crawford, Howell. " Rev. J. G. Horton, Oceoia. " Rev. Mr. Alford, Unadilla. "J. F. Jennings, Esq., Green Oak. "After a discussion by Rev. Mr. Wright, agent of the American Bible Society, and others, it was ^^ Rcsdved, That the society now proceed to appoint suitable persons to canva.ss the townsliips of Howell, Oceoia, and Marion, — said townshi[)seach to be divided into four equal districts, to wit : " Howell— First District, J. G. Mason and B. W. Cardell; Second District, H. P. Laker; Third Dis- trict, S. M. Yerkes ; Fourth District, Joseph Stafford. " Oceoia — First District, Ebenezer Kellogg ; Second District, Rev. J. G. Horton ; Third District, L. Whit- ney ; Fourth District, J. M. Eager. " Marion — First District, E. Hart ; Second District, E. F. Burt; Third District, A. J. Itsell ; Fourth Dis- trict, L. P. Mellendy. . '' R, solved. That Rev. R. McBride and E. F. Burt be apiJointed a committee to superintend carrying out the plan of exploration and supply provided for by the foregoing appointments, and that the same be com- pleted within three months from date. "Resolved, That the executive committee have power to fill any vacancies that may occur in the said appointments, and that said committee also be author- ized to appoint one or more suitable persons to canvass the townships of Iosco, Handy, Conway, Oak Grove, Deerfield, Tyrone, and Hamburg." The society is still in existence, but no such active work as that indicated above has been done in the later years, probably because the necessity for it no longer exists. The present officers of the society are R. C. Hatton, President. John Black, Secretary. Newton T. Kirk, Treasurer. Depository, at H. H. Wilber's drug-store, corner of Grand River and East Streets, Howell. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 51 CHAPTER V. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. I'ublic Highways — Clinton ami Kalamazoo Canal, and Dexter Itianch — I'lank-Roads — Detroit and Grand River Plank-Road Company — Howell and Byron Plank-Road Company — Detroit and Howell Plank-Road — Lansing and Howell Plank-Road — Railroads — Detroit and Shiawassee Railroad Project — Other Proixjsed Railroads — Detroit, Lansini; and Northern Railroad. PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. The first step in the dii-ection of public internal improvement in all countries and regions is the biiikiing or opening of routes of travel, however primitive and rude these may be. The immigrant, in traveling towards his prospective home in the wilderness, must bestow some labor — be it more or less — in opening a route over which to reach it with his family and the few household necessaries which he brings with liim. In densely wooded regions this task is often a heavy one, while it is comparatively trifling in such a country as the first settlers found in Livingston County, where access cotild be had to almost any spot through the con- venient openings. But even here the new-comers were obliged occasionally to use the axe, to open a path through an intervening thicket or to fell a few trees to make a solid way across a stream or marshy place. And this work, light and insignifi- cant as it was, was road building, — an improve- ment which it was necessary to make before the settler could reach the spot where his cabin was to be reared. The first highways in Livingston were the In- dian trails, of which the principal was the Grand River trail, traversing the county through its centre from southeast to northwest, as has already been mentioned, and over this route, first while it was a mere trail, and afterwards when it became the Grand River road, a large proportion of the immi- grants to tlie county passed on their way to their j)laces of settlement. On the fourth of July, 1832, the Congress of the United States passed an act directing the President to appoint three commissioners to lay out a road " from Detroit, through Sciawassee County, to the mouth of the Grand River," for military and other purposes. The road was according!)' " laid out," and the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars was expended by the government in the years 1833 and 1834 in working the eastern part of the road ten miles out from Detroit. A further appro- priation of twenty-five thousand dollars was made by Congress, March 3, 1835, and this amount was expended in 1835-36 in clearing the road one hundred feet wide through the limbered land, and in constructing bridges on its line across the Rush, Huron, Shiawassee, and Cedar Rivers. This was the last work done on the Grand River road by the general government, as Michigan had ceased to be a Territory and became a sovereign State. A grant of five thousand acres of land was, how- ever, obtained from the United States for the ben- efit of the Grand River and the Saginaw roads, of which grant this road received its proportion. After the United States ceased making appro- priations for the Grand River road, — or Grand River turnpike, as it was called, — very little was done on it for a time. When Judge Turner came to Livingston County (1840) little, if any part of the road was graded west of Brighton. The State, however, took up the work soon after, and the con- struction of the road was continued by State ap- propriations made from time to time. An act, ap- proved April 2, 1841, provided that five thousand dollars be expended on the construction of this road, under the direction of the Board of Internal Improvement ; this sum being taken from the si.xty thousand dollars which remained unexpended of the appropriations previously granted for the " Northern Wagon-Road," which project had at that time been virtually abandoned. A part or all of this appropriation was e.xpcnded, under the su- pervision of Mr. Mullett, of Detroit, in opening the road from Fowlerville to Lansing, and about that time, or soon after, the first line of stages (lum- ber-wagons) was put on the route between Howell and Lansing by Ralph Fowler, O. B. Williams, of Williamston, and others. In 1845 an act was passed (approved March 24th), authorizing and di- recting the expenditure of certain non-resident highway taxes upon that portion of the Grand River road "between the village of Howell and the house of Justus Gilkey, in Ingham County." The non-resident ta.xes so directed to be expended embraced all the taxes of that kind levied on prop- erty l}'ing within two miles of the road on each side, in the years 1845 to 1S4S, inclusive, and also all of such taxes which remained une.xpended on the first of May, 1845. Ralph Fowler, of Handy, and J. H. Kilborn, of Ingham County, were ap- pointed by the act special commissioners, " to have superintendence of said road within their re- .spective counties, and to direct where the labor shall be performed on said road." An act was passed in March, 1848, providing " that ten thousand acres of internal improvement lands be, and the same are hereby appropriated, for the purpose of improving the Detroit and Grand River road, between the village of Howell, in Liv- ingston Count}-, and the village of Michigan, in the county of Ingham ;" si.x thousand acres to be 52 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. expended in Ingham, and four thousand acres in Livingston County, under direction of special com- missioners appointed by the Governor. By these appropriations, witli subscriptions, and the expen- diture of local highway ta.xes, the road was finally completed. The old route of the road was north of the north bend of Cedar River; but in 1849 ^^ was changed for a more southerly and nearly straight one through the west part of the township of Handy, and over this the road was opened and worked by Ralph Fowler and others, with funds raised largely by subscription. The construction of this part of the road will be found more fully noticed in the history of the township of Handy. A large number of State roads were authorized by the first Legislature of Michigan, at the session of 1835-36, several of which were to be laid out across the county of Livingston, or some portion of it. An act, approved March 26, 1836, provided that " there shall be laid out and established a State road from Allegan, in the county of Allegan, through the county-seats of Barry, Eaton, and Ingham ; and the said road shall terminate at Howell, in the county of Livingston, where it may intersect the United States road running from De- troit to Grand River; and Joseph Fisic, of Alle- gan, Calvin G. Hill, of Barry, and F. J. B. Crane,* of Livingston County, be, and they are hereby appointed, commissioners for that purpose." Other roads authorized by act of the Legislature at the same time, and of which the proposed routes lay partly in Livingston, were the following, viz. : "A State road from Jacksonburgh, the county- seat of Jackson County, by the most direct and eligible route to Howell, the county-seat of Liv- ingston." The commissioners appointed to lay out and establish this road were William R. Thompson, Oliver Russ, and George B. Cooper. A State road from Pontiac, Oakland County, to be laid out over the most direct and eligible route, and "to terminate at the county-seat of Ionia." Alfred L. Williams, Erastus Yeomans, and William Terry, commissioners to lay out and establish the same. A State road " commencing at Ann Arbor, and running in a northwesterly course on the most direct and eligible route to the county-seat of Livingston." Henry Rumsey, Moses Thomspon, and Benjamin Hobart, commissioners. A State road " from the village of .Saginaw, or the county-site of the county of Saginaw, to run thence in a southerly direction through Byron [?], * An act approved .March iS, 1S37, appoiiUed Guy C. Lee niissi(_ncr in place of Mr. Crane, the county-site of Livingston, and thence through the village of Dexter, in the county of Washtenaw, to intersect the United States road running from Detroit to Chicago, at or near the village of Clin- ton, in the county of Lenawee." The commis- sioners named in the act were Alfred L. Williams, Salmon H. Matthews, and Nathaniel Noble. A State road " from the village of Pontiac, in Oakland County, to Mapes and Bursley's mills, on Oak Creek, in township three north, range si.x east [Hartland], and thence to the centre of Shia- wassee County." John S. Wilber, Samuel Mapes, and George Buckley, commissioners. Legislation providing for the construction of roads was continued quite as briskly during the ne.xt two years. By an act approved March 17, 1837, the laying out of a State road was author- ized and directed "from the village of Pontiac, in the county of Oakland, b)' the most direct and eligible route to the village of Lyons, in the county of Ionia ;" and Truman F. Lyon, A. F. Bell, and John McKelvey were appointed commissioners for the purpose. Another section of the same act directed that " there shall be laid out and estab- lished a State road from the county-seat of Gen- esee to the county-seat of Washtenaw County; and that Ira D. Wright, Philip H. McOmber, and Jesse Pinney be, and they are hereby appointed, commissioners for that purpose." The routes of both these roads traversed Livingston Count)' ; the first from east to west, and the latter from north to south by way of the village of Brighton. And by section thirty-seven of the same act, a road to pass through the northeastern part of Livingston was authorized, viz.: "A State road at or near Farmington City, so called, in the county of Oakland, running by the head of Walled Lake, to Byron, in the county of Shiawassee, on the most direct and eligible route;" the commissioners appointed by the act for the purpose being Erie Prince, Isaac Wixom, and John Thomas. A road " from Dexter, in the county of Washte- naw, to the county-seat of Ingham, and from thence by the most eligible route to the village of L\-ons, at the mouth of the Maple," was authorized by act approved February l6, 1S37, to be laid out before January i, 1839. Solomon Sutherland, of Una- dilla, Livingston County, and Edward Lyon and A. Crosman, of Dexter, were appointed commis- sioners. In 1838, by act approved February 2Sth, a road was authorized to be laid out by Ephraim B. Danforth, of Ingham County, George W. Jewett, of Livingston, and Albert ¥.. Bull, of Barry, com- missioners " from the Grand River road at Howell, the coimtv-seat of Livingston Count\'; thence on INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 53 the most eligible route, by tlie county-seats of Ingliani, Eaton, and Barry, to the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, in the county of Allegan." During the seven years next succeeding 1838, State roads were directed to be laid out through or in Livingston County, as follows : 1839. — Road " commencing at a certain point upon the west lino of Ingham County, where the State road laid out and established from Bellevue to the west line of Ingham County terminates; thence in an easterly direction to the mills in Les- lie, on the most eligible route, until said route shall intersect the Grand River turnpike, at or near the village of Pinckney, in the county of Living- ston." Commissioners, Henry Fisk, Bcnj. Davis, and Amos K. Steele. Act approved April i8th. 1839. — State road "commencing at the village of Pontiac, in the county of Oakland; thence on the most direct and eligible route through the county of Livingston, by the way of Meadville, to what is called the Battise Trail, in the township of Stock- bridge, Ingham County; thence on the most direct and eligible route to the village of Jackson, in the county of Jackson." Commissioners, Solomon Sutherland, Thomas Godfrey, and Mason Branch. Act approved April 18, section 24. 1S40. — "State road running from the village of Milford, in Oakland County, to the township of Howell, in Livingston County." Commissioners to lay out, Morgan L. Smith, Phineas Bates, and W. A. Buckland. Act of :\Iarch 4th. 1841. — "A State road commencing at or near the fifty-seventh mile-post on the Grand River turnpike; from thence on the most eligible route along the valley of the Red Cedar River, until it intersects said turnpike at the meridian line . . ." Commissioners, J. H. Kilborne, of Ingham, Elijah Grant and Martin W. Randall, of Livingston County. Act approved April 13th. 1S44.—" State road from Ann Arbor, in the county of Washtenaw, by way of the village of Brighton, in the county of Livingston, Murray's Mills, and the village of Flushing, in the county of Genesee, to the Saginaw turnpike, at a point about fourteen miles north of the village of Flint." Com- missioners, Albert Stevens, John Kenjan, Isaac Penoyer, and James H. Murray. Act approved March 9th. 1844. — State road "commencing at or near the point where the road leading from the village of De.xter, in the county of Washtenaw, to Mason, in Ingham County, crosses the west line of Liv- ingston County; running thence by the most fea- sible route through the township of Hamburg to the village of Brighton, in said county of Living- ston." Commissioners, Solomon Sutherland, Jus- tus J. Bennett, and Jasper II. Buck. Act approved March 9th. 1845. — "A State road from Pontiac, in the county of Oakland, to Hillman's Tavern, in the township of Tyrone, in the county of Livingston." Commissioners, Willard K. Goodrich and William Capron, of Oakland, and Jairah Hillman, of Liv- ingston. Act approved March 24th. 1845. — "A State road commencing at the vil- lage of Brighton, in Livingston County, antl run- ning thence to the village of Fentonville, in Gen- esee County." Commissioners, Harvey T. Lee and Alonzo Slayton, of Livingston, and Elisha Holmes, of Genesee. Act approved March 24th. In 1848 an act was passed (March 23d) appropri- ating two thousand acres of the State internal improvement lands for the purpose of opening and improving this road. It is to be borne in mind, however, that to " lay out and establish" a road — particularly in the earlier years — was not equivalent to opening and making it ready for travel ; but that in many in- stances j'ears intervened between the time when a highway was laid out by the commissioners and the time when it was made passable for vehicles; and that it was not unfrequently the case that roads which had been authorized and laid out were never opened. CLINTON AND K.ALAM.AZOO CANAL. AND DEX- TER BRANCH. The project of the Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal, ■ — to be built by the State as part of the extensive internal improvement system inaugurated about the time of the admission of Michigan into the Union, — was introduced in the Legislature at the session of 1837, and resulted in an appropriation (by act approved March 20th) of the sum of twenty thousand dollars from the internal improvement fund, fortheprosecution ofseveral surveys for canals and slack-water navigation on rivers, among these being included as follows : " for the survey of a canal, or for a canal part of the way and railroad the balance of the route, commencing at or near Mount Clemens, on the Clinton River, to termi- nate at or near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River." Under this appropriation a preliminary survey was made, of a route to pass through Livingston County by way of Crooked Lake in the township of Genoa; thence to the waters of the Cedar, and so west- ward to the Grand and Kalamazoo Rivers. A more southerly, as well as a more northerly, route through the county was examined, and each had its adherents, who, respective!}', were confident of the superiority and ultimate adoption of that route in which they were most interested. By people 54 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. having no local interests to ser\-e, however, it was generally believed that the route by way of Crooked Lake was the one to be preferred. In connection with this, a project was conceived by private parties to construct a branch canal to unite with the pro- posed State canal in Livingston County, and con- tinue along the valley of the Huron to Dexter, in Washtenaw County, where it would strike the central of the three lines of railway which had then recently been authorized by the Legislature to be built by the State. In 1839 the project of this branch canal was brought before the Legisla- ture, which thereupon passed " an act to incorpo- rate the Dexter Branch Canal Company," approved April 19th, in that year. By the terms of this act, the company so incorporated was empowered and authorized (as soon as funds were provided) " to construct, make, and finish a canal of suffi- cient width and depth to admit the passage of such boats or other craft, through said canal, as are commonly used and employed in the carrj'ing trade, and also to make such locks and guards, in and around said canal, as shall render the occupation safe and easy for boats or any other craft that may be used thereon. Said canal to commence at the village of Dexter, in the county of Washtenaw, and extend to the Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal, in the county of Livingston, by the following route : commencing at the village of Dexter, from thence up the valley of the Huron River, or as near the valley as prac- ticable, to the peninsula between Portage and Bass [Base?] Lakes ; from thence to the northwest side of Bass Lake ; from there up the valley of the out- let of Crooked Lake, on the most approved and direct route, where it will intersect the line of the Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal. ... It shall and may be optional with this corporation, that in place of the aforesaid canal they may use the bed of the Huron River, commencing at the village of Dex- ter, and from thence to improve the same by ex- cavation and by dams and locks and other im- provements, so as to make a safe and easy slack- water navigation for boats and other craft up said river to the lakes before described, and also to im- prove and use the lakes as a part of said navigable communication, and from said lakes by the afore- said canal route to where the same intersects the line of the Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal." The commissioners appointed by the act of incor- poration were Samuel W. Dexter, Asa Williams, Nathaniel Noble, Alanson Crosman, Cyrel Nichols, and Nelson H. Wing. The capital stock of the company was fifty thousand dollars. It was re- quired that the work be finished within six years from the passage of the act. Beyond the above-mentioned legislation and the making of some preliminar}- surveys, nothing was ever done towards the construction of either the main line of the Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal, or of the Dexter Branch, through any part of Living- ston Count}', though a portion of the east end of the main work was completed from Mount Clem- ens. But, for a period of about ten years from the inception of these projects, strong hopes were entertained by many that they would ultimately be completed; and extravagant expectations were indulged in of great advantages to accrue in con- sequence, to the county, and particularly to certain localities along the projected line. As late as 1845 the matter was discussed in the public prints in a manner showing that there was still abundant confidence among the people in the accomplish- ment of the scheme and in the great and beneficial results sure to follow. An editorial article, which appeared in the Detroit Advertiser in Februarj' of that year, in speaking of the main canal, and of a change of route which seemed to the writer to be desirable, said that" the western route of the canal should be so modified that, after leaving the Clin- ton River and the small lakes of Oakland and Livingston Counties, it should pass down the val- leys of the Red Cedar and Grand Rivers to Lyons, Ionia County, and to the head of navigation on Grand River," and added that the work appeared to be second in importance only to that of the Central Railroad. At the same time the Living- ston Courier thought that the canal ought to com- mence at Detroit, instead of Mount Clemens, and that its proper route would be from the former place northwestwardly through Livingston County to the head of navigation on Grand River. " A canal," said the Courier, " connecting Detroit and Grand River w'ould undoubtedly be one of the greatest of our internal improvements and the greatest source of revenue to the State." Similar views and expectations were quite generally enter- tained during the earlier years of the canal agita- tion, but beyond the privilege of indulging for a time in these pleasant anticipations, the people of Livingston County never derived any benefit from the visionary- projects of the Clinton and Kalama- zoo Canal and its De.xter Branch. PL.\XK-RO.\DS. DETROIT AND GR.VXD RIVER PL.\XK-ROAD COMPANY. This company was incorporated by act of Legis- lature (approved March 12, 1844), which provided " That C. P. Bush and Ely Barnard, of Livingston County, and Levi Cook, John Blindbur\% and David Thompson, of Wayne County, be and they INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 55 are hereby appointed commissioners, under whom, or a majority of whom, subscriptions may be re- ceived to the stock of the Detroit and Grand River Plank-Road Company, hereby incorporated ; and they shall cause books to be o[)cned at the village of Howell, in tlie county of Livingston, and at the office of the city clerk in tiie city of Detroit, county of Wayne, for three successive daj's, at such time as a majority of them shall direct, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions to the capi- tal stock of said company." The company was incorporated for the period of twenty years from the passage of the act ; its capital stock was placed at fifty thousand dollars, in shares of fifty dollars each; the object for which it was incorporated was set forth in the act to be " the improvement of the present Grand River turnpike, from the northerly line of the Cass farm, in the cit)* of Detroit, to the point where the base line intersects the said road ;" and for this purpose the company was "authorized to take immediate possession of the Grand River turnpike from the city of Detroit to the base line," and was required to plank the road from Detroit to the base line " with sound [)lank not less than three inches in thickness, and not less than eighteen feet in length, to be well fastened down at the bed timbers, so as to make the same a good plank-road at all seasons of the year." The com- pany was required, under penalty of forfeiture of charter, to complete eleven miles of the road with- in five years, and the remainder within ten years, from the passage of the act. An amendatory act was passed May 4, 1846, by the provisions of which the company, instead of being compelled to lay a plank-road, were required to " cause to be laid down and constructed a good and substantial plank, macadamized, or charcoal road, from the city of Detroit to the said point where the base line inter- sects said turnpike ; such road to be not less than sixteen feet in width, and of such materials and description as shall make the same a good substan- tial road at all seasons of the year." The intention was to extend this road ultimately to Howell, but the obstacles encountered were too great to be surmounted at that early day, and the company never even organized under their charter. HOWELL .\ND BYRON PL.\NI<:R0.\D C0MP.\NV. In 1850 the Howell and Byron Plank-Road Company was incorporated for a period of .si.xty years and with a capital stock authorized to the amount of thirty thousand dollars, for the receipt of subscriptions to which, George W. Lee, Josiah Turner, B. W. Dennis, F. J. Provost,* and Noah * By .in act passed in March, 1851, Nathaniel Turner and ILirvey T. Lee were made commissioners in plnce of Messrs. Dennis and Provost. Ramsdell were appointed commissioners. The object of the incorporation of the company, as set forth in the act (approved March 25th), was "to lay out, establish, and construct a plank-road and all necessary buildings and appurtenances, commencing in the village of Howell, and termi- nating in the village of Byron, in the county of Shiawassee ;" and authority was conferred to unite the road at any point with the road of any other company. This company organized and elected George W. Lee as President, and Josiah Turner, Secretary and Treasurer, but no part of the road was ever built. DETROIT AND HO^YELL rL.\NKRO.\D. This coinpany was incorporated in 1848 (by act approved April 3d), with a capital stock of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, " for the purpose of building and maintaining a plank- road from the city of Detroit, in the county of Wayne, on the most eligible route to the village of Howell, in the county of Livingston ; and also from some point at or near the Sand Hill, so called, on the Grand River road, in the said county of Wayne, to the village of Watcrford, in said county; and also from some eligible point on the main line of the plaiilc-road hereby authorized to the village of Milford, in the county of Oak- land. Said company shall have the right to in- crease their capital stock to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and to extend the road to the town of Michigan, in the county of Ingham." Henry Ledyard and A. S. Bagg, of Detroit, Jabcsh M. Mead, of Plymouth, Augustus C. Baldwin, of Milford, and Josiah Turner, of Howell, were em- powered as commissioners to receive subscriptions to the stock. The company was authorized — as soon as organized — "to enter upon and take pos- session of so much of the Detroit and Grand River road, so called, as lies between the city of Detroit and the village of Howell, and to proceed to con- struct and maintain thereon a plank- road." The company was duly organized with Hon. C. C. Trowbridge as President, and Henry Ledyard, Secretary and Treasurer. Work was commenced a few months after the incorporation, and the road was finished to Howell during the }X-ar 1850. It immediately became financially successful, and for many years was an advantage to Howell and to Livingston County, second onl}' in importance to that which has since resulted from the opening of the railroad to Detroit and Lansing. LANSING AND HOWELL PL.ANK-ROAD. The Lansing and Howell Plank-Road Company was incorporated by act approved March 20, 1850, 36 HISTORY OF LI\TXGSTOX COUNTY. MICHIGAN. with power " to lay oat, establish, and coostnict a grading. In this way all the planking hag been plank-road, and all necessar>- buildings, and ap- removed over the entire line, and, aithoogh the partenances. c; "^ at Landing. : ' ts of Detroit ar "i Plank- Road and Ingham, and te j ia the \-iIIage c : ; ^ 5:ag and Howell i ._....; ad are still ia use as county of Livingston, with the privilege of unitin- , .egal designations of the two sections of the said road at any point with the road of any o'^ztr line, the whole is now a solidiy-gracfed turnpike- company." James Seymour, Hiram H. Srn:!:;, It still accommodates - "Tt -t of travel, Ephraim B- Danforth, George W. Lee, and Fred- and is the main thoro _ . ^:Dn County, erick C- Whipple were appointed commissicre ; T.i : -gates still remam upon the line, and toil to receive sabscriptioos to the capital stc:'- -- ^ _ _ .- _%._ -j-jj^ _ _ ^ .- _• ^^^ was authorized to the amount of sixtj- ; _ - ng bytl. : - ;;2.- dollars. The company was empowered, as soon sidered an unjust burden bv manv of those who as organized, •"toe - Dssession : ' ' roads. To such com^daints, of so much ot the _ . .er roac, . _ ^ : ; . : _. . .nds which have been made in so called, as lies between the village of f Jtnsing late j-ears tor the discoannuance of toll-taking, the and the village of " :eed to cci- H;c- C C. Trc has recr tr. struct and maintair. _. i-road." Xiie iS 79) made a rez . ;j, thoug.^ ._. ^d- act of incorporation to reataia in ioFce for the dressed particularly to comD'aiaants in the imme- term of sixty j-ears. j 1: ^ - : - - of Detroit, is equally «^Iicable along The work of coostructioti was commenced in Lli; ^-c-i-ir portioas of the line. As a presentation the summer or &11 of 1850, and the road was com- of the views and arguments of the proprietors in pleted from Howell to Lansing in about two years. fevor of the continuance of the toll-gates, this re- ilany of the planks for this as well as for the De- "7 ~ -t the expression of am- troit and HoweK road were furnished from the r case. Mr. Trowbridge steam-mill of Chandler &: Kneeland in HowelL says : " Certain parties who live near the city, but This r 1?-- "the toll-gates, are : " ' iine the txoit t; _ - ;r- _ noved, so that they ; : .. .:-:. All came prosperous at once, and for some years was persons living^ between gates hare hitherto nude a one of •--■;- :ej being i...^ :. : _ -;_._:__;._ _;___. _: l^ ;... . ^ _: : , _. . ;,.:. :_ie length in the amount of business transacted upo- : jntents, who hav^e obtained some kgislacion it. A coa: : cession of teams an ^ Traich they think sofhctent to accomplish their passed over . : :. — end to end, and two i.,- _.--.,.-_ ^ - irhich would be the practical destructioa stages t with hequent extras) made daily trips eac-i . ro the proprietors of these roads. The way, each coach carrymg firom twelve to twenty ptank-raad cocporatioos are desirous to have the passengers. Thes'"r~r : - "er the Gr-ri : ' - ' ' ' : to Ri-4-er road, before :_ zg, was c - ;:.- _ ; j menced between Howell and Detroit, about 1838, the competent tribunal, and they will at once obey byAHen C '^" - ' • ' " ' ,, . . . " . . . . J.Spriaga_: ; _ _ ^ ^ . : _ _ --- , - business between Howell and Lansing were F. sot touching the lav of the case, shoold be stated Fowler, O-B-V " £ associates, wh- ___-._ „.. _. ; „^. __, _; .. .^ _ .le:s to e^ject to catch the ear of the over that part of the line in or about 184.2. as has oresent busy generation as to what transpired about been menticned. From these small b-; r roads thirtv odd years ago ; but the &ct is grew the heavy stage traSc which a.;., -^j^- - -^ ---- -- seasons of the vear, and passed over the plank-road. This great and coe- ty were almost impassa- tinually-increasing business ceased almost en: : 1 - ble, and that at soch periods noa-interconrse with irz:' ''' : ----- :fthe Detroit an : ^^-^ : ^ ; -' ; - ': _'_ - -:r«- was an- -g and Saginaw F. r a pro- cured the passa^ of the plaak-road act of 184S, i under its _ ^ rixmers acd the city land-holders to take op the capital stoc!:. : roads. - .. _. : _..-,.--. trs. bat since that time stage-coaching' between Detroit and Lansing is ': ' ' ;. After xhz ^ of the travel from the plank-roads, it became the policy of the ccv : '"e planking- as ir an_ -- Z-- : - . _ - : .ls made w"t!i s : INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 57 the revenues soon fell off and the expenses of re- pair increased, so that for the last seventeen \-ears the Saline has paid only an average of one and one- seventeenth per cent, per annum ; the Lansing and Howell, for twenty-five years, one and one-eighth per cent. ; the Detroit and Howell, for si.\teen years, si.x and three-fifths per cent. ; and the Erin less than nine per cent., the whole average being less than five per cent.; while the yearly saving to our citi- zens in the cost of fuel and supplies, and the gen- eral effect upon the markets, has been equal to the total cost of the roads, and the lands along their lines have been quadrupled in value. Please note here that these and the succeeding dividends will be all that the shareholders will receive in return for three hundred thousand dollars which they ex- pended in building these roads. At the e.xpiration of their charters, now only twenty-eight years dis- tant, the roads revert to the vicinage and become town property, subject to taxation for repairs. In respect to one of them that period will probably be materially shortened, for it is already difficult, by the most economical use of the revenue, to keep it in passable condition. "Lender these circumstances the proprietors feel that they are equitably entitled to whatever the law allows ; and they ask their fellow-citizens to put themselves in their place, and not to condemn them as thieves for endeavoring to maintain their rights. It is obvious to all who have served as road-masters, that if left to the towns to keep the roads in repair the people would never submit to the necessary taxation. Up to 1879 the Howell road has expended for that purpose three hundred and three thousand three hundred and si.Kty-nine dollars and ninety-eight cents, or an average of eleven thousand six hundred and sixty-seven dol- lars and ten cents per annum ; the Erin, two hun- dred and seventy-six thousand eight hundred and ninety dollars and sixteen cents, or an average of ten thousand six hundred and forty-nine dollars and sixty cents ; the Lansing, ninety-eight thou- sand eight hundred and fifty-four dollars and seven cents, or an average of three thousand nine hundred and fifty-four dollars and eighteen cents; and the Saline, two hundred and sixty- one thousand six hundred and ten dollars and thirty-one cents, or an average of ten thousand four hundred and sixty-four dollars and forty- one cents, — a total sum of about one million of dollars." But there is little doubt that the toll-gates will be discontinued between Howell and Lansing, if not between Howell and Detroit, long before the e.Kpiration of the charters. 8 R.\1LR0.\DS. THE DETROIT AND SHIAWWSSEE RAILROAD PROJECT. The first company proposing to construct a line of railway through the present territory of Liv- ingston County was incorporated by an act of Legislature, appro%'ed March 22, 1837, which pro- vided " that Marshall J. Bacon, Silas Titus, Elijah F. Cook, Thomas Curtis, Alfred A. Dwight, Robert Warden, Jr., and Ely Barnard be, and they are hereby, appointed commissioners, under direction of a majority of whom subscrip'ions may be re- ceived to the capital stock of the Detroit and Shi- awassee Railroad Company hereby incorporated. . . . Said corporation shall have power to construct a railroad with single or double track from Detroit, in the county of Wayne, through Farmington, in the county of Oakland, Kensington, in the town- ship of Lyon, the county-seat in the county of Livingston, Byron, in the county of Shiawassee, to Shiawassee village, in said county of Shiawassee, with power to transport, take, and carry persons and property upon the same by the power and force of steam and animals, or of any mechanical or other power, or combination of them." The cap- ital stock of the company was authorized to the amount of five hundred thousand dollars. The road was to be commenced within one year from the date of incorporation, — twenty five miles of it to be finished in two and a half years, and the whole to be completed in si.\ years, on penalty of forfeiture of charter for such parts as were un- finished at that time. By act of April 6, 1S3S, the charter was amended by the repeal of so much of the act of incorporation as called for the construc- tion of the road through Byron to Shiawassee vil- lage, and by the granting to the company of the power " to continue the construction of said rail- road from the county-seat of Livingston County to Biddle City, in Ingham County." Some of the principal promoters of this project were the master-spirits in the old " wild cat" Bank of Kensington, which is still clearly but unfavorably remembered by many people of Livingston Count}'. It may have been the design of these men to hon- estly carry out the objects set forth in the charter which they obtained, but it is hardly likely tiiat such was the case. There is, however, no doubt of the good faith of such men as Ely Barnard and some others of the corporators. The road was never commenced, nor the company organized under the charter. OTHER PROPOSED RAILROADS. Several other unsuccessful railroad projects, pro- posing to build roads through the territory of 58 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Livingston County, have been started at different times, among these having been the Michigan Air- Line road, to pass through tlie southern part of the county, and on which some grading work was done, and the Toledo, Ann Arbor and Northern Railroad hne, which proposed to run its route through the centre of Livingston, passing over the farm of Alexander McPherson, within the corpora- tion limits of Howell, and thence northward by way of Oak Grove to Owosso. An organization of this company was effected at Ann Arbor, October 28, 1869, and subscriptions to the capital stock to the amount of some twenty thousand dollars were secured in this county, of which subscriptions about five per cent, has been paid in, but beyond this no progress has been made as regards that part of the line north of Ann Arbor. A proposed line of road, to pass through Howell village, is mentioned in the newspapers of 1857, as also the fact that at a pubh'c meeting held in the spring of that year George W. Lee and L. K. Hewett, of Howell, E. F. Burt, of Marion, Hon. S. M. Holmes, of Detroit, A. S. Lapham, of North- ville, Hon. Whitney Jones and H. H. .Smith, of Lansing, James B. Lee, of Brighton, and H. Craw- ford, of Milford, were appointed a " Central Busi- ness Committee," who were authorized to procure pledges to a capital stock, grants of right of way, and pledges for sums to purchase the right of way, as well as the appointment of sub-committeemen, calling of primary meetings, and finally a general meeting for the organization of a company. But although it was announced that the efforts of the committee had met with encouraging success in Livingston County, this railway project faded and went the way that hundreds of similar enterprises have gone before and since that time. DETROIT, LANSING AND NORTHERN RAILROAD. That part of the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad which traverses the county of Livingston is composed of the roads originally projected and commenced by the Detroit and Howell and the Howell and Lansing Railroad Companies. Of these, the Detroit and Howell was the earliest incorporated ; the articles of association being filed in the office of the Secretary of State, under the general railroad law, on the twenty-first of Septem- ber, 1864. The meeting at which the organization was effected, however, had been held on the seven- teenth of June preceding, at New Hudson. The first officers of the company were : Directors. Theodatus T. L}-on, President. G. A- Starkweather, William Taft. S. Hardenbergh. O. C. Abell. J. M. Swift. John H. Galloway. E. F. Burt. E. F. Albright. Lyman Judson. R. C. Rumsey. Joseph H. Wilcox. Ely Barnard. William McPherson, Treasurer. E. F. Burt, Secretary. Marcus B. Wilcox, Attorney. The commissioners to procure and receive sub- scriptions to the capital stock (which was placed at four hundred thousand dollars, in shares of fifty dollars each) were : Hiram Newman. Isaac W. Bush. P. B. Holdridge. Giles Tucker. J. M. Swift. The subscription books of the company were opened at Howell in November, 1864, and at sev- eral other points along the line soon after. Stock was taken at first with considerable rapidity, but it was not until September of the year 1865 that the announcement was made that two hundred and fifty thousand dollars had been secured in sub- scriptions and pledges of aid from towns on the route. In September, 1866, President Lyon reported that " On the portion of our line between Ply- mouth and Howell, the sum of three hundred thousand dollars has now been secured, which sum was designated in our Articles of Association as the amount necessary to warrant the commence- ment of the work of construction." Preliminary surve)'s had been made, but beyond this little or nothing had been done, and the work of construction was not earnestly commenced until 1867. In that year and 1868 (but principally in the latter), most of the work ever done on the line by the original company was performed ; the total amount expended on the road by that company being about two hundred and forty thousand dol- lars, after which, for lack of further funds, the work languished and was suspended entirely; the road finally passing into other hands in an uncom- pleted state. Though the Detroit and Howell Railroad failed of completion by the company which was incor- porated for its construction, yet in the prosecution of the enterprise as far as it was carried by them, INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 59 in the procui-ing of individual subscriptions and votes of township aid to so considerable an amount, in the delicate ami difficult liiattcr of securing the right of way, aiul in the vigorous pushing of the work, until the exhaustion of funds rendered suspension unavoidable, a remarkable amount of business ability, as well as of energy and perseverance, was displayed by the officers of the company, several 'of whom were men of Livingston County. And to none of these in greater degree than to William McPherson was due the credit of the results attained. Mr. Mc- Pherson was perhaps the most active among the ]3rincipal promoters of the enterprise from its very inception, and was the treasurer of the company from its organization until the time when it ceased to e.xist by reason of the sale — or rather the gift — of its road to other parties. That transfer and the final completion of the road will be noticed below. The Howell and Lansing Railroad Company — formed for the purpose of constructing a railway between the places indicated in its title — was in- corporated under the general railroad law, in 1868, tlie articles of association being filed in the office of the Secretary of State, on the twenty-third of June in that year. The first officers of the company were ; Directors. Thcodatus T. Lyon, President. Alvin N. Hart. James F. Smiley. George N. Walker. James W. Waldo. James M. Williams. Egbert Grattan. Joseph Dennis. James Sullivan. Alexander H. Benedict. George W. Palmerston. Joseph H. Wilco.x. Joshua K. Kirkland. J. B. Waldo, Treasurer. The company was organized in the interest of the Detroit and Howell Company, with which it was intended to act in concert for the purpose of completing a through line from Detroit to Lansing. In 1870 the two were consolidated as the Detroit, Howell and Lansing Railroad Company; the arti- cles of consolidation being filed in the office of the Secretary of State, on the eleventh of April, in that year. Between llouelland Lansing the work of con- struction had not been commenced, and little had been done by that company beyond taking steps to secure votes of aid from townships along the line. In September, following the consolidation, the franchises were conveyed to James F. Joy and other capitalists, forming the Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan Railroad Company; to which line the Lansing and Ionia Railroad was soon after- wards added by consolidation, thus securing a con- tinuous line from Detroit to Ionia. The transfer of the franchises of the Detroit and Howell Com- pany to Mr. Joy and his associates was without consideration, being in fact a gift by that company of the work which they had done (amounting to nearl)- a quarter of a million of dollars), on condi- tion that the road should be S[)cedily completed and opened for travel and traffic. The new company commenced work in earnest, at both ends of the line, pushing the construction from Detroit and from Lansing towards Howell ; and it was prosecuted with so much of vigor, that it was finished in less time than could reasonably have been expected. On the eastern end, the road was completed and opened to Plymouth on the six- teenth of May, 1 87 1, and to Brighton, Livingston County, on or about the fourth of July following. From the west the completed track entered Liv- ingston Count}' in the same month, and on the third of August, 1 871, there was a great gathering of people at Fowlerville to celebrate the formal opening of the road to that point from Lansing. On that occasion an address was pronounced by Dennis Shields, Elsq., of Howell, and the general rejoicing was unbounded. The tracks from the east and the west were joined, and the road was thus completed, a few days after the celebration at Fowlerville. The line was formally opened August 22, 1871, by an e.x- amination-trip from Detroit, over its entire length, to Kaywood station (five miles beyond Greenville), which was then the northern terminus. A repre- sentative of the Detroit Tribune, who accompanied the e.xcursion-party upon this occasion, wrote of its progress through Livingston County as follows: "Small delegations joined the train at Plymouth and Brighton, but these points, having been out of the woods for some time, manifested less interest than other points between Brighton and Lansing. At Howell, the people were especially jubilant, turning out en masse, and some enterprising How- ellian impressed an anvil into the service, and fired a salute. It is certainly a day of jubilee for Howell, to which she has been looking forward with patience for many years. The people of Lan- sing are scarcely less appreciative of the advan- tages of the road, shortening the distance, as it does, over thirty miles between Lansing and De- troit." The Detroit Post was also represented in the ex- 6o HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. cursion party, and this paper in its issue of the following day said, — "At Howell the train was received with some- thing of an ovation. A six-pound cannon had been brought into service and fired a salute as the train moved up to the depot, where were assembled an immense concourse of people, who testified their gratification at the arrival of the party by cheers and waving of handkerchiefs. Ladies dis- tributed bouquets. The people are enthusiastic over the advent of the iron horse to their town, and though the assemblage was impromptu, it clearly indicated the joy which they feci over the comple- tion of the railroad for which they have worked and waited for so many long years. Their enthu- siasm is pardonable. The town has a population of over two thousand, is one of the handsomest in the State, and, next to Lansing, probably the most important on the line of the road. Just as the train was moving away the people called on Mr. Joy for a speech, but he did not see fit to respond." Railroad communication with Detroit, for which the people of Livingston County had waited so long and anxiously, was now an accomplished fact. Regular trains commenced running at once, and the total receipts of the Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan Railroad during its first business week were as follows : For freight $8, 204. 87 For passengers 3.242.33 >ii,447.2o Which was very encouraging, though small when compared with present weekly exhibits. A week or two after the opening, the A/i/i Arbor Courier mentioned the event, and its significance to the people of this county, as follows : "The three Howell papers come to us rejoicing over the completion of the Detroit and Lansing Railroad to that place. They may well rejoice, for every acre of land in Livingston County north of the railroad is worth ten dollars per acre more than it would be without the road, and every acre on the south side within five miles is worth five dollars more than before. The men benefited the least are the merchants in the little towns along the line, and they are the men who pay the most for the road. We do not consider the road of any benefit to the mercantile interests of Howell, and their merchants will say the same thing one year from this date." Without commenting on the last part of the Courier's prediction, it is safe to say that the first part has been more than verified. And it is not alone the farmers of Livingston who have been benefited by the road, but the three principal villages of the county and their people have also derived great advantage from it, as must be ap- parent to all observers. The Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad (which name has recently been substituted for that of Detroit, Lansing and Lake Michigan) traverses Livingston diagonally from southeast to north- west, entering the county near the centre of the east line of Green Oak township, passing thence through the southwest corner of Brighton town- ship, through Brighton village, Genoa, the north- east corner of Marion, Howell village, Howell township, and Handy, touching the village of Fowlerville, and running from that point due west to Ingham County. The principal stations in Livingston are at the villages of Brighton, Howell, o 00'' and Fowlerville; and there are less important stations at Green Oak, Genoa, and Fleming, — the last named being in Howell township. The road was completed in the fiiU of 1871 to Howard City, which is still its northern terminus, and where it forms a junction with the Grand Rapids and In- diana Railroad. An extension is, however, in process of construction to Big Rapids, and the road will be opened to that point in the near future. CHAPTER VI. MILITARY RECORD OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. Draft for llie "Toledo War" — The Old Mililia System and the Eleventh Militia Regiment — Mexican War Volunteers — Liv- ingston in the Enrly Days of the Great Rebellion — The Fourth Michigan Infantry — Its Organization and Departure for the Front — The Fourth at Bull Run — Campaign of the Peninsula — The Seven Days' Fight — Campaign under Gen. Pope — An- tietam and Shepherdstown Ford — Fredericksburg and Chancel- lorsville — Gettysburg — Winter Quarters at Bealtou — Campaign of the Wilderness — In Front ot Petersburg — Expiration of Ser- vice and Muster Out — The Reorganized Fourth — Service in Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas — Muster Out and Disband- menl — List of Members of the Old and New Fourth from Liv- ingston County. The first deinand made upon the inhabitants of what is now Livingston County, to perform mili- tary service in a public exigency, was by the proclaination of Governor S. T. Mason, ordering a draft from the militia, of men to serve under Gen- eral Brown, in the famous " Toledo War" of 1835. Under this authority, several men were drafted from townships now of this county; a half-dozen being taken from the militia of Green Oak. They were not called on to perform any very dangerous or protracted services, and their farms or other business did not suffer serious detriment from MILITARY RECORD OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 6i their being suniiuonecl to the field. The " war" was, of course, but a force, but for a time it caused serious apprehensions in the minds of drafted men and otliers ; and it was, at all events, the first ex- perience of the people of this region in furnishing soldiers for a service which threatened actual hos- tilities. Under the militia system of a period somewhat later than the Toledo war, many of the townships contained so-called militar)' companies, which were ordered out at stated times for battalion or regi- mental " training" or general muster, as the case might be. In 1843 the Sixth Brigade of the Third Militia Division was commanded by Brigadier- General Isaac Brown, whose brigade major and inspector was Edward H. Thomson ; Brigade Judge Advocate, James W. Stan.sbury, of Pinck- ncy; Brigade Quartermaster, Samuel C. Fair- child; and Aid -de -Camp, Furman G. Rose. The Eleventh Regiment seems to have been distinctively of Livingston County, and its first commanding officer was Colonel Timothy R. Allison, of Pinckncy. A regimental order of the colonel's, issued in the year above named, has been found, of which the following is a copy: "COMr.VXV BE.\TS, REGI.MENT.\L ORDER No. i. " Colonel's Office, Pinckney, February 7, 1843. "Elf.ventii Rkgimf.n't, Sixth Brigadk, Third Division " Michigan Militia. " I do hereby cause this regiment to be divided into ten company beats, numbered and bounded as follows : First company beat to comprise the township of Green Oak; the second, to comprise the township of Ham- burg; tliird, the township of Putnam; fourth, the township of Unadilla; fifth, the townships of Iosco and Marion ; sixth, the townships of Genoa and Brighton ; seventh, the townships of Hartland and Oceola; eighth, the townships of Howell and Handy; ninth, tiie townships of Conway and Tuscola; tenth, the townships of Deerfield and Tyrone. "Given under my hand at I'inckney, this seventh day of February, a.d. 1843. "Timothy R. Allison, "Colonel Eleventh Regiment, Sixth Brigade, Third Division, Michigan Militia. ' ' The successor of Colonel Allison in the com- mand of the Eleventh Regiment was Colonel George Bennett. Washington Wing was the Lieutenant-Colonel. A cavalry company exi.sted in the county, commanded by Colonel Ives, of Unadilla. The general " trainings" were usually held at Howell or at Provost's Plains. These occasions were invested with as much of pomp and parade as was practicable, and were looked forward to with much of pleasure by the people. A pioneer, in mentioning them, says, " Ostensibly the object was to keep up a military organization, but really to have a jolly good time. Colonel Allison always thought it a part of his military duty to furnish the boys all the stimulant they wanted before the training, so that they might show proper enthusi- asm." This is unquestionably a correct statement. The old militia system was doubtless originated in the idea of keeping up a military organization and to foster a military spirit, but it never made soldiers, and the organization which it kept alive was of no value. A few years later the State ceased to require this kind of military duty, and the system, with its trainings, drunkenness, and general burlesque of military spirit and discipline, happily became a thing of the past. At the breaking out of the Mexican war, in 1846, the population of Livingston County was comparatively small, and there were few among its people who were in a condition to make it possible for them to leave their families and farms to become soldiers. Still there were a few from the county who followed their country's flag to the fields of Mexico. Among these were John A. Tanner, of Handy, who enlisted in Captain I. S. Rowland's company of the First Michigan Regiment, John Moran, of Oceola, and some others whose names have not been ascertained (mostly from Hartland antl other eastern towns), who served in that and Captain Hanscom's company of the same regiment. The First was commanded by Colonel T. B. W. Stockton, of Flint, and was raised in the fall of 1846, was rendezvoused at Detroit, and as soon as organized, and before its ranks were full, left for the seat of war by way of Cincinnati and New Or- leans, arriving at Vera Cruz in January% 1847. From Vera Cruz it moved with other forces, amounting in all to two thousand men, under General Bankhead, to Cordova and Orizaba. A second detachment, under Lieutenant-Colonel (afterwards General) Williams, left Detroit after the main body of the regiment and joinetl it at Cordova. The colonel of the regiment was made military governor of Cordova, and remained there in that capacity to the close of the war. The regiment suffered very severely by sickness during its term of service, and a great number of its sol- diers left their bones in Mexico. Besides those w ho entered the P'irst Regiment, there were a few from Livingston who enlisted in the Fifteenth United States Infantry, which was in the division of General Gideon J. Pillow, of Tennessee. Those who were with this command participated in some of the principal battles of the Mexican war. 62 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. All the matters above referred to, however, were but trivial, and hardly worthy of mention, in com- parison with the events of that later struggle, — the tremendous war of the Rebellion, with the opening of whicli, commences the real military history of Livingston, a record which, to the county and to its people, is a most creditable one. When the thrilling news from Charleston Harbor first rang through the country, and President Lincoln called on the loyal States for an army of seventy-five thous- and men to sustain the authority of the government in an unexpected crisis, the young men, the middle- aged and the old men, as well as the women of Livingston, responded most patriotically, and at once took measures to furnish the county's full quota of soldiers to fill the ranks of the Union army. The first step taken here, as everywhere in the North, was the holding of public meetings to promote enlistments. Fifteei) days after the Pres- ident's call was issued, an extremely large and en- thusiastic " Union mass-meeting" was held (April 30, 1861) at the court-house in Howell, at which James B. Lee, Esq., of Brighton, presided, and B. Howard Lawson was made secretary, and which was addressed by the president, by Henry H. Harmon, William A. Clark, E. F. Burt, George W. Lee, and others, in a most eloquent and effect- ive manner. " At noon a magnificent star-spangled banner, made expressly for the occasion by the pa- triotic ladies, was unfurled from the liberty-pole in front of the court- house amid the wildest enthusiasm of the assembled multitude. The thrillin"- song of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' was sung and listened to by the audience with intense emotion and vo- ciferous cheers . . . The court-room was literally jammed full of men and women, but by this time the people from all parts of the county had as- sembled by many hundreds in the court-house square, with two bands of music, and they evinced their desire to participate in the patriotic proceed- ings in so unmistakable a manner that the meeting adjourned to the square, where the speeches were received with an enthusiasm exceeding anything of the kind ever witnessed. All party-ties seemed broken, all partisan prejudices obliterated, and but one desire and determination manifested by the speakers and the people, — to sustain the Federal government in the legitimate e.xercise of its power to preserve the Union. William A. Clark, Henry H. Harmon, Ira Knight, Mylo L. Gay, and Andrew D. Waddell were constituted a committee on res- olutions, and they, by their chairman, Mr. Clark, reported a preamble and a series of six patriotic resolutions, which were adopted by acclamation, and of which the following was the concludinbility, June 20, 1S65. Corporal Calvin Wilcox, enlisted June 20, 1S61; discharged for disability, September 20, 1861. Privuies. Lorenzo Baryan, enlisted June 20, 1S61 ; discharged for disability, March 3, 1862. Moses \V. Becker, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; mustered out at end of service, June 28, 1864. William Bennett, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; transferred to Battery D, 5th United States Artillery, October 5, 1862. Henry Boothby, enlisted June 20, 1S61 ; discharged for disabilily, November 14, 1S61. Charles H. Barlow, enlisted June 20, 1S61 ; discharged July 21, 1863. Eastman G. Carpenter, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; veteran December 25, 1863; transferred to Company C, new 4th Infantry; mustered out at San Antonio, Texas, February 26, 1866. Harrison P. Cook, enlisted June 20, 1S61 ; di--charged for dis.ability, July 25, 1862. Benjamin O. Deniing, enlisted June 20, 1861; discharged for dis- ability, January 6, 1S62. John J. Dorn, enlisted June 20, 1 861 ; died of disease, New York, May, 1862. Giles G. Doneley, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; transferred to Inv.nlid Corps, January 15, 1864. William H. Gould, enlisted June 20, 1861; mustered out at end of service, June 25, 1864. Lewis C. Giiswold, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; transferred to Battery D, 5ih United States Artillery, October 5, 1S62. Delos M. Havilnnd, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; killed in battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. Lewis \. Ilaviland, enlisted June 20, 1S61; discharged for dis- abilily, January 15, 1863. Theodore Hodges, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; died of disease at Miner's Hill, Virginia, December i, 1861. Ira E. Holt, enlisted June 20, 1861; discharged for wounds, Feb- ruary II, 1863. Brainard T. Ide, enlisted June 20, 1861; died of disease at Georgetown, District of Columbia, August 23, 1S61. Amasa Lnmpnian, enlisted June 20, 1S61 ; discharged for disabilily, December 14, 1S61. Lawson W. Lampman, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; killed in battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863. Harlow S. Mann, enlisted June 20, 1861 ; discharged for disabilily, June 18, 1862. Barney Rooney, enlisted June 20, l85l ; discharged for dis.ability, August 18, 1862. Austin T. Smith, enlisted June 20. 1861 ; died of disease, March 9, 1863. John Tucker, enli>ted June 20, iS6l ; discharged for disabilily, August 28, 1862. Wells Vanzile, enlisted June 26, 1861; transferred to Invalid Corps, July I, 1863. Willis E. Waterman, Putnam; enlisted October 22, 1863; killed in battle of Wilderness, Virginia, May 5, 1864. Company D. Charles E. Grisson, Hamburg; enlisted June 20, 1S61 ; discharged at Washington, District of Columbia, October 3, 1862, to withstanding this, they are found (as they doubtless will be, to some extent) incomplete, it should be remembered that it is on account of the neglect of officers whose duty it was to return full and complete rosters to the Adjutant-General's office. FIFTH INFANTRY. 67 accept commission as second lieutenant Company E, 26th Michigan Infaiury. Company /. Francis M. I.umlianl, Green Oak; enlisted March 31, 1864; trans- ferred to Company I, new 4lh; sergeant (second lieulcnantj ; mustered out as sergeant, October 11, 1865. Company //. Henry Dougherty, Putnam; enlisted September 12, 1S64; died of disease at San Antonio, Texas, November 30, 1865. Daniel Hoyt, Conway ; enlisted September 7, 1S64; discharged for disability. May 30, 1S65. James Meehan, Unadilla; enlisted September 7, 1861 ; transfened to 3d Michigan Infantry. Ailam Smith, Iosco; enlisted Seplemlier 23, 1S64; discliarged for disability. May 18, 1S65. Benjamin E. Smith, Unadilla; enlisted August 16, 1S64 ; mustered out at Houston, Texas, May 26, 1866. Albert Ward, Unadilla; enlisted September 17, 1S64; corporal; mustered out at Houston, Texas, May 26, 1866. Daniel D. While, Cohoctah ; enlisted September 19, 1S64; must- ered out at Houston, Texas, May 26, 1S66. CHAPTER VII. FIFTH INFANTRY. Organization of the Fifth at Fort Wayne — The Livingston Volun- teers — Flag Presentation and Departure of the Regiment — Arrival at Washington and Advance into Virginia — Winter Quarters at Camp Michigan — Peninsular Campaign — Battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and Charles City Cross-Roads — • Second Bull Run — Fredericksburg — Death of Lieutenant- Colonel Gilluly — Chancellors ville — Gelty.-.burg — Transfer of the Fifth to New York — Return to the Army of the Potomac — Mine Run — Veteran Re-enlistment and Furlough — Recruits from Livingston County — Return to the Front — The Wilder- ness Campaign — Consolidation of the Third with the Fifth — Spring Campaign of 1865 — Close of the War — Muster Out and Return Home. The rendezvous of the Fifth Regiment of Michi- gan Infanti)^ duiinij its organization was at Fort Wayne, Detroit, where it lay during the summer of 1 86 1, engaged in drill and the perfection of its discipline, its departure for the theatre of war being delayed on account of the belief which e.Kisted until after the disaster at Bull Run that its services would not be required in the field. It then became apparent that more forces would be needed, and the organization of the Fifth was hurried to com- pletion. It was mustered into the United States service for three years by Lieutenant-Colonel E. Backus, United States Army, on the twenty-seventh of August, its strength at that time being about nine hundred officers and enlisted men. The field officers of the regiment were, Colonel, Henry D. Terry; Lieutenant-Colonel, Samuel E. Beach; Major, John D. Fairbanks. Livingston County was represented in the Fifth Regiment bj' one company, distinctively known and mentioned as the " Livingston Company," and by a number of men in several of the other com- panies. Two years and a half later, at the time of its " vetcranization," it received large accessions of recruits from this county. The Livingston company, designated in the organization as " I" company, was mustered under the following-named commissioned officers, viz. : Captain, John Gilluly ; First Lieutenant, Hudson B. Blackinan ; Second Lieutenant, Charles H. Dennison. This was the company which has already been mentioned as having been recruited by Captain Gilluly in the last part of April and first part of May. It had, however, experienced some changes in the mean time, some of its early members withdrawing to join other organizations, and their places being supplied by other recruits. The following is the list of non-commissioned officers and privates of this company as appearing on the twentieth of August: First Sergeant, George W. Rose. Second Sergeant, F. W. Kimberk. Third Sergeant, Jabez A. Pond. Fourth Sergeant, Cyrenus H. Saddler. Fifth Sergeant, George Dudley. First Corporal, John Monroe. Second Corporal, William H. Ptillen. Third Corporal, William H. Bigham. Fourth Corporal, John Gilbert. Fifth Corporal, Willis H. Pratt. Sixth Corporal, Samuel B. Curtis. Seventh Corporal, William Silverwood. Eighth Corporal, John Stevens. Privates. Charles McNaughton. Stuart A. Boyd. Henry S. Preston. Henry Butler. Augustus R. Sewell. George N. Bashford. Albert Packins. William Murphy. Clark S. Beal. Bernard W. Beal. Edward G. Bursal. George S. Wincgar. Henry R. Goodrich. Milton Hitchcock. Volney Miller. Samuel Sutton. James L. Pettibone. W. H. Bab. Henry P. Wright. Paul C. G. Itscll. William Tenn)-. Charles Wendall. Daniel W. Morse. Joseph Countryman. William H. Babcock. Boyce P. Owen. Edgar Muir. ICdward Bird. Adolphtis Winters. Hiram Pcntlen. Conrad Srim. Thomas Fitzgerald. Warren Hunt. Patrick McCabe. James Boylan. George L. Placeway. Clinton Russell. Charles Abrams. Emerson Sowlc. Albertus D. Berry. 68 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Reuben Hodge. Luke Woods. Phillip W. Hacker. Walter R. Ferguson. Lewis F. Partlon. John A. Grogg. Alfred Johnson. William Cole. William G. Knapp. Levi Townsend. George D. Sidvvay. George W. Pentlen. George W. Wells. Charles Graham. Alonzo Gushing. William S. Norris. Andrew J. Yerenton. Mortimer Smith. John S. Bennett. William Brown. George Sawyer. Hannibal Sawyer. John Sawyer. Lyman H. Willson. Gains B. xA.lsaver. Andrew J. Fuller. George H. Heille. Frederick Baetcke. Abraham P. Ackerman. Sylvester Smith. Samuel Wilco.x. Robert McKinley. Jones Hay. Wilson A. Fletcher. Wesley Van Duyn. John Jones. James S. Lane. John Gannon. Harmon Curtis. Philo Chubb. John Gardner. Orson A. Chandler. Lyman Gate. Alva W. Scofield. Charles Bosenbark. John Pickard. James McGinn. Henry W. Knaggs. Adelbert Foot. Henry Thompson. E. A. Bullard. John Gallatian. This, however, was before the muster of the regiment, and it is probable that a few of these were omitted in the muster. The list, however, shows who were the volunteers composing the company at that time. At an early hour in the morning of Wednesday, September ii, 1861, the men of the Fifth Regi- ment broke camp at the Fort Wayne rendezvous, packed their knapsacks, and prepared for depart- ure, which was fi.xed for the evening of that day. At a little before four o'clock in the afternoon the several companies were marched to the parade- ground of the fort, and there formed in line for the reception of a flag, — the gift of Messrs. F. Buhl, Newland & Co., of Detroit, — which was about to be presented to the regiment. Hundreds of spectators were there, consisting of citizens of Detroit and friends and relatives of the departing soldiers, who had come to say good-by and God- speed. The crowd was kept back by the unceasing labor of guards stationed along the line. As soon as the swaying to and fro of the people in the vain effort of each one to stand in front of the others had ceased. Marshal Whiting, with Mr. Frederick Ikihl on one side and Alderman Backus on the other, stepped forward, bearing the flag. Ap- proaching to within a few paces of Colonel Terry, Mr. Backus made a few well-timed remarks on behalf of Mr. Buhl, which were responded to by Colonel Terry in an appropriate manner. The flag, which was of heavy silk, fringed with gold, and surmounted by a gilded eagle, was handed to Sergeant Asa A. Rouse, of Company E, who had been designated as the color-bearer of the regi- ment. At the conclusion of the ceremony the companies were marched back to their camping- ground for supper, a few final preparations were made, and between seven and eight o'clock the command was marched to the river and embarked for Cleveland, en route for the national capital. A member of Captain Gilluly's company wrote back a descriptive account of the journey of the regi- ment from Detroit to Washington ; from which account the following extracts are given: " We embarked Wednesday evening, September I ith, on the steamer ' Ocean' for Cleveland. Our journey was pleasant, but rapid. As the shrill whistle of the steamer gave the signal for our departure the most intense excitement prevailed, and when she swung around from her moorings cheer after cheer arose from every deck. To the credit or demerit of Company I, that portion where they were situated came dovvnheavy on the chorus for our country and her flag, our homes and the dear ones left behind us, and was returned with the same spirit and enthusiasm by the numerous crowd that thronged the wharves to witness our departure. We arrived at Cleveland about three o'clock in the morning, where we were detained till nine o'clock, when we took the cars for Pitts- burgh. It would naturally be supposed that from the numerous bodies of troops that have passed over this road they would have stilled the ardor of the people along the line, but such is not the case. Their feelings are too deeply enlisted in the present cause to admit of any reaction. As the bell rang to warn us of our departure crowds of people gathered around the cars to bid the W'olverine boys good-by. Nor was Cleveland behind in giving us a warm reception. The whole line, as far as Pittsburgh, was lined with people of all grades, from the aged grandparent to the lisp- ing child, to see us pass. At Atwater we stopped to eat a few hard crackers and some tough beef Of course, we had whetted our teeth for the task, but imagine our surprise, when the train stopped, to behold the sidewalks lined with barrels, bo.xes, bags, and baskets filled to overflowing with fruits, pies, cakes, meats, eggs, and, in fact, all that the most delicate palate could crave, waiting for us. Yet the beauty of the whole affair was the manner in which those lu.xuries were distributed among us. It was not by the brawny hands of a slouch- ing cook, whose presence we had already learned to loathe, but by the soft, white hands of the fair FIFTH INFANTRY. 69 maidens of the village, whose generosity we shall ever remember till tough beef and hard crackers are no more. Our repast was soon over, however, and with three hearty cheers for the ladies of At- water, we arrived in Pittsburgh at nine o'clock that evening, where we took supper, changed cars, and resumed our journey for Washington by the way of Harrisburg. We arrived in the latter place between two and three o'clock the ne.xt morning. There we were numbered off and stowed away in cattle-cars of the most old and dilapidated kind ; in this wretched way we proceeded to Baltimore, where we were again furnished with good coaches. We arrived in Washington on Sunday morning, somewhat fatigued from our long journey. W^e remained there till night, when we received orders to march, — to what place we did not know. We were soon prepared for the journey, and after a march of some three or four miles we arrived at Meridian Hill, where we learned we were to take up our quarters." Meridian Hill is in the northwest part of the city of Washington, and at this place the Fifth re- mained until the morning of Wednesday, Septem- ber i8th, just one week from the day of departure from Detroit, when it broke camp and marched down through the city to the arsenal, where the men were furnished with indifferent Springfield muskets. Then the regiment moved across the Long Bridge into Virginia, and out to Arlington, where it bivouacked for the night, and on the fol- lowing day marched about two miles from the river to Hunter's Chapel, where it halted and pitched a camp, which was named Camp Richardson, in honor of Colonel Richardson, to whose brigade (of Heintzelman's division) it had been assigned for duty. On the twentj'-second, a part of the regi- ment, including Company I, was placed on picket, some two miles farther to the front. This was their first duty in front of the enemy, and here for the first time the men of the Fifth heard the crack of hostile rifles, and the dread whisperings of pass- ing bullets. On Saturday, September 28th, six companies of the regiment moved to Munson's Hill, Virginia. The remainder of the regiment immediately after- wards came up and occupied the same position, and to Colonel Terry's command is due the credit of first occup)-ing this position in the front, where an attack was hourly looked for, though none was made. At this place the regiment was without tents, and was engaged constantly on fatigue duty, felling timber, and, with the Thjrty-seventh New York, constructing substantial earthworks on the Hill. On the twelfth of October the Fifth moved to Hunter's Creek, two miles south of /Me.xandria, and the men were put on similar duty in the con- struction of Fort Lyon. The regiment remained at Fort Lyon for about two months, and in the early part of December moved about three miles farther down the Poto- mac, to " Camp Michigan," where the men were supplied with Sibley tents, and set about preparing themselves for comparative comfort in winter quarters. The enemy was immediately in front, though not in much force. On the first of Janu- ary, 1862, First Lieutenant Dennison, of Com- pany I, while out in command of a few men on a scouting expedition towards Pohick Church, fell into an ambush, from which a volley was fired, wounding the lieutenant in the face, the ball com- ing out just below and in front of the ear, missing the main artery by only the fraction of an inch. This was one of the first casualties of the kind in the experience of the regiment, but it saw blood- letting enough afterwards. No other member of the party was wounded on this occasion by the enemy's fire. The regiment was very comfortably quartered during the winter of 1801-62, until the general movement of the Army of the Potomac in ALirch. First came the feint of the army in the direction of Manassas, which was followed immediately by the transportation of the immense host down the Potomac to Fortress Monroe. The Fifth embarked at Alexandria, and moved with the army to the Peninsula, where, on the fourth of April, 1S62, it marched with its division towards Yorktown, ar- riving in front of that stronghold on the following day. There it remained through the four weeks' siege of the place, and until Sunday, the fourth of May, when the Union army was electrified by the announcement that the hostile works had been evacuated during the previous night, and that the enemy was retiring towards Richmond. The forces of General McClellan were at once put in motion to pursue, and the Fifth Michigan with its brigade moved from camp, on through the evacu- ated intrenchments at about three o'clock p.m., taking the road towards Williamsburg, but biv- ouacking for the night a short distance beyond Yorktown. At two o'clock in the morning of Monday, the fifth, the men were turned out in the pouring rain to prepare for marching, but the regi- ment did not move until about ten .\m. Then forward over the almost bottomless roads, which were clogged and blockaded by artillery, cavalry, and army wagons, the men of the Fifth pressed on towards the field where the battle had been in progress since the early morning. For hours they struggled on through the mud and rain, and as they approached Williamsburg the thunder of ar- ■JO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tillery and the continuous roar of volleys told too plainly of the work on which they were about to enter. Order after order came from the front to hurry up the brigade, and about the middle of the afternoon the Fifth stood in line of battle, about five hundred strong, in front of the enemy's posi- tion ; the Thirty-seventh New York joining its line, the Third Michigan being in support of a battery, and the Second Michigan being held in reserve. It was not until between three and four o'clock that the Fifth delivered its first fire, but from that time it was kept up without intermission till nearly dark. The ammunition was then nearly exhausted, and the order was given to charge. It was obeyed with alacrity. The Fifth charged and carried the rifle-pits in its front, and occupied them through the night. The rain ceased and the sky cleared during the night, and the morning of the si.xth of May opened bright and beautiful, but the enemy had retreated, and was then some miles away on the road to Richmond. The Fifth Michigan at Williamsburg was in General Berry's Third Brigade, of Kearney's Di- vision. This was the regiment's first battle, and a wild initiation it was. It went in with about five hundred men, and out of this force its loss was one hundred and fifty-three in killed and wounded. The regimental list of killed, wounded, and miss- ing, forwarded immediately after the battle, by Colonel Terry, to the Detroit Tribune, embraced the following names of members of the Livingston Company, commanded by Captain Gilluly, viz. : Killed. Sergeant J. Ashley Pond, of Howell. Albert Peckens, of Howell. Samuel Sutton, of Howell. John Sawyer, of Green Oak. Merritt F. Pullen, of Howell. Wounded. Sergeant John N. Monroe, of Brighton. Corporal James S. Lane, of South Lyon. John W. Gilbert, of Howell. Private Wm. Johnson, of Green Oak. " Levi Townsend, of Kensington. " James McGinn, of Brighton. S. A. Boyd, of Marion. " Luke Woods, of Green Oak. Philo P. Chubb, of Marion. " Gager D. Ross, of Marion.* " Augustus R. Sewell, of Marion. " L}'man A. WiUson, of Brighton. " Walter R. Ferguson, of Brighton. * Died of wounds. Private Joseph Countryman, of Marion. " George S. Winegar, of Marion. Missing. Private Samuel Pennell. " John G. Gallatian. A. Winters. " Warren Hunt. " Charles Thayer. " J. McCarren. The list, being an official one, is doubtless cor- rect, though it is possible that it may not be en- tirely so, as it was made amid the excitement and turmoil of the battle-field. The heroism of the Fifth, and its companion regiments of the brigade, at Williamsburg, is at- tested by the following order of the brigade com- mander, General Berry, as follows : "SPECIAL ORDER. " Heaikjuarters Third Brigade, Kearney Division. "Williamsburg Battle-Field, May 8, 1S62. "The commander of the brigade takes great pleasure in making this official communication to his command: That they, by heroic fortitude, on Monday last, by making a forced march through mud and rain, each vying with the other to see who could most cheerfully stand the hardships the time called for, making thereby a march that others shrank from, coming into a fight at double-quick, made doubtful to our side by the over- whelming mass of the enemy poured upon our centre, by a rapid deploy and quick formation, and by cool- ness, precision, and energy, beat back the enemy, re- capturing our lost position and artillery, and also by a heroic charge took a stronghold of the enemy, and thereby dislodged him, and drove him on the plain beyond his well-chosen position, have done themselves great honor, have honored the States of Michigan and New York, and have won a name in history that the most ambitious might be proud of. "R. G. Berry, ^^ Brigadier- General Com. Third Brigade.^' In the advance from Williamsburg, the P'ifth moved with its brigade up to and across the Chickahominy, and took its place in the lines con- fronting Richmond. Again, on the thirty-first of May, it fought in the battle of Fair Oaks, and again it suffered terribly ; its loss in killed and wounded being one hundred and forty-nine, out of about three hundred men who entered the fight, — this being proportionately much greater than its loss at Williamsburg. During the Seven Days' battles which accom- panied the " change of base," or, more properly, the retreat of the army from the Chickahominy to the James, the Fifth Michigan fought bravely FIFTH INFANTRY. 71 at Charles City Cross-Roads, losing thirty-three killed and wounded, and eighteen missing. It was also engaged at Malvern Hill, July 1st, with slight loss. After the evacuation of Harrison's Landing, the regiment was moved with its command and other troops up the Potomac, and thence to the succor of the sorely-pressed Army of Virginia, under General Pope. In this duty it was engaged, but without severe loss, at Manassas, August 30th, and at Chantilly (where the gallant Kearney lost his life), on the second of September. Later in the fall, when the Arm)' of the Potomac, under its new commander (General Burnside), marched towards Fredericksburg, the Fifth Michi- gan, as a part of the force, marched from Lees- burg, Virginia, on the first of November, moved down the Rappahannock, and encamped on the left bank of that stream, near Falmouth, on the twenty-fifth. When the operations were com- menced against the strong position of the enemy on the heights of Fredericksburg, and the attack- ing column crossed the river on the twelfth of December, the regiment went over with its brigade and the other commands of the army, and took gallant part in the disastrous battle of the thir- teenth, in which it lost its brave commanding offi- cer, Lieutenant-Colonel John Gilluly, of Livingston County, the original captain of Company I. The story of how the regiment fought on that bloody day is briefly told in the following report, made by Major Sherlock, who assumed command when Colonel Gilluly fell : "Headquarters Fifth Michigan Volunteers. "Bivouac on the Battle- Field, Decemlier 15th. " Captain Wilson, A. A. A. General,- " Sir, — In accordance with a circular from head- quarters, I have the honor to submit the following re- port of the part which this regiment sustained in the action of the tliirteenth instant. The regiment, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel John Gilluly, came upon the field at lialf-past one o'clock, and, after shift- ing from place to place, occupying different positions, constantly exposed to a furious fire of shot and shell, was at lengtli detailed to support Randolph's battery, whicli was in rather a precarious situation, on accouut of the failing back of some regiments thrown out in front of it. At this juncture the regiment was ordered forward, and opened an effective fire upon the enemy, who were sheltered by a brusli fence, and after a brisk conflict drove them back into the woods. "Lieutenant-Colonel Gilluly fell mortally wounded while cheering on the men, and I assumed command. The regiment remained upon the scene of action till evening, wlien the First New York relieved us, and we retired in perfect order, carrying with us our dead and wounded. The regiment numbered two hundred and seventy-two rank and file, and our loss is nine killed and seventy-four wounded. "The officers and men behaved nobly throughout the short but sharp conflict, and it would be an act of injustice to particularize where all demeaned themselves so well ; yet I cannot forbear mentioning Color-Ser- geant Bergher, who stood up bravely, waving the colors defiantly in the face of the foe. " I am, very respectfully, " Your obedient servant, " R. T. Sherlock, "Major Commanding Fifth Michigan Infantry.'" The regiment recrossed the river from the battle- field, and returned to its old camp, on the fifteenth of December. In January it took part in the his- torical " mud march" up the Rappahannock to Banks' Ford, and, on the abandonment of that ex- pedition, returned again to its camp at Falmouth, where it remained through the remainder of the winter. When the spring campaign opened under the new commander of the army, General Hooker, the Fifth moved up the Rappahannock, crossed the river on the first of May, was engaged at the Cedars on the second, and took part in the great battle of Chancellorsville on the third, where it again lost its commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sher- lock, killed in action. The loss of the regiment in the engagements of the second and third was seven killed, forty -three wounded, and thirt\'-one missing. On the si.xth of May it recrossed the river to the north bank, and, marching twenty- eight miles in twelve hours, reoccupied its winter quarters at Falmouth. Early in June it became known that the enemy under General Lee was marching to the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and the Arm)- of the Potomac was put in motion to intercept him. On the eleventh of that month the Fifth Michigan moved northward with the column, and in that day marched eighteen miles in seven hours. On the following day the same distance was made through intolerable heat and dust in si.K hours. The march was exceedingly rapid and laborious through all the distance. On the twenty-fifth of June the regiment marched twenty-eight miles in eleven hours, though the day was excessively sultry ; and on the second of July, when approach- ing Gettysburg, being pressed to its utmost, it moved ten miles in three hours, and arrived on the battle-field at four o'clock I'.M. It immediately became engaged, and in one hour's fight lost one hundred and five men. During the succeeding two days it was on picket and other duty, and only slightly engaged. Its total loss at Getty-s- burg was nineteen killed, ninety woumlcd, and five 72 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. missing. It moved from Gettysburg with other troops, in pursuit of tlie retiring enemy, to Wil- Hamsport, on the upper Potomac, and afterwards — the pursuit liaving been abandoned — marched down the river to Berlin, crossed from tliat point to Virginia, and moved by way of Manassas Gap to a beautiful camp at Fauquier White Sulphur Springs, where, and in that vicinity, it remained until the sixteenth of August, when orders were received for the Fifth and Third Michigan Regi- ments to report at Ale.xandria, Virginia. The movement ordered was a mysterious one, and all kinds of surmises were indulged in by officers and men as to their probable ultimate destination. Moving, in accordance with this order, to Alex- andria, the Fifth embarked at that place, on the twenty-second of August, on board the ocean steamer " Baltic," which had also on board four other regiments of the Ohio Brigade, to which the Fifth Michigan was at that time temporarily at- tached. The ship moved down the Potomac early in the morning of the twenty-third, but had only proceeded as far as Matthias' Point when she grounded on a sand-bar, and remained fast in that position for four days. By removing the anchor, three hundred tons of coal, and two regi- ments, and with the assistance of five tug-boats, she at last got afloat, and moved down the river through Chesapeake Bay to the ocean, and turned northward towards her destination (which was the city of New York) and arrived there on the thirtieth. The troops, which had been sent here to assist in quelling the draft riots, if necessary, were disem- barked on Governor's Island. The Third Michigan Regiment had preceded the Fifth by another vessel, and these two regiments were immediately ordered to proceed up the Hudson River to Troy. They embarked at once on a river steamer, reaching Troy the next morning. They were first quar- tered at the armor)', a day or two later at the court-house, and finally, on the fifth of September, were removed to the Fair-Grounds. The Trojans were very much surprised at seeing two Michigan regiments on their streets, but they received them most hospitably, so that the men of the Fifth counted their stay at Troy among the most pleas- ant of all their war e.xperiences. No duty beyond that of the camp- and drill-ground was required of the regiment during its sojourn at Troy, and, the necessity for its presence there having passed, it left on Sunday evening, September 13th, for New York by steamer, and, arriving there in the fol- lowing morning, left immediately by railroad for Washington, under orders to rejoin the Army of the Potomac. It arrived in Washington in the night of September 15th, and three days later proceeded to Ale.xandria, whence, after a stop of one day, it was moved to Culpeper Station, and from there marched to the camp of its old brigade, which was located near by. The brigade was the Third, of the First Division, Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. The Fifth moved on the seventh of November to the Rappahannock River, crossed at Kelly's Ford, and soon after moved to near Brandy Sta- tion, occupying a deserted camp of the enemy. On the twenty-sixth it crossed the Rapidan with the forces which were moving to Mine Run. Taking part in that e.xpedition, it was engaged at Locust Grove on the twenty-seventh, and there lost several killed and wounded. It reached the front of the enemy's works at Mine Run, where for thirty-si.x hours it remained in support of a battery. From Mine Run the Fifth fell back with the army, and again occupied its camp at Brandy Station, which became its winter quarters until the twenty-eighth, when (the requisite number of re- enlistments having been obtained) it left for Michi- gan, on veteran furlough. It arrived on the fourth of January at Detroit, which was designated as the rendezvous, and then the members entered upon a brief period of freedom and enjoyment with their families and friends. During its stay in Michigan, the regiment was considerably augmented by accessions of recruits, among whom were a large number from Living- ston County. In December, 1863, in anticipation of its return on veteran furlough, Mr. Andrew D. Waddell and Fred. E. Angel, of Howell, and S. T. Lyon, of Marion, commenced the raising of men in Howell and vicinity, for the purpose of joining the famous Fifth on its return to the field. Enlist- ments at that time were hard to obtain, and Mr. Waddell was assured by several that his efforts would be vain, but they persevered, and long be- fore the regiment was ready to return, these gen- tlemen had obtained more than enough men for a full company. On account of the decimated con- dition of the regiment, however, it was considered most expedient to distribute these new men among •the several companies, rather than to keep them together, and this course was accordingly pursued, although it had been the expectation of most of the men to be placed in the Livingston company (I), formerly commanded by Captain Gilluly. The recruits raised by Mr. Waddell were taken to Pon- tiac, where they were examined and accepted, and they joined the regiment about the first of Feb- ruary, 1864. The names of the men raised by Messrs. Waddell and Angel, and mustered into the service for the Fifth Regiment, were the fol- loAvincr : FIFTH INFANTRY. 73 William Cooper. James Canficld. Philo Curtis. Cliarles Culver. Amos Smith. W. H. Curtis. David Robinson. Thomas Marr. Noah Boothby. Frederick Zeitz. Chester Albright. George Newton. Charles H. Smith. A. J. Carl. W. L. Whited. Isaac Felter. H. E. Glover. Ezra Whitaker. Frank Jordan. Ed. Ware. Andrew Wall. George Pennell. William Brooks. E. H. Smith. Asa Wilson. C. L. Carpenter. A. J. Allen. J. Cummings. W. J. Barrett. George Barnard. W. S. Sharp. A. Gundling. H. Phelps. Charles Neely. W. Cooper, Jr. H. Carl. John Hildebrant. M. Hart. H. Pate. J. Root. S. P. Lord. John Wehnes. C. B. Whitaker. J. M. Ross. D. H. Smith. G. H. Cooper. O. S. Bentley. C. Haines. R. Waldron. J. Sawyer. E. H. Hart. D. Lord. H. Boen. E. R. Brockway. A. J. Whitaker. George Young. W. G. Clayton. A. J. Wells. J. G. Phillips. E. Lansing. G. W. Axtell. Sydney Carpenter. Peter Woll. Charles Hildebrant. George Bronnar. Mr. Waddcll was commissioned first lieutenant of Company I, and remained with that company until mustered out in June, 1864, by reason of the consolidation of the Third and Fifth Regiments. After the war he was a member of the Fifth Mich- igan Veteran Volunteer Infantry Association, and was president of that association in 1877 and 1878. Mr. Angel was commissioned second lieutenant of Company I, and remained with it until mustered out on account of the consolidation. Mr. S. T. Lyon was commissioned second lieutenant in the Fifth, promoted to first lieutenant June 10, 1864, and to captain September 15th, in the same year. He remained with the regiment through the cam- paigns of 1864 and 1865, and until the time of its muster out and disbandment. On the tenth of February the Fifth Regiment, composed of veterans and recruits, left Detroit on its return to the Army of the Potomac. An ac- count of its return, and of events following, until the opening of the campaign of the Wilderness in May, 1864, is given by a member of the regiment, 10 — Mr. A. K. Sweet, of Detroit, — in the following words : "We arrived in Washington on the thirteenth, and remained until the seventeenth, when we left for the front. Arrived at Brandy Station in the afternoon of the same day, and at once proceeded to camp, a distance some four miles northwest from the town. The day was bitter cold, and the wind, as it blew full in our faces from off the snow- covered peaks of the Blue Ridge, seemed to chill us to the very marrow in our bones. It was nearly sunset when we reached the spot selected for our camp. The prospect was anything but cheerful. No comfortable huts, such as we had occupied before leaving for home ; only the frozen ground for a bed, and on this, with only our blankets for a protection against the chilling blast, we passed the night, — a night as cold as any February night in Michigan. " This first taste of soldiering was rather rough on our new recruits, fully two-thirds of whom were without blankets or overcoats, having been unable to obtain a complete outfit before leaving De- troit. . . . " The next day, towards evening, the First United States Sharpshooters sent over and re- moved our sick to their camp, where they could have proper hospital accommodation, and on the following morning they supplemented this act of kindness by sending us fifteen axes with which to assist us in the construction of our huts. The axes were very opportune, as we did not have a dozen in the entire regiment. " Favors like these, though they may not appear large when recited, yet coming at a time when sorely needed, they made a warm spot, which never quite grew cold in our hearts for the gallant Boys in Green. "In a few days we had our huts constructed, and were in tolerably comfortable winter quarters. " On the first and second of March the regi- ment participated in a reconnoissance by the First Division of the corps on the left of the rebel posi- tion, to create a diversion in favor of Kilpatrick, who was just starting on his famous raid, passing around the rear of the rebel army, and up to the very gates of Richmond. The weather was ex- tremely disagreeable. A heavy rain falling most of the time, and freezing as it came, covered every- thing with a glaze of ice, and rendered the march heavy and difficult, and bivouac cheerless and cold. The movement being merely a feint to divert the enemy's attention, no fighting occurred, and little of incident happened worthy of record. On the third, about noon, the regiment returned to camp, wet, tired, and hungry. They had barely 74 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. iinslung their knapsacks, when an order came call- ing for a detail of one hundred and eighty men and seven officers, for picket duty. The luckless ones whose fortune it was to be detailed, had just time to cook their coffee and draw an extra supply of rations, before they had to sling knapsacks and light out again. The recruits by this time came to the conclusion that soldiering meant business, and a plenty of it. The detail, however, was re- lieved the ne.xt morning, and returned to camp. " Towards the last of March a general order was issued dissolving the First and Third Corps, and consolidating the troops with those of the Second, Fifth, and Si.xth Corps. The First and Second Divisions of the Third Corps were transferred to the Second Corps, and consolidated and constituted the Third Division. The Third Division of the corps was transferred to the Sixth Corps. Thus was wiped out of existence the gallant old Third Corps, with which our fortunes had so long been associated, and of which we formed a part. Its glorious name, which we in some small degree had helped to make illustrious, and in which we justly felt a soldier's pride, became one of the things that were. The corps had long been a mere skeleton of its former self The old Third Division had been consolidated with the First and Second, immediately after the battle of Gettysburg, and a new division of ten thousand fresh troops, under command of General French, added. The old commanders of heroic fame, whom the men had learned to love and respect, had gone, and a stranger filled the place of command made glorious by Heintzelman and Hooker. Still the glorious associations that clustered around the name gave it a tender place in our hearts, and when at last its death-knell struck, and the men so long associated in a common history of the toil and triumph sepa- rated to their various destinations, many a brave fellow felt a twinge of sorrow and pain like that which pierces the heart as we stand at the grave of a friend, and the cold clods of the valley close over the dear face and shut it from our sight for- ever. . . . " On the thirty-first of March we broke camp and marched to the south side of the railroad in the vicinity of Brandy Station, and took up our new quarters in the Second Brigade, Third Division, and Second Corps. The men were allowed to retain the diamond badge, — a deference to their feelings which was thankfully appreciated. The sense of pain and disgrace slowly passed away as we became better acquainted with our new com- panions in arms, for they were as fine a corps of men as the Army of the Potomac or any other in the world coyld boast, and we were now under command of a general of brilliant abilities and most intrepid bravery. General W. S. Hancock. General D. B. Birney, our old brigade and division commander, was in command of the division. We soon began to feel at home in our new relations, and with the old red diamond to remind us of the glorious past, we were soon ready as ever to do and dare for the honor of the old flag and the suc- cess of the common cause. "... Towards the last of April nature had begun to spread her rich garniture of green over hill and plain, and soft gales from Southland fanned us with the first delicious breath of spring. The warm sunshine, as May approached, soon dried up the mud from the spring rains, and the roads were once more in a condition for the movement of army trains. On every hand the sure indications of an early opening of field operations were appa- rent. A few days of bustle and preparation and the last finishing touches are complete. A week of comparative quiet followed, like the lull that precedes the bursting of the storm, and then, on the evening of the 3d of May, the first move in what will go down to history as the great cam- paign of the war commenced. No drum-beat or bugle-note sounds a warning, but silently as spec- tres in a dream, regiments, brigades, and divisions leave their camps and fall into line. Already the vanguard is on the march, and the dull tramp, tramp, comes from out the darkness mingled with the low rumbling of the artillery and baggage trains. Tiie camp-fires, as they light up the scene with their fitful glare, reveal the faces of the men as they stand leaning on their guns awaiting their turn to fall into the line of march. They have little time to wait, for everything moves with clock- like precision, and the long lines follow each other in quick succession and disappear in the darkness, until at last what was a few hours before a vast city of snowy tents, with streets thronging with busy life, is now one vast tenantless expanse of smouldering camp-fires, over which broods the midnight stillness, unbroken save by the echoes that come fainter and fainter from the distant foot- steps of the receding hosts. " Tlie morning finds us still on the march and ncaring the Rapidan, which we cross without op- position at Ely's Ford, about nine a.m. We rest half an hour on the heights beyond, from which we enjoy a fine view of the surrounding country, — a picturesque succession of hill and plain, with its distant background of mountains against the western horizon. " The men, having marched all night with only a short respite at sunrise for coffee and " hard tack," begin to feel the need of rest and sleep. But the FIFTH INFANTRY. 75 march is soon resumed and piislied forward at a rapid pace. The weather was uncommonl}' hot for the time of year, and the narrow forest-roads, walled in on either side by a dense undergrowth, afforded scarce a breath of cooling air. It was the first march of the season, and the men had not become hardened to fatigue by exposure. But tired, sleepy, and footsore, we hobbled on as best we could until about two p.m., when wo arrived on the okl battle-ground of ChancellorsviUeand halted for the rest of the day. "How familiar looks every object around I There is the old Chancellorsville House, where General Hooker had his headquarters. But only the roofless, blackened walls remain ; the rest was destroyed by fire during the battle. Farther on is the little country cemetery, with its white fence and the white farm-house standing near, around which raged the fiercest tide of battle on that lovely Sabbath morning in May. There is the field hard by where the regiment lay for two hours or more the target for a rebel battery. Just across that low swale, a little to the left, is the open field where that battery stood, and on which, the night before, Birney's division formed for the midnight charge; and there, too, is the thick liedge of cedars bordering the field, through which we tore our way to the charge, making night hideous with yell and whoop and wild uproar, as if Pandemo- nium had turned loose all its fiends at once. " There is the old rifle-pit along the edge of the swale still standing, and the narrow belt of open timber between it and the plank- road, where the regiment rallied after the uproar had subsided, and, in blissful ignorance of our imminent danger, passed the remainder of the night in sleep. And here on the same ground and almost the identical spot we again bivouac for the night." The men of the Fifth had started on the cam- paign each carrj'ing five days' rations, and si.xty rounds of ammunition. In tiic morning of the fifth of May the regiment left its bivouac at Chan- cellorsville, and moved on the road leading to Orange Court-House. The enemy was met, and a desperate battle ensued. On the morning of the si.xth the regiment was again engaged, making a successful charge on the rebel works, and suffer- ing, in this as in the fight of the previous day, a heavy loss in killed and wounded. An idea of the work done then by the- Fifth may be had from the fact that of the twenty-six men of Company I who entered the fight on the fifth, seventeen were killed or wounded. A list of the killed and wounded of that coinpan\- on the fifth and morning of the si.\th was taken on the field by Lieutenant W'ad- dell, and is as follows: Philo Curtis. George W. Cooper. C. Hoynes. Henry Carl. Joseph Pruden, Jr. Wounded. William Cooper. A. J. Whitaker. William L. Whited. F. Zeitz. Noah Boothby. David Robinson. Julius H. Root. Charles B. Whitaker. Ezra Whitaker. Isaac Felter. Chester Albright.* O. S. Bentley. John M. Ross. George Barnard. Charles Culver. James Canfield. Alissi/ij;:. Richard Sharp. The Fifth was again engaged with the enemy on the eighth of May, and lay under a heavy artil- lery fire until noon of the tenth. It fought again on the eleventh, and (with the remnant of the Third Michigan, which was acting with it) took part in the charge on the enemy's works at Spott- sylvania Court-House on the twelfth. In this charge it captured two stands of the rebel colors. From Spottsylvania it moved forward by forced marches, and, on the twenty-third of May, took part in the assault of the works on the north bank of the North Anna River, at Jericho Bridge ; the regiment carried them, captured a number of pris- oners, and drove the rebel force across the river. In the afternoon of the twenty-fourth the regi- ment crossed the river under a very heavy artil- lery fire, and again drove the enemy from his position. On the twenty-seventh it recrossed the North Anna and marched to the Pamunkey River, which it crossed the same day. From the twenty-eighth to the thirt\--first of May the wearied and hungry men worked day and night throwing up fortifications, and, on the latter date, the regi- ment took part in a charge upf)n a line of works, which they gallantly carried. Marching from the Pamunkey, it reached Cold Harbor on the fifth of June, and immediately commenced the erection of earthworks. It remained here a week, and, du- ring that time, the Third Michigan Infantry (bav- ins become reduced to a mere skeleton, and the term of service of a large part of its men having e.xpired) was consolidated with the Fifth under the following field-order of the corps commander, viz. : " Hi:\i)QUARrKRS Shcond Akmy Corps, "June lo, i86.). ' ' Sjyecid/ Orders. (Extract.) "The term of service of the Third Micliigan Volun- teers having expired, that regiment, with tlie exception *\Voiin(K HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of re-enlisted men or such as have joined since date of original organization, and such officers as are hereafter designated to be retained, will at once proceed to Michigan, and report to the Superintendent of Re- cruiting for that State, for the purjjose of being dis- charged. Descriptive lists must accompany all men sent home. The remaining officers and men of the regiment will be formed into a battalion of four com- panies, to be attached to the Fifth Michigan Veteran Volunteers, which regiment will beat once consolidated into si.x companies, — and all officers not hereinafter designated to be retained will be mustered out of ser- vice. The following officers will be retained in the above organization : "Third Michigan Regiment. — Colonel B. R. Pierce, Captain Simon Brennan, Captain Daniel S. Root, Captain Thomas Tate, Lieutenant Daniel Converse, Lieutenant John F. McGinley, First Lieutenant Jerome B. Ten Eyck, First Lieutenant Charles A. Price. " Fifth Michigan Hegiment. — Major S. S. Matthews, Surgeon Henry F. Lyster, Assistant-Surgeon P. B. Ross, Adjutant George W. Waldron, Regimental Quarter- master Hudson B. Blackman, Captain William Waken- shaw, Captain Charles AL Gregory, Captain James W. Colville, Captain Amos A. Rouse, Captain Edgar H. Shook, Captain James O. Gunsally, First Lieutenant Walter Knox, First Lieutenant John Braden, First Lieutenant Andrew Hamlin, Second Lieutenant George B. Dudley, Second Lieutenant S. S. Lyon. "This order is subject to the approval of higher authority. "By command of Major-General Hancock. (Signed) " Franxis A. Walker, ' ' Assistant Adjutant- General. ' ' The order was confirmed by the War Depart- ment on the thirteenth of June. By its operation some of the officers of the regiment, belonging to Livingston County, were necessarily mustered out of the service. The Fifth left Cold Harbor June I2th, crossed the Chickahominy at Long Bridge on the same day, reached and crossed the James River on the fourteenth, and arrived in front of Petersburg late in the night of the fifteenth. On the following day, towards evening, it was engaged with the enemy, and carried the assaulted line of works. During all the memorable but monotonous siege of Petersburg, from the time when the regiment reached the front of that stronghold until the close of the great drama of tlie Rebellion, the service of the Fifth Michigan embraced a series of move- ments, changes of position, labors on fortifications, picket and railroad duty, life in the trenches, march- ings, skirmishings, and battles, which it would be too tedious to follow or to enumerate. In its assaults upon the works in front of Petersburg, during the campaign of 1864, its loss was fifteen killed, fifty-two wounded, and nineteen missing, — total, eighty-si.K. It fought at Deep Bottom, July 27th, 28th, with a loss of twelve wounded, and at Boydton Plank-Road, October 27th, losing nine killed, fifty-two wounded, and forty-three missing. It was also engaged at Strawberry Plains, August 14th to 17th, and at Poplar Spring Church on the thirtieth of September. During the year follow- ing the commencement of the Mine Run expedi- tion, in November, 1863, the total loss of the regi- ment, in killed, wounded, and missing, was five hundred and forty-nine. From October, 1S64, to the middle of January, 1865, the Fifth occupied Fort Davis, in tiie front line of works at Petersburg. On the fifteenth of January it formed a part of the force with which General Warren made his raid southward to the Weldon Railroad ; and after its return from that e.K- pedition, was posted for about two weeks at Hum- phrey's Station, and then moved back to the front of Petersburg, and remained there until the twenty- fifth of March, when it moved with other forces to Hatcher's Run, and took part in the assault on the works at that place, sustaining the weight of a heavy engagement for four hours. In the final as- sault on Petersburg the Fifth took part, and is said to have been the first to plant its colors on the captured works. On the si.xth of April, the regi- ment with its brigade attacked the retreatinrr enemy at Sailor's Creek, and captured a stand of colors and a large number of prisoners. The enemy being followed closely by the brigade on the seventh and eighth of April, the Fifth Regi- ment, acting as flankers and skirmishers, became engaged at New Store, but with slight loss. And finally, on the ninth, it was present in the front, in line of battle, at the surrender of the Confederate army by General Lee. It lay at Glover Hill, near the place of surrender, until the thirteenth, when it moved back to Burkeville, and on the first of May started on the march to Washington by way of Richmond. The regiment took its place in the great review of the Army of the Potomac, at Washington, May 23d, and remained in the vicinity of the city until June loth, when it left for the West, proceeding by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Park- ersburg, West Virginia, and thence by steamer on the Ohio to Louisville, which place it reached on the fourteenth. Moving to Jeffersonville, on the north side of the Ohio, it remained there until July 4th, when it was mustered out of the service as a regiment, and on the sixth left by railroad for De- troit, where it arrived on the eighth, and where, on the seventeenth of July, 1865, the men of the Fighting Fifth received their pay and discharge. FIFTH INFANTRY. 11 MEMBERS OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT, FROM LIV- INGSTON COUNTY. Field and Staff. Lieutennnl-Colonel John GiUiily, liris^liton, captain, August 28, 1861 ; killed in action at Fredericksburg, Virginia, Decem- ber 13, 1862. Quartermaster Hudson B. Blackman, Howell, lieutenant, August 28, 1861 ; mustered out at end of service, August 28, 1864; appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, United States Army. Sergeant-Major George P. Dudley, Brighton, promoted to second lieutenant, Company A, November 17, 1S62. Cofiipaiiy A. Second Lieutenant George P. Dudley, Brighton, November 17, 1862; promoted to tirst lieutenant, July 4, 1S63. Company F. Corporal James Darling, enlisted August 28, 1861 ; December 12, 1863, sergeant; transferred to Company D, June 10, 1S64; veteran. Company I. Captain John Gilluly, Brighton, commissioned August 27, 1861 ; promoted to lieutenant-colonel, July 18, 1S62. First Lieutenant Hudson B. Blackman, Howell, commissioned August 27, 1861 ; a|ipointed first lieutenant and regimental quartermaster, June 19, 1861. First Lieutenant Charles H. Dennison, Brighton, commissioned .September 4, 1861 ; resigned March 6, 1862; was second lieutenant August 27, 1861 ; promoted to first lieutenant. First Lieutenant Andrew D. Waddell, Howell, February i, 1864 ; mustered out June 9, 1864, by consolidation of the 5lh and 3d Regiments. Second Lieutenant Fred. W. Kimberk, Brighton, resigned May 27, 1862. Second Lieutenant George W. Rose, Brighton, May 28, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant. Company 15, July 22, 1862. Second Lieutenant John H. Stevens, Hartland, June 22, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant. Company K, January 25, 1863. Second Lieutenant Fred. E. Angel, Howell, enlisted February i, 1864; mustered out June 9, 1864. Sergeant George \V. Rose, Brighton, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; promoted to second lieutenant. May 28, 1862. Sergeant Fred. W. Kimberk, Brighton, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; promoted to second lieutenant, June 19, 1S61. Sergeant J. Ashley Pond, Howell, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; killed in action at Williamsburg, Virginia, May 5, 1S62. Sergeant Cyrenus II. Saddler, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; dis- charged for disability, November 3, 1862. Sergeant George P. Dudley, Brighton, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; promoted to sergeant-major, September 17, 1862. Corporal John Monroe, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; died of wounds, at p'ortress Monroe, May 27, 1862. Corporal William H. Pullen, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; transferred to Company B. Corporal William II. Bingham, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; dis- charged for disability, September 24, 1862. Corporal John V. Gilbert, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; discharged for disability. Corporal John H. Stevens, Hartland, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; promoted to second lieutenant, June 22, 1862. Privates. Charles Abrams, Brighton, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; veteran, December 15, 1863; corporal; transferred to Company C; mustered out at Detroit, July 10, 1865. Abraham P. Ackerman, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; transferred to Company C ; killed in action at New Market, Virginia, June I, 1864. Gains B. Ollsaver, Hamburg, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; discharged for disability, January 6, 1863. Andrew J. Allen, Marion, enlisted December 14, 1S63; trans- ferred to Company C ; mustereted August 27, 1861 ; killed in action at Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 13, 1862. Samuel Sutton, enlisted August 10, 1861 ; killed in action at Wil- liamsburg, Virginia, May 5, 1862. Samuel C. Taylor, enlisted December 24, 1863; veteran, corporal, from Company I, 3d Infantry; mustered out July 5, 1865. Chauncey B. Taylor, enlisted December 24, 1863; veteran, musi- cian, from Company 1, 3d Infantry ; mustered out July 5, 1865. Charles Thayer, Howell; enlisted September 6, 1861; killed in action at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863. Levi Townsend, enlisted August 27, 1861; discharged for dis- ability, March 23, 1S63. Lewis C. Tupper, enlisted February 24, 1862; veteran, February 22, 1864; prisoner, April 19, 1865 ; mustered out July 5, 1865. Andrew J. Whitaker, enlisted December 24, 1863; absent, sick; not mustered out with company. Daniel Wilcox, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; discharged for dis- ability, June 4, 1862. Alexander C. Wilcox, enlisted September 4, 1861 ; discharged for disability, December, 1862. George S. Winegar, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; veteran, December 15, 1863, corporal; died of disease, October 29, 1864. John B. Wood, enlisted September 6, 1861; veteran, February 22, 1864; mustered out July 5, 1865. Luke Wood, enlisted August 27, 1S61 ; mustered out at end of service, August 27, 1864. Heniy P. Wright, enlisted August 27, 1861; discharged for dis- ability, July 23, 1862. Adolphus II. Winters, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; transferred to Invalid Corps, May 15, 1864. Andrew J. Verrington, enlisted August 27, 1861 ; died of wounds at Washington, January 8, 1S63. Frederick Zeits, enlisted December 17, 1S63; mustered out July 5, 1865. Company A. Ch.arles Corey, Hamburg, enlisted December 23, 1863; veteran; mustered out July 22, 1865. Luther H. Frink, Howell, enlisted Februaiy 18, 1862; mustered out March 2, 1865. Thomas G. Marr, Howell, enlisted December 19, 1863; died in Andcrsonville prison, July 7, 1864. Romaine Waldron, Oceola, enlisted January 12, 1864; diel of disease, March 20, 1S64. NINTH AND FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. 79 Company B. Elias R. BrocUway, Iosco, enlisted Deccmlier 30, 1863; nnistevcd out June 6, 1865. Noah r.i)othl>y, Howell, enlisted December 15, 1863; mustered out July 20, 1S65. Howard E. Glover, Howell, enlisted December 17, 1S63; mustered out May 29, 1865. Emile Glenellinj;, Genoa, enlisted December 30, 1S63; died of disease at Washington, May I, 1S64. Merritt S. Havens, Marion, enlisted December 21, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. Merrill Harrington, Brighton, enlisted August 9, 1861 ; discharged at end of service, August 28, 1864. Samuel P. Lord, Handy, enlisted December 24, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1S65. David Lord, Handy, enlisted December 24, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. Henry Pate, Howell, enlisted December 19, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. David Robinson, Howell, enlisted December 19, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. William S. Sharp, Genoa, enlisted December 24, 1S63; mustered out July 5, 1865. Company D. George W. Axtell, Howell, enlisted December 22, 1863 ; mustered out May 13, 1865. Edwin H. Smith, Howell, enlisted December 22, 1863; supposed to have died in Richmond prison. George Young, Iosco, enlisted December 21, 1S63; supposed to have died in Richmond prison. Company G. Captain George W. Rose, promoted from first lieutenant. Company B; mortally wounded at the Wilderness; died at Washington, District of Columbia. .Solomon T. Lyon, M.^rion, captain .September 15, 1864; first lieutenant June 10, 1864; second lieutenant February I, 1S64; mustered out with the regiment. Chester Albright, Howell, enlisted December, 1863; promoted to corporal; killed at the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. Benjamin Bashford, Marion, enlisted December 11, 1863; mus- tered out July 19, 1865. William Bock, Howell, enlisted December 22, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. William H. Curtis, Howell, enlisted December 21, 1863; died of disease at Washington, April, 1864. Philo Curtis, Howell, enlisted December 31, 1863 ; died in action May 5, 1864, Wilderness. Hiram Deunison, Brighton, enlisted January 26, 1864; died in Andersonville prison, June 30, 1864. Edward Hart, Howell, enlisted December 21, 1863; died of dis- e.-ise, April t6, 1865. David Hoyt, Iosco, enlisted Februaiy 24, 1S64; mustered out June 24, 1865. John Lawyer, enlisted January 12, 1864; mustered out July 5, 1865. Simon B. Merrill, Iosco, enlisted December 26, 1863; died in An- dersonville prison, August 30, 1864. Jos. Preston, Howell, enlisted February 22, 1864; mustered out July 14, 1865. Jos. I'rudden, Jr., Howell, enlisted Februaiy 27, 1864; died in battle May 6, 1864, Wilderness. George Pennell, Howell, enlisted December 21, 1863; died in York, Pennsylvania, .Vugu^t 9, 1864. William M. Saunders, Howell, enlisted December 10, 1863; dis- charged for disability, February 6, 1 865. D.aniel H. Smith, Iosco, enlisted December 16, 1863; mustered out June 7, 1865. William Scrive, Marion, enli.-,ted January 20, 1864; died of dis- ease at Brandy Station, March 24, 1S64. Noah S. Van Gorder, Iosco, enlisted December 5, 1863; mustered out June 7, 1865. George Westmoreland, Marion, enlisted December 29, 1863; died of wounds at Petersburg, Virginia, October 28, 1864. Elisha C. Wright, Iosco, enlisted December 28, 1863; mustered out June 7, 1865. Company H. Willi.am Cooper, Sr., Howell, enlisted December 23, 1863; mus- tered out July 5, 1865. Isaac Felter, Howell, enlisted December 30, 1863; died in battle May 6, 1864, Wilderness. Marvin Gould, Marion, enlisted December 29, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. Marion Hart, Howell, enlisted December 26, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. Christopher Haynes, Howell, enlisted January 4, 1864; died in battle M.ay 6, 1864, Wilderness. Henry Phelps, Genoa, enlisted December 26, 1863 ; died in battle South Side Railroad, October 27, 1864. William W. Roberts, Handy, enlisted January 4, 1864; mustered out July 5, 1865. Andrew Wall, Handy, enlisted December 28, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. Peter Wall, Howell, enlisted December, 1863; killed June 16, 1S64, at Petersburg. Edwin Ware, Handy, enlisted December 23, 1863 ; mustered out July 5, 1865. Company A. Abram Neely, Genoa, enlisted March 30, 1864; killed in action at Petersburg, June 16, 1864. Charles L. Neely, Genoa, enlisted December 31, 1863; mustered out July 6, 1865. Alva W. Scofield, enlisted December 15, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1S65. Charles Whitaker, Oceola, enlisted December 14, 1863; died at Washington, June 21, 1864, of wounds. Ezra Whitaker, Howell, enlisted December 22, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1S65. CHAPTER VIII. NINTH AND FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. Organization of the Xinth — Volunteers from Livingston — Depar- ture of the Regiment — .Service in Kentucky — Battle and Dis- aster at Murfreesboro" — Engagements at Tyree .Springs, Tennes- see, and Mumfordsville, Kentucky — High Opinion of the Ninth expressed by General Thomas — Assignment of the Regiment to Duty at Army Headi^uarters — Veteran Re-enlistment and Fur- lough — Return to Duty in the Army of the Cumberland — The Regiment on Duly at Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville — Muster Out — Members of the Ninth from Livingston County — The Fifteenth Infantry — Representation of Livingston County in the Regiment — Organization and Departure of the Fifteenth — Battles of Pittsburg Landing and Corinth — Siege and Surren- der of Vicksburg — Transfer of the Fifteenth to the .\rniy of the Cumberland — Veteran Reenlislmcnt and Furlough^Campaign of .\tlani.a — Operations in Nurth .\labam.i — The March to the Sea, and through the Carolinas — Transfer to Arkansas — Return to Michigan, and Final Discharge and Disbandment. NINTH INFANTRY. The Ninth Infantry Regiment of Michigan was raised during the latter part of the summer, and in the early autumn of the year 1861. Its rendez- vous was at Fort Wayne, Detroit, where its organi- 8o HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. zation was perfected, under the following officers : William W. Duffield, Colonel ; John G. Parkhurst, Lieutenant-Colonel; Dorus M. Fox, Major ; Ennis Church, Surgeon ; Cyrus Smith, Assistant Sur- geon ; James G. Portman, Chaplain ; Henry M. Duffield, Adjutant; Charles H. Irwin, Quarter- master. In the ranks of the Ninth, during its term of service, were nearly two hundred men from Liv- ingston ; the county being most numerously rep- resented in Company K, but to a less extent in A, D, H, and I, and having a few men in four of the other five companies. The company which was distinctively composed of Livingston County men was recruited by Captain John A. Tanner, and having been sufficiently filled for muster, left the county on the ninth of October, 1861, and pro- ceeded to the regimental rendezvous at Fort Wayne. Following is a list of the members of the company at that time. It does not exactly corre- spond with the roster of the company as mustered, but is given here as showing who were the volun- teers who accompanied Captain Tanner to the ren- dezvous, with the expectation of joining and serv- ing with the regiment. Captain, John A. Tanner. First Lieutenant, Thomas J. Conely. Second Lieutenant, L. V. Curry. First Sergeant, Josiaii Hayner. Second Sergeant, John Gould. Third Sergeant, Charles Tanner. Fourth Sergeant, Albert Benjamin. Fifth Sergeant, George G. Smith. First Corporal, G. L. Fisher. Second Corporal, Melvin Munson. Third Corporal, George Fowler. Fourth Corporal, Jerome G. Buckland. Fifth Corporal, Charles Brink. Sixth Corporal, George Stafford. Seventh Corporal, Aaron Sherman. Eighth Corporal, Zenas Palmerton. Drummer, Henry Tanner. Bass Drummer, Homer Handy. Fifer, William J. Taylor. Wagoner, Samuel Pardee. Charles Avis. Peter Butler. Jerome Bussey. VV. E. Bennett. James Butcher. Marvin Benjamin. Eli Bo wen. Orrin Bowen. John Baumann. Privates. Charles Brink. Winton B. Brooks. V. M. Curry. James Culiton. Urial Comstock. Daniel Countryman. John Copland. James B. Cole. Wardwell Chase. Lyman Carl. Ira Campbell. Abraham Comstock. Edgar Durfee. Joseph De Witt. Joseph Duffie. G. W. Dunlap. Jacob Dingman. John De Forest. E. D. Fuller. William Fowler. H. E. Gibson. John R. Hubbell. George W. Hoyt. John Hogg. Charles Harrington. George Harrington. Richard H. Jones. William Knowles. J. M. Logan. Henry Musson. John H. Mills. Calvin Moon. Edwin Metcalf George Newbery. William Otto. William H. Ostrom. George H. Phillips. Samuel Rust. William Renn. W\ H. Renn. George Schaffer. Milo Sawyer. Allen Slayter. W. E. Swinie. John Swinie. Francis Smith. Samuel W. Smith. Gardiner Smith. V. C. Smith. R. C. Smith. James Stage. Alvin Stage. Chauncey Spearer. Everett Sargent. John Tackle. Alphonzo Tenney. Gardiner Vanzile. Calvin Wilson. Henry Wort. Jesse Wilcox. Charles Welcher. Ezra Whitaker. Amos Weller. The regiment having been armed with weapons of an inferior class, was mustered into the United States service for three years, by Captain H. R. Mizner, United States Army, at the rendezvous, October 23d and 25th, 1861, and on the last-named day left Detroit for the seat of war in the South- west, being the first regiment from Michigan which entered the field in the Western departments. It reached Jeffersonville, Indiana, on the twenty-sev- enth, and on the following day was moved by steamboat to Salt River, Kentucky. It was soon after engaged in the construction of a defensive work on Muldraugh's Hill, and made its winter quarters in that vicinity. During their stay at that place the men of the Ninth were terribly afflicted with measles and other disorders, as many as four hundred having been on the sick list atone time. Immediately after the fall of Fort Donelson, the regiment was moved by transports from Salt River to Nashville, Tennessee, where it remained for some weeks; then moved to Murfreesboro', and was posted there from April to July, as one of the chain of detachments which were placed to guard the rear and communications of General O. M. Mitchell, in his advance on Huntsville, Ala- bama. During that time it formed part of the force with which General Negley made a demon- NINTH AND FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. 8i stration against Chattanooga, reaching the noitli bank of the Tennessee River, opposite the town. After that expedition it was again stationed at Murfreesboro' and vicinity, and on the thirteenth of Jul)- the six companies wiiicii were at that place (the other four, under command of Major Fo.x, being at TuUahoma) were attacked by a body of the enemy's cavalry, three thousand five hundred strong, under General N. B. Forrest. Of this bat- talion of the Ninth at Murfreesboro' one company was quartered in the court-house, and five com- panies were camped in a body in the northeastern outskirts of the village, — all under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Parkhurst. Colonel Duffield was present but not on duty; he having arrived in the evening of the eleventh, in company with General Crittenden, on business connected with the formation of a new brigade, of which Colonel Duffield was to have the command. The Third Minnesota Infantry Regiment was encamped on the bank of Stone River, less than two miles to the northwest of the town, and with it was Hewett's (First Kentucky) Battery. Forrest's attack on the camp of Lieutenant-Colo- nel Parkhurst's battalion was made at four o'clock in the morning of Sunday the thirteenth of July. He had evidently expected that it would be a sur- prise, but such did not prove to be the case, for Colonel Parkhurst had suspected, or had by some means been warned of, their approach, and prepared to give them a very warm reception. The result was that the first attack was successfully repelled, with considerable loss to the enemy, who then withdrew, and proceeded to attack the company occupying the court-house. Upon the withdrawal of the enemy from his front, Colonel Parkhurst at once dispatched a messenger to the colonel of the Third Minnesota, at Stone River, informing him of the situation, and asking him to come to his (Parkhurst's) assistance. With this request the officer in question, for what doubtless seemed to him good reasons, declined to comply. It was believed that he might have done so with good prospects of success, he having a comparatively large force, including an efficient battery. Cer- tainly any attempt of Colonel Parkhurst — with his little force of less than three hundred men, and no artillery — to effect a junction with the Minnesotians, in the face of such an overwhelming body of the enemy, would have been almost fool- hard}'. At the court-house the attacking party met a very warm reception from the defending garrison, who held them at bay for two long hours, and only surrendered when they found such a course inev- itable. Immediately after their capture they were 1 1 sent to the rear, in the direction of McMinnville, without an hour's delay, for the rebel commander believed that his work might at any moment be interrupted by Union reinforcements from either or all of the several detachments posted at differ- ent points in the vicinity; a very natural supposi- tion, which might very easily have been verified. From the siege of the court-house the enemy returned to the attack of Colonel Parkhurst's po- sition, which during the brief cessation of hostili- ties had been strengthened by such slight defenses as the men had been able to construct in the short time, and with the insufficient means and materials at their command. Slight as they were they af- forded some shelter to the defending force, who though outnumbered more than ten to one by their assailants, fought with the most determined and persistent bravery till past noon, when, as it became evident that they need look no longer for succor, and that further resistance was useless, their leader submitted to the inevitable, and sur- rendered. During the eight hours through which they had stood at bay their loss had been thirteen killed and eighty-seven wounded. The enemy admitted that his own loss in killed alone had been thirty-five, and there is little doubt that it was much beyond this figure. Among the cap- tured officers were -Lieutenant-Colonel Parkhurst and Captain Mansfield. The first was marched away by the victorious rebels. Captain Mansfield being unable to endure the march was left behind, paroled, as was also Colonel Duffield, who had been badly wounded during the fight. His com- panion in his unfortunate visit to the post — Gen- eral Crittenden — had also been captured at the hotel in the village, and was taken away with the other prisoners, to whose numbers was also added the Minnesota regiment before mentioned, and the men and officers of Hewett's Battery. At McMinnville, Forrest paroled the enlisted men whom he had captured, and they returned to Nashville, whence they were sent to Camp Chase. He, however, retained the officers and took them to Knoxville. From there they were sent to At- lanta, then to Madison, Georgia, where they re- mained for a considerable time, then to Columbia, South Carolina, to Salisbury, North Carolina, and finally to Libby prison, at Richmond, where they were eventually paroled. Colonel Parkhurst was exchanged in December, 1862. In the mean time the portion of the regiment which had escapee capture at Murfreesboro' had been engaged against the enemy at Tyree Springs, Tennessee, and at Munfordsvillc, Kentucky, about the time of Gen- eral Buell's advance from Louisville to Perryville and Bowling Green. 82 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.' On the twenty-fourth of December, 1862, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Parkhurst, then in command of the Ninth (Colonel Duffield was permanently disabled by the wounds received at Murfreesboro', and re- signed less than two months after that time), re- ported for duty at the headquarters of General Thomas, near Nashville, and was assigned to duty as provost-marshal ; his regiment (reorganized and with ranks refilled by the exchanged prisoners) being detailed as provost-guard of the Fourteenth Corps. The remark was made by Gen. Thomas, on the issuance of the order assigning it to that duty, that he had fully acquainted himself with the history of the part taken by the regiment in its de- fense of the post of Murfreesboro' against Forrest, and that just such a regiment was what he needed at his headquarters. The duty to which the Ninth was thus assigned was performed by the regiment from that time until the expiration of its term of service. For the manner in which it performed the duties de- volving on it at the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga (particularly the former). Colonel Parkhurst and the regiment were warmly compli- mented by General Thomas. When that general assumed the chief command of the Army of the Cumberland, after Chickamauga, Colonel Park- hurst (who received his promotion to the colonelcy February 6, 1863) was made provost-marshal gen- eral of the department, and the Ninth became pro- vost-guard at army headquarters. In December, 1863, the regiment, to the number of two hundred and twenty-nine, re-enlisted as a veteran organiza- tion, received a veteran furlough, and returned to Michigan iii a bod\', arriving at Coldwater in Jan- uary, 1864. At the expiration of its furlough, re- assembling at the same place, it left on the twen- tieth of February for the front, with its ranks filled to about five hundred men. At Chattanooga it returned to duty at headquarters, and in the sum- mer and fall of 1864 participated in all the opera- tions of the Army of the Cumberland in Georgia and Tennessee. It entered Atlanta on its evacua- tion by the enemy, and was there engaged in pro- vost duty till that city was abandoned by the Union forces, when it returned to Chattanooga. During October, sixty-nine members were dis- charged by expiration of their term of service, but as a large number of recruits had been received during the year, the regiment, on the first of No- vember, 1864, numbered eight hundred and ninety- seven enlisted men. It remained in Chattanooga until the twenty-seventh of March, 1865, when it was moved to Nashville. There it stayed on duty at headquarters and as guard at the military prison until the fifteenth of September, when it was mus- tered out of the service, and on the following day left for Michigan. It arrived at Jackson on the nineteenth of September, and one week later the men were paid off and disbanded, when they re- turned to their homes and to the avocations of peace. MEMBERS OF THE NINTH INFANTRY FROM LIV- ING.STON COUNTY. Non- Commissioned Staff. Sergecint-Maior Chavles D. Coleman, Pinckney, promoted to second lieutenant, Company C. Sergeant-Major Cliarles A. Kelly, Brighton, promoted to second lieutenant, Company I. (Juartermaster-Sergeant Charles Tanner, Handy, died of disease at Fowlerville, Michigan, December 23, 1863. Principal Musician Henry C. Tanner, Handy, mustereil out Sep- tember 15, 1S65; veteran. Company A — Frivates. John J. Bush, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1865; mustered out September 15, 1S65. Myron Balch, Conway, enlisted January 5, 1864; died at Chat- tanooga, Tennessee, April 16, 1864. Charles A. Cunningham, Hamburg, enlisted September 2, 1864; mustered out by order, June 20, 1865. Ira A. Cutler, Hamburg, enlisted September 2, 1864; mustered out by order, June 20, 1865. Charles W. Crippen, Handy, enlisted September 10, 1864; mus- tered out by order, June 20, 1865. Albert M. Drumm, Conway, enlisted September 6, 1864; mus- tered out by order, June 20, 1865. Purson W. Day, Handy, enlisted September 11, 1S64; mustered out by order, June 20, 1S65. M.Trcellus Dickinson, Handy, enlisted September 10, 1S64 ; mustered out by order, June 20, 1S65. Charles Fillmore, Hamburg, enlisted Septemljer 3, 1S64; mus- tered out by order, June 20, 1865, Ransom N. Fillmore, Hamburg, enlisted September 3, 1864; mustered out by order, June 20, 1865. Charles W. Graham, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1865; mustered out September 15, 1865. Henry R. Goodrich, Putnam, enlisted December 26, 1863; mustered out September 15, 1865. Wesley Mathews, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1S65 ; died of dis- ease at Nashville, Tennessee, July 5, 1865. Company B. Second Lieutenant Everett D. Sargent, Howell, November 3, 1864; mustered out September 15, 1865. Privates. George M. Black, Putnam, enlisted December 28, 1863; mus- tered out Septemiier 15, 1865. John M. Craig, Handy, enlisted January 2, 1864 ; mustered out September 15, 1865. Alanson B. Northrup, Handy, enlisted January 5, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1865. William P. Stowe, Handy, enlisted January 2, 1864; corporal; musiered out September 15, 1865. Company C. Second Lieutenant Charles D. Coleman, Pinckney, promoted to first lieutenant. Company D. Second Lieutenant John G. Gould, Fowlerville, .'Vugust 17, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant, November 14, 1864. Privates. (Jeorge Haviland, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1865; mustered out August iS, 1S65. NINTH AND FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. 83 George P. Day, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1865; died of disease at Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1S65. Compnuy D. Caiitaiii C. 1). Coleman, Pinckney, promoted from fust lieutenant; mustered out September 16, 1865. Privates. Lewis Menilt, Putnam, enlisted January 5, 1864; discharged for disability, June 22, 1865. William W. Coats, Cohoctab, enlisted August 25, 1862 ; transferred to Company \\; died at Murfreesboro', February 18, 1863. Henry Wells, Cim way, enlisted August 27, 1862; transferred to Comjiany H ; discharged by order, October 4, 1865. Joseph Murtagb, Putnam, enlisted January 4, 1S64; discharged for disability, September 20, 1864. Georjie D. Converse, Conway, enlisted September 10, 1S64; mustered out by order, June 20, 1S65. Homer A. Handy, Handy, enlisted September 10, 1864; mustered out by order, June 20, 1S65. Peter Buckley, Handy, enlisted M.-'rch 15, 1865; mustered out by order, August lo, 1865. Dell N. Lum, Conway, enlisted September r, 1S64; mustered out by order, June 20, 1865. Edwin A. Metcalf, Handy, enlisted September 10, 1S64; mus- tered out by order, June 20, 1865. Joseph D. Bowers, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1S65; mustered out September 15, 1865. John Q. Park, Handy, enlisted September 11, 1S64; mustered out by order, June 20, 1865. Oscar Rathburn, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1865; mustered out September 29, 1S65. Daniel Sabin, Conway, enlisted September lo, 1S64; mustered out by order, June 20, 1865. Company E. Simon S. Munn, Putnam, enlisted December 27, 1863; mustered out Septendjer 15, 1S65. William A. Benjamin, Conway, enlisted September 10, 1864; muaered out by order, June 20, 1865. Company F. Justus Coburn, enlisted August 14, i86t ; veteran, December 7, 1863; mustered out September 15, 1S65. James A. Worthington, Handy, enlisted September 16, 1864; discharged by order, June 20, 1S65. Company //. Allan Beebe, Tyrone, enlisted January 27, 1S64; discharged by order, September 7, 1865. George F. Burgess, Putnam, enlisted August 16, 1S61 ; discharged for disability, July 13, 1863. Elmore S. Filkins, Deerfield, enlisted August 16, 1861 ; norecoril. David Minnick, enlisted August 16, 1861 ; mustered out Septem- ber 15, 1865. Daniel Thayer, enlisted August l6, 1861 ; died of wounds at Nash- ville, November 30, 1862. Thomas Sharp, Oceola, enlisted August 16, 1861 ; no record. Arminus Springstein, Deerfield, enlisted August 16, 1861 ; dis- charged. Gordon Snell, Oceola, enlisted .\ugust 16, 1861 ; died at West Point, Kentucky. William Hendricks, enlisted March 29, 1862 ; veteran, March 26, 1864; corporal; mustered out September 15, 1S65. James Hendricks, enlisted March 29,1862; veteran, March 26, 1864; mustered out Septemlier 15, 1865. Patrick (J'Brien, died at Nashville, Tennessee, March 27, 1862. Oren M. Corey, Tyrone, enlisted January 25, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1865. Asa Cornell, Tyrone, enlisted January 8, 1864 ; died of disease at Nashville, May 13, 1864. George H. Fletcher, Tyrone, enlisted March 17, 1865; died of disease at Nashville, June 29, 1865. Frank Cranston, Tyrone, enlisted January 25, 1864; mustered out Scjitember 15, 1S65. John Damon, Putnam, enlisted January 5, 1864; mustered out September 15, 1865. Harrison Love, Tyrone, enlisted January 27, 1864 ; mustered out September 15, 1865. George H. Pliilli|)s, Putnam, enlisted December23, 1864; mustered out September 15, 1865. John B. Taylor, Putnam, enlisted December 28, 1864; mustered out September 15. 1865. Newell L. Tallmadge, Tyrone, enlisted January 29, 1S64; died at Tyrone, August 15, 1864. Eugene Slayton, Tyrone, enlisted March 15, 1865; mustered out September 15, 1865. Company I. P'rancis A. Clark, Brighton, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; discharged for disability, April 19, 1862. Hugh S. Anderson, mustered out September 15, 1865. Peter Ackerman, Brighton, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; mustered out at end of service, October 14, 1864. Sampson Carpenter, Brighton, enlisted August 15, 1861; mus- tered out at end of service, October 14, 1864. Finley Cliamberlin, Brighton, enlisted August 15,1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; sergeant; mustered out September 26, 1865. Isaac Crippen, Brighton, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; veteran, De- cember 7, 1863; sergeant; mustered out September 15, 1865. Alonzo Gushing, Brighton, enlisted August 15, i86r; mustered out September 15, 1865. James Haywood, Oceola, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; died of dis- ease at Nashville, December, 1862. Eli Lewis, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; discharged at end of ser- vice, October 14, 1864. Alfred C. Moon, Hamburg, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1S64. Edwin R. Murray, Brighton, enlisted August 15, 1S61 ; prisoner at Muifreesboro', July 13, 1862. Nathan Piatt, lirigbton, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; prisoner at Murfi-eesboro', July 13, 1862. John Rossiter, Hartland, enlisted August 15, 1S61 ; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1864. Francis M. Stockwell, Brighton, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; died of disease at West Point, Kentucky, November 21, 1861. Lorenzo Youngs, Oceola, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; veteran, De- cember 7, 1863 ; died of disease at Nashville, Tennessee, September 15, 1865. Henry Crippen, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; corporal; nlU^tere(l out September 15, 1S65. Charles A. Kelly, enlisted August 15^. 1861 ; sergeant; promoted to sergeant-major, January i, 1865. William L Morris, Hamburg, enlisted February 12, 1S64; mus- tered out September 15, 1865. Harrison Ciippen, enlisted August 15, 1861 ; discharged for disa- bility, November i, 1862. Francis D. Rogers, Brighton, enlisted January 26, 1864; mustered out September 15, 1863. William H. Spencer, Brighton, enlisted January 14, 1864; dis- charged by order. May 15, 1S65. David Stage, Conway, enlisted January 23, 1864; died of disease, August 16, 1S64, at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. James Greer, Putnam, enlisted December 28, 1863; mustered out September 15, 1865. Ernest Crippen, Brighton, enlisted September 12, 1864; discharged by Older, April 29, 1865. Fillmore Crippen, Brighton, enlisted September 12, 1864; dis- charged by oriler, June 20, 1865. 84 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. John Golt, Handy, enlisted Marcli 15, 1865; discharged by order, Sei)tember 23, 1S65, Samuel House, Handy, enlisted March 15, 1865; mustered out September 15, 1865. Company A'. John A. Tanner, captain, October 12, iS6l. Thomas J. Conely, first lieutenant, October 12, 1861 ; captain, July 28, 1S62. Second Lieutenant Lewis V. Curry, Brighton, resigned December 20, 1862. Sergeant Josiah Hayncr, Brighton, enlisted August 16, 1S61 ; transferred to Invalid Corps, April 10, 1864. Sergeant John G. Gould, Handy, enlisted August 30, 1861 ; vet- eran, Februaiy 20, 1864; promoted to second lieutenant. Company C. Sergeant Charles Tanner, Handy, enlisted September 23, i85i ; promoted to quartermaster-sergeant. Sergeant Albert Benjamin, Conway, enlisted September 24, 1861 ; discharged for disability at Detroit. Corporal George L. Fisher, Handy, enlisted September 20, 1861; sergeant; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1864. Corporal Melvin Munson, Handy, enlisted September 24, 1861 ; died at Elizabethtown, February 22, 1862. Corporal George Fowler, Brighton, enlisted August 16, 1S61 ; pro- moted in 1st Regiment, S. S., March 11, 1863. Corporal Jerome G. Buckland, Howell, enlisted September 25, 1S61; died at Tullahoma, Tennessee, of disease, August 25, 1862. Corporal George Stafford, Howell, enlisted September 27, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; sergeant; mustered out Septem- ber 15, 1S65. Corporal Aaron G. Sherman, Conway, enlisted October 3, 1861 ; died of disease at Murfreesboro', Tennessee, 1S62. Corporal Zenas Palmerton, Handy, enlisted September 14, 1S61 ; mustered out Septen\ber 15, 1865. Musician Henry C. Tanner, Handy, enlisted August 22, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1S63; appointed March 6, 1864. Musician William I. Taylor, Handy, enlisted October g, 1861; discharged at end of senice, October 14, 1864. Wagoner Samuel Pardee, Handy, enlisted September 21, 1861. /'nrtiUs. Charles Avis, Conway, enlisted September 24, 1861 ; died of wounds received in action at Murfreesboro*. Marvin Benjamin, Handy, enlisted September 14, 1S61 ; dis- charged for disability, March I, 1S63. William Emerson Bennett, Howell, enlisted October t, 1861 ; mustered out September 15, 1865; veteran, December 7, 1863. Eli Bowen, Handy, enlisted October 4, 1861 ; corporal ; mustered out September 15, 1865; veteran, December 7, 1863. Oren Bowen, Handy, enlisted October 5, i86l ; corporal; dis- charged by order, September 2S, 1S65; veteran. Winten B.Brooks, Howell, enlisted October 9, 1 861 ; sergeant; mustered out .September 15, 1865; veteran, December 7, 1S63. James Culiton, Brighton, enlisted September 21, 1S61 ; dischaiged for disability, March 6, 1S62. John G. Copeland, Conway, enlisted September 23, 1861 ; dis- charged at end of service, October 14, 1864. James W. Cole, Conway, enlisted September 26, 1861 ; discharged August 12, 1862. Wadwell Chase, Conway, enlisted October i, 1861 ; veteran, De- cember 7, 1S63; discharged by order, August 30, 1865. Lyman Carl, Handy, enlisted October i, 1861; died at Murfrees- boi-o', Tennessee, Januaiy 16, 1S63. Joseph Duffy, Howell, enlisted October i, 1S61; died at West Point, Kentucky, Octolier, 1861, John De Forest, Handy, enlisted September 20, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; mustered out September 15, 1S65. Jacob Dingman, Conway, enlisted September 20, 1861 ; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1864. George W. Hoyt, Handy, enlisted August 22, 1861 ; discharged for disability, November 5, 1862. Richard H. Jones, Handy, enlisted September 21, 1S61 ; dis- charged at end of service, October 14, 1864. William Knowles, ILandy, enlisted October 8, 1861 ; died of woiurds received at Murfreesboro', Tennessee. Henry Munson, Howell, enlisted September 26, 1861 ; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1864. John H. Mills, Howell, enlisted October 5, 1861 ; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1864. Calvin Moon, Handy, enlisted October 10, 1861 ; discharged in 1861. George Newberry, Hartland, enlisted September 23. 1861 ; killed in action, July 13, 1862. William Otto, Brighton, enlisted September 11, iS5i ; died of disease at Louisville, Kentucky. William H. Ostrom, Conway, enlisted September 27, 1861; vet- eran, December 7, 1863; sergeant; mustered out September 15,1865. George H. Phillips, Conway, enlisted October 7, l85l ; corporal; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1864. Samuel Rust, Conway, enlisted .September 24, 1861 ; killed in action, July 13, 1862, at Murfreesboro'. William H. Renn, Handy, enlisted August 22, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; mustered out September 15, 1865. George SchafTer, Marion, enlisted October 9, 1S61 ; died of wounds received in battle at Murfreesboro'. Milton S.rwyer, Cohoctah, enlisted September 26, 1861 ; died at Elizabethtown, Kentucky, February 22, 1S62. Allen Slayter, Handy, enlisted September 25, 1861 ; veteran, De- cember 7, 1863; discharged by order, August 28, 1865. Francis M. Smith, Conway, enlisted September 21, 1S61 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; mustered out September 15, 1865. Alvin Stage, Conway, enlisted September 23, 1861 ; discharged at end of service, October 14, 1864. James F. Stage, Conway, enlisted September 21, 1861 ; discharged at end of sen'ice, October 14, 1S64. Gardner S. Sinith, Howell, enlisted October 5, i86l ; died at Murfreesboro', Tennessee, June, 1862. Edmund L. Fuller, Conway, enlisted September 21, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; corporal; mustered out September 15, 1865. Reuben C. Smith, Howell, enlisted October 7, 1861 ; died at ■West Point, Kentucky. Everett Sargent, Howell, enlisted October 8, 1861; veteran, De- cember 7, 1863; December 31, 1864, promoted to second lieutenant. Company B. Gardner Vanzile, Handy, enlisted October 2, 1861. Henry Wirt, Handy, enlisted .September 23, 1S61. Jesse Wilcox, Conway, enlisted September 27, 1861. Amos Weller, Handy, enlisted October 8, 1861. Charles P. Lake, enlisted October 16, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; mustered out .September 15, 1865. Heniy Lake, enlisted October 16, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863; discharged by order, September 28, 1865. Barnard Rider, enlisted October 16, 1861 ; veteran, December 7, 1863. Willi.Tm R. Thompson, enlisted October 26, 1861. Daniel G. Olmstead, enlisted March 13, 1862. Henry B. Appleton, Cohoctah, enlisted February 16, 1864; mus- tered out .September 15, 1865. Richard Bristol, Handy, enlisted January 2, 1864; mustered out September 15. 1865. NINTH AND FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. 85 Elijah Dunn, Handy, enlisted January 5, 1864; discharged by order, Septenilicr 28, 1S65. Lewis Dickinson, Handy, enlisted January 5, 1864; mustered out September 15, 1S65. Gilbert Demarest, Handy, enlisted January 2, 1864; discharged by order, September 28, 1865. James F. Fuller, Cohoctah, enlisted January 28, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1S65. Thomas Gilchrist, Handy, enlisted September 16, 1S64; discharged by order, September 28, 1S65. John E. Kenny, Handy, enlisted February 26, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1S65. Inmes P. Larowe, Howell, enlisted February 27, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1865. Isaac Morse, Handy, enlisted January 16, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1865. James McGuire, Hamburg, enlisted April 22, 1S64; discharged by order, April 9, 18O5. Henry Ortner, Handy, enlisted January 2, 1S64; died at Nash- ville, February 10, 1864. Harvey D. Palmerton, Handy, enlisted February 2, 1S64; died at Fowlerville, January 19, 1S65. Cecil Parsons, Handy, enlisted Septcmlier 10, 1864; discharged by order, June 20, 1865. James Reed, Handy, enlisted February i, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1865. William Renn, Handy, enlisted January 4, 1864; mustered out September 15, 1865. Derrick Slater, Handy, enlisted September 16, 1864; discharged by order, June 20, 1865. Nathan R. Scott, Handy, enlisted January 23, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1865. James R. Weller, Putnam, enlisted February 6, 1S64; mustered out September 15, 1865. FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. The number of Livingston County men serving in the ranks of the Fifteenth was more than equal to a maximum company, but they were divided among at least eight companies of the regiment; the principal part, however, being found in " D" company, commanded by Captain Erastus A. Pratt. The reginient was raised and organized under Colonel J. M. Oliver, in the fell of 1861, and had its rendezvous at Monroe. It left its camp of in- struction for the front on the twenty-seventh of March, and was transferred directly from the peace- ful parade-ground at Monroe to the storm of battle at Pittsburg Landing. It arrived the evening of the fifth of April, 1862. The next day the battle opened, and the I'ifteenth was hurried to the front, taking an active and gallant part, and having thirty-three officers and men killed and si.xty-four wounded, while seven were reported missing. The regiment served through the siege of Co- rinth, and was on dut)^ in the vicinity until that place was attacked by the rebel generals Price and Van Dorn, on the first and second of October, 1862. It was then on outpost duty, ten miles northwest of Corinth, and was assailed by the whole rebel force. It fell back, contesting the ground inch by inch, and with some other regi- ments held the enemy in check during the whole of that day, giving atnple time for General Rose- crans to prepare for the next day's conflict, in which he won a complete victory over the rebel army. The casualties of the Fifteenth were thirteen killed, thirty-two wounded, and five missing. The regiment served .in Northern Mississippi until June, 1863, when it was ordered to Vicksburg. Having been assigned to the Ninth Corps, it took part in the siege of that city, sharing the hardships and dangers, which were at length rewarded by the surrender of the place, with the whole army of General Pemberton, on the ever-memorable Fourth of July, 1863. The Fifteenth remained in Central Mississippi during the summer, and in October was sent with the Fifth Corps to reinforce the Army of the Cumberland. It was stationed in Northern Alabama until February, 1864, when a portion of the men re-enlisted, and the regiment was sent home on veteran furlough, returning, to take part in Sherman's Georgia campaign, in May. After unnutnbered wearisome marches and many skirmishes, the Fifteenth found itself in the Fifth Corps, in front of the enemy, near Decatur, Georgia. The rebels drove back the Seventeenth Corps, which was on the left of the Fifth. The Fifteenth Michigan was ordered to take possession of an ex- posed position some distance from the line of its corps. On the regiment's arriving near the point indicated, it was found to be in possession of the enemy. The men of Michigan did not hesitate, but moved gallantly forward, and after a brief but sharp conflict captured the position, with seventeen rebel officers, one hundred and sixty-seven men, and three stands of colors. The loss of the Fif- teenth was only four killed and six wounded. On the twenty-eighth of July the regiment won another victory over an assailing force of the enctny, which was driven off with heavy loss, leaving its dead and wounded on the field. Still another triumph was gained near Jonesboro' on the thirty- first of August, when the enemy attacked the for- tified camp of the Fifteenth, and was most deci- sively defeated. After the surrender of Atlanta the regiment went to Nortliern Alabama to operate against the rebel general Hood, but returned in time to " maich to the sea" with .Sherman. It also marched tiirough the Carolinas with that general; went from Wash- ington to Little Rock, Arkansas, in June and July, 1865 ; returned to Detroit in August, and was dis- charged on the first of September. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FRO.M LIVINGSTON COUNTY. Company A. Orlando G. Crandall, Deerficld, enlisted December 29, 1864; mus- tered ou! .\ugust 13, 1S65. 86 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Abram Eberhart, enlisted Fel>ruary 24, 1S62; discharged at end of service, April 9, 1865. Albert Frank, mustered out August 13, 1865. Charles Hamilton, enlisted February 21, 1S62; died of disease July 17, 1862. Benjamin Paulding, enlisted April 13, 1S64; died in Anderson- ville prison-pen. Abithene G. Randall, Handy, enlisted January 5, 1S62; died of disease July 12, 1862. Company B. William K. Bienner, Oceola, enlisted April 10, 1S65; mustered out August 13, 1865. Samuel Carpenter, Genoa, enlisted April 8, 1S65; mustered out August 13, 1865. Charles Cook, Genoa, enlisted April 10, 1S65 ; mustered out Au- gust 13, 1865. Glover Dorr, Deerfield, enlisted April 8, 1865 ; mustered out Au- gust 13, 1865. Daniel A. EUingwood, Howell, enlisted April i, 1865; mustered out August 13, 1865. George Heckler, Oceola, enlisted April to, 1865; mustered out August 13, 1S65. Preston Mills, Deerfield, enlisted April 11, 1865; mustered out August 13, 1S65. And. McVey, Deerfield, enlisteil April 10, iS55 ; mustered out August 13, 1S65. John Woods, mustered out August 13, 1865. David C. Young, mustered out August 13, 1865. Company C. John W. Andrews, mustered out August 13, 1865. Job Durfee, discharged for disability, June 12, 1862. William Woods, died of disease at Corinth, Mississippi. Company D. Captain Eiastus A. Pratt, Brighton, October i, 1862; first lieuten- ant October 22, 1S61 ; transferred to Company A; mus- tered out December 24, 1864. First Lieutenant Andrew J. Bishop, Howell, October i, 1862; second lieutenant Decembers, '861; promoted to captain; mustered out as first lieutenant January 28, 1865. Sergeant William L. Collins, Handy, enlisted November 9, 1861 ; discharged for disability, August 3, 1862. Corporal Jacob S. Burgess, Putnam, enlisted November 5, 1861 ; died of disease at St. Louis, Missouri, May 17, 1862. Corporal Charles Biockway, Howell, enlisted December 9, 1861 ; died of disease at St. Louis, Missouri, May 22, 1862. Corporal Martin Galvin, Putnam, enlisted November 5, 1S61 ; died of disease at Shiloh, Tennessee, April 28, 1862. Corporal James P. Jacoby, Putnam, enlisted November 9, 1861 ; discharged June 25, 1862. Corporal Peter Smith, Putnam, enlisted November 5, 1S61 ; dis- charged for disability, October 14, 1862. Corporal William Robertson, Putnam, enlisted November 5, 1861 ; service ended December 24, 1864; discharged. Corporal Thomas Moran, Putnam, enlisted November 5, iS5i. Musician Elias E. Brockway, Howell, enlisted December 9, 1861 ; veteran, February 15, 1864; mustered out with company, August 13, 1865. Edward Allen, Brighton, enlisted March 17, 1862; veteran, Feb- ruaiy 2, 1864; mustered out August 13, 1865. Patrick Burns, Brighton, enlisted March 17, 1862; veteran, Feb- ruary 2, 1864; killed by cars, April 30, 1S64. William Blackman, died of disease in Michigan, March, 1863. Thomas Barry, Howell, enlisted December 30, 1861 ; veteran, February 2, 1864; discharged by order, January 17, lS65. George F. Brockway, Howell, enlisted December 9, 1S61 ; vet- eran, Februaiy 15, 1S64; mustered out August 13, 1865. Jesse Bowers, Handy, enlisted November ig, 1861 ; died of disease at Corinth, Mississippi, May 31, 1S62. William H. Bentley, Brighton, enlisted November 30, 1S61 ; died of disease at Camp Monroe, February 6, 1862. John N. Bartholomew, Putnam, enlisted November 4, 1861 ; killed in action at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Nelson Beardsley, Howell, enlisted December 19, 1S61 ; killed in action at Corinth, October 3, 1862. William P. Bi'iggs, died of disease in Plowell, July iS, 1S62. William E. Blackburn, missing in battle. Hiram Bristol, Handy, enlisted November Tp, 1861 ; discharged for disability, July I, 1862. Francis J. Clark, Hamburg, enlisted November 5, 1861; dis- charged at end of service. May 30, 1865. Erastus H. Carr, died of disease July 2, 1862. Isaac Countryman, Howell, enlisted November 6, iS6l; dis- charged for disability, August 19, 1862. Horace E. Barbour, Howell, enlisted December 9, 1S61 ; dis- charged for disability, January 19, 1863. John C. Coleman, Handy, enlisted December 5, 1861 ; discharged August 3, 1862. Henry Chalmers, mustered out August 13, 1865. John Daniels, Howell, enlisted November 19, 1861 ; veteran, February 2, 18645 mustered out August 13, 1865. William Denson, Handy, enlisted November 19, 1861 ; discharged August 3, 1862. Marsalus Dickinson, Handy, enlisted December 7, 1861 ; dis- charged for disability, June 12, 1S62. George Decker, Putnam, enlisted November 7, 1S61; killed in action at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Franklin E. Fox, Handy, enlisted September 6, 1S64; discharged by order. May 30, 1865. George Fox, Howell, enlisted February 10, 1863; mustered out August 13, 1865. Schuyler E. Goodrich, Putnam, enlisted February 17, 1862; died October 14, 1S62, of wounds, at St. Louis, Missouri. Henry Gardener, Putnam, enlisted November 9, 1861 ; discharged at end of service, December 24, 1864. Cornelius C. Helms, Howell, enlisted December 9, 1861 ; dis- charged for disability, August 9, 1862. Henry C. Helms, Howell, enlisted F'ebruary 10, 1863; mustered out August 13, 1865. Jerome D. Helms, mustered out August 13, 1S65. Martin Galvin, died of disease at .Shiloh, April 28, 1862. William Herrick, Putnam, enlisted February I, 1S62; died of dis- e.ise at Corinth, Mississippi, July 7, 1862. Philander Hill, Putnam, enlisted November 19, 1861 ; discharged for disability, December 3, 1862. Ransom Kelsey, died of disease at Memphis, October 19, 1S63. George Kimball, Howell, enlisted February 10, 1863; mustered out August 13, 1865. Clark Lounsberry, enlisted Februarys, 1862; discharged for disa- bility, August 3, 1862. Michael Lyons, Putnam, enlisted November 5, 1861; veteran, February 2, 1864; mustered out August 13, 1865. John Lake, Howell, enlisted February 10, 1863; died of disease at Camp Sherman, September 2, 1863. Enon Love, mustered out August 13, 1865. Heuiy C. Norton, enlisted February 6, 1S62; died May 29, 1862. George Paddock, enlisted January 12, 1862; killed in action at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Silas Placeway, Putnam, enlisted February i, 1862; mustered out August 13, 1865. Eli Shaver, discharged for wounds, March 2, 1865. Fred. Frowd, Putnam, enlisted November 19, 1S61 ; killed in ac- ton at Shiloh, April 6, 1S62. John D. Vaughn, Cohoctah, enlisted March 31, 1S64 ; died of dis- ease at Marietta, Georgia, September 16, 1864. William Vanorden, Putnam, enlisted November 5, 1S61 ; dis- charged for disability, August 9, 1862. TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 87 James E. Wliiie, riiln.iin, enlisted November 5, 1S61 ; discharged for disability, June 30, 1S62. Bruce Welton, killed in action at Sliiloh, April 6, 1862. Theo. Washl)urn, Howell, enlisted March 31, 1864; Killed in ac- tion near Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1S64. Albert H. \V(irlbini;ton,Oceola, enlisted December 30, 1861; cor- poral ; dieil of disease August g, 1862. Jacob Zeely Howell, enlisted December 30, l86i ; died of disease May 8, 1S62. Company E. Albert G. Dorrance, mustered out August 13, 1S65. Nicholas G. Holt, Howell, enlisted April 4, 1865; mustered out August 13, 1S65. George Sliroepper, mustered out August 13, 1865. Company F. Samuel Axtell, Howell, enlisted December 30, 1861 ; died of dis- ease at Cincinnati, Ohio, April 23, 1862. George Bunting, mustered out August 13, 1865. La«Tence Cronan, Deertield, enlisted January iS, 1S62 ; discharged at end of service, January 29, 1S65. Alonzo Evans, enlisted January 12, 1862; discharged for disability. Almon Holcomb, mustered out August 13, 1865. Albert E. Newman, mustered out August 13, 1865. Hamilton W. Davis, Green Oak, enlisted March 31, 1864; killed in action at Atlanta, Georgia, July 20, 1864. Theodore R. Staley, Howell, enlisted April 4, 1865 ; discharged by order, July 3, 1865. Company G. Willi.am Dorrance, mustered out August 13, 1S65. John Porter, mustered out August 13, 1865. William Sprigg, enlisted March 29, 1865; discharged by order, August 15, 1865. William Watson, discharged by order, July 12, 1865. Company //. John Harding, Deerfield, enlisted December 29, 1864; mustered out August 13, 1865. Henry Holihan, mustered out August 13, 1865. Samuel Wallace, Hartland, enlisted March 29, 1S65; mustered out August 13, 1865. Solomon Ur.agg, Deerfreld, died of disease in iS()2 at Keokuk, Iowa. Isaac Felton, Deei field, enlisted January 3, 1862; died of disease about June I, 1862, at St. Louis. William Goodale, died of disease in 1862 at Mound City. J.ames Kempton, Deerfield, enlisted January 2, 1862; died of dis- ease in 1862, at Pittsburg Lantling. CHAPTER IX. TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. Livingston County Volunteers in the Twenty-second — Rendez- vous at Pontiac — Departure for the Theatre of War — Reception at Cincinnati — Campaigning in Kentucky — Capture of Prisoners — Long St.ay at Lexington — Sickness in the Regiment — Death of Colonel Wisner — March to N.ashville, and Long .Stay there — March to Bridgeport, Chattanooga, and Rossville, Georgia — Terrible Battle of Chickamauga — The Killed, Wounded, and Captured in that Fight — Return of the Remnant to Chattanooga — Under Artillery Fire at Moccasin Point — Arduous Duly on Short Rations — Moving Pontoon-Trains — Battles of Lookout and Mission Ridge — Recruiting the Regiment- — The Atlanta Campaign, and Occupation of that City — Return to Chattanooga — Seven Months of F.atigiie Duty at that Place — Muster Out and Discharge of the Regiment. A LAKfiE number of Livingston County volun- teers entered the Twenty-second Infantry duiing the war of tlie Rebellion, .serving in several of its companies, but principally in " H" company, which went into the service under command of Captain Henry S. Dean, of Green Oak, First Lieutenant William A. Smith, of Marion, and Second Lieu- tenant Lewis Brown, of Howell, as its original commissioned officers. Captain Dean, who was afterwards promoted successively to the grades of major and lieutenant- colonel of the Twenty-second, is now a resident of Ann Arbor. He is probably more fully ac- quainted with the history of the regiment than any other person now living, and he has kindly fur- nished the following narrative of its organization, and its honorable services in the great struggle. On the fifteenth of July, 1S62, the Governor of Michigan, as commander-in-chief of its forces, issued General Order No. 154, calling into service six regiments of infantrj', and designating the Fifth Congressional District as the one in which the Twenty-second Michigan Volunteer Infantry should be raised ; located the camp at Pontiac, and appointed ex-Governor Moses Wisner its commandant. On the eighth of August, 1862, Governor Wisner was commissioned colonel of the Twenty-second ; Heber Le Favour, Lieutenant-Colonel ; William Sanborn, Maj'or ; A. P. McConnell, Surgeon ; Ed- gar Weeks, Adj'utant; T. C. Boughton, Quarter- master ; Wells B. Fox, Assistant Surgeon ; and A. E. Mather, Chaplain. On the 3 1st of July following, commissions were issued to the line officers, and on the rgth of August, 1862, the regiment had its full quota of officers and men mustered into the United States service. Every member of the regiment remem- bers the many acts of courtesy and kindness ex- tended to them b\- the citizens of Pontiac during the time the regiment was encamped there. September 4, 1862, the regiment left its camj) on the Fair-Grounds and marched, one thousand strong, to the depot. At two p.m. the train on which the Twentj^-second was embarked left the depot, followed by the best wishes and prayers of thou.sands of loyal men and women, and sped on its way to the field of duty. Late tliat evening it took the boat for Cleveland, at which place it arrived on the morning of September sth. From that place to Cincinnati the regiment went by rail, arriving at midnight. It was marched (as seemed to the marchers) through nearly every street in Cincinnati. At two o'clock A.M., September 6th, the regi' ment was given a public breakfast by the city authorities at the Fifth Street Market-house, and, what will seem hardly credible to an old soldier, 88 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the men had to be told to fill their haversacks be- fore leaving the table. This, however, was an order that it was never necessary to repeat thereafter. After breakfast the regiment crossed the Ohio to Covington, Kentucky, and retired to rest upon the paved streets of that town. Hard as was the bed, sweet was the sleep of one thousand tired men unaccustomed to carrying arms and knapsacks. During the forenoon of that day the regiment marched to the front, and at noon formed line of battle on the well-remembered ground of the " Cabbage Hill Fight." "Skirmishers were thrown forward to feel of the enemy. After feeling some time they captured two prisoners of their own com- mand heavily laden with rebel turkeys. The bat- tle rased until midnight, resulting in fearful loss of Southern cabbage. At midnight the regiment retired in good order to the cover of a fort. Not having any ammunition, it did not fire a shot in this Sunday, September 7th, it remained at the fort until late in the evening, when it marched a mile to the front, pitched tents, and lay down until one A.M. At that hour the bugle sounded "strike tents," which it did, and marched back to Camp Wallace. Here it had its first experience in build- ing fortifications, and. was engaged in that work until September 1 8th, at which date it marched five miles to Florence, Kentucky, and went into camp on the Fair-Ground at that place. It was there that one of the line officers discovered a new use for tin plates. September 19th, it marched nine miles south of Florence, and encamped on the farm of one Poor, whose property received the protection of the regiment that night. On the twentieth of September it marched hi a southerly direction eight miles and camped for the night. September 21st it was marched back over the route it had come to within twelve miles of Cov- ington, and pitched its tents in what was called Camp Walton. It was supposed by some that this retrograde movement was made for the purpose of familiar- izing the regiment with the character. of the coun- try in which it was operating. From the twenty- first of September to October 9th, the regiment remained at Camp Walton^ forming line of battle from one to five times a night to meet the attacks of John Morgan's cavalry, which were never made. From Camp Walton it marched to Williamston and there pitched tents, naming its resting-place Camp Wells. There it remained until eleven o'clock P.M., October 14th, when all who were fit for duty marched for Cynthiana, arriving at that place on the fifteenth of October, at nine p.m. The detachment left at Camp Wells marched for Lex- ington, Kentucky, on the seventeenth of October, and arrived at that place on the twenty-first. At Georgetown, through which the detachment passed, the regiment had its first experience upon the sub- ject of returning slaves to their masters. This they were ordered to do by General Q. A. Gillmore, the only general (with one exception) who ever asked or ordered the Twenty-second Michigan In- fantry to act the part of slave-catchers. On the night of October i6th, one company of the regiment moved under orders from Cynthiana to Townsend Bridge, arriving there at daylight on October 17th. On the afternoon of that day this company was ordered to march for Paris, Ken- tucky, arriving there at four o'clock a.m., October 1 8th. W^ith the aid of a detachment of the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, one hundred prisoners of Hum- phrey Marshall's command were captured. At seven o'clock A.M. information was received from Lexing- ton that John Morgan was moving upon Paris with two thousand cavalry and one battery of light artillery. Three negroes were dispatched to Cynthiana by hand-car to notify Colonel Wis- ner of Morgan's movements. At two o'clock p.m. of that day Colonel Wisner left Cynthiana with the regiment, and arrived in Paris at seven p.m., making the march of eighteen miles in five hours. That march secured to the Twenty-second the title of the " marching regiment." John Morgan, as was usual with that general when he had i-eason to expect an equal force, did not make his appear- ance. From Paris the regiment marched in pur- suit of Humphrey Marshall, who was retreating from Kentucky into Virginia by way of Pound Gap. It passed through Lancaster to Athens, Kentucky, where it received orders to proceed to Lexington. It did so, and arrived at that place October 26, 1S62. Welcome to the regiment was the sight of its tents pitched by the detachment which had reached Lexington in advance of the main body. When it left Camp Walton, October 9th, it did so in " light marching order," the meaning of which every old soldier understands and will not soon forget, if the ground be covered with snow as it was in this instance. Tents were a luxury, and one that it had not enjoj'ed for seventeen days. From October 26, 1862, until February 21, 1863, the regiment remained in Camp Ella Bishop, at Lexington, Kentucky. Here it learned the terrible fact that the enemy's bullets were not the only dangers incident to the life of a soldier. The four months spent in Lexington were attended with a great deal of suffering, and but slight good to com- pensate therefor. The rigid performance of picket duty in open fields without the shadow of a shelter TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 89 from the cold and storms of winter, without fires, sleeping on the damp ground, not permitted to use straw that through the generosity of citizens was offered to the regiment, brought sickness, suffering, and death upon it. Scores of noble men lie sleeping in the cemetery at Lexington, who died in conse- quence of exposure in picketing their own camps to prevent Union soldiers from entering the town of Lexington, for there was not an armed enemy within the State at that time. On the fifth of January, 1863, occurred the death of one whom the people of Michigan loved to lionor; one who, if he had been spared, would have added another to the roll of noble soldiers Michigan furnished in her country's dark hour of trial. Colonel Moses Wisner breathed his last at Lexington, Kentucky, on that day, after a lingering and painful illness. His last words were full of love for his country, and of sympathy and hopes for the well-being of his regiment. Lieutenant- Colonel Heber Le Favour was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment upon the death of Col- onel Wisner, and Major William Sanborn was made lieutenant-colonel. A major* was taken fiom among the line officers. February 21, 1863, the regiment marched to Hickman Bridge, on the Kentucky River, camp- ing that night on what was called the Scott Farm upon ground covered with snow. Soon after the tents were pitched several hay-stacks in the vicin- ity melted away. From appearances the next morning part of the hay must have lodged be- neath the tents of the men. It was reported by a member of the regiment who called upon Mrs. Scott that her favorite chicken, Zolicoffer, was a room-mate of the old lady's on that stormy night. February 22d the regiment marched from Hick- man Bridge to Danville, and remained there until the afternoon of the twenty-third, when it marched back to Hickman Bridge, arriving there at mid- night nearly worn out. The men lay down in open air to sleep if they could. Scarcely had they done so when a dispatch was received from our general, Q. A. Gillmore, ordering the regiment to return to Lexington as soon as possible. At one o'clock a.m. it was moving in the direction of Lexington. The camp-equipage was unloaded from the wagons at the bridge, and as far as it was possible those who could not march farther were taken into the wagons. At daylight the Twenty- second reached Nicholasville and took the cars for Lexington. Upon its arrival at the latter place Companies B, E, G, and K were ordered to proceed to Cynthiana to guard that place again.st a threat- *Captnin Henry S. Dean. ened attack. The detachment reached Cynthiana in the afternoon of February 25th, tired and hungry, without rations, and with no government stores to draw upon. Through the kindness of a loyal man, the officer commanding the detachment was furnished with the names of six rich rebels, who were requested to furnish and cook rations for the men, which they did with as good a grace as could be e.xpected under the circumstances. To the credit of those parties be it said that for the two days that they kept boarding-house for Union soldiers they set a good table. In the absence of better fortifications the detachment occupied a couple of stone churches and a school-house which commanded the town and its approaches. As the vandalism of Northern soldiers is some- times spoken of, it is proper to mention here that the mark of pencil or knife or any other deface- ment was not left in any of the buildings re- ferred to, nor did a valuable set of astronomical instruments bear the slightest trace of injury re- ceived at the hands of the soldiers quartered in the room where they were kept. The detachment re- turned to Le.xington on the twenty-si.xth of Feb- ruary, where the rest of the regiment had remained since its return from Danville. On the twenty- first of March the regiment again moved to Dan- ville, to look after General Pegram's raiding-party. It accomplished the march from Lexington to Danville, forty miles, in eighteen hours. It was quartered in the churches of the latter place on the night of the twenty-third of March. Early the ne.xt day it was moved out a mile on the Stanford road and went into camp. At eleven o'clock a.m., March 25th, the enemy made his appearance and opened fire upon the regiment from his mountain- howitzers. Line of battle was formed, but it was soon apparent that the enemy had designs upon our baggage-train, which had been put in motion in the direction of Hickman Bridge. The bugle sounded "strike tents," and the regiment fell back through Danville to protect the rear of the train. The roads were in a terrible condition, ankle-deep with mud, and rain began to fall in torrents. The enemy made frequent attacks from among the tim- ber which skirted the road upon which the train and troops were moving. Under these trying circumstances the regiment was hurried back to Hickman Bridge. In this skirmish the regiment had two men wounded and one captured. Late at night, tired and hungry, the regiment reached the bridge, and lay down in the rain and mud to sleep. The ne.xt morning, upon the heights on the north side of the Kentucky River, the favorite war-steed of one of the line officers was found dead. Whether the wound in his side, tiirough which his 90 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. life-blood flowed out, was inflicted by a bayo- net or bullet history does not record. For two days the regiment remained in the vicinity of the bridge, the enemy making occasional demonstra- tions on the picket-line. On the twenty-eighth of March it moved back to Nicholasville, and from there marched to Camp Dick Robinson and camped. The next day it marched to Lancaster, and on the thirtieth, marched to Crab Orchard. Here the regiment slept in buildings then lately occupied by the rebels, and on the morning fol- lowing some of the plainest and most unassuming men of the command were accompanied by body- guards, which for numbers were unsurpassed by those of any of the generals of the army. With the character of those guards few old soldiers are unacquainted. March 31st, the regiment moved towards Somerset, on the Cumberland River, in which direction Pegram was endeavoring to escape with his plunder. That night it encamped at Buck- horn Creek in the snow, without tents. Whoever had direction of affairs in that campaign appeared to be full in the faith that infantry could keep pace with cavalry, and the regiment was but eight miles in the rear of our cavalry when it overtook the enemy at Somerset and captured four hundred prisoners and the cattle he had stolen. Under orders to proceed to Tennessee the regi- ment took up its line of march for Lebanon, Ken- tucky, on the first of April, and arrived there on the ninth. At that place it saw and heard the last of the negro question. It was detained thirty-two hours by Brigadier-General Manson, because it refused to give up the colored servants who had been with it since its first arrival in Kentucky. This officer went so far as to order out troops to enforce his demand for the negroes with the regi- ment. Its commanding officer firmly refused to give them up, and the matter was referred to Gen- eral Burnside, who ordered the regiment to pro- ceed at once to Nashville, which it did, taking its servants along. To-day it hardly seems possible that a brigadier-general in the United States army could be found who would order Union soldiers to load their arms for the purpose of enforcing such a demand. There was such an one, how- ever, in command at Lebanon, Kentucky, on the tenth of April, 1863. From Lebanon, Kentucky, to Nashville, Ten- nessee, the regiment proceeded by rail, arriving at the latter place on the evening of April 13, 1S63. The survivors of the regiment who were with it on that occasion will not forget the cheers that went up when it crossed the line dividing loyal Kentucky from rebel Tennessee. At Nashville the regiment remained doing interior guard duty until September 5, 1863, at which date it was or- dered to Chattanooga. It went by rail as far as Bridgeport, Alabama, where it camped on Seven- Mile Island, in the Tennessee River, and remained there until September 13th, when it marched to Chattanooga, distant twenty-eight miles, leaving its camp and garrison equipage on the island. The country lying between Bridgeport and Chat- tanooga is the roughest probably over which the regiment ever marched. Early on the morning of September 14th it was on what has since become historic ground — Lookout Mountain — from which it could look down upon Chattanooga Valley with the town of that name twenty-two hundred feet below it. It passed to the right of Chattanooga and camped at Rossville, Georgia. The march of thirty miles was made on the thirteenth of Septem- ber and the night following, without halts, save such as are more fatiguing to a soldier than steady marching, viz. : halting for a baggage-train to move on, not knowing at what moment it will start, while the men are kept standing in readiness to march as soon as it does move. Every soldier that has marched in the rear of a train over rough roads fully understands how fatiguing is such a march. At Rossville, when the commands halt, front, stack arms, were given, every musket that left Bridgeport was placed in stack, and not a man was out of his place. On the seventeenth of September the forces under General Steadman, of which the Twenty- second was a part, were ordered to feel of the enemy gently in the vicinity of Ringgold, Georgia. At Pea- Vine Creek, near that place, the enemy was found in force, and artillery practice was indulged in on both sides. Having accomplished all that was in- tended by the movement, the forces fell back, and went into camp about five miles from Ringgold. Just as the regiment had rolled itself in its blankets for the night, it was aroused by the dropping of rebel shell into the camp. The pickets fell back upon the main body at double-quick, which cre- ated some confusion. The staff officer who estab- lished the picket-line ordered the picket to fall back in that manner if attacked, for which he was dismissed from the service, it being a direct viola- tion of the orders he had received from the general commanding. The pickets were sent out again, and the remainder of the night was passed in quiet, the enemy having withdrawn. On the eighteenth of September the regiment returned to Rossville, and from there it again marched in the direction of Ringgold. On the nineteenth of .September it had some skirmishing with the enemy near McAffee's Church, which, as some who were present remem- ber, was not confined to musketry alone. That TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 91 night the regiment hiy on its arms near the cliurch. On Sunday morning, September 20, 1863, five hundred and one men of the Twenty-second Mich- igan Infantry drew rations and niarclied with the Reserve Corps, under General Gordon Granger, to the support of General Thomas, whose forces were heavily engaged with the enemy to the right of McAffee's Cliurch. At two o'clock p.m. the regi- ment made a charge upon the enemj', who was pressing round General Thomas' right wing, and for five hours held its position. Between four and five P.M. its ammunition was exiiausted. Informa- tion to that effect was sent to the general com- manding, who sent back tlie order, " Hold the ground with the bayonet." This was done by re- peated charges upon the enemy, when he made an effort to drive the regiment from its position. Under cover of the smoke of battle and the gath- ering darkness of night the rest of our forces weie withdrawn, leaving a devoted little band — consist- ing of the Twentj'-second Michigan and an Ohio regiment — to hold the battle-field of Chickamauga. Soon after dark fourteen officers and one hundred and seventy-eight enlisted men, all that were left of tiie regiment who went into the engagement, were surrounded by overwhelming numbers and made prisoners. Colonel Heber Le Favour commanded the brigade, of which the Twenty-second was a part, during the action. Lieutenant-Colonel Sanborn, commanding the regiment, was severely wounded in the early part of the engagement. Captain A. M. Keeler as- sumed command when brave Sanborn fell. Cap- tains Snell and Smith fell mortally wounded. The report made at the time was one officer killed, two wounded, and fourteen missing ; of enlisted men, thirty-seven killed, eighty-seven wounded, and two hundred and thirty-three missing in action. That short but appalling sentence, missing in action, in- cluded many who fell to rise no more. But for the fact that one company was ordered to remain as guard at General Granger's headquarters, there would have been but few left to tell the tale. What there was left of the regiment fit for duty camped at Rossville on the night of September 20th, and the next day marched to Chattanooga and crossed to the north side of the Tennessee River. One hundred and ninety-three officers and men of the regiment went into rebel prisons. The seventeen months and eleven days that their cap- tivity lasted, carried a large proportion of their number down to nameless graves. If on the day they entered the rebel prison-pen a child had been born that should not die until it had lived the aggregate number of years spent in prison by the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry, that child would have been two hundred and seventy-three years, eight months, and seven days old on the day of its death. During the week following the battle of Chick- amauga the regiment was engaged in throwing up fortifications on Moccasin Point, where it went into camp September 27, 1863, numbering one hundred and eighty-seven officers and men fit for duty. This number was soon increased to three hundred by General Thomas' order, directing detailed men to be returned to the regiment. On the eighth of October the enemy opened a heavy fire upon the command, from his batteries at the base of Lookout Mountain. The Tenth Indiana Battery which the Twenty-second was sup[)orting, returned the fire with interest, and that night the enemy moved his batteries up the mountain. The ne.\t morning the enemy's artillery practice commenced from Point Lookout upon the camp, and was kept up from that day until the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge drove him from his guns. For six weeks tliere was hardly an hour in the day or night that rebel shell did not screech over or into the camp. There were many narrow escapes, some dodging of heads and sudden reclinings at full length, but, what seemed almost miraculous, no one was hurt. From September 27th until after the battle of Mission Ridge the regiment knew what it was to be hungry. Three-fourths of one ration was issued to each man, and that had to last four days. It is hardly necessary to say that the fourth day after the issue of rations was a day of fasting to every man in the regiment. That small amount of food could not be made to last beyond the third da\-. The regiment was hungry, ragged, and bare-footed, but its Michigan grit failed not. On one occasion one-half the usual short ration was issued. Late in the evening of the second day afterwards an order was received from brigade headquarters announcing that there would be no more rations issued for two days. In the darkness of night the regiment formed in line to have the order announced to it. After the order was read the commantling officer said to the men that on the march and on the battle-field they had proven themselves true soldiers, and that two days from that time he could tell them whether they were good soldiers when hungry and without rations. With such a state of facts staring them in the face, who would not honor and love men who could send up a cheer such as did those men on that dark and dreary night? . . . On the night of October 27th the regiment was ordered to lie upon its arms at one o'clock am. The roar of artillery and rattle HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of musketry gave notice that the enemy had dis- covered the Union forces crossing the Tennessee River at Brown's Ferry. At four o'clock A.M., Oc- tober 28th, the regiment, with the brisrade to which it was attached, moved to the assistance of Gen- eral Hooker, who was fighting to open the " Hard- Tack Line," as the boys called it. At daylight it crossed the pontoon-bridge laid at Brown's Ferry, and was soon after ordered to take possession of a hill in front of General Hooker's right flank, which it did, and for once the front proved the safest place, for the enemy's shot and shell either struck the ground below them or went over the hill and fell among the troops in the rear. As the regi- ment was moving to its position, some of the troops just over from the Eastern army took occasion to make remarks more pointed than complimentary concerning the clothing of the Michiganders. " You may wear better clothes, but you can't do any better fighting," was the reply made to those remarks. On that da)- the regiment ate the first full meal it had had in a long time ; it consisted of wheat and corn in the ear. On the twenty-ninth of Octo- ber the regiment returned to Moccasin Point, again on short rations and iiard work, building corduroy- road from Brown's Ferry to Chattanooga. It was engaged in this work until November 21, 1863, when it was assigned the duty of moving a pon- toon-train to a point on the Tennessee River four miles above Chattanooga, preparatory to the cross- ing of General Sherman's forces to take part in the battle of Mission Ridge. At nine o'clock p.m. of the dark and stormy night of November 21st, a heavy train of pontoon wagons and boats was delivered to the regiment to be taken to the point designated on the river. The most profound secrecy was enjoined. The mules that were to move the train were so reduced by starvation that some of them could scarcely stand alone. The road was mud, a.xle-deep. Before starting, the regiment was told that upon its exertions for the next thirty hours depended in a great measure the success of the movement about to be made against the enemy. That if weak mules could not move the wagons, men must, — if wagons were broken they must be repaired at once. The missing wheels from General Palmer's anmiunition-train, which was parked beside the road on which the train was moving, gave proof that the order to repair breakage was promptly obeyed. When wagons were capsized they were quickly righted by the strong arms of brave men. When mules and wagons were mired, men knee- deep in mud pushed or pulled them out. The task was not completed when day began to break on the morning of November 22d. Wagons and boats were quickly concealed in thickets, behind hills, or by piling brush over them. The men, tired, hungry, and without rations, lay down in the underbrush to await the darkness of another night. On the night of November 23d the same experi- ence was repeated, and the pontoon-train parked in its position. Some idea of the slcill and secrecy with which the movements preceding the battle of Mission Ridge were carried out may be derived from the fact that the men of the Twenty-second had not the least knowledge that General Sherman, with fifteen thousand troops, lay concealed just over the hills, forty rods to their left; nor did the enemy get the slightest inkling of what was going on until one of General Sherman's captains made the grand rounds of their picket-line on the south side of the river. At one o'clock .4.M., November 26, 1863, the regiment was under arms to take part in meet- ing any resistance the enemy might make to the laying of the pontoon-bridge. But the movement had been conducted with such secrecy that the enemy's pickets did not discover the first landing- party until they did so as prisoners. Before the bridge was completed, five thousand men had been thrown across the river in pontoon-boats, and at nine o'clock a.m. General Sherman's whole force was on the south side of the Tennessee River. As soon as the crossing was effected, the regi- ment was ordered to take the pontoon-train back to Chattanooga and lay a bridge at that point. Those who were present will not forget the ad- vance of General Thomas in the centre on the first day; the roar of battle while General Hooker and his men were above the clouds on the second day; nor the five-mile line of battle that charged up the side of Mission Ridge on the third and last day of the battle, just as the last boat was placed in position, which completed the bridge over which a goodly number of Bragg's army marched as prisoners. On the twentj'-eighth of November the regiment left its camp on Moccasin Point and encamped at the junction of Chattanooga Creek, with the Ten- nessee River one mile below Chattanooga. From that date until May 38, 1864, it was engaged in building railroad-bridges, storehouses, magazines, and saw-mills. It used to be said, if you want anything made, from a watch to a saw-mill, go to a Michigan regiment, and they will do it; and the Twenty-second was not an exception to the rule. It would require a long narrative to tell all that the regiment accomplished in that line. Suffice it TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 93 to say that it was never idle, and that when it worked, no men accomplished more than tlie Twenty-second Michigan Infantry. On the six- teenth of January, 1864, the cars began to run from Bridgeport to Chattanooga, at which time the long season of short rations ended. Through the efforts of a recruiting-party, sent home to Michigan under command of Captain Atkinson and Lieutenant Breidenbach, the regi- ment was filled up to something near its old quota during the months of March and April, 1864. May 19th it went into camp on Lookout Mountain, where it remained until May 26th, when it received orders to report to General Thomas in the field, and took up its line of march to the front. It pro- ceeded by rail as far as Kingston, Georgia, and from there marched three and a half miles on the Cassville road, and camped at sunset. May 28th. Just as the regiment was comfortably settled for the night, a dispatch was received from the post- commander at Kingston, stating that the regiment was on the wrong road, and in imminent danger of being attacked, and advising an immediate re- turn to Kingston. After a brief consultation it was decided to throw out pickets, and sleep or fight in that place. There was some good sleeping done that night, but no fighting. May 29th it marched back in the direction of Kingston, crossed the Etowah River, four miles from tliat place, passed through the beautiful little town of Euharley , and at five p.m. camped at Altoona Creek. May 30th it crossed the Altoona Mount- ains, and camped tiiat night on a creek four miles from Dallas, Georgia. On the thirty-first of May it marched two miles to the right of Dallas and reported to General Thomas, who ordered the regiment to report to General Howard, who directed it to support a battery on its right. Here the recruits of the regiment first heard the whistle of bullets, and, as a rule, few ever forgot how they sounded the first time they were heard. On the first of June, 1864, the regiment was assigned to the Reserve Brigade, Department of the Cumberland, Colonel Heber La Favour com- manding brigade, to report direct to General Thomas. It remained in this brigade until after the object of the campaign was accomplished, viz., the capture of Atlanta. From the time of the organization of the brigade until the fall of that place there was almost continuous battle. The days on which there were no battles were excep- tions to the rule. New Hope Church, Brown's Mill Creek, Morris Hill Church, Big Shanty, Pumpkin-Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Mari- etta, Rough-and-Ready Station, Vining's, Chatta- hoochie River, Peach-Tree Creek, the battles of July 22d and 28th in front of Atlanta, and Jones- boro', September ist, will be remembered as the names given to some of the engagements at which the regiment was present, but, as the name of its brigade will indicate, it was held as a reserve. Fortunate it was for the regiment that the Union forces were successful, for when disaster comes any position in an army is preferable to that of re- serves, — a fact of which the Twenty-second was made fully aware at Chickamauga. July 1 8th, the regiment was halted on the banks of the Chattahoochie River and ordered to build a bridge across it. The material for the bridge was growing on the margin of the river when it ar- rived, and sixty hours thereafter, when it marched away, those trees had been converted into a double- track bridge two hundred and eighty feet long, at an elevation of ten feet above the water, and of sufficient strength for the passage of heavy artil- lery. July 20th, the regiment built a bridge across Nancy Creek, two miles from the Chattahoochie. On the twenty-second of July, 1864, it went into camp too near to the enemy's works in front of Atlanta to render the camp a pleasant one. It remained in front of Atlanta until four .\.M., August 25, 1864, when, with the rest of the army, it made the flank movement to the south of that place. The men carried four days' rations in haversacks, and the regimental transportation carried ten days' more. On the twenty-ninth of August it reached Red Oak, a small place on the Montgomery Rail- road. Early that morning the Twenty-second, with the rest of the army, proceeded to the destruc- tion of that road. In a few hours thirteen miles of railroad was destroyed, thus breaking another of the enemy's lines of communication with Atlanta. On the thirty-first of August the regiment camped at Renfrew's, near Jonesboro', and on the first of September it stood to its arms in readiness to move at a moment's notice to take part in the battle of Jonesboro', which was won on that day by the Union forces. . . . The battle of Jonesboro', fought twenty-five miles south of Atlanta, gave to the Union forces the key to the Confederacy, and on the third of September the regiment began to retrace its steps to the latter place. On the morning of September 8, 1864, the brigade of which the Twenty-second was a part marched into the city of Atlanta with light hearts, colors flying, and bands playing. The prize that had been fought for, inch by inch, for four months, was won at last. It was one, too, at a time when the people of the North were dis- heartened and despondent. A shout of joy went up throughout the North, and none knew how 94 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. great was the reason for rejoicing better than did the Union soldiers. On the fourteenth of October, while the team- sters of the regiment were grazing their animals just outside the picket-line at Atlanta, a squad of rebel cavalry dashed down upon them and cap- tured six men, five horses, and twenty-nine mules. One of the men who made his escape reported that " all the mules are captured but me." A detach- ment was immediately sent in piirsuit, but the enemy made good his escape with prisoners and booty. The regiment left Atlanta, on its return to Chat- tanooga, October 31, 1864, and arrived at that place at noon, November 6th, having accomplished a march of one hundred and forty miles in si.K and a half days, through a rain-storm which made the roads horrible. On the night of November 6th the regiment lay down to rest in the mud and rain without shelter. . . . The regiment remained at Chattanooga until June 21, 1865. While it remained at that place it cut, rafted, and sawed lumber sufficient to erect twenty-five buildings, of sufficient capacity to quarter one thousand officers and men. These buildings were erected by the regiment, and occu- pied by it at the time the order for its muster out of service was received. In obedience to this order, it proceeded to Nashville by railroad, where it arrived July 22, 1865. On the twenty-si.xth of that month, the muster-out rolls being perfect, it was ordered to Detroit for final payment and dis- charge, and on Tuesday morning, July 27, 1865, it left Nashville by rail homeward bound. The men of the regiment whose terms of service did not expire on or before October i, 1865, were transferred to the Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry, in which regiment they served until its final mus- ter out. Although they had joined the Twenty- second after it had been in the field some time, by their cheerful discharge of duty and rapidly- acquired soldierly bearing, they had endeared themselves to the older members of the regiment, and it was with feelings of regret that they were left at Nashville. On the arrival of the regiment at Indianapolis it was detained twenty-four hours for want of cars. Many will remember the hearty cheers that went up as the train of coaches (not cattle-cars), bearing the familiar letters M. C. R. R., ran down to the Soldiers' Home in Indianapolis, where the regiment was quartered while in the city. It quickly got on board the cars, and was soon speeding away for Michigan, comfortably seated in passenger-coaches for the first time in three years. At Marshall the citizens had dinner ready when the train arrived, and, although it was not intended to stop there, they would not take no for an answer, and the regiment did such justice to the many good things spread before it as only old soldiers know how to do. At Jackson, also, there was a dinner awaiting the regiment ; but when it was known that it was to go to Detroit to be paid off, the then mayor of that city said that unless the regiment was paid off at Jackson it could not eat the dinner. The men had two days' rations of bacon and hard-tack in their haversacks, and thought they could live on that until they reached Detroit. The regiment went on board its train without tasting the dinner, in justice be it said, much to the regret and mortification of the citizens of Jackson. It arrived in Detroit at a quarter past eight P.M., was marched to the supper-room in the Michigan Central Railroad Depot, where so many of the returning regiments were the recipients of the hospitality of the City of the Straits. The welcoming speeches were made; the cow-bell that had seen three years' service was rung for the last time; the log-chain which Joseph Le Bot found in Southern Georgia, and carried through all his marches because he thought it would be- handy on his farm was exhibited; and the regiment sat down to the last supper that it ever ate as a regi- ment. It slept that night on the Michigan Cen- tral Railroad wharf, and the ne.xt day nominally went into camp at the barracks on Clinton Street. July 10, 1865, it was paid off, and the Twenty- second Michigan Infantry no longer had an exist- ance. From the day of its organization to its muster out there were fifteen hundred and forty men mustered into its ranks; their average height was five feet eight and a quarter inches, their aver- age age twenty-three years and nine months. Nine hundred and ninet)'-eight were born in the United States, two hundred and forty-three in Canada, eighty-one in Ireland, fifteen in France, one hundred and eighteen in Germany, two in Wales, one in Peru, and nineteen in Scotland. From the time the regiment left the State until it returned it marched two thousand two hundred and forty miles. MEMBERS OF THE TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY FROM LIVINGSTON COUNTY. Held and Staff. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry .S. Dean, Oreen 0.a1<, June 7, 1S64; mustered out June 26, 1S65 ; major, January 5, 1S63 ; captain, July 31, 1862. Assistant .Surgeon Wells B. Fo.n, Hartlanrl, August 21, 1862 ; |iro- moted to surgeon Stli Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, March 6, 1863; mnslered out June 24, 1865. Company A. Gustavus Baetcke, Genoa, enlisted January 5, 1S64; transferred to 29;]! lulantry; musteied out September 6, 1865. TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 95 John Dcllenliaiigh, Genon, enlisted January 5, 1S64; transferred to 29th Infantry ; mustered out Scplemher 6, 1865. Joel H. Uykes, (ienoa, enlisted January 5, 1864; transferred to 29lh Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1865. Kol)ert lioylan, Genoa, enlisted March 17, 1865; transferred to aglh Infantry; mustered out Septemlier 6, 1865. Henry Baker, Brighton, enlisted March 17, 1S65; transferred to 29th Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1865. Samuel J. Ilarwood, Green Oak, enlisted August 15, 1S64; trans- ferred to 29lh Infantry; died of disease, July 4, 1S65. Jeremiah Carjienter, Genoa, enlisted March 15, 1S65 ; transfei'retl to 29th Infantry. Alden G. Carpenter, Genoa, enlisted March 15, 1865; transferred to 29th Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1865. Lewis H. Westphall, Genoa, enlisted Januaiy 5, 1S64; transferred to 29th Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1865. Godfrey Westphall, Genoa, enlisted January 5, 1864; transferred to 291I1 Infantry; niu terecl out September 6, 1S65. Jeptha Tucker, Oceola, enlisted September 20, 1864; transferred to 29lh Infantry; mustered out June 26, 1865. Company B. Orrin S. Arnold, Unadilla, enlisted March 2, 1865; mustered out July 26, 1S65. William McWitliey, Genoa, enlisted September 2, 1864; died of disease. May 27, 1865. Jay Sweet, Marion, enlisted September 12, 1864; mustered out July 17, 1865. Company G. Rollin R. Bell, Unadilla, enlisted January I, 1S64; transferred to 29th Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1865. Hiram Deliar, Unadilla, enlisted January i, 1S64; died of dis- ease at Louisville, Februaiy 14, 1865. John Debar, Unated January 12, 1S64; died of disease at Kingston, Georgia, August 25, 1864. Jerome Clark, Green Oak, enlisted March 30, 1864; transferred to 29th Infantry. Lawrence A. Elansberg, Genoa, enlisted September 14, 1S64; mustered out June 26, 1S65. Samuel S. Howard, Green Oak, enlisted August 15, 1S64. Company I. Captain Frederick W. Kinibark, Brighton, July 31, 1862; resigned December 8, 1S63. Sergeant Myron G. Hodges, enlisted August 6, 1S62; died in Andersonville prison, Septemljer 25, 1864. Musician Joseph Burch, enli.-.ted August 12, 1862; mustered out May 31, 1865. William Abrams, Brighton, enlisted August 11, 1862; killed at battle of Chickamauga. Nelson Abrams, Brighton, enlisted Februar)' 25, 1864; transferred to 29th Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1S65. James Abrams, Brighton, enlisted August 11, 1862; mustered out June 26, 1865. Medad Blaisdell, Brighton, enlisted August 14, 1862; mustered out June 22, 1S65. Henry Davis, Brighton, enlisted August II, 1862; discharged for disability, February 20, 1865. Thomas Moneypenny, Hartland, enlisted August 9, 1862; mus- tered out June 26, 1865. Robert Park, Hamburg, enlisted August 12, 1S62; mustered out June 26, 1865. Richard C. Smith, Hartland, enlisted August 13, 1862; mustered out June 26, 1865. Richard M. Toncray, Green Oak, enlisted Januai-y 25, 1864; transferred to 29th Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1865. Edward E. Woodruff", Brighton, enlisted February 25, 1864; trans- ferred to 29th Infantry; mustered out September 6, 1865. Charles Phelps, died of disease at Lexington, Kentucky," November 26, 1863. Company K. Captain Lewis Brown, April i, 1S65. CHAPTER X. TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. Recruiting for the Twenty-sixth in Livingston County — Muster at Jackson — Presentation of Colors — Departure of the Regiment, and arrival in Virginia — Provost Duly at Alexandria — "Our Camp Journal" — Death of Lieutenant Burch at Alexandria — Movement to Suffolk, Virginia — Fight at Windsor and Death of Captain Culver — Movement from Suffolk to the Peninsula, and thence to New York — Pleasant Camping at Tarrytown — Return to the Army of the Potomac — Mine Run — Winter Quarters — Campaign of the Wilderness — Chaige at Spottsylvania — North Anna, Tolopotomoy , and Cold Harbor — Crossing of the James — Operations in front of Petei-sburg — Campaign of 1865 to Close of the War — March to Washington and Grand Review — Muster Out and Return Home — Experience of a Soldier of the Twenty- sixth at Andersonville — Livingston County Members of the Twenty-sixth. Two companies of the Twenty-sixth Infantry were raised almost entirely in Livingston County. In the summer of 1862 recruiting for a company was commenced by Stephen B. Burch and Wash- ington \V. Burch, of Pinckney, and Lucius H. Ives, of Unadilla, and the work of enlistment progressed so rapidly that the coinpany was sufficiently filled for acceptance in August. The men of this com- pany were largely from the south part of the county. The other Livingston company which joined the Twenty-si.xth was raised principally in the north part of the county, the three men most interested in recruiting it being John C. Culver, of Hamburg ; Edwin Hadley, now of Adrian; and Charles E. Grisson, of Hamburg. Mr. Hadley commenced enlisting men at Howell in the latter part of July or first part of August; the expectation being that the company when filled would j'oin the Twenty- second Regiment, then in process of organization at Pontiac. The ranks were filled with comparative ease, and on the twentieth of August the company moved by way of Fentonville to the regimental rendezvous at Pontiac. Nine companies of the Twenty-second were already organized and mus- tered in, and there was room for but one more company, — a place which the men from Livingston fully expected to take, but were much disappointed to find that a company from another county had already secured it, and that they must therefore be debarred from joining the regiment of their choice. TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 97 The only alternative then presented was to join the Twenty-sixth Infantry, then organizing at Jackson, and this was finally decided on after some days of deliberation and inquiry. On the fourth of September the company left Pontiac and proceeded to Jackson, where, on the tenth of September, it was mustered and desig- nated as E Company of the Twenty-sixth. Its first commissioned officers were John C. Culver, Captain. Edwin Hadley, First Lieutenant. Charles E. Grisson, Second Lieutenant. Their rank dated from September 1st. In the mean time the other Livingston company had preceded this to Jackson, and was mustered and designated as B Company of the Twenty-sixth ; its commissioned officers (dating also from Sep- tember 1st) being Stephen B. Burch, Captain. Washington W. Burch, First Lieutenant. Lucius H. Ives, Second Lieutenant. The Twenty-sixth was mustered as a regiment by Captain Mizner, U. S. A., with the following- named field and stafif officers, viz. : Judson S. Farrar, Colonel. Henry H. Wells, Lieutenant-Colonel. William O'Donnell, Major. Ennis Church, Surgeon. Mahlon H. Raymond, Assistant Surgeon. Charles D. Fox, Adjutant. Charles E. Crane, Jr., Quartermaster. Jonathan Bianchard, Chaplain. The ceremony of a presentation of colors to the regiment.vvhile preparing fordeparture for the front, is thus described by General John Robertson in his " Flags of Michigan :" "While the Twenty-sixth was in camp at Jackson, and immediately preceding tlie march of tlie regiment to the front, it received from the fiiir iiands of the ladies of J.\ckson a magnificent silk flag, — the field of blue, witli letters of gold. The presentation speech was made in good taste by the Hon. Fidus Livermore, who had been commissioned by tlie Governor, as commander of tlie camp, to raise the regiment; and wliicii was res|)onded to in a patriotic manner by Colonel J. S. Farrar, commanding tiie regiment. The flag was borne by the Twenty-sixtii tlirough many sanguinary fields, and wliat is left of it is now in the arcliives of the State." The regiment, nine hundred strong, left Jackson on the thirteenth of December, 1862, and pro- ceeded, by way of Cleveland, Ohio; Ehiiira, New York; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Baltimore, to Washington, where it arrived on the eigliteenth. A day or two later it crossed the Potomac and marciied to Alexandria, where it remained a short 13 time and moved out to Union Mills, which place was reached on the twenty-first. It was supposed that this woidd be its winter quarters; but on the twenty-ninth it was moved back to Alexandria, and detailed for duty as provost-guard, Lieutenant- Colonel Wells being made provost-marshal of tlie city. The camp of the regiment was in the sub- urbs of Alexandria, and here it remained for about four months, — a period which is remembered by the survivors of the regiment as among the most agreeable of any in their war experience. It was while the regiment was stationed at this place that the small newspaper called Our Catnp jfoiirnalwA?, started, — its editors being Lieutenant L. D. Burch, Lieutenant C. H. Iloldcn, and Henry H. Smith. The first number appeared under date of April i, 1863, and it was afterwards occasionally issued at several different camps of the regiment. One event of a peculiarly sad nature, however, occurred to cast a gloom over the regiment during its stay, which was the death of Lieutenant Wash- ington W. Burch, of one of the Livingston compa- nies. A notice of the event, and a just tribute to the character of the dead lieutenant, was pub- lished in the special correspondence of the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune immediately afterwards, as follows : "The saddest incident of all our liistory as a regi- ment was the death of First Lieutenant W. W. Burch, of Company B, which occurred on the morning of February 7th. He was a brave, generous, and high- minded officer, and by his gentlemanly bearing had won th.e admiration of the entire regiment. How much we loved him, and how greatly he had endeared liimself to us all, no words of mine may ever tell. But wlien our work as soldiers is done, and we are ' home again,' full of tlie sad and joyous memories of all we have seen and felt and heard, not the least of them will be the recollection of our chivalrous lieutenant, whose pure nature was incapable of wrong." On the twentieth of April, 1863, the Twenty- sixth, under marching orders, embarked at Alex- andria on board the steamer " Zephyr," and pro- ceeded down the Potomac, bound for an unknown destination. At night the steamer had reached the mouth of the Potomac, and there anchored. In the morning she resumed her way, and that night (April 2ist)the regiment was disembarked at Nor- folk, Virginia. From this place — on the twenty- second — it proceeded to Suffolk, Virginia, which place was then threatened by the enemy, under General Longstrcet. The Twenty-sixth arrived at Suffolk at ten o'clock p.m., and on the following morning made its camp on the western outskirts of the town. It was assigned to duty with the Third Brigade (General Terry), First Division, 98 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. MICHIGAN. Seventli Army Corps, in the department of General Dix. On Friday, April 24th, the men had their first glimpse of the horrors of actual war, in seeing a large number of wounded brought in from the front past its camp, on their way to the hospital in Suffolk. On the si.xteenth of May the regiment left its camp at Suffolk and moved out ten miles, to " De- serted House." Here was the New York Sixty- ninth (then under command of Colonel Corcoran), and a number of other regiments. On the twenty- third of May the Twenty-sixth was ordered to the front, and became engaged in a skirmish with the enemy in the vicinity of Windsor. A member of the regiment who was in this fight wrote of it as follows : " Our brigade, with two others, went out on a re- connoissance towards Blackwater River. We did not find the enemy in very heavy force, although it was reported that Longstreet had several thousand men in that vicinity. Our pickets had one or two slight skirmishes with the rebels, but without any- thing disastrous occurring to us. While our men were out on picket the enemy made a charge on our line, at a post where Company A was on duty, near the edge of a narrow strip of woods. The rebels charged througii the woods, yelling like ten thousand demons, tliinking thus to intimidate our boys, who were now for the first time hearing and seeing 'gray-backs' face to face on the field of battle. But they stood their ground like veteians. When the enemy came in siglit of our men, they found they had a foe to contend with ' well worthy of their steel.' Although the enemy outnumbered us three to one, yet on seeing the firmness with which we stood our ground, they thought 'discre- tion the better part of valor,' and returned back faster than they came ; and, as turn about is con- sidered fair play, our men now charged on them, and sent them back again beyond the woods." In this affair Captain John C. Culver, of E Com- pany, was mortally wounded, while in command of a detachment, scouting in the woods outside the picket-line. The ball took effect in his riglit arm, between the shoulder and elbow, and thoun-h it was not at first thougiit to be dangerous, ampu- tation became necessary, and the brave captain died in the hospital at Suffolk in the afternoon of Sunday, the twenty-fourth of May. By thi.s casu- alty the command of the company devolved on Lieutenant Hadley, who was immediately after- wards commissioned as its captain. During its stay on the Blackwater the regiment was engaged in another skirmish (June lytli), in which, how- ever, it sustained little or no loss ; and on the nineteenth of June it left Suffolk by rail for Nor- folk, where it was embarked the same night on board the steamer " Utica" and transported to Yorktown, on the Virginia peninsula, where it became a part of the force under General E. D. Keyes. It was disembarked at ten p.m. on Satur- day, the twentieth, and on the following Monday was moved out on the road to Williamsburg, which town it passed through on the twenty-third, and camped eight miles beyond. From this place it marched to Cumberland Landing and White House. Moving from the latter place on the first of July, it marched up the Peninsula to the vicinity of Bottom's Bridge, on the Chickahominy, where it remained for eight days on the plantation for- merly of e.x-President John Tyler. Nothing of much importance happened there, and on the eleventh the regiment, with the other forces of General Keyes' command, reached Yorktown on the return. At eleven o'clock in the evening of the same day the Twenty-si.xth embarked on a steamer at Yorktown, destined for Maryland and Pennsylvania, as the officers and men thought; but the opinion proved unfounded. At nine o'clock the next morning it arrived at Washington, and soon after left by railroad for the North. It was now understood that its destination was New York City, being moved there in view of the necessity of using its power to quell the lawless and mur- derous hordes who were inciting resistance to the military draft. Arriving in New York on the six- teenth it was first quartered in the Park Barracks, then in the old arsenal on White and Centre Streets, and was shortly afterwards moved to Fort Richmond, Staten Island. Shortly after the encampment of the Twenty- sixth on Staten Island, three companies (D, E, and G), with a battery, were transported by steamer to Tarrytown, on the Hudson River. Here, at their pleasant " Camp Irving," they remained some two or three weeks, which was a season of great enjoy- ment, and of very little laborious duty to the soldiers, so that marching orders, when they came, were received with much regret. A member of the command, in writing of the stay at Tarrytown, and the scenes immediately preceding their depar- ture from it, said, "There is not an officer or soldier of our little battalion, or the battery, but lias some peculiar and pleasant attachment to Tarrytown. When it was known that we had marching orders, the ladies purchased and pre- sented to the battalion a stand of colors, which presentation was made the occasion of a large patriotic gathering. The Rev. Mr. Wines pre- sented the flag on behalf of the ladies of Tarry- town, as a pledge of their devotion to their country, and an earnest of their future labors in its cause. TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 99 lie spoke in flattering terms of the conduct oC the soldiers during their brief sojourn at Camp Irving, and was pleased to bear testimony to the intelli- gence and honor of Michigan soltliers. Rev. Mr. Todd followed in an enthusiastic and powerful spcedi, and Lieutenant Burch responded on the part of Captain Dailey and the officers and soldiers of his command. In behalf of Captain Dailey and his command, of Colonel Farrar and his regiment, of Governor Blair and the ladies of Michigan, he thanked the patriotic ladies of Tarrytown for the banner, and for the kindness and courtesy they liad extended. In tlie hearts of these officers and soldiers henceforth Tarrytown and its loyal citizens would be canonized. The memory of all they had seen and felt and heard would go with them to their graves. The flag, the ladies, and the speakers were loudly cheered, and our work in Tarrytown was done. Long and pleasantly shall we remem- ber and speak of our visit on the Hudson, of the happy hours we passed in Camp Irving, of the pleasant evenings with the Clevelands, of our sail upon the river in Walter Byron's yacht, of Captain Storm and his kindness, and all the warm hearts and sunny faces of Tarrytown." The Twenty-sixth was not called on to perform the duty for which it was transported to New York, and aftera very pleasant stay of about three months, mostly passed amid the invigorating breezes of the lower bay, it left on the thirteenth of October, pro- ceeding south by railroad to rejoin the Army of the Potomac. In due time it reached Alexandria, and marched thence to Warrenton, Virginia, where it went into camp, and was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division of the Second Army Corps. On seventh of November the regiment moved thence to Stevensburg, where it again went into camp, and there remained until the twenty- sixth, when it moved forward with the army on the expedition to Mine Run. It crossed the Rap- idan at Germania Ford, and reached Robertson's Tavern on the twenty-seventh. On the twenty- ninth it had reached the front of the hostile works at Mine Run. The story of its assault of one of the enemy's positions is thus told b)- an officer who was ]')resent : "Shelling and sharpshooting, skir- mishing and reconnoitering are the order, until Sunday morning the twenty-ninth of November, when, dropping down upon the left of the line at White Hall Church, our brigade is thrown in the advance, and, forming into a strong skirmish-line, move forward under Colonel Miles and drive the enemy's pickets to within a mile of his main works, when we are ordered to halt in full view of his line of battle. Colonel Miles, commanding the brigade. Colonel I"\arrar, of the Twcntj'-si.xth, and Colonel McKean, of the Eighty-first Penns\-lvania, were repeatedly shelled by the enemy's batteries as they rode out upon the field to reconnoitre. Eighty rods to our front, and between us and the enemy's right, a piece of pine-woods was held by a force twice our strength, both in numbers and advantage of position. After a half-hour's halt we were or- dered to charge the enemy from this position, and to hold the wood with our brigade. To charge across an open field for eighty rods exposed to a raking fire of musketry from the woods and shell from the batteries is no mean work, even for vet- erans ; but the First Brigade knew how to do it, and so across they go with a yell and a will that puts the enemy to flight, and in ten minutes they hold the wood within easy musket range of the rebel intrenchments. Repeatedly they try to dis- lodge us from this position; but it is worse than useless, for amid the bursting of shells, the hissing of balls, and the falling of boughs, the men of the First Brigade are coolly holding their position, and Colonel Miles is not solicitous about the result. This charge cost us some noble blood. Captain Phillips, of the Eighty-first, is among the killed, and Lieutenant McKinley, of the same regiment, ten of our own, and several from the Sixty-first New York, and other regiments, are wounded. From our great exposure to musketry and shell, it was only the bad practice of the enemy's gun- ners and infantry that prevented a hundred or more of us from being cut down." The Mine Run expedition was but a reconnois- sance in force, and upon its completion the Twenty- sixth returned (December 3d) to its encarhpment at Stevensburg, where it remained in winter quar- ters, engaged only in picket duty (and in an expe- dition to Morton's Ford, I'ebruary 6th and 7th), until the opening of the historic campaign of the Wilderness in the spring of 1864. On the third of May at eleven p.m. the regiment marched away with its brigade from the Stevens- burg camp, and took the road to the Rapidan, each man carrying five days' rations and sixty rounds of ammunition. It crossed the river at Ely's Ford on the following day, and at night bivouacked on the old field of Chancellorsville. On the fifth, the march was resumed at an early hour, and by the middle of the afternoon the roar of battle was heard to the southward all along the front. The Twenty-sixth formed in line of battle, but was not engaged during this day. That night, and through the following da\', it was employed in throwing up defensive works. On the seventh. Company E was sent out, and met the enemy in some force, but, having driven them a short distance and killed one officer and several men, retired again, finding it lOO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. impracticable to liold tlie position against the superior number of tiie Confederates. Then the regiment advanced, supported by the One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania, and drove the enemy back, capturing two prisoners and some important dispatches, and losing one man from Company A. On the eighth of May the regiment marched to Todd's Tavern, threw up some works, and then moved out towards Corbin's Bridge, skirmishing and losing one man wounded, after which it re- tired to the works at Todd's. On the ninth it crossed the Po River, and advanced about two miles to the immediate front of the enemy's line, and there lay on its arms through the night. In the morning of the tenth it covered the crossing of the Po River. On the eleventh it recrossed that stream, reconnoitred the enemy's position, became sharply engaged, and lost eighteen killed and wounded. In the memorable and successful assault of the Second Corps on the enemy's works at Spottsyl- vania, on the twelfth of May, the Twenty-sixth took active and gallant part, charging with the bayonet, fighting hand to hand, capturing two brass guns with their gunners, and being the first regiment to plant its colors on the hostile works. It was also engaged in the desperate fight that followed the assault of the defenses, and assisted in the capture of a large number of guns, colors, and prisoners. In this day's work the loss of the regiment was one hundred and twenty-five killed and wounded and fourteen missing, it being after- wards found that the greater part of those reported missing were among the slain. Following are the lists, as published at the time, of the killed, wounded, and missing from the two Livingston companies of the Twenty-sixth in the slaughter of the twelfth of May. COMPANY B. Killed. J. W. Wilson. Wounded. Charles R. Button. J. M. Kearney. James VV. Fife. James D. Burgess. Josiah H. Munick. Orlando H. Sly. W. S. Holmes. David Frink. Thomas Lister. Watson Lister. Squire Holt. James Waters. James A. Wilder. G. E. Farnum. W. H. Dakin. J. H. Oaks. Missing. James Metcalf. John Dago. Samuel D. Wood. COMPANY E. Killed. Samuel B. Appleton. Rufus H. Wines. Eli Rambo. John Olds. Daniel Meekin. Wounded. Lieut. C. E. Grisson. D. E. Hathaway. Albert Bates. P^dwin Butler. John Bennett. Aaron Slater. B. F. Batcheler. George Petteys. John M. Rice. Nelson T. Hinckley. Sylvester Bates. Joseph Low. Charles E. Royce. Ashley C. Elder. Missing. Newton T. Kirk.* The above lists, being official, are believed to be correct, though it is possible that they are not entirely so, having been made on the field, imme- diately after the battle. On the night of the twentieth of May the regi- ment left its position at Spottsylvania Court-House and marched to the North Anna River, reaching that line on the twenty-third. The next day it crossed that stream at Jericho Bridge under a heavy artillery fire, and drove the enemy into his works, losing fourteen in killed and wounded. It recrossed the North Anna in the night of the twenty-sixth and marched to the Pamunkey River, which it crossed on the morning of the twenty- eighth, and advanced to a position near Hawes' Shop, which it at once fortified. On the twenty- ninth it moved to a reconnoissance of the enemy's position on Tolopotomoy Creek, in which move- ment three companies became engaged, and lost four men killed and wounded. The regiment reached Cold Harbor on the sec- ond of June, and in the fighting of that and the following day lost fifteen wounded and five missing. The following nine days were passed on the skir- mish line and in the intrenchments, and during that time the loss of the regiment was ten in killed and wounded. On the thirteenth it moved across the Chickahominy. In the night of the fourteenth it crossed the James near the mansion of Dr. Wilcox, and reached the front of Peters- burg in the morning of the sixteenth. On the day of its arrival there, it took part in the assault by which the first line of Confederate rifle-pits were carried. In this attack' it lost twelve in killed and * Mr. N. T. Kirk, the present county clerk of Livingston, was taken prisoner at Spollsylvania, in the battle of that clay, and spent some months in Andersonville prison, as is mentioned in another place. TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. lOI wounded ; among the latter (mortally) being its commanding officer, Captain James A. Lothian. Again, on the seventeenth it took part in the assault and capture of a line of works, and lost nine killed and wounded in the charge. On the eighteenth it skirmished with slight loss, and it was a part of the force which sustained and re- pulsed a determined attack of the enemy on our lines, on the twenty-second, near the Williams House. In the morning of the twenty-sixth of July the regiment marched with its brigade to Deep Bot- tom, where, on the twenty-seventh, it participated in the assault and capture of the enemy's works, with four pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners. On the following day it was engaged in a reconnoissance from Deep Bottom in the di- rection of New Market, and on this expedition it attacked and routed a largely superior force of Confederates, and compelled them to take refuge within their fortifications. It was not again seriously engaged until the si.\tecnth of August, at which time, near White Oak Swamp, it encountered the enemy, and in the sharp action which resulted lost seventeen killed and wounded, and seventeen prisoners, among the latter being Captain Dailey, its commanding officer. The Twenty-sixth recrossed to the south side of the James River on the twentieth of A ugust, and on the following day took its place in the lines fronting Petersburg. It moved to the Weldon Railroad on the twenty-second, and energetically worked at destroying the track until the twenty- fifth, when the force was furiously assaulted at Ream's Station by the enemy, and driven from its defenses, which were, however, retaken by a deter- mined charge, in which the Twenty-si.xth took part, with considerable loss. From the fifth of September until the ninth of October it was em- ployed in constructing earthworks near the Wil- liams House, but on the latter date moved to a position farther to the right, and from the latter part of October for about five months it was daily employed in picket and fatigue duty in front of the invested city. On the twenty-fifth of March, 1865, immediately after the furious Confederate attack on Forts Stead- man and Hancock, the Twenty-sixth Regiment, with its brigade, made a charge on the hostile works in its front, carrying a part of the line, and captured a considerable number of prisoners. The brigade occupied this position until the army com- menced its flanking movement to the left, when the Twenty-sixth moved as skirmishers in front of the corps during the twenty-ninth, thirtieth, and thirty- first of March, being heavily engaged in skirmish- ing during a good part of the last-named day. From the first to the fourth of April it was en- gaged in the pursuit of the retreating enemy, and fighting every day. On the si.xth of April the regiment attacked a train of two hundred and sixty wagons loaded with amunition and provis- ions, all of which were captured. At the surrender of General Lee, the Twenty- sixth was in the skirmish line, and the flag of truce, which arranged the terms of the surrender, passed through the regiment's line. " From March 28th until April 9th the regiment had captured over four hundred prisoners, and during that time its losses had been, in killed and wounded, about sixty, or more than one-fourth of its number pres- ent for duty ; and had often been complimented by the brigade and division commanders as the best skirmishing regiment in the corps." It remained with the brigade at Appomattox for eight days after the surrender, parking the captured artillery and guarding the trains of captured arms and am- munition. It rejoined the army at Burkeville on the eighteenth, and remained there till May 2d, when it proceeded by rail through Richmond and Fredericksburg to Washington, D. C, where it arrived on the thirteenth, and took its place in the grand review of the Army of the Potomac on the twenty-third of May. It was mustered out of ser- vice on the fourth of June, reached Jackson, Michi- gan, on the seventh, and was paid and disbanded on the fourteenth of the same month. EXPERIENCE OF A SOLDIER OF THE TWENTY- .SIXTH AT ANDERSONVILLE. Among the members of the Twenty-sixth Regi- ment who were unfortunate enough to fall into the hands of the enemy during the terrible struggle at Spottsylvania on the 12th of May, 1864, and to find their way to the prison-pen at Andersonville, was Newton T. Kirk, of Company E, who spent several months in confinement there. Mr. Kirk (who is the present county clerk of Livingston) has written an account of the experience of him- self and fellow-prisoners in that frightful place, and extracts from that account are here given. There were other Livingston County men besides Mr. Kirk who suffered within that hideous inclos- ure, and his narrative of the atrocities which they there endured in common, cannot fail to be read with interest. "This prison," sa)-s Mr. Kirk, " was located in what has been called the Empire State of the South, on the railroad leading from Macon to Americus, and about sixty miles from the former place. Its location was selected in the latter part of 1863, after the rejection of several places more I02 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. suitable to the healtli and comfort of the prisoners, and with tlie intention, as was asserted, of building a pen for the Yankees where they would rot faster than they could be sent. In January, 1864, a stockade was erected of pine-logs, about twenty feet in height, inclosing an area of about seventeen acres ; to this was given the name ' Camp Sumter.' In the following July the inclosure was enlarged to afford room for the confinement of an increased number of prisoners, which was accomplished by extending the stockade about forty rods to the north ; the work being performed by the inmates of the prison. With the addition, the stockade embraced about twenty-three and a half acres. Across this, from west to east, and about one- third of the distance from the southerly end of the stockade, ran a sluggish stream of water, five or six feet wide, and bordered on the north by a low swamp, embracing an area of perhaps four or five acres. This swamp became in time the receptacle for the offal which naturally drained into it from the surface of the camp, as well as the wash and waste of the camps and cook-houses outside. Out- side the stockade, near where the stream entered it, the cook-house was located, and farther up, the rebel guards were accustomed to wash and bathe, while close to the stockade, animals were per- mitted to die and rot in its waters. This stream was the only place, with the exception of a few shallow wells and springs, from which the pris- oners could procure water for general use. When the stream entered the stockade, it was covered with a mantle of filth, grease, and drippings that continually floated upon it when the creek was at its ordinary stage. From this pure and in- vigorating stream the prisoners drew their main supply of water. Outside the main stockade were two other lines built for defense and protection, in case of attempts to escape on the part of the pris- oners ; one being twelve, the otiier si.xteen feet in height. The hospital was situated outside the lines, some distance from the southeast corner of the camp, having been erected in June, 1864. There were two entrances to the stockade, both on the westerly side, one north, and the other south of the stream, secured by strongly-con- structed gates. It was guarded and garrisoned by rebel troops, whose camps were on the west side. Thirty-five sentry-boxes, well sheltered from sun and rain, were provided for the guards, and placed on the top of the stockade, at intervals of one hundred feet, so that the sentinels could see all that transpired among the prisoners within. On an eminence on the southwest corner, command- ing the camp, were forts well supplied with artil- lery. The country around Andersonville prison was a thick forest of pines, the space occupied by the camp having b'een cleared away for the pur- pose of its location. "A crowd of several hundred men, mostly wounded, went into the stockade on the twelfth of July, 1S64. [This was the party of which Mr. Kirk was one, — having come there, by wearying and painful stages, from the place of his capture, on the battle-field of Spottsylvania.] We were weak from wounds, and tired and jaded from a ride of more than a thousand miles in crowded cattle- cars ; but we were thrust in among thirty thousand prisoners, and left to our fite. The scene within I have not words to describe. It is true that over the gates were not written in so many words ' abandon hope all ye who enter here,' but it was a fact that a fearfully large proportion of those who did enter never passed out alive. The first inquiries of the prisoners were in regard to the cause they loved so well, and for which they were suffering and dying. What of its victories and defeats? Does Father Abraham still live ? Does the old flag yet wave ? And as listening thousands gathered round, and the stories of the successes and triumphs of the Union arms were repeated, shouts ascended from gladdened hearts, and they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. They suddenly remembered that they were Union soldiers, with higher aims than that of starving and dying in Andersonville. Many had been there for long months. No letters had been received or sent, and they were intensely anxious for news from home. Letters were the soldier's life in our own camps ; what joy they would have brought to suffering hearts here! Our detachment of several hundreds was directed to a certain part of the stockade the northeast corner — where we would find some vacant ground. After a long search we found the point indicated, and proceeded to spread our blankets, but there was hardly room enough for all to lie down at night. After this, I went to the creek Tor water, and when I returned I could not find my place. The ground was all covered with sleepers, and all looked alike tome. I roused one and another, hoping to find my comrade and blanket, but had to give up the search, and finally camping on an unoccupied corner lot, two feet by si.x, went to sleep. The next morning I found the object of my search about twenty feet from me. The more I explored this place, the more I dis- liked it. The tales told of its unhealthfulness were not encouraging to a sickly person, and reports as to the bill of fare were not satisfactory to a delicate one, and — I wanted to go home. But thousands had died with that same cry upon their lips, and my request was not granted. TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 103 "During July tlie weather became hotter and liottcr; at midday the sand burned tlic feet; the skin bh'stered under the sun's rays, and cracked open, and the flies were then a cruel torment. The loathsome swamp grew in offensivencss with every hour, and disease struck down its miserable victims on every side. During these months of Inly, August, and September, one could see in every direction numbers of men in the last stages of rotting death. The entire lack of vegetable food caused the scurvy to rage among the men in a frightful manner. The gums would become dis- eased and rot away, and men with strong, healthy teeth could pull them out with their fingers. The limbs would swell to twice their natural size and become red as blood and almost putrid; yet, in cases as bad as these, I have known a half- bushel of sweet potatoes, eaten raw, to effect almost an entire cure. If we could have had. the precious privilege of picking out from the refuse of the kitchen at home the potato-parings, apple- cores, and crusts of bread, hundreds of lives would have been saved to their country and their friends. I knew there in the stockade a German watch- maker from Philadelphia. Knowing that among the rebels were hundreds of old watches that re- quired constant tinkering to keep them in motion, he made for himself some rude tools, and started a shop. His price for cleaning and repairing a watch was twenty dollars, and he took his pay in sweet potatoes at twenty dollars a bushel. Con- federate money. He was constantly at work. Watches came to him from every quarter, and sweet potatoes followed. Aside from his own ne- cessities, they were distributed among the suffer- ing, and doubtless hundreds were relieved, and many lives saved, by his industry, skill, and hu- manity. I had the pleasure of meeting him after- wards in ' God's Country,' and of congratulating him on the good work he was permitted to ac- com])lish. " Inside tiie stockade, parallel with the lines, and about si.xteen feet distant, was the ' dead-line,' marked by strips of boards nailed upon upright posts which were planted in the ground at regular intervals. It was rightly named — the line of death ; to pass it, to encroach upon the fatal spot beyond, brought the penalty of death to all, without dis- tinction. The purpose of its establishment was to guard the stockade against the approach of the ])risoners, either singly or in numbers; and the violation of the rule brought instant punishment. Many a soldier, weary of his wretched life, crazed with hunger, and despairing of release, deliberately crossed the dead line, and from the bullet of the guard met the death he sought. Day by day we heard the crack of the deadly rifle, and the remark would pass along the line that another soldier had received his discharge. But the greatest number met their death at the point where the dead-line cro.ssed the creek on the west side. Those wanting water would go to this spot and reach as far up the stream as possible, to get the least filthy water, and as they could reach nearly to the dead-line, this furnished an excuse to such of the guards as were murderously inclined to fire upon them. I think I am not out of the way in saying that for many weeks at least one man a day was killed at this place. The murders became monotonous; we could hear the crack of the gun, and the piercing shriek of the victim, and hundreds of throats would yell out curses and cry, 'Oh, give the rebel a fur- lough !' It was our firm belief that any guard who shot a prisoner got a thirty days' furlough. Pri.s- oners whose tents were near this point — this fact gi\'ing them a good opportunity for observation — have stated to me that after a soldier had been shot, the particular guard who did it would not be seen on duty again for some weeks. " I was at the creek one day for water, and two soldiers, each eager to get the best place for filling their canteens, began crowding and pushing each other. In the scuffle they came near the dead-line (or where it would have been had it been continued across the creek), and in a moment the sound of the rifle was heard, and the poor victim paid a fearful penalty for his thoughtlessness. Most of the guards weie very young boys or old men. The more able-bodied were in Lee's or Johnston's army, and the cradle and the grave had been robbed in forming these home regiments. Their ignorance was simply wonderful ; they could hardly comprehend that it was any more harm to kill a Yankee than a deer of their own forests. Their minds had been so worked upon by those who wished to create just such impressions, that they believed it was a meritorious act to extermi- nate them as fast as possible. It seemed to be the aim of those who inaugurated this system of things to use every available means to diminish the num- ber of Union soldiers. The condition of prisoners here was well known to those in high authority, as well as the extreme cruelty of those who had charge of them. When the rebel general Winder left the .scene of his crimes at Richmond, to take charge of Andersonville, the Richmond Examiner, a paper never suspected of any partiality for Yan- kees, exclaimed, ' Thank God that Richmond has at last got rid of old Winder I May God have mercy upon those to whom he is sent !' " The life we were compelled to live here was barelv endurable. Multitudes died because they I04 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. had nothing to do, nothing to read, nothing to en- gage their attention but misery and deatli. Many yielded to the long strain of privations and ex- posure. Their faculties shrunk under this waiting and longing, until they forgot their companions and regiments, the date of their capture, and finally their very names. Many sunk into this imbecile condition, and had to becarefully guarded by their comrades from running into danger. To our minds the world contained but two grand divisions : the space over which our flag floated we called ' God's Country ;' that covered by the Confederate flag was designated by the strongest epithets at the speaker's command. To get from the latter to the former was the highest object of our desires; bet- ter be engaged in the most menial services under the Stripes and Stars, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness under the hateful Southern Cross. To take the lowest place in the field would now be a delightful change. We did not care to go home ; we would not ask for furloughs, if we could only get to that blessed place within our own lines ; once there, there would be no more grumbling at guard duty, no more fault-finding about rations. VVe would endure cheerfully all the privations that soldier's flesh was heir to. To thousands, hang- ing on the verge of eternity, this question meant life or death. "Between July 1st and November 1st, twelve thousand men died, the most of whom would doubtless have lived had they been able to reach our lines. Tiiere were only two ways by which this object could be accomplished, — escape and exchange. And there were so many perils attend- ing the former, and so many failures connected with it, that our hopes were mainly centered on the latter. Every day there came something to build up the hope that exchange was near at hand, and every day brought something to extinguish the hope of the preceding one. Hope deferred niaketh the heart sick, and the desponding and sickly sank down and died under these repeated discouragements. We had rumors, from time to time, of Sherman breaking loose from Atlanta, and of his march eastward ; and we prayed that his route might take in Andersonville. Our ears were constantly open for the faintest sound that might indicate his approach. There was hardly an hour of the night passed without some one fancying he heard the sound of distant firing. One would jump up and say, ' Now, if I ever heard musketry firing in my life, there's a heavy skirmish line at work, and not more than two or three miles away, either.' Then another would say, ' I don't ever want to get out of here, if that don't sound just like the skirmishing at the Wilderness the first day of the fight ; it rattled exactly as that does now.' One night there came two short, sharp peals of thunder, sounding almost precisely like the reports of rifled field-pieces. We sprang up in a frenzy of excitement, but the next peal went off in the usual rumble, and the excitement gradually subsided. "A few days later, in the evening of September 6th, the rebel sergeant who called the roll entered the stockade, and addressed the prisoners about as follows: 'I am instructed by General Winder to inform you that a general exchange has been agreed upon ; twenty thousand men will be sent immediately to Savannah, where your vessels await you ; detachments one to ten will be ready to march early to-morrow morning.' I was in my tent when I first heard the cheeiing, and hastened over to where the crowd had gathered. The excitement was simply indescribable, and it increased in volume as the crowd increased in numbers. The prisoners had endured their sufferings with manly firmness, but the emotions which sickness and pain could not develop, joy could ; and the boys sang and shouted and danced and cried as if in delirium. God's country, fairer than the promised land of Canaan appeared to the rapt vision of the Hebrew prophet, was spread out in the far vista before the mind's eye of every one. It had come! — that which we had dreamed of, longed for, prayed for, schemed, planned, and toiled for, and for which had gone up the last, earnest, dying wish of the thousands of our comrades who would now know no exchange, save into that eternal God's country to which they had gone. " In the morning of September 7th several thousands passed out, but our enemies were such measureless liars that many believed that they were only being sent to another stockade, to be out of the way of Sherman's threatened march. On the seventh, eighth, and ninth of September about ten thousand were sent away ; and this gave us more room, so that we could have some exer- cise. We fervently hoped that our comrades had really been exchanged ; that they had carried to our friends in the North some news of our where- abouts and condition ; but knowing so well the character of those people we were not greatly surprised when we found our friends in the stock- ade at MiUen, Georgia, about two months later. "As hopes of exchange declined activity in tun- neling increased. Escape was a perpetual allure- ment to those who had some health and strength left; it afforded an opportunity for active possibil- ities. Far better to die in making the attempt than to starve and rot in inactivity ; but we could not but acknowledge that their plans to guard TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. los against our escape were we!I-nigli perfect, as was attested by the fact that out of the fifty thousand prisoners who were, from first to last, at Ander- sonville, only about three hundred and twenty- eight succeeded in getting to our own Hnes. . . . There were hundreds of patrols, pickets, and guards passing around at all times, watching and guarding every avenue. Several packs of hounds also formed an important part of the establish- ment of the prison-keepers. The human rebel might be escaped, but it was not so easy a matter to get clear of their canine assistants. One man now living in this county has told me that on one occasion three prisoners (of whom he was one), accompanied by a single guard, went out for wood, when they seized and gagged the guard, and bound Iiim so that he could not give the alarm ; then ran for life and liberty, keeping as much as possible along the stream, where the hounds could not follow the scent. After some hours the guard succeeded in getting free, and gave the alarm ; the hounds were immediately put upon their track, and when they heard them in close pursuit they separated and took to the trees ; but the hounds followed by their masters, soon came up, and the men were brought down. This man was just on the point of getting down from the tree and join- ing the others, when he thought he would wait until invited to come down. To his great surprise the entire party turned about and retraced their way to the prison camp. As soon as they were out of sight he pursued his way to freedom, and finally succeeded, with much assistance from the colored men, in reaching our lines. We always found the colored people true friends, and there was no corner of the Southern Confederacy so re- mote but that they had heard of ' Massa Linkum' and his 'mancipation proclamation. "In September an event happened which brought to the minds of all familiar with Bible history the narrative of Moses bringing water from the rock. The stockade was very much crowded, and as there was considerable ground covered by the marsh along the creek that could not be occupied, some of the men asked and ob- tained permission from the rebel officers to dig down the hill along the dead-line and wheel the dirt down into the marsh, thereby gaining an acre or two of ground, which was afterwards used to very good advantage. They were busily engaged in this work when, deep in the hillside, they struck a fine spring of water, as cool aiul refresh- ing to the parched lips of the sick and dying of the prison as the waters of Meribah to the Israel- ites of the wilderness. The news spread that the waters were bursting forth, and as the maimed and 14 sick crowded round the healing pool of Bethesda in Christ's time, so did these sick and dying ones come here for a draught of pure, cold water. So great was the crowd that a police force was or- ganized, and the last who came were obliged to fall in the rear of the line. But there was no need of hurrying, for the water poured forth in a steady, constant, endless flow, — fit emblem of the blessings that should flow from the liberties which men were dying to perpetuate. " For me, this long period of hoping and watch- ing and waiting finally came to an end early in November. An order came that every man must be at his tent, as the doctors were going to exam- ine and send to our own lines those who would not be fit for future service. The doctors soon came in, and were quickly surrounded by maimed and wounded men, with wounds full of gangrene and limbs swollen almost to bursting with scurvy and dropsy, all of them imploring and beseeching the doctors to send them home before they died. From such a sight I turned away. I thought I had no chance in that crowd, but the sergeant of our ward insisted on the doctors seeing my wounds, and to my great surprise they put my name down for exchange. The next morning the bugle sounded for us to fall in. Our names were called and we were marched out of the stockade and again crowded into the cars. As our train left the depot we could see through the trees the fields where more than thirteen thousand of our soldiers were buried, — victims, not of necessity, but of the in- humanity of those who hatl them in chaige. "Our train ran to Macon, and then turned on the road leading to Savannah. We arrived at that city on Sunday morning, November 20, 1864, and were soon drawn up in line on the dock, to sign articles of parole not to take up arms again until duly exchanged. These preliminaries duly ar- ranged, we got on board a small tug and started down the Savannah River to the point where our vessel lay. As we rounded a point in the river we came in sight of a fort over which our flag floated. Our men, almost frantic with the sight of the stars and stripes, rushed to that side in such numbers that the vessel almost capsized, and the rebel officer drove them back with his sword. We finally arrived in the bay, where we saw our own .steamers, laden with clothing for the naked, food for the famishing ones, medicine for the sick and dying, and waiting to convey all to home and friends again. We .sprang over the narrow plank that separated the vessels, and were at home. What a night we passed on board that vessel ! Men shouted and prayed and sang as if in delirium, I and some died, from very joy. Whenever I awoke lOO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. during the night, the voice of singing c.ime to my car, and m\- heart joined in the melody. What a delightful sense of comfort and rest we experi- enced for a few days ! Food was given us spar- inglv, but we knew there was plenty in reserve when we were able to bear it. The day after we came on board we threw our rags into the ocean, and received a new suit of blue. We were then transferred to another vessel and started North. The very elements were propitious, and we had a delightful voyage, singing with glad hearts ' Home- ward Bound." Verj- few were sea-sick, and about dark on Saturday, November 26, i S64, we reached Annapolis, where our wants were all provided for, and we received ever\-thing that our condition re- quired." MEMBERS OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY FROM LIVINGSTON CX>UNTY. /■u/J amJ S(<>f. Adjutant Charles E, Grisson, Hamburg, .-\pril 15, 1S64; wounded in K\Ule of SiV)ttsyl\-;\nia, Virginia, May 12, 1S64; promoted to captain. Company -V, July 29. 1S64. Adjutant Harris H Hickock, Howell, first lieutenant and adjutant, July 29, 1 804 : captain, June 9, 1S65 ; m iisioro>i out ;is adjutant, June 4, 18115. J\':Mi'C»mmissiimeii S/aJT. Sergeant-Major Herman Preston. Howell, enli-ted Se|itember 6, 1S62; prvimoted to second lieutenant. Company 11, March 20. 1S63. Sergeant- Major William G. Smith, Hanland, promoted to second lieutenant. Company E, May 24, 1S63. Sergeant- Major Lupton C. Culver, Hamburg, discharged for dis- ability, M.iy 4, 1S04. Sergeant-Miijor Charles S. Fall, H;imhurg, honorably discharged June 4. 1S65. Princiivil Musician Valdmer Grisson, Hamburg, honorably dis- charged June 4, 1S65. CajHain Charles E. Grisson, Hamburg, July 29, 1S64; brevet major United States Yolunteers for gallant and meritorious services in the field ; muslerevl out April 19, 1S66. Captain Stephen B. Burch, Pinckney, August 27, 1S62 ; discharged for disability, .^pril 15, iSti4. Cajitain Lucius H. Ives, l-nadilla, April 26, 1864: promote*! to m.ijor, March 7, 1S65; mustered out as captain, June 4, 1S65. First lieutenant Washington W. Burch, Pinckney, August 13, 1S62-, dieil at Alexandria, Yirgiuia, February 7, 1S63. First Lieutenant Lucius H. Ives, ITnadilla, February 7, 1S63 ; promoted to captain, April 26, 1S64, Comjiony B. First Lieutenant Thomas C. Ch.ise, L)sco, June 26, 1864; pro- moted to captain ; mustered out as firet lieutenant, June 4, 1865. Second Lieutenant Lucius H. Ives, I'nadilla, .\ugust 22, 1S62; promoted to lim lieutenant, Februarj- 7, 1S63. Seciind Lieutenant Thomas C, Chase, Iosco, February 7, iS6j ; jiromoted to tirst lieutenant, June 26, iSti4. Serjeant Thomas C Chase, Iosco. Sergeant AIl>ert W. Messenger. Iosco. Sergeant Ejios S. Steadm.an, I'nadilla, enlisted August 6, 1S62; l.ikcn prisoner in action at Deep Bottom, Yirgini.a, August 16, 1864; died of starvation in Salisbur)- prison-iv;n, Decem- ber 12. 1864. Sergeant C. Hcniy Smith, Putnam, enlisted .Vugust 6, 1S62; died at Washington, May 27. tStvj. of wounds received at Spott- sylv.-knia, Virginia. May 12. 1S64. Corporal S.umicl H. Maiiin, Putnam, promoted to sci^eant; hon- orably discharged June 4. 1S65. Cor(Hiral Charles R. Dutton, Iosco, killed in action near Peters- bui^, Virginia, June 17, 1864. Corjwral Andrew J. Rounds, Marion, discharged Octol)er 14, 1S63. Cor|x>ral Thomas J. Hayes, L'nadilla, died of disease at home, M.irch 16. 1864. Corjioral Henn.' Arnold, Putnam, discharged for disability, Octo- ber 27, 1863. I'rn\t/fs. Ira P. Annis, Putnam, enlisted August 3, 1S62 ; died at Alexan- dria, Virginia, March 17. 1863. of disease. Henry A. Kay, Putnam, enlisted .-Vugust 3, 1S62; honorably dis- chaiged May 22, 1865. Willi.am Anderson, Putnam, enlisted August 3, 1862; discharged for disiibilliy, June 19. 1S63. Burvlick J. AbKitt, Lvsco, enlisted jVugust 3, 1862; honorably dis- chaiged June 4, 1S65. Geoige W. Baiton, Unadilla, enlisted August 3, 1862; transferred to Coml^any G. William E. Burns, Iosco, enlisted August 3, 1S62 ; discharged for disability, June 2, 1 863. James D. Butgcr, Putnam, enlisted August 3, 1S62; honorably dischargetl June 4, 1S65. Myron J. Chalker, Unadilla, enlisted August 16,1862; died of disease at Stevensburg, Virginia, Januarv- 14, 1864. George \V. Chalker, Putnam, enlisted August 6, 1S62 ; honorably dischaiged June 4, 1865. John G. Chalker, P\Uiiam, enlisle\i August 15, 1S62; honorably di5ch.irgeer 27, 1S63. Wilkinson Green, Iosco, enlisted August 13, 1862; honorably dis- charged June 4, 1865. Henry O. Green, Unadilla, enlisted August 6, 1S62; honorably disch,irgeil June 4, 1865. Orfin Green, Unadilla, enlisted August 6, 1S62; mustered out July 13. 1S65. Richard B. Garrison, Unadilla, enlisted August 7, 1S62; killed in action at North Anna, \"itginia. May 24, 1S64. William S. Holmes, Unadilla, enlisted August 7, 1862 ; discharged by order. May iS, 1S65. Edward A. House, Handy, enlisted August II, 1862: disch.argcd by order. May 13, 1 8(14. Russell Hastings, Iosco, enlisted August iS, 1S62 ; honorably dis- chargeil M.ry 22, 1S65. John M. Kcuney, Putnam, enlistee! August 7, 1S62; sergeant; honorably dischargei.1 June 4, 1 865. And. S. LoMell, Putnam, enlisted August 20, 1862 : discharged Ajiril 9, 1863, Hiram D. Lee, Putnam. enliste<,l .\ugust 14, 1S62 ; honorably dis- charged June 4, 1865. Watson Lister, L»sco, enlisteil .\ugust 13, 1S62; honorably dis- charged June 4, 1S65. TWKNTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. 107 Thomas Lister, Iosco, enlisted February 24, 1864; died August 7, 1864, of Wounds received at Spoltsylvania. KrancisJ. Lincoln, Unadilla, enlisted Au<;u>.t2f, 1862; transferred to Company G ; died of disease at Hamilton, Virginia, June 26, 1863. Charles Lockwood, loscn, enlisted August 14, 1862; honorably discharged June 4, 1865. Wc-ley II. Mosier, Iosco, enlisted August II, 1862; died of dis- ease at Tompkins Centre, Michigan, Octol>cr 14, 1864. Jcdedlah Miner, Iosco, enlisted August 15, 1S62; honorably dis- charged June 4, 1865. Henry Mills, I'ulnani, enlisted August 6, 1862; discharged for disability, January 30, 1863. Ashcr G. Miller, I'ulnani, enlisted January 4, 1864; mustered out June 24, 1865. James Melcalf, Putnam, enlisted August 14, 1862; killed May 12, 1864, in battle of Spoltsylvania, Virginia. Isaac S. Mcintosh, Unadilla, enlisted Augn-t 15, 1862; died of disease at V'orktown, Virginia, July 7, 1863. James Moore, Unadilla, enlisted August 8, 1862; transferred to Invalid Corps; mustered out July 3, 1S65. James J. Mann, I'ulnnm, enlisted August 15, 1862; died August 19, 1864, of wounds received at Cold Harbor, Virginia. Josiah Minick, Putnam, enlisted August 6, 1862; killed April 7, 1865, in action at p'armvillc, Virginia. Frank C. Martin, Putnam, enlisted August 21, 1862; died of dis- ease at Fortress Monroe, September 3, 1 863. John P. Miller, Iosco, enlisted August 22, 1862; discharged June I, 1 86 J. John H. Oaks, Iosco, enlisted August 9, 1862; honorably dis- charged June 4, 1865. Seth Porter, Unadilla, enlisted August 15, 1862; honorably dis- charged June 4, 1865. Andrew Kobinson, Putnam, enlisted August 15, 1862; discharged for disability, November 10, 1863. Lewis H. Sweet, Handy, enlisted August 20, 1862; honorably discharged June 9, 1865. Augustus H. Stiles, Unadilla, enlisted August 14, 1862; honor- ably discharged June 4, 1865. George Sirayer, Marlon, enlisted August 8, 1862; sergeant; honor- ably discharged June 4, 1865. D.initI Sprague, Unadilla, enlisted August 7, 1862; honorably discharged June 4, 1865. Thomas E. Allison, Putnam, enlisted August If, 1862; died of wounds received at Spottsylvania, Virginia, May 12, 1864. James Waters, Iosco, enlisted August 9, 1862; killed in action at Spoltsylvania, Virginia, May 12, 1864. John \V. Wlllson, Iosco, enlisted August 9, 1862; killed in action at Spoltsylvania, Virginia, .May 12, 1864. James A. Wilder, Pnln.im, enlisted August II, 1862; killed May 12, 1864, in action at Spottsylvania. George J. Wilhelm, Iosco, enlisted August 9, 1862; honorably discharged May 31, 1865. Company C. First Lieutenant John M. Royce, Hamburg, October I, 1864; promoted to captain, June 9, 1865 ; nnistered out as fir^t lieu- tenant. Company G. Francis J. Lincoln, died of disease at Hampton, Virginia, June 26, 1863. Lewis E. Wliitakcr, Occola, enlisted November 21, 1862; trans- ferred to Invalid Corps; discharged June 17, 1865. Isaac Mclnlosh, died of ilisease at Vorklown, Virginia, July 7, 1863. Company II. Second Lieutenant Hcman Preston, Howell, March 20, 1863; dis- charged for disability, December 3, 1863. Private Loomis Dillingham, Conway, enlisted August 20, 1862; died of disease, January 12, 1864, at Stevensburg, Virginia. Company I. First Lieutenant Thomas J. Thompson, Hamburg, January 2, 1865 ; mustered out June 4, 1865. .Second Lieutenant John M. Royce, Hamburg, April 13, 1864; promoted to first lieutenant. Company C, October I, 1864. Second Lieutenant Thomas J. Thompson, Hamburg, November 17, 1864; promoted to first lieutenant. Company I, January 2, 1865. Company E. Captain John C. Culver, Hamburg, August 21, 1862; died at Suf- folk, Virginia, May 24, 1863, of wounds received in action near Windsor, Virginia, May 23, 1863. First Lieutenant Charles E. Grisson, Hamburg, May 24, 1863; promoted to adjutant April 15, 1864. -Second Lieutenant Charles E. Grisson, Hamburg, September I, 1862 ; promoted to first lieutenant. Second Lieutenant William G. Smilh, Hartland, May 24, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant; resigned June 26, 1864. Second Lieutenant Albert W. Messenger, Iosco, Decembers, 1864; sergeant, Company B; mustered out June 4, 1865. Sergeant William G. Smilh, Hartland, enlisted -August 14, 1862; promoted to sergeant-major April 23, 1863. Sergeant Robert Howlelt, Hamburg, enlisted August 4, 1862; transferred to Invalid CoriK September I, 1863. Sergeant Henry H. Bishop, Hamburg, enlisted August 4, 1862; honorably discharged June 2, 1865. Sergeant John M. Royce, Hamburg, enlisted August 4, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant. Company I, April 13, 1864. Corporal Heman Preston, Howell, enlisted August 14, 1862; transferred to Company K and promoted to sergeant-major. Corporal Charles Purdy, Jr., Hartland, enlisted August If, 1S62; discharged to accept promotion in United States Colored Troops. Corporal Philo B. Wines, Howell, enlisted August 8, 1862; mus- tered out June 30, 1865. Corporal William Gregg, Hamburg, enlisted August 15, 1862; discharged for disability, July 31, 1863. Corporal Thomas J. Thompson, Hamburg, enlisted August 4, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant. Company I, November 17, 1864. Corporal Newton T. Kirk, llarlland, enlisted August II, 1862; sergeant ; commissioned in United Slates Colored Infantry. Corporal Myron Kriesler, Genoa, enlisted August 12, 1862; dis- charged for disability, October 26, 1863. Privales. Jos. Abbott, Hamburg, enlisted August 8, 1862; died of disease at Alexandria, March 12, 1863. Edwin D. Alger, Cohoctah, enlisted August 22, 1862; honorably discharged June 4, 1865. Samuel B. Appleton, Hamburg, enlisted August 11, 1862; killed in action at Spottsylvania. Benj,aniin F. Bachelor, Oceola, enlisted August II, 1862; pro- moted into United States Colored Infantry. Jerome M. Baker, Hamburg, enlisted August 5, 1862; honorably discharged June 4, 1865. Albert Bales, Tyrone, enlisted August 14, 1862; honorably dis- charged June 4, 1865. Sylvester Bates, Deerfield, enlisted August 14, 1862; discharged for disability. May 13, 1865. Mark Barnard, Hamburg, enlisted August 5, 1S62; honorably discharged June 4, 1S65. Albert Burnett, Green Oak, enlisted August II, 1862; honorably discharged June 4, 1865. James Burnelt, Hamburg, tnlisied .\ugust 14, 1862; died of dis- ease nl Fort Rlclinioml, New York, October 14, 1S63. io8 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Benjamin Buffum, Hamluirg, enli^led August 12, 1862; died of disease at Jacl.568 The total amount of all other grains than wheat and corn raised in the county in 1873 was four hun- dred and thirty-eight thousand five hundred and twenty-one bushels. C.\TTLE. There are few counties in which, at the time of their early settlement, the number of cattle was as great in proportion to the number of inhabitants as it was in Livingston. This was clue to the fact that the great quantity of wild-marsh grasses found here furnished food on which animals could be kept from the first without waiting for the produc- tion of grain or fodder from tilled land. This fact was discovered by those who prospected the county to make their selections and enter their lands, and so when they returned, bringing their families, nearly all of them brought also a number of horned cattle, — some having ho more than a yoke of oxen, others having more, and some as many as ten or twelve head, including o.xen, cows, and young stock; so that in the year 1840, only fotir years after immigrants began to arrive here in any consider- able numbers, the number of neat cattle in the county (as shown by the census returns of that year) was seven thousand nine humired and thirty- one. Three years later, the old Livingston County Agricultural Society offered separate premiums for different classes of cattle, and about 1846 the stock of the county had so much increased that droves of cattle were collected in Livingston, and taken hence to Buffalo for tiie Eastern market. One of the first of these droves — if not the very first — was purchased by Altiion Whipple antl Williani Dor- rance, of Howell, in 1845 or 1846, and disposed of in the East. IMrUOVFO IJUEKDS. Tiie first cattle of imported breed introduced into the county were a few Devons, purcliased about 1848, from Mr. Crippen, a rather famous breeder, of Coldwater, Michigan, by David B. Power, of Hamburg. After breeding these for about ten years, Mr. Power procured a fine Dur- ham bull, and bred the Durham-Devon cross for 122 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. about five \-ears, until he liad a herd of consider- able size. At that time he sold his herd to his son-in-law, William Ball, of Hamburg. About the same time that Mr. Power purchased his first Devoiis, or a little later, Mr. John Sellers, of Deerfield, also purchased a few of the same breed, and became the owner of a small herd. Mr. C. L. Crouse, of Hartland, brought in three or four pure Durhams from New York State about 1855 ; and Mr. VVakeman, of the same town, also bred a small herd of Durhams — all bulls. Mr. Crouse increased his purchase to quite a numerous herd, but this has since been dispersed. From the herds above mentioned came most of the blooded stock in the county down to the year i860. The records of the Agricultural Society, from 1854 to i860, show a large number of names of persons who received premiums on, or entered, improved stock in the exhibitions of the society during the years mentioned. The names given be- low are taken from those records, and printed here as showing who were among the principal of the breeders of such stock at that time. It is proper, however, to say that very few of the ani- mals were pure bloods, even when mentioned as such : 1854. — Premiums on short-horns, to Charles P. Bush, George Taj'Ior, Loren Boutell, J. B. Ham- mond, P. L. Smith. On crosses of full blood, to William Se.xton, Job Cranston, G. B. Armstrong, Thomas B. Brooks, D. Case, William Stedman. On Devons, to Ralph Fowler and D. B. Power. 1856. — Premiums on full-blood cattle, to Daniel Jackson, Luther Boyden, William Placeway, J. Nichols, J. S. Bliss, Austin Wakeman, James R. Sage, L. E. Beach & Co., Job Cranston, John Griffon, D. B. Power, L. C. Crittenden. On grades, to Ely Barnard, W. C. Shaft, Sanford Marble, C. L. Crouse, R. F. Glass, Mrs. A. P. Jewett, L. E. Beach, Jr., Austin Wakeman. 1857. — Pantries of Devons and Durhams, by James R. Sage, J. Brown & Co., Daniel Harpley, William Steadman, L. C. Crittenden, Austin Wake- man, D. B. Power, E. Buckel, K. S. Bingham, Wil- liam Placeway, C. W. Burwell, R. H. Bennett, Job Cranston. 1S58. — Entries of short-horns, by D. B. Power, R. Wrigglesworth, K. W. Bingham, Austin Wake- man, George W. Peck, C. L. Crouse, R. Bigham. Entries of Devons, by D. B. Power, William Ball, J. O. Fonda, J. J. Bennett, Jr., William Placeway. Entries of full-blood foreign cattle, by J. B. Arms, H. Masson, and C. A. Jeffries. 1859. — Entries of short-horns, by C. L. Crouse, K. W. Bingham, A. Wakeman, E. Buckel, R. Wrigglesworth, Entries of Devons, by W. G. Smith, D. B. Power, William Ball, J. O. Fonda,7. J. Bennett, Jr., R. H. Bennett, R. Bigham. i860. — Entries of short-horns, by W. Sexton, R. Wrigglesworth, E. Buckel, F. S. Wyckoff, A. Wakeman, D. Sherwood, J. B. Skilbeck, Alva Pres- ton, George Coleman. Pantries of Devons, by B. G. and W. M. Smith, and William Ball. Soon after the purchase of Mr. D. B. Power's herd by William Ball, as above mentioned, the latter gentleman disposed of all these animals with the intention of breeding pure short-horns and none other, an object which he has since fully carried out. He has bred and sold large numbers of these cattle, and has now a herd of about forty iiead on his farm in Hamburg. The other breeders of pure Durhams in Livingston County are as follows: Alexander McPherson, of Howell, has a fine herd; Ephraim J. Hardy and son, of Oceola, a herd of about ten head ; Charles Fishbeck, of Genoa, a herd of about twenty; Horace Halbert, of Conway, a herd — number not known; Heman Bump, of Howell, the same; B. F. Batchelor, of Oceola, a small herd ; Aaron Holt, of the same township, a herd — number not known; L. K. Beach, of Marion, a fine herd, from which he has recently made public sales; Charles Love, of Put- nam, Carroll Woods, of Green Oak, Thomas Granger, of the same township, W. and F. Hyne, of Brighton, and Richard Wrigglesworth, of Con- way, all liave small herds of the same breed. George Coleman, of Marion, has a few Galloways, and Ebenezer Kellogg, of Oceola, has a small herd of Ayrshires. The owners of fine crosses and grades in the county are too numerous to mention separately. SHEEP-BREEDING. Sheep-raising and wool-growing were among the earliest of the agricultural industries in Liv- ingston, being entered into to some extent by the farmers of the county soon after settlement, and generally, as soon as their circumstances had been improved and the comfort of their families assured, by the production of a few crops of wheat and other necessaries. In 1840 there were nineteen hundred and three sheep in the county, as shown by the census report of that year, and the wool product was three thousand nine hundred and forty-five pounds. In 1850 the wool produced in the county was, as reported, eighty-six thousand six hundred and eighty-six pounds, and the whole number of sheep had increased to thirty-two thou- sand two hundred and eighty-two. In i860 the number of sheep reported was fifty-si.x tiiousaud si.K hundred and eighty-one, and the wool-clip in the county had increased to one hundred and si.xty- AGRICULTURE. 123 seven thousand and t\vent\--eight pounds. In 1S64 the number of sheep reported was one luindred and two thousand two hundred and sixteen over six montlis old, and tiic pounds of wool shorn three hunihcd and fifty-eight thoLisand five hun- dred antl eighty-six. The last census (that of 1874) shows that ninety thousand four hundred and eighty sheep were shorn in the county in the pre- vious year, and that the wool produced was four hundred and thirty- five thousand one hundred and seventy-one pounds. Sheep-breeding and wool-growing at the present time, although not prosecuted with as much of en- thusiasm as during the period of inflated prices produced by the war of the RebelHon, is still a leading agricultural industiy in Livingston County; and it must remain a profitable one, if the product and prices of future years should prove e(]ual to those of 1879. rURE-BLOODED SHEEP. Among the first Merino sheep brought into Liv- ingston County were those introduced, about 1848, by David B. Power and Ira Jennings. The latter gentleman brought in several Spanish Merinos [ from Vermont, and bred them successfully until ^~1iis death, after which it was continued by his son till about i860, when his flock was sold to William Ball, of Hamburg. The sheep introduced by Mr. Power were French Merinos, purchased in Washtenaw County from a flock which had been brought there by Mr. Patter- son from New York State. Mr. Power bred these with Spanish Merinos, and continued breeding them until about i860, when Mr. Ball also pur- chased his flock, as lie had about the same time purchased that of Mr. Jennings; and he has kept the flock up, and replenished it by purchases, until the present time. His purchases have been made principally from the Moore, the Rich, the Totting- ham, and the Burwell flocks in Addison Countj', Vermont. He has now a flock of between two liundred and three hundred sheep, all of pure blood, and so registered. All the history of the introduction of pure- blooded Merinos into Livingston County, and of the breeding of them for a number of years after- wards, is included in the above mention of the purchases of the Spanish and I'rench sheep by Mr. Jennings and Mr. Power, respectively, and of their subsequent purcha e, and the continuation of the business b)- Mr. Ball, of Hamburg. In later years the following-named breeders have become the owners of thoroughbred flocks entitled to registration, viz. : About six years ago, Ephraim J. Hardy & Son, of Oceola, purchased twenty-five improved Span- ish Merinos from Mr. Ball, and supplemented this purchase by another of about fifty animals from the noted flocks in Addison County, Vermont. They now liave a fine flock of about two hun- dred. Ebenezcr Kellogg, of Oceola, commenced at about the same time with Mr. Hardy. His pur- chases have all been made from Mr. Ball, and his flock now numbers about one hundred sheep. Mr. E. Merithew, of the same township, has also a flock of fine Spanish Merinos. Henry T. Ross, of Brighton, commenced breed- ing some six or eight j-ears since. His purchases were from the Martin flock, of Rush, Monro2 County, New York, and from Mr. Ball. He has now a flock of more than fift\- thoroughbreds, be- sides a number of fine high-grade sheep. Henry Doane has a thoroughbred flock of about fifty sheep, bred from some ten or twelve originally purchased from Mr. Ball. Horace Halbert, of Conway, Lyman K. Beach, of Marion, and William Smith, of Oceola, have recently commenced in pure bloods, and each of these gentlemen has now a flock of fine sheep. There are, perhaps, some other small flocks of thoroughbreds in the county, but it is believed that those above mentioned comprise all or very nearly all which are strictly of pure blood. Not much has been done in the county in the way of breeding coarse-wool sheep, but there are several farmers who breed them, and among these may be mentioned Mr. Wesley Garlock, of Genoa, who has some fine Leicesters and Hamixshire Downs. THE FIRST LIVINGSTON COUNTV AGRICUETUR.VL SOCIETY. There are now but kw persons in Livingston County who are aware that, some years prior to the formation of the present county agricultural society, there existed here an older organization under the same naine, and which included in its membership some of the most prominent farmers of the county. The fact, however, is unquestion- able that such a society had an existence of sev- eral years, and it seems probable tliat its com- mencement was in the year 1 84 1 or 1842. In the Livingston Courier, of May 10, 1843, there appeared a notice, having reference to the business of this old societ)', as follows : " IJi'ingston County Agricultural Society. " The E.Kecutive Committee of the Livingston County Agricultural Society for 1843 licld their first meeting, on call of the president, at the school- house, in the village of Howell, on the second day 124 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of May. Present : Rial Lake, Esq., president of the society, and Messrs. Glover, Gay, O. J. Smith, J. W. Smith, and Pierce, of the committee. The premium list for 1843 was made out, revised, and ordered to be published, as follows: P'or the best acre of Second Best. Wheat $3.00 #1.50 Corn 200 I.oo Oals 1.00 50 Pot.itoes 1.00 50 One h.ilfacie fl.Tx I.oo 50 " " rutabagas i.oo 50 One quarter-acre cnrruts 50 25 Best stud-horse 3.00 1.50 *' breetlinj^-niare 2.00 1.00 " pair \vorking-hor^es 2.0J I.oo " coh, with regard to age, under three years old 2.00 I.oo " bull 2.00 I.oo " working-cattle 2.00 I.oo " cow I.oo 50 " calf. 50 25 " pair three-year old steers 2.00 I.oo " buck 2.00 I.oo " ewe I.oo 5*-* ** specimen (not less than hfty pounds) of cheese I.oo " butter (ten pounds) I.oo ** piece of woolen cloth (not less than five yards) manufacluted in the county 2.00 " piece of linen cloth (five yards) i.oo " managed farm, considering all circum- stances 4.00 " By order of the Committee. " George W. Jewett, ''Recording Secretary." In the same newspaper, under the date of March 20, 1844, appeared a notice of a meeting of the Livingston County Agricultural Society, to be held in the Presbyterian church in Howell, on the ninth of the following month ; with the announcement that " Addresses appropriate to the occasion may be expected. " By order of the Executive Committee, " George W. Jewett, Secretary." No subsequent allusion to this society or to any of its transactions has been found. It seems a little remarkable that these matters, and even the fact of the existence of the society, should have so com- pletely faded from the memories of the many per- sons still living in the county who were at that time of mature age, and actively engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. THE PRESENT LIVINGSTON COUNTY AGRICUL- TURAL SOCIETY. On Thursday, the twenty-fourth of February, 1853, a meeting of farmers and others, citizens of Livingston County, was held at the court-house in Howell, pursuant to a previously published call, for the purpose of forming a county agricultural society. The meeting being organized by the choice of Freeman Webb, Jr., as Chairman, and James M. Murray, Secretary, a resolution offered by W. A. Buckland, declaring "That it is expedient at the present time to organize a County Agri- cultural Society," was adopted without a dissenting voice ; and, on motion made by E. F. Burt, and approved by the meeting, the chair appointed a committee of seven to report a constitution for such a society. This committee — composed of E. F. Burt, W. A. Buckland, Loren Boutell, J. R. Good- rich, R. C. Rumsey, A. W. Olds, and V. R. T. An- gel — reported a constitution, which was adopted, and of which the first two articles were as follows : "Article i. — This society shall be called The Liv- ingston County Agricultural Society, auxiliary to the Michigan State Agricultural Society, and the same is organized and established for the encouragement and advancement of agriculture, manufactures, and the mechanic arts. " Article 2. — Any person may become a member of this society by signing tlie constitution and paying one dollar into the treasury, and may continue a member by paying annually thereafter the sum of fifty cents.* Life memberships may be obtained on payment of the sum of ten dollars; and all certificates of member- ship shall include tlie family of the person to whom they are given. The officers elected upon the organi- zation of the society shall be considered members for one year." After the adoption of the constitution, the first officers of the society were elected as follows : President, Ira Jennings, Green Oak. Vice-Presidents. Job Cranston, Brighton. David Bush, Conway. Loren Boutell, Deerfield. Royal C. Rumsey, Green Oak, Ely Barnard, Genoa. Chauncey L. Crouse, Hartland. Marvin Gaston, Handy. Stoddard W. Twichell, Hamburg. Odell J. Smith, Howell. Daniel Person, Iosco. E. N. Fairchild, Marion. Joel B. Rumsey, Oceola. Freeman Webb, Jr., Putnam. Jacob Kanouse, Tuscola (now Cohoctah). John C. Salisbury, Tyrone. V. R. T. Angel, Unadilla. Treasurer, Wm. A. Buckland. Secretary, Elijah F. Burt. Executive Committee. Nelson G. Isbell. Ephraim J. Hardy. Alonzo W. Olds. James M. Murray. John How. * Amended to read "seventy-five cenIS)" October 10, 1856. AGRICULTURE. 125 The following is a list of tlie members of the society in the first jxar of its existence : L. Judson. L. C. Pratt. C. A. Jeffries. L. }i. Jones. William McCauley. R. H. Bennett. Sherman Bennett. J. J. Bennett, Jr. Daniel Case. N. L. Emory. Rev. C. Osborn. S. M. Conely. Thomas Dailey. C. L. Croiise. A. R. Crouse. G. W. Cropsey. David Thompson. L. B. Fonda. L. C. Pratt. S. W. Twichell. William Olsaver. Charles Smith. J. lirown. E. N. Fairchild. H. H. Smith. Jacob Fishbeck. Caleb Sawyer. W. S. Conely. Miss Celia Ann Conely. James McLaughlin. L. W. Kinney. Floyd Williams. Job Cranston. R. S. Hall. Joseph Doane. D. B. Power. William D. Corson. William R. Griffith. Gustave Baetcke. Dr. Benck. E. Doane. L Armes. William T. Timis. P. S. Hendricks. Thomas Gilks. A. P. Dickinson. Hiram Dickinson. Paddock. Ely Barnard. D. Person. E. Latson. L. Walker. Henry G. Love. Joseph F. Jennings. J. B. Hammond. M. Bird. T. Bridgeman. Nelson G. Isbell. A. Angel. David Gallatian. E. Case. E. D. Morse. O. Morse. Simeon Lawrence. William H. Bennett. G. Truesdale. B. Carpenter. E. S. Field. Albert Tooley. M. W. Randall. Charles P. Bush. H. H. Hoyt. John Fewlass. Ira Bray ton. N. S. Benjamin. Jesse Hall. William Placeway. Hiram Wing. William Valentine. S. Warner. J. Cordley. N. House. F. J. Lee. N. J. Hickey. J. H. Galloway. S. N. Winans. James Swiney. John Monohan. Loren Boutell. D. Boutell. Lyman Lee. William White. William Jubb. Smith Tindale. P. L. Smith. L. Foote. George Lemen. J. D. Gale. T. B. Brooks. C. Goodspecd. D. Kellogg. William Brown. W. B. Conely. William E. Thompson. Mark Jacobs. R. S. Hayner. W. W. Smith. D. S. Lee. P. Y. Browning. J. W. Botsford. Calvin Murdock. A. Mclntyre. William Steadman. Harvey Rhodes. S. Sears. W. Sears. Kinsley S. Bingham. William C. Shaft. Alexander Carpenter. John S. Johnson. Gardner Bird. L. C. Crittenden. O. H. Winegar. William Waits. Victor)' W. Gay. Nicholas Kriseler. Patrick Bogan. N. Gilks. Edward Beurman. Isaac Brown. Hiram Goodrich. D. D. Cam M. D. L. Townsend. Emil Beurman. H. C. Briggs. A. Wakeman. De Witt Denton. William Schaed. D. De.xter. Hannibal Lee. Ira P. Bingham. William Morse. John Fulmer. C. W. Pease. Jacob Kanouse. Isaac W. Appleton. R. D. Power. L. K. Hewett. A. C. Noble. O. A. Fuller. Morris Bennett. Van RensselaerT. Angel. P. W.Dey. John Sigler. George Pullen. J. A. Van Camp. J. Fishbeck. E. W. Woodruff. William Crawford. George Burnett. William Payne. George J. Griffin. C. L. Myers. A. Maltby. George L. Gage. Charles Spencer. John S. Bryant. J. Miller. Gaines Fuller. B. B. Durfee. H. H. Norton. A. Campbell. J. Paddock. Peter Kanouse. J. W. Kellogg. M. McCabe. Jacob Sigler. A. L. Munsell. Aaron Monroe. L. Door. W. Lewis. George W. Peck. A. F. Albrecht. Simon Abrams. David Dickerson. William Davis. Stephen Dailey. William Bitten. J. B. Kneeland. S. S. Moore. S. Morgan. George Gready. George Miles. J. Chamberlain. Lee Nutt. E. W. Grant. David Bush. Stephen M. Winans. George Cropsey. William W. Dean. Warren Parker. James Hammill. James McLaughlin. Joseph Hodgman. Smith Henry. T. J. Rice. E. Holloway. B. G. Smith. J. F. Harrington. Jesse Marr. J. P. Farnsworfh. S. H. Hazard. Charles Smith. Henry Griswold. John Arms. Thomas Dailey. John Lakin. Gardner Wheeler. 126 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. John Graham. J. Case. G. N. Barker. John Bush. M. W. Randall. James Barber. William Osborn. W. L. Webb. J. F. Jennings. J. M. Holden. Daniel Pierson. Isaac Smith. Perry G. Ross. James Clark. M. Chubb. F. Baetcke. G. H. Chambers. John Laughlin. W^illiam Elliott. David Hazard. John R. Mason. Hiram Wing. Moses Fuller. Eli Annis. Ralph Fowler. John Hartman. Mark Jacobs. E. Watrous. John Euler. Richard Walker. Luther Jefferds. C. Goodrich. F. A. Grimes. D. Kellogg. Richard Berhnes. H. N. Lewis. H. H. Hanse. W. S. Russell. John Hooper. Henry George. The board of directors (composed of the pres- ident, secretary, and executive committee of the society) held their first meeting March 12, 1853, at Howell, on which occasion, after adopting a code of by-laws, the board "Resolved, That the first annual fair of the society be held in the month of October next, in that township in the county which will raise and pledge to the board of direc- tors, on or before the last Saturday in April next, the largest amount of means towards defraying the incidental expenses of the said fair," and the sec- retary was instructed to open a correspondence with citizens of the several townships upon that subject. At a meeting, held pursuant to adjourn- ment on the .seventh of May, the board "Resolved, That the time for receiving offers and proposals with reference to the place of liolding the first annual fair be extended to and until the fifteenth of June next," and, after some further business, adjourned to that day ; when, upon reassembling, it was by the board "Resolved, That whereas the township of Brighton has offered the largest sum (one hundred and forty dollars) for the location of the first annual fair at that village, that the said first annual fair of the society be held at said village of Brighton on the sixth and seventh days of October next:" The fair was accordingly opened at Brighton, at ten A.M., on Thursday, October 6, 1853, under direction of William R. Cobb, chief marshal, and continued during that and the following daj'. The exercises of the second day embraced a grand plowing match at nine a.m., election of officers of the society for the ensuing year at eleven a m., and at two p.m. an address by the Hon. George W. Peck, immcdiatelv after which came the rcadin"' of the reports of the several viewing committees, and the announcement of their awards. A list of persons to whom premiums were awarded at this first fair of the society, being regarded as of some interest to the farmers of the county, is here given as follows : Field Crops. — E. N. Fairchild, Jacob Fishbeck, wheat; H. H. Smith, " Marion wheat, a new va- riety;" A. Monroe, corn; O. Morse, potatoes. C(?///t'.— William Se.xton, P. L. Smith, J. B. Hammond, Jacob Fishbeck, Daniel Case, W. W. Smith, F;iy Barnard, Rev. Mr. Osborn; J. W. Bots- ford, F. Fishbeck, Charles P. Bush, J. Monohan, C. Sawyer, W. B. Kellogg, D. B. Power, working oxen; C. A. Jeffries, two premiums on Durham cattle. Horses. — W'. C. Shaft, H. G. Love, stallion ; T. Holloway, H. H. Norton, brood mare ; D. D. Carr, W. E. Thompson, D. S. Lee, F. Monroe, Floyd Williams, Hiram Wing, Thomas Dailey, T. Hollo- way, colt; K. S. Bingham, P. L. Smith, span of matched horses ; I. P. Bingham, E. Deidmer, single horses ; Captain P. E. Tuhn, full-blood mare ; Cap- tain P. E. Tuhn, matched pair trotting horses. Discretionary Preiniuins on Horses. — Kanouse & Fuller, stallion "Young Duroc;" J. R. Goodrich, stallion " Black Hawk ;" F. Monroe, C. Smith, span matched colts ; J. Cole, G. C. Fuller, C. Corson, E. Latson, W. E. Thompson, colts ; A. Toole\% span matched horses. Sheep. — P. Y. Browning, best French buck; S. W. Twichell, second best French buck ; J. Cran- ston, Merino ewes; K. S. Bingham, Merino ewes (Spanish) ; L. C. Crittenden, buck lambs (Spanish) ; William Brown, buck lambs (Leicester and South- down) ; I. & J. F. Jennings, ewe lambs (Spanish); H. Goodrich, ewe lambs (Spanish); Bingham & Olds, French Merino bucks. Szvine. — Royal C. Rumsey (two premiums), C. L. & R. C Crouse (two premiums), L. B. Fonda, A. Angel. Poultry. — J. H. Galloway, Shanghais; N. J. Hickey, Cochin Chinas; N. J. Hickey, Chitta- gongs ; Fred. J. Lee, Dorkings. Farm Iiitpleincnts. — D. Kelly, Nelson House, William Placeway, Hannibal Lee, K. S. Bingham, D. Thompson, L. B. Fonda, W. C. Woodward, Ira Brayton, N. Toncray, Israel Arms. Butter and Cheese. — T. Bridgeman, D. Gallatian, D. Case,* butter; J. F. Jennings,* cheese. Sugar and Honey. — J. Ridenger, best ten pounds of honey ; N. Chrisler, second best ten pounds of honey; M. W. Randall, maple-sugar. Domestic Manufactures.- — First variety: T. " DHcrelkmaiv. AGRICULTURE. 127 Bridgeman, Miss Jane M. Gallatian, B. Carpenter, Miss C. Twichell, Miss E. Carpenter, Mrs. E. An- nis. Mrs. J. R. Mason, Miss A. C. Isbell, Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. Osborn,* Mrs. J. M. Murray.* Sec- ond vaiiety: John Miller, William Waits, James Swincy, W. R. Griffith, Ira Brayton.* Third va- riety: L. Walker, L. Judson, A. Hubbard. Fruits Olid Vegetables. — R. Lyon, J. Brown, H. Wing, apples; R. Lyon, S. M. Conely, peaches; N. S. Benjamin, quinces; W. S. Conely, pears; Gustave Baetcke, grapes ; D. Boutell, G. W. Crop- scy, L. W. Kinney, T. B. Brooks, R. S. Hall, Loren Boutell, T. Bridgeman, R. S. Hayner, C. S. Crouse, O. Morse,* Thos. Gilks,* Dr. Benck,* vegetables. Pltrwiug Matcli. — William White, first premium for best quarter-acre plowed ; A. 1'. Dickinson, second premium. The financial result of this fair was quite satisfac- tory to the society, the receipts and expenditures being as follows : RIXEII'T.S. Subsciiplion by citizens of ISrigliton Sl40.oo Sale of memljership tickets 424.00 *' single tickets 94-44 " fruit (lonatefl 8.24 Donation by C. I.. & R. Cruu.se 10.00 S676.68 DISIiURSEMENTS. E.vpense of preparing Fair-CIrouiul... $168.41 Amount of premiums awardeel 145.00 " paid W. 15. Smith, for print- ing 16.00 " paid .Secretaiy, for services and expenses 25.00 Other expenses of fair 3S.57 392.9S $283.70 Value of lumber left on hand too. 00 Excess of receipts over expenditures $383. 70 In March, 1854, the society resolved that its second fair should be held at Howell, provided the citizens of the place should pledge to the society the sum of two hundred dollars towards defraying the incidental expenses. In case such pledge was not given on or before April 15th, the fair was "to be held in that village in the county whose citizens shall pledge the highest amount." On the second of May the subscription of the people of Howell was laid before the board of directors, "which was deemed a compliance with the terms of the offer made them, and it was voted that the second an- nual fair of the society be held at Howell." N. J. Mickey was appointed marshal, and authorized to select grounds for the fair, "by and with the advice of Nelson G. Isbell and Elijah F. Burt, who are hereby appointed a committee of the board for that ptirpose." * Discretionary. The ground selected was the public square in Howell, and the fair was held there on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, October 3, 4, and 5, 1854. The address was delivered by the Hon. F. W. Curtenius, on the last day of the fair. At the fair of 1853 no premium had been awarded for the best cultivated farm, but in this second exhibition that premium was awarded to Alva Preston, who also secured the same prize at the fairs of 1855 and 1856. At the settlement with the treasurer at the end of the year, that officer made return of a balance of four hundred and ninety-four dollars and forty- three cents in his hands, and the marshal returned a net amount of one hundred and one dollars and seventy-five cents. This was turned over to George W. Lee, treasurer for the ensuing j'ear, and thus the society commenced the year 1855 with a fund of five hundred and ninety-si.K dollars and eighteen cents, bcsitles si.x dollars in uncurrent money and twenty-three dollars in notes and orders. In 1856 the fair was given to the village of Howell, in consideration of a subscription by the citizens to the amount of one hundred and fifty dollars. The exhibition was held on the eifrhth, ninth, and tenth of October. A. W. Smith, mar- shal. It was also held at Howell in 1857, one hundred and twenty-five dollars being raised there by subscription. In the awards of this year the two-hundrcd-acre firm of Joseph Rider, Jr., was especially mentioned by the committee "as an example for the farmers of Livingston County to work after." The fair of 1858 was held at Brighton on Wed- nesdav', Thursday, and F"riday, October 6th, 7th, and Sth. Spaulding M. Case, Marshal. In 1859, citizens of Brighton sent in to the executive committee of the society two proposals to secure the location of the exhibition of that year at their village. The first was an offer of one hundred dollars in money, and the second a written proposal, signed by Ira W. Case, C. W. Barber, F. D. Acker, and N. Kennedy, offering to inclose a suitable ground and erect all necessary buildings as directed by the officers of the society. The last-named proposition was accepted, and the fair was held at Brighton on Tuesday, the twenty- seventh of September, and the two following days. On October 14th, in the same jxar, Elijah F. Burt, Almon Whipple, and Nathan J. Hickey -were ap- pointed a committee "to look out suitable ground for permanently locating the annual fiirs of the society at or near the village of Howell." In March, i860, the following action was taken by tlie directors of the society : 128 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. '■'Resolved, By the board of directors, that they per- manently locate their fair at or near Howell, provided the citizens of that place raise and secure a donation of four himdred dollars towards paying for six acres of land (said selection of land to be made in the vicinity of Howell), and that the citizens of Howell have until the fourteenth day of April instant to raise the above- named amount. "Resolved, That in case the above resolution is not complied with by the citizens of Howell, that the secretary advertise for proposals from the several vil- lages in the county, and that the society liold their fair for iS6o at the village in the county where the citizens thereof raise and secure to the society the largest amount toward defraying the expenses of said fair, — said proposal to be made to the secretary on or before the first day of June next." The necessity for prompt action by the people of Howell was now apparent, and a number of citizens of the village promised that the necessary amount should be raised. Upon this, on the twenty-eighth of March, the directors voted to purchase six acres of land near the toll-gate, east of the village of Howell, for the sum of five hundred dollars, to be used as a permanent fair-ground, "provided the citizens of Howell raise and pay to Mr. Wiiipple four hundred dol- lars towards the same, and that the citizens of Howell have till the eighteenth of April next to raise said amount." On the second of June fol- lowing, the board of directors received the dona- tion of four hundred dollars in compliance with the above-named conditions, and closed the con- tract with Mr. Whipple for the six acres of land near the toll-gate; paying over to him the amount of the donation, and agreeing to pay him the bal- ance of one hundred dollars by the first of Febru- ary, 1861. The amount was paid to Mr. Whipple before the time specified, and he conveyed the land to the society by deed dated January 14, 1861. This was the first of the several purchases by which the society has acquired its present fair- ground ; the subsequent purchases of adjoining lands having been made from Mr. Whipple, Mr. S. F. Hubbell, and McPherson & Mills. The ground purchased from Mr. Whipple was fenced and prepared, and some buildings erected, all under supervision of Nathan J. Hickey, mar- shal for the year, and on the twenty-sixth, twenty- seventh, and twenty-eighth days of September, i860, the society first held its fair upon its own grounds. Since that time the annual fairs have been regularly held here. The fair-grounds are very eligibly located, on the north side of Grand River Street, a short distance east of the compact portion of the village of Howell, but within the corporation limits. They embrace an area of about twenty acres, containing a half-mile track and the buildings usually found in grounds devoted to agricultural exhibitions. On the seventeenth of May, 1866, the fair-ground was leased for a term of thirty years to the Livingston County Horse Association, to be used for its meetings and fes- tivals, the Agricultural Society, however, retaining the right to use it for the annual fairs and other meetings. The first annual sheep-shearing festival of the society was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, the fifteenth and sixteenth of May, 1866. The attend- ance was not very large, on account of the unpro- pitious state of the weather, but the festival was regarded as very successful, several of the best flocks in the county being represented. Several champion shearers entered the ring and contested for the premiums, which were awarded as follows : first premium, A. A. Brockway, Green Oak; second premium, D. Dailey, Putnam; third premium, Eaton, Oceola. No proper record of the weight of animals and fleeces was kept. Since that time the annual sheep-shearing fes- tivals have been continued, but less interest is felt in them than when they were first inaugurated. In the report of the board of directors of the society for the year 1876 (after the purchase of the last addition to the fair-grounds) they mentioned that the expense during the year had been great, owing to the purchase of land, and fencing the same, rebuilding cattle-sheds and sheep- and swine- pens, and erecting a ticket-office, and they add : " We now have about twenty acres of choice land, which, with buildings and fi.xtures, are worth at least six thousand dollars. . . . The number of life members having certificates and entitled to the same to this date is four hundred and fifty-si.x." On the thirty-first of January, 1878, the number of life members of the society was four hundred and eighty-three, and at the present time (October i, 1879) is four hundred and eighty. The recent location of the State society fairs at Detroit, and the custom of holding them a few days earlier than those of the Livingston County society, has undoubtedly injured the latter to some extent, but their fairs continue to attract a very large attendance, and that of the present year yielded to the society the handsome sum of four- teen hundred and nineteen dollars. The principal officers of the society from its or- ganization, in 1853, to the present time, have been: 1853. — President, Ira Jennings; Treasurer, W. A. Buckland ; Secretary, Elijah F. Burt ; Executive Committee, Nelson G. Isbell, E. J. Hardy, A W. Olds, James M. Murra}', John How. AGRICULTURE. 129 1854. — President, Ira Jennings ; Treasurer, Ely Barnard ; Secretary, Nelson G. Isbell ; Executive Committee, John R. Goodrich, Elijah F. Burt, Austin Wakcman, James M. Murray, P. L. Smith. 1S55. — President, Robert Crouse ; Treasurer, George W. Lee; Secretary, L. K. Hewett; PIk- ccutive Committee, John R. Goodrich, Job Crans- ton, Royal C. Rumsey, P. L. Smith, Ralph Fowler. 1856. — President, Robert Crouse; Treasurer, W. C. Rumsey; Secretary, Elijah F. Burt; E.x- ccutive Committee, R. D. Power, F. G. Rose, J. B. Rumsey, L. K. Hewett, Ely Barnard. 1S57. — President, Nelson G. Isbell ; Treasurer, William McPherson ; Secretary, Elijah F. Burt; ICxccutive Committee, P. L. Smith, David B. Power, F. G. Rose, C. L. Crouse, Daniel Case. 1858.— President, N. G. Isbell ; Treasurer, Odell J. Smith; Secretary, Pl^lijah F. Burt; Executive Committee, Francis Monroe, Ira Jennings, S. G. Ives, J. Kenyon, Jr., E. N. Fairchild. 1859. — President, Ely Barnard; Treasurer, F. J. Lee ; Secretary, Lyman Judson ; Executive Com- mittee, J. F. Jennings, F. Grisson, J. R. Mason, E. N. Fairchild, C. L. Crouse. 1S60. — President, P^ly Barnard ; Treasurer, F. J. Lee; Secretary, Lyman Judson; E.xecutive Com- mittee, J. F. Jennings, F. Grisson, Austin VVake- nian, K. N. Fairchild, C. L. Crouse. 1861. — President, Austin Wakeman ; Treasurer, B. H. Lawson ; Secretary, Henry P. Crouse; Ex- ecutive Committee, F. Grisson, Isaac H. Smith, Daniel Case, Joseph Rider, Jr., H. H. Norton. 1862. — President, Austin Wakcman, Tyrone; Treasurer, William B. Smith, Howell ; Secretary, Henry P. Crouse, Hartland ; Board of Directors, Daniel Case, Howell; Samuel G. Ives, Unadilla; Joseph Rider, Jr., Genoa; Ephraim J. Hardy, Oceola; H. H. Van Leuvan, Brighton. 1863. — President, Ephraim J. Hardy, Oceola Treasurer, William B. Smith, Howell ; Secretary Henry P. Crouse, Hartland ; Directors, Francis Monroe, Howell ; K. W. Bingham, Green Oak E. N. P'airchild, Marion ; Samuel G. Ives, Unadilla H. H. Van Leuvan, Brighton. 1864. — President, Ephraim J. Hardy, Oceola; Treasurer, William B. Smith, Howell; Secretary, Henry P. Crouse, Hartland ; Directors, Sylvester Andrews, Howell; William Ball, Hamburg; K. W. Bingham, Green Oak ; W. S. Conely, Brighton ; E. Buckle, Howell. 1865. — President, James M. La Rue, Putnam; Treasurer, William B. Smith, Howell ; Secretary, I'llijah I"". Burt, Howell ; Directors, John Sigler, Putnam ; Sylvester Andrews, Howell ; E.J. Hardy, Oceola ; E. N. Fairchild, Marion ; Albert Tooley, Genoa. 17 1866. — President, James M. La Rue, Putnam; Treasurer, William B. Smith, Howell ; Secretary, Albert Tooley, Genoa; Directors, William Ball, Hamburg; William F. Lemen, Hartland; Francis Monroe. Howell ; M. D. Carr, Putnam ; W. R. Melvin, Howell. 1867. — President, K. W. Bingham, Green Oak; Treasurer, N. J. Ilickey, Howell ; Secretary, Albert Tooley, Genoa; Directors, M. D. Carr, Putnam; William Ball, Hamburg; H. C. Cady, Brighton; B. W. Cardell, Howell ; E. J. Hardy, Oceola. 1868. — President, Francis Monroe, Howell ; Treasurer, L. C. Smith, Howell ; Secretary, Albert Tooley, Genoa ; Directors, S. Andrews, Howell ; E.N. Fairchild, Marion; P^bcnezer Kellogg, Oceola; Daniel Case, Howell ; Asa Van Kleeck, Genoa. 1869. — President, Francis Monroe, Howell; Treasurer, Orin H. Winegar, Howell; Secretary, Albert Tooley, Genoa ; Directors, Daniel Case, Howell; H. P. Crouse, Hartland; K. W. Bing- ham, Green Oak ; John Meyer, Genoa ; F. Webb, Putnam. 1870. — President, Sylvester S. Andrews, Howell; Treasurer, Asa Van Kleeck, Howell; Secretary, Albert Tooley, Genoa; Directors, Linus Reed, Marion; W^illiam White, Howell; Lewis Meyer, Genoa; E.J. Hardy, Oceola; Chas. Curtis, Marion. 1871. — President, Ira D. Crouse, Hartland; Treasurer, Asa Van Kleeck, Howell ; Secretary, Albert Tooley, Genoa; Directors, William White, Howell ; E. J. Hardy, Oceola ; Linus Reed, Mar- ion ; Lewis Meyer, Genoa ; H. G. W. Fry, Oceola. 1872. — President, Ira D. Crouse, Hartland; Treasurer, James A. Preston, Howell ; Secretary, B. F. Batcheler, Oceola ; Directors, William White, Howell; Stephen Teeple, Putnam; Linus Reed, Marion ; Lewis Meyer, Genoa ; R. Wrigglesworth, Cohoctah. 1873. — President, Edwin 15. Winans, Hamburg; Treasurer, W. H. Newell, Howell ; Secretary, B. F. Batcheler, Howell ; Directors, ¥.. W. Grant, Mar- ion ; D. F. Crandel, Howell ; Francis Monroe, Howell; Myron Mitchell, Marion; D. O. Taft, Oceola. 1874. — President, Edwin B. Winnns, Hamburg ; Treasurer, H. G. W. Fry, Howell ; Secretary, B. F. Batcheler, Howell ; Directors, J. A. Preston, Howell; William White, Howell; Charles Fish- beck, Genoa ; Myron Mitchell, Marion; Jacob Sigler, Pinckney. 1875. — President, Charles Fishbeck, Genoa; Treasurer, H. G. W. Fry, Howell ; Secretary, Al- bert Riddle, Howell; Directors, William Ball, Hamburg; P. T. Gill, Genoa; E. W. Hardy, Oceola; E. B. llosley, Oceola; L. K. Beach, Marion. 130 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1876. — President, Charles Fishbeck, Genoa; Treasurer, H. G. VV. Fry, Howell ; Secretary, Al- bert Riddle, Howell ; Directors, B. F. Andrews, Oceola ; James Harger, Marion ; B. F. Batcheler, Marion; P. T. Gill, Genoa; S. W. Dickerson, Marion ; A. M. Wells, Howell. 1877. — President, William Ball, Hamburg; Treasurer, Charles Curtis, Howell ; Secretary, Frank O. Burt, Marion ; Directors, B. F. Andrews, Oceola; B. F. Batcheler, Oceola; P. T. Gill, Genoa ; James Harger, Marion ; A. M. Wells, Howell ; Halsted Gregory, Howell. 1878. — President, William Ball, Hamburg; Treasurer, Charles Curtis, Howell ; Secretary, F'rank O. Burt, Marion ; Directors, B. F. Batch- eler, Oceola ; Giles Lee, Green Oak ; James Har- ger, Marion ; H. Gregory, Unadilla ; A. M. Wells, Howell ; B. F. Andrews, Oceola. 1S79. — President, Myron Mitchell; Treasurer, Alexander McPherson ; Secretary, Frank O. Burt ; Directors, B. F. Batcheler, Oceola ; Giles Lee, Green Oak ; James Harger, Marion ; Halsted Gregory, Unadilla ; A. M. Wells, Howell ; E. B. Winans, Hamburg. THE LIVINGSTON COUNTY HORSE ASSOCIATION. This association, having for its object the pro- motion of improvement in the breeding of horses, was organized April i, 1866, the following-named persons being the original share -holders, viz : Sardis F. Hubbell. Frederick J. Lee. Elbert C. Bush. W. R. Melvin. Henry H. Harmon. H. P. Wheeler. G. Tucker. John H. Galloway. Charles Bailey. Henry H. Norton. I. C. Huntley. Nathan J. Hickey. Alexander McPherson. D. Embury. H. E. Cady. K. W. Bingham. A. Teasdale. W. W. Carpenter. J. H. Wilcox. Charles W. Barber. Harvey & Coleman. E. McGunn. Orin H. Winegar. Dennis Shields. Royal H. Rumsey. Isaac W. Bush. L. D. Smith. Almon Whipple. William L. Wells. L. L. Wing, William McPherson, Jr. Leander C. Smith. V. R. T. Angel. John M. White. L. Haynes. Mylo L. Gay. L. K. Beach. William Se.xton. N. A. Smith. D. Case. The first officers of the association were : Sardis F. Hubbell, President. Charles W. Barber, Secretary. Alexander McPherson, Treasurer. Vice-Presidents. Isaac W. Bush. Nathan J. Hickey. P'red. J. Lee. Henry H. Norton. On the seventeenth day of May next following the organization the association leased, for the term of thirt)' years, the Fair-Grounds of the Liv- ingston County Agricultural Society, and on these grounds their meetings and festivals have since been held. The enthusiasm and public interest in these periodical gatherings was great during the first few years, but has declined latterly, though they are still well attended, and regarded with favor by the people of the county. The present officers of the association are : Benjamin H. Rubert, President. Sardis F. Hubbell, Treasurer. Leander C. Smith, Secretary. Vice- Presidents. L. K. Beach. N. J. Hickey. Fred. J. Lee. R. H. Rumsey. THE LIVINGSTON COUNTY MUTUAL FIRE INSUR- ANCE COMPANY. This company, formed for the purpose of insur- ing farm buildings and property, and no other, has now been in existence for more than sixteen years, and has proved so eminently successful, so advan- tageous to those interested in it, that it is regarded with much satisfaction and pride by its members and the people of Livingston County. It is admitted that the formation of the company was due to the efforts of Elijah F. Burt, of Ma- rion, in greater degree than to those of any other person. The first meeting to take into considera- tion the formation of such a company was held on the twenty- fourth of January, 1863. Articles of association were agreed upon and entered into, and E. F. Burt was appointed secretary pro tempore. On the twenty-third of February, 1863, the first public notice of the corporators was published. On the twent}--third of April following, the com- missioners appointed by the Secretary of State re- ported that the corporators had complied with the statute, and on the second day of May the secre- tary filed with the county clerk the certificate of the Secretary of State, with papers required by law, which authorized the company to proceed to the election of permanent officers and the transaction of the business of insurance. Agreeably to the published notice required by law, the first meeting of the members of the com- pany was held at the court-house in Howell, on the sixteenth of May, 1863, at which meeting the permanent officers were elected, as follows : PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 131 President, Ephraim J. Hardy. Vice-President, Francis Monroe. Secretary, Elijah F. Burt. Collector, John Sigler. Director, L\'man Judson. On the eighteenth of May, 1863, the secretary commenced issuing policies, and on the first of November succeeding, the company had two hundred and twenty-nine policies in force, em- bracing property insured to the amount of four hundred and si.K thousand four hundred and thirty dollars, belonging to two hundred and twenty-four members. The fiist annual meeting of tlie company was held at the court-house in Howell, November 7, 1S63, when the following officers were elected : President, Ephraim J. Hardy. Vice-President, Francis Monroe. Secretary, E. F. Burt. Collectors, John Sigler, L. C. Crittenden. Directors, E. J. Hardy, J. M. La Rue, E. F. Burt. Prudential Committee : Brighton, L. Judson ; Cohoctali, J. Kanouse ; Conway, Henry Snyder; Deerfield, Calvin T. Burnett; Genoa, C. VV. Bur- well; Green Oak, Isaac H. Smith ; Hamburg, R. H. Bennett; Handy, M. Gaston; Hartland, C. H. Mercer; Howell, B. W. Cardell ; Iosco, D. Per- son ; Marion, E. N. Fairchild ; Oceola, Aaron V. Holt; Putnam, Gilbert Brown; Tyrone, Austin Wakeman ; Unadilla, John Fulmer. The great increase of the business of the com- pany is shown by the report of the mutual fire in- surance companies of tlie State ; the following figures, taken from that report, having reference to the condition of the Livingston County company on the thirty-first day of December, 1878, viz.: Membership 'S59 Risks ill force at that date $3,889.92 Assessments levied, 1878 5,640.99 Percent, of assessment 0015 The total losses of the company since its organ- ization have been as follows : 1864 56.75 1.S65 3,050 15 1866 1,128.80 1S67 1,864.45 1868 651.00 1869 2,292.41 1870 3-5S8.25 1871 1.440.75 1872 2.834-30 1873 2.854.25 1874 2,138.55 1875 3.>>2.55 1876 7,941.05 'S77 7.832 76 1S78 4,992.00 1879 to June 1st 3.558-63 ^49,286.65 All these being within the county of Living- ston. An amendment to the company's charter and by-laws was adopted September 14, 1872. Under this amendment provision is made for payment of " loss and damage by lightning to buildings of farmers, and property therein," and that "the company is not holden for any damages occasioned by the use of steam threshing-machines; and all persons using such steam machines do so at their own risk." The officers of the company under the amended charter are " a president, vice-president, a secretary, who shall act as collector, and a board of three directors, of which number the president and sec- retary shall fx officio be two, and such other officers as said directors shall at any time deem it neces- sary to have or appoint." The present officers of the company are : President, Lyman Judson. Secretary and Treasurer, William Suhr. Director, E. W. Grant. LIVINGSTON COUNTY COUNCIL, I'.VTRONS OF HUS- BANDRY. This organization, first named and known as " Union Council,* Patrons of Husbandry," was formed at a meeting held in the village of Unadilla, December 5, 1873, pursuant to a call emanating from Unadilla Grange, No. 6. The meeting wa.s composed of delegates from adjacent granges as follows : Unadilla Grange, No. 6: Royal Barnum, \V. M. Stilson, William Watts. Eureka Grange, No. 2 : E. Croman, B. W. Sweet, E. Skidmore. Iosco Grange, No. 109: Milton Bradley, John Elliott, Isaac Stow. Pinckney Grange, No. 17: Freeman Webb, C. M. Wood, Jacob Sigler. Lafayette Grange, No. 92 : R. Buchanan, W. W. Williams, E. A. Nordman. Genoa Grange, No. 76 : Joseph Rider, Charles Fishbeck, William Holt. Stockbridge Grange, No. 7 : Wm. H. Stevens, H. H. Brewerton, P. Rowe. Howell Grange, No. 90: Henry Barnard, Daniel Case, Theodore Welckcr. Ro\'al Barnum, of Unadilla Grange, was called to the chair, and Isaac Stow, of Iosco, was chosen secretary. A permanent organization of the meet- ing was afterwards effected by the choice of C. L. Whitney as Chairman ; Isaac Stow, Secretar}'; W. * The name was changed, and the present one adopted by unani- mous vote of delegates present at the annu.1l meeting of the council, February 6, 1877. 132 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Williams, Overseer; Thomas Hewlett, Steward; Joseph Kirkland, GateKeeper. A committee, com- posed of the chairman, the Masters of the several granges represented, and J. Webster Childs, of Washtenaw County, was constituted for the pur- pose of drafting articles of association and a con- stitution, which (after a recess) were reported to the meeting and adopted; the preamble and first two articles being as follows : " IF/ir/ras, Other classes ond professions of men have associations to protect their own interests; therefore, to form a more jierfect union, secnne our own rights, and protect our own interests against the encroachments of all combinations, we, the delegates of the subordinate granges, do hereby form ourselves into a council, and adopt the following articles of association : "Article i. — This association shall be called the Union Council of the Patrons of Husbandry. "Article 2. — The objects of this council shall be the promotion and attainment of united and uniform action of the granges of which it is composed in all matters affecting their interests and welfare, and in bringing the producers and consumers of agricultural implements and products closer together, by buying and selling through this council, or through such parties as may make arrangements with it, to buy or sell such articles or implements as we may need, and to transact such other business as may be necessary to secure these ends." It is elsewhere declared in the articles of asso- ciation that the object of the order is to secure social and intellectual advantages to its members, no less than to proinote their financial interests. The first officers of the council — elected at this meeting — were : Master, C. M. Wood ; Over- seer, William Stevens ; Steward, Charles Fishbeck; Assistant Steward, H. N. Stilson ; Chaplain, L. J. Whitcomb; Treasurer, B. W. Sweet; Secretary, Isaac Stow ; Gate-Keeper, T. Howlett ; Executive Committee, C. M. Wood, Isaac Stow, Freeman Webb, Royal Barnum, M. Bradley. The following is a list of the officers of the council, elected in succeeding years, to the present time : 1874.— Master, C. W. Maze; Overseer, Charles Fishbeck ; Steward, B. W. Sweet ; Assistant Stew- ard, H. N. Stilson : Chaplain, L. J. Whitcomb ; Treasurer, Royal Barnum ; Secretary, Isaac Stow; Purchasing Agent, W. K. Se.xton ; Gate-Keeper, T. Howlett; Executive Committee, W. W. Williams, Thomas Copeland, William Stevens, Charles Cur- tis, Theodore Welcker. 1875. — Master, Charles Fishbeck; Overseer, Peter T. Gill; Steward, Theodore Welcker; As- sistant Steward, H. O. Barnard; Chaplain, Thomas Copeland; Treasurer, Charles Curtis; Secretary and Purchasing Agent, William K. Sexton ; Ex- ecutive Committee, William Fishbeck, Charles Cuitis, Henry Lake. 1876. — Master, Charles Fishbeck ; Overseer, James Harger ; Steward, A. M. Wells ; Assistant Steward, H.O.Barnard; Chaplain, Linus Reed; Treasurer, Charles Curtis ; Gate-Keeper, S. M. Dickerson ; Secretary, Mrs. W. K. Sexton ; Pur- chasing Agent, W. K. Sexton ; Executive Com- mittee, Charles Curtis, William Fishbeck, Charles Fishbeck, VV. K. Sexton, F. W. Munson. 1877. — Master, Stevens Person; Overseer, A. M. Wells ; Steward, G. M. Smith ; Assistant Stew- ard, Joel Briggs ; Chaplain, Thomas Stanfield ; Treasurer, Joseph Rider; Secretary, Mrs. W. K. Sexton ; Gate-Keeper, S. M. Dickerson ; Purchas- ing Agent, W. K. Se.xton ; E.xecutive Committee, Peter T. Gill, James Harger, Linus Reed. 1 878. —Master, W. K. Sexton; Overseer, A. M. Davis ; Steward, M. Sabin ; Assistant Steward, Minor Hosley; Chaplain, S. Bidwell ; Treasurer, J. S. Briggs ; Secretary, Mrs. W. K. Se.xton ; Gate- Keeper, VV. R. Cole ; Purchasing Agent, W. K. Se.xton. 1879. — Master, J. S. Briggs; Overseer, A. J. Wickman ; Steward, A. Newman ; Assistant Stew- ard, A. M. Wells; Chaplain, S. Bidwell; Treas- urer, L. Meyer; Secretary, Mrs. W. K. Sexton; Gate-Keeper, W. K. Cole ; Purchasing Agent, W. K. Sexton. One of the principal objects had in view in the formation of the council was to secure for its members, through concert of action, greater ad- vantages and more favorable terms than they had before been able to obtain in the purchase of farmers' supplies and the sale of farmers' products, as set forth in the second of their articles of asso- ciation. The first action taken by the Livingston (then the Union) Council towards the accomplishment of this object was the appointment of Mr. W. K. Se.xton as purchasing agent, in the fall of 1874, and the opening by him (through, and in connection with the State grange) of negotiations for the pur- chase of plaster for fertilizing purposes. The price of plaster was then four dollars per ton at Grand Rapids. The Patrons believed this price to be exorbitant, and that the article might and ought to be furnished at three-fourths, if not at one-half that figure ; but, when they made an attempt to obtain it at a reduction, they were met by the re- fusal and determined opposition of all the manu- facturers, who at once entered into a combination, embracing the plaster companies of Michigan and Ohio. In this combination a certain territory was assigned to each company, in which territory only PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. 133 it was permitted to make sales; and eacii was pledged to make no sales under any circum- stances, and in no matter how large quantity, at less than four dollars per ton. This price the manufactuiers at Grant! Rapids told the purchas- ing agent was the lowest at which plaster could be manufactured ; and they said if any one should sell it for less than that price, " they would make it cost him a good deal more money." Previously the State grange had succeeded in obtaining aeon- tract from the Grand River Valley Plaster Com- pany to deliver plaster in large quantities at a reduced price, but when the fact became known this company was forced into the manufacturers' combination, and refused to carry out their agree- ment. Mr. J. T. Cobb, secretary of the State grange, in a circular which he was instructed by the executive committee of the State grange, to address to the subordinate granges, in mentioning this bad faith on the part of the Grand River company, said, — "You are all aware that the first act of bad faith of which we complain, on the part of mamif;»<;turers of l)laster in tliis State, was the refusal of the Grand River Valley Piaster Company, whose works are located at Grandville, to comply with a contract made with said company, duly signed and sealed with their corporate seal, on tlie twentieth day of Marcli, 1874. The same week the contract was signed, this company became a party to, and a part of the Grand River Valley Plaster Association, which included every manufacturer of plaster in the State. "This association placed itself at once in direct an- tagonism to the farmers of the State, by discriminating against them and treating them as not only irresponsi- ble but unreliable, demanding payment of Patrons be- fore plaster was shipped, while to their agents it was supplied on their order without a question. " As Patrons we did not ask credit, but as Patrons we were unwilling that a half-dozen manufacturers in the State should say to us, that you must buy of our established agents, and pay whatever price they de- mand, or submit to conditions that, by implication at least, declare us irresponsible and unworthy of confi- dence. The combination fi.xed the jirice at four dol- lars per ton at Grand Rapids, and held steadily to tlieir arrangements through the winter and s[)riug of 1875, ^"'' "''-' '^'''^ '"^ comply with the terms, or do widiout plaster." In August, 1875, Mr. H. O. Weston, of Grand- ville, proposed to the executive committee of the State grange to develop a plaster-bed which he owned at that place, and to furnish plaster to the Patrons at three dollars per ton ; stipulating only that they should furnish orders to the amount of eight thousand tons, and he promising to be ready to commence shipment by the commencement of the year 1876. Before the desired result was ac- complished, however, his available means became exhausted, and, as he stated to the committee of the State grange, " his credit had been so impaired by the representations of the members of the [com- bined plaster manufacturers] association, that he coultl not go on with his enterprise without pecu- niary aid from some quarter." Upon this, the matter was, at the meeting of the State grange in 1876, referred to a committee of five members, who reported a plan of action, and the meeting ^'Resolved, That tlie State grange will sustain the executive committee in any efforts they may make to help H. O. Weston develop his ])laster-bed for the use of the Patrons of Husbandry, pecuniary or otherwise." This resulted in the sum of four thousand dol- lars being advanced to Mr. Weston, with the agree- ment that he should furnish plaster at three dollars per ton ; receiving two dollars and twenty-five cents per ton in cash, leaving seventy-five cents per ton to be applied on account of the money advanced. But the project did not prove successful under this arrangement, although Mr. Weston did his best to carry it through ; and in April, 1876, he sold his entire interest in the plaster-bed, with the mill, fix- tures, and business, to Day & Taylor, who assumed Mr. Weston's obligation to the Patrons, and con- tinued the former arrangement as to prices and shipments. This firm prosecuted the business successfully, and have furnished large quantities of plaster to the Patrons at and considerably below the price originally established in the agreement with H. O. Weston. In regard to the success of the Patrons in their determined effort to reduce the price of plaster. Secretary Cobb, in a circular issued in 1878, said, — "You all know that on account of a most wicked combination of manufacturers four years ago to compel the farmers of Michigan to pay four dollars per ton for plaster at the mills, and a discrimination against Patrons, requiring that cash should accompany a grange order, that througli the vigorous measures adopted by the executive committee of the State grange the com- bination was broken up, and that not only Patrons, but all farmers in tlie State, have had cheap plaster now for three years. The stand taken by us has saved very many thousand dollars to the farmers of Michigan, and this result could not have been reached without the aid and co-operation of Messrs. Day & Taylor. Tliat they have been faithful and true to their agree- ment with tlie order, have done all they possibly could to accommodate, and have always been ready to make good any claim for shortage, loss, or damage by delay or otherwise, even when the claim was not always quite reasonable and jtist, from my knowledge of the business has seemed to me true; and that they have 134 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. claims on the order that we cannot ignore is recog- nized by every well-informed member. ..." The result of our efforts to break the combi- nation was to throw two of the old companies into bankruptcy, and the properties fell into the hands of the mortgagee, the Union Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany, of Maine. This new interest, together with another new firm, have undertaken with cheap plaster to capture the whole trade. The price with them does not seem to be at all important, for plaster is being sold by them from eighty-five cents to one dollar and fifty cents per ton without regard to cost." The members of the Livingston Coimcil have participated, with others, in these advantages which have resulted from the opening of the Weston plaster-beds at Grandville, and are now receiving their plaster from Day & Taylor at two dollars per ton, or one-half the price they were formerly com- pelled to pay. Their shipments are received at Howell, Brighton, and Fowlerville, and at the first and last-named places they have storehouses built and paid for solely from the profit realized on pur- chases and sales. The council also purchases the salt required by its members ; contracting for large quantities and obtaining material reduction in prices. All purchases and sales are made by the purchasing agent, W. K. Se.xton, who has per- formed the business to the entire satisfaction of the Patrons, and has several times received the council's vote of thanks " for the correct manner in which the accounts have been kept, and the suc- cess attained in the business through his faithful- ness." In the matter of sales by the purchasing agent for account of members of the council, the princi- pal item is that of wool, which is now shipped hence by the agent, and sold to heavy buyers in Boston, Massacluisetts. The first movement in this direction was made in 1878, when the wool of thirty-one producers in this county was shipped and sold in Boston by Mr. Se.xton. The same was done for ninety-five shippers in the present year (1879). The lots of the several shippers are sepa- rately graded in Boston, and an accurate account- sales is rendered to each, and the results in both 1878 and 1879 have been so satisfactory that these shipments to the East by Patrons are likely to be continued and largely increased in the future. Besides the granges which were represented by their delegates at the organization of the council in 1873, a number of others (including some from adjoining counties) have since been admitted to its membership. Those located in Livingston County which joined the council have been the Conway, Oceola, Hartland, Oak Grove, West Handy, and Brighton Granges. Of those which have at some time held membership, some hav^e withdrawn to unite with other organizations and some have ceased to e.xist. The granges which are now (August, 1879) in membership with the council are: Oak Grove, No. 57; Conway, No. 114; Howell, No. 90; West Handy, No. 613 ; and Brighton Grange. The total individual member- ship of the council is now three hundred and thirty. Their meetings are held at Knapp's Hall, in Howell village. rOPULATION OF THE COUNTY AT DIFFERENT PERIODS. It has been stated, on what appears to be excel- lent authority, that the entire population of Liv- ingston County at its organization, in the spring of 1836, did not exceed five hundred and fifty persons of all ages. But it was augmented to more than six times that number by the unprecedented immi- gration of that year, and the increase continued to be rapid during several successive years. The population of the county at different periods from 1837 to 1874 is shown by the several censuses to have been: in 1837,* 5029; in 1840, 7430; in 1845,10,787; in 1850,13,485; in 1854,14,141; in i860, 16,851 ; in 1864, 16,160; in 1870, 19,336; in 1874, 20,329. * The population of tlie several townships in that year being as follows : Byron, now Oceola 317 Deei field 369 Genoa 361 Gieen Oak 1435 Hamburg 490 Hartland 404 Howell (including Handy, Conway, and Cohoctah) 442 Marion 202 Pulnnm 367 Unadilla 642 Tolal 5029 H I S T O R \ T OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. The incorporated village of Howell, the county^- seat of Livingston, embraces within its boundaries an area of territory equal to three square miles, lying in the form of a parallelogram, two miles long by one and a half miles wide; its longer lines running east and west, and its southeastern corner being the territorial centre of the county. A fine sheet of water, known as Thompson Lake, forms part of its eastern boundary. The old Grand River road passes diagonally through it in a north- westerly direction, and forms the principal business street, which is named after the old territorial thoroughfare. The limits of the village, as estab- lished by the legislative act, which erected it a town corporate in 1863, were made to include the whole of sections 35 and 36, and the south half of sections 25 and 26, of the township of Howell. The names of the original purchasers from the United States of the lands embraced within these limits, and the dates of their respective purchases, are here given : On Section 35. C. C. Trowbridge, of Detroit, the east half of the southeast quarter, June 26, 1833. John D. Pinckncy, of Dutchess Co., N. Y., the east half of the northeast quarter, Dec. 3, 1833. George T. Sage, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., the west half of the northwest quarter, the west half of the northeast quarter, the east half of the south- west quarter, the west half of the southeast quarter, and the east half of the northwest quarter, Dec. 3, 1833. Benjamin Babbit, of Livingston County, the re- mainder of the section, — being the west half of the southwest quarter, — July 8, 1834. On Section 36. John J. Eama.i, of Jackson Co., Mich., the west half of the southeast quarter, Oct. il, 1S33. John D. Pinckncy, the southwest quarter, the east half of the .'■outhcast quarter, and the south- west quarter of the northwest quarter, Dec. 3, 1S33. Moses Thompson, of Herkimer Co., N. Y., the east half of the northwest quarter. May 15, 1834. Morris Thompson, of Oakland Co., Mich., the we.st half of the northeast quarter, Aug. 5, 1834. William Rood, of Montgomery Co., N. Y., the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter, Oct. 3. '835- Moses Thompson, of Livingston Co., Mich., the east half of the northeast fractional quarter, May 26, 1S36. On Section 25. Moses Thompson, of Herkimer Co., N. Y., the west half of the southeast quarter, May 15, 1834. Elizabeth Thompson, of Oakland Co., Mich., the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter, July 10, 1835. Moses Thompson, the east half of the south- west quarter, July 10, 1835 ; and the west half of the same quarter, Sept. 3, 1835. Morris Thompson, of Livingston Co., Mich., the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter, July 9, 1847. On Section 26. John Haze, of Oakland Co., Mich., the north- west quarter of the southwest quarter, Feb. 1 3, 1 834. William McCreery, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., the east half of the southwest quarter, Dec. 2, 1834. Thomas West, of Niagara Co., N. Y., the west half of the southeast quarter, July 17, 1835. Jonathan Austin, of Herkimer Co., N. Y., the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter, Aug. 8, 1835. Moses Thompson, of Livingston Co., Mich., the east half of the southeast quarter, Aug. 18, 1835. FIRST SETTLEMENT AND EARLY SETTLERS. The first actual settlements within what is now the village of Howell were made by George T. Sage, John D. Pinckncy, James Sage, and David Austin, in the year 1S34. John D. Pincknc)- was a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., and remained a resident of that county until 135 ii6 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the year 1833, being then located with a wife and two children, at the village of Hughsonville, en- gaged in the business of his trade, which was that of butcher. Having determined to emigrate to the West, he started in the year named, and came by the Erie Canal and Lake Erie to Detroit, and thence to Salem, Washtenaw Co., where his father and brothers were then living. At that place he also found George T. Sage, who was, like himself, desirous of purchasing eligible government lands on which to establish a farm and a home. With that object in view, these two men, accompanied by Mr. Pinckney's brothers, struck out towards tiie northwest, over the Indian trail, into the wilderness of Livingston, which had then recently been erected a county, though not yet organized as such. Whether they were in any degree influenced in their explorations by the prospect of future advan- tages to arise from the probable location of tlie county-seat is not known, but it is certain that about the end of the second day's journey they found themselves at the geographical centre of the county, as shown by the surveyors' marks and numbers, and were soon engaged in prospecting among the inviting oak-openings which stretched away from the shores of the little lake, over and beyond the present site of Howell village. On or near the spot now occupied by the residence of Hon. Mylo L. Gay, in the western part of the village, they hastily built a rude, temporary shelter — a bark-roofed cabin — in which they slept, and made their headquarters for about a week, while engaged in exploring the neighboring region and choosing the lands for location. It was almost wholly a matter of choice with them, for all the lands in the vicinity were open for entry (except the two eighty-acre tracts which had previously, in the same year, been entered by C. C. Trowbridge and John J. Eaman, on sections 35 and 36, respec- tively), and nowhere in all the region was there any sign of clearing or settler, nor any traces of the work of human hands, except the blazingsand marks left by the government surveyors. Having made and noted their selections of lands the party returned to Salem, and thence Pinckney and Sage proceeded without delay to the land-office in Detroit, where they entered and purchased the tracts, as above noticed, on sections 35 and 36. Mr. Pinckney then went to his home in the East (where he arrived after an absence of nearly two months), and Mr. Sage returned to Salem; and both began their preparations for removal and set- tlement on their new lands in Livingston County. In the month of Maj', 1834, George T. Sage and his father, James Sage, with their fanu'lies, came up from Salem and settled upon the lands pur- chased by the former in the previous year, — James Sage building his log house on or near the spot where the mansion of William McPherson, Jr., now stands, and opposite this, on the south side of the Grand River road (which was then but a mere trail), stood the primitive dwelling of George T. Sage. Its location is said to have been directly in the present track of Grand River Street, which, by straightening, was afterwards made to pass over the site of the old Sage cabin. These two families were the pioneer settlers in what afterwards became the village of Howell, as they were also the ear- liest in the township. The date of their arrival here was May 14th, in the year named. The sons of James Sage were George T., James R., and Chester A. The last two were but boys at that time. Chester is now dead, and James R. is living in Ann Arbor. James Sage, the father of the family, died June 29, 1839. George T. Sage died in Marion township Aug. 21, 1852. At the time of his settlement here he was but recently married to Miss Louisa Austin. Their son, George L. Sage, was the first person born in the village or township of Howell. The date of his birth was Jan. 23, 1835. He became a printer, and carried on that business for some time in Howell. He is now living in Albion, Mich. On the 1st of June following the arrival of the Sage families, David Austin, from Salem, Wash- tenaw Co. (but previously from East Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y.), came in with his family and settled about half a mile west of Sage's, on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 35, a tract which had been entered by his son-in-law, George T. Sage; the place where Mr. Austin lo- cated being the same where Mr. Fishbeck now lives. On that firm he spent the remainder of his life, and died there Feb. i , 1 847, at the age of sixty- seven years. His wife survived him about one year. Their children were five in number, viz., David (who never came to settle in Michigan), Jonathan, Louisa, Malvina, and Sally T. The last named became the wife of Merritt S. Havens ; Malvina became Mrs. George Sewell ; Louisa was the wife of George T. Sage, and after his death was mar- ried to the Rev. George Jenks, She is now living in Brighton. Jonathan Austin, who had reached the years of manhood when he came witl" '"'~ ^-'^hf^rto J^ purchased and settled on t'..\ section 35, the land which is Gilk. His name appears free the records of school district Marion. He remained here lor many years, but finally removed to the Lake Superior region of the State. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 137 During the winter and spring of 1834 Mr. John D. Pinckncy had completed his preparations for enii<^rating, and in May of that year lie left ids old home in New York, with his family, and again turned his face towards the West. They came by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, then by steamer on Lake ?2rie to Detroit, and thence by wagon to Salem, where Mr. Pinckney left his family at the house of his father, and then came on to Livingston County, to clear and prepare his lands and build a house. Not having come into the new country empty- handed, as was the case with many of the pioneers, lie brought with him from Salem two men (one of whom was his brother Thomas, who afterwards settled in Genoa) to assist in the heavy preliminary labor on the land, and in the erection of his house. He also brought with him four yoke of oxen and a team of horses, with harnesses and a wagon ; all of which he had purchased in Detroit. These horses were the first which were brought into the town- ship of Howell.* Mr. Pinckney had, of course, no trouble in keeping his cattle, during the summer, on the abundant feed and browse of the openings, and in anticipation of the coming winter, he cut an ample supply of the rank grasses growing along the margin of the lake, and stacked the hay thus easily obtained for use in the season of frost and snow. From the several entries of lands made by him in 1833, he selected the eighty-acre tract in the southeast corner of section 36 for the location of his farm and home, and built his house at a point near the east line of the township, a considerable distance to the north of the present Grand River road, and between it and the southern end of the sheet of water now called Thompson Lake ; the spot being dircctls' east of the Livingston County Agricultural Society's fair-grounds, and a part of what was known in later years as the " Wilber farm." The trail at that time, bending north from the present line of the road, passed di- ♦It is stated, in Mr. Smith's historical sketch of Howell, that the first team of horses in the township were those brought in l)y Moses 'Ihompson; but this is entirely disproved by a recollection of Mrs. John Pinckney, who is now a resident of Howell vilKige. She remembers that on the occasion of sickness in the family of Georije T. Sage, at the birth of his son, George L. Sage, Jonathan Austin, brother of Mrs. Sage, came to the house of Mr. Pinckney to borrow one of his horses, to ride to Kensington, to jirocure the services of Ur. Curtis, of that place ; but as llie horses were away, at Salem, he was compelled to make the journey to Kensington on foot. As the date of the liirih of George L. S.age was },in. 23, l8j5, and as Moses Thompson, in coming out to make settlement liere, did not reach Detroit until M.ay 25ih of that year, and did not arrive in Livingston County until several days later, it seems clear that Mr. Pinckney was working his horses here several months liefore Mr. Tlioinpson came. 18 rectly by the house. In the December next fol- lowing their arrival in Michigan he moved his family up from Salem and occupied the dwelling which he had pre[)ared for them. It was similar to other homes of pioneers at that time, — a log house of a single room, — and was without floor, door, or window when they first took possession, blankets being hung over the apertures, and a fire being lighted before the cabin at night to keep away wolves. The bo.xes in which their house- hold articles had been brought from the East were used as tables and a bedstead was made of tama- rack-poles. The family of Mr. Pinckney at that time were : his wife, Margaret (daughter of Alex- ander Fraser, of whom further mention will be made), and two daughters. — Alice, aged seven years, and Gertrude, aged three years; also Sea- man Fraser, Mrs. Pinckney 's brother, a sickly youth of about eighteen years of age, who re- mained here a few years and returned to die in New York City. After Mr. Pinckney 's settlement here his family was increased by the birth of three daughters, two of whom (now Mrs. Knapp and Mrs. Goodrich) are living in Howell, and the third (unmarried) is living in Jackson, Mich., with her elder sister Alice (now Mrs. Elmore Dennis). The daughter Gertrude died unmarried in Howell. Mr. Pinckney died Feb. ii, 1861, in Howell village, where he had removed from his farm in 1842. Mrs. Pinckney is still living in Howell, being the only resident in the village or township who came here prior to 1835. LIVINGSTON CENTRE— SETTLERS OF 1835. When the families of Sage, Austin, and Pinck- ney made their settlement here, the locality be- came quite extensively and generally known as " Livingston Centre," though (until the arrival in the following year of other itninigrants, who set- tled on the west part of section 36) the name seems to have had more particular reference to the farm and house of Mr. Pinckney, not only because it was very nearly on the actual centre of the ter- ritory of Livingston, where it was believed by many that the county-seat would be established, but because he was in a manner compelled (much against his inclination) to furnish shelter and ac- commodation to the rapidly-increasing swarm of land-seekers, to whom his house thus became an objective point from which they pushed their ex- plorations on towards the west and north. The )car 1S35 brought important accessions to the settlement of Livingston Centre; not so much on account of the number of the immigrants (though the popul.ition of the two sections and two half-sections was fully trebled during that sea- 1^,8 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. son) as because tliey included among their num- bers tliose who came prepared to establish a mill and other necessary enterprises, and others who took the first steps towards the founding of the village which was to become the count)'-seat of Livingston. The first of the settlers who arrived hei-e in that year was Moses Thompson, with liis numerous family. His previous home had been in Herkimer Co., N. Y., from which place he came to Michigan, in 1833, pro.specting for lands, but from some cause made no purchases in this region, and re- turned East for the winter. He again came West in 1834, and purchased on sections 25, 35, and 36 in this township, as has been noticed. He also purchased other lands in the township outside the limits of the present village. In the following year (1835), in the month of April, he set out from Herkimer County with his son, Lewis Thomp- son, and his daughters, — Rachel and Lucinda, — on their way to a home in Michigan ; it being arranged that the remainder of the family should follow a few weeks later. Crossing the Niagara River, Mr. Thompson, with his son and daughters, made the remainder of the journey to Detroit through Canada, traveling in a lumber-wagon drawn by a pair of large, strong horses, and reaching Detroit on the 25th of May. The remainder of Mr. Thompson's family, con- sisting of his wife, their sons, Morris and Edward, their daughters, Maria, Elizabeth, and Jane, with Mr. Thompson's nephew, Ezra J. Mundy, left Her- kimer County for Michigan on the 29th of May, traveling by the Erie Canal and steamer on Lake Erie, and on the 7th of June arrived at Detroit, where they found and rejoined the family party who had preceded them by the land route. On the loth of June they started out from Detroit with the horse and ox-teams (Mr. Thompson hav- ing purchased five yoke of oxen in Detroit) and went to Lyon, in Oakland County, where the family remained several days, and then came on to Livingston Centre, arriving on the 23d of June. Mr. Thompson had preceded them by several days, and commenced the construction of a log house on his land, in section 25. A part or all of the family lived at George T. Sage's while their house was being built, but it was soon completed, and they moved into it between the 1st and the 4th of July, 1835. The location of this house was where Mr. E. J. Mundy now lives, and a part of the log structure is still standing there. Moses Thompson was a man of energy and en- terprise, — the projector and owner of the first mill in the village and township. He was honorable, upright, and generous, and was always held in high esteem by his fellow-townsmen. He lived only about seven years after his settlement here, and died Dec. 2, 1842. His son Edward was also a man of enterprise, and the proprietor of one of the additional plats in the village of Howell. He died April 16, 1852. His brother, Lewis Thomp- son, was the first mail-messenger between Howell and Detroit, and served in that capacity through several of the earlier years of the existence of the village. He was never married, but lived a bach- elor at the homestead, with his mother, after his father's death. Hon. Jerome W. Turner, who, from the days of his boyhood in Howell, remem- bers Lewis Thompson and his mother, mentioned them in a recent address, as follows : " And there, too, was Lewis Thompson, an old bachelor, who had the Thompson farm, by right of primogeni- ture; a strange, silent, unfashionable old man, who did not say much to little boys, or they to him, for he left them with the impression that he belonged to the family of Elisha, and possibly had fourteen bears near by to devour too familiar chil- dren. There, too, was his old mother, a large and fleshy woman, kind and motherly, and I remem- ber that, after passing Lewis in the lane, and get- ting into the kitchen where she was, I felt per- fectly safe, and I knew instinctively that she would guard me from all the bears in the world. . . . Shortly after I left the county, I learned that Lewis Thompson was found dead on a seat under a tree near the old farm-house, and somehow his death in that especial way did not seem to me to be unexpected, and I listened to it as though I had been familiar with it beforehand. He died right out in one of the ways and attitudes of the living, and his death made no more sign than his qm'et, unostentatious life. His mother fell from a chair in the garden, and, by reason of her great weight, injured herself so that she died. The two seemed inseparable, and I have often thought that, while sitting on his seat in the yard, he caught sight of her, and finally went to join her, as he would have moved through the soft grass of his pastures to milk his cows." Morris Thompson, the other son of Moses, became engaged in milling. He was for a time the sawyer in the mill which his father built, and afterwards, with others, he erected a flour-mill above, on the same stream. He lived many years in Howei Of the daughters o ried Alvin L. Critte Ezra Frisbee. Alexander Eraser, ' — j ^. Pinckney, came to Livingston Centre in December, 1835. He was a native of Scotland, but emigrated eailv to Ainerica, and went into business as a coal VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 139 merchant in the city of New York. As early as 1824 he bought a country-seat seven miles from Pougli- keepsie, N. Y., where he was accustomed to spend the summer season with his family, and where his daughter Margaret became the wife of Mr. Pinckney. When Mr. Eraser came to Livingston County, in 1835, he first lived with his daughter and son-in- law in their house near the south end of the lake. He afterwards built a good house of hewn logs, on the south side of the road, near the southeast corner of section 36, but never occupied it, as it had been his intention to do. This house after- wards became known as the Shope house, and later was kept as a tavern by S. B. Sliter. Mr. Eraser had an interest in, and in fact was under- stood to be the owner of, most of the lands entered by John D. Pinckney in 1833. He liked the country at and around Livingston Centre, but never made his permanent residence here on account of liis wife's disinclination to .leave her Eastern home. He remained in Michigan some four or five years, and then returned to the city of New York, where lie died, at the age of si.xty-si.x years. Another who came to Livingston Centre in 1835 was Alvin L. Crittenden, though he did not per- manently settle here, but after a stay of about a year purchased and located upon lands in the township of Howell, a short distance north of the village. He is still living, a widely-known and respected preacher of the Gospel. In a short ad- dress made by him before the Livingston County Pioneer Society, at its latest meeting (June 18, 1879), he related the incidents of that first journey of his to Livingston Centre, and how the place appeared to him in 1835. He said, — " 111 the fall of 1S35 I left the Stale of New York to seek a home ill the West, weiuling my way to the then Tenitory of Michigan, aivl on the 161I1 of November I passed through the village of Ann Aibor, and that night put up at a log tavern six miles north of it. Having some acquaintances in Livingston County, I left the hotel on the inorning of the 17th for Livingston Centre, the county-site of Livingston County. I was afoot and alone. P.issing north, in the course of a few hours I came to the Huron River, but theie was neither bridge or bo:it,and it was necessary for me to gain the opposite shore. I suited myself to the situ.ition as well as I could. I pulled off my boots and socks, rolled up my pants as far as pos- sible, and waded in. I succeeded in reaching the north shore of the river without getting my clothes wet. Readjusting my clothes, I walked on and called at a house some miles from the river to inquire the way; received directions th.at when I got to a certain place 1 was to take an Indian trail; and on inquiry found it was nine miles to the next house. There was but one incident that occurreil during llie nine miles' travel that made any particular impression on my mind that I now recollect. When I h.id trav- eled a long time, or so it seemed to me, I began to look at every turn of the trail for the house. I saw a man coming towards me, and when he came within hailing distance he called out and said, ' Hallo, friend, it looks good to sec a man ! How far is it to a house ?' I replied, ' I think it must be nine miles, for they told me at the List house I passed that it was nine miles to a house, an 1 I think I hive tr.rveled that distance; how far is it the other way to a house?' He answered, ' I think it must be about nine miles.' After talking with e.ach other for a few minutes we con- cluded that we must be about half-way tlirougit, and I thought afterwards that we were. We separated, and each of us traveled on. Arriving within about a mile of the present village of How- ell, I came to a wagon-tr.ick, — it could hardly be called a roail, for it went crooking around the trees and swamps. I soon came to a log house, which I afterwards learned was occupied by Mr. John D. Pinckney and family. Here I was directed to t.ake the left-hand roaii near the lake. Traveling about a mile, I came to a house in the midst of the woods, several large trees standing near enough to have fallen on the house if they had fallen in the right direction. [This was Amos Adams' tavern-house, men- tioned below.] I went to the place for a door, and shoved aside some boards that were set up for a door, and inquired of some mechanics at work on the inside of the building for the county- seat of Livingston County, and received the reply that it was right here. I inquired for some old friends who had settled near there, and was informed of their whereabouts ; but the men thought I would find them half a mile west raising a barn. "Going out of the house, I looked around, and there was not another building in the village. There were plenty of stakes standing in the woods in every direction to designate the several blocks, lots, and streets of the vill.ige, which was afterwards named Howell, for its yet the town was not organized or the vil- lage named. Leaving the vill.age, I traveled westward about half a mile, and found nearly all of the men of the region round about busily engaged in raising a log building [at Sage's]. Finding my old acquaintance, I spent a few days very pleasantly visiting, and then hired to George T. Sage for one year, and commenced work for him on the 24lh day of November, 1835." THE CRANE AND BROOKS PURCHASE-HOWELL VILLAGE. On the 2d of July, 1835, the west half of the southwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, in township 3 north, of range 4 east (Howell), were sold and conveyed by Alexander Eraser (the lands having been entered by John D. Pinckney for Eraser, to whom the duplicates were assigned) to David Wetmore and Edward Brooks, of Detroit. On the 17th of September, in the same year, Edward Brooks and wife and David Wetmore (the latter by Charles G. Hammond, his attorney) sold and conveyed one undivided third of both the above tracts to Elavius J. B. Ciane, of Detroit ; and on the 29th of October following, David Wetmore, by his attorney, Hammond, conveyed his remain- ing interest to Edward Brooks. By these transfers,* Crane and Brooks became joint proprietors — the former having a one-third, and the latter a two-thirds, interest — in the above- described tracts, upon which they proceeded to survey and lay out a village plat, — the original plat of the village of Howell, — and to file the same in the office of the Register of Oakland County.f The acknowledgment upon the plat is as follows : * On the l8lh of July, 1836, John D. Pinckney and wife deeded whatever interest they h.ad in these lands to Crane and Brooks. •f- In the erection of Livingston County, in 1S33, the north half of it (in which Howell is situated) was ta';en from StiTawassee ; I40 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. "Michigan, ■. " Wavne County, ) ^^' '• On this loih clay of November, 1835, personally appeared be- fore me Edward Brooks and Flavins J. B. Crane, proprietors of the we>t half of the southwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, in township 3 north, of range No. 4 east, and acknowledged that they had signed the an- nexed or above niaj) or j'llat of a pait of said land lying north and south of the Grand River Road, so-called, which is designated on said plat as Grand River Street, and declare that the s.iid streets and square shall be and remain open for the use of the public as laid out on said map. "AsiiER B. Bates, J. P. W. C. .M. T." The territory embraced in this original plat of the village was bounded as follows: on the west by the west line of section 36; on the east by a north and south line drawn through the centre of the southwest and northwest quarters of the same section ; on the north by Higgins Street and the north line of the southwest quarter of the north- west quarter of the same section; and on the south by Livingston Street. The "pubh'c square," which was laid out by the proprietors (doubtless with the expectation that the county buildings of Livingston would be located upon it) to "be and remain open for the use of the public,"* was the square or block of land bounded by Grand River, Walnut, Sibley, and Centre Streets. The prospective village thus laid out by Crane and Brooks was named by them Howell, in honor of Thomas Howell, a friend of Mr. Crane, and a son of Judge Howell, of Canandaigua, N. Y. The name, however, did not immediately come into general use, and the place continued to be known as Livingston Centre for a considerable time after- wards. The first building erected within the limits of the village plat was a two-story frame house, built by the proprietors in the fall of 1S35, the lumber for its construction being hauled through the openings from Evert Woodruff's mill in the township of Green Oak. At the time of their pur- chase of the land from Fraser and Pinckney (the latter being understood to be a party interested in the sale), they had agreed to erect a tavern-house upon their tract, to relieve Mr. Pinckney's family from the necessity of furnishing food and lodging (as they had in a manner been compelled to do) for the ever-increasing throngs of land-seekers. It was in pursuance of this agreement — though probably quite as much for the purpose of giving but that county, although " laid out" by Governor Cass' proclama- tion, in September, 1822, had never been organized, and its terri- tory therefore remained attached to Oakland. In the same manner the part which Livingston had taken from Shiawassee remained attached to O.^kland until the organization of Livingston in 1S36. '■■■ This public square, not having been used for the puiposes for which it w.is donated, and " the public" having performed no act constituting a legal acceptance of the gift, revened to the ori'- in.il proprietor-, or their repie->eiitalives, many ye.trs afterwards. a start to their village — that Crane and Brooks built the frame building above mentioned on the southeast corner of Grand River and Walnut Streets, and caused it to be opened as a public- house. This was the " house in the midst of the woods" mentioned by Mr. Crittenden, where he found the mechanics engaged upon its inside work on his first arrival at Livingston Centre. The first boarders in the " Eagle Tavern," as it was called, were F. J. B. Crane and Alexander Fraser, and its lodgers and transient customers were the crowds of men who came to Livingston in search of gov- ernmeut lands. The landlord who opened this house about December i, 1835 (who was also the first settler within the boundaries of the village plat), was Amos Adams, who came here in the autumn of that year from Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y. On the organization of the town and county he was elected one of the first justices of the peace, and also county treasurer and surveyor. The last- mentioned office he held in the county for a num- ber of years, having several times been re-elected. Judge Turner makes mention of him as "our old surveyor who made for us these imaginary yet im- passable lines in the wilderness, which bounded our property, and divided all the unfilled soil, — a brave man and true, who took upon himself such labors here in our young county as perhaps no one else would have been adapted to perform." He kept the " Eagle" for only about two years, it being sold to Joseph H. Steel in 1837. Mr. Adams afterwards became proprietor, with Joseph Porter, of a saw-mill on the Shiawassee River, on section 27 in Howell township, and also built a frame house, which he opened as a tavern on the south side of the Grand River road, near the bridge which crosses the Shiawassee, and on the west side of that stream. In this house he died, May 14, 1855. His son, Amos S. Adams, also became a hotel-keeper in the village, and at one time held the office of Register of Deeds of Livingston County. Another son, John Q. Adams, is now living in California. Of the daughters of Amos Adams, Abigail, who was the first school-teacher in Howell, married Enos B. Taylor, and removed with him to California, where she is still living. Angeline, another daughter, is also living in Cali- fornia, unmarried; and Eveline, their sister, — now Mrs. Metcalf — is living in the village of Fowler- ville. An important and most interesting event, occur- ring in the year 1835, at Howell (or Livingston Centre, as the place was still called), was the com- mencement of religious worship, — the first public religious observance, not only in the village, but VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 141 in the township. It was brought about by tlie efforts of Deacon Israel Branch, a pious man, who had settled on the northeast quarter of section 2, in Marion, on the town line, about half a mile south of the centre. The story of that first gathering for divine worship is tlAis told by the Rev. A. L. Crittenden : " Ue.-icon Ui-.-mch ihought lie could not live without religious nieelings, even in the wiUleiness, .nnil hence he took it upon him- self to ci'mmence iheni. He went to Esquire .Vtlams, our nolile landlord, who kept the hotel in the village, — for by this time the house was nearly finished, and Amos Adams occupied it for a hotel, — and obtained consent to have religious meetings held in the sitting-room, the only building in llie village. Notice was ac- cordingly given, and on Sabbath morning (I cannot give the date, but I think it was in the month of December, 1835) the people assembled, some coining four or five miles, and the sitting-room was pretty well filled. Deacon Branch conducted the meeting, read- ing one of Dr. Payson's sermons. At the close of the services, he called for a volunteer to close by pr.ayer. No one came to his help, but the deacon was not discouraged. He gave notice for a meeting the next Sabbath. On the second Sablwth I volunteered to close the meeting with prayer. Thus it happened that I was the second person who took a part in a religious meeting in Howell. After that, if the deacon had to be away from the meeting any Sabbath, he brought to me a volume of Dr. P.iyson's sermons, with a request that I should conduct the services, which I did several times that year." And so the close of that year saw Howell vil- lage established at Livingston Centre, with defined streets, a public square, a hotel, and a number of settlers enjoying the privilege of religious worship ; the observance of which has been continued Horn that time without interruption. PROGRESS IN 1836. The spring of 1836 opened auspiciously for the village of Howell. Its dignity was greatly aug- mented by the establishment, on the 15th of Jan- uary in that year, of the Howell post-office, with Flavius J. B. Crane as its first postmaster, who located the office in the tavern of Amos Adams. About the 20th of March a mail-route was estab- lished between this village and Kensington, on the west border of Oakland County, and soon after the route was extended westward from Howell to Grand Rapids. The mail-contractor for the former I'oute was Lewis Thompson, who carried the mails on horseback. The first mail -carrier between Howell and Grand Rapids was James R. Sage, then a youth of about seventeen years, who on his first trip lost his way (there being only a bridle- path or trail to guide him), and was compelled to pass the night in the woods. The mail-service between Howell and Kensington was weekly; tiiat over the western route was bi-weekly ; but even this was a vast improvement on the transient and uncertain manner in which the settlers had pre- viously received and forwarded their letters. Nearlj' simultaneously with the establishment of the post-office and the mail-routes the Legislature had passed (March 24th) an act to organize the county of Livingston, and there could be no rea- sonable doubt that the county-site would be per- manently located at Howell, though the claim to its location was vigorously advanced by the people of Brighton, and was never wholly relinquished by them until the county buildings had been actually erected in this village, twelve years later. But not- withstanding all opposing claiins, Howell at once assumed the dignity of the county-seat. The elec- tion of county officers was held in May, 1836, and resulted in the choice of Justus J. Bennett for sheriff, F. J. B. Crane for county clerk, Ely Bar- nard for register of deeds, and Amos Adams treas- urer and surveyor. Of these offices, three were held by residents of the village, and Mr. Barnard, the newly-elected register of deeds, immediately became a citizen of Howell by removal here from Genoa. The election of township officers was also held at the same time, and, although Howell then comprised three-eighths of the territory of the county, a majority of the officers elected were residents within the present corporation limits. The erection of the first mill and the opening of the first store and the first blacksmith-shop in Howell, in 1S36, were events of no small conse- quence to the settlers at the county-seat and in its vicinity. A saw-mill, to supply building lumber, was an indispensable adjunct to the projected vil- lage, and a store is considered almost a necessity in such places, while the finst blacksmith-shop — always an important establishment in new settle- ments — proved doubly so in this place, from the fact that one of the two blacksmiths who opened the shop in that year (and who may properly be termed the first of the trade in the town, because he was the first who permanently located here) became a leading citizen of Howell, — one who, during a subsequent honorable career of forty-three years in this place, has benefited the village in a hundred ways, and placed himself at the head of her wealthiest and most respected men. This pio- neer blacksmith of Howell was William McPher- son, a native of Scotland, who einigrated to America in 1836, and soon after his arrival in the country came to Howell, with his wife, their daughter, Isabella (now Mr.s. H. H. Mills), and their two sons, William and Alexander, these being all of his family at that time. They arrived on the 17th of September, and boarded with the family of James Sage, while Mr. McPherson and his sons built a dwelling for their use. This house (a log structure) was built on a lot in the west part of the village plat, where William Cooper HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. now resides, and was finished and occupied by the family before the closing of winter. On the same lot and adjoining Mr. McPherson's house, the blacksmith-shop before alluded to had been built, during the summer of the same year, by Andrew Riddle, who was also a Scotchman and a blacksmith, and was the father of Mrs. Mc- Pherson. After having settled his family' in tlieir new house, Mr. McPherson commenced work in this shop with his father-in-law, and continued to do so until the following spring, when Mr. Riddle removed from Howell to settle upon lands which he had purchased in Byron (now Oceola). His son, William, remained in Howell, being em- ployed in the Register's office. He was after- wards one of the principal merchants of Howell, and is now a merchant in Detroit. After the removal of Andrew Riddle and family, Mr. Mc- Pherson occupied the shop alone and carried on the blacksmithing business for a time; but his ]iealth became poor, and he removed temporarily to Oceola, but soon after returned to Howell. In 1841 he, in partnership with Josiah Turner, opened a small mercantile business, and continued in it for nearly a year. After this he carried on black- smithing for a short time, and again embarked in merchandising, — this time in partnership with F^nos B. Taylor. At the end of about two years Taylor withdrew, and Mr. McPherson, alone at first, — afterwards with Mr. Riddle, for four years under the style of McPherson & Riddle, and lastly in partnership with his sons, — has continued in the business until the present time, the firm being now known as William McPherson & Sons. He has been uniformly successful, and as uniformly honest, hononble, liberal, and public spirited. Howell has every reason to be proud of her pioneer blacksmith. The store referred to above as having been opened in Howell in this year was hardly entitled to be called such. Mr. F. J. B. Crane had brought in a small lot of goods and opened them in a room of Mr. Adams' tavern, but the business was too small to support itself, and after two or three months it was closed, and the remnant of the " stock" was stored in the attic. The saw-mill above mentioned as ha\'ing been put in operation in 1836 was built by Moses Thompson, on the northwest quarter of the south- east quarter of section 25, on the stream which forms the outlet of that body of water which is now called Thompson Lake in his honor. Originally here were three small lakes or ponds, connected by a marsh and stream, but the building of the dam across the outlet by Mr. Thompson raised the water, submerged the marsh, and formed the present lake. He had purchased the adjacent land wi'Ji the intention of building a mill here, and having that object in view, had brought with him the necessary mill-irons and gearing when became from Herkimer Co., N. Y., in the previous year. He dug the raceway and finished the dam during the spring and summer, but the mill was not com- pleted until some months later. The millwright employed was Joseph Porter, who had entered lands in section 7, Howell township, in July, 1834, and came into Livingston from Washtenaw County. He received from Mr. Thompson for his services as millwright the sum of ^3 per day, which in those times was regarded as a very large if not an extravagant price. He finished the mill and put it in successful operation about the beginning of winter, and the very first boards sawed were pur- chased by Mr. William McPherson for the purpose of laying a floor in his new log house. Mr. Thompson, when entering his lands in 1834, had the foresight to secure not only a mill-seat, but also a considerable quantity of lands in section 34, which were covered with pine-timber of excellent quality. He well understood that when he should get his saw-mill in operation, these tracts, being the only pine-lands in this region, and located near the county-seat, must prove convenient and valu- able. The result showed the soundness of his calculations; the pine-lands, besides being profit- able to their owners, facilitated building operations in Howell village, by furnishing large quantities of lumber of a kind and quality which before the days of railroads was an exceedingly scarce article in nearly all parts of Livingston County. An event of some interest, if not of any great importance, to the few inhabitants of Howell at that time, was a wedding, — the first which occurred in the village or township. This was the marriage of Merritt S. Havens to Sally T. Austin, daughter of David Austin, which took place at the house of Mr. Austin, in the evening of the 15th of January, 1836; the ceremony being performed by Kinsley S. Bingham, J. P., afterwards Governor of Michigan. It will be noticed that this wedding was not cele- brated in what was then known as the village of Howell ; and it is proper to mention here that this history of the village is intended to be a narrative of past events within all the territory now embraced in the corporation limits, and not merely to apply to the compactly-settled portion of it. Among the immigrants of 1836, besides those already named, were Enos B. Taylor, Sherburn Crane, Joseph H. Steel, Peter B. Johnson (located on village lot No. 116), John Russell, Watson G. Thomas, Oliver Reed (section 35), Simon P. Shope, Gottlieb Schraft, Jacob Schraft, Giles Tucker, and Residence: of SOLOMON HILDEBRANT, Howell, Livingston Co, Mich Residence OF W" MS PHERSON .J.", Howell, Michigan. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 143 Joseph Tucker. The last two here named were carpenters by trade, and on tliat account were very useful accessions to the village population. Giles Tucker afterwards became a merchant in Howell, and sheriff of the county of Livingston. He is now (or was recently) living in Eaton Co., Mich. Joseph Tucker died in 1862. Simon P. Shope located on section 36, on land purchased from Alexander Eraser, and lived in the house which Mr. Eraser had built for his own use. The two Schrafts were unfortunate Germans who paid to Shope their small savings in the expectation of becoming proprietors of lots in an imaginary vil- lage which the latter pretended to be about to lay out in the southeast corner of the section. They soon became objects of charity, and were assisted by Moses Thompson and others until they were able to leave the place. W. G. Thomas contracted for village lots, but did not become a permanent settler, and is said to have left the village in a dis- creditable manner soon after. Mr. Steel made per- manent fettlement here, and in the following year became proprietor of the hotel built by Crane and Brooks. He was afterwards landlord of one or more of the other public-houses of the village. He died here more than a quarter of a century after his first arrival, having been constantly a resident of Howell, excepting some five or six years, during which he lived in Oceola. E. B. Taylor married Abigail, daughter of Amos Adams, and became a merchant and somewhat prominent man in the village. Afterwards he removed to California, and died there. David H. Austin, who had come into the town- ship in 1835, and made some preparation to settle on section 20, removed to the village in 1836, and took a small tract of land on section 35. He was not a relative of David and Jonathan Austin, near whom he located. He remained here for several years, held some public offices, and was quite a prominent man in early school matters. From Howell he afterwards removed to Farmington, Oakland Co. His son, George Austin, lives in the southwest part of Howell township. SETTLEMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS, 1837 TO 1840. By the township assessment roll of 1837 the tax-payers then resident within the present bound- aries of tlic corporation are shown to have been the following : David Austin, 60 acres on section 35. Junatlian Austin, 140 acres on sections 35, 26, anil 27 ; resilience on section 35. David H. .\uvlin, 30 acres on section 35; valuation, S120; value of personal property, $20. Amos Adams, lot and lavern-house in village plat, S550. F. J. B. Crane, various parcels of land amounting to 380 acres, S1200. Benjamin BabbiU's heirs, 80 acres on section 35. Alexander Fr.iser, village lots Nos. 117 and 121. I'eter B. Johnson, village lot No. 1 16. William Mcl'herson, village lot No. 129. James .Sage, 1 12 acres on sections 35 and 23, S516; residence on section 35. George T. Sage, 200 acres on section 35. Simon P. Shope, 412 acres in townships of Howell, Oceola, and Marion ; residence on section 36, Howell. Moses Thompson, 1280 acres on sections 25, 26, 36, 12, and 13; residence on south part of section 25. Morris Thompson, 120 acres on sections 34 and 36; residence on south part of section 25. Watson G. Thomas, village lots Nos. 17, 31, 32, ^^, and 49. Besides these there were 137 village lots as- sessed to non-residents, showing that at least that number, in addition to those held by residents, had been sold by the proprietors of the plat. These lots were assessed at a uniform price of ^25 each. The other lands included in the above list were assessed at $4. per acre, where not otherwise specified. The list above given, having been made in the spring of 1837, does not, of course, include the immigrants who .settled here during that year. Mr. Edward F. Gay, a native of Connecticut, who had emigrated thence to Michigan, and set- tled at Ann Arbor in 1831, left the latter place early in the spring of 1837, and on the 1st of April, in that year, arrived .and located with his family on a farm which he had purchased of the heirs of Deacon Israel Branch, then recently de- ceased ; this farm being about half a mile south of the Crane and Brooks settlement. It was the same property which was afterwards known as the " Isbell farm," and located south of the Howell line, in the township of Marion; but as Mr. Gay was from the first entirely identified with Howell, and afterwards removed here, and lived and died in the village, it seems proper to include him in the mention of the early settlers of the place. How he came here on his first prospecting tour in the previous autumn, and what and who he found here, when he removed with his family, was narrated by him in an address before the Pioneer Society in 1872, in these words : " I entered the county at Hamburg. From thence I was to pro- ceed on horseback upon the 'Strawberry Point Trail' to Howell. But i soon lost the trail, and after wandering for some time among the bluffs, I brought up at Brighton. After spending the night with mine host, Ben. Gushing, at his log hotel, situated on the hill, I again started for Livingston Centre, on a plainer path. The old adage ' there is no gre.it loss without some small gain' was here verified ; for I soon came upon two former residents of Ann Arbor, who had left there in my debt. To their honor I would say that each paid me; one being the venerable Robert Bii^ham, the other, Dr. Fisher, who had studied medicine with Dr. Denton, and wish- ing to get married, I had trusted him for a weilding-suit, but had not till now learned his location. "But one house now intervened between Uncle Robert's and 144 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. my destination, to wit, ' Feet's Log Hotel' in Genoa, some seven miles east of Howell. At sundown I liad arrived within three miles of that place. . . . About dark I approached a log house, situated on the plain some distance east of the Wdber residence, towards the lake, and inquired for the renowned Livingston Cen- tre. This house was occupied l)y John Pinckney, and was owned hy old Mr. Fraser (then recently from New York), together with the farm known as the Fraser farm, alias the Shope farm, after- wards the Wilber farm. " Though now becoming anxious to reach the ' Centre' I was doomed slill to wander on the verge. I was on the trail, though among brush, and meandering the lake. Beholding a light, hope revived, but to be again extinguished, for before it was reached, the light disappeared, for the very good reason that Mr. Moses Thompson and family had retired to bed. Not lieing willing to be thwarted in this, my second day's attempt to reach Livingston Centre, I hallooed for light under difiRculties. The old gentleman soon put me upon the right trail again, saying that after crossing a ravine and again rising the bluff I would behold the light at the Centre, which had so often guided the lost and weary traveler. I found it as he had said, and .soon beheld Livingston Centre, in the person of fhat noble landlord and life-long hotel-keeper, Amos Adams. One single frame building as a hotel, without a barn, togethef with three or four log houses, constituted Livingston Cen- tre. My horse was fastened to a small oak-tree, against which a log was lying, with troughs cut in the side to feed the grain. . . . The only families which I now recollect, then residing in Howell or vicinity, besiiles the Adams family, were Mr. McPherson, Wat- son 0. Thomas, Mr. Sage and son, David Austin and son, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Pinckney, David H. Austin, S.irdis Davis, Huram Bristol, and Moses Thompson. The single men were Lewis, Morris, and Edward Thompson, Mr. Crittenden, Mr. Frisbee, Fly Barnard, John Russell, and Conrad Woll." Some of these, mentioned by Mr. Gay, although living within what might be termed the neighbor- hood, were outside the Hmits of the present village; as, for instance, Huram Bristol, who lived on sec- tion 34, Sardis Davis, whose location was across the township line in Marion, and Conrad Woll, who also lived on the south side of the Marion town line. Ely Barnard first settled in the town- ship of Genoa, but having been elected register of deeds at the first election of county officers (1S36) had removed to the county-seat imme- diately afterwards. While residing in Howell he purchased village lots, and on one of these (at the not thwest corner of Grand River and hlast Streets) built a small house. Afterwards he returned to his farm in Genoa. Mr. Gay had been a merchant in Ann Arbor from the time of his settlement there until 1S36. He commenced in the same business in Howell in 1837, immediately after his arrival here, and his was the pioneer store of the village, though he did not bring in the first lot of goods. In the address, before referred to, he said, — " It has been believed that I opened the first goods at Howell, and that I had the honor of being the first merchant heie. This is not so. I found $300 or SS400 worth of dry-goods in the garret, at the tavern, brought hereby Mr. F. J. B. Crane. I afterwards pur- chased these, together with $1600 worth more of Messrs. Ward & Jewelt, making a stock of S2000 worth, Iresh from New York, inasmuch as they had not been opened since they were packed, as their remnant, in Western New York. I found it easy, with such an ample stock, to take frequently gioo a day, but I was not so easily sure that the [' wild cat'] money would be worth one dollar the next morning, and was quite sure it would no/ be when Lewis Thompson arrived with our weekly horseback mail from Detroit. The store I built was the second frame building put up in Huvvell, and is now [1872] standing, and occupied by Mr. Samuel Bal- com as a dwelling. It has done good service, having served at one time as store, lawyer's office, post-office, and shoe-shop, and at another lime as store, minister's residence, place for holding reli- gious meetings, etc. ; no school-house being yet built." This first store in Howell, referred to as having been built by Mr. Gay, stood (and still stands in a changed form) on the south side of Sibley Street, a little west of Centre Street, and nearly opposite — diagonally— to the southwest corner of the old " public square." John T. Watson, who was one of the settlers who came to Howell in that year, was employed by Mr. Gay as clerk in the estab- lishment. He was a good citizen and a resident of this village for some years. He afterwards moved to Hartland and died there. Richard Fishbeck, a shoemaker by trade, came to Howell in 1837, and was the first to establish that business in the village. James White, a cabinet-maker, also came in that year, and built a shop in which he worked at his trade. He built the dwelling-house on Clinton Street, which was afterwards owned by Abram Rorabacher, and is now the property of Mrs. Margaret Pinckney. Orrin J. Field and Josiah P. Jewett were among the settlers who came to the village in 1837, as was also George W. Jewett, who becatiie one of the leading citizens of Howell. Mr. Jewett was a native of Durham, Conn. The family, whom he brought with him to Michigan, were his wife and three children, one of whom died at Ann Arbor before reaching their place of destination. The two who survived and came with their father to Howell were Sarah (now Mrs. Z. F. Crosman) and William B. Jewett, both of whom are still residing in the village. Mr. George W. Jewett was elected to the office of county treasurer in 1838, and to that of register of deeds in 1 840, and filled other positions of honor and trust in county and town- ship. He died in Howell, Feb. 12, 1851, at the age of fifty years. Ebenezer West and Matthew West were among those who came to Howell in 1837, the)' settling on the southeast quarter of section 26, now the place of Mr. A. V. Holt. The name of Matthew West is found frequently among the township and school district officers of Howell, — particularly among the latter. He died Jan. 9, 1849. Ebenezer West died a few months later in the same year. Howell's first school-house was built, and first district school opened, in 1837. The school-house VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 145 was erected on a lot (No. 36 of the plat) which had been donated by Mr. Crane for the purpose. In this school was opened in the summer of that year by Amos Adams' daughter, Abigail. She was succeeded in the teacher's office by Justin Durfee. It is not, however, improbable that Miss Adams had taught a few scholars in her father's house before the building of the school-house. The first term of the court in Howell was held in the new school-house of the village on the 8th of November in the same year. This was re- garded as quite an important event, and a step towards the firm establishment of Howell as the county-seat of Livingston. The school-house be- came not only the usual place for the holding of the courts, but also for the religious services of all denominations, and for elections and other public meetings of every kind. After 1837 the settlers became too numerous for all to be mentioned here individually and in detail, especially as many of them were transient persons, not heads of families, and did not remain here permanently. In the early part of 1838 two church organi- zations — the Presbyterian and the Baptist — were formed, in addition to the one (Methodist) which had been formed in the spring or summer of 1836. All these small congregations held their worship in the frame school-house built in the preceding year. The village gained additional consequence, and assumed more of the appearance of a county-seat, by the arrival and settlement here of its first at- torney, Wellington A. Glover, who opened his office in Mr. E. F. Gay's store building in 1838. The court for the county, which had first convened here in the school-house in the previous year, now held its terms regularly in the village. Another event of considerable importance to the people of Howell and vicinity was the settle- ment among them of their first resident physician. Dr. Gardner Wheeler, who also came in 1838. Before this they were compelled to go to Oakland, or Washtenaw County, or at least to Brighton, where Dr. Fisher had then recently located, to obtain medical attendance when it became neces- sary. The second physician of Howell, Dr. Charles A. Jeffries, came in the following year. Both these gentlemen are mentioned more fully in the account, elsewhere given, of the early physicians of Liv- ingston County. Dr. Gardner Mason also came here from Salem, Washtenaw Co., in 1838, and made his first location in the village, living near where is now the residence of William McPher- son, Jr. His health was poor, and he did not practice his profession. After a comparatively 19 short residence here he removed to the "Six Cor- ners," in Howell township. During all his resi- dence in the village and township he was one of the most prominent and useful members of the Baptist Church. The Rev. Henry Root, from Ann Arbor, be- came pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Howell, and settled here in 1838. The Rev. Thomas Baker, from Highland, Oakland Co., became pastor of the Baptist Church here in the same year. Almon Whipple — afterwards, for nearly forty years, a well-known and highly-respected citizen of Howell — removed to this village from the town- ship of Handy in 1839, he having been elected in the preceding autumn to the office of county clerk. He was born in Hard wick, Mass., in the year 1800, and remained in that State until the year 1825, when he removed to Otsego Co., N. Y. There he carried on a mercantile business from 1828 till 1835, when his health became poor, and he emi- grated to Handy, in this county, in 1837. In 1838 he opened a store in that town, and in the follow- ing year removed to Howell, as mentioned above. On the 14th of January, 1840, he married Mary Curtis (daughter of Victory Curtis), with whom he lived for nearly thirty-seven years. Upon his settlement in Howell, he engaged in mercantile business in partnership with John Curtis, under the firm-name of Curtis & Whipple. They pur- chased the business of Edward F. Gay, and be- came his successors in the store built by the latter, near the southwest corner of the old public square. His partner died in 1841, and Mr. Whipple after- wards removed to the main street of the village, and remained in the business of merchandising until i860, when he retired from it, but continued to engage in real estate and other operations dur- ing the remainder of his life, and was successful in amassing a comfortable fortune. Besides the office of county clerk he also held that of county treasurer, and was for some years postmaster of Howell. He died Feb. 14, 1878. " He was one of the early settlers of Livingston County, and ever manifested an active interest in the welfare of his adopted State. His record was honorable, and he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who as- sociated with him. He was ever the poor man's friend. Honesty, generosity, and charity were his marked characteristics." Rev. Edward E. Gregory became a resident in this village in 1839. He says he lived at first in Rev. Henry Root's unfinished house, " and cooked by a stump in the street," and he adds, " I farmed it at arms' length three miles away, but found old Nature in her soil more stubborn than I antici- pated. So ' what I know about farming' is quick 146 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. told, and yet deficient ; as it is, it may allow me to rank among the pioneer farmers as doing the best I could, though I never got rich by it." Mr. Gregory became pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Howell in I.S44, and remained in that charge for a term during that year and 1 845. He has lived in Howell since his first settlement here, except an interval spent at Owosso. He is now among the oldest, as he is also among the most respected, of the citizens of Howell village. Joseph B. Skilbeck, an Englishman by birth, is another of the residents of Howell who came here to settle in 1839. He was b}' trade a shoemaker, and followed that business here for several years. Afterwards he became one of the merchants of the place, and finally retired from business on a competency. One of his daughters is Mrs. An- drew D. Waddell. Mr. Skilbeck, although the owner of a good farm, is still residing in the village, whidi has been his home for the past forty years. John R. Neely and Joseph Rowe became settlers in Howell in the same year as Mr. Skilbeck. Mr. Neely was a mason, and the first of his trade who settled here. Mr. Rowe was a tailor, and imme- diately after his arrival commenced business in that line, — his being the first tailor-shop opened in the village. Early in the year 1840, Josiah Turner, then a young and aspiring lawyer, now well known to nearly every adult citizen of Livingston County as Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, came to Howell to establish himself in the business of his profession. At first he lived, with his family, at the public-house of Shubael B. Sliter, on the Grand River road, east of the village, and had his office in the wooden building that stood on the north- east corner of the old public square, but soon after he occupied a log house near the present Methodist church, and later built a dwelling-house and office, the latter being a small building which stands on the west side of East Street, a little north of Grand River Street, near the engine-house. In this and in the former office on the square he did so flour- ishing a law business that he still speaks of the first eight or ten years of his practice in Howell as being, pecuniarily, the most prosperous period of his pro- fessional life. Besides the practice of his profession in those years, he was at different times engaged in mercantile business; first in partnership with William McPherson, and afterwards with Nelson G. Isbell. But these merchandising enterprises were of comparatively short duration, and he finally relinquished that business altogether. Of the offi- cial positions which he has since filled, and of the evidences of their respect and confidence which his fellow-citizens have shown him during nearly forty years of public life in Livingston County and adjoin- ing portions of the State, a more full account is to be found in a short biographical sketch on another page of this history. Judge Turner recollects that when he first came to Howell, the village — by which term was then meant only the cluster of buildings on Crane & Brooks' plat and in its immediate vicinity — was spoken of as containing but thirteen families; and he enumerates the heads of these families as follows : Dr. Gardner Wheeler, George W. Jewett, William McPherson, Joseph B. Skilbeck, Dr. Charles A. Jeffries, Richard Fishbeck, Orrin J. Field, Wel- lington A. Glover, John Curtis, Edward E. Gregory, Rev. Henry Root, Enos B. Taylor, Allen C. Weston. This recollection of the judge, however, doubtless has reference to the time when he came here (prob- ably in the last days of 1839 or very early in 1840) on a prospecting visit, preliminary to bringing his family here from Ann Arbor; and this will account for the omission of the name of Almon Whipple, who, prior to the 14th of January, 1840, was not the head of a family, but became such at that time (the date of his marriage), and was certainly a merchant in the village of Howell at that time. There were also during that year a very consider- able number of other persons living in the village (though probably not all, or nearly all, house- holders), as appears by the following transcript from the township assessment roll for 1840, which was probably made out considerably later in the year than the time when Judge Turner arrived here : " Owners and lesiclenls* of village lots in the village of Howell — Charles A. Jefl'ries, Wellington A. Glover, Ely Barnard, Allen C. Weston, Richard Fishbeck, Joseph Rowe, Enos B. Taylor, Oriin J. Field, Elijah Coffren, Curtis & Whipple, John Curtis, Aliram Korabacker, Mary Curtis, Edward F. Gay and Henry Rout, Brown & Clark, William Butler, Joshua Boyer, Richard Carlton, Augustus Chaston, Joseph H. Cobb, Robert W. Dunn, Harriet W. Elwell, Francis Eldridge, I'eries Ellis, Alfred Tanner, Augustus GoodcU, Samuel Goodell, Edward E. Gregory, Willis S. Garrison, Charles Holder, James M. Hawley, Daniel O. Hager, Robert Hilton, John Habercorn, Walter Hubbell, Jason G. Jackson, William M. Johnson, John R. Kellogg, Henry Leroy, Thomas M. Ladd, H. Mc- Laughlin, Henry M. Miller, Chauncey Morse, David Prindle, William Phillips, Gideon Paul, Carl PolLard, Nathaniel Prouty, Patrick Pierce, John J. Peterson, Theobald Ungerer, Corne- lius Rierson, Frederick Reiihle, Samuel Reed, Thomas Shally, John Scott, Samuel Smith, R. Emerson, Silas Titus, George B. Turner, David Thorn, William Waycott, Joseph Waid, Alpheus White, Cornelius Ward." * Although this purports lo be a list of resident taxpayers (there ■ being another and entirely separate list of »/o«-resident taxp.ij-ers on the same assessment roll), it seems evident that not all those named in this list were actual residents in Howell in the year 1S40. ""^•■"^ '^mm^m^: RESIDENCE OF SEYMOUR E. HOWE, HOWELL, LIVINGSTON CO.. MICH. Rlsioence OF M. L. &AY, Howell, Mich VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 147 By the same assessment roll the resident tax- payers on lands outside what was then known as the village, but within the present limits of the corporation, were (in addition to the Sages, the Austins, the Thompsons, and Mr. Pinckney, as enumerated above, from the roll of 1S37) as fol- lows : Gardner Wheeler, on section 35; Joseph B. Skilbeck, on section 26; Shuhacl 15. Sliler, on section 36; Matthew West, on sec- tion 26; George W. Jewett, on section 35, and al-o taxed on village lots 24 and 194. Amos Adams had then removed from the vil- lage, and was a resident taxpayer on section 27, Howell township. VILLAGE EXTENSION. About eight years after the survej' and location of the plat of Howell, by Crane and Brooks, the village began to e.xtend eastward beyond its origi- nal limits; not because the number of actual set- tlers was too great to be accommodated with lots upon the plat which was first recorded, but owing largely to the fact that speculators — among whotn were many who were supposed to be of the far- seeing kind, like Peter J. Desnoyers, of Detroit, and others — had absorbed a large number of the lots here, with no intention of settlement, but in the expectation of realizing a handsome advance on their investments at the county-seat of Living- ston. So, in the year 1S43, Mr. Peter A. Cowdrey, who had acquired the title to the east half of the southwest quarter of section 36, platted and laid out that tract as an addition to the village of How- ell,* 'and commenced the sale of lots. On the 14th * This plat — known as the " first Cowdrey Addition" — was not recorded, however, until Jan. 4, 1848. It emhraced the remain- der of the southwest quarter of section 36, not included in the original pl.at, joining that plat on the east, and also joining the south side of Thompson's Addition to the Village of Ilowell, which had previously been plaited by Edward Tliompson, propri- etor of the ea'it half of the northwest qunrter of section 36, which had been entered by his father, Moses Thompson, May 15, 1834. Thompson's Addition was platted on the southwest part of the land above described, and the plat was acknowledged and offered for record by its owner Feb. 27, 1847. Cowdrey's Second Addition, being a plat "of the division of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 35," was surveyed Nov. 16, 1852, and filed by the administrator of the estate of P. A. Cowdrey Oct. 26, 1853. This addition, containing 49 acres, has its west boundary on the byron road, its north on the north line of the quaiter-section, its east on the east line of section 35, and its south on Grand River Street. Wilcox's Addition lies south of Livingston Street, and contains 32 lots. This w.is laid out by Joseph H. Wilcox, and by him offered for record Aug. I, 1867. Two additions have been laid out on the east side of the village, on lands of Almon Whipple, in the west half of the southeast quarter of section 36. The first of these, lying on the north side of Grand River Street, and bounded by Cowdrey's first addition on the west, and by the Livingston County Agricultural Kair- Grounds on the east. This addition is dated Jan. 27, 1868. The of August, 1844, he advertised his addition in the Livingston Courier, as follows : " LOTS AT HOWELL FOR SALE. " The plat of the eastern part of the town, and in which the site of the county buildings is located by an act of the Legislature, can be seen at the store of A. Whipple, with the prices and terms. " P. A. Cowdrey." The act of Legislature referred to in this adver- tisement was that (approved March 20, 1841) which extended the limits of the county-site so as to embrace all of the west half of section 36. The result of this enactment, together with Cowdrey's timely platting of " the l']!astern Part of the Town," was to extend the settlement eastwardly along Grand River .Street, and eventually to carry the business of the village away from the "public square," around which the projectors had expected to see it located. HOWELL IN 1844. Within a period often years from the time when the Sages, the Austins, and John D. Pinckney built the first cabin here, Howell had increased in size, and attained the proportions of a very re- spectable village, not only in population, but in regard to the business transacted within it, as will be seen from the following summary of its principal business and business men, as they were in the autumn of the year 1844. First in importance on the list here (as at all county-seats) come the lawyers. Howell's first attorne)', Wellington A. Glover, had died in 1843, but five others were here at the time named, of whom the senior (with respect to date of estab- lishment in the county) was Josiah Turner, whose second Whipple Addition, dated Sept. 4, 1871, lies opposite the first, on the south side of Grand River Street, and also has its west boundary on Cowdrey's first addition. Jewett's Addition lies in the west part of the platted portion of the village, being on both sides of Washington Avenue, and bounded on the east by the original plat. This addition, contain- ing 64 lots, was laid out by the heirs of George W. Jewett, and offered for record May 23, 1868. Mcl'herson's First and Second Additions extend from Mill Street, on the west, to the lake and Oak Grove Cemetery, on the east. The first dates April 17, 1S6S, and the second Aug. 24, 1874. Mcl'herson's first and second Prospect Place Additions were laid out and ofi'ered for record in .\ugusl, 1874. The first men- tioned lies north of Grand River Street, and west of the Byron road, and the latter is on the south side of Grand River Street, opposite the first. Cardell's Addition lies ae jewels served our purpose then, let us hope they may not be entirely unregarded now." Another phase of the peculiar jocularity which reigned in Howell in the early days is thus de- scribed by Judge Turner : ISO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. *' There lived here, a good many years ago, a man who was familiarly called 'Old Cuff Simons,' of genial good-nature, but who was prone to take too much liquor. The boys, on certain occasions of his intoxication, would deluge the old man with water to an extent wliich would satisfy any reasonable Thomp- sonian. One evening they were engaged in this pastime in a hotel kept by George Curtis, in this place, and an elderly stranger, who happened to be present, thinking it to be an imposition on the old man, strongly remonstrated with the boys against what he termed 'such shameful conduct.' But what was his surprise when Simons turned upon him with an open jack-knife, saying, ' You're a transient person (hie), mind your own (hie) business; the boys are going (hie) to have their sport.' In New York or Boston such interference might have been regarded as timely by a besieged drinker, but at Livingston Centre it was resented by the victim with far more warmth than by his persecutors." To many people of the present day it will doubt- less seem like a very questionable compliment to a village or a community to say of its people that they " forsook what little business they had for simple sport," or that they collected in numbers to witness the perpetration of that most objectionable of all forms of " fun," — a practical joke. It might have been more profitable as well as more credit- able to the early residents of this village if, instead of assembling in force to witness the persecution of a poor unfortunate drunkard, they had devoted half the amount of time to bring about his re- formation, and the other half to attending to " what little business they had." And as to the mechanics of the place, it cannot be denied that if, instead of abandoning promising jobs for a month at a time, for the sake of " hilarity," they had continued steadily at work it would have been better for themselves, their families, their employers, and the community. The sport — such as it was — frequently took place at the village stores, or perhaps quite as often at the public-houses ; as in tlie case of " Cuff Simons," above narrated, and as in another instance, of a less pitiable and more ridiculous character, which is related by Hon. J. W. Turner, as follows : " In those early days ' court week' was the occasion of the new county. Everybody was at court. The crowd that gathered at Sliter's at such times was far Ijeyond all his limited sleeping accom- modations. His bar-room was literally covered with jurors and wit- nesses during the nights. One night, when the floor was about as densely populated as it could be with sleepers, two lawyers (rumor says from Ann Aibor) crawled out the back way, and by induce- ments, in the shape of Indian corn, succeeded in calling two large hogs to the bar-room door, and gelling them inside. They then started Sliter's bull-dog after the hogs, and quietly but swiftly re- tired to their beds by a rear passage. If Sliter's dog ever had any failings they could not be urged against his persistence as a biier. Some canines you can call off, but Sliter's had to be choked o^. His dental grip was in every way thorough. The scene that ful- lovi'ed would probably baffle description. The squealing of a cap- tured porcine is always very thrilling, but when dinned into the ears of sleeping men at the dead of the night, and accompanied by various kicks and thumps on their bodies, il is alarming. It was no doubt a night of great watchfulness, — at least after this occur- rence. It is said that the innocent causes of this nocturnal dis- turbance were George Danforth, a man of pleasant memoiy, and Olney Hawkins, E^q., yet living. I regard the statement, how- ever, as calumnious.'' PUBLIC-HOUSES IN HOWELL. SLITER'S. The old Sliter Tavern, mentioned above as the scene of the swine-hunt among the sleepers, was situated about three-fourths of a mile east of the centre of the village, on the south side of the Grand River road, where Charles Wilber after- wards lived. The landlord, Shubael B. Sliter, a native of Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y., emigrated from that place to Michigan as early as 1835, and located at Ann Arbor. From thence he removed, in the fall of 1839, to this place, and purchased from Simon P. Shope a tract of land which in- cluded the house which Shope had purchased from Alexander Fraser, and which the latter had built for his own occupancy. To this Sliter built a log, and afterwards a frame, addition, and made of it the well-known pioneer tavern, which, al- though located at so considerable a distance from the " Centre," and approachable onlj' " by crossing about as bad a specimen of corduroy-road as ever was traveled," became one of the well-known " in- stitutions" of early Howell, and, as appears, was well patronized, and frequently even overcrowded, particularly during sessions of the Circuit Court, and on occasions of other public gatherings. On such occasions a free carriage of some sort was run by Sliter between his tavern and the court-room. Mr. Turner, in describing its landlord, says, — " Shubael was a man who turned his quid of tobacco slowly in his mouth, as though a too sudden and abrupt removal would dis- turb the continuity of his ide.as. To all ajipearances he was a slow-moving man ; it was only apparent, however. He adopted Sir Francis Bacon's maxim for his motto : ' Let us go slow, that we may get there the sooner.' He seemed to loaf, as sporting men say of a horse who lingers along the track ; and yet he was the paradox of rnpitlity. He moved like the seemingly-spent cannon-ball, which takes off the foot, if it is reached out to stop it. Aside from his sharpness at a trade, which was universally con- ceded, he was famous as a litigant. Sliter was either plaintiff or defendant in more suits, at an early day in Howell, than all the rest of the men combined. L. K. Hewett was his attorney, and to him he went, simply asking him to write down what was neces- sary for him to prove. The residt was that somebody else always paid the costs, because Sliter invariably proved it." Mr. Sliter, however, was never a man of any prominence, and would now hardly be mentioned, or even recollected as among the pioneers of Howell, but for his proprietorship of the well-re- membered old tavern-stand. Soon after iS5ohe removed to Deerfield, and afterwards to Kent Co., Mich. Recently he came to Howell to revisit the scenes of his earlier years, and he died here Octo- VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 151 bcr 20, 1S79. The old house whicli he once kept as a tavern was eventually destroyed by fire. THE EAGLE HOTEL. The erection of the old Eagle Hotel (or tavern) by Crane and Brooks, and its opening as a public- house by Amos Adams, in 1835, has already been mentioned. Originally it was about 20 by 40 feet in size, but was afterwards increased by additions until it became, during its day, the largest public- liouse in Howell. Besides its legitimate purpose as a house of entertainment, it was made to do duty in its early years as a place of holding elections, public meetings of various kinds, and religious worship, and at different times it also contained the post-office of the village, some of the county offices, and a store, the last named being kept in it by Mr. F. J. B. Crane, who put in an exceed- ingly meagre stock of goods, and, after continuing for a very short time, abandoned the project. The tavern was sold in 1837 to Joseph H. Steel, who became its landlord. His successors in the pro- prietorship were George Curtis and Hezekiah Gates; after which Gates retired, and the house was carried on by Curtis alone. After Mr. Curtis' death (Oct. 4, 1848) it was managed by Mrs. Curtis and her brother, Marvin Gaston ; then by Mr. Gas- ton alone ; then by William E. Huntley; and later, by W. E. Huntley & Son, under whose proprietor- ship it was burned September, 1857. THE OLD .ST.\GE HOUSE. The hotel known as the old " Stage House," and located on the south side of Grand River Street, about midway between East and Walnut Streets, was commenced to be built in 1840, by Allen C. Weston, who was the proprietor of a stage- line, or of some kind of public conveyance run- ning between Detroit and Howell, and which he had established in the fall of 1838. Before the completion of the house, however, Mr. Weston's eyesight had become so badly impaired as to in- capacitate him for business, and he exchanged the stage house and stand with Benjamin J. Spring, for property owned by the latter, on section 15, in Howell. Spring moved to the village in 1841, completed the house, and opened and kept it for the purpose intended by Mr. Weston. He also ran a stage-line between Howell and Detroit, mak- ing three trips per week (Weston's line had made but one trip per week). He built and put upon this line a clumsy open stage-wagon, which he named the " Red Bird," and which became well known, and somewhat famous in its day. This is described by Hon. J. W. Turner as having been " a vehicle of a bright and tawdry red color, — compactly built, for it had to serve not only as a stage on dry land, but also to perform the office of a yawl, through what was known as ' the rapids,' in the vicinity of Detroit." His pet, " Red Bird," was often driven by Spring himself, who was not a little proud of his skill as a reinsman; though his pride in this particular received a heavy blow from a circumstance which occurred in the summer of 1844, — in this way: He was returning from Detroit on tiie " bo.x" of the " Red Bird," and arriv- ing at Howell rather late in the evening, drove his horses directly into a hole which had been dug during his absence, for the reception of a flagstaff to be reared on the following day, in honor of the Democratic Presidential candidates, Polk and Dal- las. The hole, which was near the front line of the present Court-House Square, had been left un- guarded, and it was not, perhaps, through careless- ness or lack of skill in the driver that the accident occurred, but it furnished an opportunity for the perpetration of innumerable jokes at Spring's ex- pense, and much to his disgust. He finally sold his stage-line and hotel, and the latter being after- wards devoted to other purposes than that of a public-house, was burned in the great fire of Sep- tember, 1857, — the same which destroyed the Eagle Hotel. After Mr. Spring abandoned keeping the Stage House as a hotel, he became landlord of a public- house in Novi, Oakland Co., where he remained three years, and then returned to Howell. Later, he removed to a part of the James Sage farm, which he had purchased or contracted for, and where he spent the remainder of his life. During his palmy days he was noted among the people of the village and far-famed through all the surrounding country for his inimitable wit, and as a chief promoter of the fun and jollity for which Howell was so much celebrated. And to this day the survivors of the old settlers, who knew him in his prime, warm up at the mention of his name, or of the scenes in which he was a principal actor; and they declare, with unanimous voice, that there never lived a man gifted with keener wit or more mirth-provoking qualities than Benjamin J. Spring. He died at the Sage house, west of the village, on Christmas-day, 1S53. His widow married Elislia Case, and now resides in Brighton. THE TEMPER.\NXE HOTEL .VXD ITS PROPRIETOR. The next two public-houses opened in Howell were the Temperance Hotel, built by Edward F. Gay, and the Union Hotel, by Hezekiah Gates. Both these houses were built in the .spring and summer, though several citizens of Howell feel confident that Mr. Gay's house (if not the other) 152 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. was built earlier. But all these doubts are set at rest by a paragraph which is found in the Living- ston Courier of April 30, 1845, to this effect : " The enterprising spirit now being exhibited by the citizens of Howell is truly commendable. Building after building is daily going up, and the clink of the mason's hammer, together with the constant thumping and sawing of the carpenter and joiner, is the music with which our ears are constantly filled. Our friends, Messrs. G.ites and G.ay, are each putting up large and commodious tavern-houses that would grace any of our Eastern cities. Mr. Gates' is 50 by 80 feet. Mr. G.iy's will be of brick, but not quite so large on the ground. Several dwellings and stores are going up in the course of the season. All is noise and bustle in Howell." This fi.xes conclusively the date of the building of the two hotels named. The location of the Temperance Hotel was on the south side of Grand River Street, adjoining the site of the present Na- tional Hotel on the west, and directly fronting the street which bounds the west side of the Court- House Square. It was the first brick building erected in the village and township of Howell, and has been mentioned as the first of that kind in the county of Livingston. It was certainly the first public-house operated on temperance princi- ples, not only in the county, but in all this section of the State. The bricks for it were burned on the farm of Mr. Gay, south of the village, and the lime for mortar was furnished from the kiln of Mr. Z. M. Drew, near the Marion line. It seemed rather strange that Mr. Gay, who had had no experience in hotel-keeping, and who, moreover, had very little inclination towards the calling, should have suddenly commenced the erection of a public-house ; but the matter has since been explained by himself (in his address before the Pioneer Society, before quoted from), and the reasons whicli he gave show pretty clearly that he did not regard the practical jokes and roystering which were then prevalent in Howell as being very creditable to the place. He said, — ** Perhaps at no time has our town suffered more on account of intemperance than at this period. Whisky ran riot through our streets. It was about the time of the settlement of the city of Owosso, and as many of the early settlers of that town were fonner residents of Ann Arbor, their transit to and from those places was through Howell, and they thus came in contact with our hotels, kept by Spring, Gates, and others. These passing travelers, many of whom were my former acquaintances, made bitter complaints to me of our hotels, saying that they were sometimes obliged to resort to the street for safety or quiet on account of the noisy riot within, and quite frequently would resort to my house, half a mile away, to spend the night, in order to avoid the hotels of Howell. To these old acquaintances I was indebted for the first suggestion to build a temperance hotel in Howell. I will here say that, in common with my fellow-citizens, I liked to make money and be- come rich, but I liked something else far better. I liked to have a sober and intelligent community. To help promote this oliject alone induced me to build, and then keep, the Temperance Hotel. "In undertaking thi-, I was to meet some opposition. Secre- tiveuess w.as never a prominent ch.aracteristic of inine, and when I had determined upon this undertaking, and chosen my location, it was natural for me to talk the thing over among our citizens, saying I intended to go to Detroit the next morning to purchase said corner lot for the purpose of building the hotel. Neighbor Gates was soon apprised of my intention, and sprang his trap on me, for the next morning I learned he had gone in the night to Detroit and purchased the corner. The only thing for me to do then was to take the next best, and I then purchased and built npon the site of the present Weimeister block the first brick building erected in our town, if not in the county, and opened and kept it as a hotel for some eight years, until a better state of things came about. Meanwhile, G.ites commenced building on his corner lot, but failed while it was yet unfinished. ... It is a pleasure to me to say that, though never sailing imder false colors, the Temperance Hotel never suffered for want of patronage. The patronage given to this hotel, though, might not in all cases be credited to temperance men ; for, notwithstanding the prominence given to its character by its glaring sign, * Libertv and Temper- ance,' still there was sometimes evidence found in the private rooms of the guests that they had made provisions for the dilemma, in the shape of a private brandy-bottle." The builder and landlord of the Temperance Hotel was a brave and noble man. The Hon. C. C. Ellsworth,* who knew him well, mentions him as " one who, standing almost alone in the new Western life here, raised his standard of reform and nailed his flag to the mast. You will never forget his motto, for he kept it flying in the face of the wild life of this new country when the popular breeze was in the opposite direction. But he never furled his flag for friend or foe, but bravely faced the music, howe'er the winds did blow. ' Liberty and Temperance,' — grand words ! Sentiments for which men have dared to die ! When freedom to the slave was all unpopular, and bondage was the fate of millions in our land; when it required the pluck and bravery of a Garrison, of a Wendell Phillips, to declaim against the crime of crimes, then Howell had a man who was true to a royal nature and fearlessly proclaimed his hatred of the great national sin ; and, thank God ! the brave old man lived to behold the great iron doors of the house of American bondage swing wide open and God's burning light of truth pour in upon the poor benighted creatures who had only known imprisonment and stripes before. Temperance, too, was a forbidden theme, and unpopular in our new world ; and yet the banner of reform was kept steadily to the breeze, and every man, woman, and child who passed the unpretending Temper- ance House had sounded in their ears the holy truth which that sign proclaimed. The very air was laden with the silent influence of those thrill- ing words, Liberty and Temperance, and they have told for good. God would not have it otherwise ! Eternity will reveal their saving power!" Many others who were intimately acquainted with Mr. * Now of Greenville, Mich., formerly a prominent lawyer of Howell. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 153 Gay have borne testimony to his admirable traits of cliaractcr and sterHng virtues. As an index of tlic high estimation in which he was held by his fellow-citizens the following incident has been re- lated. In the spring of 183S, in the course of a conversation between several persons in Howell in reference to the chances of success between the two political parties at the then-approaching town- ship election, Benjamin J. Spring remarked that he believed the Whigs would be successful, for that tiie votes of such men as E. F. Gay (who was an uncompromising Whig) would go a great way. He was reminded that Mr. Gay lived in Marion, and could have no vote in Howell. " But for all that," replied he, " iiis very sliadotv will carry a good deal of influence." And certainly Spring could not be suspected of any undue personal bias in favor of the man whom he thus eulogized. Mr. Gay kept the Temperance Hotel until 1853. He resided for a short time at Grass Lake, Mich., but returned to Howell and spent the remainder of his life upon a farm which he purchased near the present residence of Alexander McPherson, Esq. He died there April 22, 1873. The Temperance House, after Mr. Gay's retirement from it, became known as the " Livingston Hotel," but was still con- ducted on temperance principles, and was kept successively by Nathaniel Smith, J. H. Peebles, and Charles Barber. After them came Elbert C. Bush, who called it the Bush House, and kept it until 1869, when it was demolislied to give place to a brick block built by John Weimeister. UNION H.\LL. The public-house before mentioned as having been in the course of construction in the spring of 1845 was built by Hezckiah Gates, upon the south- east corner of East and Grand River Streets; this being the location on which Mr. Gay had intended to.build the Temperance Hotel, but which Gates had purchased away from him. This house was known as Union Hall. Its first landlord was Mr. Gates. Then the house came into possession of Taylor & McPherson, and was carried on by E. B. Taylor for a short time. The next proprietor after Taylor was S. S. Glover. Those who succeeded Mr. Glover in the proprietorship were James Law- ther, 1850; George Wilber, J. Smith & Son, Smith & Marble, William E. Huntley & Son, Elisha E. Hazard, V. R. T. Angel, B. R. Smith, Jonathan Price, and Roberts & Beach. The building was burned during the occupancy of Mr. Beach, in the year 1871. SHAFT'S HOTEL. The hotel now known as the Rubert House, situated on the southeast corner of Court and 20 Grand River Streets, was built some thirty or more years ago, by William C. Shaft, who at one time ran a line of stages — such as they were — between Howell and Detroit, in opposition to Benjamin J- Spring. The writer of this has no knowledge of the standing of the house kept here by Mr. Shaft, but an allusion to it has been found in the shape of a scrap of rhyme, forming one of a series of verses, entitled " Bangle's Stroll about Town" {i.e., the village of Howell), which was printed in the year 1849, in "The B'lioys if^r^/i'," published at Ann Arbor. It was understood that " Bangle," the author of the " Stroll," was a gentleman who was then a law student in Howell, since then a member of Congress, and now a resident of Greenville, Mich. The verse relating to Shaft's ran as follows : " We'll befjiii down at Shafl's, He keeps Wilbei's best; His. house is the place Where the scalawags nest. The flower of the rowdies May be seen g.ilhered there. Week in and week out, To drink, gamble, and swear." The next landlord of the house after Mr. Shaft was Elmer Holloway. After him came Van- derhoof, who was its proprietor at the time of the great fire of 1857. Vanderhoof was succeeded by W. E. Huntley & Son, who had been burned out from the Eagle Hotel in that fire. After Huntley came Amos S. Adams, who was keeping the estab- lishment in i860 as the " Adams House." Adams was s:icceeded by Jo.seph H. Steel, who was fol- lowed by the brothers Cyrus and Handel Winship, who named it the Winship House, and were keep- ing it as such in 1865. A short time afterwards the property was purchased by Benjamin H. Ru- bert, who added a third story to the building, named it the Rubert House, and has continued as its proprietor to the present time. THE MELVIN HOUSE. The hotel located on the northwest corner of East and Sibley Streets was opened as the Melvin Hou.se, by William R. Melvin, in 1869. The building had been erected by him in i86i,tobe used for mechanic shops, and was remodeled and enlarged for hotel purposes at the time mentioned. In 1874, after Mr. Melvin's death, it came into possession of R. M. Johnston, who carried it on for a time as the Melvin House, and then changed the name to that of Johnston House. After him it was carried on under the same name by A. H. Gibbs, George Lovely, F. S. Davis, and John M. White, the present proprietor, who has recently changed the name to that of Commercial Hotel. 154 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The National Hotel, on the south side of Grand River Street, opposite the Court-House Square, was built by John Weimeister in 1875 ; was opened as a public-house Jan. i, 1876, and has been con- ducted successively by J. P. Hodges, Funston & Trombley, and the present proprietors, Messrs. Gaines & Bell. A small public-house was kept for a time by Olds, on the south side of Grand River Street, where Gilbert's harness-shop now is; and a house known as the Barlow House was kept in recent years — for a short time — on the east side of East Street, north of the main thoroughfare. A small house is now kept as a hotel at the railway station. MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES. The pioneer nianufacturing enterprise of Howell was the saw-mill built by Moses Thompson in 1836. From his ownership it passed to that of his son Morris. In the year 1849, Morris Thompson, in partnership with George W. and Frederick J. Lee, commenced the erection of a grist-mill, on the same stream, above the saw-mill. This, known as the Howell Grist-Mill, was completed and put in operation in 1850. A few years later this, with the old saw-mill property, came into the sole pos- session of George W. Lee, who afterwards sold to William Williamson, who was the owner of the mills and privileges in 1865, and who in that year manufactured more than looo barrels of flour, in addition to the custom work of the mill, and at the same time did a very thriving business in the saw-mill. Mr. Williamson sold the mills to Zeb- ulon M. Drew, whose successor in their proprietor- ship was Thomas Birkett, of Washtenaw County. Since Mr. Birkett's occupancy the mills have been owned and operated successively by William Y. Munson and Calvin Wilco.x', Munson, Wilcox & Co., and Thomas Hoyland, the present proprietor. As the work required of the mill became much greater in latter years than formerly, and as the supply of water in the stream constantly decreases, a steam-engine was added to the machinery of the mill, and is now in use as an auxiliary to the water-power at times when the latter is insuffi- cient. The Howell Steam Saw-Mill, the location of which was upon the site of the present City Mill, was built in 1850; the proprietors in its erection being D. D. T. Chandler, George \V. Kneeland, and Shubael B. Sliter. Mr. Sliter states that the enterprise was conceived and commenced by him- self, and that the interests of Messrs. Chandler & Kneeland were sold by him to them. However this may have been, he (Sliter) soon retired from it, and the establishment was owned and operated by Chandler & Kneeland, and theirs are the names which appear on the assessment rolls of that time as the proprietors. The mill was destroyed by fire in i85i,andwas rebuilt by Judge Kneeland. A large amount of work was done here in saw- ing plank for the Detroit and Howell and Lansing and Howell plank-roads, which were in process of construction about this time; and it was largely in anticipation of this work that the first mill was erected. The establishment passed from Judge Kneeland to the ownership of Aiken HoUoway, who was running it in 1858; and from him to John Hoyt, who was operating it in 1861. The engine by which its machinery was driven was one which had then recently been built for Mr. Hoyt by B. C. & H. B. Curtis, and was the first steam-engine ever built in Howell. The mill afterwards passed into the hands of J. R. Axtell, and from him to John I. Van Deusen. In 1865 it had been refitted, and was carried on by Taylor & Van Deusen, who, in addition to its legitimate business, had added that of the grinding of sor- ghum sugar-cane for the manufacture of syrup. This enterprise was neither long-lived nor very successful. A few years afterwards stave-, head- ing-, and shingle-mills were added, and these were in operation about 1871 by Van Deusen & Whipple. In 1874 the mill was remodeled into a grist- and flouring-mill, with two run of burrs. It was owned and operated in 1875 by Latson & Wright, who added another run of stones, and im- proved it to its present excellent condition. It is now run by Mr. Wright. Its location is in the southwestern angle of Walnut and Westmore Streets. FOUNDRfES AND MACHINE-SHOPS. The first iron-working establishment in Howell was the foundry of Hickey & Galloway, which was located on the lot now occupied by the residence of Hon. A. D. Waddell, East and North Streets. This foundry was built in 1844, and made its first castings on Wednesday, Oct. i6th, of that year. Its work was " the manufacture of bo.x, cook, and parlor stoves, plows and hollow-ware," and all kinds of agricultural implement castings. Hickey & Galloway sold to Lemuel Spooner and Edward Thompson, whose successor in the business was W. O. Archer. Mr. Archer sold to Abijah W. Smith, with whom De.xter Filkins had an interest in the establishment. A few months after coming into Mr. Smith's hands it was destroyed by fire, and was never rebuilt. The " Phcenix F'oundry and Machine-Shop," located on the west side of East Street, south, was built in 1S57 by A. W. Smith, above men- VILLAGE OF HOWELL. iSS tioned as the Ust proprietor of the old Hickey & Galloway foundry. The Phoenix started in blast about the 15th of May in the year named, and on the 25th of the same month "Smith & Co.," the proprietors, announced to the citizens of Living- ston County and the surrounding country that their foundry and machine-shop was then in full operation, — that they were making the celebrated Starbuck, Wayne County Improved, Livingston County, and Michigan Straight- Line Plows; also the double-team plows known as the Bathgate, the Curtiss (several sizes), the North Bend, and "the celebrated Seventy-Six," and " every kind of corn- plows that may be wanted." In this line of busi- ness the foundry continued until Feb. 22, i860, when the works were destroj-ed by fire, — the loss being estimated at ;$7200, about two-thirds in- sured. The establishment was rebuilt on the same site by Benjamin C. and Henry B. Curtis in the same year. These proprietors were engaged, more than Mr. Smith had been, in the manufacture of ma- chinery, and in 1861 built the first steam-engine ever manufactured in Howell, — it being built for the Howell Steam Saw-Mill of Mr. Hoyt, and placed in operation in that mill in October of that year. Mr. Hoyt, in his advertisement of the re- fitting of his establishment, spoke of this engine as " comparing favorably with the best engines made in the State of Michigan." In 1862, Curtis sold to Floyd S. Wykoff, who, in 1865, was doing business at the place as a " manuf;icturcr and dealer in all kinds of agricul- tural implements, — reapers, mowers, threshing- and wood sawing machines, cultivators, field-rollers, plows, and every variety of castings." After Mr. Wykoff, the foundry and machine-shop was owned by John H. Galloway, and later, by Henry B. Cur- tis, of the firm of Curtis & Son, who are the present owners. The " Howell Foundry," situated on the north side of Grand River Street, west of Centre Street, was built in 1849 by Stephen Clark. The busi- ness carried on by him was the manufacture of stoves and agricultural castings. In 1859 the es- tablishment came into possession of George W. Taylor and George L. Clark. In 1864, Taylor sold his interest to John H. Galloway, and the firm became Clark & Galloway, who, in 1865, were doing, in addition to the work of the foundry, a business in mowers and reapers, horse-pitchers, and every kind of agricultural implements. In the spring of 1867, F. S. Wykoff and Hudson B. Blackman were added to the firm, which afterwards was changed to Wykoff, Clark & Co. (William Williamson being interested). In October, 1874, the firm became Wykofif, Clark & Imman, and in December, 1876, the business was purchased by J. M. Clark, the present proprietor. WAGON-SHOPS. The first wagon-shop in Howell was that opened by Andrew L. Hill, in 1842. He announced him- self as a manufacturer of every kind of wagons for farm or other use, " also Buggies, Buffalo Wagons, and Sleighs," all of which he promised to build for customers in a manner and style as thorough and workmanlike as could be procured in any shop east of Lake Erie. The first cutter built in How- ell was made by Mr. Hill for Philander Glover, from whose estate it was purchased in 1844 by Judge Turner, and used by him during several winters. The next wagon-shop, after Hill's, was opened by W. R. Melvin and James Lawther, blacksmiths, in 1846. After Lawther withdrew from his part- nership, Mr. Melvin continued in the business for many years, and as late as 1868 was carrying it on at his " Arcade Shops," on East Street, where the Commercial Hotel now stands, — tliis hotel being, in fact, the old Arcade shop-building remodeled. Benjamin Scofield was another of the early wagon- makers, having his shop on the north side of Grand River Street, west of the present store of William McPherson & Sons. William Sowle was also engaged in wagon- making in the village at an early date, and since the time of these early manufacturers there have been a number of others engaged in the business in Howell, but none of these establishments have been on a scale sufficiently extensive to require especial mention among the manufacturing indus- tries of the village. The same is true of those above noticed, and they have only been mentioned because they were among the earliest, and, during the time of their existence, were relatively more important than they could have been regarded among the business enterprises of later years. HOWELL PLANING-MILL. John W. Wright built the first planing-mill in Howell village in 1869, commencing business on the first of August in that year. This mill was located on Clinton Street between Centre and Walnut. It was destroyed by fire, April 27, 1875. Soon after this he built the present Howell Plan- ing-Mill, on East Street, in the extreme southern part of the village, below the railroad track. The business of this mill is the manufacture of sashes, doors, blinds, mouldings, and the dressing of lum- ber for building purposes. It is still owned and operated by Mr. Wright. 156 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. EDUCATIONAL. THE HOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS. It is evident that tlie first settlers in Howell moved promptly and energetically in the matter of providing the means of education for their children. It was in April, 1836, that the organi- zation of the township was perfected by the elec- tion of its first officers, among whom were F. J. B. Crane, Jonathan Austin, and Joseph Porter, school inspectors. Before the 2 1 st of the following month School District No. i (embracing the village of Howell) had been laid out, and on that day a meeting of the taxable inhabitants of the district was held at the house of Amos Adams, at which meeting a district organization was effected by the election of David H. Austin, Justin Durfee, and Amos Adams as Directors, Jonathan Austin as Clerk, F. J. B. Crane as Treasurer, and John D. Pinckney as Collector of the District. Ten days after this meeting another was held at the same place, "for the purpose of deciding upon a Cite for a school-house for said district. . . . Whereupon the following proceedings were had : F. J. B. Crane, a resident of said district, offered as a present Lot No. 36, in the village of Howell, upon condition that said district should cause to be erected a frame school-house thereon. On mo- tion of Mr. Adams, Resolved, unanimously, that the district accept the offer made by Mr. Crane;" after which the meeting adjourned, to meet on the 5th of June at the same place. At the adjourned meeting " David H. Austin was appointed Chair- man, and Jonathan Austin was present as Clark. Resolved, That 350 Dollars be raised in said dis- trict for the purpose of erecting a frame school- house, and completing the same." But for some une.xplained reason the school- house was not built until the following year. Probably the reason of the delay was the lack of funds, and the difficulty of obtaining lumber, which could not then be procured nearer than Green Oak or Hamburg. Moses Thompson's mill had then just been commenced, and there was a prospect of its early completion and of a consequent facility for obtaining the necessary lum- ber. This may or may not have had an influence in causing the postponement of building operations. In the spring of 1837 the school-house was erected on the lot donated by Mr. Crane. Sardis Davis was the master-carpenter, and hewed the timber for the frame. The lumber was sawed by Morris Thompson. The siding and interior finish, desks, and other fi.xtures, were of vvhitewood, hauled from Salem or Plymouth. The building was completed during the spring months, and on the 17th of June, 1837, there was held in it a dis- trict-meeting, of which David Austin was chair- man and Jonathan Austin clerk. At this meeting David H. Austin was elected moderator of the dis- trict, Ely Barnard assessor, and Edward F. Gay director; and having made such election, it was " Rcsok'eil, That this meeting expect that the director they have chosen will use eflforts to have a school commenced in this di->tiict without longer tlelay." The person who first wielded the teacher's rod in Howell was Miss Abigail Adams, daughter of Amos Adams, though whether her first teaching was in the school-house, or in a private house before the school- house was completed, is not entirely certain. There is little doubt, however, that she was the first teacher in the school-house in the summer of 1837. The first male teacher in the Howell school was Justin Durfee. Mr. E. F. Burt taught here for four years, commencing in 1838. Later came William Pitt Glover, who had the reputation of being unnecessarily severe in the infliction of punishment on his pupils. Among the earliest of the female teachers, besides Miss Adams, were Miss Farnsworth, Miss Waterman, Miss Clarissa Rumsey, and Mrs. Joseph B. Skil- beck. The male teachers who succeeded Mr. W. P. Glover, and taught in the old frame school- house, or in rented rooms, until the completion of the first brick school-house, were William O- Archer, winter terms of 1845-46 and 1846-47; Henry H. Harmon, winter terms of 1847-4S ; John S. Di.xon, winter terms of 184S-49. The school-house built in 1837 appears never to have been satisfactory to the people, or adequate to the wants of the school. In the second year after it was built the sum of forty dollars was ex- pended in repairs upon it, and repairs to a greater or less e.xtent were made upon it in every year until its final abandonment as a school-house. At a school meeting, held in the evening of the first Monday of October, 1845, it was "voted to raise two hundred Dollars for the purpose of Erecting a School-House ;" and at an adjourned meeting held on the first Monday in the next following month, it was "voted to Locate the School-House on Lotts Nos. ;"* and at the same time it was voted that " the Board be instructed to rent the meeting-house for the purpose of a district school." But at a special meeting of the district held Dec. 15, 1845, " the vote passed at the annual [October] meeting to raise Two Hundred Dollars for the purpose of building a School-House was reconsidered ; and also the vote for Having two schools was reconsidered." * The numbers of the lots are illegible fn the record. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. •57 From that time until the spring of 1847 the school-house question seems to have been less agi- tated ; but at a meeting held March loth in tlie year last named, it was f!fsok'ed, " That in Ihc opininn of this meeting the (tistiict ought to build a new school-house, and that said house should be thirty I)y forty, and one slory hiyh." A committee of five was appointed " to draft a plan of said house, internal and external, and to select a suitable site on which to place it ;" and J. H. Rasco, E. E. Gregor)', J. Peterson, William McPherson, and H. S. Hamilton were constituted such committee. This committee, at a ineeting held on the 24th of the same month, reported a plan for a brick school-house forty feet long by thirty feet wide, one story, with side walls twelve feet high and one foot thick, with two doors in the front as principal entrances, and (after a long specification of other particulars) " the whole to be crowned in the centre of the roof with a small belfry." This report was unanimously adopted, and J. H. Rasco, Edward F. Gay, George W. Jew- ett, Alvin L. Crittenden, and Stephen Clark were appointed a committee " to locate a site for said house and ascertain the value thereof" There is no record of the result of the labors of this committee; but at a meeting held on the 9th of September in the same year, William E. Hunt- ley, N. J. Hickey, and Matthew West were ap- pointed " a conmiittee of three to select a site for a school-house," and it was " voted to raise a tax of three hundred dollars per year for three suc- cessive years for the purpose of building a school- house; voted to build said house of brick." And at a meeting held on the 27th, it was " voted that the report of the committee be accepted, and that the location be accepted that is recommended by the committee;" though what that location was does not appear upon the record. On the 25th of September, 184S, a meeting was held at the school-house, and at this meeting it was, on motion of R. P. Bush, " Jiesolved, That the district l)oanl be and tliey are hereljy aiuhorized to sell the district school-house within Isventy days, provided it will sell for five dollars; and proviiled further, that the said hoard can procure a suitable place for a school the ensuing winter." And at an adjourned meeting, held on the 28th, it was " voted that the district board be and they are hereby authorized to engage the room known as the Howell Academy room, for the use of the district, for a school the coming winter, upon the terms proposed by Mr. Clark, to wit, at the rate of forty dollars per annum." At the satne meeting it was voted to raise gioco " for the purpose of build- ing a school-house for said district; the said amount to be raised in three successive years (commencing with the present year), one-third in each year;" and also the sum of $zoo was voted to be raised, " to be appropriated in purchasing or procuring a site for the school-house," and $100 was raised for the purpose of "inclosing the school-house site and erecting necessary outbuildings;" also, $50 (to be raised in the following year), " for the pur- chase of a bell for the district school-house." The proceedings of this meeting seem very obscure and hard to understand, for after the pas- sage of the above mentioned votes, the meeting, on the same evening, proceeded to vote " that a com- mittee of three be appointed by the chair to desig- nate a site for the school-house, with instructions to report at the ne.xt adjourned ineeting of the dis- trict," and the chair appointed as such committee Messrs. George W. Lee, William McPherson, and Elijah Coffren. Another committee was ordered to prepare a plan for a school-house, and H. S. Sparks, R. P. Bush, and Elijah F. Burt were ap- pointed as such committee ; whereupon the meet- ing adjourned for four weeks, "to meet in the Howell Academy Room." At the meeting held pursuant to the above-men- tioned adjournment, on the 26th of October in the same year, it was " voted that the action of the District Board in selling the old School-House be- longing to the District, and appropriating the pro- ceeds arising therefrom to the paj'ment of the rent of the room engaged for a winter school, and to repairs of the same, is hereby approved ;" which shows that Howell had no longer a public school- house, but was dependent on the accommodations of a rented room for the holding of the sessions of its school. At the same meeting the committee to whom was referred the selection of a site for a school-house reported, " recommending that the site be located upon the old j)tiblic square, pro- vided a title to the same can be obtained." This report was laid upon the table, " after considerable time spent in disctissing the subject," and a new committee of five was appointed, charged with the duty of designating a site ; the committee so ap- pointed being L. H. Hewett, Fred. C. Whipple, H. S. Sparks, William McPherson, and Nelson G. Isbell. This committee, at a special meeting held for the purpose (Nov. i, 1848), made two reports: " one recommending that the site of the school- house be removed from its |)resept location on lot No. 36, Crane & Brooks' Plat, to land adjoining said lot, offered by Mr. Jewett ; and the other re- commending that it be removed to the Northwest Corner of the Court-House Square;" but both these reports were rejected by the meeting, and a 158 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. new committee, consisting of E. F. Burt, George W. Jewett, L. K. Hewett, N. J. Hickey, and Josiah Turner, was appointed, charged with the same duty. Two weeks later, at a meeting held pursu- ant to adjournment, this committee asked and re- ceived leave to hold another session, but the meeting afterwards unanimously " Resolved, That Ihe district board lie and tliey are hereby au- thorized and directed to purchase for ihe district lots Nos. 15 and iS on Crane & Brooks' plat, provided they can obtain the same at an expense not to exceed ISijo." These lots form the site of the present Method- ist church, on Walnut Street. But at the next meeting, held December 8th, the vote directing the Board to purchase them was rescinded; and, at the same time, upon Mr. Galloway's offering a resolution to the effect " that the school-house site be removed from its present location on lot 36, of Crane and Brooks' plat, to the north end of the Court-House Square, provided eight rods in width across the north end of said square can be ob- tained without expense to the district, except the expense of making the necessary papers," the chairman (George W. Jewett) said he could not entertain it, and resigned the chair ; whereupon Edward E. Gregory was made chairman, and put the question, which was decided in the negative. It may be objected that the above is an unneces- sarily minute account of the various proceedings had by the district on the subject of a change of site and erection of a new building, but it lias been given for the purpose of showing the long series of tribulations through which the psople of Howell passed before attaining the object they had in view. Finally, the question of the location of the school-house site was definitely settled at a meet- ing of the qualified voters of the district, held Dec. 15, 1848. At this meeting, of which Dr. Gardner Wheeler was chairman, it was " Resolved, Tliat the site of tlie school-house )je removed from lot No. 36 of Crane & Brooks' plat, and located upon the block upon said plat comprising eight lots nuniliered as follows, to wit, lots Nos. 173 to 180, inclusive; and that ihe district board be di- rected to purchase the said lots for that purpose." Upon the first vote being taken on this resolu- tion, it was lost, the necessary number not voting in the affirmative; but this action was afterwards reconsidered, and a second vote taken, which re- sulted in its adoption by 50 yeas to 17 nays. Thus the school-house site was established, — it being the ample grounds (bounded by Hubbell, McCarthy, Crane, and East Streets) which are now occupied by the noble edifice of the Howell Union School. A site being now definitely fixed upon, a meet- ing was held pursuant to public notice, " at the district school-room," Jan. 19, 1849, "for '^'"^ P"-""" pose of adopting a plan for a school-house for said district ;" and at that meeting it was, on motion of Mr. Jewett, " Resolved, That the district board be and they are hereby in- structed, authorized, and empowered to erect or cause to be erected a brick school-house on the site located for that purpose, 38 feet by 48 feet, two slories high, with a cellar under so much of the same as they shall deem necessary, and finish and prepare for use so much of said building as the money already voted to be raised [;Jlooo] will accomplish." This resolution was adopted by the requisite number of votes, but the end was not yet; for, on the 1 2th of February next following, George W. I-ee and thirty-eight others, taxable inhabitants of the district, addressed to the board a written re- quest that a meeting be called " for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of building a Castle for a school-house, and, as the District Board complain that ive do not direct thcin, we will ask them to listen to us for once._ and see what the district thinks." Thereupon a meeting was called, and held on the 19th of February, and at that meeting the resolution previously adopted " was reconsidered and indefinitely postponed." A res- olution was then adopted by the necessary vote, authorizing and directing the board to cause a school-house to be built on the established site; "said iiouse to be erected upon a suitable founda- tion, to be built of brick, two stories high, to be twenty-si.x by thirty-si.x feet on the ground, and ten feet between joints, and finished complete." This vote was final, and, under the authority con- ferred by it, the " brick school-house" was built in the summer and fall of 1S49, on the site now ocupied by the Union school-house. The contract for building the house appears to have been awarded to Elijah Coffren, at ^lOOO, though the contract price is not mentioned in the district record. The building was nearly or quite completed in September ; and at a district meeting held in the Presbyterian meeting-house, in Howell, on the 24th of that month, it was " voted that the sum of six hundred and seventy-eight dollars and seventy cents be raised the present year upon the taxable property of the district for the following purposes, to wit : To pay E. Coffren on contract for building school-house.. J>333.oo To make ihe payment due for site "7-7° To inclose site and purchase a bell 100.00 To pay accounts allowed, and for rent 48.00 For extras of school-liouse and steeple 65.00 For sloves and pipe 15.00 Total $678.70 The last payment on Coffren's contract, and also the final paj-ment on the school-house site, were VILLAGE OF HOWELL. IS9 provided for by a vote passed in the following year to raise the necessary amounts. In 1849, a law was passed by the Legislature (approved March 31st), enacting that, "in districts containing more than one hundred scholars between the ages of four and eighteen years, the district board may be enlarged by adding thereto four trus- tees, provided the district determine to do so by a two-thirds vote at any annual meeting." And as this district contained more than that number of children prior to its annual meeting in September, 1849 (^'^^ '''*^' '^'^''^ before the occupation of the brick school-house), it was at that meeting " voted to elect a board of trustees agreeable to act No. 183, of the session laws of 1849;" and the meet- ing then proceeded to elect George W. Jewett, R. P. Busii, James Lawther, and William McPherson as the first Board of Trustees of the district. At the same time a resolution was passed au- thorizing the district board "to offer Mr. John S. Di.xon the sum of three hundred dollars for his services as teacher of the district school for one year." But it appears that Mr. Di.xon did not accept the ofier, for the board soon after employed Mr. Willis Wills, who assumed authority as the first teacher in the (then) new brick school-house. But he proved unsuccessful as a teacher, and is represented as having been incompetent and ex- ceedingly cruel. The result was that the school was broken up before the completion of his winter term of 1849-50. It became apparent very soon after the first occu- pation of the new school-house that it was inade- quate to the needs of the district, and that it would perhaps, after all, have been better to build the " Castle" as at first proposed. At a district meet- ing, held Sept. 30, 1850, less than a year after Mr. Wills had opened school in the new building, it was "Resolved, Th.it the district lioard l)e authorized, in their dis- cretion, to rent another Room, and employ one or more Teachers in addition to the present number, for the Winter .Schools." A room was accordingly rented from Mrs. Frink, at S32.50 per annum, as appears from the record of bills allowed at the annual meeting in 1851. Again, in 1852, the board was authorized to procure ad- ditional room for the winter school, and the sum of $\i, was allowed to Josiah Turner for room rent ; and at an adjourned meeting, held Oct. 3, 1853, a resolution passed "that seventy-five dollars be raised to procure and furnish necessary school- rooms for the ensuing year." The audited ac- counts' of the district for the same year show that over S^So was spent for repairs on the school- house, and that Josiah Turner and Almon Whip- ple received ^25 each for rent of school-room. In September, 1854, at the annual meeting, a committee was appointed consisting of F. C. Whip- ple, N. G. Isbell, Elijah F. Burt, John H. Galloway, and W. A. Clark, " to report some feasible plan for enlarging the present school-house or building a new one ;" and at a special meeting, convened on the 2 1st of April, 1S55, for the purpose, this com- mittee presented their report: "That there is immediate and pressing necessity for further school accommodations, and without these, it is impossible to carry out the plan of a Union School with success. Of this there can be but one opinion, .and the only question is, how best to se- cure them, with due reference to economy, at the earliest practi- cable periotl." They then proceeded to recommend the en- largement of the house " by extending it south, in the s.anie form and size of the present building, foi ly-eight feet, by t.aking out the south gable end of the present building, down to the bottom of the upper story; the present school-room in that story can then be enlarged to any desirable extent, with room for one or two recitalion-roonis at the south end. And the lower story of tlie propo-ied addition can be conveniently divided into two school-room; of suitable size for small children. By cnrrying out this plan, ample accommodations will be afforded for all the scholars of the district for a long time to come. It is deemed of equal importance to the perfection of a Union School tlint the same, in all its departments, should be under the immedi- ate supervision and control of one principal teacher. This cannot well be done unless the dep.iriments are all under the same roof." The cost of the proposed addition, including necessary furniture and fi.xtures, was estimated at giooo; which sum the committee recommended to have raised in the (then) present year, and that the building be contracted for and commenced with the least possible delay. The report was accepted, and, on motion of F. C. Whipple, was adopted "after an animated discussion by a num- ber of persons." The meeting then voted to raise the sum of $1000 to be placed at the disposal of the board, who were authorized and instructed to contract for the proposed enlargement of the school-house, to be completed on or before Dec. I, 1855, at a cost not exceeding ^1200. The above proceedings and the remarks of the committee on the enlargement of the house are given more at length, because they have refer- ence to the inception of the project for establishing and maintaining a Union School, — an institution which has since been brought to a high degree of excellence in Howell, and of which the people of the village are now so justly proud. The vote to raise $1000 for the enlargement of the school-house was afterwards (Sept. 24, 1855) reconsidered, and it was voted to raise, instead, the sum of S750 for the purpose, and the board was instructed to contract for the erection of the addi- i6o HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tion to the building on the plan before adopted, the work to be completed and ready for occupancy by the 1st of October, 1856, and the whole to cost not exceeding §1500. The contract to construct the building was given to John B. Kneeland, in whose favor orders were drawn in March, 1856, for the whole amount ($755) voted to be raised in 1855, viz., on Treasurer of Howell for $666.32, and on the Treasurer of Marion (in which a part of the district was embraced) for $83.68. The building was completed, ready for use, before the specified time, and then, for a few years, the people of the district experienced com- paratively little trouble for lack of accommodations for the schools. But in less than ten years from the time when the old brick school-house was enlarged by an ad- dition considerably more extensive than the origi- nal building, it became evident that the erection of a large and commodious edifice could not be much longer delayed. The subject then began to be dis- cussed with a good deal of warmth, and although a strong opposition was elicited at first, this gradu- ally decreased, so that finally, at the annual dis- trict-meeting, held Sept. 3, 1 856, when a resolution was ofifered by Hon. Sardis F. Hubbell " to author- ize the officers of said district, and to direct said officers, to issue bonds against said school district to the amount of fifteen thousand dollars, said bonds to bear an' interest not exceeding seven per cent, per annum ; the funds so raised to be used for the purpose of erecting a school-house in said district, and that the sum of one thousand dollars be paid annually, with the interest, until the whole amount is paid," the measure was adopted by the meeting, by the decisive vote of 52 in the affirmative to only two votes in the negative. A building committee was then appointed, consisting of H. C. Briggs, Sardis F. Hubbell, Wm. McPher- son, Sr., J. I. Van Deusen, and Joseph M. Gilbert. Mr. Hubbell soon after resigned as a member of the committee, and John H. Galloway was ap- pointed in his place. A year elapsed after the passage of this meas- ure without any further decisive action being taken; but at the annual meeting for 1867 (Sep- tember 2d) it was voted unanimously, " That there be raised on the taxable property of the district the sum of five thousand dollars as a building fund, to be raised at the rate of one thousand dollars in each year, with the interest; and the bonds to be issued in such sums as above stated, after the fifteen thousand dollars voted at the last annual meeting; said bonds to bear interest not exceeding ten per cent per annum." A finance committee was then appointed, consisting of Alex- ander McPherson, L. D. Smith, and William Wil- liamson. Proposals for building the house after a specified plan were advertised for and received ; and on these being opened and compared on Feb. 29, 1868, the contract was awarded to B. B. Rice, of Detroit, to erect and complete the building in a thorough and workmanlike manner, according to the plans and specifications, for the sum of $15,650, with $700 in addition for finishing the third story, which last-named item had not been contemplated in the original plan. This contract price did not include the brick, stone, rough lum- ber, and some other building materials, which were furnished by the district. The unsuccessful com- petitors with Mr. Rice for the contract were Messrs. Kilmer, Co.xburn & Ryan, of Jackson ; P. Marshall, of Holly ; Thomas Lunn & Son, of Pon- tiac ; I. N. Bush, of Lansing ; Gassmere & Tooker, of Lansing; Palmer & Gee and Woodrow & Son, of Detroit. The old school-house was demolished and removed in the following March, and the work of erecting the new one was commenced with en- ergy. The contract called for the completion of the building on or before the ist of November, 1868, but it was not entirely finished until about six months after the time specified, as is shown by the record of a special district-meeting, held on the 16th of April, 1869, "to take action respect- ing the raising of money to pay the outstanding indebtedness of said district, and to raise money for the necessary completion of the new Union School Building" ; at which time it was voted to borrow $4000 for the purpose named. The build- ing was, however, occupied by the schools for the winter term of 1869. Its total cost, including the materials furnished by the district, and all extra expenditures, was more than $31,000. It is an exceedingly solid and imposing edifice, being of brick, three stories high above the basement, with a French roof, and a tower one hundred feet in height. The house is divided into rooms by appropriate halls. The first story has two halls ; one is fourteen feet in width and sixty-five feet in length, the other is eleven feet in width and thirty-five feet in length. There are three school-rooms, and each room is twenty- five feet by thirty-five ; two wardrobes each six feet by sixteen. The second story has two halls, one fourteen feet in width and sixty-five in length, the other is eleven feet in width and thirty-five in length; three school-rooms, each twenty-five feet by thirty-five; one room, twelve feet square, for philosophical in- struments, and one recitation-room, the same size; two wardrobes, each six feet by sixteen. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. i6i The third story has one hall, fourteen feet in width and sixty-five in icngtli ; one lecture-room, thirty-five feet by sixty-five; one school-room, twenty-five feet by thirt)'-five; one room for the director, twelve feet square; and one recitation- room, the same size. The first and second stories of the building are thirteen feet and two inches high in the clear. The third story is sixteen feet high in the clear. The old brick school- house, from the time of its first occupation until its demolition, had been in use for a period of nearly nineteen years. Of the principal teachers who were emptoyed within its walls during that period, it has been found im- practicable to make a list absolutely complete, be- cause the district records are defective in this particular, and the recollections of different per- sons, apparently equally reliable and well informed, who have been applied to for information, have proved to be entirely at variance with each other on the subject. A list, however, is given below, which is nearly complete for the first few j-ears, and is believed to be entirely so for the remainder of the time. It is as follows : W. Wills, — first teacher in the school-house, as before stated, — term of 1849-50; John S. Dixon,— successor of Mr. Wills,— 1850 to 1852; Seth Beden, term of 1853-54; J. S. Houston, term of 1855-56; W. F. Munson, 1857; L. Barnes, 1858-59. The school had previously been graded into primary, intermediate, and grammar departments. Mrs. Barnes, the wife of the professor and a graduate of Albion Female College, took charge of the intermediate department. D. Cramer, 1859-60; Prof Charles W. Bo wen, i860 to 1862. The schools were regraded under Prof Bowen. Ru- fus T. Bush, 1862-63. The first course of study for the high school, adopted by the board, was prepared by Mr. Bush. Mrs. Bush was also em- ployed as a teacher in the school. Michael Mc- Kernan, engaged July 11, 1863; resigned, by request, March 10, 1865. S. S. Babcock, 1865- 66; Joshua S. Lane, 1866-67; L. S. Montague, engaged Sept. 9, 1867, for a term of twenty weeks. At the close of Mr. Montague's term the old school- liouse was demolished to make room for the new building. When the new house was first occupied by the schools, they were in charge of Prof S. S. Babcock, who was employed as principal teacher, at a salary of S1500 per annum. Upon the expiration of the time for which he was employed, he demanded an increase of salary, which was not acceded to by the board, who then employed Prof T. C. Garner, at the same salary. He remained in charge of the school until 1873, when Prof E. W. Schreeb was em- ployed as principal, at a salary of S1200. He in turn was succeeded, in 1874, by Prof W. Cary Hill, who remained until 1877, when he was suc- ceeded by Prof Elihu B. Fairfield, who has re- mained in charge until the present time. The Howell public schools are organized in three departments, primary, grammar, and high school, each of four years, aggregating twelve years in the entire course. The grades of the school culminate in the high school. Nearly every pupil who enters a primary or grammar grade expects, eventually, to become a pupil in the high school, and hopes to graduate therefrom. Its stimulating influence upon all the grades below is too wide-spread and deep-reaching to admit of computation ; nor is it any less difficult to estimate its influence upon the community which sustains it. The graduating exercises excite a larger influence among the people of Howell than any other educational event of the year. The present teachers are Elihu B. Fairfield, B.S., Superintendent; Mrs. Jennie K. Hill, Preceptress; Miss Jane E. Neely, Eighth Grade; Mrs. J. M. Clark, Seventh Grade; Miss Emma W. Lamb, Sixth Grade; Miss Matlie Kerns, Fifth Grade; Miss Mary Parsons, Fourth Grade; Miss Jennie E. Naylor, Third Grade ; Mi.ss Mary Williamson, Second Grade ; Miss Celia E. Sprague, First Grade. The following are statistics of this school dis- trict for the year ending June 27, 1879: Population of the district (estimated) 3000 Casli value of school property 535,000 Amount of money received from local tax.ition : Two mill tax Sgoi.31 Voted on properly 6,229.05 Amount received from inteiest on permanent funds 296 16 Amount receiveil fioni tuition fees 38333 Library fund 18 19 Total receipts §7,828.04 Cost of superintendence and instruction $4,030.00 Amount paid Principal 1,000.00 Cost of incidentals 1,349.48 Amount paid for bonds and interest 2,700.00 Amount paid for permanent improvements and building "9-55 Number of children in district between five and twenty yeais of age 617 Actual enrollment in each department, exclusive of those received by transfer : Primary Ucpartment 281 Grammar Ucpartment 197 High School Department 52 Received by transfer in Grammar Department 29 Average daily attendance: Piimary Department 175 Gramniar Department 148 High School Department 29 Total 352 Non-resident pupils : Prim.ary Department 7 Grammar Department 23 High School Departnaent 24 1 62 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The school officers for 1879 are Edward P. Gregory, Director; Harry J. Haven, Moderator; L. C. Smith, Treasurer. Board of Trustees, Harry J. Haven, term expires 1880; A. D. Waddell, term expires 1880; Mylo L. Gay, term e.xpires 1881; Ale.xander McPherson, term expires 1881 ; Edward P. Gregory, term e.xpires 1882; L. C. Smith, term expires 1882. PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN HOWELL. Various private institutions of learning have had their existence in Howell at different periods, but chiefly during the ten or twelve years immediately preceding the establishment of the graded system in the public schools of the village. The earliest of these educational enterprises was the " Howell Select School," commenced in 1845 by Theodore Bridgman, who advertised that "par- ticular attention will be paid to those desirous of qualifying themselves for teaching, and no pains will be spared to render this school (so far as the teacher is concerned) both pleasant and profitable." The duration of this school has not been ascer- tained, but it was taught for a time in the old Presbyterian meeting-house, and was remarkable chiefly for the total failure of its principal to per- form any of the promises which he made at the time of its commencement. In December of the same year in which Mr. Bridgman had commenced his school, a " Classical Select School" was opened in Howell by the Rev. G. F. McEwen. The principal was a gentleman of good ability and highly educated, but his school was neither long-lived nor very successful. A select school was opened April 6, 1846, by Mrs. Maria L. Charles, " on Grand River Street, one door East of the Courier Printing-Office." It is said to have been a good school of its grade during the time of its continuance. On the 1st of x\pril, in the same year, William Pitt Glover opened a school which he named "The Howell Academy." Mr. Glover announced in his prospectus that he was prepared to teach orthog- raphy, reading, penmanship, arithmetic, geography, grammar, history, political economy, mineralogy, zoology, botany, physiology, geology, astronomy, chemistry, philosophy, algebra, optics, physics, rhetoric, criticism, logic, and the Greek and Latin languages. Also that " Declam.itioii and composition will be attended to. Lectures on different moral and scientific subjects will be given at proper intervals. Particular attention will be paid to the moral, as well as the intellectu.il culture of those committed to his care; and whilst the number to be admitted will not e.Nceed the limits of a private academic-il family, subject to the rules of a well-ordered domestic economy, the circle and range of instruction, the subjects of stiiily, and the progress to be made in them, will have no other limits than the choice of the student, or his friends, and the meas- ure of time, capacity, and. diligence which he can bring to their prosecution. . . . To persons desiring to pursue a collegiate course of education, or to prepare for the practical duties of life, he pledges his efforts to make this institution worthy of future confidence." The institution, however, never became cele- brated, and after a brief and rather a languishing career it ceased to exist. A number of private schools have had their day in Howell since those above mentioned. Among the most noticeable of these was the " Howell Select School" of Mrs. Rosina L. Dayfoot, which was in successful operation as early as 1857, and so continued for several years after that time. It was taught in the house now owned and occupied by Ira Preston, on Walnut Street, in the southwest part of the village. In 1861 this school was con- ducted by Mrs. Dayfoot as Principal ; Miss Fanny M. Lyon, Assistant Principal ; and Mr. L. A. Westphal, Music Teacher. It is said to have been one of the best schools of its kind ever taught in Howell. After leaving here it was established in Fentonville, Genesee Co. The " Howell Academy," a prospective institu- tion of learning (bearing the same name as Mr. W. P. Glover's school of 1846, but having no con- nection with it), was incorporated by act of Legis- lature, approved March 27, 1848, with an authorized capital of $I0,000, in shares of $5 each; the cor- porators named in the act being Josiah Turner, F. C. Whipple, Elijah F. Burt, Alvan Isbell, Gard- ner Wheeler, George W. Lee, John Ken}'on, Jr., Almon Whipple, and Edward E. Gregory. Beyond the procurement of this act of incorporation, nothing was ever done in furtherance of the pro- ject. LITERARY ASSOCIATIONS. Several literary associations have existed in Howell at various times. The first of these was the " Howell Lyceum," which was organized as early as 1 843, and in that year elected as its offi- cers George W. Jewett, President ; William Mc- Pherson, Vice-President; Owen W. Griffith, Sec- retary. The Lyceum was reorganized in November, 1857, with A. D. Waddell as President; John M. Clark, Vice-President ; F. W. Munson, Secretary ; H. C. Briggs, Treasurer. Besides the Lyceum, tliere have been the Ciceronians (a debating society ex- isting at least as early as i860), the Young Men's Lecture and Library Association, the Ladies' Library Association (elsewhere mentioned), and others, — all aiming at literary improvement, and all accomplishing, in greater or less degree, the object for which they were formed. FRANCIS MONROE was one of the earliest settlers of Livingston County. He passed through what is now the village of Howell before a building had been erected there. His father, Lemuel Monroe, was one of the heroes of the Revolu- tion. He served through that memorable war ; partici- pated in the battle of Bunker Hill ; was present at Burgoyne's surrender, and in many other engagements. He also served in the war of 1812. Was three times married, and was the father of eighteen children, sev- enteen of whom grew to maturity. In his old age he came to Howell and made his home with his son Fran- cis, at whose residence he died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years and two months. Francis Monroe was the eldest of six children by the third wife of his father. She resided atMendon, N. Y. , when her husband was serving in the war of 1812,'and for several years thereafter. There Francis was born Aug. 8, 1813. When a lad he was indentured until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he re- ceived the customary one hundred dollars and two suits of clothes. This important event occurred Aug. 8, 1834, and on the i8th day of September of that year he was married to Miss Luana Hicks, of Bristol, N. Y. Her father had died, and from his estate she received one hundred dollars upon her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe then had a joint capital of two hundred dol- lars, and plans were soon matured for securing a home. They resolved to go to the then Territory of Michigan, and within a week Mr. Monroe started on a tour west- ward. After prospecting through Eastern Michigan, he lo- cated on the southwest quarter of section 28, now the town of Howell. Returning to Bristol he worked by the month some two years, and in the spring of 1837, with his wife and two children, moved on to his land, and commenced the task of creating a home from the un- broken forest. With limited means and few neighbors, he was thrown upon his own resources to procure the necessaries of life. He worked out by the day. The first fall after his arrival he went twelve miles to dig potatoes (for one La Grange, in Unadilla), receiving in payment a bushel of potatoes for a day's work 1 Money was a thing almost unknown. To pay taxes and the twenty-five cents postage on a letter from the East, were grave questions to the pioneer. Wolves were plenty, and soon a bounty of seventeen dollars was offered for their scalps. This was most fortunate for Mr. Monroe, who gave them considerable attention ; he took as many as three in a week, which rendered him material finan- cial relief. The progress of the pioneer under these adverse circumstances was necessarily slow; but after the log house was built, the clearing was continued. Year by year improvements were made and other lands added ; the small clearing expanded to broad and fertile fields, and the log house has long since given place to a large and commodious brick residence, with such surround- ings as indicate the thrifty farmer. By his first wife he had ten children, viz. : Henry O., is a farmer in Wisconsin ; F. N., is a hardware merchant in Howell; James M., is a farmer in Ingham County; Norton M., is living on the old homestead ; George W., also on a farm in Ingham County ; Mary L., married William Bezan, and died at Howell; Lu- ana A. and Helen M., both died unmarried; William H., is a farmer in the town of Howell; Lucinda M., became the wife of B. B. Morgan, a portrait painter and inventor, and resides at Ann Arbor. The present Mrs. Monroe was a Mrs. Brininstoole, formerly of Batavia, N. Y. Mr. Monroe and both his wives were members of the Baptist Church of Howell. His first wife was one of the few who organized the church, and he is still a zealous worker in that organization. In 1871, Mr. Monroe left the farm in charge of his son, Norton M., and purchased a residence in the vil- lage of Howell, where he has since resided, enjoying a well-earned competency and the respect of all. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 163 THE LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF HOWELL. In the winter of 1874-75, the " spelling-school" mania, which was at that time at its height in many places in tiie State, reached Howell, and re- sulted in the formation of a " school," which be- came somewhat popular, and continued long enough to yield a small surplus revenue above expenses. After its close, it was determined to apj)!)' this fund — supjjlemented by contributions — to the establishment of this association, whicli was accordingly organized in May, 1S75 ; the follow- ing-named ladies being its first officers: Mrs. Mylo L. Gay, President ; Miss Ella Burt, Corre- sponding Secretary ; Miss Millie Hickey, Record- ing Secretary; Mrs. H. G. Fry, Treasurer; Miss Frank Skilbeck, Librarian. Only 25 volumes were purchased at first, but tlie number has increased to 317 volumes. Dur- ing the first j-car of its existence, the association had its rooms in the Sabin block, from which place they were removed to Weimeister block on Grand River Street, and remained there for about nine months, after which they were clianged to their present location in Hubbell block. The rooms are opened from three to five o'clock p.m. on Saturdays. At the commencement, the association opened a reading-room in connection with the library, and this was maintained for about one year, after which it was discontinued on account of an ap- parent lack of interest on the part of those for whose benefit it was designed. The present (1879) officers of the association are Mrs. S. F. Hubbell, President; Mrs. Dennis Shields, First Vice-Presi- dent ; Mrs. Newton T. Kirk, Second Vice-Presi- dent ; Miss M. Burt, Secretary; Mrs. William Mc- Pherson, Corresponding Secretary ; Miss Jane E. Neelj', Treasurer ; Miss Helen Williamson, Libra- rian ; Mrs. M. J. McPherson, Assistant Librarian. THE PRESS OF HOWELL. The newspapers of Howell — The Livingston Democrat, by Joseph T. Titus & Son, and Living- ston Republican, by L. C. Miller — will be found mentioned in the history of the Press of Living- ston County. RELIGIOUS. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN HOWELL. That the Methodist Church of Howell was the first religious organization effected in the village and township is shown by the best and most un- questionable authority upon the subject, — that of a person who took part in its formation, was one of its first officers, and who recollects better and more clearly than any other person now living the circumstances preceding and connected with that interesting event. This person is the Rev. Alvin L. Crittenden, from whose narrative an ex- tract has been given in the preceding pages, telling how Deacon Israel Branch, with other settlers of several religious denominations, held the first (in- formal but devout) religious services at Livingston Centre, in the house of Amos Adams, late in the autumn of 1835. In reference to the establishment of worship here by members of the Methodist de- nomination and the organization of their church in Howell, Mr. Crittenden proceeds as follows: " Til the moiuli of Apiil [ 1 83(1] I le.nrned Ihere w.is Methodist preaching at Ore Creek, now Bri};!iton. I left my home .it Mr. .Sage's, half a mile west of the village of Howell, and walked to Ore Creek and listened to Rev. Mr. Bibhins. He gave notice at the close of the services that Rev. Elijah Crane, then traveling Plymouth Circuit, would hold a two d.ays' meeting there in four weeks. After service I walked h.ick to my home; and at the time appointed I walked again to Brighton to attend the two days' meeting, where I first met and formed an acquaintance with Rev. Elijah Crane and Rev. John Cosart, a local preacher of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. "While .attending the meeting at Brighton, arrangements were made for Rev. Mr. Cosart to come to Howell and preach and form a Methodist class, and send a report to Rev. Elijah Crane, who would represent our wants at the ensuing Annual Conference, and if possible secure for us regular preaching. By some mistake the notice w.os given one week too soon ; we assembled, but no preacher came. A prayer-meeting was held, and at its close it was thought by the Methodists present that although we were disap- pointed in not having a preacher with us, we would not be disap- pointed in regard to having a class formed. Accordingly we or- ganized ourselves into a business-meeting for that purpose, by electing Pardon Barnard chairman, and A. L. Crittenden secretary. Those who had letters from the Methodist Episcopal Church passed them in and they were read, and A. L. Crittenden was elected class-leader. Thus I hail the honor to be the first official member of any religious organization ever formed in Howeli. But a regu- lar class-book could not be obtained; so I did the next best thing that could be done under the circumstances, — I took a sheet of paper and doubled it together, and recorded the names of the members thereon. The original book I still have in my posses- sion, which I exhibited at the Pioneer meeting, in June last. " The next S.abbath Rev. John Cosart preached in Howell, which was the third sermon delivered in Howell, and the first by a Meth- odist minister. He acknowledged our proceedings to be right, sent on the repoit of our society as agreed upon, and in the fall of 1836 Washington Jackson was sent to Livingston County as a missionary from the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; for at that time all of Eastern Michigan w.as embraced in the Ohio Conference. " The names as they appear upon the original class-book when the class was formed are: Alvin L. Crittenden, Pardon Barnard, Eliza Ann Barnard, Peter Brewer, Dorcas Brewer, Sylvester Rounds, Polly Rounds, Asahel Rounds, M.ary Sage, and N.alhaniel Johnson. "Soon after, and before a traveling preacher arrived, there were received by letter Clarissa Johnson, Asahel Dibble, Abigail Dib- ble, and .\bigail Smith. No dale appears on the book except 1836 until W.ashington Jackson arrived upon the mission ; but I think the cl.ass w.as formed in June of that year. The first date upon the book is Sept. 5, 1836. It has been said that Pardon Barnard had been licensed as an exhorter in the Stale of New York before coming to Michigan, which I suppose is correct, al- 164 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. though his credentials were not presented to the Howell society. But on the 4th day of November, 1836, the society voted him and A. L. Crittenden license as exhorlers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and my license is dated as above, and signed by Wash- ington Jackson, missionary. "The first quarterly meeting held in Howell was July 15 and 16, 1837, by Rev. \Vm. Horr, P. E., of Detroit District. Several changes were made in the membership of the society from time to time, and in the spring of 1837 the following names appear upon the book : A. L. Crittenden, Pardon Barnard, Eliza A. Barn.ird, Peter Brewer, Dorc.is Brewer, Mary Sage, Nathaniel Johnson, Clarissa Johnson, Asahel Dibble, Abigail Dibble, Abigail C. Smith, Elizabeth Thompson, Maria Thompson, Amarilla Crane, S. H. Crane, Matthew West; and in January, 1838, there were received Mary Brewer, Jane Crittenden, Sarah Baldwin, Syrena H. Crane, Joseph Sexton, Janette Sexton, Gertrude Butler, David Dickei-son, Lucy Dickerson, and Hannah Hubbard. " In 1840 I left Howell and moved to Hamburg, and Mallhew West was appointed leader, which position he held until 1S42, when he resigned, ami I, having moved back to Howell, was reap- pointed, which position I held until the fall of 1854. The names had been transcribed in a regular class-book before I went to Ham- burg, and in another while Matthew West was leader; which book never came back into my hands. The book containing the names of the Howell cl.iss from July, 1842, to 1852 is still in my pos- session, then.ames having been transferred to another book, which was left in Howell when I commenced traveling in 1854." Since the year 1845 the cliurch has been under charge of the following-named preachers during the years indicated, viz.: Thomas Wakelin, 1846; Stambaugh, 1847-48; F. VV. Warren, 1849; E. VV. Borden, 1850; O. D. White, 1851-52; Syl- vester Calkins, 1853-54; Eli Westlake, 1854-55; George Taylor, 1856-57; Colby and Green, 1858; Riley C. Crawford, 1859; E. R. Haskell, i860; L. H. Dean, 1861-62; A. R. Bartlett, 1863-64; Henry O. Parker, 1865-67; James T. Davidson, 1868; Thomas C. Gardner, 1869; F. W. Warren, 1870-72; S. B. Kimmel, 1873-75; Jesse Kilpatrick, 1876-78; John M. Gordon, 1879, — '^he present pastor. In the early years of its existence this church, in common with the other churches of Howell, held its services in the old frame school-house in the southwest part of the village, but occupied the court-house for that purpose for a few years after its completion in 1847. The church edifice of the society was commenced in 1850, during the pastorate of the Rev. E. W. Borden, and was completed in the time of Rev. Eli Westlake, being dedicated in March, 1855. Its cost was about $1500. It was enlarged and im- proved at a cost of about $3500 during the pasto- rate of the Rev. S. B. Kimmel, and was rededi- cated March 7, 1875. The edifice occupies an excellent and easily accessible site at the southeast corner of Walnut and Sibley Streets. The society owns a good parsonage at the corner of Brooks and Walnut Streets. The present membership of the society is about 260. Connected with this church is a flourishing Sabbath-school having an attendance of about 250, and a library of 500 volumes. The present super- intendent is Henry P. Spencer. There are also under the charge and patronage of this church three other Sabbath-schools, viz., one at the Si.x Corners (West Howell), one in the " Howe neigh- borhood," and one at the " Barnard school-house." The total number of scholars of all ages connected with the four schools is 547, and the whole num- ber of teachers having these in charge is 58. THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF HOWELL. This church antedates all the other church or- ganizations in Howell, excepting the Methodist. It is also stated, by the Rev. Mr. Crittenden, that the first religious services in Howell, by any regu- lar minister, were held here by the Rev. Jonathan Post, of this denomination. Referring to this matter, Mr. Crittenden says, — "In the month of February, 1836, Rev. Mr. Post, a B.aptist minister, of .\llegany Co., N. Y., came to Howell and spent the Sabbath. He preached the first sermon that was ever delivered here by a living minister. In March or April, Rev. Mr. Kanouse, a Presbyterian minister, spent the Sabbath in Howell and preached at the residence of Moses Thompson ; for by this time the meet- ings were held at various places, the people all being willing to open their doors for religious services." It is proper to say, however, that Mr. Edward F. Gay, who was also excellent authority, mentioned that the first minister who held services here was the Rev. Mr. Page, a Presbyterian, which will be found referred to in the history of that church. Both statements are given without any expression of opinion as to which is the correct one. It is, no doubt, a fact that both these ministers preached here within a few da)-s of the same time. In the year 1838 several persons holding letters from Baptist churches in New York and the New Etigland States, having settled in or near the village of Howell, felt it their duty to organize for the sus- taining of religious worship, and accordingly a meeting called for the purpose of taking this matter into consideration was held in the village school- house, on the 14th of April, in the )ear named. The record of this meeting shows the names of the following persons as present : Rev. Thomas Baker, Silas Dibble, Gardner Mason, Justin Durfee, Joseph A. Dibble, Sardis Davis, Sarah Field, Sarah Dur- fee, Lydia Austin, and Hannah Austin. These were in reality the original founders of the church, though their names do not all appear as constituent members. At this meeting, after uniting in devotional exercises, and a mutual ex- change of views on the propriety of uniting together in the relation of church fellowship, a resolution was unanimously passed, by which they were formed VILLAGE OF HOWELL. i6s into a body to be subsequently recognized, accord- ing to tile usage of tlie denomination, as a Regular Baptist Church. A committee was then appointed, consisting of Silas Dibble, Gardner Mason, and Justin Durfee, to present at a future meeting Articles of Faitli and Practice, together with a Church Covenant. Rev. Thomas Baker was chairman and Justin Durfee clerk of this meeting. This was the first of the meetings held by what is now known as the First Baptist Church of Howell. From that date to the present regular meetings have been maintained. A meeting was held according to adjournment on the 1 2th of May following. The committee ap- pointed at the previous meeting made their report, presenting Articles of Faith and a Church Covenant, which was adopted. These are substantially those adopted by all regular Baptist churches. The propriety of calling a council for recognition was discussed, and arrangements were made to this end, at this meeting. The time for the council was fi.ved on the 2ist of June following. The subject of settling a pastor was brought up, and a committee was raised to secure the labors of Rev. Thomas Baker, then residing in Highland. Through this committee arrangements of a satis- factory character were made with him, by which he became the first pastor of this church. His time of service began with the first meeting held by the church. On June 21st the council, previously provided for and invited by action of the church, convened at the village school-house. It was organized by the choice of Rev. E. Weaver, Moderator, and A. N. Kemis, Clerk. The records of this council show a representation of four churches by dele- gates : Highland, E. Lee, J. Tenny ; Hartland, Rev. A. Lamb ; Walled Lake, Rev. E. Weaver, J. Coe, N. Daniels; Kensington, Rev. A. P. Mather, D. Seely, E. Cole, A. N. Kemis. Twelve persons presented letters, and requested recognition as a regular Baptist church. The names of these, as they appear on the records, are Silas Dibble, Aaron Sickles, Fanny Dibble, Han- nah Austin, Joseph Dibble, Justin Durfee, Rachel Dibble, Lydia Austin, Daniel Case, Anna Dibble, Sarah Durfee, Luana Monroe. Their Articles of Faith having been examined by the council and approved, the usual services of recognition were held on the same day. The sermon was by Rev. E. Weaver, of Walled Lake, from Psalms xxvi. 8 : " Lord, I have loved the hab- itation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth." The address and hand of fel- lowship were given to the church b\- Rev. A. Lamb, of Hartland, Thus occurred the memo- rable services by which this church took a position with the churches of the Baptist denomination. Of those who were engaged in the organization of this church, there arc some whose memory will be gratefully cherished, whose names do not appear among those of the original members ; but they will appear in the course of the first year's history of the church. The " Baptist Society of Howell" was legally organized Dec. 29, 1838 ; the trustees then elected being O. J. Field, O. F. Olds, Gardner Mason, George W. Kneeland, Daniel Case, O. J. Smith, Justin Durfee; and O. J. Field was chosen clerk of the society. The labors of Rev. Thomas Baker were closed in December of that year, and Rev. Erick Mosher, then a licentiate, was called to the pastorate. His salary was $100 a year, with the use of a residence. During the year there were added to the church, by letter, 1 1. The church was represented by del- egates in the Michigan Association, held in the fall of that year at Walled Lake, and on applica- tion was received into that body. The first year closed with encouraging success. The membership were happily united under the pastoral labors of Rev. E. Mosher, who was re- quested by the church to receive ordination. For this purpose a council was called on the 9th of May in the following year. By this council the pastor of the church was set apart to the work of the ministry in the usual order of the denomina- tion. Mr. Mosher continued in the work of the ministr\', a faithful, judicious.and successful pastor, up to the time of his death, which occurred while he was pastor of the Baptist Church of Northville, Mich. At the close of the second year the records of the church show that six had been received by letter and three by baptism. The first person who was received into the church by baptism was Har- riet M. Sickles, baptized April 14, 1839. Samuel Lyon was received by baptism at about the same time, and is believed by some to have been the first so received into the church. The total num- ber at the close of the year was 32. The pastor's labors were continued with them at the unani- mous request of the church. Up to the first of August no permanent action had been taken by the church respecting the elec- tion of deacons, the duties of that office being per- formed from time to time by persons specially chosen. At that time, however, the church having previously so determined, a choice of deacon was made by ballot. The first person appointed to that office was Townsend Drew. About this time man)' came to the church, ask- ing admission by baptism. Rev. J. A. Keys as- 1 66 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. sisted the pastor in continued meetings, which re- sulted in large additions to the church. Sixteen were received by baptism and three by letter, making the total membership at the close of the year 51. This year will be remembered as one of prosperity to the church, closing with harmony and activity among the members. It was followed, however, by one of trials. Some became indiffer- ent, and for the first time in its history the church was obliged to resort to disciplinary action. Church labor was taken up with several members. Some returned to their walk with the church, while with others the final result was exclusion, though not during that year. In the midst of this Rev. Erick Mosher resigned the pastoral care of the church and removed to another field of labor. The year closed leaving the church without a pas- tor and embarrassed by want of harmony among the members. The numerical changes were addi- tions by letter, 7 ; the dismissions were by letter, 5 ; by death, 3 ; while the total membership was less by one than at the close of the previous year. In May, 1842, they called to the pastorate Rev. N. G. Chase, of Napoleon, Mich., who began his labors at once. The labors of this pastor were acceptable to the church. Several cases of diffi- culty were amicably adjusted ; one was received into the fellowship of the church by baptism, and several by letter, while one was dismissed by letter, making the membership at the close of the year 57. The church continued to enjoy the labors of Rev. N. G. Chase, receiving aid for his support from the Baptist State Convention to the amount of ^75. During 1843 tiiere were added to the church by letter, I ; and dismissed by letter, 3 ; excluded, i ; there being a loss of membership in the aggregate of 4. At this time the ordinary numbers at the cove- nant meetings were only from 6 to 8. In October, 1844, the pastor resigned, and closed his labors with the body. Rev. J. H. Rasco, of New York, was settled witli the church in the following month. At the close of this year the total membership was the same as two )-ears previous, — 57. Two were e-xcluded and 5 received by letter. During the year 1845, Revs. A. Lamb and Chapin held a meeting, which proved beneficial to the church. Difficulties were settled, and harmony was restored again. Six were received by baptism and 4 by letter. During the early part of the year 2 were excluded, and 4 dismissed by letter. The membership now only exceeded by one the number three years before. Up to this time, the society having no chuich edifice, the services of the church had been held in the old frame school-house of Howell village. The need of a meeting-house was severely felt, and the subject of building one had been earnestly discussed at a meeting held on the 7th of December, 1842, and on several occasions afterwards, but nothing had been done to accomplish the object. But now (in the spring of 1S46) it had been deter- mined to move actively in the matter, and the trustees of the society took steps towards the building of a house of worship, " 32 by 44 feet, with a gallery on one end, and a proportionate steeple," on the present site near the northwest corner of the court-house square. It was not, however, until five years later that it was occupied ; and during this interval the society continued to hold its services in the school-house until the com- pletion of the court-house, after which they were generally held in that building. In the f.dl of 1846 the "Wayne Association" held its annual meeting with this church. The meeting was one of interest to the members of that body, and to the members of the church. The re- cords of the church show the additions of the year to be II, against 6 dismissals, making the total membership on the 1st of April, 1847, 61. There was a meeting of the church called on the 26th of June; 1847, for the purpose of electing three deacons. The persons chosen to that office were George T. Sage, Justin Durfee, and Ephraim Fowler. Application was made to the Home Mission Society, from whom aid was received in support of the pastor to the amount of S50. This was granted in consideration of the effort the church was making to build a house of worship. In November, the pastor, J. H. Rasco, offered his resignation to the church, which was accepted. By subsequent action of the church, his ministra- tions were continued until December, 1848. There were 7 additions to the church during this period, making the total membership at the close of this pastorate 61. The church was without a pastor one year and four months, during which the rec- ords show that meetings of the body were main- tained with a good degree of faithfulness, and especially considering their destitution of a pastor. In May, 1850, Rev. A. P. Howell, of Highland, was engaged to labor as pastor. The church at this time numbered 64. During the following summer, meetings were held in the new house of worship, though as yet unfinished. The pastoral relation of Mr. Howell with the church clo.sed in May, 1 85 I, covering a period of one year, during which there were added to the body, by baptism and letter, 9; dismissed by letter, 8; died, 2; making the numberofmembers63. Sev- eral were granted letters this year to unite with the church in Marion, which afterwards disbanded. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 167 There now occurs in the history of the church another period of nearly a year when there was no pastor. In April, 1852, the house of worship was com- pleted and consecrated to divine worship. A sermon was preached by Rev. G. VV. Harris, of Detroit. Rev. G. Bridge, who was present and participated in these services, was called to serve the church as pastor. He accepted, and entered upon his labors the following month. The church then numbered 61, a year having passed with no addition to its membership. No year had been like it in this respect. Under Mr. Bridge 12 by letter and 2 by baptism were received into the fel- lowship of the church in the first year of his labor. There was also a diminution of 4, making the total membership in May, 1853, 71. The year following the letter of the church to the Association reported 1 1 received by baptism, 9 by letter, against 6 dimi- nutions. The whole number now was 85. The labors of Rev. G. Bridge closed in May, 1854, and he was succeeded by Rev. P. C. Dayfoot, who entered upon his work in May, 1855. In October following the church reported to the Association a low state of religious interest ; a year and a half had passed with an increase of 4 by letter. Again, in the fall of 1855, the total number was 76. The following year the labors of the pastor were divided between this church and Marion, the church in Howell only enjoying pas- toral labor one-half of the time. There appears to have been embarrassment at this time from a debt still unprovided for. Vigorous efforts were made to liquidate this debt, which were but partially successful. The returns to the Association in the fall of 1856 were 70 members. In April, 1857, the church was again without a pastor, and an unsuccessful effort was made to engage the services of the Rev. L. Bath, of Grass Lake, Mich. In May following, the Rev. P. C. Da}'foot was again called to serve the church as pastor, laboring here three-fourths of the time. This engagement closed at the expiration of a year, when the church was again left destitute. After the ist of May, 1858, the desk was supplied at different times by several clergymen, among whom were the Revs. Concklin, Lemon, and Tup- pcr. In October of 1S59 the membership was reported at 97. In May, i860, the Rev. A. M. Hunt was elected pastor. His labors being acceptable to the church, a council convened for his ordination, Sept. 20, i860, when he was set apart for the min- istry in the usual form. He continued here for one year, and closed his labors May i, 1861. In this year the membership reported was 103. Immediately after the close of Mr. Hunt's pas- torate, a call was extended to the Rev. John Booth, under whom the church prospered, and who continued to labor here until March, 1S64. He is mentioned as a man " to be gratefully re- membered by those who enjoyed his ministra- tions; sound and logical as a preacher, and un- usually correct and faithful in all matters of disciplinary character." In the August following the close of Mr. Booth's pastorate the Rev. William Tilley was engaged as pastor of the church, and under him there was great unity and prosperity. He re- mained until August, 1867, when he resigned the charge. During his pastorate the church received large accessions to its membership through the agency of a revival which occurred in the winter of 1866; the result of a series of meetings held here bv the Rev. J. Moxom. During this time, also, William C. Rumsey and William L. Knapp were elected to the office of deacon (March, 1S66). The membership of the church reported in the fall of 1867 was 130. In January, 1868, the Rev. J. S. Boyden was in- vited to settle with the church, and, accepting the call, entered on his work here on the 1st of March following. During that year the church edifice was thoroughly refitted in its interior at a cost of ;^475, and soon afterwards was repainted outside. But its days were numbered and nearly finished. About four years later it gave place to the present church, which was built on the same site at a cost of about $11,500, and completed, dedicated, and occupied as a house of worship in the year 1873. The pastorate of the Rev. J. S. Boyden was fol- lowed by that of the Rev. William Putnam, who was succeeded by the Rev. C. H. Remington, the present pastor. The present deacons of the church are James Turner and Cyrus Holt. The member- ship at the present time (August, 1879) is about 200. Connected with the church is a Sabbath- school, — organized in 1843, — having a present membership of 140 pupils, and a library of 400 volumes. John Black is the superintendent of the school, and F. W. Rumsey, librarian. THE FIRST PRESBYTERI.VN CHURCH OF HOWEI.I.. The Presbyterian Church was, in point of time, the third religious organization formed in Howell ; but the ministers of this denomination were among the earliest, if not the very first, regularly author- ized preachers of the gospel who held religious worship in the village and township. Mr. Edward F. Ga)', himself an original member of this church, named the Rev. William Page as the first minister who preached a sermon here, the services on that 1 68 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. occasion being held at the house of James Sage ; and that the next minister here was the Rev. Jonathan Post (Baptist), who preaclied at the house of Moses Thompson. The Rev. A. L. Crittenden, however, in his narrative of early meetings in Howell makes Mr. Post the first minister who preached to a congregation here ; this being in February, 1836. There is this to be said in favor of the latter statement, that at the time named, Mr. Crittenden was a resident of Howell, while Mr. Gay did not come here on his prospecting tour until some months later, and did not settle here until the spring of 1837. He may, therefore, have meant that Mr. Page was the first minister who preached here after his arrival ; but, however this may have been, the question of priority is an immaterial one. Hon. Mylo L. Gay, son of Edward F. Gay, in a paper read on the occasion of the fortieth anni- versary of the formation of the Presbyterian Church, gave his recollections of that event and of some religious meetings which had preceded it (he being but a boy at the time alluded to), as follows : " My first recollections of attending 'meeting' in the then new town d.-ite to a year and three months prior to the formation of this chnrch. In the spring of 1837, I remember following along after my father in a wimling path which led through the woods from the farm now known as the ' Reed farm,' down to the ' Centre,' then winding northward by another path through the woods to the Thompson log house on the bank of the pond, where meetings ■were held once in four weeks by Elder Post, who came on horse- back, — I think from Plymouth. Also in a fortnight thereafter we followed another trail svestward to the small log house of James S.ige, situated on the identical vpot where now stands the resi- dence of William McPherson, Jr. There I think we occasionally listened to a Methodist preacher; and the particular impression here made upon my mind was the peculiar and quaint style of ' starting the tune' by old Mr. Sage, who, although himself a Uni- versalist, consented to act in the capacity of chorister, and also to accommodate the neighbors with a place in which to hold meet- ings. Another impression was in regard to the peculiar bent posi- tion required to be maintained by the taller persons when standing, to prevent their heads coming in contact with the cross-beams above. "The l6th and 17th days of June, 1838, are still fresh in my memory, as they were memorable days in the hi>tory of the little liainlet then known as Livingston Centre. Those days fell on Saturday and Sunday, and the meetings were held in the loft of a one-and-a-half story building which my father had recently erected for a store. The floor of the room above was of rough boards, and the ceiling was nothing but the roof-boards and shingles, in close proximity to the heads of all adults; and the rough tama- rack rafters, with their knotty projections, were a constant reminder that all should humble themselves in the business in which they ■were then about to engage." In the building thus described by Mr. Gay, the Presbyterian Church of Howell was formed by the Rev. Henry Root; the preliminary meeting being held on Saturday, the sixteenth, and the organiza- tion perfected on the 17th of June, 1838. Its or- ganization was on the union plan (Presbyterian N. S. and Congregational), and the following-named persons comprised its original membership : David H. Austin, Josiah P. Jewett, Horace Griffith, Arte- mas Mahan, John T. Watson, George W. Jewett, Edward F. Gay, Price Morse, Andrew Riddle, William McPherson, Charles Clark, Lucretia Jew- ett, Catharine Griffith, Polly Ann Mahan, Hila Mahan, Julia Mahan, Sarah Mahan, Harriet L. Watson, Anise P. Jewett, Clarissa L. Gay, Elvira Morse, Elizabeth McPherson, Mrs. Moses Thomp- son, Matilda Clark, Mary Clark. The " rotary system" was adopted in the organi- zation ; there were to be chosen three ruling elders, who were also to be invested with the office of deacon. The persons first elected to this double office were George W. Jewett, for one year ; John T. Watson, for two years; Edward F. Gay, for three years ; and George W. Jewett was chosen clerk. The " Presbyterian Society of Howell" was formed by the requisite legal steps on the 7th of July next following the organization of the church. The first trustees of this society were Edward F. Gay and F. J. B. Crane, first class, for one year ; Price Morse and Josiah P. Jewett, sec- ond class, for two years ; Wellington A. Glover, third class, for three years. This organization of the society was filed in the county clerk's office, Dec. 5, 1838. The earliest meetings of this con- gregation for religious worship (after those in Mr. Gay's store building) were held in the village school-house. But in the year 1839, the church having become stronger by accessions to its mem- bership, a small frame church building was com- menced (and completed in 1840), on a site which is described by the Hon. M. L. Gay as being " a little to the west of Mr. Hannah's wagon- shops, opposite the school-house square, and front- ing to the south, quite a distance off in the bushes." The site proved unsatisfactory, being very difficult of approach in wet and muddy weatiier, and on this account, the building was not long after re- moved to the old public square, near its southeast corner. Afterwards, on account of a debt con- tracted in repairing and remodeling it, it was sub- jected to a forced sale to the highest bidder, and was eventually removed from the square to the place on East Street where it is now in use as a blacksmith-shop. The interior construction and arrangement of this old church building is thus described by Mr. Gay : " At the light and left of the pulpit were two or three pews, the middle one elevated one step, and the back one still higher, and all at right angles with the body slips, the singers and other musi- cians claiming the side to the left of the preacher, and the young men in lire habit of attending church appropriating the right al- VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 169 most exclusively. It was from these elevated seats that a very coniniarulin}; view of the congregation was to he ohiained, it heing also an cxceeilingly welladapleil position for the purpose of mak- ing a little vain display, were any so disposed, liut whether from compulsion or choice, those seats were always well filled liy the young men ; and, no doubt, I am relating the experience of many of the gray-heads of to-day when I aver that it was from those conspicuous seats, when occupied by them in youth, that their partners for life were chosen. From the side appropriated to, and occupied by ihe singers and musicians, we were wont to hear and enjoy good, old-fashioned tunes, sweeter by far than many of mod- ern days, though, perhaps, to the artistic ear, not rendered in the most faultless and scientific style, yet possessing a depth and power which neither time nor change have sufficed to efface from the memory." During the first year of its existence — that is, lip to the i6th of June, 1839 — the church had re- ceived accessions to its membership to the number of 17. On the 21st of September in that year it was resolved, by a vote of the church, "that, inas- much as this church is now neither Presbyterian nor Congregational, we hereby become Presbyte- rian in due form." Thereupon the plan of organ- ization was changed, the church adopted the Pres- byterian form of government, and Edward F. Gay, Josiah P. Jewett, and Philester Jessup were elected as the first board of elders under the change of form. From the organization of the church, and through the fifteen months of its continuance on the union plan, its pulpit had been filled most ac- ceptably by the Rev. Henry Root, and now, on the 25th of September, four days after its change in form, he was duly installed, by the usual cere- monies, as the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church. His ministration continued here until October, 1 842. He was an earnest Christian, a devoted and efficient laborer, a man of kindly and agreeable manner, and universally beloved. The foUowing-nained ministers have been his succes- sors in the sacred office as pastors or stated sup- plies of this church, viz. : Rev. Sylvester Cochran, March, 1843, to March, 1844; Rev. Edward E. Gregory, March, 1844, to July, 1845 ; Rev. Henry Root, — a second term, — November, 1845, to July, 1847 ; Rev. H. H. Grannis, October, 1847, to April, 1850; Rev. L. Mills, October, 1850, to October, 1853; Rev. Robert McBride, October, 1853, to September, i860; Rev. J. A. Griffes, September, 1 86 1, to October, 1863; Rev. J. Ford Sutton, Feb- ruary, 1864, to July, 1865; Rev. Joel Kennedy, March, 1866, to August, 1867; Rev. Gustavus L. Foster, December, 1867, to December, 1872; Rev. George M. Clark, May, 1873, to July, 1874; Rev. Franklin A. Spencer, March to June, 1875, — a tem- porary supply. Rev. Jaines Lewis, the present pastor of the church, began his labors July 11, 1875, and was installed in October of the same year. 22 During the pastorate of Rev. Sylvester Cochran — July 29, 1843 — it was " Resolved, That the First Presbyterian Church of Howell be hereafter known and designated as the Congregational Church of Howell, and that this, the said church, be governed by the rules and regulations usually adopted in Congregational Churches." But on the 27th of October, 1845, nearly simul- taneously with the commencement of the second pastorate of the Rev. Henry Root, the church again became Presbyterian. From that time it has been in the Presbyterian connection, but had only elders-elect, each chosen for the term of three years, until Sept. 26, 1875, when the elders were duly ordained and installed. William McPherson, however, was ordained in October, 1842, when first chosen elder. The oldest of the ministers now living, who have been pastors of this church, is the Rev. Edward E. Gregory, who resides in Howell vil- lage, takes a lively interest in the welfare of the church, and still fills the pulpit most acceptably when occasion requires. Of the clergymen mentioned in the above list as having served this church at various times, the only one who died during the term of his pastorate here was the Rev. Robert McBride, who passed away in the prime of manhood. His death oc- curred on the 15th of September, i860, at Sparta, Wis., to which place he had gone a short time before on a visit to his parents, and in the hope of improving his declining health. A few days after his death the Sparta Herald — of which his father was editor and publisher — contained the following brief history of his life, and of the scenes and events attending his dissolution. It is reproduced here, because it cannot fail to be read with interest by many who well remember his ministration and his virtues. " Our dearly beloved son had spent but eight years in the min- istry — after graduating in theology at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1853 — before his mission on earth was cut short by an apparently untimely death, but even this brief period was truly and earnestly devoted to the service of his Divine M.astcr. "Consecrated in early infancy to the service of the Saviour by a devoted, pious mother, who led the way to Christ in death, .as she had ever faithfully in life, at great pei-sonal s.acrifices and privations to both his parents he was early placed in a position to fit him for the work. He pursued his studies for ten years with unusual assiduity, and became a ripe scholar when his term of in- struction closed. At the age of sixteen he surrendered his heart to God, during a season of revival in the institution with which he was connected, and from that time on was a true follower of Christ. In 1854 he connected himself in marriage with Miss Abbie Comslock, of Adrian, Mich., who was eminently fitted, in every respect, to aid him in the important work upon which he had entered. " His fir>t year was occupied in the Presbyterian Church at Parma, and the seven subsequent years in the Presbyterian Church at Howell, Mich., where he Labored as their pastor to the general IJO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. acceptance to his people and witli good success in winning souls to Christ. About three months ago he was attacked with a severe liemorrhage, then supposed to proceed from his throat, whicli en- tirely prostrated jiis energies, and he was compelled to relinquish his labors in the desk. His vascular system from early youth being of a feeble, relaxed character,— though enjoying good health generally otherwise, — he became subject to frequent slight hem- orrhages, from close application as a student, but not of a serious nature until recently. A journey and rest was recommended, and with his wife and child, he came to Wisconsin about three weeks ago. For the first week of his arrival he appeared to recover rapidly, and confidently expected to return in a few weeks and resume his labors at Howell; but God in his providence had arranged it otherwise, and summoned him to a higher sphere. " The call was sudden and unexpected to himself, as well as to all his sorrow-stricken relatives and friends, but it found him with his lamp trimmed and burning. No .serious result was appre- hended from a slight fever which affected him for a week or two by his physician or family, until but a few hours previous to his death. When informed of his condition and that he had but a few hours to live at the most, and miglit not but for a very few minutes, — his pulse had ceased entirely and extremities becoming cold, — he received it calmly, and at once committed his soul to God. The distress and anguish of his wife and child impressed him strongly with deep emotions for a few minutes, but he soon resumed his composure and endeavored to soothe and administer comfort and consolation to the dear ones he loved with so much tender affection. The .Saviour graciously placed underne.ith him his arms of mercy, sustaining and supporting him in a remarkable manner throughout, so that he was enabled to converse frequently and freely with his afflicted wife and relatives; while in the in- tervals he appeared to hold close communion with his God. But once he .spoke of his great disappointment in being thus early cut olT from the sacred mission he had so much at heart, of laboring for souls, but expressed a cheerful submission to the will of his heavenly Father in this, as in all things else. "During a private conversation I had with him for a few min- utes, about three hours before his death, I asked him if he had any fear of death, now apparently so nigh, or doubts on his mind of his acceptance with God. He at once replied, ' I cannot say that I have any timid fears of death, but I feel that it is an awful realization to be thus suddenly hurried into the presence of my final Judge. I know that I have fallen far. short of my duty to God and his service on earth, but I feel great assurance that I have a precious Saviour who will plead for me, and while I entertain a well-grounded hope of an acceptance with God, I trust that I shall have a clearer manifestation of that acceptance before my departure.' About one o'clock p.m., his extreme exhaustion and short, quick breathing admonished him that his end was nigh. Having affectionately embraced his wife and child, requesting her to remain as calm and quiet as possible, he closed his eyes and lay apparently in deep communion. In a few minutes his yet clear eyes opened wide, and shone with peculiar lustre as he earnestly gazed out, as if seeing or hearing something in the far-ofif distance; softly but distinctly he said, ' I hear the waters roll.' In a few minutes after he again said, ' I see the bright river.' A placid, sweet smile for an instant curved over his lips, his eyes gently closed, two or three scarcely perceptible breaths escaped, — he was asleep in Christ the Saviour." The death of Mr. McBride was sincerely mourned by his church, and by the entire community of Howell, as that of an able preacher, a devoted pastor, and an excellent, influential, and Christian citizen. The accessions to the membership of the Pres- byterian Church of Howell are given below, During the first year — ending June 16, 1839 — there were added to the original membership Philester Jessup and wife, Mrs. Butler, Catharine Butler, Sarah Walker, Mary Jessup, Adam Rora- bacher, Eunice Curtis, Nancy Waterman, Samuel W. Glover, John Russell, Nancy Rorabacher, An- geline Brown, Elizabeth Gay, Caleb Curtis, Mary Curtis, Samuel Hubbard. In the year ending June 16, 1840: Mrs. Lovina Root, Lydia Ann Sexton, Eleanor Waterman, William Austin, Harriet Fisk, John R. Neely, Elijah Coffren, Salmon Davis, Ruth Davis, Francis Morse, Nancy M. Austin. Year ending June, 1841 : Giles Tucker, Rhoda Scofield, Henry D. Benjamin, Mrs. H. D. Benjamin, Diantha Armstrong, Sylvester Sexton, Mary A. Skilbeck, Benjamin Curtis, Elizabeth Waterman, John G. Mason, William Spafford, Mrs. Fanny Kneeland, Esther Willard, Mrs. William Spafford. Year ending June, 1843: Zebulon M. Drew, Lucy H. Drew, Wellington A. Glover, Michael S. Brennan, Mylo L. Gay, Allen Stearns, Luther M. Glover, William Sexton, S. Newhall Mahan, Philip Carlton, Mary Carlton, Sarah Moore, Louisa Jessup, John D. Pinckney, James Haddan, Thomas Carlton, Andrew L. Hill, Hannah C. Hill, Jane Stilson, Martha Stilson, Miriam B. Stilson, Elijah M. Hutchinson, Cyrena Hutchinson, Benjamin W. Hutchinson, David Durfee, Josiah Turner, Eva- line Turner, Elvira Stilson, Matilda Stilson, Phi- lander Glover, Ruhamah Glover, Mary Jane Glover, Sarah Kneeland, Mabel A. Glover, Sally Ann Dar- win. Year ending June, 1843 : James Yates and wife, George Lawrence, Joseph B. Skilbeck, Mary Wat- son. Year ending June, 1844: Margaret Yates, Betsey Bliss. Year ending June, 1845 : Mrs. Jane Gregory. Year ending June, 1846: Samuel M. Yerkes and wife, Julia Jessup, George McDowell and wife. Year ending June, 1S47: None. Year ending June, 1848: Mary Cook, Joseph Stafford, Sally Stafford, Polly Stafford, Lucinda Stafford, Mrs. Van Keuren, William Winton, Thomas R. Spence, John S. Dixon, Phebe Dixon. Year ending June, 1849: Sally Ann Wilber, Electa Grannis, Huldah Huntley, Emma Spence. Year ending June, 1850: James S. Foster, Au- gusta Foster, Jacob M. Eager, Emily Eager, Sal- mon Adams, Mrs. Salmon Adams, Jacob D. Gale, Mrs. Sarah Gale, Mary Gale, David Blackman, A.senath Blackman, Albert Pixley, H. N. Pixley, H. S. Sparks, Eliza Sparlcs. Year ending June, 185 1 : Mrs. Eliza Mills, Al- bert Mills, Lucius F. Mills, Mary E. Mills, Polly VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 171 Hildebrant, Benjamin F. Scofield, Celestia Scofield, Julia C. Scofield, Sarah Ann Scofield, Edefy Sco- field, Sarah L. Jeuett, Elizabeth McPherson, Jane Rose, Mary V. Jcwelt, Mary Ann Carl. Rufus W. Scofield, Morris Thompson, Julia Ann Peebles, Lauren K. Hewett, James !\Iullo)', Dr. Harring- ton, Hannah H. MuUoy, Sarah Harrinjjton, Silas Beardsley, Theda Beardsley, Julia Brown, Isabel McPherson, Mary Louisa Huntley, Delia S. Hunt- ley, Antoinette Blackman, Helen A. Blackman, Martha H. Balch, Minerva Stafford, Mary E. Skil- beck, Caroline A. Whipple, Joseph H. Steel, Irene Hewett, Samuel Hunt, Royal P. Melendy, Cordelia Melendy. Year ending June, 1S52: Philo L. Reed and wife, Olive Hicks, Lyman Melondy, Levi Hicks. Year ending June, 1853 : Charles P. Holmes, Eliza Holmes, Miranda L. Wadhams, James Hall, Sally Hall, Jared Huntington, Candace Huntington. Three years ending June, 1856: If there were any accessions to the membership during these years, they have not been found. Year ending June, 1857 : Mrs. Abbie McBride, Mrs. Eliza Sullivan, H. H. Mills. Year ending June, 1858 : Dr. H. J. Rumsey and wife, James Smith and wife, William Huntington, Sarah L. A.xtell, Ann^P21iza Gilbert. Francis A. Skiibeck, Anna M. Sullivan, Lucretia Scofield, Sarah E. Wells, Louisa Merrells, W. K. Sexton, Z. F. Grossman, Ellen A. Jewett, Eliza J. Jewett, Margaret Frisbee, Louisa Mulloy, Laura A. Reed, Maria S. Lawson, Andrew D. Waddell, Hudson B. Blackman, Alexander McPherson, George Wake- field, Alvaro J. W.Thompson, Mary Jane McDow- ell, Prudence E. McDowell, Lucia Turner, Martha J. Glover, Mary L. McPherson, B. Howard Lawson, Dr. R. C. Hutton, Martha A. Hutton, Dr. Wm. L. Wells, Julia M. Wells, Rachel Blanck, Francis N. Munroe, Julia Gilbert, .Sarah McFall, Sarah Wake- field, Hannah Telling, Edward C. McPherson, Her- man W. Merrells, Henry B. Curtis, Sarah A. Curtis, Mary Mulloy, Francis E. Reed, Perley D. Skiibeck. Year ending June, 1859: Mrs. Emeline Bunnell, Hannah Monroe, Ellen Phillips, Mrs. Sarah Briggs, Henry Baker, Mrs. Cordelia Glover. The accessions to the church during the last twenty years have been too numerous to be con- veniently given. The present number of its mem- bers is 275. The pre-sent (1S79) elders of the church are William McPherson, S. M. Yerkes, F. N. Monroe, P. L. Reed, R. P. Melendy, Theodore Welcker, and J. M. Eager. The Sabbath-school connected with the church is organized into 26 classes, and has a very large attendance. Its present officers are : Superintend- ent, M. J. McPherson ; Assistant Superintendent, H. H. Mills ; Secretary, Birt. F. Parsons; Librarian, Ernest D. Hutton ; Assistant Librarian, Samuel F. Crosman ; Treasurer, Alexander McPherson ; Col- lector, E. Huntley. The church edifice which is the present house of worship of this church was built during the pastor- ate of the Rev. Robert McBride, having been com- pleted and dedicated in the autumn of 1855. It is a good and commodious brick structure, standing on a site located in the southeast angle of Sibley and McCarthy Streets. The society owns a good parsonage, located on Lake Street, built in the year 1868. THE CONGREGATION.\L CMURCII OF HOWELL. This church, which maintained an existence for a number of years in Howell, grew out of the secession of several members from the Presby- terian Church in the spring of 1849. These mem- bers, with several other persons, having this matter in contemplation, asked advice on the subject of the General Association of Congregational Churches, at Ann Arbor, and received the reply that it was the privilege of the memorialists to in- vite a council, by letters missive to neighboring churches, to convene at Howell, e.xamine the case, and give the advice asked. This course was ac- ■ cordingly pursued ; the council convened here, and, after deliberation, announced the decision that " it is their privilege and their duty to proceed to organize a Congregational Church at Howell." Acting on this advice, a church organization was formed immediately afterwards, the Rev. Mr. Lockvvood, of De.xter, assisting. The original members of the church were the following-named persons : Charles Clark, Mrs. Maria Clark, Zebu- Ion M. Drew, Lucy Drew, Edward F. Gay, Mrs. Clarissa L. Gaj', Benjamin W. Cardell and wife. The Rev. Norman Ackley became their pastor on the l8th of June, 1849, and at the first commu- nion thirteen members were added to the original eight. Mr. Ackley continued with the church for a year and a half, and during this time its member- ship was increased to fifty-two, twenty-one of whom had been members of the Presbjterian Church. But about the end of the time named, their minister was charged with improper and un- ministerial conduct; an investigation followed; the charges being sustained, " he was silenced," and his labors with this church were abruptly ended. This had a very disheartening effect, and a number of members withdrew, but soon afterwards the ser- vices of the Rev. Enos Rice were engaged, and he remained with them for two years, during which time several new members connected themselves 172 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. with the church, but about an equal number were removed by death. While Mr. Ackley had filled the desk, the church had received the sum of $ioo per year from the Missionary Association of New York, and this sum was increased to ^150 in the first year of Mr. Rice's ministry. For several years after its organization, the church owned no place of worship, and generally held their worship in the court-house. But having purchased a lot at the northeast corner of Main and North Streets, where Mr. E. C. Wright now lives, they commenced to build a cJiurch edifice on this in the fall of 1852. The building was of brick, thirty-two by fifty feet in dimensions. The walls were erected before the cold weather set in, but the structure remained unfinished through the winter, and in consequence of this, the work which had been done was somewliat damaged. After a long delay, however, caused by this and some other drawbacks, it was completed and occupied, and served not only the Congregational, but also the Episcopal society, as a place of worship. It was regarded as a good churcii building, and was surmounted by a tower, in which was placed the first church bell in the village of Howell. After Mr. Rice closed his labors with this church it was without a pastor or regular preaching for about ten years, though during this time services were held occasionally, at irregular intervals, as preachers could be obtained. Among these preachers was the Rev. D. S. Eaton, who served the church longer than any other one during the period named. Below are given the names of members (additional to the original ones) who had joined the church at various periods from the time of its organization to July, 1858, viz.: John R. Neely, Catharine Neely, Caleb Curtis, Mrs. Curtis, Benjamin C. Curtis, Mary Curtis, John Russell, Clarissa Kellogg, Levi Hoyt, Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. William Sexton, William Telling, Mrs. Telling, David Sprague, Mrs. Sprague, S. D. Pinckney, Mrs. Juliana Ackley, Jesse Davis, Mrs. Catharine Davis, Mrs. Laura Barber, Benjamin F. Scofield, Mrs. C. Scofield, Julia C. Scofield, Hiram Kimball, Mrs. Jane Kimball, William Spafford, Mrs. Spaf- ford, Allen Stearns, Hiram Kellogg, Mrs. Jane Kellogg, Henry Kellogg, Levi Clark, Mrs. Irena Clark, Amelia Spaulding, Edwin Steadman, Eliza A. Steadman, Mrs. Tucker, Philester Jessup, Mrs. Jessup, Mary Jessup, Julia Jessup, Elizabeth Gay, Mr. Tighe, Mrs. Tighe, Mrs. Lawson, Margaret Lawson, Mrs. Drew, Mrs. Henry, James Brott, and Louisa Brott. On the 25th of March, 1861, the Rev. Josiah S. Burt, from the Chicago Theological Seminary, I commenced supplj'ing the pulpit for one-half the time, his salary to be raised by subscription. It appears to have been expected that the churches in Pinckney and Oceola would employ the other half of his time, and furnish the remainder of his support; but if such had been the understanding, it was not carried out by those churches, and Mr. Burt was compelled for lack of support to leave at the end of about six months. The Rev. J. J. Gridley, previously a Methodist preacher, but who had withdrawn from that denom- ination and commenced preaching as a stated sup- ply for the church at Pinckney, became also acting pastor of the Congregational Church at Howell on the 1st of September, 1862, serving both churches, but the precise duration of his ministry here has not been ascertained. In December of that year, Mr. Gridley filled the desk, Charles Clark was deacon, Edward F. Gay, clerk ; and besides these there were eleven other resident members of the church, making a total membership of thirteen, but there came a further accession of two members on the first of the following March, viz., Abram Brott and wife. These were the last persons men- tioned in the clerk's record as having joined the church, and the record itself ends not long after, the last entry in it being dated April 20, 1865, at which time Benjamin W. Cardell was appointed delegate to the Association, which was to meet at Dexter on the 26th of the same month. After this the existence of the church was not long. The date of the last meeting for services cannot be given, but the organization disintegrated and died, and the church building, having been sold at auction, was demolished in 1872, and the building material taken from it was used in the construction of the present Baptist church. .-^LL SAINTS' CHURCH OF THE TOWN OF HOWELL. This church, of the Protestant Episcopal denom- ination, was organized on the 1 2th of December, 1857, at a meeting held at the Congregational church in Howell village; at which meeting there were present the Rev. Henry Banwell (presiding), Abel F". Butterficld, Joseph T. Titus, H. C. Briggs, George Greenaway, George R. Hoyt, William A. Clark, and M. Labouter. The following persons were by a unanimous vote elected vestrymen : Levi D. Smith, George Green- away, Abel F. Butterfield, Ezra N. Fairchild, H. C. Briggs, George R. Hoyt, William A. Clark. The vestry then elected E. N. Fairchild senior, and William A. Clark, junior warden, and A. F. Butterfield, secretary. The same officers held in 1858, and Henry C. Briggs was appointed treas- urer. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 173 On the 30th of December, next following tlie organization of All Saints' Church, the Ladies' Mite Society of that church held a festival at Union Hall in Howell; the object being to apply the proceeds for church purposes. The officers of the society signing the call and invitation were Mrs. John Hope, President; Mrs. William L. Wells, Vice-President; Mrs. George Wilber, Treasurer; and the following-named ladies and gentlemen formed the committee of arrangements : Mr. and Mrs. Mylo L. Gay, Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Titus, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Bunnell, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Harmon, Misses Emily Rosenberry, E)mma Hickey, Jenny Ranney, Julia Smith, Sophia Fonda, Fanny Fonda, Mary Huntley, Sarah Butterfield, P^mily Wheeler, Jan- nette Peebles, Ann E. Gilbert, P3mily Wells, Sophia Pond, Jenny Spooner, Angeline Adams, Mrs. Rich- ard P. Bush, Mrs. William A. Buckland, Mrs. Maria Smith, Messrs. Ira P. Bingham, Harmon Smith, Frederick Galloway, Z. F. Crosman, Edward Mor- ris, Dr. McHench, Andrew D. Waddcll, William McPherson, Jr., Burr R. Sn>ith, L. Curtis, Benjamin T. O. Clark, Alexander McPherson, Frank Wells, George Clark, John Clark, Spaulding' M. Case, Edward Gregor}^ Elbert C. Bush. The amount realized from this source was not large, but was a very material addition to the funds of the church at that time. On the 28th of January, 1858, it was voted that the religious services of the church be held in the court-house in Howell; and on the 17th of April following, 'the sum of $150 per annum, payable quarterly, was voted to the Rev. Henry Banwell, the officiating minister. In April, 1859, Henr>' C. Briggs and W. A. Clark were elected delegates to represent All Saints' Church at the Annual Diocesan Convention at Detroit. At that time the Rev. William King was rector of the church in Howell, having succeeded the Rev. Mr. Banwell in that office. Mr. King was succeeded in the following year by the Rev. George O. Bachman. In April, i860, the following-named gentlemen were elected officers of the church : Vestrymen, Ezra N. Fairchild, George Greenaway, Mylo L. Gay, George R. Hoyt, Levi D. .Smith, Henry C. Briggs, and William A. Clark; Treasurer, Henry C. Briggs ; Secretary, Levi D. Smith ; Senior War- den, William A. Clark; Junior Warden, George Greenaway. A vote was passed in April, 1861, to the effect that the church was " well pleased with the labors of the Rev. George O. Bachman ; that his talents and Christian deportment eminently fit him for the building up of the church at Howell, as well as for great usefulness in this field." At the same time a salary of ;g200 from this church was voted to Mr. Bachman, and a little more than that amount was raised inmiediately by subscription. In 1S63 Mr. Bachman was still here, and the church voted to pay him $250. In April, 1864, a committee was appointed to procure the Congregational meeting-house in Howell as a place of worship, and afterwards the services of the Episcopal Church were generally held in that building, as they never had an edifice of their own. The Rev. G. O. Bachman's " resignation as pas- tor of this church" was accepted on the 17th of April, 1865, and he was succeeded by the Rev. Albert C. Lewis, who became rector in 1866, and continued in that office during the remainder of the church's existence. At the annual meeting, held on Monday, April 13, 1868, it was resolved "to elect no vestry of said church, as articles of agreement are about being entered into for the organization of a new church, to be called St. John's Church of Howell." On the following day the organization of St. John's Church was effected, — the articles being signed by Mylo L. Gay, Joseph T. Titus, Mark J. Staley, L. D. Smith, Silas Beardsley, and "Albert C. Lewis, pastor." These articles were filed in the clerk's office April 15, 1868. The first meeting of St. John's Church was held at the residence of Rev. Mr. Lewis, June i, 1868, when Ezra N. Fairchild, Mylo L. Gay, M. W. Barker, L. D. Smith, Joseph T. Titus, Mark J. Staley, and Silas Beardsley were elected vestry- men. The vestry then elected the following of- ficers: Senior Warden, E. N. P"airchild; Junior Warden, Mylo L. Gay ; Treasurer, Joseph T. Titus; Secretary, Mylo L. Gay; and E. N. Fair- child and M. W. Barker were elected la)' delegates to the Diocesan Convention to be held at St. John's Church in Kalamazoo. This is the last entry on the records of All Saints' and St. John's Churches of Howell, and soon afterwards the Episcopal Church ceased to exist as an organization in this village, its dissolution being hastened by the removal of some of its most active and influential members. Recently (in the latter part of 1878), the Board of Missions of the Elastern Diocese of Michigan sent the Rev. R. H. Dennis to Howell, and by him Episcopal services were held in the court-house, with considerable regularity, until about the first of September, 1879, when they were discontinued. THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AT HOWELL. Catholic worship has been held at Howell for many years. Probably the first priest who came 174 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. here was Rev. Father Kelly, who was located at Northfield, and later at Green Oak and Genoa. His first coming into this part of Livingston County is thought to have been as early as 1836 or '37. Other priests followed, and occasional ser- vices have been held here in private houses until the present time. Now, however, they are held regularly by the Rev. J. G. Dougherty, who is in charge of the Brighton parish, of which this is a station. The erection of a church was commenced here in August, 1878, and it is now completed ex- ternally, though not yet ready for occupancy. Its location is on the south side of Grand River Street, in the eastern part of the village. It is a commodi- ous building of brick with slated roof, and is 40 by 70 feet in dimensions. Its cost when finished will be about ^6000. CEMETERIES. The first burial-ground in Howell was situated upon the shore of Thompson Lake, near its south- ern extremity, on section 36, a short distance in a northerly direction from the house in which John D. Pinckney settled in 1834. The land for the purpose was given by Alexander Fraser, Mr. Pinckney, and Moses Thompson. The first per- son buried in this ground was Miss Davis, a sister of Mrs. Jonathan Austin, but the date of this burial has not been found. A considerable number of other burials were made there subsequently, but nearly all of them have since been removed to the newer grounds. A few remain, but there is noth- ing to mark the places of their interment. THE OLD CEMETERY. The ground known as the Old Cemetery, lo- cated one square directly east from the northeast corner of the court-house square, and at the east- ern and northern termini respectively, of North and Bernard Streets, was purchased from Edward Thompson, and laid out as a cemetery in 1840. The first interment in this ground was that of Henry Wheeler (son of Dr. Gardner Wheeler), who died January 16, 1841, aged nineteen years. Most of the remains from the old graveyard on the lake-shore were removed here, and this con- tinued to be used by the people of the village (and by many in the township) as their burial- place for more than a quarter of a century, until the opening of the new cemetery, on the west shore of Thompson Lake. Since that time, most of the remains have been disinterred and removed to the new inclosure. The old cemetery is now in disuse, and being wholly neglected, has become covered by a thick and tangled copse, which almost entirely hides from view the few memorial stones which still remain there. OAK GROVE CEMETERY. The Oak Grove Cemetery embraces fifteen and forty-four one-hundredths acres of land, which was conveyed by Albert D. Thompson, John H. Gallo- way, William and Alexander McPherson, William McPherson, Jr., and N. J. Hickey to the Howell Board of Health, April 17, 1867, for the purpose to which it has been devoted. It is situated in the northeastern part of the village corporation, at the east end of Thompson Street, which leads to its main entrance. The ground lies nearly in the form of a triangle, being bounded on its northern, north- eastern, and southeastern sides by the sheet of water known as Thompson Lake. Its south and west boundaries are straight lines, meeting in a right angle at the soutiiwest corner. The spot is beautiful by nature, having a rolling surface, well elevated above the waters of the lake, and covered (not too thickly) with forest-trees, among which the oak predominates, as is indicated by the name given to it. On the plan usually adopted in modern cemeteries, this ground is laid out in walks and avenues, and has been consider- ably beautified by art. Many of the remains origi- nally interred in the old burial-grounds have been removed to this, and upon its tablets are borne the names of many of the pioneers and early settlers of Howell. INCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE— HOWELL CIVIL LIST. Howell was made an incorporated village by an act of the Legislature of Michigan (approved March 14, 1863), which provided " that all that tract of country situate in the township of Howell, in the county of Livingston, in the State of Michigan, which is known and described as follows, to wit : section 35, section 36, the south half of section 25, and *he south half of section 26, in township No. 3, north of range No. 4 east, be, and the same is hereby made and constituted, a town corporate, by the name, style, and title of the village of How- ell ;" the officers of which were specified by the act to be a president, recorder, treasurer, assessor, and five trustees, to be elected annually on the first Monday in May. Under the provisions of this act the first charter election was held on the 4th of May, 1863. Following is a list of the village offi- cers then and there elected, as also of those elected in each succeeding year down to the present, viz. : l86j. — President, Saiclis F. Hiibljcll; Recoiiler, Andrew D. Wad- dell ; Treasurer, Asa Van Kleeck ; Assessor, John H. Galloway; Truslees, Marcus B. Wilcox, William R. Melvin, William McPheison, Jr., John Hovt, Philo Curlis. 1864. — rresident, Joseph M. Gilbert ; Recorder, My!o L. Gay ; Treasurer, Frederick J. Lee ; Assessor, John H. Gallo- VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 175 way; Tiuslces, Jolin Cummiskey, Nathan J. Hickey, George L. Clark, Luther M. Glover, V. R. T. Angel. 1S65.— rresklent, Sarilis F. Huhbcll : Recorder, Mylo L. Gay; Treasurer, Frederick J. Lee ; Assessor, John H. Gallo- way ; Trustees, James liowers, William R. Melvin, George L. Claik, William E. Huntley, Marcus B. Wil- cox. lS66. — rresident, Mylo L. Gay; Recorder, James Bowers; Treas- urer, William R. Melvin ; Asses.sor, Isaac W. Bush ; Trustees, George Taylor, John Jones, William E. Huntley, Frederick J. Lee, Sardis F. Huhbell. 1867. — President, Sardis F. Huljbcll ; Recorder, Joseph T. Titus; Treasurer, William R. Giiffilh; Assessor, Oren H. Winegar; Trustees, Andrew D. Waddell, William R. Melvin, Leander C. Smith, William E. Huntley, Geo. ■ L. Clark. 1868. — President, Andrew D. Waddell ; Recoider, Mylo L. Gay; Treasurer, Royal H. Rumsey ; Assessor, Oren H. Wine- gar; Trustees, Leander C. Smith, William E. Huntley, George L. Clark, Alexander McPherson, Henry H. Har- mon. 1869. — President, Mylo L. G.iy ; Recorder, Joseph T. Titus; Treasurer, Royal H. Rumsey; Assessor, Oren H. Wine- gar; Trustees, William E. Huntley, Edward McGunn, Sylvester Andrews, Henry P. Wheeler, Levi D. Smith. 1870.* — President, Henry H. Mills; Recorder, Dennis Shields; Treasurer and Marshal, H. C. Briggs ; Assessor, Wil- liam B. Curtis; Trustees, Albert Riddle, William C. Rumsey, Francis N. Monroe, Calvin Wilcox, Andrew D. Waddell. 1S71. — President, Sardis F. Hubbell; Recorder, Andrew D. Wad- dell ; Treasurer and M.irshal, Leonard N. Fishbeck ; Assessor, William B. Smith; Trustees, Neil O'Hearn, George H. Cooper, Floyd S. Wykoff, Charles G. Jewett, George Greenaway. 1872. — President, Sardis F. Hubbell; Recorder, .\ndrew D. Wad- dell; Treasurer and Marshal, Henry A. Whipple; As- sessor, Calvin Wilcox; Trustees, John W. Wright, George L. Sage, Robert C. Hutton, John M. White, John Jones. 1873. — President, Neil O'Hearn; Recorder, Edward B. Gregoi-y; Treasurer and Marshal, Hiram Hopper; Assessor, Harry J. Haven ; Trustees, Francis N. Monroe, Asa Van Kleeck, William Beattie, Sylvester Andrews, Elbert A. Young. 1874. — President, Francis N. Monroe; Recorder, Royal H. Rum- sey; Treasurer and Marshal, William Barnard; Asses- sor, Benjamin H. Ruberl ; Trustees, William W. Finton, James A. Preston, William E. Watson, E. B. Gregory, George Bush. 1S75. — President, Horace Halbert ; Recorder, E. P. Gregory; Treasurer and Marshal, William T. Barnard ; Assessor, F. G. Hickey; Trustees, John M. White, Roswell Molt, William B. Jewett, Frederick B. Brown, Erastus W.at- rous. * An act (approved March 4, 1869) amendatory to the act in- corporating the village, provided that the officers to be elected shall be a president, recorder, assessor, and five trustees, and " that the Common Council shall have power to appoint a street commis- sioner, a treasurer (who shall also be marshal of said village by virtue of his appointment as treasurer), and all other such officers as may be necessary under the provisions of this act," and the time of holding the elections was changed to the first Monday in Maich in each year. The village elections subsequent to 1869 have been heUI in conformity with this amendment, and conse- quently the persons who have held the offices of treasurer and piarshal since that year have been ajipoinlees of the Common Coun- cil. 1876. — President, Harry J. Haven; Recorder, Rollin H. Person; Treasurer and Marshal, record obscure ; Assessor, Albert Riddle; Trustees, Asa Van Kleeck, Robert A.Cham- bers, William L. Knapp, John W'. Wright, Neil O'Hearn. 1877. — President, Asa Van Kleeck; Recorder, Rollin H. Person; Treasurer and Marshal, Arthur F. Field ; Assessor, W. B.Smith; Trustees, R. H. Rumsey, L. N. Fishbeck, Stejihen S. More, R. A. Chambers, J. W. Wright. 1878. — President, Neil O'Hearn; Recorder, Royal H. Rumsey; Treasurer and Marshal, Thomas Clark; Assessor, Wil- liam B. Smith; Trustees, William H. Gilks, Leonard N. Fishbeck, Harry J. Haven, Frank Kelly, George H. Warren. 1879.— President, John H. Galloway; Recorder, Royal H. Rum- sey; Treasurer and Marshal, Thomas Clark; Assessor, Benjamin H. Rubert ; Trustees, Asa Van Kleeck, Mylo . L. (iay, William B. Smith, Francis N. Monroe, Leander C. Smith. FIRES IN HOWELL— FIRE DEPARTMENT. For more than twenty years after the laying out of Howell as a village the citizens of the place were peculiarly fortunate in their almost complete e.x- emption from losses by conflagration. Not more than three or four fires had occurred in the village during that time, and none of these resulted in more than comparatively trifling damage ; the largest of them being the two fires which con- sumed Chandler & Kneeland's saw-mill and Smith & Filkins' foundry, the first named of which oc- curred in 1S5 I. The first fire which inflicted severe loss upon the village occurred in the evening of Monday, Sept. 28, 1857, and swept away the Eagle Hotel, the first building erected on the original plat of the village in 1835, and nearly the entire line of buildings on the south side of Grand River Street, between Walnut and East Streets. The account of this fire, given by the Democrat in its next issue, was as follows : "A destructive fire broke out in this village at about seven o'clock on Monday evening. It commenced in the ' livery barn,' near Huntley's [Eagle] Hotel, which was soon wrapped in flames. The wind was blowing strongly from the northwest. Mr. Huntley's barn caught next, then his hotel, then Balcom's saloon, then Treadwell's saloon, and then the ' Old St.ige- House.' All of these buildings were consumed by the flames in about one hour and a half, in spite of the efforts of the citizens. The progress of the fire could not have been arrested here, had they not pulled down the four small buildings th.at stood on the east part of the same block. Owing to the high winds there was great danger of a large portion of the village being swept away. The burning cinders set fire to buildings nearly half a mile distant, which was happily extinguished. Nearly all the business men on the south side of Grand River Street, as far down as Vanderhoof's Hotel, removed their property into the street, which afforded a fine opportunity for thieving, and this the thieves employed. " No one can account for the origin of the fire. The heaviest loss occurs to Mr. Huntley, who has lost his all. His loss is esti- mated at S5000. Balcom's saloon was worth about $300, Judge Kneeland's building about S800, Judge Whipple's about SSoo, and the four small buililings pulled down were worth about Jiiooo. The barn, where the. fire originated, was owned by Mr. Green, of 176 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Detroit; loss about $200. There was no insurance on any of the buildings. Most of the personal property was saved ; much of it in a damaged state from the rashness of men." On the 22d of February, i860, Howell was again visited by a conflagration, which swept tlie west side of East Street, south of Grand River Street, destroying a number of buildings, among which were the Phoenix Foundry and Machine- Shop. The following account of this fire appeared in the Republican of February 28th : "Our village on Wednesday morning last again felt the ravages of the most destructive conflagration we have ever before experi- enced. The loss of property will not only be deeply felt by the owners and occupants of the various huihlings destroyed, but will very much affect the business prospects of the village, and the in- terests of the farmers and others in this vicinity, who have relied for nearly every useful implement of labor upon the shops, of which nothing now remains but a heap of ashes. The fire originated in the foundry and machine-shop of A. W. Smith & Co., which was totally destroyed. From thence it crossed the intervening space of about sixty feet to the carriage-shop of William R. Melvin, which, together with the blacksmith-shop attached, were almost instantly in flames. These latter were connected with the .shed and barn occupied by the Stage Company, and also the barn occu- pied by William E. Huntley & Son, all of which were owned by E. E. Hazard. The barns being old and filled with hay were soon on fire, and at this lime it appeared as though nothing short of a miracle could save the store on the corner owned by W. B. Smith, and occupied by Jewett & Crosman ; but l)y the almost superhuman exertions of a portion of the crowd, which by this time had as- sembled, a part of the rear of the building was removed, and water kept constantly pouring upon it from buckets, so that, although but a few feet from the barn last burned, this building was finally saved, and the ravages of the fire stayed. So far as we have been able to ascertain, the following are the estimates of the various losses: A. W.Smith & Co., loss in building, machinery, stock, tools, etc., $7200; insured for $4000. William R. Melvin, loss in building, stock, and tools, about S3500, no insurance ■ E. E. Hazard, two barns and shed, about Siooo; W. B. Smith, damage of building aliout $200, no insurance ; Jewett & Crosman, loss in removal of goods, about $400, insured ; J. I. Van Dusen, stock, etc., in the machine shop, about $125. The cause of the fire is not known, though it is generally supposed to have been the work of an incendiary, from the fact that when first discovered it was some distance from the stove, the only place where there had been any fire during the day ; also, we understand, the south door of the building was found to be unfastened, though securely locked by Mr. Van Dusen, who closed the shop for the night about eight o'clock. The severest loss is sustained by Mr. Melvin and Mr. Hazard, and particularly the former, who had, by energy and per- severance, made himself proprietor of a carriage- and wagon-shop second to none in the State. " With characteristic energy, however, Mr. Melvin commenced a new building while the embers of the old were still burning, and two days had not elapsed ere the 'anvil chorus' was ringing in his new shop." On both the occasions above mentioned the only means employed, or at hand, for arrestino- the progress of the fire was the demolition of threat- ened buildings (or the spreading of wet blankets and carpets on their roofs) and the throwing of water from hand-buckets. But even if fire-eno-ines had been on the spot they would have been use- less, for lack of an adequate supply of water. Im- mediately after the fire which destroyed the Phoenix Foundry a meeting of citizens was held in Howell (March 6, i860) to take measures for procuring a fire-apparatus for the village; but no results fol- lowed. By the provisions of the act incorporating the village the Common Council was authorized and empowered to compel the owners of buildings to procure and keep in readiness such number of fire- buckets and ladders as shall be ordered by the Common Council, and also to " establish and organ- ize all such fire-companies and hose and hook- and-ladder companies, and to provide them with such engines and other instruments as shall be necessary to extinguish fires and preserve the property of the inhabitants of said village from conflagrations, and to appoint, from among the in- habitants of said village, such number of men, willing to accept, as may be deemed proper and necessary to be employed as firemen," — the number of men so appointed not to exceed 50 for the man- agement of any one engine. On the 1 8th of January, 1868, the Common Council passed an ordinance establishing and de- fining, within the village of Howell, certain limits within which the erection of wooden buildings was prohibited. These limits have since been revised and enlarged. The question of procuring fire-apparatus for the village, which had first been seriously agitated at the meeting held immediately after the fire of Feb- ruary, i860, continued to be held under advisement and occasional discussion for about ten years before any definite action was taken, many arguing (and very reasonably) that it would be useless to pro- cure an engine until some means had been devised whereby such engine could be supplied with water in sufficient quantity to be of service in case of need. This objection of lack of an adequate water supply seemed well-nigh insurmountable, but finally, on the 24th of January, 1870, it was by the Common Council "Resolved, That Mr. J. L. Stone be authorized to procure for the village of Howell, and deliver the same on or before one month from this date, a fire-engine, called in the printed catalogue ' The Fire King,' and the Common Council will then pay for said en- gine ; provided that on a fair trial it shall prove to be as good as recommended, — that is to say, the said engine shall throw water one hundred and fifty feet at an angle of forty-five degrees, after being forced through fifty feet of hose, and that the machine sh.ill be a first-class machine in workmanship and material." But the trial of this engine did not prove entirely satisfactory ; and there is little doubt that this re- sult was a most fortunate one for the village of Howell, for it induced the adoption of a different and (for this place at least) a more efficient fire- apparatus. On the 3d of January, 1874, the Coun- VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 177 cil resolved " that the Champion Fire Extinguisher, now here on trial, be purchased for the sum of $2000 ; SiOOO to be paid in six months from date, and $1000 in eighteen months from date ; and that the president and recorder issue their orders ac- cordingly." This resolution was duly carried into effect, and so the village was at last provided with an efficient apparatus and equipment for the extin- guishment of fires. Having now an apparatus, it became necessary to form a company to have charge of and operate it ; and on the 14th of January in the same year, the Common Council "Kesolved, Th.it llie following-named pei-sons be conslituted a fire-company, to wit : John Neary, John McCIoud, William F. ("■rifiilh, Patrick Ilamniill, Thom.as Clark, Leonard Fishbeck, CJeorge Harrington, I'erley Skillieck, Frank .'Vckerman, Frank Archer, Charles G. Jewett, Mark Hubert, Homer Beacli, Theo- dore Huntley, E. A. Young, Thomas McEwen, Henry Wilber, Peler Clark, Hurt F. Parsons, Edward Waklron, H. F. lirowii- ing, Edward Greenaway, F. G. Hickey, H. G. Sellman, William Bcitlie, George L. Clark, G. S. Burgess, R. H. Brown, Cassius Austin, Thomas G. .Swilzer." On the next day these members met, and organ- ized as "Champion Fire Company, No. i, of Howell," the following being elected as its first officers : John Neary, Foreman ; Thomas Clark, First Assistant Foreman; Edward Waldron, Sec- ond Assistant Foreinan ; R. H. Brown, Pipeman ; John McCloud, Second Pipeman ; E. A. Young, Superintendent of Chemicals ; Henry Wilber, As- sistant Superintendent of Chemicals ; William F. Griffith, Secretary ; Patrick Hammiil, Treasurer. May 24, 1875, the Common Council passed a resolution to purchase from William McPherson & Sons a lot for an engine-house site, on the west side of East Street, north of Grand River Street — 25 feet front and 50 feet deep — at §875, payable in three equal payments ; and the president and re- corder were authorized and directed "to issue orders for said amounts of money." Mr. H. Hal- bert was appointed building committee, and was instructed " to do all acts and things relative to said building of an engine-house that in his judg- ment shall be expedient, and that he complete the same as soon as practicable, in such manner and style as shall be appropriate." The contract for building the engine-house was awarded, July 6, 1875, to Franklin Kelly, who completed the work in the fall of that year, and was settled with on the 29th of October, as follows: Amount of contract S2857.17 Ci>lern 50.00 Oilier extras IO-35 Total cost S2917.52 exclusive of the bell, which was procured after- wards. 23 The village has now a good fire apparatus, well housed, and in charge of an efficient company, whose officers for 1879 are Thomas Clark, Fore- man ; L. Ebner, First Assistant Foreman ; Thomas Eraser, Second Assistant Foreman ; Thomas Wine- gar, Treasurer ; W. A. Tucker, Secretary ; H. D. Wilber, Superintendent of Chemicals ; M. L. Mc- Kinley, Assistant Superintendent of Chemicals ; W. R. Knapp, First Pipeman ; R. H. Brown, Second Pipeman. HOWELL POST-OFFICE AND POSTMASTERS. The Howell post-office was established by the Post Office Depaitment, on the 15th of January, 1836. Following is a list of its several postmas- ters, with the dates of their appointments: Flavius J. B. Crane, appointed Jan. 15, 1836. Under Mr. Crane the office was kept in the Eagle Hotel of Amos Adams. Ely Barnard, appointed June 13, 1839. Under Mr. Barnard, the office was first located in the frame building which stood on the northeast cor- ner of the " old public square," but afterwards made John Curtis his deputy, and removed the office to the E. Y . Gay store building, opposite the southwest corner of the same square. Almon Whipple, appointed Feb. 9, 1841. Mr. Whipple, under this appointment, held the office less than four months, and during that time the business was continued in the Gay store, where it had been located by John Curtis, under Mr. Barnard. Wellington A. Glover, appointed May 31, 1841. During his term the office was continued in the same place. Mr. S. F. Hubbell, who was then reading law in the office of Mr. Glover, recollects acting for a time as his deputy. Almon Whipple (second term), appointed Sept. I, 1843. During this term Mr. Whipple kept the office in his store on the north side of Grand River Street, — the place now occupied by the .store of Greenaway & Son. George W. Lee, appointed April 14, 1849. Of- fice located in the store of Lee & Brother, where F. N. Monroe now is. Derastus Hinman, appointed June 7, 1853. Mr. Hininan remoxed the office to his store, in the buildine known as the " old fort," on the south side of Grand River Street. p-rank Wells, appointed Feb. 25, 1855. The office was kept by Mr. Wells in the drug-store, south side of Grand River Street, where now is Griffith's furniture-store. Leander C. Smith, appointed March 16, 1S61. p'or four years, under Mr. Smith, the office was located where it had been kept hy George W. 178 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Lee. After that time it was removed to the south side of Grand River Street, just west of Alexander McPherson's bank. Henry T. Clark, appointed March 8, 1 866; re- appointed June I, 1 868. The office was continued where it had last been kept by Mr. Smith, until the building was destroyed by fire, when it was re- moved to a building standing on what is now the site of the National Hotel. William W. Kenyon, appointed Aug. 20, i868; reappointed Dec. 10, 1873, at which time the Howell Post-Office became presidential. Under Mr. Kenyon the office was first located on the north side of Grand River Street, one door west of the store of William McPherson & Sons ; it was next removed to the south side of the street, where now is the drug-store of Spencer & Hutton; next to the Cardell Block, and finally to the quar- ters which it has occupied to the present time. Julius D. Smith, appointed Dec. 14, 1877, and the present postmaster of Howell. Mr. Smith has continued the office in the place where last located by Mr. Kenyon, south side of Grand River Street, a few doors west of the National Hotel. COURT-HOUSE AND COUNTY OFFICES. The county buildings, consisting of the court- house, the office of the County Clerk and Register of Deeds, and the office of the Judge of Probate and County Treasurer, are located on the court- house square, which lies on the north side of Grand River Street, with Main Street as its west- ern, and Court Street as its eastern, line. The laying out of this square and the erection of the county buildings on it have already been noticed in the general county history. BANKS AND BANKERS. The village of Howell luckily escaped the misfor- tune which was visited upon many other Michigan towns about forty years ago, — the establishment of a "wild-cat bank" within its borders. It is said that at one time (in 1837) a plan was suggested for the establishment of such an institution here ; but it failed of encouragement, and the disaster to the village and vicinity was averted. The banks of Howell have all been private en- terprises. The first of these was the " Exchange Bank," of Brockway, Embury & Co., which was established here in the fall of 1863; located on the south side of Grand River Street, where H. N. Beach's store now is. From this place, in 1865, it was removed by the proprietors to a building, which they had erected for the purpose, on Grand River Street above East, — the same wliich is now occupied by McPherson's Bank. The Exchange Bank was discontinued in 1868 by sale of busi- ness, fi.xtures, and real estate to Alexander Mc- Pherson. The bank of Alexander McPherson & Co. was opened in June, 1865, for the purchase and sale of government bonds, sale of exchange on New York and all Eastern and Western cities, and the trans- action of a general banking business, for which its capital was and is ample. The banking-rooms at first occupied were on the north side of Grand River Street, in the building previously occupied as a store by William Riddle. At the end of about four years they were removed to the present location of the bank (previously the banking- rooms of the Exchange Bank), south side of Grand River Street, just west of East Street. The bank of Weimeister & O'Hearn (John Wei- meister and Neil O'Hearn) was opened for a gen-' era! banking business in October, 186S, receiving its first deposit on the 19th of that month, and issuing its first draft on the following day. The business was commenced in a wooden building that stood on a part of the site now occupied by the National Hotel. From this place it was re- moved, in November, 1869, to Weimeister Block, a few doors farther west ; and on the 9th of Au- gust, 1879, was removed to its present quarters in the brick building (owned by the proprietors of the bank) on the south side of Grand River Street and adjoining the National Hotel on the east. ORDER OF ODDFELLOWS. HOWELL LODGE, No. 44, L O. O. F. The original petition, praying for the establish- ment of this lodge, is found on file with the ar- chives of the Grand Lodge of the State of Michi- gan. Of this document — which marks the first step taken towards the organization of a lodge of the order in Livingston County — the following is a copy : " To THE Grand M.\ster of the Grand Lodge of the State OF Michigan, of the L O. of O. F. : " The peiiiion of the under-iigned, holding withdrawal Cards from Lodges legally recognized by the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan, respectful y rejiresents that it would he consistent with the advantage of the Order to establish a subordinate Lodge, to be located at Howell, in the State of Michigan. " Wherefore your petitioners pray that a warrant may be issued, in pursuance of the Laws of said Grand Lodge. "Dated at Howell, this 21st day of August, 1849. (Signed) "Josiah Turner. James Mui.loy. Lemuel Spuoner. John B. Dillingham. L. K. Heweit. John A. Wheeler. James Swiney." Whereupon, on the 24th of August in the same )'ear, John Chester, Grand Master of the Grand VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 179 Lodge of the State, issued a dispensation author- izing and empowering the above-named petitioners "to constitute a Lodge in the village of Howell, Livingston County, and State of Michigan, to be known and hailed by the title of Howell Lodge, No. 44." How and when the lodge was instituted is shown by the report made by N. B. Nye, D. D. Grand Master, to Joseph E. Hyde, R. W. Grand Secretary, as follows : "Ann Arbor, Sept. 10, 1S49. "Dear Sir and Bro., — By direction of the M. W. Graiul M.islcr, I proceeded on the 5tli Inst, to Institute Howell Lodge, No. 44, at the Village of Howell, Livingston County, assisted by D. v. G. M. Little, of District No. 15, and I'. G. Grenville, of Washtenaw Lodge, No. 9. After initiating nine new memhers, and conferring the Degrees upon a number, I installed the Officers Elect for the current term as follows, viz. : " N. G., Josiah Turner. " V. G., L. K. Hewett. "Sec, J. B. Dillingham. " Treas., Lemuel Spooner. " There were quite a number of Brothers from the neighboring Lodges in attendance, and everything passed off in the true spirit of the Order. From my own acauaintance with the Officers and Members of Howell Lodge, No. 44, as well as their reputation, I doubt not that Lodge will become an ornament to the Order. " Respectfully "Yours in F. L. and T., "N. B. Nye, "Z>. D. G. M.jdDistr On the 31st of December, 1849, *''^ lodge con- tained the following-named members in good standing, viz. : Josiah Turner, P. G. Scarlet members: Lauren K. Hewett, N. G. ; Lemuel Spooner, V. G. ; Elisha E. Hazard, Sec. ; James Mulloy, Treas. ; Joseph H. Peebles, War- den ; John B. Dillingham, Con.; Charles C. Ells- worth, P. Sec; William B. Smith, O. G.; John A. Wheeler, Fred. J. Lee, Joseph B. Skilbeck, James Swiney, John Kenyon, Jr., Norman W. Hodges, Stephen Clark, Abijah W.Smith, George A. Smith, David Blackman. Member of the Fourth Degree : Chester Haz- ard. Member of the Third Degree : John D. Blanck. Members of the Second Degree : Gabriel Scott, John M. Ten Eyck. Members of First Degree : Henry Carnes, Ros- well Barnes. Members in the Initiatory Degree: Silas Beards- ley, James Fitz Jerould, John L. Wing, Henry H. Norton, Marvin Gaston, A. Sidney Hollistcr, Luther M. Glover, William A. Dorrance, William O. Archer, George Taylor, Austin Wakeman. The above names are copied from the official list made at that time by Y.. E. Hazard, Secre- tary, and by him certified to the R. W. Grand Secretary. It has been found impracticable to obtain any information additional to the above concerning Howell Lodge, No. 44, excepting that it con- tinued in existence for a number of years, and is now defunct. LIVINGSTON LODGE, No. 185, I. O. O. F. This lodge was organized at Howell, June 5, 1872, with the following-named charter members: Amos Eager, Lafayette Snow, Thomas Jeffrey, James A. Preston, E. B. Hosley, Martin Lignian. The following is a list of its Past Grands, viz. : Walter D. Whalen, T. B. Knapp, L. Snow, R. H. Rumsey, E. B. Vanderhoof, William R. Griffith, J. C. Axtell, George Blackburn. The present officers of the lodge are M. Vanzile. N. G. ; John Black, V. G. ; C. V. Bebee, R. S. ; E. B. Vanderhoof, P. S. ; W. D. Whalen, T. The lodge now numbers 47 members. HOWELL ENCAMPMENT OF PATRIARCHS, No. 61, I. O. O. F. This organization was formed at Howell, Dec. 30, 1873, with seven charter members, namely, Walter D. Whalen, Amos Eager, N. Brayton, M. S. Davis, T. B. Knapp, E. B. Hosley, A. T. Frisbee. The present number of members is 40, and its officers are: C. P., W. D. Whalen; S. W., J. C. Axtell; S., R. H. Rumsey; T. S., T. B. Knapp; T., E. B. Vanderhoof MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS. HOWELL LODGE, No. 38, F. and A. M. This lodge commenced working under dispen- sation from the Grand Lodge of the State of Mich- igan in the year 1849. It was chartered Jan. 10, 1850. The regular communications were held first in " Hintiian Block," Grand River Street, where Hub- bell Block now stands. After a year or two they were held in the third story of the " Lee Block," on the north side of the main street of Howell. Here they were continued for several j-ears, and then held in Greenavvay's Hall. From this place, after a few prosperous years, the lodge removed to Weimeister Block, and regidarly held its communi- cations there until 1875, when it was removed to the quarters which have been occupied until the present time, — Masonic Hall, Andrews and Winans' Block, north side of Grand River Street. The lodge has now a membership numbering 88. Its off'icers for 1879 are: W. M., Sardis F. Hubbell; S. W., Edwin Hud.son; J. W, John W. Wright; Sec, William C. Rumsey; Treas., Benjamin H. Rubcrt ; S. D., Robert H. Brown; J. D., Thomas Clark ; Tiler, Flavins J. Henshaw. i8o HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Following is a list of the Worshipful Masters of the lodge from the commencement of its working until the present time : 1S49, Amos Adams ; 1850 -53, Gardner Wheeler; 1854-55, Henry H. Har- mon; 1856-5S, Frederick C. Whipple; 1859-60, Sardis F. Hubbell; 1861, Frank Wells; 1862-63, Sardis F. Hubbell; 1864-65, Mylo L. Gay; 1866 -68, Joseph T. Titus; 1869, William C. Rumsey; 1870, Joseph T. Titus; 1871-72, Albert Riddle; '873-74. Sardis F. Hubbell; 1875-76, Albert L. Hathaway;* 1877-79, Sardis F. Hubbell. LIVINGSTON CHAPTER, No. 30, ROY.\L ARCH MASONS. This organization was formed in Howell, April 16, 1863, with nine charter members, viz., C. W. Haze, Henry H. Harmon, Sardis F. Hubbell, War- ren B. Green, M. B. Wilco.x, George Wilber, Wm. A. Clark, Joseph T. Titus, C. L. Farnum. The chapter, now numbering 62 members, holds its regular convocations at Masonic Hall, Howell. Its officers for 1879 a''^ William C. Rumsey, High Priest; William W. Kenyon, King; Perley H. Sex- ton, Scribe; Edwin Hudson, Captain of the Host; John W. Wright, Principal Sojourner; C. L. Van- dercook, Royal Arch Captain; Sardis F. Hubbell, Treas. ; Hugh Conklin, Sec; H. H. Clark, Grand Master Third Veil; Thomas B. Clark, Grand Master Second Veil ; J. L. Cook, Grand Master First Veil. HOWELL COMMANDERY, No. 28, OF KNIGHTS TEM- PLAR. This organization was formed April 7, 1870, the following-named being its charter members: Sardis F. Hubbell, Mylo L. Gay, Henry N. Spencer, T. C. Garner, W. H. Mallory, John Weimeister, B. H. Lawson, C. W. Haze, G. W. Hoff. At present the commandery embraces 24 mem- bers, with the following-named officers for 1879: Mylo L. Gay, Eminent Commander; Sardis F. Hubbell, Generalissimo; P^dwin Hudson, Captain- General ; Henry N. Spencer, Senior Warden ; John W. Wright, Junior Warden ; Pldwin B. Winans, Treas.; William W. Kenyon, Recorder; Henry H. Harmon, Prelate ; Perley H. Sexton, Svvord- Bearer; Ira O. Marble, Standard-Bearer; Halsted Gregory, Warden ; W. C. Loehne, Sentinel. HOWELL EASTERN STAR FAMILY. This society. Masonic in its nature, was organ- ized by Mrs. Mary A. Brown, at Masonic Hall, in Howell, March 6, 1S67, with 14 members. The first officers of the society were : Patron, Warren Green ; Patroness, Mrs. Z. F. Crosman : Conductor, * During 1876 Mr. Hathaway removed from Howell, and his erm was filled by William L. Knapp, Senior Warden. Joseph Finsterwald ; Conductress, Mrs. E. B. Greg- ory ; Recorder, Mrs. W. W. Carpenter; Treas- urer, Miss Emily Wheeler; Jephtha's Daughter, Mrs. M. B. Wilcox; Ruth, Mrs. S. F. Hubbell; Esther, Mrs. H. H. Harmon; Martha,- Mrs. Eliza Richards ; Electa, Mrs. Joseph M. Gilbert. On the 7th of March, 1867, an Eastern Star degree was conferred on Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shively, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Wisner, Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Crandall, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Chandler, Mrs. C. W. Barber, Miss Julia Winegar, E. E. Hazard, W. L. Knapp. The society received accessions until at one time it numbered 60 members ; but no charter was ever applied for, and it finally went down, the last meet- ing being held June 10, 1868. The officers for that year were H. H. Harmon, W. Patron ; Mrs. Z. F. Crosman, W. Patroness ; Mrs. F. S. Wykoff, Conductress ; Mrs. William C. Rumsey, Chap- lainess; Mrs. O. Cole, Treas.; Mrs. C. W. Barber, Sec; Mrs. M. B. Wilcox, Jephtha's Daughter; Mrs. S. F. Hubbell, Ruth ; Mrs. H. H. Harmon, Esther; Mrs. Elbert C. Bush, Martha; Mrs. Jo- seph M. Gilbert, Electa; F. S. Hardy, Watchman. GOOD TEMPLARS. HOWELL LODGE, No. Sn, I. O. of G. T. This lodge was organized in the Presbyterian church, in Howell village, by Past Grand Worthy Chief Templar Charles Russell, October 8, 1874, with J. D. Smith, Worthy Chief Templar; Mrs. H. G. Fry, Worthy Vice-Templar. The meetings were held for six months in S. Andrews' Hall ; then for two years in Greenaway's Hall ; from whence, in October, 1S77, the lodge removed to its present quarters in Knapp's Block. The mem- bership of the lodge is now 87. The officers for 1879 are W. D. Whalen, W. C. T. ; P. O'Brien, Sec'y ; T. B. Knapp, Treas. ; E. B. Vanderhoof, Deputy. THE HOWELL SHOOTING CLUB. The Howell Shooting Club was organized on the 13th day of February, in the j'ear 1878, with the following members : H. B. Blackman, B. H. Rubert, Charles G. Jewett, E. F. Mulliken, J. P. Titus, H. D. Wilber, H. N. Beach, L. S. Montague, P. D. Skilbeck, F. J. Lee, J. H. Galloway, G. L. Woolcott, A. D. Waddell, Judson Hall, B. F. Par- sons, R. H. Rumsey, E. G. Angel, H. Gregory, A. K. Tooley, J. M. Hoagland, Dennis Shields, and E. D. Galloway. At the same time a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the following officers were elected : President, H. B. Blackman ; Vice-President, L. S. Montague; Secretary, C. G. Jewett; Treasurer, B. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 181 H. Rubert; Executive Committee, H. B. Blackman {ex officio), H. Gregory, H. D. Wilbur, B. H. Ru- bert, C. G. Jewett. The object of the club is to enforce the laws for the protection of game and fish, and the encourage- ment among its members and others of the healthful sports of hunting and fishing by the active pursuit thereof in the field, supplemented by practice on the grounds of the club. Many others soon after became members of the club, until the membership at present is more than fifty, including nearly all professions and vocations of life. True to its purpose, the club soon after its organi- zation began to prosecute all violations of the game and fish laws which came to its notice, irrespective of persons. It met some opposition at first, but soon the public were generally con\ inced of the impar- tiality and unselfishness of its course, and lent much assistance to it, until a very healthy feeling has taken possession of the community in favor of the enforcement of these laws, as being for the benefit of all. The club has not been content merely to pre- serve, but has been active in increasing the supply of game and fish. It has caused 250,000 white fish, 150,000 salmon- trout, and 5000 Hudson River eels to be deposited in the lakes and rivers of this count)', and wild rice to be sowed in the shallow lakes to attract ducks and other water-fowl, and has the satisfaction of knowing that, from its measures of protection, propagation, and encouragement, game and fish are perceptibly increasing in this county. Soon after its organization the club became a member of the Michigan State Sportsmen's Asso- ciation, and has been ably represented by delegates in every meeting of such association since, and thereby has had a direct influence on the legisla- tion and sentiments of the whole State upon the subjects of game and fish. The club has done very much to promote good marksmanship and to familiarize the public with the use of the gun in the field. In addition to the numerous trials of skill for prizes, .special purses, etc., the club held a grand pigeon-shooting tour- nament of three days, beginning Aug. 7, 1878, and a grand gla.s.s-ball shooting tournament of three days, beginning Aug. 6, 1879, both of which were largely attended by sportsmen from all parts of this State, and from many other States, in which the club showed of what material it was composed by its members taking a majority of the purses offered. While a large number of its members have dis- tinguished themselves by their .skill in marksman- ship, it will not detract from any to make particular mention of one, — C. G. Jewett. Mr. Jewett, having excited comment by his par- ticularly fine shooting, entered in the match at Chicago, on May 26, 1879, for the badge offered by Capt. A. H. Bogardus for the best glass-ball shot in America, and won it by a decided victory over all competitors. He was soon after chal- lenged by Capt. Bogardus on behalf of George Buzzard, of Chicago, to shoot for the badge and $500. This match took place on the grounds of the club, in Howell, on Aug. 7, 1879, Mr. Jewett making the unprecedented score of ninety-eight out of one hundred balls, thrown from three Bo- gardus traps set ten yards apart, leaving him the undisputed champion glass-ball shooter of America. The present officers of the club are: President, H. N. Beach ; Vice-President, L. S. Montague ; Secretary, C. G. Jewett ; Treasurer, B. H. Rubert ; Executive Committee, H. N. Beach {ex officio'), Calvin Wilcox, C. G. Jewett, E. F. Mulliken, and R. H. Rumsey. The club is on a firm financial basis, and has a broad field of usefulness before it which it will not fail to improve. THE DETROIT, LANSING AND NORTHERN RAILROAD. The construction of this road and its opening in 1871 have been noticed in the general history of the county. Passing in a northwesterly direction through a corner of Marion, it enters Howell vil- lage across its southern line, a little east of the centre, continues in the same general direction for about one and three-eighths miles through the territoiy of the corporation, and then crosses its west line into Howell township. Its passenger station is located at the foot of Fleming Street, and contiguous to this are the other buildings of the company. This railroad line has been of great advantage to Howell during the eight years of its operation. The township and village of Howell together contained 2813 inhabitants, by the census of 1874, and now the village alone contains — by estimation — nearly or quite that population. There are {e.\\ villages in this or in any State which occupy better or more eligible locations than that of Howell, — few of its size which pre- sent a more attractive and imposing appearance on approach from all directions. It is well built, containing an unusual number of large and sub- stantial brick structures, and among its mercantile establishments there are some which cannot be surpassed by any, in the same line of trade, in any town or cit)' of Michigan. l82 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ^/ HON. JOSIAH TURNER. A HON. JOSIAH TURNER, JUDGE Ob' THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. This distinguished gentleman was born on the first day of September, a.d. i 8 i i , in the old patriotic township of New Haven, Addison Co., in the State of Vermont, and received his academical education at the famous schools of Middlebury and St. Albans, immediately after which he entered his name and commenced his legal studies in the office of his uncle, Hon. Bates Turner, formerly one of the judges of the Supreme Court of that State. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1S33, and opened his office in the village of West Berkshire. In January, 1835, he married a daughter of Dr. Ells- worth, of Berkshire, Vt., and in 1840 followed the great tidal wave of emigration to this State, and settled at Howell, the county-seat of Living- ston County, where he at once resumed the prac- tice of his profession. Two years after taking up his new residence he was elected clerk of the county, and held the office for si.x years ; and also held in rapid succes- sion the honorable positions of justice of the peace, township clerk, and master in chancery. Upon the establishment of the County Court system, in 1846, he was elected judge of Living- ston County, and held the position with great credit to himself until the change was made in the judi- ciary of the State by the adoption in 1850 of the new constitution. At the general State election in 1856 he was elected Judge of Probate for the same county. His personal popularity was such, added to his professional character, that notwithstanding the Democratic party held a very large majority in the county he was triumphantly elected, although running on the opposition (Republican) ticket. In May, 1857, he was appointed by the well-de- served favor of his old friend. Gov. Kinsley S. Bingham, to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court bench, and in the same year was elected Circuit Judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, for the term of six years, at the expiration of which he was again nominated and elected, and re-elected in 1869; and with increasing satisfaction to the profession and to the public, he was again, and for the fourth period, in 1S75, re-elected without any opposition, — thus making, if he lives to the end of his present term, a continuous occupancy of a judicial position for twenty-four years and nine months. Judge Turner has held the Circuit Court in forty counties of the State, and in every circuit but one. In i860, with the view of getting nearer the centre of his circuit. Judge Turner changed his residence to Owosso, in the county of Shiawassee. Here he served the municipality of that city as ^ng'^byi^oEPu-Jie !■• ^ /AQ,^ /7^/uan WILLIAM Mcpherson, of Howell, Liviiisjjston Co., Midi., wa.s born in Gortlich, in the parish of Bole.skin, in Inverness- shire, Scotland, Jan. 16, 1804. His parents were Martin and Elizabeth (Mcintosh) McPherson. His father was a blacksmith. In 1813 he re- moved with his family to the city of Inverness, where he carried on his business of blacksmithing for several years. Here William attended school and received a fair common-school education. After leaving school he was employed for about five years as shepherd and as servant and attendant to the minister of the parish. When he was about nineteen years of age he commenced work in his father's shop, and learned the trade of blacksmith of him. After acquiring his trade, he worked for several years as journeyman blacksmith in differ- ent places in the north of Scotland. In 1829, when he was twenty-five years of age, he estab- lished himself in business and opened a shop of his own in the village of Aberchirder, in Banffshire. April 7, 1831, he married Elizabeth Riddle, of the parish of Grange, Banffshire. He continued in business in Aberchirder for about seven years, during which time, by hard work and constant attention to business, he accumulated a small prop- erty. Here his three eldest children, Isabella, William, and Alexander, were born. In 1836 he emigrated to America with his family. He came direct to Michigan and settled at Howell, then called Liv- ingston Centre, arriving there September 17th of the same year. The village of Howell at that time consisted of one frame building. This building was used as a hotel. In it were also located the county offices of the new settlement and a small store kept by F. J. B. Crane. Mr. McPherson at once built him.self a log house, and in a log shop adjoining, commenced work at his trade of blacksmithing. In this he continued for about si.x years. In 1841 heandjosiah Turner, now circuit judge of the seventh circuit of Michigan, opened a small store, Mr. McPherson contributing part of the cap- ital and Mr. Turner managing the business, Mr. McPherson at the same time continuing his black- smith business on his own account. After contin- uing the merchandise business with Mr. Turner for about a year, they sold out to Giles Tucker. In 1843 he bought a half-interest in the stock and store of E. B. Taylor, and, discontinuing his blacksmith business, turned his attention entirel)' to trade. They did business for about two years together, under the firm-name of Taylor & McPher- son. After being thus associated for about two years, he bought his partner's interest in the business. From this time he has continued uninterruptedly and with success in the mercantile business. From 1852 to 1856 he was in partnership with William Riddle in the firm of McPherson & Rid- dle. In 1856 he associated his eldest son, William McPherson, Jr., in business with him, under the firm-name of William McPherson & Co. In 1864 another son, M.J. McPherson, was admitted to the business. In 1867 another son, E. G. McPher- son, was admitted. Since 1864 the name of the firm has been William McPherson & Sons. From 1856 this firm has had a steady growth and has done an increasing business. It has long been noted for enterprise and reliability. As a business man Mr. McPherson's marked character- istics have been energy, industry, and prudence. In 1864, when the Detroit and Howell Rail- road Company was organized for the construction of a railroad from Detroit to Howell, Mr. McPher- son was elected a director, and treasurer of the company. In this position he continued for about five years, doing much hard and difficult work. The original company were unable to carry out their project, but a new company composed prin- cipally of Eastern capitalists completed the work, and the road is now known as the Detroit, Lan- sing and Northern Railroad. He assisted in the organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Howell in 1838, and has been a member ever since. He has four sons, William, Alexander, Martin John, and Edward G. All are living in Howell. Three are associated with him in the mercantile business, and one is engaged in banking. He has also four daughters, — Isabella, wife of H. H. Mills ; Elizabeth, wife of E. P. Gregory ; Mary L., wife of H. T. Browning; and lilla, wife of I-"red .\. Smith. SEYMOUR E. HOWE. Seth Howe, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Coniiecticut in 1776, wiiere he spent his early childhood, and from whence his parents moved to Pennsylvania. There he grew to man- hood and married a Miss Washburn, by whom he had several children. Then, hearing glowing stories of western New York, he emigrated thither, accompanied by an elder brother, settling on what was then called the " Holland Purchase." His farm was situated in the town of Elba, Genesee Co. There his family increased to the number of ten children, Seymour E. beine the ninth child. I" our years after this event his wife died. Mr. Howe had a severe struggle, the country being new, heavily timbered, and sparsely settled, with a large family to provide for, a wilderness-farm to clear, and help scarce. Yet he never faltered. Working hard during the week, on the Sabbath he would gather the neighbors together and preach to them the glad news of salvation. This he kept up for forty years, or as long as he lived. Two years after the death of his first wife, he married a Mrs. Dunning, by whom he had one child, a daughter. Seymour F.., when about six years old, went to live with his oldest brother, who was married and followed farming and painting. With him he was associated until his sixteenth year, and received some knowledge of both occupations. At this time many of his older brothers and sisters were married and scattered. Three of them, having gone to Michigan, had settled at Dexter, Washte- naw Co. Soon after Seymour attained the age of sixteen years, he, too, started for Dexter. He was then living about forty miles from Buffalo, which distance he accomplished on foot, carrying his worldly all in a small knapsack. He took pass- I age on the steamboat " Columbus" to Detroit, the trip taking over six days. He was still fifty miles from Dexter, where his friends lived. This dis- tance he walked, as he had not money enough to hire a public conveyance. Arriving at Dexter, his brothers and sisters gave him a very cordial greet- ing, one of whom, a carriage-maker, offered him employment, which he accepted and commenced work at once. He soon after went to work for an- other brother, in the clock business. He remained with his brother nearly seven years and then re- turned to the home of his childhood. He found his father and friends well, and received the prodi- gal's greeting. His father wishing him to remain with him while he lived, he concluded to do so, and soon after married Miss P. A. Boutell, with whom he is still living. Here they remained until after the death of his father, which occurred on the 14th of June, 1852. Oct. 14, 1856, he started again for Michigan, and in due season arrived and located in the town of Howell, Livingston Co., upon section 15. Through the kindness of David Blackman and family, he obtained a comfortable log house free of rent the first winter. But the usual casualties and hard struggles incident to a new country and climate awaited them, and for the first five or six years it was living from hand to mouth. But, by the bless- ings of a kind Providence, a change came ; they were again blessed with health. The older chil- dren became helpful, and from that time to the present it has been one continued season of pros- perity. The log house has been displaced, and a large and convenient dwelling erected, and their vessel is now under full sail, with a fair prospect of a happy termination of life's voyage. VILLAGE OF HOWELL. 183 mayor in 1864, and was again chosen in the follow- ing year. At the Constitutional Convention, held at Lan- sing in 1867, he was elected for the county of Shiawassee, and became at once an active and valuable member, — serving on the committee of the judiciar)', and chairman of the committee on schedule. Throughout the long period of his public and judicial life, from its very commencement up to the present period. Judge Turner has been dis- tinguished by patience and industry, and a de- termination to do what is right whenever and wherever that could be known, and it is this principle which has won from those who admin- ister the law the respect and confidence of the people. To the members of the bar, whether old or new practitioners, he has ever exhibited a kindliness of disposition, an unwavering courtesy of demeanor, and a display of characteristics which so happily become a judge, whether sitting in equity, at nisi prius, or in the performance of professional duties in chambers. The family of Judge Turner con- sisted of five children, three of whom are now living, viz., Hon. Jerome Turner, of Owosso, State Senator from 1868 to 1870, and now mayor of that pros- perous and enterprising city ; Lucia, the wife of Hon. H. M. Newcomb, of Ludington ; and Miss Nellie Turner. S.\RDIS F. HUBBELL. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, has been a resident of the village of Howell for more than a quarter of a century, and is one of the prominent members of the Livingston County bar. He was born June 10, 1820, at Newburg, Ohio, a place which is now embraced within the limits of the city of Cleve- land. His father, Adoniram Hubbell, was a native of Connecticut. His mother, Laura (Fuller) Hub- bell, born in Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., was a lady of rare intellectual ability and culture. She died April 1 1, 1850. In or about the year 1819, Adoniram Hubbell emigrated VV'est and settled in Ohio, where he worked at his trade — that of a hatter — until the year 1835, when he removed with his family to Hartland, Livingston Co., Mich., located a piece of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, in connection with the business of his trade, which he carried on in the winter .seasons, until 1841, after which he gave his whole attention to farming. He died Aug. 8, 1852. His son, Sardis F., to whom this sketch has especial reference, had at- tended the common schools of Newburg, Ohio, until he reached the age of fifteen years, at which time he removed with his parents to Hartland. Here he attended a select school for a time, and after leaving it, assisted his father in business until about 1 839, when he was nineteen years of age. He then entered the office of Josiah Clark, M.D., for the purpose of studying medicine, but finding this uncongenial to his taste, he abandoned it after a year's trial, and in 1840 commenced reading law in the office of Wellington A. Glover, of Howell, then prosecuting attorney of the county of Liv- ingston. In this he applied himself so closely that at the end of a year he found his health im- paired, and as a consequence he was compelled to suspend study for about two years. On the 15th of May, 1843, he entered the office of Augustus C. Baldwin, of Milford, Oakland Co., where he studied hard for more than three years. He was admitted to the bar in Pontiac, Dec. 16, 1846, and at once commenced practice in Oakland County, where he continued for eight years, having been during that time (November, 1850) elected repre- sentative in the State Legislature. In the spring of 1854 he removed from Milford to Howell, where he at once engaged in the business of his profession. In the fall of that year he was elected Circuit Court Commissioner, and in the fall of 1858 was elected prosecuting attorney of Livingston County. He was again elected to the same office in 1862, and re-elected in 1864. Mr. Hubbell has been closely identified with the interests of Livingston County, and in particular, with those of Howell. He has filled the office of president of the village for three terms, and that of director of the school board for two terms. He has always taken a deep interest in the advance- ment of education. In religious belief he favors that of the Baptist denomination, and attends the services of that church. In politics he is and always has been a Democrat. In 1854 he joined the Masonic fraternity, and was Master of the Howell Lodge from 1859 to 1863 inclusive, and again from 1876 until the present time. He took part in the organization of the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Howell, and was elected its High Priest. He assisted in organizing the Commandery of Knights Templar, and filled the office of Emi- nent Commander for two terms. He was also District Deputy Grand Master for the Si.xth Ma- sonic District for the years 1873 and 1874. He has been twice married: first, Aug. 14, 1848, to Miss P'mily A. Mowry (who died Dec. 29, 1862), and the second time, to Mrs. Helen M. Carlin, Aug. 14, 1S64. Of his three children by the first marriage, two sons are now living. HOWELL TOWNSHIP. The township of Howell is that which is desig- nated on the United States survey as No. 3, north of the base line, in range 4, east of the principal meridian of the State. It is bounded on the west by the township of Handy, and on the north by Cohoctah. Its eastern line — against the township of Oceola — and its southern boundary, on which it joins Marion, are the central lines of Livingston County, the former traversing it from north to south, and the latter from east to west. The water-courses of Howell are not numerous, nor is their supply more than moderately abund- ant. The principal of these is the south branch of the Shiawassee River, which, taking its rise in the lakes of Marion, flows north, nearly through the centre of Howell, into Cohoctah. This is here a sluggish stream, and for a considerable part of its course through Howell is bordered by swamps ; but it furnishes two water-powers of small ca- pacity, which have, in past years, done some ser- vice to the people of the town, by propelling mills for grinding grain, sawing lumber, and dressing cloth. The east branch of Cedar River also enters tlie township from Marion, and,- crossing the three southwestern sections of Howell, passes into Han- dy, where it joins the main Cedar. Thompson Lake lies partly within the original township, but in that part which is now included in the village corporation of Howell, as has already been mentioned in that connection. From the north end of this lake issues an outlet stream, which passes north and east through the north part of section 25 and the southeast part of sec- tion 24 of this township, and enters Oceola, but returns into Howell on section 12, and then flows north, through that and section i, into Cohoctah, where it is known as Bogue Creek, and where it finally joins the Shiawassee River. The surface of Howell township is undulating, but cannot be termed hilly. The altitude of some parts of it is perhaps nearly as great as that of any part of the county, but the elevations of land are less abrupt, and not so high with reference to sur- rounding country, as is the case in some of the other (particularly the southeastern) townships of Livingston. A great part of the area of Howell was originally covered with " oak-openings," and 184 in these the soil, although not so strong as that of heavy timbered lands, was of a quality well adapted to the purposes of agriculture, and more profitable for settlers than that lying beneath the denser forest growth, because it could be made available for crops in less time and with less labor. The swampy lands along the streams, and in some other parts of the township, are justly regarded as blem- ishes upon the face of the country, yet they were positive blessings to the pioneer farmers who settled here, for they were enabled to feed their stock on the coarse wild marsh grasses during the time which necessarily elapsed before the lands could be cleared and crops raised for their subsistence. LAND-ENTRIES. The first entry of land in this township was made by Orman Coe, of Genesee County, New York, May 20, 1833, and embraced the east half of the southwest quarter of section 27. The next* was by Checkley S. Palmer, of Genesee Co., N. Y., it being the west half of the northwest quarter of section 25. The later entries are shown by the following list, which is of the names of all pur- chasers from the United States of lands on the several sections in Howell township, with the dates and descriptions of their purchases : SECTION I. BicUfurd P. Hutchinson and Silas Titus, of Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. iS, 1S36. Southeast quarter and northeast fractional quarter. Edward Peck, of Genesee Co., N. Y., M.iy 23, 1836. West half of the southwest quarter. Joseph Heath, of Monroe Co., N. Y., June 9, 1836. Northwest fractional quarter. Daniel Bouleil, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1836. East half of the south webt quarter. SECTION 2. William W. .Shutes, Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 19, 1S35. South part of northwest fractional quarter. Ezra Frishce, Montgomery Co., N. Y.,Oct. 19, 1835. North part of northwest fractional quarter. » In mentioning this as the next entry in the township after that of Mr. Coe, it is meant that this was the next made in the town- ship, except such as were made on sections 35 and 36, and the south half of sections 25 and 26, which have been named in the history of Howell village. So in regard to all matters pertaining to the history of the township, this is to be understood as a narrative of events occurring in the territory of the township outside the cor- poration limits of Howell vill.ige, but embracing nothing within those limits. 1 I ■Ji 1 % % HOWELL TOWNSHIP. 1S5 William S. Gregory, Wayne Co., Mich., May 23, 1836. Soulh part of norlhe.ist rractional quarter. Patrick Tobin, Livingston Co., Mich., May 28, 1836. Southwest (luarter. Horace Heath and Apollos Smith, United States, June 10, 1S36. Norlh part of northeast fr.actional quarter. Harvey S. Bradley, Niagara Co., N. V., Oct. 22, 1S38. E.ist half of southeast quarter. Joseph Bradley, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 2, 1838. Northwest quarter of southeast quarter. Maria Br.idley, W.iyne Co., Mich., Feb. 5, 1839. Southwest quarter of soullieast quarter. SECTION 3. John .Sanford, Oakland Co., Mich., July 8, 1834. Northwest frac- lional quarter. William Carpenter, Niagara Co., N. V., May 21, 1836. West half of southwest quarter. Ebenezer Warren, Livingston Co., N. Y., M.ay 21, 1836. West half of southeast quarter and east half of southwest quarter. Henry W. Randall, Niagara Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836. East half of southeast quarter. John Sanford, Livingston Co., Mich., June 8, 1836. North part of northeast fractional qu.arter. David Hyde, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 16, 1846. Southwest quarter of northeast quarter; Feb. 23, 1S48, southeast quarter of northeast quarter. SECTION 4. Samuel M. Spencer, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 7, 1S36. West half of soullnvest quarter. Garret S. Lake, Livingston Co., N. Y., M.iy 28, 1836. South- west quarter of southeast quarter. Mark Healy and B. B. Kercheval, United States, May 28, 1836. East half of southwest quarter, east half of southeast quarter, northwest quarter of southeast quarter. Purdy Williams, New York City, June 15, 1S36. West half of northwest fractional quarter. William Hyde, Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1854. East half of northeast fr.ictional quarter. Almon Whipple, Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 23, 1854. East half of northwest fractional quarter, west half of northeast fractional quarter. SECTION s. Nathan Chidester, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 4, 1S36. Northeast fractional quarter. W'illiam Slater, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 5, 1836. Northwest fractional quarter, west half of southwest quarter, northeast quarter of southwest quarter. Samuel N. Spencer, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 7, 1836. East half of southeast quarter. William Slater, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836. Southeast quarter of southwest quarter. John W. Pierce, Wayne Co., Mich., June 24, 1836. West half of southeast quarter. SECTION 6. Joseph B. Craft, Livingston Co., N. Y., M.iy 5, 1836. Northwest fractional quarter. Justus Boyd, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 5, 1836. Northeast frac- tional quarter, east half of southeast quarter, and northwest quarter of southeast quarter. Charles P. Bush, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 9, 1836. North part of southwest fractional quarter. William Horton, New York City, June 15, 1836. Soulh half of southwest fractional quarter and southwest quarter of south- east quarter. SECTION 7. Joseph Porter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 21, 1834. West part of sonlhwest fractional quarter. 24 John Bennet, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 14, 1835. Northwest fractional quarter. Jeremiah Greenfield, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1835. East part of southwest fractional quarter and southwest quarter of southeast quarter. Nathan Chidester, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 4, 1836. East half of northeast quarter. Stephen S. Bullock, Wayne Co., Mich., June 14, 1836. East half of southeast quarter and west half of northeast quarter. Garret S. Lake, Livingston Co., Mich., April 13, 1S37. North- west quarter of southeast quarter. SECTION 8. William H. Townsend, New York City, Oct. I, 1835. Southeast quarter. William C. Blackwood, .Seneca Co., N. Y., May 6, 1836. North- west quarter. Ramsey McIIenry, B. B. Kcicheval, Mark Healey, and O. T. Smith, United States, May 14, 1836. Northeast quarter. Healey & Kercheval, United States, May 28, 1836. Southwest quarter. SECTION 9. Isaac R. Stone, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1835. West half of southwest quarter. William R. Spofford, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 20, 1S36. West half of northwest quarter. Lester K. Gould, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836. East half of northwest quarter and cast half of southwest quarter. Garret S. Lake, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 28, 1836. Northeast quarter. Edward C. Douser, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836. West half of southeast quarter. \Villi.am Bloodworth, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. g, 1837, East half of southeast quarter. SECTION 10. Harry W. Phillips, Niagara Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836. South half of section. William Carpenter, Niagara Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836. North half of section. SECTION II. Moses Thompson, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1835. East half of southeast quarter. Anthony Shaw, Saratoga Co., N. Y.. May 21, 1S36. Northwest quarter. Patrick Tobin, Livingston Co., Mich., May 28, 1836. Southwest quarter. Aaron Sickels, May 8, 1838. Southeast quarter of northeast quarter. John F. Sickels, May 8, 1838. Northeast quarter of northeast quarter. Odell J. Smith, Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 4, 1S38. Southwest quarter of northeast quarter and northwest quarter of south- east quarter. Levi D. Smith, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. i, 1855. Northwest quarter of northeast qu.arter. Charles L. Ferguson, July 5, 1853. Southwest quarter of south- east quarter. Levi D. Smith, Livingston Co., Mich., February 24, 1854. Northwest quarter of northeast quarter. SECTION 12. Moses Thompson, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1835. West half of southwest quarter. Ezra J. Mundy, Livingston Co., Mich., April 30, 1836. South- west quarter of southeast quarter. John F. Sickels, Wayne Co., N. Y., M.-»y 18, 1836. Northeast quarter and northwest quarter, east half of southwest quarter, east half of southeast quarter, and northwest quarter of south- eitst quarter. 1 86 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SECTION 13. George W. Teeple, Steuben Co., N. Y., July 7, 1835. Southwest qu.irter of southwest quarter. Ezra J. Mundy, Livingston Co., Mich., April 30, 1836. West half of northeast quarter and east half of northwest quarter. E. Thompson, Livingston Co., Mich,, May 27, 1836. Northeast quarter of northeast quarter. Lewis Thompson, Livingston Co., Mich., May 27, 1836. North- west quarter of southwest quarter and east half of southwest quarter. Patrick Tobin, Livingston Co., Mich., May 28, 1836. West half of northwest quarter. Levi HotchUiss, Livingston Co., Mich., July 28, 1836. Southeast quarter and southeast quarter of northeast quarter. SECTION 14. George W. Teeple, Steuben Co., N. Y., July 7, 1835. Southeast quarter of southeast quarter. Orrin H. Harding, Niagara Co., N. Y., Sept. 28, 1835. South- west quarter. Elijah Gaston, Livingston Co., Mich., May 2, 1S36. West half of northwest quarter. Edward Peck, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. West half of northeast quarter. William S. Gregory, Wayne Co., Mich., May 23, 1836. East half of northeast quarter and northeast quarter of southeast quarter. Patrick Tobin, Livingston Co., Mich., May 28, 1836. East half of northwest quarter. Victory Curtis, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 24, 1836. West half of southeast quarter. SECTION 15. Orrin H. Harding, Niagara Co., N. Y.,Sept. 28, 1835. East lialf of southeast quarter. Mortimer B. Martin, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 15, 1S36. North- west quarter. George Curtis, Livingston Co., Mich., May 2, 1836. East half of northeast quarter. John Curtis, Livingston Co., Mich., May 2, 1836. West half of northeast quarter. Ramsey McHeniy, B. B. Kercheval, Mark Healey, O. T. Smith, May 24, 1836. Southwest quarter. Benjamin J. Spring, Livingston Co., Mich., June 24, 1836. West half of southeast quarter. SECTION 16. SCHOOL LANDS. Mary Jones, Jan. 21, 1848. Southeast quarter of southwest quarter. J. La Grange, April 17, 1848. Northwest quarter of southeast quarter. A. La Grange, June 14, 1848. Southwest quarter of southwest quarter. William Moore, June 12, 1849. Northeast quarter of northeast quarter. Anson La Grange, March 11, 1851. Southeast quarter of south- west quarter. O. P. Brayton, April 30, 1S51. Southeast quarter of northeast quarter. Chas. O. Reed, June 28, 1851. North half of southwest quarter. John La Grange, Aug. l6, 1851. Southeast quarter of northwest quarter. Nicholas Lake, Jr., Jan. 4, 1853. Southeast quarter of northwest quarter. William Moore, Jan. 19, 1853 Southwest quarter of northeast quarter. C. A. Dorrance, Oct. 8, 1853. Northwest quarter of northwest quarter. J. McDaniels, Oct. 14, 1853. Northwest quarter of northeast quarter. E. Marr, Oct. 17, 1853. Southwest quarter of northwest quarter. Robert McLean, Oct. 20, 1853. Northeast quarter of northwest quarter. J. Whipple, Aug. 7, 1S54. Northeast quarter of northeast quarter. SECTION 17. Chilson Sanford, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 25, 1834. East half of southwest quarter. Whitely Woodruff, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1834. South- west quarter of southwest quarter. Samuel Waddell, Oakland Co., Mich., July 14, 1835. E.ist half of southeast quarter. Clement Stebbins, Oakland Co., Mich., Sept. 29, 1835. South- west quatter of southeast quarter. William H. Townsend, New York City, Oct. I, 1835. Northeast quarter. Flavins J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1835. North- west quarter of southwest quarter. Abram A. Van Nest, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 16, 1836. Northwest quarter. Henry Lake, Livingston Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Northwest quarter of southeast quarter. SECTION 18. James Hiscock, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 18, 1834. East half of southeast quarter. Alfred A. Dwight, Wayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. West half of southeast quarter. Bickford P. Hutchinson and Silas Titus, W.ayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. East half of northwest quarter. Morgan Lyon, Chenango Co., N. Y., Sept. 28, 1S35. Northeast quarter. Edwin Hubbard, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 14, 1835. East half of southwest fractional quarter. Ilaivey Huljbard, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 14, 1835. West half of northwest fractional quarter. Ebenezer Demmon, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 25, 1837. West part of southwest fractional quarter. SECTION 19. Clement Stebbins, O.akland Co., Mich., Sept. 29, 1835. East half of northeast quarter. Mark Healy and B. B. Kercheval, United States, M.ay 28, 1836. Southeast quarter, southwest fractional quarter, northwest frac- tional quarter, and west half of northeast quarter. SECTION 20. Chilson .Sanford, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 25,1834. North- west quarter. Sterry Lyon, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 21, 1S34. East half of northeast quarter. Nancy Gregory, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 20, 1835. West half of northeast quarter. Charles S. Gregory, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 20, 1835. West half of southeast quarter and southeast quarter of southeast quarter. Bickfurd P. Hutchinson and Alfred A. Dwight, Wayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. Northe.ast quarter of southeast quarter. Flavins J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1835. South- west quarter. SECTION 21. Elisha H. Smith, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1834. West half of southwest cpiarter. Villeroy E. Smith, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 22, 1835. West half of noithwest quarter. John W. Smith, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 22, 1835. Southeast quarter of southwest quarter. Robert Pixley, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 1835. East half of northeast quarter, southwest quarter of northeast quarter. HOWELL TOWNSHIP. 187 Isaac R. Stone, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1835. Southeast quarter. Jarvis W. Carr, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1835. East half of northwest quarter. Josiah Snow and George W. H. FIsk, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 8, 1836. Northeast quarter of southwest quarter. John W. Smith, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 12, 1837. North- west quarter of northeast quarter. SECTION 22. Dennis Hogan, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 23, 1855. Souih- west quarter. Paul D. Cornell and Alonzo Cornell, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July II, 1835. West half of northwest quarter and northeast quarter of northwest quarter. Peter Brewer, Niagara Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1S35. .Soulhe.ist quarter of southeast quarter. Daniel Case, Livingston Co., Mich., March 10, 1836. Northeast quarter of southeast quarter and southeast quarter of northeast quarter; ."^pril 4, 1836, northeast quarter of northeast quarter. Luther B. Willard, Wayne Co., Mich., April 23, 1836. West half of northeast quarter; Aug. 6, 1836, southeast quarter of north- west quarter. Paul .Stowell, Genesee Co., N. Y., March 9, 1S37. West half of southeast quarter. SECTION 23. Agnes Wood, Niagara Co., N. Y., June 2, 1836. Northeast quar- ter of northwest quarter. Victory Curtis, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 24, 1836. West half of northeast quarter. Bickford P. Hutchinson and Silas Titus, Wayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. East half of southeast quarter. Moses Thompson, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Aug. 18, 1835. East half of northeast quarter. Sally Johnston, Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 10, 1S35. Southeast quarter of southwest quarter. David Wadhams, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1835. Southwest quarter of southeast quarter. Peter Brewer, Nl.agara Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1835. West half of southwest quarter. Justin Durfee, Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1835. West half of northwest quarter. J.ames Sage, Livingston Co., Mich., May 9, 1836. Southeast quarter of northwest quarter. Patrick Hefierman, Wayne Co., Mich., May 28, 1836. Northwest quarter of southeast quarter and northeast quarter of south- west quarter. SECTION 24. George W. Teeple, Steuben Co., N. Y., July 7, 1835. West half of northwest quarter. Alfred A. Dwight, Wayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. West half of southwest quarter. Samuel Riddle, Jr., Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 26, 1836. East half of northwest quarter and west half of northeast quarter. William Packard, Wayne Co., Mich., May 16, 1836. East half of southwest quarter. William J. Pease, New York City, Nov. 16, 1836. East half of northeast quarter. Alvin L. Crittenden, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1836. North half of southeast quarter. Aaron Saunders, Livingston Co., Mich., July 11, 1846. Southeast quarter of southeast quarter; Oct. 17, 1849, southwest quar- ter of southeast quarter. SECTION 25. Clieckley S. Palmer, Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 7, 1S33. West half of northwest quarter. Robert R. Rowland, Wayne Co., N. Y., May 30, 1835. South half of northwest quarter. Elizabeth Thompson, Oakland Co., Mich., July 10, 1835. South- west quarter of northeast quarter. Edward Thompson, Livingston Co., Mich., M.ay 27, 1836. South- east quarter of northeast quarter. . Joseph R. Thompson, (Jakland Co., Mich., May 31, 1839. North- east ([uarter of northeast quarter. Morris Thompson, Livingston Co., Mich., July 9, 1847. North- west quarter of northeast quarter. SECTION 26. Itha J. West, Niagara Co., N. Y , Sept. 9, 1S35. West half of northwest quarter. Bickford P. Hutchinson and Alfred A. Dwight, Wayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. E.ist half of northeast quarter. Clarissa Johnson, Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 18, 1835. East half of northwest quarter. David Wadhams, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1835. West half of northeast quarter. SECTION 27. Orman Coe, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 20, 1833. East half of southwest quarter. Henry S. Earned, Livingston Co., Mich., June 15, 1835. South- west quarter of northwest quarter. Bickford P. Hutchinson and Alfred A. Dwight, Wayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. West half of southwest quarter. Henry S. Earned, Livingston Co., Mich., July 21, 1835. North- west quartet of northwest quarter. George W. Pennock, Upper Canada, Aug. 3, 1835. West half of southeast quarter. Itha J. West, Niagara Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1835. Northeast quarter of northeast quarter. Jonathan Austin, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 28, 1835. East half of southeast quarter. Harvey Metcalf, Livingston Co., Mich., June 4, 1836. West half of northeast quarter and e.ast half of northwest quarter. John Haze, O.ikland Co., Mich., Sept. 16, 1837. Southeast quarter of northeast quarter. SECTION 28. Francis Monroe, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1834. .Southwest quarter. John W. .Smith, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 22, 1835. Northeast quarter of northwest quarter. Israel Powers, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 8, 1835. West half of northeast quarter. B. L. Powers, Yates Co., N. Y., June 8, 1835. East half of northeast quarter. Jacob Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 11, 1835. Southeast quarter. Flavins J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 13, 1836. West half of northwest quarter and southeast quarter of northwest quarter. SECTION 29. Elii)halct Lewis, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 14, 1835. East half of northeast quarter and northwest quarter of northeast quarter. Mark Healy and B. B. Kercheval, United States, M.ay 28, 1836. Northwest quarter, southwest quarter, southeast quarter, and southwest quarter of northeast quarter. SECTIONS 30, 31. Mark Ilealy and B. B. Kercheval, United States, May 28, 1836. Entire sections. SECTION 32. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 12, 1835. Southeast quarter. Mark Healy and B. B. Kercheval, United Stalts, May 28, 1836. Northeast quarter, northwest quarter, and southwest quarter. 1 88 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. MICHIGAN. SECTION 33. Jacob Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. II, 1835. East half of nortlieast quarter. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 12, 1835. West half of south- west quarter. Leonard Collar, Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1835. West half of northeast quarter. Edward E. Gregory, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 26, 1836. Sjutheast quarter. William M. Gregory, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 24, 1836. East half of southwest quarter. Mark Healy and B. B. Kercheval, L'nited Stales, May 28, 1836. Northwest quarter. SECTION 34. Moses Thompson, Herkimer Co., N. Y., May 9, 1834. North- east quarter, east half of northwest quarter, and northeast quarter of southwest quarter. Morris Thompson, Herkimer Co., N. Y., May 15, 1S34. North- west quarter of southeast quarter. Brown Bristol, Genesee Co., N. Y., July 4, 1S35. East half of southeast quarter. Hezekiah Carpenter and Socrates W. Carpenter, Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. II, 1835. West half of northwest quarter. Edward E. Gregory, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 24, 1S36. Southwest quarter of southwest quarter. Joseph S. Crispel, Livingston Co., Mich., June 12, 1845. South- east quarter of southwest quarter. Rice Tyler, Livingston Co., Mich., July 10, 1S52. Southwest quarter of southeast quarter. E. G. Almy, Livingston Co., Mich., certificate assigned to Enos Sowle, Jan. g, 1854. Northwest quarter of southwest quarter. EARLY SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. At the beginning of the year 1835 there had been no settlement made in Howell west or north of the present village limits, but during the .spring and summer of that year a considerable number of immigrants came in and located themselves in dif- ferent parts of the township. To which of them belonged the honor of being the first settler in the township cannot be stated, as several came in at nearly the same time. Mr. Samuel Waddell, from Steuben County, N. Y., and a soldier of the war of 18 12, was one who settled here in the fall of that year. His loca- tion was on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 17, which he had entered in July, 1835. Mr. Waddell died on the 30th of May, 1837, his being the first death that occurred among the settlers in the township. It was the result of injuries received at the raising of the frame of a barn at Amos Adams' Eagle Tavern. He was buried on his farm ; but his remains were after- wards removed to the burial-ground in Howell village. In the autumn of the same year, his widow, with her family of seven children, returned to Pultney, N. Y., from whence they had emigrated two years before. She is still residing there at the age of more than eighty years. Andrew D. Wad- dell, the fifth of her seven children, returned to the village of Howell in 1855, commenced the study of la\y, was admitted to the bar in the fol- lowing year, and is now one of the leading mem- bers of the bar of Livingston County. Joseph Porter, from Washtenaw Co., Mich., came in the same year, and located on the south- west quarter of section 7, but did not long con- tinue at that place. He was a millwright by trade, and was employed in 1836 in building the saw- mill of Moses Thompson on the outlet of Thomp- son Lake. Afterwards he was proprietor, with Amos Adams, of a saw-mill which they erected on the Shiawassee, on section 27. Villeroy E. Smith, John W. Smith, and Elisha H. Smith, three brothers, from Ontario Co., N. Y., came here in May, 1835. They were men of re- spectability, and stood well in the estimation of their fellow-townsmen. The first and last named located on section 21. John W. settled on section 28. He was one of the first justices of the peace elected in the township, and afterwards held the office for si.xteen years in succession. Villeroy E. Smith was a school-teacher by profession, and died while employed in that calling in the town of Marion, Dec. 30, 185 i. Eh'sha H. Smith was one of the earliest explorers of this region, he having come through here on foot, with Mr. Francis Monroe, searching for gov- ernment lands, in the fall of 1834. He is still living on the northeast quarter of section 21. Three sons of his — Gardner S., Reuben C, and Edwin H. Smith — died in the service of their country, in the war of the Rebellion. Mr. Smith is probably the best informed person in Howell in reference to pioneer matters in the township. Much information and assistance has been obtained from him in the preparation of this history of Howell; for which he has the thanks of the writer. Justin Durfee, from Henrietta, Genesee Co., N. Y., came to Howell in 1835, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 23. When he first came to Michigan from New York State (a year or two earlier) he had settled temporarily in Oak- land County, where he was employed in school- teaching. He was also the first male school- teacher in the village and township of Howell, being employed to teach the pioneer school in District No. i, in 1837. At the spring election of 1836 (the first in the township) he was elected to the offices of assessor and highway commissioner, and held some offices (especially in the school district) afterwards. He remained a resident in. Howell until 1851, when he returned to New York State, and is now (or was recently) living there. Merritt S. Havens, a carpenter and joiner by trade, settled in 1835 on section 23. His marriage HOWELL TOWNSHIP. 189 with Sally T. Austin, daughter of David Austin, Jan. 15, 1836, was the first celebration of nuptials in the township or village of Howell. Daniel Hotchkiss and Levi M. Hotchkiss were settlers of 1835, both locating on section 28. Francis Field and Nathaniel Johnson settled dur- ing the same season on section 23. Mr. Johnson died Jan. 25, 1852. Whitcley Woodruff, from Washtenaw Co., Mich., settled in the summer of 1835 on the southwest part of section 17, the locality now known as the "Six Corners;" and at about the same time David H. Austin began preparations for settlement on the northeast quar- ter of section 20, where Mr. Bump now lives. Very soon after, however, Mr. Austin removed from section 20, and located on section 35, within the present village corporation. After living for some years on section 35 he removed to Farming- ton, Oakland Co. His son, George Austin, is now living in the southwest part of the township. The above-mentioned persons are believed to have been all — and they were certainly very nearly all — who settled in the township prior to the commencement of 1836. It has been stated by an old resident of Howell,* that at the end of 1835 there were but 22 adult males living in the whole of the township (that is, including the territory of the present vil- lage). But if we add to the above list of settlers the names of those who were then living within what are now the corporate limits of Howell, viz., Moses Thompson with his three sons, James and George T. Sage, David Austin, Jonathan Austin, Messrs. Pinckney, Adams, Crane, and Ezra J. Mundy, we have one or two more than the num- ber said to be resident in the township at that time. It may therefore be claimed with consider- able confidence that the above mention includes all who had settled in the township down to the time named. ERECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. The act erecting the township of Howell was passed by the Legislature at the session of 1836, and approved March 23d, in that year. It pro- vided " that all that portion of the county of Liv- ingston designated by the United States survey as townships three and four north, of ranges three, four, and five east, be and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Howell, and the first township-meeting shall be held at the dwelling-house of Amos Adams, in said township." The territory thus set off to form the township of Howell comprises, in addition to the present * Mr-. Dniiiel Case. limits of the township, all of the present towns of Handy, Occola, Deerfield, Cohoctah, and Conway. It has been since reduced to its present dimensions by the setting off of Byron (now Oceola) and Deerfield in March, 1837; and Handy, Tuscola (now Cohoctah), and lena (now Conway) in March, 1838. The name of Howell was taken from that of the village, which had been so named when platted a year and a half before. The first township-meet- ing was held, in accordance with the provisions of the act, at the tavern-house of Amos Adams on the first Monday in May, 1836. Sugar-bowls, borrowed from the landlady, were used as ballot- boxes, and in these, thirty-six votes were cast, resulting in the election of Philester Jessup (of the township now Oceola) as Supervisor; F. J. B. Crane, Town Clerk ; Amos Adams, Ezra Sanford, Harley H. Graves, and John W. Smith, Justices of the Peace; Francis Field, Collector; Justin Durfee, David Austin, and George T. Sage, As- sessors ; Joseph Porter, F. J. B. Crane, and Jona- than Austin, School Inspectors; John Sanford, Justin Durfee, and George T. Sage, Highway Commissioners ; John D. Pinckney, F. J. B. Crane, Francis Field, and Elisha H. Smith, Constables. A list of persons who have held township offices since that time and until the present is given below, but it is incomplete for the years between 1836 and 1850, for the reason that the old township record covering those years has been lost or de- stroyed, and only a partial and defective list of officers elected during that period has been gath- ered from other sources. Such as are given, how- ever, are known to be authentic, viz. : 1837. — Supervisor, John \V. Smith ; Town Clerk, Jonathan Aus- tin ; Justices of the Peace, George W. Kneeland, John \V. Smith. 183S. — Supervisor, Rial Lake; Town Clerk, John \V. Smith; Justices of the Peace, John T. Watson, Oilell J. Smith, Wellington A. Glover. 1S39. — Town Clerk, Morris Thompson; Justice of the Peace, Allen C. Weston. 1840. — Town Clerk, Morris Thompson; Justice of the Peace, Gardner Wheeler. 1841. — Town Clerk, Morris Thompson; Justice of the Peace, John W. Smith. 1S42. — .Supervisor, George W. Kneelaud ; Town Clerk, M. S. Breunan; Justice of the Peace, Josiah Turner. 1S43. — Supervisor, George W. Kneelaud; Justice of the Peace, Odell J. Smith. 1844. — Supervisor, Rial Lake; Town Clerk, Gardner Wheeler; Justice of the Peace, James H. Ackerson; Treasurer, William Mcl'herson ; School Inspector, Edward E. Gregory; Directors of the Poor, Derastus Hinman, Victory Curtis. 1845. — Supervisor, Odell J. Smith ; Town Clerk, Gardner Whee- ler; Justices of the Peace, John W. .Smith, Nelson (}. Isbell (to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Josiah Turner). 190 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1846. — Supervisor, Gardner Wheeler; Town Clerk, Lauren K. Hewett ; Justice of the Peace, William Lewis. 1847. — Supervisor, Odell J. Smith; Town Clerk, L. K. Hewett; Justices of the Peace, Richard B. Hall, Samuel M. Yerkes (to fill vacancy). 1848. — Supervisor, Frederick C. Whipple ; Town Clerk, D. D. T. Chandler; Justices of the Peace, Lauren K. Hewett, George W. Kneeland (to fill vacancy). :S49. — Supervisor, William McPherson; Town Clerk, Henry H. Harmon ; Justice of the Peace, John W. Smith. 1S50. — Supervisor, Gardner Wheeler; Clerk, Henry H. Harmon; Treasurer, John B. Kneeland ; Justice of the Peace, Henry Lake; Commissioner of Highways, Edward Thompson; School Inspector, John A. Wlieeler ; Direc- tors of the Poor, Richard P. Bush, Josiah Turner. 1851. — Supervisor, Deraslus Hinman ; Clerk, Jolni A.Wheeler; Treasurer, John B. Kneeland ; Justices of the Peace, John H. Galloway (full term), Wdliam More (to fill vacancy) ; Highway Commissioner, David Carl ; School Inspector, Gardner Wheeler; Directors of the I'oor, James M. Murray, William L. Wells. 1852. — Supervisor, Richard P. Bush ; Clerk, Mylo L. Gay ; Treas- urer, John B. Kneeland; Justices of the Peace, G.irdner Wheeler (full term^, William More (to fill vacancy); Highway Commissioner, Elisha H. Smith ; School In- spector, William A. Clark ; Directors of the Poor, John D. Giflbrd, Josiah Turner. 1853. — Supervisor, Richard P. Bush; Clerk, Mylo L. Gay ; Treas- urer, John B. Kneeland; Justice of the Peace, L. K. Hewett; Highway Commissioner, Samuel M. Yerkes; School Inspector, Gardner Wheeler. 1854. — Supervisor, Gardner Wheeler; Clerk, Mylo L. Gay; Treas- urer, John B. Kneeland; Justice of the Peace, William More; Highway Commissioner, Daniel Case; School In- spector, William A. Clark. 1S55. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey ; Clerk, Mylo L. Gay; Treasurer, John B. Kneeland ; Justice of the Peace, Odell J. Smith; Commissioners of Highways, Dexter Filkins, Wm. Lake; School Inspector, Wm. B. Jewett. 1S56. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Clerk, E. Rollin Bas- com ; Justice of the Peace, Mylo L. Gay ; Treasurer, Nathan Pond; Highway Commissioner, Charles Root; School Inspector, George P. Root. 1S57. — Supervisor, John B. Kneeland; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, Andrew Blanck; Justice of the Peace, Daniel Ca.se; Highway Commissioner, David Lewis; School Inspector, George Huston. 1858. — Supervisor, John H. Galloway; Clerk, Henry C. Briggs; Treasurer, John W. Richmond; Justice of the Peace, Andrew D, Waddell ; Highway Commissioner, Dexter J. Filkins; School Inspector, B. Howard Lavvson (full term), Wdliam B. Jewett (to vacancy). 1859. — Supervisor, John II. Galloway; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, John W. Richmond; Justice of the Peace, John Marr; Highway Commissioners, Charles Root, Stephen S. More; School Inspector, J. A. Pond. l85o. — Supervisor, John H. Galloway; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, John W. Richmond ; Justices of the Peace, Mylo L. Gay (full term), William Lake (to fill vacancy) ; Highway Commissioner, Stephen S. More; School In- spector, Andrew Blanck. 1861. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Clerk, E. Rollin Bas- com; Treasurer, Henry C. Briggs; Justice of the Peace, Daniel Ca.se; School Inspector, Jabez A. Pond; High- way Commissioner, Solomon Hildcbrant. 1S62. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Clerk, E. Rollin Bas- com; Treasurer, Giles Tucker; Justice of the Peace, Dennis Shields ; Highway Commissioner, George Wake- field ; School Inspector, Henry H. Harmon (full term), J. Bruce Fishbeck (vacancy). 1863. — Supervisor, Giles Tucker; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, Leonard B. Wells ; Justices of the Peace, William Lake (full term), William More (vacancy); Highway Commissioners, Stephen S. More, George Wakefield ; School Inspectors, Ebenezer B. Bunnell (full term), George Wilber (vacancy). 1864. — Supervisor, Giles Tucker; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, Leonard B. Wells; Justice of the Peace, Mylo L. Gay; Highway Commissioner, Solomon Hildc- brant; School Inspectors, Elijah F. Burt (full term), Dennis Shields (vacancy). 1865. — Supervisor, Almon Whipple; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom (died during this term, which was completed by Wal- lace W. Carpenter) ; Justice of the Peace, Daniel Case; Treasurer, Leonard B. Wells; School 'Inspectors, W. W. Carpenter (full term), Dennis Shields (vacancy). 1866. — Supervisor, Isaac W. Bush; Clerk, Royal H. Rumsey; Treasurer, Lorenzo H. Sullivan; Justice of the Peace, Wallace W. Carpenter; Highway Commissioner, Ste- phen S. More ; School Inspector, Dennis Shields. 1867. — Supervisor, Oren H. Winegar; Clerk, Royal H. Rumsey; Treasurer, Elbert C. Bush ; Justice of the Peace, Fred- eiick C. Whipple; Highway Commissioner, Solomon Hildebrant; School Inspector, Wallace W. Carpenter. 1868. — SuperviMjr, Oren H. Winegar ; Clerk, Henry T. Clark ; Treasurer, Elbert C. Bush; Justice of the Peace, Nich- olas Lake ; Highway Commissioner, Jesse Marr ; School Inspector, Philander Bennett. 1S69. — Supervisor, O. H. Winegar; Clerk, Royal H. Rumsey; Treasurer, William B. Smith ; Justice of the Peace, William More; Highway Commissioner, S. S. More; School Inspector, Ferdinand W. Munson. 1870. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Clerk, William II. Wells; Treasurer, Edward B. Gregory; Justice of the Peace, James H. Martin ; Highway Commissioner, Geo. B. Raymour; School Inspector, Philander Bennett. 1871. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Clerk, William H. Wells ; Treasurer, Royal H. Rumsey ; Justice of the Peace, Albert Riddle ; Highway Commissioner, Jesse Marr; School Inspector, Rollin H. Person. 1872. — Supervisor, Calvin Wilcox; Clerk, William H. Wells; Treasurer, Orrin J. Wells ; Justice of the Peace, Charles P. Lake (full term), Edward B. Gregory (to fill vacancy) ; School Inspector, John J. McWhorter. 1873. — Supervisor, Harry J. Haven; Clerk, Henry G. Selliman; Treasurer, Orrin J. Wells ; Justices of the Peace, Wil- liam More (full term), Charles Hildebrant (three years), Ezra C. Hatton (one year); Highway Commissioner, George B. Raymond; School Inspector, Philander Ben- nett; 1874. — Supervisor, Benjamin H. Rubert; Clerk, Royal H. Rum- sey ; Treasurer, Orrin J. Wells ; Justices of the Peace, Ezra C. Hatton (full term), Gilbert L. Wolcott (to fill vacancy); Highway Commissioner, Timothy Smith; School Inspector, Robert Smith. 1875. — Supervisor, Albert Riddle; Clerk, Royal H. Rumsey; Treasurer, Orrin J. Wells ; Justices of the Peace, Harry J. Haven (full term), D. C. Kneeland (to fill vacancy); Highway Commissioner, James F. Moody ; School In- spector and Township Superintendent of Schools, C. Harlow Person. 1876. — Supervisor, Albert Riddle; Clerk, Royal H. Rumsey; Treasurer, Orrin J. Wells ; Justices of the Peace, Dex- ter J. Filkins (full term), Edward B. Gregory (to fill va- cancy) ; Township Superintendent of Schools, C. Har- low Person; School Inspector, Orlando II. Bushnell; Highway Commissioner, John Casterton. 1877. — Supervisor, William B. Smith ; Clerk, Edward Green- away ; Treasurer, Homer N. Beach ; Justice of the Peace, C. H. Person; Township Superintendent of HOWELL TOWNSHIP. 191 Schools, Thomas Gorilim, Jr. ; School Inspector, Pauick Ilammoiul; Commissioner of Highways, Orlando S. Brewer. 1878.— Supervisor, William 15. Smith; Clcik, William F. Grif- fith ; Treasurer, Homer N. Beach ; Justices of the Peace, Isaac W. Bush (full term), Neil O'Hearn (to fill va- cancy) ; Township Supcrintehdent of Schools, Thomas Gordon, Jr. ; School Inspector, Patrick Hammell; High- way Commissioner, David P. Lake. 1879.— Supervisor, Gcoige W. Fitch; Clerk, William F. Griffith; Treasurer, Thomas G. Switzer; Justice of the Peace, Edward B. Gregory; Township Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Gordon, Jr. ; School Inspector, Clias. A. Phillips; Highway Commissioner, William J. Wal- bran. SETTLEMENTS SUCCEEDING THE GANIZATION. TOWN OR- Among the first of tIio.se who came to make their homes in the township in the year 1836 were Henry Lake and Garret S. Lake, two brothers,- from Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., who came with their famih'es to settle in Howell in June of that year. It is recollected by the few who remain of those who were here at that time, that when these two families arrived at the place where the Grand River road crosses the Shiawas- see River, they found that the rude and frail log bridge which had previously been thrown across that stream had been swept away by a recent freshet, and as the river was too much swollen for fording, they were compelled to build a raft, on which their wagons and household goods were slowly and tediously ferried across, while their teams were forced to swim to the opposite shore. Henry 1-ake, the elder of the two, settled on section 8, near where Isaac Henry now lives. He afterwards removed to the farm now owned by Heman Bump, on section 20. When he came to Howell in 1836, his family consisted of himself, his wife, and five children, — William, Garret, An- son, Teresa, and Malvina. Of these children, Wil- liam and Anson are now living in California, and Malvina — now Mrs. Hamilton Benedict — resides in Fowlcrville. Of the children of Mr. Lake who were born after their settlement in Howell, Wesley Lake is in California; Lilian (Mrs. James P. Spen- cer), and Rosa, an unmarried daughter, are living in Fowlerville; another unmarried daughter resides in Lansing ; Adelia is the wife of Mr. John Knight, of Grass Lake, Jackson Co., Mich. ; and George and Horace L. are residents of Howell. Garret S. Lake, the younger of the two brothers who came here in 1836, settled on the Shiawassee River, on the northeast quarter of section 9; his location being the same which is now embraced in the. farm of P. J. Dean. There he lived in the comfort of an independent farmer's life, and there he died. On this farm, in 1838, he manufiictured the first bricks made in Howell township. His son, Garret S. Lake, is now presiding elder in the Church of the United Brethren, and is living in Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich. Another son, Andrew, is a farmer in Barry Co., Mich. A daughter, Hannah (now Mrs. Henry Moon), also resides in Barry County. Cornelia (Mrs. George Louk) .still resides in Howell. Daniel Case, a native of Monroe Co., N. Y., set- tled in Howell in the fall of 1836, on the east half of the northeast quarter of section 22, this tract having been purcha.sed by him from government in the preceding March. He had come to Michi- gan in the fall of 1835, but spent the winter at To- ledo, working at his trade, which was that of car- penter and joiner. Early in the .spring of 1836 he set out on a prospecting tour, and came by way of Monroe, Detroit, and Oakland County to Living- ston Centre, which was then much talked of. Here he employed Mr. James Sage to assist him in his explorations, and having made several selections he hurried back to the land-office in Detroit, where he succeeded in entering the lands on which he had fixed his preference. He then returned to To- ledo, and worked at his trade until the middle of May, when he started back to Detroit, and from there took stage to Ann Arbor, from which place he came up through the woods, by way of Pinck- ney and Livingston Centre, to the lands which he had purchased, and which on a second inspection he liked better than ever, and decided to settle upon them. About the first of June he started back on foot, by way of Ann Arbor and Detroit, bound for Livingston Co., N. Y., to make prepara- tions for removing West. On the 20th of Septem- ber following, he set out on his return to Michi- gan, bringing with him his father, Job Case, his mother, and his wife (previously Miss Jane E. Fish, of Wyoming Co., N. Y., to whom he was married Augu.st 24th, in that year). The incidents of his journey were afterwards related by Mr. Case, as follows : " At Buff.ilo we went on board the steamer ' Daniel Webster.' She was loaded heavily, and just as she was ready to start out five teams with their loads, all the way from Massachusetts, sought a p.issage to Toledo, as they were going to the south part of the Stale. The captain of the steamer told them he could not t.ake them, on account of the heavy load, but the mate said they might come on board, if we all went down together. So on board they came, horses, wagons, and all ; and the steamer did come near sinking, though after many struggles with winds and waves she arrived safely at Detroit, not being able, on account of the heavy load anil bad weather, to put in at Toledo. ... We hired Mr. A. B. Markham, of Plymouth, to Uike a load of about fourteen hun- dred pounds and my wife and mother to Livingston Centre, for which service I paid him thirty dollars in gold. They came by way of Plymouth. I bought a yoke of oxen in Detroit, and loaded on my wagon what we most needed, and started out on the Grand River road, which was turnpiked for ten miles, and then the 192- HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. timber lay thick in the road to the 'Sand Hill.' I had to drive through the woods anywhere to get my wagon through between the trees. I reached Livingston Centre on the Slh day of Octo- ber, and I drove the first team over the road from Else's Corners to William Smith's. " Winter was approaching, and I had to build me a house, with no lumber to do it with. But I went to work with a will. I felled the trees and hewed the timber on two sides for a house l8 by 22 feet, split out ribs to shingle on, and then split oak shingles to cover it. The boards of the boxes I had brought with me fur- nished me with lumber for doors. For the lower floor I split logs and hewed them out for boards. When we had finished a place large enough to set a bedstead on we moved in, and completed the house afterwards. Mr. Thompson's mill commenced running about that time, and Morris Thompson had charge of it ; and that all the settlers might be served alike, he would let each man have just boards enough for an upper floor, and no more, till they had all procured upper floors, and then divide again. I hired Benja- min J. Spring with his oxen to go with me to Detroit for the load of goods we had left there. About the middle of November we look up our line of march with two yoke of oxen and a wagon for them. From here to New Hudson the road was not cut out, and we followed the trail around marshes and swamps till we came to the Huron River. We got to Detroit the fourth day at night. The next morning we loaded our goods, and got back to the Nine- Mile House that night. We were gone from home ten days, and I paid Spring one dollar and fifty cents per day, besides expenses. Our expenses alone were over twenty-five dollars for tlie trip, making forty dollars, besides my time. I mention these bills to • show what it cost the first settlers to come here, and to furnish a contrast to the present cost of a trip to Detroit." Mr. Case went energetically to work on the land where he settled, and became a prosperous farmer. He removed in 1844 to Howell village, where he remained five years, and returned in 1849 to his farm, where he died July 21, 1874. He was twice married ; first to Miss Fish, as mentioned, and the second time to Exalla A. Stebbins, of Mad- ison Co., N. Y., a sister of Mrs. B. J. Spring. He had two children by the first marriage and eight by the second. Of the latter two are living, Mrs. William Saunders, of Howell village, and Mrs. Theodore Pettibone, who resides on the farm of her father. Benjamin J. Spring, a native of the town of Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., and one of the most widely known of the early residents in Howell, came to this township in July, 1836, and settled on the west half of the southeast quarter of section 15, which he had purchased from government in the same year. His wife, whom he married in New York State, was Miss Sophronia Stebbins, a sister of the second Mrs. Daniel Case. The farm on which they settled is the same which is now owned by Lafayette Barnhart, of Lansing. On this farm he remained until 1840, and then ex- changed it with Allen C. Weston for the hotel property of the latter, known as the Stage House, in Howell village, to which Spring then removed. He remained in the hotel business in Howell for some years, afterwards removed to Novi, Oakland Co., in the same business, but returned to Howell, and died on the James Sage farm in 1853. Another of the settlers of 1836 was Victory Curtis, who came from Madison Co., N. Y., in that year in company with Benjamin J. Spring, and set- tled on section 14, owning also an adjoining eighty- acre tract in the northeast quarter of section 23. He was a good farmer, and an estimable and highly- respected man. He lived on his farm until his death, which occurred Aug. 13, 1848. Mr. Curtis' sons, George and John, were married men when they came to Howell with their father in 1836. Besides these he had four other sons, — Benjamin, Alonzo, Loyal, and Alfred, — and three daughters, who became respectively Mrs. Almon Whipple, Mrs. L. M. Glover, and Mrs. John Dewey, of Shi- awassee County. George and John Curtis both settled as farmers on section 15 ; the former having the east half of the northeast quarter, and the lat- ter the west half of the same quarter. A few years after, however, both removed to Howell village, where John became the successor of Mr. Edward F. Gay in merchandising, but continued only a short time in the business, as he died Dec. 7, 1841. George was engaged in the business of hotel-keep- ing in the village for several years, and died Oct. 4, 1848. Their brother Benjamin died some years since in the township of Handy. Alfred is now living in Saginaw, and Alonzo and Loyal reside in Genesee County. Hiram Bennett was one of the immigrants of 1836. He came in the spring of that year, with a, party of land-seekers, from Livingston Co., N. Y., and selected for himself a tract on section 6, where he settled. He was killed by an accident, which occurred in a well which he was engaged in dig- ging. June 9, 1855. John B. La Rovve also came from Livingston Co., N. Y., and settled in the spring of 1836 in what was then the town of Howell, though the place where he located is just across the township line in the present town of Handy. He, however, re- gards himself as having been a citizen of Howell from the first, and it does not seem improper to mention him as such, among the settlers of that year, for he soon after removed to the farm on the southwest quarter of section 5 in this town, which he has occupied until the present time. At a re- cent pioneer reunion in Howell village, he narrated some of the incidents of his first trip to Michigan and subsequent settlement as follows: " In the spring of 1836 I started, in company with six others, from the town of Mount Morris, Livingston Co., State of New York, for the Territory of Michigan. One of our company w.is to carry us through with his team, and we were to bear his expenses. We came to Buffalo, crossed over the river at Black Ruck, on the Canada side, got as far as Niagara FaIN, where the team g^ve out HOWELL TOWNSHIP. 193 and we lia- to the work, he succeeded the first year in liquidating the obligation, and soon VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON. 207 after remodeled the church, ornamented it with stained-glass windows, at an additional cost of gSoo, and made a very perceptible improvement in the grounds. Evergreens were planted, the street graded, and a substantial and ornamental iron fence inclosed the lawn. The society this present year is entirely free from debt, and the congregation has grown so rapidly as to necessitate the building of a consid- erable addition to the church. A vestry and steeple are also among the improvements contem- plated. In addition to the Brighton field, Father Dougherty has charge of the missions at Iosco, Oceola, White Oak, and Fowlerville. At Howell a new and elegant church has just been completed, and the one in Oceola has been thoroughly re- modeled. In Brighton there arc jo families, 90 in Oceola, 38 in Howell, 14 in Iosco, 20 in White Oak, and 14 in Fowlerville. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. In giving a history of the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, it would seem proper to give an idea of the state of society and the causes which conduced to its organization. In the autumn of 1852, a little more than a year previous to the oiganization of the church, the Rev. Chauncey Osborn and wife, of Grand Blanc, Mich., came here with a view to establishing per- manent religious worship. There had been pre- vious efforts made by other leading denominations, but they had not been successful. Brighton, like many other villages in a new countr}', had an un- enviable reputation, both religiously and morally. It was much like the town that Sandy resided in, who, being inquired of as to the state of re- ligion in his village, replied, " It is very low, very low, only myself and Davie, and I have my doubts about Davie." During the first year of Mr. Osborn's labors, the Rev. John Levington, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Milford, organized a class in Brighton. Mr. Osborn being asked what induced him to come, replied that he had heard " they had no minister, never had, and did not intend to have;" but he came in the name of his Master, who said, " Go into all the world and preach the gospel ; and lo! I will be with thee alwaj-s." Trusting in him, he came. Mr. Osborn held two services in the school-house each Sabbath during the year. Mrs. Osborn opened a select school at their residence to assist in their support, her husband having no stated salary at that time. On Saturday, Dec. 10, 1853, the following per- sons assembled at the residence of Mr. Osborn, and were examined for reception into the church : Jason Clark and Mrs. Mary Clark, his wife, by letter from Presbyterian Church, Green Oak ; Mr. Isaac Smith and Mrs. Catharine Smith, his wife; Mrs. Lydia Benjamin, by letter ; Mr. John T. Wat- son and Mrs. Harriet Watson, his wife, from Pres- byterian Church, Howell ; Mrs. Samantha B. Lee, Congregational Church, Farmington ; Mrs. Su- .sannah P. Osborn, Congregational Church, Grand Blanc; and Miss Mariah Osborn, Congregational Church, Monson, Ohio. These formed the nucleus of the First Presby- terian Church of Brighton, of whom, at this writing, July, 1879, three only are living, viz., Mrs. Samantha B. Lee, Mrs. Lydia Benjamin, and Mrs. Harriet Watson. The following persons were chosen as officers of the church : Jason Clark, Isaac Smith, and John T. Watson, as elders ; Jason Clark and Isaac Smith were chosen deacons; John T. Watson, Treasurer, and Isaac Smith, Clerk. The articles of faith and covenant of Washte- naw Presbytery were adopted, and sixteen by-laws for the government of the church were adopted. The oiganization of the church was consum- mated on Sabbath-day, Dec. 18, 1852, by the fore- going members publicly giving their assent to the articles of faith and covenant of the church, after which the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was admini-stered by the pastor. Feb. 15, 1854, the church was received under the care of the Wash- tenaw Presbytery. Eighteen members were added the first year, and $75.24 was contributed to the Incidental and Be- nevolent F'und, which will compare favorably with more recent contributions. The first death among its members was that of Mrs. Baetcke, Aug. 24, 1855. The first baptism was administered Sept. 6, 1857, to Charles S. Lee, William O.Lee, and Wal- ter E. Lee, sons of J. B. and S. B. Lee ; also to William S., infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Kel- The Methodist congregation, now having a regu- larly appointed minister from Conference, with the Universalist denomination, occupied the school- house a part of the time; Mr. Osborn, therefore, opened his own house to his congregation. In February, 1855, the Masonic Hall was secured for one year. In June following, Mr. Osborn's health failing, he went East and remained until the next March, when he returned and occupied the school- house again, the lease of the hall having expired. During the greater part of his absence services were kept up by ministers from Washtenaw Pres- bytery, sermons being read by some of the mem- bers. 208 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. In the winter of 1857 the subject of building a house of worsliip was agitated, and a society was organized in February for that purpose. March 23, 1857, a committee was appointed to act with the trustees of the society, — Mr. J. B. Lee, Deacon J. Smith, and Hiram Kellogg. A subscription- paper was circulated and enough subscribed to warrant the trustees in entering into a contract with Mr. Frederick D. Acker to build a house of worship 32 by 48 feet, with i8-feet posts, for $1500. In June, the corner-stone was laid with appro- priate ceremonies by Mr. Osborn. The church was completed and dedicated March 3, 1858. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Hoyt, with prayer by the pastor; the Rev. Mr. Foster preaching in the evening, — all of whom " rest from their labors and their works do follow them." The Ladies' Benevolent Society contributed their share (as they usually do) in car- peting and furnishing the church. The society received ^300 from the Church Erection Fund, without interest, on condition that there be a col- lection taken up yearly until it was all repaid. The conditions have been fulfilled. Mr. Osborn's last sermon was preached March 14, 1858. He received for his labors $400 a year, about one-half of which was paid by the American Home Missionary Society. Mr. Osborn gave one- tenth of his income to benevolent objects. He was an accomplished scholar, a sound theologian, and a great worker in his Master's vineyard. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn's religious influence was percep- tibly felt for many years. A man residing in the village was heard to say that " he used to chop wood on the Sabbath, and thought it no harm ; but, somehow, since Mr. Osborn came, it did not seem respectable." Mr. Osborn removed to Dear- born, near Detroit, where, after a few years of faithful labor, he, with his wife, were called home to receive their reward. The Rev. D. L. Eaton, of Howell, succeeded, preaching his first sermon March 28, 1858. He preached every alternate Sabbath, in Pinckney, for the first year. He with Mr. O. Parker, of Flint, held a revival-meeting for three weeks, hopefully converting fifty-five persons. Mr. Eaton closed his labors April i, i860. The congregation was with- out a pastor about four months, when the Rev.- William King, of Jackson, preached his first ser- mon Aug. 5, i860, and remained with the church until March, 1861. He also has gone to his rest. Mr. King was succeeded by Rev. R. G. Mc- Carthy, a licentiate of Detroit Presbytery, who preached Sabbath afternoons at New Pludson. He was ordained by the Washtenaw Presbytery, June 5, 1861. He closed his labors in March, 1864. Tlie Rev. Benjamin Franklin, of Saline, began his labors as pastor July 23, 1864. He preached in the afternoon at different times at Pleasant Val- ley, Bitten's School-House, and Hartland Centre. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were great workers in the church, having a large congregation and Sabbath- school. Mr. Franklin did much to improve the church edifice and build up the congregation. He remained with the church nearly si.x years, preach- ing his last sermon April 24, 1870. The Rev. William Grandy, of Lansing, was then called to the pastorate, preaching his first sermon April 2, 1 87 1. He had a large congregation, and was a very popular preacher. He also made many improvements in the church edifice. He preached his last sermon in July, 1874. The Rev. E. W. Borden, of Midland, Mich., succeeded Mr. Grandy, commencing his labors in February, 1876, the church being without a pas- tor nearly two years. He remained with the church two years, when he removed to Ann Arbor to edu- cate his children. At the present time (July, 1879) the congrega- tion has no pastor. The whole number received into the church since its organization is 177 (on profession, 124; by let- ter, 53); during the same time the number dis- missed has been 83, — by letter, 62; by death, 2\. The present membership is 70. Stated pulpit sup- ply, twenty-one years ; amount paid for the same, $10,800. Original cost of house, grounds, and furnishings, $1800; repairs and improvements, ;^750; contributions to benevolent objects, $1000; incidentals, ;^8oo ; total, $15,150. The church celebrated its twenty-fifth anniver- sary on Dec. 10, 1878, the Rev. D. L. Eaton, of Ovid, Mich., preaching the sermon, and Mr. J. M. Holden, of Green Oak, reading the church history. THE FIRST WESLEY.\N METHODIST CHURCH.* This church is situated on the "west side," cor- ner of Washington and Fourth Streets, and has the following history : There were a few members of the Pleasant Valley Wesleyan Church residing in and near the village of Brighton, and others in sympathy with their principles, who desired the labors of the Pleasant Valley pastor. Rev. J. H. Canfield, in the ministration of the Word, where it could be more conveniently enjoyed. To accom- plish this he was invited to establish an appoint- ment at the village, and the old Appleton Hall was secured, and supplied with temporary seats, a dry- goods bo.K being used for a pulpit ; and under these circumstances the first Wesleyan Methodist services were held in the village of Brighton. * Prepared by the pastor. VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON. 209 In tills hall, on April 5, 1S74, the First Wes- leyan Methodist Society was organized, with a membership of 7 persons, and 2 received on pro- bation. Notwithstanding the disadvantages con- nected with their place of worship, they were happy in being able to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. On one or two occasions they came to the place of meeting and found the seats removed from the room, and they were compelled to bring in boards^ wagon-seats, etc., to furnish seats for the congre- gation. During the week the seats were restored to their proper place in the hall, ready for the next service. After using the " dry-goods box" pulpit a short time, a young mechanic volunteered to make a pulpit, which, when it was finished, looked very much like a grocery-store counter ; but it answered the purpose, and was thankfully received by the society. One of the members then furnished an old-fish ioned sofa, which was covered with common calico, and with this fitting out for the pastor and congregation, they started on the road to prosperity. They were soon apprised, however, of the fict that they were meeting with opposition on every hand. The members had all belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church in the village, and had severed their connection therewith on account of its association with secret societies ; and because of their unpopularity in this respect they suffered much annoyance. They continued their meetings in the hall, with encouraging prospects, until the man who had control of it began buying wool and storing it away in the back end of the room. The odor from the wool was so offensive that they were compelled to abandon the hall, and were left without a place to hold their services. A short time after this the Presbyterian Society kindly offered them the use of their church, and they continued their appoint- nients there until their own house of worship was completed. The society enjoyed prosperity, and on the 1st day of November had increased its membership to 27. June 30, 1874, a legal organization was effected, and in a short time steps were taken for building a house of worship. To encourage the building, Mr. E. G. Mcl'herson, of Howell, donated two lots on the corner of Washington and Fourth Streets, and subscribed $100 towards building the church. Other friends of the cause came nobh' forward with a helping hand, and notwithstanding unfore- seen embarrassments, which were very discourag- ing, the house was completed. The contract for the building was given to Enos H. Buck by the Board of Trustees, consisting of 27 Alanson P. Dickenson, Ambrose M. Sweet, and Charles B.irnhart, Sept. 3, 1874, and work on the building began immediately. The church is 50 by 32 feet, and the posts are 20 feet high. The belfry and tower extend about 40 feet above the roof of the building, and have a device at the top consist- ing of a hand with the forefinger pointing upward. The cost of the building was Si475. exclusive of the wall, which was built by the society and not included in the contract. The building was dedi- cated Jan. 30, 1875, Rev. L. N. Stratton, of Syra- cuse, N. Y , editor of the American Weslejan, ofificiating. Brighton Church was made one of the appoint- ments on Kensington and Brighton charge, and in view of the number of appointments on the charge, services were held here only on alternate Sabbath mornings. Notwithstanding this disadvantage the society witnessed a goodly degree of prosperity. In the fall of 1875 Rev. D. A. Richards became their pastor, and, like his predecessors, labored hard to build up the cause and the societies under his care. He moved his family to Brighton and se- cured a residence near the church ; the attachment between pastor and people became very strong. Revival meetings were held at the church the fol- lowing winter, which resulted in much good, and some accessions to the church ; congregations in- creased, and though the society were meeting with persistent opposition, the sun of prosperity shone more brightly on them than ever before. A good organ, of the "Sterling" manufacture, was pur- chased, and a suitable choir selected ; these made no small addition to the interest of the society in connection with their public services. In the fall of 1875 the Michigan Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist connection was held at Brighton, and notwithstanding the fact that the attendance was unusually large, all were well cared for by the people of Brighton and vicinity. The devotional exercises of the Conference were very interesting and profitable, and the society was per- manently benefited by them. The number of min- isters and delegates in attendance, and the earnest- ness manifested in the work of salvation, were among the noticeable features connected with the Conference, and had a tendency to decrease the prejudice that had previously existed against the society. In the fall of 1877 a change of ministers again took place, and Rev. E. W. Bruce (the present incumbent) became pastor of the charge. He also moved his family to Brighton and dwells among his people. At a quarterK- meeting held during the spring of 1878, the Quarterly Conference voted to so arrange the appointments as to give the 210 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. church at Brighton an app>ointment even- Sabbath morning, and the result of the change was ver>' soon perceived in the increased congregation and interest tliat followed. At the regular yearly re- organization of the Sabbath-school the pastor was chosen superintendent, and was re-elected to the same position the present year ( 1 879). The Sibbath- school has been, and still is, in a prosperous con- dition, and assists ver\- materially in sustaining the interests of the church. During tlie past year the church edifice has been somewhat beautified and improved by putting new carpet on the floor, and hanging beautiful mottoes upon its walls. A goodly number of persons have been added to the membership of the church, and in the fall of 1S7S the work was enlarged so as to require the services of two preachers. Rev. M. Cuthbert was called to a part of the field. There has been a regular interchanging of appointments between the two pmstors during the piast year (1879), which has been both agreeable and profit- able. From the commencement to the present date this societj' has had many difficulties, ordinar}' and extraordinan.% to contend with, but it is believed that for it there is a prosperous future, on the conditions of puritj- and fidelity. B.VPTI.ST CHURCH. The Baptist Societj' of the village of Brighton is a comparatively recent organization, the denomi- nation, though represented in the persons of sev- eral prominent citizens, never ha\nng taken meas- ures to effect a permanent foothold in the commu- nitj-. The societj- was at a later date reorg;anized by a council and admitted to the WajTie Associa- tion on th.it occasion, its constituted members being G. W. Jenks, Lewis Scott, Lyman Banks, Charles C. Jenks. Abagail Tiiom.as, Louisa Jenks, Amanda Fuller, Sarah E. Burgess, Sarah H. Cook, Susannah Banks, Kate Trune, Helen Anthony, and Clarissa G. Scott. Rev. G. F. Ellis has preached to them since the organization of the church, the service being held on Sabbath afternoon in the Methodist Episcopal church, which is secured for the purpose. The present membership is 25. The society are pre- paring to erect a house of worship on lots pur- chased for the purpose. Mrs. G. S. Burgess is church clerk. THE SCHOOLS OF BRIGHTON. The first school-house in the village of Brighton was erected in the summer of 1837, upon ground now occupied by the dwelling of Patrick Donley, on Grand River Street. In some mysterious way, unknown to the presertt generation, though, seem- ingly, not at all to the surprise of the past, this school-house was built before the organization of the district, that not having taken place until the year 183S. Strange as it may seem, however, the truth of this statement is established bej'ond a doubt by the records, in which it is seen the in- sf)ectors call a meeting of the voters of the district on the 30th of April, 183S, only ten days after the time of organization, this meeting to be held in the school-house. It is also noticeable in the records that the name of Wm. Noble as director is found appended to several rejx)rts preceding the one in which he is recorded as elected to that office. It is but another instance of the peculiar faculty the pioneers of knowledge in Brighton seemed to have had of reversing the natural order of things, — in fact, of putting tlie cart before the horse. However, these seeming inconsistencies are in a manner explained by the fact that the oldest in- habitants have a \-ague remembrance of a district organization, with Maynard Maltby as director, which existed at the time of the building of the first school-house. But if there ever e.visted such a body, it seems to have disdained all records or written reports of its meetings. This school-house was used by the district until the year 1S47. when, becoming dissatisfied with it for various reasons, it was sold. The building was moved by Orlando A. Fuller to the south side of Fitch Street, west of Grand River Street, on a lot now owned by John Becker and occupied by Manfred L. Derby. It was used for a blacksmith- shop until the year 187S, when it was moved to tlie rear of the lot and since used as a bam. For the ensuing three years the district owned no school-house, but rented houses for school purposes. A house called ■' The Old Largee House," situated in a field on a line with the eastern continuance of Fitch Street, was rented by Daniel C. Marsh, director, for a temporarv' school-room. This is the only house recorded as rented in the three years intervening between the sale of the old school-house and the building of a new one, though it is hardly supposable that it was the only one rented during that period. Finally the district became wear\- of shifting the school "from pillar to post,'' and determined to possess a building of its own, in which the \'illage lads and lasses might have ample opportunity for the expansion of tlieir minds. At a district school-meeting, held Nov. 20, 1S47, the first move was made towards the building of a new school-house. But nothing seems to have been accomplished until 1849, when, at the VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON. 211 annual meeting, on the motion of Jolin D. Apple- ton, it was resolved to build a new school-house the ensuing year. It was also voted to raise by tax the ensuing winter S350 to build the same. William Gushing and John M. Ten Eyck were appointed a committee to act in conjunction with the district board, James B. Lee, John O. Apple- ton, and Roswell Barnes, as building committee. The building was completed and occupied late in the fall of the year 1850. It was located on the northeast corner of East Street and Spencer Road. It was used by the district until 1868. In July, 1870, it was sold to Elisha Case for $^^6. It was afterwards used by Charles A. Withey as a car- riage-shop. In the year 1873 it was burned to the ground. At the annual school-meeting, held Sept. 16, 1863, the first steps were taken towards the build- ing of the present school-house. At this meeting it was voted that S1500 be raised by ta.x for the erection of the same. At an adjourned meeting, held October 14th of the same year, a committee was appointed, consisting of Egbert V. Albright, James B. Lee, and Everett Wilson, for the purpose of selecting a site. Nothing, however, was actually accomplished until Sept. 24, i865, when it was voted " to locate the site for a new school-house on lands west of the Ann Arbor road, south and east of lands and dwelling owned by D. C. Marsh, and north of land owned by Charles Baetger ; and also that the sum of $2500 be raised by tax on the ta.\able property of the district for the purpose of purchasing a site and buying materials for building a school-house in said district." At a session of the Legislature, held early in the year 1867, an act was passed authorizing the trustees to issue the bonds of the district to the amount of $7500 for the purpose of building a school-house. These bonds were issued and negotiated, furnishing, to- gether with the ta.x voted, the money for building the house. At a meeting of the board of trustees, held Feb. 7, 1867, the site selected by the committee was bought of Ira W. Case and Spaulding N. Case, and the sum of $487.50 paid for the same. Proposals for building the house by contract were advertised for and received, but all were rejected. The build- ing was commenced early in the spring of 1868, under the superintendence of the board of trus- tees, which embraced the following gentlemen : William R. Cobb, Henry W. Pipp, William H. Naylor; Ira P. Bingham, Moderator; Egbert F. Albright, Director ; and John ¥.. Weichers, As- sessor ; and was completed at an expense of §10,400, exclusive of the site, and occupied the first Monday in December, 1868. The early schools in Brighton partook largely of the nature of all other first district schools, — that is, were extremely primitive in their character. Their teachers were not required to be familiar with many studies besides "the three R's, — read- ing, 'riting, and Vithmetic," — and generally were not very learned individuals. A lady was em- ployed to teach the summer school ; but a gentle- man was always engaged for the winter, partly, no doubt, because he was supposed to be wiser and more capable of instructing the older class of pu- pils that attended at that season, but principally because he was endowed with strength to subdue the "big boys" if any insubordination should arise. The school-house was a cheap and small structure, capable of holding only a limited number of pupils. The first settlers, no doubt, felt the need of a school ; witness the following copy of a teacher's certificate given by the school inspectors. It is taken verbatim from the recording-book of the district : " Tlie undersigned School inspectors of the Township of Brighton Do Certify that A regular meating of the Boarard of .School inspectors on the 15 Day of April, Did personely Examon Miss Marrett S. Hoges in respect to Moral Charractor, Larning, And Co., And find her well qualified to teach A primery Skool In District No. 5, in the township of Brigliton for one year from the date here of, unles the inspectors for the tim Being Shall Sooner Revoke or Cansel this Certificate. Give under our hand .\nd Seel this 15 D.iy of Aprile, 1844." But as years went by the educated portion of the community constantly increased, and consequently the school became of a more elevated character, until finally it was graded, and teachers were em- ployed capable of giving instruction in the lan- guages, sciences, etc. TEACHERS. The following is a list of the teachers who have taught in the public schools, and is as nearly per- fect as to names and dates as it is practicable to make it. 183S. — Mr. Jer.ald, Sophia Olney. 1839. — Mr. Jerald, John C. Culver. 1S40. — John C. Culver, Miss E. Clark. 1841.— Mr. Williams. 1S42. — Miss Mary Ann Hinckley. 1843. — Corydon Lee. 1844. — Corydon Lee, Miss Mnrielte Hodges. 1845. — Corydon Lee, John Gilluly. 1846. — John Gilluly, Daniel C. Marsh. 1847. — Daniel C. Marsh. 1848. — Amos Foster. 1849. — Nathan Ames, Miss Ella Nichols. 1850. — Fredciick Carlisle. 1851. — Otis Whitney, Jr., Miss Margaret Gilluly. 1852.— William Marsh. 1853. — Norman L. Emhury, Miss Sarah Dana. 1854. — Martin Cranston, Miss Esther Foster. 212 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1855. — Heniy Pieison, Miss Maigaret Gilluly, Mrs. Fanny M. Gilluly. 1856. — Orlando B. Wheeler, Mrs. Lucy Spencer, Miss Caroline Gregory. 1857. — John GilUily, Mrs. Lucy Spencer. 1S58. — John Whithecli, Sinclair Hamlin. 1S59. — Darius F. Boughton, Sinclair Hamlin, Miss Auriella Jud- son. i860. — Levi D. Cook, Miss Mary Case. 1861. — Levi D Cook, Miss Carrie O. A. Jaques, Miss Marian Jones. 1862. — Egbert Mapes, Miss Orzilla Acker. 1S63. — Darius F. Boughlon, Miss Adelaide Judson, Richard J. Lyon, Miss Orzilla Acker. 1S64. — Darius F. Boughton, Miss Florence Chadwick, Miss Maiy Tock, Miss Orzilla Acker. 1S65. — Lucius Ball, Miss Marian Jones, Miss Ann Woodruff. 1866. — Miss Adelaide Judson, Miss Marian Jones, Miss Florence Chadwick. 1S67. — John W. Crippen, Miss Juliette Fonda, Miss Adelaide A. Pease. 1868.— Orson W. Tock, Miss Juliette Fonda. 1869. — George A. Cable, Miss Hannah J. Dartt, Miss Adelaide Judson, Miss Florence Pratt. 1870. — G. J. Holbrook, Miss Hannah J. Darlt, Miss Adelaide Judson, Miss Carrie Withey. 1S71. — Benj. F. Hickey, Miss Mary L. .Sprout, Miss Emma E. Thurber, Miss Lizzie Potter. 1872. — Benj. F. Hickey, Miss Mollie Blanck, Miss Emma E. Thurber, Miss Althea Pitkin, Miss Viola Cook. 1873. — George A. Cady, Miss Lizzie Foster, Miss Emma E. Thurber, Miss Lizzie Potter, Miss Adelaide A. Pease. 1874. — Hiram S. Reed, Miss Emma E. Thurber, Miss Lizzie Pot- ter, Miss Helen M. Elliotle. 1875. — Hiram S. Reed, Miss Lizzie Potter, Miss Eugenie Hal- leck. Miss Helen M. Elliotle. 1876. — John Whitbeck, Miss Emma E. Thurber, Miss Lizzie Pot- ter, Miss Martha Weichers. 1S77. — John Whitbeck, Miss Emma E. Thurber, Miss Elizabeth A. Lignian, Miss Ettie Underwood, Miss Martha A. Wei- chers, Miss Elizabeth H. Buck. 1878. — Harry S. Myers, Miss Mary McNamara, Miss Ettie Un- derwood, Miss Elizabeth H. Buck, Miss Martha A. Weichers. 1879. — Harry S. Myers, Miss Mary McNamara, Miss Ettie Un- derwood, Miss Lucy Smith, Miss Flora Stewart. Of the vaiiou.s teachers who have been employed to mould the young ideas of the village of Brighton but little can be said. The records for several of the first years are very imperfect, and, in fact, the name of the first teacher does not appear at all, but is recalled by some of the first settlers and schol- ars in both of the forms given in the list. John C. Culver formerly resided in Green Oak, on the farm now occupied by Isaac H. Smith. Corydon Lee was a resident of the village of Brighton, and at different times filled the offices of township clerk and school inspector. John Gilluly graduated from the law school in the University of Michigan, en- tered upon the practice of law in the village of Brighton, represented the county of Livingston in the Legislature, enlisted as captain in the 5th Mich- igan Infantry in 1 86 1, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment, and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. Daniel C. Marsh is still living in the village of Brighton. Martin Cranston now lives on a farm in the township of Tyrone. Mrs. Fanny Gilluly went with her hiisband, James Gilluly, to Kansas, where she is now living, at Lawrence. Many of the citizens of Brighton well remember Miss Caroline Gregory, of Northville, who taught school in 1856. She was somewhat strong in mind and body, and defied the directors' efforts to dis- miss her from the school. Mr. Lee having locked her out of the school-room, she broke the door open, and, after thus forcibly effecting an entrance, went on with her school with few or no scholars. A compromise was finally effected, hostilities ceased, and Miss Gregory returned to her home in Northville. Mrs. Lucy Spencer, wife of John G. Spencer, is living in the State of New York. John Whitbeck, after teaching in 1858, was for several years principal of one of the ward schools of De- troit, and is at the present time living on his farm in the township of Hamburg. Darius F. Bough- ton, after leaving Brighton, studied medicine, be- came an M.D., removed to Wisconsin, and now holds the position of superintendent in the State Asylum for the Insane. Miss Aureilla Judson, wife of George G. Smith, still resides in the village. Levi D. Cook filled the office of township clerk and school inspector. He removed to Le Roy, N. Y., where he died some years since. Miss Mary Case was a resident of Hamburg, and has been dead some years. Miss Carrie O. A. Jaques was a resident of Nankin, W'nyne Co., and returned to her home after teaching in Brighton. She is still living, and is the wife of Charles Church, a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miss Marian Jones, now the wife of Willard Hen- drick, resides in Hamburg. Miss Orzilla Acker, wife of Andrew Fuller, is now residing at Au Sable. Miss Adelaide Judson and Richard J. Lyon are yet residents of Brighton, and are alinost the only teachers of ten years ago who have not found a mate. Miss Florence Chadwick has since married, and is now living in Illinois. Miss Mary Tock, now deceased, married Henry Lake. Ann Wood- ruff, wife of George P. Dudley, is still living in the village. John W. Crippen is yet living, and is a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Juliette Fonda removed to Saginaw City, where she has been for many years, and is yet teaching in the Union School. Adelaide A. Pease has taught iTiore or less since her term in 1867, and is still a maiden lady. Orson W. Tock studied medicine, graduated at the University of Michigan, and is now practicing at Gaines. George A. Cable, when last heard from, was studying medicine in Cleveland. VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON. 213 Hannah J. Dartt was a graduate of a normal scliool of Pennsylvania, married Frank Holden, and died in 1877. Florence Pratt, wife of Elvin Stiles, resides in Green Oak. G. J. Ilolbrook, when last heard of, was residing in New Jersey, and was agent of a life insurance company. Carrie Withey, wife of George Wagner, now lives in h'lint. Benj. F. Hickey married, removed to Kansas, lost his wife, returned to Michigan, and is now a resi- dent of Oakland County. Emma E. Thurber is still a resident of Brighton. Mollie Blanck when teaching here was a resident of Howell. Lizzie Potter, since 1876, has been teaching in the public schools of Jackson. George A. Cady lives at Wayne, and has developed into a lawyer. Viola Cook married James Phillips, and now resides at Grand Rapids. Lizzie Foster, a former resident of Howell, married Wilbert Smith, and now re- sides at Big Rapids. Hiram S. Reed was and still is a resident of the township of Marion. Helen M. PLlliotte, wife of Spencer D. Albright, resides at Stanton. Mrs. Eugenie Halleck is still living in Brighton. Martha A. Weichers, Ettie Underwood, Elizabeth H. Buck, Mary McNamara, Lucy C. Smith, and Flora Stewart are as yet misses of Brighton. Elizabeth A. Ligniaa is living at Ovid. Harry S. Myers, the last principal, at the close of school, took the memorable advice of Horace Greeley, and at once " went West." LIST OF DISTRICT OFFICERS. Moderator. Director. 1837 M.iyn.ird M.iltby. 1S38 Elijah Fitch. William Nolile. 1S39 J. Cjootlspeed. William McCnuley. 1S4O Orson Qiiackenbush. Ch.irles Spencer. 1S41 Lewis B. Fonda. 1S42 Wilher Fisher. 1843 William Noble. James I!. Waits. 1846-47 " " Truman D. Fish. 1848 Robert D. Power. Daniel C. Marsh. 1849 James B. Lee. John D. A|)|ileton. 1850 " " Stephen K. Jones. 1851 " " Robert D. Power. 1852 Lyman Judson. Diivid Thomson. 1853-54 Wni. McCauley. Stephen K. Jones. 1855 Erastns A. Pratt. James B. Lee. 1856 Frederick D. Acker. Wm. R. Cobb. 1S57 David Thomson. James B. Lee. 1858 David Thomson. 1859-60 Ira W. Case. Egbert F. Albright. 1861-62 " " Frederick D. Acker. 1863 James B. Lee. " " 1864 " " Luther C. Pratt. 1865 " " Lyman Judson. 1866 Ira W. Case. Egbert F. Albright. 1867-69 Ira P. Bingham. " " 1870 William J. McIIench. 1871 Lewis B. Fonda. William J. McIIench. 1872 " " Lyman Judson. 1873 " " Royal C. Runisey. 1874 " " Wm. R. Cobb. 1875-77 Ira W. Case. " " 1S78 Lucien B. Stewart. " " 1879 " " Nichol.\s Kennedy. John A. Weichers has been assessor since 1866. The growth of the district will be seen by com- paring the figures of the earlier with the later years, in the following table : children in dis- Amount paid Paid for build- Primary money trict between teachers. ing, repairs, received. 5 and 2o years. etc. 183S 46 S5OO 1840 61 $70.00 15.00 S24 40 1850 67 So.oo 350.00 2550 1855 80 157-00 4500 53-76 i860 129 23S.00 48.00 58.42 1865 148 310.00 120.00 64.80 1870 206 1795.00 185 00 96.60 1875 278 1494.00 266.00 130.00 1879 267 1470.00 342.00 128.16 Since 1838 the district has expended for teach- ers' wages, 520,625 ; for buildings, repairs, and contingent expenses, §16,321 ; and the amount of primary money received aggregated 52385.13. SELECT SCHOOLS. The first of the select or private schools of Brighton was taught by Miss Mary B. Pratt, in the second story of the " Balch House," now occu- pied by Morris Du Bois as a blacksmith-shop. Miss Pratt was a graduate of Fredonia Academy, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., from which place shecanie with her brother, Erastus J. Pratt (now of Green Oak), in 1845, and opened the first term of her school soon after her arrival. She taught several terms so acceptably that the public school was closed part of the time that she taught in Brighton. Sickness intervened. She closed school in 1847, returned to her home in Fredonia in the winter of 1848, and died in the spring of the latter year. She was succeeded by James Smart, who taught one term, either in the first school-house erected, or in the " Worden House," which stood on the site of the present Methodist Episcop.al church. It is thought by some of the pioneers that Amos Foster taught a select school in the year 1848 or 1849. Williain Marsh, brother of Daniel C. Marsh, kept a private school during the summer of 1852 in the second story of the dwelling now occupied by Thomas T. Tunis. Mr. Marsh was assisted by Miss Carrie Sharp and Miss Chamberlain. He was succeeded in the same school-room by Miss Maria Osborn, sister of the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Miss Lavinia B. Fuller (now Mrs. Fonda) taught a select school during the summer of 1863 and 1864, in the " McCauley store," on the southwest corner of Grand River and North Streets. Miss Mattie Cope opened a private school in the build- ing on the northwest corner of Grand River and North Streets, now occupied by Simeon B. Lock- wood as a furniture-store, and taught one or more terms. Miss Adeline A. Pease kept a private school in John E. Weichers' store. 214 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Miss Sarah Ellen Case taught an infant school for a short time, in a room in the first story of the Appleton Block. John D. McLawlin taught several terms of select school, first in a room in the dwelling of James B. Lee, afterwards in " Weichers' store," also in the second story of John Duane's grocery, and in the Appleton Block. He was re- cently tutor in a commercial college in Detroit. Rev. Christian Warth taught a private German school in the dwelling of John E. Weichers, in the year 1864. Rev. Carl Schmalz, in the fall of 1875, kept open for one term, a German school, in the brick building on the west side, formerly used by Charles Schmidt as a bakery. Miss Paulina Ragoetzky also taught a German School, from July, 1878, to February, 1879. She has recently (July, 1879) opened her school for another term. For the above comprehensive view of the schools of Brighton the historian is indebted to Miss Kate C. Albright. MASONIC. BRIGHTON LODGE, No. 42, received its charter Jan. 9, 185 i, the officers named therein being William McCauley, W. M. ; Robert D. Power, S. W. ; John Ross, J. W. The first regular communication was held Jan. 16, 185 i, at which meeting the officers for the ensuing year were chosen, as follows : George W. Peck, W. M. ; John G. Spencer, S. W. ; Charles Butterfield, J. W. ; Roswell Barnes, Sec. ; Wm. McCauley, Treas. ; Charles Spencer, S. D. ; Samuel D. Sayre, J. D. ; Frederick Carlisle, Nathaniel G. Butterfield, Stewards; Truman D. Fish, Tiler. In 1857 the charter of the lodge was surren- dered and a reorganization effected later under the title of BRIGHTON LODGE, No. 247. A dispensation was granted Feb. 3, 1858, to the following officers : Adolph Buch, W. M. ; John A. Meyer, S. W. ; Egbert F. Albright, J. W. The first regular communication was held March 2, 1868, and a charter obtained bearing date Jan. 15, 1869, the officers being the same as under the dis- pensation. The first communication under the charter was held Jan. 25, 1869, the officers being installed by Charles W. Haze, of Pinckney, as fol- lows : Adolph Buch, W. M.; John A. Meyer, S. W. ; Egbert F. Albright, J. W. ; Chester Thom- son, Treas.; Wm. J. McHench, Sect.; Benj. T. O. Clark, S. D. ; Louis Meyer, J. D. ; Robert J. Mountain, Tiler ; Samuel H. Conely, John W. Stiles, Stewards. The present officers are William M. Power, W. M. ; William W. Mann, S. W.; Thomas F. Lown, J. W. ; Egbert F. Albright, Sec. ; Chester Thom- son, Treas. ; Orson Toncray, S. D. ; Freeman Vanderlip, J. D. ; W. R. Cobb, Samuel P. Moon, Stewards. THE BRIGHTON CITIZEN was established in September, 1871, and was first published under the name of the Brighton Bulletin by A. G. Blood, and printed in the office of the Howell Independent. The same year it was pur- chased by George W. Axtell, then of Howell, who at the same time secured a complete outfit for a printing-office and removed to Brighton, where he issued the paper until Nov. 18, 1877. Its title was by him changed to the Citizen, the first number of which appeared Jan. 2, 1872. The task of publishing successfully a weekly paper in Brighton was a difficult one, and with its slender income the proprietor found its revenues hardly sufficient to meet the daily wants of his family ; but with perseverance came success, and the Citizen soon became an established and profitable fact. Its circulation rapidly increased, and its columns, filled with advertisements of the business men of the county, were evidence of the hold it had obtained upon the popular regard. It had at first been issued as a seven-column folio, but its publisher soon found it necessary to change it to a five-column quarto. In November, 1877, W. H. Bowman, of Howell, and J. D. Ellenwood, of Brighton, purchased the Citizen of G. W. Axtell, and continue to publish it under the firm-name of Bowman & Ellinwood. The circulation has con- siderably increased since their management of its columns, and it now ranks among the leading papers of the county. Connected with the office is a job-printing department, where the various styles of work are executed with a promptness that has given universal satisfaction and won for the office much patronage. BRIGHTON GUN CLUB. The country which surrounds Brighton presents a most attractive aspect to a lover of sport with the gun and fishing-rod, the numerous beautiful lakes abounding in various kinds of fi^h, while their banks, together with the adjoining woods, are frequented by woodcock, wild duck, partridges, etc. With a view to enjoying these sports in their season, and at the same time establishing such rules as would lead to the preservation of game and the prevention of indiscriminate shooting out of season, a number of the residents of Brighton have organized the Brighton Gun Club. It has an elaborately drawn constitution and by-laws, which each member is required to sign, while at the same time he pays a nominal entrance fee. VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON. 215 Its membership is divided into tiiree classes, — active, life, and honorary, — no individual being eligible to the latter distinction who is a resident of the county. Its first meeting was held Aug. 15, 1877, at which the following officers were elected : G. J. Baetcke, President ; F. T. Hyne, Vice-President; R. E. Baetcke, Secretary; Charles Gushing, Treasurer; Luther Frink, Prosecutor; and Henry Soule, O. W. Babcox, Henry Rohn, George W. Thomson, Directors. As affording an opportunity for practice, the club have made special arrangements for glass- ball shooting, the adjoining fair-grounds affording a fine opportunity for this diversion. The club has a membership of 31. THE BRIGHTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. In February, 1876, a committee of nine were appointed by the Common Council of the village, pursuant to a public call at the office of S. H. Concly & Co., for the purpose of organizing a hook- and-ladder company, to be called the " Brighton Hook-and-Ladder Company, Number i," for the protection of the village against fire. George G. Smith was chosen chairman, and S. H. Conely secretary of this committee. A sub- committee was appointed to draft a constitution and b)'-laws, consisting of W. W. Lewis, R. J. Lyons, Jr., and S. H. Conely. The following gen- tlemen enrolled their names as the first members of the company: George Carpenter, William Mann, A. Giles, W. VV. Lewis, S. H. Conely, George G. Smith, C. Dewitt, Gib Abrams, R. J. Lyons, George Ratz, Ira Thonison, H. Soule, August Schmidt, A. A. Reed, G. W. Sweet, James Van Loon, Robert Jolly, C. A. Birge, William Sutherland. The first officers were chosen by ballot, as fol- lows: Samuel H. Conely, Foreman ; W. W. Lewis, Assistant Foreman ; R. J. Lyons, Secretary ; Clin- ton De Witt, Treasurer. The matter of purchasing a hook-and-ladder truck and other appointments incidental to a com- plete equipment of the fire company having come before the Council, after much discussion it was decided to purchase one of Babcock's hook-and- ladder trucks, with four complete ladders and eight patent fire extinguishers, — four on either side, — the cost of which was S900. James Thomson was elected keeper of the chemicals. A uniform was adopted, consisting of a black silk cap, red shirt, and patent-leather belt, and on the 4th of July of the year of organization the company made its first public parade in its new uniform. Many compli- ments were bestowed upon their fine appearance, and to the ladies they were especially indebted for floral offerings and other decorations. For the year 1877, Samuel H. Conely was elected Foreman; Clinton De Witt, Assistant I-"oreman ; F. J. Lown, Secretary and Treasurer; and Henry Soule, Keeper of Chemicals. For the year 1878, Henry Soule was chosen as Foreman ; Eugene Slayton, Assistant Foreman ; T. F. Lown, Secretary ; C. E. Gushing, Treasurer; G. VV. Thomson, Keeper of Chemicals. The present officers are Henry Soule, Foreman ; Eugene Slayton, Assistant Foreman ; Thomas F. Lown, Secretary ; Charles E. Gushing, Treasurer ; George W. Thomson, Keeper of Chemicals; and O. A. Birge, his assistant. The following names comprise the department as it at present exists : Henry Soule, Luther Frink, Thomas F. Lown, Ira Thomson, Charles E. Gush- ing, Eugene Slayton, Peter Fay, William W. Pentlin, John Hutchings, William Stanfield, Thomas Wil- liams, Henry Rohn. BRIGHTON CORNET B.^ND. The association which embraces this band was formed Jan. i, 1875, the gentlemen who comprised it being S. Davis, R. J. Lyons, Charles Withey, S. J. King, R. M. Fillmore, G. W. Thomson, and George Wagner. It was deemed best to raise as far as possible, by subscription from the towns- people, a portion of the funds necessary to pur- chase instruments. This was done, and $112 very willingly subscribed, after which the instruments were secured, and an addition to the membership occurred. With their advent, the band was re- garded as fully organized, embracing the following names: George Wagner, S. J. King, William Big- ham, George W. Thomson, C. Kuhner, William Sturburg, C. A. Withey, R. J. Lyons, J. D. Ellen- wood, and John Donley. George Wagner was chosen as leader, and the services of John Kinsman, of Milford, were obtained as instructor, under whom the band made rapid progress. Their first public appearance was made on the following Independence Day, and a festival for their benefit was given in the evening, which re- sulted in an addition of $50 to their treasury, and materially aided them in the purchase of a band- wagon, which became, with the frequent calls from abroad, a necessity. In August of the same year, George W^agner resigned, and J. D. Ellenwood was elected to the position of leader. At the expira- tion of four months the members concluded to dis- pense with the further services of an instructor, and depend upon their leader and regular practice to attain proficiency. Their services were in much demand during the summer of 1876, and funds were secured which enabled the band to pay all its indebtedness. 2l6 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Early in the fall of the same year an effort was made by several residents of the village to organize another band, and for a time with so much success that James Savage, of Detroit, was secured as in- structor, a set of instruments were obtained, and considerable progress was made by the members. It soon became apparent, however, that Brighton was not a village of sufficient compass to sustain two musical organizations, and with the expiring year ended the existence of the new band. In the early part of the year 1876, Mr. Ellen- wood resigned the position of leader and his membership, and C. H. Coe became his successor. In the .spring of 1878 a complete uniform was pur- chased, which enabled the organization to present themselves fully equipped on public occasions. The Brighton Band, after having passed througli many vicissitudes, is still a perfect organization, and at the present time has a reputation commen- surate with the perseverance and skill of its mem- bership. Its present organization is Walter Acker, Edgar Weichers, S. J. King, H. A. Coe, R. J. Lyons, E. F. Albright, Herman Loehne, Nelson C. Thomas, and Charles H. Cobb. Herman Loehne acts as leader, but during his temporary absence J. D. Ellenwood fills the posi- tion. THE BRIGHTON MILLS, known for a brief time after their erection as the Ore Creek Mills, are at present owned by Albright & Thomson. They were built and owned by Or- son Quackenbush in 1840, and sold in December of that year to William A. Clark. In 1845, Mr. Clark resold the mill to its original owner, who remained its proprietor until 1847, when it was sold to Evert Woodruff Two years later Lyman Judson purchased it. The mills had been run pre- viously by a breast water-wheel of a fashion long since rendered obsolete, but with Mr. Judson's ad- vent as proprietor, a French turbine wheel was in- troduced in 1852, and the mills enlarged, the north wing having been added. In 1856 the present proprietors took possession, and have owned them since that time. They are almost e.xclusively de- voted to custom work, and two run of stones are employed. The mills are located at a central point in the village of Brighton, and are largely patronized by the surrounding community. Under the proprietorship the old turbine wheel has been replaced by three others of improved style, and considerable addition has been made to the ca- pacity of the mills. C. T. HY.\E & SON. This firm, which is composed of Charles T. Hyne, and his son, Frederick T., are buyers and shippers of grain and farm produce, and dealers in lime, plaster, coal, etc. They ship about 150,000 bushels of wheat annually, which is loaded by an elevator connected with their storehouse, run by horse- power, which enables them to transfer the grain direct to the cars without intermediate handling. It is shipped by the Detroit, Lansing and North- ern Railroad, whose track runs directly past their establishment, and finds its way to Detroit, and from thence to the Eastern market. They are also large buyers of wool, and may be regarded as among the important business entei prises of Brighton. CONELY & SMITH'S STEAM PLANING-MILL. This firm confines its business principally to the nianuficture of mouldinsjs, floorinsr, sidincr, ceilinef, and are also dealers in lath and shingles. The timber, which is procured in Montcalm County by rail, is received in the rough state, after sawing, and by them dressed and converted into more finished material. They employ a steam-engine of twelve horse- power, and find a ready home market for all their product, though a limited quantity is shipped by rail to adjoining towns. This firm are also dealers in agricultural implements, and the various appli- ances connected with them. B. H. LAWSON & COMPANY'S BANK was organized in April, 1871, under the name of B. H. Lawson's Bank. In June, 1873, it was reor- ganized under the style of B. H. Lawson & Com- pany's Bank. It has most of the patronage of the village and the surrounding country. THE GLOBE IRON-WORKS enjoys the distinction of being the first foundry within the limits of the county. Mr. David Thom- son became a citizen of Brighton in 1843, and early sought an opportunity to engage in the mechanical pursuits he had followed in his native land. He obtained the lease of a building whose location was accessible, and converted it into a foundry, which he soon after purchased, having taken into business with him a partner, the firm being known as Thomson & Spencer. Finding the increasing trade required more spacious quarters, he built, in 1856, the substantial brick foundry corner of Grand River and Fitch Streets, and removed to it. At the time Mr. Thomson first embarked in business farmers were obliged to depend upon Ann Arbor and Dexter for all agricultural implements which were neces- sary to the cultivating and breaking of the soil, and even the sharpening of plow-irons necessitated VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON. 217 a journey of twenty miles. It will readily be .seen that Mr. Thomson's foundry was a source of much congratulation, and many demands were made upon liis skill. Most of the wares manufactured arc such as are used in agricultural pursuits, the .staple article being plows. Wheelbarrows arc also made, and the demand for them has been considerable in the immediate vicinity. An engine of ten horse-power is cm- ployed in the building, and the market for the products of the foundry is principally found in this and adjacent counties. All the implements made have established the reputation of the proprietor for the excellence of his work. THE WESTERN HOTEL was erected in 1873, and is now owned by P. D. Skillbeck, the present proprietor, R. M. Filmore, having leased the building from him. It is a sub- stantial brick structure, three stories in height, with numerous spacious rooms, and conveniently located within walking-distance of the depot. It enjo)'s a liberal share of patronage from the travel- ing community. THE BRIGHTON HOTEL was built as early as 1850, by Benjamin Gushing, and additions have been made to it since that time. It is located in the centre of the village, on Grand River Street, and is kept by M. C. Case. Having been long established and well maintained, it en- joys a reputation that brings to it a considerable portion of the custom of the neighboring country as well as much from abroad. VILLAGE OFFICERS. The village officers elected since Brighton ob- tained a village charter, are as follows : 1867.— Daniel C. Marsh, President; Benj. T. O. Clark, Clerk; Clirisloplier C. Caine, Stephen K. Jones, Everett Wil- son, John E. Weichers, Eli L. Soule, Wni. H. Naylov, Trustees; Egbert F. Albright, \Vm. J. McHench, As- sessors; Chester Thomson, Treasurer; John Jones, Marshal; Franlilin Smith, George C. Tanner, Street Commissioners; A. P. Dickinson, Fire Warden; John B. Wood, Poundniaster. 1868.— James B. Lee, President; Herman C. House, Clerk; John E. Weichers, William R. Colib, William H. Naylor, Patrick Donley, David Thomson, Everett Wilson, Trus- tees ; William B. Cu-hing, Treasurer; Joseph E. Place- way, Marshal; Ira W. Case, Assessor; Allen Norton, Eli L. Soule, Street Commissioners; Wallace Case, Fire Warden ; Edgar Mair, Poundniaster. 28 1869. — Henry W, Pipp, President ; JI. C. House, Clerk ; Luther C. Pratt, William B. Gushing, F. D. Acker, Nelson C. Thomas, Everett Wilson, John Duanc, Trustees; Geo. P. Dudley, Treasurer; Iia P. Bingham, Wm. R. Cobb, Assessors; Henry Becker, Benj. T. O. Clark, Allen Norton, Street Commissioners; Alanson P. Dickinson, Marshal; William H. Xaylor, Patrick Donley, Fire Wardens. 1870. — Henry W. Pipp, President ; H. C. House, Clerk; John E. Weichers, Patrick Donley, Rich ird Lyons, John Duane, William B. Cushing, Nelson C. Thomas, Trus- tees ; George P. Dudley, Treasurer; Nicholas Kennedy, Marshal; William J. McHench, Thomas Lown, Asses- sors; Allen Norton, Henry Becker, Chester Thomson, Street Cimimissioners; John W. Power, William H. Naylor, Fire Wardens ; John Krause, Poundmaster. 1871. — Ira W. Case, President; Milton Thom.as, Clerk; John E. Weichers, Assessor; George P. Dudley, Treasurer ; E. F. Albright, P.atrick Donley, John W. Power, Luther C. Pratt, Elisha Case, William J. McHench, Trustees; Allen Norton, .Street Commissioner; John Jones, Mar- shal. 1S72.— Luther C. Pr.att, President; Milton Thom.as, Clerk; Thomas F. Lown, Treasurer; James Durbary, Joseph C. Burch, Byron S. Knapp, Trustees ; Nelson C. Thomas, Street Commissioner; John E. Weichers, Assessor; Warren D. Belding, Marshal. 1873. — Richard Lyon, President ; Milton Thomas, Clerk; George P. Dudley, 'I'reasurer; William W. Lewis, Arthur E. Boylan, James B. Wilkie, John W. Power, Trustees; B. Howard Lawson, Assessor; Warren D. Belding, Mar- shal; Chester Thomson, Street Commissioner. 1874.— Henry C. Pipp, President; B. T. O. Clark, Clerk; Myron H. Knapp, William Pipp, William R. Cobb, John E. Weichers, Assessor; George P. Dudley, Treasurer; Asa Smith, Street Commissioner; George W.Thomson, Martial. 1875. — B. Howard Lawson, President ; Max Brewer, Clerk; James B. Lee, Thomas F. Lown, Grant S. Burgess, Trustees; Solomon 1. King, Treasurer; John E. Weichers, Assessor; Philip Standlick, Marshal; Clinton De Witt, Street Commissioner. 1876.— L. N. Clark, President; Henry P. Martin, Clerk ; Samuel Phelps, Augustus Reiner, William D. La Bonta, Trus- tees; Nicholas Kennedy, Treasurer; John E. Weichers, Philip Standlick, Marshal; Asa Smith, .Street Couimis- sioner. 1S77.— Benjamin T. O. Clark, President ; H. P. Martin, Clerk ; Rudolph Baetcke, Charles E. Cushing, Ira W. Case, Trustees; Nicholas Kennedy, Treasurer; John C. Weichers, Assessor; James Anderson, Street Commis- sioner; John Soule, Marshal. 1878. — Benjamin T.O. Clark, President; Augustus Reiner, Clerk ; Frederick T. Ilyne, Henry Alvord, John A. Meyer, Trustees; Nicholas Kennedy, Treasurer; Thom.as F. Lown, Assessor; James Anderson, Street Commis- sioner; Peter Hartman, Marshal. 1S79. — Benjamin T. O. ("lark. President; Augustus Reiner, Clerk; James D. Ellenwood, George W. Cushing, Patrick Don- ley, Trustees ; Joseph E. Placeway, Thomas F. Lown, Assessor-; John Hutchings, Street Commissioner; John Jones, Marshal, BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. Brighton, though not the oldest, is by no means the least considerable of the townships of the county of Livingston. Like many other town- ships it had at first no separate organization, but composed an important part of the township of Green Oak, and it was not until April of 1838 that it was accorded a distinct existence. The first meeting was held at the residence of Daniel Lane, on section 17, William A. Clark, D.D., being chosen moderator, and the first supervisor elected was Richard Lyons; William Noble, Jr., being made township clerk, and Maynard Maltby and Philip S. Hubbell elected justices of the peace. Following are the names of the original pur- chasers of land embraced in the present township, with dates of purchase: Elijah Marsh, Nov. 1S32. Eliza Ann Teiiny, Jin', 183;, Philip S. Hul)l)ell, Nov. 1835. Stephen ISaker, Nov. 1835. Jacob Peters, Aug. 1836. N. Thurston, Aug, 1836. Fred. W. Goodenoe, Nov. 1S33. Eliza Ann Tenny, June, 1835. P. S. Huhhell, Nov. 1835. Aurelia Goodenoe, Dec. 1835. Nelson W. House, May, 1S36. Franklin Dait, May, 1836. Jude Field, Aug. 1836. Nath. Thurston, Aug. 1836. F. W. Goodenoe, Oct. 1838. , Peter W. Smith, Jr., Jan. 1835. Hiram Goodspeed, Mar. 1835. Isaac Bisbee, April, 1835. H. Goodspeed, May, 1835. Reuben Moore, Sept. 1835. R. Moore and W. N. Carpen- ter, May, 1835. Gotleib Nieman, Aug. 1835. Jude Field, Aug. 1835. Isaac S. Piatt, Aug. 1835. G. M. Jackson, Feb. 1835. John Williams, April, 1835. Fred. Ringe, June, 1835. W. Jackson, March, 1837. Floyd Williams, Aug. 1837. Jerusha Fox, June, 1838. Philetus Smith, June, 1833. Charles Robinson, June, 1833. Benjamin Blain, Nov. 1833. Seth Bidwell, Sept. 1S35. Benjamin Blain, Jan. 1836. Harriet Winchell, Feb. 1836. V. H. Ketchum, July, 1836. Fred. Ring, Aug. 1836. 218 William A. Clark, Jan. 1S37. Charles Robinson, June, 1833. Benjamin Blain, June, 1833. Aaron H. Kelly, June, 1833. Charles Robinson, July, 1S34. Wm. S. Conely, Aug. 1835. Leonard Burnhani, Oct. 1S35. II. McCloud, May, 1836. Nath. Thurston, Aug. 1836. Benjamin Tanner, Se^it. 1836. Aaron H. Kelly, Nov. 1833. Jacob Winchell, Sept. 1834. Wm. S. Conely, Aug. 1835. S. T. Williams, Aug. 1S35. Arnold Douglas, Sept. 1835. William Winchell, Sept. 1835. Wm. A. Clark, .Sept. 1836. Seth Bidwell, Sept. 1835. Jacob Winchell, Feb. 1836. Charles Si')encer, March, 1S36. F. A. House, June, 1836. Samuel Waldoe, Aug. 1836. Arnold Douglas, Aug. 1836. Allen McDonald, Aug. 1S36. Wm. N. Clark, Sept. 1836. Elijah Clark, Feb. 1834. C.ilh. Thompson, March, 1834. Chas. W. Pease, April, 1834. E. Chamberlain, July, 1S36. Isaac Van Voorhies, Aug. 1836. Thos. J. Le Cuunt, Se|)t. 1836. H. H. Warner, Nov. 1S36. Elijah Clark, Feb. 1834. Richard Lyons, Sept. 1 834. E. D. Fisher, Sept. 1834. John S. Johnson, Oct. 1835. Julia A. Amies, April, 1S35. Geo. W. Biircli, June, 1836. Horace BrastSr, June, 1S36. Fred Ring, Aug. 1836. Richard Lyons, Aug. 1836. H. H. Warner, Nov. 1836. H. V. Libhnrt, Oct. 1832. Gardner Bird, Feb. 1833. Aaron Beach, Oct. 1833. Smith Beade, Oct. 1833. John Van Heuven, Nov. 1834. I.«aac Bisbee, April, 1835. Ibrook Tower, April, 1835. Isaac Bisbee, May, 1835. Ibrook Tower, May, 1835. Jacob Petus, Aug. 1836. Jude Field, Aug. 1836. Elijah Ma.sh, Oct. 1832. Job Cranston, Oct. 1832. Ezra McComlier, Oct. 1833. Job Cranston, Oct. 1833. Gaines Fuller, July, 1835. Mary L. Cranston, July, 1835. Elijah Marsh, Oct. 1835. R. ILirrington, Feb. 1835. Marcus Pullz, June, 1836. Anson Cranston, July, 1836. Henry Thurston, Aug. 1836. R. Ilarriiiglon, Feb. 1837. Andrew Wohtrabe, Feb. 1837. Gardner Bird, Feb. 1833. Melzer Bird, July, 1833. Gardner Bird, Nov. 1834. Hiram Johnson, Nov. 1835. L. Fuller, M.arch, 1836. Wm. N. Betts, Aug. 1836. John C. Allstadt, Aug. 1836. H. H. Warner, Nov. 1836. Cath. Thompson, March, 1834. Wm. .S. Conely, Nov. 1834. Isaac L. Piatt, June, 1835. Cyrus Jackson, June, 1836. Wm. N. Betts, Aug. 1836. Peter Lane, Dec. 1835. Nehemiah Paine, June, 1S36. Florus A. House, June, 1836. John M. Kenzie, Aug. 1836. William Tunis, Aug. 1836. Orman Coe, May, 1833. Wm. Winchell, Sept. 1834. Hugh Gordon, Nov. 1834, and Feb. 1835. Wm. S. Conely, Sept. 1835. Wm. Winchell, Sept. 1835. Wm. S. Conely, July, 1836. Abram Pieteh, Aug. 1836. George Post, July, 1836. E. C. Allen, May, 1833. John Cronet, Aug. 1835. Erastus Kellogg, Feb. 1836. John Moore, July, 1836. John Dean, Nov. 1S36. Elias .Sprague, Nov. 1836. Oliver Sprague, Nov. 1836. George Moon, April, 1837. Rastus H. Ransom, April, 1837. Samuel II. Fox, June, 1838. B. B. Kercheval, Nov. 1836. John S. Winkler, Aug. 1836. Joshua Sheffield, June, 1835. Abel Palmer, June, 1835. William Palmer, June, 1835. Orange Bruce, Sept. 1835. Sarah Knowles, Sept. 1835. Samuel M. Conely, .Sept. 1836. Elias Sprague, Jan. 1836. Simeon Carpenter, June, 1S36. John Powell, July, 1836. Salmon Porter, Aug. 1S36. William Paul, Aug. 1836. Benj. W. Conklin, Sept. 1834. Robert L. Lam, Sept. 1834. Peter Wemmill, Sept. 1834. Geo. N. Kuckle, March, 1835. John S. Johnson, April, 1835. Isaac S. Piatt, June, 1835. Peter Wemmill, Aug. 1S35. Samuel D. Tuthill, Aug. 1833. Aaron Beach, Oct. 1833. Smith Beade, Oct. 1833. Richard Lyiuis, Sept. 1834. Wm. Valentine, June, 1835. Richard Lyons, Sept. 1835. Abram J. Andrews, June, 1834. H. C. Andrews, May, 1835. Otis Durfee, July, 1835. Hiram Johnson, Nov. 1835. Robert L. Lam, July, 1836. Jacob Binderrnagle, Aug. 1836. Andrew Wohbrake, Sept. 1836. Hiram Johnson, June, 1833. George Bailey, Nov. 1833. Jacob Ijindeimagle, Aug. 1836. Andrew Wohbrake, Feb. 1 837. Jacob Binderrnagle, Feb. 1837. Henry Thurslou, .Sept. 1836. William Sterling, May, 1835. Philip I. Johnson, June, 1835. Elijah Johnson, Sept. 1835. John Arnold, June, 1835. Caleb Carr, Jr., Oct. 1835. W. W. T. Ward and others, April, 1836. Garret Martin, May, 1836. John McConnell, May, 1833. David Durfee, July, J834. Robert Edgar, Nov. 1834, and Aug. 1835. Henry C. Andrews, Feb. 1836. Obd. J. Norton, Feb. 1836. Joseph Flanders and Samuel S. Kitchan, July, 1836. Robert L. Lam, July, 1836. :)L^ l ij^^j;,ii i |j i p.j^u,-.tMLi;jjjtjiii) BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 219 Isaac S. Piatt, Aug. 1836. Reuben Hickox, Sept. 1833. Richard Lyons, Sept. 1834. F. T. Le Count, Sept. 1834. William S. Conely, Oct. 1834. Richard Lyons, March, 1835. Moses Lyon, March, 1835. Isaac L. Piatt, June, 1835. Joseph Flanders and S. S. Kilchan, June, 1835. Evruider T. Fisher, .Sept. 1834. Moses Lyon, Sept. 1834. William T. Tunis, Sept. 1834. William S. Conely, Oct. 1834. Moses Lyon, March, 1835. .M.irlc Healey and B. B. Ker- cheval. May, 1836. Elijah Bancroft and Benjamin Flanders, Nov. 1835. Robert S. Bowne, July, 1836. Joseph Williams, Sept. 1836. Daniel Dean, .March, 1837. Charles Ross, Aug. 1837. A. M. Fox, Feb. 1838. John G. Spencer, Sept. 1838. Robert Thomson, Dec. 1843. Grace Sitlcr, Sept. 1844. K. S. Bingham and Robert Warden. Andrus and Ezra Rood, Sept. . «S36. Eli M. Fergo, -Sept. 1834. Josiah Leonard, May, 1836. William Noble, June, 1836. John S. Mundy, Dec. 1832. Mary Fuller, June, 1835. Orlando A. Fuller, June, 1835. Jacob Lc\vry,Aug. 1835. John Ileniy, Feb. 1836. Edward Mundy, May, 1836. P. C. B.irtlett, Jan. 1836. William Tunis, Aug. 1836. Lewis B. Fonda, Oct. 1S32. Stephen Bunnell, May, 1833. John Henry, Oct. 1S33. George NL Cracken, Sept. 1834. Moses Lyon, Oct. 1835. Marie Healey and B. B. Ker- cheval, May, 1836. Joseph L. Briggs, Aug. 1836. William Wagner, .'\ug. 1836. Evert Wijodrud', March and April, 1833. George W. Glover, May, 1833. Hugh Alexander, Dec. 1833. Smith Parks, Jr., Jan. 1834. Richard Toncray, May, 1835. Joseph L. Briggs, Oct. 1835. Daniel Marlatt, March, 1836. John Davis, April, 1836. Horace Toncray, July, 1836. Luther Parshall, May, 1833. Richard Toncray, May, 1833. John W. Peavey, May, 183S. James Cnrey, May, 1835. Horace Toncray, May, 1834. Luiher Parshall, Dec. 1835. Joseph W^atkins, Aug. 1836. Orlando Rogers, June, 1836. Isaac L. Platl, Aug. 1836. Thomas Curtis, Dec. 1835. George W. Glover, May, 1833. Luther Parshall, Nov. 1833. Joseph Wood, April, 1834. Thomas Curtis, June, 1834. John S. Beach, June, 1834. Joseph Wood, June, 1834. Emma Parshall, July, 1834. Gariy Gri-.wold, June, 1835. Thomas Curtis, Oct. 1835. SETTLEMENTS AND SETTLERS. It seems an established fact that Elijah Marsh was the first settler in the township of Brighton outside the village limits. He left Hadley, Mass., in 1832, and purchased from the government, on the 20th of October of that year, the southwest quarter of section 12. Later he added 40 acres on section i. With Mr. Marsh came Job Cranston, who shared with him all the privations of his pioneer life, having entered at the same date 80 acres on the same section. These two settlers for a brief period lived alone, with no neighbors save the migratory Indians, who paid them brief visits, and furnished them venison and other game for the very scanty returns they were able to make. Soon, however, their loneliness was cheered by the presence of Gardner Bird, who reached the county in Feb- ruary' of the following year, and entered 160 acres on sections ii and 17. Mr. Bird devoted himself at once to clearing a tract of land whereon to erect his cabin and sow his grain. Meanwhile he en- joyed such rude hospitality as was cheerfully ac- corded him by his neighbors. After this he returned, and in April brought his family, Mrs. Bird being the first married lady who took up her residence in the township. Meanwhile, Messrs. Marsh and Cranston had returned for a visit to their families, and Mr. and Mrs. Bird were left the sole occupants of the forest of Brighton from April until the following September. Mr. Marsh, as soon as he was able, employed two men to split rails with which to inclo.se a por- tion of the land he had purchased, and on his re- turn from the East made a comfortable home for his wife and children in the shanty he had occu- pied. Three children were born after the removal of Mr. and Mrs. Marsh to Michigan, the first of whom, born April 22, 1834, was among the first in the township. Mr. Marsh might be termed a Yankee peddler, and followed this calling soon after he became a permanent settler in the township, loading his primitive cart with such marketable wares as were in demand among his patrons, and depending upon his faithful oxen to carry hirn from point to point. The nearest blacksmith-shop was eighteen miles away, and Ann Arbor the nearest market town. Mr. Marsh died in 1857, and his son, Richard J., now occupies a fine farm opposite his father's for- mer home. Mr. Bird remembers the difficulties he encoun- tered in reaching his new home, and the absolutely unbroken condition of the country. Deer and wolves roamed the forests at pleasure, and forty of the former were seen by him on his way to his new possessions. After the land was sufficiently cleared to admit of being broken, the plow became a necessity, and he was compelled to travel to Dexter, twenty-two miles away, to have the irons sharpened and repaired when necessary. Mr. Bird, before coming to Brighton, had resided for a brief season in Webster, Washtenaw Co. On one occa- sion, when coming from there to -Brighton, he brought with him a hog and nine pigs, driving them the distance of eighteen miles. After re- maining a few days to split rails, he returned to Webster, leaving, as he supposed, his recent ac- quisition of stock behind, but his surprise was great to find that they had followed him and ar- rived almost as soon as himself, much preferring the comforts of civilization in Washtenaw County to pioneer life in the wilds of Brighton. While Mr. Bird was breaking up his land the lad he em- ployed to drive the ox-team was confined to the house by illness, but the work was not impeded, for Mrs. Bird herself went into the field with the oxen and assisted to plow four acres. Joseph Bird, their oldest son, born in Michigan, was among the 220 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. first children born in the township, the date of his birth being October, 1834. In the year 1833, Melzer Bird, a nephew of Gard- ner Bird, was induced, by the emigration of his uncle to Michigan and the advantages the State offered to young men of energy, to place his name upon the roll of pioneers. He arrived from On- tario County, N. Y., in 1833, and entered 120 acres on section 14. In May of the following j-ear he started in a wagon drawn by oxen and laden with his wife and two children, and such household goods as he could bring, and wended iiis way to the tract of land which was ])enceforth to be- come to them a home. They came by way of De- troit and were exceptional in the fact that they experienced very little difficulty in reaching their destination. They followed the Indian trail, which was an unerring guide, and on their arrival found a welcome to the home of Gardner Bird until Melzer could erect a shanty for himself The same summer he cleared 10 acres and sowed it with wheat, fencing three sides of the lot, the fourth side joining his uncle's land, which ren- dered fencing unnecessary. He was rewarded by a harvest of 200 bushels, which he regarded as a very satisfactory return for his industry, and Mr. Bird, in the winter, recalled with gratitude the progress he had made during his first season as a pioneer. Indeed, he and his family seem to have been fortunate in escaping many of those depriva- tions and annoyances which are incident to early emigration, and in a very pleasant interview with this venerable gentleman, the writer was unable to recall to his mind any memories of early days which did not afford a pleasing retrospect. A post-office was established very early in the neighborhood, which was known as the Pleasant Valley office, and for years Elijah Marsh held the position of postmaster. His successor was Peter Delamater, who, not wishing to qualify, transferred the emoluments of the office, together with its honors, to Melzer Bird, who held it for six years and distributed the not very weighty mail which arrived weekly from Brighton, or Ore Creek, as it was then designated. The first residents of the township early turned their attention to the means of education for their children, and erected, in 1834, on government land, on section 11, a small log school-house, in which the little ones of the neighborhood were congre- gated under the supervision of Miss Sarah Hunt- ley, of Hartland. The teacher enjoyed in turn the hospitality of all her patrons, and was certainly the earliest instructor in the township, as the building in which she taught was unquestionably the first school-house in the township. The little community were saddened by a death which occurred June 13, 1835, at the house of Mr. Robert Edgar. A young man, named Abram L. Andrews, twenty-seven years of age, had been in- duced, by the hope of improved health, from the active exercise that the clearing of a new country necessitated, to enter 80 acres of land on section 23. He lived but three weeks in his new home, and there being at the time no clergyman to per- form the funeral rites, Mr. Edgar officiated on the occasion and delivered an address. Melzer Bird took from his barn the boards with which to make the coffin. This was the first death which occurred in the township. One of the earliest settlers men- tions another early death, — that of Abel Whalen, a teacher, which occurred in a house on the hill north of the Woodruff mill. Benjamin Blain emigrated to the State of Mich- igan from Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1833. Having a brother in Green Oak, he repaired to his house, on the banks of Silver Lake, and remained with him a brief time, meanwhile locating 160 acres of land on sections 5 and 6, in the township of Brighton. For a year and a half he was employed by Kinsley S. Bingham and Robert Warden, but being desirous to establish a home for himself, he began, in Oc- tober, 1834, the erection of a log house on his land. This house, though simple in design, required as much time and labor in the construction as many more elegant habitations of the present day. Very few tools were procurable with which to assist the work, but Mr. Blain made stakes for the roof and cut sticks for the chimney, and in the ensuing spring secured boards enough at Woodruff's saw-mill with which to lay two floors, — a ladder serving as stair- case from the lower to the upper story. Four acres of the land were cleared and planted with potatoes. The first winter his quarters were shared with Seth Bidwell and Leonard Barnham, the lat- ter gentleman afterwards becoming sexton of All Saints' Church, of New York City. Upon the occasion of Mr. Blain's first visit to the place not a tree had been felled from the forest standing on the site of the future village of Bright ton. The Indian trail followed the course of the present Grand River Street, turning to the left near the house now occupied by George Gushing, crossing the creek just above the residence of John A. Meyer, and returning in a line nearly parallel with the street. Mr. Blain was skillful in the use of the rifle, and found in the forests of Liv- ingston County an ample range for the gratifica- tion of his favorite pastime. The first year of his residence, eighty deer were among the trophies of his skill. For six years he continued the isolated life of the hunter, varied occasionally by long pil- .Ux ^^'rk* . P>..'- y^y.-\^- -Vj.,. .'..•-/;.>. ■S^ \i, ■.■•':: .-f ■»■■ ,,r m Residence or the late AARON H. KELLEY, Brighton. Livingston County, Mich ■ "^' ■- '■- -'/ •■■^" -' - r ■ ■ Be4v'fc>M-!&Jfe»4AH-■^«^!!.?M^r.■M•«,• y^'.^id *-^ - -4' -'1 li HLS\Di.NCL or O.K. VAN AMBURG, BRIGHTON, M/CHIGAN BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 221 fjrimagcs in search of land. He seemed a verita- ble Leather-Stocking, a kindly, silent soul, delight- ing in hunting, and loving solitude. His present iiome is Air from the traveled thoroughfare, and accessible only through a succession of fields and gates. On the west bank of a beautiful lake is located his quiet residence, where, with an old- time hospitality, he welcomes his friends and en- joys with them the recollection of his early years. In the spring of 1833, Evert Woodruff entered l6o acres on section 34, and took up his residence upon it, with his family, on the last day of May of that year. To Mr. Woodruff the township is largely a debtor for the enterprise he manifested in the erection of mills, which aided greatly in its development. In the fall of the same year of his arrival he built a saw-mill, and a grist-mill was erected the year following, being supplied with water-power from a stream on which it was built, known generally as Woodiuff's Creek. It was at that time the most northerly mill in the county, all the other mills being in the southerly range of towns. Evert Woodruff" bore a reputation far and wide for sound business principles, probity, and honesty. His dealing with his customers was modeled after the good old golden rule, and no charge was ever made that too much toll was ex- acted at the Woodruff mills. His son, Egbert Woodruff, was the first child born in the township, and soon after, Richard McConnell was born in the neighborhood, a very early birth, and possibly the second. Mr. Woodruff"s miller, Mr. ScoUard, was a man whose eccentricities were only equaled by the fidelity with which he served his em[)loyer. He was a man of muscular frame, and the weighty bags of grain were lifted and tossed as easily by him as though his employment were a mere diver- sion. Combined with a certain brusqueness of manner was an earnest desire to satisfy all cus- tomers, and to receive a snubbing from the miller rendered it by no means certain that the grist would meet a similar indifferent handling. Mr. W^oodruff and his miller are both remembered by the survivors of those early days for many acts of kindness in the neighborhood, to whose comfort they were large contributors. On one occasion a settler appeared at the house of Mr. Scollard with an urgent request that he should depart from his inflexible rule to grind no grists on Sunday. He was told at once that the Sabbath was a day of rest, and that both mill and miller were entitled to the respite from labor which the fourth commandment enjoined upon them. The man explained that he had started the previous Friday from home, a dis- tance of many miles, hoping to return on Saturday, and on the way he had met with an accident which luul rendered haste impossible; at home were his wife and children entirely destitute, and depending upon the flour which he should bring them for food. The heart of the miller relented, the grist was ground, and the man went on his way rejoic- ing. The first marriage-service was performed by Justice Peavey. This event occurred in 1834, and the happy couple were named respectively Mr. Joseph L. Briggs and Hester Fisher, the marriage taking place at the house of the justice. Fred. W. Goodenoe entered land on section 2 in 1833, and added to it in 1836. He made rapid progress in the improvement of his possessions. Soon after his arrival he cleared 25 acres, and when his nearest neighbor came, in 1835, had already erected a house and barn and dug a well. None of the early pioneers were better known or more distinctly remembered than Robert Big- ham, or " Uncle Robert," as he was more fre- quently called. He was born near Belfast, Ire- land, in 1789, emigrated in 1810, came to this township in 1834, and for years kept a house of entertainment about one mile north of the village. Many of his surviving neighbors recall the quaint old sign " Call and C," which was planted some distance beyond his house to attract the eye of the traveler in .search of food and shelter. This old sign was long a landmark, and those who re- sponded to its invitation to " Call and C" Uncle Robert always found a warm welcome. His bear- ing was cordial alike to rich and poor. He pos- sessed all the qualities that make the e.xcellent landlord, and, together with the good cheer which his wife provided with a liberal hand, his unfailing humor was always a source of diversion to his guests, and his tavern a resort for some of the most prominent characters in theState. Mr. Bigham pur- chased a tract of land of the late Governor Kinsley S. Bingham, but by mistake settled upon land ad- joining, to which John Gushing afterwards laid claim and obtained, Bigham retiring to the tract of 147 acres, which he afterwards occupied. Later still he purchased the land on which the tavern was located, and at the time of his death, which oc- curred Sept. 30, 1876, was living in the village of Brighton, having been the poprietor of the pres- ent Brighton House. Aaron H. Kelly, lately deceased, entered 63 acres on section 6, and 208 acres on section 7, in 1833. He built a sub.stantial house and a saw- mill, and made many improvements on the land he owned. Richard Toncray came from Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1S33, and entered So acres of land on sec- 222 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tion 35, and two years later 40 on section 34. His brother Horace also located 80 acres on section 35, and a year after 40 on the adjoining section. Many members of the family have since died, and others left the township. Another character of prominence in the town- ship was Sherman D. Di.x, who resided upon a fine farm east of Woodruff's ]Mil!s, and was well known in connection with the Kensington Bank, of which he was cashier and director. He was a man of much polish of manner, adroit in business, with a keen eye for a bargain, and withal one of the most generous and kindly neighbors that an early settler could desire. The bank scheme, of which he and Alfred A. Dwight were the originators, finally brought dis- aster, and he repaired to Texas and engaged in cattle speculations. At one time he projected the idea of making the point where the Woodruff mills are located, a village, which was to supersede Brighton, and witii that end in view, he had maps made of a village plat, with regularly laid out streets and all the appointments of a growing town, including a large flouring-mill and an equally large hotel, which he took to New York, and easily disposed of the lots to parties in search of Western investments. It was christened Liv- ingston. Henrj- T. Ross emigrated from Ohio in 1835, and purchased 160 acres of his present farm, which had been previously entered from government, and had 10 acres cleared and a shanty erected. This he occupied until he was able to erect a sub- stantial farm-house. At this time there were many Indians in the immediate vicinity, and their camp-fires were often seen upon the grounds of Mr. Ross, though they congregated in larger num- bers upon the banks of Long Lake, in Hartland. The wolves at this time were the especial ene- mies of the sheep, as well as of calves and year- lings, and the neighbor of Mr. Ross experienced so much difficulty in raising them that, after the gradual depletion of his flock of sheep, he gave up all further efforts. Finally, but one old ram of all his fine flock remained, who seemed proof against all the ravages of the destroyer. His days were, however, numbered, the hungrj- pack having one day surrounded and destroyed him in broad day- light, under the very eyes of his owner. Mr. Ross established a reputation in early life as a skillful hunter. He is also well known as a lover of bees, which he. turns to very profitable account. Hav- ing caught a swarm the first year of his arrival, he has never been without them since. Benjamin Blain entered, in 1853, 80 acres on section 5, and in 1836, 40 acres on the same sec- tion. Some years later he removed to Hartland township, where he now resides. Seth Bidwell lo- cated 80 acres upon the same section in 1835, and a like numbier of acres upon section 8, at the same date, and still resides upon it. In the year 1836, Rev. William A. Clark, D.D., arrived in the township from New York City, and made large entries of land on sections 5, 6, 7. and 8, and in the following year arrived with his family, and took up his residence in Brighton. Mr. Clark had been the rector of an Episcopal Church in New York City previous to coming to the State. He at first located upon section 7, but in 1839 purchased the mill now owned by Albright & Thomson, and also erected a saw-mill on sec- tion 5. He introduced the first sheep into the township, having purchased a large flock in Ohio and distributed them throughout the neighbor- hood. Mr. Clark, who was the father of the present postmaster of Brighton, B. T. O. Clark, Esq., did much by his capital and enterprise to develop and improve the township. He opened a store for the accommodation of the numerous men whom he constantly employed, and he had also through his influence a post-ofiice established near his residence, which was called the Mont Lake Post-Office. His death occurred in Brighton, Sept. 13, 1842. Another early settler was Lewis B. Fonda, who came from Plattsburg, N. Y., in October, 1832, and entered the west half of the southwest quarter of section 32, and still occupies this ground with the additions he has made to it. He arrived first at Detroit in the old steamer "Superior," and from there walked to Ann Arbor, where he remained five years. At the expiration of that time he removed to his land, having in 1834 erected upon it a frame house, said to have been the first in the county, which was at the time regarded as a dwell- ing of considerable pretension. The timber with which it was built was drawn from Ann Arbor, a distance of eighteen miles, with ox-teams. At the time that Mr. Fonda entered his land, the only near neighbor he had was a man named Cornish, who had preceded him and entered 160 acres across the lake in the township of Green Oak, which was subsequently owned by George W. Walker. The government road had previously been surveyed, and caused much excitement among lookers for land, who discovered in the forests lying adjacent to the road a fine oppor- tunity for speculation. Mr. Fonda on his arrival enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Stephen Lee, who had previously located in Green Oak. The country was then almost entirely unbroken, and numerous Indian wigwams dotted the banks of the lake now BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 223 known as Fonda's Lake. In 1833 a man was placed upon the farm to split rails, and the house having been built the following year, the family of Mr. Fonda, on their arrival in 1835, found the place in something like a habitable condition, though it was not until two years later that they made it a permanent home, meanwhile residing in Ann Arbor. Ezra Macomber, a native of Massachusetts, set- tled in Pleasant Valley in 1834, having entered land in the vicinity of that occupied by Richard Marsh. He is now residing in Tuscola County. K. G. Durfee came from Orleans Co., N. Y., to Washtenaw Co., Mich., in 1831, and removed in 1835 to the township of Brighton, where his father had leased a farm on section 34. In the year 1849 he purchased a farm on sections 10 and 20, and has also a blacksmith-shop, to which he devotes a por- tion of his time. Cyrenus Morgan, one of the active spirits of the township, was from Jefferson Co., N. Y., from whence he came to Brighton in September, 1837. He bought 104 acres on section 28, and later dis- posed of it and purchased the farm lie at present occupies, embracing 150 acres. Mr. Morgan has been deputy-marshal and auctioneer, which posi- tions have given him an extended acquaintante throughout the county. In the early days of his settlement here he was a peddler, and traded quite extensively with the Indians in Shiawassee County. In the year 1833 the cholera prevailed to such an extent in New York City as to induce manj' people to think of seeking homes away from the metropolis. Among them were a number of gilders and other artisans who had heard of the advan- tages offered to settlers in Michigan, and deter- mined to purchase land in the Territorj% some of them intending to become residents here. With that end in view, one of their number, Richard Lyons, of New York, was intrusted with about gSooo with which to make purchases in the county of Livingston. He came in 1835 and located many hundred acres, and with such entire satisfac- tion to those for whom he had acted, that in the following year he was intrusted with a similar commission. The aggregate number of acres pur- chased by him was nearly 20.OOO, most of it being in this county. Mr. Lyons, who settled later upon a portion of this land, was preceded by William Valentine, for whom he entered 160 acres on sec- tion 22, and who took possession of his land in 1836. He does not seem to have met a very happy experience in his efforts to become a pioneer far- mer, for at the end of one j-ear the club of gilders, of whicli he was a member, by a subscription of $10 apiece, raised a sufficient sum to enable him to return to New York and resume his former occu- pation. The following is a list of the parties for whom Mr. Lyons entered land, together with the sections on which they were located: Francis J. Le Count, 80 acres on section 7 and 200 acres on section 9 ; Samuel M. Conely, 80 acres on section 27 ; Wm. Porter, 40 acres on section 20; Isaac L. Piatt, 160 acres on section 21, 160 acres on section 15, 80 acres on section 3, and the same number on sec- tion 27; William T.Tunis, 160 acres on section 28 and 320 acres on section 17; I.saac Van Voorhes, 160 acres on section 9; William S. Conely, 80 acres on section 27, 80 acres on sec- tion 28, and 80 acres on section 15; Evander D. Fisher, 80 acres on section 28 ; Moses Lyons, a gold-beater, i6o acres on the same section ; N. T. Thurston, a gilder, 35 acres on section 6, 160 acres on section 4, 80 acres on section i, and 120 acres on section 13; J. McKinsey, 160 acres on section 17 ; Allan McDonald, 80 acres on section 8 ; Ring, 40 acres on section 5 ; B. W. Conklin, 80 acres on section 21 ; Robert L. Lane, 80 acres on section 21 ; Peter Hemmel, an upholsterer, 160 acres on section 21 ; George W. Ruckle, 40 acres on section 21 ; W. N. Betts, 80 acres on section 15, and 80 acres on section 14; Lemuel F. Wil- liams, 160 acres on section 7; H. Thurston, 40 acres on section 24 ; Jacob Bendernagle, 480 acres on the same section and 240 acres on section 23 ; A. Woolrabe, 80 acres on section 23 and 120 acres on section 1 3 ; Robert Lane, 80 acres on section 21, 80 acres on section 23, and 40 acres on section 26; William Paul, 80 acres on section 20; J. S. Winkler, 80 acres on the same section. Mr. Lyons entered for himself 160 acres on section 22 and an additional 120 acres on section 27. Of this number Messrs. S. M. Conely, Lyons, Fisher, William S. Conely, Tunis, and Rogers came. in 1837, and became permanent residents. William Paul, a gilder, found that his land em- braced the waters of a lake in the township, and returned to the city in disgust. Mr. Rogers worked upon the farm of William S. Conely until he pur- chased for himself 40 acres on section 20, and later he added to it another 40 acres, which he secured from Conely and Le Count. William S. Conely added to the land he entered 200 acres on section 7, 160 acres on section 18, and 65 acres on sec- tion 6. Much of this land was bought on specu- lation, while upon a portion of it the owners settled some years later. Richard Lyons with his family and the settlers from New York who accompanied him, left Detroit on the 1 6th of June, 1837, for their homes in 224 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Livingston County, the portion of the township they located in having been known as upper Green Oak, until it was later set off as Brighton. Before leaving Detroit Mr. Lyons had provided himself with two farm-wagons, two yoke of oxen, three milch cows, their calves, and a man to assist him in clearing his farm. They arrived at their desti- nation in Brighton on the 19th of June, 1S37. The log house built by William Valentine during the brief time he remained on his farm afforded them all a comfortable shelter until they could erect cabins on their own land. In this little house twelve persons took refuge, and a few weeks later the number had swelled to twenty-two, by the arrival of Samuel VV. Conely's family from New York City, whose land was adjacent to that of Mr. Lyons. William S. Conely and Isaac L. Piatt joined the little colony a few years later. Both of these early settlers are since deceased. Most of these settlers built for themselves comfortable frame houses the same year of their arrival, and in these houses early religious services were held until a school-house was built in the neighborhood, which was for years known as the Lyons School-house. The first clergyman who ministered to the early settlers was Elder Cosart, though Elders Bibbins, Fleming, and Giilet also held services during the first settlement of the township. Father Padley also held very early services in the house of Mr. Scollard, near Woodruff's mills. The second town- ship-meeting was held at the house of Richard Lyons, whose hospitable wife on that occasion pre- pared a dinner for the electors, making preparations for sixty, but the whole number present did not exceed forty, who partook with grateful hearts of her hospitality, and re-elected her husband to the office of supervisor. The farming experiences of these settlers from the city of New York were certainly novel, and their ignorance of everything pertaining to their calling was a source of much diversion to their more practical neighbors. They persevered, how- ever, and with each year came the wisdom which is born of experience, until bountiful crops re- warded their industry and they became prosperous and contented. Evander Fisher, one of the New York emigrants, let his farm, and reniained in Detroit to follow his trade of cabinet-maker, and with him Mr. Samuel M. Conely and family remained for a time. In fact, Mr. Fisher's house seems to have been the hospit- able headquarters of neaily all the early emigrants who left the comforts of New York City for the privations of the Western wilderness. After pur- chasing an ox-team, wagon, flour, pork, and such other goods as they might need, Mr. Conely, with his wife, sister, and four children, started on his journey, not knowing the way, and depending entirely upon the uncertain guide which might be obtained from the blazed or marked trees along the way. Not being accustomed to oxen, they had much trouble in managing them. On one occasion they became so refractory that he was wholly un- able to guide or control them, and he called to his assistance a woman whom they passed on the way, and who very soon brought the stubborn beasts to terms. On reaching the end of their journey they found t^^ie farm entirely unbroken. Mr. Val- entine's log house afforded them shelter, thoui;h it seemed already to be more than full, Mr. Lyon and family, Mr. Tunis, and Mr. Rogers being al- read\' domiciled within its walls. For three weeks the little hovel contained 22 people, — the men being sent to the upper story for lodging, while the ladies occupied the more lu.xurious quarters below. But soon a house was completed with the aid of Allan McDonald, to which Mr. Rogers and Mr. Tunis transferred the families. Elder Post, a Free-Will Baptist, came very early from Allegany Co., N. Y., and located on section 18. He held religious services soon after his ar- rival, and is thought by one or two old residents to have been the first preacher in the township, though it is almost certain that he was preceded by Elder Cosart. Elder Atwood and Rev. Mr. Morgan, father of Cyrenus Morgan, were also early ministers. The farm of Elder Post was purchased by Charles Prosser, who made the first brick in the township, which were used for chimneys, no resi- dent at that time having aspired to the luxury of a brick dwelling. Ansel Crippen arrived in the township from New York State in 1836, and purchased 120 acres on section 7. The same year came Edward Mun- dy from Washtenaw County, and settled on section 35. Robert Edgar settled on 80 acres on section 26, and still resides there. He is prominently connected with the first clearing of the township, and is known as an able expounder of divine truth. John McConnell entered 160 acres on section 26, which he subsequently sold and became the pro- prietor of a hotel on what is known as the Gravel road, in Green Oak township. Timothy Warner on his arrival here from Livingston Co., N. Y., in July, 1837, purchased a farm, to which he has since added until it now embraces 500 acres. His brother, H. H. Warner, entered 40 acres on section 1 1. Smith Beach, of Ontario Co., N. Y., entered 160 acres on section 22 in 1833, but did not occupy it until 1839. His family came with him, and his son, Willard Beach, now resides upon the farm, his father having died in 1849 Aaron Beach came in T*■' t : ^ ' ■ ' -^A ; - ; u. '; ,j.yVJ^>s i f..y y r;i y .i».; '''^ ^n ' ;: ' Vf-^^^ ' ^ Residence: Of &E0, W. CONELY, Brighton , MiCHiGArj residence: OF, SAMUEL M. CONELY, Brighton, LIVINGSTON Co.MiCH BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 225 1838, and located upon tlie southeast quarter of section 23, and is still living tlicre. An event occurred in the year 1841 whicli cast its gloomy shadow over the entire community, and threw one of its families into tlic most profound mourning. Merlin Doyen, from New Hampshire, came into the township in 1839, and being for the time unable to obtain a house, moved with his fimily consisting of his wife, her father, and a lad named Mortimer, who was nearly four years old, into the house with Richard Lyons' family. At the expiration of one year, finding the quaiters rather limited for two families, Mr. Lyons built a small liouse for Mr. Doyen, allowing him to work a portion of his land. The occujjants took pos- session of the dwelling, which was half a mile from tJic farm-house, early in November of 1841. About a week from that time Mrs. Doyen had occasion to go to the garden of their former home and allowed the lad to accompany her, wrapping a shawl closely about him as a protection against the November winds. The little fellow started full of happiness, and suggested to his mother that he intended run- ning away from her. Finally, discovering his father not far away from their destination, he obtained permission to join liim, she meanwhile awaiting his return in the garden. He remained with his father a while, who finding him a hindrance to his labor, told him to run back to his mother. Mean- while, Mrs. Doyen, having completed her task in the garden, repaired to the house for a short call upon Mrs. Lyons. The child not finding his mother in the garden, started in pursuit. In his haste he chose the wrong path, which led him away from his home. It was supposed that after discovering his mistake he attempted to return to his father, and becoming bewildered chose a cross-path, wliich led him a mile from home. Here the child sat down upon a log, the prints of his little feet being distinctly visible in the sand, as they were also in the path. From there he crossed a wide marsh which brought him near the liouse of Mr. Tunis, who distinctly heard his cries as the darkticss ap- proached, as did also his grandfather several iiours before. After wandering for some hours he finally reached a swamp, where, probably from exhaustion or fright, he lay down to the sleep from wliicli he never awoke. Here he was fountl the morning of tlie tliird day of his absence. Meanwhile, the neighborhood hail been aroused, and for miles around came kind friends to aid in the search for the lost one. On the second day it was arranged that signals should be fired to indicate their suc- cess — one shot if he were alive — two, if not. The distracted mother had been apprised of these sig- nals, and was with one of the parties engaged in 29 the search. She heard the firing of a gun, and, not waiting for a second shot, flew to embrace her little one. The scene is described as inexpressibly painfid as the truth was imparted to her. She never recovered from the shock, and the settlers who still survive, describe the event as the most heart-rending of their early recollections. Tlie following is a list of the names of resident tax-payers in the township of lirighton in 1843, being taken from the assessment-roll for that year: Isr.iel .\rin'^. J"l*'i Johnson. John Aiulrews. Uavkl Jolly. Hany A. Andrews. Jos. M. Johnson. John Appleton. Marsena Jourden. Edwin Ackley. liain.ird Kclley. Selh Uiilwell. Aaron II. Kelley. Melzer IJiid. Kohl, and Mary Kennedy. Cardiier Hird. John Lane. Slejihen Baker. James 13. Lee. John B. Biirnham. Alvin N. Loveridge. George W. Burch. J. B. & D. R. Lee. George D. B.ailey. Ilarvey T. Lee. John S. Beach. Tliomas Lea. William Brown. Richard Lyon. .Smilli Beach. R. L. Lane. Ansel Crippen. Jacob Leroy. John Gushing. Moses Lyon. Benjamin Gushing. William McCauley. Mrs. Curry. William Nohle. William Gushing. Charles Norton. William Cohb. Norton & Power. William Cooper. Issacher Osborn. James Covey. John Osborn. Job Cranston. Osborn & Post. Dr. Thomas Curtis. Jacob Peters. Mary Carpenler. Granger Pe.xse. Samuel M. Gonely. John W. Peavey. Gushing & Gordon. Wdliam Parker. Jacintha Clark. Luther Parshall. John Dean. Owen Pierce. A. P. Dickinson. R. D. Power. Fred. Dickinson. Daniel Lane. Jacol)us Davis. Lectus Lane. Kdward Ducfee. William Moore. Sherman D. Dix. Ezra Macomber. Franklin Dart. Jesse Malleson. 11. Doine. Elijah Marsh. Peter Delamater. D. C. Marsh. Robert Edgar. Allen McDonald. L. B. F'onda. William Palmer. Wiiber Fisher. Abel Palmer. Fields & Appleton. Jonathan Post. Nelson Fuller. Nehemiah Paine. J. Goudspeed. Amos Rogers. Malcomb Fitch. Sumner Ross. W. R. Field. O. A. Ross. Barak Cibbs. H. P. Ross. Hugh Gordon. B. Searle. F. W. Goodcnow. Robert Sleaford. Michael Gaffney. Allen Stephens. Eben Hand. Elias Sprague. Jabez llaight. James Seed. Warren Hill. J. A. Sterling. Nelson House. N. Sullivan. John Henry. Andrew Shiner. Godfred Hyne. Joshua Sheffield. Edmund Johnson. Benjamin Sawyer. 226 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Charles Spencer. Joshua Sheffield. Gayley Spencer. Alva Ferry. Horace Toncray. John Toncray. Richard Toncray. Robert Thomson. James Taylor. Alva Perry. Perry & E. Marsh. Grace Thompson. William Tunis. John Van Luven. Mary Valentine. Evert Woodruff. Williim Wood. Joseph Wood. William Ward. Mrs. Warden. Elias Withey. Whipple & Peck. F. C. Whipple. J. B. Waite. Jacob Winchell. Robert Bigham. Crawford Fox. Ross & Norton. The largest ta.x was paid by Jacintha Clark, this amount being $4e,./i. The soil of the township of Brighton varies greatly in localities, and may be generally de- scribed as a gravelly loam with an occasional mi.x- ture of sand and streaks of clay. The crops that it yields, though not always abundant in quantity, are generally of a superior quality. The surface is undulating, comprising some level stretches of excellent land varied by gentle slopes. Many very picturesque lakes add variety to the surface, chief among which are Beach Lake and School Lake in the centre ; in the southern portion. Wood- ruff Lake and a portion of Fonda Lake ; and Mont Lake on the western side ; and numerous smaller bodies of water are scattered throughout the bound- aries of the township. Ore Creek rises in Long Lake, Hartland township, flows in a southerly course until it reaches the township, when it mean- ders along its western boundary. RELIGIOUS. KENSINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH. The Baptist denomination have had for more than a quarter of a century a society in the town- ship of Brighton. Previous to that time, the at- tendants upon the Baptist services worshiped at Kensington, hence the name of the organization. In the year 1854, the membership in Brighton having reached nearly 30 in number, it was deemed expedient to erect a house of worship. A plain but commodious structure was built, and since that time the condition of the church has varied. Five years ago the Rev. G. T. Ellis filled a pastoral relation with the people, and infused new life and energy into the society. His labors have been greatly blessed, both spiritually and in a temporal sense. The house has been remodeled and greatly improved, and the membership has reached 80. A flourishing Sabbath-school is also maintained in connection with the church. Gard- ner Spring is the church clerk. THE PLEASANT VALLEY WESLEYAN METHO- DIST CHURCH.* This church is located in Pleasant Valley, about five miles east of the village of Brighton, on the road to Milford. The society was organized March 9, 1873, by Rev. John C. Martin, of Williamston, Ingham Co., who took charge of the church as its pastor, and labored arduously to promote the Interests of the work committed to his care. At the time of its organization there were 24 members, nearly all heads of families, and they found that much per- sistency was required to stem the tide of opposi- tion that set against them. The society held their services at that time in what is known as the Lyon School-house, and notwithstanding the persistent opposition, their numbers increased, and they steadily and confidently looked ahead to the pros- perity that awaited them. In the fall of 1873, Rev. J. H. Canfield was invited to serve them as pastor, and during the following winter his labors among them resulted in a powerful revival of reli- gion, the influence of which was widely felt. In the spring of 1874 a project was entered into to build a house of worship, and through the energy and persistent efforts of the pastor, assisted by some of his members, sufficient subscriptions were raised to cover the entire expense of the con- templated building. They looked upon the " pay- as-you-go" system as being safest in the end, hence all bills were promptly paid ; and when the church was completed, it was dedicated to the Lord as free property, without a mortgage or debt. The church is 48 feet long by 32 feet wide, and the posts are 18 feet high. The seats are so arranged as to comfortably seat about 250 persons. Mr. Thomas Hunter took the contract for building, and the work was executed conscientiously, and to the entire satisfaction of the committee. It was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1874, and a large con- gregation listened to the dedicatory sermon preached by Rev. Adam Crooks, of Syracuse, N. Y., who was called a few months after to enter his eternal rest. The whole cost of building the church, as reported by the board of trustees, was ^1727.50. The society having a house of worship of their own, took new courage, and as they put forth in- creased efforts to improve the moral condition of the community, they were permitted to see a cor- responding degree of increase in the interests of the society. New members were added froin time to time, and many who had not been in sympathy with them attended their meetings. * Prepared by the pastor. BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 227 In 1 874 another society was formed in the village of Brighton by the pastor, and 8 of the members of the Valley Church, who resided near Brighton, withdrew and united witli that church. They were somewhat weakened by the withdrawal of these members, but were comforted with the thought tiiat they were sending a part of their num- ber to labor in an adjoining community for the ex- tension and establishment of those principles which they liad struggled so liard to defend. Shortly after the organization of this new society, another society was formed in Milford township, the three societies thus established being connected with an older society at Kensington, si.v miles from Brigh- ton, and the whole formed a charge or circuit, to be known as the Kensington and Brighton charge. Rev. J. H. Canfield served the charge as pastor until September, 1 875, when Rev. D. A. Richards became his successor, and entered upon the duties assigneil him. He was the first Wesleyan pastor whose family had accompanied him to the charge, and they soon found a residence in the village of Brigh- ton, and a home in the hearts of the people. The church at Pleasant Valley was much the strongest, numerically and financially, and they assumed more than one-third (nearly one-half) of the pas- tor's salary, which proportion they have continued to assume, and it may be said to their credit that they pay promptly the amount of their apportion- ment. The congregations increased under the labors of the new pastor, and the attachment be- tween pastor and people became very strong. On one occasion they manifested their appreciation of his services by meeting at the church for a dona- tion, and leaving for his benefit about 5 150. He held a series of meetings, at which time several members were brought into the church as a result of his labors. He served the church as pastor two years. In September, 1877, they again exchanged pas- tors, and called to the work Rev. E. W. Bruce, who still labors with them as pastor of the charge. He moved his family also to Brighton, and dwells among his people. Two series of meetings have been held by him with the church at the Valley, each being attended with a measure of success and resulting in some conversions and accessions to the church. The first year the people expressed their esteem by a donation, leaving for the benefit of the pastor and family about ^$165, and repeated their appreciative act during the present year by a similar donation amounting to $201.25. The society commenced with 24 members, and an average attendance at services of from 30 to 35. Since that time the membership has reached 76, and there is now an average attendance of from 1 20 to 1 30 persons. From the 76 members re- ceived one has died, eleven have been granted let- ters of dismissal, and three have been dropped from the membership without letters. In the spring of 1879 the society purchased a Beatty or- gan, and the use of it in the church is productive of increased interest in connection with the Sab- bath services. At the last Conference, in September, 1878, an associate pastor was obtained, in the person of Rev. M. Cuthbert, whose services were rendered neces- sary because of new ground that had been entered upon, thus making too large a field for one pastor, and an exchange of appointments has been so arranged that he preaches at the Valley Church once in three weeks. The united labors of the two pastors have been attended with success, and the future prospects of the Pleasant Valley Society are BRIGHTON GRANGE, No. 336. The Brighton Grange charter bears date March 25, 1874, and is signed by the following officers of the National and State Granges : National Grange, Dudley W. Adams, M. ; O. H. Kelley, Sec. State Grange, S. F. Brown, M. ; J. T. Cobb, Sec. Charter members : J. B. Thurber, M. ; W. H. H. Dean, O. ; D. Thomson, L. ; A. D. Newman, S. ; Ira Bradley, A. S. ; S. Bidwell, C. ; C. Jacobs, T. ; G. Bradley, Sec; E. C. Sears, G. K. ; Mrs. N. E. Bidwell, Ceres ; Mrs. M. L. Dean, Pomona ; Mrs. A. L. Palmer, Flora; Mrs. S. A. Thomson, L. A. S. ; G. A. Blain, L. G. Bitten, Charles Hyne, Jean- nette Newman, Eunice Jacobs. The Brighton Grange has devoted itself more especially to the discussion of agricultural topics and subjects which should interest farmers, and has aimed by frequent intercourse to develop the social qualities of its members. The secretary has furnished the following statistics : cost of hall, ^300 ; amount of goods for one year, $247 ; amount of farm implements, $215 ; amount of musical in- struments, ^390; amount of seeds, g 176.61 ; plaster for three years, 30 tons per year, $301.50 ; 25 tons refuse salt, $100. Goods were purchased for but one year, the grange not desiring to engage exten- sively in mercantile transactions. The following are the officers for 1879: S. Bid- well, M.; G. Bradley, O. ; J. B. Thurber, Lee; J. McClements, S. ; D. S. Kiernan, Av S. ; S. McClem- ents, C. ; G. A. Bidwell, T. ; William Palmer, Sec. ; J. C. Newman, G. K. ; Miss Maggie McClements, Ceres ; Miss Minnie S. Kiernan, Flora; Miss Julia Sleaford, Pomona; Mrs. Rachel Newman, L. A. S. The following is a list of township officers elected in Brighton since its organization: 228 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 183S. — Richard Lyon, Supervisor; Willinm Noble, Township CleiU; Melzer IJird, Benjamin Blain, William Palmer, Assessors; Maynard Maltliy, Philip S. Hubhell, Justices of the Peace; Elias Withey, Collector; I". W. Good- enoe, Ezra Macomber, Directors of the Poor; Joshua Sheffield, Abram Dean, Malcolm Fitch, Highway Com- missioners; William W. Ward, Elias Sprague, Cyrenus Morgan, School Inspectors. 1839. — Richard Lyon, Supervisor; John G.Spencer, Township Clerk; Elias .Sprague, Treasurer; Warren J. Acker, Melzer Bird, Richard Lyon, Assessors; Joshua Shef- field, Elias Sprague, H. A. Armstrong, Highway Com- missioners; William Noble, John G. .Spencer, May- nard Mallby, School Inspectors ; Charles Prosser, Col- lector. 1840. — John W. Peavey, Supei"visor; Wilber Fisher, Township Clerk; O. A. Fuller, F. W. Goodenoe, R. Toncray, Assessors ; Elijah Fitch, Justice of the Peace ; E. Wood- ruff, Job Cranston, Seth Bidwell, Highway Commis- sioners; L. B. Fonda, Collector; J. A. Sterling, A. Whalen, Charles Senlill, School Inspectors; William McCauley, Treasurer. 1841. — Smith Beach, Supervisor; John G. Spencer, Township Clerk; Aaron Beach, Treasurer; Elijha Billings, Jus- tice of the Peace. 1842. — John W. Peavey, Supervisor; Charles S. Norton, Clerk; Benjamin Gushing, Treasurer; Lewis B. Fonda, Lsrael Arms, Assessors; J. H. Buck, Horace Toncray, Di- rectors of the Poor; F. C. Whipple, Ira P. Bingham, George W. Peck, School Inspectors. 1S43. — Seth Bidwell, Su))ervisor; Corydon Lee, Township Clerk; Benjamin Cushing, Treasurer; William Brown, Job Cranston, Assessors; Fred C. Whipple, Ira P. Bingham, School Inspectors ; Israel Arms, Robert D. Power, Jus- tices of the Peace. 1844. — John W. Peavey, Supervisor; Corydon Lee, Township Clerk; Horace Toncray, Treasurer; Jasper H. Buck, Aaron II. Kelly, Assessors; Wilber Fisher, School In- spector; Robert D. Power, Justice of the Peace. 1845. — George W. Peck, Sui^ervisor; Wni. R. Cubb, Township Clerk; Orlando A. Fuller, Treasurer; Horace Toncray, Justice of the Peace ; Aaron H. Kelly, Solomon S. Sanders, Assessors; William A. Clark, School Inspector. 1846. — Smith Beach, Supervisor; T. D. Fish, Township Clerk; Erastus A. Pratt, Justice of the Peace; John D. Apple- ton, Treasurer; Nelson Fuller, Elias Sprague, Assessors; Ira P. Bingham, William Noble, School Inspectors. 1847. — Spaulding M. Case, Supervisor; Moses B. Hess, Township Clerk; Israel Arms, Justice of the Peace; William Cush- ing, Treasurer ; Amos Foster, School Inspector. 1848. — Spaulding M. Case, Supervisor ; Truman D. Fish, Town- ship Clerk; Robert D. Power, Justice of the Peace; John Toncray, Treasurer. 1849. — William A. Clark, Supervisor; Jasper H. Buck, Township Clerk ; Benjamin P. Vealey, Treasurer; Horace Toncray, F. Williams, Justices of the Peace; Nelson Fuller, Job Cranston, Assessors; Truman D. Fish, School Inspector. 1850. — Nelson Fuller, Supervisor; John R. Butterfield, Township Clerk ; Ira \V. Case, John Yerington, Justices of the Peace; Benjamin P. Vealey, Treasurer; Ira P. Bing- ham, School Inspector. 1851. — Lyman Judson, Supervisor; Rosnell Barnes, Township Clerk; Floyd Williams, Justice of the Peace; Nelson Toncray, Treasurer ; George W. Peck, School Inspector. 1852. — Lyman Judson, Supervisor; John R. Butterfield, Township Clerk; Nelson Toncray, Treasurer ; Robert D.Power, Justice of the Peace; Ira P. Bingham, School Inspector. 1853. — Lyman Judson, Supervisor; Orlando A. Fuller, Township Clerk; John Yerington, Justice of the Peace; Fred. D. Acker, Treasurer; Nelson Toi'cray, School Inspector, 1854. — Lewis B. Fonda, Supervisor; John R. Butterfield, Town- ship Clerk; Samuel M. Conely, Treasurer; Lyman Jud- son, Justice of the Peace; George E. Smith, School Inspector. 1855. — Lewis B. Fonda, Supervisor; John R. Butterfield, Town- ship Clerk; Samuel M. Conely, Treasurer; John E. Weichers, School Inspector; William S. Conely, Chester Thomson, Justices of the Peace. 1856. — James B. Lee, Supervisor; John R. Butterfield, Township Clerk; Fred. D. Acker, Treasurer; Ira W. Case, Nelson Toncray, Justices of the Peace. 1857. — S]5aulding M. Case, Supervisor ; William J. McHench, Township Clerk; Frederick D. Acker, Treasurer ; Ira P. Bingham, School Inspector. 1858. — Lewis B. Fonda, Supervisor; George W. Rose, Township Clerk; Samuel M. Conely, Treasurer; Roswell Barnes, Justice of the Peace; Augustus Reiner, School In- spector. 1859. — Spaulding M. Case, Supervisor; Egbeit F. Albiight, Town- ship Clerk; Eli L. .Soule, Treasurer; Lyman Judson, .Spafford K. Woodhull, School Inspectors. l85o. — Lyman Judson, Supervisor; Levi D. Cook, Township Clerk; Eli L. Soule, Treasurer; Daniel C. Marsh, Jus- tice of the Peace; Egbert F. Albright, School Inspector. 1861. — Lyman Judson, Supervisor; John G. Spencer, Township Clerk; A. Sears, Treasurer; Willard A. Beach, Justice of the Peace; Richard Lyon, School Inspector. 1862. — Lyman Judson, Supervisor; William J. McHench, Town- ship Clerk; Myron G. Hodges, Treasurer; Ira W. Case, Justice of the Peace; Levi D. Cook, School Inspector. 1863. — Wheaton Hicks, Supervisor ; William J. McHench, Town- ship Clerk; Timothy Warner, Treasurer; John Carter, Justice of the Peace. 1S64. — Record incomplete. 1865. — John Carter, Supervisor; Herman C. House, Township Clerk ; Willard A. Beach, Justice of the Peace ; Timo- thy Warner, Treasurer; R. J. Lyon, School Inspector. l866.^John Carter, Supervisor; George P. Dudley, Township Clerk; Edgar G. Durfee, Treasurer; William J. Mc- Hench, School Inspector; Herman C. House, Justice of the Peace. 1867. — Wheaton J. Hicks, Supervisor; Solomon I. King, Town- ship Clerk; John Carter, Samuel M. Conely, Justices of the Peace; William King, Treasurer; Orson W. Tock, School Inspector. 1868. — Wheaton Hicks, Supervisor; Herman C. House, Town- ship Clerk ; Benjamin T. O. Clark, Justice of the Peace ; Joseph E. Placeway, Treasurer; Richard Lyon, School Inspector. 1869. — Wheaton Hicks, Supervisor; John W. Power, Township Clerk ; Samuel M. Conely, Justice of the Peace; Joseph E. Placeway, Treasurer; Orson W. Tock, James W. Edgar, School Inspectors. 1870. — Wheaton Hicks, Supervisor; William B. Cushing, Town- ship Clerk; Herman C. House, Justice of the Peace; Thomas F. Lown, Treasurer; Egbert F. Albright, School Inspector. 1871. — John Carter, Supervisor; Milton Thomas, Township Clerk; John Carter, Justice of the Peace; Thomas F. Lown, Treasurer; Richard J. Lyon, School Inspector. 1872. — John Carter, Supervisor; Milton Thomas, Township Clerk; Joseph E. Placeway, Treasurer; Eugene Hicks, School Inspector; Robert Warder, Justice of the Peace. 1873. — James B. Thurber, Supeivisor; John W. Power, Town- ship Clerk ; Wheaton Hicks, Justice of the Peace ; Jo- seph E. Placeway, Treasurer ; Richard J. Lyons, School Inspector. 1S74. — Lyman Judson, Supervisor; John E. Weichers, Township Clerk ; Charles A. Holdridge, Treasurer ; Eugene Hicks, School Inspector. Residence o"f JOHN CAf?TER , brigi- ■^ t^^^- Livingston County, Michigan BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 229 1875. — Wheaton Hicks, Supervisor; John E. Weichers, Town- ship Clerk; Charles A. I loldridge. Treasurer; Lucian li. Stewart, Suiierinteiulent of Schools; Eugene Ilicks, School Inspector. 1876. — Wheaton Ilicks, Supervisor; Henry I'. Martin. Town'^hip Clerk; G. C. Weslphal, Treasurer; William M. Power, David Pitkin, Justices of the Peace; Lucian B. Stew- art, Superintendent of Schools; Eugene Ilicks, School Inspector. 1877. — James B. Thurher, Supervisor ; Nicholais Kennedy, Town- ship Clerk; Godfrey C. Westphal, Treasurer ; Whe.iton Hicks, Justice of the Peace; Lucian E. Stewart, Super- intendent of Schools; Augustus Reiner, School In- spector. 1878. — John Carter, Supervisor; Charles II. Brown, Township Clerk; Augustus Reiner, Treasurer; Thomas T. Tunis, Justice of the Peace; Eugene Hicks, School Inspector. 1879. — Eugene Hicks, Supervisor; Charles H. Brown, Township Clerk; Augustus Reiner, Treasurer; John Carter, Geo. W. Stewart, Justices of the Peace; Lucian B. Stewart, School Superintendent ; Richard J. Lyon, School In- spector. BIOGRAI'lIiCAL SKETCHES. HON. JOHN CARTER is of Irish birth and parentage. His father, Julian Carter, emigrated to this country from Ireland in 1 82 1, and settled in Oswego, N. Y. He was a farmer, merchant, and lumber-manufacturer, and was actively engaged in business until his death, which occurred in 1873. John, his only child, was born in Queens Co., Ireland, Oct. 10, 1820. Soon after his birth his mother died, and he was reared by his grandparents. He attended school until he attained his eighteenth year, when he joined the "constabulary," a corps of men emploj'ed by the government to preserve order; he served in this organization until 1845, when he came to America, where he joined his father, with whom he was associated in business for three years. At this time he made an extended tour through Mich- igan, preparatory to choosing a home there. The following spring he removed to Milford, Oakland Co., and was engaged in a flouring-mill until the spring of 1850, when, deciding to engage in farm- ing, he purchased eighty acres of partially improved land, upon which he remained until 1856, when he sold and removed to Pleasant Valley, where he purchased two hundred acres of land which he now owns. He has since added to it two hundred acres ; his present farm is considered to be one of the most valuable in the county. Mr. Carter not only occupies a prominent posi- tion atnong the representative men antl leading farmers of the count)', but has identified himself largely with the politics of his district, county, and town. For several years he represented Brighton upon the Board of Supervisors, where he was con- sidered an able and efficient member. He was elected to the Legislature in 1872, and served in the extra sessions of 1873 and 1874. He was again nomi- nated in 1874, and although Livingston County is largely Democratic, he was defeated by only fifteen votes. In his own town his integrity and ability have won for him an enviable position, as is evi- denced by the fact that at his election in 1S75, as magistrate, he received every vote in the township but three. April 19, 1849, Mr. Carter married Jeannette, daughter of John and Jane Lambie, of Camden, N. Y. She was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Jan. 30, 1827. In 1831 the family emigrated to this country, and settled in Camden, Oneida Co., N. Y., where Mr. Lambie pursued his former avocation, that of a dairyman and stock-dealer ; he was a shrewd, enterprising man, and possessed of more than ordi- nar\- energy and determination. He died in Camden in 1834. It may be truly said of Mr. Carter that he has been " the architect of his own fortune." Com- mencing life in a new country-, with only his natural resources for his capital, he has attained success in all his undertakings. A.\RON H. KELLEY. Aaron H. Kelley was born in the town of Shafts- bury, Bennington Co., Vt, June 10, 1805, and first came to Michigan in the spring of 1 830. He re- turned to Vermont the subsequent fall, and re- mained there until 1833, when he again came to Michigan and lived in Di.xboro', Washtenaw Co., until 1837, during which year he removed to the farm he had located in Brighton township. He also built, in 1837, a saw-mill and operated it for some time. This mill, operated by water-power, was known far and wide in those early days, and furnished the lumber for many of the first build- ings erected in Livingston Count)'. About the last work done by this pioneer mill was sawing a quantity of plank for the Detroit and Howell Plank road. Mr. Kelley sold his first purchase, known as the Clark farm, and purchased one ad- joining of the Winchells, taking possession of it in 1837 ; he occupied a log house (built by Jacob Winchell, and one of the first in Brighton) until 1S46, when he removed to a frame house near his mill. In 1836, while residing in Dixboro', he mar- ried Miss Emeline Grimes, a native of New York. She, his faithful companion in the hard pioneer struggle of early years, died in 1849. In 1851 he was married to Miss Mary I. Murra)', who, before her marriage, had been engaged for several )'cars in 230 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. school-teaching. She taught three months in Green Oak township, and for eight years was a precep- tress in various school-rooms, both in Livingston and Oakland Counties. Mrs. Kelley was the daughter of Frederick Mur- ray, and was born in the town of Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1825. She accompanied her father and the other members of the family to the town- ship of Farmington, Oakland Co., Mich., where Mr. Murray purchased eighty acres of land. In 1 84 1 he moved to Green Oak townsliip, Livingston Co., and bought one hundred and twenty acres. His death occurred in the latter township. All of Mrs. Kelley's family are now deceased except her- self and two brothers, one residing on the old farm in Green Oak, and the other in Le Roy town- ship, Ingham Co., Mich. Their father was a farmer, and had a family of eight children. Mr. Kelley is also deceased, — his death occurring Oct. 26, 1877. REV. IRA W.\RNER, a minister of the denomination known as Christians, and who traces his ancestry back to Col. Seth War- ner, of Revolutionary fame, was born in Van Buren, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1809, and is one of a family of four children. His education was derived from the common schools of the time. At the age of nine years (Aug. 16, 1818) he was deprived of a father's care, the latter's death occur- ring at that date. The son remained upon the farm until he was eighteen, and on the 27th of December, 1829. when a little past twenty years of age, was married to Miss Laura Foster, the eldest of a family of thirteen children, and herself but si.xteen years old. The same winter Mr. Warner preached his first sermon in the school-house where he had first attended school. After that he did not preach again for ten years, paying his whole atten- tion to his farm. After changing his location sev- eral times, he moved with his family, in 1839, to Monroe Co., Mich., and settled in the township of Milan, where he purchased sixty acres of heavily- timbered land. Before clearing it up he began preaching, his calls being so numerous he could not attend to them all. After remaining ten years in Milan he traded his place for a farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres in Brighton township, Liv- ingston Co., to which he removed, and upon which he now lives, his wife of nearly fifty years occupying it with him. Mr. Warner has preached in nearly every school-house in Livingston County, and at- tended all the funerals in the neighborhood, yet for thirty-nine years' preaching and various services he has not received a total compensation of three hundred dollars. During one of his engagements, which required his presence every alternate Sun- day, the distance to the place being twenty-five miles, he succeeded in procuring a horse, but no saddle, and in lieu of the latter used blankets, with strings of basswood-bark for stirrups. He has twice received the appointment of missionary to this portion of the State. The summer of 1879 was the first for many years that he did not fill regular appointments for preaching, but ill health prevented. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are the parents of six children, of whom one died, and the others are married and living in homes of their own. MELZER BIRD was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in April, 1805, being one of a family consisting of seven girls and five boys. His ancestors were English. In 181 5 his father removed to Ontario Co., N. Y., with the family. The son was employed on his father's farm until he was seventeen years of age, when he began learning the cooper's trade with his uncle Winslow, remaining with the latter seven years. For three years subsequently he conducted a shop of his own. On the 26th of October, 1829, he went to Rome, N. Y., and was married to Miss Laura A. Wentworth. Returning to his home, he continued working at his trade until 1833, when he came to Livingston Co., Mich., and purchased the one hundred and twenty acre farm upon which he now resides, in the township of Brighton. He has since purchased two hundred and forty acres additional. In the spring of 1834 he brought his wife and two children to their home in the West. During his residence in this State he has erected one hundred and three buildings for various parties, and for the first ten years every coffin used within a radius often miles was made by his hands. His children are eight in number, viz., F"rancis A., Catharine, Julia, Adeline, Gilbert (deceased), Oliver (deceased), Margaret (deceased), and Harriet (de- ceased). His faithful and loving wife died April 23, 1869. Mr. Bird's barn was the first one built in the township of Brighton, and his log house the fourth one in the same territory. Mr. Bird has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1826. In politics he is a sturdy, staunch Repub- lican. THOMAS WOULDS. South Kyme, Lincolnshire, England, is the birthplace of the gentleman named above. He was one of the oldest in a family of nine children, his father being a farmer. The son, until he was REV. IRA VKARNER MRS. IRA WARNER. i*"*^ MELZER BIRD. MRS.MELZER BIRD. BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 231 twenty-one years of age, worked by the year at farming, and after attaining to that age was em- ployed for three years on public works. Sept. 21, 1852, he was married to Miss Anna Abbott, and three weeks later embarked in a sailing-vessel for America. After reaching New York City he pro- ceeded to Honesdale, Pennsylvania, where he re- mained one and a half years. He then came to Michigan, and, in company with his brother John, purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in the township of Brighton, where he now live.s. This was in the fall of 1855. His brother died in 1858, after giving a deed for his share of the place to Thomas. In 1867, Mr. VVoulds, in company with Mr. Warner, bought the old " Woodruff Mill," and after expending considerable money in repairs, operated it about five years. Connected with the mill was a farm of one hundred and ten acres. In 1872 the copartnership was dissolved, and Mr. Woulds retained the mill, while Mr. War- ner took the farm. In the spring of 1878, Mr. Woulds sold the mill to Mr. Nye, and returned to his farm, upon which he has since remained. His place contains one hundred and sixty acres, includ- ing eighteen acres of timber, and is finely im- proved. Miss Anna Abbott, who became the wife of Mr. Woulds, was one of a family of seven chil- dren, and the daughter of a farmer. Her si.ster married a man named Young, and emigrated with him to America, and they induced Mr. and Mrs. Woulds to follow them, with what success is seen in the foregoing. GEORGE W. CONELY. George W. Conely was born in New York City, on Christmas-day, 1828. His father, S. M. Conely, was a carver and gilder by trade, and in company with a large number of his fellow-tradesmen came to Livingston Co., Mich., in 1837. G. W. Conely stayed with his father and worked on the farm in Brighton until he was twenty-one, after which he worked out at farming for three years, receiving eleven dollars per month for his services the first year and twelve the other two. Oct. 25, 1853, he was married to Miss Eliza N. Warner, daughter of Rev. Ira Warner, an early settler in the townslii[) of Brighton. One son and four daughters were born to them ; two of the children are now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Conely rented a farm near his father's for one year, and during the time pur- chased the farm upon which he now resides. He has added to it forty-eight acres, making one hun- dred and twenty-eight acres altogether. Twenty- three years after he was married his wife died, Icavin" him and three children to mourn her loss. Two years later (March 12, 1878) he was married to Mrs. Alice Lemonion, daughter of Cornelius W'iltse, one of the pioneers of Shiawassee Co., Mich. This lady was born in Shiawas.see County, July 27, 1846, and is one of a family of four children. At the age of twenty-one her first marriage was con- summated, her husband dying eight years later. By him she had one child, which is now living with her. Her marriage with Mr. Conely took place on the same day with the golden wedding of the latter's parents, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Ira Warner, father of Mr. Conely's first wife. Mr. Conely's eldest daughter, Ella, died at the age of twenty j^ears, shortly after her return from De- troit, at which city she had been perfecting herself in music. When, in 1854, Mr. Conely moved upon his present place, not a tree had been cut nor any improvements made; but the lapse of twenty- five years has witnessed its transition into a pro- ductive and finely-improved homestead. SAMUEL M. CONELY. Mr. Conely was born in the city of New York, on the 26th of September, 1806, and early learned the trade of a carver and gilder. His father, Jeremiah Conely, was a seaman, and was born at a place called Snow Hill, in Maryland, about 1766. His mother was born at the east end of Long Island. His ancestors were among those who came to America with the famous Lord Baltimore. Mr. Conely was one of a family of seven children, — three sons and four daughters, — of whom all are deceased except his sister Eleanor and himself His father died when the son was fifteen years old, and the latter, at the age of six- teen, was apprenticed on Fulton Street, New York City, to learn the trade above spoken of There he remained until he was twenty-one. On the 1 2th of March, 1828, he was married to Miss Rebecca Southard. For several years thereafter he continued to work at his trade. In 1837 he started, with his wife and four children, for Living- ston County, Mich., and after a passage to Buffalo by canal, thence to Detroit by steamer, they pur- chased a yoke of cattle, a wagon, a cow, and a barrel each of pork and flour, loaded up and drove through to their new home. Mr. Conely pur- chased one hundred acres of government land, which has since been his home. His children are eight in number, as follows : George W., married and living in Brighton township ; William B., a portrait painter, married and residing in Detroit; Benjamin F., living on a farm of his own in this township ; John A., living on his farm in Illinois; Francis M., occupying a farm in Brighton town- 232 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ship; Thomas J, on his own farm in Brigliton ; Henry, deceased ; and Mary E., married and living in this township. Henry died at his father's house, Feb. 14, 1873. Mr. Conely has twenty living grandchildren. During three winters after liis settlement in Michigan, he returned to New York and worked at his trade to earn money with which to provide for his family. Mrs. Conely was one of nine children, and was born on Long Island, July 5, 1809. Her ancestors were among the first settlers of the island. Both her own and Mr. Conely's mother died in Michigan. The house first built by Mr. Conely is yet standing; but he now occupies a new and more modern structure erected in 1876. In 1878, Mr. and Mrs. Conely celebrated their golden wedding, and at the happy gathering guests were present from Nebraska, Illinois, and Lansing and Detroit, Mich. A large number of presents commemorative of the occasion were received by the aged pair, who for fifty years — much more than the average length of man's existence — have together buffeted the reverses, and tasted the joys of life. O. K. VAN AMBURG. An example of what can be accomplished by perseverance and stern determination is presented in the case of Mr. Van Ambuig. He was born Dec. 16, 1803, in Milton, Saratoga Co , N. Y., and his father supported the family by day labor, hav- ing fourteen children dependent upon him. The son, when twelve years of age, left his home and worked by the month at farming until he was twenty-one. Shortly after attaining his majority he started for Michigan on foot, in company with his oldest brother, Matthew. After a hard jour- ney of fifteen days, they arrived in Oakland County, in the latter State. The first job was one in which they worked four days for an a.xe. They then took a job of clearing and fencing twelve acres of land, in order to earn some money. The younger brother, with the proceeds of his work, purchased eighty acres of timbered land in the township of Novi. During the first two years of his residence in the State he was sick fourteen months. March 15, 1829, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Taft, daughter of one of the first settlers of Novi. For a year he worked with his father-in-law, and then moved upon his own place. Four years later he sold out and entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in the same township, upon which he remained until 1845. In the latter year he exchanged for a farm of one hundred and seven acres on the Detroit and Grand River Turnpike. In December, 1850, his wife died, after having borne him seven children. In August, 1851, he married Miss Amanda M. Brown, who became the mother of two children. His children by his first wife were Louisa M., Orston T., Harriet Ann, Wil- liam H., Joseph T., Henry W., and Daniel O. ; by his second wife, Albert A. and Charles W. Mr. Van Amburg's ancestors lived for many years in Saratoga Co., N. Y. His parents both died in Michigan, at the home of their son. His children all reside in Livingston County, except two, — a married daughter in Oakland County and a mar- ried son in Ogemaw County. In 1857, Mr. Van Amburg exchanged his last-mentioned farm for one of two hundred and forty acres in Brighton township, Livingston Co., and is now living just across the line from his first building-spot in this county. For ten years he was a justice of the peace, and also for a number of years commis- sioner of highways. W. C. SEARS. Mr. Sears was born in Fabius,N. Y.,Dec. 20, 18 12, being one ofa family of six children. Hisfather, who was a farmer, moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1829, and purchased forty acres of land near tiiat place. The son worked for his father several years. At the age of twenty-one he commenced to work at the carpenter's trade, continuing for a short time. In February, 1846, he came to the township of Brigh- ton, Livingston Co., purchased about two hundred acres of land, and built a log house, the remains of which are yet standing. About twelve years later, he built the house he now occupies. March 14, 1853, he married Miss Elvira Toncray, who bore him a son, — Pitt, — his birth occurring Feb. 3, 1854. The son is now living with his wife on the farm, he having married Miss Ada Traverse, Dec. 11, 1878. Mrs. W. C. Sears died July 17, 1878. Even at the date Mr. Sears settled in Brighton the country was yet new, and no improvements had been made on the land he purchased. Deer, wild turkeys, and wolves abounded. Mr. Sears carried his wheat to Detroit, and sold it for fifty cents a bushel, making the trip with his team of o.xen. He has at present one hundred acres of land under cultivation. HANDY TOWNSHIP. The territory designated in the field-notes of the United States survey as township No. 3 north, of range No. 3 east, was organized as a separate township in 1S38, and derived its name from Cal- vin Handy, its first settler. It is situated upon the west border of Living- ston County, north of the centre. Adjacent township organizations are Conway on the nortii, Howell on the east, Iosco on the south, and Leroy and Ingham Counties on the west. The surface, while comparatively level, undu- lates sufficiently to allow good surface-drainage; the more elevated portions being found in the northern part. The principal water-courses are the Cedar River and its branches. The main stream, or that which bears the name of Cedar River proper, enters the town by crossing the south line of section 34 ; thence it flows in a northerly direction through the central part of the township, until reaching the centre of section 10, when its course is changed to the northwest, finally passing into Conway from the north line of section 5. It again enters Handy, and forms a junction with the west branch in the north part of section 6. The East Branch enters from Howell township, and intersecting sections 24, 13, 14, and 23, makes a junction with the main stream in the north part of section 22. The West Branch first makes its appearance by crossing the south border of sec- tion 31, and flowing to the northwest, cuts the southwest corner of the same section, and passes into Ingliam County. It re-enters the township by crossing the west line of section 19, and thence continues northerly, through the west tier of sec- tions, until joining the main stream near the extreme northwest part of the township. Springs abound in many places, and, taken al- together, the township is well watered; yet no lakes are found within its borders, and its area of swamp surface is comparatively small. In a state of nature it was heavily timbered with the deciduous trees common to this portion of the State ; consequently its soil is strong and rich, well adapted to grazing, and the successful culti- vation of corn, fruits, and the various cereals, and in the quality and quantity of its productions per 30 acre. Handy is not surpassed by any township in Livingston County. It contains the thriving village of Fowlerville, and in 1874 the census reported a total popula- tion of 2144. The present voters are 600 in num- ber, and the present total population will aggre- gate 3000. ORIGINAL LAND-ENTRIES. The following comprises a li.st of names of those who purchased of the general government lands situated in the township of Handy, with the sec- tions on which they purchased and the dates of the several purchases. Those designated by an asterisk (*) became residents in the township. SECTION I. Horace \V. Vaughn, Oaklaml Co., Mich., March 25, 1836. Willi,im Harnett, Monroe Co., N. Y., April i, 1836. Joseph B. Craft, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 5, 1836. George Curtis, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 9, 1836. Joseph B. Craft, Livingston Co., N. Y., M.iy 13, 1836. Joel Banfielil, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 9, 1836. Richard P. Bush,* Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 9, 1836. SECTION 2. Waity Smith,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1835. Ralph Fowler,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1835. Calvin Handy,* Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 25, 1836. Franklin Moore and Zachariah Chandler, Wayne Co., Mich., June 4, 1S36." Charles P. Bush,* Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 9, 1836. SECTION 3. Ralph Fowler,* Livingston Co , N. Y., Nov. 5, 1835. Charles P. Butler, New York City, April 2, 1836. SECTION 4. John B. F.>wler,* Livingston Co , N. Y., April 18, 1836. Henry \V. Di^^lavan, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1S36. Nicholas Grumli.ack, \V.ayne Co., Mich., .Vpril 25, 1S38. Phlneas Silshy,* Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 7, 1838. SECTION 5. Cornelius Israel, Wayne Co., Mich., July 15, 1S36. John W. E.lmonds, Columhia Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1836. Gustave De Neven, Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1836, and April 13, 1838. SECTION 6. Henry W. Delavan, S.iratoga Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1836. Ebenezer McCormick, Genesee Co., N Y., Nov. 5, 1836. Gustave De Neven, Genesee Co , N. Y., April 14, 1838. Gi:orge E. Ad.ini-, Dec. 13, 1853. John Thomas, Dec. 13, 1S53. 233 234 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SECTION 7. Polly Sandeis, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 2S, 1835. John B. Fo'wler,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Apiil 18, 1836. Nathan Jenks, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 14, 1836. John W. Edmonds, Columbia Co., N. Y., Nov. 4, 1S36. Malliew Straight, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 24, 1837. George W. Lee, Livingston Co., Mich , April 15, 1853. SECTION 8. John I?. Fowler,* Livingston Co., N. Y., April 18, 1836. P'lavius J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., Mich., April 23, 1836. Nathan Jenks, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 14, 1836. William C. Blackwood, Seneca Co., N. Y., July 13, 1836. Samuel Blackwood, Oakland Co., Mich., July 13, 1836. George W. Israel, Wayne Co., Mich., July 15, 1836. Samuel Bryant, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 24, 1837. SECTION 9. Peter A. Cowdrey, New York City, Oct. 23, 1835. George Mcintosh, Oakland Co., Mich., March 26, 1836. Joseph Lawrence, New London, Conn., May 2, 1836. Russell Forsyth, Albany Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1836. SECTION 10. Ralph Fowler,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Aug. 27, 1835. Peter A. Cowdrey, New York City, Oct. 23, 1S35. Henry W. Delavan, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1836. Amos Adams, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 28, 1836. SECTION II. Chilson Sanford, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 25, 1S34. Ralph Fowler,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1835. Harvey Metcalf,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 28, 1835. Charles P. Bush,* Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 26, 1836, and April I, 1836. Loren Tainter, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 7, 1836. SECTION 12. Flavins J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1835. Francis Field, Livingston Co.,N. Y., Jan. 11, 1836. William J. Hamilton, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 25, 1836. Mary Tainter, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 7, 1836. Joel Banfield, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 3, 1836. James E. Head,* Livingston Co , Mich., Sept. 23, 1836. Stephen Avery,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Dec. 8, 1836. Charles S. Harrison, Livingston Co., N. Y., Dec. 8, 1836. SECTION 13. James M. Hitchings, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 10, 1836. Amos Chaffee, Wayne Co., Mich., July 15, 1836. Morris Tompkins, New York City, Sept. 24, 1836. Daniel O'Conner, Columbia Co., N. Y., Oct. 25, 1S36. Wells Brockaw.ay, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1836. Victory Curtis and Almon Whipple,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 27, 1837. SECTION 14. Sanford Brilton, Wayne Co., Mich., April 25, 1836. Peleg Oatman, Orleans Co., N. Y., May 17, 1836. James M. Hitchings, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 10, 1836. James Hanmer, Wayne Co , Mich., Sept. 23, 1836. Victory Curtis and Almon Whipple,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 27, 1837. SECTION 15. Ralph Fowler,* Livingston Co., N. Y.,Aug. 27, 1835. Nathaniel Dorr, Norfolk Co., Mas^., Aug. 28, 1S35. Nathaniel Jenks, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 14, 1S36. SECTION 16. W. H. Miller,* Oct. 5, 1852. Fowler & Power,* July 26, 1854. James Hawley,* Dec. 10, 1852. R. E. Adams, Nov. 23, 1853. M. W. Fradenburgh, Dec. 23, 1853. J. T. Sprague, Dec. 23, 1853. Charles Whitney,* 1870. John M. Ruggles,* 1870. James Castillon, Dec. 11, 1852. D. W. Adams, Nov. 23, 1853. David Dunn,* Oct. 9, 1866. P. H. Barber,* Oct. 9, 1866. Jonathan Fox,* Oct. 9, 1866. N. Coffey,* July 31, 1854. Edwin Schooley,* March 7, 1854. Belden Lyman, March 7, 1854. SECTION 17. Charles Place, New York City, Dec. 4, 1835. Henry Barber, Washtenaw Co., Midi., June 6, 1836. John and James Mulholland, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July i, 1836." David A. McFarlan, Wayne Co., Mich., April 4, 1837, and April 5, 1837. John M. Ruggles,* Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 23, 1857. Daniel S. Lee, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 27, 1854. E. Knickerbocker,* Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 3, 1854. SECTION 18. Chai-les Place, New York City, Dec. 4, 1S35. Benjamin P. Vealy,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 14, 1836. Alanson Knickerbocker,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Hannah Knickerbocker,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 18, 1836. George M. Rich, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 8, 1837. Almira Collins, Livingston Co., Mich., April 14, 1849. Martin Coffey,* Livmgston Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1854. SECTION 19. Alanson Knickerbocker,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 17, 1836, Ebenezer J. Penniman, Wayne Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Gabriel Dean, Jackson Co., Mich., June 25, 1836. Hannah Knickerbocker,* Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 9, 1837. Harry Meech,* Livingston Co., Mich., March i, 1837. Timothy Lyon, W.ayne Co., Mich., March I, 1837. SECTION 20. Leonard Parker,* Genesee Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. Charles Jennings, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. James McGregor and John A. McGavv, city of Boston, May 24, 1836. Alanson Knickerbocker,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Eiienezer J. Penniman, Wayne Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Charles Strong, Living'-ton Co., N. Y., Aug. 3, 1836. Timothy Lyon, Wayne Co., Mich., March i, 1837. SECTION 21. James McGregor and John A. McGaw, Boston, Mass., May 23, 1836. Clark C. Boutwcll, Wayne Co., Mich., M.ay 23, 1836. James McGregor and John McGaw, Boston, Mass., May 24, 1836, and June 4. 1836. Nelson Coffey,* Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 3, 1S54. SECTION 22. Hosea B. Thorp, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., May 19, 1836. James Williams, Wayne Co., Mich., May 30, 1836. Abram Bockhoven, Morris Co., N. J., June 9, 1836. HANDY TOWNSHIP. 235 SECTION 23. John Cosart, Livingston Co., Mich., July 14, 1836. Spaulding M. Case, VV.iyne Co., Mich., Aug. i, 1836. Ilosea L. Strong, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 25, 1836. Russell Forsylh, Albany Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1836. Samuel Kilpalrick, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1836. Hosea L. Strong, W.ayne Co , Mich., Jan. 21, 1S37. William Guthrie, Washtenaw Co , Mich., July 24, 1838. SECTION 24. Marshall Chapin and Jolin Owen, Wayne Co., Mich., July 14, 1836. Thomas O'Conner, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 25, 1836. John McKinney, Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 25, 1836. Samuel Kilpatrick, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1836. SECTION 25. Elijah Crane, Wayne Co , Mich., July 14, 1836. Rufus A. Leonard, Slate of New York, Dec. 20, 1837. George W. Ilanmer, Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 16, 1837. Charles P. Uush,* Ingham Co., Mich., Nov. 17, 1S54. SECTION 26. Seth Belknap, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836. George B. De Graff, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June 13, 1S36. Elijah Crane, Wayne Co., Mich., July 14, 1836. John Cosart, Livingston Co., Mich., July 14, 1836. Jason W. Powers, Madison Co., Mich., Aug. I, 1836. David Phelps, New York City, Sept. 24, 1836. Russell Disbrow, Genesee Co., N. Y., June i, 1S37. SECTION 27. Milo M. Stockwell, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 19, 1836. Jeremiah De Graff, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June 13, 1S36. Hiram H. Slawson, .Seneca Co., N. Y., Aug. I, 1836. Charles Andrews, Wayne Co., Mich., March 16, 1837. Israel S Spencer, Madison Co., N. Y., Feb. 15, 1838. Malhew Knowles,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 22, 1839. Leonard Morse, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 27, 1847. Leonard Noble, Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 5, 1853. SECTION 28. Alanson Church,* Genesee Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. Clark C. Boutwell, Wayne Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. Andrew King, Orange Co., N. Y., June i, 1836. Jesse Norton,* Genesee Co., N. Y., July 2, 1836. SECTION 29. Orson Church,* Genesee Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. James McGregor and John A. McGaw, Boston, Mass., May 24, 1836. Lewis Weslfall,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 27, 1836. James S. Kimberly, New York City, July 16, 1836. Samuel Porter, Oakland Co., Mich., March 16, 1837. Richard Parish, Wayne Co., Mich., June 25, 1836. SECTION 30. Lewis Westfall,* Wayne Co., Mich , June 27, 1836. John Whaley, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 30, 1836. Richard Parish, Wayne Co., Mich., June 25, 1836. David A. McFarlan, Wayne Co., Mich., March 18, 1837. Losson Gordon, Wayne Co., Mich., March 28, 1837. Alexander Grant, Wayne Co., Mich., April 24, 1838. Flavins J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., Mich., June 27, 1836. SECTION 31. Lewis Westfall,* Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836. John Orr, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 23, 1836. SECTION 32. John B. Banta, Montgomery Co., N. Y., June 23, 1836. Roswell Shurtluff, Windsor Co., Vt., June 29, 1836. Orestes H. Wright, Addison Co , Vt., July i, 1836. Flavins J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., Mich., July 5, 1836. Orestes H. Wright, Addison Co., Vt., July 9, 1836. SECTION ii. Dennis Conrad,* Oakland Co., Mich., May 21, 1836. Lewis W. Decker,* Ontario Co., N. Y., M.ay 31, 1836. Joseph and Willard Blanchard, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June I, 1836. Adolphus Brigham, Wi\yne Co., Mich , June i, 1836. William Martin, Wayne Co., Mich., June I, 1836. Orestes H. Wright, Addison Co., Vt., July 9, 1836. James .S. Kimberly, New York City, July 16, 1S36. N.ithaniel Andrews, O.akland Co., Mich., March 16, 1837. Joseph S. Stockwell, Oakland Co., Mich., March 16, 1837. SECTION 34. Dennis Conrad,* Oakland Co., Mich., May 19, 1836. Silas Munsell, W.ayne Co., Mich , M.ay 30, 1836. Joel Choate,* Genesee Co., N. Y., July 2, 1836. Joseph S. Stockfield, Oakland Co., Mich., March 16, 1837. SECTION 35. Joel H. Prescolt, Ontario Co., N. Y., March 25, 1836. Benj.amin Smith, Wayne Co., N. Y., March 25, 1836. Reuben S. Durfee, Wayne Co., Mich., March 25, 1836. Luther Harmon, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836. Joseph Morrow, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836. SECTION 36. Dana Shaw, Orleans Co., N. \'., April 9, 1836. John A. Buckland, Orleans Co., N. Y., April 9, 1836. Daniel P. Biglow, Orleans Co., N. Y., April 9, 1836. Samuel Hill, Orleans Co., N. Y., April 9, 1836. Francis Middleberger, Oakland Co., Mich., June II, 1836. Aaron Lawrence, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 17, 1836. James S. Kimlierly, city of New York, July 15, 1836. THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS. On the 25tli of March, 1836, Calvin Handy, a native of Bennington, Vt., then of Danbj', Tomp- kin.s Co., N. Y., purchased from the United States government the southeast quarter and the south part of the northeast fractional quarter of section 2 in this township. He immediately began prep- arations for making a permanent settlement upon his purchase. Early in May of the same year he shipped Iiis household goods, together with a wagon and some agricultural implements, via the Erie Canal and Lake Erie to Detroit. His family, which consisted of himself, his wife. Patience, and children, Polly, Homer, and Eliza, traveled by the same route and mode to the City of the Straits. All arrived safely. He then bought a yoke of oxen, loaded his effects and the members of his family upon the wagon, and began a tedious journey over the Grand River Turnpike towards the western part of the newly-organized county of Livingston.; During the latter part of May they arrived at the log cabin of Sardis Davis, who was then living a 236 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. short distance south of the present village of Howell. But the last day of their journey was marred by an accident which befell Mrs. Handy. The roads were very bad, full of ruts, roots, stumps, and mud-holes, and on the wagon, perched above the goods, sat Mrs. Handy, witli her children. An unusual jolt of the wagon threw her, with her youngest born, to the ground, and before the ve- hicle could be stopped one wheel passed over her foot. A stout shoe protected the member suffi- ciently, however, to prevent dislocation or the bones from being crushed, but she was rendered lame and almost helpless for some weeks after- wards. Mr. Handy 's family remained under the hospit- able roof of Sardis Davis — the pioneer of Marion — for some three weeks, or until his own cabin could be erected and rendered habitable. This was ac- complished on tlie l6th of June, 1S36. The same afternoon Frederick B. and Cecil D. Parsons, with four other men as companions, arrived at the cabin, and, after engaging the services of Charles P. Bush as guide to show them land in the present town of Conway, requested of Mr. Handy the privilege of sleeping on his jJooi- througli the night. He an- swered them in the negative. They seemed much astonished at this peremptory refusal; and when the spokesman had recovered sufficiently to in- quire why, they were quietly informed that his cabin possessed no floor, but that his wife would endeavor to make them as comfortable as possible. Mrs. Handy — the first white woman to reside in the township, and at present a resident of tiie vil- lage of Fowlerville — relates that she then took from some of the packing-boxes beds and bedding, and spread upon the ground, in the centre of the cabin, a bed, upon which these si.K weary men reposed their heads and shoulders, while their lower ex- tremities swung around the circle ad libitum. The children, meanwhile, were made cosy by stowing them away in the half-emptied packing-boxes. Thus passed the first night in the first settler's habitation in the township of Handy. Helen, another daughter, was born to them a few years after their settlement here. In 1839, Mr. Handy became the second supervisor of the township which bears his name. In later years he filled many other official stations, and during a long residence was ever held in high and deserved esteem for his genial qualities and obliging nature. He was born in 1798, and died May 29, 1874. Charles P. Bush reached the settlement one week later than Mr. Handy. He was also from Danby, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and, after building a log house, clearing land, and sowing a crop of wheat, returned to I^ew York. I'l June, 1837, he again came to Handy, and with his family settled upon the northwest quarter of section 11. He was a gentleman possessed of a keen and discriminating intellect, which he had matured by reading and reflection. Ready in expedient, and always fore- most when occasion required, nature stamped him as a leader, and he became at once the counselor and friend of the early settlers. A few years later he became one of the most prominent men in this part of the State. In \'S>.\o he was elected to represent Livingston County in the State Legisla- ture, and was re-elected three successive terms. In 1845 he was elected State Senator from tlie dis- trict of which Livingston County formed a part. He became president of the same body in 1847, and by the election of Governor Felch to the United States Senate, Lieutenant-Governor Greenly filled the office of Governor, and Senator Bush became Acting Lieutenant-Governor of the State. His vote decided the location of the capital at Lansing, and he presided over the last senatorial session in the old capitol in Detroit, as also the first which sat in Lansing. Soon after the location of the capital in Lansing, Mr. Bush removed thither, and until his death was identified with the history and public interests of Ingham County. Harvey Metcalf, a veteran of the war of 181 2, and son-in-law of Amos Adams, — one of the con- spicuous pioneers of Howell, — purchased the south- east quarter of section II, Nov. 28, 1835. Early in the spring of 1 836 he came on from Geneseo, Liv- ingston Co., N. Y., and began an improvement upon his premises. He boarded with Mr. Adams, and succeeded during the summer in clearing a few acres, sowing the same to wheat, and building a substantial log cabin. James E. Head was another immigrant to the township during 1836. He purchased lands situ- ated upon section 12, and until the settlement of his family, in 1837, boarded, while here, with Calvin Handy. In the spring of 1836, John B. Bowler and Mar- tin W. Randall set out on foot from Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., and proceeding through Canada, finally arrived at Howell, Mich. By the aid of Amos Adams, they located lands on section 33, in Conway, and on sections 4, 7, and 8, in Handy. Mr. Ralph Fowler has recently prepared for publication a comprehensive sketch relating to the early settlement of Handy, from which much val- uable information has been obtained. The follow- ing is his account of the journey, and the sub- sequent settlement of himself and Martin W. Randall during the month of November, 1836. In September, 1836, the brothers Ralph and HANDY TOWNSHIP. 237 John B. Fowler, Mrs. Harvey Metcalf, and her sister, Mrs. Winship, started from Geneseo, Liv- ingston Co., N. Y., for a journey to Livingston Co., Mich. Mrs. Metcalf purposed joining her husband already here, while the Fowler brothers were to determine by a view of the country upon the pro- priety of settling upon lands previously located for them by Amos Adams. At Buffalo they took passage for Detroit on the steamer " Commodore Perry," which required three days and nights to accomplish. The United States Hotel, and Eagle Tavern, in Detroit, were so full of speculators, land-lookers, and nuid, that they could not obtain lodgings, but these were finally found at the City Hotel. The ne.xt morning, after much difficulty, a chance was found for the women to ride through to Howell ; while the Messrs. Fowler, and their brother-in-law, J. G. Knight, journeyed along on foot. Their route led them over the Grand River road, upon which government employees were then at work, between Detroit and Grand Haven, and they found the road muddy and lonely. The first night was passed at " Uncle Rodgers'," at the " Home," whom many will remember. The travelers were hungry and weary. So, after refreshing them- selves, they quickly retired for much-needed rest. But Uncle Rodgers, wishing to make things pleasant and agreeable, got out a martial band, which made the wild woods ring, much to the disgust of his guests, however. The second day the team reached Howell, but the pedestrians came short, and sought shelter for the night at Mrs. Lyons', who lived in a little shanty on the shore of Long Lake. A bare floor was all the accommodation the house afforded. A short walk in the morning brought them to the house of Amos Adams, in Howell, where a good breakfast and rest awaited them. After resting one day, the brothers, accompanied by Amos Adams as a guide, started out to look at their lands in Handy and Conway. We here con- tinue the narrative in Mr. Fowler's own words :* " When we struck the line between sections 10 and 1 1 in Handy, Mr. Adams said, ' Buy-;, if you live to lie as old as I am you will see a village here as large as Geneseo, N. Y., called KowleiTille.' We had taken with us a small quantity of bread and pork, expect- ing Mr. Metcalf to come up to his place that day, bringing pro- visions, etc. So we ate our lunch and traveled all day in the woods. Towards evening Mr. Adams started on his return home to Ilowell. My brother and myself went to Mr. MetcalPs house that night; he h.ad not yet arrived, but we slept in his house. The next morn- ing we ate the remainder of our lunch, and started for Conway to see our lands on section ;j^, expecting Mr. Metcalf would come that night surely. " Towards night we again returned to the empty house, only to meet disappointment ; being very weary and hungry, and not daring to start for Howell at so late an hour, the route being designated * From an address delivered before the Livingston County Tio- ncer Assaciation, June 19, 1878. only by marked trees, we concluded to go to Mr. Calvin Handy's house — the only family as yet living in the township — to try and get something to eat. Mrs. Handy said her husband had gone for provisions, and she was e.\pccting him home at any moment; that she had a little flour and a wild turkey, killed that day by Mr. J. E. Head, and she would divide with us. We were veiy glad to get a cup of tea, and returning to Mr. Metcalf's cabin, slept the second night on the ground between the sleepers. About mid- night the wolves commenced to howl around us. It seems that Mr. Metcalf, while breaking ground for his wheat, h.ad the mis- fortune to lose an ox by death, and it seemed then as if the wolves had gathered by thousands at the spot where its carcass lay, or had lain. This was the first howling of the wolves we had yet heard. The turmoil finally ceased, and we slept on till morning. Soon after daylight we arose, and started for Howell, feeling as if we were fifty or sixty years old, and beginning to think that we already had about enough of Michigan. " There was but one house on the road to Howell, and that at the Six Corners, occupied by Mr. Stebbins. One of the greatest difficulties encountered on this expedition w.as in obtaining water to drink. All the surface water was full of wigglers, and the only way we could keep them from slipping down our throats was by spreading our handkerchiefs upon the w.iter and drinking that which came through the meshes. "When we arrived at Howell we learned that Mr. Metcalf's oxen had strayed away, and that he had been searching for them the past two days, which accounted for his non-appearance at the cabin, and our fast. Mr. Adams soon announced breakfast. It was then about ten o'clock in the forenoon. \Ve went in and found upon the table some cofifee, bread, and butter. He said, 'eat this and then go to bed.' We followed his advice, and arose at supper time feeling very much refreshed. The next morning we started on our return to Detroit, not yet fully deter- mined as to the undertaking of making Michigan our home. We wanted large farms of our own, however, and as we walked through the townships of S.ilem and I'lyniouih, and .saw the crops and the enterprise of the people settled there, we came to the firm conclusion, before reaching Detroit, to make Michigan our perma- nent pl.Tce of residence. From the latter city we took passage on the steamer ' .Sandusky' for Buffalo, arriving there in two days and three nigiits,— a very short tri]> foi" those days. " Upon arriving at our home it was settled that Martin W. Ran- dall and myself, with our families, should start upon a journev to Michigan in the fall. All arrangements were completed as rapidly as possible, and, early in the morning of October 17, 1836, we bade adieu to our families in Geneseo, and with two covered wagons — two yoke of oxen hitched to one, and a span of horses to the other — began our return trip to the Peninsular Slate. We traveled through Canada, and had a good time. On the glh of November we arrived in Handy, — then Howell township. Our house, which Mr. Adams had hired built for us,\v,as only partially completed. A roof covered but one side, and there was no floor. Mr. Harvey Metcalf had got settled in his house, and we stayed with him two or three days. We moved into our house with only half of the floor laid. Kxcept the door, the house was built with- out using a board. Oaken shakes and shingles constituted the roof, gables, and upper floor. The lower floor was made from bas'.wood logs, split through the centre, spotted on the ends so as to rest firmly on the sleepers, and, being hewed smooth on top, made a good finish. A nuid-and-stick chimney, the fireplace em- bellished with wooden crane and trammels, completed the fii'st .ajipointments of the cabin. "Our goods had been shipped from Geneseo to Detroit, and we expected to find them in the latter city on our arrival, but, to our great disappointment, they had not yet arrived. After the com- pletion of our cabin, Martin W. Randall, with his horse-team, — ihe first ever owned in the township, — returned 10 Detroit, expect- ing to find the goods surely at that time, but still they were not there. " Here we were, in the woods, sixty miles from where anything 238 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. could be obtained, — Mr. R.indall, wife, and one child, and myself, wife, and two children, — with no cooking-utensils, or anything to sleep upon, except a quilt or two which we had brought along in our wagons. I think Mr. Randall had part of a bed. ' Necessity is the mother of invention,' and this, with kind neighbors, over came a great many diflicnlties. We borrowed a few plates, knives, and forks from Mrs. Handy and Mrs. Metcalf, — the lady represen- tatives of the only families then in the township, — and from the Indi.ans a baking-kettle. In a shanty in the west part of Howell, where some men had been chopping, we founris- ing to see the amount they would pile upon one skin. Then they would hitch a rope to the neck of the skin, and the same again to a pony's neck, making quite a good running sled. " Thus they came upon us. We had not seen many of them before, and were somewhat afraid as they came in, filling the house like a town-meeting. We put on a big fire and let them work. Putting bells on their ponies, tliey turned them out, which made the woods ring with their jingle. " Soon they began to cut poles, peel basswood bark, and pre- pare their quarters for the night. They stuck stakes on each side of a large oak-tree that we had felled near the house, tied poles near the top of these stakes, laying others on them and back on the ground, covering all with a kind of web-cloih made from flags or rushes, for some fifty feet on each side of the log, then built a fire along the front, after which they spread down their bear and deer skins and blankets, making the whole look very warm and comfortable. After eating their supper of venison, cold boiled squirrels, and musk-rats, they went to bed. " It was quite a sight for us to see them. Each one of full size had his blanket, which was tucked in at the edge over the head, and under the feet. " In the morning Okemos and hi^ tril)e, or those that were with him, went on to the place now called Okemos, while the others, being a part of the old Shiawassee tribe, went into the three camps before -mentioned. " There w.is one very old man with the latter party, some nine- three years old as near as we could juilge from marks and signs. He was sick, and had eveiy appearance of having the consump- tion. Ilis camp was pitched on section 2, northeast of John A. Tanner's log house. He finally died, and the funeral ceremonies lasted for some time. He must have been one of much distinction, as other tribes came from long distances to attend his funeral. After his death they wrapped him in a clean, white blanket, and laid him in a little place divided from the main camp by hanging blankets around him. One of the old squaws sat by the body nearly all the time for each evening for four or five evenings. Others would play and beat their musical instruments all night. These instruments were of diff'erent kinds, one being made of red cedar, and resembling a clarionet. This was split in the centre, a hollow dug out the size they wanted it, curves were cut around between the finger holes, and then the whole fastened together with the sinews of animals. Another instrument was made by stretching a deer-skin over a hoop similar to a tambourine, and others still had drums very similar to our bass and tenor ones. They made a fearful noise, and could be heard a mile or more. A grave was dug to the depth of three feet, in it was placed some elm-bark, and then, when the body was deposited, the same was filled with the mouKI of the forest, and covered with round poles some six inches in diameter, neatly notched together at the corners. About two feet from the head of the grave, they set a post about three inches thick and three feet high, on the side of which next to the grave they cut a notch, and painted above the notch the picture of a tur- key, and below it that of a deer. " For some three weeks after the burial, some one of the squaws kept a fire between the head of the grave and the post, made of sticks about six inches long, split fine, and set upon end in a round form. This fire was kept burning daily. After the funeral they also climbed to the top of a large beech-tree and there hung their musical instruments, where they remained four or five weeks after the funeral ceremonies. " The second fright we had arose from the doings of a young man who brought whisky into or near their camps for the purpose of selling it to the Indians. Early the next morning the Indians caught their ponies — a thing they had not done for months — and came galloping to our houses, demanding ' Whisky ! whisky ! .Sheniokeman whisky! Wishicheere whisky!' Sjme of them, when refused and informed that we had no whisky, seemed deter- mined to search the house; but we finally satisfied them that we had none, and away they went in search of it in other directions. We soon found a keg of the young man's fire-water, to which an axe was applied, and thus ended our second fright. "On the 1st of May, 1837, John B. Fowler and family, Ruel Randall and wife, and John A. Tanner, then a boy seventeen ye.irs of age, and in the employ of John B. Fowler, arrived in the town- ship. They came from Gene.seo, N. Y., with ox-teams, through Canada. The first Sunday morning after their arrival, my brother and myself strolled through the woods and came to a cleared spot or an opening of about an acre, where we sat down under a large oak and talked of our mother, who had been a Methodist all her days. ' Right here,' my brother says, ' if we live long enough, we will have a Methodist church.' When the village plat was sur- veyed, the stump of the same tree still remained there. Remem- bering the conversation of my brother and myself, I marked the lots for a Methodist church, and in about twenty years the church was built upon that site." Charles P. Bush, Richard P. Bush, and John Bush, from Danby, Tompkins Co., N. Y., arrived June I, 1837. The former, as before mentioned, settled upon section 11, while Richard settled upon section i, and John upon section 2. Stephen Avery, from Livingston Co., N. Y. ; Alanson Church, from Genesee Co., N. Y. ; Alan- son Knickerbocker, from Wayne Co., Mich. ; Sey- mour and Jesse Norton, from Genesee Co., N. Y. ; John B. La Rowe and Elijah Gaston, all settled in the spring and summer of the same year (1837). HANDY TOWNSHIP. 239 The resident tax-payers in 1837, the sections upon which their lands were located, the number of acres owned, value of real and personal estate, and the amount of tax paid by each, are shown by the following table : Names. Stephen Aveiy 12 Ahxnson Church 28 Ralph l'". Bu.h I 80 240 lohn Hush 2 46 138 Calvin Handy 2 240 720 WaitySmith 2 80 240 John 1!. Kowler 4 '24 372 George Austin 8 80 240 H.irvev Metcalf lo, II 240 720 William liumfiey 8 80 240 Ralph Fowler ...'. 10,11,15 460 1380 lohn It. Kowler II 320 960 Stephen Avery 12 80 240 James E. Head 12 80 240 William lienjamin 14 >6o 480 Victoiv Curtis and Almon Whipple 13 40 120 Curtis'and Whipple 14 40 I20 Hannah Knickerbocker iS 80 240 Alanson Knickerbocker 18 80 240 Hannah Knickerbocker 19 103 309 The total amount of tax levied was $268.13. HIGHWAYS. The first highway laid by the authorities of Handy was surveyed by Amos Adams, June 7, 1838, and described as follows: "Beginning at the corners of sections eleven, twelve, thirteen, and fourteen in the township of Handy, and running thence north on the section line one mile to the corners of sections one, two, eleven, and twelve in said town. Magnetic variation, three degrees, forty-five minutes." On the saine day a road described as " Begin- ning at the corners of sections ten, eleven, four- teen, and fifteen, township of Handy, and running thence south on section line one mile to the cor- ners of sections fourteen, fifteen, twenty-two, and twenty-three in said town," was surveyed and laid out by the same authority. On the following day a road described as " Be- ginning on the corners of sections twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty-two, and thirty-three, in the township of Handy, and running thence west on section line one mile, si.xty-two chains, fifty links, to the corners of sections thirty and thirty-one in said town." TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a complete list of the officers elected in the township of Handy, for the years from 1S38 to 1879, inclusive: SUPERVISORS. 1838, Ralph Fowler; 1839, Calvin Handy; 1840, Ralph Fowler; 1841, John Bush; 1842, Richard 1'. Bu-h ; 1843, Calvin Handy; 1844-46, R.ilph T'owlcr; 1847, John T.Watson; 1848, Benjamin W. Lawrence; 1849. Ralph Fowler; 1850, Benjamin W. Lawrence; 1851-52, John A. Tanner; 1853, Benjamin W. Lawrence; 1854-58, John A. Tanner;* 1S59- 60, Henry N.Spencer; 1861-62, Seih H. Judd ; 1863-64, Al- exander 11. Benedict; 1865-66, John A. Tanner; 1867, Selh H. Judd; 1868-70, John A. Tanner; 1871-72, Selh H. * Resigned in December, 1858; Henry X. Spencer appointed to fill vacancy. 242 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Judd; 1873-74, John A. Tanner; 1875, Seth H. Jiidd ; 1876, Spiridon S. Abbott; 1877-78, John A. Tanner; 1879, Ed- win Nichols. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1838, Richard P. Bush; 1839, Almon Whipple; 1840, Seymour Norton; 1841, Richard P. liush ; 1S42, John A. Tanner; 1843, Seymour Norton; 1844-45, David C. Griswold ; 1846, Seymour Norton; 1847, John A. Tanner; 1848-52, John T. Watson; 1853, John A. Tanner; 1854, Josiah Turner; 1855-56, Truman D. Fish; 1857-59, Eri M.Spencer; 1860- 66, Oeorge W. Palnierlon ; 1867-70, William C. .Spencer; 1871, James P. Spencer; 1872, Walter Fowler; 1873, James P. Spencer; 1S74, Walter Fowler; 1875-76, James P. Spen- cer; 1877, Charles E. Spencer; 1S78, Willard H. Hess; 1879, William B. Gale. TREASURERS. 1S38, none elected; 1839-42, John B. Fowler;* 1S43, Orson Swift; 1S44, John A. Tanner; 1845, Orson Swift; 1846, William Marsh; 1S47-49, John M. Jones; 1850, John .\. Tanner; 1851-54, Ruel Randall; 1S55, Caleb T.Power; 1856-58, Benjamin W. Lawrence; 1S59, Pierson W. Dey ; 1860-62, Ruel Randall; 1863-64, Peter P. Carmer; 1865- 66, Charles L. Collins; 1867-68, Samuel Conklin; 1869, Calvin Mather; 1870, Seth H. Judd; 1871-72, Amos Bar- nard; 1873-74, Joel S. Briggs; 1875, J"''" C. Ellsworth; 1876-77, Joshua Dunn; 1878, Judson A. Canfield; 1879, Orville H. Jones. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Richard P. Bush, William Benjamin, John B. Fowler, Seymour Norton, 183S; Dennis Conrad, 1839; Seymour Norton, Ralph Fowler, 1840; John B Fowler,f 1S41 ; Orson Swfft, 1842; Richard P. Bush (in jilace of Ralph Fowler, resigned), Sey- mour Norton (in place of Dennis Conrad, moved away Aug. i, 1842), and John M. Jones (in place of John B. Fowler, de- ceased), September, 1842; Sejmour Norton, John M. Jones, Ralph Fowler, 1843; Ralph Fowler, 1844; Benjamin W. Lawrence, 1845; David C. Griswold, 1846; William P. Grover, 1847; William H. Fowler, 1848; Benjamin W. Lawrence, 1849; Joh" A. Coniway, William H. Evans, • 1850; Orson Church, 1851; William H. Fowler, 1852; W'm. A. Dorrance, 1853; Samuel Conklin, Ral|)h Fowler, 1854; Oison Church, James H. Myers, 1855; W'illiam H. Fowler, Henry N. Spencer, 1856; Peter P. Carmer, Truman D. Fish, 1857; Orlando A. Fuller, 1858; John P. Hildreth, Caleb T. Power, 1859 ; Jerome Church, i860 ; Ralph Fowler, Benjamin W. Lawrence, 1861 ; John Huston, 1862; John P. Hildreth, Daniel R. Gleim, 1863 ; Jerome Church, 1864; Ralph Fowler, John P. Hildreth, 1865; Alexander H. Benedict, 1866; Benjamin H. Briggs, 1S67; Jerome Church, Henry N. Spen- cer, 1868; George W. Palmerton, Jeft'ci-son Weller, 1869; Daniel R. Glenn, 1870; Hugh Conklin, 1871 ; George W. Palmerton (elected in November, 1871, to fill vacancy), Henry S. Worthington, Jefferson H. Weller, 1872; John A. Tanner (elected November, 1S72, to fill vacancy caused by resignation of D. R. Glenn), Jared L. Cook, 1873 ! John A. Tanner, Enoch M. Marble, Lafayette Maben, 1874; John G. Gould, 1875; Heniy S. Worthington, 1876; Enoch M. Mar- ble, 1S77; John Conner, 1878; John G. Gould, 1879. THE RAILROAD. At a .special township-meeting, held at the office of Ralph Fowler, Esq., Sept. 9, 1865, for the pur- pose of voting for or against the proposition of * Died in office; Orson Swift elected to fill vacancy. ■f Died in office; William Borsen elected to fill vacanc)-. extending aid to the Detroit and Howell Railroad, the whole number of votes polled was 132, of which 131 were in favor of jiledging the credit of the township for a sum not exceeding five per cent, of the assessed valuation of real and personal prop- erty, and I against the proposition. Although railroad matters agitated the minds of the people to a great extent, we find that the build- ing of railroads, or extending township aid for the same, was held in abeyance until April 6, 1869, when 38 tax-paying electors, viz., M. H. McMa- nus, George W. Palmerton, Samuel G. Palmer- ton, John Lamoreux, Freeman Rohrabacher, A. B. Lockwood, William H. Spencer, Nelson A. Glenn, E. E. Walton, A. McFisher, William Head, Walter Fowler, Daniel Dunn, John M. Tucker, L. H. Westfall, Charles Moore, James A. Brown, George Wyatt, J. D. White, W. Craig, John G. Gould, David Force, W. L. Collins, W. C. Spencer, A. D. Benjamin, George L. Fisher, Samuel Giilam, Charles Fowler, Ralph Fowler, P. T. Hil- dreth, W. Hildreth, C. S. Mastick, W. Stickles, T. Stickles, William Davis, Alexander H. Benedict, W. H. Pullen, and M. Savage, presented a petition to John A. Tanner, Supervisor, requesting him to call a special meeting of the electors of the town- ship to vote upon the proposition of extending aid to the Detroit and Lansing Railroad by bonding the township for the sum of $9500, provided a depot be located and maintained within one-half mile of the village of Fowlerville. In pursuance, a special township-meeting was held in the village of Fowlerville, Wednesday, May 5, 1869, and on the proposition to pay five per cent, of ^9500, 204 votes were recorded in favor, and 17 votes against. Bonds to the amount of $6500 were issued by the township, to assist in the construction of the Detroit, Howell and Lansing Railroad, in May, 1870. The road was completed to Fowlerville in the summer of 1871, and the event was celebrated Aug. 3 of tiie same year. The township has ex- perienced some difficulty with its railroad indebted- ness, but matters have been amicably arranged, and with the lapse of time their railroad will be looked upon as the power which uplifted them from the Slough of Despond, and made the town- ship and village the thriving communities as they now exist. EDUCATIONAL. The first board of school inspectors, composed of John B. Fowler, Seymour Morton, and Richard P. Bush, at a meeting held in the office of the township clerk, during the winter of 1838-39, HANDY TOWNSHIP. 243 established two scliool districts, the boundaries of which were described as follows : "School District No. I, of the township of Handy, shall em- brace all the land on the north and e.ast side of Red Cedar River, in said town. School District No. 2 shall embrace the southwest quarter of said town." This action of the inspectors was recorded by the township clerk Feb. 26, 1839. Early in March of the same year the same inspectors caused to be placed on record the following : " School District No. I shall be so altered as to take in the norllicast quarter of said townshin of Ilanily." A small log school-house was erected near the northeast corner of section 1 1 in the spring of 1 839, and in it Miss Angeline Adams — a daughter of Amos Adams — taught the first school, the follow- ing summer. Michael Handy taught in the same house during the winter of 1839-40. On the 19th day of October, 1S39, Elijah Gas- ton, James VV. Armstrong, and Seymour Norton, school inspectors, met at the house of Elijah Gas- ton, and completed the first annual school report of the township of Handy, which report was as fol- lows : Whole number of organized districLs I Number from which returns have been made I Number of district I Number of children attending school between the ages of five and seventeen years 24 Number attending school under five and over seventeen years 19 Whole numlier attending school during the year 43 Number of months school has been taught by a qualified teacher 6 Amount of public money received none " raised in the district for school purposes 85° School District No. 3, embracing sections 27, 28, 33, and 34, except the northwest quarter of section 28, was organized Jan. 23, 1840. At the same time the boundaries of District No. 2 were changed, so as to embrace within its limits the west half of .section 21, the whole of 20, east half of 19, north- east quarter of 30, north half of 29, and northwest quarter of 28. Fractional School District No. 2, comprising por- tions of the townships of Howell and Tuscola, was enlarged, Jan. 23, 1840, by additions from the townships of lena and Handy. School District No. 4 of Handy was organized Nov. 21, 1840, and originally comprised sections 10, 1 1, 14, and 15. Dec. 25, 1840, the school inspectors, in a special report, said, — "That a sum of S35 ought to be raised in school district No. 2, in addition to the Sioo raised by the iidiabitants of said school district, for the purpose of building a school-house in the same." On the 22d of Januar)', 1841, they further re- ported : " In our opinion a sum of $150 ought to be raised in district No. 4, in .addition to the Sioo that the district officers have already raised, fur the purpose of building a school-house in said district." In November, 1843, the township was rc- districted, making the number of districts still being four. The first mention made of granting certificates occurs in the year 1844, when the township clerk made the following entry: "Jane Watson Inspected for a School-teacher, and received a Sirtificate off the following School inspectors. " H.\Ni)V, July the 13th, 1844." ■ S. Norton received a teacher's certificate Dec- 17, 1844, and Eva A. Putnam the same, Jan. 18, 1845. On the 3d of May, 1845, Hannah Boyd and Susan Steadman were granted certificates to teach in districts i and 3, respectively. From the school inspectors' annual report, made Oct. 5, 1846, which includes districts i, 2, and 3, are gathered the following statistics: chil- dren of school age, 98; whole number who have attended school during the year, 93 ; amount of money received from township treasurer, $28.83. Teachers: District No. i, Lucy King; District No. 2, Seymour Norton ; District No. 3, Delia Hemp- sted ; average duration of schools, three months. Amelia Stearns was granted a teacher's certificate May 23, 1846. Other early teachers were granted certificates, as follows: John Loree, March 15, 1847; Augustus Dorrance and Dyer Austin, March 19, 1847. School District No. 5, comprising sections 18, 17, west one-half of sections 5 and 8, and the whole of sections 6 and 7, was formed April 17, 1847. Samuel Conklin was appointed to attend to the organization of this district. April 22, 1848, the boundaries of this district were changed so as to include sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, the west one-half of 3, and the west one-half of 10. Nancy Maria Gould received a teacher's certificate at the same date. Angeline Conway and Mary Fales re- ceived teachers' certificates April 14, 1849. Sections 17 and 18 were organized as School District No. 6 April 26, 1849, and discontinued by order of the inspectors Oct. 6, 1849. On the 6th of January, 185 i. District No. 6 was again organized, comprising parts of sections 9, 10, 11, 14, and 15. Ralph Fowler was appointed to notify the taxable inhabitants of the district, and to attend to other matters pertaining to its organization. This was the first school district organized in the village of Fowlerville, and at the time it first assumed a vil- lage aspect, John H. Hand was given a teacher's certificate,Jan. 22, 185 1. Also William W. Mitchell, April 29, 185 1. F^inma Grover and Polly Stafford were granted teachers' certificates May 12, 1851. 244 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The following statistics will show the condition of schools for the decades ending i860 and 1870: 1S60. Teacliers licensed to teach timing the year: II. M. Mather, J. L. Cook, A. L. Hollister, C. Munson, Susan Fish, Elizabeth Briggs, Ellen Sowle, Mary J. LiuUlen, Mattie F. Hamilton, Louisa Havens, Sarah C. Boothby, Daniel Higby, Miss E. Boolhby, and Otis Obert. Whole number of districts 9 Children of school age re>iding in the township 358 " attending school during the year 274 Amount of primary-school fund^ reccivetl and apportioned $157 72 " received from two-mill tax and apportioned $317*54 1870. Number of whole districts 6 " fractional districts 5 *' children of school age residing in township.. 49S Primary-school funds received .and apportioned $244.02 The following statistics, taken from the annual report of the township Board of Education for the year ending Sept. i, 1879, show the condition of schools* at the present time : Number of whole districts 6 *' fractional districts 2 Frame school -houses 8 Value of school properly ?4750 Children of school age residing in township 725 Male teachers employed during the year 6 Female teachers employed during the year 12 Months taught by males 27 " " females 66 Paid male teachers S1060 " female teachers S1346 RECF.ll'TS. From moneys on hand Sept. 2, 1878, two mill lax, primary-school fund, and district taxes for all pur- poses J4183.09 E.XrENDITURES. Teachers' wages $2406.00 For repairs and other purposes 1469.52 Cash on hand Sept. i, 1879 3°7-57 Tot.al S41 83.09 VILL.A.GE OF FOWLERVILLE. The village of Fowlerville, as now established, embraces within its corporate limits portions of sections lo, ii, 14, and 15, and by referring to the list of land-entries it will be found that the first purchase of land within its boundaries was made by Chilson Sanford, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., who entered the southwest quarter of section 1 1, April 25, 1834- The remainder of the village site was covered by the original entries of Ralph Fowler, Amos Adams, Harvey Metcalf, Charles P. Bush, Sanford Britton, and James H. Hastings, and all of it was vested in individual ownership prior to Jan. i, 1837- The history of the village, however, does not * These statistics inpliide the graded schools of ih? village of Fowlerville, properly begin until Nov. 7, 1849. On the date mentioned, Amos Adams, surveyor, under the in- structions of Ralph Fowler, surveyed and platted lots situated on both sides of Grand River Street, the lots numbering from one to twenty-nine, in- clusive. The surveyor in an explanatory note remarked : "These lots are situated on the west h.alf of the southwest quarter of section eleven, and the east half of the southeast quarter of section ten, of township three north of range three east. Each lot contains one-fifth of an acre, except lots five, six, eight, nine, twenty-four, and twenty-five, which contain one-tenth of an acre." During the same year Russell Fuller began the construction of a saw-mill upon a lot containing six acres, which had been donated by Mr. Fowler. Mr. F. also boarded the workmen gratuitously, while people of the township scored and hewed the timbers for the frame-work. But Mr. Fuller, before its completion, sold the mill to Mr. Fowler, who finished it. Those people who then resided in the embryo village or its iinmediate vicinity were Ralph Fowler, A. S. Denson, William Sherwood, a black- smith, William H. Evans, David Lewis, tavern- keeper and postmaster, and members of the firm of Clark & Hopkins, who kept for sale a very light general stock of goods. The village of Fowlerville was first mentioned on the assessment roll in 1851, and those who were then assessed for property lying within the village plat were Ralph Fowler, Charles Lewis, John M. Minker, Morgan M. Randall, A. S. Den- son, Joseph Grant, R. A. Cowell, and Richard Bristol. The additional ta.x-paying inhabitants in 1852 included John T. Watson, Samuel G. Palmerton, the firin of Randall & Sherwood, Chelsey Tupper, William A. Dorrance, and Josiah Turner. At this time the plank-road from Lansing to Howell was completed. This event created much enthusiasm among those owning real estate in and around the village, as indications pointed to the — now-established — fact that ere many years it would become a commercial centre of no mean import- ance. As the plank-road company required a building for office purposes and the sale of goods, Ralph Fowler erected a store on the corner now occupied by D. R. Glenn & Co. After one or two years of occupancy the company vacated the premises, and the same building was then occupied by the Hon. Josiah Turner, who was the first individual mer- chant in the village to carry a stock of any mag- nitude. At this period, too, cattle Caleb T. Power and Benjamin P. Vealey from Brighton. They iin- piediately began the construction of the famous HANDY TOWNSHIP. 245 old hosteli)', known for years as " Independence Hall." The plank-road was soon afterwards completed through to Detroit, anil it then became one of the most thronged thoroughfares in the State. A four- horse stage-coach passed each way twice a day, and the accommodations of Independence Hall were ta.xed to the utmost. Other minor enterprises soon followed, while tlie population of the little village steadily in- creased. Among those who settled during the years 1853, 1854, and 1855, were H. C. Stoddard, Hiram Bodine, Peter Bush, Henry G. West, Henry N. Spencer (the first resident physician), James Stoneham, George Taylor, John A. Stout, Oscar D. Weller, Samuel Hubbard, C. S. Collins, William Collins, Ezckiel King, James Hawley, Elmer Hol- loway, Sidney Carpenter, N. L. Embury, David Bissell, Truman D. Fish, Marshall A. Porter, Pat- rick Maloy, Joseph H. Steel, Jr., Joseph Edmonds, William Walker, Oscar Williams, Benoni Knicker- bocker, R. C. Crane, Lewis Moore, and Jonathan Terwilliger. The first grist-mill was built in 1855-56, by Messrs. Fish and Palmerton, and Joseph H. Steel, Jr., & Co. established their iron-foundry at the same period. From the time that the opening of the Detroit and Milwaukee and the Jackson and Saginaw Rail- roads took the business from the plank-road until the near completion of the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad, the growth of the village was slow and unimportant. The rolls show that the resident ta.x-payers in i860 were but 57 in number, as follows: N. E. Green, M. A. Porter, Truman D. Fish, Samuel P. Lee, David Johnson, Richard Rofif, George Wyatt, William Fulford, John Haws, Eleanor Curry, Amrod Moon, Ransom Grant, F"red. Carlisle, Pat. Maloy, Lambert Williams, A. B. Lockwood, Hir am Bodine . Almira Collins, Charles Ortner, John White, Caleb T. Power, Da- vid Hamilton, Daniel Fuller, Benjamin P. Vealey, James M. Long, Morgan M. Randall, William L. Collins, John Houston, liri M. Spencer, John Bush, James Wilson, Ransom Ackley, Hiram Elliott, William Winegar, Thurston Simmons, Samuel G. Palmerton, Power & Carlisle, George W. Palmer- ton, Warren Clark, Hodge & Williams, John B. Wilson, Henry N. Spencer, Isaac Page, J. T. Grid- ley, Major Bentley, Solomon Sly, Enoch W. Curry, George Cameron, Ralph Fowler, C. L. Northrop, Samuel Hubbard, Edwin Hitchcock, Peter Bush, W. P. & G. W. Stow. Five years later — in 1865 — there were but 64 names upon the rolls. In following the increase of population still further, we find that the total number assessed for taxation in the year 1871 was 90, and in the following year 174. INCORPORATION. The village of F'owlerville was incorporated by act approved April 15, 1871, which provided — "That .ill of that district of country in the county of Living- ston, in the St.ite of Michigan, described as follows, to wit: Sec- tions number ten, eleven, fourteen, and fifteen, in township num- ber three north, of range nimiber three east, is hereby constituted and declared a body corporate, under the name and title of ' The Village of Fowlerville,' in the county of Livingston." Under the act of incorporation, the electors of the territory so incorporated, to the number of 49, viz., A. H. Benedict, David Force, Samuel Scripture, A. S. Denson, John G. Gould, David W^est, William Denson, Byron Defendorf, Horace Chalker, Orrin Barber, Henry Elliott, Hiram Bodine, Orville Goss, O. H. Babcock, William Gott, Charles Geweye, E. M. Spencer, Rufus Fowler, Zenas Palmerton, Wil- liain Fulford, Freeman Rohrabacher, O. H. Jones, Ralph Fowler, Harvey Metcalf, Williain PuUen, S. S. Munson, Robert M. Davis, George Bush, Ed- win Bowen, Lorenzo Palmerton, Benajah J. Tuttle, Frederick Saunders, Gilbert Demarest, Jesse Pul- ver, William L. Collins, Lewis Westfall, James Lockwood, Edwin Munson, Charles Moore, C. T. Power, lLev[JBristol,' George W. Palmerton, R. A. Patton, rrank G. R,ounsville, Hiram Elliott, Fred- erick Hyne, Martin Camp, E. H. Brockway, and R. B. Boylan, assembled at the office of George W. Palmerton, on Saturday, June 3, 1871, and organ- ized the meeting by choosing Lewis H. Westfall and Charles Moore inspectors of the election, and William L. Collins clerk. This meeting resulted in the election of the following-named officers: Frederick Saunders, President; William M. Beach, Uriah Coffin, Samuel Gillam, Hiram Bodine, Be- najah J. Tuttle, James A. Brown, Trustees ; John A. Tanner, Ralph Fowler, Assessors; PVederick Hyne, Treasurer; Wm. L. Collins, Clerk; Samuel G. Palmerton, Gilbert Demarest, Jesse Pulver, Street Commissioners ; John G. Gould, Marshal. RE INCORPORATION. By act No. 269, approved April 30, 1873, the village was re-incorporated, and ample provision made for all requirements. By the same act the corporate limits were reduced to the boundaries described as follows : " All that district of countiy in the county of Livingston, in the Slate of Michigan, described as follows, to wit: The southeast quarter of section ten, and the soulh half of the northeast quarter of section ten, and the soiilhweNl quarter of section eleven, and the west half of the southeast (juarter of section eleven, and the south half of the northwest quarter of section eleven, and (he northwest quarter of section fouiteen, and the northeast quarter of section fifteen, in township three north, of range three west, be, and the 246 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. same is hereby constiluted a body corporate, by the name of the village of Fowlerville." The annual village charter election was held Monday, March 3, 1873. But meanwhile the new charter was passed, and under its provisions a new election was held at the office of John A. Tanner, Monday, May 5, 1873, which resulted in the election of officers as given in the list for the year 1873. Since the completion of the railroad in 1871, the growth of the village has been rapid and healthy. Several handsome brick blocks now grace its busi- ness avenues, and as a point of general trade, and a market for wheat, live stock, wool, and shooks, it stands second to none in the county of Living- ston. In business pursuits the people are active and enterprising, and in the adornment of their homes and surroundings much taste and refinement are displayed. The village now contains two church edifices, — Methodist Episcopal and Baptist, — a union graded school building, two grain-elevators, steam grist- and saw-mills, planing-mills, an exchange bank, a weekly newspaper, — The Review, — an iron-foundry, some fifteen or twenty stores, where goods of all descriptions are sold, four hotels, various and many small mechanical shops, and a population of 1200 inhabitants. It is an important station on the line of the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad, and is distant si.xty miles from Detroit, and nine miles from Howell, the county-seat. The following comprises a list of the village officers from 1872 to 1879, inclusive: PRESIDENTS. 1872, Caleb T. Powers; 1873, Jared L. Cook ; 1S74-75, William W. Starkey; 1876, W. M. Horton ; 1877-78, George W. Palmerton; 1879, Wm. M. Horton. CLERKS. 1872-74, Benjamin F. Button; 1S75-78, Frank G. Rounseville; 1879, William B. Gale. TREA,SURERS. 1872-73, Walter Fowler; 1874-75, John C. Ellsworth ; '876-79, Frank H. Starkey. TRUSTEES. Uriah Coffin, Charles Moore, Byron Defendorf, Albert D. Benja- min, George W. Palmerton, lliram Bodine, 1872; Eri M. Spencer, Byron Defendorf, John M. Tucker, George L. Fisher, Walter J. Webb, George W. Place, 1873 5 Albert D. Benjamin, Daniel E. Watts, Andrew D. Cruickshank (full term), William F. Close (to fill vacancy), 1874; Uriah Coffin, William F. Close, Nelson B. Green (full term), Daniel R. Glenn (to fill vacancy), 1875; Andrew D. Cruickshank, Stephen Daley, Henry Greenaway, 1876; Jame^; P Spencer, James Bean, Christopher Y. Peek, 1877 ; Hugh Conklin, Rus- sell E. Bell, Charles J. Glenn, 1878; Edwin E. Walton, Isa,-ic Page, Frank G. Rounseville, Charles E. Spencer, 1879. STREET COMMISSIONERS. Edwin E. Walton, John M. Tucker, Freeman Rohrabacher, 1872; Frederick C. Hyne, 1873; John A. Tanner, 1874; Caleb T. Power, 1S75; Millen J. Dunn, 1S76-7S; James H. Place, 1879. ASSESSORS. John A. Tanner, 1872-73; Walter J. Webb, 1874; Albert D. Benjamin, 1875; John A. Tanner, 1876-79. FIRE-WARDENS. Jared L. Cook, 1872 ; William H. Spencer. 1S73; Alliert S. Le- land, 1874; Caleb T. Power, 1875; John A. Tanner, 1S76; Christopher Y. Peek, 1877-79. MARSHALS. Jared L. Cook, '1872; William H. Spencer, 1873; Albert S. Le- land, 1874-75; William Head, 1876; Conrad C. Hayner, 1877-79. ADDITIONS TO ORIGINAL VILLAGE PLAT. Since the survey of the original plat several additions have been made, viz., Ralph Fowler, May 27, 1858. Ralph and Charles Fowler, June 9. 1868. George W. Palmerton, Dec. 6, 1870. Albert D. Benjamin, Dec. 6, 1870. Richard A. Hale, June 2, 1871. Ralph Fowler, June 20, 1871. Ralph Fowler, Aug. 20, 187 1. Albert D. Benja- min, Dec. 26, 1 87 1. A. M. Abbott, March 29, 1872. John W. Galloway and Martin W. Camp, April 19, 1872. Albert D. Benjamin, Oct. 29, 1872, and Harvey C. Button's alteration. May 24, 1873. FIRE DEPARTMENT. The village has been visited by several disas- trous fires, though none of a general nature. Of those occurring in recent years, was the burning of the planing-mills in 1874, and in February, 1877, the destruction of the Reason House, the new name for the time-honored institution long known as " Independence Hall." Fire apparatus, consisting of hooks, ladders, ropes, and buckets, were early supplied by the village authorities, cisterns were dug, and on March 23, 1874, the following resolution passed the Coun- cil : " That every busine5> place in the village of Fowlerville be required to keep a barrel of water and a pail in readiness to be used in case of fire." Yet no fire company was regularly organized until July 2, 1879, when Protection Hook-and- Ladder Company, No. I, was formed and officered as follows : Christopher Y. Peek, Foreman ; John McLeod, Assistant Foreman; Henry F. Higgins, Secretary; Ruel Curtis, Treasurer; A. H. Cum- mings, Steward. The company numbers 30 mem- bers. EARLY HOTEL-KEEPING. As previously mentioned, Independence Hall was the first hotel erected in the village, and for a decade or two was the only one. Its proprietorship HANDY TOWNSHIP. 247 changed frequently, yet the habitues of the village tavern, their faces and manners, remained nearly the same until the advent of the locomotive, in 1 871, instituted the beginning of a new era. Fowlerville at an early day in its history was noted in all the country around for its balls, and the spirit which animated the hotel proprietor and his guests during such festivals of mirth and jollity. Jerome W. Turner, Esq., of Owosso, in an ad- dress delivered before the Livingston County Pio- neer Association, June 19, 1878, related the follow- ing incident descriptive of one of these assemblages. Its humor is suggestive, and we deem it appropriate to this place in the village annals. " Fowleiville wore llie belt for the promiscuous country-dance. I must confess to a liking for those old balls. There were no tame walk-arouiids in those d.iys. Feet had to go somewhere, and they went. White ankles flashed like calcium lights; and over all, and under all, and bearing all, came the waves of music from the fiddlers' stand. One cLiss went to dance good sauare dancing, and get tireil out. .-Vnolher class intended to, but never got any farther than the bar-room. One sitting in the ball-room could now and then hear an ominous crash of glasses in the room below, or a particularly sharp exclamation of somebody who was just going to take ' one more.' In the morning the ' one-more' boys, as the saying is, ' lay in all shapes.' It was in the morning that I went into the bar-room on the occasion referred to, and the bodies were lying around, as they might have lain in ihe gray down on the heights of Inkerniann. One man survived, but he stood .against the outside of the bar to hold himself up, while the landlord braced himself on the inside for the same reason. They stood there look- ing in a dazed and distant way at each other. The pupils of their eyes swam along on the edges of their upper eyelid, like a feeble sun on the horizon, and their long slow winks were little more than efforts at consciousness. The one on the outside at last said, * I've mixed drinks all night, and tried to get a man to stand afore mc, but's just my confounded hick, couldn't find nobody.' * S;Mn,' said the proprietor, in a mysterious way, * do you want an alrni^hly thrashin' ? No man ever stopped with me and wanted anything but what he got it, and I'm d d if I let the reputation of the house sufTer just after a big dance; so if you want a lickin', you can hev it just as quick 's a meal of vittles.' Simultaneously they tried to start towards each other, and at the s.ime time each fell on the floor, while I made my way out, and am unable to say whether they ever got up or not." PROFESSIONAL MEN. The first resident to attend the wants of those whose bodily ailments required attention was Ruel Randall. He was termed a Thomsonian, and was not a regularly educated physician. However, we may believe that he often did much good, and in cases where he failed he certainly did not make them much worse. Dr. Henry N. Spencer was the first physician to settle in the village, and came here as early as 1853. Those who have since practiced here at various periods were Drs. James A. Brown, J. M. Long, Ezra J. Bates, Byron Defendorf, Fitch, H. N. Hall, Abel S. Austin, Aaron W. Cooper, and Wil- liam R. Mead. The physicians of the present are Drs. Brown, Defendorf, Austin, Cooper, and Mead. The first lawyer, Benjamin F. Button, settled in the village in 1871. The fraternity are represented at the present time by Messrs. B. F. Button, Henry F. Higgins, Andrew D.Cruickshank, John Connor, and Fred. Warren. B.'VNKING. In March, 1873, Messrs. Gay & Ellsworth estab- lished the banking institution which they still con- trol. It has been of great assistance to those doing business in the village and its vicinity, and has added materially to the development and growth of Fowlerville. This firm does a general ex- change and banking business, their correspond- ence extending to all the commercial centres of the Union. FOWLERVILLE CORNET BAND. This band was first formed in June, 1S74, and Henry Greenaway elected leader. In March, 1877, a reorganization took place, and John C. Ellsworth became the leader. It is now composed of eighteen pieces, and the names of the members are as fol- lows : John C. Ellsworth, Frank Curtis, Henry Greenaway, I. B. Turner, W. C. Hyne, Elmer Chambers, Fred. Greenaway, J. Walton, A. J. Beebe, Charles E. Spencer, Hawley PuUen, John Van Verst, George L. Adams, Fred. Warren, Charles Bush, Frank Palmerton, Richard Fowler, Edward Greenaway. A commodious band hall is now in course of construction. The citizens have responded liber- ally when called upon to assist in uniforming and equipping the members of the organization, and they are now in the possession of one of the most elegant band uniforms in the State. SHOOK-MANUFACTORY. This, the most important manufacturing enter- prise in the village, was established b)^ William W. Starkey, in July, 187 1. Mr. Starkey is an exten- sive dealer in red and white oak staves, and manu- factures shocks for sugar, molasses, fish, cart, and rum hogsheads. Power is derived from a forty horse-power steam-engine, and the capacity of the works amounts to from 75,000 to 100,000 shooks per year, all of which are shipped to the West India Islands. Steady employment is here given to twenty-five men, while as many others are en- gaged in various parts of the State getting out material. A fire in October, 1878, destroyed prop- erty to the amount of ;g4000, but its ravages were iiTiinediately repaired, and the factory is now run to its fullest capacity, night and day. 248 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Mr. Starkey is also the owner of a valuable stock-farm of 240 acres, situated within the village limits, and is becoming well known throughout the State as the breeder of fine horses. Chief among his stock is a Kentucky brood-mare, by Duvall's Mambrino, and two fillies, the get of the famous trotting stallion Pasacas, also owned in Fowlerville, and who took the stallion trotting- race at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, Sep- tember, 1879. NEWSPAPERS. The Foivlcrvillc Reviciv was established by Wil- lard H. Hess and George L. Adams in 1874, the first issue bearing date June 19th of the same year. The paper was continued under this management until Oct. I, 1877, when Mr. Adams transferred his interest to Mr. Hess. The latter continued alone until Jan. i, 1879, when Mr. Adams again became connected with the paper as sole owner and publisher, and continues the same to the pres- ent time. The paper was first issued in the form of a four-column quarto, was changed to a seven- column folio in January, 1874, and to its present form, a five-column quarto, in October, 1S77. It is neutral in political matters, is published on Fridays, and has a weekly circulation of 550 copies. MASONIC. Fozvlci'ville Lodge. — The first meeting of Fowler- ville Lodge, No. 164, F. and A. M., was held Oct. 29, 1864. A charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan, Jan. 13. 1S65. There were nine charter members, and the fol- lowing-named comprised the first board of officers, viz. : Henry N. Spencer, W. M. ; R. M. Cadwell, S. W.; E. E. Walton, J. W. ; Geo. W. Palmerton, Treas.; A. H. Benedict, Sec. ; S. H. Judd, S. D. ; Hiram Pearsons, J. D. ; P. P. Carmer, Tiler. Henry N. Spencer continued as W. M. until 1872. He was succeeded by James A. Brown, who held the office during the years from 1872 to 1875, inclusive, and from the latter period until the present time, Joseph L. Cook has officiated in the same capacity. The officers for 1876 are Joseph L. Cook, W. M. ; M. W. Davison, S. W. ; J. P. Spencer, J. W. ; D. A. French, S. D. ; F. G. Rounseville, J. D. ; A. H. Hugiies, Sec. ; H. Pearsons, Treas. ; and James Reed, Tiler. Regular communications are held in their lod'^e- room, in the village of Fowlerville, Tuesdays on or before the full moon of each month. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. Fozvlcrville Lodge, No. 86, I.O.O. F., began work under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Michigan, June 2, 1862. The fir.st board of officers were installed by Grand Master B. W. Dennis, and were as follows: Henry N. Spencer, N. G. ; James A. Armstrong, V. G. ; N. R. Glenn, Past Grand ; Eri M. Spencer, Rec. Sec. ; David Bush, Per. Sec. ; Ruel Randall, Treas. A charter was granted Jan. 21, 1864, and those named as charter members were Henry N. Spencer, Benj. W. Lawrence, Marvin Gaston, Eri M. Spencer, David Bush, Nelson R. Glenn, J. A. Armstrong, Ruel Randall, S. O. Sowle, and Jesse Pulver. The following comprises a list of the presiding officers of the lodge from its organization to the present time: Henry N. Spencer, 1862-63 ! Eri M. Spencer, 1864; Marvin Gaston, 1865 ; David Bush, 1866; Amos Barnard, 1867; John P. Hildreth, 1868; William C. Spencer, 1869; Jesse Pulver, 1870; James A. Brown, 1871 ; Guilford Randall, 1S72; Jos. L. Cook, 1873; Hiram B. Davis, 1874; William H. Pullen, 1875; Truman Randall, 1876; Andrew D. Cruickshank, 1877; Joseph L.Cook, 1878; Miles W. Davison, 1879. The present board of officers are Miles W. Davison, N. G. ; Charles E. Spencer, V. G. ; Joseph Franks, Rec. Sec; Jared L. Cook, Per. Sec; Albert H. Tanner, Treas. The lodge includes a present member- ship of 60, and regular meetings are held in their hall in the Palmerton Block alternate Saturday evenings. The hall is elegantly furnished, and is occupied jointly by the Masons and Odd-Fellows. ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. Handy Lodge, No. 39, A. O. U. W., was organized with 22 charter members, by W. H. Jewett, Grand Master Workman of the State of Michigan, March 4, 187S. The officers first installed were D. E. Hills, P. M. W.; William M. Horton, M. W. ; Geo. L. Fisher, G. F. ; Joshua Dodge, G. O. ; Hugh Laughlin, G. R. ; A. H. Benedict, G. R. ; A. W. Cooper, G. F. ; William H. Spencer, G. G. ; Ruel Curtis, I. W. ; W. A. Benjamin, O. W. The present officers are George L. Fisher, P. M. W. ; Andrew D. Cruickshank, M. W. ; Joshua Dodge, G. F. ; Ruel Curtis, G. O. ; George Bush, G. R. ; Hugh Laughlin, G. R. ; William M. Horton, G. F. ; Chas. Hopkins, G. G. ; Mathew Alsbro, I. W. ; and Wm. A. Benjamin, O. W. Regular meetings are held in their hall, in the Palmerton Block, every Wednesday evening, ex- cept during the months of June, July, and August, when the meetings are held the first and tiiird Wednesdays. ORDER OF IMPERIAL KNIGHTS. Lodge, No. 36, O. of I. K., was instituted by District Deputy, Dr. Sanborn, Oct. 9, 1879, and HANDY TOWNSHIP. 249 the officers installed were as follows : D. R. Glenn, Director-in-Chicf; Eiiielinc Baldwin, Senior Direc- tor ; Tlieron Metcalf, Junior Director; Ellen E. Glenn, Past Dircctor-in-Cliief ; Giles G. Tucker, Recorder; H. F. Button, I'-inancier ; H. D. Glenn, Treasurer ; Orlando Pliilo, Senior Sentinel ; Joseph Tunnard, Junior Sentinel. PATRONS OF IIUSB.\NDRY. IVist Handy Grange, No.dx^, P. H.. was granted a dispensation Jan. 5, 1876, a charter April 4, 1876, and was regularly incorporated according to the laws of the State Sept. 1 1, 1878. Those mentioned in the articles of incorporation were Joel S. Briggs, Frank B. Osborn, John W. Snialley, E. VV. Noble, Oscar D. VVeller, John Cole, Judson A. Canfield, of Handy, and Daniel Herrick, H. H. Warren, Wells Warren, Charles Warren, Alnion A. Huston, Thomas B. Frear, of Ingham County. VILLAGE POSTMASTERS. The first postmaster was David Lewis, who re- ceived the appointment in 1849. John T. Watson succeeded him, who in turn was succeeded by Truman D. Fish. In April, 1 861, William P. Stow received the office from Fish, and continued in the performance of its duties until May, 1866, when William H. Pullen became his successor. Mr. Pullen held the office until November, 1875, when George L. Fisher, the present incumbent, received the appointment. It is a money-order office. Mails are received twice daily, and it is the distributing office for those residing in the townships of Handy and Conway. EDUCATIONAL. The following statistics are from the directors' annual report of school district No. 6, for the year ending Sept. I, 1879: NiimbtT of cliililren of school age residing in llie district. 327 Frame scliool-liouses I Value of school jjroperty $2100 Male teachers employed during the year I Female teachers employed during the year 3 Months taught hy males lo Months taught l)y females 30 Paid male teachers $600 Paid female teachers $840 RKCEIPTS. Moneys on hand Sept. 2, 1878 gi 15.59 From primary -scliool fund 172. .Si From tuition of non-resident scholars 48.65 From two-mill tax and district taxes for all purposes in- cluded 2215.00 FVom all other sources 200.00 Total S2752.05 EXPENDITURES. Teachers' w.ages S'440-00 liuilding and repairs 528.30 itoniled indchtedness 560.00 Other purposes 177-47 Cash on hand Sept. I, 1879 46.28 Tola! S2752.05 Total bonded indebtedness of the district Sept. I, 1879. $1400 32 RELIGIOUS .SOCIETIES. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Here, as in many other localities, the circuit preachers of the Metliodist I^piscopal Church were the pioneers in religious matters. Elder John Co- sart, of the above-mentioned church, who resided in the township of Hartland, held the fir.st religious services in the house of Richard P. Bush in 1838 or 1839. He visited the people in this and adjoining settlements once in four weeks. After the building of the first school-house a majority of the early meetings were held there, yet quite frequently at the residences of John B. P'ovvler, Ralph Fowler, and others. A Methodist class, quite strong in numbers, was foi'mcd soon after Elder Cosart began his preachings, among whom were John B. Fowler, leader, who continued the same until his death, in 1842; Richard P. Bush and wife, John Bush, wife, and chiltlren, Ralph P'owlcr, Mrs. Cal- vin Handy, Mrs. PLiijah Gaston, John B. La Rowe, Martin W. Randall and wife, and James E. Head. This class e.xisted for a brief number of years, and then went down. A sect called the Unionists then took the field, and flourished for a short time. They were followed by the Wesleyan Methodists, who also enjoyed but an evanescent life. After the platting of the village of Fowlerville, in 1849, and the donation of a site for a Methodist house of worship by Ralph Fowler, a new interest was aroused in religious circles, which culminated in the reorganization of the Methodist Episcopal society as the First Methodist Episcopal Church in the village of Fowlerville. The earliest written records obtained concerning this society are from the miscellaneous records on file in the office of the county clerk, which shows that on the i6th day of November, 1853, Thomas Wakelin, preacher in charge, appointed Phineas Silsby, Joseph Ogle, Levi H. Bigelow, John A. Stout, George Stout, Henry N. Spencer, and Lott Pratt a board of trus- tees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in •Fowlerville, "for the purpose of erecting a house of worship on a lot in the village of Fowlerville." The stewards' book begins Oct. 22, 1855, and informs the reader that at the first quarterly con- ference-meeting of the Fowlerville District, Flint Circuit, held at the Parsons school-house, on the day mentioned, George Smith, presiding elder, was present, and opened the meeting with singing and prayer. On motion, Cecil D. Parsons was ap- pointed .secretary. Others present were C. W. Murray, Circuit Preacher; Thomas Stanfield, E.x- horter; Cecil D. Parsons and Phineas Silsby, Stewards ; Frederick B. Parsons and George L. Wilson, Leaders. The Conference then proceeded to form a board of stewards, which was composed 250 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of Henry N. Spencer and Levi Bigelow, Stewards, and Cecil D. Parsons and Phineas Silsby, Record- ing Stewards. It was estimated that the salary of the preacher in charge and other expenses would amount to $450, which was apportioned among the different appointments as follows : Fowlerville, gioo; Silsby's,g75 ; Boyd's, ;g75; Pratt's, ;gso ; Par- sons', ;gioo; North Conway, $e,o. In 1867 the church edifice was commenced and the society regularly incorporated. Those named as trustees in the articles of incorporation were Ard. K. Smith, Isaac T. Wright, Martin R. Foster, Benjamin W. Lawrence, Phineas Silsby, Adam Rohrabacher, and John M. Potts. The church edifice was dedicated March 14, 1869. Rev. J. S. Smart, of Adrian, conducted the services, assisted by Revs. T. J. Joslin and William Fox, of Fcnton- ville. In 1874 a parsonage was built, and the church repaired to some extent, after which a re- dedication took place, the services being conducted by Rev. B. I. Ives, of Auburn, N. Y. The church cost originally about 1^3500, and has sittings for nearly 400 people. The property owned by the society at the present time is valued at $4000, and the present members are 90 in number. The following is a list of the pastors who have ofificiated in the Fowlerville district since 1855, showing also the year of their settlement: C. W. Murray, 1855 ; William Goss, 1857; Lyman Dean, 1858; S. P. Lee, 1858; J. H. Castor, i860; James Armstrong, 1S61 ; Jesse Kilpatrick, 1863; C. M. Anderson, 1864; P. L. Turner, 1S65; Samuel J. Brown, 1866; R. C. Crane, 1867; William H. Brockway,* 1869 ; C. W. Austin, 1872 ; S. P. War- ner, 1873; N. W. Pierce, 1874; F.W.Warren, 1876; H. O. Parker, 1879. This district includes the South Handy class, the members of which hold meetings in the "Mor- mon School-house." The two classes include a total membership of about 150 communicants. The official members at the present time are Byron Defendorf, William Craig, John M. Potts, Lyman Stewart, Isaac Page, William Macox, Uriah Coffin, Milo Davis, Amasa Bowen, Stewards; and Byron Defendorf, William Craig, Uriah Coffin, John M. Potts, Isaac T. Wright, Amasa Bowen, Isaac Page, Trustees. Flourishing Sunday-schools exist, of which Dr. Byron Defendorf is superintendent. FIRST BAPTIST CHUUCH. This society was organized May 27, 1869, the constituent members being Lewis Dean and wife, John Swartwout and wife, Mary Dean, William H. * In 1S36, an Indian missionary and ihe only preacher of Ihe Methodist Episcopal Church in the counties of Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawassee, and Saj?ina\v. Faunce, Sophia J. Faunce, Olive Van Buren, Charles Mastick, Delia Mastick, and Orlando Bushnell. June 29th of the same year the society was reg- ularly incorporated, and S. C. Dean, Edward Bailey, Theron Metcalf, William H. Faunce, John Swart- wout, Charles Moore, Charles Mastick, Graham N. Barker, and Martin Van Buren were named as trustees. The first meetings were held in the old school-house, which was situated just south of where the Reason Block now stands. Their pres- ent church edifice was completed in 1873, and dedicated September 7th of the same year. It has sittings for 200 persons, and cost $1 100. The pastors who have officiated here are named in the order of their succession, as follows : George W. Jenks, William Bassett, Charles F. Weston, David E. Hills, and T. H. Cary, who is the pres- ent incumbent. The present members of the so- ciety number 70. An interesting Sunday-school of 85 scholars is maintained, of which Graham N. Barker is the superintendent. MORMONS. It may properly be mentioned in this connec- tion that, during the years from 1840 to 1842, apostles of the Mormon Church held meetings in the house since known as the " Mormon School- house." Their proselyting resulted in inducing 13 families to leave their homes in Handy and Iosco, and join the Latter-Day Saints, then colo- nized at Nauvoo, 111. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JAMES CONVERSE. Elias Converse was born in Vermont. In his boyhood he went to the State of New York, where he followed farming for a livelihood. In 1840 he moved to the town of Commerce, in Oakland Co., Mich. Here he remained but one year, when he came to the town of Conway, Livingston Co., Mich., and bought a new farm, which he improved. This farm he sold, and then returned to Oakland County. Seven years later he again sold, and re- turned to Conway, purchasing a farm, on which he lived until his death. James Converse, the subject of this sketch, was born Sept. 30, 1838, in the town of Conquest, Cay- uga Co., N. Y. He lived with his father until he was of age, when he started out in life for himself He worked by the month on a farm one year, then rented a farm, by which means he obtained his start in life. In 1864, Mr. Converse purchased a HANDY TOWNSHIP. 251 wild tract in the town of Cohoctah, which he soon traded for an improved farm in the town of Con- way. This he sold in 1867, buyinp; the farm on section 5, in Handy, which he now owns. It was then nearly new, with only log buildings. He has inijjroved the land and built fine buildings, and although his farm is small, consisting of but forty- five acres, he has done better than many on farms of three times the size. That he has now so fine a place is due solely to the energy and industry of himself and wife. Mr. Converse has never taken an active part in politics, but votes with the Dem- ocratic party. He was married July 15, i860, to Miss Emily Miner, who was born Sept. 28, 1838, in Hartland, Mich. She is a daughter of Ezra and Anna M. (Skidmore) Miner. H.\RVEY METCALF, the second white settler in the town of Handy, was born in VV'orthington, Mass., Dec. 20, 1795. After the death of his father, which occurred when ll.AKVEV METCALF. he was quite young, he found a home with his grandfather until he was fourteen, when the death of his grandfather left him without a home. He then lived among the farmers, working at whatever he could get to do and for what they chose to give him. Under such circumstances his chances for an education were necessarily very limited. He was drafted during the war of 1812, and served until his company was mustered out at the close of the war. Soon after his discharge he went to West Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he found employment on a farm. From there he went to Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y., and engaged in the livery business, which he followed for some time. But becoming satisfied that an old settled country like New York was a hard place for a poor man to get a start, he determined to go to a new State, where land was plenty and cheap. In the spring of 1836, having sold out his business, he came to the town of Handy and bought of the government one hundred and si.xty acres of land, for which he paid down. During the summer of 1836 he made a small improvement, sowed ten acres of wheat, and put up a log house. In the fall he returned to Geneseo for his family, whom he at once brought to the new home in the forest. At that time there was but one family in the town of Handy. The country around was entirely new save the small clearing made by Mr. Handy. There were no roads save Indian trails, while deer and all kinds of fish and game were abundant. The wolves made night hideous by their howling, although they were not a source of much danger. W'ith the e.xception of the Handy family their only neighbors were the Indians, with whom they lived on friendly terms. Although everything was new and strange to them, and they endured many pri- vations and hardships, still they were contented and happy. So says Mrs. Metcalf, who is still living, a hale and hearty old lady of nearly seventy. Under Mr. Metcalf's energy and industry the wil- derness home was soon made to " blossom as a rose," and peace and plentj' prevailed. At the first town-meeting held in the township Mr. Metcalf was elected road commissioner. But political offices were not to his taste, and he never held one by his own wish. In the schools of his town he always took an active interest, and was generally one of the school board. In politics Mr. Metcalf was first a Whig and then a Republican. He de- parted this life March 28, 1878, respected and es- teemed by his neighbors and friends for his many good qualities. On the 9th day of June, 1831, he was married to Miss Eveline Adams, who was born in Geneseo, N. Y., March 26, 18 10. She was the daughter of Amos and Elizabeth (W' right) Adams. There have been born to them the following-named children : Theron, born March 25, 1832; Amanda F., born Jan. 18, 1834; Angeline, born April 29, 1836; Adelaide, born Aug. 14, 1840; Edwin A., born June 27, 1844; Cornelia, born March 9, 1848, died June 19, 1872; and Emma L., born Sept. 5, 185 i, died Jan. 17, 1878. Theron Metcalf enlisted in September, 1864, in Company H, 4th Cal. Volunteers, and served one year, mustered out as assistant commissary- sergeant in September, 1865. Edwin A. Metcalf enlisted Aug. 6, 1 861, in Company K, 9th Michigan Infantry. Was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro' and 252 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. paroled; discharged September i6, 1862; re-en- listed in Company D, same regiment, Sept. 10, 1864; discharged May 17, 1865. RALPH FOWLER was born in Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1808. His fatlier, Walter Fowler, who was born in Massachusetts, was a major in the war of 18 1 2, but saw no active service. David Fowler, Ralph's grandfather, was a captain in the Revolutionary war. Of his services but little is known. Ralph grew to manhood in Trenton, where his father RALPH FOWLER. worked at farming. Unable to give his son an education, Ralph had but a winter's schooling until after his marriage. When twenty-two years old, Mr. Fowler commenced life for himself. He hired out on a farm for eight months. After his time expired, he, with his brother-in-law, rented a dairy-farm, which they worked for two years very successfully. On the 14th day of November, 1832, he married Miss Martha Smith, and the followine spring, with his wife, moved to Geneseo, Living- ston Co., N. Y. He rented a farm of General Wadsworth, which he carried on for a year and a half, when he became home-agent for the general, having charge of a part of his large estate. The general sent him to a night-school, three nights in a week, six months each of the two years he was in his service, and in this way Mr. Fowler acquired a fair education. In 1835, Mr. Fowler found him- self the possessor of two thousand dollars, and being anxious to have a home of his own he came to Michigan and bought of the government eight lots of land, on a portion of which the village of Fowlerville now stands. The fall of 1836 found him with his family in the new home in the wil- derness. There were then only the families of Mr. Handy and Metcalf in the town. With his accustomed energy he at once commenced the improvement of his farm ; soon cleared fields, made beautiful with growing grain, took the place of the wilderness. Mr. Fowler took an active part in the organization of the town, and was chosen its first supervisor, which office he held many years. For several years there was no road to his place; but, after the building of the capitol at Lansing, the State road from Detroit to Grand Haven was opened through the county to the Meridian line, a stage-route was established, and a post-office opened at Fowlerville, principally through the efforts of Mr. Fowler and Mr. Williams. Mr. Fowler also took an active part in the building of the plank-road, taking a thousand dollars in stock, and also furnishing the plank to construct the road from Howell to Fowlerville. When the first saw mill in Fowlerville was built he gave six acres of land and boarded the hands free. He afterwards bought and finished the mill. Mr. Fowler has also assisted liberally in building, the churches of his village. In 1853 he laid out tiiirty acres of land in the village of Fowlerville, and gave away every alternate lot to any one who would build a good house thereon. He built the first store in, and has since added many buildings to, the village. Mr. Fowler has filled the most of the offices in his town, and served as a Representa- tive in the Legislatures of 1843-44, of 1851-52, and in the special session of 1854. He served as chairman of the Committee on Claims, on the special Committee on the Liquor Law, and was second on the Committee of Ways and Means, filling the position with credit to himself and his constituents. For liis second wife, Mr. Fowler married Mrs. Mary Fowler, Dec. 10, 1846. His children by his first wife were George, born July 22, 1833; Lucy, born Aug. 18, 1835, died July 21, 1842; Charles, born June 11, 1837; Joanna, born October, 1839; Walter B., born Nov. 6. 1843 ; and Walter, born Nov. 6, 1846. George Fowler served as a non-commissioned officer, subsequently as lieutenant and captain, during the Rebellion, and was twice wounded. GEORGE LOVELY was born in the State of Ohio, April 12, 1840. When he was three years old, his father moved to Wayne Co., Mich., where he bought a farm. George lived with his father on the farm until he was nineteen, when the death of his father threw him upon his own resources. He worked among HANDY TOWNSHIP. 253 the farmers around Dearborn until 1862, when he came to Putnam, Livingston Co., without a dollar. Tiie first year he rented a farm. He after- wards bought it; but soon sold it, making a nice profit, thereby getting his start. Mr. Lovely then came to Fowlerville and engaged in business He has been engaged in various branches of business, and lias been successful in whatever he undertook. He built the opera-house, has done much to ad- vance the growth and prosperity of his village, and is ranked among its most enterprising citizens. Mr. Lovely is now engaged in bu)ing and selling agricultural imiilemcnts, buggies, wagons, etc. He also owns and manages a fine farm of two hundred acres, a view of which appears on another page of this work. EDWIN NICHOLS. The ancestors of this gentleman were among the early settlers of New England. John Nichols, the paternal grandfatherof our subject, emigrated when a young man to Otsego Co., N. Y., where he was married to Susan Wilson. They were the parents of one child, named Jeremiah, who was born in Otsego in 1801. On reaching manhood he was married to Ruth Tupper, of the same place. In 1831 he emigrated to tlie Territory of Michigan, and settled at Novi, in Oakland Co., where he re- mained five years. He then removed to Livingston County, and was one of the first to settle in the township of Iosco. He afterwards, at various times, removed to other places in Livingston County, and for the last eleven years he has resided in the township of Handy. In 1862 he was bereaved in the death of his wife, who died at the age of fifty years. She was the mother of ten children, viz., Ange- line, Edwin, Eliza, P^zekiel S., Albert, Martha J., Philena, Mary A., Charles H., and Seth A. Of these, Angeline, Edwin, Ezekiel, Mary, and Seth are living, all married, and have families. The old gentleman's second marriage was with Mrs. Amelia Ross, of Iosco, with whom he is now living on his farm in Handy, — one of the few remaining old pio- neers of 1 83 1. Edwin Nichols was born at the old Otsego home in New York, Aug. 15, 1828, and at three years of age was brought to the wilds of Michi- gan. His boyhood was passed in the forests of Oakland and Livingston Counties, with but poor facilities for obtaining an education. He was early inured to all the rude labor and hardships of a pio- neer life in the woods, and from early boyhood until he reached his majority he remained with his father, bearing his full share in chopping, logging. burning off the timber, and in breaking up new land. On becoming of age he went out for him- . self: for two yeaf's he followed jobbing, such as breaking up newltfnd by the acre. During this time he became ^'acquainted with Miss Sarah M. Smith, of Iosco, to whom he was united in mar- riage, Nov. 27, 1850. He then purchased eighty acres of partially im- proved land, in the township of Handy, about four miles southwest of Fowlerville, on which was a small frame house. After his marriage he moved on to his farm, and since that time has made farm- ing his business, in which avocation he has been very successful, — at different times adding tract after tract to his fiirm. until he now has two hun- dred acres, of which one hundred and fifty acres are improved and under cultivation. His farm is noted for many miles around as being one of the finest and most fertile in the county, upon which there is one of the finest groves of sugar-maple in the State, and from which he annually makes about one thousand pounds of maple-sugar. The resi- dence, barns, etc., are all comfortable and conve- nient, making one of the most beautiful farm- homes in that part of the county. Mr. Nichols is a man of much influence and consideration in his township, and is at this time (1879) supervisor, — he being the first and only Republican ever elected to that office in the town. He and his esteemed wife are the parents of ten children, viz., Oscar, Jeremiah, Hilliard and Willie (twins), Edwin S., Rhoda J. and Jay (twins), Sarah E., Ariadne, and John R. Of these all are living except Willie and Jay. The three eldest sons have left home to do for themselves, and the others remain with their parents. The family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Nichols has been a member many years. On another page a view of the farm-home, and the portraits of Mr. Nichols and his wife, may be seen. M.^RVIN G.\STON. The ancestors of Mr. Gaston were of Irish origin, and were among the early settlers of Massachusetts. Robert, the paternal grandfather, was born in 1747 ; after his marriage he removed to Madison Co., N. Y., where he resided until his death in 1829, at eighty-two years of age. His widow died in 1835, at the age of seventy-seven years. They were the parents of eight children, named Rlioda, Fliecta, Chauncey, Lydia, Pheebe, Elijah, Alanson, and Almira. Elijah was born at the old Massachusetts home, June II, 1793. He was reared in Madison Co., 254 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. N. Y. At the age of nineteen (Oct. 1 1, 1812) he . married Susannah Padelford. She became the mother of three children, named Amanda, Caro- line, and Marvin. Her death occurred Nov. 13, 1829, at the age of thirty-six years. Elijah Gaston, June 16, 1830, married Mrs. Polly North, a sister of his deceased wife. By this union there was one child, named Dwight. In 1836, Mr. Gaston emigrated to Michigan, and with his son-in-law, George Curtis, located two government lots in Howell, which they exchanged a few months later for some wild land in the town- ship of Handy. In the month of February fol- lowing Mr. Gaston and his son, Marvin, erected a log shanty on their new land. During the five days they were building it they camped out, with some bo.xes for shelter at night, and their o.xen chained to a tree. Caroline, the youngest daughter (now Mrs. Dr. Randall), was installed as house- keeper, as Mrs. Gaston was still in New York. Their nearest neighbor westward, Capt. Scott, of Dewitt, was thirty-five miles distant, but in the next few years settlers poured in, log houses and shanties were erected in all directions, roads cut through the forests and swamps, bridges built over the streams, and where but a few years before all was an almost unbroken wilderness, was now fields of waving grain and the homes of happy and pros- perous families. Elijah Gaston only lived to the age of forty-eight years, dying Oct. 15, 1841. His widow died in 1856, aged sixty-one years. Marvin Gaston was born Aug. 29, 1820, at Mor- risville, Madison Co., N. Y. His boyhood was passed in attending school, and in assisting on the farm. At sixteen years of age he came with his father and the family to Michigan. From that time he was engaged in active labor, alternately at home and for others, until the death of his father. He was at that time about twenty-one years of age, and by the advice of the other heirs, he took pos- session of the little property left by his father, val- ued at seven hundred dollars, with demands against it for about the same amount. About the same time he sought and obtained the hand of Miss Phylinda W. Parsons, daughter of Levi and Phylinda Parsons, old pioneers of the town of Conway, they having settled in Living- ston County in 1837. After his marriage, Mr. Gaston engaged in farm- ing for two years, and for six years in the potash business, during which time he was twice burned out. About the time he quit the latter business, George Curtis, husband of the eldest sister of Mr. Gaston, died ; he was at that time keeping a hotel in Howell. After the death of Mr. Curtis, Marvin Gaston went to Howell and took charge of the business, purchasing an interest therein. He re- mained two years, when he sold and returned to his farm in Handy. Soon after, he purchased more land, becoming for a time involved in debt; but by industry and economy, coupled with good man- agement, he has succeeded in paying all claims, and is to-day the owner of one of the finest farms in Livingston County, beautifully situated, and on which may be found all the modern improvements and conveniences. The names of the children that have been born to Marvin Gaston are Elijah F., Ellen M., Vienna C, Mary E., Henry L., George H., Charles O., and Ernest C. Of these, but two are living, — Vi- enna C. and George H. Vienna is the wife of Luther C. Kanouse, and they reside on their farm in the township of Cohoctah. George H. is mar- ried to Alice Campbell, of Handy, and lives on the old home-farm of Marvin Gaston. The latter has practically retired from active labor, and his son has the charge and management of the farm. Mr. Gaston and his excellent wife are respected and esteemed by a wide circle of friends and rela- tives. A view of their farm-home, with their por- traits, may be found in this work, a tribute to the memory of an old pioneer family. IOSCO TOWNSHIP. Iosco, the Chippewa name for the small stream now known as Cedar River, is the present title of territory designated in the field-notes of the United States survey as township number 2 north, of range number 3 east. It is situated on the west border of Livingston County, south of the centre, and adjoining township organizations are Handy on the north, Marion on the east, Unadilla on the south, and White Oak in Ingham County on the west. Its surface is slightly rolling and of the character so common to this portion of the State. The principal water-courses are the Cedar River and the West Branch of the same stream. The former enters the townshipby crossing the south line of sec- tion 36, and flows on in a general northerly course through the east half of the town. The latter stream flows in the same direction through the western part of the township. These streams af- ford no water-power privileges, are sinuous and sluggish in their course, especially the former, which is bordered by bottom-lands and swamps many acres in extent. Iosco, or School Lake, containing about 40 acres, is situated upon section 16, and denominated the school section. Another small lake lies upon the line dividing sections 25 and 26. The lands of this township originally were termed by the early settlers " heavy-timbered openings," and the task of subduing and making farms of them was tedious and prolonged. The different varieties of oak common to Michigan predomi- nated ; but elm, ash, hickory, basswood, soft maple, and tamarack were plentiful, while black walnut, whitewood, Cottonwood, cherry, beech, sycamore, hard maple, and sassafras abounded in most sec- tions. The soil is of an excellent quality, and yields large returns as the result of intelligent culture, the principal products being wheat, corn, potatoes, fruits, etc. The soil and grasses are also well adapted to grazing and draining, — one of the two cheese-factories of Livingston County being estab- lished here. This factory was built by John Elliott in 1874, and he first began the manufacture of cheese in May, 1875. At the present time milk is used from 100 cows, though in previous years the factory has received the product of twice that number. The cheese manufactured is shipped principally to the New York City market, where it compares favorably with the dairy products of other portions of the Union. The factory, and the large farm upon which it is situated, now belong to the Samuel Medbury estate. Iosco, a post-office station, otherwise known as Parker's Corners, is situated upon portions of sec- tions 8 and 17. Here are the church edifices of the Methodist Episcopal and Protestant Methodist societies, a store of general merchandise, district school-house, cider-mill, a blacksmith-shop, and some half-dozen dwelling-houses. The population of the township in 1874 was 943. It now has a voting population of about 275, and the present total population will appro.ximate 1 150. ORIGINAL L.^ND-ENTRIES. The fir.st land entered in township 2 north, of range 3 east, was by Alonzo Piatt, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 12, 1835. His selection embraced the east one-half of the southeast quarter of sec- tion 12, and is now owned and occupied by Joseph Loree, Jr. Elbert Parker entered the southeast quarter of section 8, Oct. 29, 1835. This location is now known as Iosco, or Parker's Corners. Samuel and William Ranney, from Franklin Co., Mass., purchased a portion of the same section Nov. 5, 1835. A description of their lands will be found in the following complete list of land-entries. John Wood, from Washtenaw Co., Mich., pur- chased the southwest quarter, the west one-half of the northwest quarter, and the southea.st quarter of the same quarter on section 1 1, Nov. 24, 1835. On the 27th of November, 1835, Robert J. Barry, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., entered the northeast quarter and the east one-half of the northwest quarter of section 17. These included all the entries for public lands in this township during the year 1835. The next year — 1836 — nearly the entire township was lo- cated, or, at least, all the desirable lands. Emigrants from New York, New England, Penn- sylvania, and Ohio arrived during the spring and fall in considerable numbers, and then began that tedious struggle with the primitive forests which to subdue and transform into pleasant homes, sur- rounded by fruitful fields and orchards, as we see 255 256 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. them to-day, required years of toil and privation, such as their posterity or successors, now enjoying the fruits of their labor, can form no adequate idea. The following is a complete list of those who purchased from the general government lands sit- uated in this township; showing also their place of residence, and date of entry. Those whose names are particularized with a star (*) became actual settlers. SECTION I. Hoiace Ile.ilh, W.iyne Co., Mich., June 10, 1836. Hirnm P. Spencer, Columljia Co., N. Y , July 2, 1836. Guy C. Lee, Livingston Co., Mich., JvOy 11, 1836. William M. Olcolt, Madison Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1836. Roger Glenen, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1837, and Dec. 20, 1837. John U'Hara, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Feb. 13, 1S38. Henry H. Norton, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 6, 1S53, and Dec. 13, 1853. SECTION 2. Sterling Armstrong, New York City, M.ay 20, 1S36. Hiram P. Spencer, Columbia Co., N. Y., July 2, 1836. Silas B. Munsell,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 4, 1836. George W. Lee, Livingston Co., Mich., June 15, 1837. Sarah L. Kilborn, Livingston Co., Mich , April 22, 1854. George W. Clark, Livingsion Co., Mich., Sept. 6, 1S55. SECTION 3. William R. Spafford, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 19, 1836. William H. Redfield,* Ontario Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836. Lewis W. Decker, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 31, 1836. Andrew King, Orange Co., N. Y., June i, 1836. Erasmus D. Keyes (afterwards major-general). New York City, July 15, 1836. SECTION 4. William H. Redfield,* Ontario Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836. Joseph and William Blanchard, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June I, 1836. Lucius H. Emery, Erie Co., N. Y., June II, 1836. Josiah Loree,* Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. i, 1836, and Aug. 3, 1836. Selh Hart, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1S36. Samuel H. Dodge, Seneca Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1836. Cornelius Bonier, Livingston Co., Mich., April 4, 1839. Malhew Knowles, Wayne Co., Mich., June 22, 1839. Joseph B. Cole, Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 13, 1839. SECTION s. John H. Northrop, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 13, 1S36. Amos P. Gridley, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 14, 1836. William Pease, New York City, Nov. 14, 1836. Asa C. Tutlle, Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 24, 1837. Alexander Richmond, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 9, 1837. Henry Nooden, Livingston Co., Mich., June 28, 184S. Merrill Colby, Wayne Co., Mich., July 31, 1853. SECTION 6. Patrick Conner,* Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836. Michael Mulveny, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 1, 1836. William Faulk, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1836. Jonathan O. Hathaway, Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 31, 1S37. John Colby, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 8, 1853. Michael Flinn, Livingston Co., Mich., June 9, 1S54, and June 19, 1854. James Lindsey,- Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 21, 1855. SECTION 7. Samuel H. Dodge, Seneca Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1836. B. B. Kercheval, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 26, 1836. Emery Beal,* Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. II, 1S37. John Foster, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 19, 1S37. Joab Grover,* Wayne Co., Mich., July 9, 1836. Dotlia Barnum, Livingston Co., Mich., July 17, 1838. SECTION 8. Elbert Parker,* Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 29, 1835. Samuel Ranney, Franklin Co., Mass., Nov. 5, 1835. William Ranney, Franklin Co., Mass., Nov. 5, 1835. James Al)bott,* Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1836. Peter Chase, Oakland Co., Mich., Sept. 14, 1S36. SECTION 9. Willi.am Kirtland, W.iyne Co., Mich., Jan. I, 1836. Seth Spencer, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May ig, 1836. Theodore H. Drake, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. Samuel Carpenter, Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. Moses Keyes, Seneca Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1836. John J. Smith, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 12, 1838. Jonah Poycr, Jr.,* Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 10, 1844. SECTION 10. William Kirlland, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. I, 1836. Henry Brower, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836. Sterling Armstrong, New York City, May 20, 1836. Enoch Terhune,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 31, 1 Henry M. Wood,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 5, 836. 1836. SECTION John Wood,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 24, 1835. John W. Hilton, Oswego Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836. George Sewell, Ni.agara Co., N. Y., M.ay 28, 1836. Henry M. Wood,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 5, 1836. Isaac S. Tuttle, Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 30, 1839. Thomas Schoonhoven, Livingston Co., Mich., June 23, 1842. Martha Ann Wood,* Livingston Co., Mich., May 7, 1845. SECTION 12. Alonzo I'lalt, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 12, 1835. John H. Le Count, W.iyne Co., N. Y., March 25, 1836. Wallace Goodwin, Ontario Co., N. Y., April 5, 1836. Richard Storms, Livingston Co., N. Y., July 15, 1836. William M. Olcott, Madison Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1836. Thomas B. Hoyt, Livingston Co., Mich., March 22, 1837. Abel W. Walker, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 30, 1837. James H. Woods, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 4, 1S38. Philelus .Stark, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 30, 1852. Cornelius Y. Ross,* Livingston Co , Mich., Feb. 15, 1853. William Gorton,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 17, 1853. SECTION 13. Lyman E. Beach,* Erie Co., N. Y., April 23, 1836. William Davis, Erie Co., N. Y., April 23, 1836. Samuel Coole^ Genesee Co., N. Y., May 24, 1836. William Vanocker, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 24, 1836. Joseph H. Gorton, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1836. Hiram Ward, Wa.shlenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1836. James M. Himes, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Feb. 10, 183S. William Himes, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 28, 1838. William Gorton, Dec. 15, 1853. SECTION 14. William Miller,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 23, 1836. Joseph Marriott, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 28, 1836. George Sewell, Niagara Co., N. Y., May 28, 1836. Joseph Hubbard, Orleans Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836. RESlOLNCEjg Wm. J. JEWELL, lOSCO, MiCH IOSCO TOWNSHIP. 257 Silas Munsell,* Wnyne Co., Mich., May 30, 1836. Joseph I.oree,* Livinyslon Co., Mich., June 30, 1S37. SECTION 15. Jeremiali Nicliols,* Oakland Co., Mich., Kel). 15, 1836. George W. Mcintosh,* OaUlan.l Co., Mich., Kel). 15, 1S36. Jeremiah Nichols,* M.iy 12, 1836. Anihew Lyile,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 23, 1836. Levi W. Munsell,* Wayne Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836. John I. (or J.) Tr.iver, Schenect.idy, N. Y., June 13, 1836. Amos P. Gridley, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 14, 1836. Adolphus Cobiirn, All.any Co., N. Y., .Xusj. 6, 1S36. SECTION 16. T. Lockwood,* Nov. II, 1S46. J. Acker,* Oct. 28, 1847. J. R. Goodrich,* Nov. 16, 1853. \V. H. Simons,* Oct. 6, 1847. R. Simons, Oct. 6, 1847. R. Acker, Oct. 19, 1S47. Walter Wriyht,* Feb. lo, 1848. I. S. A. Wri-ht,* May 6, 1846. John W. Wright,* April 24, 1854. S. and N. Tracy,* Nov. II, 1846. R. and J. Acker,* May 6, 1846. S. and N. Tracy,* May 9, 1846. P. L. Wilhelm,* Feb. 17, 1847. I. S. A. Wright,* Oct. 19, 1847. SECTION 17. Robert J. Harry, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1835. Henry M. Wood,* Washtenaw Co., March 12, 1836. Robert J. Harry, May 13, 1836. Peter L. Wilhelm,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 27, 1S36. Hiram Dewey, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836. Henry M. Wood,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 3, 183O. SECTION 18. John A. Kemp, Livingston Co., N. Y., July 9, 1836. Emery IJeal,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1S36. John 13. Stimpson, W.ashtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. II, 1837. Joseph Voorhies, Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 24, 1837. Joab Grover,* Wayne Co., Mich., July 9, 1836. Enoch Smith, Ingham Co., Mich., Oct. 25, 1843. SECTION 19. Richard M. Guggins,* Livingston Co., Mich., May 30, 1S36. Robert L. Taylor, New York City, June 13, 1836. David II. Richardson, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. Richard Price, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 19, 1853. SECTION 20. Grace Fasquelle, Livingston Co., Mich., May 2, 1836. Jean Louis Fran(;ois Benoit Fasquelle, Liviiigston Co., Mich., May 2, 1836. Richard M. Guggins,* Livingston Co., Mich., June 13, 1836. Orilla Guggins,* Livingston Co., Mich., June 18, 1836. Hiram Dewey, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836. Leonard B.irton, Franklin Co., Mass., Oct. 4, 1837. Francis Crawford, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. II, 1855. SECTION 21. Grace Fasquelle, Livingston Co., Mich., M.ay 2, 1836. Richard M. Guggins,* Livingston Co., Mich., May 13, 1836. Luther Haven,* Addison Co., Vt., May 28, 1836. Orilla Guggins, Livingston Co., Mich., May 30, 1836, and June 18, 1836. Hiram Dcwcy, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836. Marvin Cadwell, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1S36. 33 Emery Deal,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836. Moses Kies, Seneca Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1836. SECTION 22. Jolm Lorce,* Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 29, 1836. Joseph Loree,* Livingston Co., Mich., March 21, 1S36. Reuben Rhodes, Wayne Co., Mich., May 20, 1836. William R. Spofford, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 20, 1836. Stephen Sherwood, Orleans Co., N. Y., June 30, 1836. Chauncey E;.jglesion, (iene-ee Co., N. Y., June 3, 1836. Jesse Tuxbury, W.iyne Co., Mich., June 4, 1836. Marvin Cadwell, Wnshtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836. SECTION 23. James Miller,* Steuben Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836. Jose|ih Loree,* Livingston Co., Mich., May 23, 1836. Nathan Field, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836. James li. Barnard, Orleans Co , N. Y., May 30, 1836. SECTION 24. Daniel Person,* Erie Co., Pa., April 23, 1836. Abijah P. Backus, Erie Co., Pa., May 14, 1836. Lorenio Backus,* Erie Co., Pa., May 14, 1836. Columbus A. Morgan, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1836. David Rogers, Ingham Co., Mich., Feb. 23, 1837. Robert Robinson, W.ayne Co., Mich., Nov. 30, 1S36. Lawson Judson, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 30, 1837. William J. Jewett, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 29, 1845. SECTION 25. Amos H. lireed, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836. Warren Sceley, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836. Tunis R. Pardee, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 18, 1836. E. Coleman, Dec. 13, 1853. T. C. Bell, March 15, 1865. SECTION 26. Erastus Holloway, Wayne Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836. Seth G. Wilson,* Addison, Vt., May 28, 1836. Peter J. Kuhn,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1S36. Alfred Denio,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1836. Enoch Webster, Steuben Co., N. Y., May 4, 1837. SECTION 27. Seth G. Wilson,* Addison Co., Vt., May 28, 1836. Luther Haven,* Addison Co., Vt., May 28, 1836. Elsley W. Fuller, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836. Jabez Paul,* Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836. Josiah P. Fuller, Cortland Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836. SECTION 28. Luther Haven,* Addison Co., Vt., May 28, 1836. William S. Caskey,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 28, 1836. Bastion Williams, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July II, 1836. Marion Cadwell, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836. Adeline Haviland,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. II, 1S37. Harrison P. and John R. Goodrich,* Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 5, 1847. Joseph S. Post,* Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 3 and 24, 1854. SECTION 29. Selh Spencer, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 19, 1836. James Wright,* Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 19, 1836. SECTION 30. Richard M. Guggins,* Livingston Co., Mich., May 30, 1836. Nathan Jones,* Livingston Co., Mich., March I, 1S37. Ard Osborn,* Washtenaw Co., Mich , May 19, 1836. James Wright,* Livingston Co., Mich., April 1, 1846. 258 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SECTION 31. Aril Osliorn.* Waslilenaw Co., Mich., May 19, 1S36. John CdoI, Living>ton Co., Mich., June 7, 1S37. Samuel Case, Livingston Co., Mich., July 3, 1837. David Dutton, Livingston Co., Mich., July 15, 1844, •''"'' June 3, 1847. Elizabeth Ann Dyer, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec 14, 1S53. Jos. L. Dye», Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1853. John S. Dyer, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1S53. SECTION 32. Phili|) Dyer, Livingston Co., Mich., June 7, 1836. Daniel V. Van Sickel,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 20, 1S36. Marvin Cadvi'ell, Waslitenaw Co., Mich,, Sept. 21, 1836. David H. Richardson, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1S36. July 5, 1836. Inly 11,1836. Sept. 21, 1836. SECTION S3. Joseph P. Jewetl, Washtenaw Co., Mich rutnam Smith,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Marvin Cadwell, Washtenaw Co., Mich. Emery Beal,* W.ashlenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836. B. B. Kercheval, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 26, 1S36 David A. McFarlan, Wayne Co , Mich., April 4, 1837. L. D. Preston, Oct. 22, 1S57. W. H. Chapman, Ingham Co., Mich., March 13, 1S66. SECTION 34. Alfred Denio,* Addison Co., Vt., May 28, 1836. Martin Spragne, Erie Co , N. Y., July 12, 1S36. Frederick BoUes, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1836. Patrick Failey, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 8, 1837. David Denio, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 3, 1S38. SECTION 35. Anna Sutherland, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 8, 1836. George Reeves, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 8, 1S36. Ambrose Crane, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 23, 1S36. Amherst Crane, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 30, 1836. Alvin Mann,* Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. Frederick BoUes, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1836. Thomas W. Harford,* Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 6, 1S53. Hiram Backus,* Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 13, 1855. James F. Williams, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 13, 1855. Andrew Love, Livingston Co., Mich., March 3, 1854. SECTION 36. Jean Louis Fran9ois Benoit Fasquelle, Livingston Co, Mich., May 2, 1836. Simeon Backus,* Erie Co., N. Y., May 14, 1836. Hiram Ward, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 29, 1836. Olive Ward, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 6, 1837. Moses Fuller, Livingston Co., Mich., M.arch 23, 1837. Benjamin Nich-ols, Columbia Co., N. Y., June 17, 1836. Moses Fuller, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 31, 1839. John Conner, Livingston Co., Mich., March 8, 1847. Samuel G. Sutherland, Washten.a-w Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1848. Charles Bailey, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1853. Eli Annis, Feb. 15, 1868. N. C. Barton, Feb. 12, 1867. THE FIRST AND OTHER EARLY SETTLEMENTS. It is conceded by all early residents that George C. Wood was the first inhabitant of the territory now known as the township of Iosco. His father, John Wood, then a resident of Ann Arbor, Mich., tnade the fourth entry of lands in township No. 2 north, of range 3 east, by the pur- chase of the southwest quarter, the west one-half of the northwest quarter, and the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 11, Nov. 24, 1835. Upon this purchase, and in a house now owned and occupied — in part — by James Fewlass, George C Wood began his residence late in May, 1836. As much interest attaches to the journey and settlement of the first settler, the following narra- tion of Mr. Wood's removal from Ann Arbor to his new home, furnished for publication in the Livingston Dcuiocrat, March, 1S74, — by the late Daniel Case, of Hovv:eIl, — is inserted. Mr. Case had then j'ust arrived in Ann Arbor, while on his way to view, for a second time, lands in Howell, Livingston Co., previously purchased by him : " We put up at the Western Hotel in Ann .\rb(ir, a small, low house, built in the early days of the Territorial road to Chicago. I thought it was not a very large village. There was not a house from the court-house square to the bridge, and the road was not fenced in. Whi'e looking about in the morning, do\\-n near the hill towards the river, I saw Mr. George C. Wood, who, with three yoke of oxen, was plowing on the south side of the road. I in quired of him about the county of Livingston, as I wanted to go and see the land I h.id purchased. '* He said he was going to wilhin seven or eight miles of my land to live, and would start the next day with a break-up team, nnd if I would stay and help him finish plowing the piece he was then engnged upon, he would be glad to have me for one of the comjiany. " That was my first experience in driving a I)reak-up team. We got it done, and commenced to load the wagon with potatoes, corn, pork, and other kinds of provisions, a break-up plow, etc., making a big load ft)r four yoke of oxen. The next morning we fixed a place for Mrs. Wood to ride on tup of the load, hitched on the oxen, and stai'ted. Arriving at De.xler, we turned north, and here left civilization behind us for the land of the Indian, wolf, and deer. At noon we halted beside a marsh in the shade of a tree, unyoked the oxen and let them feed on the tender marsh grass. Our lunch was taken from the wagon, and eaten with as good a relish as in the best dining-room in the Slate. After the oxen had rested we again started on our way, and at night stayed at a small yellow house, where Dover Mills now are. We put the bells on the oxen, tiu'ned them on the marsh to graze, and in the morning they were ready to go on again. " We had to go around the west side of Portage Lake, and arrived at Mr. Sigler's house at noon next day. Sometimes we had to go miles out of our way to get around marshes and swamps. Mrs. Wood was as happy as a lark, and often made the woods ring with her songs. The second night we found shelter at a small log house, situated a few miles north of the village of Pinck- ney, and the only one in the neighborhood. " It was a common thing for three or four famdies to stop at one house overnight, and sometimes slay till they could get a log house up, and iheie was always plenty of room. The next day, after making bridges, going around swamps, and fighting mos- quitoes without cessation, we arrived at the Cedar River, west of the lands afterwards occupied by Lyman E. Beach, Jr. " It took three days to get that load over the river and mar.sli, up to Mr. Wood's house, which was situated upon the premises now owned by James Fewlass, Esq. I worked upon the house for a few days, and there I first heard the howl of a wolf. I thought all the dogs in the country were loose. On the trail from there to Livingston Centre I saw the first naked Indians, and there were large numbers of them."' SIMON P. KUHN. Few men in Livingston County have risen to usefulness and in- dependence through greater trials and obstacles than he whose name stands at the head of this brief nar- rative. He was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1820, and came to Michigan with his father, Peter J. Kuhn, in 1834. Lived in Wash- tenaw County two years, and came toloscoin the spring of 1837, taking one hundred and twenty acres of land from government, on section 26. The family, consisting of eight children, — four boys and four girls, — were in limited circumstances. The first five acres of land cleared was done without the help of a team ; this was sowed to wheat the first fall. From this small beginning a large and productive farm was made, on which the old couple died, — Mrs. Kuhn on Sept. 16, 1875, and he on May 11, 1876. Simon P., the immediate subject of this sketch, met with an accident when a boy which made him a con- firmed cripple. He lived with his S . P. KU H N . father until he was thirty-six years of age. Being ambitious to do some- thing for himself, his father gave him one hundred dollars, and he pur- chased eighty acres of land where he now resides. Upon this land there w;is a heavy growth of timber ; to remove this, make a living, and improve a farm without means, and being obliged to walk with two canes, was a grave question. All this has been done, other lands a:dded, fine, commodious buildings erected, with such surroundings as indicate the "well-to-do farmer." Mr. Kuhn has been twice mar- ried. His first wife was Mrs. Lu- cinda Rounds, formerly Miss Green, of Marion. She died Dec. 28, 1872, leaving one son, Claude M. The second marriage was May 7, 1879, to Mrs. Eliza Monk, formerly Miss Riclier, of the county of Norfolk, England. Mr. Kuhn and his present wife are active and consistent members of the Protestant Methodist Church, and take a prominent part in the Sabbath-school. ^ Rl., .,^,. ,^ ,, ^ ,'. KUHN, Iosco. Michigan IOSCO TOWNSHIP. 259 Mr. Wood removed from tlie township at an early daj-, and is now a resident of Milwaukee, Wis. During tlie latter part of the summer and early in the fdl of 1836, several other families took up tlieir residence in tlie township, the e.xact date of whose settlement cannot be readily ascertained. Among them were Ard Osborii and his son Nelson. The former was the first supervisor and treasurer of the township, and purchased several hundred acres, situated upon sections 30 and 31. Richard M. Guggins purchased lands upon sec- tions 19, 20, and 21, early in tiie summer of 1S36, and during the same season settled early enough to liarvest a crop of marsh hay. George W. Mcin- tosh, from Oakland County, and Andrew Lytle, from Waslitenaw County, also setted at about the same time. Asel Stow, from Weybridgc, Addison Co., Vt., first visited the township in June, 1836, and pur- chased from Richard M. Guggins, land situated upon section 19. He then returned to Vermont, and in September of the same j'ear, accompanied by his wife and two children, viz., Isaac and Eliza Ann, Seth G. Wilson and wife, — Mr. Wilson being his brother-in-law, — began a journey to his home here in the wilderness. The travelers journeyed via tlie Erie Canal and Lake Erie. At the same time, Nathan Jones, another brother-in-law, started from Vermont with a horse-team and wagon belonging to Mr. Stow. He accomplished the long drive in safety, and brought in the first team of horses owned in the township. Mr. Wilson is still a resident here. Asel Stow, during his lifetime, was prominently identified with the public interests of the township he assisted to found. He was one of the first assessors elected in 1838, and was re-elected during all the succeeding years until 1852, when the office was discontinued. His son, Hon. Isaac Stow, the present supervisor of the township, has also been prominent in all undertakings, both public and private, which had for their object the advancement of the best inter- ests of his townsmen. He was an early teacher and school inspector, and since 1865 has filled the position of supervisor nine terms. In January, 1878, he prepared an able and interesting skctcli concerning pioneer life in Iosco, which was read before the Livingston County Pioneer Association, and to which we are indebted for much valuable information. James Wright, a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., emigrated from Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., to this township in 1836, arriving here October 24th. He was accompanied by a large family of sons, viz., William, Isaac S. A., Walter, John W., Elisha C, Thomas, Lewis J., and Leonard W. ; Richard Acker, a son-in-law, and Abram Van Buren, who had married his niece. Mr. Wright was the first settler upon section 29. He was an earnest and sincere member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at his house, in the spring of 1837, were in- auguratetl the first religious meetings ever held in the township, It is believed that pri(5r to the beginning of the winter of 1836-37, John Wood, the father of Geo. C. Wood, had settled upon tlie southeast corner of section 17, near where the creek crosses the high- way. Here he anticipated the establishment of a village, and tradition saith that a village — on paper — was laid out, as Woodvillc or Woodbridge , and lots in the same sold to parties in, the East at quite a handsome preniiimi. The Woods e.xercised con- siderable sharp practice in their land speculations and the ownership of the same, but the purchasers, we believe, all resided east of Lake luie. John Wood became the first postmaster about 1838, and the road from his residence south into Una- dilla township was the first opened. In the spring of 1837 he was elected justice of the peace and school inspector of Unadilla township, and with Jeremiah Nichols, who at the same time was elected highway commissioner, were the first township officers resident in the territory now known as Iosco. In March, 1837, Daniel Person, with his famil}', came in from Erie Co., Pa., and made the first settlement upon section 24. His purchase in- cluded the northeast quarter. He was a native of Windsor, Vt., and the son of a talented Univer- salist minister. Mr. Person was conspicuous in the early history of Iosco, and universally re- spected. He died in 1874. During the remainder of the year 1S37, and prior to the first township election, which was held at the house of Jeremiah Nichols, April 2, 1838, the population was largely augmented by the arrival and settlement of many fmiilies ; the first assessment roll, made in May, 1838, showing 53 resident tax-payers. Among the pioneers not previously mentioned, and who were here prior to April, 1838, were Peter J. Kuhn, Henry M. Wood, Silas B. Munsell, Levi W. Munsell, Putnam Smith, Peter Chase, James Grimes, Elbert Parker, Peter L. Wilhelm, Daniel V. Van Sickel, Isaac T. Wright, James Miller, Jeremiah Nichols, Simeon Backus, Caleb Barber, Samuel Barber, Lorenzo Backus, Heniy CanoU, Lorenzo Canfield, William S. Caskey, Simeon Disbrow, Alfred Denio, David Denio, Wil- liam Davis, S. Ferguson, John Green, Joab Gro- 26o HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. ver, John W. Hilton, Thomas Hoyt, Lawson Jiid- son. Josiah Loree, John Lorce, Wm. Miller, Anson Niles, Patrick Quinn, David Storms, Henry W. Sharp, James Upton, and Joseph C. Williams. Prior to and including 1840, additional settlers were Alfred Wells, Lyman E. Beach, William C. Post, Elisha H. Noble, Lorenzo Davis, Joseph B. Cole, Washington Wing, Joseph Post, William Himes, Isaac Ray, and A. M. Odell. The following comprises a complete list of those who were assessed as resident tax-payers in 1844, showing, also, the section upon which their lands were situated : Acker, Riclianl 29 Brnwnson, Richard 13 Be inter, Cnrneliiis Bonter, James 4 Backus, Simpson 25, 36 Barlier, Caleb 24 Backus, Widow 36 B.iLicock, Eli S 24 Bench, Lyman E 12, 13 Baghy, Joseph 4 Britlon, John 4 Bliss, E. and Joseph 2, 10 Bealtie, Wilham 32 Bradford. Cliailes 24 Canoll, Henry 25 Canfield, Lorenzo 25 Chase, Peter 8 Conrad, I_>ennis 3 Cttnner, Patrick 6 Cook, Orrin 2 Chapman, Peter 22 Clements, C. B Carson, William Caskey, William S 28, 33 Davis, William 13, 18 Disbrow, Simeon - 22 Dickinson, Amos.. 9 Douj;lass, S. B 17 Foster, Martin R 10 Fewlass, John 15 Ferguson, Thomas 35 Guggins, Richard M 20, 21 Gorton, William 13, 24 Goodrich, H. P 29, 30 Glenning, Roger 1 Gleason, Warren 9 Himes, William 13 Hoyt, Emeline 12 Hilton, John W 11 Hartford, Charles 34, 36 Haven, Luther 21, 27, 28 Haviland, L. J..21, 22,28, 32,33 Haviland, Jacob 18 Hilton, John Personal Hatfield, James 4 Jewell, William 30 Kuhn, Peter J 26 Kuhn, Leonard D 26 Loree, Joseph 22, 23 Loree, George 4 Lewis, Stephen B 35 Lewis, Isaac Personal Sec. Loree, Josiah 3, 4 McLitosli, George W 3, 4 Miller, William 14 Munsell, L. W 14, 15 Munsell, Silas B 15 Miller, James 23 Nichols, Jeremiah 15, 22 Niles, Ansel 22 Noble, Elisha H 27 Osborn, Nelson S 31 Osborn, Horace 30 Osborn, Ard 30 Odell, Augustine M 7 Plummer, Amos 25 Person, Daniel 24 Paiker, Elbert 8 Post, William C 9 Post, Johnson Personal Post, Joseph S 29 Palmateer, George Personal Quinn, Patrick 6 Ray, Isaac 25 Ray, William H 35 Robinson, Robert 24 Redfield, Willi.am H 3, 4 Smith, Ard 29 Shatluck, Asa 14 Sharp, Henry 31 Sharp, William 31 Stow, Asel 19, 30 .Sigsby, David 33 Smith, Putnam F 34 Smith, James Personal Tupper, Chelsey Personal Tujjper, Simeon Van Brunt, Isaac 9 Van Blarcom, I. D Personal Van Sickel, D. V 32, 33 Wood, John 17, 20, 21 Wood, D. T. and Alexander II Wilhelm, Peter L 7, 18 Wilhelm, Peter 17 Ward, Jacob 22 Ward, Eli 14 Ward, Alvin 15 Wright, Thomas 20, 29 Wright, Isaac T 20, 29 Wright, James 29, 30 Wilson, Seth G 26, 27 Wells, Alfred 27 Williams, Joseph 28 Wing, Washington 12, 13 Additional residents assessed for taxes in 1845 were : Sec. Sec. Burch, George 29 Beach, Elisha F. 13 Goodrich, Ashbel 20, 21 Goodrich, Joshua 20, 21 Green, Israel Personal Hempsted, Nathan 8 Hempsted, Charles Personal Hart, Isaac 9 Munsell, Henry G Personal Poyer, Jonah 3, 9 Rima, Christopher 12 Ross, Cornelius 9 Sutton, Lewis C Personal Ward, Henry E 14 Wood, George 11 Willi.ams, Philetus P. ..Personal Wright, William 29, 30 IN 1846. B.aiiey, Joseph 4 C'onover, Joseph fa Clenienls, Edward 19 Druinm, Lawrence II Dunn, [ames 14 Douglass, Everett 15, 17 D.nis, H. G 9 Hartford, William Personal I^ham, Augustus ^;^ Miller, Znchariah , Personal Marble, Russell 22 Munsell, A. S 15 Newcomb, Wesley 25 Sec. Odell, Charles 7 Post & Smith 28, 32, 33 Person, H. C Personal Sagar, Edward 17 Simmons, Wm. H 9 Slow & Carson 21, 27, 28 Taft, James 2 Vanblarcom, John 11 Williams & Lincoln 17 Ward, Alva 22 Ward, William R Personal Whitehead, Michael 35 Wilhelm, John 32 IN 1847. Sec, Abbott, James 8 Brownson, Persons 27 Davis, William 13 Harford, Thomas 27 Hilton, Richard 3 Hem|)sted, Myron 8 Hime-^, James 13 Kuhn, W'illiam 27 Loiee, Nathan 22 Lockwood, Zachaiiah 16 Lee, George W 2, 10 Osborn, D.avid F 30 Sleight cS; Hnlsted 12, 13 Tiacy, Samuel 16 Wright, Joseph 29 Wooding, William 5 Wrighl, I. S. A I6 IN 1S48. Sec. Allen, Lucius B 17 Allen, James 8 Backus, Hiram 36 Burt, E. F 24 Clark, Daniel II Dutton, David 31 Freeman , Albert Pei sonal Fewlass, James Personal Ferguson, P 35 Haviland, Charles A 28 Haven, Stephen 6 Hall,W. S 31 Lewis, Peter 35 Sec. Lyman, William 2 Poyer, Jonah, Jr 3, 4, 9 Palmer, L. & L. A 19 Sleight, Albert Personal .Sagar, Thomas Personal Simmons, Charles 16 Slaughter, 3 Tracy, N. T 16 Vangorder, Henry Personal Williams, Park us Personal Williams, Frederick... Personal Wright, Walker 16 SOME OF THE FIRST EVENTS. The first dwelling-house was built by George C. Wood, on section ii, in the spring of 1836, and a part of it at least now remains, and is occupied by James Fewlass. The first framed barn was built in the summer of 1838, on section 20, by Richard M. Guggins, and the second by Asel Stow, on sec- tion 19, early in the spring of 1839. The first birth in the township was a son of Abrain Van Buren, in January, 1837. The boy was christened Martin, which made him a full namesake of the President of the United States at that time. The first marriage solemnized was that of William Wright and Miss Lucy Osborn, in the summer of 1 837. Roth were residents of the town- ship. The ceremony was performed by Elder Sayre at the residence of the bride's father, Ard. Osborn, Esq. The first death was a child of Richard M. Guggins, which occurred early in the spring of 1837. The first sheep were introduced from Ohio in the fall of 1839. They were " natives," well adapted to the country at that time, and furnished the base from which some fine flocks were after- wards produced. Jabez Paul was the first resident who attended to IOSCO TOWNSHIP. 261 the bodily afflictions of the people. He believed in the practice of Tliompson, and steamed and sweated liis patients without stint. Dr. John R. Goodrich was the first regularly educated physi- cian, and began his practice here about 1842 or 1843. He has been succeeded by Drs. Schuj'ler, Cooper, Cruickshank, and Cannon. PRIVATIONS AND DIFFICULTIES OF PIONEER LIFE IN IOSCO.* The trials and privations of those pioneers who .settled here from 1836 to 1845 were many and severe. The new-comers usually arrived with very few of the trappings considered indispensable in the ordinary household of older communities; often with no more than could be drawn on one wagon, together with the family and a few boards. These boards were a necessity, as they furnished the only shelter for the pioneer, his family, and ef- fects until a house could be erected. They were arranged by placing one end on the ground or a convenient log, the other on a pole supported by forks driven into the ground. This, with a fire in front, sufficed until a better could be provided. The dwellings were almost invariably of the same type, and, with the exception of nails and a few boards, were built of logs and such other material as could be obtained from the forests without the aid' of. mechanics. With no roads, no bridges over streams, blazed trees or perhaps an Indian trail was the only guide to distant markets and settlements. No flour or other provisions of any kind could be had nearer than Ann Arbor, a distance of thirty or thirty-five miles. Those who had teams frequently drove to Detroit for supplies, — a journey which, in those days of bad roads, required about a week's time to accomplish. Flour at that tiiiie was worth ^16 per barrel; pork, from $12 to $15 per hundred; potatoes, $1 per bushel ; butter, 40 cents per pound, and other articles proportionately high. Those who had exhausted their means in getting here and purchasing their lands had a hard struggle for the following two or three years to keep that gaunt spectre, hunger, from the door, and sometimes suf- fered for the necessaries of life. The long and disastrous depression of industrial interests, and the depreciation in values which fol- lowed the financial crash of 1837, was a trying ordeal for this township, but yet in embryo. Not until the summer of 1837 had any produce been raised, the few settlers of the previous year not arriving in season to plant any crops, with the ex- ception of four or five small pieces of wheat, prob- * Extract from Hon. Isa.ic Stow's address to the Livingston County Pioneer Association, Janii.Tvy, 1878. ably not more than twenty acres in all the township, and this was nearly a failure. The prostration of business generally effectually checked emigration, and many disheartened emigrants returned to their former homes in the East, consequently the town- ship increased but little in population during the three succeeding years. After the harvest of 1838, considerable surplus wheat was on hand, but the cost of marketing was nearly as much as could be realized for it when there ; a load of wheat, requir- ing four days with oxen to Ann Arbor, would bring from ten to fifteen dollars, but people in those days "cut the garment to the cloth," or, in other words, kept their expenses within their income. Notwithstanding the many and serious difficul- ties which these brave and dauntless pioneer men and women had to overcome, they were generally happy and contented. It would seem almost as though they were especially designed and prepared for their work. They made little of the dark pass- ages of life, and much of its bright ones. All within a radius of miles were neighbors and well acquainted. No aristocracy then ; the man with forty acres of land had as large a revenue as the one with a half section, — for wild lands produce no earnings, — and was his peer socially. It was a cus- tomary practice to gather together on the long winter evenings at each other's dwellings and have a merry good time. These free-and-easy social gatherings, devoid of th.e dictum of fashion or pride of dress, were very enjoyable affairs, and no doubt contributed largely to that fraternity of feel- ing and interest in each other's welfare which forms so prominent a feature in i.solated and sparsely-set- tled communities. CIVIL HISTORY. Iosco was formed from Unadilla by an act of the State Legislature, approved March 6, 1838. The act reads as follows : " Sectio.n 44. All that portion of the County of Livingston designated in the United States survey as township number two north, of range number three east, be, and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Iosco ; and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Jeremiah Nichols, in sr.!d township " Under the provisions of this act, the legal voters of the new township, on Monday, April 2, 1838, assembled at the house of Jereniiah Nichols for the purpose of electing township officers. An organization was effected by choosing Ard Osborn, Moderator; George C. Wood, Levi W. Munsell, and Joab Grover, Inspectors; and Lawson Judson, Clerk. This election resulted in the choice of the following officers : Ard Osborn, Supervisor ; Elbert Parker, Township Clerk ; Asel Stow, Levi W. 262 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Munsell, Lorenzo Backus, Assessors ; Seth G. Wilson, James Wright, Lawson Judson, Justices of the Peace ; Joab Grover, Chelsey Tuppcr, Wash- ington Wing, Highway Commissioners; WiUiani Wright, Henry CanoU, Simeon Disbrow, School Inspectors; Josiah Loree, Collector ; Richard M. Guggins, Lawson Judson, Directors of the Poor; Caleb Barber, Josiah Loree, Constables. Overseers of Higlnuays. — George C. Wood, Dis- trict No. I ; Peter Chase, No. 2 ; Peter L. Wil- helm, No. 3; Jeremiah Nichols, No. 4; Lawson Judson, No. 5 ; Alfred Denio, No. 6 ; Ard Osborn, No. 7; Daniel Person, No. 8. At the general election held Nov. 5 and 6, 1838, the whole number of votes polled was 47, of which Hezekiah G. Wells, a candidate for the ofifice of Representative to the United States Congress, re- ceived 22 votes, and Isaac E. Crary, a candidate for the same office, received 25 votes. The first township accounts were audited the last Tuesday of September, J 838, when bills to the amount of :$39.3i were allowed, E.ARLY ROADS. The highway known at an early day as Wood's road was surveyed by John Farnsworth (since a distinguished politician of the State of Illinois), Sept. 20, 1836, and was the first o]5encd to travel in the township. Other roads, known locally as the Centre, Kuhn's, Backus', Beal's, Osborn's, Dyer's, Smith's, and Carson's, were all laid prior to the formation of Iosco township. The following is a list of those whose names appeared upon the assessment roll as resident ta.x- payers of the township of Iosco in May, 1838, and shows also the amount of real and personal estate possessed and the taxes paid by each. Those designated with a star (*) are the only survivors. Miller and Wilson reside in Iosco, Nichols in Handy township, and Denio in Wayne County, Real and per- sonal estaie, Ta,\es paid. Acker, Ricliard S120 Jo. 69 Hackus, Simeon 292 1.67 liarber, Caleb 282 1.61 B.iil)er. Samuel 52 030 llicku^, Lorenzo 156 O.Ss Canull, Henry 504 2.88 Canfield, Lorenzo 615 3-53 Caskey, William S 560 3-20 Chase, I'eter- 464 2.65 Ijisbniw, Simeon 280 1.60 '-^ Denio, Alfred 612 3.51 Denio, Davul 560 3.20 Davis, William 564 3-25 Ferguson, S 344 1.96 Grimes, James 12 0.07 Green, John 1377 ^■°'^ Grover, [oah Gu[;i>ins, Riclianl ^I , 1341 7.67 Ilikon. John W 417 2.40 Hoyt, Thomas 1! 120 0.69 Judson, Law'son 86j 4.92 Real and per- sonal estate. Taxes paid. Jones, Nathan S132 $1.75 Kuhn, Peter J. 426 2.43 Lytle, Andrew 86 0.50 Loree, John 292 1.66 Loree, Josiah 727 4.16 Miller, William 334 1.90 Munsell, Silas B 500 2.86 Mcintosh, George \V 511 295 * Miller, James 324 1.85 Munsell, L. W 510 2.95 Osborn, Ard 593 3.40 Osborn, Nelson 444 2.55 * Nichols, Jeremiah 561 3.20 Niles, Ansel 260 1.49 Parker, Elbert 612 3.50 Person, Daniel 594 3.40 Quinn, Patrick 264 1. 52 Stow, Asel 888 5.09 Storms, David 184 1.05 Smith, Putnam I 52 0.30 Sharp, Henry W 4S0 2.75 Upton, James 2S0 1.60 Van Sickel, D. V 607 3.48 Wright, James 744 4.25 Wright, Isaac T 650 3.44 Wright, William 252 1.44 Wilhelm, Peter L 252 1.44 * Wilson, Seth G 572 3.27 Wooil, George C I177 6.74 Wood, John 838 4.75 Wood, flenry M 4S0 2.75 Williams, Joseph C 344 1.97 TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a complete list of township officers from 1838 to 1879, inclusive ; showing also the whole number of votes polled each year for candidates for the ofifice of Supervisor: SUPERVISORS. 1S3S-40, Ard Osborn; 1841, Lawson Judson; 1842-43, Lyman E. Beach; 1844-45, Ard Osborn; 1846, Samuel B. Douglass; 1847, Ard Osborn; 1848, Joseph Loree; 1849, Martin R. Foster;* 1850-51, Henry G. Davis; 1S52, Dennis Conrad; 1853-54, Darwin A. Palmer; 1855, Henry G. Davis; 1856, John W. Wright; 1857-58, Samuel A. Mapes; 1859, Ard R. Smith; i860, Samuel A. Ma|)es; 1861-62, Harry J. Haven; 1863-64, Cornelius H. Person; 1865-67, Isaac Sow; 1868, John W. Wright; 1869-71, Isaac Stow; 1872, Albert W. Messenger; J873, Anson A. Stow; 1874, Isaac Stow; 1S75-77, Albert W. Messenger; 1878-79, Isaac Stow. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1S38-39, Elbert Parker; 1S40-42, Alfred Wells; 1S43, Luther Haven ; 1S44, David T. Wood ; 1845, William C. Post ; 1846- 48, Peter L. Wilhelm; 1849, J. R. Goodrich; 1850, Simeon Disbrow; 1851, S. S. Chipman; 1852-55, John W. Wright; 1856-57, Allen O. Haven; 1858, Martin R. Foster; 1859-60, John W. Wright; 1861-62, Simeon B. Merrill; 1863-66, Russell M. Cadwell; 1867, Albert W. Messenger; 1868, Stephen M. Ilayner ; 1869-71, Albert W. Messenger; 1872- 73, John Elliott; 1874-75, R. R. Russell; 1876-78, John Elliott; 1S79, Lyman Iv. Hadley. TREASURERS. 1838, None elected; 1839-40, Ard Osborn; 1841, Lyman E. Beach; 1842-44, Alfred Wells; 1845-48, Horace Osborn; 1849, Darwin A. P.almer; 1850, Jonah Poyer; 1S51, E. Bar- num; 1852, Jonah Poyer; 1853-54, Joseph L. Post; 1855- 56, Peter Lamoreaux ; 1857-58, Simon P. Kuhn; 1859, Peter Lamoreaux; i860, Hiram Parker; 1861, Jno. W. Ward; 1862-63, Barnard Denio; 1864-65, Anson A. Stow; 1866, * Resigned; Dennis Conrad elected to fill vacancy, Sept. 30, 1849. Wm.S.CASKLY. MRS.Wm.S.CASKEY. WILLIAM S. CASKEY was born in Roxbury, N. J., Feb. ii, 1811. He lived with his father, Robert Caskey, who was a farmer, until he was twenty-one years of age. He came to Michigan in 1833, and took up a tract of eighty acres of land. He worked by the month for others until May 11, 1843, when he was married to Clarissa Wasson, who came with her father from Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1836, and settled in Unadilla. In 1844, Mr. Caskey commenced improving his land. He and his young wife moved into a log house on adjoining land and occupied it the first year, during which time a few acres of land had been cleared, and a log house of the rudest sort had been erected on his own land. From this small beginning, by the strictest economy and industry, a fine farm has been developed from the wilderness. Mr. Clark and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church at Plainfield; he assisted in its organization, and was for many years one of its deacons. He was charitable and kind hearted. He died Aug. 21, 1873, leaving four children, — three sons and one daughter. The oldest, Robert W., is a farmer in Iosco. He enlisted in Company L, Third Michigan Cavalry, and served until Feb- ruary, 1866. Jonathan B. is a farmer in Iosco. William S. and Sarah B. live at the old home with their mother, the latter now in her sixty- fourth year, who shares with them the cares and responsibilities of the farm. William S. Caskey was a just man and much respected. IOSCO TOWNSHIP. 263 Jno. W. Ward; 1867-71, Stephen S. Westcolt; 1872-73, George Laible; 1874-75, Silas C. Merrill; 1S76-77, Free- man C. Pclcrson; 1878, Horace Mapes ; 1879, La Fayelle I'eet. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Seth G. Wilson, James Wrii^hl, Lawson Jiulson, 1838; Lawson Judson, 1839; James Wright, 1840 ; John Wootl, 1841 ; Seth G. Wilson, 1S42; Dennis Conrad, 1843; Daniel Peison, 1844; Asel Slow, 1845; A. M. Odell, 1846; Levi W. Miin- sell, 1847; Daniel Person, 1848; Everett Douglass, 1849; James Wright, 1850 ; Levi W. Mimsell, 1851 ; Eli S. liab- cock, 1S52; Everett Douglass, 1853; Asel Stow, 1S54; Levi W. Munsell, Horace Osborn, Ard R. Smilli, 1855 ; Lyman E. Beach. 1856; Martin R. Foster, Eli S. liabcock, 1S57; John E. Mapes, 1858; Levi W. Munsell, 1859; Eli S. liab- cock, Robert G. Martin, i860; Gilliert Caswell, Isaac Stow, 1861; Isaac Slow, 1862; Allen O. Haven, 1863; Hiiam Backus, Patrick Cummiskey, 1864; Ard R. Smith, 1865; Elisha C. Wright, 1866; John W. Wright, 1867; Daniel Person, 1868; Millon Bradley, William H. Simpson, 1S69 ; Elisha C. Wright, Thomas W. Harforcl, 1870; Patrick Cum- miskey, Dennis Conrad, 1871 ; Thomas W. Harford, William H. Simpsun, 1S72 ; Isaac Stow, 1873 ; M'hon Bradley, 1874; Gilbert Munsell, 1S75 ; Lyman K. Hadlcy, 1S76; Stephen B. Person, 1877; William Willant, 1878; Gilbert Munsell, John Oakes, 1879. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. Joab Grover, Chelsey Tupper, Washington Wing, 1S38; Joab Grover, Levi W. Munsell, Washington Wing, 1839 ; Wash- ington Wing, Levi W. Munsell, Joab Grover, 1840; Daniel Person, Asel Stow, John Loree, 1841 ; Daniel Person, Lu- ther Haven, Dennis Conrad, 1842; Washington Wing, A>el Stow, Harrison P. Goodrich, 1S43; James Wright, Mai tin R. Foster, William Gorton, 1844; Jonah Poyer, Aid R. Smitli, Simeon Backus, 1845; Dennis Conrad, Siineon Backus, Isaac T.Wright, 1846; Simeon Backus, Dennis Conrad, A. S. Munsell, 1847; A. S. Munsell, 1848; Ard R. Smith, John Fewlass, 1849; Robert Roberson, 1850; Everett Douglass, 1851 ; William S. Caskey, 1S52 ; Cornelius H. Person, 1S53 ; Dennis Conrad, 1S54; Asahel Goodrich, 1855; Charle-s Cole- man, 1856; Dennis Conrad, 1857; Isaac T. Wright, 1858; Rufus S. Griffin, 1859; Dennis Conrad, i860; Charles Cole- man, 1861 ; Myron Parker, Daniel Per.son, 1862; Ard R. Smith, 1863; Dennis Conrad, 1864; Jo-eph Loree, 1S65; Ard R. Smith, 1866; Dennis Conrad, 1867; Isaac Stow, 1868; Hiiam Parker, 1869; Stephen S. Westcolt, 1870 ; Dennis Conrad, 1871 ; Hiram Parkei', 1872; Stephen S. Westcolt, 1873; Philander Bull, 1874; Stephen S. Westcolt, 1875-77; Freeman C. Peterson, 1878; Leander Purdy, 1879. ASSESSORS. Asel Stow, Levi W. Munsell, Lorenzo Backus, 1838; Asel Stow, Lorenzo Backus, John Wood, 1839; William S. Caskey, Asel Stow, Peter Chase, 1840 ; Peter Chase, Asel Stow, Daniel Person, 1841 ; Lyman E. Beach, Levi W. Munsell, Peter Chase, 1842;. Asel Slow, Joseph Loree, 1843; John Woml, Lyman E. Beach, 1844; A. M. Odell, Daniel Person, 1845; Asel Stow, D. V. Van Sickel, 1846; Samuel B. Douglass, D. V. Van Sickel, 1847; E. H. Noble, William Wooden, 1849; Daniel Person, Asel Stow, 1850; Emery Beal, Asel Stow, 1851, supervisors, have performed the duties of assessors from 1852 to 1879, inclusive. COLLECTORS. Josiah Loree, 183S; William C. Post, 1839-40; Ansel Niles, 1841.* * Office has since been abolished. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. William Wright, Heniy Canoll, Simeon Disbrow, 1838 ; Lawson Judson, Daniel V. Van Sickel, John Wood, 1839; Alfred Wells, William C. Post, E. H. Noble, 1840; John Wood, Lawson Judson, Elisha H. Noble, 1841; Lawson Judson, David T. Wood, William C. Post, 1842; Jonas W. Wing, David T. Wood, 1843 '. Elisha H. Noble, Cornelius H. Per- son, 1844; Cornelius H. Peison, 1845; Thomas Ferguson, 1846; Henry G. Davis, 1847; Cornelius H. Person, 1848; J. S. Wright, 1849; John W. Wright, Cornelius H. Person, 1850; B. F. Chipman, 1851; Harry J. Haven, 1852; Isaac Slow, 1853; Harry J. Haven, 1854; Thomas Wright, 1855; John W. Wilson, 1856; B. F. Chipman, 1857; Henry G. Davis, 1858; James C. Ferguson, 1859; Martin R. Foster, i860; James C. Ferguson, 1S61 ; Cornelius II Person, Albert W. Messenger, 1862; Elisha C.Wright, 1863; Isaac Stow, Wolcott S. Ilaviland, 1864; James C.Gray, 1865; Elisha C. Wright, 1866; John W. Wright, 1S67 ; Elisha C. Wright, 1868; A. W.Cooper, 1869; John Lnmureau.\, 1870; John Connor, 1S71; William E. Watson, 1872; R. R. Russell, Lyman K. Hadley, 1873; John Lamoreaux, 1874; Frank L. Wright, 1875; Ashbel W. Elliott, 1876-77; William Mapes, 1878; Jonathan B. Caskey, 1879. TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. David J. Odell, 1875; L^ Fayette Peel, 1876; George C. Brad- Icy, 1877; Eugene A. Stow, 1878-79. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. Richard M. Guggins, Law on Judson, 1838-40; Richard M. Gug- gin^, Elbert Parker, 1S41 ; Elbert Parker, Lawson Judson, 1842; Samuel I!. Douglass, Joseph Lrnialioii furnished hy D. !•'. Oshorn, son of Aril Osborn. 34 first class were William Simons and Angelinc, his wife; William C. Post and Ursula, his wife; Mar- garet Wilhelm, and Delia Hempstead. This class then belonged to the Ingham Circuit, and remained a part of the same until 1857, when it was set off from Ingham and embraced in the Livingston Circuit. The pastors of this society and the dates of their coming are shown as follows : John A. Parks, 1846; R. R. Ran.som, 1847; John A. Parks, 1848; B. Bayne, 1849; J. R. Savage, M. L. Perringtoii, 185 1; M. L. Perring- ton, J. Card, 1852; J. K. Stevenson, 1853; Wm. D. Tompkinson, 1854; Jesse Kilpatrick, 1856; H. H. Johnson, 1857; J. A. Nichols, 1858; H. H. Johnson, i860; Thomas Plackett, 1861 ; J. H. Morton, 1862; M. D. Angell, 1863; S. Clark, 1865 ; H. W. Hicks, 1866; J. S. McKinley, 1868; A. C. Fuller, 1S70; J. F. Kellogg, 1872; Wm. D. Tompkinson, 1873; J. F. Kellogg, 1875; Samuel Riley, the present [)astor, 1877. A neat church edifice with sittings for 300 persons was built in 1873, at a cost of $2800. The society has a present membership of 40, and a flourishing Sab- bath-school numbering 70 scholars and teachers, of which Enoch S. Osborn is superintendent. A class of Protestant Methodists was formed in the south part of the townshij) in 1850. They hold meetings in the Wilson School-house. FIRST SAHliATH-SCHOOL. Elder Piper, a Presbyterian or Baptist divine, held meetings at the house of John Wood, on sec- tion 17, in 1838 or 1839. Mr. Wood with his daughters are entitled to the honor of organizing and conducting in the summer of 1838, in their dwelling, the first Sabbath-school, and it was a very successful one. CEMETERIE.S. The Munsell Burying-ground A.ssociation was organized and incorporated according to the laws of the State of Michigan, March 17, 1854. The officers first elected were Peter J. Kuhn, President ; Martin R. Foster, Clerk ; Seth G. Wilson, Col- lector ; and John Fewlass, Treasurer and Sexton. The original plat is described as follows : " Commencing at a slake on the quarter-post line running east and west through section fifteen in township two north, of range three east, said stake being situate in the cenlre of the public highway running e.ist and west on the said quarler-scction post- line, and about fifty rods from the eastern post of said section fifteen ; thence running north sixteen rods; thence east nine rods; thence soulh sixteen rods to the centre of the said public highway ; ihence west to the place of beginning." Other places of burial are situated upon sections 3 and 29. 266 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. LUANA STOW, one of the early pioneers of Livingston County, was born Nov. 30, 1807. Her parents, Calvin and Elizabeth Wilson, emigrated from the State of Massachusetts to Vermont in 1785, about six years before the admission of that State as the fourteenth member of the Union. But little is known of her early ancestors, except that they emigrated from Ireland' at a very early period in the history of this country, and that they were Protestant in their religious views. LUANA STOW. Mrs. Stow was the si.xth and youngest child of the family, and was married in November, 1829, to Asel Stow. She resided in the vicinity of her birthplace until September, 1836, when, with her husband and family of two children, she removed to Livingston Co., Mich. At this time the country was new, and its forests unblemished by the march of industry and civilization. Mrs. Stow, reared in a home of plenty, felt keenly the loss of the many privileges deemed indispensable in older commu- nities. In the summer of 1838, and again 1856, she visited her former home and friends in New England. Of a family of six children four only survive, — three sons and one daughter. Her husband, Asel Stow, died in August, 1854, aged fifty-two years. He was a robust, energetic, and determined man, and seemed especially fitted for pioneer life. A man of more than ordinary business talent, he be- came influential in public affairs, and filled many of the responsible township offices. Mrs. Stow still resides at her old home with her second son, Anson A. Stow. An exemplary Christian and devoted mother, she, in her declin- ing years, is surrounded with plenty and many loving friends. HON. ISAAC STOW, eldest son of Asel and Luana Stow, was born on tile toth day of December, 1830, in Weybridge, Addison Co., Vt. In the autumn of 1836 he emi- grated with his parents into the western part of Livingston Co., Mich., then an unbroken wilder- ness, inhabited only by the red man and wild beasts of the forests. The family, accompanied by Seth G. Wilson and wife, after a tedious journey by canal and lake, arrived at Detroit about the middle of September. Here they were soon joined by Nathan Jones and family, an uncle who had driven his father's team overland from the State of Vermont, and made their way, over roads that to other than the indomitable pioneer would have appeared sim- ply impassable, to their future homes on the very borders of civilization. To relate the thrilling incidents and severe trials of Mr. Stow's early pioneer life woidd prolong this sketch beyond its allotted bounds; we will, therefore, only add that he continued to reside with his parents during his minority in the township where they first settled, since known as Iosco, assisting in making from the unsubdued wilds of nature what in time became a home of plenty, and where his aged mother still resides. At an early age Mr. Stow exhibited those stu- dious traits of character which have since made him a man of position and influence in the commu- nity where he resides, and a valuable aid in the development of a new country. Before leaving New England he had attained to more than ordinary proficiencj' in his studies for one of his age (not yet six years); but for several years after his arrival in Michigan he enjoyed very limited educational advantages, schools being few and usually of an inferior type. However, during his boyhood he was a constant student, giving his spare moments to study, — often carrying text-books with him while laboring in his father's fields. At the age of sixteen, mostly by his own unaided efforts, he had mastered those branches usually taught in the high schools and academies of the country, and became a successful teacher. At the age of eighteen he became a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. His correct deportment and studious habits won him many friends, and prepared him well for life's earnest work. After reaching his majority he began business on a new farm in the township of White Oak, Ing- ham Co., of which, at the expiration of one year. IOSCO TOWNSHIP. 267 he disposed, and at tlie earnest solicitation of his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Seth G. Wilson, — who were childless, — resided with them about two years. Here lie purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining that received from liis uncle, making a fine estate of two hundred and eighty acres. In November, 1853, he was married to Miss Ruhamah Palmer, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., who still lives, a devoted wife and mother, and a useful member of society. On the death of his father, which occurred in August, 1854, he yielded to the tearful entreaties of his mother and returned to the old homestead, taking charge of the estate, of which he was soon after made administrator. Here he remained until his younger brothers arrived at manhood, when he purchased a tract of land not far distant, of whicli, by industry and perseverance, he and his energetic companion have made a desirable liome. The family, consisting of four sons and two daughters, three of whom have attained their ma- jority, still remain beneath the parental roof. They are well advanced in scholastic attainments, of good deportment, and fitted to take prominent positions in any community. Eugene A. now fills the office of superintendent of schools with credit and honor to himself and his constituents. Mr. Stow, early in life, took a leading position in the public affairs of his township, and during the Rebellion spent much time and money in filling the several quotas of troops called for by government, and his liberality, when acting officially in the care of the families of enlisted soldiers, was unsuccess- fully used to defeat him at the next election. He has given largely of time and money to the support of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Iosco, and to the building of its neat and tasty church edifice. Although affiliating with the political party usually in the minority, he now holds and has filled the office of supervisor a large share of the time for the last fifteen years, and has been prominent in the affairs of the county. In 1874 he was elected to the Legislature, and was a mem- ber of that body when that memorable and closely- contested election of United States Senator oc- curred which ended in the defeat of Hon. Zacha- riah Chandler and the election of Judge Chris- tiancy. Mr. Stow has good business qualifications, and with a mind more logical than brilliant, seldom arrives at false conclusions, or fails to succeed in whatever he attempts. He has many friends, and enjoys the proud satisfaction of having largely as- sisted in laying the foundations of the material and religious pro.sperity of the community about him. As a citizen, he contributes his full share in the defense of right and virtue, and towards the sup- pression of vice and immorality in every form. In sketching briefly the life thus far of such a man, we must conclude that, however unpretending, it has been eminently useful, and that without men of stout hearts and infle.xible purpose the wilder- ness — the rude frontier — would never be trans- formed into prosperous communities, where the heterogeneous elements of pioneer life are changed and blended into beautiful harmony, indicative of a much higher order of civilization. SETH G. WILSON was born at Weybridge, Vt., Nov. 30, 1798. He lived with his father until he became of age, but worked out by the month a portion of the time. Sept. 19, 1823, he was married to Philena Sturde- vant. Mr. Wilson, with his father, purchased a SETH G. WILSON. farm, where he worked until the .spring of 1836: He then sold out and came to Iosco, in company with Asel Stow, who had married Mr. Wilson's sister. Mr. Wilson located one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he now lives. In the fall of 1836 he built a log house, and commenced the improvement of what is now a fine and fertile farm. He was pres- ent at the first town-meeting, and was elected jus- tice of the peace, an office he held for eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Vermont; they brought letters and united with the same church at Munsell's, and assisted in organizing the Wilson class. Mr. Wilson has been a class-leader for more than thirty years. 268 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Having no children, and feeling the need of some assistance in their old age, they made an arrange- ment with Silas C. Merrill, in 1863, by which he received their property, and, in consideration there- for, was to care for them during their natural lives. Mrs. Wilson died Nov. 10, 1866. Mr. Wilson, upon whose head have fallen the frosts of fourscore winters, is still in the enjoyment of good health, and looks back upon the past with the satisfaction of having acted well his part. , His successor on the old farm, Mr. Merrill, was born in Butler, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1833. He came to Iosco with his father, Benjamin Merrill, who died Nov. 18, 1841, leaving a wife and two sons. Simeon enlisted in the 5th Infantry, and died at Anderson- ville prison. Silas C. has been twice married. His first wife was Harriet Conrad, who only lived a few months after their marriage. His present wife, Mrs. Adelaide Stewart, formerly Miss Miller, was a daughter of Wm. Miller, who settled in Iosco in the spring of 1836, and who died in September, 1874. WILLIAM H. KUHN'. WILLIAM H. KUHN was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 30, 1 822. He came to Iosco in the spring of 1837 with his father, Peter J.Kuhn, who was a man of limited means, and had a family of eight children, — four sons and four daughters. They were among the earliest settlers in the town, and their success may be attributed to their industry and good management ; as the boys grew up to manhood they sought homes for them- selves. April 12, 1846, William H. Kuhn was married to Miss Martha Wilson, daughter of Warren Wil- son, who came from Vermont and settled in White Oak, Ingham Co., about 1838. In the summer of 1846, Mr. Kuhn purchased eighty acres of land, of which there were a few acres cleared, but no buildings. Making a small payment, and working out as best he could to get money for the other payments and the necessaries of life, it was two years before he was enabled to build a log house, and then it was of the rudest kind. But by per- sistent energy the improvements were made and other lands added, until a fine farm is the result. The log house was deemed too small and inconve- MRS. WILLIAM H. KUHN. nient ; a new and substantial residence was planned and all preparations made to build, when Mr. Kuhn was taken sick, and died May 28, 1871, leaving a wife and eight children, — four sons and four daugh- ters. The entire responsibility of the family and of the farm fell upon the mother, who has cour- ageously discharged her trust. The house has been completed according to the original plan, the farm has been carried on, and the affairs of the family so conducted as to reflect great credit upon the mother and the children, who co-operate with her. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn were members of the Protestant Methodist Church, in which he was a class-leader for several years. J.\MES WOODEN ranks among the enterprising men of Iosco who have contributed towards the development and improvement of Livingston County. His father, William Wooden, was a farmer in Waterloo, N. Y., who subsequently came to Iosco, cleared up a farm on section 5, where he died in December, 1876, in his seventy-seventh year. PUTNAM TOWNSHIP. 269 James Wooden was born in Waterloo, N. Y., April 8, 1823. He came to Iosco witii only one hundred dollars, and purchased a piece of wild land. He had cleared a few acres and built a log house when he married Lydia C. Hart, in Januarj', 1854. His location on section 5 was covered with heavy timber, which required \-ears of labor to remove, and render the land available for tillage. With encrg)' and industry, this farm was developed into one of the finest in the county, — embracing three hundred and sixty acres, with large improve- ments, spacious buildings, and pleasant surround- ings, — a view of which may be seen among the Iosco illustrations. WILLIAM J. JEWELL was born in Warren Co., N. J, Nov. 19, 1818. His parents died when he was young, leaving him without means or protection. He was reared among strangers. When twenty-two years of age he came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he worked by the month for two years, from the wages of which labor he saved three hundred dollars. He then came to Iosco and purciiased eighty acres of land, where he now lives. This was in 1842. February 17th of that year he was married to Delilah Smith, daughter of Robert Smith, who came from Cortland Co., N. Y., and settled in Ing- ham County, where he died at the age of seventy- six years. Soon after Mr. Jewell was married he built a rude log house. Being almost destitute of means, the early improvements were made only by the greatest exertion ; the progress although slow, has been sure. The original eighty acres has ex- panded to one hundred and sixty, with large and commodious buildings, and with such surround- ings as indicate an abundance of this world's goods. Mr. Jewell has been the father of two children, — a daughter, who died when fourteen years of age, and a son, Fobes C, who was born June 10, 1864. PUTNAM TOWNSHIP. Putnam, one of the earlier formed townships of Livingston County, lies on its southern border, and is bounded west, north, and east by the town- ships of Unadilla, Marion, and Hamburg, and south by Washtenaw County. It includes town- ship No. I north, in range No. 4 east of the prin- cipal meridian, as shown on the United States survey. Southeast from the centre is located the village of Pinckney, in a picturesque valley on the north bank of Portage Creek. The survey of the proposed Michigan Air-Line Railway crosses the township from east to west, passing to the north of Pinckney. The surface of the township is, in its greater portion, hilly and broken, although in the west and northwest is an extensive and beautiful plain, upon which are found excellent and highly-improved farms. Honey Creek passes nearly through the centre of the town, from northwest to southeast, and discharges into Portage I-ake on section 36. Portage River, fed by numerous small lakes, tra- verses the southern portion of the township, and, after crossing into Washtenaw County, empties into Portage Lake, which is a large, fine sheet of water, covering several hundred acres, and l)ing partly in each county. Among the other lakes of the township arc Mud, Bentley, Duck, Little and Big Barber, and Gosling. Parts of Half-Moon and Patterson Lakes also lie in the southwest corner of the town. Good power is furnished by Portage River and Honey Creek, and mills have been erected in several places. LAND-ENTRIES. The following is a list of those who entered land in what is now Putnam township, arranged by sec- tions, with years in which the entries were made: Section i. — 1835, M.ij. Cluiljb; 1836, IJ.irry Butler, Henry A. N.igle, Thomns Crawford, John Norton, Elij.ih Bennett ; 1837, Ir.T Chubb ; 1838, Lewis Butler; 1847, John H.Watson. Section 2. — 1835, MaJ. Chuljb; 1836, Thomas I,. Jewett, James M. Soverhill, Thom.is Crawford; 1838, Nathan I'onii. Section 3. — 1835, George Corsehis, Benjamin Eaman ; 1S36, James Kingslcy, Aaron Younglove, Joseph Pixley, James VV. Stansbury ; 1S38, Horace .\Ulerman ; 1855, Philander Monroe. Section 4. — 1835, Thomas Martin, Thom.as Wei ler; 1836, Wil- liam Ivirtland, John S. Farrand, Aaron Younglove, Thomas Crawford, Heniy A. Nagle, William W. Slansbuiy. Section 5. — 1835, Hiram Weller; 1836, John (J. Petei^on, Lem- uel Bryant; 1840, John D. Hughes, Moses Fuller. Section 6. — 1836, Freeman K. Burden, Erastus Blanchard, Caleb Lynden ; 1837, Freeman R. Burden; 1S38, Patrick Kelly; 1852, Wdliam Boyle; 1853, Frederick Williams. 270 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Section 7. — 1835, Cassius Swift, James Grieve; 1836, Sylvaiuis P. Germain, John Cameron. Section 8. — 1835, Freeman Webb, Benjamin Annis, Samuel Burgess; 1836, William Kirtland, Richard M. Bayley, An- tha Weller, Reuben Robie. Section 9. — 1835, Hiram Weller; 1836, William Kiriland, R. M. Bayley, Patrick Monks, Reuben Robie, Cassius Swift ; 1836, Patrick Monks, William Moore; 1838, Furman G. Rose, Freeman Webb. Section 10. — 1836, Henry G. Bush, Maj. Bentley ; 1837, Ezekiel Page; 1S49, Thomas Gawley, James Speer ; 1S54, David White; 1867, William A. Hall. Section i 1. — 1836, Maj. Bentley, Samuel Nash, Samuel S. Fitch ; 1837, William O'Hara; 1S3S, Joel S. Mead, Samuel S. Filch, Jesse D. Hause ; 184S, William S. Wait ; 1853, Wm. S. Wait. Section 12. — 1836, Ralph Swarthout, Silas Hodgins; 1837, B. B. Kercheval, R. Swarlhout; 1839, Samuel S. Fitch. Section 13. — 1836, Joseph Kirtland, Joseph Abel, Robert Dun- lap; 1837, Samuel S. Fitch. Section 14. — 1S36, Ira A. White, Henry G. Bush, Joseph Kirt- land ; 1S37, John Dunn, George B. Martin, William Moore. Section 15. — 1835, Linus Arnold, Evelina Arnold ; 1S36, Nelson Barber, Nelson Jenkins; 1837, Luke Hemenway, Christopher Monks, James Burke; 1842, Joseph Kirtland; 1854, David Hyaman. Section 16 (school lands). — 1839, W. H. Stevens, F. G. Rose, J. Brooks, William Kirtland, C. Britain; 1841, J. S. Nash; 1844, 1847, 1848, 1850, F. Webb, Jr. Section 17. — 1835, Abner Bruan, L. Foster, Samuel M. C. Hinchey, John S. Hinchey, Stiles Perry, William Hughson, Freeman Webb; 1836, William Kirtland. Section 18. — 1834, Alfred Hartshorn ; 1835, Leander Foster, James H. Woods, Sanford Marble, Benjamin Enman; 1836, William Kirtland. Section 19. — 1S36, James G. Peterson, Alexander Stephens, Bennett Sewell, James Grieve, Otto S. Bagnell ; 1837, John F'linn; 1852, John Patterson ; 1854, Gideon Webb. Section 20. — 1835, John S. Hinchey, Charles M. Moses; 1836, Abner Bruan, Warren Rogers; 1837, Michael McFailden, Moses Babcock, John Flinn, Chester F. Parsons ; 1849, Henry Gardiner; 1853, Thomas C. Webb. Section 21. — 1834, William White and James S. Nash; 1S35, Alvin A. Holcomb, Samuel M. C. Hinchey, Anson B. Chip- man; 1836, Joel Brooks, Robert Dunlap, Warren Rogers; 1837, Michael McFadden, Nelson Jenkins. Section 22. — 1834, Sanford Marble, John O'Brien, Joel Brooks; 1835, John Sykes, Linus Arnold; 1836, William Kirtland, William White, Samuel Kilpatrick. Section 23. — 1828, Solomon Peterson; 1834, Benjamin Weller; 1835, Jefferson J. M. Newconib, Alvah Burgess, Furman G. Rose, James Smith, Michael Murray, Grant T. Perry ; 1836, John Murray. Section 24. — 1835, Elijah Whipple, Aaron Vance; 1S36, Wm. Kirtland, Kenneth Davidson, Joseph Kirtland. Section 25. — 1831, James Pullen, Solomon Peterson; 1835, Samuel Cole, Elijah Whipple, Alvah Burgess ; 1836, James Dwyer, Chester Ingalls; 1837, James Love. Section 26. — 1828, Solomon Peterson; 1831, Jacob Corey, S. Mallery; 1832, Richard M.Guggins; 1S34, EInathan Can- field; 1835, Clarinda Parker, James Kingsley; 1836, William Kirtland. Section 27. — 1834, EInathan Canfield, Joel Brooks; 1835, Daniel Towner, Matthew Saul; 1836, James W. Stansbury, William Kirtland, John H. Piatt, James Jacoby, Lydia Jacoby, Francis Hoban, Elizabeth Stansbury. Section 28. — 1835, William White, Moses M. Crane; 1836, Thomas Cahel, James E. Crane, Francis Hoban, Robert Dunlap. Section 29. — 1835, William White; 1836, William Barnett, John- son Tij^lady, James Gibbon, Robert Dunlap. Section 30. — 1835, Olto S. liignall, Solomon L. Bignall, Willinm Noulin; 1836, Silas Barton, Patrick Dillon, Robert Dunlap; 1853, (ieorge Howell. Section 31. — 1835, Olto S. Bignnll, Solomon L. Bignall, Richanl Bignall, John Patterson; 1836, Samuel W. Foster, Isaac Titus; 1837, James Gaunt. Section 32. — 1835, Lol'irop Hubbard, Solomon L. Bignall, Moses Nash ; 1836, Moses M. Crane, Samuel W. Foster, Robert H. Titus; 1837, John Farmer, Moses Babcock, S. L. Bignall, George B. Martin. Section 33. — 1S31, Levi Rodgers, Ebenezer Boyden; 1835, John Harris, Burr S. Norlhrup; 1836, Thomas Nixon, Martin Harris, Hugh Clark, William Saul; 1837, James Jones. Section 34. — 1828, Flavona Wright; 1834, Henry Harris; 1835, Adna Shaw and Lucius S. Farrand; 1S36, I-.aac B. Towner, Charles Kingsley, John Harris. Section 35. — 1833, Jacob Sigler, Francis Ingram ; 1835, Selden Pullen; 1836, Andrew Nowland, Oscar Greenman, William Kirtland, Martin Davis, J.nmes M. Soverhill. Section 36. — 1S36, William Kirtland, James Gibbons, Robert Dunlap; 1837, John Wallace; 1842, Pomeroy Boyilcn ; 1853, Sarah M. Johnson; 1854, Millard F. Darrow. By reference to the foregoing it will be .seen that the first entries in the township were made in 1828. They were 160 acres on section 23, and 160 acres on section 26, by Solomon Peterson, of this State, entered May 1 3th ; and 80 acres by Flavona Wright, of Wayne Co., N. Y., dated May 14th. No other entries were made until 1831. The en- tries in 1828, as mentioned, were the first in the county. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Col. Solomon Peterson, who liad been com- mander of a regiment of militia in the State of New York, and who entered land in Putnam, as above mentioned, is said to have immediately settled upon it. This being the case, he was beyond doubt the first settler in Livingston County. He is also given the credit of having built the first house and barn in the county, both being frame structures. The colonel was, without dispute, the first white man who made his home within tlie limits of what is now Putnam township. His build- ings were on the bank of Portage Creek, immedi- ately southeast of the village of Pinckney. The colonel, who was a bachelor, was chosen first supervisor of Putnam after its organization, and was one of the foremost among its prominent citi- zens. He finally moved to the town of Dexter, Washtenaw Co., where his death occurred within recent years. James Jacoby, from the town of Hunter, Greene Co., N. Y., landed with his family at Detroit, Nov. 13, 1833, — thebirthday of his wife. A tavern was rented twenty-four miles out of Detroit, and kept by Mr. Jacoby about two years. In 1835 the family removed to Putnam township, and settled west of the village of Pinckney, where he died about 1865. His widow yet resides on the old PUTNAM TOWNSHIP. 271 place, and has reached the advanced age of eighty- six years. Henry Harris, from Somerset Co., N. J. (both himself and wife natives of Ireland), purchased land on section 34, in this township, in 1834, and settled upon it immediately. Colonel Peterson and John Sigler were then the nearest neighbors, the latter living a short distance east, on .section 35. Mr. Harris has been dead over twenty years. His brother, John Harris, settled northwest of him, on the Portage River, near the subsequent location of Reeves' grist-mill. He died in the winter of 187S-79, in the village of Dexter, Washtenaw Co., whither he had removed. His son, John Harris, now lives in the township of Webster, in the last- named county. Henry Harris' son, also named John, resides near his mother, on the old farm. Both the Harris brothers followed agricultural pursuits principally during their life in tiiis town. Henry cleared and improved the three "eighties" he originally purchased, together with another, which he bought afterwards. When he came with his family he followed a " blazed-tree" trail, the road not yet being cut out, through from Dexter. He built a log house a few steps south of the frame residence now occupied by his widow. They had at that time but one child, — a daughter, — who is now living in Jackson. Other children were born to them, but the family became scattered during the war of the Rebellion (1861-65). One son died at Union City, Branch Co., Mich., and another in Minnesota. John Harris is the only son now living in the neighborhood where his father settled nearly half a century in the past, and the farm has never in that time been out of the hands of the family. Hugh Clark, a native of Ireland, emigrated to America in 1832, and settled in Somerset Co., N. J. In the fall of 1836 he came to Michigan, and set- tled in Putnam township, on the farm he still owns and occupies. He was then unmarried. He pur- chased 80 acres of land from government, after- wards adding to it by different purchases from other hands. The log house he built and lived in stood immediately south of his present frame dwelling. He continued to live here in the soli- tude of bachelorhood until 1842, when he was married. His brother, William Clark, was here part of the time, and finally settled in the town- ship, but moved subsequently to Missouri, in which State he still resides. When Mr. Clark came, the Messrs. Root, of Ann Arbor, were operating a saw-mill a short distance southeast of his place, on the Portage River. The mill-iiam was crossed by the county line, and the mill itself stood in Washtenaw County. This mill was kept very bu.sy cutting lumber for the settlers, who at that time were arriving rapidly. West of Mr. Clark's was another saw-mill, built in 1835, probably by Solomon Bignall and Moses Babcock. George Reeves, of Pinckney, began a three-story frame grist-mill, near the saw-inill, in 1840, and finished it in December of that year, or the ne.xt. It contained four run of stones, and for years the business was large and profitable. The mill finally became the property of Reeves & Rose, and during the latter years of its existence its cus- tom decreased, and but little grinding was done. It was destroyed by fire in the latter part of Janu- ary, 1879. The saw-mill is yet standing. When the grist-mill was completed, ready for use, a con- siderable number of settlers assembled in it and held a holiday-party. Its first grist was ground during the same afternoon. George Reeves, from Orange County, N. Y., came with his wife and three children to Michigan in 1826, and located at Lima Centre, Washtenaw Co., where he remained until some time in 1837, when he removed to Pinckney, and entered the mercan- tile business. The mill property, which he subse- quently purchased, had been originally settled and improved by Solomon L. Bignall, who bought it from government in 1835. Upon removing to the latter place Mr. Reeves took his stock of goods with him, and in company with his wife's brother, Timothy R. Allison, established a store. He also entered into partnership with Samuel Minot in the same business, and the three persons carried on two stores. Reeves & Minot owning one, and Reeves & Allison the other. Both have long been discontinued, and Mr. Reeves is now deceased. His family occupies the old place. Sanford Marble, a native of Massachusetts, and for some years a resident of Connecticut, emi- grated from the latter State to Michigan in 1833, and settled on the site of the village of Pinckney. After one year he removed to the farm upon which his son, James M. Marble, now resides, on the plain in the western part of the township. When he first entered the township it contained but nine families, and when he moved to the present farm his only neighbor was a man named Foster, who lived on the present C. M. Wood place. The father of the last-named gentleman, John Wood, settled early in Iosco township, and subsequently moved into Put- nam. The Wood place was also at one time owned by the father of Benjamin Eaman. The latter, who came to the township while Mr. Marble was living in Pinckney, was taken out by Mr. Marble to look at his land, and the two lost their way in the woods, remaining out overnight. They finally succeeded in finding what they were searching for. Benjamin 272 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Eaman is now deceased, and his son James lives on the place opposite the Marble farm. When Mr. Marble came to this farm no one lived nearer to him in a northern direction than eight miles away, on " Provost's Plains," in Marion township. The next farm south of that taken by Mr. Marble was settled by James Grieves, who sent men to build a log house upon it the same year Mr. Marble located. Mr. Marble first bought a farm on the east side of the road, south of the one named, but in a short time sold it to Louis Fas- quelle, a Frenchman. Mr. Marble's widow is living with his son on the old place. Freeman Webb, from Jefferson Co., N. Y., pur- chased his first land in Putnam in 1835, including 80 acres of the farm now occupied by his widow, on section 8. In the spring of 1 836 he removed with his family to this State, and located near Ann Ar- bor, Washtenaw County. In the spring of 1837 he moved upon the farm in Putnam. At tliat time Samuel Burgess lived a mile north of him, and Cooley and Hiram Weller lived in the same neigh- borhood with Mr. Burgess. Benjamin Annis, who had moved into Michigan at the same time Mr. Webb came, and also lived near Ann Arbor, owned the farm next west of Mr. Webb's, but did not settle upon it until 1839. Mr. Webb, whose po- sition in the township was that of one of its most prominent citizens, died in May; 1877. Samuel Burgess, who has been mentioned, was one of the first settlers in the neighborhood of Pinckney, having lived a mile east of that village for some time previous to his removal to the farm in the north part of town. S. M. C. Hinchey, from the town of Gates, near ' Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., and a native of Saratoga County, came to Michigan in the fall of 1835, and settled in the township of Scio, Wash- tenaw Co. He purchased land in Putnam, cleared and broke 80 acres of it, built a log house and a barn, and moved upon it in the summer of 1838. The breaking was done by a man whom he had hired for the purpose, and who also helped about building. The barn which was then erected is yet standing, on the north side of the road, on Mr. Hinchey's place. When Mr. Hinchey bought his land, in 1835, but few settlers had come into the township. The first white child born in the township — and the honor is claimed also concerning the entire county — was Julia E. PuUen, daughter of Levi and Nabby Pullen, whose birth occurred in the month of April, 1832. Joseph P'letcher came from Ontario Co., N. Y., to Putnam in 1840, and resided in the township until his death, which occurred at a comparatively recent date, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. He was an exemplary and respected citizen, and, as in the instance of the death of many others, his loss was deeply felt. Levi Pullen, a native of the State of Maine, set- tled in this town in August, 1831. Among other early settlers were the following : Mrs. Sarah Bi'ower, n,\tive of England, seUled in May, 1S35. ]fsse J. Hanse, native of New York, settled in June, 1836. Morris P'tiller, native of Massachusetts, settled Nov. I, 1836. T. C. Fuller, native of Massachusetts, settled April 10, 1836. William More, native of New York, seitled in October, 1841. Mrs. Elizaljeth Noble, born in township in August, 1841. William Brower, native of New York, settled in November, 1842. M. F. Darrow, n.itive of New York, settled in October, 1843. The above names are taken from the records of the Livingston County Pionee-r Association. Others who came early were M. S. Chubb, on section i ; F. R. Burden, section 6; G. Bennett, section ii; Ralph Swarthout, section 12, died in township; Samuel S. Fitch, section 13; John Dunn, section 14; Harry Gardiner, section 20; J. S. Nash, now deceased ; S. A. Barton, section 50 ; and others. Many of the persons who entered land in this township, and probably a large majority of them, became actual settlers, while others, as was the case in all localities, purchased for speculative purposes, and never aided in the work of set- tling the wilderness. The early settlers of this town were men from high and low positions, and of numerous nationalities. The merchant, the sol- dier, the politician, the mechanic, and the farmer were here, and from various Eastern States, and even from across the ocean, came bold and hardy men, all with the true pioneer spirit, and by their hands a noble work was accomplished. The following persons comprised the resident tax-payers of the township of Putnam in 1844: Affleck, John. Barton, Daniel. Annis, Benjamin. Chubl), Major. Able, Joseph. Conway, John A. Able, Oliver. Corey, Jacob. Able, John N. Chalker, O. B. Allen, Stephen V. R. Clark, Hugh. Allen, Lafayette. Couchman, David. Bryant, Lemuel. Ch.alker, Abner E. Brown, Gilbert. Davis, David. Burdon, Freeman R. Dunn, John. Boile, William. Dunn, James. Burgess, Samuel. Decker, James. Buffington, Preserved. Davis, James H. Brown, Uriah. Eaman, Benjamin. Britton, Claudius. Fairchild, Samuel D. • Brower, Henry. Fuller, Moses. Burgess, Peter. Fitch, Samuel S. Beals, Bernard. Fletcher, Isaac. Birtwessell, John. Fasquelle, Louis. Barton, Silas. Fletcher, Joseph. Babcock, Simon. Grieves, J.ames. PUTNAM TOWNSHIP. 273 Hugh-, J..hn D. Harris, Jesse J. Hicks, Valorus. Hughs, Enoch. Hi)otl, Ainlrcw. Hinchey, Samuel M. Hinchey, John S. Hugliston, William. Holcomb, Alvin A. Hicks, Solomon. Hanch, Alexander. Harris, Henry. Harris, Peter. Harris, Martin. Harris, John. Hitchcock, Nathan. Irwin, Nelson. Ingram, Thomas. Ingram, Thoni.is, Jr. Jenkins, Nelson. Jacoby, James. Jacoliy, Albert. Lemon, EIniira. Loosey, Thomas. I.a Rue, James M. Lavy, Bryant. Monks, Christopher. Moon, William. Marble, John. Marble, Sanford. McMillan, Ebenczer. M.iloney, Lawrence. Minot & Reeves. Minot, Samuel. Melcalf, Sylvanus. Morton, Thomas. Newcomb, J. J. Nash, James S. Nash, Marcus J. Nash, Carlos. Olinstead, Solomon. I'ond, Nathan. Pullen, George. Pettis, Seth A. Perry, Stiles. Parks, 'I'homas. Pullen, James. Pullen, .Selden. Parker, George. Patterson, John. Richmond, Mary. Reeves, George. Reevci & Minot (merchants). Smith, John J. Salmon, William. Swarlhont, Ralph. Swarlhoul, John. Smith, James. Sikes, John. Stansbury, James W. Siglar, John. Siglar, Jacob. Weller, Hiram. Weller, Cooley. Weller, Benjamin. Webb, Freeman. Weller, Thomas. Winans, William. Wilson, William. WiUon, Thomas. Waite, David. VILLAGE OF PINCKNEY. Allison, Timothy R. Brown, Isaac. Bennett, Henry S. Brooks, Joel. Canfield, James. Colom, Charles. Eaman, James. Hughs, James. Hood, George A. & Co. Judd, Henry. Mann, Alvin. Mann & Eaman (merchants). Noble, Leonard. Rose, F. G. Stansbury, James W. (agent). CIVIL ORGANIZATION— LIST OF OFFICERS. By an act of the Legislature, approved March 23, 1836, the township of Futma/i was organized, including the present townships of Putnam and Marion; the latter being .setoff March 11, 1837. There being obj"ections against the name of the township, owing to its incorrect orthography, the letters were transposed by the Legislature, March 6, 1836, and the correct name, Putnam, substi- tuted for the old one. It was directed in the act organizing Putwrfw township that its first election should be held at the house of Jacob Sigler, and there the meeting was accordingly convened. The politics of the voters were not at that meeting allowed to dictate the choice of officers, as the in- habitants were too few in number. The second year, however, matters were different, owing to a gratifying increase of population. The Whigs and 35 Democrats were the political opponents of that day, and between them was the usual strife. The Whigs were j"ubilant over the fact that they held the preijonderance of power, — or supposedly so, — and made their nominations in caucus, apportioning two or three offices to some of their number. Of that proceeding they partiallj' repented, and offered some of the lesser offices to the Democrats, who refused them and made their own nominations. The result was a tie vote on some of the officers, the Democrats holding the winning hand other- wise, and at a special election to overcome the tie but one Whig vote was cast. The first annual township-meeting was held at the house of Jacob Sigler, May 2, 1836. The fol- lowing officers were elected, viz. : Supervisor, Sol- omon Peterson ; Township Clerk, Furman G. Rose; Assessors, George Bennett, John A. Conaway, Hi- ram Wellar; Constable and Collector, Selden Pul- len; Overseer of the Poor, James Canfield; School Cointiiissioners, Thomas Ingram, Solomon L. Big- nail, Alvin A. Holcomb; Justices of the Peace, F. G. Rose, James S. Nash, Pierpont L. Smith, Hi- ram Wellar; Commissioners of Highways, Alvin S. McDowell, James S. Nash, Levi Pullen. The following is a list of township officers for Putnam from 1837 to 1879, inclusive; SUPERVISORS. 1837, Aaron Palmer; 1838, George Reeves; 1839, Amos II. Breed; 1840-41, George Reeves; 1842-44, Timothy R. Alli- son; 1S45, James NL La Rue; 1846, Lemuel Bryant; 1847, Andrew Hood; 1S48, George Reeves; 1849, Freeman Webb, Jr.; 1850-55, James Rice; 1856, F. G. Rose; 1857-58, William D. Crofoot; 1859-61, George W. Crofoot; 1862-69, Freeman Webb; 1870, George W. Crofoot; 1871, Stephen G. Teeple; 1872, George W. Crofoot; 1873, Freeman Webb; 1874-75, George W. Crofoot; 1876, Freeman Webb; 1877- 78, James Marble; 1879, George W. Crofoot. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1837-38, Furman G. Rose; 1S39-40, Richard J. Connor; 1841, Alvin Mann; 1842, F. (i. Rose; 1843, Alvin Mann ; 1S44, F. G. Rose; 1845, John W. Angel ; 1846, Charles W. Haze; 1847-48, Robert Crawford; 1849-50, Francis A. Grimes; 1 85 1, Jason W. Kellogg; 1852, John Broughlon ; 1853-54, Thompson Grimes; 1855-56, Paschal P. Wheeler; 1857-60, Thompson Grimes; 1 86 1 -63, Robert Le Baron; 1864, Grat- lan II. Sigler; 1865-68, James Markey ; 1869-71, Edward A. Mann; 1872, William II. Martin; 1873, George W. Teeple; 1874-75, H. Fred. Sigler; 1876-78, F. A. Sigler; 1879, Charles N. Plimpton. TREASURERS. 1837, James W. Stan.sbury; 1839-40, Rufus Thompson; 1S41, Jacob Cory; 1842, Nathan Pond; 1843-47, Hir.im Weller; 1848-49, Levi D.Smith; 1850, George A. Hood; 185 1, John A. French; 1852, William Costello; 1853, Benjamin Weller; 1854, Uriah Brown; 1S55, John Broughton ; 1856, William E. Thompson; 1857-58, Joseph Abel; 1859-60, Solomon Hicks; 1861-62, Charles D. Van Winkle; 1863, I^wrey B. White; 1864, Joseph Sykes; 1865, John Harris; 1866, Lowrey B. White; 1867, Samuel B. Leddick; i86S, Addison 274 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Wheeler; 1S69, Clark A. Wheeler; 1S70, Daniel Richards; 1S71, John SyUes; 1872, Daniel Richaids; 1873, Samuel Sykes; 1874-76, Charles N. Plimpton ; 1877, W. P. Wilcox ; 1S78-79, Charles Love. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1837, F. G Rose, S. L. Bignall, Il.Weller; 1S38, Louis Fas- quelle; 1S39, .Solomon L. Bignall; 1840, James S. Nash; 1841, James W. Slansbury ; 1842, Louis Fasqiielle, Sil.as Bar- ton ; 1843, Ceorge Reeves; 1844, Freeman Webb, Jr.; 1845, James W. Siansbiiiy ; 1846, fames M. La Rue; 1847, Samuel S. Fitch; 1848, Freeman Webb, Jr. ; 1849, James W. Stans- bury; 1850, Levi D. Smith, Gilbert Brown; 1851, Furman G. Rose, John Swarlhout; 1852, George Reeves; 1853, Francis A. Grimes; 1854, Freeman Webb, Jr. ; 1855, Fur- man G. Rose; 1856, James M. La Rue, George Reeves; 1857, S. S. Fitch; 185S, James M. Eaman, William A. Hall; 1S59, Thomas W. Palmer; i860, Mo-es Fuller; 1861, Thompson Grimes; 1862, Furman G. Rose; 1S63, George Reeves; 1864, Eli Annis ; 1865, J. W. Hinchcy ; 1866, Millard V. Darrow ; 1867, Thompson Grimes; 1868, Eli Annis; 1869, James W. Hinchey; 1870, Millard F. Darrow; 1S71, Furman G. Rose; 1872, Charles D. Van Winkle; 1873, Thompson Grimes; 1874, James Markey; 1875, L. B. Cosle; 1876, Ira V. Reeves; 1877, Fiinnan G. Rose; 187S, John JL Kearney; 1S79, Thompson Giin^es. At an election held in November, iS66, it was decided by a vote of 232 to 1 1 to raise $36,000 in the township to aid the " Grand Trunk Railway of Michigan," the track to pass within one mile of Pinckney village. The scheme was remodeled, and it was proposed to build the " Michigan Air- Line Railway." The sum of $20,000 was voted in its aid by the township, and excitement ran high. Real estate along the line, and especially at Pinckney, advanced fiibulously in prices, and the prospects were that the road would certainly be built at the earliest possible date. But the great expectations of the people were destined to be dis- appointed. The road-bed was graded into the town- ship from the west, but further operations were suspended, and Pinckney and the surrounding region settled back to its ante-railroad excitement status, where it has since remained. VILLAGE OF PINCKNEY. Joseph Abel, from Steuben Co., N. Y., came to the township in the spring of 1836 (April i8th), and located two miles northeast of the village, on a farm he purchased after he arrived. Six years subsequently he moved into the village, where his widow, who is also now the widow of James M. La Rue, at present resides. The old Abel farm is occupied by William H. Placeway. James M. La Rue, also from Steuben Co., N. Y., settled at Dexter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., as early, probably, as 1S30. In the neighborhood of 1840 he moved into Putnam and located southeast of Pinckney, where his son, Charles F. La Rue, at present resides. Mr. La Rue subsequently moved into the village, where his death occurred. Furman G. Rose, from Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., came to Michigan in the fall of 1835, landing at Detroit the first day of October. He settled in Putnatii the same fall, on a larm east of the present village of Pinckney, just one month from the day he set foot in Detroit. He was accompanied by his wife and one child. In 1837 he moved to the village and entered the mercantile business, estab- lishing the second store in the place. About 1847-48 he built the present "Globe Hotel," moved into it in the fall, and kept it four years. He had previously conducted the hotel business in a building which stood in the south part of the village, near the mill-race. It had been built by the founder of the village, William Kirtland, for both a store and hotel, and in it Messrs. Reeves & Minot placed the fiist stock of goods brought into the place, and opened the first store. Andrew and George Hood started the third store some time after Mr. Rose had begun business. When Mr. Rose arrived here in 1835, the in- habitants of the immediate vicinity were Benjamin Weller, Claudius Britton, Sanford Marble, and James Canfield, who all lived on ground now oc- cupied by the village plat. Marble moved to the western part of the township, as previously stated ; Weller afterwards removed to the township of Handy, where he died ; and Britton and Canfield both died at Pinckney. Marble owned 40 acres southwest of where the " Globe Hotel" now stands ; Weller li\ed east of him, on the south side of what is now the main street of the village; and Britton lived a little farther east, on the north side of the street. The plat of the village of Pinckney was recorded Aug. 9, 1837, William Kirtland, proprietor. His grist-mill was then standing at the south end of Mill Street, near its intersection with Water Street. The following concerning the new village was written on the plat by Mr. Kirtland: " The village of Pinckney is situated in the southern part of Livingston County, on Portage Creek, two miles from its entrance into Portage Lake. It is in the midst of one of the finest and best settled agricultural districts in the State, and is already the natural centre of business for not less than two hundred or three hundred families. A Ficuring-Mill is now in operation, which has just been constructed at a cost of from Seven to Eight Thou- sand Dollars, and there is no mill nearer than ten miles, and in some directii.>ns it will command the business for twenty miles. A good Temperance Tavern and Store have also been erected, and other buildings are in progress. A healthier spot is not to be found in Michigan. The State Road from Saganaw to the Chicago R<' at Clinton passes through this place, and the Grand River and Allegan State Road is expected to intersect the former at this point. The lots are 66 feet in front by 132 feet in depth. The streets are four rods in width, and the Public Square is si.xleen rods square." J. W. Hinchey's first addition to Pinckney was laid out on the northeast quarter of the southwest PUTNAM TOWNSHIP. 275 quarter of section 23, April i, 1868. A second addition by the same person was recorded March I, 1871, and is laid on the west half of the north- west quarter of the southeast quarter of section 23. William Kirtland came to this place from the city of New York, in 1836. In compruiy with a man named Davitl.son he set about buildin<,r a grist- mill, the timbers for which were brought to the site by I'urman G. Rose and his brother-in-law, Joseph Abel. Davidson soon aftei' .sold his interest to Kirtland, and the latter finished the mill in 1837. The same structure is yet standing, but has been enlarged and improved to some extent. It origi- nally contained two run of stones, and now has three. Mr. Kirtland also built a cooper-shop, which he rented to workmen of that trade. Seth A. Petteys, novv of PetteysviUe, Hamburg town- ship, was the millwright who erected the mill. When Mr. Kirtland laid out the village he sold lots rapidly for a time, a number of them being taken by mechanics, among whom were Messrs. Bert- whistle, Schoonmaker, and others. He subse- quently returned to New York, and met his death by accidentally walking off one of the docks into the river and being drowned. He was quite near- sighted, which fact was the cause of the fatal acci- dent. Mr. Kirtland's wife was a lady possessed of much literary ability, and is well remembered by those acquainted with her during her residence here. Under the noin dc plume of" Mary Clavers," she at one time wrote a volume, entitled " A New Home — Who'll Follow ? or, a History of Monte- cute." The book has been both commended and severely criticised. About i860 the firm of Thomas & Bates com- menced the manufacture of " Climax Fanning- Mills" at this place, the business passing after- wards into the hands of Thompson & Richards. The original proprietors erected a building, and for two or three years conducted a good business. The manufacture of buggies and wagons has also been carried on here to some e.xtent. Thompson Grimes began the business, and Daniel D. Rich- ards and others worked at it afterwards. It is still continued by Messrs. Sykes & Son. Thompson Grimes is now a member of the Legislature from Livingston County. A post-office must have been established at the village as early as 1838-39. Mail was carried on horseback from Dexter, by James Pullen. James W. Stansbury, brother of Mrs. Kirtland, was the first postmaster. The office was kept at a later day in a store which belonged to James M. Ea- man, in the south part of the village. It appears that a good-natured political strife was in order in the village during its earlier years, and even the appointment of a postmaster was not unattended with some difficulty and sharp practice. Furman G. Rose, a Democrat, was appointed to succeed Mr. .Stansbur)', who was a Whig, and a talented law\-er. The latter heard that Rose had been ap- pointed, but was loath to recognize the fact, and continued to administer the affairs of the office. Rose finally outwitted him, however, and obtained possession of the mail, and the office was turned over to him. The citizens had been watching the tide of affairs an.xiously. Freeman Webb, a staunch Whig, had loaded a small cannon, ready to fire, when the dispute should be settled, one way or the other, but one of the PuUens, probably averse to any noisy demonstration, so effectually dampened the powder in the gun that the salute was indefinitely postponed. The present incum- bent of the office is Mrs. Sarah Young, who was appointed to succeed her husband, Charles C. Young, who died in office. James W. Stansbury, who located here in 1 837, and was agent for William Kirtland & Co., was the first person who practiced law in the place. He became prominent in the county, and was elected and served one term as judge of probate. He removed from here to Ithaca, N. Y., but is now residing at Danville, 111., where some member of Mr. Kirtland's family is interested in coal-mines. Another early lawyer in the village was Sylves- ter W. Barnes, who remained one or two years. Marcus B. Wilcox settled as a lawyer in Pinckney soon after 1850. He afterwards removed to How- ell, and died there. Others have practiced at dif- ferent times, but at present (1879) the place cannot boast of having a member of the legal fraternity in its midst. The first disciple of Esculapius to locate in the village was Dr. William Stevens, who came from the State of New York, and remained here ten or twelve years. His ability as a physician was ques- tioned by the people among whom he lived. Drs. Stansbury and Angell came afterwards and practiced for a considerable length of time. Dr. Charles W. Haze, now residing at Pinckney, is a native of Wilson, Niagara Co., N. Y., and settled here April 20, 1845, when twenty-five years of age. He has continued in the practice of his profession during his residence in the place, — with what success the esteem in which he is held by iiis acquaintances will testify. Among other physicians who have at different times practiced here are Drs. E. J. Roberts (homteopathist), Silsby, and Sigler. The business of Pinckney in March, 1858, was mentioned in an article published mXht Livingston Republican of that time, as follows : 276 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. " The village of Pinckney is sitiinted about a mile to the south- east of the centre of the township of Putnam, and is built around a very fine public square. The land upon which the village stands, and the immediate vicinity, is very level, rendering it a beautiful place. The inh.ibiiants are an intelligent, hospitable, and enterprising people, — such as have given it peace and amia- bility at home, and an unblemished reputation abroad " The business of the place is as follows: There are three dry- goods stores, one grist- and flonring-mill, two blacksmilh-shops, one hotel, two 'joot- and shoe-shops, one harnessshop, one grocery, one cabinet-shop, one tailor-shoji, one jeweler, one cooper-shop, and two wagon-shops. "The first store we mention is the firm of T. Grimes & Co., successors to A. Mann & Co. This firm has an extensive trade. There is prob.ibly no heavier firm in the county, outside of Howell. " The second is the firm of Fiquett & Coleman ; this is also a heavy firm, and does a large amount of trade. " The third is that of J. M. Enman. Mr. Eaman lias long been a resident, and fonnerly one of the first merchants in Pinckney ; but he is now closing up the mercantile trade, and giving his at- tention to the honorable occupation of farming. ** The grist- and flouring-niill is owned by our old and vener- able citizen, A. Mann. It has two runs of four and a half feet stones, and does a large amount of gristing and flouring. During the last .summer we understand that Mr. Mann has built a fine water-wheel to the mill, at a very heavy e-xpense ; and we are also informed that he contemplates covering it anew the coming season, which will add much to its appearance and also to the appearance of the village. " The two blacksmith-shops are carried on, — one by L. Noble, long an enterprising citizen of Pinckney. Mr. Noble has carried on blacksmithing, and will continue it, very extensively. " The other is carried on by D. Richards, late of Dover. In connection with an extensive blacksmith business, Mr. Richards has associated with him in the wagon and carriage business Mr. Wnr. R. Bertwhistle, who are now manufacturing wagons and carriages second to none in the county, and at very reasonable prices. We advise all who wish to purchase to give Messrs. Rich- ards & Co. a call. "The other wagon establishment is carried on by J. & I Sykes, who are doing quite an extensive business, especially in the way of repairing, in a prompt and workmanlike manner. " To say nothing of the character of the hotel for a few of the past years, we can now say the present proprietor, Mr. L. F. Rose, keeps one of the best hotels to be found in the interior of the State. Mr. Rose h.as lately taken to himself a ' partner for life,' under whose direction the household affairs will be well managed. " The two boot- and shoe-shops are carried on by T. Grimes & Co., and Fiquett & Coleman, extensively in connection with their dry-goods trade. " The harness business is carried on in all its various branches by Mr. Charles Clark, who is one of the best workmen in the county. " Mr. A. Hinchey drives the sole trade in the grocery business. In connection with this he has a jewelry-shop. " We have but one cabinet-shop in the place. This is owned by Mr. Silas S. Carroll, who does quite an extensive business. " The tailoring business is carried on by Mr. N. F. Picket. Mr. Picket has long been engaged in the business in Pinckney to quite an extent. "The cooper-shop is owned by Mr. A. Mann, who drives the business of baiTel-making the year round for the supply of his flouring-mill. " To add to the beauty and appearance of the place, we have a Congregational and a Methodist Episcopal Church, — two as fine church edifices as are found anywhere in the interior of the State. Also a commodious school-house. " Revs. D. L. Eaton and P. C. Dayfoot, of Howell, have, about a week since, closed a revival in the Congregational, and the Rev. Mr. Lee, pastor, in the Methodist Episcopal Church. These meetings have resulted in much good being done. " In the line of professional men we have two M.D.'s, — Drs, Haze and Rogers, — and one lawyer, Hon. M. B. Wilcox. " The village is surrounded with a good farming country and an intelligent and industrious set of fanners, giving a good support to the business of the place." MASONIC. LIVINGSTON LODGE, No. 76, F. and A. M., was chartered Jan. 10, 1856, with the following officers: M., Charles W. Haze; S. W., John R. Goodrich, M. D. ; J. W., Furman G. Rose. The membership on the 31st of July, 1879, was 78, and the officers were as follows: W. M., William A. Sprout; S. W., H. F. Sigler; J. VV., C. D. Van Winkle; Treas., Thompson Grimes; Sec, I"". A. Sigler; S. D., Cary Van Winkle; J. D. Samuel Gilchrist; Tiler, William Balch. The rooms of the fraternity are in the third story of the fine brick block built by W. S. Mann, and are neatly furnished and pleasant. PINCKNEY CHAPTER, No. 86, R. A. M., was organized Sept. 6, 187.2, with 12 members. Its first officers were : H. P., C. W. Haze ; K., William Ball; S., William H.Martin. Its mem- bership in the summer of 1879 was 27. The fol- lowing are the present officers : H. P., C. W. Haze ; K., G. VV. Hoff; S., F. G. Ro.se; Capt. of the Host, William A. Sprout; P. S., M. H. Twichell; R. A. Capt., T. Grimes; M. 3d Veil, R. E. Finch; M. 2d Veil, Ira V. Reeves ; M. ist Veil, Gershom Swar- thout ; Sec, G. W. Teeple ; Treas., Thompson Grimes ; S., R. E. Finch. An " Eastern Star Lodge" was formed March i, 1868, and continued about five years. Mrs. Delia Hinchey was its president during the entire time. It had during its most flourishing period a member- ship of over 200, but finally ceased to exist for want of general interest.* A flourishing grange of " Patrons of Husbandry" also e.xists in the village. RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. The First Congregational Church of Pinckney was organized in 1848, and at some time before 1858 built its present frame house of worship. The society is now free from debt, and has a member- ship of 45, of which number 12 are males and 33 are females. An excellent bell hangs in the belfry, and a good organ has been purchased for use in the church and Sabbath-school. The latter has an average attendance of 40. The present pastor of this church is Rev. Thomas J. West, whose prede- cessor was Rev. James Campbell. A flourishing Methodist Episcopal society also exists in the village, and has a frame church which was built previous to 1S58. The present pastor is Rev. L. L. Houghton. A substantial brick church * Information by Dr. C. W. Haze. PUTNAM TOWNSHIP. 2/7 has been erected by the Catholics in the northern portion of the village.* The Baptists at one time held meetings in the place, hut never built a church, and their services were finally discontinued. SCHOOLS. Some time between 1835 and the latter part of 1837 a log school-house was built on the corner of the Marble farm, where the present frame building in fractional District No. 9 stands. Miss Kitty Grieve, daughter of James Grieve, was perhaps the first teacher; she was at least one of the first. Southeast of the above, on the road to Pinckney, a frame school-house was built about 1839, but pre- vious to either of these, a school had been taught in a log dwelling owned by Louis Fasquclle, near Mr. Marble's place. About 1839 a log school-house was built a short distance north of the site of the present building, in District No. 8, on section 5. The first or second teacher in this district was a Miss Joslyn. Two sisters in this family, named Sarepta and Samantha, taught, one in the district last named, and the other in what is now District No. 4. As early as 1835-36 a log school-house was built in the Harris and Sigler neighborhood, north of the residence of John Sigler. In this was taught the first school in the township. The present frame building in the district — No. i — is located in the southwest part of section 35. A log school-house was built near the Dexter road, southeast of the village plat of Pinckney, about 1837, and in it the first school in the imme- diate neighborhood of the village was taught. The following statement of the condition of the schools of the township is taken from the report of the school inspectors for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878: Number of whole districts 5 ** fmcti0n.1l districts 4 " children in each district of school age 445 Allendance during year 45S D.ays of school t.nught 1358 Number of school-liouses (frame) 9 Value of property S3900 Number of male teachers 5 " female teachers 13 Amount paid male teachers $1024 " " female teachers S827 Total receipts for year S2590.60 Amount on hand Sept. 2, 1878 269.67 Total expen. Harmon, Reuben H. Bennelt; 1S35, J. J. Bennett, George Mercer; 1836, George Mercer, Win. H. Bennett, Cornelius Wickware ; 1845, Eilward M. Cust ; 1846, Justus J. Bennett ; 1854, Dan- iel S. Bennett. Section 10. — 1836, Edward Bishop, Spaulding M. Case, John Webber, Thomas I.oomis, William Coolbaugh ; 1847, William B. Scott; 1851, Edwin M. Cust; 1854, Isaac T. Vanduser. Section II. — 1S35, David Parker; 1836, John Basset, Reuben Newland, Kranklin Hopkins, Daniel C. Kingsland. Section 12. — 1832, Abraham D. Peck; 1835, Abraham Bennelt, David Parker; 1836, Joseph H. Bennelt, Conrad Haner, Henry Kellogg, Abraham D. Peck ; 1837, Garry Spencer, David A. Parkhill; 1850, Bradford Campbell. Section 13. — 1834, George J. Grisson ; 1835, Alonzo Gunn, Da- vid Parker; 1836, Miner Kellogg; 1837, Jacob C. Haner, John Pickard ; 1S38, lienjamin F. Foster; 1S42, David Par- ker; 1854, Russell S. Haner, George E. Hall; 1859, Jean Louis Fasquelle. Section 14. — 1835, Conrad Haner, Sophronia Perry; 1836, Sophronia Periy, Emory Richardson, N. Kellogg; 1837, Levi Townsend ; 1842, David Wilkie; 1851, George Gallo- way, Thomas Featherly, Deborah Ann Cole ; 1854, Russell S. Haner. Section 15. — 1834, George Gallow.ay, Susan Galloway; 1835, Adonijah Harmon ; 1836, Eleanor CoUyer, George Gallow.ay, Timothy H. Petlit, Jacob C. Ilaner, Edward Bishop, Marga- ret Peacock, B. B. Kercheval; 1S55, Thaddeus S. Mapes. Section 16 (school lands). — 1842, Seth A. Petieys ; 1845, L. M. RoUison ; 1847, George Howard, Seth A. Pelteys, E. S. Whit- lock, D. M. RoUison, Eliza Hess; 1850, William Crowe, John Conner; 185 1, Mary Mercer, George Mercer; 1852, William Mercer; 1853, Robert Conner. SEcnON 17. — 1835, Zebulon M. Drew, Gideon Cross; 1836, Elizabeth C Cross, Daniel liennelt; 1837, Heniy R. Wheeler, Jerusha Payne; 1838, Tamma Butts, Norman A. Allen; 1854, Ceph.as Dunning, Joseph Quinn; 1853, John Dunn. Section 18. — 1835, William H. Bennett, Aaron Vance; 1836, Daniel .S. Bennett, Reuben {1. Bennett, David Bennett, Timolhy R. Bennett, William H. Bennett; 1837, Mansell Hurlbut; 1838, .Samuel S. Filch, Hezekiali Allen; 1S50, John II. Forth; 1847, Joseph Quinn. Section 19. — 1835, Samuel Cole, Elijah Whipple, John Marsh; 1836, Ransom C. Robinson, Israel C. Trembley, Joseph Quinn, Henr)' P. Rosebeck ; 1837, Ephraim llarger, John Wallace, Thomas Burns. Section 20. — 1835, Matthew C. O'Brien; 1836, Enoch Jones, James D. W. Palmer, Erasmus D. Whillock, Joseph Quinn. Section 21. — 1836, Daniel W. Kellogg, Daniel Larkins; 1837, John Larkins ; 1848, Reuben R. Decker, John F. Oliver ; 1853, William Placeway, R. R. Decker; 1858, R. R. Decker; 1866, John C. Shaw. Section 22. — 1833, Christopher L. Culver; 1836, Edward Bishop; •837, James G. Crane, Dennis Shehan ; 1S38, Francis M.ickie; 1843, Edwin M Cust; 1853, Edward Bishop, George Gal- loway ; 1854, Edward Bishop. Section 23.— 1833, J"!"' Henry, Asenalh Burnet ; 1835, Edward Mundy; 1836, Christopher L. Culver, Miner Kellogg, Edward Mundy ; 1837, James Gillmorc ; 1845, Stoildard W. Twichell. Section 24. — lS33,Thom.asSchoonhiivcn, Asenalh Burnet; 1S34, George G. Grisson ; 1836, George Buller, Horace Barnum; 1837, George Butler, George G. Grisson. Section 25.— 1831, Calvin Jackson, Jesse Hall; 1832, Lester Burnet; 1833, James Burnel, Jason G. De Wolf; 1834, Ebeji- ezer Bishop. Section 26.— 1832, Daniel Hall; 1833, George Sessions, Chris- topher L. Culver, David B. Power. Section 27. — 1832, Benjamin Lewilt; 1833, Havid B. Power, Christopher L. Culver; 1837, B. B. Kercheval; 1840, Anson L. Power. Section 28. — 1836, Cyrus Pierce, Daniel Sullivan; 1837, Patrick Gallagher, John Courtney, James Gallagher, B. B. Ker- cheval. Section 29. — 1835, James Cordley, Robert Finch, Andrewr Shanahan, Cornelius O'Brien, Robert Crooks; 1836, Ann Cordley; 1837, James Gallagher, Robert M.arsh. Section 30. — 1S35, William W. Edminster, Cornelius O'Brien, Aaron Vance; 1836, Jonathan Stone, Jr.; 1837, Thomas Daly, Olney Butts, Nathaniel Teachworlh, Bryan Farley, Owen Farley, James Fagan, Ephraim Harger; 1854, George W. Brown. Section 31. — 1832, Cyrus Pierce; 1834, James W. McGrath; 1835, William W. Edminster, Thomas Burns, Matthew Burns, Elias B. Root, John Voumans, Asahel Smith, Corne- lius O'Brien; 1836, Patience Newton; 1837, Luceba Pierce, Asahel Smith. Section 32. — 1831, Feli.x Dunlevy; 1832, Palrick Gallagher; 1S35, Matthew C. O'Brien, Feli.\ Donely, William W. Ed- minster, Palmer Force; 1837, Patrick Gallagher, Matthew C. O'Brien. Section 33. — 1832, Patrick Gallagher, James G.allaghcr; 1833, Cornelius Morrow; 1834, John Ryan; 1835, Cornelius Mor- row, Palrick Conner; 1836, Palrick Conner, Palrick Galla- gher, James Gallagher, Cornelius O'Mara. Section 34. — 1833, Stoddard W. Twichell, Abncr Butterfield; 1S34, Willis Hale; 1835, Daniel I.arkin, S. W. Twichell ; 1836, Jacob Vandcwalker, Levi Kniglit, Daniel Sullivan, Calvin Swift. .Section 35. — 1831, Heman Lake; 1833, Abner Butterfield, Cor- nelius Olsaver; 1834, Hiram M.ason, William H. Twichell; 1836, George W. Case, John A. Bolhwell, S.amuel Vander- ford, Elizabelh Hall; 1S37, Riclianl E. BiUler. Section 36. — 1831, Cornelius W. Miller, Heman Lake; 1832, Auguslus Hall; 1 833, Jesse Hall, Pinlemon II. Hills; 1836, Thomas J. Rice, .Samuel Gardner; 1838, Thomas J. Rice. From tlii.s list it is .seen tliat tlie first entries were made in the southern portion of the township as early as 1831, many of them being south of the river. The reasons why this was the case are two- fold. First, the region farther soutli, in Waslite- naw County, was settled first, and as the population increased it pushed northward into Livingston. Second, a glance at the farming region south and north of the Huron, in Hamburg, leads the ob- server to choose the southern portion on account of its superior adaptability to tiie uses of agricul- ture. However, alter passing the immediate vicin- ity of the Huron, with its lakes, swamps, and gravel-ridges, an excellent farming country opens before the husbandman, — and as soon as this fact was known, and conveniences for reaching it were established, it became the abiding-place of many of the most influential settlers in ti)e township, and at present bears evidence, by its improvements and general ;iir of prosperity, to the wise ciioice of its pioneers in locating there. EARLY SETTLEMENTS- PIONEER INCIDENTS. The following " Leaf of Hamburg's Dry liarly History" was furnished to tiie Pioneer As.sociation in January, 1878, by Thomas J. Rice: 28o HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. "During the interval between the years 1830 and 1836 the southern portion of our beautiful peninsula, which was then com- paratively unoccupied territoiy, was not only being very much talked about, but actually being settled upon with a rapidity never before exampled in American history; and, as a legitimate conse- quence of this unprecedented rush of immigrants thereto in search of new homes, I found, when I first entered Hamburg as a resi- dent, — which was on the first day of May, 1836, and only four and a half years from the day on which the first white settler therein planted himself and family upon its soil, — instead of a few dis- couraged, half-starved settlers, widely separated from each other, in a state of isolated loneliness, a regularly organized town, with its governmental machinery in good running order, and contain- ing fully one-third as many inhabitants as it does to-day. . . . It will therefore be obvious that it is but little, very little, that I know from my own observation or experience about the toils, pri- vations, and hardships of actual pioneer life; and consequently it will readily be seen that for the correctness of most of the state- ments which I am about to make I am compelled to rely upon traditional evidence and such other testimony as I have been alile to glean from individuals who, from their weight of years, are liable to be somewhat confused in their recollection not only as to days and dates, but also in reference to events and circumstances long since past. " According to the best light I have, then, upon the subject, it was on or a little before the middle of Oclobor, 1831, that Jesse Hall, Esq., the first actual while settler in Hamburg, first sat him- self down with his wife and children within his rude cabin, erected on the west half of the northeast quarter of secion 25, and near the edge of the bank of what is now known as HalTs Creek. And on or about the 1st of November of that year, Mr. Heman Lake, who followed close after Mr. Hall, planted himself and family upon the east half of the southeast quarter of section 35. At the time when these first two hardy pioneers established them- selves in Hamburg, there were not to exceed a dozen actual settlers, including themselves, in all four of the towns bordering upon the .south side of the county, and not one in any of the twelve towns lying north of tliese, and which constituted the balance of the county. Thus it will be seen that these two men, both of whom are now gone to their rest, were not only pioneer settlers in our beloved town of Hamburg, but alio in our beloved county of Livingston. Of course everybody understands that the mere fact that some certain pieces of land weie purchased from government at an earlier day than were those purchased by Mr. Hall and Mr. Lake, and on which they almost immediately settled, is no proof that such certain pieces, thus earlier purchased, were also more early settled upon, nor, in fact, tliat they have ever been actually settled U|)on, either by the original purchasers or anybody else. " That Elizabeth Lake, daughter of Heman Lake, born .some time in the summer of 1832 (the exact date I cannot give), was the first wdiite child born in Hamburg, admits not of a doubt, but whether or not she was the first one born in the county I am not prepared to say. "That Mr. Cornelius W. Miller raised, in 1834, on the place where I now reside, the firNt apples that were grown within the limits of this now famous apple-producing town of Hamburg, it is confidently believed; and I think I am not mistaken when I say they were also the first that were ever grown within the limits of Livingston County upon trees of white man's setting. " The first large frame, hay, and grain barn erected in Ham- burg was built by Mr. Martin Olsaver in 1836, on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 35. " The first persistent and well-directed effort made in Hamburg to improve the breed of horned cattle, and also of sheep, was made by Mr. David B. Power, now dead; and it is also deemed worthy of remark that the noble example in that direction, by that oood man thus early set, is still being followed up with increa-^ed viu-or and success by his enterprising son in-law, the Hon. William Ball. " The first supervisor elected in Hamburg was Mr. Christopher L. Culver, who, the noble man that he was, came to an untimely death many years ago l>y being crushed at a barn raising. " The first county officer selected from Hamburg was Mr. Justus J. Bennett, .sheriff, and the first State officer selected therefrom was the Hon. Edwin M. Cust, senator, who for many long years has been lying in his grave. " In conclusion I will merely add that, in addition to the first two pioneer settlers in Hamburg, spoken of, and the several other gentlemen of whom htrnorable mention has already been made, there were many other good and worthy men who planted them- selves in the town at quite an early day. A few of the more ac- tive and prominent among the number, I will here beg leave just to name Stoddard W. Twichell, Esq., Mr. Anson L. Power, James Burnett, Esq., dead; Mr. George G. Grisson, Ferdinand Grisson, Esq., Mr. George Galloway, dead, and Mr. Biadfoid Campbell, also dead. These few individuals have been named because I cannot for one moment doubt but that these men, aided by their respected wives, did much, vei"y much, by the noble ex- ample which they set of minding their own business and letting that of others alone, not only towards making the town that quiet, orderly, and thrifty one which, when I came into it in 1S36, I foinid it to be, but also towards causing it to be and remain, utrtil this day, a town in which there are but few crimes committed, few lawsuits prosecuted, and few neighborhood qu.arrels or other disturbances of any kind. And long therein may the effects of the itrfiuence of their noble example continue to live.'' At the meeting of the Living.ston County Pio- neer Society, held June 18, 1879, the following facts relating to the history of the township of Hamburg were given by Hon. Edwin B. Winans : " My first acquaintance and recollections of the township of Hamburg date from the fall of 1843. I then came from the town- ship of Unadilla, to live with my sister, Mrs. Leiand Walker, and to attend the winter term of school taught by Horace Griffith, in the Bennett School-house, in District No. 2. Griffith was a married man, and lived on the farm now owned by Orville Sexton, in the same school district. At that time Hamburg had been long set- tled, comparatively speaking, and offered educational facilities of which I desired to avail myself. I cannot, therefore, relate any pioneer experiences of my own, but only such recollections of the actual pioneers of the town as were then upon the active stage of life. My first impressions then as a stranger were that Hamburg people were mostly Bennetts, Cases, and Halls, — and it seemed to me in about equal proportions, — and some of the Halls struck me as being very beautiful and attractive. Of course I was young and my experience very Umited ; but though many years and some travel have enlarged my experience, I still shall insist that the elegantly furnished Halls of to-day have not the fascination and attraction or charm for me as had those young and beautiful Hall girls of Hamburg, in those days of my early manhood. " At the head of the Bennett family I may place Justus J. Ben- nett, a veritable Nestor, who lived to see three generations of his children, who, together with his brothers, John, Joseph, and Abram I5ennett, and their families of stalwart sons and daughters, gave him quite a patriarchal position with the clan Bennett. He w.is the first sheriff of Livingston County, and at that time owned a large farm on section nine, and lived in a story-and-a-haif farm- house with a wing on each side ; and it seemed to me to be a veri- table mansion, such as I had read of in the old romance of ' Tliad- deus of Warsaw,' and the ' Scottish Chiefs.' It stood on the hill, as you cross Mill Creek going south, and was known far and wide as the ' Big White House.' I well remember the first time I was invited to the house, — it was to a social party, given Iry the younger members of the family, — and how I was bewildered by the many rooms, and the brilliant tallow dips glimmering in the far recesses, and the many nooks, angles, and corners of the house. I was more than ever impressed with the superiority of Hamburg style Hk 281 PROGRAM SUNDAY AFTERNOON. MARCH 2ii 191.? criu> JtrHt N^ut aluimjhl (Elrurrlt Winder Street. Near Woodward Avenue MARGARET C. LAGRANGE, Pastor 111 the Clitiri-h i'lini:.')!! at S:0(l. Topit : ">lossng:es l-'rittu .Miistcr .Miiuls" — "Wall. Wliitinaii." mm i -^w StTvires at Delrutt OinTii Uuusv Kver>' Siiiitlii3' at 3 V. M. I'or TupirH, See (alfiiilar un l'ag:e I. Drrlaratiuu of }9rittriylpa. 7y HE First New Thought Church is organized for the purpose of forming an i ^^ stitution of culture and learning upon all matters pertaining to the three-fo nature of man. Namely — Spiritual, Mental and Physical. m- Id Firstly -ll'c hclicz'C in an infinite source of intciliffence from ivltence all life hath emanated, is nciv sustained, and by the dissemination of this inteUiycnce brimjiny under immutable laws order out of chaos. Serondlv — Man being an embodiment of the divine energy in the process of individualization, recognizing his tihine origin, and awakening the divine faculties of his inner nature, becomes in place of a material machine operated upon by the potent forces of life, a spiritual operator that governs all things by the force of his aivakcned spirituality. Thirdly—Clean thoughts being jiccesxary to a clean body, and the tw> being essential to the formation of a strong mind, it behooves man not only to govern his outward life that it mav he above reproach, but to so order his inner life that nought'but clean thoughts, full of strength and wisdom, abidcth with him. Fourthly—All life being an expression of intelligence in various stages of manifestation, and reason being the faculty that givcth to man his divine heritage, divine zvill being the basic principle upon which the uni-cersc rests, and man being a vessel through which these divine qualities demon- strate, it is within his province to make his life spiritually, mentally and physically that which he wills it to be; thus we arc no longer fated, hut free through Truth to fulfill our destiny, that is. to he like gods. Fifthly — Truth is a principle inseparable from life, thus through all life's manifestations is Truth disseminated. Where'er is life, there too is Truth. Man needs but to seek and he will find. With unbiased mind, 7vith open heart and true desire of the spirit. Truth conves in and dzvells in the humblest cottauc and makes of it a palace. Sixthly— That life has ever been and ever will be is a recognized la7v of nature. We. however, are most interc^fed in that part of eternity represented by the precious "A'cjy;*' — to build each dav that there shall be no regret, to make each day a page upon which we may xvritc with the ink of love our holiest thoughts and our noblest desires, is the laudable ambition of all. Seventhly — Religion is the ^principle of govcrntncnt that man sets up by which he may live in closest touch xt'ith goodness, fi e. knowing nothing higher than Truth gleaned from the book of life, do hereby declare to do good and to be good according to the light of Truth is our religion. Uh tho.sc early days, and till they h.ul built for themsdves a house un the farm where I now reside. The Hall families were important factors in Hamburg society in those days. The boys were stal- wart and the girls were beautiful, and I was so favorably impressed with the condilion of alTairs that 1 determined to attend the next winter term in the same school district, wiiich I did; and I liked the place so well that I made the town my home from that time, settling with my mother (my father having died the previous year) 36 * George Galloway settled in 1834. having engaged with Seth for the term of three years, ch contract I fulfdled. A 1 me th.it, though numerous nd Halls were not all the At that time George Gallo- town, both socially, politi- An early settler, he soon ; affairs. He was treasurer ears, and he was known far ity. His judgment was re- valued by his neighbors and or had a fairer prosjiect of but he died in the prime of year 1S54, while on a busi- e and six children, all now oining farms with Galloway p, a man well known to the eld the office of sheriff for if remarkable memory, and s of his life with wonderful as interesting as an Arabian lelighled listener as he nar- ed life. He was a wagon- farm, where he and his son, I well remember the sign, ks of the road as you came lop & .Son, Wagon- Makers.' , — five boys and five girls, — en. I taught school in thai •, and the Bishop, Galloway, could send twenty children ge families in those days, light her battles. In these snt, a family of two or three, e respectable thing. Well, at rest in the little cemetery ;m quite recently, after more y were separated for a little into the unkntiwn land, acquaintances was George Mrs. Mercer and four sons ed English gentleman, who r the present village of Pet- i by birth and education to d walks of life than to be a 1 caught in the tide of enli- st, and had pitched his tent :sl W.1S omnivorous, and all and so the accomplishments use in building up and de- years the book-keeper and I'nard, of Ann Arbor. But d after he left Maynard's he n office up to within a few pe old .age a few years ago, knew him. His wife and side in the same vicinity. 1 Robert, are enterprising, wcuiiny liiiiiiciBi niiu ifiv iTi^ivi-, tcnnily has taken deep root and developed all the sterling qualities of the old English race. "Speaking of Petteysville, its founder, builder, and prime mover is Seth A. Petteys, who is still at the helm, and guides and gov- erns affairs, notwithstanding his threescore years and ten. He first settled in Putnam, on the farm now owned by Hon. George Crofoot ; but being a millwright, he was engaged by the Grissons, of Hamburg, to build their mill, and in going from his farm in Putnam to Hamburg village he noticed the w.ater-power, and bought the school land on which his mill now stands. He first 280 K ORDER OF SERVICE " During the interval betw southern portion of our beautil paratively unoccupied tenitor; talked about, but actually beinj before exampled in American quence of this unprecedented of new homes, I found, when dent, — which was on the first c a half years from the day on planted himself and family u| couraged, half-starved settler-i, in a slate of isolated loneline> its governmental machinery in ing fully one-third as many i It will therefore be obvious t know from my own observatio vations, and hardships of actu; will readily be seen thai for tli ments which I am about to n traditional evidence and such < to glean from individuals wh liable to be somewhat confusei diiys and dates, but also in reft long since past. " According to the best ligh was on or a little before the n Hall, Esq., the first actual whil self down with his wife and chi on the west half of the norlhe. the edge of the bank of wha And on or about the 1st of i\ Lake, who followed close afl family upon the east half of ll At the time when these first tw selves in Hamburg, there were i including themselves, in all foi south side of the county, and i lying north of these, and whi county. Thus it will be seen i are now gone to their rest, we beloved town of Hamljurg, b Livingston. Of course everyb that some certain pieces of lane at an earlier day than were tho Lake, and on which ihey almc that such certain pieces, thus early settled upon, nor, in fact, settled upon, eillier by the origi " That Elizabeth Lake, dauj time in the summer of 1S32 (1 the first white child born in Hi whether or not she was the firs prepared to say. " That Mr. Cornelius W. M where I now reside, the first a limits of this now famous apple cimfidently Ijelieved ; and I thi they were also the first that wei Livingston County upon trees c " The first large frame, hay, burg was built by Mr. Martin tnsuvci in 10 quarter of the southeast quarter of section 35. " The first persistent and well-directed eflfort made in Hambuig to improve the breed of horned cattle, and also of sheep, was made by Mr. David B. Power, now dead ; and it is also deemed worthy of remaik that the noble e.taniple in that direction, by that oood man thus early set, is still being followed up with increased vi anxiiius soul, filled with the glory of sonic beauteous dream. OmnipcUence is thine iheritance: and if it he that thou eanst wait as well as dream, the day shall dawn when 1! tlu' lieauty of thy vision shall lind the w.'iys and means by which its glory shall be ^tablished in actuality. People — I speak the wurd of conlidence in Ciod's al)i(lin.u love, to all the weary L-arts that seek fullillnn'nt of their dreams. Strength shall go unto tliem to wait un- 1 the time is ripe; to watch that when the hour arrives they shall he found alert and ■ady; to work with certainty, that not one task shall be in vain when Life has made le parts complete. Leader — The seed is wooed by sunlight until it bursts its tiny shell, and flashes nth ill all its mystery of beauty. So man awaits the coming of the ])otent spirit Love, I (|uicken all the barrenness of being into the glad spring time of joy. And man is nissary of that force, to do its work within the pathway wdiich he treads. Fullill your sk. and all the day will be a song — each ni.ght a mighty symphony. People — 1 speak the word of love, to those who need its ministry. I hope for lose who need my hope; I believe in those who by my faith shall gain the victory of If-reliance; and as I freely give, so may 1 freely take. Leader — Throu.ghout the fabric of our lives the thread of purjiose runs. To fol- w it through devious shades of gray and .gold, as time reveals the jKittern. needs )urage and persistency. But he who falters in the task, knows not the meaning of s life. If noises fill thy ears with strife until the purpose is as lost, perchance thine res may trace the great design. Or. if the shades of darkness intervene, and all seems lid of meaning, then let thy heart be tilled with hope, for only brave souls trust hen they cannot sec. People — I speak the word of courage unto all who need its steadying power. It lall l)c the revelator of earth's harmonies to those who are distraught; a light to lose whose eyes are filled with bitter tears — the means by wdiich the pattern shall irtray the perfect nature of the perftct man — child of a perfect God. All — The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make His face to shine upon lee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give lee peace. ' I having engaged with Seth '. for the term of three years, lich contr.ict I fulfilled. A ■d me that, though numerous and Malls weic not all the At that time George Gallo- ; town, both socially, polili- An early settler, he soon ic affiiirs. He w.as treasurer years, and he was known far ility. His judgment was re- 1 valuefl by his neighbors and or h.id a fairer prospect of ; but he died in the prime of e year 1854, while on a busi- ,fe and six children, all now th()se'eaTTy\Ta7sTa^non, either by tlie ori " That Elizabeth Lake, da lime in the summer of 1832 the first white child born in I whether or not she was the fii prepared to say. " That Mr. Cornelius W. > where I now reside, the fir>t limits of this now famous app! confidently believed ; and I tl they were also the first thai w Livingston County upon trees " The first large frame, ha- The First New Thought Church Winder Street, near \Voodward Ave. REV. MARGARET C. LAGRANGE, Pastor. CALENDAR FOR MARCH. AFTERNOON SERVICE AT DETROIT OPERA HOUSE, at 3 o'clock. March 2 — "Christ and His Mission." March 9 — "Life's Other Room." March 16 — "Astral Heavens and Hells." March 23 — "The Soul's Awakening." Special music and Floral Christening of Children. March 30 — "The Tyranny of the Dead." EVENING SERVICE AT THE CHURCH at 8 o'clock. March 2 — "Messases from Master Minds." March 2— "Wall. ^Whilman." March 9 — "Browning." March 16— '"Wagner." March 23 — "Maelerlinck." March 30 — "Mark Twain." "How soon a smile of CoJ can change the world ! How we are made for happiness, — how worl^ Crows p/ap. adversit}) a winning fight! SUNDAY SCHOOL at the CHURCH. 43 WINDER ST., every Sunday at 1:00 P. M. Superintendent, George F. Frayne. Secretary, J. E. Millen. Treasurer, J. A. Reid. International Lesson Sheets; our work- ing premise. "The Spirit as well as the Letter of the Law." WE INVITE YOUR CO-OPERATION. Leave your name and address at the Bureau of Information, at door if interested, and state what you need. NEW THOUGHT works for complete expression — physically — mentally — morally and spiritually. On Tuesday, March 4th, at » a. 111. the members of the Martha and Mary So- ciety, and their friends, will visit the Cass Technical High School. You and your friends are cordially in- vited. "Rejoice thai — man is hurled From change to change unceasingl); His soul's wings never furled." Information regarding any phase of th NEW THOUGHT work, as carried on i this Center, may be obtained at the Burea of Information at door, or by mail, d personal call at headquarters — 43 Winde St. OFFICE HOURS: 1 to 2 o'cloc each day. A STUDY CLASS has been organize< in which subjects of vital importance wi be taken up. This class is FREE to a who contribute by the ENVELOPE SYS TEM. Should you be interested in this worl place your contribution in an envelop* write your name and address on it so th; record inay be kept. Class meet WEDNESDAY EVENING, at 7:30, at th Church, 43 Winder St. "To he the very breath that moves the age Means not, to have breath drive you bubble-lif^e Before it — but yourself to blow" Copies of the NATIONAL NEW THOUGHT MONTHLY sold, 10c per copy, at the door, or may b obtained at 43 Winder St., also for sale ; SHEEHAN'S BOOK STORE. GET A COPY— IT IS WORTH WHILl "Looli up, and let in light that longs to shine- One flash of light, — and where will darl^ness hide? HEALTH COMMITTEE Mr. Walter Wood, Chaiimin. Any one in need of HE.\LTH and SU( CESS, and wishing our co-operation fi the demonstration of the same, may ha\ it liy giving their name to Mr. Wood. Tickets for next Sunday may be had at Bureau of Information and at Sheehan's and Macauley's Book Stores. THE READING ROOM. Three large bookcases, filled with literature along the trend of the New Thought movement, now enhance the charm of the reading room in the cliurch parlors. These are open to the use of the public, a system of loaning books having been established. Arrangements have also been completed for the circulation of New Thought Books throughout the state. Address Communication Department, New Thought Church, 43 Winder St.. Detroit, Mich. burg was built by Mr. Martin" wisaver m 1330, on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 35. " The first persistent and well-directed effort made in Hamburg to improve the breed of horned cattle, and also of sheep, was made by Mr. David B. Power, now dead; and it is also deemed worthy of remark that the noble example in that direction, by that good man thus early set, is still lieing followed up with increased vio-or and success by his enterjjrising son-in-law, the Hon. William Ball. "The first supervisor elected in Hamburg was Mr. Christopher house with a wing on each side; and~ft"seeme(l to me to be a veri- table mansion, such as I had read of in the old romance of ' Thad- deus of Warsaw,' and the ' Scoltish Chiefs.' It stood on the hill, as you cross Mill Creek going south, and was known far and wide as the ' Big White House.' I well remember the first time I w.is invited to the house, — it was to a social parly, given by the younger members of ihe family, — and how I was bewildered by the many rooms, and the brilliant tallow dips glimmering in the far recesses, and the many nooks, angles, and corners of the house. I was more than ever impressed with the superiority of Hamburg style HAMBURG .TOWNSHIP. 281 over the one room log house of my father in Unadilla, in the chamber of wliicli I had been used to sleep and listen to the sing- ing of th; woodland birds or the patter of the soft rain upon the roof, with no ceiling or plastering between me and it to dull the soothing sounds. Bennett was surrounded by a large family of grown children, some married and settled on good farms in the near vicinity, others siill under the paternal roof. The married sons, Willi.am Reulien, Justus J. Jr., and Royal, were men in the heyday and prime of life, with children of their own growing up about their own hearth-stones ; while Sherman, Joseph, and Charles were then single; and life, bright, fair and wide, was all before them. The old man, full of years, was gatliered to his fathers about a Near ago, and now lies burieil in (he church-yai'd of the little Union Church round the corner from his ohl farm in Ham- burg. Of his brolheis, John, Joseph, and Abram, I was best acquainle W:] «fTi*tfi -twifrii^wht^ii Residence: OF MRS. MARY E. DAVIS, Hamburg, Mich HAMBURG TOWNSHIP. 287 brothers now residing in town. John F., William, and Samuel are deceased. After selling his Huron River farm to his brother, Ferdinand Grisson purchased the Lester Burnett farm, including the site of the village, or most of it, anil, in company with his brother, John F. Gris- son, bought Amariah Hammond's saw-mill (built b\- Hammond & Gay), and also built and opened the first store at the place. They erected the grist- mill and the hotel, which arc now standing, and gave the latter to their brother William, who had been unfortunate and lost his property in the old country. The hotel is now known as the " Rogers House," George Rogers, proprietor. The grist- mill and saw-mill are yet in operation, the former having two run of stones, as originally it had. The first store burned down, but was rebuilt by the same parties who erected the first one ; the second building is now used as a wm taxation 4 Value of same, including impiovenients S8,0OO Number of acres in school-house sites 3 ** ** church and parsonage sites 1 " " wheat raised in 1874 2,748 " " '• " 1873 2,880 " " corn " " 1.030 Number of bushels wheat raised in " 28,148 " " c irn " " 36,060 " " all other grain " '5'305 " " potatoes " 5455 " tons hay cut " 1,841 " pounds wool sheared " 27,770 " " pork marketed " 49.790 " " butter niai ' (0 i 1 GENOA TOWNSHIP. The northwest corner of Genoa township is at the geographical centre of Livingston County. The township is bounded north by Oceola.east by Brighton, south by Hamburg, and west by Marion. It is crossed iliagonall)', near the centre, from south- east to northwest, by the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad, upon which is a flag-station at the corner of sections 14, 15, 22, and 23. The old { " Grand River road," now a toll turnpike, ex- tends across the northern portion of the town, and through some of its best- improved parts. On sec- tion 6 the Ann Arbor road leaves the first-named highwa}', and after a course of several miles enters Hamburg from section 33. The water area of Genoa is extensive, although no streams of note flow within the township. Nu- merous lakes, which are peculiar to and character- istic of Michigan, exist, of greater or less area. Of these the finest is Long Lake, on sections 3, 4, 9, 10, and 1 1. Its shores arc for the most part wooded, and abound in pleasant camping and fishing re- sorts. Much of the lake is shallow, and filled with the grassy growth common to the waters of the county. This pleasant sheet of water was one of 292 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. the prominent landmarks known to the early set- tlers, and more than one pioneer camped with his family on its shore and admired its beauty. The origin of its name is apparent when a glance is taken at the map, or at the lake itself Its length is about one and three- fourths miles, and its aver- age width in the neighborhood of one-fourth of a mile. Crooked Lake, lying south of the centre of the township, on sections 21, 22, 27, and 28, is a large body of water, of such peculiar form as to render its name appropriate. In its southern arm are several small islands, as shown on the map. Its outlet flows south, and furnishes power at least at one point before it joins the Huron, viz., at Petteys- ville, in Hamburg township. Feet, Lime, and other lakes in the township, some of which are not pos- sessed of names, are of lesser area. Round Lake lies partially in Oceola and partly in the northwest part of Genoa. Ore Creek, after leaving the town- ship of Brighton, crosses the southeast corner of Genoa, in which it receives one or two small tribu- taries. Tamarack swamps are common in portions of the township, and open marshes are met with in numerous places. The general surface of the township of Genoa is undulating, with occasional fertile plains, and, in the southern portion, high gravel ridges. Its soil is generally productive, and many of its farms are improved to an extent which gives evidence of their value, as well as the thrift and enterprise of their owners. The township has not as large an area available for agricultural purposes as some others in the county, yet it ranks among the first in importance, and is strictly a farming township. LAND-ENTRIES. The following is a list of those who entered land in what is now Genoa township, together with the sections upon which they located and the years in which the entries were made : Section i. — 1835, Alvin F. Benjamin, William S. Conely; 1836, Peter Duress, Erastus Kellogg, Alvin Norton, Andrew Lamb, John W. Williams, Valentine Strack, Horace R. Hudson ; 1837, William Placeway. Section 2. — 1835, Chester Hazard; 1836, James M. Murray, Erastus Kellogg, Abram Hankins, Joseph Placeway, John While; 1837, Amasa Dean ; 1838, John Clark. Section 3. — 1835, John L. Martin; 1836, Benjamin Earl, Benja- min J. Boutwell, Er.istus Watrous, Richard Brown, John White; 1837, William Jacobs; 1853, Charles P. Bush, J. J. Bush. Section 4. — 1835, Samuel West, John Ellis, John L. Martin; 1836, Benjamin Earl, John Earl, John Ellis, John F. Law. son; 1837, Cornelius W. Burwell. Section 5. — 1833, John Drew; 1835, John Ellis, Asahel Dibble; 1836, Asahel Dibble, John Ellis; 1837, Cornelius W. Bur- well, Orson Elliott. Section 6. — 1835, Asa Colib, William Shaft, Asahel Dibble, Flavins J. B. Crane; 1836, Horace M. Comstock, Mark Hea- ley, B. B. Kercheval. Section 7. — 1834, Ely Barnard; 1835, Edward Latson, William Shaft; 1836, Asahel Dibble, William Burr Curtis, Peter Shaft; 1837, David Parker, Asahel Dibble. Section 8. — 1834, Ely Barnard; 1835, John Ellis, Asa Cobb, Jr., Jacob Vandewalker. Section 9. — 1834, Zacharkah Sutlon ; 1835. Samuel West, Neil F. Butterfield, Lucius H. Peat; 1836, William P. Patrick; '837, John ¥. Lawson. Section 10. — 1833, John Whyte; 1834, Jehiel Barron; 1835, John White; 1836, Horace H. Comslock ; 1837, Steward H. Hazard; 1853-54, Charles P. Bush. Section ii. — 1835, Jacob Euler, Lavina Robbins, Thomas Pinck- ney, Chester Hazard; 1836, Steward Hazard, Oren Rhoades, Lucius H. Peet, Pamelia, Lavina, and Jane E. Ward, John White. Section 12. — 1835, Alvin F. Benjamin, Peter Euler, George Henry Zulauf, Aaron H. Kelley, John Euler; 1836, Peter Duross, John J. Brown, Elisha Hodgnian; 1S37-47, Lawrence Euler. Section 13. — 1834, Alexander Fraser, Thomas Pinckney, Charles A. Green; 1835, Mansing Hithaway, Alvin F. Benjamin, Roswell Barns; 1836, Horace H. Comstock, Benjamin J. Boutwell, Nehemiah Boutwell. .Section 14. — 1835, Lucius H. Peet, Neil F. Butterfield, Isaiah P. Robbins, Abigail A. R. Pinckney; 1836, Mark Healey and B. B. Kercheval; 1837, Philip Coon. Section 15. — 1835, Isaiah P. Robbins, Peter McDerby; 1836, William Miller, Mark Healey and B. B. Kercheval, Jacob Fishbeck, Charles Benedict, P.itrick Bogan, Samuel Sewall. Section 16 (school lands). — 1846, Freeman Fishbeck; 1851, Jacob Fishbeck, Charles Benedict; 1853, Hans Russell, William Crostick, John E. Dorn, William Van Blarcom, James O'Hara, John Duffy, John Bogan, Freeman Fishbeck; 1854, Catharine McGark, Charles Benedict. Section 17. — 1834, Ely Barnard ; 1835, Asa Cobb, Pardon Bar- nard, Elias Davis, Joseph Rider; 1836, Isaac Morse, David Pierce, Henry Williams. Section 18. — 1834, Ely Barnard; 1835, Pardon Barnard, Jr., Josiah Ward; 1836, George Babcock, Timothy R. Bennett, William T. Curtis, Lawrence Noble, Asahel Dibble; 1854, Richard Britten. Section 19. — 1835, Timothy R. Bennett, Reuben Moore; 1836, Richard Britten, John Tompkins, Enoch Webster, Samuel W. Baldwin, Joseph Bower, Lawrence Noble, Samuel Sewall; 1837, Consider Crapo. Section 20. — 1835, James H. Cole; 1836, Elias Davis, Amariah Hammond, Hubbard McCloud, Henry S. Lisk, Margaret Canline, Caleb Curtis; 1838, Wm. T. Curtis; 1854, James Welch. Section 21. — 1835, Freeman Fishbeck, David Pierce, Jemima Fishbeck; 1836, William B. Yauger, Charles Benedict, Abram Cantine, Freeman Fishbeck, Philip Fishbeck ; 1854, William Suhr, Alexander Carpenter. Section 22. — 1835, Peter McDerby; 1836, Chauncey Symonds, Lawrence Euler, John Magee, Gardner Carpenter; 1837, Daniel Jones, Peter Coon ; 1840, Rodman Stoddard; 1850, Lewis Dorr; 1854, William Suhr, Joseph M. Gilbert. Section 23. — 1836, Henry Smith, Martin Hartman, Charles Con- rad, Haz.ard Newton ; 1837, Henry Smith, George Ranscher, Catharine Hartman, Henry Foster, William Hacker; 1838, Moses O. Jones; 1839, Henry Bush ; 1852, Jacob Conrad. Section 24. — 1835, Chester Hazard ; 1836, Benjamin J. Boutwell, Mark Healey, B. B. Kercheval, Charles S. Emerson. Section 25. — 1833, Almon Maltby; 1S35, Joseph Brown, Jr.; 1836, Mark Healey, B. B. Kercheval, Hiram Olds; 1837, Truman B. Worden ; 1839, Grace Thomson; 1847, John Cushing. GENOA TOWNSHIP. 293 Section 26. — 1836, Nathaniel Carr, Henry Earl, Justin Willey ; , 1S3S, Francis W. Brown; 1839, Daniel S. O'Neal; 1840, Nathaniel Carr; 1854, John Bauer, Gustav Baetcke. Section 27,-1835, Merman C. Hau-ie; 1836, Nathan Ilawley, John D. Robinson, Luther H. Ilovey, Henry Hand; 1837, Charles Weller; 1838, Moses O. Jones, Betsey McMulling; 1856, Philip Conrad. Section 28. — 1835, Nicholas Kristler, William Harmon, Herman C. Hause ; 1836, Justus J. Bennett, Amariah Hammond, Dan- iel B. Harmon, Norman L Gaston, Abner Ormsby, Margaret Cantine; 1854, Alexander Carpenter ; 1857, Edward N. H. Bode. Section 29. — 1835, Nichol.as Kristkr, David Hight, Daniel Jes- sup; 1836, Reuben Haight, Ira While, Caleb Curtis, Byram Timmons, Patrick Smith, .\sahel Diblile. Section 30. — 1835, Reuben Moore; 1836, Richard Britten, John Jennings, Enoch Webster, Patrick Smith, Samuel Sewall, William L.Tompkins; 1837, Jonathan P. King, NichoLis Fishbeck; 1846, J.acob D. Gall ; 1854, Matthew Brady. Section 31. — 1837, John B. Britten, Samuel Dean, Michael Fuhay ; 1838, James Collins, Joseph Gruver; 1847, Seymour Phillips; 1S50, Mallhew Brady ; 1853, Philip Brady. Section 32. — 1836, Parley Phillips, Henry PhiUips, David Wf^ht, David Wells, Francis A. Fisk ; 1837, William Bloodworih, John B. Britten, Denison Tisdale ; 1838, Joseph Gruver; 1853, Timothy Phillips. Section 33.— 1835, Garner Carpenter, Eastman Griflfeth ; 1836, Daniel B. Harmon, Miletus H. Snow, Fanny L. Snow, East- man Griflfeth, Reuben H. Bennett, Christopher Hoagland, Caleb Curtis, Jonathan Stone, Rodney D. Mill; 1837, Deni- .son Tisdale, Jr. Section 34. — 1836, Nelson Mawley, David Whitney, Rodney D. Hill, B. B. Kercheval, Luther M. Hovey; 1837, George J. Moon. Section 35. — 1836, Samuel E. Chapman, Levi Hanley; 1836-37, Joseph Charles. Section 36.— 1835, Elijah Fitch, William IL Townsend, Philip Stewart, Amy Hawkshurst; 1837-54, George J. Moon. EARLY SETTLEMENT. Although the first entries of land in Genoa were made by Almon Maltby* and John White in May and July, respectively, in the year 1833, yet it was not until the second year afterwards that a settle- ment was made. The veil of uncertainty is thrown around the first improvements and their projectors, but the following are the facts as near as can at present be ascertained : In the summer of 1835 the township received the advance guard of its pioneer army in the per- sons of Thomas Pinckney and Pardon and Ely Barnard, — the latter two named being brothers, — all since deceased. Pinckney came from Dutchess Co., N. Y , and the Barnards from Madison County, in the same State. It has been the general opinion heretofore that Pinckne)''s log house was the first structure built in the township for the use of a white family, and such is probably the case, al- thotigh it can have the precedence by only a few days to that built b)- the Barnards. Both were built in the summer of 1835. Thomas Pinckney was a brother of John D. Pinckney, one of the * Maltby settled in Brighton. early settlers of Howell, in which village the latter's widow yet resides. In the fall of 1834, Ely Barnard visited Genoa, and entered considerable quantities of land for him- self and his brother. Ely Barnard was at the time a single man, and, with his brother, "kept bach- elors' hall" in 1835 '" ^^^^ '^s Iiouse they had erected. Pardon Barnard had come in the spring of that year to the State. He was a native of the town of Leno.x, Madison Co., N. Y., where he was born Jan. 11, 1812. In 1832 he was married to Eliza A. Curtis, of Morrisville, N. Y., and in 1834 was licensed as a Methodist preacher. In Novem- ber, 1835, he moved his family into the log house in Genoa, his wife's brother, Burr Curtis, coming with them. The father of the latter, William T. Curtis, moved into town in June, 1836, with his wife and daughter, — the latter afterwards becoming the wife of Ely Barnard, who was much of a sports- man and a true lover of the chase. He was also a man of remarkable business capabilities, and one of the foremost citizens of the town and county in which he had made his home. Burr Curtis is now a resident of Howell, where also dwell Pardon Bar- nard's widow and one son, William. A second son, Henry, lives at Brighton, to which place he moved, froiTi Howell, in August, 1879. Mrs. Barnard, Sr., relates that from the time when she came to Genoa it was six weeks — and long enough they seemed to her — before she saw another white woman. The farms of the Messrs. Barnard were upon the Ann Arbor road, and are now owned by Henry Spencer and William Bell. Thomas Pinckney 's place was in the eastern part of town, on the Grand River road, and is the present property of Andrew Pless. Joseph A. and Asahel Dibble were among the pioneers of the last-mentioned part of the town- ship, arriving in June, 1837. The latter is deceased and the former resides north of Howell. John W. Lawson settled west of Long Lake in the summer of 1836, and built his house in the fall of the same year, it being well under way in November, when C. W. Burwell arrived. Mr. Lawson's son, John, occupies the old place at present. In this locality are some of the best- improved farms in the township. A plain of con- siderable area offers special attractions and advan- tages to the agriculturist, and the settlers were not slow in appreciating them. Two of the most attractive places along the Grand River road in Genoa are those owned by William and Albert Toolej'. The latter came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in June, 1841, and settled on the farm east of the one on which his brother lo- cated in September, 1844. William Tooley was 294 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. accompanied by bis wife. The land on which these gentlemen settled was originally located by their half-brother, Samuel West, but he made no improvements whatever upon it. The two brothers are still residing upon the liomesteads they origi- nally settled, and which they have so extensively improved. The following sketch of the early history of Ge- noa was prepared by Mrs. C. W. Burwell in 1877, and read before the June meeting — in that year — of the Pioneer Association : " The first location was made in vvliat is now Genoa, on section 25, near Biigbton -village, May 13, 1S33, by Almon Maltby, and sold by him to B. Gushing, in 1841. Mr. Mallljy is still Uving in the. town of Green Oak ; has held the office of supervisor of that town, and other offices; is to-day one of our best citizens. " The second location was made on section 10, July 22, 1833 (land now owned by Henry Weinieister, on Long Lake), by John White, an Englishman and a bachelor. He built a small log house and then went to Detroit to live, where he died in 1S47. After his death, A. Harvey, of Detroit, an administrator of White's estate, sold the land to C. P. Bush. " The third location, 240 acres on .section 5, by John Drew, Aug. 13, 1833. The.se were the only lands located in 1S33, and the first in the township as above stated. " The fourth location was made Aug. 9, 1834, by Alexander Fraser, of New York City (father of Mrs. John D. Tinckney, of Howell), on section 13, now owned by N. S. Benjamin. " The fifth location was made by Thomas Pinckney, on section 13, Sept. 30, 1834. Mr. Pinckney soon settled on his lanil, and there the first white child in Genoa was burn. This land is now owned by A. Pless. " The sixth location, October 24, on section 9, by Zachariah Sut- ton, and sold to John F. Lawson, July g, 1836, who settled on it that year. It is now owned by his son, J. W. Lawson. " Charles A. Green located on section 13, Aug. 22, 1834, forty acres, now owned by Louis Meyers. Ely Barnaril, of Madison Co., N. Y., located on sections 7, 8, 17, and 18, in all 240 acres. " Chester Hazard located the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 3, and other lands, Nov. 3, 1835. Mr. Hazard still lives on and tills, or oversees the tilling of his farm, and is now a very old but hale man. "C. W. Bui well located lands in 1S37 on sections 4 and 5. " Thomas Pinckney built the first house in the town, and Pardon Barnard the second, I believe. Mr. F. Curtis was the first su]ier- visor of the town of Genoa under that name in 1837. " Ely Barnard was the first register of deeds for the county and clerk of the first Board of Supervisors in 1836. He was after- wards a member of the State Legislature, and one of the members to amend the constitution in 1850. The first year after the town was organized the valuation was $60,000; no town tax ; S18 State, and $110 county tax. "John Ellis located in 1835, where C. W. Burwell now lives; Samuel West, where the Tooleys live, afterwards the Bush farm, where C. P. Bush settled in 1837, first m a log house on the site of what is now the Widow Sweet's house and farm. Afterwards he built the first frame house* in Genoa, in 1S38 or '39, — a part of it is yet >tanding on the farm now owned by Kinsley Tooley, in full view of our beautiful Long Lake. C. P. Bush settled first in the town of Handy, and then here, in the fall of 1837. He was a ' mighty hunter.' The first winter of his residence here he shot thirty-three deer, besides other game, and his neighbors well re- member the savory bits he sent so often. . . . * See Chester Hazard's statement, — latter's frame house built in 1837- " Mr. David Hight is still living, aged ninety-six or over. The writer anil fainily came to Michigan and settled in Genoa in the autumn of 1836. The face of the country was even then very pleasant. These openings were not at all like timbered woods, but like trees set in a park, as they were by the All Father. One could walk anywhere he pleased, as there was no underbrush. We stayed in Ypsilanti a short time. In the mean time Mr. Burwell came out to Livingston and engaged a man to put up for us a log house. It was to be finished in three weeks. Within half a mile of our place were two families (transient settlers) living in shanties, one on the site of our neighbor's (Mr. Cro^tick's) old house, the other exactly opposite. The last-mentioned family agreed to va- cate and rent to Mr. Bush for twenty-five cents. He paid in ad- vance, and when we came we took possession. It was about 17 by 14. There were eight in our family, including three little chil- dren. There we stayed six weeks. Our goods, except some of our beds and bedding, were stilUin Detroit, and our journey to De- troit in those days was about like going to California now. Mr. Fraser, our ne.irest neighbor west, and the only one between here and Ho\\eII, kindly lent us a small iron kettle and S|nder, a tea- kettle, and a tea-pot without any cover. Of our ' opposite neigh- bor' we borrowed one plate, one knife and fork, and one chair, all of which we courteously left for the mistress of the mansion. The rest used cleaned chips for plates, and pocket-knife and fingers for forks. The meat was fried in the spider and served in the same. Thanks to our Michigan appetites, nothing before nor since was ever eaten with a better relish than was that fried meat, well- watered gravy, excellent potatoes, bread, cheese, etc. Can't re- member that we had a spoon ; think that we all dipped our morsels in the same dish, — said spider. We brought a cow with us, and to change our diet occa^ionally made a dish of thickened milk, the milk well diluted with water, to make it go further, until .about the color of clear-starch, — delicious nevertheless. " There are few evils so bad but some good comes out of them, and when at last our house was so we could move into it, no room I ever was in (thanks to our shanty experience) seemed to nie so grand and spacious as did that log house, with its clean hewn logs, rough board floor, a partition for bedrooms, a fireplace, the back of which took in almost the whole end of the house; a stick chimney, through which we could look up and see the stars ; round .stones for a hearth, — no others could be got at that time of the year, — and such fires ! as high as our heads, made of oak limbs and logs, crackling and sparkling, making the room glow like a fairy palace. The pine boxes were soon converted into closets and shelves for dishes and books, by the ingenious hands of the hiied man that came with us from York Stale ; with old white muslin for curtains, it all looked indeed homelike and cosy. Thanks again to the shanty, it m.agnified by comparison every after-comfort and con- venience. We can never fully appreciate the value of what we have never had. There is nothing like a new country experience to make us appreciate home comforts, as they are brought about one by one by our own exertions. And the greatest blessing of all, we were in perfect health; especially were the children so much better than they ever were in New York. That alone would have reconciled us to any amount of discomfort, but we were rest- ing very comfortably after we got settled. The winter was very mild, with only snow enough to be pleasant, as were many of the succeeding winlers. The deer were very numerous, — would come sometimes almost to the door, and if we went only a little distance from the house we were almost sure to see two or more of the graceful creatures. Once, and only once, we were surrounded by wolves. We did not seek for nor admire them as we did the deer. Game of all kinds was very plenty, also fish in great abundance in our numerous lakes, — a great help and luxury to new-comers. Our nearest neighbor, until after the Tooleys came, was the family of John T. Lawson, about three-quarters of a mile east of us, where his son, John W. Lawson, now lives. They came in the spring of the same year we did. I think Mr. Pardon Barnard came a year before; he lived about three miles from us, — near neighbors in those days, — and we visited them and other-, often, and they us. GENOA TOWNSHIP. 295 with oxen and sled<. The sleighing was good, and riding Ihroiigli among tlie trees very pleasant, oxen notwithstanding. Mr. Curtis, too, — Mr. Barnard's father-in-law, — lived near them, and came soon after we did. One knows how to value good neighbors and pleasant intercourse with them in a new countiy. Before the next winter the Hon. Charles P. Bush settled near us, as I mentioned elsewhere. He was one of the first to represent our county in the Legislature, and hel|>ed to hring about the removal of the capital from Detroit to Lansing, Ingliam Co., then a 'wild wood,' and very few settlers between Howell and there. A few years after, Mr. Roswell Pettibone settled and lived many years on the place now owned by Mr. Conrad Slioenhals. He now lives in Oceola, but is a near neighbor yet. Our neighbor. Rev. William Sledman, came in a few years later than we did ; he settled on the pl.ace owned now by Mr. Fitch, and resided there until recently; he lives now in the vill.ageof Howell. Mr. Brewster Carpenter came still later, and settled .about one mile, I think, from what w.as the Buckland place, on the Ann Arbor rond, and is still living on the old homestead. Mr. A. Dibble also settled on the same road in either 1836 or '37, but has left long ago ; the place is now owned by Mr. G.irlock. Mr. William Shaft settled on the a Ira Jennings ig Robert Crouse 61 j James W. Stansbury 9 Robert Warden, Jr 66 | Pieirepont P. Smitli 15 Ely Barnard 65 Austin W.akeman 14 SCHOOLS.* The present District No. i was the first one formed in the township. Probably in 1836 or 1837, the first .school in town was taught in this district by Alexander Carpenter, who was after- wards a school inspector. The school-house, Mr. Hazard thinks, was possibly a frame building, though said by some to have been constructed of logs. It stood near the site of the present frame school-house in the same district. A brick build- ing was subsequently erected, and is now used as a blacksmith-shop. In District No. 3 a log school-house was built about 1839-40. It stood on the south side of the road, a short distance east of the site of the present frame edifice. Mariette Hayner, a lady whose home was in Brighton, was one of the earliest teachers. The log school house was finally re- moved. The first school in District No. 5 was taught by George Griffith, in the winter of about 1837-38, or the one following. A log school-house had been built, and was used also as a place in which to hold religious meetings. The building was used a number of years. The first school was not largely attended, as the number of children in the district was few. The first summer term was taught in the season following Griffith's term, by Mary Ann Hinkley, who was retained through several subsequent ones. Griffith returned East not long after his administration as a teacher here had closed. The present stone school-house was built about 1857. The following statement of tlie condition of the schools as appearing Sept. 2, 1878, is from the re- port of the township school inspectors for the year ending at that date: Number of whole districts 22 " fractional districts 10 " children of school age 344 Attendance during year 307 Number of school-houses 9 Value of sclioul property ^6000 Number of male teachers employed, 8 " female teachers employed 10 Amount paid male teachers 5821.50 " " female teachers $37^ Total receipts for year $2096.46 Amount on hand Sept. 2, 1878 410.23 Expenditures, less amount on hand S1686.23 RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. BAPTISTS. Probably the first religious meetings in the town- ship were held in the fall and winter of 1835-36, in the house of David Hight, continuing, with * See Mrs. Burwell's narrative for account of first school in Dis- trict No. 2. GENOA TOWNSHIP. 301 Sabbath-school, for a period of two years or more, or until the school-house was built in District No. 5, when that was made the place of meeting for such services. Elder Jonathan Stone, a Baptist minister, who had previously lived for several years in Webster, Washtenaw Co., purchased land in Genoa, south of Mr. Hight's place, and in the fall of 1836 built a house upon it, boarding with Mr. Hight during its construction. He, some years later, died on the farm where he had settled. Meetings were held also in the winter of 1835-36, at the house of Justus J. Hennett, in the north part of Hamburg, and Mr. Stone preached both there and in the Hight neighborhood. In a year or two a Baptist society was organized under the leader- ship of Elder Post. It was given the name " Ham- burg," but was subsequently changed to " Hamburg and Genoa." It continued to hold services until about 1865-67, when it was finally disbanded. No house of worship had been erected, the " stone school-house" furnishing accommodations for the congregation. " Preaching" was also held in other parts of town at an early day, at the dwellings of numerous individuals, and by ministers of different denomi- nations. Howell, however, was the principal place at which the settlers attended religious meetings, and has continued to be to the present. GERM.\N LUTHERAN CHURCH. About 1858 "St. George's German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation" was organized by JRev. Mr. Smith, of Ann Arbor. In 1861, three acres of land were donated by Richard Behrens, on sec- tion 14, for a church and burying-ground site, and at a later date three acres on section 13 were given for the use of the minister. Dr. Buck (LL.D.), father-in-law of John Weimeister, of Howell, after the organization of the society-, went to Europe to raise sufficient funds to build a church. The sum of $300 was given by Hamburg, Germany, and the present frame building was erected. Dr. Buck succeeded Smith as minister. The succeeding ones have been Revs. Meyer,* of Genoa township, Christopher Watt, Mr. Kramer, and Mr. Sheibly, who is at present in charge. The resident mem- bership of this church in July, 1879, was from 50 to 60, and others attend who do not live in the neighborhood. The church erected by this society is the only one built by any denomination in the township. CEMETERIES. The oldest burial-ground in the township is the one on section 13, off land now owned by Nelson * Myets. S. Benjamin, and it contains the dust of many of the early settlers of this and neighboring town- ships. A second one is located in the Benedict neighborhood, in the south part of the town, and is also old ; and a third, belonging to the Germans, is near their church on section 14, east of Genoa Station. POPULATION— STATISTICS. The number of white inhabitants in the town- ship of Genoa in 1837 was 361. In 1874 the number had increased to 921, including 475 males and 446 females. From the census of the latter year are compiled the following statistics: Number of acres of taxable land in township 22,800 " " land owned by individuals and conip.-inics 22,890.50 '* " inipioved Innd 11,478 " " land exempt from taxation yo.50 Valne of >anie, with improvements £11,119 Number of acres in school-house sites 5. 50 " " church and parsonai;e sites 2 " " Ijuiyinjj-grounds 3 " " railroatl riyht of way and depot j^rouTuls 80 " " wheat raised in 1874 3. '93 1873 2,881 corn " 1873 1,229 " bushels of wheat raised in 1873 38,684 " " corn " 1873 34,446 " " all other yrain r.iised in 1873... 16,045 " " potatoes raised in 1873 7.964 " tims of hay cut in 1873 2,919 " pounds woiil sheareil in 1873 27,137 " " pork marketed in 1873 82,772 " " cheese made in 1S73 60 " " bultcr made in 1873 37-483 " " fruit dried for market ni 1S73 6,707 " barrels cider made in 1873 307 " acres in orchaids 407 " bushels of apples raised in 1872 13,282 1873 10,846 " ** pears, cherries, and strawbcirics, 1872 126 " *' pe.Trs, cherries, and strawberries, 1873 "5 Value of fruit and garden vegetables, 1872 $5,001 1873 S5,o'S Number horses, one year old and over, 1874 415 " mules, 1874 8 " work oxen, 1874 36 " milch cows, 1874 482 " neat cattle, one year old and over, other than oxen and cows 373 " sheep over >ix months old 6,060 " " sheared in 1873 6,314 Number saw-mills I Persons employed in same I Amount of capital investetl $1,800 Number feet of lumber sawed So.ooo Value of products $960 Among the many who have aided in furnishing the facts which are included in the foregoing hi.s- tory of Genoa are C. W. Burwell and wife, Chester Hazard, Isaac W. Bush, Esq., of Howell, Richard Behrens, William Suhr, Joseph Rider, Andrew Sharp, Mrs. Cyrus Hoyt, Miss Deborah Hight (daughter of David Hight), Mrs. Pardon Barnard, of Howell, and numerous others. The thanks which are justly due them are hereby tendered. 302 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOSEPH RIDER. Among the names of those who are conspicu- ous in the early history of Genoa, and in the various enterprises connected with its interests, none stand higher than Joseph Rider. He has not only witnessed the transition of a thin settlement into a busy and prosperous community, of a semi- wilderness into one of the most productive and wealthy towns in the county, but in his own person has typified so admirably the agencies that wrought many of these changes, that no history of Genoa would be complete without a sketch of his life. He was the son of Joseph and Sarah Rider, and was born in the town of De Kalb, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., March 25, 1817. The elder Rider was a shoemaker by trade, and previous to his emigra- tion to Rockland Co., N. Y., in 18 10, lived in New York City. When Joseph was ten years of age he removed to Oswego, where he purchased a farm, upon which he resided until his emigration to Oak- land Co., Mich., in 1833. He purchased in the town of Milford fifty acres of land, which he sold in 1835 and removed to Genoa. Here he located one hundred and twenty acres, which is a part of his present productive farm of two hundred and eleven acres, a view of which is presented in the history of the town. Mr. Rider has been prominently identified with the development of the town and all its material interests. His life has been one of industry, and his aim has been to earn the position he now occupies among the successful and wealthy far- mers in the county. That he had a full portion of hardships and privations in his pioneer life, none will deny. In 1840, Mr. Rider was married to Miss Isabella M., daughter of Jacob and Elsie Fishbeck, one of the well-known early families of Genoa. Mrs. Rider was born in the town of De Peyster, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1824, and emigrated to Michigan with her parents in 1836. She, like her husband, is one of that noble band of pioneers to whom the present generation is indebted for much that they now enjoy. Mr. Rider is a self made man. Early in life he learned that the way leading to success was no royal road, but was open to strong hands and willing hearts ; that " Honor and fame from no condition rise. Act well your part, there all ihe honor lies." He early established methodical habits, and his energy and perseverance, coupled with integrity of character, have rendered his life a success. Politi- cally, he is a Democrat. In his religious affilia- tions he is a Free-VVill Baptist, and manifests a deep interest in religious matters. CHESTER H.-^ZARD was born at Arlington, Bennington Co., Vt., June 23, 1796, being the oldest of a family of nine chil- dren. His parents were Evans and Abigail (Haw- ley) Hazard. His mother belonged to one of the old Puritan families of Connecticut. His father was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Connecticut in 1774, and lived at various times in the States of New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. He finally removed to Michigan, where he died in 185 1. Chester Hazard was a studious boy, and acquired a thorough common-school education. In 1806 he went to the home of an uncle, with whom he lived until he was seventeen years old. He then spent four years in learning the tanner's and shoe- maker's trades. He worked at these trades four years in Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. In 1 82 1 he took a partner, by whose dishonesty he lost everything he had accumulated. By working his father's farm in Chenango Co., N. Y., two years, , and his grandfather's in Broome County, N. Y., five j years, lie saved five hundred dollars. With this / capital he engaged in farming and tanning at ' Wheeler, Steuben Co., N Y. After ten years of successful labor there, in 1836, he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of wild land in Genoa, Livingston Co., Mich., and worked till 1842 in clearing it. In that year he was elected county''^ treasurer, and removed to Howell. This office he held for two terms, and in 1847 was elected to the State Legislature, where he was instrumental in procuring the passage of the bill appropriating ten thousand acres of land for internal improvements. Since 1849 he has resided on his farm. He has been supervisor of the town and chairman of the Board of Supervi-sors for many years, and justice of the peace for forty years, besides holding many other offices. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has always been a Democrat. Simple in his manner of life, Mr. Hazard has acquired a fortune by honesty, industry, and economy. He is a man of marked character and striking appear- ance. Now, at eighty-three years of age, he is still hale and vigorous, and his voice is as strong and clear as at the age of forty. No man ever questioned his integrity, and no one more than he deserves the respect which is universally accorded to him. His first wife, to whom he was married Aug. 31, 1817, died March 6, 1858, leaving six children. His second wife was Julia A. Buck, to whom he was married Sept. 8, 1863. X ? ^/UyiAd ' ^i^<^^c^^- #^^ %». r V ^ #, N\ .\ 1 WILLIAM BLOODWORTH. MRS. WILLI AM BLOODWORTH. GENOA TOWNSHIP. 303 CHARLES BENEDICT was born in Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., May 4, 1S09. Mis father, Isaac Benedict, was a soldier in the war of tlie Revolution; after the war he settled on a farm at Cambridge, where he died at an advanced age. Ciiarles Benedict lived with his father until he grew to manhood, assisting on the farm, and re- ceiving sucli educational advantages as were offered by the district schools. When a young man, he taught school several terms in the neighborhood of Cambridge. In 1830 he emigrated to Michigan, purchasing some land near Dexter, where he remained two years, teach- ing school a portion of the time. In 1832 he returned to New York, and married Miss Amy Church, of Otsego Co., N. Y. They came to Liv- ingston Count)' in 1836, and settled on section 21, in what is now the town of Genoa. At that time neither the town or State were yet organized. Mr. Benedict at once took an active and important part in the erection and organization of the town. The first town election was heldathis house, when he was elected township clerk, an office he filled for several years. Subsequently he filled several of the town and county offices, among others that of supervisor; and was for two terms county treasurer. He was a man much respected for his sterling integrity and sound judgment. He died Nov. 22, 1870, leaving a family of seven children, — four sons and three daughters. Ale-xander, the oldest child, lives at Fowlerville, this county ; Omer H. married the oldest daughter of the late Ely Barnard, is a farmer, and lives adjoining the old home ; Mari- ette married James Taylor, of Chelsea, Mich. ; Martha A. married Freeman W. Allison, a farmer in Putnam; Alida C. married Dwight T.Curtis, a farmer in Genoa; Frank W. married Henrietta Beurman, and died October, 1878, in his twenty- eighth year; Fred. C. married Julia E. Beurman, lives on the home-farm with his mother, who is now in her sixty-seventh year, but vigorous and healthy. Having shared in the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and witnessed the trans- formation of the wilderness into a prosperous community, she now looks back over a long and industrious life with the satisfaction of having acted well her part. ELY i!.\RNARU was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1S07, and emigrated in company with his brother, Pardon Barnard, to Michigan in 1834, settling on the farm in Genoa, where he died Sept. 9, 1871. Possessing abilities of a commanding order, Ely Barnard soon took a prominent and active part in the early history of the county, and in the forma- tion here of the Democratic party, of which he was an influential member throughout his life. Aside from local offices, at the first election, after Michigan became a State, he was elected to the office of register of deeds, and in 1842 and 1843 he was one of the two members to represent the county in the State Legislature, which then met in Detroit. He was also a member of the State Convention, which met in 1 850, to revise the Constitution. In all these positions Mr. Bar- nard commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens for his signal ability and rigid hon- esty. After his return from the constitutional con- vention he refused to accept office again. He retired to his farm, which he cultivated assiduously, and he was considered one of the best agricultur- ists of the county. In the private relations of life he was held in high esteem. Judge Turner, in an address before the Pioneer Society, said of him, " Well do we remember with wlrat no- bility and independence he always bore himself in all the business of life. He was a man who never abdicated his dignity for a moment, but was a gentleman at all times and on all occasions." Mr. Barnard was married, Jan. 31, 1839, to Miss Aristine Curtis, daughter of William Curtis, who emigrated from Madison Co., N. Y., in 1836, and settled on lands adjoining Mr. Barnard, where he died April 8, 1850, in the seventy-thirtl year of his age. Mrs. Barnard has conducted the farm since her husband's death. She has been the mother of nine children, seven of whom are now living, — three sons and four daughters. WILLIAM BLOODWORTH was born in Creeton, Lincolnshire, England, Dec. 3, 1803. His parents, William and Elizabeth Bloodworth, were farmers, and reared a famil)' of four children, — three sons and one daughter, — Wil- liam being the youngest. He received the advan- tages of the schools of his native town, and at the age of nineteen enlisted in the " King's Guard," in which he served twelve years. In 1833 he emi- grated to this country. He spent the first winter in Ann Arbor, and in the spring following, removed with his family upon the farm which he had located in Genoa the previous fall ; here he has since re- sided. The pioneer life of Mr. and Mrs. Blood- worth was one of 'much hardship and privation. 304 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Did our space permit we could pen from their lips many a tale of early life in Genoa that to the pres- ent generation would sound more like fiction than fact. But they are now receiving the full fruition of their long and successful life ; having amassed a competency, they are enjoying the benefits re- sulting from a life of industry and economy. Mr. Bloodworth was married in 1831 to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Ann Lown. She was born in Little Bytham, Lincolnshire, England, May 4, 1805. They have one child, Mrs. Isaac Sapp, who is living with her husband at the old home. UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. Unadilla, one of the original townships of Liv- ingston County, lies in the southwest corner of the latter, and is bounded north and east respectively by the townships of Iosco and Putnam, south by VVa.shtenaw County, and west by Ingham County. It includes town.ship i north, in range 3 east, as des- ignated on the government survey of the State. It contains the three villages of Unadilla, Wil- liamsville, and Plainfieid, located respectively on sections 35, 28, and 5, Plainfieid extending also into section 8. The surface of the township is greatly diversi- fied. Along the various water-courses it is broken by considerable hills, and in places qgite extensive marshes are found, — such as are common in, and peculiar to this part of the lower Peninsula. A large portion of the township in the northwest lies on a beautiful plain, where are everywhere found excellent improvements, and in the midst of which is located Plainfieid village. The Portage River and its tributaries water the town, and several lakes add to the variety whicii is here found. Among the latter are a portion of Bruin or Patterson Lake, on section 36; VVoodburn and Bass Lakes, on section 25 ; Williams Lake, on sections 29 and 32 ; Mor- gan Lake, on section 10; and several others which have not been named on the map. Portage River furnishes power at Unadilla and VVilliamsville, and in this town was made the first improvement of water-power in the county. LAND-ENTRIES. The following is a list of the original entries of land in this township: SECTION I. Acres. Henry Cassidy, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug 3, 1836 40 Thomas Sulheiland, Livingston Co., Mich., Se|)i.2I, 1836. 160 Avciy Bruce, Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 2, 1836 33-4° As.i P. WoQilanl, V\'ashlcnaw Co., Midi., Nov. 14, 1836.. 80 Moses Keye^, Seneca Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1836 80 Heniy Colclazei-, Washtenaw Co., Mich.-, Nov. 29, 1836... 80 Acres. Owen Martin, Livingston Co., Mich , May 2, 1S50 40 Pairicli Kay, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 15, 1853 33-4° Thomas Fay, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 17, 1S55 70.12 SECTION 2. Joseph Venu^, Huron Co., Ohio, April 21, 1836 240 Byron Hart, Wayne Co., Mich., May 28, 1S36 80 John Sutherlanil, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 8, 1836 150.63 George Reeves, W.ishtenavv Co., Midi., June 8, 1836 147-9^ SECTION 3. Caleh Mnnger, New Haven Co., Conn., April 2g, 1836... 160 Morris Howe, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 8, 1S36 80 Solomon Sutherland, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 8, 1 836... 72.25 Solomon .Sutherlaud, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836 72.25 James Sutherland, Livingston Co , Mich., Sept. 21, 1S36... 139.33 Allred Denio, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1836 40 Van Rensselaer T. Angel, Livingston Co., Mich., June 24, 1851 40 SECTION 4. Chester J. Tuttle, Cuy.ahoga Co., Ohio, Oct. 19, 1835 40 Jonathan E. Mnnger, New Haven, Conn., April 29, 1836.. 160 (ohn C. Sharp, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 7, 1836 40 Miles A. Hinman, Genesee Co., Mich., June 25, 1S36 214.61 Emery Beal, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836 80 Charles Harford, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 3, 1836 4983 SECTION 5. S.^muel Clements, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 8, 1835.... 160 Ciiesier J. Tuttle, Cuyalioga Co., Ohio, Oct. 19, 1S35 So John B. Vandoren, Washtenaw Co , Mich., Feh. 12, 1836. 80 David Dutton, Wa-.htenaw Co., Mich., May 27, 1836 40 Philip Dyer, Livingston Cl, Mich., June 7, 1S36 85. 37 Setli Eiston, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 2, 1S36 125.10 SECTION 6. Samuel Townsend, Niagara Co., N. Y., April 22, 1836.... 173.96 John Cool, Livingston Co., Mich., June 7, 1836 152.12 John Cool, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 25, 1836 80 SECTION 7. Levi and George Westfall, Ontario Co., N. Y., June iS, 1834 .'. 160 George Westfall, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 19, 1S35 46- 30 Myron H. Rowley, Addison Co., Vt., .May 26, 1836 160 John Cool, Livingston Co., Mich., June 7, 1836 82.08 John Howell, Ingham Co., Mich., March 12, 1841 4630 Calvin Hallock, W.ishlenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 6, 1854 33-70 SECTIO.V 8. Levi and George Westfall, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 18, 1S34 80 William H. Dunn, War.en Co., N. J,, June 4. 1835 160 Levi Clawson, Richland Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1836 80 Samuel Case, Livingston Co., Mich., March 25, 1836 40 UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. 305 Acres. M.iriin Uunning, Renssel.ier Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836. ... 80 Lorcnzi) Secoril, Wnshteii.iw Co.. Mich , July S, 1836 40 John r. R.., GciiL-ce Co., N. V., .Sept. 24, 1836 80 "Morliiin.T Winilsor, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 3, 1837 .. 40 Geo. \V. Richmond, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. I, 1844. 40 SECTION 9. l.cnuiel F. Chipman, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 5, 1836 40 Luiher Chipman, Washtenaw Co., .Mich.", Miy 24, 1836.. 80 Horace A. Smiih, Washtenaw Co , Mich., June 10, 1836. 40 Abr.im .Mpholl, Ginesee Co., N. Y., June 25, 1836 80 S.xniuel K. Van Sickle, Livinysion Co., Mich., June 28, 1836 80 Lorenzo Secord, Washtenaw Co., Mich , June 30, 1836... 40 Daniel S. McGranger, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. I, 1836 40 Sophronia Heal, Li\in^ton Co., Mich., Jan. 11, 1837 80 lames Waters, Livint;sion Co., Mich., Oct. 1, 1844 40 Van R. T. An^el, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 17, 1847. 4° ILinn^h \l. Chipman, Livin;.jstun Co., Mich., May 16, 1855 ". 40 Nathaniel Braley Ingham, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1853 '. 40 SECTION 10. Lemuel K. Chipman, Washtenaw Co., Micii., March 5, 1836 40 Abner H. Wond, Washtenaw Co., Mich., M.irch 5. 1836... 80 N.ithaniel lirown, Gene>ec Co , N. Y, June 25, 1836 40 Abram Abb It, Genesee Co., N Y., June 25, 1836 40 Samuel S. Chipman. Livingston Co., Mich., June 25, 1830 So Solomon Sutlierland, Living'-lon Co., Mich., Aug. 2, 1836 80 Edward Sutherland, Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836 120 Patrick Keenan, Livingston Co., Mich., M.ty 25, 1837 160 SECTION II. Joseph Venus, Huron Co., Ohio, April 21, 1836 240 P.itrick McC.ibe. Wayne Co., M.ch., May 28, 1836 360 Jaiucs Elscy, Washten iw Co., .Mich., Oct. 26, 1836 40 SECTION 12. Charles M. Moses, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 25, 1835. 40 Richard Shear, Ont.ario Co , N. Y., Miy 12, 1836 160 I'hineas Prouty, Ontaiio Co., N. Y., May 12, 1836 80 Lawrence Jones, Wayne Co., Mich., Mav 28, 1836 80 John Shiel, W.iyne Co., .Mich., M.iy 28,1836 80 I'alrick McCabe, W.iyne Co., Mich., M.ay 28, 1836 40 James .\niistrong, Erie Co., N. Y., July I, 1836 40 James Elsey, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1836 120 SECTION 13. George Bennett, Wa.shtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 3, 1835 ^° Charles Bullis, W.ishtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1835 ^° Phincas Prouty, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 12, 1836 80 James H. Wood, Ontario Co , N. Y., May 12, 1836 80 George Wiglit, Ontario Co , N. Y., M.ay 12, 1836 So Robert H. Bullis, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 11, 1838... 80 Henry .Sliles, Livingston Co., Mich., July 14, 1838 80 Charles Bullis, Dec. 13, 1853 80 •SECTION 14. Ira A. Blossom and E. D. Efi'ner, Erie Co., N. Y., July 2, 1835 l6o William S. Mead, Cayu;ja Co., N. Y., Oct 19, 1835 40 Joseph Venus, Huron Co., Ohio, April 21, 1836 200 Juli.i Ann Kent, Erie Co., N. Y., June 8, 1836 80 James EUey, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1836 80 Henry V. H.icon, Berkshire Co., Mass., Oct. 26, 1836 80 SECTION 15. Sally Ray, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 12, 1834 80 Blossom and Effner, Erie Co., N. V., Aug. 3, 1835 80 Lemuel K. Chipman, W.ishtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 2, 1835 160 I'itch Chipman, Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1835 80 S.imuel S. Chipman, Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 2, 1835 160 William S. Martindale, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 2, 1836 40 William Utter, St. Clair Co., Mich., July 20, 1846 40 SECTION 16. Dudley Hdl, September, 1841, and July, 1844 40 V. R. Angel, Sept. 16, 1841 40 39 Acres. V. R. T. Angel, [uly 11, 1844 40 I. B. Fitch, March 19, 1846 4° D. R. Hdl, Nov. 14, 1846 40 D. O. Dulton, June 30, 1850 40 John Grongan, Sept. 17, 1845 40 L. Berean. July 11, 1844. 40 D. O. Dutton, June 23, 1847 4° Joseph CJilliert, Sept. 28, 1846 40 H. Tidford, Julv 11,1844. 40 A. L. Dulton, March 18, 1846 80 James Hirney, June 29. 1S47 40 A. L. Dulton, June 23. 1847 4° V. R. T. Angel, Feb. '26, 1846 40 SECTION 17. Cyrus Jackson, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 23. 1834 40 Charles Tetley, Washtenaw Co., .Mich., July 17, 1834 80 John Callahan, W.ashten.iw Co., Mich., Nov. 21, 1S34 80 Charles Tetley, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 17, 1835 40 James Gaiison, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 29, 1835 160 David S. Curtis, Liviiig^ti.n Co., Mich., Miy 30, 1836 40 Jason Swilt, Wayne Co., Mich., June 8, 1836 80 John G. Soverhill, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 10, 1836. 120 SECTION 18. Cyrus Jack-on, Wayne Co., N. V., June 23, 1834 349 88 William Beattie, W.ashienaw Co., Mich., Nov. 21, 1834... 8a George Fitts, Niagara Co., N. Y., June 13, 1836 101.84 SECTION 19. Thomas Smith, Wayne Co., Mich., June 16, 1834 62.9S Eli UugMlcs, Fairfield Co , Conn., July 19, 1834 80 Chester j. Tutlle, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1835 lOo J lines D. Winans, Wayne Co., Mich., March 26, 1836.... 142.9S Edward llingham, Wayne Co., Mich., April 12, 1836 117-92 SECTION 20. Henry Angel, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 24, 1833 120 Paliick Hubbard, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1833.. 40 Maiy Winans, W.ishtenaw Co., Mich.. Nov. 27, 1S33 80 Simuel W. Holmes, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 22, 1834 80 David S. Curtis, Washtenaw Co , Mich., May 28, 1835.... 40 James Ganson, Gi^ne-ee Co., N. Y., June 29, 1835 160 Chester J. Tuttle, C.iyuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1S35 40 Jason Swift, Wayne Co., Mich., June 8, 1S36 80 SECTION 21. Francis Lincoln, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 24, 1833... 320 Philander Gregory, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836 80 Edward Bingham, Wayne Co., Mich., May 20, 1836 240 SECTION 22. Chloe Buck, Onond.iga Co., N. Y., July 12, 1834 40 John Beaille, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 17, 1835 80 Charles Rutgers,' Cayuga Co., N. Y., .Vpril 17, 1835 80 Blossom and Et'fiier, Erie Co., N. Y., July 2, 1835 120 Jeremiah Wilco.x, Genesee Co , N. Y., May 27, 1S36 80 William S. Mariind.^le, Genesee Co , N. Y., June 25, 1836 40 William S. Martindale, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 2, 1836 40 Sarah Curtis, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1836 40 Lawrence C. Hays, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 26, 1837 120 SECTION 23. James Livcrmore, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 3, 1835 40 George Wight, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 12, 1835 80 Noyes Wilcox, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 27, 1835 160 Jeremiah Wilco.t, Ontario Co., N. Y., .M.iy 27, 1835 80 Sarah Curtis, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1835 40 Philip II. Oilman, Livingston Co., Mich., July 20, 1838... 40 Charles Rutgers, Livingston Co., Mich., July 5, 1839 40 Eiienezer J. Penniman, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 29, 1840. 40 J.imes Livermore, Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 26, 1848... 40 Jeremiah B. Swift, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1S47.. 40 .Seth B. Torrey, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 7, 1853 40 SECTION 24. George W. Noble, Portage Co., Ohio, July 22, 1834 80 H. De Graff and W. H. Townsend, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 22, 1834 80 James Livermore, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 3, 1835 80 Sylvanus P. Jermaine, Albany Co., N. Y., March 4, 1836. 80 EInathan Botsford, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 31, 1836. 80 3o6 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Acres. Amos H. Breed, Livingston Co., Mich., June 13, 1S36 80 Phineas I'rouly, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 14, 1836 80 SECTION 25. Robert H. Titiis, Erie Co., N. Y., July 15, 1836 80 Samuel Phillips, New York City, August 5, 1836 160 Thomns J. Dudley, Yates Co., N. Y., Jan. 3!, 1837 80 Alexander McPherson, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 19, 1838 80 Gideon Chalker, Seneca Co., N. Y., June 28, 1838 120 Joseph Hartsuff, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 24, 1853 40 Nelson H. \Ving, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 31, 1853 40 WiUiam Sales, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 20, 1854 40 SECTION 26. William Woodburn, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 23, 1834 120 John S. Prouty, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 12, 1836 160 Calvin H. Bryan, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836 120 Healey and Kercheval, United Stales, Aug. 4, 1836 80 William S. Mead, Livingston Co., Mich., June 24, 1839... 40 Plicebe Hartsuff, Livingston Co , Mich., Feb. 8, 1844 40 Thomas Stanfleld, Livingston Co., Mich., June 28, 1S48... 40 Adam Sales, Livingston Co., Mich., July 30, 1S51 40 SECTION 27. Richard M. Gnggins, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 15, 1833 120 John La Grange, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 2, 1834 80 Chloe Buck, Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 12, 1834 80 David M. Hard and Joseph Peck, Otsego Co., N. Y., June 20, 1834 160 Stephen B. .Sales, Livingston Co., Mich., .Sept. 24, 1S34... 40 Frederick Hartwig, Waf.htenaw Co., Mich., May 4, 1837.. 80 Stephen B. Sales, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 15, 1S46.... 40 Stephen B. Sales, Livingston Co , Mich., Dec. 19, 1850... 40 SECTION 28. David Holmes, Hartford Co., Conn., Aug. I, 1833 160 Darwin C. Edson, Washtenaw Co., Mich., .'\ug. 27, 1833. 80 Stephen Cornell, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1833 120 Curtis Noble, Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1833 ' 80 Richard M.Gujjgins, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 15, 1833 80 Richard M. Guggins, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 9, 1834 40 Eli Ruggles, Fairfield Co., Conn., July 19, 1S34 40 James McClear, Hartford Co., Conn , June 18, 1836 40 SECTION 29. David Holmes, Hartford Co., Conn., Aug. I, 1833 160 Jeremiah Bullock, Orleans Co., N. Y., Aug. 29, 1833 160 David M. Hard, Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1833 80 Abiam Kern, Livingston Co., Mich., June 14, 1S34 80 William Turner, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 13, 1834... 80 Stephen H.avens, Livingston Co., Mich., May 25, 1836.... 40 Leonard Backus, Livingston Co., Mich., March 27, 1854.. 40 ■ SECTION 30. M.ary Winans, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1833 62.92 H. C. Sharp, Livingston Co., N. Y., March 19, 1834 160 D.avid D. Bird, W'ashlenaw Co., Mich., June 13, 1834 141.60 Elijah Bird, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 4, 1834 146 92 Robert L. Taylor, New York City, Dec. 2, 1835 80 SECTION 31. John Davis, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 2, 1834 78.18 James D. Mclntyre, W'ashtenaw Co., Mich., July 10, 1834. 160 Hiram Putnam, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 21, 1834 39-09 John McCimacliie, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 8, 1835.... 74-54 Peter N. Hard, Livingston Co., N. Y., Aug. 4, 1836 40 Joseph N. Schidmore, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1836.. 30.09 James Schoonhoven, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1836. 40 Ann Schoonhoven, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1836.. 40 Joseph J. Skidniore, W'ayne Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1S36 74-54 James Mclntyre, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 2, 1855 40 SECTION 32. David M. Hard, Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1833 80 Sally Turner, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836 40 William Turner, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 29, 1836 40 James Schoonhoven, Portage Co., Ohio, June 30, 1836 80 Jesse McKinney, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 30, 1836 80 Peler N. Hard, Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 4, 1836 80 Maria L. McKinsie, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 25, 1836 120 Margaret Wright, Livingston Co.. Mich., Jan. 23, 1S37... 40 Henry Hartsuff, Livingston Co., Mich., June 24, 1S51 40 Henry Hartsuff, Livingston Co., Mich., June 7, 1855 40 SECTION 33. Acres. Eli Ruggles, Fairfield Co., Conn., June 20, 1833 80 David Holmes, Ilariford Co., Conn., Aug. I, 1833 160 Mary Winans, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1833 160 Amos Williams, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 19, 1834 40 Warren Spalding, Washtenaw Co , Mich., July 23, 1S34... 120 Gairy Brigys, Livingston Co., Mich., June 22, 1837 40 Anson Denton, Livingston Co., Mich., July 21, 1849 40 SECTION 34. James Craig, Hartford Co., Conn., Aug. I, 1833 80 Archibald Marshall, Hartford Co., Conn., Aug. I, 1833... 80 Curtis Noble, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 20, 1833 80 David M. Hard, Otsego Co., N. Y., May 27, 1S36 160 John G. Gutekunst, W'ashlenaw Co., Mich., June 6, 1836. 40 Phineas Piouty, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 21, 1836 160 Joseph L. Hartsuff, Living.ston Co., Mich., Aug. 25, 1841 .. 40 SECTION 35. Robert Glenn, Seneca Co., N. Y., May 25, 1833 80 Robert Minnis, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June II, 1835 40 John George Gutekunst, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 22, 1835 80 Sally M. Glenn, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 2, 1S35 40 Robert Glenn, Washtenaw Co.. Mich., Dec. 2, 1835 40 Luke Montague, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 19, 1836 120 John Drake, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 29, 1836 40 Robert L. Glenn, Washten.aw Co., Mich., Dec. 7, 1836.... 80 Luke Montague, Livingston Co., Mich., May 15, 1837 40 George Davis, Livingston Co., Mich., June 2, 1837 40 Junius L. Field, Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 26, 1841 40 SECTION 36. Luke Montague, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Aug. 4, 1836 40 Junius L. Field, Berkshire Co., Mass., Sept. 23, 1836 80 ."Vlex. S. Montague, Livingston Co., Mich., .May 15, 1837. 40 William F'aulk, Livingston Co., Mich., June 2, 1S37 40 Charles Glenn, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 21, 1839 40 Nelson H. Wing, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 21, 1839.. 40 Junius L. F'ield, Livingston Co., Mich., .A.ug. 26, 184I 40 Junius L. Held, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 8, 1843 40 Daniel L. Glenn, Livingston Co., Mich., F"eb. 25, 1853... 40 Joseph L. Hartsuff, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 24, 1S53.. 40 Nelson A. Glenn, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1854.. 40 Joseph L. Hartsuff, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1854. 80 James Gaunt, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 8, 1855 40 j. L. Harlsufi", Livingston Co., Mich , Dec. 26, 186- 40 EARLY SETTLEMENT. The following item.s in the history of this town- ship are extracts from an address delivered by T. R. Shields before the County Pioneer Association, at Howell, June 20, 1877 : "Previous to 1833 the land comprising this townshij) was an unbroken wilderness, inhabited by a few half-civilized Indians, who had their camping-grounds on the north shore of the Suth- erland Lake, a beautiful little sheet of water situated in the north part of the township, and named after Judge Sutherland, who located land near it, and who was a leading man in the town for a good many years. Those Indians held communication with a tribe ill Washtenaw County, and the old trail which they used, together with a peculiar cedar bridge which they built over the Portage River, were objects of interest long after they had disap- peared. . . . The tide of emigration from the East was moving slowly but steadily westward. So favored a spot as Unadilla could not long be neglected, and on the 20th day of June, 1833, one Eli Ruggles, of Brookfield, Conn., became owner of the first farm ever purchased in Unadilla, consisting of 40* acres of land, on which he reared his log hut and commenced his pioneer life. But this life did not agree with him. He sickened, went back to Con- necticut, and died. His brothei-in-law, Mr. W'illiams, after whom the village of Williamsville was named, became owner of the land. * Entry reads, — north half of northwest quarter, section 33, eis'hlv acres. UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. 307 Others followed in rapid succession. On August i, 1833, J.imes Craig, Archil)ald Marshall, ami David Holme-;, all from Hartford Co., Conn., made for themselves homes in Unadilla. David C. Edson located land on the 2d of August, 1833. Francis Lincoln and Henry Angel were the next to come. They located Aug. 24, 1833. They were followed by Jeremiah Bullock, Aug. 29, 1833. The next was Stephen Cornell, Sept. 23, 1833 ; David M. Hard, October 17th; Patrick Hubbard, November 14th; Richard M. Guggins, November I5lh ; Mary Winans, November 27th ; and Curtis Noble, December 20th; all in 1S33. Stephen 1$. Sales, who was for many years supervisor of the town, and who died a few years ago at Lansing, located Sept. 24, 1834; I-evi and George Wcstfnll, June iS, 1S34; William Woodburn, of Wayne Co., N. Y., Aug. 23, 1834; David D. Uircl,June 13, 1834; James Mclntyre, July 10, 1834; Cyrus Jackson, June 24, 1834; and George W. Noble, July 22, 1834. In 1835 the locations increased. One of the fust to locale in that year was Luke Montague, from Cayuga Co., N. Y. He was followed by Chailes Hullis, Oct. 26, 1835 ; James Livermore, June 3, 1835 ; Abner B. Wood, March 5, 1835; John Shields, May 28, 1835 ; and William H. Dunn, June 4, 1835. Some of the leading settlei-s in 1S36 were the .Suther- land boys, four in number, who located .Sept. 21, 1836. Emery Beale located on the same d.iy of the same year ; David Dutton, May 27, 1836 ; Philip Dyer, June 7, 1836 ; Samuel Townsend, of Niagara Co., N. Y., April 22, 1836; John Cool, June 19, 1836 ; Levi Clausen, Feb. 15, 1836; Luther Chipman, May 24, 1836.; A. S. Montague and Patrick Keenan, in 1837. " The first town-meeting was held on the first Monday of .^pril, 1S35, at the residence of Baxter Collins, anil the following named gentlemen were elected: Supervisor, John Drake; Town Clerk, Peter N. Hard; Justice of the Peace, EInathan Noble; Treas- urer, J.ames Mclntyre; Commissionei-s, Selah B. Collins, Ehia- than Noble, and Francis Lincoln. The township election* fol- lowed, taking two days, — the first Monday and Tuesday of October of the same year. The opposing candidates for Governor were Stephen T. Mason, who received seven votes, and Edward Mundy, who received one vote. Seven votes were cast in favor of the adoption of the constitution, and three against it. It will be re- membered that the town h.id been connected with Washtenaw County for political purposes, but was changed into Livingston in the year lS37.f The places of holding the election were changed to suit the convenience of the people. At one time it was held in Mr. Lincoln's barn, in the west part of the town, .again at the resi- dence of Mr. Noble, in the southern part, and still again at Mr. Martindale's, in the north part. Mr. L. S. Montague, now a part- ner in the law-firm of Waddell & Montague, in this village (How- ell), was born while his father was attending the election at the la.stnamed pLacc, in 1S47. " The first store started in town was owned by John Drake. It afterwards became the property of one Dibble; it w.is situated where John Dunning's store now stands, in fact, part of the build- ing occupied by Mr. Drake is now used by Mr. Dunning. The first hotel w.as kept by Mr. Noble, near the place where Unadilla village now stands. The church and school house were consi ways. Mr. A. Montague tells a very amusing story about the old doctor. A wager was made by the boys that they could make the old man believe he was sick, although in perfect health. They arranged so as to meet him one at a lime, each one telling him that he looked very sick, and should go to bed .at once. The plan worked admirably. The doc- tor went himie and went to bed, ami it was several days afterwards before he discovered the joke. "Thcfin>t child born in the town was Minerva Briggs, a grand- daughter of Mr. Williams, who is now married and residing in the city of Ypsilanli. The first blacksmith in town w.as Abner B. * General election. + Livingston County organieed in 1836, Wood, who died a few years ago at the age of eighty-three. His shop was situated in the north part of the town, where his son William now resides. The first work which he was called on to do w.os for a man from Ingham County, who was on his way to Dexter to get some machinery mended, but found that the work could be done by Mr. Wood, and so went no farther. The first land cleared up in town was fourteen acres, now owned by Mr. Mont.igue, on which one of his orchards is situated. It was cleared by Mr. Isaac Ray, who now resides in an adjoining town. It will be seen th.it I mentioned the names of fourteen persons who located land in Unadilla in the year 1833. It is a sad fact that eleven of the fourteen have been ' gathered to their fathers.' Three still remain, one of whom, Mr. James Craig, now lives in the town, and is the proprietor of the Unadilla House. He held the office of township clerk for a great many years, and is still enjoying th.at honor. The second, David Holmes, or Deacon Holmes, as he is usually called, is now residing in St. Johns, while the third, Mr. Francis Lincoln, who held the office of township treasurer for a number of years, is now living in Chelsea, and is still healthy and vigorous, with faculties unimpaired. " Many are the pleasing anecdotes I have heard my father re- late of Col. George Bennett, of Un.adilla, while out with the 'boys,' among whom were Peter Morgan, .•\. S. Montague, Selah B. Fitch, Henry Cassady, Emery Beale, Judge Sulherlan^l, and others. Old boys they are now, and widely scattered. Some in their graves and others waiting patiently their time, — happy in the knowledge that life's great work has been well done, and the re- ward will surely come. One dark tragedy must be recorrotlier William came in the spring of 1836, and built tlie first frame house in that section. Rev. James Pyper, D.D., Deacon Holmes, and James McLear, with part of his family, came in 1837. Archibald Mnrshall and family, and my mother and I, came in 1838. We had to go to Dexter or Ann Aibor to do our trading, and pay $1 for a bushel of potatoes, 20 cents per pound for salt pork, $1 for a hen, and the same for a dozen of eggs, and ;jSlo for a barrel of flour; these were 'Wild- Cat' times. The first wheat I had to sell was in 1842. which I took lo Reeves' mill, and sold it for 40 cents per bushel, and had to go three times before I got my pay. I thought then farming was a ytoov business. *' We have had the very best of neighbors; never bad a (piairel in either school or road district. A pettifogger came to settle among us over twenty years ago, and tried his best to get us at loggerheads, but he could not come it, so he pulled up stakes and went to California. We used to have very sociable times in the long winter evenings. Charles Dunkin, Piiilander Gregory, S, B. Sales, Benjamin Sales, Archibald Marshall, my brother William, myself, and others, with our families, would meet at some one's house and spend a happy evening, and after enjoying the good things of this life, and before we parted, would settle at whose house we would meet next, generally about two weeks hence. I believe Unadilla has cost the county less for the support of paupers and the prosecution of criminals than any township in it, and that it has been effected through the influence of religion and temperance. "On the 4th of February, 1837, the following-named persons united and organized a church, to be known as the First Presby- terian Church of Unadilla, viz. ; Luke Montague, Eunice Mon- tague, Alexander S. Montague, William Craig, Christiene Craig, William Pyper, Agnes Pyper, John Brewyn, Junius 1,. I'iekl, Maria B. Field, and John Drake. William Craig and Luke Mon- tague were elected ruling elders and acting deacons. A. S. Mon- tague, Mrs. C. Craig, and Mrs. M. B. Field are all that are left of the original membeis. When I came on in 1838, I brought a trunk full of Sunday-school books, which I got from the school that I was connected with in Connecticut and other schools in the neighborhood, which seived the school here and at WiUiamsville and Iosco for eight or ten years. The Methodists and Baptists soon after organized churches, and now there are two Presby- terian, one Baptist, and tlu'ee Methodist churches in town. The church members were not generally the richest in this world's goods, and had sometimes to solicit outsiders to help, — those whose worldly interests were most benefited by good society. " The temperance cause always flourished in our town, at first as Sons of Temperance, then as Good Templars, and now as the Reform Club. The first lodge of Good Templars in Michigan was organized in Unadilla, and named Pioneer Lodge, No. i, over thirty years ago." James Craig, the author of the foregoing, is a native of Scotland. In 1831 he came to this country and located in New York City, where he remained six months, moving afterwards into Con- necticut. When, in July, 1833, he visited Unadilla and made his purchase of land, not a solitary white person was living in the township, and but forty acres had been entered, — that being the previously described tract taken by Eli Ruggles. Mr. Craig held numerous township offices, among them those of assessor and treasurer, and for thirteen years filled the position of township clerk. He is the present postmaster of Unadilla village. John C. Stedman came to Michigan from Tioga Co, N. Y., in May, 1844, and settled on section 14 in Unadilla, where Joseph Kirtland now lives. He was accompanied by his wife and five children. In 1854 he moved upon the farm he now occupies. In 1846 he returned to New York for his parents, John Stedman and wife, and piloted them to a new home in the West. The elder gentleman, a former resident of Connecticut, lived to the age of eighty- four years, and died in this township. Joseph L. Hartsufif, from Seneca Co., N. Y., came with his family to Michigan in October, 1S35, and located at Coldwater, Branch Co. A little more than a 3'ear later he moved to Washtenaw County, and in 1837 to the farm in Unadilla now owned by Thomas Milligan, north of Unadilla village and next south of the farm on which Mr. Hartsuff's widow and son (Zenas A. Hartsuff ) at present re- side. The place, consisting of 120 acres, had been slightly improved by a Dutchinan named Gute- kunst, of whom Mr. Hartsuff purchased ; a log house of small dimensions had been built, and stood on a portion of the ground now covered by the orchard. Gutekunst removed to De.xter, Wash- tenaw Co. Mr. Hartsuff bought other land in the township, including several parcels from govern- ment. A number of years later his brother, Henry Hartsuff, located in town, on a farm he purchased of the former. Henry Hartsuff is at present a resident of Port Huron. His son, George L. Hartsuff, entered the Union service during the Rebellion, attained to the rank of major-general of volunteers, and finally laid down his life in defense of the principles of freedom and union. He was the oldest son. His brother, William Hartsuff, also distinguished himself in the same struggle, and rose to the rank of brigadier-general. A third son, Albert, served as surgeon. The widow of Joseph L. Hartsuff states that even as late as the time of their settlement, Unadilla village was an insignificant place, containing a saw- mill and a store, the latter kept by Drake & Dibble, and a log house. A short distance north of the UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. 309 village, in a frame house, lived Dr. J. L. Field, who had come the previous fall (1836). He died in No- vember, 1867, one week after the death of Mr. Itartsuff] and had lived and practiced here during the entire time since he first settled, a period of thirty years. James Livermore settled in February, 1836, north of Unadilla village, near the present resi- dence of his son, John J. Livermore. He was from Tioga Co., N. Y. His brother-in-law, John Watson, from the same locality, settled in town in the fall of 1843, staying through the winter with Mr. Livermore. He was accompanied by his father, John Watson, Sr. The son now resides in the village of Unadilla. In August, 1837, Philander Gregory removed to this township from Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., and located on section 21, where he still resides. His wife and infant son, the latter only three montlis old, were with him. From Detroit to Unadilla the journej- was made in a lumber-wagon. The son, Halsted Gregory (recently county clerk of Livingston), lives with his father on the old farm, which is among the best improved in the township or county. The first white child born in what is now Una- dilla township was Minerva Briggs, daughter of Garry Briggs, her birth occurring May 8, 1836. She is now living in Dansville, Ingham Co. Her father came to the township with Amos Williams, and assisted tlie latter in building his saw-mill at Williamsville. Mr. Briggs, in the summer of 1879, was living at Dexter, Washtenaw Co. Royal C. Barnum settled as early as 1836-37, in this township, on a farm near the Gregory place. He subsequently sold out and went to Ohio and engaged in milling operations, but finally came back and purchased Robert Glenn's property, at Unadilla village. His death occurred a number of years since. Before coming to this town he had traveled extensively, and followed the sea for some years. In his contact with the world he acquired all the polish of a perfect gentleman, and his mind became stored with much that was useful. His son. Royal Barnum, at present lives in the village. Samuel G. Ives, who settled west of Williams- ville, in April, 1835, is now living in Chelsea, Washtenaw Co. He was one of the most promi- nent and influential citizens of Unadilla, and served as member of the State Legislature before remov- ing from the township. Elnathan Noble, from Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., removed to Michigan in the spring of 1832, and located at Dexter, Washtenaw Co. In the spring probably of 1834 he came into Unadilla, purchased land, built a log house, and moved into it. The house was a large double structure of logs, and was used by Mr. Noble both as a dwelling and a tavern. Mr. Noble had the honor of being the second settler in the township, as no other house had then been built except Williams', at Williams- ville. Mr. Noble was accompanied by his son, Sylvester G. Noble, now of Unadilla village. When night first overtook them after their arrival in the township.theysoughtand found shelterin Williams' log house, sleeping on the floor. Either that season or the next, Stephen Winans built a house on the opposite side of the road from and west of Mr. Noble's. Help was so scarce at that period that " raisings" were successfully completed only by the aid of horses and stout ropes, — the logs being lifted into position literally by "brute force." Mr. Noble was one of the first associate judges for Livingston County. Before the county was organized he was appointed a Territorial justice of the peace by Governor Stevens T. Mason. He was concerned in the matter of choosing a name for the county, and to him is also given the credit of naming the township in which he settled, giving it the name of Unadilla, after a township in Otsego Co., N.Y. It is stated that the first wheat cradled in Una- dilla was cut by S. G. Ives and Stephen Haven, but when, or on whose farm, is not made clear. Mr. Haven now lives on the west line of Iosco town.ship. David S. Denton, from Tompkins Co., N. Y., settled in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1836. In the fall of 1837 he was followed by his father, Daniel Denton, and the family moved to Henrietta, Jack- son Co., where they remained until Februar>', 1838. While there three of the brothers of D. S. Denton died within two or three months after they had settled, having contracted the " ship fever" on the way. D. S. Denton was then unmarried. At the last named date (February, 1838) the family re- moved to the township of Lyndon, Washtenaw Co., and finally, in the spring of 1842, to the farm in Unadilla upon which David S. Denton now resides. The latter place was originally entered by Mary Winans, a widow, who settled upon it with her family and built a log house. One of her sons, John Winans, now resides in Chelsea, Wash- tenaw Co. A family named Rockwell afterwards occupied the place before Mr. Denton moved upon it. From the south side of the old house, timbers projected for the purpose of buikiing a portico upon. The family clothes-line was fastened, one end to a timber, and the other to a tree. An ox belonging to Mr. Rockwell became entangled in the line one night, and in his efforts to escape pulled the beam partly out, so that one end 3IO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. dropped upon the floor. The family had retired for the night, but the noise and shock aroused them as effectually as an earthquake would have done. In fact, they were frightened into the belief, for a short time, that no smaller calamity could have happened, and flitting forms in nightly robes ran out in the darkness in a frenzy of terror. The cause of the disturbance was soon discovered, however, and they once more sought their beds, but the amount of sleep which fell to their lot during the remainder of the night is not vouch- safed, and their dreams, if dreams they had, were probably filled with wild visions and strange ad- ventures. Mr. Rockwell was subsequently so unfortunate as to lose his reason, yet he lived to the age of eighty-four years. His death occurred in Water- loo, Jackson Co. He occupied tiie house where Mr. Denton now lives only until he could build one on his own place, across the line in Washtenaw County. Stephen Cornell, a Quaker, settled early near the Gregory farm, and died there. He was a politician of some note, and strove usually to secure for himself the best places. , About 1848 he was successful in procuring the appointment of postmaster, and the office was removed to his place from Unadilla. The neighborhood, however, was not sufficiently strong to retain it, and it was sub- sequently moved back to the village. Hatil Sharp settled two miles west of Williams- ville as early as 1834-35, ^'^'^ '^^s sons now living in the township. Orla J. Backus, from Washington Co., N. Y., settled where he now lives in 1837. His brother, Gordon Backus, came in May of the following year, and purchased land of the former, lying on section 21. He lived upon it five years, and finally removed to the place he now occupies on sec- tion 20. Gilbert J. Daniels, another early settler, came here from Orange Co., N. Y., and is still a resident of the town. John and Richard Taylor settled in Unadilla in 1840. The former's wife was the widow of James Tcttley and sister of Robert Brearley. Mr. Tettley located in 1836 on the farm now owned by his son-in-law. George Taylor, the father of Richard, Zachariah, and Christopher Taylor, settled in July, 1 841, on property now owned by his son, Chris- topher, opposite the residence of the latter. Robert Brearley came with Geoige Taylor, and is now living at Williamsville. Abram Taylor, not re- lated to the others of that name who came to the township, settled in 1843. The Taylors, Robert Brearley, and John Asquith all came from the same neighborhood in Yorkshire, England. As- quith, who settled in 1845, is now deceased. Wm. Barrett, who married one of his daughters, lives on the old place. George, Christopher, and Zach- ariah Taylor came in i84i,and the three brothers, Richard, Christopher, and Zachariah, with John and Abram, yet reside in the township. George Taylor died in the fall of 1863. The land upon which these people settled was all wild except the eighty purchased by George Taylor, and that had been slightly improved by a man named Danser, who built a small shant)' upon it. He and his brother, John Danser, both lived in this town a short period ; the former removed to the south- west part of the State, and the latter to Waterloo, Jackson Co. John Jackson, now of Pinckney, settled west of the Taylor places, before the latter families came. His son, James Jackson, now occupies the old farm. Francis Lincoln settled early near the centre of the township, and owned a large amount of land. He moved from here to De.xter, Washtenaw Co., and is yet living somewhere in the State, at an advanced age. With him Mr. Dunn, the first settler at Plainfield, stayed while building his house at the latter place. The forests of this region abounded plentifully with wolves, whose chorus of yells resounded nightly, furnishing music, remarkable more for its volume and variety than for its sweetness and har- mony. Half a dozen wolves would emit such a mi.xture of yells, howls, whines, barks and scratches, that it would seem as though the woods were alive with them. They were perfect ventriloquists, too, and even if a mile away in one direction the listener was always willing to aver that he was closely sur- rounded by them. Clothes left hanging in door- yards were often torn in pieces by these disturbers of the night, and pig-pens were never considered entirely wolf-proof C. B. Westfall, a native of Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., came to Michigan in 1838, and located at Plymouth, Wayne Co., where he resided two years. His father, George Westfall, had come previously from the State of New- York, and pur- chased the farm in Unadilla upon which the son now lives. The elder Westfall never lived in this township; his death occurred at Plymouth. His three sons, Levi, C. B., and Reuben, all settled in Unadilla, — the first named in 1839 and the other two in 1840. Reuben was then unmarried, and lived with his brother, C. B. Westfall, nearly two years. He finally removed to the farm now oc- cupied by John Jackson, where he died. Levi, who lived three-fourtiis of a mile southwest of UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. 311 Plainficld, where his son, Aaron Westfall, now resides, moved finally to Stockbridge, Ingham Co., where he died. He built a tavern at that place, and kept it a number of years. C. B. West- fall and his younger brother, Albert,— the latter of Plainfield, — are the only representatives of their father's family now living in the township. Albert did not move from Plymouth until some years after the others had settled in Unadilla. John Shields, a native of Ireland, emigrated to New York in 1832, and in May, 1836, removed to Michigan from Watertown, Jefferson Co., in the first-named State. For two or three years he lived at Dearborn, west of Detroit, and in 1840 came to Unadilla, and settled north of the place he now occupies. His present farm, on section 14, was first settled and improved by a man named Chip- man, who sold out to Henry Hartsuff. Mr. Shields purcha.sed of the latter. Charles Bullis was one of the earlier settlers in the eastern part of town. His son, Charles E. Bullis, at present resides on section 13. John VVinans, from Albany Co., N. Y., removed with his family to Michigan in 1834, settling in the township of Scio, Washtenaw Co. In April or May, 1836, he came to Unadilla, and took up his residence on land previously owned by George Bennett.* Mr. Winans, who engaged exclusively in farming during his life in this town, resided on this farm until his death, which occurred late in the fall of 1843. In 1845 his widow and son, Edwin B. VVinans, moved into the township of Hamburg, and in the latter, on the south shore of Pleasant Lake, the son now lives. They located at Petteys- ville, where Mrs. Winans died in July, 1852. E. B. Winans worked four years in the carding-mill at the village, owned by S. A. Petteys. He has since become one of the foremost citizens of the county, as he long has been of the township in which he lives. In the fall of 1875 he was elected judge of probate for Livingston County, and entered upon the duties of the ofifice in January, 1876. So rapidly did settlers locate in this township that in 1837 it had a population of 642, and bore the appearance of a much older settled commu- nity. Its villages were flourishing, and its forests were rapidly giving place to cultivated farms. The smoke from the chimneys of the log cabins as-, cendcd from many localities over the territory then included in the township, which embraced what are now Unadilla and Iosco. Previous to the formation of the county, a part of Lyndon, WaslUenaw Co,, was also included. * The pl.ice was more recently owned liy William Wallace, anil is now the property of one of the Re.nsons. The following were prises the township of Ahbotl, Abram. AI)l)ott, Cyremis. Angel, V. R. T. Angel, Henry. Backus, O. J. B.ickus, Gordon. Birney, J.nnies. Birney, Timothy. Bird, William S. licale, Emery. Bullis, William. Bullis, Charles. Bullis, Robert H. Bennett, George. Bird, Uavid. Bullock, Rebecca. Bullock, Hezekiah. Cool, John. Cool, William S. Cool, C. G. Car|ienler, William. Clau'Sun, Levi. Chipman, l.uiher. Ch.ilker, Gideon. Cobb, William .S. Coy, John S. Craig, William. Craig, James. Chipman, .S.rmuel S. Chipman, Lemuel F. Crafis, lidward. Caison, William. Caskey, William S- Chipman, Charles. Cole, Alexander. Davis, George. Davis, William. Davis, Robert. Dunkin, Cliarles. Daniels, Gilbert. Denton, D.miel. Dutton, David. Danser, John. Dyre, Philip. Du Bois, William, Dunn, William IL Ewers, Tillison. Foster, J.ames S. Foster, Jonathan R. Filch, Sela B. Fay, James. Falk, William, Gregory, I'hilander. Goodrich, Joshua. Gieen, Esac, (iladon, Charles. Glenn, Robert. Glenn, Charles. Hase, Lawrence C. Hill, Dudley R. Howell, John. llaworih, Richard. Holmes, D.avid. l(o|)kins, rhilaniler. IJarlsulT, Henry. Isliam, Harry. Ives, Samuel G. |ves, Orrin. residents in what now com- Unadilla in the year 1844: Jackson, John. Kirtland, Joshua. Keenan, Patrick. Lincoln, Francis. Lyman, Clark. Lyman, Hollis F. Livermore, James. Lewis, Artemas. Montague, Alexander S. Morgan, Peter. Mead, William S. M.arshall, Archibald. Montague, Lucas. Marsh, Zenas. McConachie, John. McAlser, Sarah. Mclntyrc, James D. McCabe, Patrick. McCabe, Edward. Noble, Albert C. Noble, George. Noble, Sylvesler G. Pardee, Wheeler. Pyper, Alexander. Richmond, George W. Rodgers, Charles. Riggs, Clinton. Stevens, Henry. Sutton, Hiram. Schenck, William L. Shield, John. Sliles, Henry. Shear, Richard. Sutherland, Solomim. Sulherland, Samuel. .Sutherland, Edward. Sulherland, Thomas. SUicimore, Sarah. Sales, Stephen B. Sharp, Hallic C. Schoonover, James. Secoid, Lorenzo. Sprout, Rowley A. Townsend, Samuel. Thompson, Elijah C. Teiley, Betsey. Topping, Albert G. Top])ing, Alexander. T.aylor, Richard. T.aylor, Isaac. Taylor, John. Titus, Ebenezer. Van Dorn, John B., Esq. Vanatton, Jacob. Van .Sickle, Samuel F. Vanderjiool, William. Wasson, Samuel. Wasson, John. Wasson, Myron H. Westfall, Levi. Westfall, Cornelius B. Westfall, Reuben. Winans, Theron. Walson, John. Wood, .\bner B. Williams, William A. Williams, Amos. 312 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. VILLAGE OF EAST UNADILLA. Field, Junius L. Montague, Luke. Cleveland, J. P. Dixon, D. R. Tultle, Chester J. Babcock, Moses(saw-mill). Taylor, George. Howell, Charles. Hartsufif, Joseph L. Kiithmd, Benjamin. Cornell, Stephen. Among other early settlers in the township, whose names appear on the records of the County Pioneer Society, were the following: Patrick Mc- Leer, native of Ireland, settled November, 1837; T. McLeer, native of Ireland, settled November, 1838; John Wasson, from New York, settled June 18, 1837; Dennis Shields, from Ireland, settled January, 1841 ; J. Cool, settled in 1836; J. Morgan, settled in 1837; J. L. Crosman, 1843; O. Bangs, 1848; John Marshall, 1845; and others, of whom mention will be found in connection with the vil- lages at or near which they located. Many .who were temporary residents of the township, subse- quently seeking homes elsewhere, as the pioneer spirit prompted them, would be named here if aught could be ascertained of them definitely, but it is impossible to learn of all, as in many cases no sources of information exist. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION— CIVIL LIST, ETC. Unadilla was formed, by act of the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan, March 26, 1835, and, as mentioned, included what is now Iosco and a portion of Lyndon, Washtenaw Co. On the 6th of March, 1838, Iosco was set off, — the county having been previously oi'ganized, and the south part assigned to Lyndon, and Unadilla was left in its present shape, including township I north, in range 3 east. By provision of the act erecting this township, its first election was to be held at the house of Elna- than Noble, but it was adjourned to that of Baxter Collins, and the following-named officers were elected: Supervisor, John Drake; Township Clerk, Peter N. Hard; Justice of the Peace, Elnathan Noble;* Treasurer, James Mclntyre; Highway Commissioners, Selah B. Collins, Elnathan Noble, Francis Lincoln. The second annual township-meeting was held April 4, 1836, at the house of Elnathan Noble. At that time it was " Voted, that E. Noble, John Drake, and P. N. Hard be delegates to attend a county convention to nominate county officers." Jan. I, 1844, a license was granted to William S. Mead to keep a tavern in his dwelling-house at the village of Milan (now Unadilla). April 15th, in the same year, a license was granted to C. J. Tuttle " to keep a tavern and vend spirituous liquors * Appointed by Governor Mason. in the house he now occupies in the village of Milan," license to e.xpire on the last day of April, 1845. June 18, 1869, it was decided — by a vote of 104 to I — to raise the sum of ^20,000 in aid to the Michigan Air-Line Railway Company, who should extend their track across this township. The re- sult of this scheme is fully mentioned in other places in this work.f The following is a list of the officers of the township of Unadilla, from 1836 to 1879, inclusive, as compiled from the records : SUPERVISORS. 1836-37, Elnathan Noble; 1838, Solomon Sutherland; 1839, Philander Gregory; 1840-43, John Cool; 1844-46, Heniy Angel; 1847, John C. Stedman ; 1848, Anson Denton ; 1849, John Cool; 1850, W. H. Dunn; 1851, S. B. Reynolds; 1852-53, John C. Stedm.an; 1854, Orla J. Backus; 1855, Theron Winans; 1856, S. B. S.ales ; 1857, John C. Stedman; 1858, William S. Bird; 1S59, Archib.-ild Marshall; 1S60, John Jackson; 1861-62, John C. Stedman; 1863-65, John Jackson; 1866, Stephen B. Sales; 1867, Jonathan B. Foster; l858, Samuel B. Reynolds; 1S69-72, Stephen B. Sales; 1873, H.ilsled Gregory; 1874, WiUi.am W. Wood; 1875, John J. Watson; 1876-77, Jonathan B. Foster; 1878-79, Thomas Hovvlett. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1836-37, Peter N. Hard;]; 1838, Emery Beal ; 1839, John Jack- son; 1840, H trace R. Northruj); 1 84 1-42, Philander Gregory ; 1843-44, Albert G. Topping; 1845, George Taylor; 1846-47, Daniel R. Glenn; 1848, James W, Forshee ; 1849, S. S. Chi|iman ; J 1850, O. D. Chapman ; 1851, William Rounse- ville ; II 1852, Alexander Pyper ; 1853-54, William E. Gregory; 1855, Cyrenus .\bbott; 1856, J. H. Marvin; 1857-58, R. C. Marvin; 1859, William W. Wood; i860, Seth B. Torrey; 1861-62, James Craig; 1863, C. J. Glenn ; 1864-65, S. B. Torrey; 1866-74, James Craig; 1875, Morris Topping; 1876-77, James Craig; 1878-79, Sylvester G. Topping. ASSESSORS. 1836, Jacob Dunn, Francis Lincoln, James D. Mclntyre; 1837, George C. Wood, Lemuel F. Chipman, John Drake; 1S38, John Sutherland, Samuel Townsend, David Bird; 1839, David Holmes, David D. Bird, Samuel Townsend; 1840, Samuel Tetley, S. Townsend, John Sutherland; 1841, S. Townsend, John Jackson, Robert Glenn; 1842, Joim J.ackson, J. L. HartsufT; 1843, Samuel Townsend, Philander Gregoiy; 1844, S. Townsend, William H. Dunn; 1845, Henry Hart- suff, David Holmes; 1846, William H. Dunn, Moses Bab- cock; 1847, John Cool, S. B. Van Size; 1848, J. C. .Stedman, William S. Cool; 1849, J. C. Stedman, O. J. Backus; 1850, James Craig, David Holmes; 1851, D. Dutton, J. C. Sted- man; 1852, S. Townsend, Isaac Taylor; 1859, O. J. Backus, John Cool. COLLECTORS. 1836, James D. Mclntyre; 1837, Samuel G. Ives; 1838, Levi Westfall; 1839, Samuel G.Ives; 1840-41, Van Rensselaer T. Angel. f See histories of Putn.am and Hamburg. J In the latter year Willion Bullis; 1877, Wm. S. Braley; 1878, Wm. A. Williams, D. O. Dutlon ; 1879, Daniel Barton. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1836, Peter N. Hard, John Drake, Jacob Dunn, EInathan Noble, James Tetley; 1837, J.ames Tetley, Gad C. Dibble, William Wright ;* 1838, James Tetley, Gad C. Dibble, David Holmes ; 1839, J. L. Hartsuff, Guilson Morgan, John Winans; 1840, James Tetley, Abraham Abbott, Joseph L. Hartsuff; 1841- 42, James Tetley, J. L. Hartsuff, Alexander Py|ier; 1843, J. L. Hartsuff, Alexander Pyper; 1844, J. L. Rice, A. Beal ; 1845, Alexander Pyper; 1846, George W. Noble; 1847, Alexander Pyper; 1848, Joseph L. Hartsuff; 1849, O. D. Chapman; 1850, Alexander Pyper; 1851, W. W. Wood; 1852, Joseph Hartsuff; 1853, T. McLeer ;f 1854, Joseph L. Ilarisuff; 1855, A. B. Wood; 1856, T. M. Joslin ; 1857, William W. Wood ; 185S, L. Hopkins ; 1859, Jonathan B. Foster; i860, James Shields; 1861, Thomas J. Hays; 1862, Loren Hopkins; 1863, Halsted Gregory ; 1864, Oliver L.Smith; 1865, Halsted Gregory ; 1866, John O. Stedman ; 1867, William D. Hartsuff; 1868, Ira C. Backus; 1869, Geo. Reynolds; 1870, William W. Wood; 1871, Jonathan B. Foster; 1872, Benjamin F. Chipman ; 1873, La Fayette Peet; 1874, Thomas Howlett ; 1S75, Jonathan B. Foster; 1876, John O. Stedman; 1877, Albert II. Watson ; 1878, John O. Stedman ; 1879, William W. Wood. TOWNSHIP SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 1875, Halsted Gregory; 1876-78, William F. Bird; 1876, Eli F. Carr. * Filch Chipman and John Wood chosen at special election, t Also spelled McLear. 40 EARLY ROADS. Tlie following were among the fir.st highways laid out in the township, and the routes of most of tiiem have since been changed. Dunn's road, "commencing at a stake on Tet- ley 's road, south 70 degrees east, 21 chains and 25 links from quarter stake between sections 17 and 18, and terminating at a stake on the north line, 11.50 links from quarter stake between sections 5 and 8, town i iiorti), of range 3 east." Surveyed loth of July, 1835, by John F. Farnsworth, Deputy District Surveyor. Tetley's road, " commencing at a stake on the town line, 12 chains and 50 links north of the quarter stake on section 12, town I north, of range 2 east, and terminating at the quarter stake be- tween sections 20 and 21, in town I north, of range 3 east." Surveyed July 9, 1835. Drake's road, "commencing at a stake on the Dexter road, south 76 degrees west, 28 chains from the quarter stake between sections 2 and 3, town I south, of range 3 east, and terminating on Peterson road, north 48 degrees east, 18 chains and 25 links from the quarter stake between 26 and 27, in town i north, of range 3 east." Sur- veyed July 1 1, 1835. Saw-Mill road, " commencing at a stake on Drake's road, on the east side of the mill-yard, south 62 degrees east, 23 chains and 14 links from the quarter stake between sections 34 and 35, in town I north, range 3 east, and terininating on the De.\ter road, at a stake south 5 i degrees east, 22 chains and 50 links from the quarter stake be- tween sections 33 and 34." Surveyed July 1 1, 1835. The foregoing were all the roads surveyed in the township in 1835. Among those laid in 1836 were a continuation of Nathan Rose's road, altera- tion of Collins and Green's road. Palmer's road, Prospect Hill road, Centre road. Base Line road, Hard's road, Chipman's road, Sutherland's road, Broad Trail road, and Ives' road. The last four were surveyed by Richard Peterson, Jr., and the others by John F. Farnsworth. The latter person, who studied law with Judge Turner in Howell in 1842-43, removed soon afterwards to Kane Co., 111., and became one of its most prominent citizens. He was long a leading legal practitioner, and rep- resented that Republican district fourteen years in Congress. In 1840 what was called the " Beaver Dam Road," angled across the western portion of Una- dilla township, from a point half a mile south of the present school-house in District No. 12, to the farm now owned by John Jackson, thence on to Lansing, Ingham Co. The southeastern termi- nus of the road was at Dexter, in Washtenaw Co. 314 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Its name came from the fact that after passing the Hne between Livingston and Ingham Counties, and in the latter, it crossed an ancient beaver-dam, at the outlet of an extensive marsh. Another early road angled more to the north, across what is now the C. B. Westfall place, finally terminating at Plainfield. From the fact that no underbrush was found in tlie forest, it was possible to see a long distance among the trees, and teams could be driven almost anywhere, e.xcept having occasionally to avoid large trees. VILL.'^GE OF WILLIAMSVILLE. Amos Williams, from the State of Connecticut, came to Michigan in 1833, with his brother-in-law, Eli Rug-ales, to visit relatives in Pontiac, and also called on Nathaniel Noble, an old acquaintance who was living at Dexter. Mr. Williams was a millwright, and at the instance of Mr. Noble came with the latter to examine the privilege the latter had discovered, at what is now Williamsville. The result was that Mr. Ruggles located the 40 acres already mentioned, and the men returned to Con- necticut. In the fall of the same year, Mr. Wil- liams came back, in company with his son, Samuel Williams, his son-in-law, Garry Briggs, and the latter's wife. These were the first settlers in the township, and Mrs. Briggs was the first woman who had set foot within its limits. For four weeks she lived in the wilderness, without seeing anotlier woman of her own color, although Indian squaws were numerous. During that winter the men built a saw-mill, and its operations commenced in the spring of 1834. During the latter year Amos Wil- liams went after his family, returning with them in the fall. Their nearest neighbor, when they first came, was Henry Warner, who lived ten miles southeast, in Washtenaw County. Stephen Ste- venson was, at the same time, building a log house on the shore of North Lake, also in the county named. Indian trails or lines of marked trees were the only highways. January 30, 1837, Darwin N. Edson and the heirs of Curtis Noble laid out a village, and called it Unadilla, the same which is now known as Wil- liamsville. Edson lived in Greene Co., N. Y. The work was done under authority of Elnathan Noble, who was attorney for Edson and the heirs of Curtis Noble. The survey* was made by John F. Farnsworth. The saw-mill stood on the river, south of the village plat. * By an act of the Legislature approved March 25, 1846, all that portion of the recorded plat of Unadilla lying on the east half of the east half of the southwest quarter of section 28 was vacated. No decree of court has been recorded to make this vacation legal, however. Mr. Noble presented a lot to Mrs. Briggs, in honor of her being the first white female inhab- itant of the township, and Mr. Williams built a house upon it for her, in which the Briggs family lived a number of years. Mr. Williams' son, Wil- liam A. Williams, now resides at the village, and a second son, Samuel Williams, is a resident of White Oak, Ingham Co. Large quantities of lumber have been sawed in the old Williams mill, the fiame of which is yet standing, although it has not been in operation for several years. The mill-privilege is said to be an excellent one for a small stream. In the summer of 1847 David Holmes built a store at the village, and filled it with goods the same fall. He and Anson Denton entered into partnership, and conducted business about two years. Mr. Holmes, who was a Baptist deacon, owned a fine farm, but was so unfortunate as to lose it in unprofitable mercantile pursuits. His place is now owned by his son, William S. Holmes. Mr. Denton, Holmes' partner, purchased the latter's interest and moved the merchandise into a room in William A. Williams' house, where he continued in trade for a time. James Jamieson afterwards kept a store about a year in the same place, and since then no efforts have been made in the mercantile line in the village. VILLAGE OF PLAINFIELD. Numerous Indian trails crossed each other at or near the site of Plainfield, and the locality seemed to be a favorite camping-ground among the red men. Cranberries abounded here, and this fact doubtless had its weight. The chief best known to the settlers of this region was " Toag," whose followers could not be kept in hand, and were gen- erally thieving and drunken. Instances are related of their entering houses when the men were away from home, and scaring the women into giving them food, and even clothing. Sometime in 1835, Jacob Dunn and Levi Claw- son started together for the W^est, from Newton, N.J. Mr. Clawson stopped in Ohio, while Dunn came to Michigan, purchased land and settled upon it, being the first to locate on the site of Plainfield. During the following winter Mr. Clawson came to the same place and purchased, and found Dunn living in a log house on the south of his (Dunn's) farm. He learned afterwards that the road was to be laid on the section line north of him, and moved his house to it. Dunn was the only man living at the place when Clawson entered his land. The latter returned to Ohio, and in May, 1837, re- moved with his family to his place at Plainfield, where he has since resided. Brtar^i trnf^Ui UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. 315 In the nienn time Fleet Van Sickel bought land at Plainfield, but soon sold to Philip Dyer, who became the second settler at the place. Dyer was also from New Jersej', and located here in 1836. He and Dunn both kept taverns. The place was originally known as Dyersburg, but upon the establishment of a post-office the name, Plainfield, was given by Mr. Dunn, after a town in New Jer- sey. John Cool and family came with Dyer and located west of the village, where two of his daughters are now living. Samuel Townsend set- tlcil in the fall of 1836 on the farm now occupied by John Van Sickel, who married one of his daughters. Philip Dyer's youngest son, John Dyer, occuj^ies his father's old farm. A daughter of Mr. Dyer is now the wife of A. L. Dutton, living on section 16. David Dutton, from Oneida Co., N. Y., came to Michigan in 1834, and after a short stop in Scio, Washtenaw Co., settled at Lima, in the same county. In May, 1837, he moveti to the farm, half a mile northwest of Plainfield, now occupied by his son, D. O. Dutton. He died May 29, 1867, and his widow makes her home most of the time with her children at Eaton Rapids, Eaton Co., although her sons, D. O. and A. L., in Unadilla, have her company at times. When Fleet Van Sickel sold his place at Plain- field to Mr. Dyer, he paid the money to his brother, Samuel F. Van Sickel, who purchased land southeast of the village, where his son, Edgar Van Sickel, now lives. S. F. Van Sickel came from New Jersey in company with Levi Clawson, and after a short stay in Ohio proceeded to Dex- ter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., finally locating in Una- dilla. One other of his sons, David, lives near Edgar, southeast of Plainfield. Samuel Wasson settled northeast of Plainfield in 1837. The old farm is divided between his two sons, Myron and John, who reside upon it. Mr. Wasson came from a locality about thirtj' miles from Buffalo, N. Y. The first physician in the neighborhood was Dr. Morgan, who came at an early day from Ohio, with his family, accompanied by Mr. Tuttle and family. This was previous to 1839. The doctor was much esteemed by his acquaintances, and ranked high as a physician. After the death of his wife he removed to Indiana. He was the only physician who ever lived here any length of time. He had an extensive ride, ranging into the town- ship of White Oak, Ingham Co. The vicinity of Plainfield was always noted for its hcalthfulness, and Dr. Morgan once remarked that " if it were not for White Oak he should starve to death!" Dr. D. M. Greene located here in the spring of 1879. Albert G. Topping, fiom Cleveland, Ohio, settled in Plainfield in November, 1839, living for a short time in a house on Philip Dyer's place, while building a log house for himself That structure occupied the ground upon which now stands the residence of his son, Morris Topping. When not busy on his own place, Mr. Topping was employed by Dyer. He died in 1844, from the effects of the amputation of his leg, rendered necessary by a white swelling. His son, Morris Topping, in the spring of 1 85 3 built the store he now occupies, and began business in October of the same year, having continued in the same place since that time. He is now the oldest merchant in the place; has also a large stave-factory and coopering establishment, manufacturing about 20,000 barrels per annum. This business was started about 1864. Mr. Topping built his stave-factory first, subse- quently adding a saw-mill, and finally a grist-mill. All were burned about 1875, but the stave-factory and grist-mill have been rebuilt. Steam is the motive power used; the grist-mill has three runs of stone, antl does both custom and merchant work. E. T. Bush has a planing-mill and cider-mill, which have been in operation about ten years. The first store in the village was established by Rice A. Beal, since prominent in his connection with the State University at Ann Arbor. He first appeared as a peddler of clocks, etc., but finally built and stocked a store and managed it a number of years. He went afterwards to Howell, where he owned a fine establishment, and finally removed to Ann Arbor, where he now resides. His father, Emery Beal, settled at Plainfield about 1837. Plainfield post-office was established about 1837 -38, with Emery Beal as postmaster, and was kept in the latter's house. Mail was brought from Milan (Unadilla post-office), the route extending from Ann Arbor, via Dexter, to Unadilla and re- turn. Some mail was afterwards brought in from Mason, Ingham Co. A tri-weekly mail is now re- ceived from Fowlerville, the route extending from Fowlerville to Unadilla. A man named Burnett, who lived east of Plainfield, held the office a short time, succeeding Beal. Rice A. Beal was subse- quently appointed. In 1853, when Morris Top- ping established himself in business, he received the appointment of postmaster, which position he has since retained. The present hotel at the village was built in 1876 by Morris Topping, and its first landlord was William O.xtoby. The present proprietor is A. D. Spaulding, who has occupied it since the fall of 1878. The building is a frame structure, and the first regular hotel in the place. 3i6 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. VILLAGE OF UNADILLA. A village, called " East Unadilla,"* was platted April 14, 1837, the survey being made by Richard Peterson, Jr., but it was not recorded until April 21, 1840. The proprietary names on the plat are Robert Glenn and Thomas G. Sill, — the latter the administrator of the estate of John Drake. The plat, as acknowledged, bears date April 16, 1840. The village was originally locally known as Milan; but when it became necessary to establish a post- office it was ascertained that another office of the same name existed in Monroe Co., and while the office was named Unadilla the village was recorded as East Unadilla, to distinguish it from the Una- dilla mentioned elsewhere. John Drake, the founder and one of the propri- etors of the village, built a dam across the Portage in 1835, and as soon as possible thereafter erected a saw-mill, the lumber used in its construction being sawed at Williams' mill at Williamsville. Robert Glenn had entered the land, and gave Drake 40 acres on which to build his mill and im- prove the water-power. Glenn built a grist-mill in 1838, the same being a part of the mill now stand- ing. It had originally but one run of stones, but a second was afterwards added. Glenn subsequently sold a half-interest to Dr. Field. Others were proprietors at different times, and it finally passed into the hands of the present owner, George Hoy- land, who inserted a third run of stones. Dr. Field, Charles Duncan, and Seth A. Petteys all had shares in the mill at one time with Glenn. Petteys built the grist-mill for Glenn, and afterwards erected a carding-machine in his own interest, but finally abandoned it, owing to the supply of water being insufficient to run all the mills. The old wheel in the grist-mill was a heavy one of the overshot pattern. An improved turbine wheel is now in use. John Dunning, from the town of Byron, Genesee Co., N. Y., came to Unadilla in December, 1846, and entered the mercantile business, and has con- tinued in the same to the present. With the excep- tion of during the first eighteen months after his arrival, he has occupied the building in which he is now located. It is the first frame building erected in the village, and was built by John Drake for the purpose of a store and dwelling. The store — the first in the place — -was kept by Drake & Dibble, and necessarily contained but a small stock. Drake died within a year after the store was built, and its contents were purchased by Mr. Ward, of Ann Arbor, now deceased. Mr. *" Unadilla village" was laid out June 11, 1836, on the east part of section 33, l:)y Mary Winans and Alexander Pyper, the survey Iieing made by John Farnsworlh. This was abandoned, and the vilbge of East Unadilla is known at present as Unadilla. Drake first lived in a log house which stood near his saw-mill in the southwest part of the village, a few rods south of the Presbyterian church. W. S. Livermore, one of the firm of O. H. Obert & Co., at the village, came from Richfield, Tioga Co., N. Y., in 1844, with his uncle, John C. Sted- man, now living north of Unadilla. Since July, 1864, he has been engaged in business with his brother in-law, Mr. Obert. The present brick store occupied by the firm was built in 1873. William Gilbert, from Cayuga Co., N. Y., located in Unadilla village in the spring of 1837, and estab- lished the first blacksmith-shop in the place, on the lot w])ere W. S. IJvermore now resides. The frame of the shop is yet standing on the north side of the creek, whence it was removed and since enlarged. Mr. Gilbert's mother and the wife of Luke Montague were sisters. Mr. Montague, also from Cayuga Co., N. Y., located land both in Unadilla and the township of Lyndon, Washtenaw Co. ; he also purchased some from Aaron Palmer (son of James Palmer, who had settled with his sons, Aaron and Benajah), who is now living in the village. Mr. Montague pur- chased in the fall of 1836, and returned to New York for his family. When they came back in the spring of 1837 Mr. Gilbert was one of the party. Montague settled first on the Palmer place, across the line in Lyndon, and lived there about a year, building a house on liis place in Unadilla in the mean while. In the latter Dr. F"ield lived for a time, afterwards moving into the village and building a house on the hill in the south part. The doctor afterwards moved to the present W. S. Livermore place, where he died. Mr. Montague sold the Palmer place to his son, Alexander Montague, when he moved to his place in Unadilla. One of the characters of this region at an early day was an old man familiarly known as " Deacon" Barnes. He lived to be about ninety years of age, and died a few years since in Ingham County. He lived at Williamsville, and was a blacksmith by trade. With much satisfaction he would relate his apprenticeship experiences, and his stories led his listeners to understand that he served his appren- ticeship before the Revolution. He was a bachelor, and possessed a remarkable memory, but no edu- cation. At one time he was employed in a shop at De.xter, Washtenaw Co. PHYSICIANS. Dr. Junius L. Field, the first physician in the township, was a very popular citizen and an excel- lent physician. For years he was the one sought after by the sick of the vicinity. He was very UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. ■317 careful in Iiis practice, and it has been said of him that his only fault lay in givin. J. Smith, who con- verted it into a hotel and became its first landlord. Several additions to it had previously been built. Mr. Craig has been proprietor since March, 1861. Unadilla Post-Office was established in 1836, with Elnathan Noble, now deceased, as first post- master. The latter's son, Curtis G. Noble, now a resident of the village, was the first mail-carrier, bringing it on horseback from Dexter, and occa- sionally having no other receptacle for it than his pockets. No salary was paid the postmaster, nor any commission (it is said), but he was allowed to take whatever he could make out of the office. Letters from the East brought twenty-five cents each when delivered. The office was located at Mr. Noble's proposed village site, west of what is now Unadilla village. His son, George W. Noble, a hatter by trade, built a hat-shop at that place, and a blacksmith-shop was also built and carried on a short time. The frost of competition nipped Mr. Noble's project in the bud. A sub.sequent change in the location of the road, which had originally followed an Indian trail, left his log house some distance from the highway. His suc- cessor in office was William S Mead, who lived a mile north of the village of Unadilla. About 1848 it is stated to have been taken to a locality northwest of the village, and kept for a short time by the Quaker politician, Stephen Cornell. It was finally permanently located at Unadilla, however, and since July 9, 1 86 1, the duties of the office have been performed by James Craig, the present incumbent. A tri-weekly mail is brought from Chelsea, Washtenaw Co. RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. FIRST PRESUYTLRI.VN CHURCH L\' UN.\DH.L\.* This church was organized Feb. 4, 1837, by Rev. Charles G. Clarke, of Webster, Washtenaw County, with the members named in Mr. Craig's address. In March, 1838, Rev. Mr. Smith became the first pastor, and stayed one year. He was succeeded in 1839 by Rev. D. R. Dixon, who remained several years. In the winter of 1843-44, Rev. Noah Cressy took charge and preached one year, being suc- ceeded by Rev. Mr. Hamilton, whose term of ser- vice lasted nearly two years. The ne.\t pastor was Rev. Josephus Morton, who was succeeded in the summer of 1849 by Rev. Benjamin Marvin. The latter stayed until 1858. Rev. S. Carey, of Stock- bridge, Ingham Co., preached here a short time, but was possibly never regularly installed as pastor. * Compiliil from ihe church record. HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The church at Stockbridge was originally a branch of the one at Unadilla. Rev. Benjamin Franklin became the next pastor, in 1857. Rev. Mr. Alvord came in 1859, and Rev. Mr. Bissell in i860. In September, 1863, Rev. William J. Nutting was in- stalled as stated supply. Rev. Seward Osinga came in 1867, and remained nine years. He was succeeded by Rev. Theodore B. Williams, in De- cember, 1877, and the latter is the present pastor. The brick church now standing was built in 1S46, at a cost of ^1400. Meetings had been held pre- viously in the school-house. The membership, in the latter part of July, 1879, was about 55. A Union Sabbath-school is sustained by the Presby- terians and Methodists. Its superintendent is Alexander Marnock, of the Presbyterian Church. MEl'HODIST EPI.SCOPAL CHURCH, UNADILLA VIL- LAGE.* In 1836-37 a minister of the Methodist denom- ination by the name of George Breckenridge was on the circuit that then embraced this section of country. A little band in sympathy with the views of that church were in tiie habit of gathering to- gether at North Lake, and listening to services held by him when his ride brought him in this region. James Palmer and his wife and Mrs. M. B Palmer, living at East Unadilla, being interested in the cause, attended services at North Lake, at the house of John Glenn, where a class had been formed, of which Charles Glenn was leader. In April, 1837, Mrs. James Palmer and Mrs. B. M. Palmer joined this class, and on their way home the same day, while following the trail, became lost, and wandered for several hours before regain- ing it. At that time they persuaded Rev. George Breckenridge to visit the hamlet at East Unadilla and preach for the.m ; which he consented to do upon his next visit, which was in the fall of the same year. Services were held at the house of Mr. B. M. Palmer. But few families lived in the neighborhood. Notice was sent out, and the few that gathered together at that time were Luke Montague, John Bruyn, John Drake, and their wives, who, together with the Palmers, formed the first con- gregation. The success of tliat first meeting de- termined Mr. Breckenridge to hold this place in the meetings of the circuit. He' preached here several times before a class was organized. Some time in the year 1838, James Palmer, B. M. Pal- mer, Aaron Palmer, and Joseph Hartsuff, with their wives, were constituted a first class. Joseph Hart- suff was chosen leader, but he remained a short time only in that capacity. The class-meetings were held in the house of B. M. Palmer, which * Communicated. Stood where 'Squire G. Palmer's house now stands ; preaching was held in the evening. After Rev. Mr. Breckenridge had finished his term on this circuit he was succeeded by Rev. John Gillette, then a young man, this being his first circuit. He afterwards became one of the foremost men in the denomination in the State. Rev. John Sayre.t an old preacher who held services wherever he could find a congregation, came with Mr. Gil- lette the first time. The ministers all made Mr. Palmer's house their home. Rev. Henry Colclazer was the first presiding elder, and attended the first quarterly-meeting held in this place, at the school- house where Mrs. Anderson's house now stands. The ne.xt quarterly-meeting was held in the grove south of Mr. Obert's house, now the public square. The ministers who succeeded Mr. Gillette were Revs. Mr. Babcock, Adam Minnis (who was the first one to bring his wife with him), John Scotford, Samuel Berrie, Pengally, and others. Stephen B. Sayles was class-leader in 1843. In 1846 the class contained 67 members, with Benjamin Sayles as leader; Rev. Thomas Wakelin and J. W. Don- aldson were then on the circuit. About 185 i Revs. Brockwayand Borden were preaching on the circuit. Rev. L. W. Wells, a revivalist from the East, came through this region and visited this place, and a revival was held which resulted in the conversion of about 100 persons, most of whom remained faithful. Meetings were first held in the school- house, but as the interest increased it was found too small, and the Presbyterian church was used. As many of the congregation at this time lived near what was called Williamsville, it was deemed advisable to remove the class, which was accom- plished, and in 1853 a church was built at that place. In 1855 another class was organized at East Unadilla, and R. C. Barnum was chosen its first leader. They occupied the Presbyterian church every alternate Sabbath until 1870, when they changed their place of meeting to May's Hall, where they remained until Aug. 10, 1873, on which day they dedicated the house they now occupy. The present pastor of the church is Rev. Mr. Clack, who preaches also at Williamsville, and at North Lake, Washtenaw Co. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WILLIAMSVILLE. The class which was organized here in 185 1, or transferred here from Unadilla, consisted of some 30 members, of whom many are since de- f Mr. Sayre lived in Pinckney. He was a hatler by trade, and at an early day worked at it in Dexter, Washtenaw Co. He went to California (luring the great gold excitement, and is said by some to have become reckless and dissipated, and finally died. It is also staled that he was murdered for his money. UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. 319 ceased. The first pastor was Rev. Ransom Good- ell, now also dead. This class, which has a present nicnibcrship of about 25, was the strongest one in the vicinity, until after the completion of the new church at Unadilla. li.M'TIST CHURCH, WHIIAMSYH-I.E. The ori;4inal record of this church is not to be found, and the exact date of its organization can- not be gi\cn, but according to the recollection of some of its older members it was not far from the year 1835. It therefore ranks among tlie oldest religious organizations in Livingston County, if it was not the very first. The original membership was 13, and the first pastor was Elder Brunson, well known to the pioneer Baptists of Michigan. Their present brick chuich was dedicated in 1852. Meetings are still continued, and the society has a respectable membership. The present pastor is Elder Putnam, of Howell. Elder James Pyper, now living in Unadilla village, preached at a very early day. THE PRESBVTERI.W CHURCH AT ri..\I\FIELD was organized June i, 1838, by Rev. C. G. Clark, of Webster, Washtenaw Co., at the house of Levi Clawson, the original members being Levi Claw- son and wife, Samuel Wasson and wife, William S. Caskey, and John B. Van Doren. The first pastor was Rev. H. L. -S. .Smith, and those since have been the same in charge of the Presbyterian Church at Unadilla. Their present neat frame house of worship was dedicated Dec. 8, 1869. The membership is in the neighborhood of 60. A Sabbath-school is sustained, with Robert Gardner as superintendent. METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH, PLAINl'lEIIX This society was organized at the Fulmer school- house, in April, 1852, but was transferred to Plain- field the same year, by order of the Quarterly Con- ference. The original members were G. J. Daniels, wife, and mother, and Benjamin Dutcher and wife. The first pastor was Rev. M. L. Perrington. The present frame house of worship at Piainfield was dedicated Sept. 26, 1878. The membership on the 30th of July, 1879, was about 140, and the pastor, Rev. Samuel Riley, who came in 1876. Cla.sses also exist at the Livermore school-house in Una- dilla, and at the Wilson school-house in Iosco, at both of which places Mr. Riley holds .service, as he does at Parker's, in Iosco township. Sunday- schools are sustained at the various places of meet- ing. The value of the church property at Plain- field, including the parsonage, is ^7500, and at Parker's, S500. Many of the members of this so- ciety are natives of England. Its pastor in 1871 was Rev. R. T. Kellogg, and the church had at that time a membership of 102. Nearly all who formed the original class in April, 1852, are still living. SCHOOLS. The first school in the township was probably taught in a shop belonging to Stephen Cornell, by Alonzo Wood, about 1835. About 1836 a log school-house was built, half a mile west of the site of the present brick building in District No. 1 1, on the farm of Hiram Case. The first teacher therein was Royal C. Barnum. By the time the log house was ready for use the number of children of school age in the neighborhood was considerable. It was several years before the log school-building fell into disuse and a second and more suitable struc- ture was erected. The house now in use is built of brick. At Unadilla village a carpenter, named Murray, had started to build a plank school-house in 1837, but he died before it was finished, and it was not until the spring of the next year that the building was completed, — the work being done by another carpenter, named James Wright. The death of Murray was the first one which occurred in the neighborhood. The school-house stood on the west side of the street, on the hill in the south part of the village, the lot having been given by Robert Glenn. He afterwards gave the district a new- deed for the lot where the school-house now stands. The first teacher was a Miss Chipman ; Miss Samantha Joslin also taught here early. The body of a log school-house was built at Piainfield, in 1837, on ground given by Philip Dyer, being the .same lot on which the present frame school-house stands. The first school was taught in it in 1838 by Lois Bissell, daughter of Mrs. Townsend. She had, in the summer of 1837, taught the first school in the neighborhood in the log house of her stepfather, .Mr. Townsend. The following statement of the condition of the schools of Unadilla for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878, is from the report of the township school inspectors of that date: Niiuiher of whole districts 7 " fractional districts 2 " children of school age 322 Attendance for year 291 Number of school-houses (brick, 4; frame, 5) 9 Value of property S3050 Number of mile te.ichers 7 " female tcicliers 11 Total paid male teachers S635.50 " " female teachers S667 Total receipts for year $2042.70 Amount on hand Sept. 2, 1878 264.81 Total expenditures, less amount on hand 51777.89 320 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. CEMETERIES. The cemetery at Unadilla village is located on the county line, partly in Washtenaw County. The land was given for use as a public burial- ground by Luke Montague and Royal C. Barnum. The first burial in it was that of the English carpenter, Murray, who, as stated, died in 1837, while eneasred in buildingr the first school-house at that place. A piece of land included in the village plat at Williamsville was purchased by Leonard Backus about 1850, and laid out by him into a ceme- tery. He sold a number of lots, but finally gave the property to the Methodist Episcopal society. The first burial in it was that of the body of James Schoonover. Burial-grounds on the Williams and Bullock farms had previously been used, but were private property. The first death in this part of the township was that of S. Dutcher, and the sec- ond that of the wife of Hilliard Dunn, the two occurring not far apart, at a very early date after the first settlement. The ceni,etery at Plainfield was taken from the Dyer property about 1838-39. The first death in that vicinity was that of a man named Welsh, from the State of New York. His grave was begun on the south side of the road, but before it was com- pleted Mr. Dyer offered to give half an acre of ground from his farm for a cemetery. The grave was accordingly dug on the site given, and Welsh was the first person there interred. The cemetery is now filled with graves, and marble headstones are reared over the remains of many of the early and prominent settlcis of the county. STATISTICAL. From the Michigan State census of 1874 are made the following extracts to show the condition of the township forty-one years after its first settle- ment : Population (5J5 m.ile*, 531 females) 1,066 Niiniliei of acres of taxaMe land in township 21,627 " " land owned by individuals and com- panies 21,639 " " improved land 12,626 " " lanil exempt from taxation 12 Value of same, with improvements 814,200 Number of acres in school-house sites 4 *' " church and parsonage sites 4 ** •' butying-grounds. 4 " " of wheat raised in 1S74 2,875 1873 2,738 " " of corn " '• 1,148 " Inisliels of wheat raised in 1873 32,560 <:o™ " " 57. '95 " " all other grain raised in 1873 25,399 ** " potatoes raised in 1873 4.737 " tons of liay cut in 1873 3,084 " pounds wool sheared in 1873 46, '73 " " i>ork marketed in 1873 56,127 '* ** butler made in 1873 33,825 " " fruit dried for market in 1873 30,014 " barrels cider made in 1873 364 " acies in orchards 495 Number of bushels apples raised in 1872 21,567 >fi73 23,760 " " other fruit raised in 1872 146 1873 u6 Value of fruit and garden vegetables, 1872 $4,669 1873 S5,o55 Number of horses one year old and over in 1874 462 " mules, 1874 2 " work oxen, 1874 12 " milch cows in township, 1874 427 '* neat catlle one year old and over, other than oxen and cows, 1874 555 " sheep over six mouths old, 1874 9, 180 " " sheared in 1S73 9,330 Number of flou ring-mi lis i Persons employed in same 2 Capital invested $6,000 Number of barrels fiour made 800 Value of products $4,800 Number of sawmills i Persons employed 2 Capital invested $4,000 Feet of lumber sawed 350,000 Value of pioducts $3,500 Number of planing- and turning mills I Persons employed 6 Capital invested $2,500 Value of products $3,500 Stave-, heading-, and bairel-faclory I Persons employed 12 Capit.il invested $8,000 Value of products $15,000 Among the many in this township who have furnished information to the historian, and to all of whom are returned his sincerest thanks for their kindness, are the following : John C. Stedman, Mrs. Joseph L. Hartsuff, W. S. Livermore, John Dunning, William Gilbert, James Craig, John Wat- son, Halsted Gregory, Sylvester G. Noble, David S. Denton, William A. Williams, A. L. Dutton and his mother, Christopher Taylor, Robert Brear- ley, Mrs. Gordon Backus, C. B. Westfall, Levi Clawson, Morris Topping, John Shields, and Hon. Edwin B. Winans, of Hamburg. Pastors and mem- bers of the various churches have contributed to the work, and a generous fund of information, deemed reliable, is herewith presented to the reader. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. PHILANDER GREGORY was born in Danbury, Conn., March 31, 1807. His father, Joseph Gregory, served with distinction as a fiist lieutenant in Captain Dunlap's battery in the war of 18 1 2. The battery was raised in Schenec- tady. Lieutenant Gregory was with his command in several engagements, and at Plattsburg was in command of the battery, which did effective ser- vice in the engagement. After the close of the war Lieutenant Gregory removed to Albany, N. Y., and for several years followed his business, — that of tanner and currier, — and was very successful. He engaged afterwards in the same business in Schenectady for four years, but, meeting with re- UNADILLA TOWNSHIP. 321 verses and being well along in years, lie sold out and joined his son Philander, in Rochester, N. Y., with whom he resided until iiis son's removal to Michigan. He remained in Rochester until his death in 1841. Philander received a common-school education and learned his father's trade. His start in life was made in Rochester, in the glove and mitten busi- ness, at which he has worked more or less until the past year. In 1836 his brother purchased for him, of the government, the west half of the south- east quarter of section 21, in Unadilla. On the i6th day of July of the same year he was married to Miss Martha Halsted, a daughter of Jacob and Re- becca (Marsh) Halsted, of Johnstown, N. Y., and in August of the following year he, with his wife and infant child, came to the wilderness home. It was then entirely new, as was the most of the town- ship. There were then but few neighbors save the Indians, and no roads. Deer and other game were plenty, the deer often going through their door- yard. A frame house was soon built, and the day that saw his family settled in it was the happiest of his life, as vouched for by Mr. Gregory himself For several years after their advent in the woods Mr. Gregory kept the wolf from the door by making gloves and mittens, which found a ready sale among the new settlers. In this work he was assisted by his wife, who made the mittens while he tanned the leather. The little frame house has been replaced with a handsome stone structure, while to the eighty acres first bought he has added until he now owns a splendid farm of two hundred and forty acres under good improvement. The forest which surrounded him then has given place to fine farms and luxurious homes. Mr. Gregory, sur- rounded by all the comforts of life, and held in high esteem by his neighbors and friends, — having passed the time of life allotted to man, — is quietly and peacefully passing the evening of his life. MORRIS TOPPING. Among the early settlers of Unadilla township there are none who have done more to advance the best interests of the town than Morris Top- ping. He was born in Turin, Lewis Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1827. His father, Albert G. Topping, married Miss Maria Walters. He was an extensive farmer, and resided in New York until 1837, when he moved to Parma, Ohio. In 1839 he moved into Unadilla, and settled near what is now Plain- field village, where he died, in 1844. Morris re- mained with his father until he was nineteen, working on the farm and attending school. After the death of his father he taught school three 41 winters, and then assumed the management of the farm. In 1853 he opened a store in Plainfield, which may be called the first one there. In i860 he added to his business the manufacture of staves and barrels, which he still carries on quite exten- sively, and which gives employment to a large force of men. The wants of the community in- duced him, in 1867, to erect a saw-mill, which was followed, in 1873, by the erection of a grist-mill. Two years after, both mills were destroyed by fire, and with them a large quantity of wheat. There was no insurance, and b)' this misfortune Mr. Top- ping lost heavily ; but, nothing daunted, he soon replaced the mills with new and more commodious buildings. The grist-mill contains three run of stones, and is doing both a custom and merchant business. He has also erected a hotel, blacksmith- and wagon-shop, and is now building a large store. To both of the fine churches in the village Mr. Topping has been a liberal subscriber. There is also in the village a planing-mill, cider-mill, three stores, two blacksmith-shops, and other places of business. It is an enterprising village, much of whose prosperity is due to the energy of Mr. Topping, who owns two-thirds of the village, — at least of its valuation. In politics Mr. Topping is and ever has been a Democrat. He has been postmaster of the village twenty-five years, also justice of the peace and town clerk. Dec. 25, 1847, he was married to Miss Ellen Richmond, who was boin March 28, 1826, and is a daughter of Geo. W. and Laura (Madison) Topping. Their union has been blessed with three children, as follows: Sylvester G., born Oct. 28, 1848; George W., born Sept. 2, 1850, died Nov. 22, 1851 ; and Jennie M. D., born June 23, 1869. DAVIU D. BIRD was born in the town of Mansfield, Warren Co., N. J., March 4, 1813. His fjither, Furman Bird, who was born in New Jersey, had a family of ten children, of whom David D. was the sixth. About the year 1833, the elder Bird with his family emi- grated to Michigan, and located on eighty acres of land near Ann Arbor, then but a small village. On this farm he resided until his death, which oc- curred in 1840. David D. was twenty years old when his. father came to Michigan. He worked on his father's farm summers and attended the dis- trict schools winters, after he was large enough to do so, as did most farmer-boys of that day. In October, 1835, he came to Unadilla township and bought of the government one hundred and forty acres, a part of section 30. A log house was soon built, and he at once commenced to clear and im- 322 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. prove his land. At that time Unadilla was an almost unbroken forest. In the vicinity of Mr. Bird's farm there were no roads or bridges, and in going to or coming from it, streams had to be forded, persons often getting mired, and enduring hardships that would appal the average young men of to-day. In 1839, Mr. Bird married, and brought his young wife to the new home. Up to this time he had either hired a family to keep house for him or had kept bachelor's hall. He commenced life without a dollar, and at the time his land was \ bought he had only enough to pay for a portion of it ; yet the young couple never despaired of ulti- mate success, and toiled on. Yet they experienced in those times some of the happiest days of their lives. White neighbors were few and widely scat- tered, while the Indians still roamed over the coun- try. Mr. Bird has lived to see the wild land he then bought, change into a finely-cultivated farm, now embracing over three hundred acres, mostly the work of his own hands ; and the township which was then so new and wild, he has seen grow into a thickly-settled and prosperous town. In politics Mr. Bird was in an early day a Democrat, but sub- sequently became an Abolitionist, and later a Re- publican. He has been a member of the church over forty years, and is now connected with the Baptist denomination. He has done much to ad- vance the cause of religion in his township, and now lives in the hope of a better world beyond this. On the 6th day of March, 1839, he was joined in marriage to Miss Agnes Pyper, daughter of William and Agnes (Dodge) Pyper. She was born in Scotland, Sept. 12, 1816. Her parents were natives of Scotland. In 1833 they emigrated to America, and for three years lived in Connecticut. In 1836 they came to Michigan and settled on eighty acres of land in Unadilla, where they re- sided until their death. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bird six children, as follows: William F., born Aug. 24, 1840; Agnes D., born April 14, 1843, deceased ; Mary E., born March 26, 1845; Almira R., born Jan. 25, 1848; Chambers D., born Aug. 24, 1850; and Justin V., born July i, 1853. Mr. Bird has retired from active business, and leaves the management of his farm to his son. In possession of more than a competency, surrounded by his family and friends, respected and esteemed by all, he is passing his days, and looks back upon a life well spent with scarce a regret. GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP. The township of Green Oak is entitled to dis- tinguished mention among the townships of the county of Livingston not only from the period of its settlement, which, with one exception, ante- dates that of any other township in the county, but from the influential position it has maintained in its political and social relations. This is mainly owing to the character of its inhabitants, whose broad and fertile acres are evidence of their in- dustry, as their attractive houses are indicative of taste and intelligence. Green Oak was one of the first three townships organized, having been erected by act of the Territorial Legislature, March 17, 1835, and included at that time townships Nos i and 2, north of range 6, east of the principal meridian, and embracing the territory now known as Green Oak and Brighton, the first meeting of the townships for the election of officers being held at the house of Isaac Smith. The first settler in the township was Stephen Lee, who came from Western New York to Mich- igan, September, 1830, and entered 80 acres on section 20. With him came his wife and childi'en, two sons of whom, Charles S. and Solomon, occupy the paternal acres, while another son, Hannibal Lee, resides near by on the same section. Mr. Lee and his sons, on their arrival, immediately turned their attention to the erection of a log house, which was the first in the township, and then devoted themselves to breaking up and im- proving the land, upon which a crop of wheat was sown that afiforded them the means of subsistence the following year. In the month of June of the following year Moses Gleason entered 80 acres on section 19 with a view to settling, but soon after, the Black Hawk war cast its terrors over the neighborhood, and Mr. Gleason regarded the presence of Indians a-i not altogether conducive to safety or happiness. He never resided upon his land, but found a home in Washtenaw County, which was more thickly populated and less frequented by red men. Mr. GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP. 323 Gleason was the first clergyman who held service in the township. He was a local jjreacher of the Mctliotlist l'45iscopal Church, and the first month of his arrival, June, 1831, conducted a religious service at the house of Stephen Lee, the family of Benjamin Curtis, together with Mr. Lee's house- hold, being his only hearers. Daniel Appleton entered at the same date with Mr. Gleason 160 acres on the same section, but, apparently influenced by a like dread of Indians, he took up his residence in Northficld. This land came subsequently into the possession of Isaac Appleton by the payment of ;^50 to a young man who was a ward of his father's, and resided in his family. Asahel Hubbard finally became the pur- chaser of half of this tract, while the remaining 80 acres was purchased by Hannibal Lee, and now forms a portion of his estate. Benjamm Curtis came but a few days later than Mr. Lee, and entered, Oct. 6, 1830, 67 acres on sec- tion 20, just across the road from Mr. Lee's. He was a mechanic, and soon after his arrival built a log house and improved the land, which he resided upon until his death. Isaac Appleton entered, Oct. ::6, 1830, just twenty days after Stephen Lee's arrival, 127 acres on section 17. He was e.Kceedinglj' fond of sport, and the following spring built upon the banks of the Huron River a cabin for the purpose of shoot- ing ducks as they congregated on the shores of the river. It was so arranged that, by concealfng himself within the inclosure, he was able to secure them in large numbers as they were decoyed within rang^. With the game which he shot and the bread which Mrs. Lee baked for him, he was able to spread an epicurean repast before the friends who visited his bachelor quarters. One of the restless, energetic spirits of the early days of Green Oak, who also early broke the soil of Brighton, was Sherman D. Di.x, who entered, May 14, 1832, 82 acres of laiui on section 17, and boarded with the family of Mr. Lee. Hannibal Lee aided him in breaking up 40 acres, but dis- covering in Brighton a wider scope for his powers, at the expiration of a year he removed thither, having sold his land, with its improvements, to Thomas Sargent. Dix was a Bostonian, and when a boy was sent to a school in the suburbs of the city. But his restive spirit would not brook the restraints of a school-room, and his active brain, always fertile in resources, readily devised some scheme whereby he might extricate himself from its confined surroundings. He took a chicken from the master's coop, cut off its head, and al- lowed the blood to run into a vial he had prepared. He then repaired to his room and, feigning illness, sent for his father. On the arrival of his parent he immediately had a paroxysm of coughing, ac- companied by very dangerous symptoms and ap- parent hemorrhage. He was inmiediately released from study and taken home. Fresh air and active exercise was recommended, and a farm was pur- chased in Michigan. The school-boy was trans- formed into a pioneer. The paternal Di.x was a large boot- and shoe-manufacturer, and among the chattels which young Dix brought with him was a bo.x of those necessary articles, which he disposed of to the neighbors. It was his especial delight to visit the bachelor quarters of Mr. Ap- pleton on foraging expeditions. This gentleman before departing for the fields would prepare his frugal noonday meal, which consisted of a bowl of bread and milk, the crusts meanwhile becoming thoroughly soaked. Dix would help himself to what was to be found, and then quietly enjoy his friend's discomfiture. Nathaniel Potter, a Quaker, entered 40 acres adjoining that of Sherman D. Di.x, in May, 1832. Dix broke up 10 acres for him, and received in re- turn a yoke of o.xen. He did not build a house or take up his residence upon the farm, and finally sold the land. J. B. Hammond entered, in May, 1831, 160 acres on section 35, and 80 acres on section 34. A year and a half later he removed from Livingston Co., N. Y., with his brother, to his Western home, and immediately erected a shanty, in which they found a comfortable abode. Their nearest neighbors at this time were Charles Place, on the southerly side in Northfield, and Stephen Lee and his sons, who were located five miles northwest. A school-house was earl)' built in this vicinity, which stood just across the township line in Northfield. As nearly as can be ascertained the first school- house was built in the centre of section 10, in the year 1834. The building, like all others of that early period, was constructed of logs, and the ground upon which it stood was afterwards pur- chased by John Yerinton. Another early school was that taught by Miss Mary Olds in a log school-house on section 3, near the Brighton township line. One hundred and twenty acres was purchased by George Gready, who came from Bristol, England, in 1832, and first settled in Oak- land County. Later he removed across the road into Brighton, his nearest neighbor at the time being Thomas Dunlap, ofthe former county. Mr. Gready still resides upon this farm, which he has improved and greatly increased in value. Robert Warden left Greenock, Scotland, in Au- gust of the year 1832, for the United States, and after sojourning for a brief time in Onondaga 324 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. County, purchased, in May, 1S33, in connection with the late Governor Kinsley S. Bingham, the west half of section 12, embracing 320 acres, and entered by Jay Ohnsted. Soon after they entered additional land from the govern- ment. Upon their arrival they were domiciled with Joseph Loree, until a log house in process of erection was completed, when they established themselves in it, Mr. Warden living with Mr. and Mrs. Bingham until 1849. They came to their land by way of Whitinore Lake, Mr. Bingham driving the oxen, while Mr. Warden looked after the horses. A coat belonging to one of them contain- ing $500 was carelessly thrown on the wagon and lost on the way. After much search it was dis- covered by a settler, who, being into.xicated, was not aware of its contents. Few men who were in public life a quarter of a century since have left more honored memories than Governor Bingham. He was a practical farmer, and remarkably success- ful in agricultural pursuits ; skilled in public affairs, and happy in his power of harmonizing his con- victions with the strong current of popular feeling. Beginning with the minor office of postmaster of his township, he rose steadily, being elected first judge of probate of the county, then representa- tive in the State Legislature, to which position he was four times chosen, and thrice elected speaker of the House; in 1S46 elected to Congress, re- elected the following term, and in 1854 and 1856 elected Governor. In 1859 he was elected United States Senatoi-, and served but two years, being attacked with apoplexy, which occasioned his death, October, 1 861, in Green Oak. He was a man of strong convictions, and in his various public offices dis- played a soundness of judgment well calculated to promote the best interests of the State. In the contest on the slavery question, which followed his re-election to Congress in 1848, he offered strenuous opposition to the extension of slavery into the Territories, and in this he stood alone among the representatives from his own State. His record during this term confirmed him in the popular regard, and made him the people's choice for Gov- ernor. His death was a source of universal and profound sorrow. A. W. Olds arrived in the Territory in 1832, and came to the township in 1833. He at first pur- chased 80 acres of land that had been previously entered by David Meach. and later added to it until his farm embraced an area of 440 acres. On this land he built a saw-mill the year of his arrival, which was the second one erected in the county. Mr. Olds, upon being requested to recall some reminiscences regarding his early settlement, could think of nothing of consequence, except that he on one occasion chased three bears on horseback. This, however, he regarded as a trivial circum- stance, in which the writer agreed, since no blood was shed on cither side. Few of the pioneers of Michigan attained so venerable an age as did William Lemon, who died in January of the present year, aged ninety-eight years He left Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1831, and arriving in the State entered 293 acres on section 31 in May of that year, and was the third settler in the township. He reached Green Oak via Detroit and Ann Arbor, which latter place was at that date little more than a hamlet, having but one store and a bakery, which Mr. Lemon, finding empty, rented for two weeks for his family, while he went in search of land with Harris Seymour, whom he met bound upon the same errand. Having made his location, he moved his family temporarily into a shanty on the east side of Whit- more Lake, in Washtenaw County, while a shanty was being built for their permanent abode. In the winter, when more leisure was afforded him, he prepared timber for the erection of a spacious log house. At the raising of this house, on four successive days people came from Ann Arbor and the adjacent country, who rendered valuable assist- ance. Soon after the Black Hawk war was in- augurated, and the settlers becoming alarmed at the presence of Indians, who, in the event of a successful campaign, might prove dangerous, the whites repaired to Ann Arbor for safety, the formers meanwhile burying their farming imple- ments to prevent their destruction. Mr. Lemon's oldest son was drafted for this war, which draft happily terminated with no fatal result. When the family started they provided themselves with a year's provisions, and had also a yoke of oxen and two cows. The latter proved a source of much tribulation to them, having disappeared soon after their arrival. A diligent search was insti- tuted, but the wandering bovines were not discov- ered until the following October, when they were found staying very contentedly in Ann Arbor. Mr. Lemon shot forty deer in one winter, which were hung from the beams in the house until dis- posed of otherwise. George Galloway came in 1833, and located on what is now known as the Fields farm, but later moved to Hamburg, on the border of Pleasant Lake. At this period, for three successive years the wheat crop failed, and rye bread was the uni- versal diet, which, however wholesome, was not altogether palatable for constant use, and the year that again brought abundant wheat-harvests was remembered with blessings by the settlers. GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP. 325 The first social event of distinction that occurred ill the township was the marriage, in 1834, of Mr. Hannibal Lee to Miss Mary Hubbard, both of Northfield, which at that time embraced the terri- tory of Green Oak. This was the occasion of a double wedding, Mrs. Lee's sister being united at the same time to Mr. Lee's brother, and Stephen Lee's house being the scene of the festivities. The first male child born was George Ham- mond, the date of that event being Sept. 17, 1823. The same year occurred the birth of Miss Ann Appleton, but the exact day when the young lady made her t/iiwi it is not possible to state. The year which witnessed the happy bridal gathering in the household of Mr. Lee was pre- ceded by an event which for months cast its dark shadow over the family circle. In March. 1833, death entered their happy abode, and Eliza, daugh- ter of Stephen Lee, was laid in the first grave that was made within the bounds of the township. The earliest instruction given to the youth of the township was not preceded by tiie erection of a school-house. A log house was early built by George H. Emmons, on the banks of the Huron, on section 17, and in this structure Miss Hannah Lee assembled the children of the neighborhood, and laid for them the foundation of knowledge. The good work was later continued by Miss Char- lotte Farnsworth, now Mrs. J. M. H olden, who lived at the house of Mr. Hannibal Lee. Isaac Penoyer purchased 80 acres entered by Moses Gleason, and in 1834 added to it 80 acres on section 19. An earlier settler than he, and a most eccentric character, was James Love, who located, December, 1832, upon 71 acres on section 20, now occupied by Carl Woods. George H. Emmons entered 40 acres of land, now embraced in the farm of Giles Lee, on section 20. The far- mers of the township were made happy in 1834 by the arrival of a blacksmitii in tiieir midst, in the person of John A. Van Camp, who shod their horses and sharpened the plow-irons, which had been previously carried to Ann Arbor or Dexter for the purpose. Linus Clark came from Madison Co., N. Y., in 1833, and located upon 140 acres that had been previously purchased by his father, Norman Clark, of David Meach, who made the entry from gov- ernment. It was in the southwest portion of sec- tion 26, and was entirely unimproved. Mr. Clark, however, began immediately the work of clearing the land and making a home for himself, residing in the mean time with Isaac W. Olds. Ambrose Alexander entered, in December, 1833, 80 acres on section 8; in June, 1834, 80 acres on section 6 ; and the same month and year, 40 acres on section 29. He rode from Orleans Co., N. Y., on horseback, and arrived on the fifteenth day upon section 8, where he built a log house, improved the land, and resided there until his removal to Barry County, his present residence. Cornelius Corson came from Canandaigua, N. Y., with his son, in 1834, and entered 80 acres on sec- tion 14. Arriving at Detroit from the East, they hired a wagon in the city, which conveyed them safely to their destination. Mr. Corson had $100 on his arrival, with which he purchased land, and nothing was left with which to tran-;port his family. They possessed, however, the stuff of which the true pioneer is made, and sold a sufficient amount of their household goods to pay their way. Pack- ing the remainder, they started for Michigan, and began the life of toil and deprivation which ulti- mately led to prosperity. The son, W. D. Corson, now occupies the homestead, and has added to his acres until they number 320. Arnold Hays came also in 1834. and entered 160 acres adjoining Mr. Corson. His sons, Whitacre and -Schuyler, now occupy the farm. Jonathan Burnett c.ime in June, 1834, and en- tered 80 acres on section 19. Mr. Burnett is a Connecticut man by birth, though Tompkins Co., N. Y., was his home before emigrating to Michi- gan. He came with his family 7'ia Detroit, and having two brothers in Hamburg, remained with them until he had completed a log house on the land upon which he has since resided. Miss Clough, a sister of Mrs. Burnett, was one of the earliest teachers, having taken charge of the school in Mr. Stephen Lee's neighborhood soon after its commencement. Caleb Sawyer and E. W. Biockway each entered 66 acres on section 30, the latter having made his purchase in November, 1833, and the former in May, 1834. Tiiey both erected log houses, and began the process of preparing their land for the abundant harvests which afterwards rewarded tiieir labors. In April, 1833, William C. Ruiiisey entered 120 acres on section 5, and 40 acres on section 6. In that and the following year Royal C. Rumsey entered 80 acres on section 5, and 80 on .section 10. After a life of industry, which gained him a competence, he retired to the village of Brighton, where he now resides. In 1835 occurred the famous Toledo war, involv- ing a question of boundary, which considerably agitated the people of Green Oak township. A militia company had been organized, and from this six men were drafted, and prepared themselves for the fray. No blood was shed, however. John Hooper left Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1835, 326 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. and subsequently entered 80 acres on section 25. The first year he broke up 10 acres and made other improvements. Later he added to his estate until it now embraces 200 acres, a portion of it being on section 6, upon which he resides. At the annual township election in 1836 the Territorial and State parties came into conflict on the question of jurisdiction. The Territorial law required a year's residence in the county and the payment of a tax before voting, and the State law required but six months' residence. The majority of the Board were Territorial men, and a man who lacked but a month of being a year in the county was deprived of the franchise. The Supervisor withdrew from the Board, and issued a proclamation in accordance with the State law, and organizing a Board proceeded to a barn and opened the polls (the election being held at the house of John W. I'eavy), the State party, or " barn party" as it was called by some, casting two tliirds of the township votes. In consequence of this, the township was provided with two sets of officers, both striving to do their duty, making out two sets of assessment rolls and other papers necessary for the proper execution of the law. At the special election, held September 12th, to elect delegates to the convention to meet at Ann Arbor to accept or reject the terms of Congress for the admission of Michigan into the Union, Green Oak held elections in two places and sent up two canvassers and two poll-lists. William C. Rum- sey represented the State party, and Isaac C. Smith the Territorial. As county officers elected under the Territorial law could not legally canvass votes for State officers, their returns were rejected. A suit in replevin for the books and papers belonging to the town had been previously brought and ad- journed for three months, the extent of the law. The trial was to occur the next day. Meanwhile an amicable arrangement was effected ; the contest was abandoned, all parties shaking hands, believ- ing that each had acted in good faith. A harmo- nious general election occurred in the township in the following November. In the year 1826, Jarvis Gage came to the Terri- tory, and in 1837 settled on 120 acres in Green Oak, which he had entered in 1833. Mr. Gage relates many interesting experiences in connection with his early life in the county. He had much to do with the Indians, who were very numerous at the time of his settlement here, and he frequently accompanied them on their hunting expeditions. He found them generous, kind-hearted, and peace- able when not fired by liquor, which the white traders would, in defiance of law, smuggle into their camps. The first winter of Mr. Gage's ar- rival they tanned for him twenty-five deer-skins, the charge for which was two quarts of corn for each skin. These were converted into clothing, it being not only less expensive but much more durable than cloth. Mr. Gage still lives upon the ground he entered from government, and by in- dustry has brought it to a high state of cultivation. In July of 1836 there arrived a pioneer from Livingston Co., N. Y., who materially influenced the destinies of the township of Green Oak by the enterprise and perseverance he manifested on his arrival, and, in fact, during the whole of his busi- ness career. This settler was William W. Dean, who now resides upon 200 acres on section 26. He originally entered 80 acres on section 22, and 40 on section 23. Mr. Dean was formerly engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York State, at an early day when the means of transportation for packages of value were not easily obtained as at present. The insurance on his stock having ex- pired, he had set apart funds for a renewal of the policy, and was awaiting the call of a neighbor who was to convey it to its destination. He forgot the errand, and that night a fire occurred which left not a trace of his former possessions. Immediately after this disaster, Mr. Dean set out for the West, entered his land in Green Oak, and broke up 30 acres. Readily discovering a field for trade in his neighborhood, he purchased, in connection with James Hanchett, a stock of goods, and opened what was known as the Green Oak store on section 21, embracing a general assortment of goods for the country trade. Soon after, he built a saw-mill which supplied the wants of the country within a radius of many miles, and in one year sawed 1,500,000 feet of lumber. After building the saw- mill, Mr. Dean found himself in debt to the amount of $1500, but with the indomitable energy which is peculiar to him, he soon liquidated this, and placed the balance on the favorable side of the ledger. In 1840 he began the erection of a grist- mill, which still does a flourishing business under the management of the Messrs. Weatherhead. John Farnsworth entered 67 acres of land in July, 1836, and removed to it with his family, among whom was his son John, who afterwards achieved distinction in the field of politics, and became a member of Congress. Mr. Farnsworth later dis- posed of his farm to J. M. Holden, and removed to one of the Western States. Jesse Truesdell came in 1842, and purchased 160 acres of William Kernan, on sections 29 and 30. With him came two sons, Zelotes and Ger- shom, the latter of whom still occupies the farm, which is mainly devoted to the raising of fruit. Peter and David Galatian, who occupy a farm GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP. r~7 on section 20, arrived in the county with their fatlier. He at first rented a farm of Bishop Samuel McCoskry, who entered much hind in the neigh- borhood. Philip Roper left England, iiis native land, in 1850, and four years later purchased 100 acres on section 28. Though occupied, at a late period the land was still unimproved. Mr. Roper built a log house, and in 1874 erected his present substantial home. Among others who entered land in the township at an early date were John W. Peavy, who pur- chased 88 acres on section 2, in May, 1833; John S. Beach, Joseph Cole, and Elihu Russel, who en- tered land on the same section in 1835 ; Joseph L. Briggs, Wm. Russel, Samuel Cole, and Ansel Clark, who entered land on section 3, and became residents ; and J. Harrison Coe, who entered 80 acres on the same section and one adjoining, and later removed to Brighton, where he introduced the combined thresher and separator now in gen- eral use among farmers throughout the county. Horace Cutter entered 80 acres on section 7 in 1834, and Orlando Fuller 147 acres on the same section the following year. Ira Jennings entered land on sections 8 and 9 in 1836, and Isaac Smith on the same sections four years earlier. Terence Roe entered 80 acres on section 9 in 1836, and Jason Clark 200 acres on the same section in 1835. Warren Parker, Thomas Hanmer, Enos Cole, and Gilbert Bedell were pioneers on section 11; Patrick McManus, Michael Casey, and Patrick Brady came to the county in 1834, and located on section 15. George H. Elmmons and George Bur- nett purchased on section 20; and Oliver Carpen- ter, in 1832, entered 40 acres on section 21 ; Rich- ard Torrey and William Hagadorn bought each 40 acres on section 24 ; Leroy H. Burt entered 40 acres on section 28 in 1836; Edward F. Olds, 120 on the same section in 1833 ; Gilbert C. Bedell, on the same section, 80 acres in 1836; and Henry Stansell, 40 acres the same year. Levi Knight bought 80 acres on section 29 in October, 1836. Jason De Wolf entered, in October, 1834, 40 acres on section 30. Thomas Tuthill purchased 80 acres on section 31 in 1833; George Galloway, 80 acres the same year; and Caleb S. Field, 40 acres, in 1836, on the same section. John Garrison entered 120 acres on section 32 in 1837 ; and E. S. Field, Isaac Ela, and J. L. Tut- hill land on the same section. Manly Smith en- tered, in November, 1831, 80 acres on section 35 ; and Thomas Malone, 120 acres on section 36 in 1836. These gentlemen all settled and resided upon their lands. Much land was taken up by other parties for purposes of speculation. The following is an dent tax-payers in th the year 1844: Alexander, Ambrose. Alltel, Alii.ih. Alderm.nn, Hcirace. B.irher, J.imes. Bunnell, Jonath.in. lic.nch, John S. Beacli, Leiinanl. Bingham & Warden. Bedell, Gilbert C. Brady, Matthew. Brady, M. McCabe. Brady, Garnet E. Brady, Tliomas, Brady, Patrick. Bennett, Joseph. Bennett, Isaac. Brown, James M. Borden, Ambrose W. Borden, Giles. Borden, Charles. Burns, Uennis. Bennett, Cornelius H. Butterfield, Aliel K. Brockw-iy, Elisha \V. Cutler, Horace. Clement, Jolin P. Cole, Enos. Cl.ark, Ansel. Coe, H;irrison. Clark, Jason. Clark, .\ndrew. Corigan, Thomas. Cary, Dan. Casey, Thomas. Corigan, Patrick. Corigan, Michael. Cor>on, Cornelius. Clark, Linus. Clark, Leonard. Curtis, Lorenzo. Carter, John C. Curley, Michael. Chubb, Ira. Chubb, Lorenzo. Carlton, Dexter. Doane, Erastus. Dunning, Jchiel. Dean, William W. Emmons, Oliver. Emmons, Mrs. Fish, William. Fish & Quackenbush. Farnsworth, James P. Field, Eldad S. Galloway, Thomas. Gage, Jarvis. Garret, Edward. Glover, Mrs. Gonsally, Benjamin. Grady, George. Gage, Wright. Holden, Joseph M. Ilaight, Jabez. Ilammel, Thomas. Hedican, Roger. Hanmer, Thomas. alphabetical list of the resi- c township of Green Oak in Hays, Arnold. Hammond, John B. Hammond, Josiah. Hammel, James. Hooper, Peter B. Hulibard, Asahel. Ilotaling, Garnett. Holaling, William C. Hooper, John. Hagadorn, John. Hagaert. Jennings, Ira Jennings, Joseph F. Knight, Levi. Leddie, Philip. Loree, John. Lee, Stephen. Lee, Solomon. Lee, IIannil>al. Lumbard, Benjamin. Leland, Nathan. Loomis, Squire. Loomis, Tliomas. Lennnon, .-Xaron. Lemnion, Hiram. Lennnon, George. Morgan, Collins. Murray, Frederick. Malone, William. Monahan, John. Mason, Nelson. Malone, Edwaid. Marble, Kussell. Mahby, Aaron. McNamee, Patrick. McDaniel, Kayne. McCal)e, Patrick. McCabe, Michael. McCabe, Thomas. McCoskry, Samuel A. Owen, Harmon. O^l)orn, William. Olds, Alonzo W. Parker, Warren. Pettibone, Elijah. Perry, Sylvester. Perry, Arthur B. Rumsey, Royal C. Russell, William S. Roach, Michael. Roe, Patrick. Roe, Michael. Robinson, Daniel. Rune, John. Sawyer, Caleb. Stuart, Hiram C. Sheffield, Samuel. Stans.all, Henry. Snell, Anson. Snell, Joseph. Stansall, Nicholas. Smith, Manley. 328 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Smitli, Isaac. Smith, Harry P. Stuart, Auburn. Spencer, James S. Thomas, Ebenezer. Tuthill, Thomas. Truesdell, Jesse. Tuttle, John L. Towsley, Malthew P. Todd, John. Vogt, Godfrey. Wilson, Everett. Woodruff, Benjamin. Yerington, John. Yerington, John, Jr. The Green Oak post-office is located on section 26, where there is located a grist-mill and saw-mill owned by William W. Weatherhead, who is the postmaster. The soil of the township of Green Oak is a mixture of clay and gravel, clay predominating in the southwest portion. There is comparatively little timbered land that can be made available, though much of the ground is covered by what may be termed a second growth. The surface is undulating, though to a less extent than is apparent in some of the adjoining townships, and is dotted with many small lakes, chief among which are Silver Lake, Island Lake, Whitmore Like (the northern portion of which lies in Green Oak), Maltby Lake, Thomas Lake, Mud Lake, half of Fonda Lake, and Crooked Lake. The Huron River enters the northeast corner of the township, flows in a southwest direction, and leaves it from the west side at section 26. The south branch of the Huron enters the southeast corner of the town- ship, and joins the main waters at the northwest corner of section 21. The Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad enters the township at the southeast corner of sec- tion 13. runs diagonally across, and leaves it at section 5. The station is named Green Oak Sta- tion, and is located on section II. At this point are the depot, freight-house, and a small store, and all trains stop upon signal. The following-named persons were the original purchasers of land embraced within the township limits : Acres. Joel Red w.ay, October, 1832 87. 02 Ruth Alexander and heirs, January, 1833 80 Georye W. Glover, May, 1833 242.48 Guy N. Roberts, May, 1S34 So J. P. Clement, May, 1834 80 Gay N. Roberts, May, 1S35 40 A. G. Melvin, October, 1S35 40 Joel Redvvay, October, 1832 88.92 John W. Peavy, May, 1833 88. 72 James Gage, October, 1833 120 John S. Beach, August, 1835 40 William S. Russel, October, 1835 40 Jose|)h Cule, October, 1835 80 Ehhu Russel, November, 1S35 40 J. L. Briggs, May, 1833 168.75 W. S. Russel, May, 1833 168.95 S.imnel Cole, May, 1835 160 Aionzo Bennett, May, 1835 40 Ansel Clark, July, 1835 40 Ansel Clark, July, 1835 40 Harrison Coe, May. 1S36 40 John Dally, April,' 1833 160 John C. Mundy, July, 1833 44 40 Harrison Coe, May, 1836 40 Acres. Phcebe Burnett, July, 1836 4440 Ira Jennings, December, 1S36 So C. W. Penny, February, 1S37 167.17 T. B. Edmonds, Feliruary, 1S37 40 T. B. Edmonds, March, 1837 40 John Soule, December, 1S54 40 E. B. Cornish, July, 1832 166.36 E. li. Cornish, August, 1832 43-62 Wm. C. Rumsey, April, 1S33 120 R. C. Rumsey, November, 1S34 So C. M. Eaton, December, 1834 80 .Augustus Coltnn, May, 1835 40 Royal C. Rumsey, June, 1831 80 Harry Meech, April, 1837 67 John Chailes, December, 1836 57-40 Horace Cutter, October, 1836 57-41 W. C. Rumsey, April, 1833 40 Amlirose Alexander, June, 1834 80 David Kingsbury, October, 1834 40 F. A. Hiiuse, November, 1834 80 W. H. Hopkins, December, 183; 82. Q2 David Kingsbury, .September, 1835. 40 Stephen Curtis, June, 1836 40 Ira Jennings, June, 1836 40 Ebenezer Thi>mas, June, 1836 67 John Farnsworth, July, 1S36 67 Horace Cutler, October, 1S34 80 Mary Fuller, June, 1835 80 O. A. Fuller, June, 1835 I47-40 James Hai wick, April. 1836 80 j. J. M. Newcomb. July, 1836 40 Harry Meech, April, 1837 107.40 Ephraim Meech, April, 1S37 40 William Case, May, 1840 67.12 Samuel McCoskry, January, 1845 40 H. S. Thomas, June, 1847 67.12 Isaac -Smith, jr., December, 1832 40 Samuel Hubbard, June, 1833 40 Elon Farnsworth, Novemlier, 1833 80 N. O. Sargent, December, 1833 160 A. Alexander, December, 1833 80 Ira Jennings, June, 1836 80 H. Hawkins and V. R. Hawkins, July, 1836 160 Isaac Smith, December, 1832 40 A. Hubbard, M.ay, 1834 40 Ja>on Clark, June, 1835 160 Jason Clark, November, 1S35 40 Katharine Smith, February, 1836 40 Ira Jennings, June, 1S36 40 Ira Jennings, June, iS'>6 80 Malhew Brady, July, 1S36 80 Bridget Craighan, August, 1836 40 Terence Roe, October, 1836 80 Terence Roe, October, 1836 80 Patrick Roe, June, 1S32 160 Michael Roche, .\ugust, 1S32 80 R. C. Rumsey, November, 1834 40 Charles Steward, November, 1S34 80 Richard Tonciay, Decemlier, 1S34 40 Ansel Clark, July, 1835 , 40 J. A. Van Camp, September, 1835 40 R. C. Rimisey, January, 1S36 40 Patrick McNamee, August, 1836 40 Warien Parker, June, 1832 120 Thomas Hanmer, June, 1832 160 Alanson Glazier, June, 1832 80 Michael Corrigan, May, 1S34 40 Enos Cole, November, £835 40 G. C. Bedell, November, 1835 40 G. C. Bedell, January, 1836 40 Oliver Carpenter, May, 1S36 80 Erastus Slude, July, 1S36 40 Jay Olmsted, June, 1832 320 I'eleg Cory, June, 1832 160 Joseph Loree, June, 1S32 160 John Gales, August, 1836 40 Elihu Gunnison, June, 1832 120 Sylvester Scott, November, 1832 80 Nalhan Seland, May, 1833 40 John H.agadorn, May, 1834 80 Asa Bly, Jr , June, 1834 80 Joseph Loree, October, 1835 40 Robeit Wordeu, October, 18^35 40 King^ley S. Bingham, October, 1835 40 John Herrington, Jr., November, 1835 80 Terence Roe, No\'ember, 1S33 So ^■^■*^ LINUS CLAKK. Photo, by Jeiistfii, Howell. .MK.S. LINUS CLAKK. LINUS CLARK. Among the pioneers of Green Oak none deserve more prominent mention than the gentleman whose name heads this sketcli. He was born in the town of Lenox, Madison Co., N. Y., Feb. 26, 18 13. His parents, Norman and Catherine (Moot) Clark, were farmers, and had a family of nine children, — six boys and three girls. The elder Clark was a self-made man, successful in business, and of more than ordinary energy and determination. Benevolence was a prominent trait in his char- acter, and in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was an honored member, he held a conspicu- ous position. His wife was one of those prudent and thrifty housewives, the acme of her ambition being to provide for her household, and to rear her children in such a way that they would be- come useful and honorable members.of society. Linus lived with his father until he attained his majority, alternating his summer's work on the farm with the usual term at the district school in winter. In 1833 he came to Green Oak, and set- tled upon a tract of land of one hundred and forty acres, which his father had previously pur- chased. This land is a portion of his present farm, a view of which we present on another page. In 1835, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Phoebe, daughter of Henry Stansell, one of the early set- tlers of Plynioutii, Wayne Co., Mich. After their marriage they moved into a log house, and com- menced the improvement of their farm. Mrs. Clark, like her husband, was prudent and indus- trious, and success attended their efforts. Work- ing together, they acquired a competency. In their religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Clark were Free-Will Baptists. In 1844 he, with seventeen others, founded the Baptist Church of Green Oak; and of the original eighteen Mr. and Mrs. Deacon Loomis and himself are the only ones now living. Mr. Clark has always manifested a deep interest in educational matters, and has been a liberal sup- porter of educational interests. He was one of the founders of Hillsdale College, to which he has made generous donations. In his political affiliations he was formerly a Whig, and identified himself with the Republican party upon its formation. He was a strong anti-slavery man. One of the salient points in the character of Mr. Clark is his un- compromising hostility to everything he believes to be wrong. His opinions are formed with deliberation, and when reached are held with tenacity. As a business man he is possessed of quick per- ception, an intuitive knowledge of men and things, and consequently has been successful in his oper- ations. This, however, has not been confined to the accumulation of property ; he has established an enviable reputation for integrity and those qualities which alone can render the position he holds among his fellow-men attainable. Mr. Clark has had two children by adoption, — Richard A. Stansell, who lost his life in the de- fense of his country at the battle of Chickamauga, and Delia, now Mrs. David Page. RESIDENCE 5?^- LINUS CLA \ .,,,,..,1.... "•>. . ;* ^•#*r «#vi^'af:^.-';vv''j' 3REEN OAK , MIGHlCiAN GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP. 329 Acres. Isaac Carmer, March, 1834 40 Cornelius Corson, March, 1834 80 Ainol.l H.iys, May, i8;4 80 ArnoM I lavs, June, 1834. 80 Asa Bly. Jr, July, 1834 80 Michael Corn^an, December, 1835 40 Benjamin Rogers, June, 1836 80 K. S. Uingham and Robert Warden, Jr., Novem- ber, 1835 80 K. .S. ISinyham and Robert Warden, Jr., August, 1S36 40 Amnion lilain, August, 1832 40 Thomas Casey, September, 1832 80 Roger Iladican, .September, 1S32 80 John Shearlin, September, 1832 40 John Aiken. July, 1833 40 F.li/.il>eth Aiken, July, 1833 80 Patrick McNaniee, May, 1834 80 Mich.iel Casey, May, 1834 40 Patrick lirady, Ociober, 1834 80 K. S. liingham and Robert Warden, December, '835 40 James Henimel, Julv, 1S42 40 N. F. McCabc, October, 1842 80 John Hannon, July, 1843 40 Thomas Anderson, November, 1845 40 R. Heilicnn, July, 1847 4° Daniel Cary, July, 1847 40 Thomas Andcr-on, January, 1848 40 N. McCabe, July, 1848 40 James .\ndrews, September, 1848 40 J.J. Ryan, December, 1849 40 Patrick McCabe, May, 1852 40 1'. Andrews, June, 1853 4° II. .M. McCabe, April. 1848 40 Mary Kelley, April, 1855 80 Horace Barnum, September, 1836 40 Isaac .\ppleion, October, 1830 127.24 Henry D. Uirls, June, 1S31 77.54 Sherman D. Dix, May, 1832 82.76 Nathaniel Potter, Jr., August, 1832 40 Benjamin Dix, July, '833 78.80 Robert Calder, jr ,May, 1834 9&75 Harvey P. Smith, July, 1834 40 C. C. Trowbridge, June, 1836 B. B. Kercheval, November, 1835 N. O. Sargent, December, 1833 238.59 N. O. Sargent, December, 1S33 186.96 Robert Calder, Jr., May, 1S34 '53-'5 C. C. Trowbridge, June, 1S36 67.46 William B. Hopkins, July, 1836 67.96 Moses Glcason, June, 1831 80 Daniel Applelon, June, 1831 160 Jonathan Burneit, .M.av, 1834 80 J. G. De Wolf, June,i834 66.98 Thomas Sargent, September, 1834 •jS'^ Isaac Penoyer, Novenil)er, 1834 40 Isaac Penoyer, March, 1835 40 Phiebe Buriiett, July, 1S35 So Nancy Penoyer, Kel)iuary, 1837 66.98 Stephen Lee, October, 1830 79-78 Benjamin Curtis, October, 1830 67.25 Heniy D. Harts, June, 1831 14.16 James Love, Decemler, 1832 7'.I5 Cieo. H. Emmons, July, 1833 40 George Burneit, T^'ie, 1836 80 Clarissa .Sears, June, 1836 80 George Butler, June, 1836 40 Phoebe Burnett, July, 1836 80 Paul Sears, June, 1836 80 Nathan Golt, October, 1831 80 John D. Borden, February, 1832 80 Oliver Carpenter, September, 1832 40 ArnoUl Pain, November, 1832 40 Epenelus Howe, June, 1S35 160 Betsey Orton, Ociober, 1835 40 Timothy Lyon, March, 1836 200 Nathaniel GreeUj August, 1832 40 A. Blain, June, 1833 40 Moses Thomson, June, 1833 80 Sally Ann Biwen, October, 1835 80 Lucy Blain, November, 1835 40 Wm. W. Dean, July, 1836 80 James P. Clements, September, 1836 40 J. E. Schwartz, September, 1836 40 James P. Clements, March, 1837 40 42 Acres. (leorge Menzie, June, 1837 80 Alonzo W. Olds, June, 1849.. .. 40 Stephen Tinker, November, 1855 40 Moses Thomson, June, 1833 80 Ives Smith, July, 1833 160 Moses Thom-on, July, 1833 200 J. M. Brown, April, 1836 40 Ives Smith, May, 1S36 80 Wm. W. Dean, July, 1836 40 Wdliam llannan, Xovendier, 1S36 40 William Slyfield, May, 1838 4° Alex.ander Duncan, January, 1834 40 Nathan Leiand, July, 1834 40 Orange Scars, January, 1835 ~ 40 Maiy Brown, June, 1835 40 Richaid Toirey, June, 1836 - 40 Joseph Beiiy, June, 1836 80 11. H. Bingham, August, 1S36 40 Charles Borden, Ni>vember, 1836 40 William Hagadorne, Januaiy, 1837 40 Mary Lcl.ind, January, 1837 40 William Slyfield, July, 1837 40 William L. Webb, Januaiy, 1855 80 John Sayres, lauuary, 1S53 40 Allen W. Daiiey. Ociober, 1833 ^ James Gready, November, 1833 40 Robert R. Thompson, December, 1833 40 Ambrose W. Boiden, May, 1835 So John Hooper, July, 1835 80 John Hooper, .Vugust, 1835 40 James De Forrest, November, 1835 40 j. Marterstock, December, 1836 40 J. Marlei-.tock, Januaiy, 1837 40 William W. Dean, January, 1837 40 James Hanchett, January, 1837 _ 40 William Slyfield, January, 1837 40 George Gready, November, 1854 40 David Meech, June, 1831 320 David Meech, July, 1831 80 John Cuminings, June, t833 80 Ives Smith, July, 1833 4° Seyuiour Goodale, May, 1834 80 Alonzo W. Olds, May, 1840 40 Ariel Y. Olds, August, 1833 40 Alonzo W. Olds, December, 1833 40 Harry Meech, February, 1834 40 Webster Tomer, June, 1835 40 George Meech, October, 1S35 40 John S. Bennett, June, 1836 40 Ezra Robinson, June, 1836 40 Nelson H. Wing", July, 1836 IfcO Patrick Hannon, November, 1836 40 Warren Clark, Ajiril, 1853 4° Stephen Tinker, Jr., January, 1854 40 Jared Haines, iVpiil, 1831 160 Nathaniel Gott, . Vugust, 1833 40 Ed F. Olds, August, 1833 120 Ariel V. Olds, .August, 1S33 40 Fred Smiih, December, 1836 40 G. G. Bedell, January, 1836 80 Henry Stansell, July, 1836 40 James Hanchett, .September, 1S36 ^ 80 Leroy H. Burt, .September, 1S36 40 William l.cman, September, 1831 293 George W. Dexter, .August, 1831 80 Cornelius W. Miller, Ociober, 1831 66.50 Thomas Tuthill, May, 1833 40 Thoma-s Tuthill, May, 1833 66.50 George Galloway, Ociober, 1833 80 Thoma-S Tuthill, Ociober, 1833 40 William Leaman, January, 1836 40 Eldad S. Field, November, 1836 40 Thomas T. Pettis, September, 1835 80 John L. Tuthill, August, 1832 80 Thomas Dosset, May, 1833 40 Isaac Ela, May, 1834 40 James Tompkins, June, 1S34 40 A. B. Perry, December, 1835 40 Eldad S. Field, November, 1836 40 J, N. Robinson, January, 1S37 40 John Garrison. January, 1837 I20 G. S. Wheeler, June, 1862 40 John .McGoiren, August, 1838 40 Emery Beal, October, 1S39 40 Steplien Lee, .September, 1830 80 S. R. Perry, August, 1833 40 330 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Acres. John Bogle, November, 1833 240 Jas. McMahon, Novemlicr, 1S33 40 Dennis Burns, May, 1S34 40 Patrick Gilligan, August, 1834 4° James Hanchelt, Se|itember, 1S36 40 James Coulon, September, 1S47 4^ John E. Hammond, M.iy, 1831 80 A. S. Ames, May, 1833 80 James Hynes, Seplemlier, 1833 80 John S. Bennett, December, 1833 160 Timolhy McCarihy, April, 1834 240 John B. Hammond, May, 1831 160 M. Willits, June, 1S31 80 Henry Hayward, Jnne, 1831 80 Manley Sniitji, November. 1831 80 Ephraim Meech, June, 1832 160 John Starkweather, Novenil)er, 1832 80 Benjamin Wei cli, June, 1831 80 John H. Cailton, June, 1832 80 Luzen Touzey, June, 1832 80 Elias Dean, August, 1S32 40 A. S. Ames, May, 1833 80 Henry Meech, June, 1833 80 Alonzo W. Olds, July, 1S33 40 Thomas Malone, October, 1836 120 Adam J. Coons, June, 1839 40 William Kernan, April, 1832 240 Ambrose Ale.xander, June, 1834 40 James Tompkins, Jime, 1834 120 Parley Gardner, June, 1836, 40 William H. Moore, August, 1836 40 James Hanchett, September, 1836 40 Levi Knight, October, 1836 80 William Kernan, April, 1832 80 Jonathan Haight, October, 1833 80 Elisha W. Brockaway, November, 1833 66.60 Caleb Sawyer, May, 1834 66.80 J. G. De Wolf, October, 1834 4° Isaac Pennoyer, March, 1835 40 Stephen Draper, May, 1836 66.80 James Burnett, June, 1836 106.60 George Burnell, June, 1836 40 Parley Gardner, Tune, 1836 40 Michael Carberry, October, 1836 So Zelotes Truesdell, December, 1S54 40 The following is a list of township officers elected in Green Oak since its organization : 1835. — Isaac .Smith, Supervisor; George W. Glover, Township Clerk ; Alonzo W. Olds, John McConnell, George W. Glover, Assessors ; Ephraim Meach, Collector ; Frederick Smith, George W. Glover, Directors of the Poor; Gardner Bird, A. W. Olds, Evert Woodruff, Highway Commis- sioners; Melzer Bird, Isaac Smith, Sherman Di-\, School Commissioners; James A. Sterling, William C. Rumsey, Warren Parker, School Inspectors. 1836. — Kinsley S. Bingham, Supervisor; William C. Rumsey, Township Clerk; John W. Peavy, John Hooper, John Andrews, Elisha W. Brockway, Justices of the Peace ; Frederick W. Goodenoe, Thomas Tuthill, Horace Ton- cray, Assessors; John Henry, Richard Toncray, Direc- tors of the Poor ; Joseph Lorn, Collector. 1837. — Elisha Biockway, Supervisor; Robert Warden, Jr., Town- ship Clerk ; Job Cranston, Augustus Cotton, Thomas Tuthill, Assessors; Kinsley .S. Bingham, Robert War- den, Jr., Warren Parker, School Inspectors ; Orlando Rodgers, Collector. 1838. — Robert Warden, Jr., Supervisor; James Hanchett, Town- ship Clerk; Jotin Hooper, Jonathan Burnett, Augustus Cotton, Assessors; Chandler Carter, Warren Parker. Isaac Smith, Justices of the Peace; Solomon S. Saunders, Collector. 1839. — Robert Warden, Jr., Supervisor; J.imes Hanchelt, Town- ship Clerk ; John Farnsworth, Treasurer; Joseph Lorn, John Farnsworth, James McMahon, Assessors; James Coe, Collector; K. S. Bingham, Robert Warden, Jr., James Hanchett, School Inspectors; John Hooper, Jus- tice of the Peace. 1840. — John Hooper, Supervisor ; John L. Tultle, Township Clerk ; John Yerinton, Treasurer; James McMahon, Assessor; John Hooper, Justice of the Peace ; James Coe, Collector ; John L. Tuttle, Robert Warden, Jr., School Inspectors. 1841. — William W. Dean, Supervisor; John L. Tuttle, Township Clerk ; John Hooper, Orlando Rodgers, Assessors ; Enoch H. Marble, Treasurer; John Yerinton, Jr., Col- lector; Kinsley S. Bingham, Robert Warden, School Inspectors; Robert W^arden, Jr., Justice of the Peace. 1842. — John Hooper, Supervisor; John L, Tuttle, Township Clerk ; Is.aac Penoyer, Justice of the Peace ; John Yerinton, Jr., John Farnsworth, Assessors; A. Hubbard, K. S. Bingham, Robert Warden, School Ins|iectors. 1843. — Robert Warden, Supervisor; John L. Tuttle, Township Clerk ; A. Hubbard, Treasurer ; Alonzo W. Olds, Justice of the Peace; Lorenzo Chubb. Robert Warden, Jr., Ira Jennings, Assessors; A. W. Olds, Robert Warden, Jr., School Inspectors. 1S44. — Ira Jennings, Supervisor; John L. Tultle, Township Clerk; A. llulibard. Treasurer; James S. .Spencer, A. S. Butter- field, Justices of the Peace; Robert Waiden, Warren Parker, School Inspectors. 1845. — I™ Jennings, Supervisor; Gilbert Bedell, Township Clerk ; Robert Warden, John L. Tuttle, Justices of the Peace ; Abijah Angell, Treasurer; Samuel L. Whiting, School Inspector. 1846. — Ira Jennings, Supervisor; William C. Bedell, Township Clerk ; Royal C. Rumsey, Justice of the Peace; Roger Hedican, Treasurer; Moses Green, Warren Parker, School Inspectors. 1847. — Ira Jennings, Supervisor; Abel S. Butterfiekl, Township Clerk; Alonzo W. Olds, Justice of the Peace; Roger Hedican, Treasurer; Jonathan Burnett, School In- spector. 1S48. — Alonzo W. Olds, Supervisor; Abel F. Butterfiekl, Town- ship Clerk; John L. Tuttle, John Hooper, Justices of the Peace; Hannibal Lee, Treasurer; Alinon Maltby, Moses B. Green, School Inspectors. 1849. — Ira Jennings, Supervisor; Asahel Hubbard, Township Clerk ; Robert Warden, Jr., John Hooper, Justices of the Peace; Hannibal Lee, Treasurer ; Jonathan Burnett, School Inspector. 1850. — John Hooper, Supervisor; A. F. Bntterfield, Townsliip Clerk; S. M. Winans, Treasurer ; Evereit Wilson, Jus- tice of the Peace; Robert Warden, Jr., .School Commis- sioner; Jonathan Burnett, School Inspector. 1851. — Ira Jennings, Supervisor; A. F. Butterfiekl, Township Clerk; S. M. Winans, Treasurer ; Warren Barker, Isaac Smith, Justices of the Peace; Jonathan Burneit, School Inspector. J852. — Robert Warden, Supervisor; Niel O'Heara, Township Clerk ; John Hooper, Trea.surer ; A. F. Butterfiekl, Jesse Truesdell, Justices of the Peace; Zelotes Trnesdell, School Inspector. 1853. — Ira Jennings, Supervisor ; George W. Cropsey, Township Clerk; James Hammill, Treasurer; F. L. Clements, Charles Holister, School Inspectors; John Hooper, Jus- tice of the Peace. 1854. — Ira Jennings, Supervisor ; A. S. Warner, Township Clerk ; James Hammill, Treasurer; Ferris L. Clements, Robert Warden, R. C. Rtmisey, Justices of tlie Peace. 1855. — Robert Warden, Supervisor; A. .S. Holister, Township Clerk; Peter P. Galatian, Treasurer; Charles Hokster, School Inspector; A. W. Olds, Isaac H. Smith, Justices of the Peace. 1856. — Robert Warden, Supervisor; Byron A. Lumbard, Tosvn- ship Clerk; Peter P. Gallatian, Treasurer; A. Nelson Clark, School Inspector; John L. Tuttle, Almon Maltby, Jesse Truesdell, Justices of the Peace. 1857. — Robert Warden, Supervisor; Byron A. Lumbard, Town- GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP. 331 ship Clerk; P. P. G.iUalian, Treasurer; Roliert Warden, Justice of the Peace; Ferris L. Clements, Scliool In- spector. 1858. — Royal C. Rumsey, Supervisor; B. A. Lumljard, Townsliip Clerk; Henry S. Dean, Justice of the Peace; Andrew Barher, Treasurer; A. N. Clark, School Inspector. 1859. — Royal C. Rumsey, Supervisor; B. A. Lunib.Trd, Township Clerk; P. P. Gallatian, Treasurer; Almon Mallhy, Jus- tice of the Peace ; Richard Stanscll, School Inspector. i860. — George S. Wheeler, .Supervisor; B. A. Lnmbard, Town- ship Clerk; Isaac Smith, Treasurer; John L. Tuttle, Almon Maltby, Justices of the Peace; A. N. Clark, R. A. Stansell, School Inspectors. 1861. — George S. Wheeler, Supervi.sor ; B. A. Lumhnrd, Town- ship Clerk; Milton G. Field, Treasurer; Ferris L. Clem- ents, Justice of the Peace; Ferris L. Clements, .School Inspector. 1862. — Franklin Case, Supervisor; B. A. Lumhnrd, Township Clerk; E. L. Burt, Treasurer; Hannibal Lee, Robert Warden, Justices of the Peace ; F. L. Clements, School Inspector. 1863. — Franklin Case, Supervisor; B. A. Lnmbard, Township Clerk; E. L. Burt, Treasurer; Hannibal Lee, Robert Warden, F. L. Clements, School Inspectors. 1864. — Franklin Case, Supervisor; Giles Lee, Township Clerk ; Isaac Smith, Treasurer; John L. Tutlle, Robert War- den, Almon Maltby, Justices of the Pe.ice. 1865. — Robert Warden, Supervisor; Giles Lee, Township Clerk; Ansel N. Clark, School Inspector; Ferris .S. Clements, John N. Clark, Jonathan Burnett, Justices of the Peace. 1866. — Almon M.aUby, Supervisor ; Giles Lee, Township Clerk ; William D. Corson, Treasurer; Linus Clark, Caleb Sawyer, Justices of the Pe.ice; Daniel B. Stark, School Inspector. 1867. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; Robert Warden, Township Clerk ; Ansel N. Clark, Treasurer; Almon Maltby, Daniel B. Stark, Caleb O. Willis, Justices of the Peace ; Ferris L. Clements, School Inspector. 1868. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; Robert Warden, Town-hi|) Clerk; Ansel N. Clark, Treasurer; Erastus A. Pratt, Justice of the Peace; Daniel B. Stark, School Inspector. 1869. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; Robert Warden, Township Clerk; Samuel Barber, Treasurer; F. L. Clements, Justice of the Peace; Clinton J. Burnett, School Inspector. 1870. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; Daniel Caldwell, Township Clerk ; Daniel B. Stark, Justice of the Peace ; D. B. Clark, School Inspector. 1871. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; D. M. Caldwell, Township Clerk; William A. Weatherhead, Treasurer; Almon Maltby, Horatio A. Barker, Justices of the Peace; Ansel N. Clark, School Inspector. 1872. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; D. M. Caldwell, Township Clerk ; Wm. A. Weatherhead, Tre.asurer; Erastus A. Pratt, Justice of the Peace; Marshall Borden, School In- spector. 1873.— Giles Lee, Supervisor; Daniel M. Caldwell, Township Clerk; George W. Dean, Treasurer; Ferris L. Clem- ents, Justice of the Peace; Edward Reid, School In- spector. 1874. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; Albert G. Burnett, Township Clerk; George W. Dean, Treasurer ; Horatio A. Barker, Justice of the Peace; Wm. W. Dean, Drain Commis- sioner; John Marshall, School Inspector. 1875. — Oiles Lee, Supervisor; Albert G. Burnett, Township Clerk; George W. Dean, Treasurer; Almon Maltby, Justice of the Peace; John Marshall, Superintendent of .Schools; James D. Stark, School Inspector; Lewis Scott, Drain Commissioner. 1876.— Giles Lee, Supervisor; Albert G. Burnett, Township Clerk; George W. Dean, Treasurer; James W. Edgar, Justice of the Peace ; John Marshall, Superintendent of Schools; James D. Stark, School Inspector; Lewis Scott, Drain Commissioner. 1877. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; A. G. Burnett, Township Clerk; Charles T. Dewey, Treasurer; Robert Warden, James D. .Stark, Justices of the Peace ; John Marshall, Super- intendent of Schools ; James D. Stark, .School In- spector. 1878. — Giles Lee, .Supervisor; Albert G. Burnett, Township Clerk; George M. Field, Tre.asurer ; James D. Staik, Justice of the Peace; John Marshall, Superintendent of Schools; Job H. Scott, School Inspector; Lewis Scott, Drain Commissioner. 1879. — Giles Lee, Supervisor; Leslie J. Stiles, Township Clerk ; George M. Field, Treasurer; Joseph M. Holden, Jus- tice of the Pe.ice; Job H. Scott, Superintendent of Schools; Hugh T. Smith, School Inspector. RF.LIGIOUS. FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. The only chufch edifice in the town of Green Oak is located near the southern boundary line, on section 35, and the society that it represents is of the Baptist denomination. It was organized March 22, 1845, by Elders S. S. Lanning and J. Tyler, the first deacon being M. Thomson. The number of members that formed the first church organiza- tion was 17, which number during the years that followed was greatly augmented, until the total number from its beginning reached 124. In 1850 the necessity for building a house of worship be- came apparent, and ground was purchased for the purpose. With the degree of interest manifested in the new enterprise it required but little time to complete the edifice, which was built in a plafn but substantial manner, and soon after dedicated. It has been used since that time, but the growing congregation, finding its capacity limited for their wants, have arranged to remodel and enlarge it, and under the supervision of Mr. Linus Clark work will soon be begun. In 1848, Rev. William R. Norton was installed as pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. James Big- nail, who remained in charge of the church until 1859, when Rev. S. A. Currier became his succes- sor, and two years later Rev. D. Winton filled the pastoral relation. Rev. H. A. Barker was next called to minister to the people, and later Rev. E. G. Chaddock became pastor. Rev. E. J. Howes was ne.xt installed, and remained until Rev. L. J. Whitcomb filled his place. Rev. A. W. Ensign was the pastor after this until, in 1870, Rev. II. A. Barker was called for a second time to fill the pul- pit, which he did with much acceptance for seven years, when the present pastor. Rev. J. Rodgers, was installetl. The deacons are Squire Loomis, Isaac Burhaus, and Linus Clark. \ 33: HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. KINSLEY S. BINGHAM was born in Camillus, N. Y., in December, 1808. His father was a farmer, and his own early life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He received an academical education, and studied law with Gen. James R. Lawrence, at Syracuse, N. Y. In 1833 he married an estimable lady of Scotch parent- age, and soon thereafter emigrated to Michigan, settling on and clearing a farm in the town of Green Oak. He early embarked in local politics, bein-g first chosen to the office of justice of the peace; was then appointed postmaster; was the first judge of probate of his county, and in 1836 was chosen a member of the Legislature, and served four terms. He was speaker of the House of Representatives of 1838 and 18 ig. In 1846 he was chosen, as a Democrat, to Con- gress, and was the only practical farmer in that body. In 1848 he was re-elected to Congress, where he strongly opposed the extension of slavery into the Territories and voted for the Wilmot pro- viso. He was also a member of the Committee on Commerce. His Congressional service con- tinued until 185 1. In 1854, in consequence of his anti-slavery course in Congress, Mr. Bingham was given the first distinctively Republican nomi- nation for Governor, and was re-elected in 1856. He was known as the " farmer-governor of Mich- igan." He was a highly popular chief magistrate, and was genial and affable in his disposition. He was instrumental in establishing the Agricultural College. He was chosen to the United States Senate in 1859, and in i860 took an active part in that memorable campaign in behalf of the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency. He wit- nessed the conimencement of the civil war during his brief Senatorial career, and actively espoused the cause of the Union, dying of apoplexy at his residence in Green Oak, Oct. 5, 1861, much la- mented, in the fifty-third year of his age. HANNIB.\L LEE. The progenitor of the present Lee family was Stephen Lee, who was born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and married Lydia Emmons, aunt of the late Judge Emmons, of Detroit. To them were born the following children: Eliza, Hannibal, Sol- omon, Sarah, Hannah, Catharine, Lucy, Charles, and Elizabeth. Mr. Lee, with his wife and children, emigrated to Michigan in September, 1835, and chose the town- ship of Green Oak, in Livingston County, as his abode. Here he broke the first soil in the town- ship, and encouraged by his generous aid and hos- pitality the efforts of later pioneers. His son, Hannibal Lee, was born in Half-Moon, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1812, and accompanied his father in 1830 to Green Oak, assisting him in the improvement of his possessions until he was twenty- one. Being ambitious to secure a home of his own, he purchased the farm adjacent to the lands of his father, and upon which he still resides. He was married, Feb. 19, 1834, to Miss Mary Hubbard, the occasion being a memorable one from the double wedding that occurred, Mr. Lee's sister also mar- rying a brother of Miss Hubbard. Mr. Lee enjoys the distinction of being one of the first anti-slavery voters in the township, and although actively interested in politics was never an office-seeker. He is a man of strong religious convictions, uncompromising in his defense of the right, and possessing the courage to maintain his opinions. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has for years been one of its leading officers. His son, Giles, was born at the home of his father, Feb. 23, 1837. He acquired an academical education, but having a decided taste for farming pursuits, he joined his father in the cultivation of his estate. He was married, March 9, 1859, to Lucy W. Briggs, and some years later erected opposite the paternal abode a spacious residence, which he now occupies. He manifests a keen interest in public affairs, is regarded as possessing sound judgment, and has been honored by his constituents as their favored candidate for supervisor, to which office he has been elected for a period of thirteen successive years. CORNELIUS CORSON was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born about twenty miles from Philadelphia, in the year 1793. When a young man he went to Canandaigua, N. Y., where he married Sarah Whittaker, a woman of much energy, and possessed of many excellent qualities. Here he remained .several years, work- ing at his trade, — that of a shoemaker. In 1834 the family emigrated to Michigan, and settled upon the farm now owned by his son, William D., which originally consisted of eighty acres, and upon which he resided until his death, which oc- ALMON MALTBY. MRS. ALMON MALTBY. ALMON MALTBY, .son of Grove and Cynthia (Inglesby) Maltby, was born in the town of Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y., [ Dec. 27, 1 8 14. Up to the age of eighteen years his life, like that of most farmers' boys, was one of unceasing toil in summer, with a respite of a few months at the district school in winter. At the age ot eighteen he was apprenticed to the trade of carpenter and joiner, which occupation he followed until he came to Michigan. In the spring of 1832, in company with his brother Maynard, he came to Livingston County, and settled in what is now Brighton. The next summer they cleared and fenced six acres, which they sowed to wheat, and in the fall of that year returned to New York. During the winter they taught school. The following spring they re- turned, and since that time Mr. Maltby has been prominently identified with Brighton and Green Oak. In 1835 he purchased sixty acres of land in Genoa, which was the first purchase in that town. He, however, lived with his brother Maynard until 1837, when he was married to Miss Eliza J. Haw- ley, of Geneva, N. Y. Shortly after his marriage he removed to the farm he now occupies, which originally consisted of one hundred and eight acres. Mr. Maltby's life has been devoted to agri- cultural pursuits, in which he has been eminently successful. He now owns a beautiful farm of four hundred and fifty-three acres, under a high state of cultivation. He has been married twice. His first wife died in 1842, and he was again married, in 1843, to Esther Moore. Mrs. Maltby, as well as her husband, occupies a prominent position among the pioneers, having emigrated with her father's family in 1833. JOHN HOOPER. .MRS. JOHN HOOPER. JOHN HOOPER, son of Clement and Catherine (V'oorhies) Hooper, was born in tlie town of Woodbridge, Middle- sex Co., N J., Dec. 20, 1799. He is descended from Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, James Hooper, having served as a cavalry officer in the struggle for independence. The parents of Mr. Hooper were farmers, and in 1817 removed to the town of Cato, Cayuga Co., N. Y., where the elder Hooper resided until his death, which occurred in 1837. He reared a family of ten children, eight boys and two girls. He was a man of steady habits, and led a quiet and uneventful life. Being in limited circumstances, his children received slight advantages, and their education was ob- tained from the bitter school of experience rather than from books. John lived at home until his eighteenth year, when he started in life as a farm laborer. In April, 1827, he was married, in the town of Lee, Oneida Co., to Miss Electa VVashburne. She was born Dec. 28, 1805. Her parents, Martin and Martha Washburne, were natives of Massachusetts, and emigrated to Oneida County in an earl_\' day, where Mrs. Hooper was born. After their marriage they engaged in farming for several years. ^Michigan was at this time con- sidered to be the Eldorado of the West, and Mr. Hooper, foreseeing the advantages of cheap land and a fertile soil, resolved to come West and make a home and a fortune. Accordingly, in June, 1835, he started for Michigan, in company with four other families. Arriving in Detroit, they made a selection of land on Bean Creek, Lenawee Co., six miles west of Adrian. The location, how- ever, was an unfortunate one for Mr. Hooper. The land being heavily timbered, and his health failing him after a short residence, he decided to better himself by the purchase of land more easily im- proved. He accordingly purchased from the government one hundred and twenty acres of land, on section 35, in the town of Green Oak, much against the wishes of his friends, who were greatly averse to the loss of a valuable neighbor and friend. Here he has since resided, and to his original purchase he has added eighty acres. I\Ir. Hooper has been quite prominently identi- fied with Green Oak. He has held various posi- tions of trust and influence, the duties of which he has performed with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his fellow-townsmen. He was one of the early justices, and for a number of terms rep- resented the town upon the Board of Supervisors. Politically he is a Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and has remained true to his early political convictions. He has led an active life, antl in his chosen calling has acquired a competency, the result of industry and thrift coupled with good business ability. Mr. and Mrs. Hooper have been blessed with six children, four of whom are living, two sons and two daughters. GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP. 333 curred in 1859. Tlic elder Corson was an ambi- tious, hard-working man, and liiglily esteemed by all who knew him. He was a successful farmer and a worthy citizen. William D. Corson was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1828. Upon the death of his father he succeeded to the estate, to which he has added two hundred and forty acres. In 1856 he was married to Miss Cynthia Borden, of Gieen Oak, by whom he has had eight children. GEORGE GREADY. GEORGE GREADY, one of the early settlers of Green Oak, was born in Bristol, England, June 7, 181 1. His father, Thomas Gready, was a market gardener, an industrious and successful man, who reared a family of seven chil- dren (four sons and three daughters), George being the fourth child. On attaining his majority he de- cided to emigrate to America. Accordingly, in July, 1832, he, in company with his brother J.imes, sailed for the United States. In September follow- ing they settled on the county-line between Lyon and Green Oak. Their land was purchased from government, and Mr. Gready has in his possession the original deed, bearing the signature of Andrew Jackson. His land was a mile and a half from the road, and he was obliged to cut his way to it. For the first few years he endured many hardships and privations. Wolves were numerous, and they howled about his dwelling, making night hideous; bears were also frequent visitors. They lived in a very primitive way, the log house being supplied with a floor made of split logs, and the furniture (if it could be dignified by that name), made by himself, was of the rudest kind. One of the great- est discomforts they had to contend with was the mosquitoes, which were so numerous and aggres- sive that life was almost unendurable; in fact, they MRS. GEORGE GREADY. were a greater pest than the rattlesnakes, which would frequently crawl into the house and secrete themselves underneath the beds, revealing their location by their odor and rattle. Gradually, as the country became cleared, they were relieved of these pests. In about three years they began to raise crops, and life became much more endurable. Oct. 2, 1837, Mr. Gready was married to Miss Sophia, daughter of Wright and Mary G.ige, of Green Oak. She was born in Ontario township, Wayne Co., N. Y., March 26, 1 820, and came with her parents to this State in 1834, settling in the town of Lyon, Oakland Co. Mr. and Mrs. Gready are fast approaching the evening of their lives ; they have witnessed the transition of a wilderness into a highly productive region, and have in a measure been compensated for the hardships and trials of their early life. Industrious, thrifty, and economical, they have .secured a competency, and are surrounded by the comforts and conveniences which they have so well earned. They have been blessed with ten children, seven of whom are living. The life of Mr. Gready has been devoted to the cares of his farm and family. For integrity, indus- try, and honorable dealing he has acquired an enviable reputation, and is regarded as a thrifty farmer and a valuable citizen. CONWAY TOWNSHIP. This township, which was formed as lena by an act of the State Legislature, approved March 6, 1838, is situated in the northwest corner of Living- ston County. Adjoining township organizations are Antrim, in Shiawassee Co., on the north, Locke, in Ingham Co., on the west, and Cohoctah and Handy respectively, in Livingston, on the east and south. The surface may be described in general terms as of an undulating character, the rolling and more elevated portions being found on the eastern border. The major portion of the township, or perhaps three-fourths of it, was covered originally with a heavy growth of hard wood timber, termed by the early settlers " timbered openings." The soil is of a rich loam, very productive, and the people are uniformly successful in tiie cultiva- tion of wheat, corn, fruits, and other field products. The streams are unimportant. Cedar River cuts the extreme southwest corner, while one or two small tributaries of the Shiawassee cross its northern and eastern borders. The people are chiefly agriculturists. Well-im- proved farms and tasteful farm-buildings abound in every portion, and the present population is esti- mated at about 1200. FIRST AND OTHER EARLY SETTLEMENTS. It seems to be an unsettled question to whom can be ascribed the honor of making the first settle- ment in this township, priority being claimed for those men who composed the Parsons Company, and Robert Colborn. Without undertaking to settle this unimportant matter, we give both statements as received; though from the fact that Mr. Colborn's name does not appear as a resident tax-payer upon the assessment roll of Howell for the year 1837, we venture the opinion that the Messrs. Parsons, Wait, Strong, and Fay were the first to take up their permanent residence. In the month of May, 1831, the brothers Fred- erick B. and Cecil D. Parsons — the former accom- panied by his wife — left their homes in Franklin Co., Mass., and journeyed by stage to Troy, N. Y. From the latter city a passage was secured on board a canal-boat to Buffalo, thence by lake steamer to Detroit, where they continued their journc)' by stage to Ann Arbor. They at last 334 reached Webster, Washtenaw Co., Mich., on foot, where they joined their sister, Mrs. Israel Arms, who, with her husband, had settled in Michigan in 1826. The brothers purchased land in Web- ster, and continued their residence there without thought of changing, until early in the summer of 1836, when, during the great rush of emigration to the new State, they were joined by their father, Levi Parsons, their brothers, Julius F. and Samuel F., their mother and two sisters. Waterman B. Fay, son-in-law of Levi Parson-;, Timothy Wait, father-in-law of Julius F. Parsons, and Lorenzo K. Strong. Messrs. Wait and Strong were from North- ampton, Hampshire Co., Mass. All the remainder from Franklin County, of the same State. These people all came to Michigan with the purpose of making the Peninsular State their permanent home. As they wished to purchase quite a large tract of government land, situated where all could settle in the same neighborhood, and as no such opportu- nity presented itself in Washtenaw County, in June, 1836, Frederick B. Parsons, Cecil D. Parsons, Ju- lius F. Parsons, Waterman B. Fay, Timothy Wait, and Lorenzo K. Strong started out on foot for the purpose of locating land in Livingston County. Arriving at Livingston Centre, they learned that desirable lands — not yet entered — were lying in township 4 north, of range 3 east, and that Charles P. Bush, who was then with Calvin Handy in town- ship 3 north, of range 3 east, would act as their guide while exploring the woods. They finally arrived at Mr. Handy's house, found Mr. Bush, and engaged his services for the next day. Mr. Handy had but just occupied his new dwelling, — a small log house, — and in consequence household articles were in some confusion. But Mrs. Handy, who, like other wives of the pioneers, was equal to the emergency, prepared lodgings for her visitors by spreading upon the ground, in the centre of the cabin, a bed ; upon it these six stal- wart men reclined their heads and shoulders, while their extremities swung around the circle, taking care of themselves. The next morning two or three other land-lookers came up, who wished to accompany the first party in their operations, but Mr, Bush would not permit them without the con- sent of those who first engaged him. As there was much sharp practice in play in "those days -.!¥«:= Residence OF Wm. P. STOW, Conway, Michigan, 'jy Wm. D.CORSON, UriLiN Oak , Mich. CONWAY TOWNSHIP. 335 among land-lookers and land-buyers, it will be readily infcneti tliat usually the second party were politely requested to stay behind. As a result of this first visit to the territory now known as Conway, the Messrs. Parsons and their friends concluded to purchase the lands situated upon sections 1 1, 13, and 14, which are more fully described in an accompanying list of original land- entries. Upon the 20th of June, 1836, their pur- chases, consisting of 840 acres, were entered upon the book in the land-office at Detroit. Later, during the same summer, the six men be- fore mentioned again started out for the purpose of opening a road through from Livingston Centre to their new possessions, also to erect a house wherein some of them proposed to pass the winter. They brought with them an ox-team and wagon, pro- visions for a few days, and boards necessary for use in building, which were obtained at Place's mill, in Webster, Washtenaw Co. Soon after leaving the Centre — now Howell — their labor began ; and at night they had progressed as far as John B. La Rowe's place of settlement on section 6, Howell township. The next day they gained two miles, cut out a road, bridged the creek, and encamped for the night near Sabin's Lake. On the third day they arrived at their des- tination, the northeast quarter of section 14, on land owned by Julius F. Parsons. Here, within six days, they completed what is claimed to have been the first dwelling erected in the township. This house was 18 by 24 feet in dimensions, cov- ered with oak shingles, which were shaved upon the spot, and the floor laid with the boards brought from Washtenaw County. This house soon after became noted as the place of birth of the first child born in the township, — son of J. F. Parsons, born January, 1837. Within its walls was held the first religious meeting, and here the people assembled to hold their first township-meeting in April, 1838. Our pioneers, having exhausted their stock of provisions, were compelled to return to Washte- naw County immediately after completing their house. During the fall of 1836, Julius F. Parsons, his father, Levi Parsons, and their families, accompa- nied by Timothy Wait, Lorenzo K. Strong, and Waterman B. Fay, came on from Webster, Wash- tenaw Co., fully prepared to take up their residence here in the woods. Land was cleared upon the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of sec- tion 14, and wheat sown the same season. Messrs. Wait and Strong were carpenters by trade ; during the period last mentioned they hauled lumber from Farmington, Oakland Co., and built, each for him.self, small framed houses, which were completed in the spring of 1837. The one built by Mr. Strong burned ilovvn several years ago. The other, after having withstood the ravages of time for forty years, finally succumbed to the same element, and disappeared 'mid fire and smoke in May, 1877. It was then owned and occupied by William Copeland, who received in payment for his loss the sum of $i,0 from the Livingston County Fire Insurance Company. Robert Colborn, from Wayne Co., Mich., pur- chased 90 acres on the northwest part of the north- west fractional quarter of section 5, July 5, 1836. His son is authority for the statement that Mr. Colborn, Sr., and his family moved in and took up their residence on the county line in November of the same year; that the route followed by them was along what was then known as the Grand River road up into Shiawassee County, from whence they bore south, cutting out their own road, until reaching the place of their settlement ; and that they were the first settlers in the township. As a distance of more than four and one-half miles on an air-line separated those in the Parsons settle- ment from the locality chosen by Mr. Colborn, the whole covered by dense forests, swamps, and tan- gled morasses, it is very possible that the latter should be in error in supposing himself the first settler, and that weeks should elapse ere he was aware of others being in the township. Mr. Colborn was a most worthy citizen. He raised up a large family, several of whom reside in the township at the present time. Late in the fall of 1836, Frederick B. Parsons, the eldest son of Levi, came on and built a com- fortable log dwelling upon his land, it being the northwest quarter of section 14. In March follow- ing, having sold out his possessions in Washtenaw County, he removed here, bringing in his family and household effects upon sleighs. Ledyard S. Adams, from Genesee Co., N. Y., purchased the north half of section 36, May 10, 1836, but did not settle until April i, 1837. He died in the spring of 1841, while holding the office of assessor. Martin W. Randall, from Livingston Co., N. Y., whose journey to Michigan is fully described by Hon. Ralph P'owler, in historical sketches referring to the early settlement of Handy township, settled upon the we.st half of the southwest quarter of sec- tion 27, also, early in the spring of 1837. Mr. Randall was a prominent citizen, and closely identified with the early history of Conway. He died in 1856, while serving as township treasurer. The following statement, compiled from the assessment roll of the township of Howell, — which 336 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. assessment was made in May, 1S37, — shows the number and names of the resident tax-pa\'ers in township 4 north, of range 3 east, at that period ; also a description of their lands and their valu- ation : Acres. Valuation. Ledyard S. Adams, northeast quarter and nnrlh- west quarter of section 36 .'.. 320 3960 Waterman H. Fay, west half of norihwest quarter of section 13 80 240 Julius F. P.irsons, southwest quarter of southeast qnarier of section II, and northeast quarter of section 14 200 600 Frederick B. Parsons, norihwest quarter of sec- tion 14 160 4S0 Martin \V. Randall, west half of southwest quarter of section 27 80 240 Lorenzo K. Strong, southeast quarter of section 14 160 480 Timothy Wait, ea-t half of northwest quarter of section 13 80 240 John Coughran, from Genesee Co., N. Y., the first supervisor of lena, settled upon the southeast ' quarter of section 25, May 31, 1837. He is still a resident of the township, honored and respected by all his fellow-townsmen. Cecil D. Parsons joined his brothers and friends in the new settlement Aug. 21, 1837, and soon after began to fell the trees and make an improvement upon the beautiful farm where heat present resides. His house was completed and occupied December nth of the same year. Timothy Wait and Lorenzo K. Strong, after but a short residence here, removed to Lapeer County. Later still Julius F. Parsonsalso removed to thesame county. Levi Parsons returned to the East, and finally died in the State of New York. Of those six men who came and erected the first house in the township, D. Parsons is the only resident survivor. Prior to the first township-meeting, which was held at the house of Levi Parsons, April 2, 1838, H. Hoyt and William N. Hojt had settled upon section 29; Stephen Daile)-, upon section 25; Lee Nutt, upon sections 35 and 36; Joseph Alexander, upon section 20; and John Bush upon 35. It is stated that seventeen voters were present at the first township-meeting, which probably in- cluded all the legal voters then residing in the township. A few additional names appeared as resident tax-payers upon lena's first assessment roll, dated May 9, 1838, which will be found upon a succeeding page. The first marriage was cele- brated Aug. 19, 1838, and the following copy of the marriage license explains itself: " This m.-iy certify that Amos Colborn, of lena, hath applied to me for a marriage license, and that marriage is intended between the said Amos, and Hannah .Alexander, of the same place ; and after a careful examination of the said Amos, .as to the legality of the in- tended marriage, and finding it to be lawful, I do by these presents grant him this license. " Given under my hand this 17th day of August, 1838. "Liivi Parsons, " Toivn Ckrk. "Married by me, Aug 19, 1838, Mr. Amos Colborn to Miss Hannah Alexander, both of the town of lena, Livingston Co., Mich. " Levi Parsons, " Juslice of the Peace:' In December, 1838, Warren G. Grant applied for and received a license " to keep a public-house, and to sell spirituous liquors at his house on the Trail road, for one year from and after the 31st of De- cember, 1S38." Lee Nutt was also an early tav- ern-keeper, and was first granted a license by the township board Feb. 6, 1841. This was renewed during the years to 1844, inclusive. The usual fee paid for tavern license was S'-S pc year. Among other settlers who were here during the year 1838, and not already mentioned, were John Martin, Tiiomas Martin, Retiben Wood, Warren G. Grant, Chauncey Yaples, Marcus Munn, and Samuel Ball. The following account of the settle- ment of Warren G. Grant and his family, furnished by his son, Hon. Elisha W. Grant, affords a fair illustration of the way and the difficulties attendant upon pioneer life in this region at that period. " E.uly in February, 1838, Warren G. Grant exchanged his farm, in the township of Livonia, Wayne Co., Mich., — where he had re- siiled for eight years, coming from Massachusetts in 1830, — for lands situated'in Livingston County. Soon after the exchange — which w"as made with Rufus Beach — he made a journey to Con- way, or, as it was then called, Howell. He traveled to Livingston Centre by stage, whicli was then operated by Allen C. Weston. As the Centre was the terminus of the stage-route, he proceey 33 Moses .Saylcs 13 Sylvester Tanner 34 Homer Watkins 26 1848. Sec. Thomas L. Hancock 17 Lansing Knickerbocker 17 Stephen Mills 19 William Spinks 22 Thomas Dailey 4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST TOWNSHIP- MEETING. At a meeting of the electors of the township of Jena, held at the house of Levi Parsons, on the 2d day of April, 1838, an organization was effected by choosing Levi Parsons moderator, and Lorenzo K. Strong clerk. It was then voted — '* 1st. That a committee of five be chosen to make out a nomi- nation for township officers. "2d. That Stephen Dailey, Ledyard S. .\dams, Timothy Wait, Joseph Alexander, and Robert Colborn be said committee. ** 3<\. To adjourn the meeting one hour. *' 4th. That the following-named persons be declared the town- ship officers for the ensuing year: John Coughran, Supervisor; Levi Parsons, Township Clerk ; Henry H. Hoyt, Frederick B. Parsons, Stephen Dailey, Assessors ; Ledyard S. Adams, Timothy Wait, Amos Colborn, School Inspectors ; Cecil D. Parsons, Amos Colborn, Ledyard S. Adams, Highway Commissioners ; Lee Nutl, IVederick B. Parsons, Directors of the Poor ; Joseph Alexander, John Coughran, Levi Parsons, Timothy Wait, Justices of the Peace ; Lorenzo K. Strong, Constable and Collector. " 5th. That the road commissioners divide the town into districts and appoint the pathmaslers. " 6th. That four dollars bounty be paid on each wolf killed in this town for one year. " 7th. That the next township-meeting be held at the house of Levi Parsons." LAND-ENTRIES. A complete list of those who purchased of the general government lands situated in this town- ship. Those marked with a star (*) became actual settlers. SECTION I. Benj. P. Sherman,* Washten.aw Co., Mich., May 31, 1836. Francis Mittleberger, Oakland Co., Mich., June 11, 1836. James Haddan, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 8, 1834. Alvin D. Shaw, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 3, 1836. B. B. Kercheval, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 15, 1837. Gaius Fuller,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 16, 1836. C. Unbiham, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 24, 1855. C. W. Butler, Ingham Co., Mich., June I, 1854. SECTION 2. Francis Mittleberger, Michigan, June II, 1836. Samuel .Streeter, Wayne Co., Mich., July 9, 1836. James Hadd.Tn, Michigan, July g, 1836. Samuel .Streeter, Wayne Co., Mich., July 8, 1836. Mortimer B. Martin, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 2, 1836. Benj. P. Sherman,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June I, 1837. Gaius Fuller,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 16, 1836. Benj. P. Sherman,* Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 25, 1854. C. W. Butler, Ingham Co., Mich , Dec. 23, 1853. SECTION 3. Mortimer B. Martin, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 2, 1836. William Bickland, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. William A. Clark, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. Cato Alexander, New York City, Sept. 24, 1836. Jeremiah Kennedy, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 17, 1838. SECTION 4. Miles A. Hinman, Genesee Co., N. Y., July i, 1836. William Gr.aham, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 2, 1836. N.Tncy A. Beausean, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. William A. Clark, New York City, Sept. 24, 1836. Thomas Dailey,* Genesee Co., N. Y., May 30, 1838. SECTION 5. Miles A. Hinman, Genesee Co., N. Y., July 2, 1836. Ralph Lester, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 5, 1836. Robert Colburn,* Wayne Co., Mich., July 5, 1836. Samuel CoUister, Madison Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1836. Nancy A. Beausean, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. Isaac N. Barker, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1836. SECTION 6. Reuben Robie, Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1836. Thomas Blackmer and Leman Gibbs, Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836 William Griswold, Chenango Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. Dennis Caliill, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 11, 1838. Edward M. Bishop,* Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 15, 1854. SECTION 7. Reuben Robie, Steuben Co., N. Y., .\Hg. 2, 1836. Thomas Dudley, Yates Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1836. Andrew N. Dewitt, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. John Martin,* Monroe Co., Mich., Sept. 22, 1836. Thomas Maitin,* Monroe Co., Mich., Sept. 22, 1836. Andrew N. Dewitt, Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1841. SECTION 8. Samuel Jessup, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. Shellick Wateibury, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. John Bishop,* Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 15, 1854. A. P. Cook, Jackson Co., Mich., Feb. 10, 1855. SECTION 9. William A. Clark, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. Harriet Nettledon, New York City, Sept. 24, 1836. Charles Elliott, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Sept. 24, 1836. Michael Harris, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 20, 1838. John Brennan, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1838. John Halpin, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1838. SECTION 10. Robert Knight, New York City, Sept. 24, 1836. Horace A. Noyes, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 9, 1837. Rice Tyler, Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 15, 1839. C. W. Butler, Ingham Co., Mich., April 18, 1854. CONWAY TOWNSHIP. 339 SECTION II. Jiiliu> V. P.irsons,* Franklin Co., Mass., June 20, 1836. Dan. Uariies, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 22, 1S36. Lathrop A. G. 15. Grant, Orleans Co., N. Y., June 3, 1854. C. W. Butler, Ingham Co., Midi., Dec. 15, 1S53. SECTION 12. Rutli Winterton, New York City, Sept. 21, 1S36. U. B. Kercheval, Wayne Co., Midi., Fd). 15, 1837. Eilgar Piirdy,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dee. 27, 1853. SECTION 13. Cecil D. Parsons,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 20, 1836. Ruth M. Fay,* Franklin Co., Mass., June 20, 1836. Timothy Wait,* Hampshire Co., Mass., June 20, 1836. William Ball, New York Cily, Sept. 21, 1836. Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 20, 1836. James Grant, Oakland Co., Mich., June 21, 1836. SECTION 14. Lorenzo K. Strong,* Hampshire Co., Mass., June 20, 1836. Freil'k 15. Parsons,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 20, 1836. Julius F. Parsons,* Franklin Co., Mass., June 20, 1836. Dan. Barnes, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 23, 1S36. SECTION 15. Simuel H. Dodge, Seneca Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1836. William Merrill, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 16, 1836. George Parkin, Nov. 25, 1836. Win. II. Johnson, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 11, 1837. John Warlnirton, Wa-shtenaw Co., Mich., April 10, 1S37. SECTION 16. Benjamin Hodge, March 7, 1870. Henry Ramer,* March 7, 1870. Thomas Stanfield,* March 21, 1854. Balch & .Spinks,* Nov. 26, 1853. George Harger,* Aug. 12, 1854. G. Daley,* Jan. 19, 1854. George Morse,* Feb. 8, i86f. Jacob Sherman,* Nov. 22, 1853. Frederick Weltz, Oct. 8, 1856. E. B. Barker,* March 9, 1854. G. Daley,* Jan. 19, 1854. Jacob Sherman,* April 15, 1854. John Wilder,* Sept. 13, 1854. SECTION 17. Thomas Hensett, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. William Irwin, New York City, Feb. 14, 1837. SECTION 18. Thomas Martin,* Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1856. Thom.as Kirk, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1836. John Laffin and Patrick McKaig, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 22, 1837. Chauncey Gaylord, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 21, 1838. SECTION 19. Samuel Winterton, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. John McQuillen, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. John Kelly, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1831. Patrick McQuillen, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. John Taffe, Monroe Co., N. Y , Sept. 21, 1836. Patrick Kirk, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1836. Patrick McKaig, Washtenaw Co., Mich,, Nov. 22, 1837. John Clark, Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1S38. SECTION 20. William A. Clark, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. SECTION 21. George Ilenlet, New York City, Sept. 2, 1836. Justus Boyd, Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 22, 1838. Augustus I). Doirance, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1851. Henry Snyder,* Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 23, 1851. Charles P. Bush, Inghan) Co., Mich., June 27, 1854, and Nov. 17, 1854. A. P. Cook, Jackson Co., Mich., Feb. 12, 1855. SECTION 22. Isaac L. Ostiom,* Orleans Co., N. Y., May 25, 1836. Moses D. .Shaw, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. Eph. Ticknor, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. Norman Goodale, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1836. Phoebe Burnett, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1836. Justus Boyd, Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 22, 1838. SECTION 23. Philip Eckler, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836. Delsey Benjamin,* Oakland Co., Mich., May 26, 1836. Justus Pond, Wayne Co., N. Y., June I, 1836. Henry M. Moore, (Jenesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 5, 1836. SECTION 24. Morris Tucker, Wayne Co., N. Y., June I, 1836. Betsey Tucker, Wayne Co., N. Y., June i, 1836. Ruth Pond, Wayne Co., N. Y., June i, 1836. William B. Cogshill, Wayne Co., N. Y., June I, 1836. B. B. Kercheval, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1836. SECTION 25. John Coughran,* Genesee Co., N. Y., May, 1836. Justus N. Pond, Wayne Co., N. Y., June, 1836. Jason Swift, W.ayne Co., Mich., July, 1836. Alvin Whedon, Onondaga Co., N. Y. SECTION 26. Isaac L. Ostrom,* Orleans Co., N. Y., May 25, 1838. Heniy Nelson, W.ayne Co., N. Y., May 25, 1836. William Farley, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 25, 1836. Augustus M. Sherwood, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. Henry Sherwood, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. Marshall Chapin and John Owen, Wayne Co., Mich., July 14, 1836. SECTION 27. Martin W. Randall,* Livingston Co., N. Y., April 18, 1836. John Westfall, Jr., Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 11, 1836. Smith W. Nelson, Orleans Co., N. Y., May 25, 1836. Enoch Vankirk, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. Henry Sherwood, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. Delsey Benjamin,* Livingston Co., N. Y., May I, 1850. SECTION 28. John R. Winterton, New York City, Sept. 21, 1836. Charles A. Williamson, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 2, 1836. William Merrill, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 12, 1S37. Andrew J. Wright, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 15, 1854. C. P. Bush, Ingham Co., Mich., July 6, 1854. A. P. Cook, Jackson Co., Mich., Feb. 6, 1S55. SECTION 29. William Clark, city of New York, Sept. 21, 1836. SECTION 30. S.amuel Winterton, New York City, Sept. 21, 1S36. Patrick Taffe, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1836. Conr.ad Woll, Wayne Co., Mich., M.iy 25, 1S37. 340 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Reuben B.Wood, Livingstim Co., Mich., May 25, 1837. Tiuman Johnson, Genewe Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1837. Benjamin D. Lefevre, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Felj. 4, 1839. SECTION 31. Charles Butler, New Yorl< Cily, April 21, 1836. SECTION 32. Charles Butler, New York City, April 2i, 1836. SECTION 3i. John B. Fowler, Livingston Co., N. Y., April Philip Coon, Wayne Co., Mich., July 7, 1S37. 8, 1836. SECTION 34. Homer T. Smith, Huron Co., Ohio, May 26, 1S36. Lorenzo Clark, Wayne Co., N. Y., June i, 1836. Oliver Reed, Wayne Co., N. Y., June I, 1S36. Hiram .\danis, Livingston Co., N. Y., Jime 4, 1836. Samuel Bibbins, Wayne Co., Mich., July 14, 1836. Heni7 Ellsworth, New York Cily, Sept. 2r, 1836. SECTION 35. Alvin Hanmer, Wayne Co., Mich., May 20, l83'>. Homer T. Smith, Huron Co., Ohio, May 26, 1836. Benjamin M. AUiger, Ulster Co., N. Y., June 7, 1836. John Bush,* Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 9, 1836. Henry Ellsworth, New York City, Sept. 2i, 1836. SECTION 36. James Jones, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 1, 1836. Elijah Clongh, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May i, 1836. Ledyard S. Adams,* Genesee Co., N. Y., May 10, 1836. Alvin Hanmer, Wayne Co., Mich., May 20, 1836. RicharH P. Bush, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 9, 1836. CIVIL AND POLITICAL. By an act of the State Legislature, approved March 6, 1838, this township was formed from Howell. Section 3, of an act to organize certain townships, reads as follows : " All that portion of the county of Livingston designated by the United Stales survey as township number four north, of range num- ber three east, be, and the same is hereby set ofTand organized into a separ.ate township, by the name of lena, and the first township- meeting therein shall be held at the house of Levi Parsons, in said township." The inhabitants became dissatisfied with this name, because of its similarity to Ionia, and for other reasons, and by a special act, approved March 20, 1 84 1, it was changed to Conway. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a nearly complete list of town- ship officers elected during the years from 1838 to 1879, inclusive : SUPERVISORS. 1838-40, John Coughran ; 1841, Benjamin W. Lawrence; 1842, Hiram Wetherell ; 1843, Charles Thompson; 1844-46, Hiram Wetherell; 1847-49, Ezekiel H. Sabin ; 1850-51, John Bush ; 1852, Hiram Wetherell; 1853-55, David Bush; 1856-57, Benjamin P. Sherman; 1858-60, Elisha W. Grant;* 1861- * Resigned to accept office of county clerk. Graham N. Barker appointed to fill vacancy Nov. 24, i860. 62, Benjamin P. Sherman; 1863, Elisha W. Grant; 1864, Erasrau? D. Smith; 1865, Elisha W. Grant; 1866, Nelson B. Green ;f 1867, Elisha W. Grant ; 1868-69, Thomas Cope- land; 1870-72, Horace Halbert ; 1873, William P. .Stow; 1S74, David Bush; 1875-77, Elisha W. Grant; 1878-79, Joel A. Chapman. J TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1S3S-40, Levi Parsons; 1S41, Derastus Hinman ; 1842-46, Sam- tiel Ball; 1847-49, Henry M. Case; 1850-52, David Bush; "853-57, Elisha W. Grant; 185S, Seih W. Miner; 1859-62, Frederick B. Parsons; 1863, Chailes Benjamin; 1864, Dela- mer .Sabin ; 1865-66, Thomas Copeland ; 1S67, Charles L. Gordoi! ; 1868-69, Eugene A. Bush; 1870-71, Elisha W. Grant ; 1S72-73, Joel A. Chapman ; 1874, Eugene A. Bush ; '875-77, Juel A. Chapman; 187S-79, William P. Stow. TREASURERS. 1839, William N. Hoyt ; 1840, Frederick B. Parsons ; 1S41-42, John Coughran ; 1843-44, Ruel Randall ; 1845, Henry H. Hoyt; 1847-49, John Bush; 1850, Martin W.Randall; 1S51, Graham N. Barker; 1852-56, Martin W. Randall ;| 1857- 60, Hiram Wetherell ; 1861-63, George E. Adams; 1S64-76, William R. Miller; 1S77-78, Andrew J. Wickman ; 1879, Truman Randall. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Joseph Alexander, John Coughran, Levi Parsons, Timothy Wait, 1838 ; Warren G. Grant, Levi Parsons, 1839 ; John Coughran, 1840; Benjamin W. Lawrence, John Coughran, 1841 ; Ben- jamin W. Lawrence, Derastus Hinman, 1S42; Chas. Thomp- son, Sam'l Ball, Martin W. Randall, 1843 5 Hiram Wetherell, 1844; Benjamin P. Sherman, 1845; Frederick B. Parsons, Maitin W. Randall, 1846; Samuel Ball, Bentley Sabin, 1847; Charles Thompson, Graham N. Barker, 1848; Ezekiel H. Sabin, Henry H. Hoyt, Henry Snyder, 1849; Martin W. Randall, William N. Hoyt, 1850; Samuel Ball, Phineas Silsby, Amos Colborn, 1851 ; Henry H. Hoyt, 1852; Hiram Wetherell, 1853 ; Henry M. Stephens, Henry M. Case, 1854; .Samuel Ball, Martin W. Rand.all, 1855; Henry H. Hoyt, 1856; Phine.as Silsby, Cecil D. P.arsons, 1S57 ; Benjamin P. Sherman, 1838; William P. Stow, 1859; Cecil D. Parsons, William N. Hoyt, i860; Israel B. Colborn, 1861 ; Benjamin P. Sherman, 1862; Charles Welcker, 1863; William Sabin, 1864; Nelson B. Green, 1865; William P. Stow, Benjamin H. Mowers, 1866; Israel B. Colborn, Benjamin H. Mowers, 1867; William S.ibin, William Dillingham, 186S; Robert Anderson, 1869; Heniy R. Miller, Elisha W. Grant, 1870 ; Israel B. Colborn, Charles L. Gordon, 1871 ; William Sabin, 1S72; Elisha W. Grant, Cecil D. Parsons, Jr., 1873 ; William R. Miller, Ira Snyder, 1874; Cecil D. Parsons, Jr., Cliaries L. Gordon, 1S75 ; Andrew J. Wickman, 1876; Jeremiah Casady, 1S77; Israel B. Colborn, 187S; Cecil D. Parsons, Jr., 1879. ASSESSORS. Henry H. Hoyt, Fred'k B. Parsons, Stephen D.iiley, 1838 ; Fred'k B. Parsons, Stephen Dailey, Henry H. Hoyt, 1S39; Ledyard S. Adams, Fred'k B. Parsons, Henry H. Hoyt, 1840; John Hill, Ruel Rand.ill, Ledyard S. Adams, || 1841 ; Losson Gordon, Delsey Benjamin, 1842; Henry H. Hoyt, Edgar Purdy, 1843 ■> Edgar Purdy, Henry H. Hoyt, 1844; Frederick f Resigned. David Bush appointed to fill vacancy Nov. 28, 1866. J Died. Elisha W. Grant appointed to fill vacancy July 8, 1879. I Died in office. Graham H. Barker appointed to fill vacancy July 26, 1856. II Died in office. F. B. Parsons appointed to fill vacancy M.ay 3, 1S41. CONWAY TOWNSHIP. 34 1 B. Parsons, Stephen Dailey, 1845; David Bush, Ficilerick B. Parsons, 1846; Eli S. Balch, Henry Kennedy, 1847; Charles Thompson, David Bush, 1848; Thurston Simmons, Cecil D. Parsons, 1849; Samuel Ball, Henry H. Hoyt, 1850. See list of supervisors from 1851 to 1879, inclusive. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. Ledyard S. Adams, Timothy Wait, Amos Colborn, 1838; Bentley Sahin, Frederick B. Parsons, Warren G. Grant, 1839; Julius K. Parsons, Henry H. Hoyt, Cecil D. Parsons, 1840; Derxs- tus Hinman, Eli S. Balch, Samuel Ball, 1841 ; Ruel Randall, Bentley Sabin, Derastus Hinman, 1842; Heniy H. Hoyt, Henry Snyder, 1843; Graham N. Barker, 1844; Stephen Dailey, Graham N. Barker, Henry H. Hoyt, 1845; Graham N. Barker, David Bush, 1846; Elisha W. Grant, 1847; Sylvester Tanner, 184S; David Bush, 1849; Sylvester Tan- ner, George R. Sayles, 1850; Bentley Sahin, 1851 ; Elisha W. Grant, 1852; Graham N. Barker, David Bush, 1853-54; Bleecker L. Barker, 1855; Edwin Hitchcock, 1856; Smith Benson, Albeit A. Fisk, 1857; Elisha W. Grant, 1858; .Selh W. Miner, Edwin Hitchcock, 1859; Elisha W. Grant, i860; Selh W. Miner, Obadiah S. Parsons, i86r ; Edward C. Silsby, 1862; Charles I,. Gordon, Elisha W. Grant, 1863; Thom.is Copeland, 1S64; Roger Sherman, Wilbur F'. Parsons, 1865; David Bush, Ariel Bigelow, 1866; Henry C. Colborn, 1867; David Bu-h, 1868; Montraville Sabin, 1869; David Bush, Charles L. Gordon, 1870 ; Henry C. CoUmrn, 1871 ; Eugene A. Bush, Edward B. Barker, 1872; Charles L. Gordon, Fayette Grant, 1873; Mallise Dillingham, 1874; Fayette Grant, 1S75; Edward Doolittle, 1876; Cecil D. Parsons, Jr., 1S77; Julian B. Fuller, 1S78-79. TOWN SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. Henry C. Colborn, 1S75-76; Willnir F. Parsons, 1S77-79. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. Robert Anderson, Daniel Sherwood, 1871; Losson Gordon, 1S72; William Sabin, Sr., 1873-74; John Parker, 1875; Samuel S. Tower, 1876; George Morse, 1877; Charles Coleman, 1878; Thumas Stanfield, 1S79. EARLY HIGHWAYS. A.s before mentioned, the first road opened for general travel was the Trail road, which passed over a portion .of the southwest part of the town- ship. The opening of this route was a private enterprise, we believe, over which the township authorities of Howell exercised no authority. At the first meeting of the Board of Highway Commissioners of lena, composed of Cecil D. Par- sons, Anios Colborn, and Ledyard S. Adams, held May 17, 1838, they decided to establisii four road districts, the boundaries of which were described as follows: •* District No. I. Beginning at the northeast ci)rner of section one, and running west three miles; ihence south three miles; thence east thicc miles; ihence nortii three miles to the ]>lace of beginning. " District No. 2. Beginning at the northeast corner of section twenty-four, and running west three miles; south three miles; east three miles; and north three miles to the place of beginning. " District No. 3. Beginning at the northeast corner of section twenty-one, and running west three miles; south three miles; cast ihree miles; ancr would inform all who are interested that, not- willislaniling the unfavorable season, he has made and liurnt 100,000 brick this season, which are now ready for delivery for cash or approved notes, at his kiln, hiUfa mile south of the village of Howell. " E I'". Gay. " Howell, June 19, 1S44." The following arc the names of those ap[)earing as resident tax-payers on the first assessment roll of the township of Marion, dated May I, 1837, together with a description of their land, etc.: Names. Section. Acres. X^'S'^'-'"" "^ Real L-state. .\lcxander Boydeii 5 172 S516 Thomas B. Brooks I So 240 James Bavin 22, 2j 400 1200 Miles Chubb 35.36 334 I002 •Sardis Davis 2 38 132 Towiisend Drew 3, 4 395 1 185 Nehcmiah Gilks 32 294 S82 Edwaicl !•■. (;.iy 2 232 928 William Hudson 5 233 701 James lloadlcy. Thomas I,. Hancock 8 40 120 Thomas Hoskins 31, 32 240 720 Oeorge P. JeflVies 33.34 '20 360 Henry G. Love 33 320 960 Samuel Lyon 10 160 480 Guy C. Lee 7, 8 360 1200 Georije W. Lee 8 40 I20 Robert Muniis 19, 20 80 240 Artemas Malum 120 390 Elisha Martindale. Peter Merrihew. 200 650 \Vm. R. Marshall 22 80 240 Price Morse 10 80 280 Cornelius Potter 7 43 129 .Sylvester Rounds 19 166 498 Ebcnezer Stearns 5, 6 268 972 Stodd.ird Smith 7 80 240 Nelson A. Smith 17 So 240 Thomas Schoonhoven 6 206 812 George Sewell 18 160 480 Charles V.in Winkle 27 70 210 Hiram Wing 15, 21 120 360 Aaron Younglove 33, 34 108 324 William Vounglove 34, 33 240 720 The total assessed valuation of real and personal estate, including resident and non-resident owners, amounted to $65,868, and the amount of ta.K levied upon the same was $213.66. Those denominated resident tax-payers in 1844, and their location by sections, were as follows : Sec. Austin, George 6 Abbott, James 26, 27 Bentley, Richird 25 Bentley, G. B 12 Brooks, Thomas B I Beardsley, Hiram 11, 12 Bull, Joseph D 29 Bnxnnan, M. S 22 Brown, Joseph 22 Baker, Isaac 19 Bucknell, John 28 Beach, Lvmau K.,Jr 7,8 Bashfurd,' James T 8 Bashford, Joshua N Boyden, Alexander 5 Bush, Thom.is 2C Buiden, Enos 32 Burt, E. K 6, 7, 12 Barrett, William 9 Bavin, James 22, 23 Crandall, Laban Coleman, Eri 30 Cameron, George 17 Coffey, Levi 10 Coffey, Nelson 10 Carson, Wdliam 5 Chubbs, Miles 35 Clark, Charles 13 Drewry, Richard 28 Darwiii, Seth C 17, 20, 21 Darwin, Seth A 17 Dicw, Townscnd 3 Drew, Noah lo, 11 Sec. Drew, Z. M 3, 10, 14 Dickei^on, David 14 Ellsworth, Edward 18. Eves, John 8 FairchiUl, Ezra N 22, 28 Fitch, William P 22, 27 Foster, Samuel 27, 34, 35 Field, Nathan II Field, Timothy 11 Fishbeck, Levi 25 Fishbeck, Elsey 25 Gay, Edward V 2 Gilks, Nehemiah 5, 32 Griffith, Horace 23,24, 25 Green, Rebecca 26 Grosvenor, Daniel S 13 Hunn, Gideon 23, 24 Hubbard, .Samuel 2 Hcndee, E. C 35. 36 H.avens, M. S 9 Hancock, Thomas L 8 Hiscock, Loton 3 Hudson, William 5 Haddan, James 5, 9 Itzell, Andrew .. 18 Ingram, Ezra 20, 21 Jewett, S. P 2 Jcwett, Lucrelia 2 Jewett, George W 2, 3 Jackson, Mary 24 Knickerbocker, Alanson Kochlar, .Vbram 8 Lee, Hczekiah F 2 352 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Sec. Lee, Jonathan i^, 34 Lee, Guy C 7, 8 Lee, Henry B 7> ^ Lee, Frederick Love, William 15 Love, Elisha 4, 32, ^^ Love, Henry G 33 Love, Thomas 29 Lyon, Samuel 10 Lyon & Thomas 10 Lake, Rial 6, 8, 9 McEneany, Patrick I McDowell, George 12 Moore, Samuel Munns, Robert 30 Mitchell, Spencer 20 Muir, James 20 Mitchell, Hiram 20 Miller, Zachariah 22 Olds, O. F 9, 14. 15 Pinckney, John 2 Pardee, Lewis 30 Pardee, Silas 30 Rilter, Berry 1 6 Roberts, Eli A 6 Roberts, Eli A., Jr Rounds, J:ibez 19 Rounds, Sylvester 19 Rounds, Joseph Ross, Thomas 22, 27, 34 Rust, Asahel 29 Rubbins, Adam 23, 25 Sec. .Sellman, Thomas 36 Sexton, William 14 Sexton, Joseph 14 .Sexton, Pailcy H Smith, Patrick 13 Sloan, James 25 Saunders, Frederick 32 Shaft'er, Jesse (agent) 31, 32 .Swarthout, Justus 26 Smith, H. H 21 Smith, Lorenzo E 2i Smith, John 15 Smith, P. L 7 Smith, N. A 8, 17 Sewell, Georj^e 18 Spafford, William R 8 Stearns, Henry P 5> ^ Stearns, Allen C 5, 6 Stearns, Ebenezer 2 AValker, Joseph 19, 20 Wing, John L 22 Wing, Hiram 15 Wing, Barker 12, 21 WoU, Conrad 9, 10 Watson, John T 4 Woodward, Alfred.... II Wdlis, Daniel 11 Webster, William J 13 Winegar, Ashbel A 35, 36 Woll, Peter 10 Younglove, William 4, 33 Younglove, Aaron 3, 34 LAND-ENTRIES. The following is a complete list of those who purchased of the government lands situated in this township. Those marked witli a star (*) became actual residents. SECTION I. John D. Pinckney, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 1S33. Ira A. Blossom and Elijah D. Etner, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1835. John Fraser, New York City, Oct. 26, 1835. Flavins J. B. Crane, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1835. Heman Harrington, Oakland Co., Mich., March 14, 1836. William C. Shaft, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 9, 1836. Fred Carey, Lenawee Co., Mich., July 14, 1836. SECTION 2. Jonathan Easterbrooks, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., May 14, 1834. Sardis Davis,* Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1834. Samuel Hubbard,* Livingston Co., N. Y., May 13, 1835. James T. Allen and David Godfrey, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 26, 1835. David W. Wetmore, New York City, June 30, 1835. George W. Jewclt, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 9, 1835. Samuel Hubbard,* Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 25, 1835. Ira A. Blossom and Elijah D. Efner, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1835- SECTION 3. Jonathan Austin, Livingston Co., Mich., July 8, 1834. James Hiscock, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. iS, 1834. George W. Jewett, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 9, 1835". Isaac R. Stone, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 21, 1835. Townsend Drew,* Steuben Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836. Robert F. Randall, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 9, 1837. James A. Hicks and Samuel T. Buell, Wayne Co., Mich., March 16, 1837. SECTION 4. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 12, 1S35. John D. Riddle and Reuben Moore, Washtenaw Co , Mich., Oct. 29, 1835. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 4, 1836. Townsend Drew,* Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. g, 1837. Joseph Collier, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 20, 1837. Joseph Collier, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 2, 1837. Luke Hemingway, New York City, March 27, 1837. John Bennett, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. i, 1851. SECTION 5. James Haddan,* Livingston Co., Mich., May 25, 1837. Alexander Boyden,* Livingston Co., Mich., April 19, 1837. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., June 15, 1837. Francis I. Prevost,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. Alexander Boyden,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. John B.iUard, W.ayne Co., Mich., July 25, 1835. Charles A. Bogart, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1835. Mary Ann Prevost, Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 2, 1836. Benjamin Smith, Livingston Co., Mich., June 29, 1836. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 4, 1836. Gaines D.ayton, Wayne Co., Mich., March 2, 1S37. SECTION 6. Francis I. Prevost,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. Gaines Dayton, Wayne Co., Mich., March 2, 1837. Thomas Schoonhoven,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 20, 1837- James Haddan,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., M.ay 25, 1837. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., June 15, 1S37. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., June 28, 1837. Samuel P. Jewett, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 3, 1838. Rial L.ake, Livingston Co., Mich., April 6, 1S38. George W. Keeler, Livingston Co., Mich., March 15, 1855. H, H. Norton,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1853. SECTION 7. John Ballard, Wayne Co., Mich., July 17, 1835. Pierpont L. Smith,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 7, 1835. Alonzo Piatt, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Aug. 12, 1835. Stoddard .Smith,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 16, 1835. Jean Loui.s Francois Benoit Fasquelle,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 9, 1835. Pierpont L. Smith,* Washtenaw Co., Midi., Dec. 5, 1835. Guy C. Lee,* Madison Co., N. Y , April 18, 1836. Lyman E. Beach, Erie Co., Pa., .^pril 23, 1836. Cornelius Potter,* Livingston Co., Mich., April 28, 1836. SECTION 8. Charles A. Bogart, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 30, 1835. James T. Bashford,* Wayne Co., N. Y., March 25, 1S36. Guy C. Lee,* Madison Co., N. Y., April 18, 1836. Lyman E. Beach, Erie Co., Pa., April 23, 1836. Thomas L. Hancock,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 8, 1836. George W. Lee,* Livingston Co., Mich., July 11, 1836. Israel S. Spencer, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 24, 1836. Rial Lake, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 28, 1836. Richard Day,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 30, 1852. SECTION 9. James Collins, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1835. Rial Lake, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 28, 1836. Conrad Woll,* Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 26, 1836. B. B. Kercheval, Wayne Co., Mich., Dec. 15, 1836. George Corselus, Wayne Co., Mich., Dec. 26, 1836. Ozro F. Olds,* Livingston Co., Mich., June 25, 1839. SECTION 10. Price Morse,* Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1835. Samuel Lyon,* Steuben Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836. William Gibbs, New Haven, Conn., June 3, 1836. MARION TOWNSHIP. 353 Ro'iwin Kingshuiy, Monroe Ci., N. Y., July 6, 1S36. .Samuel Lyon,* .Steulien Co., N. Y., July 7, 1836. Conrad Woll,* Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1836. Jon:.llian Seeley, W.ayne Co., Mich., Nov. 15, 1836. Edward Esteys, Wayne Co., Mich., May 12, 1837. Zebulon ^^ Drew,* Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 8, 1S38. SECTION II. Israel Branch,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., July 10, 1835. . John D. Riddle and Reuben Moore, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 29, 1835. Israel Urancli (2d), W.islitenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 23, 1S35. Charles Mosely, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1835. Israel Branch,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 27, 1S35. Elisha S. Avery and Charles Eldredge, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. II, 1837. SECTION 12. John M. Brown, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 16, 1835. John I'. Thornton, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1835. Adna Sawyer, Yates Co., N. Y., June 4, 1836. Giles Church, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 13, 1836. Enoch Webster, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 22, 1836. Edward G. Wilber, Columbia Co., N. Y., June 23, 1836. Veny Goldthwait, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 10, 1837. SECTION 13. John M. Brown, Ont.irio Co., N. Y., July 16, 1835. Dwight Hawks, Oakland Co., Mich., March 17, 1836. William J. Webster,* Steuben Co., N. Y., June 22, 1836. Edward G. Wilber, Columbia Co., N. Y., June 23, 1836. William J. Webster,* Livingst.m Co., Mich., Oct. 30, 1837. William C. Decker, Livingston Co., Mich., April 15, 1853. SECTION 14. John M. Brown, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 16, 1S35. Walter R. Seymour,* Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1835. John P. Thornton, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1835. Aaron Seymour,* Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 20, 1836. Edgar M. Gallow.ay, W^ayne Co., Mich., March 14, 1836. William Clay, W.ayne Co., Mich., June 16, 1836. Edward Estes, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 18, 1836. Zebulon M. Drew,* Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 9, 1S37. Joseph Sexton,* W.ishtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 25, 1837. Parley H Stevens, Livingston Co., Mich., Oct. 13, 1846. SIXTION 15. Hiram Wing* and John L. Wing,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1835. Josiah Doty, Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 19, 1835. William Kirtland, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. I, 1S36. Jeremi.ah Kent,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 31, 1836. Kinnelh Davison,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 7, 1836. SECTION 16. William Huntington,* Dec. 20, 1854. J. N. Bashford,* Sept. 26, 1849. S. W. Coffey,* Oct. 24, 1848. M. S. Havens,* Sept. 16, 1841. Lyman Clark,* March 14, 1849. Nelson Coffey,* May 8, 1849. James Ilarger,* Nov. 29, 1 858. H. C. Mallory,* July 22, 1857. C. Coleman, Oct. 9, 1850. Pierce Elwell,* Nov. ii, 1856. A. T. Albright, March 8, 1855. James Harger,* Nov. 29, 1858. Chester Goodrich, Nov. 29, 1858. 45 SECTION 17. Seth C. Darwin,* Livingston Co., N. Y , Oct. 27, 1835. Lyman E. Beach, Erie Co., Pa., April 23, 1836. Asahel W. Prior, Madison Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1837. Waters Clark,* Madison Co., N. Y.,June i, 1837. Nelson A. Smith,* Erie Co., Pa., June 20, 1836. Lyman Clark,* Livingston Co., Mich., March 2, 1849, and Sept. I, 1868. SECTION 18. Jeplha Jewett, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 2, 1835. Alvin S. McDowell, Niagara Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1835. Hiram Fisk, Niagara Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1835. George and Livy Rash, Washtenaw Co , Mich., Dec. 29, 1835. George R.ash, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 15, 1836. William Davis,* Erie Co., Pa., April 23, 1836. Robert Munns,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 28, 1838. John A. Ezel, Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 4, 1847. SECTION 19. Sylvester Rounds,* Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 14, 1836. Robert Munns,* Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 8, 1836. Hiram P. Baker,* Monroe Co., N. Y., May 18, 1836. Joseph Walker,* Allegany Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. William Hines, W.ishtenaw Co., Mich., July 12, 1838. SECTION 20. Seth C. Darwin,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1835. Joseph Walker,* Allegany Co., N. Y., May 23, 1836. Robert Munns,* Livingston Co., Mich., May 23, 1836. George Mitchell, Madison Co., N. Y., June I, 1836. Hir.am Mitchell,* Livingston Co., Mich., June I, 1836. Spencer Mitchell, Madison Co., N. Y., June I, 1836. Hiram Mitcliell,* Livingston Co., Mich., June 4, 1836. George Bates, Plymouth Co., Mass., June 18, 1836. SECTION 2E. Seth C. Darwin,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 27, 1835. Hiram Wing,* W.ashtenaw Co., Mich., March 8, 1836. Samuel Clark, W.ayne Co., N. Y., M.ay 18, 1836. Henry Van Geison, W.ishtenaw Co., Mich., May 31, 1836. George Bates, Plymouth, Mass., June 18, 1836. Heniy H. .Smith,* Genesee Co., N. Y., June 3, 1836, and May 16, 1S37. David T. Wood,* Livingston Co., Mich., April 15, 1S47. SECTION 22. George Rash, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1835. John L. Wing,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 8, 1836. William R. Marshall,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 6, 1836. Charles Van Winkle,* Allegany Co., N. Y., June 6, 1836. Ezra N. Fail-child,* Macomb Co., Mich., June II, 1836. Joseph H. Steel, Wayne Co., Mich., June 24, 1836. James Bavin,* England, June 25, 1836. SECTION 23. George W. Moore, Ontario Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1835. Edgar M. Galloway, Wayne Co., N. Y., March 14, 1S36. Morris K. Henry, Wayne Co., Mich., June 16, 1836. Jason Butterfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., June 18, 1836. Jenks Chase, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 18, 1836. James Bavin,* England, June 24, 1836. John C. Bull, Wayne Co., Mich., July 11, 1836. SECTION 24. Timothy R. Bennett, Livingston Co., Mich., July 24, 1835. Justus E. Brown, Columbia Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1835. Horace Griffith,* Steuben Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. Eastman Griffith, Livingston Co., Mich., June 8, 1836. 354 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. JenUs Chase, Ontario Co., N. Y., June i8, 1836. Hoiace Griffith,* Steuben Co., N. Y., June 22, 1836. Catharine Griffith, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 3, 1836. William L. Tompkins,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1836. Jacob D. Gale, Livingston Co., Mich., Aug. 24, 1846. SECTION 25. James Sloan,* W.-ishtenaw Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Jenks Chase, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 18, 1836. Christopher Hoagland,* Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 3, 1S36. Jacob Fishbeck,* Living.ston Co., Mich., Jan. 20, 1837. Levi Fishbeck,* Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 20, 1837. Adam Rubbins,* Livingston Co., Mich., July 14, 1837. James D. Gale, Livingston Co., Mich., June 9, 1847. Richard D. Bentley,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 3, 1853, and Feb. 8, 1854. SECTION 26. Reuben H. Bennett, Livingston Co., Mich., May 26, 1836. Eastman Griffith, Steuben Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. James Sloan,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Jenks Chase, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 18, 1836. Verry Goldthvvait, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 10, 1S37. SECTION 27. William Forshee, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 25, 1836. C. Ho.igland* and H. Griffith,* Steuben Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836. John Holden, Providence, R. I., May 30, 1836. Charles Yan Winkle,* Allegany Co., N. Y., 1S36. Stephen Thomas Probet,* England, June 10, 1836. SECTION 28. Ezra N. Fairchild.* Genesee Co., N. Y., M.ay 23, 1836. Stephen Thomas Probet,* England, June 10, 1836, and June ir, 1836. Joseph H. Steel, Wayne Co., Mich., June 24, 1836, and June 28, 1836. SECTION 29. Silas Raymond, Erie Co., N. Y., June 13, 1836. Edwin M Cust, England, June 20, 1836. Elijah F. Burt,* Windham Co., Vt., June 15, 1837. Joseph H. Steel, Wayne Co., Aug. 14, 1S37. Eri Coleman,* Livingston Co., Mich., Sept. 3, 1849. SECTION 30. Jesse Shaffer,* W.ashtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 13, 1S36. Stephen Averill, Erie Co., Pa., April 23, 1836. Henry Bower, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836. Lewis Pardee,* Monroe Co., N. Y., May 18, 1836. Benjamin Hill, W.ayne Co., Mich., April 11, 1837. Rial Lake, Philadelphia, Pa., June 15, 1837. SECTION 31. Thom.as Hoskins,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 17, 1836. Benjamin Nichols, Columbia Co., N. Y., June 17, 1836. Caleb Rice, Yates Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1836. Jeremiah D. Samson, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 10, 1S37. Ira Annis, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 30, 1852. SECTION 32. John S. Farrand, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836. Lemuel Bryant, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 31, 1836. Willi.am Wing, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., May 31, 1836. Thomas Hoskins,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 21, 1836. Horace H. Smith, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 29, 1836. William Love,* Livingston Co., Mich., May, 1837. Elizabeth Basing,* Livingston Co., Mich., July 15, 1844. SECTION 33. George P. Jeffries,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 31, 1836. Aaron Younglove,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June i, 1836, and June 4, 1836. Russell Palmer, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 17, 1S36. Henry G. Love,* England, June 25, 1836. SECTION 34. George Corselus, Wayne Co., Mich., March 14, 1836. William Forshee, Cayuga Co., N. Y., M.ay 25, 1836. John Holden, Providence, R. I., M.ay 30, 1836. George P. Jeffries,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., M.ay 31, 1836. Aaron Younglove,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June I, 1836. Randall Holden, Providence, R. I., June 8, 1836. SECTION 35. Miles Chubb,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1S35. Ephraim C. Hendee,* Livingston Co., N. Y., June g, 1836. John Holden, Providence, R. I., June 9, 1836. Randall Holden, Providence, R. I., June 28, 1S36. SECTION 36. Miles Chubb,* Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1835. Ephraim C. Hendee, Livingston Co., N. Y., June g, 1836. James Tate, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1836. Lewis Austin, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan 10, 1837, and Jan. 14, 1837- Thomas Morrissey, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 26, 1837. CIVIL AND POLITICAL. By an act of the State Legislature, approved March 23, 1836, the township of Putnain was formed, and inckided the present towns of Putnam and Marion. One year later, Marion was organ- ized as a separate township by the same authority. The act of organization, approved March 11, 1837, provides as follows : " All that portion of the county of Livingston, designated in the United States survey as township two north, of range four east, be, and the same is, hereby set off and organized into a separate town- ship, by the name of Marion, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Hiram Wing." Under the organizing act the legal voters of the township of Marion assembled, for their first town- ship election, at the house of Hiram Wing, on the 3d day of April, 1837. Guy C. Lee was called to the chair, and Hiram Wing appointed clerk. On motion of Thomas Hoskins, William Younglove, Sardis Davis, and Thomas Hoskins were elected inspectors of the election, and the result of the balloting was the election of the following officers: Thomas Hoskins, Supervisor; Hiram Wing, Town- ship Clerk; Price Morse, George W. Lee, William Younglove, Assessors; Samuel Lyon, Collector; Sylvester Rounds, William Hudson, Directors of the Poor; Guy C. Lee, Sardis Davis, Robt. Munns, Highway Commissioners; Sylvester Rounds, Ed- ward F. Gay, Cornelius Potter, School Commis- sioners; Sardis Davis, William Younglove, George W.Lee, Hiram Wing, Justices of the Peace; Aaron Younglove, Price Morse, George Sewell, Thomas GEO. B, WILKINSON MRS GEO. B.WILKINSON. RESIDENCEOF GEO. B.WILKINSON, Marion, Livingston Co, Mich. MARION TOWNSHIP. 355 Hoskins, William R. Marshall, School Inspectors; Samuel Lyon, Constable. On motion of Sardis Davis, it was voted " that a bounty of five dollars be paid out of the township treasury to any and every person who shall prove to have killed or destroyed a wolf in the township of Marion." On motion of Sylvester Rounds, the sum of one dollar and seventy-five cents was al- lowed Sardis Davis for expenses incurred in divid- ing the township. On motion of Price Morse, it was voted " that the ne.xt annual. township-meeting be held at the house now occupied by Hiram Wing, and that this meeting do now adjourn." On the 2istof May, 1837, a special township- meeting was called to elect officers to vacancies existing by reason of the non-qualification of per- sons elected at the first meeting. Thereupon, Elisha Martindale was elected constable, and Win. Younglove, Price Morse, and George W. Lee in- spectors of schools. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a list of township officers from 1837 to 1879, inclusive: SUPERVISORS. 1S37, Thomas Hoskins; 183S, Georj;e W. Lee; 1839, Guy C. Lte ; I S40, George W. Lee; 1841-42, Edward F. Gay; 1843, Elijah F. Burt; 1S44. Horace Griffith ; 1845, Ge .rge \V. Lee;* 1S46, Ezra N. Fairchild; 1847, William Younglove; 1S48, Pierpont L. Smith; 1849, Hiram Wing; 1850, Pierpont L. Smith; 1851-53, Elijah F. Bun; 1854, Lyman E. Be.ach, Jr.; 1855-56, Pierpont L. Smith; 1857, Elijah F. Bent; 1858, Nelson G. Isl)ell; 1859, Pierpont L. Smith; i860, Elijah F. Burt; 1861-64, Nelson A. Smith; 1865-68, H. J. Haven; 1869-70, Nelson A. Smith; 1871-72, Theodore Welcker; 1873-74, George Coleman; 1875, David O. Smith; 1876, Jonathan M. Hoagland; 1877-78, George Coleniaji ; 1S79, Thomas Ross, Jr. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1837-39, Ilirnui Wing; 1840-42, John T. Watson; 1843, Lyman E. Beach, Jr. ; 1844, George Sewell ; 1845, Lyman E. Beach, Jr.; 1846-47, Hiram Wing; 1848, George .Sewell; 1849, James R. S.age ; 1850, Peter L. Wilhelm ; 185 I, U.avid Parker; 1852-53. Hiram Wing; 1854, Frederick Saunders; 1855, John Van Winkle; 1856, James R. Sage; 1857, Ezra N. Fairchild; 1858-59, James Hargcr; i860, Peter L. Wilhelm ; 1861-66, Ezra N. Fairchild; 1867, Harvey Harrington ; 1868, Edward C. Brown; 1869, A. N. Fairchild; 1870, Theodore Welcker; 1871-72, Silas Smith ; 1873-75, Theodore Welcker; 1876-78, AlLert N. Fairchild; 1879, Frank O. Burl. TREASURERS. 1S39, Price Morse;! 1840-42, Henry II. Smith; 1843, John L. Wing; 1844, Samuel Lyon ; 1845, William J. Webster; 1846^ 47, Lyman E. Beach, Jr. ; 1848, William Tompkins; 1849, Hiram Beardsley; 1850, David Parker; 1851, John L. Wing; 1852, Thomas Love; 1853, Frederick Saunders; 1854-56, * Resigned ; Elijah F. Burt appointed to fill vacancy, Oct. 13, 1845. f Resigned; Horace Griffith appointed to fill vacancy, Sept. 26, >839- Alexander M. Boyd ; 1857-58, John M.King; 1859, James W. Dickerson ; i860, Asa V.an Kleeck; 1861, George W. Smock; 1862, Asahel A. Abbott; 1863, William C. Criss; 1864-65, Leonard S. Haynes; 1866, .Stephen II. Aldrich; 1867, Augustus R. Sewell; 1868-69, Lyman K. Beach; 1870-71, John Lee; 1872, John Stoddard; 1873, William T.Ely; 1874, Adelbert Smith; 1875-76, John IL Rubhins; 1S77-78, Albert Welcker; 1879, Henry G. Buckncll. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Sardis Davis, Willian\ Younglove, George W. Lee, Hiram Wing, 1837; Miles Chubb, Edward F. Gay, 1838; George W. Lee, 1839; Edward F. G.ny, 1840; Selh C. Darwin, 1841 ; Horace Griffith, 1842; George W. Lee, 1843; .1"'"> T. Watson, 1844; William Younglove, 1845; Nelson G. Isbell, Sylvester Rounds, Zebulon M. Drew, 1846; Miles Chubb, 1847; E^''* N. Fair- child, 1848; William Tompkins, 1849; George T. Sage, George H. Switzer, 1850; Aaron Younglove, 1851 ; Ezra N. Fairchild, 1852 ; George H. Switzer, Ezra N. Fairchild, George Cameron, 1853; George Cameron, 1854; David Dick- erson, 1855; Willi.am T. Totten, John Van Wnikic, 1856; Wdliam Younglove, 1857; Pierpont L. Smith, 1858; George H. Switzer, George Cameron, 1859; George Colemau, i860; William Younglove, 1S61 ; Stephen H. Aldrich, Thomas Love, 1862; Joseph Brown, 1863; George Coleman, 1864; Charles Bailey, 1865; Hiram Beard:>ley, 1866; George H. Switzer, 1867; George Coleman, 1868; no record for i86g; Hiram Beardsley, 1870; John Stoddard, 1871; William Gilks, 1872; James Harger, 1873; George Smock, Theo- dore Gorton, 1874; Robert H. Holland, 1875; George Younglove, Andrew Rounds, 1876; Asahel A. Ablx)tt, John Brigham, Alexander Smock, 1877; Henry Padley, John T. Oliver, Charles O'Connor, 1878; Israel Bailey, Nathan Fields, 1879. ASSESSORS. Price Morse, George W. Lee, William Younglove, 1837 ; Price Morse, William Younglove, Horace Griffith, 1838; Horace Griffith, William Younglove, EbenezerSie.ams, 1839; Charles Clark, Joseph Walker, Ebenezer .Slearns, 1840 ; Ebenezer Stearns, Joseph Walker, Horace Griffith, 1841 ; Ephraim C. Hendee, Pierpont L. Smith, 1842; Edward F. Gay, William Younglove, 1843; Ebenezer Stearns, Hiram Mitchell, 1844; Elijah F. Burt, Edward F. Gay, 1845 ! Elijah F. Burt, Hiram Beardsley, 1846; D.aniel Bentley, Lyman E. Beach, 1847; Thomas Love, William T. Tolten, 1848; Ezra N. Fairchild, Ebenezer Stearns, 1849; Chester Goodrich, Samuel Lyon, 1850. .See list of s«i)ervisors 1851 to 1879, inclusive. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. Aaron Younglove, Price Morse, George -Sewell, Thomas Hoskins, William R. Marshall, 1837; Ezra N. Fairchild, George W. Lee, Edward F. Gay, 1838; George W. Lee, Edward F. Gay, Horace Griffith, 1S39; Ephraim C. Hendee, John T. Watson, Horace Griffith, 1840; George W. Lee, Horace Griffith, Ejihraim C. Hendee, 1841; Horace Griffith, J. H. Cardell, George W. Lee, 1842; Ezra N. Fairchild, Horace Griffith, 1843; Horace Griffith, 1844; Elijah F. Burt, .Allen C. Stearns, 1S45 ; Sylvester Sexton, 1846; John W. .Sted- nian, 1848; John Rodgers, 1849; James Harger, Lyman E. Beach, Jr., 1850; Elijah V. Burt, 1851 ; Lyman E. Beach, Jr., 1852; Elijah F. Burt, 1853; Thomas Gilks, 1854; Elijah F. Burt, 1855; James Harger, 1856; Lyman E. Beach, Jr., 1857; William K. .Sexton, 1858; Andrew I. Itsell, Jonathan M. Hoagland, 1859; Wm. M. Be.ach, i860; Myron Rogers, 1861; Wm. M. Beach, 1862; H.J. Haven, 1863; Wm. M. Beach, 1864; Wm. J. Hazard, H. J. Ha^en, 1865; Milo M. Abbott, 1866; Wm. K. .Sexton, 1867; ^ilo M. Abbott, 1868; Theodore Welcker, 1869; George Coleman, 1870; Hiram E. Reed, 1871; John Rubhins, 1872; John Clements, 3S6 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 1873; John Faull;, 1874; Frank O. Burt, 1S75-76; Hiram E. Reed, 1877; Frank O. Burt, 1878; Irving J. Abbott, 1879. SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. Sylvester Rounds, E. F. Gay, Cornelius Potter, 1S37. COLLECTORS. Samuel Lyon, 1837; John L. Wing, 1838; Elias H. Bristol, 1839; Ozro F. Olds, 1840; Samuel Lyon, 1841. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. Robert H. Holland, 1S71; Philo L. Reed, 1872-73; William Wilcox, 1874-75; Eugene Brown, 1876; Ira A. Marble, 1877; John Lee, 187S-79. TOWN SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. John E. Clements, 1S75-77; Hiram E. Reed, 1878-79. HIGHWAYS. The first highway laid in the township was opened in 1835 or 1836. This road followed no sec- tion lines, but, starting on the south line of Marion, ran north to what was then termed Prcvost's Plains, its general course being about one-half mile east of the west line of the township. It is difficult to determine whether this road was laid by the town of Dexter in 1835, as claimed, or by the town of Put- nam in 1836, for no transcribed records relating to it are to be found on the Marion books. The first highway projected by the township authorities of Marion was surveyed by Ezra N. Fairchild, June 16, 1837, and described as follows : " Beginning at the southwest corner of section nineteen, township two north of range four east ; thence east on the south line of said section to the centre of a high- way running north and south. Distance, 27 chains, 23 links. Variation, 3° 30' to the right." During the succeeding twelve months eighteen more high- ways were laid by the highway commissioners, and surveyed by Mr. Fairchild. The town was first divided into road districts in 1838, as follows: District No. i contained sections 1,2, 3, 4, 9, and ID; Samuel Hubbard, Overseer. District No. 2, sections 11, 12, 13, and 14; Jo- seph Sexton, Overseer. District No. 3, sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, and 36 ; Horace Griffith, Overseer. District No. 4, sections 32, ^^, 34, 27, 28, and 29; Ezra N. Fairchild, Overseer. District No. 5, sections 21, 22, 15, 16; Henry H- Smith, Overseer. District No. 6, sections $, 6, J, and north half of section 8 ; Alejjander Boyden, Overseer. District No. 7, sections 17, 18, and south half of section 8 ; Nelson A. Smith, Overseer. District No. 8, sections 19, 20, 30, and 31 ; Hiram Mitchell, Overseer. A town-house, situated nearly one mile south of the geographical centre of the township, was completed in 1856, costing about ^500. WAR BOUNTIES. On the I oth of February, 1864,3 petition, signed by B. E. Mitchell, George Younglove, George H. Switzer, David Dickerson, James W. Dickerson, Hiram Wing, James Harger, Henry Bucknell, Daniel Jeffrey, Robert Holland, Robert Holland, Jr., Leonard S. Haynes, George Driver, Joseph Brown, and William Younglove, was presented to the town board, asking that a special township election be held at the earliest practicable day, " to determine by vote what sum of money shall be raised as a bounty fund to be paid volunteers en- listed and mustered into the military or naval ser- vice of the United States from this township ; also to determine by vote whether such sum shall be raised by ta,\ or a loan." In accordance, a .special election was ordered to be held in the town-house, on Saturday, Feb. 20, 1864. This meeting failed of being a legal one, in consequence of not posting up a sufficient number of notices. Another peti- tion, signed by James Harger and fourteen others, was thereupon presented to the town board on the day last mentioned, and an election was ordered to be held at the town-house, Monday, March 7, 1864. At this meeting 89 votes were polled, of which 84 were cast in favor of a loan, and 5 against a loan. On the 15th of August, 1864, James Harger, Hiram Wing, S. W. Dickerson, Theodore Welcker, Charles O'Connor, Pliilip Prior, Samuel Lyon, William P. Fitch, J. W. Dickerson, William Sex- ton, David Dickerson, Harvey Harrington, and Aaron Younglove presented another petition to the honorable body composing the township board, calling upon them to appoint a special election to determine " whether a bounty of ;^ 100 be paid each volunteer who enters the military service of the United States upon the President's call for 500,000 men, dated July 18, 1864, and also to determine whether the money be raised by tax or loan." In pursuance, notices were posted designating Wednes- day, Aug. 31, 1864, as the time for holding at the town-house a special election. At this election 81 votes were polled, and all of them were for a tax. Soon after, the proper township authorities issued township bonds to the amount of ^1900, payable in two years, with interest at seven per cent. SCHOOLS. It is probable that the first school-house was built on " the plains," near the central part of sec- tion 7, in 1838, and that Miss Laurella Lee, a daughter of Guy C. Lee, taught the first school in GEORGE COLEMAN. RESIDENCE ur &EORGE COLEI . JLV-.i^J,*^'-- -ir"'^^ ■r; MRS. , GEORGE COLEMAN. ~. •. ^--^- I :iON, Livingston County, Mich. MARION TOWNSHIP. 357 the same IniildinLj, during the summer of tlie same year. Other schools quiclcly followed this in vniiTS. Moneys on hand Sept. 2, 1S78 $277.51 Two mill tax 534-87 Primary-school fund 223 52 District taxes for all purposes 793'8l From other sources 6.95 Total resources $1836.66 EXPKNDlTlRfS. For teachers* wages, building, and rep.-iirs, on bondetl indebtedness, and all other purposes $1661.28 Amount on hand, Sept. i, 1879 '75-3^ Total expenditures $1836.66 RELIGIOUS. Although no house of worship has ever been erected within the limits of this township, the pio- neers and their descendants have not been neg- lected in a religious sense. As early as 1837, Rev. Washington Jackson, a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, visited the settlements, and preached at irregular intervals in the dwellings of Elisha Love and Guy C. Lee. Elder Cosart, who lived in the town of Hartland, was also a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He held meetings in 1838, and, for a few years im- mediately succeeding, in the houses of Sylvester Rounds, Guy C. Lee, Horace Griffith, David Dick- erson, and Elisha Love. Later, classes and organ- izations of various denominationshave been formed, who held meetings in district school-houses. The First Baptist Society of Marion was regu- larly incorporated Jan. 5, 1853, and Thomas Love, J. D. Bull, John Van Winkle, Ezra N. Fairchild, George Sevvell, T. Bennett, and Lyman Clark elected trustees. CEMETERIES. The first place of burial was on the Pinckney road, near Joseph Walker's residence. The Lake Burying-Ground, situated upon sections, was also a place for early interments. The grounds of the East Marion Burying-Ground Corporation, con- taining one acre, and situated near the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 23, were surveyed by Ezra N. Fairchild, March 15, 1849. On the 9th of February, 1878, these grounds were incorporated under the foregoing title, and the fol- lowing officers elected : Joseph Brown, President ; James Harger, Clerk ; Alfred Wright, Treasurer ; and James W. Dickerson, Sexton. The Putnam and Marion Burying-Ground Corporation was in- corporated March 17, 185 1. The grounds are situated on the northeast corner of section 5, Put- nam township. The first officers were William Younglove, President ; David Parker, Clerk ; John Love, Collector; Ellisha Love, Treasurer; and Nehe- miah Gilks, Se.xton. Other incorporators, Aaron Younglove, Thomas Love, John Larkin, J. Barney, Frederick Saunders, I. H. Shaw, Ezra N. Fair- child, Enos Burden, A. H. Smith, S. H. Hazard, William P. Fitch, Lorenzo Smith, Henry G. Love, and John Van Winkle. This association was re- organized April 10, 1869, and the name changed to the Marion and Putnam Burying-Ground Cor- poration. Thereupon ICzra N. Fairchild was chosen President, George Younglove, Clerk, and William H. Gilks, Treasurer. The North Marion Burying-Ground Corpora- tion was incorporated Dec. 31, 1864, and the offi- cers then elected were P^lijah F. Burt, President ; Frederick W. Munson, Clerk ; Samuel M. Yerkes, Treasurer; and Henry K. Avery, Se.xton. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. GEORGE COLEMAN was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1833. His father, I'>i Coleman, emigrated to Livingston County in the fall of 1843, with his family, which consisted of a wife and six children, — five sons and one daughter. In April, 1844, they settled on eighty acres of land, where George Coleman now lives. Upon this land there was a small log house, and a few acres improved ; that year a frame house was built, and other improvements were made. As the boys grew up, the farm increased in ratio, until it contained five hundred acres, with a large share under good cultivation. The property was 353 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. then divided, and Mr. Coleman went to Pinckney and engaged in the mercantile business, where he died, Dec. 20, 1863, aged si.xty-four years. In the distribution of property, George received the old homestead with two hundred acres of land. He has since added other lands, erected fine buildings, and has what may be termed a model farm. He is a well-read and thinking man, the owner of a good library, and his farm is conducted with in- telligence, as are all his affairs. He breeds a good grade of horses, and has a fine herd of Galloways. Politically he is a Democrat; has served as super- visor four terms, and as justice of the peace for sixteen years, filling these offices to the satisfaction of all. His official course has been to prevent litigation in the neighborhood. Mr. Coleman was married in 1855 to Sarah Rubbins, who died Jan. 30, 1861, leaving three children. He was again married, in September, 1862, to Eliza Rubbins, by whom he has had two children. Both wives were daughters of Adam Rubbins, who came from England, and was an early settler in Marion, where he now lives at an advanced age. Photos, by Brown, Howell. W. K. SEXTON. MRS. W. K. SE.XTON. W. K. SEXTON, one of the enterprising and reliable men of Living- ston County, was born at Sherburne, N. Y.,' Feb. 6, 1835. He came to Livingston County in 1837, with his father, William Sexton, who pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, now in Marion township, upon which there was an unfinished log house, and a few acres cleared. Having some means, he soon made sub- stantial improvements. Subsequently, he pur- chased other lands, made other farms, and finally retired to the village of Howell, where he now re- sides. The immediate subject of this sketch lived with his father until he attained his majority, assisting on the farm, and receiving such educational advan- tages as were offered by the schools at Howell, and the State Normal School, at Ypsilanti. He taught school one winter, and graduated at the Commer- cial College, in Chicago, in 1858. He was subse- quently employed by the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company, as agent at Charleston, Md. With this education and experience, he was well prepared for the stern realities of life. Returning to his native town, he purchased the old homestead of two hundred and forty acres from his father. He was married Dec. 19, 1S60, to Miss Cynthia L. Adams, of Utica, Mich., and since that time has made farming his specialty. His ability, as a business man, is recognized by the farmers of Livingston County, who have for several years made him the business agent of tiie County Council, and the Howell Grange. The success and prosperity of those organizations, under his management, show that a man may pos- sess business qualifications as well as being a prac- tical farmer. A visit to his fine farm and com- fortable home, is convincing evidence that he and his estimable wife enjoy the good things of this world in a sensible and practical manner. They have long been active and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, of Howell, and have filled some of the most important offices in that body. Politically, Mr. Sexton is a Republican, but has MARION TOWNSHIP. 359 never souglit political fame. He has held the office of school inspector, and of deputy collector of the United States Internal Revenue for the Fifth District of Michigan. Although yet a young man, Mr. Sexton is widely known throughout Livingston County for his efficiency, enterprise, and good judgment, and enjoys to a large degree, the confidence and es- teem of all who know him. THOMAS LOVE was born Jan. 4, 18 13, in the Parish of Mortimer, Berkshire Co., England. He emigrated to this country with his father, Henry George Love, who came in May, 1836, with a family of five children, and settled on a half section of land on the south line of the town of Marion. This has since been known as the Love settlement. There he died in i860. Thomas Love remained with his father until July 24, 1839, when he was married to Lavina Basing, who came with her father from the same neighborhood as did the Loves, in 1838. The young couple at once started on their own account, their only capital being strong arms, with a very limited outfit of household goods. For a time he operated the Bevins saw-mill on shares, afterwards worked some land on shares for a few years, when he purchased eighty acres of land where he now lives. Upon this land there was an unfinished log house, but no other improvement. For the neces- saries of life he worked out by the day, and as the land was not yet paid for, the improvements were made only by the greatest exertion. Mr. Love and his wife each had watches they had brought from the old country, — gifts from friends; with these they paid for splitting the rails which made their first fence. Their first cow was bought on credit, for they had nothing else to buy with. Mr. Love was much employed at his trade, that of a carpenter. He worked on the house of Townsend Drew, said to be the first frame house in town. Through these discouraging years they never faltered. Slowly, but surely, progress was made. The first land was paid for, and other lands added, until at one time he had three hundred and forty acres. The log house has long since given place to a commodious residence. A family of seven children have been reared and given such advan- tages as are enjoyed by the most enterprising people of the day; and now, after an industrious and exemplary life, this pioneer couple look back to the small beginning and privations of the fron- tier life with the satisfaction that they have acted well their part, — as they enjoy their pleasant home, a large circle of friends, and a well-earned com- petency. GEORGE B. WILKINSON is the descendant of a very respectable family of the middle class of society in England. The first of whom we have any record was one Thomas Wilkinson, who migrated from the north of Lin- colnshire to the " P'ens," in quest of a better con- dition for his children than his own. He settled on a farm at Moore's Wood, and raised a very numerous progeny. The youngest son was named Thomas Wilkinson (2d). In due time he married a young lady by the name of Martha Wilson. To them were born many children, nine of whom lived to manhood, and did honor to their name. The fifth child, George Wilkinson, was the father of the subject of our sketch. He lived on a farm, and occupied a house commonly known as the Pear- Tree House, for about forty years. The sharer of his joys and sorrows was Miss Mary Ann Mar- shall. She was the mother of fifteen children, thirteen of whom are now in the prime of life. Mr. Wilkinson is a man ever ready to speak his mini! on all subjects, and from youth labored with Cobden, Bi ight, etc., for every needed reform, — ever battling the idea that distinguished origin was a matter of personal merit, or obscure origin one of reproach. George B. Wilkinson was born in the parish of Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, England, Feb. 25, 1833, being the eldest of the fifteen children. Circumstances early initiated him into the duties of " chore-boy" upon his father's farm, where a rigid performance of every duty was demanded, — a severe but good discipline. In the year 1 851, being about eighteen years of age, he emigrated to America, coming an unusual route, via New- port, in Wales, to Portland, in Maine, a passenger in the little bark " Richard Young.s." Immediately he journeyed to Western New York, where he sojourned one year and three months. He then moved to Ohio, and wandered a little, staying in the State one year and nine months. In the year 1854 he came to Michigan, residing a short time in Green Oak, but eventually moved into Lyon, Oak- land Co., where he lived about eight years. He and his two brothers, Charles and Samuel C, were quite well known in that region. The former en- listed and served three years in the United States army, and was accredited to the quota of that town. In the year 1863, George B. Wilkinson married Miss Keziah, third daughter of the late William 36o HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Fletcher, of Milford. The union was a happy one. They were blest with five children, of whom three survive, — one son and two daughters. After their marriage they moved on to the farm upon which they now live. Mr. Wilkinson soon became noted as an agriculturist. Within a few months he opened about a mile of ditch, thereby reclaiming much land before considered worthless. To him is accredited the building of the first underdrain in the township. It was an inverted trough, and did good service. On his farm, to his credit it may be said, weeds are seldom allowed to go to seed. Mrs. Wilkinson is very domestic, — a fond mother, refined in her tastes, having a great love of the beau- tiful. In horticulture she takes great delight, and commands much notice. From her front door may be seen a fine sight, one which needs to be seen to be appreciated. No pen-picture can do it justice. Nature and art combine to make it beautiful. On the flower-stand are many choice domestic and e.xotic plants, the pride of their pos- sessor, and the admiration of the passers-by. Mr. Wilkinson is conservative in politics, usually acting with the Republican party. He seeks no office, yet has many times been the Republican candidate for positions of trust. His tastes are somewhat literary. While at South Lyon, in Buchanan's hey-day, he gained some little notice by a political satire. Since his residence in Marion he has, for amusement, written consid- erable for the newspapers. On visiting England he also furnished the press with some incidents of travel. Shortly afterwards he composed the story, " What Hattie did with her New Year's Gift." " An address to the Pioneers of Living- ston County" showed much ability, as did also another and more recent address to the farmers, when in council, at a farmers' institute, held in Howell. PIERPONT L. SMITH was born in Greene Co., N. Y., June i6, 1S05. His father, Stoddard Smith, was a lawyer in Greenville, N. Y. He came to Marion in 1836, and settled on a farm, where he died Dec. 17, 1842, aged seventy-five years. When Pierpont was fifteen years of age he went to New York City, where he was a clerk in a dry- goods store until 1826, when he came to Michigan and located on land in Washtenaw County. He returned to New York City in August that year, and married Letitia M. Degarmo. They came to Webster, Washtenaw Co., where they resided sev- eral years and made a good improved farm. While living there he was appointed justice of the peace by Governor ]\Iason. At that time Livingston was attached to Washtenaw County for judicial purposes. While living in Webster he purchased the land where he now lives, in Marion, and in 1840 moved on to it. He at once made substan- tial improvements, and now has a highly-cultivated farm of three hundred acres. Mrs. Smith died May 28, 1865. She had been the mother of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, e.xeept one. Two of the sons were sol- diers in the war of the Rebellion. W. Augustus was captain in the 22d Michigan Infantry ; was wounded at Chickamauga, and died in hospital. Junius, in the same regiment, was wounded at Chickamauga ; he is married and lives on a por- tion of the old farm. Mr. Smith was a second time married, Jan. 17, 1 87 1, to Mrs. Frances Warner, of Dexter, formerly Miss Porter, of Bridgeport, Conn. GEORGE YOUNGLOVE was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., May 4, 1827. His father, William Younglove, emigrated to Wash- tenaw Co., Mich., in 1S30, where he remained six years. He then came to Livingston County, and settled on the town line, between Marion and Put- nam. That foil {1836) he built a small frame house, which was the first or second frame house in the town of Marion. This is the wing of the present house on the Younglove homestead. William Younglove was a man much respected and honored; he was justice of the peace, and for many years occupied some position on the town board. He died March 19, 1876. George Younglove was the youngest of five children. He and his brother, William, purchased ninety acres of land with the old homestead, and after William's death purchased his interest. He has added other lands, until he now has nearly three hundred acres. In 1857 he was married to Miss Margaret A. Lawson. Her father, John F. Lawson, came from New York City in 1857, and purchased from government five hundred and sixty acres of land in the towns of Genoa and Oceola, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Younglove are among the pioneers who have witnessed the transformation of the primeval forest into a prosperous community, and remember well when the Indian and the wolf were not an uncommon sight, where now is a thickly- settled town. GEO. YOUNGLOVE. MRS. GEO YOUNGLOVE. P. L. SMITH . MARION TOWNSHIP. 361 AARON VAN PATTEN was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., July 24, 1828. When he was seven years of age his father moved to Onondaga County, where he died in 1844, leav- ing a family of nine children. Aaron remained with the family some ten years after his father's death, but worked out a portion of the time. Wishing to get a home of his own, he came to Livingston County in 1854, and purchased eighty acres of land upon which there was a small house and a few acres partially improved. He had money to make a small payment, but nothing left to make further improvements. For the necessaries of life he worked out by the day. Before this " eighty" could be paid for, an adjoin- ing one was offered for sale, and Mr. Van Patten desirous to possess a larger farm, borrowed the money and purchased it. In those days tile money-lender was master of the situation, and the heavy interest he was obliged to pay added other and more serious burdens to his already heavy load. At this juncture he received material aid by marrying, March 15, 1857, Miss PhcEbe Ann, daughter of Ira P. Annis, who enlisted in the 26th Michigan Infantry, and died in hospital, March 17, 1863, aged forty-eight years. For several years after Mr. Van Patten was mar- ried the struggle was severe and progress slow, but by frugal habits and persistent industry the land has been paid for, large and substantial buildings erected, the farm put under a high state of cultivation, and a handsome interest account running in his favor. Mr. and Mrs. Van Patten are consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Church. To them have been born eight children, five of whom are now living, — one son and four daughters. 46 ELDRED BASING was born in Berkshire Co., England, April 4, 182 1. His father, Joseph Basing, came to America in 1838, with his family, consisting of a wife and nine children. One other child was born after they came to this country. He purchased one hundred and twenty-three acres of land near the Love settle- ment, Marion, where he still lives at the ad- vanced age of ninety-six years. His wife died May 29, 1878, aged eighty-six years. Eldred Basing lived at home until he was twenty- four years of age, when he went out to work by the month for a few years. He then purchased eighty acres of unimproved land. He cleared some twenty-five acres, when he sold and purchased one hundred and twenty acres on the corner where he now lives. Upon this land there was a log house and sixteen acres cleared. With this start he determined to have a home. He worked bravely and alone for three years, when he took a copartner by marrying Cordelia Burden, Dec. 22, 1853. She died Oct. 27, 1865, leaving four children, — three daughters and one son. Mr. Basing was again married, Nov. 21, 1867, to Mrs. Priscilla Merritt, formerly Priscilla Fields, daughter of William Fields, who came from Erie Co., Pa., in 1 848, and settled in Livingston County. He died in Iosco, in 1873. The history of Mr. Basing shows what may be accomplished by industry and economy. There has been no sudden accession of wealth, but by his own exertions, year by year, the improvements have been made. The progress, although slow at first, has been sure, until a fine farm, a plea.sant home, and an abundance have been secured. Mr. and Mrs. Basing are consistent members of the Methodist Church, and respected by all who know them. HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. The townsliip of Hartland is described as town- ship 3 north, range 6 east, and lies on the eastern side of Livingston, bordering on Oakland County. The reminiscences of Hartland are intimately as- sociated with the latter county, and its early settlers were frequently called upon to extend courtesies to their neighbors, whose entrance to the Territory as pioneers bore a much later date, — Hartland having remained an unbroken stretch of wood and plain for some years after the settlement of Oakland. The earliest entries of land, with a single exception, were made in 1833, and the larger proportion of them not earlier than 1835 and 1836, while many bear a much later date. Though arriving at a period subsequent to the settlement of the adjoining townsiiips, they were not the less thrown upon the resources of their own ingenuity. Their dwellings were also rude cabins made of logs, sometimes rough, sometimes hewn, and isolated as they were from all commu- nication with the world of civilization, with their stout hearts and willing hands the wilderness was soon made fruitful, and comfortable homes ere long replaced the primitive log structures. The township of Hartland seems to have de- rived its name from a township of like name in the State of New York, which was the former home of some of its early settlers. Its separate existence dates from 1836, when it became an in- dependent township and held its own elections. The writer has been unable to discover any early arrival antedating that of Col. Samuel Mapes, who came from Niagara Co., N. Y., to the Territory of Michigan, and located in Washtenaw County. In 1831 or 1832 he was attracted by the rich lands of Hartland and removed thither, entering at first a tract of 80 acres, and subsequently adding to it. At this early period the country was almost an unbroken wilderness, a pilgrimage of six miles being necessary to hold intercourse with a single human being. With Col. Mapes came his son, Samuel, who aided him in breaking up the land and establishing a home. They arrived in winter, and their labors were first directed to cutting timber with which to build a shanty, and later a saw-mill. They succeeded in erecting a comfort- able habitation, and the following year they were followed by the family, who became permanent 362 residents. Rufus Tenney also located land very early, and was among the earliest of Hartland's pioneers. Eli Lee came late in the fiill of 1833, from Mon- roe Co., N. Y., and entered 125 acres on section 25. With him came his family, including five sons, but one of whom survives. With Mr. Lee came E. J. Smith, of the same county in New York State, who located lands upon sections 24 and 5, each 80 acres. Mr. Smith built a comfortable shanty upon section 20 soon after his arrival, and as soon after as practicable a house. Neither of these gentle- men found any road to guide them to their desti- nation, and were able to reach their lands only by following the Indian trail, which indicated the di- rection of their travels, while the axe was in con- stant demand to provide a pathway for the oxen. Their neighbors were all residents of the township of Highland, in the adjoining county. Mr. Lee's house was, during the early years of his settlement, constantly the rendezvous of land- lookers, and it was not unusual to find the floor covered at night with their slumbering forms, be- ing grateful for even such meagre cheer as it was possible to offer. In the spring of 1834 a child was born to Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Smith, which they christened Frances, and who afterwards became Mrs. Myron Curdy. This child enjoyed the distinction of being the first white child born within the limits of the township. Menzo Smith arrived in 1834, and located on section 23. Soon after he lost a child, which was buried on his land, and is believed to be the earliest death that occurred in the township. The exact date is not known, but thought to be the latter part of the year 1834 or early in 1835. William E. Huntley was a native of New York State, and early removed to Ohio, where he re- mained one year, and then came to the county of Livingston and settled in Hartland, arriving with the pioneers of 1S34. He immediately took an active interest in the growth of the county, and in 1846 was elected sheriff", which office he held for four years. He removed later to Howell, and died in that village in April, 1872. Elias Armstrong came to the township from Connecticut in 1834, and died on the farm he at first purchased. ;iP_ .^. ^ ST'^it-: sisiiS'KiQ i HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. 363 Norman Brainard came with his family from Genesee Co., N. Y., in May of 1835. From Buf- falo to Detroit they traveled by steamboat, his original intention being to proceed to Illinois and there purchase a farm. Meeting at Detroit a band of settlers from Highland, who extolled the advan- tages of Michigan, he was induced to prospect in the State. He procured a team and came via Birmingham (then rejoicing in the cognomen of Piety Hill) to Commerce and Milford. From Com- merce there was no road, but the route was marked by blazed trees. No special incidents marked the progress of the party, who arrived ere long at the house of Deacon Jesse Tenney in Highland. The following day, leaving the family at this hospitable house, Mr. Brainard, together with the deacon and a neighbor, departed in the search of land, and were so successful that the succeeding day Mr. Brainard repaired to Detroit and located 121 acres on section 21. He imme- diately began the erection of a log house, the family reriiaining during the interval at the house of Deacon Tenny for four weeks until its comple- tion. When first occupied it had neither floors, doors, or windows. However, two windows were very soon improvised, the sash and glass having been brought with the household goods. The children could not overcome their fear of the wolves, which prowled around the house and made night hideous with their cries, especially since there was no door to prevent their entrance. The boards were consequently taken from a box in which the goods were brought, and a floor was rudely constructed upon the beams overhead. There the children slumbered in less fear of wild beasts, but in imminent peril of tumbling out of bed and breaking their necks. A lower floor of puncheons was soon in place, and before winter approached a few boards were obtained, from which a door and upper floor were made. The following fall, after the first crop of wheat was harvested .and threshed, Mr. Brainard took the grist to a mill four miles north of Pontiac to be ground, and was absent four days. During his absence his family consumed their last loaf, and by employing the coffee-mill were able to grind a sufficient amount of wheat to supply their needs until the flour arrived. When the pork barrel was empty, the want could always be sup- plied through the Indians, who constantly offered fresh meat for barter, and thus kept the larder abundantly filled. Mrs. Grace Brainard (wife of Mr. Brainard) organized at her home the first Sabbath-school in the township, to which the children came a long distance through the woods when there was no road. A Sunday-school cele- bration was held during the summer of the first year of its existence, which proved a very interest- ing occasion, and may with propriety be charac- terized as the first event of like character in the county. Addresses were made by the older ones present, and at the close of the exercises 24 of the little ones sat down to a sumptuous repast pre- pared by the willing hands of Mrs. Brainard. Charles Smith came to Hartland in 1834, and located 200 acres on section 25. He was known as a successful firmer, and continued to improve his land until his death, which occurred in 1875. Adoniram Hubbell was also one of the pioneers of 1835, having removed from Newburgh, O., and purchased 200 acres on section 26, — reaching his possessions via Detroit, from whence he drove an ox-team and a covered wagon. He was ac- companied by two sons and a daughter. He fol- lowed the path marked by blazed trees, as had the few who preceded him. He arrived in October, and occupied an old dilapidated slianty one mile east of his land. However, before the winter closed they had erected a log house of their own, which, though primitive, was an improvement on the one they vacated. There were no doors; sheets suspended from the top being the only pro- tection. The wolves at times seemed determined to effect an entrance, when hot coals would be thrown at them. This served for a time to intimi- date them. Mr. Hubbell was a hatter by trade, and plied his calling vigorously during the winter season. He and his sons— Sardis F. and Ephraim A. — also broke up much of the adjoining land for the owners, keeping five yoke of oxen for the pur- pose. The younger son, Ephraim A., now resides on section 23, and Sardis F". is a prominent lawyer of Howell. John Whalen removed from the northern part of Ohio to Michigan, and settled in Hartland in Octo- ber, 1835, on an additional 40, on section 12, on which he established himself Mr. Whalen had si.x children, but one of whom is at present living in the county. He was a surveyor of much re- pute, and made many surveys of lands in Living- ston County. His death occurred June 20, 1851, in his sixty-fourth year. Hubbard Bullard came from Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1834, and located 40 acres on section 13, and purchased an additional 40 on section 24. He accomplished the whole journey from his former home with teams, and on his arrival made a brief sojourn with Eli Lee until the completion of his own log house. He owned four yoke of oxen, and for years engaged in the occupation of break- ing land for the neighboring settlers. Mr. Bullard well remembers the first log school-house, which 364 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. was built in 1836, and which he assisted in erect- ing. The earliest instructor was Miss Sarah Huntley, who followed the custom of teachers of the day and " boarded 'round." John R. Williams was the companion of Mr. Bullard in his pioneer e.vperiences, and located 160 acres on sections 14 and 23, — 80 acres on each. His father, John Williams, located 80 acres on section 24. He was one of the soldiers of the war of 18 1 2, and lost a limb in one of the early battles. Mr. Williams died in 1S37. John and James Brophy were among the earliest pioneers, arriving in the township in 1835, and im- mediately entered 320 acres of land, which was divided equally and upon which they each erected a log house. Elihu Haynes left his home in New York State in 1836, and purchased from government 80 acres in Hartland, to which he subsequently added 80 acres. He has since continued to reside upon his purchase. One of the oldest pioneers of Hartland, Mr. O. E. Chambers, still survives, and resides within its limits. He came from Monroe County, N. Y., Sept. 27, 1836, via Detroit, traveling the whole dis- tance with an ox-team, his father having the pre- vious May located 80 acres upon sections 10 and 1 1, and erected a log house. There were no roads at this early period, and the surrounding country, Mr. Chambers states, was a continuous stretch of black soil, the result of fires, which had swept vegetation for years previous. The year of his arrival a decided increase in population occurred, and it was not unusual to be summoned to a raising every day, his services as carpenter and joiner being in especial demand. His nearest neighbor was Thomas Hall, who located 160 acres on sections 14 and 15, and lived but a short time after his advent. His was the first interment in the cemetery at Hartland Centre. In October of 1837 James Gleason entered 160 acres on sections 19 and 30. He left his former home in Orleans Co., N. Y., with an ox-team, coming via Detroit, and remaining with his friends, the Brophy brothers, until he had completed his log house. As his family increased he replaced this with a house of more ample proportions, in which he still resides. Mr. Gleason was elected to the State Legislature in 1853, and though not now an active politician, still maintains his interest in the public events of the day. The first Roman Catho- lic service in the township was held at his house, the rooms being barely large enough to accom- modate the worshipers. Father Morrissey, of Ann Arbor, was the officiating clergyman. Amos F. Albright left Monroe Co., N. Y., for the West in 1832. He remained in Ohio until 1836, when he proceeded to Michigan, and en- gaged in his occupation of millwright. Having purchased land on section 16, he removed to Hart- land and made his temporary abode with Norman Brainard while he erected a log house upon his land. This house stood upon the site now occu- pied by the residence of Mrs. Chauncey L. Crouse. After completing a habitation he immediately began the erection of a grist-mill, which was completed and in working order the following fall. This mill, though a source of much accom- modation to the surrounding farmers, was prema- turely built as a matter of profit to the owner. Mr. Albright, finding himself involved, disposed of it in 1841 to Chauncey L. and Robert D. Crouse. He subsequently removed from the township, and now resides in Isabella Co., Mich., hale and hearty, though having reached the advanced age of sev- enty-eight years. Hiram Scollard, whose peculiar characteristics have been more fully touched upon in the history of an adjoining township, entered land on sections I and 2 in 1836. He established a reputation as the eccentric miller, at Woodruff's Mills, in Brighton. Dr. Josiah Clark was the first resident who prac- ticed the healing art. During the early years of his practice he resided on section 25, but died at Hartland Centre. The earliest saw-mill within the boundaries of the township was erected by Mapes & Bursley in 1836. It stood upon section 7, on the banks of North Ore Creek, and enjoyed the patronage of the surrounding country, who were dependent upon it for most of the lumber used in the erection of their houses and barns. William Smith, another of the prominent settlers of 1836, came from Pennsylvania with a fimily of si.K children, and located on section 6, where he purchased 130 acres of Col. Samuel Mapes, who located the land. He was one of the earliest jus- tices of the peace of the township, in which ca- pacity he officiated for many years, and was also an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in Flint in 1852, and was suc- ceeded in his possessions by his son, Elisha G , who died in 1 870. As r>early as can be determined the earliest divine service was held in the first school-house, already mentioned, the officiating clergyman being that distinguished pioneer in Christian work, Elder Cosart. Elder Jackson, a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, preached also at a very early date, and is remembered by many of the older HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. 365 residents riding by on horseback with liis port- manteau at his side. Elder Britten was also an early cxhorter, and was accustomed to ride an old horse, with his wife and child seated behind him. Probably one of these gentlemen performed the first marriage ceremony (the date of which remains uncertain) of Mr. George Cornwell to Miss Wil- liams, daughter of John Williams. Another early marriage was that of Lyman Lee to Miss Andrews. Freeman Near emigrated from Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1839, and located at Hartland Centre. Dis- covering here a fine field for his abilities he estab- lished himself as a physician, and was the first in the little hamlet. He later married and continued to reside in the place until his death, which occurred some years since. Ira D. Crouse removed fiom Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1843, having been induced by his brothers to assist them in their business at Hart- land Centre. As soon as he had accumulated suf- ficient means he purchased land, and since that time has added to it untfl he now owns 360 acres. He is one of the repre.sentative men of the town- ship, actively interested in all public enterprises, and especially zealous in the advancenfent of its educational interests. Hiram Husse)' removed from Waj'ne Co., N. Y., in 1844, and purchased from his brother, Calvin Bussey, who had [^receded him, 160 acres, on sec- tions 4 and 9. At this late date the country was not thickly settled. His neighbors at this time were Calvin Bussey, James Webber, Elder David Youngs, and Le Grand Clark, the latter of whom came but a short time before and located, on sec- tion II, 220 acres. Le Grand Clark, one of the prominent farmers of Hartland, came to the township in 1841, and purchased the farm upon section 1 1, where he now resides, and which he has greatly improved. C. A. Weaver became a resident of Green Oak in 1S43, ait^ '" 1855 removed to Hartland, pur- chasing the foundry at the village, and owning it for several years. Later he became the proprietor of the leading hotel, which was burned, and rebuilt by him, and finally sold. He now resides upon a farm adjacent to the village. Lorenzo L. Armstrong emigrated to the State in 1835. and to Hartland in 1842. In 1845 he went to Milford, but not finding the advantages it offered superior to those of the township he first located in, returned in 1853 and purchased a farm embracing 480 acres, and took up his residence upon it. He has since that time been a leading spirit in all that pertains to the welfare of the township. The soil of Hartland is a gravelly loam, fertile, and well adapted to the growth of wheat, of which abundant harvests repay the toil of the farmer. The surface of the township is undulating, with broad acres of level land interspersed with gently sloping hills, which give variety and beauty to the landscape. Several lakes dot the surface of the ground, chief among which are Round Lake, Long Lake, Brophy Lake, Whalen Lake, and Dunham Lake. North Ore Creek also affords a water-power in the southern portion of the township. On the map of the township may be seen a nar- row neck of land on the line of sections 27 and 28, between Long and Round Lake. On this isthmus, partially covered with trees, dwelt in a certain rude independence old Shakaw, the retired chief of a remnant of the tribe that once peopled the wilder- ness embraced in the present county of Livingston. When the advance of civilization turned these wild lands into beautiful fields, the ranks of the tribe were broken, and the chief, having separated himself from his followers, repaired to the beautiful spot mentioned, to spend in retirement- the remnant of his days. Here he constructed a primitive abode, made entirely of bark. The family of Sha- kaw consisted of one son and two daughters. Near the hut of Shakaw was a similar one constructed of bark, in which the friend of the chief, Portabeek, with his fiiniily, consisting of two daughters and two sons, made their abode. He was a man of lofty bearing, which, accompanied by a command- ing form and a strong will, made him feared and respected by the brethren of his tribe. When Sha- kaw chose this secluded spot on the banks of the two lakes for his home, Portabeek followed his friend into retirement. Neither seemed disturbed by the progress of civilization around them, and the a.Ke and plow had little influence in changing their primitive life. The ground they occupied was left untilled, and the woods and streams continued to supply their meagre wants. It would seem natural that to complete the romance in the lives of these two life-long friends, the daughters of Shakaw should be wooed by the dusky sons of Portabeek. But history does not thus record it. These Indians are well remembered by many of the older white settlers. They finally removed to the northward, and it is said that old Shakaw died at a comparatively recent date in Isabella County. Annexed is a list of individuals who made orig- inal entries of land within the township of Hart- land : SECTION I. Acres, Willi.Tm Thompson, .April, 1836 208.56 A. K. Albright, June, 1836 80 366 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Acres. H. R. Scollard, June, 1S36 80 Ledyard Flint, June, 1836 160 Ledyard Hint, December, 1836 205.28 SECTION 2. W. H. Townsend, October, 1835 198.24 William Thompson, April, 1836 195-72 SECTION 3. John I. Blackman, April, 1S36 118.65 Henry Hawkins Van R. Hawkins, June, 1836 80 Levi Andnis, July, 1836 160 J. C. Whalen, October, 1836 "703 Jacob Weslervelt, October, 1836 40 O. E. Darrow, October, 1S36 80 Alanson Olds, January, 1837 So Samuel Cowles, April, 1837 40 SECTION 4. James Webber, October, I S35 120 Major Curtis, January, 1S36 156.21 Franklin Curtis, March, 1836 40 Austin Wakeman, March, 1836 117-52 H. and V. R. Hawkins, June, 1836 80 Calvin Bussey, September, 1836 So Thomas Bussey, September, 1S36 40 Jacob Westervelt, October, 1836 So SECTION 5. Isaac Parshall, September, 1835 179-92 Ezra Gleason, October, 1835 So John I. Rice, November, 1835 So Major Curtis, December, 1S35 '97-93 David Curtis, March, 1836. 40 SECTION 6. E. Gleason, May, 1836 40 J. Maplebeck, June, 1834 79 54 Samuel Mapes, Deceinber, 1835 40 William Chapman, Apiil, 1S35 59-52 Calvin Bussey, June, 1S35 40 Abel Hyde, October, 1836 80 Russel Morton, January, 1836 56.17 SECTION 7. A. and R. Tenney, October, 1832 197.16 John T. Brown, February, 1835 157. oS Abby Mapes, June, 1835 40 J. T. Brown, August, 1835 J20 Asa Parshall, September, 1835 80 Samuel Bidleman, September, 1835 40 SECTION 8. J. Maplebeck, November, 1837 40 Garry Griswold, May, 1837 40 B. Townley, December, 1836 40 Abram Dean, December, 1836 40 Samuel Mapes, December, 1834 40 Abby Mapes, October, 1835 40 Nehemiah Lamb, November, 1835 80 Nehemiah Lamb. December, 1835 80 B. M. Towsley, June, 1836 40 William Gannon, July, 1836 40 Daniel Griswold, July, 1836 40 John Van Derhoop, October, 1836 40 Abram Dean, November, 1836 40 Dennis Whalen, November, 1836 40 SECTION 9. Jos. S. Webber, October, 1835 80 Nichols, November, 1835 120 Cyrus Jackson, June, 1836 320 Calvin Bussey, .September, 1836 80 Thomas Bussey, December, 1836 40 SECTION 10. Jas. Chambers, May, 1S36 40 Cyrus Jackson, June, 1836 240 Seth I, Smith, June, 1S36 80 John Hopkinson, September, 1836 So Acres. Z. Shaw, September, 1836 40 Peter Hartinan, September, 1836 So Smith Irish, November, 1836 40 Dennis Whalen, November, 1836 40 SECTION II. John Whalen, November, 1836 40 F'reelove Adams, April, 1836 40 James Chambers, May, 1836 40 Samuel Hosford, June, 1836 40 Samuel L. Hale, June, 1S36 80 Jos. B. Enos, June, 1836 120 J. C. Whalcn,"june, I.S36 40 Royal Baker, June, 1836 40 H. S. Sncdiker, September, 1836 I20 Josiah Hale, October, 1836 40 A. C. Taj;gart, May, 1836 40 Ledyard Flint, June, 1836 160 Ledyard Flint, June, 1S36..: 80 H. & V. R. Hawkins, June, 1836 80 H. S. Snecbker, September, 1836 240 John Whalen, October, 1836 40 SECTION 13. Dennis Whalen, July, 1834 40 J. Coburn, May, 1836 40 Hubbard IJullard, June, 1S36 40 H. S. Snediker, September, 1S36 200 Adolphus Cary, Jr., October, 1836 160 James Whalen, October, 1S36 40 Noah Cowles, April, 1837 80 J. C. Russell, December, 1838 40 SECTION 14. John William':, June, 1834 80 A. I'helps, July, 1834 80 Dennis«Whalen, July, 1834 80 Eli Lee, July, 1835 80 George Huntley, July, 1835 40 Thomas Hall, Mav, 1836 120 Elisha B. Hall, May, 1836 80 Moses Taggart, June, 1S36 80 SECTION 15. Aaron Phelps, July, 1834 80 Ornian Holmes, September, 1835 80 C. W. Pierce, October, 1835 80 Thos. Hall, May, 1S36 80 James Snow, June, 1836 80 Cyrus Jackson, June, 1S36 160 George Ha.stings, October, 1S36 40 A. Cary, Jr., December, 1836 40 SECTION 16. A. F. .■Mbright, October, 1837 80 A. F. Albright, October, 1837 4° Albright & Flint, August, 1839 4° J. Flint, September, 1843 160 H. Gleason, November, 1843 4° J. D. Grouse, 1845 and 1S47 160 Lucy Norton, March, 1848 4° H. H. Middah, July, 1850 4° SECTION 17. Joe Brophy, March, 1835 160 James Brophy, March, 1835 160 John CuUen, December, 1835 160 Thomas .Mackey, December, 1835 80 Thomas .Sullivan, Januai-y, 1836 4° Thom.as Kelley, September, 1836 40 SECTION 18. Thom.is Tyrrell, March, 1836 >57-25 John Jordan, March, 1835 So Thomas Tyrrrell, August, 1835 79-67 Thom.as Kelley, December, 1S35 4° Thomas Sullivan, January, 1836 4° John Cullen, January, 1S36 4° William Gannon, January, 1836 So John Jordan, September, 1836 4° B. O. Cavanagh, October, 1836 4° James Gannon, May, 1837 39-^7 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. 367 SECTION 19. Acres. Benjamin Wait, October, 1835 80 C. Peco-ird, January, 1836 40 James McDonnell, March, 1836 39-38 Elilui Haines, March, 1S36 I20 George Lemon, June, 1836 120 Isaac L. Piatt, Aujjust, 1836 40 J. I!. Weeden, September, 1S36 15784 Hugh McKeever, August, 1838 39-38 SECTION 20. David F. Hess, October, 1835 40 Halsey Bidwell, May, 1836 200 Joseph Hard, June, 1836 40 Thomas Conlon, June, 1836 40 Georjje Lemon, June, 1836 80 Dennis O'Reardon, November, 1836 40 Patrick Crosby, August, 1837 40 Hiigl) McKcever, August, 1838 80 John Cullen, July, 1854 40 SECTION 21. Norman Brainard, June, 1835 120 David F. Hess, October, 1835 40 N. Brainard, December, 1835 40 Solomon Foster, July, 1836 40 Solomon Daillard, August, 1836 240 R. D. Hess, September, 1836 40 N. Brainard, October, 1836 40 Relecta Hastings, April, 1S37 40 Patrick Kelley, September, 1837 40 John G. Horion, May, 1855 120 C. \V. Pierce, October, 1835 80 Lavius Tenney, March, 1836 80 Cornell Lansing, March, 1836 80 Cornell Lansing, May, 1836 80 R. D. Hess, September, 1836 40 Lavius Tenney, September, 1836 40 Laura Hubbell, November, 1836 40 SECTION 23. John Williams, June, 1834 80 George Huntley, June, 1834 80 George Bulkley, June, 1834 40 Aarcni Phelps, July, 1S34 160 Rufus Tenney, December, 1835 40 Eunice Tenney, January, 1836 40 John B. Smith, May, 1836 40 Bliss Charles, June, 1836 40 C. T. Charles, June, 1836 40 John Hopkinson, September, 1836 80 Laura Hubbell, December, 1836 40 SECTION 24. John C. Russell, December, 1838 40 B. B. Kercheval, October, 1836 40 A. Carey, October, 1836 40 E. I. Smith, September, 1833 80 George Burnet, April, 1834 40 John Wdliams, October, 1834 40 John Williams, February, 1S35 40 E. I. Smith, June, 1835 80 Harriet Smith, June, 1835 40 Crocker Hastings, October, 1835 4° J. T. Clark, November, 1835 40 N. P. Morse, September, 1836 40 S. T. Armstrong, October, 1836 80 SECTION 25. Charles Smith, April, 1833 160 Lavius Tenney, May, 1833 ". 80 Eli Lee. M.iy, 1833 120 E. J. Smith, September, 1833 120 William Kinney, October, 1833 80 E. Armstrong, June, 1S35 40 John C. Morse, November, 1836 40 SECTION 26. John Glines, November, 1836 40 Acres. John Glines, July, 18(4 40 Aaron Phelps, March, 1835 40 Eber Adams, July, 1835 160 A. Hubbell, Novembei', 1835 40 jeptha Coburn, February, 1836 40 Charles Smith, Feliruarv, 1836 40 E. I. Smith, .Mav, 1836'. 80 A. "Hubbell, May, 1836 40 William Kinney, September, 1836 40 A. Hubbell, October, 1836 40 SECTION 27. Abner Hyde, January, 1836 40 N. P. Morse, May, 1836 40 C. B. Phillips, May, 1836 80 Levi Maxfield, May, 1836 40 Isaac F. Brant, August, 1S36 120 George Cornell, Septeml>er, 1836 80 John Glines, October, 1836 40 Benjamin Brevoort, October, 1836 40 James Handy, November, 1854 40 John Glines, October, 1855 40 L. L. Armstrong, January, 1856 40 James (irubb, January, 1S60 40 SECTION 28. D. F. Hess, October, 1835 80 I. H. S. Hurlbert, October, 1835 80 Elisha Mudge, July, 1836 So I. F. Brant, August, 1836 120 Laura M. Hess, September, 1836 40 Medad Feri-y, January, 1S38 40 John B. Smith, June, 183S 40 Laura Lewis, August, 1838 40 Samuel Mapes, November, 1852 40 J. H. Handy, Decenilier, 1854 40 H. A. Potter, May, 1S55 40 SECTION 29. I. H. S. Hurlbert, October, 1835 80 M. McDonnell, May, 1836 80 Stephen C. Hathaway, May, 1S36 80 Thomas Conlon, June, 1836 40 Wm. J. Cochrane, August, 1836 320 Julia A. Hess, F'ebruaiy, 1839 40 SECTION 30. A. Rogers, Jr., May, 1836 39-72 M. McDonnell, May, 1S36 160 James Cileason, May, 1836 80 Mary McGuire, May, 1836 39-72 Ira C. Hathaway, May, 1836 160 Silas Hathaway, May, 1836 '•9-95 Wm. N. Hoyt, September, 1836 40 SECTION 31. R. B. Ruggles, August, 1835 165.54 Benjamin Tanner, Ajiril, 1836 160 Heniy S. Lisk, May, 1S36 80 Patrick Mullen, June, 1S36 120 Charles Hartley, August, 1836 40 Wm. A. Clark, September, 1836 81.90 SECTION 32. Charles Robinson, July, 1834 80 Joseph Robinson, June, 1835 40 H. S. Lisk, Mav, 18156 80 S. Kilp.atrick. May, 1836 80 Abm. M. Topping, August, 1836 160 Isaac L. Piatt, August, 1836 160 Benjamin Blain, November, 1854 40 SECTION 33. Benjamin Tanner, April, 1S36 120 Elijah Marsh, June, 1836 80 Isa.ac !•'. Brant, August, 1S36 80 Betsey Marsh, October, 1836 40 Israel Amies, February, 1837 40 H. H. Wharner, October, 1837 40 368 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Acres. Snmiiel Crippen, M^y, 1S3S 40 Morris Whiteliout, Kel)ru,Try, 1846. 40 I. H. Handy, Fel)ruary, 1S53 40 Michael Wal-h, August, 1853 40 Franklin Walsh, March, 1858 40 Robert Sloan, March, 1854 40 .SECTION 34. H. Goodspeed, July, 1835 80 Joseph Young, M.iy, 1836 160 W. H. Johnston, June, 1836 80 Chauncey Childs, September, 1836 160 Benjamin Brevoort, December, 1S36 40 Isaac Collin^, September, 183S 40 L. M. Armstrong, December, 1853 40 H. J. Ross, December, 1854 40 SECTION 35. Emeline Hewett, Jmie, 1839 80 Benjamin Wood, December, 1833 40 Cornell Lansing, March, 1835 80 Ibrook Tower, M.ay, 1835 40 R. & J. Tenney, July, 1835 120 Ch.arles Smith, November, 1835 40 John n. Smith, December, 1835 40 F. \V. Goodman, December, 1835 40 William Kinney, September, 1836 40 Soloinon Cooper, November, 1837 40 Wells Farr, January, 1838 40 Keyes Child, June, 1S38 40 SECTION 36. John Cosart, November, 1836 40 Alvah Tenney, October, 1832 80 Jesse Tenney, April, 1833 80 John C. Morse, May, 1833 40 Erastus J. Smith, September, 1833 40 John Wood, December, 1833 80 Beniamin Wood, Jr., December, 1S33 40 John Cosart, October, 1835 120 William Kinney, September, 1836 80 H. T. Ross, December, 1854 40 The following is an alphabetical ILst of the resi- dent tax-payers in the township of Hartland in 1844: Andrus, Rebecca. Cosart, John. Atwood, David. Dyre, Edward, Armstrong, Elias. Dibble, Henry A. Armstrong, Giles. Devine, Robert. Armstrong, Simeon. Flint, Ledyard. Bussey, Calvin. Ferry, William C. Bussey, Hiram. Finney, John. Brown, Walter. Gleason, Elijah. Boullon, James. Griswold, Gary. Brock, Matthew. Griswold, Daniel. Brown, Fortius. Griswold, Henry. Brophy, John. Graves, Harley H. Brophy, James. Graves, Charles K. Brainerd, Norman, Gannon, Richard. Brown, Stephen. Garfield, John. Bradley, Orlando. Gle.ison, John. Clark, Le Grand. Gillinghain, John. Chambers, James, Griffin, George J. Copp, Peter. Gleason, Hiram. Cimmer, Nathan. Gannon, William. Gary, Adolphus. Glines, John. Chambers, James, Jr. Grant, George. Chambers, L. C. Graham, David. Grouse, C. L. & R. Gleason, James. Clark, Josiah T. Griswold, Benjamin. Cullen, John. Hodges, Russell. Cook, Ezekiel. Hodges, Willard. Cloucherty, John. Haynes, Lyman. Child, Ch.auncey. Hale, Elisha B. Huntley, William E. Holmes, Orman. Huntley, Erastus L. Haines, Stephen. Haines, Elihu. Horton, John G. Himtley, Henry O. Hubbell, Adoniram. Hathaway, Ira. Hess, David F. Hess, George. Johnson, William S. Johnson, Widow. Jordan, John. Kesler, Jacob. Kelly, Thomas. Kinney, George. Kinney, William N. Kinney, H. R. Littlefield, Anthony R. Lamb, Aroswell. Lennon, Margaret. Lanning, William C. Lyon, Aliiel. Lake, Warner. Liverniore, Lampson. Lee, Eli. Lee, Adon. Morgan, Dudley. Marvin, Richard. Minor, Ezra. Maxfield, Thom.as. Menter, Daniel. McKeever, Hugh. Mapes, Samuel, Jr. Mudge, John. Mudge, .Samuel T. Mills, John H. Maxfield, Levi. McDon.ald, Michael. Ma]ies, Hiram. McCormick, Jacob. Near, Freeman. Parshall, Isaac. Phillips, Charles B. Rice, John I. Ross, Charles. Richardson, A. W. Ross. John. .Seed, Hugh. Smith, Beriah G. Smith, William. Simons, Alfred S. Scullard, Hiram R. Seeley, William D. Shaw, Z. Smith, John B. Smith, Eiastus J. Smith, Charles. Townley, Daniel. Thayer, I. R. Townley, Benjamin W. Tyrrell, Thomas. Tenney, Lavius. Thompson, Elias. Whalcn, Josiah C. Webl>er, James S. Westervelt, Jacob. Wakeman, Austin. Welilier, Joseph. Whalen, John. Whalen, James. Whalen, Dennis. White, Sandford. Williams, John. Williams, Sally. Waters, Vincent. ^yood, John. Youngs, David. HARTLAND CENTRE. This little village, which is located northwest of the geographical centre of the township, was settled not long after the first settlement was made in the township, but it assumed no special importance as a centre of trade until some years later. Rufus Tenney is said to have made the earliest location of land within its limits, and the first store was opened by George J. Griffin, from Rochester, N. Y., in 1839. This was for a long time the head- quarters of the hamlet, where the news of the day and political topics were discussed, and where various matters relating to the welfare of Hartland had their origin. Township-meetings were also held here for several years, and liquor was freely dispensed. After canvassing the ballots, the elected candidates were accustomed to exercise their hos- pitality, and a free-and-easy time was the inev- itable result ; some of the early pioneers who still survive having a vivid recollection of the condition in which they sought their homes after these elec- tion revels. Amos F. Albright early erected a grist-mill here, HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. 369 and for several years manaj^ed its business, but in 1 841 disposed of the property to Robert D. and Chauncey L. Grouse. With the arrival of these active business men begins the era of commercial enterprise in the little village, and the growth and prosperity of the place is largely indebted to their presence. Robert D. Grouse came to the State in 1832, and to Hartland in 1842. In connection with the mills, he purchased a large tract of land, and also kept a store with a general stock. This store enjoyed a large trade, and was for a long time a depot for much of the traffic of the township. Mr. Grouse was also one of the stockholders of the East Saginaw Salt Manufacturing Gompnny, and erected in the city of Saginaw the first block of stores, called after him the Grouse Block. Ghauncey L. was the brother and partner of Robert D., and was intimately associated with him in his business enterprises. He also became a resident here in 1842. The village contains one tavern, kept by Asa Parshall ; one tin-shop, owneil by L. Hurlbert; two dry-goods stoics, the proprietors of which are Grouse & Go. and W. R. Gannon respectively, both of whom keep, in connection with dry goods, a general stock adapted to country trade; one drug- store, kept by H. Gullen; a general store, by O. B. Ghambers ; a harness-shop, by O. Bowles, and a boot- and shoe-store, by George Darling. The grist-mill which was built by Amos F. Albright, and was afterwards the property of the Grouse brothers, is now owned by V. Parshall & Son. There is also a foundry in the village, which was built in 1849, by Lyman Bishop. In 1855 it was purchased by G. A. Weaver, who conducted it until i860, when it was disposed of to Hildebrant & Garl. The foundry is now owned by Sanford Hildebrant, and manufactures plows, scrapers, and other implements used in farming. There are also three blacksmith-shops, owned by R. Drulard, F. Steadman, and A. McDunagh. There are three physicians in Ilartland Gentre, — Drs. William M. Hayford, Murphy, and J. J. Boyd, — the latter of whom represents the Homoeopathic school of practice. The village also contains a flourishing school, under the direction of Prof Sell- man. CONGRKCJATIONAL CHURCH. The First Gongregational Ghurch of Hartland Centre was organized April, 1844, in a school- house in the immediate vicinity. Eight persons united to form this new society, — six having letters from other churches and two uniting by profession. They were Myron Lovell, Garoline Lovell, John P. Kellogg, Ann J. Kellogg, Elsie Marvin, Mar- garet Lennon, Sophia Glark, Gharles Williamson. 47 The Rev. Albert Worthington. of Milford, Oak- land Co., was the officiating minister, and continued to be their pastor for two years, — coming once in four weeks to preach to them. Two months after the organization of the church two more persons united by profession of faith. The church records are then silent until P"eb. 21, 1847, when the Rev. A. Smith, also of Milford, preached and adminis- tered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper; at this date five persons united with the church by letter. Rev. Mr. Waterbury came July 8, 1849 (from what place the records do not state), and preached and administered the Lord's Supper, — four persons uniting with the church at this date. Rev. Mr. Ackley, of Howell, preached Oct. 29, 1849, and administered the Lord's Supper, — four uniting by letter. Mr. Ackley soon after became their pastor for one year. After this the church had no pastor or stated preaching until the autumn of 1851, when the Rev. E. T. Branch, who had just completed a long pastorate at Genesee, became the pastor and continued his labors for two years. Both himself and wife were earnest church-work- ers, doing good, administering comfort to the af- flicted, and causing every one to feel that in them they had sincere friends. The Sabbath-school (which at that time was a union school) was very prosperous during their residence here. All classes were gathered in and became interested in the study of the Bible. Mrs. Branch organized the first Ladies' Home Mission- ary Society in this place, which was a success; not only were the individuals themselves who thus met benefited, but funds accumulated with which to furnish the prospective church. After Mr. Branch's pastorate the church records are silent until Nov. 3, i860, a period of seven years. During that interval, however. Rev. Mr. Goodell was pastor of the church one year, and occasional preaching was had by ministers who were pastors of neighboring Gongregational Churches. During that time, also, in the summer of 1858, their pres- ent house of worship was built, the cost of build- ing being 51800. This church was fully paid for and free from debt, and was also very well furnished by the ladies of the church and congregation at the time it was dedicated, December, 1858. Rev. Mr. Greely, of Grand Rapids, was present on that occasion, and preached the dedicatory sermon. Myron Lovell was their first church clerk, — chosen to that office when the church was organized, and continuing to act in that capacity until February, 1847. Their second clerk was Daniel Rich, elected to the office in 1847, and filling the position until his death. 370 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. In the spring of i860 the Rev. M. C. Stanley became the pastor, and remained with the church one year. At the close of his pastorate the Rev. W. W. Robson, of Worth, in this State, became the pastor. He was an able Biblical scholar, and brought well-beaten oil into the sanctuary. Seven persons united with the cliurch while he was pas- tor, — five by letter and two by profession. His laboi's with the church closed October, 1863. Nothing more is shown by the records until 1868, when the Rev. C. N. Coulter became pastor, and also filled the office of clerk during his stay of one year. Henry Bishop was the fourth clerk, chosen 1869, and held the office until his removal from this place, in 1873. Amos Beebe was the next or fifth clerk for three years, at the expiration of which time Miss S. A. Griffin was chosen clerk, and continues to hold the office at the present date. Rev. W. B. Williams visited this church in 1872, and held meetings for four weeks, preaching every evening, and being assisted by the Rev. Mr. Crane. Soon after the close of these meetings twenty per- sons united with the church. At that time the Union Sunday-school was divided, each church having a separate school. The Congregational school purchased a large library, and also a fine organ. Rev. H. H. Crane was their pastor in 1868, com- mencing his labors soon after the protracted meet- ing closed, and remaining one year. The church was then without a pastor until October, 1874. At that date the Rev. R. W. Fletcher, of Jackson, an earnest, faithful worker, became the pastor. During his stay the edifice was very thoroughly repaired and greatly beautified. The first Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of this church was organized during that year, Mrs. Fletcher taking the lead in the work. It is still doing a good work. During the summer of 1876 the church was without a settled clergyman, but in the autumn of that year the Rev. Mr. Osborne, of Augusta, Hills- dale Co., became their pastor, he occupying this field two years, preaching also in Tyrone each Sab- bath afternoon, at which place he organized a Con- gregational Church. He was followed by Rev. D. A. Strong, of Fre- donia, N. Y., who commenced his labors Oct. 20, 1878. He has labored both here and at Tyrone, being pastor of both churches. His work has been very successful, and large numbers have been added to both churches. This society has, from the very first, kept itself free from debt. The esti- mated value of church property at the present date is ;g2CXX). METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Hartland Centre embraces 69 members, and is at present in charge of Rev. N. J. Lyon. The church building, which is owned by the society, is a substantial structure, costing about $2500. An effort by the writer to obtain a complete history of the church has proved unsuccessful. PARSHALLVILLE. This active little hamlet lies in the extreme northwest corner of Hartland, and, though the larger portion may be claimed as belonging to the township named, a sufficient portion lies in Tyrone to entitle it to a share of the honor. As in many villages of much larger proportions, the water- power which the site afforded was the nucleus around which the village was built, it having offered a very attractive prospect to the first settler and founder of the place, Isaac Parshall,and induced him to cast his fortunes in this portion of Hartland in 1834. Having surveyed the country carefully, and discovered the opportunities that North Ore Creek offered to a man of enterprise, he immediately entered 400 acres of land, which in- cluded the mill-privilege. Later, Mr. Parshall began the erection of a saw- and grist-mill, but did not at once settle upon his property. He returned to his home in the East, and in 1837 had fully determined to cast his for- tunes with the pioneers of Hartland. A mill had previously been built by Calvin Bussey in 1835, one mile south of Parshallville, on section 8. It was upon North Ore Creek, and had sawed much of the timber, during its brief existence, that had been used in the construction of the rude houses and barns of that early day. Later it was bought by Wm. Smith, and its quaint ruins are still seen on the banks of the creek as the traveler passes on his way to Brighton. Having in 1835 erected a frame house and made some improvements in the surrounding land, Mr. Parshall, when he became a resident in 1837, found a wide and inviting field for his energies. He was also a blacksmith, and added to the occupations of miller and farmer the reputation of shoeing a horse as well as any smithy in the county. Mr. Par- shall did not entirely monojfolize the field, how- ever, but encouraged John Roberts at an early day to embark in trade. He built a small store on the west side, and filled it with a general assortment of goods suitable to the country trade, and enjoyed the honor of having been the first merchant in the village. The west side was not, however, to absorb all the business enterprise of the place, and soon a HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. 371 similar store was built and opened by Austin Wakeman on the east side. The house built by Parsliail was just east of the creek and opposite the mill. Soon after his arrival he induced the government to establish a post-office, of wiiich he was postmaster, the office beinir in his own hou.se. He liad at this time a near neighbor in a Mr. Lewis, who came about the same date, and built a log house within sight of his own home. The hamlet having made a courageous beginning soon grew in size, until a neat little village is the result. It has never been incorporated, its size not warrant- ing such a procedure. It now contains a post- office, of which J. S. Griswold is postmaster; two stores, containing a general stock and kept by Griswold & Norbert and W. & I. Hetcheler; a shoe-shop, by Albert White; four blacksmith- shops, owned by George Hasper, Ezra Chamber- lain, Robert Bryant, and Henry Shaver; a foundry, of which E. Chamberlain is proprietor, which man- ufactures plows, sleigh-shoes, and castings of all kinds for agricultural use, and has a considerable patronage from the neighboring farmers ; a wagon- shop, kept by Orlando Gait ; a paint-shop, kept by Irving Johnson ; and a cheese-factory, which is not managed after the ordinary method of a stock company, but is owned and controlled by Jacob S. Griswold, who was a native of Chemung Co., N. Y., and emigrated with his father to Hartland in 1836. He entered mercantile life at the age of twenty-one, and in 1853 purchased land and devoted himself to farming pursuits, making the raising of fine stock a specialty. The beeves shipped by Mr. Griswold were conceded to be the finest ever raised in the county. He has also been the postmaster at Par- shall ville since 1857, with the exception of two years. Mr. Griswold takes an active interest in the growth of the township, and has held many respon- sible offices. Parshallville also boasts a graded school. The building is a frame one, located upon an eminence from which is obtained a commanding view of the surrounding country. It is under the direction of Harrison Dunham, with Miss Nellie Britton as assistant. A plat of the village has never been made, all descriptions being dependent upon meas- urements and boundaries for accuracy. The Parshallville Mills are located upon the site of those formerly built by Isaac Parshall, on North Ore Creek, and are owned by Walker & Browning, who both being occupied with their farming inter- ests, intrust their management to the head miller, John Symons. The building was erected b)' Daniel Townley, in 1871, ami purchased by the present firm in February, 1877. It derives its power from the creek upon wiiich it is located, and employs four run of stone in its grinding process. Its ordinary capacity is fifty barrels per day. Much feed is ground at the mills, and a large share of custom patronage is also afforded them. THE li.MTIST CHURCH, P.\RSH.\LLVH.I.E,* held its first meeting in the log house of James S. Webber, now residing at East Saginaw, on Feb. 25, 1837, of which Rev. Nehemiah Lamb was chosen moderator, and Rev. Aroswell Lamb (son of Rev. Nehenn'ah Lamb) clerk. At that meeting it was voted to unite in conference, and Articles of Faith and a Church Covenant were adopted. At the second meeting, held March 25, 1837, ten persons gave in their letters as follows : Rev. Nehemiah Lamb, Rev. Aroswell Lamb and Phcebe Lamb, his wife, Isaac Parshall and Seraphina, his wife, James S. Webber and PhcEbe, his wife, and Levi, Rebecca, and Elizabeth Andrus. James S. Webber was chosen permanent clerk, Rev. Nehe- miah Lamb, permanent moderator, and Rev. Aros- well Lamb, assistant, to serve in the absence of his father. The conference was recognized as a regular Baptist Church, April 26, 1837, by a council rep- resenting the churches of Highland, Walled Lake, and Farmington, together with the Rev. Mr. Jones, of the township of Rose, and the Revs. Nehemiah Lamb and Aroswell Lamb, of Hartland. On the same day Patience, Rhoda, and Content Lamb, Elizabeth Roberts, Betsey Townley, and James L. Andrews were received as members, in- creasing the number to 16. Levi Andrus was chosen deacon April 29th, and Mrs. Westervelt was baptized June 25th, in a small brook running across the farms of James S. Webber and Rev. Aroswell Lamb, a dam having been made near the line on sections 8 and 9. She was the first person ever baptized by a Baptist minister in the town of Hartland. Between April 26, 1837, when the church was recognized, and June 27, 1841, 70 persons were added to the church, as follows : By Letter . — H.innali Lamb, Caroline Washburn, Alanson Olds, J.me Olds, Orson Stephens, Grace S. Stephens, William D. Snnpp, Elizabeth Snnpp, James Mills, Azuba Bryan, Amos K. Albright, John J. lilackmer, Harvey R. Stephens, Hannah Ann Gale, Solomon Gne, Joanna Gue, Elanor Pcrr)', Rebecca Bunsey, Lavina Hills, Marietta Albright, Samuel Cole, Pru- dence Cole, Eli Cranston, Sena Mason, Palmer Cr.anston, M.ary Cranston, Elizabeth Cranston, Mary Angas, Emily Clark, Polly Roberts, Joseph Cole, Elizabeth Cole, Barbara Wall, Catharine Van Camp, John Garfield, Mary Gartield, Bethawa Littlefield, Hannah Ann Stephens; total, 38. By Baptism. — Rnxana Westervelt, Susan Rolierts, Job L Bul- lock, Nelson Roberts, Harvey R Stephens, Debborah Ann * Furnished by the pnstor. 372 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Haynes, Nathan Cole, Lucetlia Townley, Esther M. Cole, Benjamin R. Townley, George Townley, Andrew Townley, Malon Van Camp, William L. Webher, Ira Erastus Thayer, John Blackburn, Eliza Townley, Mary Mason, Martha Van Camp, Isaac T. Cole, Austin Burnett, Eliza Beach, Ada J. Cole, Elizahelh Cassada, Peter Rese, Israel Parshall, Daniel Townley, Minerva Parshall, Delia Chamberlin, Fanny E. Van Camp; total 30. Added by Experience. — Beriah G. Smith and Betsey Smith, who came from the Seventh-Day Baptists ; total 2. Adding the 16 original members who were first recognized as a Baptist Church, we have a grand total of 86 persons. During the same period two persons — Patience Lamb and Deacon Levi An- drews — died; 12 persons were dismissed by letter, and I excluded, leaving a membership of 71, on June 27, 1841. Rev. Nehemiah Lamb remained in Hartland more than a year after the organization of the church, co-operating with his son, Rev. Aroswell Lamb. After his removal, Rev. A. Lamb continued in charge of the church until the summer of 1856, making a continued pastorate of nearly nineteen and one-half years. During this time, however, owing to the feeble health of the pastor, Rev. J. H. Rasco was called to his assistance for one year, and a young man, not ordained, named Stark, assisted him for a period of several months. Unfortunately, the records were burned a few years since, and no official record of the progress of the church from June, 1841, to the date of the fire is at hand. Thus it is not practicable to obtain details of the history for a period of nearly thirty years. It may be said, however, that for many years the divine service was held in the Smith school-house, on section 5, in Hartland. Later the services were transferred to the school-house at Parshallville, and were there held until the present church edifice was completed in 1855. In the erection of the church edifice, a very sub- stantial brick structure, 36 by 50 feet in size. Dea- con Isaac Parshall was a leading spirit. Being a man of means and energy, he hired the workmen, purchased the material, personally super- vised every part of the work, and paid the bills, with the exception of about $300 or $400, until the work was completed. When finished — it having been erected upon his own land — he deeded the property to the trustees of the church and society, and the seats — having been sold at public auction — he deeded to the indi- viduals who purchased them. The sale of seats realized an amount nearly sufficient to repay the deacon for his outlav. The Rev. A. Lamb was born in Prattsburg, N. Y., in April, 1810, and removed to Farmington, Mich., in 1821 or 1822. About a year later he settled on a farm near the east line of Livonia, in Wayne County, and officiated in the Redford Church four years, when, in the latter part of the year 1836, he exchanged his land in Livonia for the farm on section 8, in Hartland, on which he lived for twenty years. During his pastorate of the church in Hartland, now known as the Parshallville Church, he received only a partial support from his ministerial labors ; but by careful management and personal labor on his farm, combined with teaching, he was able to rear his family and improve his fann, so that, upon his removal in 1866, he left one of the most attract- ive homes in the township. After a pastorate of nearly twenty years he left the church with a mem- bership of 145 and a fine church edifice, practically out of debt. His field of labor was very large, extending from Linden and Fenton on the north to White Lake on the east, Brighton on the south, and Oceola and Deerfield on the west and north- west. Shortly after his resignation at Hartland he was called to the charge of the Baptist Church at Salem, Washtenaw Co., where he continued to labor until his death in March, i860. The church has been in charge of the following persons as pastors or stated supplies since Mr. Lamb's pastorate, 1856: Rev. Mr. Adams, 1856- 57, one year; Rev. Mr. Atwood, term not certain, probably two years; Rev. Mr. Conklin, stated sup- ply for some months ; Rev. J. H. Rares, for one year; Rev. H. Stowitts, from 1862 or 1863 to 1865; Rev. P. C. Dayfoot, from 1805 to 1868; Rev. Wm. White, from 186S to 1870; Rev. S. Gardiner, from 1S70 or 1871 to 1872; Rev. Mr. Lyon for a few months; Rev. Samuel Smith, from 1873 to 1875; Rev. D. Gastellow, from 1876 to 1879; Rev. Isaac W. Lamb, began in May, 1879. The church and society now own a fine brick edifice with about an acre of land attached, and twelve good stalls in their shed. The society have also a parsonage with a half-acre of ground attached, which was the gift by will of Deacon Parshall. When the first general effort was made to endow Kalamazoo College in 1863, the Hartland Church raised more than $i6oo for that purpose, of which Deacon Parshall and his estimable wife, since de- ceased, gave Si 100. The church has been from its beginning hearty in its support of the various missionary, educa- tional, and other benevolent Christian enterprises. Its present officers are : Pastor, Rev. Isaac W. Lamb ; Deacons, M. D. Bracle, S. E. Dean, Vin- HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. 373 cent Parsliall ; Clerk, Wells Aver}-; Treasurer, Marie Bracle. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. There is also in Parsliallville a flourishing Methodist Episcopal Church with a large mem- bership, and owning a church edifice which cost about S2000. Its present pastor is Rev. E. Dawe. Repeated efforts on the part of the historian to obtain facts with regard to it have met no response. CIVIL LIST. The following is a list of the township officers : 1836. — Eli Lee, Supervisor; Josiah T. CIarl<, Township Cleric; Erastus J. Smith, Treasurer; Norman Brainanl, Samuel Mapes, Dennis Whalen, William Kinney, Justices of the Peace; Josiah T. Clark, James Whalen, School In- spectors. 1837. — Elias Lee, Supervisor; John G. Horton, Township Clerk ; Erastus J. Smith, Treasurer; Orman Holmes, Norman Brainartl, Dennis Whalen, Isaac Cornell, Justices of the Peace ; Orman Holmes, James Whalen, Josiah T. Clark, School Inspectors. 1838. — John J. Blackburn, Supervisor; John G. Horton, Town- ship Clerk; William E. Huntley, Treasurer; Norman Brainartl, Austin Wakeman, Justices of the Peace; Amos F. Albright, Edwanl Davidson, James Whalen, School Inspectors. 1839. — Eli Lee, Supervisor; John G. Horton, Township Clerk ; Amos F. Albright, Treasurer ; John J. Blackburn, Justice of the Peace; John Roberts, Amos F. Albright, James Whalen, School Inspectors. 1840. — Eli Lee, Supervisor; George J. Griffin, Township Clerk; Orman Holmes, Treasurer; Orman Holmes, John J. Rice, Justice? of the Peace ; Edward J. Davidson, Menzo W. .Smith, George J. Griffin, School Inspectors. 1841. — lohn Muilge, Supervisor; John G. Horton, Township Clerk; Freeman Near, Treasurer; Austin Wakeman, Justice of the Peace; J.imes Whalen, Samuel T. Mudge, Edward J. Davidson, School Inspectors. 1842. — John G. Horton, Supervisor; Horace B. Hubbard, Town- ship Clerk; William E. Huntley, Treasurer; Norm in Brainard, Justice of the Peace; Samuel T. Mudge, Ed- ward J. Davitlson, George J. Griffin, .School Inspectors. 1843. — George J. GriflTni, Supervisor; John J. Rice, Township Clerk; William E. Huntley, Treasurer ; Ira C. Hatha- way, Justice of the Peace ; Josiah T. Clark, Robert Crouse, School Inspectors. 1S44. — John G. Horton, Supervisor; John J. Rice, Town.ship Clerk; John Wood, Treasurer; Orman Holmes, Justice of the Pe.ace; Hiram Mapes, .Samuel T. Mudge, School Inspectors. 1845. — William E. Huntley, .Supervisor ; Moses B. Hess, Town- ship Cleik; John Wood, Treasurer; John J. Rice, Jus- tice of the Peace ; Charles Ross, Josiah T. Clark, School Inspectors. 1846. — John G. Horton, .Supervisor; George J. Griffin, Township Clerk; John Wood, Treasurer; Ledward Flint, Justice of the Peace; Henry S. Worthington, Jacob S. Griswold, School Inspectors. 1S47. — John Wood, Supervisor; David Rich, Town Clerk; Er.as- lus J. Smith, Treasurer; Hiram Mapes, Justice of the Peace; Edward Davidson, School Inspector. 1848. — ^John Wood, Supervisor; George J. Griffin, Township Clerk ; John G. Horton, Treasurer; Orman Holmes, Justice of the Peace; Robert Crouse, School Inspector. 1S49. — David Rich, Supervisor; David Atwood, Township Clerk ; Orman Holmes, Treasurer; John J. Rice, O. B. Cham- bers, Justices of the Pe.ice; George J. Griffin, Iliram Mapes, School Inspectors. 1S50. — John Wood, Supervisor; David Atwood, Township Clerk; Orman Holmes, Treasurer; Rufus Tenney, William Smith, Justices of the Peace ; Henry Worthington, School Inspector. 1851. — John Wood, Supervisor; II. Mercer, Township Clerk; Iliram R. Scollard, Treasurer; David Rich, Ledyard Flint, Henry Griswold, Edward Davidson, Justices of the Pe.ice; Samuel T. Mudge, School Inspector. 1852. — John Wood, Supervisor; Charles II. K. Warren, Town- ship Clerk; Hiram R. .Scollard, Tieasurer; Edward Davidson, Justice of the Peace; Henry Brockway, Charles Ross, .School Inspectors. 1853. — Jo-iah Whalen, Supervisor ; Henry S. Worthington, .School Inspector; Nelson Stevens, Townshi[i Clerk ; Hiram R. Scollard. Treasurer. 1854.- — George J. Griffin, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaway, Town- ship C.erk; Samuel Mapes, Jr., Treasurer; Calvin Townley, Adnah Lewis, Justices of the Peace; Charles H. K. Warren, School Inspector. 1S55. — George J. Griffin, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaway, Township Clerk; S. A. Stuart, Treasurer; Henry Gris- wold, lleniy S. Worthington, Justices of the Peace; Charles Ross, School Inspector. 1856. — Orman Holmes, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaway, Town- ship Clerk; Stephen A. Stuart, Treasurer; Daniel Rich, William C. Ferry, Justices of the Peace; C. H. K. Warren, .School Inspector. 1S57. — O. B. Chand)ers, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaw.ay, Town- ship Clerk; Jacob Carl, Treasurer ; Edward Davidson, Justice of the Peace; William M. Hayford, School In- spector. 1858. — ^Jacob S. Griswold, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaway, Township Clerk; Jacob Carl, Treasurer; Nelson Ste- vens, L. L. Armstrong, Justices of the Peace ; W. S. Smith, School Inspector. 1S59. — Henry P. Crouse, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaway, Township Clerk; Earl E. Walton, Treasurer; D.aviil B. Mason, Sil.as Bullard, Justices of the Peace ; Frank Sweet, School Inspector. i860. — Henry P. Crouse, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaway, Township Clerk; John Wallace, Treasurer; David Rich, Stephen Hungerford, Elisha G. Smith, Justices of the Peace; John B. Tyrrell, School Inspector. 1861. — Lorenzo S. Armstrong, Supervisor; Sanford Hildebrant, Township Clerk; John Wallace, Treasurer; Elisha G. Smith, Ephraim llubbell. Justices of the Peace ; Frank Sweet, School Inspector. 1S62. — O. B. Chambers, Supervisor; Albert L. Hathaw.ay, Township Clerk; Hugh Cullen, Treasurer; Ephraim llubbell, George A. Whitehead, Justices of the Pe.ice; Newton T. Kirk, Schoi>l Inspector. 1S63. — Ira Knight, Supervisor; Henry Crouse, Township Clerk ; Wm. F. Lemen, Treasurer ; Lyman Bishop, Van R. Durfee, Hiram R. Scollard, Justices of the Peace; Mor- gan L. Andrus, School Inspector. 1864. — Ira Knight, Supervisor; Henry Crouse, Township Clerk ; Charles H. Mercer, Treasurer ; Van R. Durfee, Justice of the Peace ; Charles Rose, .School Inspector. 1S65. — Giles Ross, Supervisor; Joseph Blinston, Township Clerk; Samuel Mapes, Treasurer; James Gleason, Justice of the Peace ; William M. Hayford, School Inspector. 1866. — ^John Wood, Supervisor ; John B. Crouse, Township Clerk ; Hiram R. Scollard, Treasurer; Furman B. Clark, Jus- tice of the Peace ; Newton T. Kirk, School Inspector, j 1867. — Jacob S. Griswold, Supervisor; Newton T. Kirk, Town- ship Clerk; Thomas N. Jones, Treasurer ; John Dun- 374 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. i868.- 1S71.-J 1S72.- ham, Justice of the Peace; Allen C. Wright, School In- spector. -Henry P. Grouse, Supervisor; Wilkes S. Stuart, Town- ship Clerk; Amos J. Bebee, Treasurer; Elisha G. Smith, William T. Seaman, Justices of the Peace; Al- bert L. Hathaway, School Inspector. 1869. — Henry P. Grouse, Supervisor; Wilkes S. Stuart, Town- ship Glerk; Peter McKeever, Treasurer ; James Gleason, Justice of the Peace; Orman Holmes, J. W. Worthing- ton, School Inspectors. 1870. — John Wood, Supervisor; Wilkes S. Stuart, Township Glerk ; Henry Nichols, Treasurer; Benjamin R. Town- ley, Justice of the Peace; Justin W. Worthington, School Inspector. -Justin W. Wortliington, Supervisor; William M. Ghani- hers. Township Clerk ; Peter Fahey, Treasurer; O. B. Chambers, R.ibert McCall, Justices of the Peace; Wil- liam H. Ilayford, School Inspector. -George W. Stark, Supervisor; James C. Campbell, Town- ship Clerk; Charles H. Stevens, Treasurer; John Dun- ham, Chauncey A. Weaver, Justices of the Peace ; Justin W. Worthington, School Inspector. -]ustin W. Worthington, Supervisor; Major H. Lemen, Township Clerk; Jacob S. Griswoki, Treasurer; James Gleason, Justice of the Peace; Harry S. Myers, .School Inspector. -Lorenzo L. Armstrong, Supervi-or ; Z. E. Chambers, Township Clerk ; Asa Parshall, Treasurer; Herman W. Clark, Justice of the Peace; William M. Hayfortl, (. W. Worthington, Schtiol Inspectors. -Lorenzo L. Armstrong, Supervisor; Herman W.Clark, Township Clerk; Wilkes S. Stuart, Treasurer; Jacob S. GriswoKI, Nathaniel Ethridge, Justices of the Peace; Harry S. Myers, Superinteuileut of Schools; Newton T. Kirk, School Inspector. -Lorenzo L. Armstrong, Supervisor; Frank J, Binlsall, Township Clerk; Squire Verselius, Treasurer; John Dunham, Justice of the Peace; Hariy S. Myers, Super- intenilenl of Schools; Newton T. Kirk, School Inspec- tor. -Lorenzo L. Armstrong, Supervisor ; John Campbell, Town- sliip Clerk; Sc|uire Verselius, Treasurer; John Wood, Justice of the Peace ; Harvey S. Myers, Superintendent of Schools; Newton T. Kirk, School Inspector. 1878. — Justin W. Worthington, .Supervisor; Major H. Lemen, Township Clerk ; Jacob S. Griswold, Treasurer; Richard Marvin, Justice of the Peace; R. C. Sellman, Superin- tendent of Schools; John J. Boyd, School Inspector. -Hiram B. Thompson, Supervisor ; Lemuel Hurlbcrt, Town- ship Clerk; Jacob S. Griswold, Treasurer; Jacob S. Griswold, Justice of the Peace; John J. Uoyd, Superin- tendent of Schools; William M. Hayford, School In- spector. IS73-- 1874-- 1875 1876.- 1S77. 1S79- RIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHARLES SMITH, one of tlie piotieers of the southern part of the town of Hartland, was born in Grimesville, Berks Co., Pa., Aug. 28, 1 8 1 1 . He was the son of Chris- tian and Ann Smitii. Up to tiie age of seventeen he worked on his father's farm, at which time he was apprenticed to tlie trade of a weaver, which avocation he followed until he came to Michigan, in 1834. He worked for Luther Boyden, of Wash- tenaw County, for three years, when he settled in Hartland, where he located one hundred and si.xty acres of land. There he resided until his death, in 1875. In 1837 he was married to Miss Ann Smith, who was born in Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., N. Y., April 14, 1821. Tliey raised a family of eight children: Sarah J., Laura A., Reuben C, William A., Charles A., Addie A., Frank L., and Elea- nor A. Mr. Smith was a successful farmer, and as a neighbor and friend was fully appreciated by all who knew him. His wife is in every respect a splendid type of the women of the early days, and did her part in developing tlie farm on which slie now resides, which is one of the best in Hartland. ELISHA G. SMITH was born Nov. 25, 1826, in Tioga Co., Pa. He was the only son of William Smith and Leah Griswold, who reared a fatnily of five children. The elder Stnith was probably a native of Penn- sylvania, and was born May 10, 1786. When twenty-one years of age he went to Smithfield, Bradford Co., Pa., where he purchased and im- proved a new farm. After a residence tiiere of several years he removed to Tioga County, and engaged in lumbering, marketing his product in Philadelphia. The business proving unremunera- tive, he decided to come to Michigan, and in 1836 purchased the farm upon which he afterward resided. Returning to Pennsylvania, he came, with his family the following spring, and made a permanent settlement. He was highly esteemed for his sterling integrity and industrious habits; was a man of strong religious convictions, and a prominent member of the Methodist Church. He was magistrate of Hartland for many years, and held many other positions of trust. He died in Flint, Dec. 20, 1852. Elisha G. Smith was possessed of many strong points of character, and inherited from his father many of his distinguishing traits. He was ener- getic, industrious, and possessed of more than an ordinary amount of business ability. Upon the death of his father he succeeded to his business, which he managed successfully. April 20, 1853, he was married to Miss Cordelia M. Marsh, of Pleasant Valley, where she was born April 19, 1833. They reared a family of eight children, seven of whom are living. E. G. Smith died in Hartland in 1870. ELISHA G.SMITH MRS.ELISHA G.SMITH. WILLIAM SMITH CHARLES SMITH. HARTLAND TOWNSHIP. 375 LE GRAND CLARK, son of Elislia and Lydia (Root) Clark, was born in Johnstown, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Nov. 2$, 1814, and was the second child in a family of three boys and three girls. Elisha, Jr., was born March 25, 1785. Lydia, his wife, was born in 1784. He was a shoemaker by trade, and died when Le Grand was but fourteen years of age. But little is known of his history, further than that he was a man of sterling integrity and highly respected. His father, Elisha, Sr., was a native of Old Mil- ford, Conn., where he was born April 15, 1746. He married Parthenia Lewis. Le Grand, by the death of his father, was thrown upon his own resources, and up to the age of twenty-three was the head of the family. At this time he was married to Miss Catharine Vrooman, and moved to Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he remained three years. In 1842, Mr. Clark came to Hartland and pur- chased the farm where he now resides, and which at present consists of two hundred and fifty-four acres. Eight years after his removal to Michigan his wife died, and in 1853 he was again married, to Miss Abigail G. Bussey. She was born in Mace- don, Wayne Co., N. Y., Sept. 26, 1834. Mr. Clark has been a successful farmer and is considered a valuable citizen. He is a Baptist in his religious convictions, and a prominent member of the church of that denomination in Hartland. JACOB S. GRISWOLD. Among the early pioneer families of the town of Hartland the Griswolds are entitled to prominent mention. Henry Griswold, father of the subject of this narrative, was a native of Chemung Co., N. Y., where he was born in the year 1800. He married Elizabeth Snell, and reared a family of eight children, Jacob S. being the eldest. In 1836 he came to Livingston County, and, being favorably impressed with the soil and the natural advantages, he purchased a farm in the town of Hartland. Returning to New York he disposed of his property, and the following spring emigrated with his family. He at once commenced the im- provement of his farm, upon which he resided un- til his death, which occurred in 1877. He was a thrifty, industrious farmer, and a man of excellent principles. Jacob acknowleged obligation to his father in his labor until he attained his majority, when he started in life as a clerk in the store of Austin & Wakeman, with whom he remained si.K years. In 1849 he established himself in trade at Parshallville, where he now resides. In his busi- ness operations Mr. Griswold has been successful. In 1853 he purchased a farm and engaged in dairy- ing and raising stock, in connection with his mer- cantile business. In 1875 he built a cheese-factory and commenced the manufacture of cheese. In 1851, Mr. Griswold was married to Miss Es- ther, daughter of Ezra Mason, one of the pioneers of Rochester, N. Y., having settled there previous to the war of 1812. He was a miller by trade, but in the later part of his life became a farmer, which business he followed until his death. He was highly esteemed for his integrity and ability. The life of Mr. Griswold has been comparatively uneventful. In his youth he was subjected to the privations and hardships of pioneer life, and early learned lessons of industry, economy, and self-re- liance, which were eminently serviceable to him in after-life. He has not only obtained a prominent position among the leading business men of the county, but has won the esteem and confidence of his townsmen, who have elected him to various positions of trust, the duties of which he has faith- fully discharged. In 1858 he was elected super- visor of Hartland, and again in 1867. He has been postmaster of Parshallville since 1857, with the ex- ception of two years. Mr. Griswold is a man of marked liberality and of much public spirit. He has taken a deep interest in the development of his town and county. So- cially he is genial and courteous, and his hospitality is proverbial. OCEOLA TOWNSHIP. The township of Oceola lies near the centre of Livingston County, and is bounded north by Deerfield, east by Hartland, south by Genoa, and west by Howell. It is exclusively an agricul- tural township, having no village within its limits, and its improvements are second to none in the county. Elegant farm-dwellings, substantial and comfortable barns and out-buildings, and well-kept fields are evidences of the prosperity of its inhabi- tants. The soil is adapted to all its requirements, and the yield of grains and fruit is generally most satisfactory. Timber exists in considerable quan- tities. The water-courses are few, and frequently become dry during continued drouths. The sur- face of the township is generally rolling, and capable of e.xcellent drainage. In places the ele- vations are almost worthy the name of hills, and many beautiful and picturesque locations abound. In an early day game existed in this township in abundance, in common with all the region sur- rounding, and it was but a question of sure aim to the settler whether or not he should have a bounti- ful supply of fresh meat. The rifle was the neces- sary companion of the axe, and the crash of the falling tree was heard in unison with the report of the weapon from which sped the leaden messenger of death towards the noble antlered buck. The deer, which once were plenty, have long since dis- appeared, yet various portions of the State in which they yet abound have become familiar to the sons of pioneers, who, like their fathers, enjoy the sports of the chase. LAND-ENTRIES. The following list includes all who entered land in what is now known as the township of Oceola, according to the Tract Book at the Register's office in Howell. The sections and years in which the entries were made are given : Section i. — 1835, Israel Parshall, Guy N. Roljerls ; 1836, Rus- sell Morton, Ezekiel Paye, John Van Tuyl, Thomas Van Tuyl; 1837, Henry Tripp. Section 2. — 1835, Samuel Griswokl, John Stevens; 1836, Jacob Snell, Peter Martin, Thomas Van Tuyl, John Stevens, John A. Van Camp. Section 3. — 1836, Daniel VV. Leroy, Joseph Merrill, Jacob Snell, Jacob Long, Rodney C. Boutwell, Israel C. Parshall, B. B. Kercheval. Section 4. — 1836, William Page, Samuel While, Gairet Martin. 376 Section 5. — 1836, William Page, Allen C. Hodges, John B. Franklin, Cornelius Neisse. Section 6. — 1836, William J. Hamilton, Roswell Barnes, Con- rad Moore, William B. Eager. Section 7. — 1836, Job W. Durfee, Charles Van Keuren, William B. Eager; 1S48, John Curran. Section 8. — 1835, Asa Parker, Thomas K. Parshall; 1836, John M. Coe, Isaac Munson, William W. Johnson, Robert Ed- wards; 1837, Moses Beidleman. Section 9. — 1835, Joseph Whitaker, Norman Spellar, Jabez Mead; 1836, Jabez Mead, Joseph Willis, Samuel White, John M. Coe, Robert Edwards. Section 10. — 1835, Henry S. Chaplin, Benjamin EUlred; 1836, Daniel W. Leroy, Wm. Peat)ody, Asa Parshall, John Crane. Section ii. — 1836, Joseph S. Gibbs, Patrick Tobin, Ann Gris- wokl, Samuel Griswold, Asa Parshall, John P. Bush, Valen- tine H. Ketchum. Section 12. — 1834, George Petere; 1835, John T. Brown, Ben- jamin Griswold; 1836, Ira Knight, Elislia Griswold. Section 13. — 1832, William E. Redding; 1834, Charles K. Graves; 1835, Thomas K. P.arshall, Charles K. Graves, Archibald Nelson, Jonathan N'^'son, Guy N. Roberts, Wil- liam P. Shannon ; 1S36, Nathan Jenks, Nehemi.ah Boutwell. Section 14. — 1835, Harley H. Graves, Hosea Root, Archibald Nelson, Benjamin Eldred; 1836, Russell Blood, Norman Spellar, Harvey H. Nefif, Caroline Austin. Section 15. — 1835, Polly Fuller, Benjamin Eldred; 1836, Jonas G. Potter, Francis Mittleberger ; 1837, George W. Sutton; 1839, G. Thompson, David Blood; 185 1, John L. Lewis. Section 16 (school lands). — 1848, J. H. Ferguson; 1850, William Holmes, H. McKeever; 1S51, R. A. Ferguson, B. P'eeley; 1853, L. C. Crittenden, W. P. Holmes, Robert Holmes, Isaac Haywood, J. B. Lee; 1854, F. McDonough, P. McKinney; 1856, William Holmes; 1862, P'rancis Mc- Donough, Jr. Section 17. — 1836, William Barber, John F. Lawson, Friend Burt, Charles Van Keuren. Section 18. — 1836, Stephen J. Miller, Volney Hinnian, Ezra J. Mundy, Charles Van Keuren, John Crane. Section 19. — 1836, Flavins J. B. Crane, Jonas M. Wheeler, Vol- ney Hinman. Section 20. — 1835, Charles Pinckney, Samuel H. West; 1836, James Hughson, Thomas M. Howell, Gabriel Dean; 1837, George W. Walker. Section 21. — 1S36, Obed Durfee, Anson Nelson, Aniasa B. Nel- son, Andrew Riddle, Pomeroy Easton, John K. Buel. Section 22. — 1835, Joseph H. Rumsey, James G. Ruuisey, Jesse B. Rumsey; 1836, Artenias .S. Hardy, Amos B. Root ; 1851, George W. Armstrong; 1854, Barnard Judge. Section 23. — 1835, OrviUe Murdock, John P. Springsteen, Wil- liam H. Johnston, Ephraim Hardy; 1836, Artemas S. Hardy. Section 24. — 1835, Orville Murdock; 1836, Peter Y. Browning, Charles McDonald, Edmund A. Brush, William P. Shannon, Nathan Jenks, William A. Clark, Sarah Murdock. Section 25. — 1835, Reuben Moore; 1836, Peter Y. Browning, Orsamond B. Wood, Clark C. Boutwell, Flavins J. B. Crane, Charles A. Wallace, Horace R. Hudson. Section 26. — 1836, Peter Y. Browning, Harvey Rhodes, Pome- roy Easton, Clark C. B Boutwell, Connor Bergen, Jesse B. Rumsey, Robert Chambers. OCEOLA TOWNSHIP. 377 Section 27.— 1835, Ellis I.utlicr, Joel 1!. Rumsey; 1836, 1.ibcrly Judd. Section 28. — 1838, Philesler Jessup, Joseph II. Pinckney, Ellis Luther, Milnn Glover; 1836, Joseph H. Rumsey, Andrew RiiKUe, Artemas S. Hardy, Joel B. Rumsey. SliCTloN 29. — 1835, Henson Walker, Milan Glover; 1836, Gar- diner Mason, Jonas M. Wheeler, William C. Rumsey, Emily L. Kumsey, Solomon Saumlcr^; 1S37, James A. I licks, Samuel T. Buel. Section 30. — 1835, Addison Lackor, Rensselaer Lacker, Moses Thompson, Mary Thompson; 1836, Gardiner Mason, Jonas M. Wheeler, William C. Rumsey, Emily L. Rumsey, Charles A Jeffries; 1837, John Lowe. SEcnoN 31.— 1835, Riifus Nicols, John Eraser, Jacob S. Sorter, Paul D. Cornell, Alonzo Cornell, Alexander Eraser; 1836, Joseph H. Steel, Henry Hawkins, Van Rensselaer Hawkins; 1S48, Morris Thompson. Section 32. — 1835, John Walker; 1S36, William Talman, Joseph H. Steel, Jacob W. Moore; 1837, I'hilester Jessup, Oison Elliott; 1839, .Samuel Colborn. Section 33.— 1835, John Walker, Epliraiin Hardy; 1836, Ben- jamin Earl, Noah Briggs, Joseph Whilaker, John W. Roen, John Erench, Robert Whitacre, Riley Earl, Philester Je-.sup. Section 34. — 1835, Ellis Luther, Ephraim Hardy; 1836, William H. Phillips, Noah Briggs, Joseph Whitacre, Connor Bergen; 1837, Alonzo Wilcox, W'illiani II. Kimball, Washington Jackson; 1854, William Barb .ur, Noah Briggs. Section 35. — 1836, John St '?^-.' ■ ^.^^i^:^,&ii^^^}^fy^ M |....t. i^^ 5,* H* - - •^'^«-. ^^•*-.^f*-^-^i\^.i'°-^"tfi?W.^l'*"*-"* . Residence or J W BOTSFORD Oceola Michigan ■■^-■■S'wsrs'Si^'iiS^?^'*^^*' Re^idl^oE l J U BOTSFORD Residence or P. v. M. BOTSFORD, Oceola, Michigan. OCEOLA TOWNSHIP. ^8 1 J. Hardy. It is i8 by 24 feet in dimensions, and was at first covered with " ribs and shakes" — terms which all pioneers well understand. The family consisted of Mr. Hardy and his wife, two sons, — Ephraim J. and Cephas, — and one daugliter. Jo- seph Rumsey's wife was also a daughter of Mr. Hardy. At that time there were no other families living in their immediate neighborhood, the near- est being three or four miles away to the southeast, and a few others about the same distance to the northeast. Mr. Hardy died Oct. 12, 1838, and his was the first death which occurred in this part of town. He was at first buried on his own farm, and subsequently removed to the Riddle cemetery. Ephraim J. Hardy, who was eighteen years old when he came here with his father, has made the township and the old farm his home since that time. He is the only one of his father's family now living in town, and he and his brother, Charles P. Hardy, of Illinois, are the only surviving mem- bers of that family. E. J. Hardy has voted at every election since he became of age. Oceola Centre post-office was established late in the year 1840, after the Presidential election, on a mail-route established at the same time between Howell and Pontiac, via Milford. Hiram Good- rich was the first postmaster. Jesse Rumsey (brother to Joseph) was at the same time keeping a small store near the present school-house site in District No. i. The store was opened that same summer, and an effort was made to remove the post-office to it, but the wrong shade of the store- keeper's politics caused the failure of the scheme. Those who have succeeded Mr. Goodrich in the office are Joseph Rumsey, L. C. Crittenden, John G. Horton, Peter Y. Browning, Edward Browning, and the present incumbent, Ephraim J. Hardy, who took charge in the spring of 1861, soon after the inauguration of President Lincoln. Andrew Riddle, the father of Mrs. William Mc- Pherson, of Howell, came from Scotland, and settled in the village named in June, 1836, and started the first blacksmith-shop at that place. He brought his family with him ; one of his sons is now in business in Detroit. In the spring of 1S37, Mr. Riddle moved to Oceola township, and not long afterwards built a blacksmith-shop one and a half miles west of Ephraim Hardy's place. His son, Andrew, subsequently carried on the shop. About 1855-56, Ephraim J. Hardy also built a blacksmith-shop, which has been abandoned but a few years. Hollon N. Lewis and William Palmer, living in the southeast part of the township, are among its oldest residents. The latter settled in 1837, and the former a little earlier. A Mr. Hecker settled in the same neighborhood quite early ; he lost two sons during the great Rebellion of 1861-65. Harry Neff, who has been previously mentioned, built up a considerable trade with the Indians when he first settled, selling them whisky and other articles, and taking furs in exchange. Harleigh H. Graves, the first settler, was the first justice of the peace in the township, holding the office by appointment from the Governor before the town was organized. His place was on the east line of the township, near John T. Brown's, and is now the property of Mr. Owen. George Wright,* whose sister was Harry NefTs wife, lived in town for a short time, but owned no land. He was a young man, possessed a good education, understood various languages, and was a close student. William E. Redding, who entered land in Oceola in 1832, did not settle until about 1836, during which year he helped the Batchelers build their house. Among other early settlers in this town were H. G. W. Fry, from New York, September, 1842; Abram Switz, from New York, May, 1847 ; E. Kel- logg, 1846; Jacob Snell, purchased land in 1836; F. Hetchelcr, .settled in 1845. The list of township officers accompanying this sketch contains the names of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the township, of whom the greater proportion have made their last long journey and entered upon the scenes beyond the dark river. The mention of their names must bring to their surviving friends and neighbors a flood of recollections of the days when all were struggling with their might to carve from the for- est homes for themselves and a heritage for those who should follow. Those who were then in their prime have nearly all passed from mortal gaze, and the youth of forty years ago is the mid- dle-aged man of to-day, — his locks streaked with the silver that the brush of time alone can paint, and his mind awake to the solemn fact that ere many years he, too, must join the shadowy throng which has preceded him to the unknown hereafter and give place to the advancing generation. The following alphabetical list comprised the residents of Oceola township in 1844: Alvord, Americus V. Browning, Peter Y. Bcrjjin, D.iniel. B.itcheler, Olis. Berlin, Ritrick. Balcheler, E. Bergin, Michael. Batchcler, S. Bergin, Conner. Blood, Russell. Beaujeau, Eusebius. Botsford, John W. Barbour, William. Brown, John T. Briggs, Noah. Brown, John T., Jr. Bennett, Abraham. Beidelman, Christian. * This name is also given as William Wright. 382 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Bennett, Joseph H. Booth, William. Barron, Richard. Chambers, James. Colburn, Samuel. Colburn, Robert. Curdy, James. Cole, Joseph. Chaplain, Henry S. Conklin, Barnard. Casady, Jeremiah. Dean, William. Donahue, Patrick. Durfee, Benjamin B. Earl, Riley. Fail, Elijah R. Friiik, Nicholas. Franklin, F. .S. Ferguson, Andrew. Ferguson, John H. Fry, Henry L. Goodrich, Hiram. Glover, Luther M. Glover, Samuel S. George, Henry. Graven, William. Griswold, Reuben. Griswold, Frederick. Griswold, Samuel. Holt, Barzilla. Harker, William. Hardy, E. J. and C. Hardy, Artema.s S. Hodges, Norman W. Haidy, Francis. Hardy, Francis S. I lodges, Allen C. Helcheler, John. Kellogg, D.ivid. Knight, Ira. Knight & Roberts. Lewis, HoUon N. McGuire, Thomas. McFail, John B. McKenny, Patrick. McKeever, Francis. Murdock, Orville. Mapes, Samuel. Mapsrs, Elisha G. Mason, David B. Mason, Hiram. Martin, Peter. McGivney, John. McFail, William. Merrill, Horace. Merrill, Warren. Miller, Stephen J. Nelson, Jonathan. Nelson, John. Neff, Hany H. Pinckney, Thomas. Parshall, Thomas K. Parshall, Israel. Parker, .\sa. P.ilmer, William. Rhodes, Harvey. Runisey, Joseph H. Riddle, Andrew. Root, Amos B. Rumsey, Joel B. Riddle, Sallu. Roberts, Guy N. Reese, Henry. Roberts, Mehetabel. Rumsey, William C. Steel, Joseph H. Sanders, Nathan M. Stone, John. Sanders, McKinstry. Snell, Jacob. Sulton, Lewis C. Taft, D. O. Tubbs, Samuel K. Van Camp, Mahlon. Van Camp, John A. Van Camp, .^zariah H. Van Keuren, Charles. Walterhouse, Amos. Whitncre, Joseph. Walker, Henson. W.dker, George W. Wliitney, Lyman. Wakely, JoTin. Whiiaker, Daniel. Whitaker, Joseph. Whitaker, Daniel, Jr. Whitaker, James. Noiman W. Hodges and Francis Hardy paid in the )ear given the highest taxes in the township, those of the former amounting in all to $13.73, and of the latter to $15.37, the amount paid by others seldom ranging above four or five dollars. The total ta.xes for the township in 1844 were but $612.49. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.— CIVIL LIST. By an act of the Legislature of the State of Michigan, approved March 11, 1837, "All that portion of the County of Livingston, designated in the United States survey as township three north, of range five east," was set off and organized into a separate township by the name of B\ron, and it was directed that "the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Hiram Goodrich." The territory included had previously formed a part of the township of Howell. On the 6th of March, 1838, the name was changed from Byron to Oceola, which name it has since retained. The change was made because another townshij) named Byron ex- isted in the State. From the original book of records the following entry, describing the first town-meeting in Byron, is transcribed : " At a meeting of the legal voters of Tow.iship number 3 north. Range number five east, held at the house of Hiram Goodrich, Samuel Mapes was elected Moderator; Artimus Nelson, Clerk, protem.; Thomas K. Parshall, Phileslerje^sup, Joseph H. Runisey, Inspectors."* At this meeting it was voted " that there shall be a Town Bounty of Three Dollars per head on Wolves caught and killed by an Inhabitant of the Town of Byron, in said township." The following township officers were elected, viz.: Supervisor, Jacob Snell; Town Clerk, Arti- must Nelson; Assessors, John Van Tuyl, Russell Blood, Joseph H. Rumsey ; Collector, Elisha Gris- wold ; Directois of the Poor, E|)hraim Hardy, Ellis Lutiier; Commissioners of Highways, Peter Y. Browning, Peter Martin, John Stone ; Constables, Elisha Griswold, Israel Parshall ; Justices of the Peace, Jacob Snell, Thomas K. Parshall, William C. Rumsey ; School Commissioners, John Stone, Jacob Snell, Ellis Luther; School Inspectors, Sam- uel Mapes, William C. Rumsey. At a special election held June 6, 1837, Ephraim Hardy was chosen director of the poor, and Phil- ester Jessup, John Stone, and John Van Tuyl, school inspectors. Before the election for 1838 the name of the township had been changed to Oceola. The following list shows the officers of that township from 1838 to 1879, inclusive: 183S. — .Supervisor, Jacob .Snell; Town Clerk, Joseph H. Rum- sey; Assessors, Ritssell Blood, John .Stone, Samuel Mapes; Collector, Artcmas S. Hardy; School Inspec- tors, William C. Rumsey, Philester Jessup, John Van Tuyl ; Justice of the Peace, Joel B. Rumsey. 1839. — Supervisor, Jacob Snell ; Town Clerk, Joseph H. Rum- sey ; Treasurer, Jacob Suell; Justice of the Peace, Edwin Batcheler; Assessors, Henry D. Benjamin, A. S. Hardy, Samuel Martin ; Collector, Reuben Griswold ; .School Inspectors, H. D. Benjamin, Joseph H. Kumsey, Jacob Snell. 1S40. — Supervisor, Jacob Snell; Town Clerk, Joseph H. Rum- sey; Treasurer, Jacob Snell; Justices of" the Peace, Thomas K. Parshall, Jacob Snell ; Assessors, Joseph A. Pinckney, Samuel Martin, Thomas K. Parshall; Collec- tor, Reuben Griswohl; School Inspectors, H. D. Benja- min, J. B. Runisey, Hiram Mason. 1S41. — Supervisor, Roswell B.irnes; Town Clerk, Joseph H. Rumsey; Treasurer, Roswell Barnes; Justice of the Peace, Amos Slader; Assessors, A. S. Hardy, Ira Knight, Joel B. Rumsey; Collector, Reuben Griswold; .School Inspectors, H. Mapes, Amos S. Slader, Allen C. Hodges. 1837- f So spelled by himself on the records. OCEOLA TOWNSHIP. 383 1842. — Supervisor, William C. Runisey; To%vn Clerk, Russell Blood; Treasurer, Peter Y. Browning; Justices of the Peace, William C. Rumsey, Roswell Barnes; School In- spectors, H. Mapes, John Mason, Charles Vaii Keuren. 1843. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Town Clerk, Russell Blood ; Treasurer, Reuben Griswold ; Justice of the Peace, Thomas K. Parshall ; School Inspectors, Joel B. Rumsey, Henry L. Fiy. 1844. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Town Clerk, Russell Blood; Treasurer, Edward Browning; Justices of the Peace, Norman Hodges, Patrick Bergin ; School In- spector, John Nelson. 1845. — Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Town Clerk, Joseph H. Runisey; Treasurer, Joel B. Rumsey; Justice of the Peace, Benjamin B. Durfee; School Inspector, David B. Mas.m. 1S46. — Supervisor, William C. RuM)scy; Town Clerk, John R. Mason; Treasurer, Samuel K. Tuhlis; Justice of the Peace, William C. Rumsey ; School Inspector, William P. Glover. 1847. — Supervisor, Samuel K. Tulihs; Town Clerk, Russell Blood; Treasurer, John W. Botslord ; Justices of the Peace, Samuel Mapes, Stephen J. Miller; School In- spector, David Mason. 1848. — Supervisor, S. K. Tuhhs; Town Clerk, Russell Blood; Treasurer, John W. Botsford; Jnstice of the Peace, Patrick Bergin; .School Inspectois, John R. M.ason, Kelly S. Franklin. 1S49. — Supervisor, Benjamin B. Durfee; Town Clerk, Lyman Whitney; Treasurer, Ira Knight; Justices of the Peace, Henry W. Fry, John G. Horton ; School Inspector, John G. Horton. 1S50. — Supervisor, Samuel K. Tubbs ; Town Clerk, Albert Rid- dle; Treasurer, Francis McKeever; Justices of the Peace, Hollon N. Lewis, Kelly S. Franklin ; School Inspector, John R. Mason. 1851. — Supervisor, Samuel K. Tubbs; Town Clerk, David B. Ma'oii ; Treasurer, Ebenezer Cole ; Justice of the Peace, Kelly S. Franklin; School Inspector, .\lbert Riddle. 1852. — Sujiervisor, Samuel K. Tubbs; Town Clerk, Kelly S. Franklin; Treasurer, Francis McKeever; Justices of the Peace, Edward Browning, Jacob M. Eager; School Inspector, John R. Masi>n. 1853. — Supervisor, Beniamin B. Durfee; Town Clerk, John G. Horton; Treasurer, Ebenezer Cole; Justices of the Peace, B. B. Durfee, Albert Riddle; School Inspector, Wells B. Fox. 1854. — .Super\'isor, Samuel K. Tublis; Town Clerk, Martin E. Miller; Treasurer, Albert Riddle; Justices of the Peace, William Barbour, Myron Curdy ; School Inspector, Jo- seph Blinstoii, 1855. — .Supervisor, Kelly S. Franklin; Town Clerk, Albert Rid- dle; Treasurer, Martin E. Miller; Justice of the Peace, Kelly S.Franklin; School Inspectors, David R. Mason, James Parker. 1856. — Supervisor, Kelly S. Franklin; Town Clerk, Albert Rid- dle; Treasurer, M. E. Miller; Justice of the Peace, Ed- ward Browning; School Inspector, Jason H. .Scott. 1857. — Supervisor, Samuel K. Tubbs; Town Clerk, Albert Rid- dle; Treasurer. M. E. Miller; Justices of the Peace, Charles Van Keuren, Joseph Blinston ; School In- spector, David B. Mason. 1858. — Supervisor, Kelly S. Franklin; Town Clerk, Albert Rid- dle; Treasurer, Barnard Conklin ; Justice of the Peace, Giles 15. Armstrong; School Inspector, Calvin B. Shear. 1S59. — Supervisor, Albeit Riddle ; Town Clerk, Joseph Blinston ; Treasurer, B. Conklin; Justice of the Peace, Thomas K. Parshall ; School Inspectors, James D. Botsford, Martin E. Miller. 1S60. — Supervisor, Samuel K. Tubbs; Town Clerk, Joseph Blin- ston ; Treasurer, John C. Roberts ; Justice of the Peace, Joseph Blinston; School Inspector, James McLean. 1861. — Supervisor, Albert Riddle; Town Clerk, Josephus Lare; Treasurer, Aaron Holt; Justice of the Peace, Kelly S. Franklin ; School Inspector, Gordon Snell. 1862. — Supervisor, Albert Riddle; Town Clerk, Josephus Lare; Treasurer, Anthony Scully ; Justice of the Peace, David Powell; School Inspector, John Franklin. 1863. — Supervisor, .\lbert Riddle; Town Clerk, Joseph Blinston; Treasurer, Anthony Scully; Justice of the Peace, J.imes D. Botsford; School Inspector, Thomas Naun. 1864. — Supervisor, Albert Riddle; Town Clerk, Joseph Blinston (resigned, and M. E. Miller appointed); Treasurer, Francis S. Hardy ; Justice of the Peace, Kelly S. Franklin; School Inspector, James D. Botsford. 1865. — Supervisor, Clark Perce; Town Clerk, Theodore W. Wis- ner ; Treasurer, Francis S. Hardy ; Justice of the Peace, Kelly S. Franklin ; School Inspector, James D. Botsford. 1866. — Supervisor, Clark Perce ; Town Clerk, T. W. Wisner ; Treasurer, FVancis McDonough, Jr. ; Justices of the Peace, David Powell, Jason H. Scott; School Inspec- tor, Clark Perce. 1867. — Supervisor, James D. Botsford; Town Clerk, Lucius E. Riddle; Tre.isurer, Francis McDonough, Jr.; Justices of the Peace, James D. Botsford, John A. Van Camp; .School Inspectors, Martin E. Miller, Josephus Lare. 1868. — Supervisor, James D. Botsford; Town Clerk, Luciss E. Riddle ; Treasurer, James Casady ; Justices of the Peace, Elijah B. Hosley, Benjamin R. Townsley; School In- spectors, William J. Hazard, D.avid F. Van Sickle. 1S69. — Supervisor, William J. Hazard; Town Clerk, L. E. Rid- dle ; Treasurer, Janies Casady ; Justices of the Peace, M. E. Miller, D. S. Curdy, .Vdam Lare; School In- spector, Thomas J. Tu!)bs. 1870. — Supervisiir, William J. Hazard; Town Clerk, James Cas- ady; Treasurer, John Brophy; Justices of the Peace, Josephus Lare, M. E. Miller, T. R. Pardee; School In- spectors, James D. Botsford, Lucius E. Riddle. :87I. — Supervisir, Horace G. W. Frey ; Town Clerk, James Cas- ady; Treasurer, Jeremiah Balcheler; Justice of the Peace, James M. Cook ; School Inspector, Cass Hooker; Drain Commissioner, John W. Botsford. 1872. — Supervisor, Vincent Parshall; Town Clerk, James Casady; Treasurer, Richard E. Parshall; Justice of the Peace, Elijah B. Hosley; School Inspector, Adelbert Hetch- eler; Drain Commissioner, Thomas J. Parks. 1S73. — Supervisor, Elijah B. Hosley ; Town Clerk, James Casady ; Treasurer, Miner Bergin; Justices of the Peace, M. E. Miller, George M. Frey; School Inspector, Richard D. Bergin ; Drain Commissioner, John W. Botsfonl. 1874. — Supervisor, E. B. Hosley; Town Clerk, James Casady; Treasurer, S.imuel Tomion ; Justice of the Peace, Augus- tus C. Fox, Sr. ; School Inspectors, Josephus Lare, Ben- jamin Frey; Drain Commissioner, John W. Botsford. 1875. — Supervisor, John W. Botsford; Town Clerk, Jeremiah Batchclcr ; Treasurer, Samuel Tomion ; Justices of the Peace, J. D. Botsford, Anthony Scully ; Township Su- perintendent of Schools, Richard D. Bergin ; School Inspector, Jose|)hus Lare; Drain Commissioner, Robert R. Warren. 1876. — .Supervisor, Vincent Parshall; Town Cleik, Jeremiah Batcheler ; Treasurer, Danford Parker ; Justice of the Peace, Benj. F. Andrews; Township Superintendent of Schools, W. G. Smith ; School Inspector, Josephus Lare ; Drain Commissioner, R. R Warren (two years). 1S77. — Supervisor, H. L. Van Camp; Town Clerk, David Pow- ell ; Treasurer, Thomas E. BaiTon; Justice of the Peace, Franklin E. Milk-r; School Superintendent, P. V. M. Botsford; School Inspector, Benjamin Frey. 187S. — Supervisor, Homer L. Van Camp; Town Clerk, David 3S4 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Powell ; Treasurer, Thomas Barron ; Justices of the Peace, Anthony Scully, Jeremiah Batcheler ; School Su- perintendent, T. S. S. Curdy; School Inspector, Benja- min Frey ; Drain Commissioner, Patrick Feeny. 1879. — Supervisor, Horace G. W. Frey; Town Clerk, John Powers; Treasurer, Stephen J. Miller; Justice of the Peace, Lewis C. Crittenden ; School Superintendent, Thomas S. S. Curdy; School Inspector, Benjamin Frey; Drain Commissioner, Bela Scott. OCEOLA GRANGE, No. 164, PATRONS OF HUS- BANDRY, was organized about 1873. Its first Master was E. R. Merrithew. A building from a locality near by was moved, and used as a grange hall. After an existence of several years the grange became so much reduced in numbers that it was finally dis- continued. THE RIDDLE CEMETERY is the principal one in the township to which it be- longs. The spot was selected by Ehjah Riddle (father of Sallu Riddle), who came here about 1840 or 1 841, and he was the first person buried in it. Others who had died previously, and been buried in various parts of town, were taken up and removed to the cemetery when it was made ready for use. Among the pioneers and aged people buried here are the following, viz.: Harvey Parks and wife; the laltcr dieil in 1869. Peler Y. Browning, die'd June 21, 1S73, ageil 78 years. John Holmes, died Jan. 20, 1877, aged 63 years. Sarah, his wife, died March 9, i868, aged 65 years. Jacob Westervelt, died Feb. 8, l866, aged 88 ye,irs. Elisha Stockwell, died May 21, 1855, aged 82 years. Charle> Chambers, died May 29, 1863, aged 80 years. Mary B., his wife, died Jan. iS, 1S63, aged 86 years. Alba Sheppard, died Dec. 5, 1866, aged 79 years. Henson Walker, died Nov. 20, 1853, aged 66 years. Sheldon Beebe, died Dec. 8, 1857, aged 71 years. Hannah, his wife, died Aug. 7, 1855, aged 58 years. Celestia, wife of T. K. Parshall, died May 21, 1857, aged 48 years. Hannah, wife of Sam'l Brown, died Oct. 13, 1S46, aged 68 years. Andrew Ferguson, died Nov. 7, 1865, aged 73 years. Betsey, his wife, died July 14, 1853, aged 52 years. Harriet, wife of E. J. Hardy, died April 5, 1859, aged 36 years. Rebecca, wife of E. J. Hardy, died Jan. 25, 1876, aged 51 years. Artemas S. Hardy, died Sept. 29, 1S46, aged 36 years. Evoline, his widow, and wife of Rev. J. G. Horton, died Aug. 6, 1858, aged 37 years. Ephraim Hardy, died Oct. 12, 1838, .aged 59 years. Clarissa, his wife, died Nov. 25, 1869, aged 83 years. Cephas Hardy, died Sept. i, 1851, aged ^^ years. Susan, wife of Amos Walterhouse, died April 24, 1 85 1, n^ed 46 years. Sallu Riddle, died Feb. 17, 1863, aged 59 years. Oliva, his wife, died Aug. 24, i860, aged 54 years. Elijah Riddle, died Oct. 10, 1842, aged 70 years. Joseph H. Runisey, died Oct. 17, 1S52, aged 48 years. Mary Ann, his wife, died Sept. 29, 1852, aged 40 years. Abigail, wife of Edwin Batcheler, died March 31, 1854, aged 35 years. Otis Batcheler, died April 19, 1855, aged 62 years. Samuel Wisner, died Jan. 8, 1864, aged 73 years. Hannah, his wife, died Feb. 6, 1865, aged 72 years. Rev. John G. Horton, died July 30, 1S70, aged 58 years. Paulina, his wife, died Dec. 25, 1867, aged 50 years. SCHOOLS. The first school in the township now known as Oceola was taught in the summer of 1837, in a log school-house which was built that year on land owned by Andrew Riddle,* in what is now School District No. i, then known as the " Runi- sey District." The same land is now the prop- erty of Daniel Whitaker. This first school was taught by Fidelia Persons, and was quite largely attended, as the neighboring settlers had generally large families. Especially was it the case with Daniel Whitaker, who was the father of fifteen children. There were pupils also from the families of Samuel Glover, Joseph and Joel Rumsey, Ellis Luther, Henson Walker, Joseph Pinckney, Mc- Kinstry Sanders, and probably that of Ephraim Hardy. This was the first school district organ- ized in the township, and still retains the original number, — one. A frame school-house was subse- quently built three-fourths of a mile east of the site of the old one. For some time the school in the " Rumsey district" was the nearest one which children from the western portion of town could attend. Some of Charles Van Keuren's family went to it in 1838. His daughter, Mi.ss Martha Van Keuren, who had enjoyed the educational advantages of New York City, could not easily be- come accustomed to the ways of a backwoods school, and it was very much of a novelty to her. The log school-house was occupied by Daniel Whitaker as a dwelling after its abandonment for school purposes. On what is now the Browning Place a log school-house was built in the fall of 1837, and was very likely the second one erected in the township. One of the earlier teachers — although probably not the first — was Miss Mary Nelson. The log school-houses of the pioneer days exist at present but in the memory of those who helped to raise them, or attended beneath their roofs the primitive schools which there were taught. The buildings of the old model and material long ago gave place to the more modern edifices, and neatly- painted school-houses now exist in the majority of districts. From the report of the township school inspectors for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878, the following table is made, showing the condition at that time of the various schools in the township : Numlier of whole districts 6 Number of fraciional districts 3 Number of children of school age 345 * Mr. Riddle was a Scotchman, and, as previously stated, the father of Mrs. William McPherson, of Howell. %f*^*^_|*|#»J RESIDENCE if E.J. dE. W. HARDY, ^ BREEDERS or REGISTERED MERIN.j ii iLA CENTRE, LIVINGSTON CO., MICH. P a SHORT HORNED CATTLE SK-ETCHED FROM LI rr PETER V. BKOWNING. MRS. PETER V. BROWNING. PETER Y. BROWNING. The eentleman whose name heads this article was one of the most prominent of the early settlers in Oceola township. He was born in the State of Connecticut, in 1794. His father, a farmer, moved at an early day with a large family to Dutchess Co., N. Y. The son, who lived and worked with his father on the old farm for a number of years, was married in November, 1820, to Miss Sarah Ann Cramer, daughter of his nearest neighbor. He shortly after moved to Kinderhook, N. Y., where he stayed one year with his brother. He then hired a farm for seven years, but only re- mained four years upon it, after which he gave its control into the hands of his brother-in-law. He soon after leased six hundred acres in Livingston Manor, Columbia Co., and engaged for four years in an extensive dairy business. He finally pur- chased a farm in Henrietta, and lived upon it three years. The " Michigan fever" at last attacked him, and after selling his farm he came through, with a wagon, to this State, purchased four hundred and fifty acres of wild land from the government in Oceola township, and built a log house. At that time the town contained but few settlers. After purchasing his land he had but little left, but in the course of time was greatly prospered. Town- ship offices were given him, — treasurer, etc., and he was also an early postmaster. At his death, in June, 1873, he left his widow in very comfortable circumstances, and she is managing the affairs of her fine farm of over two hundred and seventy-five acres, with her children all living around her. Her daughter married Mr. Armstrong, and is living in the township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Browning are the following, viz. : Edward, born Aug. 23, 182 1. Jacob C, born May 14, 1824. Ellen B., born May 14, 1826. Robert B., born Sept. 15, 1828. Jereml\h, born Nov. 11, 1830. John, born March 23, 1833; died at San Fran- cisco, Cal., Sept. 22, 1870. Joseph, born Jan. 13, 1838. OCEOLA TOWNSHIP. 38s Auenil.iiice (luring year 306 Nuinl)er of school-houses (frame) 9 Value of property .•. $2880 Number of male teachers employed 7 Number of female teachei-s employed 12 Amount paid male teachers $630.25 Amount paid female teachers 590.00 Total receipts for the year $2212.39 Amount on hand Sept. 2, 1878 261.31 Total expenses, less amount on hand $1951.08 RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. Probably the first sermon preached in the town- sliip of Oceola was that dehvered in May, 1836, at the house of Henry Neff", by Mrs. Neff's brother, WiUiani Wright. In the spring of 1838 the first denominational meetings in town were held by the Presbyterians, at the log house of Ephraim Hardy, Rev. Mr. Clark officiating. He was a young man who then lived in the township of Green Oak. The Presbyterians have at present no society in town. Rev. William Page, a Presbyterian divine, purchased land in Oceola in 1836. He is said to have been the first Presbyterian preacher who de- livered a sermon in Howell. The first Methodist class in the township was formed at the Browning school-house, in May, 1840. In the northern portion of town the inhab- itants for a number of years joined with others and held meetings two miles north, in Deerfield ; but finally, about 1850, they organized a separate Methodist class, and convened for worship in the school-house in the Parker and Taft neighborhood. Here their meetings were held until 1873, during which year their present neat frame church edifice was erected, the dedication occurring in the month of August. Among the early ministers who preached here were Revs. Horton, May, Westiake, Kilpatrick, and Millard. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Birdsall, who has charge also at "The Bogue," in Cohoctah, at Deer Creek, in Deerfield, and in the Green neighborhood, west from the church. The membership of the Oceola society is about 20. UNION CHURCH, OCEOLA CENTRE. The Congregational and Methodist denoinina- tions had for some time held meetings in this vicinity, occupying the school-houses. In Feb- ruary, 1870, a gathering was held at the house of Ephraim J. Hardy, and the subject of building a church was brought up. It met with such a favor- able reception that a committee was the next day appointed, with executive powers, and the building was soon begun. Upon the lOth of July following it was dedicated, free from debt, and from that time the society — Union, and not denominational — has had a surplus in its treasury. The two societies 49 which had been previously organized — Congrega- tional and Methodist — furnished the greater portion of the building fund, but were aided largely by out- siders, and the structure, although owned by a Union society, was dedicated as a Methodist I^pis- copal church. It is a fine frame building, at present occupied regularly by the Methodists, who have a membership numbering about 40. The pastor is Rev. Mr. Lyon, of Hartland, which is also in liis charge. A Catholic society has existed for a number of years in the eastern part of town, and has a church and cemetery at the line between Oceola and Hart- land, east of Oceola Centre post-office. On section 31 the manufacture of brick and drain-tile is carried on to considerable extent by J. Brayton. The quality of his wares is said by those competent to judge to be excellent. Among the many who have furnished valuable information to the writer in this township are Thomas K. Parshall, Nathan M. Sanders, Mrs. Roswell Pettibone, Richard Walker, Ezra Whita- ker (of Howell), Charles Van Keuren and family, Lucius E. Riddle, Amos Walterhouse and wife, — the latter formerly Mrs. Russell Blood, — Archibald Nelson, Samuel and Edwin Batcheler, P2phraim J. Hardy, Charles P. Hardy (of Du Page Co., III.), Anson C. Briggs (of Howell), William Barbour and William C. Rumsey (both of Howell), and numerous others, to all of whom sincere acknowl- edsfments are tendered. BIOGR.VI'IIICAL SKETCHES. EPHRAIM J. HARDY. Proininent among the business men and pioneers of the township of Oceola, is found the gentleman whose name appears above. He is one of a family of six children, and was born in Sudbury, Rutland Co., Vt., in 1 8 17. His father, Ephraim Hardy, led the life of a farmer. He was a strictly moral man, although he never united with any religious so- ciety. In November, 1835, he removed with his family to Michigan, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in what is now Oceola town- ship. A log house was built, into which tiie family moved in the spring of 1836, after having remained in Washtenaw County during the winter. The removal took place May ist. The log house is yet standing, in a fair state of preservation. Six families settled in the township the same spring, yet the neighbors of Mr. Hardy were of considerable 386 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. distance from his place.* Living so far in the wil- derness, the family was necessarily subject to many trials and some discomfort. To get milling done it was necessary to go with an ox-team to Ann Arbor. In the matter of worldly possessions they were, however, better off than many of the pioneers of the region, for their live stock numbered thir- teen head of cattle, five sheep, and three hogs. The elder Hardy died at the age of fifty-eight years, and of his children but two are now living, — Ephraim J., on the old farm, and Charles, in Du Page Co., 111., where he removed at an early day. On the 22d of December, 1841, Ephraim J. Hardy was married to Miss Harriet Haines, who died in 1859, after becoming the mother of seven children, of whom but two are now living. July 10, 1859, Mr. Hardy was married to Miss Rebecca Haines, whose death occurred Jan. 25, 1876. In March, 1878, he a third time entered the matri- monial state, being then wedded to Miss Esther Murray. Mr. Hardy owned at one time nearly seven hundred acres of land, but has divided it among his children. '' In 1848 or 1849 he began to breed and deal in fine-wooled sheep, starting with a choice herd pur- chased in Vermont. He was careful to buy none but the best, and with one exception has bred only the Spanish Merinos. He has had in flock at one time as many as seven hundred, and in the autumn of 1879 was the owner of three hundred. His sheep have generally been awarded most of the premiums at the various places where they have been exhibited, and his farm has also taken the first premium as a model for general improvements and excellence. In 1874, Mr. Hardy began deal- ing in short-horn cattle, and has at present eight thoroughbreds in his herd. For some years pre- viously his cattle were of a choice grade. Politically, Mr. Hardy is a Republican, having espoused the cause of that party at its birth in 1854, and has been a faithful supporter of its prin- ciples to the present day. He has occupied vari- ous positions of prominence in his townshipf and county. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster at Oceola Centre, and continues to discharge the duties of the office. For a number of years he was Commissioner of Highways, and assisted in laying out most of the roads in the township. His father's house was among the first built in Oceola, but few families having previously settled. Mr. Hardy was one of the original board of di- rectors of the Livingston County Agricultural Society, and has been one of its main-stays in the * See hislory of township, •j- See list uf township officers. years which have since elapsed.J He was for a number of years its president. He was also one of the organizers of the Livingston County Mu- tual Fire Insurance Company, and was chosen its first president, serving eight years ; and his admin- istrition of its affairs was most judicious and bene- ficial to the company. As a citizen, Mr. Hardy ranks among the most respected in his neighborhood and throughout the region of his acquaintance. His residence is situ- ated opposite (south of) the time-worn log dwell- ing built by his father, which has received the buf- fetings of the storms of forty winters. J. A. VAN CAMP. Mr. Van Camp was born in Kingwood township, Hunterdon Co., N. J., in 1808. At the age of six- teen he went to the State of New York and hired to Thomas Burt, who owned a farin and a black- j. A. Photo, by Brown, Howell. VAN CAMP. smith-shop. After a short time he went to Spring- port and engaged at blacksmithing. While work- ing at his trade in Ulysses, Tompkins Co., N. Y., he was married, on the 14th of December, 182S, to Miss Catharine Cole. In 1835 he removed with her to Michigan, and after a short stay in Oakland County, removed to Green Oak, Livingston Co. He made most of the iron-work in the old Wood- ruff mill, and while there he earned money enough to purchase forty acres of land. He finally sold out J Mr. Hardy and Mr. Tully, in the days when the agricultural society was but in its infancy, and its receipts were comparatively inadequate to cover expenses, gave their own notes for its support. The stock business of Mr. Hardy, especially that in which his sheep figure, is quite extensive, and he is well known among first- class breeders and dealers. OCEOLA TOWNSHIP. 387 and built a small house and shop at the toll-gate, vvlicre he made most of the iron-work for Peck & Campbell. He at length went to Detroit, and pur- chased one hundred and ten acres of land in the township of Oceoia, on which he is now living. Subsequent purchases have increased the size of his farm to two hundred and seven acres. Mr. Van Camp was- perhaps the pioneer black- smitii in the county of Livingston. Politically he is a Democrat ; althougli many times the choice of his townsmen as the person to fill various offices, he would onl)' accept that of Highway Commi.s- sioner. WILLIAM HAZARD. Mr. Hazard, who is a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., came with his father, Chester Hazard, to Genoa township in 1836. With the exception of a year spent at school before leaving New York, he Photo. l>y Brown, Howell. WILLIAM HAZARD. resided with his father until 1856, assisting in the management of the latter's farm. In the year named he was married to Miss Cynthia Wait, of Howell, and this couple are the parents of three children, — one son and two daughters, — all living at home. In 1869, Mr. Hazard was elected super- visor of liis township, and held the position three years. He is at present Superintendent of the County Poor, and has continued in that capacity five years. In his own township he has held every office except that of treasurer. Politically, Mr. Hazard is a Democrat. ROBERT WALKER. This gentleman, born in the State of New York, in 1 83 1, came with his father to Oceoia township, in 1835. When of sufficient age to begin to ac- quire an education, he attended the district school during a few months in the winter. He remained at home until twenty-five years of age, and after the death of his father was married to Miss Fidelia Cole, daughter of one of the pioneers of Green Oak township. A sliort time later he purchased forty acres of wild hmd, upon which he built a cheap dwelling. A new house was in 1871 des- troyed by fire, since which he has built another at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of four children, of whom all except the oldest daughter, — married to Mr. W. Eager, — are living at home. Mr. Walker is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres well improved. RICHARD WALKER. Henson Walker, the father of the above named person, was born in the State of Maryland about 1789, and was a farmer. In 1809 he moved with his family to the State of New York, and rented a farm near Clifton Springs. After moving from place to place for a few years, he finally emigrated with his family of eight children to Michigan. After staying a few months in Washtenaw County he moved into Livingston, and settled in Oceoia township, where he built first a shanty and then a log house. This was in the winter of 1834-35.* Richard Walker purchased eighty acres of land for himself, and remained with his father until twenty years of age, when he went to Washtenaw County and worked with his brother three years on shares. He then returned to Livingston, and for five years was employed by Mr. Buckland. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Goeway, who bore him five children. She died after they had been married fourteen years, and September 3, 1865, he was married to Mrs. Caroline Cash, by whom he has had four children, she having by her first hus- band one son. Mr. Walker has at present an ex- cellent farm, containing two hundred and twenty acres. EDWARD BROWNING. Edward Browning was born in Kinderhook, N. Y., in August, 1821, and in the fall of 1836 came with his father to Livingston Co., Mich. The family consisted of seven children, and settled in Oceoia. A log house was erected for their ac- conmiodation. Edward Browning remained with his father about twelve years, and was then married to Miss Helen Beebe, the daughter of an old settler. For nearly twenty years they continued to live in the old log house. Three children were born to ' Sec history of Oceoia township. 388 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. them, of which number but one — a son — is living; he married Miss Wealthy Kellogg, and all live in the same home. Mr. Browning was the fourth person to hold the office of postmaster* in the town- ship, being appointed under President Buchanan, and continuing in the position four years. His farm — which first included eighty acres, earned by him in seven j^ears' work for his father — now com- prises four hundred acres, of which forty belong to his son John. The latter also owns a half inter- est with T. A. Walker — another early settler — in a flouring-mill at Parshallville. The farm is one of the best in the township. Wool-growing and wheat-raising are extensively engaged in by Mr. Browning. John, the son, has two children, a son and a daughter. ROBERT BROWNING. This gentleman was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1828, and accompanied his father, Peter Y. Browning, to Livingston Co., Mich., in 1836, coming by wagon through Canada. He was one of six children who were with their par- ents in that journey. The family occupied the log house which was built for them on the farm in Oceola township. Robert Browning remained on the home farm until after he was twenty-one years of age, and in 1852 started for the golden land of promise, California. On his arrival at Omaha, he was taken sick and could go no farther. His parents, learning of his illness, went after him and brought him back to his home. In the spring of 1853, he and his brother John started on a much longer journey, their objective point being for Australia. There they remained several years, and Robert, after they had returned to this coun- try, spent four years in Nevada and California, visiting also Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Washing- ton Territory, and finally returned home, leaving his brother in San Francisco, and worked on the old farm for three years. Aug. 22, 1870, he was married to Miss Delia Delano, youngest daughter of Israel Delano, a pioneer of Hartland township, in which the daughter was born. He purchased one hundred and forty acres from his father and Mr. McGuire, built a house, and now resides with his family near the old home. Mr. and Mrs. Brown- ing are the parents of one daughter, who is living at home. TYRONE TOWNSHIP. In the extreme northeast corner of Livingston County, bordering upon the counties of Genesee and Oakland, lies the township of Tyrone, which contains the highest rolling lands and presents more of the elements of the picturesque in its nat- ural scenery than any other portion of the county to which it belongs. The beautiful rolling lands of Oakland, which have made that county famous in Michigan for its romantic and picturesque land- scapes, extend over the line into this county, and in this northern tier of towns, gradually subside into the level lands of Conway and of the adjoin- ing county of Ingham. In the northeastern part of Tyrone these knolls rise to the dignity of hills. The highest point of ground within the limits of the township, where the rise of the swells and knolls finally culminate in a bold, rounded hill, is at a place known as " The Bluff," which lies on the northeast corner of section 15. It is a high, wooded knoll running east and west, and thickly covered * Said also to have Iieen second postmaster, instead of fourth. with a growth of oak-trees and saplings. From its summit the most extensive view in this vicinity is afforded, embracing parts of four counties, — Livingston, Oakland, Genesee, and Shiawassee. It is asserted by some that this is the highest point in the southern peninsula, but a comparison with other points disproves this, for in Osceola County the surface rises several hundred feet higher than here, and in the town of Reading, in Hillsdale County, is the highest land in the State south of the Saginaw and Grand River Valleys. The surface of the town is somewhat difficult to describe correctly, because it is so varied in its character. The eastern and northern parts are the most rolling, and the western and southern parts the least uneven. The roughest part of the town is about the centre, where the hills rise more abruptly and to a greater height. The soil, like the surface, is greatly diversified and very irregular in its distribution, consisting of all varieties, from lightest sand to heavy clay, found mi.xed and intermingled in all parts of the town. As a rule. TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 389 the knolls are made up of a light sandy and grav- elly loam, while the lower lands have a clayey loam or alluvial soil. The lands of this town were of the kind known as timbered openings, with a little scattered timbered land in some parts, and considerable marsh and tamarack swamp in the vicinity of the water-courses. In the north part of the town is a chain of small lakes, the waters of which are discharged through a common outlet, wiiich forms a tributary of North Ore Creek, and through that stream reaches the Shiawassee River, in Genesee County. These lakes are all very similar in character, resembling in general features most of the lakes of Southern Michigan, having a sandy or muddy bottom, and being generally surrounded by a marsh of greater or less width. The first of them lies in the east central part of section 13. Its waters pass into Sackner's Lake, which covers some 20 or 30 acres, and lies across the line partly in section 12, but mostly in section 13. Another small lake on section 12 receives the outlet of these lakes and unites their overflow with its own. From it the stream passes in a northwesterly and then in a westerly direction until it reaches another lake, on the north line of section 10. From this the stream passes through two small lakes in section 3, and, bending southward, reaches the north end of Run- yan Lake, near the northeast corner of section 9. This lake is the largest one in the town, and also j possesses the most picturesque features. Lying almost wholly in section 9, it reaches across the line into section 10 at two points, and covers an area of about 160 acres. Its shores are quite bold in some places, and the surrounding marsh is less extensive than about most of the other lakes. In the south part are two pretty little islands that add very much to its beauty. From Runyan Lake the stream passes through the south part of section 4, and enters Hoisington Lake near the south quarter line of section 5. This lake is of about the same size as Sackner's Lake. The stream leaves it at a point nearly opposite its entrance and runs westerly across sections 5 and 6 till it enters Laird Lake, near the south centre of the section. Aside from those already mentioned there are six other small lakes, — one on section 9, one on section 24, one on section 25, one on section 34, and two, known as Corey's Lakes, on section 22. The stream we have described is the second in size in Tyrone, the most important stream being North Ore Creek, which, rising in some of the towns to the southward, enters this town from Hartland at the village of Parshallville, on the southeast corner of section 31, and running in a somewhat irregular northwesterly course through sections 31, 30, 19, and 18, passes into the town of Deerfield, about one hundred rods south of the northwest corner of the last-named section. Its course is through a narrow, marshy valley, bor- dered by hills, and is marked by a nearly continu- ous growth of tamarack. It derives its name from the fact that many of the springs along its course, more especially those near its source, are more or less impregnated with iron, giving their waters in many cases quite a tinge of dull-red color. Another creek rising in the same locality, possess- ing the same peculiarities, and running southward, was first christened Ore Creek, so that this stream, to distinguish between them, is called North Ore Creek. The only other stream of any size in this town is called Cornell Creek, after Isaac Cornell, who first built a mill upon its banks, and takes its rise in the southeast part of the town. Its course is generally westerly, though it makes quite a de- tour to the north, and leads through sections 34, 27, 28, 33, and 32, to the North Ore Creek, which it joins a few rods south of the west-quarter line of the last-named section. At the time when this town was first settled by the whites, Indians were quite numerous in the vicinity at almost all seasons of the year, but only as they roamed the forest in pursuit of game, or fished upon the placid bosoms of the lakes. Their villages were miles away to the north and south, and when visiting this part of their domain they usually traveled in small companies of one or more families. They were perfectly friendly in their relations with the whites, and fished, hunted, traded, and associated with them upon the best of terms. Perhaps the best preserved relic of the race in this town is the Indian mound upon the firm of M. M. Hillman, in the north part of sec- tion 5. It is a circular mound some 18 or 20 feet in diameter, and has an elevation of 4 or 5 feet above the general surface. Upon it a number of oak-trees are growing, and since the time of settle- ment no stroke of mattock or spade has been permitted to desecrate the spot, but it has been suffered to remain in its original form, save as the destructive touches of time and the elements may have changed or modified its outlines. Sherman Stevens, of Pontiac, one of the earliest of the Indian traders of this section, said that the mound was the burial-place of a famous Indian chief whose name and deeds have now long been for- gotten. Lying, as it did, near the separation of the Detroit and Huron trails, it was frequently visited by parties of Indians, who invariably ap- proached it with reverence, and were peculiarly reticent regarding its nature and use. They were 39° HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. always grateful to Mr. Hillman for his care of the spot. We have referred to the Indian trails which crossed this town. They were numerous, but most of them were minor trails leading along the most eligible routes between the different lakes and hunting-grounds. The principal one was the one known as the Shiawassee trail, leading from Shiawassee town to Detroit. Along this the Indians used to travel when going to Detroit on their way to Canada to draw the annuity paid them by the British government. It entered Tyrone at a point about three-eighths of a mile east of the northwest corner of section 5, and fol- lowed a nearly southeast course till it left the town near the east quarter-post of section 13. At a point a few rods west of M. M. Hillman's house, on section 5, the trail divided the branch trail, taking a northeasterly course to Fenton, and con- tinuing to the foot of Lake Huron. From this point of separation the main trail was called the Detroit trail, and the other the Huron trail. The course of the former has been preserved by the survey, at an early day, of what is known as the Shiawassee or White Lake road, which follows the old trail very closely. Another trail, known as the Ann Arbor trail, left the Detroit trail near its intersection with the quarter line in the south part of section 4, which followed a southwest course till it reached the east line of section 8, where it turned and ran directly south till it passed into Hartland. The course of these trails was usually well defined, and notwithstanding the fact that forty years have elapsed since their general use was abandoned, traces still remain in some locali- ties which enable the expert woodman to designate their former position. SETTLEMENT. The town of Tyrone remained in the possession of the wild animals and Indians until the spring of 1834, when the tide of emigration began to set to- wards this Western land, and scores, hundreds, and thousands of Eastern men and their families were borne upon its swelling waves to the spots upon which they were to rear homes for themselves and their descendants. Below is given a list of the persons who took up land in Tyrone from the gov- ernment; those who actually settled in the town being designated by an asterisk (*) to distinguish them from non-resident owners. The entries of land in this town, the names of the purchasers, their several places of former residence, the size of their purchases, and the date when entered will be found in the following list, compiled and copied from the tract-book of Livingston County. The first por- tion comprises those persons who made purchases upon more than one section, and is as follows : Charles Neer and Dyer Throoj"), Saratoga Co., N. Y., June 16, 1836, 31745 acres on section i, 80 acres on section 11, and 440 acres on section 12. Phineas H. Smith, Orange Co., N. Y., June g, 1S36, 80 acres on section 2, and So acres on section 1 1. Henry Isaacs, Hillsborough Co., N. H., June II, 1836, 557.83 acres on section 2, and June i, 1836, 480 acres on section 10. Henry and Van Rensselaer H.awkins, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 14, 1836, section 25, 640 acres, and June 27, 1836, 120 acres on section 3, 160 acres on section 8, and 200 acres on section 32. Jirah Hillman,* Lewis Co., N. Y., May 10, 1836, 96.36 acres on section 4, and 49.45 acres on section 5. William Beamer,* of this county, Dec. i, 1853, 40 acres on section 9, and Nov. 18, 1854, 40 acres on section 5. Isaac Morton,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 9, 1836, 184.92 acres on section 7, and May 17, 1836, 80 acres on section 18. Darius Lamson, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 3, 1S36, 320 acres on section 27; Sept. 24, 1836, 80 acres on section 11, .and Oct. 25, 1836, 80 acres on section 11. William Thomson,* Seneca Co., N. Y., April I2, 1836, 160 acres on section 13, and 160 acres on section 24. Henry Druse, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 18, 1836, 80 acres on section 14, and i6o acres on section 26. Bennett D. Tripp, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836, 160 acres on section 14, 120 acres on section 15, and 360 acres on sec- tion 22. Benjamin B. Kercheval, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 29, 1836, 35.54 acres on section 31, and Dec. 17, 1S36, So acres on section 14. James Love,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., July i, 1835,80 acres on section 27, 40 acres on section 28, 40 acres on section 33, and 40 acres on section 34. Francis Morse, Livingston Co., N. Y., May lo, 1S36, 80 acres on section 20, and May 16", 1836, 80 acres on section 17. Heni7 and Morris M. Seabott, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836, So acres on section 17, and 640 acres on section 21. William N. Austin,* Orleans Co., N. Y., May 5, 1836, 80 acres on section 20, and M.ay 29, 1S36, 80 acres on section 19. David L. Babcock,* this county, Oct. 2, 1836, 80 acres on section 19, and Oct. 29, 1836, 80 acres on section 20. James McKeone,* Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1836, 40 acres on section 30, and Nov. 14, 1836, 109.32 acres on section 19. James Murphy,* Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 26, 1836, 40 acres on section 19, and 40 acres on section 30. John J. Dickson, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 6, 1S36, 240 acres on section 20, 89 acres on section 22, and 129 acres on section 29. Jacob Chrispell,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1835, So acres on section 29, and Feb. 20, 1S39, 40 acres on section 20. Cyrus F Kneeland and Henry Ball, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 13, 1836, 80 acres on section 22, and the whole of section 23. Hiram Bellows, Franklin Co., Vt., June 14, 1836, 80 acres on section 24, and 320 acres on section 36, and June 25, 1S36, 80 acres on section 22. Ira Bellows, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 14, 1S36, 320 acres on section 24, 320 acres on section 36, and June 25, 1S36, 160 acres on section 22. John A. Wells,* Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 17, 1835, 320 acres on section 26, and 640 acres on section 35, and Sept. 23, 1836, 120 acres on section 27. Isaac Cornell,* this county, March 20, 1835, 40 acres on section 28, 80 acres on section 29, and 120 acres on section 32. Henry A. Cojnell,* this county, March 20, 1835, 40 acres on section 33, and Sept. 23, 1S36, 80 acres on section 30, and 40 acres on section 32. George H. Blumberg, Oakland Co., Mich., April 9, 1863, 80 acres on section 32, and 40 acres on section 33. l)A\in COI.WELL. GEORGE CORNELL. DAVID COLWELL was born in the town of Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1800. He was the son of Daniel Colwcll and Thankful Paine, both natives of Rhode Island. They emigrated to Otsego previous to their marriage, which took place about the year 1799. When David was eighteen months old his father moved to Ontario County and settled near Geneva, where he died in l8:y. But little is known of his history further than that he was a farmer, lived a comparatively uneventful life, but was a remarkable man physically, — a giant in stature, his usual weight being three hundred and si.xty pounds. When sixteen years of age David was appren- ticed to the trade of cloth-dressing, which occu- pation he followed many years. In 1825 he went to Allegany Co., N. Y., where he built a mill and established himself in his business. The project proving unremuncrative, he removed to Coshocton, where he resided until his emigration to Michigan. His first visit to the Peninsula State was made in 1834, at which time he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. Returning to New York he followed his business until 1836, when he came on with his famil)-, which consisted of his wife and six children, Davi'd G., of Fenton, being the eldest. Since that time he has been a resident of the town and one of its prominent pioneers. The life of Mr. Colwell has been devoted strictly to the cares of his business and his family. It is in keeping with the self-abnegation of such men that they re- tire to the background and quietly look on as the great and varied interests, of which they laid the foundation, grow in prominence and utility. In May, 1824, Mr. Colwell was married to Hannah A., daughter of John Gilbert, Esq., of Benton, Ontario Co., N. Y. She was born in Fayette, Seneca Co., N. Y., in August, 1803. They have reared a family of eight children, five of whom are living, viz.: David G., Thankful A., wife of A. B. Donaldson, of Fenton ; Hannah A., now Mrs. William Owen ; Elvira E., wife of ¥.. H. Dickerman; Mary A., wife of Benjamin Byron. John P. died at the age of twenty-two years. Mr. Colwell is now in his seventy-ninth year, and apparently hale and hearty. For forty-three years he has been identified with the interests of Tyrone, and is well worthy of the position he holds among the founders of Livingston County. GEORGE CORNELL, whose name is mentioned in the history of Tyrone as one of its early settlers, and who has been promi- nently identified with the town, was born in Wash- ington Co., N. Y., Nov. II, 1812. At the age of sixteen he started out in life for himself without a cent of capital. He worked at farming and as a teamster until the fall of 1 834, when he came to Tyrone and entered a tract of eighty acres of land, opposite that of his brother Isaac. In 1836 he was married to Miss Eliza Williams, by whom he has had five children, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Cornell is one of Tyrone's best citizens, a man universally respected for his sterling qualities. He has well performed his part in the development of the town, and his record as a citizen and a neighbor is untarnished. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 391 Chester Wilson, Orleans Co., N. Y., June 3, 1S36, 40 acres on section 33, and 240 acres on section 34. Tlie second portion of the list is, for conveni- ence, given by sections, and includes the persons who made purchases on one section onl}- : SECTION I. Acres, Joseph C. Blake, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 3, 1836 80 Egbert Hoftman, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 4, 1836 80 Moses Warren Scott, Saratoga Co., N. Y., June 25, 1836.. 159.66 SECTION 3. George Dibble,* Lapeer Co., Mich., March 18, 1834 88.05 Daniel D. Runyan,* Oakland Co., Mich., Feb. 19, 1836... 80 Catharine Runyan,* Oakland Co., Mich., April 23, 1836.. 40 Melvin Dorr, Oakland Co., Mich,, June 16, 1836 So Marshall J. Bacon, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug, 2, 1836 163.80 Isaac S, Taylor,* Oakland Co,, Mich,, May — , 1837 So SECTION 4, Julian Bishop, Genesee Co., Mich., July 9, 1835 86.49 Vincent Runyan, Oakland Co., Mich., July 16, 1835 80 Isaac Ayres,* Oakland Co., Mich., Nov. 9, 1835 40 Robert Ayres,* Oakland Co., Mich., Nov. 9, 1835 80 Consider Warner, Genesee Co., N. V., Feb. 20, 1836 86.49 Harriet Liryan, Genesee Co., Mich., May 7, 1836 40 David Colwell,* Steuben Co., N. Y., June 4, 1836 80 John Thomas, Wayne Co,, N, Y,, Sept, 23, 1836 80 SECTION 5, Elisha Lamed,* Allegany, Co,, N, Y,, Nov, 18, 1835 49-45 Elijah Crane, Wayne Co,, Mich,, March 4, 1836 103.42 Hiram M. Rhodes,* Oakland Co., Mich., June 4, 1836.,,. So Anna Rhodes,* Oakland Co,, Mich., June 4, 1836 80 Delos Davis, Wayne Co,, Mich., Sept. 23, 1836 So Jonathan Irwin,* Livingston Co., Mich,, Jan, 30, 1837 80 Ebenezer Sterns, Yates Co,, N, Y,, March 9, 1837 l2o SECTION 6. Jefferson H. Downer,* Oakland Co,, Mich,, Oct. 9, 1835.,, 53 62 Elisha W. Postall, Macomb Co,, Mich.. Jan. 2, 1836 53.62 Elijah Root, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Fell. 19, 1836 S2.44 Ebenezer J. I'enniman, Wayne Co., Mich,, March 4 and 18, 1836 82,44 William Hyatt,* Oakland Co., Aug. 2, 1836 So N. A, Littlefield,* of this county, Jan, 14, 1854 80 William Owens, of this county, June 13, 1854 40 SECTION 7, Washington D, Morton, Washtenaw Co., Mich,, May 9, 1836 3'-9 Jona'n L, Wolverton,* Steuben Co,, N, Y., June 20, 1S36 160 Elijah Clough, Jr,,* Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 28, 1S36., 160 SECTION 8. George F. Roberts, Cayuga Co., N, Y,, June i, 1836 160 Heni7 D, Garrison, Wayne Co., Mich,, Oct, 26, 1S36 320 SECTION 9, Elisha Beach, Oakland Co., Mich,, Jau, 6, 1S36 80 WiUard S, FcUsham, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 29. 1S36 120 Isaac Throop, Jr., Genesee Co,, Mich., June 30, 1836 40 Joseph AUbright, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1836 80 D.avid Murphy,* of this county, Oct. 25, 1839 40 William Smith, of this county, July 6, 1S46 40 John W, Mapes,* of this county, May 2, 1850 40 Daniel Odell, Genesee Co., Mich., Nov. 30, 1852 40 Christopher Rogers,* of this county, Nov. 23, 1853 40 Nancy F, Biggs, of this county, Sept, 4, 1855 40 SECTION 10. Sanford Billings,* Oakland Co., Mich., March 5, 183S, and January 9, 1839 80 Almerin Smith, Wayne Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1839 40 Matthias T. Talmadge,* of this county, Nov, 15, 1854.,,, 40 SECTION II. Acres. Charles Wright, Niagara Co., N, Y,, M.iy 28, 1836 So William Duiniing, W.iyne Co,, N, Y,, Feb, 20, 1838 80 Seth N, Howell,* Oakland Co,, Mich,, March i, 1838 80 Leonard Brooks, Genesee Co., Mich., March 3, 1855 80 SECTION 12. Henry Larneil,* Y.ates Co., N. Y,,M.iy 25, 1836 40 Philip Brewer, Ni.agara Co., N. Y., May 28, 1836 160 SECTION 13. Ezra Th.iyre, Oakland Co., Mich., May 2, 1836 40 John Blair, Seneca Co., N, Y., June 13, 1836 320 Elias B. Holmes, Monroe Co., N, Y,, June 14, 1836 120 SECTION 14, David N, Blood, Monroe Co,, N, Y,, June 18, 1836 80 William R, Mudge, Monroe Co., N. V,, Dec, 16, 1836.... 80 Levi Stockwell, Oakland Co., Mich,, May 17, 1839 80 William B. Stockwell, Oakland Co., Mich., May 17, 1839, 80 SECTION 15, EUery Shaw, Wayne Co,, Mich,, M.iy 17, 1S36 200 John O'Neil,* Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 21, 1836 80 Michael Healey,* Wavne Co., Mich., Nov. 21, 1S36 80 Abram Cook, Wayne Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1836 80 Edward Hopper,* this county, Oct. 11, 1839 40 Norton L. Miller, Macomb Co., Mich., Oct. 13, 1854 40 SECTION 16, Thomas Love,* June 12, 1847 80 A, E. Cranston,* June 16, 1S49 40 Brount & Bailey, June 4, 1850 80 J, N, Barnes,* Nov, 13, 1850 80 C, B, Thomas,* Nov. 15, 1850 40 D. W. Love,* July 26, 1853 80 Jacob Love,* Sept. 20, 1S53 40 D. Canfield,* Oct. 10, 1853 40 William Van Wagner,* Oct. 24, 1853 40 Peter Schad, Jr.,* June 2, 1854.. 40 William Schad,* Aug. 23, 1854 40 Stephen W. Downer,* Oct. 24, i860 40 SECTION 17. John Westfall,* Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 17, 1836 160 Henry Seabott, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836 160 James Kearns, Oswego Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836 80 Moses Taggart, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836 80 SECTION 18. John C. Morse, O.akland Co., Mich., May 5, 1836 160 Nancy Morton,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 9, 1836 80 Edwin Soonberger, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 16, 1836 80 Dillis De.xter,* Monroe Co., N. Y., Jidy i, 1836 80 John Fish, 0.>kUncl Co., Mich., Dec. 5, 1836 68.48 Sam'l G. Sutherland, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 3, 1837 33.22 Adam B. Bailey,* of this county, May 25, 1838 33-22 SECTION 19. David Bangs, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 5, 1836 269,44 David Bangs, Monroe Co,, N, Y,, Nov, 14, 1836 40 SECTION 20, Philo Joyner, Berkshire Co,, Mass,, June 16, 1836 So Hugh R, Hogle,* of this county, Nov. 15, 1838,, .^ 40 SECTION 22. Daniel Blood, Monroe Co., N, Y., June 18, 1836 160 SECTION 24, James Bellows, Monroe Co,, N. Y,, June 14, 1836 80 SECTION 26, Wllll.im P. Alv.>rd, Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 22, 1836 160 392 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SECTION 27. Acres. William D. .Snapp * Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836.... 80 Peler H. Link * Oakland Co., Mich., June 11, 1836 40 SECTION 28. George Cornell,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 31, 1834 So William H. Berry,* Shiawassee Co., Mich., Feb. 18, 1835 40 Joseph M. Becker,* Oakland Co., Mich., March 20, 1835 80 Eli Conklin,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1835 120 David Austin,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1835.... 200 James Willis, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 2, 1836 40 SECTION 29. Shadrach S. Austin, Orleans Co., N. Y., May 5, 1836 120 Mercy Chrispell,* W.ishtenaw Co., Mich., June 8, 1836... 80 James E. Chrispell,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 8, 1836 40 George Allen, Madison Co., N. Y., June 17, 1836 120 SECTION 30. Joseph Chamberlin, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 3, 1836... 6856 Nathaniel C. Austin,* Orleans Co., N. Y., May 5, 1S36... 120 Nathaniel C. Austin,* Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. 29, 1836.. 40 Philo H. Munson, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 6, 1S36... 69.04 James Agan,* Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1836 120 George Abbott, Wayne Co., Mich., June 21, 1837 40 SECTION 31. Major Curtis,* Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 4, 1836 40 Thales Dean, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 11, 1836 35-54 Jas. E. Chrispell,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 25, 1S36.. 40 Solomon Lewis,* W.ayne Co., Mich., April 6, 1836 160 William Winter, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 3, 1836 So Anson Pettibone, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 4, 1S36 229.24 SECTION 32. David Curtiss,* Oakland Co., Mich., March 17, 1S36 40 Joseph Tireman, Wayne Co., Mich., May 9, 1836 160 SECTION 33. Louisa Wakeman,* Oakland Co., Mich., March 29, 1S36.. i5o Austin Wakeman,* Oakland Co., Mich., March 29, 1S36.. 40 Isaac De Graft", Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836 160 Charles Colton,* of this county, May 30, 1836 40 George Babcock, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 6, 1S36 So SECTION 34. William Dawson,* Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 19, 1834 80 Robert D.awson,* Oakland Co., Mich., April 6, 1836 80 Willard Daniels, Oakland Co., Mich., April 21, 1836 40 John J. Blackmer, Monroe Co., N. Y., April 27, 1836 160 From this list it will be seen that the first entries were generally made by actual settlers, and that the great rush of the speculators to obtain land in Tyrone did not occur until the summer of 1836. George Dibble, March i8th, George Cornell, Oc- tober 31st, and William Dawson, December 19th, were the only purchasers in 1834, and they all made settlement, — Cornell in the fall of that year, and the others in the following spring. In 1835 fifteen persons made purchases, and thirteen of these became residents of the town, and were real pioneers. These were William H. Berry, in Feb- ruary ; Joseph M. Becker, Isaac Cornell, Henry A. Cornell, in March; James Love, in July; John A. Wells, in September; Jefferson H. Downer, in October; Isaac Ayres, Robert Ayres, David Austin, Eli Conklin, Elisha Larned, in November; and Jacob Chrispell, in December. In 1836 there were one hundred and thirty-one entries, including most of the available land, and bringing a flood of settlers. In 1837 there were five entries; in 1838, five; in 1839, six; in 1846, '47, '49, one each; in 1850, four; in 1852, one; in 1853, six; in 1854, seven; in 1855, two; and in i860, one. There is now in the town a small remnant of gov- ernment land, — which, like the Irishman's fartn, is mostly under water, — 40 acres on section 9, 80 acres on section 7, and 200 acres on section 6. The first white resident of the town was George Cornell, who has passed forty-five years of his life within its limits, and still remains a citizen of the town with whose history his name is so intimately connected. The family of Cornell, from whom he and his brothers, who afterwards settled here, were descended, was of English origin, and first settled in this county in the State of Rhode Island. A succeeding generation located in the town of White Creek, in Washington Co., N. Y., from whence their descendants removed to Chautauqua County, and settled in the town of Ripley. The three brothers, George, Isaac, and Henry A., came to Michigan in September, 1834, in search of a place in which to settle. In their wanderings, in com- pany with a brother-in-law, Joseph M. . Becker, they came to the timbered openings of Tyrone, and were all well pleased with their looks. They, however, returned without entering any of the land, I-saac and Henry A. going back to New York, while George and Becker stopped at the latter's home in Highland, Oakland Co. In October, George Cornell and Joseph M. Becker again visited the town, and each made a selection of an eighty- acre lot. George went to Detroit, and entered his land on the last day of that month, while Becker did not make his entry until the following spring. After his return from Detroit, George and Mr. Becker came and put up a rude log shanty on his place, and this furnished him a home through the winter while he was cutting rails and preparing some of his land for the plow, he paying occasional visits to his brother-in-law's house in Highland, and bringing back each time a goodly supply of provisions. Though Mr. Cornell was at this time the only white resident of the town (unless, as some assert was the case, George Dibble was then living here), he was not the only resident. On section 34 was a marsh of considerable extent, on which each year was produced a heavy growth of rank grass, which, though quite unfit for feeding to horses, yet fur- nished a kind of hay that cattle could live upon through the long cold winters, when the snow covered the earth and prevented them from graz- ing. Near Orchard Lake, in Milford, Oakland Co., HON. JOHN KENVON. MRS. JOHN KENYON. HON. JOHN KENYON. Among the truly representative men of the town of Tyrone, few, if any, have been more intimately asso- ciated with its material development than Judge Ken- yon. He not only witnessed the transition of a thin settlement into a highly prosperous agricultural section, but in his own person typifies so admirably the agencies that wrought many of those changes, that no history of Livingston County would be complete without some sketch of liis life, labors, and character. Mr. Kenyon was born in the town of Queensbury, Washington Co., N. Y. , July 28, 1806. He was the son of John and Mary Kenyon, who were the parents of a family of ten children, — five sons and five daughters. Mr. Kenyon, the elder, was a member of the Society of Friends, and a strict observer of the tenets of his religious faith, the precepts of which he early taught his children. No doubt this instruction exerted a marked influence over their future lives, and to it, in a large measure, their enviable positions in business and society may be attributed. When John was a child the family removed to the town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., where he resided until his emi- gration to Tyrone in 1840. His early life, like that of most successful men, was one not only of close application, but of self-reliance and self-denial. His father being a farmer, John's work on the farm in sum- mer was alternated by the usual term at the district school in winter. When twenty-three years of age he married Miss Julia Purdy, of the town of Sem]ironius. She was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co , N. Y., July 9, 1807. Five children were born to them, namely: Cordelia, Isaac O., Frank P., Rachel, and Mary S. He early resolved to follow farming as a life voca- tion, believing it of all the trades and profe.ssions to be the most conducive to health and happiness. That he was eminently successful in his chosen calling, his finely cultivated fields and commodious buildings attest. His farm which he purchased on coming into the county was then entirely new, as was the larger part of the town at that time. Here he resided until his death, which occurred in 1874. Mr. Kenyon figured quite conspicuously in State and county politics. In 1849 he was elected to the repre- sentative branch of the Legislature, serving on the im- portant committee of " State affairs." In 1854 he was elected to the State Senate. For nine years he represented Tyrone upon the Board of Supervisors, in which body he was fully appreciated for his sound judgment and sage counsels. Honesty and a laudable ambition to succeed were prominent traits in the char- acter of Judge Kenyon ; in fact, they were the essential means of his success. He evinced excellent judgment in all his transactions, and sterling honesty was the basis of his operations. This is high testimony, and while to those who were not acquainted with him it may seem peculiarly the language of eulogy, it will be readily recognized by his friends as a plain, uncolored statement of the strong points of his character. Mr. Kenyon never enjoyed the advantages of a lib- eral education, but being naturally intelligent, and en- dowed with a large amount of common sense, industry, perseverance, and ambition, he succeeded in building a reputation as wide-spread as it was enviable; indeed, it may be truly said that his entire career was one worthy the emulation of the young, and a fitting example for all men to follow. TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 393 was a Mormon settlement, and tliey had quite a large lot of cattle to provide for. So in the fall of 1833 they .sent a drove of cattle to this locality in charge of two brothers named Teeple, and their families. They built. a small log house near the north line of the section, and lived there during tliat winter, returning to Orchard Lake in the spring, leaving the house empty through the fol- lowing summer. This house, which was the first dwelling erected in Tyrone, was about 14 by 20 feet in size, and covered with a trough roof Soon after Mr. Cornell began to live in his shanty, a colored man by the name of William H. Berry came from Shiawassee County with his wife and two children, aged about si.xandten years respect- ively, and moved into this vacant house, where they lived until the following spring, when they removed into a house they had hired Harrison Coburn to build for them, on a farm of 40 acres in the southeast corner of section 28, which they had purchased of the government in Februars'. In the spring of 1835 the little settlement was augumented by the arrival of the families of Joseph M. Becker, William Dawson, and Henry A. Cor- nell, and another settlement was started in the north part of the town b}' George Dibble and Daniel D. Runyan. Later in the season Isaac Cor- nell and James Love were added to the number. From tliat time on the settlements were rapidly multiplied, and in a few years extended to all [)arts of the town. We have not the space necessary to give a detailed sketch of all these settlers who took up new farms, and with axe and plow, and a liberal use of time and muscle, brought them into a pro- ductive state, neither have we been able to secure the facts indispensable to such an undertaking. We are able, therefore, to give but a brief history of a few of the pioneers of this town, taking them as near as may be in the order of their .settle- ment. George Cornell was, at the time of his set- tlement here, a single man, and lived with his brother Henry A. until, in 1836, he married Eliza Williams, of Hartland, and set up household gods of his own. He is still living in Tyrone, having removed in 1867 from the old homestead to his present fine farm on section 32. He has reared a family, and established them in homes of their own, and has lived the life of an honest, upright, just and generous Christian citizen, in a manner to win the confidence, respect, and love of all who know him. He has been prominently connected with the Methodist Church in this vicinit)', and has done much to advance its interests in the community. Henry A. Cornell was for many years a respected and honored resident of Tyrone, holding the offices 5° of constable, assessor, supervisor, and treasurer at different times, and died in the winter of 1848, while serving his seventh term and sixth consecu- tive term in the last-named position. He left a wife and two sons, all of whom still survive him, his widow and son, Alonzo, residing in Tyrone, and the other son living in Ohio. Isaac Cornell, the oldest of the three brothers, came from Chautauqua County in the spring of 1835, in company with Henry A., traveling with their own conveyances. The snow was very light, and as the " breaking up" was not yet at hand the wheeling was very good. They arrived on the loth day of March, and Henry A. moved into his brother George's shanty, while Isaac left his family at Highland till he had built a house on the farm he purchased of the government on the 20th of that month. He then moved on to his place near the northeast corner of section 32, and is still occupying the place. He is a recognized leader a:nong the Seventh-Day Adventists of this region, anil a man of exemplary character. The exact time of George Dibble's settlement is not known, but it was either in the fall of 1834 or spring of 1835. He remained hereabout ten years and then moved to Shiawassee, where- he is still living. Joseph M. Becker, with his wife (formerly Eliza Cornell) and one child, came from Ripley, Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., to Michigan in the fall of 1S33, and settled in the town of Highland, in Oakland County. They lived there until the spring of 1835, and then moved to their home in this town on sec- tion 28, where they arrived about the 17th of April. He built a house on the south end of his lot, about forty rods west of the quarter-post. He was a shoe- maker by trade, and his services were in great de- mand among the settlers, who were glad to exchange work with him, and were not always careful to e.xact an equal amount of time. He was the first supervisor of the town, and was re-elected at the expiration of his first term. In 1862 he removed to Fenton, and a couple of years later returned to Tyrone. In 1S67 he again moved to Fenton, where he still resides. But two of his children are now living, and they are both residents of this town, — Peter on the homestead and Wallace on section 26. William H. Berry wa-s- a man of a very rov- ing disposition, and did not long remain in this town. He made frequent Sittings from one point to another, and finally brought up in Pontiac, where he became permanenll)' located, through the inter- vening hand of death. The place on which he settled is now owned and occupied by Peter Ru.sscU. William Dawson was a native of Cambridge, 394 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Washington Co., N. Y., and came from Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., to Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., in the fall of 1831, and made his home with his brother-in-law, Elias Daniels. While living there he formed the acquaintance of Miss Henrietta Per- kins, a native of the town of Locke, Cayuga Co., ■ N. Y., who came to Michigan with her brotlier, Benjamin L. Perkins, from Springwater, Livingston Co., N. Y., and hired out to work for Mr. Daniels. Thrown together in constant companionship, their mutual liking grew into the more ardent passion of love, and on the 26th of February, 1832, they were united in the bonds of matrimony, and went to live on a farm they hired to work on shares. In the fall of 1S34, Mr. Dawson came to the town of Highland, where Michael Beach was living, and got him to accompany him in a search for land. They struck out to the westward, and in this town found a piece of land that seemed to possess all the natural advantages desirable, it having some timber and some opening, a stream to furnish water, and a marsh to furnish hay, and getting a description of it, they returned home, Mr. DaWSon continuing on to Detroit, where he entered the land on the 19th day of December. Another ad- vantage of the land thus selected was that on it was situated the cabin built by the Mormons, which would furnish shelter while the work of clearing and breaking up was going on. The colored family of Berrys had been living there about two weeks at the time of Dawson and Beach's visit. On the 20th of April, 1835, the Dawson family, consisting of father, mother, and two children, — -a daughter of two years and a son a few months old, — reached their new home, and moved in with the Berrys, who were not ready to move out because of the unfinished condition of their house. So for a period of about two weeks the two families occu- pied the same habitation. In the spring of that year Mr. Dawson planted an acre of corn, a few potatoes, and sowed a small piece of buckwheat. He also raised a few roots to feed his stock, which at that time consisted of one cow, one yearling, and a yoke of oxen. Following the usual course of the settlers in developing his farm, Mr. Dawson continued to reside in Tyrone until the fall of 1856, when he removed to Rockford, Floyd County, la., where he lived five years, and then went to Du- buque. From the latter place he returned to Ty- rone in 1864, and purchased the farm on section 13, where he now resides. Mr. Dawson had five sons who enlisted in the Union army during the Rebellion, — a fact upon which a well-founded pride is felt by the members of the family. Fred- erick enlisted in the regulars in 1862, and served in the campaign of that year against the Indians in Minnesota and Iowa. After a service of five years he was mustered out, and now lives in Sa- vannah, Andrew Co., Mo. Pliny B. enlisted in the 3d Iowa Infantry in June, 1861, was mustered out on account of ill health in 1862, and is now living in this town. Alphonso D. enlisted in the 12th United States Infantry, was stationed at Fort Ham- ilton, New York, and afterwards served in the Army of the Potomac. At the battle of Yellow House, in August, 1S64, he was taken prisoner and sent to Andersonville to endure the inhuman tortures there inflicted upon helpless, unarmed prisoners until he was exchanged in March, 1865. He died March 31, 1865, from the effects of the inhuman treatment he had received at the hands of his captors. Wil- liam E. enlisted in February, 1864, in the 7th Iowa Infantr)-,and served in the Department of the West. In the campaign arounii Atlanta, on the 4th of August, 1864, he was wounded so badly as to ne- cessitate the amputation of his left arm below the elbow. He was mustered out in January follow- ing, and is now living in Rush Co., Kan. Arnold W. also enlisted, but the regiment being more than full, his company was disbanded, and before it was reorganized as a battery of artillery he was sent home sick. He is now living in Rockford, la. James Love was formerly from Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., but came to this town from Whitmore Lake, Washtenaw Co., in July, 1835, settling on the northeast corner of section 33, about twenty rods south of the school-house, which has always been known as " Tiie Love School-house." He was a pensioner of the war of 1812, and lived here a number of years. After his death the family became scattered, and none of his immediate descendants are now living here. Daniel D. Runyan settled on section 3 in the spring of 1836, building his log house near the southwest corner of the section. By some acci- dent or disease he had become crippled, and had but a very imperfect use of his limbs, and to eke out the scanty living he was able to get by his farming operations he opened his shanty as a tav- ern, and dispensed liquors there with more pecu- niary profit to himself than moral gain to his customers. Runyan's tavern became quite noted throughout the region, and, report says, was fre- quently the scene of almost brutal drunken orgies, which gave it a rather unsavory reputation among the more moral and respectable classes of the com- munity. Runyan kept the inn until his death, which occurred about 1848-50, and it was then continued by his widow, who was said, in a bad sense of the phrase, to have been the best man of the two, and was known as " Aunt Kate's." She survived her husband about ten years, and then TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 395 died ill this town. One son i.s still living, and resides in Troy, Oakland Co. Jacob Chrispell and his son, James E., with their respective families, settled in the southwest part of the town in 1836. Tiie former was a mill- wright, and worked at his trade and at carpenter- work a good deal. He died several years ago. The latter is still living on his original homestead. Eli Conklin was the first blacksmith in the town. He came in 1836, and built a house and shop on the north line of section 28, about fort)' rods west of the quarter-post. Here he worked at his trade, shoeing horses and o.ven, sharpening plowshares, repairing broken implements, and doing the thou- sand and one jobs that always gravitate towards the blacksmith-shop, and enlivened the hours of labor, which sometimes reached well into the night, with story and song. Mr. Conklin remained in Tyrone till about the year 185 1, when he removed to the neighboring town of Rose, in Oakland County, where he resided until his death, which occurred Sept. 26, 1876. Clark Dibble settled first in Fcnton, where he built the first saw-mill in the vicinity, and from there came to Tyrone in 1836, and settled on sec- tion 4, about eighty rods west of Runyan's tavern, on the Shiawassee road. He at once opened a public-house for the entertainment of travelers, of whom many were daily passing along the Shia- wassee road, which was a thoroughfare for emi- grants and speculators going to the Grand River region. He was a man of good business tact and ability, but of a very generous, liberal nature, which prevented his accumulating wealth. He was one of the first justices of the peace of the town, and was re-elected in 1840. His death oc- curred in June, 1842, and resulted from an accident. In company with Lauren Riggs he visited the woods to cut some timber suitable to be made into cradle-fingers, and while pursuing their way they scared up a vvoodchuck, which sought refuge in. a hollow oak-tree growing on a side-hill. They proceeded to fell the tree, and in falling it split off a large splinter, which (lew and struck Mr. Dibble with such force as to fell him to the ground. The body of the tree also rolled over him, crushing him badly. His companion with much difficulty succeeded in freeing him from the tree, and pro- cured assistance to get hini to his home; but his injuries, which were mostly internal, proved fatal, and he died from them a day or two after the acci- dent occurred. One of the most prominent families of the town has been the Cranston family, the first members of which came to Tyrone in 1837. Caleb Cranston, the father of all the others who settled here, was a grandson of John Cranston, who was one of the early Governors of the State of Rhode Island. His father, Samuel, was a soldier of the Revolution, and in 1793 emigrated with his family to Delaware Co., N. Y. In 1829, at the age of forty years, Caleb moved to Wayne Co., N. Y., and lived there till he came to Michigan. His children were niife * in number, and were named Eli D., David E., Sarah J .Gilbert D., Palmer B., Herman I., Betsej^ Orrin, and Martin. Orrin died in New York, and all the others came to this town in the following order: Eli D., Gilbert D., and Herman I., in 1837; Palmer B., in 1838; and Caleb, with Betsey and Martin, in 1839. David Iv was the last one to remove here, and did not come till about 1844. All of the children were married, either beiore coming here or afterwards. Eli D. and Gilbert D. married sisters, — Elizabeth and Louise Chase; Sarah J. and Betsey married brothers, — Joseph and Wil- liam Corey, and settled in this town; David E. first married Mary E. Davis, and his second wife was Miss Ann E. Smalling; Herman I. married Adaline Guptill ; Palmer B. married Emeline Love; and Martin married Abby Chapin. Of these children none are now living in Tyrone, all of them having died or removed. Caleb was an ardent Methodist, and a man of irreproachable character. He died, June 30, 1872, at the ripe age of eighty -three years, and was thus spoken of in his obituary notice: "He was a man of strict honesty, kind to all, and a keen sympathizer with those in suffering. A true, generous citizen and devoted Christian, whose traits of character made him respected and beloved by all who knew him." He was twice married, his first wife, Abby Davis, dying in New York, and his second wife, Mary Thayer, dying in this town, Sept. 18, 1866, at the age of eighty years. Charles Colton, of Cayuga Co., N. Y., an uncle of William Dawson, settled in this town in October, 1837, and resided here till his death, about fifteen years ago. Isaac Morton was a native of the Green Mount- ain State, and came from Williston, Chittenden Co., Vt , to this State in the early fall of 1831. In com- pany with iiis brother-in-law, William Tyler, he traveled by team to Burlington; from thence to Whitehall, by steamer, on Lake Champlain; then by the Champlain and Erie Canals to Buffalo, where they again embarked on a steamer which landed them in Detroit, where they once more started their teams and reached their destination in the town of Saline, Washtenaw Co., in the month of September. He lived there a little more than si.x years, and then, in December, 1837, moved to his place in the west part of section 7, 396 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. where he has since resided. Tlie journey from Ann Arbor was made over muddy roads through a driving rain-storm, and the oxen had hard work to pull the load through ten miles of distance in a day's time. The route he followed led him along the west bank of North Ore Creek, and when he arrived at the section line which, followed east, would bring him to his land with but one and a half miles' travel, he found the stream so badly swollen by the rains as to be impassable. Fol- lowing along its course till he came to a place of crossing, and then around other swamps and water- courses until he could get past them, he traveled thirteen miles before reaching his new home. Since that time Mr. Morton has remained a resi- dent of Tyione, and engaged in agricultural pur- suits, except that lie has at times traveled circuit as a preacher of the Protestant Methodist Church. His wife died about a year ago, and he is waiting, at the end of a long, well-spent, and useful life, the summons that shall reunite them in the better land that lies be}'ond the grave. Jonathan L. Wolverton was for many years one of the prominent men of the town. He came, in the spring of 1837, from the town of Tyrone, Schuyler Co., N. Y., and settled on the southeast quarter of section 7, where he built a house a few rods west of the section corner. For many years the corners and school-house located there bore his name, and it is not now by any means obsolete. In politics he was a Democrat, and this agreeing with the sentiment of the majority in the town he was frequently called to official positions. He was one of the first justices of the peace, and held the office for a period of nine years, being re-elected in 1839 and in 1843. He was also overseer of the poor for a number of years. About fourteen years ago he sold his farm and moved to Fenton. Five or six years later, having unfortunately lost his property, he went to Ingham County, where he is now living with his son Lewis. Two of his sons — Sylvanus and Andrew J. — are still residents of Tyrone. Joseph B. Jackson came from Seneca Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1837, and settled on the southwest quarter of section 8, which he bought of Henry and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, who had purchased it of the government. He brought with him a family of three sons and four daughters. He was something of a pettifogger, and was almost inva- riably engaged on one side or the other in every lawsuit in the vicinity. He eventually met with reverses, lost his property, and became a county charge for several years before his death. His remains were brought here for burial, and interred in the cemetery on a portion of what was once his farm. One son, Joseph B., Jr., left this town about 1842-43, and lived several years in Cohoctah, where he kept a public-house. He finally ran away with a widow, leaving his wife and family to shift for themselves, and is supposed to have died with the cholera a short time after. None of the Jackson family are now residing in this vicinity. One of the most amiable, upright, and hsnorable citizens whom the town of T)'rone ever, numbered among its people was Dillis De.xter. Lovable in his nature, he possessed one of those well-rounded characters that command the i"espect and compel the admiration of all, and by careful, earnest, and judicious application to his studies had developed his capacity, and fitted himself for his duties as a surveyor and a School-teacher, in both of which fields of labor he spent a considerable portion of his life. Differing from the political majority of the town, he was yet elected to the office of town clerk, justice of the peace, and school inspector. He settled in this town in 1837, on the southeast quarter of section 18, which he bought of John C. Morse. In the fall of 1838 his brother, Amos, came and settled on the same place, Dillis living with him. In 1839 another brother, Charles, came, who died of consumption about a year afterwards. Another brother, Horace, settled in the Cornell neighborhood, in the south part of the town, some twenty-five years ago, and both he and his wife died of consumption several years since. Dillis died in this town some twelve or fourteen years ago, and Amos in the spring of 1879. Several of the descendants of these brothers ai'e still residing in this town. In the latter part of the fall of 1837, three broth- ers — Nathaniel C, William, and Brackett Austin — came from Orleans Co., N. Y., and settled on ad- joining farms, the first two on section 30, and the latter on section 29. They all removed from the town, Nathaniel C. returning to New York in about ten years, William going to Genesee County in about twenty years, and Brackett moving to Wheat- field, Ingham Co., about 1844-45. The two former are dead, but the latter is still living. William D. Snapp came from Owasco, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1838, and settled on the south line of section 27, where he continued to reside until 1863-64, when he moved to a farm in the town of Hartland, where he died Oct. 25, 1876. His wife was Betsey Dawson (a sister of William Daw- son), and on the 7th of June, 1876, they celebrated their golden wedding. Mrs. Dawson is still living, residing with her adopted daughter, Mrs. Heman Clark. One of the oldest residents of Tyrone at the present time is John C. Salsbury, Esq., who has ISAAC CORNELL. MRS. ISAAC CORNELL. ISAAC CORNELL. Thi.s gentleman may be appropriately called one of the founders of the town of Tyrone, having settled where he now resides in 1834. He was born in the town of White Creek, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 4, 1803. He was the son of Joseph Cornell and Abigail Allen, who had a family of eight children, — five sons and three daughters. The elder Cornell was a pioneer in Wa.shington County, having emigrated from New Bedford, R. I., before the Revolution. The grand- father of our subject was a Quaker, noted for his piety and integrity. Isaac lived with his father until he was twenty years of age, when he went to Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he purchased a new farm. After a residence of five years, he sold and removed to Chautauqua Co., N. Y. After several changes of location he decided to come to Michigan. Accord- ingly, in the fall of 1 834, he, in company with his two brothers, Henry and George, came to Tyrone and entered two hundred acres of land, which he now owns. He then went back to New York, but re- turned the following spring with his family. The Cornells were the first settlers in the south part of the town, and were obliged to cut their road from the Tenney settlement in Highland, Oakland County. Mr. Cornell has been prominently identified with the town of Tyrone ; he was elected its first justice of the peace, a position which he filled acceptably for five terms. In 1825 he was married to Miss Sarah Eaton, of Arlington, Vt. She was born in the town of Cavendish, Vt., in 1803. They were blessed with five children. In July, 1836, Mrs. Cornell died, and he subsequently married Margaret M. Larmon, a native of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y. She was born in October, 1819. By this union there were six children. Mr. Cornell is a self-made man, and the position he holds among the best men of the county is due solely to his own exertions. He has acquired by his own efforts a competency and an honorable reputation. In his religious affiliations he is an Adventist, and his eldest son is an able exponent of the doctrines of that church. TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 397 resided here since the month of January, 1838. Born in Greenville, Greene Co., N. Y., June I, 1S13, he grew to young manhood in that health- giving climate until, at the age of seventeen years, he started with his father and family for the new Territory of Michigan. The family came by way of the canal and lake, but John came with a team througii Ohio, traveling in company with James Dedrick, his brother's father-in-law. They all reached Ypsilanti on the 8th day of August, 1830, and went from there to York, in Washtenaw Co., where they settled. While living there John married Miss Catharine Basom, their nuptials being celebrated Oct. 23, 1S34, and in the f.dl of 1837 traded his property in York, with Henry Druse, for 240 acres of land on sections 14 and 26 in this town. He built a house that fall, and sowed eight acres of wheat, and in January brought his family and began life as a citizen of Tyrone. In 1841 his wife died, and he subsequently married Mary A. Colton, daughter of Charles Colton, of this town, who died July 19, 1847. His third wife was Sarah E. Merrill. From the time of his settle- ment here Mr. Salsbury has been one of the lead- ing men of the town in his occupation of farming, as well as in political matters and the promotion of public interests. Elected as one of the first jus- tices of the peace, he held that office by virtue of successive re-elections for a period of twelve years, and by subsequent elections has increased his in- cumbency of that office to a total of twenty-seven years. He has served as overseer of the poor for seven years, conmiissioner of highways for five years, and supervisor for three years. In addition to his work of farming, he has done considerable surveying, and, acting as a land agent, has nego- tiated the sale of a large amount of land, both in this town and in other parts of the State. In the southwest part of the town several fami- lies of Irish emigrants settled at an early day. According to the best information now obtainable, John McKeone came in 1837, James McGuire, James Agan, and James McKeone, in 1838, and James Murphy in 1840. John McKeone was a native of county Long- ford, Ireland, and was there married to Bridget Riley, emigrating to this country in 1833, and settling in Williamsburg, N. Y. Hearing of the fertile and low-priced lands in Michigan, he came West in the summer of 1836 and purchased some land, returning East and coming on with his family in the fall of 1837. The family resided in Tyrone until 1865. when their present house was ^built, and they moved across the road into Deerfield. Their children were eight in number: Bernard and Charles still reside in Tj-rone; Mrs. Margaret Hogan in Fenton ; Bridget is a Sister of Charity in New Orleans, and the other living children — Mrs. Mary Smith and James McKeone — reside in Deer- field. Mr. McKeone and his wife are still living among the scenes of the trials and tribulations that marked their pioneer life. James McKeone died in Deerfield a few years since ; James Agan became disgusted with frontier life, returned to Brooklyn, N. Y., and died there ; James McGuire emigrated to the State of Te.v:as ; and James Murphy is still living on his homestead on section 30, where he now owns 260 acres of fine productive land. David Colwell, a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., came to Tvrone from Ontario Co., N. Y., in May, 1838, settling on the farm which he still occupies, on the southwest quarter of section 4. Hiram M. Rhodes came to Tyrone early in the spring of 1 838, and settled on section 5, where he resided for about ten years. He was at one time a very prominent man in the town, and a political leader among the Democrats, who frequently elected him to office. He was the first town clerk, and held several other offices at different times. He removed from the town about 1848, and, having met with misfortunes, is now in his old age an in- mate of the county-house. Elijah Clough was a native of Springfield, Mass., and, in 18 14, moved with the rest of his father's family to Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y. In 1836 he came West in search of a good place to locate, and traveled in company with a man who was ac- quainted with Horace H. Nottingham, who had recently settled in Deerfield, and was led by that circumstance to come to this part of the State. Being pleased with the looks of the country, Mr, Clough bought 80 acres in Conway, and 160 in this town, and returned to the East. Three years later he came with his mother, his sisters Sarah, Mary, and Ann Eliza, and his brother Warren, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 7. His mother died in less than a year, his sisters married and moved into adjoining counties, and, about 1848, his brother moved to Shiawassee Count}-, where he is now living. In 1S44 Mr. Clough mar- ried Sabina Littlefield, who died in March, 1852. His second wife was Catharine Carmer, and his third wife, who is still living, was Lovina Irish. He has replaced his first log house with a fine brick residence, and increased the size of his farm to 248 acres. On the south side of the county line, on section 5, at the point where the White Lake or Shiawassee road intersects it, stood what was for many years the most famous hotel on the line of the Shiawassee trail. It was known as the " Grove House," and was kept by Jairah Hillman, who was a model 398 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. host. He was formerly from Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y. ; located his land in this town in tiie spring of 1836; moved to Plymouth, Wayne Co., in this State, in the spring of 1837; made 40 acres of improvement in 1838; and in the spring of 1839 moved on to his farm with his family of one son and six daughters. His house was not built with the intention of making it a public-house, but fas- tidious travelers, not satisfied with the accommo- dations furnished at the regular taverns, would not be turned away; and as soon as it was found that they could be accommodated there, the run of custom was largely increased, and travelers made it a point to get to the Grove House at nightfall, where they were sure of a hearty welcome, a bountiful supper, and an evening of pleasant, cheer- ful social intercourse. In the work of clearing the land of its growth of oak timber, Mr. Hillman selected the finest of the trees in the vicinit)' of his house and left them standing, to the number of a hundred or more. These trees added very much to the beauty of the place, and gave the inn the name it afterwards bore for so many years. Not the least attraction of the place in the eyes of the better class of people was the fact that it was a strictly temperance house. Mr. Hillman was an intelligent man, gifted with pleisiiig conver.sational powers, and possessed of a generous, hospitable spirit, all of which rendered his companionship en- joyable. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and his success as an agriculturist proved conclusively that brains and " book learning" are no detriment to the farmer. He died at his home, July 6, 1861, and the property, originally containing 340 acres, was divided among his heirs, the homestead falling to the only son, M. M. Hillman. His wife (formerly Elizabeth Holladay) died in Detroit, in September, 1877. Of his children, M. M. married Miss Emily Lane, in Portage Co., O., in 1861, and is now living on the homestead, occupying an elegant residence built on the site of the " Grove House," which was destroyed by fire on the 5th of July, 1877, and is one of the leading farmers of the vicinity ; Mrs. Clarissa Sadler died in Fenton ; Mrs. Julia Earned lives in F"enton ; Caroline mar- ried Albert Holladay, who died in Otsego, Allegan Co., and is now the wife of Dr. Cole, of Luding- ton ; Mrs. Louisa Clement died in Detroit, in 1865 ; Mrs. Adaline Joslin lives in Byron, Shia- wassee Co.; and Mrs. Delia Cook lives in Detroit. David L. Babcock, with his two step-sons, Har- vey R. and Orson B. Stevens, came to this town in the fall of 1837 or early spring of 1838. Bab- cock was a carpenter, and worked at his trade, besides working his farm of 80 acres on section 19. He removed to Lapeer County about the close of the war. Harvey R. Stevens was an early school- teacher and one of the first school inspectors of the town. He served in that position a number of years. He enlisted in the Union army in the time of the Rebellion, and falling beneath the stroke of a rebel bullet upon the field of battle, gave his life as a token of his patriotism and de- votion. Orson B. lived on section 30 until about ten years ago, and then removed to Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he died a short time since. One of the foremost citizens of the town, if not the most prominent of all, was John Kenj'on, Jr., well known as Judge Kenyon, a title which he earned by virtue of having served as side judge of the county court. He came from Niles, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1S40, arriving here the 2d day of June, and settled on section t,^, wheie he had the year previous purchased of a Mr. Starks the 160 acres originally taken up by Isaac Degraff Upon his arrival here he at once assumed a prominent place among his fellow-townsmen, and was the ne.Kt spring elected supervisor of the town. He was frequently elected to office, holding the posi- tions of highway commissioner, justice of the peace, supervisor (seven terms), second or associate judge, Representative in the Legislature, and State Sen- ator, and in all deported himself creditably, and discharged the duties connected with thetii in a careful and conscientious manner. As a farmer he was successful ; as a business man able and energetic; and as a citizen public-spirited, upright, and honorable. Born of Quaker parentage, he inherited and acquired a respect and admiration for the principles of that sect, and though uncon- nected with any church organization remained a Friend in principle until his death, which occurred Nov. 12, 1874, at the age of si.xty-eight years. Thomas Love, from Monroe Co., N. Y., with a wife and five children, came to Tyrone in 1842, and lived for several years on a part of his brother James' farm. He afterwards purchased some land on the school section and lived there until 1S66, when he moved to Tawas, Iosco Co., where he is now living. One son, Jacob, still resides in Tyrone. Dexter Farnham was a native of New Hamp- shire, and with his wife and three children came to Tyrone from Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., in the fall of 1842, locating on section 17. He came to Grand Blanc from Pembroke, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1836. He died in this town in July, 1876, at the age of sixty-nine years, having survived his wife by about one year. One of his sons, Mar- cellus, lives in Ingham County, and four — Henry, Hiram, John, and Robertson — are ranked among the most thriving farmers and respected citizens of this town. TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 399 Amilo Gardner came from Herkimer Co., N. Y., in i85i,antl bought the David Austin farm at a sale uncier foreclosure of mortgage. He is still living on the i)lace, which has, by careful and thorough cultivation, becotiie one of the best farms of the town. In 1855-56, Mr. Gardner was ap- pointed as postmaster, and has served continu- ously in that position down to the present time, witli the exception of a period of about three months in 1S61. Of course, this does not by any means conclude the h'st of settlers, but it includes all about whom we have been able to learn any particulars. In this connection we also give a copy of the tax roll of 1844, — t'ls earliest one now in existence, — omitting the names of all except the resident tax- payers of the town in that year. This list gives tlie nan)es of the actual residents and property- holders at that time, showing the sections on which their property was located, the number of acres owned, and its valuation. The list is as follows : Names. Section. Alonzo Aytrs 4 Bradley Anjjiis 10 Nelson Ad.ims 12 Hiildah Auslin 4 William Auslin ig, 30 Daniel li. Auslin 30 John Agan 9, 30 Anson Austin 22 Ahrain Bailey 3*, 2,-!, .Sanfoul Bdlinjjs 11 William Heemer 4 Davi-,1 L. Babcock 19, 20 Joseph M. Beckei- 2S Dyer lieehe 27 David CoKvcll ,....4, 9 Caleb Cianslon 15 David E. Cianslon 15 Gilbcil D Cranston 15 Eli D.Cranston 15 James Carmer 21 Elijah Clough 7 William Carr 7 Eli Conklin 28 John Conncll 17 Eranklin Curtis 31 Jacob Chrispell 29 George Cornell 28 Henry A. Cornell 29,32, 33 Isaac Cornell 28, 29, 32 Almond Colton ^t, Humphrey Church 34 Porter Colton T,}, George Dilible 3 Dillis Dexter 18 Jasper Dood 32, 33 William Dawson 34 Peter .S. Dates 27 Dewitt Denton 2, II, 12 Uriah Knimons 13 Dexter Farnhani 17 Edward Fuller 31 JIugh Hamilton 3 Seih M. Howell II Edward Hopper 15 John B. Hamilton 9 Michael Haley 15 John W. HiatI 4, 5 Jaiiali Hillman 4, 5 Zachariah Hiatt 6 * Town 5 noiih, range 6 east. Acres. 80 80 160 10 100 ICX) 160 160 So 80 150 160 80 60 120 20 40 50 90 80 160 146 120 80 % 160 75 120 240 40 80 40 80 240 100 80 100 400 80 50 55 43 80 40 40 80 120 300 «73 Valuation. S206 200 320 20 260 320 340 330 260 160 340 440 440 "55 300 do 100 ■75 300 '75 600 416 340 170 25 440 290 455 950 80 180 110 242 550 200 270 274 680 160 118 1 10 87 160 100 80 200 300 1000 521 Names. Section. Washington Hoisington 6 Horatio V. Holmes 18 Charles Hooker 34 Lester Jennings 13 Joseph B. Jackson 8 John Kenyiin, Jr t,t, John I'. Kellogg 34 John Kinney 27 Myron Lovell 21 Solomon Lewis 31 James Love 27,28,33, 34 Thom.as Love 33 Edmond M. Marsh 2 David Murphy 12 Isaac Morton 18 James Murphy 19, 30 James McGuire 19 John McKeone 19 James McKeone 30 Fernando Mapes 31 JohnO'Neil 15 Linus Pratt 15 Mark Pratt 10 Collins J. Pines 20 Aaron Parks.*. 34 Amasa Parks 27 Philatha Parks 28 Daniel I). Kuny.m 3i 9i 1° F. F. Riggs 4 Hiram NL Rhodes 5 Lyman E. Rhodes 5 Peter Ru-sell. "ii^ 34 Harvey K. Stevens 7, I2f Isaac Seymour 7, 8 Stephen B. Street 17 John C. Salsbiiiy 26 William D. Snapp 27 C)rson B. .Stevens 30 Alonzo Slayton 27 William .S. Taylor 34 Isaac Wtilverlon 7 J. L. Wolverton , 7 John Westfall. Acres. Valuation 82 S210 40 So 40 85 40 100 157 500 160 520 160 680 40 85 240 5'0 100 280 163 526 40 80 160 300 80 160 120 360 80 220 55 1 8s 55 •65 40 134 36 72 80 200 80 220 40 90 40 80 40 80 20 52 40 104 321 700 172 575 80 224 80 240 200 508 112 270 6 12 160 400 160 410 So 230 So 200 240 720 16 60 71 200 157 474 160 360 10 30 20 45 960 2460 40 120 Auslin Wakeiiian 27 Carlton Wheeler Ty^t John A. WelN 26, 35 Alfred White 28 Total State and county tax $263.21 Township expenses 166.32 Township library 25.00 School tax. District No. 8 18000 Total S634.53 The settlement of all new countries is attended with about the same amount of hard and trying experiences, but the early settlers on these oak- opening lands did not have to endure the heavy toil, nor the tedious waiting, nor the painful priva- tions that settlers in a timbered country inevitably meet. Tliere was scarcely a farm in the town on which there was not some land that could be cul- tivated the first season, and made to yield a por- tion, at least, of the provision necessary for the sustenance of the family. Then, too, the miry roads through a trackless forest had not to be endured, for here the oaks grew well apart, and a wagon could be driven through the woods in any direc- tion with very little inconvenience. Mills and markets were, as a matter of course, at first liard to get at, and necessitated long and tedious jour- neys, occupying days and sometimes almost weeks f Town 4 north, range 6 east. 400 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. in their accomplishment. For general market most t)f the early settlers went to Detroit, — Pontiac, Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti being but small places, where but an indifferent and limited stock of goods was to be found. Pontiac and other places in Oakland County furnished milling accommoda- tions, and lumber was furnished by Clark Dibble's mill at Fenton, which was then known as Dibble- ville. In the line of wild fruits the settlers were well provided for. Apple-trees and a few other kinds of domestic fruits were procured at Ypsilanti, and set out, and in a few years began to yield an abun- dant supply of fruit. The Cornells and Joseph M. Becker set out orchards in 1837 or 1838, and most of the settlers followed their example as soon as they could conveniently do so. The first settlers depended upon oxen almost entirely for the performance of their team-work, as the marsh hay was not fit for food for horses, and there was no other hay to be had at first. The first horse brought into the town is said to have been an Indian pon\- which was owned by Isaac Cornell. The first death among the pioneers was that of Mrs. Isaac Cornell, which occurred in July, 1836. She was afflicted with goitre or tumor on her neck, which finally grew so bad as to necessitate a sur- gical operation for her relief, and while on the way to Ann Arbor, where the operation was to be performed, she became suddenly worse and expired. The first birth of a white child in Tyrone was that of George Love, which occurred on the loth of December, 1835. He was a son of James and Evelyn (Shipley) Love, and grew to manhood in this town. In 1856 he was killed by a falling tree, while engaged in working in a pinery north of Flint. It is not known who were the first couple mar- ried in Tyrone, for, at first, it seems to have been the practice of the would-be Benedicts to seek a life-partner from among the fair daughters of the neighboring town of Hartland. At least two of the earliest marriages of residents of this town were contracted in that manner, — George Cornell marrying Eliza Williams in the spring of 1836, and Alfred White marrying Nancy Bidleman in 1837-3S, both ceremonies being performed at the residences of the parents of the respective brides in Hartland. Game of all kinds was quite plentiful for several years after settlements were begun here, and the supplies of meat thus furnished formed a by no means small part of the pioneer's living. Most of the settlers were proficient with the rifle and spent a portion of their time in hunting None enjoyed this sport with greater zest" or prosecuted it with better success than William Dawson, and numer- ous tales of his prowess and adventures are re- lated. It was his habit to load his gun rather heavily, and it was said by one who had inadvert- ently been induced to discharge it, that it always kicked so that it left the shooter stunned for half an hour, and would, at a distance of ten yards, scatter over a space fifteen yards in width. It is hardly necessary to say that the piece which could do such execution in the rear was equally danger- ous at the muzzle, and that the deer at which it was aimed fell a victim to its shower of missiles. There were other wild animals in the forest be- sides the timid and harmless deer. Wolves were quite common, though never known to attack any person, and bears occasionally visited the open- ings, especially in the berry season. Among the peculiar experiences of the early settlers was that of the family of Henry Earned, now living in the town of Rose, Oakland Co. When they first came they found an Indian wig- wam standing on their land on section 12, and moving into it, made their home there until a log cabin was built for their use. CIVIL .'W'D POLITIC.aLL. In the winter of 1837-38 the citizens of town 4 north, of range 6 east, began to think of organiz- ing themselves into a separate town, and circulated a petition for that purpose, obtaining numerous signatures, and forwarded it to the Legislature. Before the petition was sent a meeting was appointed for the purpose of fi.xing upon a name for the pro- posed town. It was held at the house of Joseph B. Jackson, on section 8, and, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather (the snow being leg deep and a cold storm prevailing), was quite largely attended. William Dawson proposed the name of Ripley ; William D. Snapp preferred Owasco ; Jonathan L. Wolverton mentioned Tyrone; and some one else selected Wheatland ; all being taken from towns in New York in which the ones who proposed theni had formerly lived. The name of Tyrone was finally settled upon, and was ratified by the Legislature. It was taken from a town of that name in Schuyler Co., N. Y., which is said to have derived its name from county Tyrone, Ireland, from whence a number of its early settlers came. The earliest records of the township relations of Tyrone are found in the acts of the Legislature of 1835, when, by an act approved by the Governor, March 26, 1 835, it was attached to the town of High- land for purposes of township government, in con- TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 401 nection with all that part of the county of Living- ston then att.iched to the count)- of Oakland for judicial purposes. March 11, 1837, it was made a part of the town of Deerfield, and a year later was separately organized by the following act of tlie Legislature, which was approved by the Governor March 6, 1838, viz.: •' Si-.c. 10. — .'Vll that part of the county of I,ivinq;stoii (k-signateil in the United .Stales survey as township number four mirth, of ranye number six e:ist, l>e, and the same is, hereby set off and organized into a separate township hy tlie name of Tyrone; and the first township-meeting shall he held at the house of Eli KonUlin, in said lowiishi|>.'" In accordance with this act the first meeting was held at the regular time, the first Monday in April, at the house of K\i Conklin, a few rods west of the noith quarter-post, on section 28. Btit little is known regarding the circumstances surrounding and the incidents attending this meeting, but all passed off without any unusual event, and the business was conducted in a harmonious manner. The record of this meeting has been preserved and reads as follows: "The firsl Township-Meeting of Tyrone held at ConUliiTs. "At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Tyrone, for the purpose of Electing Township Officers for said Town, Joscjih 13. fackson was chosen Moderator, and Henry .-V. Cornell and Isaac Ayres was Chosen Clerks for said meeting />/o tern. The following persons were elected a^ town officers for said Town : Fin- .Supervisor, Joseph M. Becker h.iil 23 voles. For Township Clerk, Hiram M. Rhodes had 14 votes, and Joseph B. Jackson, Jr., had 13 votes. For Justices of the Peace, Isaac Cornell h.id 15 votes; Jonathan I,. Wolverton had 22 votes; Clark Dibble, 19; IJaniel Runynn, 6; Henry K. Cornell, 14; John C. -Salsbury, 26; Joseph B. Jackson, 5; Isiac Ayres, 2. Inspectors of Common Schools, K. F. Riggs had 10 votes; Isaac Cornell had 21 voles; Harvey R. Stevens, 27 votes; Clark Dibble, 19 voles; Nathaniel C. Austin, 6 votes. For Commissioners of Highways, Is.aac Ayres had 20 votes; William D. Snapp, 28 votes; George Cor- nell, 24 votes; Joseph M. Becker, 4 voles; Hugh R. Hogle, 4 votes. For Collector, Isaac Morion had 12 votes; Joseph B. Jackson, Jr., 17 votes. For Assessors, Henry A. Cornell, 21 votes; Frederick F. Riggs, 23 votes; Isaac Morton, 23 votes; Joseph M. Becker, 2 votes. For Constables, Joseph B. Jackson, Jr., 16 votes; Harvey R. Stevens, 16 votes; Isaac Morton, 9 votes; Washington Hoisington, 9 votes; Hiram M. Rhodes, [ vote, singular. For Directois of the Poor, Washington Hoising- ton, 26 votes; William D.iwson, 26 votes. " Josiini B. Jackson, Afoi/eralor. " Isaac Ayrics, 1 ,,. , " Hknry a. Corne;i,l, / " H. M. Rhodes, 7'ouiu Clerk. " VoleJ, by the Electors of Tyrone, that the next Annual Town- ship-meeting should hi held at Eli Cranson's, on section 15." The town-meetings and elections of Tyrone have been of a migratory character, traveling about from year to year to different parts of the town at the caprice of the voters at each preceding meet-, ing. In 1838 the town-meeting was held at Eli Conklin's, on section 28; in 1839 and 1840; at Eli D. Cranston's, on southwest quarter of section 15 ; 51 in 1841, at Run\an's tavern, on section 3 ; in 1842, at John WeslfalTs, southwest quarter of section 17; in 1843, at Stephen B. Street's, north part of same section; in 1844, at Runyan's tavern; in 1845, at the Love school-house, northeast corner of section 33; in 1846, at Aunt Kate's (Runyan's) tavern; in 1847, at the Love school-house; in 1848 and 1849, at Thomas Love's, near the school-house; in 1850, at David- E. Cranston's, near the west quarter-post of section 22; in 1851, at Alonzo Slayton's, northwest corner of section 27 ; in 1852, at Thomas Love's ; from 1853 to 1856, at Alonzo Slayton's, and in the last-named year the meeting was adjourned fiom that place to the Cranston school-house, on the southwest quarter of section 15, leaving Charles Colton at Mr. Slayton's to no- tify all persons of the place of adjournment; from 1856 to 1861, at the Cranston school-house; from 1862 to 1866, at the house of Amilo Gardner, near the east quarter-post of section 28 ; and since that time, — now a period of twelve years, — at the house of Saul Kinsman, three-quarters of a mile south of the centre of the town. As a tnatter of interest we here insert a list of names of officers of the town from its formation to the present, — a period of forty-two years. This list has been carefully prepared, after a thorough research of the township records, and may be re- lied upon as correct in all essential points. It is as follows : CIVIL LIST OF TYRONE. 1838. — Supervisor, Joseph M. Becker; Town Clerk, Hiram M. Rhodes; Collector, Joseph B. Jackson, Jr. ; Justices of the Peace, Jonathan L. Wolverlon (one year), Clark Dib- ble (two years), Isaac Cornell (three years), John C. Salsbury (four years) ; Assessors, Henry A. Cornell, Fred- erick F. Riggs, Isaac Morion ; School Inspectors, Isaac Cornell, Harvey R. Stevens, Clark Dibble. 1839 — Supervisor, Joseph M. Becker; Town Clerk, Dillis Dexter; Collector, Lyman Curtis; Treasurer, Henry A. Cornell; Justice of the Peace, Jonathan L. Wolverton ; Assessors, Frederick F. Riggs, Eli D. Cranston, Alfred White; School Inspectors, Nathaniel C. Austin, Hiram M. Rhodes, Isaac Cornell. 1840. — Sui>ervisor, Lyman E. Rhodes; Town Clerk, Hiram M. Rhodes; Collector, Lyman Curtis; Treasurer, Daniel D. Runyan; Justice of the Peace, Clark Dibble; As- sessors, Isaac Morton, Frederick F. Riggs, Nathaniel C. Austin; School Inspectors, Nathaniel C. Austin, Charles T. Crane, H. .M. Rhodes. 1841. — Supervisor, Henry A. Cornell; Town Clerk, Charles T. Crane; C'dlector, Peter Russell; Treasurer, Daniel D. Runyan; Justice of the Peace, John Kenyon; Assessors, Wilks L. Stewart, Sanford Billings, Eli D. Cranston; School Inspectors, Charles T. Crane, Orson P. Stevens, Dillis Dexter. 1842. — Supervisor, Lyman E. Rhodes; Town Clerk, Charles T. Crane; Treasurer, Henry A. Cornell; Justice of the Peace,* John C. Salsbury; Assessors, Wilks L. Stewart, * In June, 1842, Clark Dibble died, and on the 13th of July Frederick F. Riggs was elected justice of the peace, to fill the va- cancy ihus created. 402 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Isaac Morton ; School Inspectors, Harvey R. Stevens, Charles T. Crane, Orson B. Stevens. 1843. — Supervisor, Alonzo Slayton ; Town Clerk, Hiram M. Rhodes; Treasurer, Henry A. Cornell; Justice of tlie Peace, Jonathan L. Wolverton; Assessors, Sanford Bil- lings, Wilks L. Stewart; School Inspectors, Orson B. Stevens, Harvey R. Stevens, Sanford Billings. 1S44. — Supervisor, Alonzo Slayton ; Town Clerk, Hiram M. Rhodes; Treasurer, Henry A. Cornell; Justice of the Peace, I>yman E. Rhodes ; School Inspector, Harvey R. Stevens. 1845. — .Supervisor, Jirah Hillnian ; Town Clerk, Dillis Dexter; Treasurer, Henry A. Cornell ; Justice of the Peace, Isaac Cornell; Assessors, Elijah Clough, Stephen B. Street; School Inspectors, John B. Hamilton, James McGuire. 1S46. — Supervisor, John Kenyon, Jr. ; Town Clerk, Sanford Bil- lings; Treasurer, Henry A. Cornell; Justice of the Peace, John C. Salsbury; School Inspector, David E. Cranston. 1847. — .Supervisor, Austin Wakeman; Town Clerk, Dillis Dexter; Treasurer, Heniy A. Cornell;* Justices of the Peace, Hiram M. Rhodes (full term), Isaac Ayres (vacancy); School Inspectors, Hiram M. Rhodes (one year), John B. Hamilton (two years). 1S4S. — Supervisor, John Kenyon, Jr. ; Town Clerk, DeWitt Den- ton ; Treasurer, Charles Blackinton ; Justices of the Peace, Hiram M. Rhodes (full term), Joseph B. Jackson (long vacancy), Frederick F. Riggs (short vacancy); School Inspectors, Hiram M. Rhodes (full term), Har- vey R. Stevens (vacancy). 1849. — Supervisor, Austin Wakeman ; Town Clerk, Dillis Dex- ter; Treasurer, Charles Blackinton; Justices of the Peace, Isaac Cornell (full term), Robert Fislier (va- cancy) ; School Inspector, Herman I. Cranston. 1850. — Supervisor, John C. Salsliury ; Town Clerk, M. W. Gard- ner; Treasurer, Palmer B. Cranston; Justices of the Peace, Frederick F. Rrggs (full term), Peter Russell (vacancy); School Inspector, David E. Cranston. 1 85 1. —Supervisor, John C. Salsbury; Town Clerk, M. W. Gard- ner; Treasurer, Pahner B. Cranston; Justice of the Peace, John W. Ingram; School Ins|iector, Herman I. Cranston. 1852. — Supervisor, John Kenyon, Jr. ; Town Clerk, M. W. Gard- nei ; Treasurer, Palmer B. Cranston ; Justices of the Peace, Peter Russell (full term), John C. Salsbury (va- cancy) ; School Inspector, D. V. Van Syckle. 1853.— Supervisor, John Kenyon, Jr. ; Town Clerk, M W. Gardi- ner ; Treasurer, Palmer B. Cranston ; Justices of the Peace, Alonzo Slayton (full term), Peter Russell (va- cancy) ; School Inspector, Harvey R. Stevens.f 1854.— Supervisor, John Kenyon, Jr ; Town Clerk, George I,e- roy ; J Treasurer, Palmer B. Cranston ; Justice of the Peace, Frederick F. Riggs; School Inspector, M. C. Chase. 1855.— Supervisor, John W. Ingram; Town Clerk, David E. Cranston ; Treasurer, Palmer B. Cranston ; Justices of * In the winter of 1847-48, Henry A. Cornell died, and on the 24th of February the Town Board appointed Amos Dexter to the office of treasurer, for the unexpired term. On the iith of Sep- tember a special meeting was held to elect two justices of the peace to fill vacancies, and Frederick F. Riggs and Dillis Dexter were elected. t On the 2 1st of June, De Witt Denton was appointed by the Town Board to the office of school inspector, to fill the vacancy of p. V. Van Syckle. + Qeorge Leroy removed from the town and M. C. Chase died, leaving vacancies in the othces of town clerk and school inspector. Frederick F. Riggs and Amilo Gardner were apjjointed to the respective offices. the Peace, John C. Salsbury (full term), Elijah Clough (vacancy); School Inspectors, J. I. Hosmer (full term), William Thompson, Jr. (vacancy). 1S56. — Supervisor, John W. Ingram; Town Clerk, David E. Cranvtun ; Treasurer, Josiah C. Whalen ; Justices of the Peace, De Wilt Denton (full term), Austin Wakeman (three years), Elijah Clough (two years) ; School In- spector, Sanford Billings.^ 1857. — Supervisor, John W. Ingram; Town Clerk, Herman I. Cranston ; Treasurer, Josiah C. Whalen ; Justices of the Peace, Richard Marvin (full term), Stephen B. Street (three years), Jarvis C. Rogers (two years) ; School In- spectors, De Witt Denton (full term), William Thompson (vacancy). 1S5S. — .Supervisor, John C. Salsbury; Town Clerk, Orlando Top- ping; Treasurer, Peter Russell; Justices of the Peace, Frederick F. Riggs (full term), Francis Drunimond (vacancy); School Inspectors, Darius A. Smiih, Donald V. Van Syckle. 1859 — Supervisor, Austin Wakeman; Town Clerk, Herman 1. Cranston; Treasurer, Daniel Adams; Justices of the Peace, John R. Walker (full term), Chester A. I'restnn (long vacancy), RufusZ. Smilii (short vacancy); Schiml Inspector, Rufus Z. Smith. i860. — Supervisor, De Witt Denton; Tmvn Clerk, Jepiha C. Car- mer ; Treasurer, Daniel Adams;]] Justices of the Peace, Josiah C. Whalen (full term), Rufus Z. Smith (vacancy) ; School Inspector, Harvey R. Stevens. 1S61. — Supervisor, De Wilt Denton; Town Clerk, Jeptha Car- mer ; Treasurer, Alonzo May ; Justices of the Peace, John W. Ingram (full term), John Kenyon (vacancy); School Inspector, O^car G. Jayne. 1862. — Supervisor, David G. Colwell ; Town Clerk, Mortimer D. Gardner; Treasurer, Alcmzo May ; Justice of the Peace, Frederick F. Riggs; School Inspector, Geo. G. Perry. 1863. — Supervisor, David G. Colwell; Town Clerk, Mortimer D. Gardner; Treasurer, Frederick Fredenburgh ; Justice of the Peace, Isaac Cornell; School Inspector, Franklin B. Riggs. 1864. — Supervisor, David G. Colwell ; Town Clerk, William D. Gardner; Treasurer, Frederick Fredenburgh ; Justice of the Peace, Peter Russell ; School Inspector, John A. Sober^ (full term), Samuel H. Ellinwood (vacancy). 1865. — Supervisor, Austin Wakeman;** Town Clerk, Mortimer D.Gardner; Treasurer, Sealor Dedrick ; Justices of the Peace, William Beemer (full term), Isaac Morton (va- cancy) ; School Inspectors, Martin C. Cranston (full term), George G. Perry (vacancy). 1866. — Supervisor, John Kenyon; Town Clerk, Palmer B. Crans- ton; Treasurer, John C. Runyan ; Justices of the Peace, John C. Salsbury (full term), Knowlton B. Nye (va- cancy) ; School Inspector, Mortimer D. Gardner. -f-j- 1867. — Supervisor, De Witt Denton; Town Clerk, Jeptha C. Car- mer; Treasurer, Alonzo E. Gardner; Justice of the Peace, John W. Ingr.am; School Inspector, George G. Perry. § Sanford Billings died, leaving a vacancy in the office of school inspector, which was filled October 11, by the appointment of De Witt Denton. ]| Daniel Adams resigned the office of treasurer, and on the 19th of February, 1861, Thomas Fletcher was appointed to fill the vacancy. ^ Resigned, and George G. Perry aiipointed. ** Removed from the town, and John Kenyon appointed to fill the vacancy. ff During the year John C. Runyan, Treasurer, and Martin C. Cranston, School Inspector, resigned their respective offices, and Alonzo E. Gardner was appointed treasurer, and George G. Perry school inspector, to fill the vacancies. TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 403 Supervisor, De Wilt Denton ; Town Clerk, John T. Car- mer; Treasurer, David E. Cranston; Jusilce of ihc Peace, Peter Russell; School Inspector, Moriimcr D. Gardner. Supervisor, De Witt Demon; Town Clerk, John T. Carmcr; Treasurer, David O. Cranston ; Justice of the Peace, William Beemer (full term), John Kenyon (vacancy) ; School Inspector, Darius A. Smith. Supervisor, John T. Carmer; Town Clerk, Saul Kinsman; Treasurer, William Pearson ; Justice of (he Peace, John C. Salsbury ; School Inspector, George G. Perry. Supervisor, Elihu Wail; Town Clerk, James M. Fikes; Treasurer, William Pearson ; justice of the Peace, John Sackner; School Inspector, Mortimer D. Gardner (full term), Darius A. Smith (vacancy).* Supervisor, John T. Carmer; Town Clerk, James M. Fikes ; Treasurer, Peter J. Becker ; Justice of the Peace, John W. Ingram ; Drain Commissioner, De Witt Denton; School Inspector, George G. Perry. Supervisor, James M. Fikes; Town Clerk, Robert J. Petty; Tieasurer, Frederick Fredenburgh ; Justices of the Peace, Charles Scribner (full term), Elilui Wait (vacancy); Drain Commissioner, De Wilt Denton ; Scliool Inspector, Jeplha C. Carmer. Supervisor, John T. Carmer; Town Clerk, J. Clark Car- mer; Treasurer, Frederick Fredenburgh; Justices of the Peace, John H. Bri-tol (full term), George Hogan (va- cancy) ; Drain Commissioner, Richard Seaton ; .School Inspector,j Fred C. Wood. Supervisor, John T. Carmer; J Town Clcik, John W. .Vrch- bold ; Treasurer, M.itihew Tuma ; Jusiices of the Peace, John Sackner; Drain Commissioner, Edward Williams; School Superintendent, Henry J. Hoffman; School In- spector, Darius A. Smith. Supervisor, John Sackner ; Town Clerk, John W. Arch- bold ; Treasurer, Maltliew Tuma ; Ju-tice of the Peace, George G. Perry; Drain Commissioner (for two years), Butler S Tubbs; School Superintendent, Fred. C. Wood; School Inspector, James B. Murphy. Supervisor, John Sackner; Town Clerk, J. R. Gardner; Treasurer, William P. Carmer; Justice of the Peace, John T. Carmer; School Superintendent, Fred. C. Wood; School Inspector, James B. Murphy. Supervisor, John T. Carmer; Town Clerk, J. R. Gardner; Treasurer, William P. Carmer; Jusiices of the Peace, Elihu Wait (full term), H. B. Street (vacancy) ; Drain Commissioner (for two years), Butler S. Tubbs; Sch^iol Superintendent, Robert D. Lemon ; School Inspector, Orlando B. Topping. Supervisor, John T. Carmer; Town Clerk,- John W. Arch- bold ; Treasurer, Edward H. Dickerman ; Justices of the Peace, Dennis McCarthy (full term), Darius A. Smith (long vacancy), John Foley (short vacancy); School Superintendent, Robert D. Lemon; School In- -spector, Valentine McGuire. The first juror list was prepared May 20, 1839, and contained the names of eiglit persons, as fol- lows : Isaac Cornell, Henry A. Cornell, Geoige Cornell, William Dawson, John C. Salsbury, * Jeptha C. Carmer appointed. + J. C. Carmcr resigned the office of school inspector, and B. C. Wait was appointed, April 7, to fill the vacancy. J Mr. Carmcr being unable by reason of sickness to perform the duties of his office for a time, the Town Board on the 201I1 of April appointed John Sackner to serve till Mr. Carmer should recover. 1868.- 1869.- 1870.- 1871- 1872.— 1873.-: 1874.- 1S75.- 1876.- 1877.- 1878.—; 1S79. Joseph M. Becker, Nathaniel C. Austin, and Jo- seph Belles. The first record of an estray was the following: " A .Stray Horse taken up by Edward Fuller, December the 19th, 1838. Description: A dark Bey, Black Mane and Tail, two years ol00 each, bearing interest at 7 per cent., and becoming due Feb. i, 1865; Sept. i, 1864, 12 bonds of a similar character, due Feb. i, 1866; and Jan. 16, 1865, 14 bonds, due Feb. i, 1867 ; making a total of ;S4300. Several physicians have resided in Tyrone at different times, most of them at Parshallville. Among them were Dr. Daniel V. Van Syckle, now living in Tennessee; Dr. Drummond, now of La- peer; Dr. Matthews, and Dr. Steele. Another — Dr. Ryker, now of Fenton — lived several years in the north part of the town. SOCIETIES. At. the time when the Red Ribbon movement swept over the State the wave reached this town, and aroused to activity those who had been rather negligent regarding the matter of pressing forward the car of reform. Through the efforts of Professor C. L. Van Dorn, of Fenton, principal of the Baptist Seminary at that place, the Tyrone Centre Reform Club was organized about the 15th of June, 1877, with a membership of 75. The first officers were as follows: President, Amos Wolverton ; Vice- Presidents, Eugene Bly and Mrs. Lodema Arch- bold ; Secretary, George Hoffman; Treasurer, Frank Corey. These officers have been re-elected and are still serving. The club meets every other Tuesday evening, and has been quite prosperous, having reached a membership of 150. The Wolverton Club was formed at about the same time, at the Wolverton school-house, with a goodly number of members and the following officers: President, I'red. C. Wood; Vice-Presi- dents, John H. Co.x, Orlando Topping; Secretar)', Mrs. Linda Doolittle; Treasurer, Hiram Farnham. It had but a short existence, as, owing to its failure to receive the support to which it was entitled at the hands of the temperance community, it lived only a couple of months, and was then broken up. A third club, the Grove House Reform Club, organized in District No. I, in May, 1878, occupied the field left vacant by the disruption of the Wolver- ton Club. It had a membership of about 75, which has been increased to a present active membership of about !00. Its meetings are held fortnightly on Tuesday evenings, alternating with those of the Tyrone Centre Club. The first officers were La- fayette Thompson, President ; Frank Sissons, Mi- chael Kelleher, Daniel Stimson, Vice-Presidents ; Lina Stimson, Secretary; Joseph Mount, Treas- urer. The officers are elected quarterly, and the present ones are as follows: President, Fred. C. Wood ; Vice-Presidents, Frank Sissons, Daniel Berry, H. P. Van Wagoner; Secretary, Ida Sissons; Treasurer, Lina Stimson. KINSMAN'S CORNET BAND. This band, which has earned a splendid reputa- tion, and proved it.sclf one of the best in this part of the State, was first organized in June, 1871. Mr. Kinsman's family were gifted with considera- ble musical talent, and though most of his children were daughters, they learned to play as well as the members of the se.x who are generally allowed to monopolize the playing of band music. The band as first organized consisted of nine members, seven of whom were members of one family. Their names were Saul Kinsman, leailer, William, Floyd 4o8 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Mary, Emma, Helen, and Jennie Kinsman, A. R. and J. R. Gardner. They played together for sev- eral years, and became quite famous, both on ac- count of the unusual presence of ladies and because of their really fine playing. On account of changes hi the family relations of some of the members, the band was dissolved, and in March, 1878, was reorganized with twelve members, as it still re- mains. These twelve persons are as follows: Mortimer D. Gardner, president; Saul Kinsman, leader, and E-flat clarionet ; A. R. Gardner, secre- tary, treasurer, and first B-flat cornet; J. R. Gard- ner, tuba ; Amilo Gardner, second B-flat cornet ; William Kinsman, baritone; Floyd Kinsman, first E-flat cornet; John Slaj'ton, first B-flat tenor; Cleman Kelly, first E-flat alto ; Fred. Wright, sec- ond A-flat alto; Perry Shook, bass-drum ; Calvin Gostello, side-drum. Since its reorganization it has sustained its former reputation, and wherever it has appeared in public has won applause and praise from the people and the press. CEMETERIES. There are three cemeteries in Tyrone, all of them owned and cared for by the town. The order in which they were bought is not known to the writer, but it seems probable that the first one would have been that known as the Tyrone Centre burying-ground, located on the north part of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 27, opposite the Methodist church. It contains one acre of ground, which was purchased of Peter Dates for the sum of §8. It is pleasantly situated, and contains many graves, some of them marked with elegant marble headstones. The Colwell burying-ground is located on the south side of the Shiawassee road on the south- west quarter of section 4. It contains one acre of ground which was purchased of David Colwell and Isaac Ayres, one-half from each, in 1S41. The first burial hare was that of Olive J. Colwell, aged eleven years, a daughter of David Colwell. She was buried in 1 84 1. The other burying-ground is known as the Wol- verton burying-ground. It is located on the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of sec- tion 8. It was formerly a part of the Jackson farm, and was given by Mr. Jackson to Rev. Isaac Seaman, a Protestant Methodist local preacher, who came here to find a home. He afterwards sold it to Elijah Clough, who sold it to the town, about thirty-five years ago, for a burial-ground. Previously a [)iece of ground near the Wolverton school-house had been bought, and several inter- ments made in it, but it was found to be unfit for the purpose, and so the site was changed, and the remains of those buried there were removed to the new ground. Among those thus taken up were a Mrs. Thomas, John Co.k, and others. The first death in the vicinity was that of Mary Dexter, a daughter of Amos De.Kter, who was buried on her father's farm till the new ground was bought, when her remains were moved and reinterred in it. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. The first religious meetings in this town were held under the auspices of that pushing, active, and zealous denomination called Methodist Episcopals. Hardly had the first strokes of the settler's axe awoke the ringing echoes of the startled forest, and scarcely had the column of dark smoke first risen from the stick chimney of the settler's rude log cabin, ere the form of the circuit rider appeared on the scene, anxious to lay the foundation for a future tower of the temple of the Master's king- dom. As early as the summer of 1836 one of these devoted men appeared in Tyrone. This was Rev. Washington Jackson, a missionary, traveling at will through this part of the State. He came to the house of George Cornell, and preached there the first sermon delivered in the town. Not long after, regular meetings being desired, a young man in Hartland, who afterwards became well known as a preacher in this region, — Rev. J. G. Horton, — was invited to come and preach. He was then simply a local preacher or exhorter, and felt so much diffidence at this, liis first attempt at preaching, that the appointment was not given out until the Saturday before the day set, in order that the news might not reach his neighbors and thus insure him an audience of strangers before whom to test his talent as a preacher. Rev. John Cosart also preached here at an early day. The first meetings were all held at George Cornell's until the school-house was built, when they were held there. At that school-house the first class was formed in 1836 by Rev. Washington Jackson, and was known as the CORNELL CLASS. It had but five members, — George and t^lizabeth Cornell, Jacob Chrispell and wife, and Eli Conklin. Mr. Cornell was chosen or appointed class-leader, and the first Methodist Church in Tyrone was commenced. The class grew in numbers as the years rolled along, and continued to hold its meet- ings at the school-house until the appointment was taken up some twelve or fifteen years ago, and the class was transferred to Parshallville. At this point the history of this class in connection with the town of Tyrone ends, but it may not be con- sidered out of place to briefly continue it down to TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 409 the present time, as it is an outgrowth of the town, though not now exactly within its limits. Since its removal to Parshallville the class has grown largely in numbers, and has built a fine brick church and purchased a parsonage. George Cor- nell, the present class-leader, has held that honor- able position upwards of thirty-five years. At first the class was connected with the Farm- ington circuit, but was soon changed, and has been successively an appointment on each of the follow- ing circuits: Milford, Highland, White Lake, Rose, Fenton, Hartland, Byron, and Linden. In 1875 it was made the headquarters of a new circuit, called Parshallville circuit, and is still continued as an appointment on that circuit. The following list of pastors, taken mostly from memory, as was necessary in the absence of any written record, is very likely to be somewhat im- perfect. The names are given as nearly as may be in the order of their service, and are as follows : Revs. Washington Jackson, John Cosart, Baker, Bennett, J. G. Horton, Benjamin H. Hedger, Orrin Whitmore, Lyman Dean, Alfred Allen, James R. Cordon, Alexander Gee, B. H. Wightman, James H. Curnalia, James H. Caster, Joseph W. Holt, William H. Benton, O. H. P. Green, Thomas Seeley, Robert C. Lanning, Thomas J. Joslin, Charles L. Church, Henry W. Hicks, Andrew J. Richards, James Balls, Orlando Sanborn, William Birdsall, Edwin Daw, Orlando Sanborn. The latter was appointed by the Conference of 1879. THE WOLVERTON CLASS. This was the second class in the town, and was organized about forty years ago (1839), with Jona- than L. Wolvcrton as class-leader and steward. It then had about a dozen members, which in- creased quite rapidly till it once reached upwards of 30. At the present time the number of mem- bers is about 20. Among the earliest members were Jonathan L. and Hannah Wolverton, Robert McGarry, and Dexter Farnham. Since its formation the class has maintained reg- ular fortnightly services at the school-house. The pastors who have preached here came from the different circuits to which the class has been at- tached at different times, including in the list Fen- ton, Highland, Hartland, Groveland, and Parshall- ville, and for one year was supplied from Oak- Grove. Though not able to give a full list of the pastors, we mention those who we know served at some time, though perhaps not in the regular order of their service. They are as follows : Revs. Al- fred Allen, Richard Kerr, Joseph W. Holt. E. West- lake, R. Campbell, James H. Caster, William Bux- ton, Charles Simpson, E. Clough, Brown, 52 Worcester, William A. Blades, Giles Belknap, and, since 1874, the preachers on Parshallville circuit, as before given. Hiram Farnham is the present class-leader and steward. A Sabbath-school has been connected with the church for many years. It was organized first as many as thirty-five years ago as an undenomina- tional school, under the superintendency of John Knox. Soon after it was reorganized as a Meth- odist school, and Dexter Farnham was elected as its first superintendent. It had a large field to occupy, and at one time numbered 40 or 50 schol- ars. During the past summer (1879) the average attendance has been about 20. The present super- intendent is Wesley Barnum, and Hiram Farnham is the assistant. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOP.A.L CHURCH OF TYRO.NE. This church sprung from the third class organ- ized in this town about thirty-five years ago, at the Cranston school-house, and was called the Crans- ton or Tyrone Centre Class. The first class-leader was David E. Cranston. Among the first mem- bers were Caleb, Gilbert, and David Cranston, and J. N. Barnes, and probably other members of their families. In all, the class then numbered about a dozen members. Its meetings were held regularly at the Tyrone Centre school-house for many years, and the class grew to be the strongest in the town. It had other points at which occasional services were held, generally at school-hou.ses in the re- spective localities. At one of these a class was formed, and an appointment kept up for several years ; it was called the Germany or East Tyrone Class, and held its meetings in the school-house in District No. 9. John C. Salsbury was the first class- leader. It was organized in i86g, and the appointment was taken up and the class merged in the Tyrone Centre Class in 1878. The circuit relations of the different classes have been very much mixed, and it is almost impossible to tell with any approach to accuracy who have been the pastors of any particular class. The fol- lowing list embraces the names of those ministers whom we suppose to have held the pastoral rela- tion to what is now the First Methodist Episcopal Church. It is as follows : Revs. Alfred Allen, Jo- seph W. Holt, Eli Westlake, William A. Blades, Giles N. Belknap, Alfred Allen, Browne, Wells (or Wales), B. H. Wightman, J. Harvey Caster, Thomas Wilkinson, Benjamin H. Hedger, Curtis Mosher, Cross, Thomas Seeley, J. Kil- patrick, William H. Benton, Charles L. Church, James R. Cordon, Joseph W. Holt, O. H. P. Green, 4IO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. James H. Curnalia, J. Kilpatrick, Charles Simpson, Andrew J. Richards, William Buxton, Richard Kerr, Eli Westlake, W. W. Washburn, Hitch- cock, James Balls, Orlando Sanborn, William Birdsall, Edwin Daw, and Orlando Sanborn, the present pastor. The class has been connected with Fenton, Highland, Hartland, Traphagen, and Parshallville circuits. In 1874 it was decided to build a church, and at a quarterly meeting of the circuit, held at Deerfield Centre on the 29th of October, the following trus- tees — proposed by Rev. James Balls, preacher in charge — were elected : John C. Salsbury, William Shook, J. B. Cramer, Peter Becker, and W. D. Gardner. There was considerable difference of opinion regarding the location of the site of the new church, a large share of the members pre- ferring a site near the centre of the town, while others wanted it farther south. It was finally de- cided to build upon section 28, opposite the bury- ing-ground, where Amilo Gardner offered an acre of ground for a church-site. In the spring of 1876 work was begun on the church, — Albert Kenyon being the carpenter in charge of the job, — and it was rapidly pushed to completion, being ready for occupancy in August. It is 32 by 50 feet, tastily designed and well constructed, and cost, including furnishing, about JS2500. It was dedicated in August, 1876, by the pastor, Rev. O. Sanborn, assisted by Rev. E. E. Caster, of Saginaw. The present membership is about 50, and the officers are: John C. Salsbury, Class-leader; Peter Becker and William Shook, Stewards; John C. Salsbury, William Shook, J. B. Cramer, Peter Becker, W. D. Gardner, Daniel Betts, and Heman Gillett, Trustees. The Sabbath-school was first organized about 1840, at the Cranston school-house, as a union school. It was soon changed to a Methodist school, and when the church was built was reorgan- ized there with William Shook as the superinten- dent. He is also the present one. The other offi- cers are: Henry A. Cornell, Secretary; P. J. Becker, Treasurer. The school has a good library of 75 or 80 volumes, and a membership of about 75 scholars. Two other Methodist Sunday-schools have been started in Tyrone. The one at the Love school- house, about twenty-one years ago, with John C. Salsbury as superintendent, lasted only a couple of years. The other was organized several years ago at the No. 9 school-house, with the same gentle- man acting as superintendent. It is still in exist- ence, and George G. Perry is the superintendent. At the time when the East Tyrone class was broken up, in the fall of 1878, Rev. S. A. Nor- throp, the Baptist minister of Fenton, began preach- ing at the school-house in District No. 9, once in two weeks. These services have been kept up since that time with gratifying success. A four weeks' series of nightly meetings was held in Feb- ruary and March, 1879, and resulted in the con- version of 20 or more persons. It is now in- tended to organize a church there in the spring of 1880. THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. This sect of Christians once had a church in this town which disappeared many years ago, although some of its members still remain residents of this town. The first step which led to the organization of this church was the coming of Rev. Charles C. Foote, in the spring of 1850. He was a recent graduate of Oberlin College, and a very ardent and zealous worker. He instituted a series of meetings at the Love school-house, at the close of which he organized a union church with a mem- bership of 13 persons. This church lingered along a few years, but became somewhat reduced in numbers and interest. Just at this time, about 1856-57, Rev. Mr. Seymour and his wife, from Ohio, came and held a series of meetings and preached the Advent doctrines to the people. These meetings were successful in reviving the spiritual ardor of the attendants upon them ; but no steps were taken to organize a church. About a year and a half later, Rev. James White and wife came and held a two days' meeting in William Dawson's barn, which still further advanced the cause and aroused new interest in the peculiar doctrines of the Adventists. The field being thus thoroughly prepared. Rev. John N. Loughborough came and organized a church with about 15 members. Among them were Jacob Chrispell, John P. Kellogg, William and Maria Lockwood, Elkanah and Arvilla Stone, William and Henrietta Dawson, and several others. Officers were chosen soon after, and William Lockwood was elected as the first elder, and Mr. Jones as the first deacon, of the church. The meetings were kept up at the Cornell school- house with considerable regularity for seven or eight years, during which time the society was known as " The Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Tyrone," and then it was moved to Holly, where it now is. The discipline of the sect does not recognize the establishing of pastoral relations between the ministers and churches of the sect, so that no list of preachers is to be had. Among those who TYRONE TOWNSHIP. 411 have preached here are Revs. Bates, James White, J. N. Loughborough, and Merritt Cornell, a son of Isaac Cornell, who has been a minister of the denomination for twentj'-fivc years. l-IRST CONC.RliG.VriON.\L 1 Ill'KClI 1 20 " Friend Burt, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 13, 1836 80 Preston H. Smith, M.adison Co., N Y., June 20, 1S36 80 Nelson .\. Smith, M.idison Co., N. Y., Juue 20, 1836 80 SECTION 28. William P. Finch, Saratoga Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836 240 David .S. Ireland,* Monroe Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836 320 Rhoda Davis, Washtenaw Co., Mich , May 30, 1836 80 SECTION 29. William Pike,* Monroe Co., N. Y., May 21, 1836 80 Austin Delano, Livingston Co., N Y., June 3, 1836 80 Robert Sowders,* Livingston Co., N. Y., June 4, 1836.... 80 Montgomery P. Adams,* Madison Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1836 So SECTION 30. Margaret Cooper,* Madison Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1836 40 Dennis Murphy, Wayne Co., Mich , Nov. 26, 1S36 62.72 SECTION 31. Joseph Hosley,* Wayne Co., Mich., June I, Sept. 23, and Nov. 14, 1S36 411.40 SECTION 32. James Miller, Oakland Co., Mich., April i, 1836 160 Hairy II. Neflf, of this county, June n, 1S36 40 John Crnm, Erie Co., N. Y., June 28, 1836 120 Dennis J. Rockwell, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1S36 160 David F. Rockwell, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 27, 1836 SECTION 33. Ezel Merrill, Oakland Co., Mich., May 2, 1836 40 Stephen C. G.iff, Wayne Co., Mich., May 11, 1836 160 George Faussett,* Seneca Co.. N. Y., May 12, 1836 80 Henry Faussett,* Seneca Co , N. Y., May 12, 1S36 So Thomas Faussett,* Seneca Co., N. Y., May 12, 1836 160 Benjamin Merrill,* Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 23, 1836 40 Hiiam Merrill,* .May 3', 1837 80 SECTION 34. Henry Lown,* Genesee Co., N. Y., April 18, 1836 160 Michael Bennett,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 4, 1836.. 320 Richard 11. Canifi', New York City, Aug. 4, 1836 160 SECTION 35. William Payne,* Washtenaw Co., Mich,, May 16, 1836... 80 John Van Tuyl, W.ishlenaw Co., Mich., May 27, 1836 So Hugh Gilshenan, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 4, 1836... 160 Electa A. Hedden, of this county, Sept. 24, 1836 80 SECTION 36. Thales Deane,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 11, 1836 So John Winter, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 3, 1836 80 In the foregoing, the names of those who are known to have bcconie actual residents of the town are distinguished by a (*). In most cases considerable time intervened between the date of entry and the date of settlement. And in some instances this space was lengthened into montlis and years. As will be seen, by any one whose curiosity prompts them to carefully examine the list, there is still some land that has never been purchased from the government. Thi.s embraces what might well be termed submarine farms, as it is mostly, if 4i8 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. not entirely, composed of the bottoms of the lakes, with perhaps a little strip of the bordering marshes. The total amount of land thus left unoccupied is 479 acres and a fraction, and is distributed as fol- lows: on section l, 79.4 acres; on section 2,40.01 acres; on section 8, 40 acres; on section 15,40 acres; and on section 17, 280 acres. SETTLEMENT. We of the present generation are wont to pay but little heed to the generations that have pre- ceded us along the pathway of life. In the rush and whirl of active life, the past, with its people, their wants and wishes, hopes and dreams, fears and troubles, joys and sorrows, are forgotten and ignored. And yet it is always well to look back upon the pathway of the world's progress, study the events and e.xperiences of the past, with a view to seeing their logical results, and thus to profit by what others have learned only through trial and suffering. Turn back upon the footsteps of time but little more than one generation and mark the contrast presented by this part of our land. Here was a vast wilderness, unpeopled save by wild beasts and savages, with beautiful openings and impenetrable forests mingled together in a seenn'ngly endless succession, with thousands of beautiful, placid lakes hid in the bosom of the forest, and smooth- gliding streams, running stealthily along, with the forest trees frowning darkly upon their own re- flected forms. And this had been the inheritance of a people rude and uncultured, but having all the attributes of the race which, by its reason and conscience, was made fit for the position assigned it by the Creator's fiat, as ruler over all the earth. These aborigines have passed away, leaving their loved hunting-grounds to become fertile and fruit- ful farms, and we scarcely give their memories a passing thought. We know that they existed, and occasionally have the fact recalled to mind by the discovery of some relic that the plow brings forth from its earthy hiding-place, but we take no pains to perpetuate their memories or preserve their his- tories. Will the future inhabitants of this conti- nent in ages to come be as careless and indifferent regarding us ? Though Deerfield was in man)' respects an ex- cellent hunting-ground, and was, therefore, fre- quently visited by roving bands of Indians, it was not the site of any of their villages. The only Indian who resided here was an old chief who bore the name of Portabeek, and had a habitation, half-wigwam, half-shanty, upon the west bank of the Yellow River, near Indian Lake. There he lived with his old squaw and a widowed daughter, who had two or three children. He was of fine appearance, unusual size, and possessing more than the usual amount of intelligence. He was of a jovial disposition, thoroughly honest and reliable, and always lived on the best of terms both with his red brethren and pale-faced neighbors. For some five or six years after the advent of the white settlers he continued to reside in his cabin, hunting, fishing, and trafficking with the pioneers, and then the family in some way became broken up, and Portabeek and his wife commenced a roving life, that lasted till the Great Spirit called them to the happy hunting-grounds. After his wife died he rambled about in his loneliness, spending most of his time in Tyrone, where he died; but the event was looked upon as of so little importance that neither the time of his death nor the place of his burial can now be learned. The first white settler of Deerfield came to reside here in 1834, and his famil\- was for a year or more the only family in town. This man's name was John How, and a brief sketch of his life will no doubt be of interest to the readers of this work in the present, as it must ever be to future genera- tions of the descendants of the pioneers of this vicinity. He was an Englishman by birth and education, and learned the trade of cotton manu- facturer and machinist. In 1820 he emigrated to this country, hoping to find a better market for his labor, and a field of operations that presented more hope of accumulating a competency. Soon after his arrival in New York he found a position in a cotton-factory near Yonkers, in Westchester County, and remained there for thirteen years, most of the time holding the position of agent in charge of the factory. During this time he had accumulated some property, and had been able to afford his children good school privileges ; but now his sons were approaching the age when they would desire to start in life for themselves, and he thought the most feasible plan to promote his own and their interests was to push out into the undeveloped Western country, and invest his sur- plus capital in the cheap but well-reputed lands there so plentiful. He no doubt felt the itching to become a landed proprietor, which is so marked in those of our citizens who come from that country where only the wealthy and titled are privileged to hold a title to the soil. Leaving his son, Johri, in charge of the factory, he started for Michigan in the summer of 1833, and came by public con- veyance over the usually traveled water-courses till he landed in Detroit, where the United States land-office was situated. Hiring a guide and an Indian pony each for the guide and himself, he left Detroit on the Shiawassee trail to look up a JOHN fiOW. JOHN HOW. John How was born near Carlisle, England, in the village of Dalston, April 19, 1814. His father, also named John, was a machinist by occu- pation, and reared a family of six children, — four sons and two daughters, — our subject being the eldest In 182 1 the family emigrated to this country, and settled in New York City. The fol- lowing year the elder How removed to Yonkers, Westchester Co., N. Y., where he established a cotton-factory, which he operated successfully for about thirteen years. In 1833 he came to Michigan. Arriving in Detroit, he secured the services of a guide and started on a pedestrian tour in search of a home in the wilderness. At this time the government had disposed of most of its desirable lands in the southern part of the State, and it was not until they reached Deerfield that Mr. How found a suitable location. Here he entered about six hundred acres of land. He soon after returned to New York, and the following year returned with his family, which was the first in the township, their nearest neighbor being at White Lake, Oakland Co. The elder How was a man of great industry and ability. He was the first supervisor of the town, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died in Deerfield, in 1850, in the sixty-first yccir of his age. At the date of the emigration of his father, John, Jr., was twenty years of age. He had ob- tained in New York a good common-school edu- cation; this, coupled with a hardy constitution and industrious habits, were of eminent service to him in his new home. In the entire county no single individual will be found, perhaps, who has taken such an active and prominent position in the history of his town as has Mr. How in Deerfield. He has been prom- inently identified with its political history. He represented the town upon the Board of Super- visors for many years, and of that body was con- sidered to be an able and efficient member. In 1857 he was elected to the representative branch of the Legislature, and has filled many other posi- tions of trust and responsibility. In 1 841, Mr. How was married to Miss Eunice Jones, who was born in Middlefield, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1822. Her parents, Levi and Betsey Jones, were pioneers of Salem, Washtenaw Co. Mr. and Mrs. How have been blessed with three children, one of whom, James, is living at the old home. DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 419 satisfactory location. He wanted to find a locality where the soil should be light enoii<^h to cultivate easily, and yet heavy enough to bear successive cropping, and still yield a remunerative return for the labor of cultivation. The plains he considered too ligiit, and the timbered lands, as a whole, too heavy for his purpose, but lioped to find on the timbered openings, near the edge of the timber belt, a soil that would suit him. Not unmindful of the advantages of a healthful location, where the too prevalent chills and fevers were less common than in some parts, he sought for a situation well towards the sources of the streams, judging that there their courses would be more rapid and their waters more pure. Then, too, as he was a practical mill-wright and ma- chinist, he thought that a good water-power would be an excellent thing to own, as it would furaish motive power for saw- and grist-mills for the ac- commodation of the coming settlers, and might in the future, when the resources of the State became more fully developed, become v.duable for [jurposes of manufacture. With all these things in view he traveled along the .Shiawassee trail to Owosso, without finding a satisfactory stopping-place, and turned upon his track, determined to fi)Ilow some of the streams towards their sources, and see if something suited to his mind could not be found. Arrived at Byron they left the trail and followed along the east bank of the South Branch of the Shiawassee River till they reached this town, and found a country which answered to Mr. How's pre- conceived notions. He finally decided th 't he had foLuid a spot that possessed all the desirable quali- ties and natural advantages that could be expected anywhere, and made minutes of the description of the pieces he wanted to purchase. Mounting their ponies he and the guide retraced their steps and followed the Detroit and Shiawassee or Walled Lake trail to Detroit, where Mr. How entered a section of land, embracing the east three-fourths of section 7, and the west quarter of section 8. Having thus secured his land, which was the first taken up in the town, he returnetl to the Kast to settle up his business and prepare his family for removal. It was the 1st of May following before they were ready to begin their journey, which was made by steamboat up the Hudson to Albany, by canal to Buffalo, and steamer to Detroit. The party consisted of John How and wife, four sons, — Jon- athan, William, Thomas, and John, Jr., — two daughters, — Susannah and Mary, — and a hired man, named William Peel, and his wife. Upon their arrival at Detroit, Mr. How hired a teamster to carry his goods to Birmingham, and purchasing an ox-team and wagon loadetl in himself and com- panions and proceeded to Birmingham. He looked about for a place to live in while he was preparing a house on his land, and finding an unoccupied house near Orchard Lake, in Bloomfield, hired it of its owner, Mr. Harris, who was also a former acquaintance, and moved there. Then with his three sons, — John, William, and Jonathan, — and Mr. Peel, he went on to his land to build a house. They succeeded in finding the place vvithout much difficulty, and Mr. How at once recognized the land he had chosen, and pointed it out to them. John had made something of a study of the plan of the United States survey, anti knew all the marks of section lines, corners, quarter-stakes, etc , and he at once informed his father that if it was the land he had selected it certainly was 7/(7/ the land he had entered A close examination of the plat proved this to be the case. In some way (thought to be the fault of the guide) a mistake had been made, and Mr. How's section was just a half mile south from where he intended it to be. He was ve.xed, and also alarmed lest some one else had appro- priated his selection, and taking a careful descrip- tion of it he hastened bade to the land-office in Deti oit. He found that the [jlat was still unbroken, e.xcept by his former purchase, and at once entered the southeast quarter of section 6, and William Peel entered the west half of the southwest quarter of section 5. These entries were made June 7, 1834. They then returned to Deerfield. The first trip from Orchard Lake to Deerfield occupied a week's time, as they were careful to make a good road through the woods, and though following the trail to the crossings of the streams, yet succeeded in straightening it a good deal, and freed the track from logs, stones, and underbrush. It was marked throughout by "blazes" on the trees. When they reached their destination, work was immediately begun both upon the house for the family, and upon a clearing for a potato-patch. The potatoes were planted as quickly as possible, and in the fall gave a satisfactory yield. The site decided upon for the dwelling was about eighty rods west of the southeast corner of section 6, and, while the work of putting it up was in progress, the workmen lived in a small tent they had brought with them for that purpose, and shel- tered their tools in a small bark shanty, erected immediately after their arrival. This first white man's dwelling in the town was similar in con- struction to the log cabins of the period. The logs were sawed flat on two sides, and notched at the ends to bring their unsawn sides as closely together as possible. Then, with mud and split basswood or poplar poles, the spaces between were 420 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. securely chinked and plastered. It was provided with a stick chimney, and what was rather unusual in those days, — a board roof. The lumber for the roof, floors, door, and casings for the door and windows, was brought from Pontiac. It was the irtention to finish up the house in time to get back to Pontiac to celebrate the " fourth of Jul)'." It was necessary to take two days for the return trip, stopping over one night on the road at White Lake. So, when the morning of the 3d dawned, they packed up and started for Pontiac. Before they reached White Lake, in the early evening, they began to hear the regular booming of cannon, and thought that the Pontiac boys were couimen- cing their celebration a little earlier than usual. But when they reached the settlement they found to their disgust and chagrin that they had some- how lost a day in their reckoning, and would arrive in town the day after the celebration. As soon as possible the family and goods, together with three yoke of oxen, two cows with calves, and a pony, were transported to Deerfield.and the regular pio- neer life was begun. While the house was building, ten acres were cleared and sown to wheat, being the first wheat sown in Deerfield. When harvested the next summer it yielded about 20 bushels to the acre. The work of clearing was rather more arduous than was usually the case in this " opening" country, because the timber was heavier than on most of the surrounding sections. Of the experi- ences of their first winter we are not able to speak in detail, but imagination draws a pleasant picture of the cosy cabin, snow-shrouded, with a column of fleecy smoke rolling from its stick chimney into the azure vault, while within were the comfort, and quiet, and pleasant peace of " home." Then there were the rude but healthful labors in the clearing. and the exciting hunting scenes, as the settlers pursued the deer, or lay in wait for the turkeys, all of which added a charm to the new life on the frontier. The boys soon formed the acquaintance of old Portabeek and other Indians, and used to hunt and fish in their company, furnishing the family table with by far the greater share of its supply of meat as the result of their efforts. Suc- ceeding years passed in nearly the same way, though the family, like nearly all the pioneers, was gradually growing into better circumstances, and had to endure less and less privation with each succeeding year. They were the only residents of the town till the fall of 1835 or (as seems more probable to the writer) spring of 1836, when Wil- liam Hatt, William Hatt, Jr., and Horace H. Not- tingham moved into the eastern part of the town. Soon after the completion of his house, Mr. How rigged up a " pit-saw," and began cutting pine- trees, numerous on his land, and sawing them up into boards. This was the first mechanical indus- try of the town. John How was a self-made man, and possessed the virtues of honesty, energy, thoughtfulness, and good judgment to a marked degree. He was ca- pable as a manager, as well as industrious as a workman, and in his brief connection with public affairs acquitted himself with credit. Upon the organization of the town he was elected its first supervisor, and held the office for three successive terms. Appointed as the first treasurer, in 1839, he held that office seven successive terms, and then retiring from public life devoted his time to the management of his farm and mills until his death, which occurred Jan. 21, 1848, at the age of fifty-nine years, eight months, and fourteen days. His wife died two years before him, April 7, 1846, at the age of fifty-six years. Jonathan How married Lucinda Bennett, of this town, Jan. 7, 1S38, the ceremony being performed by David Dickson, Esq., and settled on a qo acre farm he had bought on the northwest quarter of section 5. He died there in 1846, leaving a wife and three sons, the youngest but ten months old. William How married Lovisa Anable, May 21, 1848, and lived on a part of the old homestead till his death, P'eb. 5, 1S64, in his fifty-seventh year. He left a wife and four children. Thomas How married Sarah C. Bristol, March 7, 1848, and settled on the place where he still lives, on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 18. John How, Jr., to whom the writer of this sketch is much indebted for invaluable assistance, was the one member of the famih'who has particularly dis- tinguished himself Jan. 14, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Eunice Jones, and settled on 300 acres of land l)'ing mostly on section 7. His residence was built on the east half of the north- east quarter of that section, and is still standing near the more modern residence that has sup- planted it. On the same place Mr. and Mrs. How are calmly enjoying the pleasures of later life, sur- rounded by children and friends. Mr. How en- tered early into the arena of public life, his first ap- pearance being in the role of school inspector, in 1839. He then held the office of town clerk for three years, and was elected as supervisor in 1848. He has served twelve years as supervisor at different times, and in 1856 was elected a Rep- resentative in the State Legislature. In all of these positions he discharged his duties with zeal and fidelity, winning the good opinion of his po- litical foes, as well as of the members of his own DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 421 party. A more complete .sketch of hi.s life appears elsewhere in this work. Jolin How, Senior's, two daughters were mar- ried and li\-cd in this town, and are still residents here. Susannah married Philander Sackner, who died Feb. 25, 1862, and is now living with her daughter. Mary married Ira O. Marble, and has since resided in the south part of the town. The second company of settlers consisted of William Hatt and his son-in-law, Horace H. Not- tingham, and their respective families, who came early in the spring of 1836. William Hatt built a house near the south quarter-post of section 12, and Nottingham built his near the southwest cor- ner of the same section. Mr. Hatt lived here until he removed to Argentine, where he died a few years since. His son, William Hatt, is now living on the homestead. Nottingham was a well edu- cated man, one of the earliest school-teachers of the region, and held the office of school inspector several years. Some twenty or twenty-five years ago he lost his wife, and soon after removed to Grass Lake, Jackson Co. At about the same time the Bennett family made a settlement here. William and Benjamin Bennett were sons of Robinson Bennett, and were formerly from Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., coming early with their parents to Michigan, and settling in Salem, Washtenaw Co. After their parents' death they decided to locate new farms, and came to Deerfield, in the fall of 1835, to locate their Luul. In April, 1836, Benjamin came with his wife and children, and built a large, double log house near the southeast corner of the noitheast quarter of section 10, into which they moved and where they lived for a good many years. It was at that time and for several years thereafter the largest and best house in the town. The public business was transacted there because of its size, which made it more convenient tlian other buildings. In a little more than a year after coming here his wife sick- ened and died, her's being the first death in the town, so far as known to the writer. He remar- ried, as is shown by the following extract from the town records, which we give entire, as being an interesting memento of the earl)- times : "State of Michig..\n, County of Livinoston, w. "I, D.wiii Dickson, Justice of the Peace, Do hereby certify that Benjamin Iknnelt and Catharine Wise Were Married liy me on the 26lh day of November, 1837, in the 'rown-.hi|i of Deeilicid, David Dickson, Justice of the Peace, in and for the Townsliip of Deei field. " Edwin P. Sri:NCl£R, Town CUrk." So far as known this was the first marriage sol- emnized in Deerfield, and the parties are both liv- ing, after forty-two years of wedded life, on their original homestead. Their present residence is on section 1 1, nearly opposite the site of the old log house. George Bennett, a son by his second wife, and Mrs. Matilda H. Wesley and Mrs. Christina Deitz, children by his present wife, arc also at present residents of Deerfield. William Bennett was captain of a vessel on the lakes, and followed that calling for a number of years. He came to Deerfield, with his wife and three children, a few weeks later than his brother Benjamin, and built his house on the west side of North Ore Creek, at the foot of Bennett Lake, which received its name in honor of him. There he lived for fifteen years, when he removed to Argentine, went from there to Saginaw, and finally brought up in Detroit, whrre he died, Dec. 25, 1S76. His wife survived him, and is now living in the city of Jackson. One of his objects in pur- chasing the land at the foot of the lake was that he expected to be able to utilize its outlet for a water-power, and during his life here he tried to fulfill this expectation by building a dam prepara- tory to the erection of mills at that point. But some one at Argentine had been a little more ex- peditious in utilizing the stream, and had built a dam that sent the back flow of water to the foot of Mr. Bennett's dam, who, seeing the folly of pro- ceeding fiu-ther, at once abandoned the project. James Pratt was another settler of 1836, coming from Salem, Washtenaw Co , with his wife {tiee Clarissa Thompson) and one child. He was (though as a bo)') one of the early residents of Michigan, coming with his father, Dr. Pratt, from Monroe Co., N. Y.,in 1826. Upon his arrival here he built a log house on the southwest corner of section 2, where, several years later, he built his first frame house, — still standing, and now occupied by his son Allen. He was quite a prominent man in the town, though never a very ardent politician, and was elected to several town offices. In the fall of 1866 he sold his place to his son, Allen, and moved to Fenton, where he has since resided. His family consisted of four sons, — John E., who lives in Tyrone; Edwin S., in Traverse City; Jay F., in Argentine; and Allen, on the homestead. Joseph Walsh was a native of Lancashire, Eng- land, born and reared near Blackbtun, and emi- grated to this country with his wife and three children in 1828. After living a while on Long Island, N. Y., he came to Michigan, which was then a Territory, and took up some land in the towns of Lodi and Scio, in Washtenaw County. From there lie kept writing back to his cousin, George Green, urging him to leave the old country, and come to America, where land was cheap and there was a good chance to do well. George's 422 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. brother, William, much impressed with the state- ments contained in these letters, decided to come, whether his brother did or not ; and in January, 1832, he started for Liverpool to embark, his bro- ther accompanying him, though not intending, at least at that time, to leave England. But after they had got aboard the vessel, George concluded that he too would cross the ocean, and remamed on board. The letter containing the directions for them to reach their destination had become badly worn, and upon their arrival in New York, the emigration officers hastily concluded that it must mean " Scio, Allegany County, N. Y.," and sent them to that place. The brothers arrived there and made inquiries for Joseph Walsh, but unsuc- cessfully, and finally learned their mistake. Being somewhat short of funds, and also determined to be independent and pay as they went, they both hired out to work for Judge Church, William as the gardener, and George as the family coachman. Mr. Walsh learned of their mishap, and came to Scio, expecting to take them back to Michigan with him, but the judge would not release them unless they forfeited their wages, wiiich they would not consent to do. So Mr. Walsh returned to Michigan, where George followed him in the fall of 1832. William became disgusted with America, and, in June, 1832, returned to England. Walsh and Green lived together in Scio till 1836, when they came to Deerfield. They first came in March, and entered 320 acres of land on sections 23, 24, 25, and 35, and built a log house, which stood near the site of the present residence of Mr. Green. They hired Thomas Parshall, Mr. Neff, and Sam- uel and Benjamin Griswold, all of Oceola, to break up 30 acres of the land on the we.st half of the northeast quarter of section 35, where there was a considerable plain. In the fall of 1836 they moved the family and goods, and occupied their house. In the .spring of 1837 they built the first frame barn in the town, and a year later a large frame house, about thirty rods south of the log house, which was the first frame dwelling erected in Deer- field. Both these buildings are still in existence, and the latter is occupied by John Walsh, a son of Joseph. Joseph Walsh died in February, 1848. Of his children, Mrs. Ann, wife of Frederick Gur- don, Mrs. Jane, wife of Edward Bunting, Mrs. Ellen, wife of George Green, John and James Walsh are still residents of Deerfield ; Mrs. Martha O'Connell lives in Tyrone; Mrs. Mary Cottrell in Fenton ; and Joseph Walsh in Conway. George Green married Ellen Brindle, a step- daughter of Mr. Walsh, in the summer of 1842, and continued to live with the flimily till 1856, all the business of both families having been transacted in common under the firm-name of Walsh & Green till after Mr. Walsh's death. Soon after this event the property was divided, and in 1856 Mr. Green built himself a house a little north of the old log house, and went there to live. In Feb- ruary, 1872, this house was burned, and in the summer following the present residence was built. Both himself and wife are still living there in the enjoyment of peace and plenty, after many years of laborious toil to secure them. Four of their chil- dren are also residents of Deerfield. Their names are William and James, Mrs. Mary A. Hatt, and Mrs. Alice Holcomb. Among the settlers of 1836 were the Faussetts, who were of Irish descent, and who came here from Lodi, Seneca Co., N. Y. In the spring of 1836, Thomas and George Faussett, brothers, their brother-in-law, Henry Faussett, and their cousin, Thomas Sharp, came through Pennsylvania and Ohio to Oceola, where they hired Asa Parker to guide them through the surrounding country in search of land. On the 12th of May they entered their land, George and Henry purchasing 80 acres each, and Thomas and Sharp each taking a quarter section. They then worked on the Michigan Central Railroad until harvest time, when all but George returned East. Soon after, Thomas Sharp married Mary Faussett, a daughter of Rich- ard Faussett, of Dundee, and in September a party was made up to start for Michigan. Thomas Faus- sett and his widowed mother, Thomas Sharp and his wife, Henry Faussett with his wife and one child, and William Faussett (a brother of Henry's who settled in Clinton Count)-) composed the party. In Oakland County they were joined by George, and all came on to Deerfield together. They had to camp in the woods while a house was being built, which required several days to accomplish. The site selected was a little north of the Yellow River and near the centre of the northeast quarter of sec- tion 33. There they all lived until the next spring, when Sharp and Henry Faussett built houses of their own, the former on the southeast corner of section 21, and the latter on the northwest corner of section 33. Mr. Sharp died on his place about twenty-one years ago. Mrs. Faussett died March 6, 1838, a little over sixty years of age. Thomas Faussett was married, Sept. 16, i84i,to Miss Mary A. Marvin, of New Hudson, Oakland Co., and con- tinued to live in the old log house till about 1846, when he built a better and larger log house near the northeast corner of section 33, on the site of his present residence, which was erected in 1 86 1. Henry Faussett and wife, and George Faussett, who has never married, are also among the pio- neers of the town, who are still its citizens. DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 423 Caleb Wood settled in 1836, on the corner of section 3, opposite James Pratt's, and lived there till about twenty years ago, when he moved to Mundy, Genesee Co., where he is now living. One of the most prominent of the early settlers in Deerfield was Charles D. Top[)ing, familiarly known as " Judge" Topping, — a title he obtained by having served as a side judge of the County Court. He was a native of Mentz, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and settled in Scio, Washtenaw Co., in 1832-33. He entered his land, on sections 12 and 22, June 20 and July 7, 1836. Prejiarations Iiaving been made for the removal of tlie family — then consisting of himself and wife and si.\ chil- dren — late in the fall or early in the winter of that )'ear, they and the household effects were loaded into three wagons, drawn by oxen, and started for their new home through a blinding snow-storm that continued nearly the whole of the three days that they spent on the road. They met with the usual experiences of the settlers, suffering some privations and having their full share of the fever and ague, but had no serious troubles. Mr. Topping was a very .sedate, candid, and conscien- tious man, carefully e.xact in his speech, because he so greatly despised exaggeration and deception, industrious in his habits, but not over anxious to accumulate wealth, a respected citizen, and an hon- ored member of the Methodist P.piscopal Ciiurch. During his life in this town he held several ofifices, was treasurer one year, supervisor three years, and justice of the peace upwards of a score of years. He accumulated a competency, and afforded his large family of nine children the best education within his means. He sold his farm here and moved to Fenton, where both he and his wife died. Of his children, Mrs. Ellen S. Gardner, Mrs. I'^liz.i Caruthers, Mrs. Kate Barber, and Albert D. Toi)- ping live in Ncwburgh, Shiawassee Co. ; John F. and Ciiarles H. live in Deerfield, the latter on the old homestead ; James L. and Orlando live in Fen- ton ; and William W. lives in East Saginaw. James L. and William W. served in the Union army, the former as second lieutenant of the i6th Michigan Infantry, and the latter as a private in the 20th Il- linois Infmtry. While the latter was sick in the hospital he was nursed back to health by the woman who, after the close of the war, became his wife, and is doing so much to make pleasant the life she was instrumental in saving. Henry I. Lown came from Western New York in the fall of 1836, and settled on the southwest quarter of section 34, building his house about one hundred rods from the present residence of Ira O. Marble. He became insane about nine j'ears after coming here, and a couple of years later disap- peared, and has not since been heard from. About the year 1852 his family returned to their former home in New York. Samuel Leonard was one of the first comers in the spring of 1837. He was a native of Great Barrington, Berkshire Co., Mass. About 18 12 he started in life for himself, selecting the town of Brighton, Monroe Co., N. Y., as the field of his operations. There he met Miss Margaret Lindley, a daughter of a New Jersey family, to whom he was united in marriage. In 1826 he bought a 50- acre farm near the village of Penfield, in the same county, where he lived til! he came to Michigan. In January, 1 836, he came to Deerfield, selected his land, and returned East in the spring, stopping at Detroit to enter the three lots he had selected. After harvesting his crops and settling up his busi- ness he packed up and moved to Michigan. In the fall Mr. Leonard and his eldest son, Calvin W., came on and cut logs enough for a house, anti in March, 1837, they again came on, and with the help of the Hatts and Nottingham, put up the house. As early as possible the family and goods were brought on and occupied the house, which stood on the northwest corner of section 14. Here they continued to live till the fall of 1866, when the place was sold, and they moved to Linden, Genesee Co. In the fall of 1868, Mrs. Leonard died, and from that time till his own death, in the spring of 1869, Mr. Leonard lived with his son, Calvin W., at Deerfield Centre. Four children — Calvin W., William, Orange W., and Mrs. Mary Bagg — are now living in this town. Mr. Leonard was a Whig in politics, and was not, therefore, called to office in this Democratic town, as he would otherwise imdoubtedly have been. In his religious belief he was a Baptist, though not connected with any church here, and his wife at the time of her death had been a member of that connection up- wards of forty years. Joseph Wise was of German ancestry — the name being more properly s]3elled Weiss, but the angli- cized form being adopted by the present genera- tion. He came from Prattstown, Steuben Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1835, settling in Southfield, Oakland Co. Two years later he moved to this town, where he purchased 180 acres of land. His house was built on the northwest quarter of sec- tion I. He was accompanied by his wife, two sons, and a married daughter with her husband, Daniel T. Hyatt. Another daughter, Catharine, was then living in Marshall. He remained a resi- dent of the town till his death, in 1867. His wife survived him about five years. Of his children, Joseph and Mrs Benjamin Bennett are still re- siding in Deerfield; John lives in Argentine; Mrs. 434 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Maria Hyatt, in Fenton ; and Mrs. Christina Moore, in Genesee, Genesee Co. Daniel and Lorenzo Boutell were among the settlers in the spring of 1837. They were from Onondaga Co., N. Y. Daniel, with his wife, two sons, and one daughter, settled on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 30, and built his house at the southwest corner of the quarter sec- tion. He at once assumed quite a prominent part in town affairs, and frequently held ofifice. He was the first collector, and served five years in that po- sition. He also held the offices of assessor, high- way commissioner, constable, and supervisor In 1856 he removed to -Saginaw County, and a couple of years later to Bay City, where he died eleven or twelve years ago, and where his wife and several children still reside. One son, George T., re- mained in this town, and died here but a kw years ago, at the age of thirty-two years. Daniel was a great fisher and hunter, a fluent talker, and the most amiable of men in family and society. He was one of the first members of the Oak Grove Methodist Church, and lived an e.\emplar\' Chris- t'an life. Lorenzo Boutell settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 19, and built his house near the southeast corner of his lot. He was three times married, and by his third wife had one child, — a son, — named Chauncey, who is now living with his widowed mother on the homestead. Mr. Boutell's second wife was Mrs. Sarah Chap- man, who died in 1840, and his third wife was Mrs. Polly Hart. He moved to Fenton eleven or twelve years ago ( 1867-68), and died there in Sep- tember, 1S75, having been an invalid for several years. He was a very social, agreeable, and be- nevolent man, much interested in church matters, and a member of the Methodist Church. He was not very deeply interested in the strifes of politics, but was elected to the office of overseer of the poor fifteen years, and, with the exception of three years, these elections were consecutive. Having no family of his own, he yet was very fond of chil- dren, and made this of practical use by taking a number of children at different times, and keeping them until they were able to do for themselves. Michael Bennett, with his wife and three small children, came from Northfield, Washtenaw Co., in the spring of 1837, and built a house near the north quarter-post of section 34. He was of Ii'ish birth, and had lived for some time in Eastern New York before coming to Michigan. He purchased the north half of section 34 the year before he came here, and subsequently sold 120 acres to James Conklm, who came here with hini. He and his wife died some four or five years ago. Two of their sons are living on the homestead, and one daughter, Mrs. Mary Downey, also lives in the town. James Conklin commenced living on the place he bought of Mr. Bennett, in 1839, and his mother, two brothers, — Patrick and Thomas, — and two sis- ters came at that time and lived with him for two or three years, when his sisters married, and his brothers went to live on section 27, where Patrick had bought a farm. The mother remained with James, and died in 1843. In 1844 he married Margaret Dougherty, of White Lake, Oakland Co., and lived here till his death, which occurred some si.K or seven years ago. His wife survived him till the spring of 1879. Their children — two daughters and a son — are now living on the home- stead. Robert Chambers and wife, and David S. Ireland, with a wife, four sons, and two daughters, came in company from Scottsville, Monroe Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1837, and settled in this town. Mr. Chambers settled on the northeast corner of sec- tion 29. He was for many years a prominent man in the town, was one of the first justices of the peace, and was once elected supervisor. He was a successful farmer, and brought his land under a state of high cultivation. About ten years ago he moved to Fenton, and died there in 1877. His widow is now living at Deerfield Centre. David S. Ireland bought the north half of section 28, and built his house on the northwest corner of the section. He died in 1848, and the family moved to Holly, Oakland Co., some time during the war. Bryan Corr, Dennis and Timothy McCartiiy, John Ryan, and John Lyons were all Irish emi- grants, who came here at different times and set- tled in different parts of the town. Corr is still living on section 24, where he settled in 1836. John Ryan settled on the county line, on section 3, at an early day, and died there in 1875. The Mc- Carthys and Lyons came in 1837 and settled on sections 25 and 36. Timothy was killed at an early day by a falling tree, and Dennis died in this town some twenty years ago. Several other brothers and sisters have lived in Deerfield some portion of their lives, but none of them are here now, with the exception of one of them, Charles McCarthy. Samuel L. Bangs, with his wife and one child, and his brothers, Benjamin and Mark, came from Monroe Co., N. Y., and settled on the northeast quarter of section 24, in 1837. Lyman was quite prominent as a leader among the Whigs during his short stay here. In 1839-40 he moved to Ann Arbor. He subsequently emigrated to Illinois, where he is now living. Benjamin lived on what is now the McKeone farm till 1859, and then moved to Fenton, where he is still livintJ. Mark left here COL. C.SUTHERLAND. COL. CASTLE SUTHERLAND. Among the early settlers of the city of Ann Arbor no name is more familiar to the people of Washtenaw than that of Col. Sutherland, and perhaps it may be "^aid that no name is more carefully treasured or will be longer remembered by those who knew hiin. Col. Sutherland was born 111 Geneva, N. V., Nov. ii, 1790. In 1828 he catne to Ann Arbor, where he remained until 1834, when he removed to the town of Deerfield, v/here he purcha.'ied a farm, and where he lived until about ('SiO, when he returned to Am Arbor where he re.sided until his dealli, which occurred July 13, 1862. Col. Suther- land was a gentleman of the old school, a man of sterling mtegrity, witl^ a firm and unswervinj; devotion to the right. Patriotism was one of the prominent pointt in his character. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and was employed by the government in making and repairing guns, which avocation he subsequently followed many years. During the war of the Rebellion he was frequently heard to express regret that he had not strength to bear arms in the defense of his country. Col. Sutherland was prominently identified with Deerfield. He held many positions of trust, and was eveiy\vhcre recognized as a man of abilitj', a kuid neighbor, and a firm friend. Solomon .Sutherland, the youngest in a family of eleven, was born in Scio, in 1833. He resided in Deerfield until he came to Green Oak in i860, where he now resides. He married Miss Myers, a granddaughter of John Myers, one of the town's first settlers. DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 425 in 1840, went to tlie State of New Yoik, and from tliere to Illinois, where he engaged in the practice of the law. He has risen to considerable promi- nence there, having been a candidate for Governor. Castle Sutherland was formerly from Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., settled in Ann Arbor, in 1832, and came to this town in 1837, locating on section 12. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and was familiarly known as " Colonel," a title de- rived from militia service, or perhaps from actual service in the war of 1812. He lived here some twelve or fifteen years, and then, his wife dying, he returned to Ann Arbor, and lived with his sons until his own death occurred, a score or more of years ago. One of the self-made men of this town is Joseph Chamberlin, who is now residing on the farm on which he originally settled forty-one years ago. He was formerly from Lester, Livingston Co., N. Y., and first came to this State in August, 1 83 1, working in Saline, Washtenaw Co., for two years, and then returned to New York. Having purchased his time from his father, he worked until he had saved enough money to pay for two 80-acre lots of government land, and in May, 1836, bought the east half of the southeast quarter of section 25, in this town, and 80 acres adjoining it, in Tyrone. In 1838 he married Delia Kittle, of Groveland, Livingston Co., N. Y., and in No- vember of that year came here, stopping eight weeks with Orson B. Stevens, in Tyrone, while building his house on the southeast corner of section 25. In 1874 he built his present tasty and commodious residence. During his life he has added 400 acres to his original purchase, and, hav- ing disposed of a portion of it, still retains upwards of 240 acres. Commencing life as a poor man, he has, by faithful industry and economy, succeeded in accumulating a competency, and has earned the reputation of a public-spirited citizen. Darius Lewis was a settler of 1838. In com- pany with Nathaniel and Jabez Lindiey, he came to locate his land in the spring of 1836. In Octo- ber, 1838, he came from Newstead, Erie Co., N. Y., with his wife and two children, and settled on his land on section 15. There he lived until 1863, when he moved to Deer Creek, on section 6, and lived there till his death, January i, 1871. He was rather a peculiar man, full of a nervous en- ergy, and exceedingly tenacious in accomplishing anything he undertook to do. He was engaged in farming, but also practiced law in the justice's courts of this and adjoining towns, and acquired considerable reputation as a successful pettifog- ger. He was the first postmaster at the Centre, and enjoyed the distinction of being the only 54 Whig or Republican ever elected to the office of supervisor of this town. His widow and two sons, Hartweil and Philander, are still living in Deerfield. The Marbles have been among the most promi- nent families of the town since their arrival, in April, 1840. Ira Marble was a native of Elast Douglass, Mass. When a youth the family moved to Dixfieid, Oxford Co., Me., and there he after- wards married Miss Hannah Park With her and three sons, in 1829, he came to Nelson, Madison Co., N. Y., rented a farm, and lived on it one year. Then he came to Ann Arbor and took up an 80- acre farm. Five years later he sold that, and took up another new farm of 80 acres, which he also cleared before coming to Deerfield. In 1840 he traded his Ann Arbor property with a Mr. Jones for 160 acres on section 26, in this town, and moved into the house he had built, about twenty rods east of the southwest corner of the section. Here he devoted his life to farming and dealing in real estate At one time he owned 760 acres of land in this town. He was supervisor of the town three years, and retired from the office only be- cause he would not accept it again. He gave each of his children a farm, or its equivalent, and retained a homestead of 170 acres. He died June 26, 1870, and his wife died Dec. 26, 1873. He had si.v children, — four sons and two daugh- ters. The eldest of these, Moses P., married Elizabeth, a daughter of John Anderson, of this town, and is now living on the homestead with his second wife, formerly Mrs. Rhoda Graves; Enoch M. married Theresa Pike, a daughter of William Pike, and lived in this town till, some seven or eight years ago, he moved to his present home in Handy. He was quite prominent as a political leader of the Democratic party of this town, and served one year as constable, six terms as school inspector, two terms as highway commissioner, three years as town treasurer, four years as town clerk, and one year as supervisor. Ira O. married Mary, daughter of John How, Sr., in 1849, 3-"*^ '^ now living on section 34, on the farm he purchased from the heirs of Henry I. Lown. He has been prominent in political life, having held the offices of constable, school inspector, highway commis- sioner, treasurer, justice of the peace, and super- visor in this town, — the last-named office for four terms, — and has served one term as treasurer of the county. Oscar V. married Margaret, a daugh- ter of John Anderson, and is now living in Ne- braska, where he moved in 1878. Polly E. mar- ried John H. Bristol, and died in this town in September, 1869. Maria married John Merrill, and is now living on section 21, in this town. 426 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. William A. Hull and his son, Mishal, came from Newark, Wayne Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1845, and settled on section 22, on land they had bought of Rensselaer Pomeroy, who entered it in 1836. They were originally from New Jersey. In 1866, William A. removed to Hartland village, and died there a few years since. Mishal is still a resident of Deerfield and one of its prominent men, and is living on section ^O, having removed there in September, 1878. No doubt there are others among the earlier residents who are worthy of special mention, and whom we would gladly give a place in this sketch had we material in hand to enable us to do so. Among them would appear the names of the Adams's, David Dickson, Joseph Hosley, B. W. Sherwood, Edwin P. Spencer, the Sellers family, E. F. Cooley, Sidney M. Hawley, Alfred Holmes, William Pike, Robert McGariy, Freeborn Luce, John W. Locke, James Van Benschoten, Lyman Lee, David Royce, William Payne, Beia Fenner, David B. Bradley, James ScuUin, and others of more or less prominence in the subsequent history of the town. But it is impossible to go into detail, as we have already transcended the usual limit of space assigned to this branch of the work. Before proceeding farther, however, we will give the earliest ta.x-roll of the town now to be found, or, rather, so much of it as contains the names of resident tax-payers. The earliest roll, of which any record has been preserved, was made in 1838, and a warrant for the collection of taxes, hereafter mentioned, was issued to Daniel Boutell, collector, by the Board of Supervisors, on the 6th day of October. It was signed by John How. Jacob Snell, Richard Lyon, Andrew Osborn, Robert Worden, Jr., Ralph Fowler, John J. Blackmer, George W. Lee, Joseph M. Becker, and Solomon Sutherland. The tax included the followine items viz.: For township expenses, ^120.75; for town- ship poor, $2$. To which was added the State and county tax, the amount of which was not specified, and an additional sum of five per cent, for collector's fees. Only a small portion of this roll, containing the names of non-resident ta.x- payers, has been preserved, and for the first com- plete roll we are obliged to take that of 1844. We copy from that the names of the resident tax- payers, with the number of the section on which they were located, the number of acres assessed to them, the valuations of their real and personal estate, and the amount of their ta.x. The list is as follows: Name. Section. Acres. Valuation. Au'itin Allen 14 80 $255 William Bennett 3 160 320 William Bradley '. 4 40 68 Name Section. Acres. Philo Bradley 9 220 Benjamin Bennett 10, 11 2S0 Adam B. Bailey 2 40 Julins K. Blackburn i, 12 120 Abiram Blackl^urn i, 12 80 Amos Bnll 12, 14 145 Tliomas A. Burl 23 15 Geoige Burr 24 40 Benjainin Bangs 19,"* 24 130 Hiram Binckburn 24 40 Lorenzo Boutell 19, 24,f 25,f 30 322 Daniel Boutell 25, 30, 3of 321 Peter Busli 26 80 Michael Bennett 34 200 John Cramer 3 120 Alexander Cramer Catharine Colburn 11 40 l->ryan Cnrr 24 40 E. F. Ciiulcy 22 80 Robert Chandlers 20, 29 160 Rufus Clark 29, 31 120 James Curdy 32 30 James Claik John Cl.irk Joseph Chaniberlin 25, 30* 14S James Conklin 27, 34 160 Samuel Cole ^^ 1 10 Nathan Cole 33 50 David Dickson 5 80 Jacob J. Debar 28 1'^^ William Edwards 35 10 Beta Fenner 22 80 Broughton Fenner 22 80 Henry Faussett 32, 33 120 George Faussett 33 120 Thomas Faussett ^^ 120 Elisha Gleason 23 30 Henry Gibson 18 160 Daniel T. Hiatt 2 10 Sidney M. Hawley 5 97 John How, Sr 5,6,7,8 S46 Jolin How, |r 7 140 Jonathan How 5 90 Wdliani Halt 12, 13 100 Henry Humphrey 23 10 Noel Harrington Sylvester Hull 18 80 \Villiam How and A. Jones James L. Hills 30, 32 170 William Hosley 31 252 Josejih Hosley 31 160 Daniel S. Ireland 28 238 Nelson Johnson 2 55 Bennett Joy 3 80 William Judd iS 80 Henry Jubb 20 160 William Jidrb 29, 30 120 John Kuo.x 12 60 Allen Leonard 3 40 Daniel Locke 2 76 Samuel Lindley Andrew W. Lewis 4 120 Jabez Lindley II 80 Nathaniel Lindley 10, 14 160 Sauniel Leonard 14, 15 160 Darius Lewis 15 237 Calvin W. Leonard Freeborn Luce 20 120 Lyman Lee 29, 31 120 Jolin Lyons 25 80 James H. Murray 3, 10 118 Roliert McGary 13 160 Robert McKinley 21 160 Timothy McCarthy 36 120 Benjamin Merrill 33 40 Ira Marble 26, 35 320 Moses Marble 26, 35 160 E. M. M.arble John McCarthy 32 40 Jeremiah McCarthy 32 So Charles McCarthy 25, 36 60 Dennis McCarthy 25 60 Horace Merrill ^3 ^° * Town 4 north, range 6 east, f Town 4 north, range 4 east. »57o 770 100 2S0 136 380 40 100 263 107 502 751 325 445 200 104 91 210 460 350 60 346 370 400 205 220 40 150 225 ■93 280 190 240 60 395 20 167 1620 250 180 280 200 410 534 343 540 114 200 203 328 270 140 80 176 220 180 320 480 789 340 375 190 286 490 390 355 95 925 355 "so 170 130 150 160 / f- ^. •>.«., ^C5?5^- -.-^r?^ '■^ . PnOTCS. Br J ft PHt.-P? f£MTON MICH '^-^/is^^ --...-.^^^^^ ^ ^/^ c^' i? afU-,^o^iu/-^^ u^^ JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN. Joseph Chamberlain, one of the pioneers of the town of Deerfield, was born in the town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 13, 18 14. He was the son of Eeekiel Chamberlain and Sally A. Palmer, who had a family of eleven children. The elder Chamberlain was a native of Thetford, Vt., and settled in Scipio in a very early day. He was an industrious, thrifty farmer, and highly esteemed. His father, Benjamin Chamberlain, was a Revolu- tionary soldier, who served seven years and parti- cipated in many of the decisive battles of the war. At its close he settled in Thetford, Vt., where Ezekiel was born, about 1764. When Joseph was six years of age his father removed to Livingston Co., N. Y. Up to the age of seventeen he worked on the farm, with an occasional term at the district school. Frequently, after chopping all day, he pursued his studies far into the night by the light of hickory barks. At the age of seventeen he resolved to commence life for himself He pur- chased his time of his father for the s.. n of one hundred dollars, and, with a .scanty wardrobe and a few dollars in money, started for Michigan. He went to Saline, Washtenaw Co., where he engaged himself to work as a farm-hand at ten dollars per month. At the expiration of two years he returned to New York, where he remained several years. In 1836 he made a second visit to Michigan, and located one hundred and fifty acres of land where he now lives. He again returned home, and in the autumn of 1838 removed with his family, which consisted of his wife and one child. Here he has since resided, and in his chosen occupation has been very successful. He now owns a fine farm of three hundred and ten acres. The life of Mr. Chamberlain has been devoted to the cares of his farm and his family. He has never courted political advancement, preferring the quiet of the farm to the excitement of politics. In 1878, Mr. Chamberlain was married to Miss Fanny Reed, a lady of much culture and n finement. She was born in Virgil, Cortland Co., N. Y , April 39, 1S36. When she was a babe her parents emigrated to Michigan and settled in Jackson Count}'. Mr. Chamberlain is emphatically a self-made man. Commencing life in a new county, with only a strong pair of hands and a robu.^t con.stitution, he has attained success in whatever he has undertaken. DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 4-V Lcres. Valuation 240 $520 160 32° 240 810 80 160 So >75 160 355 80 273 240 52S 240 510 40 80 So 220 17 46 80 190 80 160 16S 440 200 480 .2S 70 3 6 80 203 9S 215 '59 348 "so 160 120 275 80 136 S 30 240 78S 80 320 40 "so 80 190 80 80 2"7 534 12 24 SO 118 los 360 80 194 50S 1870 Name. Section. Hornet H. Nottingham 12, 13, 14 D.iitirl O'CoimclI 26 James I'niit 2, 3 N.ilhan li. Poller 9 IJe.iii riiilli|is 20 William I'.iiiie 35, 36 Willi.iin I,. l'ilinted 10 fill the vacancy. ** He failed to qualify, and Joseph Wise was appointed. If Failing to qualify, John R. Sweeney was appointed to fill the vacancy. 43° HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. order to assist one another homeward. The result proved the truth of another adage, " When the blind lead the blind," etc. ; for " both" fell " into the ditch," and in falling they became separated. Each struggled to his feet, but with their faces turned in opposite directions. Each insisted that his way was right, and as neither could convince the other of the "error of his way," finally trudged away in opposite directions. Through the inter- vention of friends both finally reached home safe and sound. Warned by such occurrences as this, the voters determined to pursue a different policy, and in 1843, and for several years thereafter, an- nually voted that no liquor should be furnished at elections. But this action does not fairly represent the position of the town on the liquor question, for it has generally been a liquor-trafficking and liquor- drinking community, at least to a more marked degree than most of its sister towns. The only records bearing upon the matter are those of votes taken at four different times. The first, in 1845, was 17 voted for license, and 15 against it. The second was taken in 1846, and resulted for license, 25, against license, 48 The third was the vote of 1850, when 66 votes were cast for license, and only 14 against it. The last was that taken in 1868 as to changes in the constitution of the State, when the vote for the prohibitory clause was 23, and the vote against it was 185. In the matter of building a town-house, the first ' public action was taken at the town-meeting in 1863, when ^300 was voted for the purpose of building a town-house, and a committee of five, consisting of Ira Lamb, James Pratt, James Cam- eron, John Sellers, and William Payne, was ap- pointed to select and procure a site as near the centre of the town as possible. The committee purchased a site of Bela Fenner. At the town- meeting of 1864, $300 was voted to apply on the job, and the committee were instructed to build a new house, to cost not more than $800. The com- mittee sold back to Mr. Fenner the lot purchased of him, and bought of Mr. Leonard one-half acre of ground a little west of the northeast corner of section 21, for the sum of $20. The contract was let to the lowest bidder, Jethro Shout, for 1^790, April 28th, and on October 15th, the job being completed, the house was accepted, and was occu- pied for the election. The total cost of tiie build- ing and lot, including furnishing, amounted to about $920. A special meeting was held Feb. 22, 1868, to consider the question of issuing town-bonds to the amount of ^ 15,000, in aid of the "Chicago and Michigan Grand Trunk Railway." The project met with a chilling reception, being negatived by a vote of 126 to 46. At the annual town-meeting of the same year, the proposed changes of the constitution were voted upon with the following result : in favor of the new constitution, 35 ; against it, 185. For annual sessions of the Legislature, o; for bien- nial sessions, 191. For prohibition, 23; against it, 185. Another vote on constitutional amendments was taken Nov. 5, 1872, and the following votes were cast: for the payment of railroad bonds, 13 ; against it, I9S. For the re-division of the judicial districts of the State, 12 ; against it, 200. For the proposed change in the salaries of State officers, 14; against it, 197. During the war for the suppression of the Re- bellion this town did its best to fill its quota under the several calls for troops, and to accomplish this result held several special township-meetings. The first of these meetings was held in response to a petition signed by prominent citizens. It was held at the house of Calvin W. Leonard, Feb. 20, 1864, and a resolution was passed to raise ;^ioo bounty for every man enlisted and credited to the town till its quota was filled, by a vote of 1 1 1 to 19. March 21, 1864, another petition, bearing the names of 29 citizens, was presented, praying for action at the town-meeting to extend this provision to others. At the town-meeting held April 4, 1864, it was ac- cordingly voted to raise by loan a sufficient sum to pay each volunteer who had enlisted or should enlist in the United States service and be credited to the town, on any quota, under calls of the President made since Jan. 7, 1 864, the sum of $ [oo, the bonds to bear 7 per cent, interest, and to be payable in one, two, and three years. Another special meeting, held at Mr. Leonard's, Aug. 6, 1864, extended the same provisions to drafted men, or those who furnished substitutes, subsequent to Feb. 4, 1864. Previous to June 10, 1865, the sumofg5425 had been contributed to clear the town of its liability under the call for 500,000 men, and a meeting was held on that day to take some action regarding the refunding of such contributions by raising a suffi- cient sum by tax, and also to pay drafted men in 1863, '64, and '65, who served or furnished substi- tutes, the sum of ^100 each. A motion to raise the tax, and also one to pay the bounty, was nega- tived by a vote of 91 to 44. The population of Deerfield in 1850 was 822. In i860 it had increased to 1015. In 1870 it was 1 128, of whom 98S were natives, and 140 were of foreign birth. In 1874, for some unex- plained reason, the population showed a falling DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 431 off, as it was then reported at 1043. This number was divided as follows : Males, under five years, 78 ; from five to ten years, 60 ; from ten to twenty- one years, 153 ; from twenty-one to forty-five years, 177 ; from forty-five to seventy- five years, 96; from seventy-five to ninety years, 9 ; total, 573. Females, under five years, 64; from five to ten years, 63 ; from ten to eighteen years, 96 ; from eighteen to forty years, 145 ; from forty to seventy-five years, 98; over seventy-five years, 4 ; total, 470. Their condition in life was reported as follows: Males, from ten to twenty-one, all single, 153; over twenty- one, single, 67; married, 199; widowers and di- vorced, 16: Females, from ten to eighteen years, single, 95 ; married, i ; over eighteen, single, 38 ; married, 184; widows and divorced, 25. Total, married, 384; single, 618; widowed and divorced, 41- From the census of 1874 we also glean some interesting statistics regarding the town, its re- sources, and productions, which are given in as concise a form as possible. Deerfield then pos- sessed an area of taxable lands of 21,659* acres, of which 12,078 acres were improved and 49 acres were exempt. Three acres were devoted to places of burial for the dead, and 2^2 acres to church- and parsonage-sites. There were then in the town 184 farms, averaging an area of 1 17.71 acres each, the average being a little higher than is that of most towns. In 1873, 3021 acres of wheat were har- vested, yielding an average of 1447 bushels to the acre, giving the town fourth rank in the county; and 1022 acres of corn produced an average of 27.55 bushels per acre, giving the town the twelfth for corn. In the quantity produced it liolds rank among the towns of the county as follows: it is third for wheat and all other grains, except corn, and for pork, fourth for cheese, fifth for potatoes, ninth for wool, eleventh for corn, thirteenth for butter, and fifteenth for hay. In a general average it stands as the seventh town of Livingston County. The following table shovvs the quantity of its prod- ucts for 1873: Bushels of wheat 43.725 Pounds of pork 81,060 " com 28,152 " cheese 245 " othergiains 32,102 " butlci 35.525 " potaUies 8,976 " dried fruit... 3,430 Tons of hay 1,326 Barrels of cider 324 Pounds of wool 24,704 There was then 424 acres of orcharding, and the yield of apples for that and the previous year was reported at 14,394 bushels in 1872, and 9634 bush- els in 1873. * By the United States survey the area of the town is reporteil at 23,871.25 acres, the sections on the north ovenunning, .inil those on the west falling shnrt of the true area of a section. Neither the lakes nor the streams were "meandered," which ac- counts for the apparent discrepancy. The amount of stock kept was for that year: horses, 517; mules, 5 ; working oxen, 52; milch cows, 417; other neat cattle, 677; swine, 731; sheep, 5498. As will be seen from this, the towns-people are pursuing a diversified system of farming, — paying, perhaps, as great attention to dairying and sheep- husbandry as to any particular branch, and are bringing their town to rank well with the other towns of the county. That the soil is fertile, and yields a liberal return for the toil of the husband- man, and that the people are possessed of thrift and public spirit, is evidenced by the many pleas- ant dwellings and commodious barns that are scat- tered about the town. From its organization down to the present time the town has been uniformly Democratic in its political bias, though from 1845 to 1850 the Whig party made strenuous efforts to overcome their opponents, and came so near accomplishing their object that it put their opponents upon their mettle to retain their supremacy. The Democratic ma- jority at the general election has ranged from 30 to 60 since that time. The political hosts on the Whig and Republican side have been marshaled under the leadership of Darius Lewis, Samuel Leonard, Calvin T. Htnnett, Joseph Chamberlin, Calvin W. Leonard, and others, while the leaders of the Democr.icy have been Hon. Charles D. Topping, Hon. John How, Sidney M. Hawley, Ira O. and Enoch M. Marble, Robert Chambers, John Sellers, E. H. Stiles, and others. Never but once have the Democrats failed to elect their candidate for supervisor (though often being defeated for some of the minor offices), and that memorable event occurred in 1847, when Darius Lewis was elected by the Whigs. Neither the Know-Noth- ings or the Grcenbackers have ever had an exist- ence as a party in the town. POST-OFFICES. The first post-office in Deerfield was established in 1837-38. It was intended to call the office by the name of the town, but the department having already established an office in Lenawee County under that name, issued a commission to Alfred Holmes as postmaster of" Deer Creek" post-office. It was then kept in his blacksinith-shop, a little south of the west quarter-post of section 17. In 1843 the office was transferred to John How, and moved to his house on section 6, where it re- mained for about seventeen years. In 1848, Mr. How died, and was succeeded by his son William, who retained it till his death, in 1864. His widow kept it a few months, and then it was transferred to Darius Lewis, who, for private reasons, kept it 432 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. for a while on his front stoop. His successor was Alexander Bain, who kept it at his ashery, and was succeeded by the present postmaster, William W. Henderson, in 1870, since which time it has been kept in the store. Daniel Boutell first carried the mail over this route, which led from Howell to Shiawassee, em- bracing the offices of Deer Creek and Byron. Oak Grove, Cohoctah (at first called Tuscola), Argentine, and Madison were added when they were established, and the northern terminus of the route transferred to Linden, so that the pres- ent route embraces five offices, and is more than thirty miles long. The round trip is made from Linden to Howell and return on Thursday and Friday of each week. The Madison post-office was early established at Deerfield Centre, but the exact date is not known. It was probably during the early part of Harrison's administration, as the first postmaster, Darius Lewis, was an ardent and zealous Whig, and would hardly have been selected for the post by a Dem- ocratic administration. Why the name Madison was given it is not known, thougli it was without doubt in honor of the ex-President. Mr. Lewis kept the office several years at his residence on section 15, and then it was turned over to John Anderson, and removed a half-mile west of the Centre. It was then brought back to the Centre and kept a couple of years by Calvin W. Leonard, and afterwards by Lewis until his removal to Deer Creek, in 1863, when Luther V. Field was appointed to succeed him. Since Field, the office has been kept successively by Mishal Hull, Edwin Town- send, Leroy Dean, and the present postmaster, George Gibson. At first it was on a special route to Argentine, but was afterwards changed to the Howell and Linden route, to which it now belongs. INDUSTRIES. The first mechanical industry in the town was the manufacture of lumber, and was inaugurated by John How, who rigged and operated a " pit- saw" for that purpose in 1834. This primitive style of sawing did not long remain in vogue, for in the winter of 1835-36 he commenced work on a saw-mill. The first step was the building of a dam across the Shiawassee River, and the spot fi.xed upon was that where the stream crossed the south line of section 6. The line of the dam lay diag- onally across the section line, and it was about lOO feet long. It was built of logs held in place by small trees, whose butts rested upon tiie logs of the dam, and whose untrimmed tops extended up- stream, and were anchored by dirt and stone dumped upon them. It was necessary at times to do this work of filling in by cutting holes through the ice that formed and dumping the ballast through them. In the spring, when the sun began to warm up the earth and streams, the water began to work through the half-frozen, lumpy mass, and soon undermined the dam, which, as the freshet increased in volume, was nearly all swept away. It was re- built as soon as the high water subsided, and in the following summer the mill was built and com- menced operations. This mill was about 20 by 42 feet in size, furnished with an old-fashioned " flutter-wheel" and a " sash" saw, and was run simply for custom sawing, though Mr. How after- wards bought some land on section 18, on which was some fine timber, and did a little lumbering. But even this lumber was used for building pur- poses by the settlers of this and adjoining towns. After Mr. How's death the mill property passed through several ownerships, and finally came into the possession of Isaac L. & D. N. Roberts, who, about 1852-53, built the first grist-mill in the town. Since that time the property has had several owners, and has been divided. The grist mill has been owned by Philander Sackner, David B. Bradley, Isaac L. Roberts, William Sturgis, Isaac L. Rob- erts, Darius Lewis, George Green, and is now owned by Holcomb & Green. It is a building 36 by 44 feet in size, two stories high, with a base- ment, and fitted up with two run of stones and the usual accompanying machinery. It has three iron turbine water-wheels, furnishing an aggregate of about 40 horse-power. It has a capacity for grinding 150 bushels of wheat and 300 bushels of feed per day, and is doing a good custom business. The saw-mill has been owned, since the property was divided, by Philander Sackner, Joseph Rider, George G. Gibson, and Simeon Kittle, who is the present proprietor. Before the division it was rebuilt as it now stands. Its annual product was put down in 1874 at 100,000 feet. It now does but a limited custom business in times of high water. In 1838 a distillery was built by Joseph Walsh and George Green, on section 25. They began operating it in the fall of 1839, and for nearly thirty years it was kept running for about nine months in the year. Its daily consumption of grain was about eighteen bushels. After Mr. Walsh's death the business was continued by Mr. Green until 1867, when it was given up on account of the high tax imposed, and because, from its lo- cation away from the arteries of commerce, it was difficult to get supplies to it, and to ship its pro- duct. An ashery was operated at Deer Creek several years ago by Alexander Bain, and was subse- DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 433 quently moved to his land on section 17, where it was run for a while and then abandoned. The first blacksmith in the town, so far as known, was Alfred Holmes, who had a shop on section 17 as early as 1837. William Snow had a shop near the Centre as early as 1840. The first store was kept by William Edwards, who bought a few acres of ground on section 35, of William Payne, and opened a store on the corner opposite the old Cole's tavern in Oceola, about the year 1844. VILLAGES. In an agricultural community villages are usually of slow growth, and rarely attain to any consider- able size, unless, by means of manufactories and railroads, a foundation is laid, and an impetus given to the trades and branches of business that build up a place. And yet, to the citizens of the vicinity, the growth of these little hamlets possess a degree of interest that renders a history of them, however brief, desirable. DEER CREEK, which received its name from the post-office, lies in the northwest part of the town, mostly on the southeast quarter of section 6, but extending a little on to the northeast quarter of section 7. It is very pleasantly located on high, lightly-rolling ground, on the east bank of the south branch of the Shiawassee River, and contains a population of about 75 souls. The name most commonly applied to it by people of the vicinity is " How- burg," derived from the name of John How, the original owner of the land on which it is built. The first step towards the building up of the village was the erection of the mills already de- scribed and of houses to accommodate the owner and employees. While Isaac L. Roberts was operating the mills he opened the first store in the place in a building he had erected on the site of Mr. Henderson's present store. On that site stores have since been kept by John Davis and the present merchant, Mr. W. W. Henderson. Another store was opened soon after the close of the war by James Rooney, on the corner just north of Henderson's building. The building was after- wards used for a cabinet-shop, a saloon, and other purpo.ses, and Oct. I, 1878, was again opened as a store by Adelbert D. Chase, acting in the capacity of agent for Leslie Lewis, of Fenton. Just before the war, Jotham Hrcffbrd opened a blacksmith- shop at this point, but soon after was succeeded by Horace Soper. The first wagon-shop was started by a Mr. Bentley, some ten or twelve years ago, in a small building on the north side of the road near the grist-mill. In 1877, Isaac Hop- per built a new shop on nearly the same site, and 55 is doing a moderate business. At the present time the village consists of one grist-mill, one saw-mill, one wagon-shop, two blacksmith-shops, two stores, and fifteen dwellings. DEERFIELD CENTRE, as its name implies, is located at the centre of the town, and is but a little huddle of dwellings, with a store and blacksmith-shop. It commenced in 1842, when Calvin W. Leonard made the first pur- chase of land on the school section, and built the first house in the village. It was located on the site of Mr. Leonard's present handsome residence. At that time the nearest houses were Bela Fen- ner's, a half-mile south, and Elhanan F. Cooky's and Elias B. Holcomb's, about the same distance east. A couple of years later Mr. Fenner sold two small lots on the north line of section 22 to Addison Sutherland and Mishal Hull. Each of them built a house on his lot, and Sutherland, who was a blacksmith, also put up a small shop on his lot, and went to work at his trade, Hull working in the shop with him. The next build- ing erected was the stone building on the south- west corner of section 15, which was intended for a school-house, but not used as such,* the district voting to not accept the building, and subsequently purchased another site of Mr. Leonard, and on that erected their present frame school-house, one of the best in the town, at a cost of about *58oo. Next, the town-house was built in the summer of 1864, and soon after John R. Bunting, a returned soldier, who had lost one foot in the service of his country, erected the present store building, and opened a grocery. He soon after sold to Mishal Hull. Since then it has passed through several hands, and is now owned by a Mr. Giddings, of Gaines, Genesee Co., Mich. In 1874 the Methodist church was built. The present statistics of the village show that it contains one church, one school-house, one town-house, one store and post- office, one blacksmith-shop, about a dozen dwell- ings, and a population of about 50. HIGHWAYS. The first road in the town was the one opened by the How family, leading north from their settle- ment to the Shiawassee road, or trail as it then was. Of course this was not surveyed, but was cleared of rubbish and marked by " blazed trees" as a private undertaking. The first recorded surveys of roads * Some time about 1869 the stone building and one acre of ground w.-is purcha.sed by Mr. Leonard, wlio finished it off for a blacksmilh-shop and sold it to George Knickerbocker, who worked in it for some time. After several changes of owners it was finally bought by Mishal Hull and fitted up for a store-room in connec- tion with the store, — a use to which it h-is ever since been devoted. 434- HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. were made by A. Adams, between the 1 5 th and 20th days of May, 1837, and were opened in the follow- ing order: first, a road in continuation of the one running east from Oak Grove, which crossed sec- tions 31 and 32 in a southeast direction, and passed into Oceola ; second, a road running on section line from the northeast corner of section 3 1 to the west line of Tyrone ; third, one across the town a mile north of the second road ; fourth, one con- necting these two, running from the northeast corner of section 32 to the northeast corner of section 29; fifth, one running west, three-quarters of a mile from the east quarter-post of section 18; sixth, one run- ning from the northeast corner of section 31 to the southeast corner of section 6. These roads were, of course, supplemented by others as fast as the needs of the pioneers made them necessary. In 1847 the non-resident highway tax was appropriated " to build a bridge across Ore Creek at Bennett's dam," which is now one of the most important bridges in the town, it being on the direct road to Linden and Fenton. The present fine bridge at that point was erected in the centennial year. The How bridge across the Shiawassee was built in 185 1. SCHOOLS. The division of the town into school districts was a work which extended through a considerable length of time, and since their first formation many changes in their boundary lines and numbers have been made from time to time, so that it would be a laborious task, as it would be a practically useless one, to try to trace them all from their organization to the present. We will therefore give but a brief resume of the most salient points in the history of each. District No. i was formed May 5, 1838, and then embraced sections 3, 10, and 15, and the west half of sections 2, 11, and 14. It now contains section 10, the greater part of sections 2, 3, and 1 1, and small parts of sections 14 and 15. Samuel Leonard was the prime mover in getting this dis- trict organized. A log school-house was built, in the summer of 1838, by John Anable and " Bee- Hunter" Johnson. Edwin P. Spencer taught the first school there, — which was also the first in the town, — in the winter of 1838-39. Some tw^enty- six years ago the school-house was replaced by the present brick building, which will seat 35 pupils, and is valued at $750. Ann Stephens and Alma Debar were early teachers in this district. District No. 2 was formed Oct. i, 1839, and con- sisted of sections 24, 25, 26, 35, and 36, and the east half of section 23. It now embraces sections 24 and 25, three-quarters of sections 26 and 36, seven-eighths of section 23, and the east half of section 35. The first school-house was built on section 24, in 1839; it was burned down and re- placed by another, which gave place to the present frame building some twelve or fourteen years ago. This house will accommodate 90 scholars, and is valued at §700. District No. 3, as first formed, Oct. 3, 1838, em- braced sections 33 and 34 in this town, and sections 3 and 4 in Oceola. It is now entirely in this town, and is known as No. 11. It contains section 34, seven-eighths of sections 27 and 33, three-quarters of section 28, the west half of section 35, three- eighths of section 32, and one-fourth of sections 26 and 29. The first school-house in this district was a log building, which stood about eighty rods from the town line, on section 34. In 1850-51 the dis- trict got into turmoil over the question of selecting a site for a new school-house, the question was carried to the courts, and even before the Legisla- ture, and finally two buildings were erected, one on the northwest corner of section 34, and another near the town line. It resulted in a disruption of the district, and the establishing of the northern lot as the regular site. The building erected there was a small one, and cost about $100, exclusive of the voluntary labor performed on it by the citizens. The present frame house, built in 1866, will seat 50 pupils, and cost about ^1000. District No. 4 was formed Oct. 24, 1838, and consisted of sections 1,12, and 13, and the east half of sections 2, 11, and 14. It now contains the whole of sections 12 and 13, and parts of all the others, but is considerably smaller than at first. The school-house is a frame building, capable of accommodating 50 pupils, and is valued at $500. It stands near the north quarter-post of section 13. District No. 5 was formed Jan. 5, 1849, and was made a fractional district by the addition of some territory in Tuscola (now Cohoctah) on the i8th of December, 1841. By subsequent changes it has been made the largest district in the town, now embracing sections 18, 19, 20, 30, and 31, and por- tions of sections 17, 21, 28, 29, and 32. The school- house is a frame building, capable of seating 125 pupils, valued at ^600, and stands on the northeast corner of section 30. District No. 6 was formed Oct. i, 1839, and con- tained the whole of sections 22 and 27, and parts of sections 14, 15, 16, 21, and 23. The first meet- ing recorded was held May 6, 1844. This is the central district of the town, and now embraces the whole of section 16, the greater portion of sections 15, 21, and 22, and parts of sections 9, 17, and 14. The school-buildings in this district have been mentioned heretofore. The present one will accommodate 70 scholars, and is valued at 5500. DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP. 435 District No. 7, now obsolete, was organized March 2, 1839, from sections 20, 21, 28, and 29. District No. 8 was formed Feb. 16, 1841. It now contains sections 5, 6, 7, and 8, and jxirts of sections 4 and 9. Tlie school-house is a rather dilapidated frame building, seated for 65 scholars, and reported to be worth ;$700. It is situated in section 5. District No. 9, now obsolete, was formed of sec- tion 32 in Dccrficld and adjoining territory in Oceola, Jan. 14, 1843. Another district was formed May 2, 1846, with this number (containing parts of sections 7, 8, 18, and 17), which has also become a thing of the past. District No. 1 2 is fractional with Argentine, and comprises in this town parts of sections 3, 4, and 5. The school-house, valued at ;^250, is a frame building, fitted for 40 scholars, and located in sec- tion 4. The first full report of the districts to the school inspectors was made in 1843, and whatever com- parisons are made in the following statistics are made between the years 1843 and 1879. No record of the total expenditures for support of schools in 1843 is to be had, but in 1879 the amounts in the several districts were reported as follows: No. I, ^194.84; No. 2, $378.26; No. 4, gi86; No. 5, ,$308.44; No. 6, $278.05 ; No. 8, $239; No. 11, $177.50; No. 12, $218.58; total, $1980.67. The following list is composed of the early teachers of the town, and embraces all to whom certificates were granted by the school inspectors previous to the year 1850, so far as any record has been preserved. The first seven were commis- sioned in 1 844. The names are Horace M. Notting- ham, Matilda B. Nottingham, Matilda Humphrey, Mary Nelson, Rhoda F. Packard, Theresa Pike, Sarah Gibbs, Graham N. Barker, Jasper Bentley, Harvey R. Stevens, Cynthia and Caroline L. Royce, James Vanbenschotcn, John Curran, Mary and William Clark, Emeline Sprague, Abby F. Jones, Joel A. Chapman, Lucinda M. Hart, John Bennett, Emeline Youngs, James Andrews, Sophia Topping, Maria Chrispell, Theda Y. Hazard, Martha A. Leet, Herman I. Cranston, John How, Martha J. Van- keuren, Esther M. and Nancy J. Batcheller, Mary G. Sutherland, Esther Marvin, John F. Topping, Hudson B. Blackman, and Core)'. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. In the late fall of 1836, the first religious meeting in the town of Decrfield was held, at the house of Reuben Pease, on section 14, in the Top- ping neighborhood. Rev. Washington Jackson, the pioneer Methodist preacher of this vicinity, had given out the appointment, in connection with several others in this region, some time before. It was a Sunday appointment, and a severe wintry storm which set in and continued through the pre- ceding night, and was unabated on Sabbath morn- ing, promised to prevent the meeting. But the people were hardy pioneers, used to and fearless of storms, and load after load of people came from different directions through the snow-drifts, the ox-teams and drivers hoary with snow and frost. In spite of the inclement weather a large congre- gation got together; the meeting was one of un- usual interest, and long held a place in the remem- brance of those who attended it. No regular class was formed in this town until October, 1846, when the FIRST METHODIST EPI.SCOPAL CHURCH OF DEER- FIELD was organized at the Centre. It had but a few members, among them being Mrs. John Anderson, John D. Converse and wife, Reuben Young and wife, and William A. and Elizabeth Hull. Mr. Hull was the first class-leader. What its first cir- cuit relation was is not known. Upon the organ- ization of the Oak Grove circuit, in 1855, it was connected with that circuit, and so remained until 1874, when it was transferred to the new Parshall- ville circuit It has had quite a varied experience, meeting with, perhaps, more than the usual amount of alternating periods of prosperity and adversity, but still maintains its position upon the battlements and floats the pure white banner of the Saviour to guide repentant sinners to the pathway leading to life eternal. Its present membership is about 25. No clas,s-leader has been appointed since the posi- tion was vacated some time ago, and the preacher in charge of the circuit consequently acts in that capacity. The pastors of the church since 1855 have been as follows: 1855, William Birdsall ; 1856, Lyman H. Dean; 1857, L. P. Murch ; 1858-59, James H. Caster; i860, F. Brittan; 1861-62, Samuel P. Lee; 1863-64, James R. Cor- don and J. G. Horton, two months; 1865-66, D. O. Balls; 1866-68, Joseph W. Holt and J. G. Hor- ton in the latter year; 1869-70, Alexander Gee; 1871-74, James Balls; 1875, Orlando Sanborn; 1876, William Birdsall; 1877-78, Edwin Daw; 1879, Orlando Sanborn. Under the preaching of Rev. E. E. Caster, O. II. P. Green, and Edwin Daw there were revivals, that under Caster being the most notable and extensive. The meetings were held principally at the school-house at the Centre, until the building of the church in 1874. This edifice was built as a sort of union church, but has been controlled by the Methodists, and is such practically. It is 436 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. legally known as the " First Church in Deerfield." The ground on which the church was erected, consisting of one-half acre on section 2i, was pur- chased of Calvin W. Leonard for $50, and the church was built by Robert Chambers, of Howell, and Charles Chambers, of Cohoctah, and cost altogether, including furnishing, about ^2400. The ceremony of dedication took place Oct. 27, 1874, Rev. Mr. McEldowney, of Flint, preaching the discourse, and Revs. W. E. Bigelow, P. E., John Hamilton, and James Balls participating on the occasion. The formal incorporation occurred Feb. 16, 1875, when, at a meeting of the Quarterly Confer- ence of Oak Grove Circuit, Flint District, Detroit Annual Conference, held at Deerfield Centre, Daniel O. Taft, Danford Parker, Josephus Lair, John Hetcheler, Mishal Hull, Wiltsey Glaspie, and William Leonard were elected as the first board of trustees. The first four were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The present board is composed of George Bunting, Nelson Lamb, Abram Major, Hiram Farnham, Calvin Spalding, John F. Topping, and James Tamlin. BAPTIST. A Baptist society was formed some time between 1845 and 1850, at the school-house in District No. I, it being a branch of the church at Parshallville. Its membership was small, and contained, among others, Horace H. Nottingham and wife, Mrs. Samuel Leonard, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Jemima Downer, Abiram Blackburn, wife, and mother, and Jethro Shout and wife. Preaching was kept up once a month, at the school-house, for a few years, and then the society was broken up, its individual members transferring their membership to other churches of the connection. At the present time, Baptist services are held every two weeks at the church in Deerfield Centre, by Rev. I. W. Lamb, pastor of the Parshallville Church. ROMAN CATHOLIC. There were a number of Irish emigrants amone the early settlers of Deerfield, all of whom were communicants of the Church of Rome, and as soon as they could see their way clear to do so, they set at work to erect a church. Preparatory to this undertaking a church was organized in June, 1846, by Rev. Patrick Kelly, a missionary sent out to organize churches among the Catholics of this State, which then numbered 13 families, most of them being young married people. James McKeone was the leader of the enterprise, and among the others who assisted in the work were Dennis and Timothy McCarthy, Bryan Corr, John McKeone, Edward Sweeney, Michael Bennett, Pat- rick and James Conklin, James Scullin, James Murphy, James McGuire, and John Ryan. Joseph Walsh, who was not a member of the church, gave two acres of ground on section 25 for a church site, and on it the church was erected that season. The frame was put up and inclosed and an altar built so that services could be held in it, and then the work stopped, and was not re- sumed until in 1862, when it was finished. A few years ago it was thoroughly repaired. Its first cost was about ^400, but at the present time it is valued at ;^2000. In 1857 two acres of ground on the southeast corner of section 26 was purchased, and on that a parsonage was built, at a cost of about ^1000. This church was first connected with six other appointments, Oceola being one, and is now a mis- sion of the Fenton Church. In connection with the churches of Fenton and Gaines, they are now building a church in the west part of the town of Cohoctah. The present membership includes 76 families. The pastors have been Revs. Patrick Kelly, Francis X. Vanpalmer, Joseph Lambert, F. X. Pourette, Thomas Rafter, James Wheeler, and William Kilroy. Although not incorporated, — the priest, accord- ing to the rules of the church, holding the title, — the church is known as " St. Peter's and Paul's Roman Catholic Church of Deerfield." CEMETERIES. There are but three burying-grounds in Deer- field, and two of these have been regularly incor- porated. The first is called THE DEERFIELD CENTRE BURIAL-GROUND. As has been mentioned, the first death in town, so far as known, was that of Mrs. Achsah (Wood) Bennett, the second wife of Benjamin Bennett, who died in June, 1837. The second is believed to have been that of Mrs. Nancy Faussett, widow of James Faussett, and mother of Thomas and George Faussett : she was the first person buried in this ground. Her death occurred March 6, 1838. Other early deaths were those of Mr. Joseph Wise's father, date unknown ; Lydia E. Luce (daughter of P'reeborn and Eunice Luce), an in- fant, Aug. 2, 1838; and Mrs. Sarah Boutell, second wife of Lorenzo Boutell, Oct. 9, 1840. Mrs. Faussett's nephew, Thomas Sharp, was one day talking with her when she broached the subject of death, and said that she would soon be called away, and wanted to select a pleasant place of burial before she died. Mr. Sharp told her that, if she had no objection to being buried upon COIIOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 437 his farm, lie would give her an acre on any part of his land she should select, to bo used as a burying-ground for the neighborhood. She made her selection, taking a piece near the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 21; and there, within two years' time, she was buried on the very spot selected by herself, where a marble slab marks her resting-place. From time to time other interments have been made, until the original lot became so well filled as to necessitate an addition being made, which was accordingly done. The ground is well kept and contains a number of neat and tasty monuments and tomb- stones. The first transfer of the title was made Jan. 20, 1855, when the ground was deeded to John Sellers, E. F. Cooley, and Darius Lewis, trustees of the Deerfield Centre Burying-Ground. The formal incorporation took place at a meeting held May 16, 1863. The officers elected were: President, Elhanan F. Cooley; Secretary, Simeon Kittle; Treasurer, John Sellers; Se.xton, John Merrill. At that time, Ira Lamb, A. D. Royce, John F. Topping, William Leonard, E. B. Holcomb, Calvin W. Leonard, John Anderson, Luther V. Field, and Samuel Leonard, in addition to those already named, were members of the association. The present officers are : President, Elias B. Holcomb; Vice-President, Christopher Nicholson; Secretary, Almeron Holcomb; Treasurer, Mishal Hull; Se.xton, John Merrill. DEER CREEK BURYING-GROUND. This is located on the northeast quarter of sec- tion 7. It contains about 1. 1 acres. The ground was first opened in 1846, by John How, as a family and neighborhood burial-place, and was finally in- corporated at a meeting held in the Deer Creek school-house, Oct. 30, 1875. After adopting a name, officers were chosen as follows : President, John How ; Vice-President, William W. Hender- son; Secretary, Frederick Bredow; Treasurer, Da- vid B. Bradley ; Sexton, John G. Gibson. These officers hold their position at the pleasure of the association until removed for cause. No change has yet been made in the official board. CATHOLIC CEMETERY. Around the Catholic church, on section 25, is located the third burying-ground in Deerfield. It contains nearly two acres, and has numerous graves, over many of which have been erected beautiful and costly monuments. It looks somewhat neg- lected. With a little effort and watchful care, it could very easily be made the prettiest cemetery in the town. In closing, the writer desires to return grateful thanks to John How, James Cameron, Calvin W. Leonard, Joseph Chamberlin, and others, for cour- tesies extended, facilities afforded, and assistance rendered in this work. Deerfield and its citizens will long be pleasantly remembered. COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. When the rigor of the winter of 1832-33 had been subdued by the ever higher mounting sun of spring, and the soft-falling rains and balmy south- ern breezes began to wake to renewed life the long dormant energies of Nature, an adventurous pio- neer, — one of those genuine videttes of an ad- vancing host, whose energetic, restless, impatient nature forced him to the front in anything he was led to undertake, — made his appearance in that part of the country now known as the township of Cohoctah. That man was an Indian trader, named Gilbert W. Prentiss, and he was the first settler in this township. In the entering of his land he was preceded three days by Lyman Boughton, who made his entry of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter and northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 34, on the 6th day of April, while Prentiss made his on the 9th, and a second entry on the 15th. His first entry was 40 acres, — the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 22, and his second was of 80 acres, it being the east half of the same quarter section. At that time the whole extent of the terri- tory now comprising the town of Cohoctah was an unbroken wilderness, a wild of low-lying marshes, dark, gloomy tamarack swamps, sunny plains, and beautiful openings, with a border- ing of heavier timber, reaching almost entirely around its outskirts. The foot of the wandering Indian hunter, the white hunter, trapper, and trader, the government surveyor, and, perhaps, a 438 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. few land-lookers, had alone trod the mazes of its forest, and forded its water-courses. The wild game wandered at pleasure beneath the inviting shade of its spreading oaks, or fearlessly quenched their thirst from the sparkling waters of its mean- dering streams, not yet having learned to fear the presence of man, as the death-dealing rifles of the pioneers soon taught them to do when the settle- ment began. Township 4 north, of range 4 east, as this town was designated by the United States survey, comprises a territory nearly six miles wide from east to west, and a little over six and three-eighths miles long from north to south, containing an area of 24,538 acres. It is the west central town on the north line of the county, and centrally distant eight and three-quarters miles from the county-seat. The town of Burns, Shiawassee Co., adjoins it on the north, the town of Deerfield on the east, the town of Howell on the south, and the town of Conway on the west. Its surface is generally quite level, lightly rolling in some parts, and was originally badly cut up by numerous swamps and marshes, many of which have, by the clearing up of the country and the improvements made in the drainage system of the town, been reclaimed and made tillable and productive. Probably from one- seventh to one-twelfth of the township was origi- nally covered with these marshes and swamps. At present the largest marshes are in the south part of section 33, along the course of the outlet of Cook's Lake, and along Teller's Creek in sec- tion 21. The soil is varied, following very closely the lines that marked the boundaries of the different kinds of lands. In the central part, where were the plains, it is of a very light, sandy nature; to- wards the north line, where were mixed timbered lands and timbered openings, the soil is of a heavier nature, a sort of clayey loam ; in the east- ern part it is made up of mingled sand ridges, and marshes or swamps ; in the southeast corner, where the timber on the openings was very heavy, the soil is also heavier and tempered with some clay ; along the south line this continues with in- tervening swamps, till in the southwest part comes a more elevated surface, which was originally tim- bered opening, and where the soil is light, and yet strong and fertile ; and along the west line of the town, where were mixed marshes and openings, the soil is correspondingly varied. The soil is well adapted to the cultivation of general crops, and the real agricultural worth of the township has not been fully developed. The lakes of Cohoctah number but seven, and are none of them of any considerable size. The largest of them, on section 32, from the peculiar formation of its bottom, is named Sand-Bottom Lake. It is connected with Cook's Lake, which lies south from it, and which is of nearly the same size. It, however, unlike the former, has a muddy bottom, and a good deal of marsh about its shores.- The outlet of both joins the Shiawassee River, on section 34. Another lake of nearly the same size lies on section 19, and is called Devil's Lake. It is surrounded by wide marshes and has a muddy bottom. Its outlet is Sprague's Creek. Lime Lake is a small body of water lying on section 14. It derives its name from the fact that its shores and bottom is composed of a kind of marl that, by burning, can be converted into an indifferent sort of lime. It has a bolder shore than any of the other lakes. Its outlet connects it with Mud Lake, lying a few rods south on the same section. This lake has a muddy bottom, a marshy shore, and its waters have a peculiar turbid look, which gives the lake its name. Its outlet enters the Shiawas- see, near the southw'est corner of the section. Thatcher's Lake is a small body of water on sec- tion 4. It covers an area of about four acres, and was named after Michael Thatcher, who settled near it at an early day. Its outlet runs southward into another smaller lake, lying across the south line of the section, which is called Crawford's Lake. It then continues south till it joins Sprague's Creek. There is also one artificial pond at Che- mungville, on section 36, covering several acres, and affording a fine water-power. The principal stream is the south branch of the Shiawassee River, which enters the town from Howell, about fifty rods east of the southwest cor- ner of section 34, and runs northerly through wide-spreading marshes on sections 34, 27, and the south half of 28, where its banks rise abruptly to a considerable height above the stream, and so con- tinues along its course until it reaches the quarter line of section 21, and again finds a marshy bed, which continues throughout its onward course through the town into Deerfield. Its current in this town is quite sluggish, and its entire course quite tortuous and some nine miles in extent. Its principal tributary is the second stream in import- ance in the town. It is commonly called " Bogue" Creek, a corruption of the Indian name " Bo-bish-e- nung." As to the significance of the name we are not able to speak. It enters this town near the southeast corner, and runs a northerly course of about three miles till it joins the river, in the north part of section 4. At Chemungville it affords a fine water-power. Sprague's Creek, the third stream in importance, is made up of two branches, the principal one being the outlet of Devil's Lake; COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 439 the united streams flow in a variable southeast and east course through sections 9, 10, and 15, and empty into the Shiawassee in section 22. Teller's Creek, on section 21, the outlets of Cook's and Mud Lakes, and a tributary of the " Bogue," on section 25, constitute the remainder of the streams of Cohoctah. The history of the aboriginal owners and inhab- itants of the town is hid beneath the shrouding mj'stery of the past. At the time of settlement no Indians were permanently residing in the township, though many were frequently seen on their way to Detroit, or on hunting excursions. Time was, how- ever, when they had homes, and probably a village iiere, for traces of their former occupancy were found in abundance by the white settlers. Aside from the usual relics in the form of arrow and spear heads, stone hatchets and knives, there were other and more striking tokens of their presence in the shape of Indian orchards, gardens, cemeteries, and dancing-grounds. On section 22, in the south- east corner of the northwest quarter, was a piece of ground containing about a quarter of an acre, which had been leveled and trod down until the surface was hard and smooth as a floor. It was circular in form, about eight rods in diameter, and surrounded bj'a ring of earth which was elevated a little above the general surface, and appeared to have been formed from the earth removed in the process of leveling. It was a-subject of great curiosity to the early settlers, and they only learned its use when they made inquiries regarding it of the In- dians whom they met. Here the stalwart savages celebrated their " war-dances" before departing on some bloody errand of conquest or revenge ; or when returning successful with bloody trophies of their prowess they celebrated the occasion with the riotous " scalp-dance ;" or being unsuccessful, mourned with blackened faces and shrouded forms, and slowly trod the melancholy measures of the " death-dance." The Indian burj'ing-ground was situated on the north bank of the Shiawassee River, near the west line of section 27. It covered one half-acre of ground, and contained some fifty or sixty graves, all marked with two tamarack poles, placed one at the head and the other at the foot, their tops drawn together and crossed, being fast- ened together with strips of bark. The orchards and places bearing marks of cultivation were in different places, but all in that section of the town. There was but one trail of any prominence through this town. This was a branch of the Detroit and Grand River trail, that left the main trail somewhere in the neighborhood of Howell, and reached this town a quarter of a mile west of the southeast corner of section 34. From that point it followed very nearly the course of the present road due north to the centre of section 10 where it turned towards the northwest, and at the east quarter-post of section 5 turned a little to the northward and ran on till it reached Shiawassee town. On section 5 the trail forked, the other branch leading westward across sections 5 and 6, running to Dewitt, and thence to the Grand River. Neither of these were main trails, but they were frequently used and their courses well defined. When the territory we have endeavored to de- scribe was thrown u[)on the market, the lands were bought up by two classes of purchasers. The first, though not the most numerous, were those who bought with the purpose in view of settling on their purchases and assisting in the development of the country; the second class were those men of means who thought that money invested in these lands would eventually pay a larger interest, and would certainly be safer, than if used in the speculations then so rife, and which were driving the financial American world into the current which, in 1837, swept it into the vortex of the panic of that year. The first class steadily pur- sued their purpose, while the others were wary purchasers until the thickening crowd of on-com- ing settlers seemed to assure the success of the undertaking, and then with a grand rush they swooped down upon the country and seized upon all the available and valuable land they could find. This is shown by the fact that three-fourths of the land in this town was taken up within the space of one twelvemonth, beginning with May, 1836, and that more than three-eighths was taken up in the two months of May and June, 1836. The first entry was made, as before stated, by Lyman Boughton, April 6, 1833, and the next two by Gilbert W. Prentiss, on the 9th and 15th of the same month. These were the only purchasers in that year. The purchasers of the following year, 1834, were Benjamin Crawford, John and James Sanford, and Antony Clark. In 1 835 the following persons entered land : John and Mary Sanford, Ezra Sanford, William W. Shutes, William Riker, Ephraim Crawford, Ezra Frisbee, and Dyer Rath- bun. There were one hundred and twenty-one entries in 1836. The year 1837 brought twenty- two purchasers. The other entries were made as follows: one in 1838, four in 1839, one in 1841, one in 1850, two in 1853, one in 1854, five in 1855, one each in 1856, 1857, i860, 1S67, 1869, and 1870, and two without the date being given, making a grand total of one hundred and sixty-eight entries, averaging over 146 acres each. The size of these entries tells a tale of speculative greed, and explains the reason why only fift)--six of these purchasers ever became residents of the town. 44Q HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The following list comprises all the entries of land in the town of Cohoctah. First we give a list of the purchasers on more than one section, with their places of residence, description and area of their purchases, and the dates of entry. In both this and the following list the names of actual settlers are marked with an asterisk (*) : Ezra Sanford,* Oakland Co., Mich., July 4, 1S35, 160 acres on section 21 and 80 acres on section 27 ; Nov. 15, 1S36, 291. 85 acres on section i and 40 acres on section 2. Flavins J. B. Crane, of this county, July 5, 1S36, 240 acres on section 2, 160 acres on section 3, and 80 acres on section 11. Alva Preston,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1836, 144.36 acres on section 2 and 80 acres on section 11. Benjamin B. Kercheval, W.ayne Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1S36, 80 acres on section 1 1 and So acres on section i8; Dec. 6, 1836, 80 acres on section I2; Dec. 15, 1836,40 acres on section 2; Feb. 15, 1837,80 acres on section 30; and Feb. 17, 1837, 80 acres on section 12. James Waldron, Yates Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836, 160 acres on section 3 and 160 acres on section 10 ; Sept. 20, 1836, 40 acres on section 9. Elisha Cross, Wayne Co., Mich., June 4, 1836, 289.10 acres on section 3 and 2S8.44 acres on section 4; Nov. 18, 1836, 104.70 acres on section 3 and 80 acres on section 5. George Bisbee, Ottawa Co., Mich., June 6, 1836, 80 acres on sec- tion 3 and 120 acres on section 10. Simeon Andrews, Wayne Co., Mich., June 17, 1837, 80 acres on section 5 ; Jan. 18, 1837, 80 acres on section 14 and 80 acres on section ^;^. John G. Kanouse, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 10, 1836, 120 acres on section 8 and 120 acres on section 9. Thomas P. Briggs, Yates Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836, 160 acres on section 4 and 40 acres on section 9. Aretus G. Smith, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 20, 1836, 80 acres on section 9 and 160 acres on section 10. Isaac Pratt,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 14, 1836, 320 acres on section 12 and 40 acres on section 13. William Cooper, New York, Aug. 2, 1836, 160 acres on section 13 and i6o acres on section 14. Miles P. Lamson, Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 25, 1836, 320 acres on section 13, 160 acres on section 14, 160 acres on section 15, and 40 acres on section 22. Matthew Gooding, Wayne Co., Mich., Dec. 17, 1836, 160 acres on section 17; and Jan. 16, 1837, 80 acres on section 15. Isaac S. Kidder, Steuben Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836, 160 acres on section 18, 80 acres on section 29, and 160 acres on section 30. James Grant, Oakland Co., Mich., May 23, 1836, 80 acres on sec- tion 35; and June 21, 1836, 149.88 acres on section i8. Alvah Ewers, Wayne Co., Mich., May 30, 1836, 160 acres on sec- tion 19 and 240 acres on section 20. Gottlieb Nieman, New York City, Aug. 2, 1S36, 31S.96 acres on section 19 and 80 acres on section 20. Frederick Ring, New York City, Aug. 2, 1836, 15S.12 acres on section 19 and 160 acres on section 20. William Packard,* Wayne Co., Mich., May 10, 1836, 80 acres on section 24; May 12, 1836, :6o acres on section 24, So acres on section 25, and 80 acres on section 26; May 16, 1836, 80 acres on section 24; and May 23, 1836, 40 acres on section 23 and 80 acres on section 26. Daniel Boutell, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1S36, 40 acres on section 24 and 80 acres on section 25; March i, 1837,40 acres on section 24 and 40 acres on section 25 ; April 26, 1837, 80 acres on section 24 ; and Jan. 10, 1839, 40 acres on sec- tion 25. Chauncey D. Fisher,* Washtenaw Co., Midi., May 30, 1S36, So acres on section 25, So acres on section 35, and 40 acres on section 36. Joseph Hosley,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 6, 1836, 40 acres on sec- tion 36; June 9, 1836, 80 acres on section 36; Sept. 23, 1836, 80 acres on section 25; and Dec. 29, 1836, 80 acres on sec- tion 25. Thomas Goldsmith,* Monroe Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836, 120 acres on section 26 and 80 acres on section 27. Levi and Ambrose Mosher, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 27, 1836, 160 acres on section 26; June 10, 1836, 40 acres on section 26 and 1 20 acres on section 36. John Sanford,* Oakland Co., Mich., July 8, 1834, So acres on .sec- tion 27 and 320 acres on section 34; May 27, 1835, 80 acres on section 27 and 80 acres on section 34. David W. Sheldon, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 12, 1836, 40 acres on section 28 and 120 acres on section 29. Horace Heath and Apollos Smith, United States, June 10, 1836, 320 acres on section 35 and 80 acres on section 36. The remaining entries are, for sake of conveni- ence, classed by sections, as follows : SECTION I. Acres. James McGregor and John A. McGan, Boston, Mass., June 4> 1S36 214.38 Philander Bird, Wayne Co., Mich., June 18, 1836 So Thomas Bussey, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 28, 1S36.... 80 Amos Hutf, of this county, Nov. 15, 1836 80 Orrin Cole, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 5, 1836 80 Wm. H. Johnson, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Dec. 24, 1836.. 80 SECTION 2. Elias Litchfield, Hartford Co., Conn., Dec. 13, 1836 144-36 Isaac Dunn, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan. 19, 1S37 So George W. Allen,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 10, 1837. 209.64 SECTION .3. Nelson Coston,* Oakland Co., Mich., Nov. 18, 1836 104-71 SECTION 4. John F. Maxson, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 25, 1836 240 John Kemp, Levi Bayley,* and Charles George, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 27, 1836 209.03 SECTION 5. Dyer R.-ithbun,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., Oct. 29, 1S35.... 208.85 Seth Dunbar, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 8, 1836 289.70 Michael Thatcher,* of this county, July 27, 1837 160 David Sanford,* of this county, Jan. 8, 183S 40 Michael Downey,* of this county, Nov. 29, 1854 40 SECTION 6. John Edmonds, Genesee Co., N. Y., June 14, 1836 101.18 Nehemiah M. Allen, of this county, June 14, 1836 80 Jedediah D. Commins, Portage Co., Ohio, June 15, 1836. 198.17 Levi Mosher, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 15, 1836 101.18 Mortimer B. Martin, Wayne Co, Mich., Aug. 2, 1S36 I53-20 Adolphus Coburn, Albany Co., N. Y., Aug. 6, 1836 160 George P. Tyson, Oakland Co , Mich., Feb. 11, 1837 75.S4 SECTION 7. James B. Cooley, Monroe Co., N. Y., July 5, 1836 160 Levi Cooley, Monroe Co., N. Y., July 5, 1836 153-56 Henry and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, Genesee Co., N. Y.. 312.60 SECTION 8. Israel V. Harris, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1836 240 William White, Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 20 and 26, 1837.. 240 Daniel ScuUey,* of this county, Sept. 12, 1837 40 SECTION 9. Elam Moe, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 14, 1836 80 Joseph H. Steele, Wayne Co., Mich., July 5, 1836 80 David Guile,* Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1836, and Julv 6, 1839 ;. 200 COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 441 SECTION 10. Acres. Abram K.inonse,* Washtenaw Co., Mich., June 25, 1836.. 40 Josiali Bales, Yates Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1836 120 George W. All)ec, of this county. May 13, 1837 40 SECTION II. Hosea Root, of this county, June 28, 1S36 80 Thoni.is M. Howell, Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., Julys, 1836 160 Sarah .Sioildard,* W.ayne Co., Mich., Au^. i, 1838 40 Nathaniel W. Brayton,* of this county, .Sept. 7, 1855 120 SECTION 12. Leavans S. Hutchins, Madison Co., N. Y., Jan. 16, 1837.. 160 SECTION 13. Harris HicUok, Madison Co., N. Y., March 3, 1837 120 SECTION 14. Harrison Cox, Livingston Co., N. Y., June 10, 1836 160 Patrick Gallaghan,* of this county, April 8, 1837 80 SECTION 15. Josiah and Stephen D. Beers, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 27,1836 .... 400 SECTION 16. Elias Sprague,* May 3, 1S50, and March 11, 1853 80 R. Grant,* Sept. 12, 1853 40 J. Ramer,* May 21, 1855, and April 12, i860 120 George I'almcr,* May 29, 1855 120 S. Carpenter,* July 7, 1855 , 4° Peter and William Deane,* March 28, 1856 40 E. C. Sprague,* M.ay 13. 1857 40 Edwin and Delos Alger,* Oct. I, 1869 40 Henry Thomas,* Jan. 5, 1870 40 SECTION 17. Isaac Green, Wayne Co., Mich., July 5, 1836 160 Gains Dayton, Wayne Co., Mich., Nov. I, 1836 320 SECTION 18. Conrad Hayner,* Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1836 160 George C. H.tyner,* of this county 80 SECTION 20. Joseph Hines,* Lenawee Co., Mich., June 15, 1836, .and May 16, 1837 160 SECTION 21. Mary Sanford,* Oakland Co., Mich., May 27, 1835, and June 18, 1836 80 Cornelius Neafie, Orange Co., N. Y., June 20, 1836 560 SECTION 22. Gilbert W. Prentiss,* Shiaw.issee Co., Mich., April 9, 1833. and April 15,1833 I20 Nathaniel Prouty, Wayne Co., Mich,, March 23, 1836 120 Ira Walker,* of this county, June 18, 1836 4° Horace R. Hudson, New York City, Sept. 24, 1836 80 SECTION 23. William Rikcr,* Sicuben Ci>., N. Y., Oct. 6, 1835 240 Ephraim Crawford,* Steuben Co , N. Y., Oct. 6, 1835 80 David Thompson, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 3, 1836 120 Leah Packaid, W.ayne Co., Mich., May 10, 1836 80 William Stroud,* of this county, Sept. 23, 1836, and Nov. I, 1836 80 SECTION 24. Ephraim Whitney, Oakland Co., Mich., June 15, 1836 40 Calvin W. Hart,* of this county, June 14, 1837 80 Lorenzo IJoulell, of this county, June I4, 1837 40 56 SECTION 25. Acres. Samuel C. Klump, Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 26, 1836 80 William Hosley,* of this county, IJec. 29, 1836 40 John Jones,* of this county, Oct. 26, 1839 40 SECTION 26. Joseph Neely,* .Monroe Co., N. Y., May 27, 1836 160 • SECTION 27. Benjamin Crawford,* Macomb Co., Mich., June 13, 1834. 320 SECTION 28. Antony Clark,* Oakland Co., Mich., Aug. 4, 1834, and Jan. I, 1836 120 Isaac I. Sheldon, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 12, 1836 240 Isaiah Vandelxjgart, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 18, 1836. 80 Abr.aham Riker,* Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1836... 80 Tobi.is C. Howland,* Livingston Co., N. Y., July 9, 1841 40 SECTION 29. Hugh Gilshenan, W.ashtenaw Co., Mich., June 14, 1S36... 160 John Vandebogart, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June 18, 1836... 40 Nelson I'etlibone, Genesee Co., N. Y., July i, 1836 80 Roger (Jlinan, W.ashtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1836 160 SECTION 30. Lott Pratt,* Genesee Co., N Y., May 10, 1836 159-64 .Sylvanus West, New York State, May 10, 1836 80 Chas. L. Harrison, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 23, 1836 79 82 James Hooper, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 2, 1837 79.72 SECTION 31. Justus Boyd,* Livingston Co., N. Y., May 5, 1836 160 Warnei Lake, Livingston Co., Mich.. May 5, 1836 158.20 John Coughran, Genesee Co., N. Y., M,ay 10, 1836 319-20 SECTION 32. Nathan Chidesler, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 4, 1836 240 William Slater, Livingston Co., N. Y., M.ay 5, 1836 80 Simon Westfall, Cayuga Co., N. Y., M.ay 11, 1836 80 William Horton, New York City, June 15, 1836 240 SECTION 33. Purdy Williams, New York City, June 15, 1836 160 Charles Pope, New York Ciiy, June 15, 1836 160 John IJunlap, O.ikland Co., Slich., July II, 1836 40 Rees Lewis, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 21, 1839 80 William 1'. Cone, of this county. May 30, 1855 80 William McPherson, of this county, M.irch 2, 1867 40 SECTION 34. Lyman Boughlon, O.akland Co., Mich., April 6, 1833 80 laines Sanford, Oakland Co., Mich., July 8, 1834 80 Edward .\lcMaken, W.iyne Co., .Mich., Sept. 21, 1836 80 SECTION 35. Willi.am W. Shules, O.ikland Co., Mich., July 8, 1835 40 Ezra Frisbee,* Montgomery Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1835 40 Adam Fisher, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 30, 1836 80 SECTION 36. William Northrup,* Wayne Co., Mich., June 6, 1836 40 John W. Farrand, Tompkins Co., N. Y., April 25, 1837... 240 SETTLEMENT. The first settler in Cohoctah was Gilbert W. Prentiss. Some time in the season following the entry of his land he erected a small shanty near the northwest corner of his first purchase, about eighty rods north and a little east of the middle of section 22, and there began the business of an In- 442 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. dian trader, doing a little trapping and hunting to occupy his spare time, for, of course, customers were scarce, and the demands of the business did not take up all the time of even one person. But little is known of this man, his character, or career. We know he flourished here for a brief period, possibly a year or more, and then vanished Re- garding the reason of his departure, which was very suddenly taken, and was not, in a true sense, entirely voluntary, we are informed that, in his trading operations, the Indians invariably demanded what was due them should be paid in " shu-ni-ah," or silver money, the only kind they were acquainted with and would receive. There seemed to be no lack of "Shu-ni-ah" in the Prentiss treasury, and all demands were promptly met with a ready sup- ply of the shining metal coins. But, alas for the honesty of the trader and the confidence of the Indians, it soon transpired that these coins would not pass current at other stores and trading-posts, in short, the Indians discovered that they were counterfeits. Then the savage blood began to boil, and the savage spirit to demand revenge. A plan was concocted for a descent upon the trader's cabin and a despoliation of its contents, and prob- ably the person of the dishonest trader might not have passed unscathed through the ordeal, had not he got wind of .the proposed visitation and hastily fled from the threatened danger. The Indians came, but their game had gone, and they were dis- appointed in their expected scheme of revenge and reprisal. The cabin was, however, conmiitted to the flames, and so perished the last token of the residence of the first settler in the town. The land was afterwards owned by Nathaniel Prouty, who also owned adjoining lands on the west, making his whole possessions on that section 240 acres. He lived in Detroit, and once came here with his family and goods, intending to settle on his land. But one night's experience of the new county was enough for them, and, with the rising of the morn- ing sun, they returned to their home in Detroit. Recently the place passed into the hands of Wil- liam B. Eager, who died there Sept. 19, 1879, and it is now in the possession of his family. The second settler, and the first permanent resi- dent, was John Sanford, who came from Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1832, and remained two years in Salem, Washtenaw Co., before coming to Cohoctah, in the summer of 1834. He com- menced what was known as the Sanford settle- ment, on section 27, and which was for some time the centre of population of the town. Before leaving Salem he engaged a man named Ira Walker to come with him to assist in clearing and breaking up his farm, so that the party that started from .Salem consisted of John Sanford and wife, their son James, their daughter Mrs. Antony Clark and her husband, and Ira Walker and his wife, and two children. While on their journey Mrs. Sanford fell from the load of goods, and was so severely injured that when they arrived at Wil- liam Bennett's, in Hamburg, she remained there with their daughter, who was Mr. Bennett's .wife. The rest of the company continued their journey and ariived safely at their destination. The}' im- mediately set to work on a house, and soon had one ready for their accommodation. It was a fair- sized log house, and stood on the west side of the Indian trail, close to the south line of section 27. It was the first real dwelling erected in the town, and for a time furnished a home for this first colony of settlers, eight in number. Soon after their arrival Mr. Clark built a house on his land, on section 28, and with his wife went there to live. In the fall or winter following Mrs. Sanlbrd recovered suffi- ciently to enable her to join the family in their new home. In 1835, Mr. Walker built a house about three-eighths of a mile west of the centre of section 27, just west of the small creek that runs southward across the quarter line of the sec- tion, and, after living there about a year, left for some other part of the country. John Sanford lived the life of a pioneer farmer until he saw the development of this part of Michigan well begun, and then, having reached a good old age, was gathered to his fathers, in November, 1845. He was an energetic and successful farmer, and brought his land to a good state of cultivation in the ten years of his life here. He accumulated a fine property, and added to his original purchase till he owned 1000 acres of land, besides what he distributed among his children. His wife survived him many years, and remained a widow to the time of her death. She lived to the age of ninety-two years, and died in April, 1877, at the house of her daughter, Mrs. William Bennett, in Hamburg. James Sanford remained here several years, and then went to California, where he was living when last heard from. Antony Clark died in this town in 185 I, and his wife removed to Hamburg, where she is now living with her sister, Mrs. William Bennett. The Sanford family was originally from the State of Pennsylvania. The progenitor of that branch of the family which settled here was Ephraim San- ford, father of John and Ezra, who was a patriot during the Revolutionary war, while his two brothers were Tories of the most bitter type. After the close of the war he removed to the State of Vermont, and afterwards to Steuben Co., N. Y. He was a Baptist preacher, having a wide COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 443 reputation for liis eloquence and piety. The Netv York State Gazetteer says of him, tliat " he was a silver-tongued preacher, who used to pass the sacrament in pewter tankards ;" and adds the misanthropic remark, that " nowadays tiie order is often reversed, and that many churches have silver tankards and pccvter preachers." His wife was a cousin of tlie famous Maj. Moses Van Campen, whose name and fame arc so intimately connected with the history of Southwestern New York, where he was several times a captive of the Indians and forced to run the gauntlet. Kzra Sanford did not leave the State of New York until three years after his biother John, but came directly to this town, after spending a few weeks visiting with friends in Salem, Washtenaw Co., arriving here July 9, 1835. With him came his wife, five sons, and two daughters, one of them accompanied by her husband, Ziba Stone. For' several nights after their arrival they slept in their wagons, and then moved into a house they had erected on the east side of the trail, about twenty rods north of the centre of section 27. There they all lived together through that summer and part of the winter of 1835-36, when they separated. Stone and his wife going to a new dwelling they had erected on their place, on the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 22. Ezra San- ford was a respected and honored citizen, and a deacon in the Baptist Church. He was also a preacher of no mean ability, and on some occa- sions preached at the church in the town of Burns, and often at his own house. ■ He died in this town, Jan. 2, 1844, and his wife survived him about eleven years. Before his death, Mr. Sanford gave each of his sons a quarter-section of land in this State. John H., another son of Kzra, came to this town in 1836 and remained one year. After spending one winter in New York, he settled in Deerfield in the spring of 1838, and lived there about ten years, and after several removals is now living in Wright, Ottawa Co., engaged in farming, surveying, and preaching, being a minister of the Universal ist Church. The rest of Ezra's children we mention, as fol- lows: Ezra, Jr., has been a prominent and honored citizen of this town down to the present time, and is now living on section i, engaged in the practice of medicine. David remained here several years, but finally moved away, and is now living in Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., practicing law, and also having an interest in a mercantile business. Ephraim H. studied law at loni.i, and from there went to Ann Arbor, where for four years he pub- lished a journal known as The Gem of Science. He went from there to Ohio, and at last settled in Wabaunsee Co., Kan., where he is now living, practicing law, and acting as land- and claim-agent. He has risen to considerable eminence in his new home, and besides several other offices, has once held the honorable position of judge of the Cir- cuit Court. James remauied on the iiomeste^d until after the death of his parents, and then re- moved to California, where he is now living. Samuel, who was a young man of much promi.se, went to Kansas, when the strife between Freedom and Slavery was at its height in that State, and was brutally murdered by one of the border ruf- fians, being shot down in cold blood, without any provocfition or opportunity for defense. His death occurred in the summer of 1859. Esther was the wife of Ziba Stone, and is still a resident of the town. Mr. Stone died in 1852, and she afterwards married Daniel Barlow, who died some fifteen years ago. Possessed of good health, and in the full possession of all her (iiculties, she promises to remain yet many years among the scenes where so many years of her life have been spent. Emily married William Stroud, in this town, and still continues to reside here, where her husband died in 1853 or 1854. Elizabeth, then married to Luther Houghton, came to this town in 1836, and after living with her father's folks two or three years, they moved to their land on section i. Mr. Houghton died about twenty-eight 3'ears ago, and his widow after a time was married again, her second husband being John Lane, who died in this town in 1878. She is still living in town, but is an invalid suffering from a broken back, caused by her slipping and falling across a door-step, about two years ago. The Crawford family, of whom Samuel Crawford was the head, came to Michigan in September, 1836, and settled on what is known as the Preston farm, on section 23, in this town. They came from the town of Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., via Buffalo and Detroit, and from the latter place followed the Shiawassee trail,' by way of Pontiac and White Lake, till they crossed the Shiawassee River at Nagg's bridge, and followed an Indian trail into this town. All of his children made settlements in this town, and after his wife's death he lived with them until his own death, some ten years ago. All but one of them liave moved to other parts. That one is Edmund D., who married Mrs. Alsmeda Kelly, a daughter of Dudley Woodworth, and is now living on a fine farm on section 9, where he has resided for the past twenty-four years. Another settler in 1836 was David Guile, who settled on the south central part of section 9. He came from Novi, Oakland Co., with a family of a wife, two married sons — David and Joseph — with 444 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY. MICHIGAN. ■wives, and a grandson, William G. Phares. Mr. Guile's family were all great hunters, and .spent much time in tlie forest in pursuit of game. His wife died about thirteen years later, and he then returned to Novi, selling his property here to Elias Spiague, and died there several years after. His grandson, William G. Phares, remained a resident of Cohoctah a long time, and was a very stirring, active man, respected by his neighbors, and was frequently elected to the office of constable. Per- haps his most peculiar characteristic was a readi- ness to trade, it being said of him that he never refused an opportunity to exchange. His wife once proved to him by actual count that they had'moved as many times as they had been married years, which was upwards of thirty. He is now living in the town of Genoa, in this county. William Northrup, formerly of Sullivan, Madi- son Co., N. Y.,came from there in the fall of 1836, and settled in Cohoctah on section 36, near the Deerfield line. In 1837 his wife died. He con- tinued to reside there till 1865, when he moved to Aurora, 111., where he died about six years ago. Some of his family are now living here. Justus Boyd came to this town in 1837, and had not the hand of death cut short his career, would have been one of its most important cit- izens. He was a native of the town of New- burgh, Orange Co., N. Y., and when a young man came West to Conesus, Livingston Co., N. Y. He married Miss Alniira Nutt, of Cayuga County, and in 1822 moved on to a new farm in the town of Mount Morris, where he lived fifteen years, when he came to this State and settled in Cohoctah. In the spring of 1836 he came to Michigan in com- pany with Joseph C. Craft, Daniel P. Lake, and William Slater, in search of land. Each of them made a purchase, but only Mr. Boyd came here to live. He returned to New York, and, in the early summer of 1837, began his journey hither with his wife and nine children, — six sons and three daughters, — the eldest, Lewis B., a boy of eighteen. In company with them came his brother-in-law, Lee Nutt, with his wife and three children, and a Mr. McFail, with his wife and four children. They reached Mr. Boyd's land, on section 31, on June 1 2th, having been one month on the road. Before returning East for his family, Mr. Boyd had en- gaged a Mr. Porter, of Howell, to build him a house on section 31, and this was ready for their occupancy when they arrived. Mr. Nutt lived ■yvith Mr. Boyd for a time, and engaged to clear a piece of ground and sow it to wheat, taking the crop in part payment for his labor. He then built a shanty on the south side of the road, in Howell, and moved into it with his family. At the election in the spring of 1838, Mr. Boyd was elected to the offices of overseer of the poor and assessor, and just a year from the time of his arrival here started for his former home to settle up his business affairs there. At Detroit he took passage for Buffalo on the ill-fated steamer "Wash- ington," which, when about t\venty-two miles from its destination, caught fire and was destroyed. Mr. Boyd exerted himself to the utmost in efforts to extinguish the fire and to save the passengers, and when nothing more could be done leaped overboard and swam ashore. The sudden chill caused by leaping into the cold water while. heated and per- spiring from his efforts, coupled with the e.xhaustion incident to such violent and prolonged exertions, proved too great a strain upon his vital powers, and he died a few minutes after reaching the shore at Silver Creek. He was a farmer, but was also a capable and competent business man of fair edu- cational attainments. His widow resides in Howell, with her daughter, Miss Angeline Boyd. She is now eighty years old. Of Mr. Boyd's children two have died, — William and Hannah ; Lewis B. married Charity, a daughter of Jared L. Cook, and is now living on section 31, in this town; John N. married Lucinda Holloway, and lives on the same section ; Hiram married Matilda Creshaw, of Handy, and lives on the same section ; Henry P. married Elizabeth Briggs, and lives on the homestead ; Norman mar- ried Rhoda Scofield, and lives on section 32 ; Elizabeth married Lyman H. Dean, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now a resident of Salem, Washtenaw Co. Alva Preston was for many years one of the substantial citizens of Cohoctah. He was a native of Windham Co., Conn., and soon after his mar- riage came to Michigan, settling in Ann Arbor in 1829. In December, 1836, he purchased two lots of land of the government, — on sections 2 and 11, and also 40 acres on section 23, of William Riker. In the following spring he came with his wife and two children, and occupied a house he had built on the north bank of the river, near the quarter line. During that summer, he, in company with Edward F. Gay, of Howell, built the first saw-mill in the town, having it ready to commence opera- tions that fall. The mill was a moderate sized one, having a " sash-saw" and " flutter-wheel," and did a considerable amount of custom sawing for a number of years. It stood near Mr. Preston's house, while the dam was a long ways up the stream, near the south line of section 14. After operating the mill about six years he sold it to William S. Ellis, who kept it running some four- teen or fifteen years, or until his death, when COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 445 through neglect it was permitted to go to ruin. In character, Mr. Preston was a firm, resohite, in- du.striou.s, anti conscientious man, having an ex- tensive influence and an unblemished reputation. His political faith was pinned to the doctrines of the Whig party, and to his efforts may be ascribed in a great measure the success of that party in this town. He was often called to serve his townsmen in an official capacity, being the first supervisor, and one of the first justices of the peace, and hold- ing at different times the offices of school inspec- tor, overseer of the poor, assessor for five years, and treasurer for four years. Formerly he was connected with the Presbyterian denomination, but after coming here joined the Methodists, and re- mained a consistent and prominent member of that body to the time of his death. May i6, 1862, in his sixtieth year. His first wife died Sept. 30, 1846, and he subsequently married Rachel Houghtaling, who survived him a number of years, and died in Howell. One of his sons, Alphonso, died at the age of three years, and six other children died in infancy. John L. enlisted in the Union army dur- ing the Rebellion, and died in the hospital at De- troit, of congestion of the brain, Jan. 16, 1862, at the age of twenty-six years. James A., the only living member of the family, remained a resident of Cohoctah for many years, and served in the offices of school inspector and treasurer. He married Sarah J. Clarity, of Owosso, and is now living in Howell. Alva Preston was very fond of children, and took a number of them at different times to bring up. At one time, it is said, that in- cluding his own children, he had youthful repre- sentatives of five different families gathered at his fireside. The name of this friend of the fatherless will long be a treasured memory in the hearts of those whose lives his loving care has aided to brighten and bless. Michael Thatcher came from Caneadea, Allegany Co., N. Y., and settled on the southeast quarter of section 5 in this town. He was a native of the State of New Jersey, and while living in Western New York had married Hannah, a daughter of Kzra Sanford. With his wife and three children, — two daughters, aged respectively thirteen and three years, and a son of eight, — he came through Canada to Detroit, and followed the Grand River road to Brighton and Howell, and the Indian trail from there through Sanford's Corners to his land, where they arrived July 15th, having been twenty- eight days on the road. Upon their arrival they built a small log shanty near the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of the section (stopping in the mean time at Ziba Stone's), where they lived till February, 1838, when they moved into a new log house they had built a few rods east of it, which furnished them a home for many years, and is still standing, the only log house in the town built by any of the earliest pioneers. Michael Thatcher remained a resident of the town to the day of his death, P"eb. 9, 1854. His wife lived on the place till Nov. 29, 1878, when she died at the ripe age of seventy-nine years. Both daughters are dead, and the son, Michael Thatcher,* who is the present supervisor of the town, lives on the homestead with his wife, formerly Miss Abigail P. Sears, to whom he was married in 1875. Among the settlers in the summer of 1837 was Thomas Goldsmith, with his father, Elisha, and his sisters, Sally and Elizabeth. They were from the town of Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., and, coming to Michigan, settled on rented land in Redford, Wayne Co., near Detroit, where they lived till the time of their coming here. Elisha died in this town in 185 I, Sally married Robert Sovvders, and Elizabeth married Joseph Brown. Both of these ladies are now dead. Thomas is still living on the home- stead, on section 26. He has been a prominent citizen of the town and a frequent office-holder, having been elected twenty- two times. His of- ficial career includes one year's service as assessor, two as highway commissioner, six as town clerk, twent)'-one as justice of the peace, and eight as supervisor. He is also the only voter now living who was present and participated in the first town- meeting in 1838. Jared L. Cook was a native of Oneida Co., N. Y.^ and moved, when a young man, to the town of Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y., where he settled upon and cleared up a new farm. In 1836 he came to Michigan and settled in Calhoun County. A year later he sold his farm to his brother Elijah, and moved on to a new farm on section 32, in this town, bringing with him a family of four sons and three daughters. Here he passed through the usual trials met by the pioneers, and became an influential member of the society formed of the townspeople. He held the office of supervisor four years, and served repeatedly as treasurer, assessor, and as highway commissioner. In New York he had served with honor as colonel of a militia regiment. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a firm, outspoken Christian, and died Jan. 29, 1849, at the age of fortj-nine years, lamented and mourned by all. His wife, Mrs. Orrilla Cook, is now living with her youngest son, on the homestead, at the age of seventy-six years. Their family embraced the following children : Horace • For his co opeintioii and willing aid in llic work of collecting the malcriiil fur this sketch he nients and receives our hearty thanks. 446 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. L. is now a hardware merchant in Byron, Shiawas- see Co. He was a prominent citizen during his residence here, and held several town offices, among them that of supervisor for three terms. Bradford was a gallant soldier in the Union army, and gave his life for his country. He was mus- tered into the service as second lieutenant of Com- pany A, loth Michigan Volunteer Infantry ; he was promoted to a first lieutenantcy, and afterwards to the captaincy of Company E; he was wounded in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, died from the effects of his wound on the 29th, and was buried on the field of battle. His remains were afterwards taken up and re-interred in a na- tional cemetery. Jared L., Jr., now lives in Fow- lerville, where he is engaged in the hardware trade. He, too, served in the war for the suppression of the Rebellion, enlisting Sept. 5, 1862, and serving to the close of the war, in Company D, 6th Mich- igan Cavalry. Joseph L., the youngest son, is living on the old homestead, and is one of the substantial men and successful farmers of the town. Charity, the oldest daughter, maiiicd Lewis B. Boyd, and lives in Cohoctah. Ruth died in Illinois, in October, 1 872, but was brought home and buried in the family burial-place in Conway. Sophia died in Clarendon, Calhoun Co., in the year 1855. The first settler in the vicinity of Chemungville was Adam Fisher, who came from Montezuma, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1837, and settled on the north half of the northeast quarter of sec- tion 35, which he had purchased from the govern- ment in the spring of 1836. His family consisted of a wife and four children, one of whom — his son Edward — is still living in the town. He died on his place in September, 1853, and his wife died there in the winter of 1860-61. William Riker settled in 1S37 on the northwest quarter of section 23, of which he owned all ex- cept the northeast 40 acres, which he had sold to Alva Preston. After living here ten or fifteen j'ears he moved to Ionia County, where he died several years ago. His brother, Abraham Riker, settled in the fall of 1838 on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 28, and died there eight or nine years afterwards, leaving a family of a wife and five children, who, soon after his death, removed to Ionia County, and subsequently to Muskegon. Isaac Van der Cook arrived in Cohoctah, March 18, 1838, and settled on the present Fiisbee farm. He came from Clarkson, Monroe Co., N. Y., in April, 1832, and moved to La Salle, Monroe Co., Mich., from which place he moved to Kensington, Oakland Co., in 1834. While living in Kensing- ton he married Mrs. Fisher, widow of Chauncey D. Fisher, who took up the Frisbee farm from the government, in 1836, and at the time of coming here had a family of four children, three of them being step-children. The farm was entirely new, and they built a log house that spring, into which they moved. They met with many trials and hardships, and were forced to undergo many pri- vations. Especially was this true of the hard winter of 1842, when many cattle were lost from exposure and insufficient feed, and when all would have died but for the browse afforded by cutting down small trees and letting them eat the tender twigs. Mr. Cook went that winter to the town of Lyons, from whence he came here, a distance of twenty-five miles, after a load of straw. He pro- cured a small load, and on his way home met a man who offered him seven dollars for it, which he refused. There were plent)'' of deer in the woods that winter, and store-hogs were kept through the cold weather by being fed deer car- casses from which the people had cut the hams and other choice pieces foi- their own use. Mr. Van der Cook and his estimable wife are still resi- dents of the town, living in the village of Che- mungville, where he has consitlerable property. They have reared a large family of children, some of whom are pronn'nent citizens of this town. Of these children, Cornelia married Edward Fisher, and lives in Cohoctah ; Sarah A. married Alanson Blood, and now resides in De Witt, Clinton Co. ; Esther M. married Henry Fay, and lives in the same place ; William H. married Frances Martin, and resides on section 14, in this town ; Lyman H. married Harriet Neely, and lives on section 35 ; Chauncey L. married Lucy J. Sessions, and lives in Howell ; and Alfred F. married Margaret E. Frisbee, and resides in the town of Deerfield; Conrad Hayner, a descendant of one of the early Dutch families of the valley of the Hudson, came to the town of Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y., in the early days of its settlement. There he lived several years, until, in 1840, he moved to and be- came a resident of Michigan. Previous to his re- moval here he came, in company with some others, and assisted in the work of running a threshingf- machine, in which they all owned equal interests, and which was one of the first, if not the very first, machines operated in this State. He purchased his land on section 18 in 1836. It was a strip of eighty rods wide, extending across the section just west of the centre. He came to Cohoctah in the spring of 1842. From Sanford's Corners he was guided to his land solely by aid of a pocket com- pass and the surveyors' marks. He found it to be an excellent lot of land, free from swamps and marshes, and there established a home, in which COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 447 lie lived out the remainder of his days and reared a family of ten children. He was a man of fair educational qualifications and good business ability. Though politically oppcsed to the majority of hi.s townsmen, he nevertheless was elected to several offices, and served as highway commissioner for eight years. He was always strenuous on the point of opening roads only on regular section or quarter section lines, instead of allowing them to run haphazard, as was the practice at first adopted. For many years he was a notary public, and did an immense amount of conveyancing. He died in December, 1870, and his wife in the spring of 1 87 1. Four of his children, Cyrus G, Mrs. Merinda Kelly, Mrs. Asmerelda Sawyer, and Mrs. Euretta Hendryx, are still living in Cohoctah, the former being the present town clerk and a merchant at the Centre. Klias Sprague, formerly of East Douglass, Mass., came to Michigan in 1832, and settled in West Bloomfield, Oakland Co. Me came to Brighton, and from there came to Cohoctah in 1849, when he settled on the David Guile farm, on section 9, which had been more recently owned by Joshua D. Sheffield. He has since continued to reside there, working principally at farming, but at one time owned an interest in the steam saw-mill at Cohoctah. During his early life he was a famous hunter, and his cabin was the general rendezvous for people who came from a distance to partici[)ate in the exciting s[)ort of deer-hunting. The num- ber of deer he has killed is enormous, it being over 600 when he stopped keeping any account, and he used to hunt them for many years after that. Jacob Kanouse was one of the early settlers in the town of Burns, Shiawassee Co., and became a resident of this town in 1844. He has been a leader among the Republicans of the town, and has frequently been called to offices of trust and responsibility. He has served seven \ears as supervisor, and was once elected as probate judge of the county. In another part of this woik a de- tailed sketch of his personal history will be found. Joseph Hosley first settled in Deerfield in 1837 and moved to this town some years later, living here a number of years previous to his death, which occurred May 22, 1855, at the age of seventy-eight years. Tliere were other pioneers whose names are worthy of special mention, but whose families have become extinct through death or removal, and whose histor)' there was no means of readily ob- taining. REMIXISCENCKS. The first white child born in this town was a daughter of Ira and Eliza Walker, who was born in September, 1836. She was chri.stened Anna, and removed with her parents to Milford, Oakland Co. Of her subsequent history nothing is now known. The second white child, and the first white male child, born in Cohoctah was John H., son of Wil- liam and Emily Stroud. He was born in 1837, grew to manhood in the town of his birth, married Louisa Ward, and died in this town in the fall of 1867, leaving a family of a wife and two children. He was an excellent citizen, a man of peculiar energy, and well cpialified for the office of constable, to which he was elected many times. The first and only marriage license recorded is the following, no date being given : " Marriafje License has been applied foi' on ihe sixleenlh day of April, l)y James Litilifiekl, of the luwn of Lima, Coiinly of Wash- tenaw, to lie joined in marriage to Miss Alniira Pitt, of the town of Tuscola, in the County of Livingston, Slate of Michigan, — therefore License was granted by me. "Mason Piiiu.ps, Tinvn Clerk." The first wedding celebrated in this town was at the house of Ezra Sanford. The parties most deeph' interested in the ceremonies incident to the occasion were William Stroud and Emily Sanford. The ceremony was performed by Amos Adams, Esq., a justice of the ])eacc in the town of Howell, on the 27th day of July, 1836. Of all those pre- sent as spectators, but one, Mrs. Esther Barlow, is now living in Cohoctah. It was a rare circum- stance in the infant settlement, and great pains were taken to honor the occasion with the best the country afforded. The groom furnished a bounti- ful supply of wine, and aside from the more sub- stantial articles of food, the table was supplied with an excellent appetizer in the shape of sauce made from the wild gooseberries found in the clearings. Some seventeen years later Mr. Stroud died, but his faithful companion still survives. The first death in town is believed to have been that of Mrs. William Northrup, in 1837. She was buried in what was called the Boutell burying- ground, on section 24. The pioneers had many things to contend against in their work of building up the prosperous com- munity that has resulted from their perseverance and enterprise. The distance traveled in going to market to sell surplus produce or purchase needed sup|)lies, was by no means the least of their disad- vantages. Detroit, Pontiac, and Ann Arbor were the nearest points where trading and milling could be done, and the journeys, especially in times when the roads were bad, involved great expense of time and labor. Wild animals abounded, and not al- ways of the most peaceable description. As illus- trating this, we mention a couple of incidents that 448 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. transpired in the early days of the settlement. Abram Kanouse lived on what is called the Sand Hill, on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section lo. One night, after the family had retired, the noise of a fierce fight, in which their dog was evidently taking part, fell upon their ears. Mrs. Kanouse hastened out and found the dog and a large wolf engaged in a fierce conflict. Near the scene of the fight work had been begun on a well, and a hole, some five or si.x feet deep, had been excavated. Into this Mrs. Kanouse succeeded in forcing the wolf, and there kept him until help arrived and he was killed. At another time Mr. Thatcher's family was startled at hearing a loud squealing in the woods, a little distance from the house, where the old sow, on whom they depended for their future supply of porkers, was feeding. Mr. Thatcher hastened towards the scene, and, see- ing that it was a bear that had attacked his pig, shouted for the others to bring the a.xe. Arrived at the scene, he found the bear standing with his forepaws on the prostrate, squealing animal, and vigorously masticating a piece of fat and tender- loin that he had bitten from its back. As the rest of the family arrived his bearship became alarmed, and, taking a parting bite from his prostrate victim, turned and plunged into the forest. The most wonderful part of the whole performance was that the torn and bitten porker, though unable to walk to her pen, was placed in a sheltered position be- hind a large log, and was there cared for until she recovered from the effects of her adventure. And, though not thereafter particularly elegant in form, she lived to bring into the world a numerous progeny, and performed all her maternal functions as successfully as though she had not met with so narrow an escape and furnished a bear with a breakfast. The first bridge that spanned the waters of the Shiawassee in this town was built in the spring of 1836, near the old fording-place on the line between sections 15 and 22. Dyer Rathbun, who was moving to settle in the town of Burns, Shiawassee Co., arrived at Ezra Sanford's, and found the river swol- len so greatly by the freshet as to be impassable. So he and his sons, assisted by Mr. Sanford and his hired man, set to work during the four days of their enforced stay and built the bridge, which enabled them to cross the stream and pursue their onward journey. It was a rude structure built of poles and logs, and after serving the pioneers as a place of crossing for two or three )'ears, was aban- doned in favor of a new, permanent bridge, nearly on the site of the present one. The first resident physician was Dr. Joel S. Stil- son. He first settled in Deerfield. About 1845 he settled at Chemungville, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred nearly twenty years ago. Another physician settled there in 1852-54, by the name of Paschal. He did not remain long, and for some irregularity in his views regarding the rights of personal property obtained the name of " the wool doctor." The first public-house was kept at John San- ford's. The house was, however, known as James Sanford's house, and the first town-meeting was held there in 1838. At Ezra Sanford's, too, enter- tainment for man and beast was furnished, but no liquor, as was the case at John Sanford's. The second town-meeting was held at the house of Ziba Stone, for two reasons : it was nearer the centre of population, and there no liquor would be furnished, and the settlers, who were principally temperate men, preferred to have the election con- ducted without the demoralizing influence of drink- ing attending it. At a later period there were two taverns in town, known as Davenport's and Jack- son's taverns. At these liquor was freely dispensed, and they became pestilential in the eyes of the moral people of the community, who at last rose in their might and crushed them out. At Daven- port's the travelers used frequently to stop, water their teams, warm themselves, and then go on without purchasing anything. At last this grew intolerable to the landlord, and calling the local artist to his aid, a sign was prepared and placed in position that was intended to notify the travel- ing public that warming for nothing was a thing of the past, and that " free as water" meant a reason- able compensation for the trouble and e.xpense of maintaining facilities for furnishing water for the public use. It is true that the sign was not the masterpiece of a modern Raphael, and did not re- flect the greatest credit upon the literary ability of its author, but it was expressive, and served the purpose for which it was intended, and attracted the notice, if it did not command the admiration, of all who passed that way. As near as the types will permit of its reproduction, it reads as follows: "wORMINg aND wAttERiNG HeaR sixPeNce." The work of stopping the sale of liquor and thus cleaning out these places was largely per- formed by Judge Jacob Kanouse. Upon his elec- tion to the office of supervisor in 1848, he caused proceedings to be commenced against them, and procured indictments at the first grand jury meet- ing that year. He then suspended the prosecution provided they would stop selling, a promise the tavern-keepers were very glad to make, and which, so far as outsiders could learn, was carefully ful- filled. COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 449 CIVIL AND POLITICAL. Upon the organization of this county, this town was made a part of the town of Howell, and so continued until tlie spring of 1838, when the fol- lowing act passed the Legislature, and was ap- proved by the Governor, March 6th, viz. : " Sec. 9. — All that part of llie county of Livingston desigmilcd in the United Stales survey as township number four north, of range number four east, be and the same is hereby set off and or- ganized into a separate township, by the name of Tuscola ; and (he first township-meeting shall be held at the house of lames San- ford, in said township." According to this provision the fir.st meeting was held at James Sanford's (which was John San- ford's residence), which fact is shown by the fol- lowing record of the proceedings of that meeting: " At the first township-meeting of the electors of the township of Tuscola, in the county of Livingston, .Slate of Michigan, held at Ihe house of J.ames Sanford's, on the 2d d.iy of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and (hirly-cight, Calvin W. Hart was chosen moderator and Hiram Rix clerk of said ineeling. " Names of Township Office! s. — Alva Preston, Supervisor ; Mason Phelps, Town Clerk; Alva Preston, Calvin W. Mart, Lott Pralt, Justices of the Peace ; Justice* Boyd, James Sanford, Hiram kix. Assessors; Calvin W. Hart, Thomas Goldsmith, Robert Sowders, Commissioners of Highways; Calvin W. Hart, Hiram Rix, Alva Preston, Inspectors of Common Schools; James Sanford, Collector; James .Sanford, William Riker, Abrani Ka- nouse, Constables; Justice* Boyd, Elisha Goldsmith, Overseers of the Poor. TOWNSHIP LAWS. " Voted, that the Path Masters serve as fence-viewers, Pound- Keepers, and appraisers of Damage. " Voted, that every Path Master's yard shall be called a Pound for the ensuing year. " Voted, that a fence four feet and a half high shall be a lawful fence. " Voted, that the next annual Town-Mecling be held at the house of Ziba Stone's. "This I assert to be a true copy of the original. " Recorded this fourth Day of April, a.d. 1838. " Mason Phelps, Toiun Clerk." The place of holding town-meetings has always been of a migratory nature in this town, embrac- ing the following range: in 1838 it was held at James Sanford's, on section 34; in 1839, at Ziba Stone's, on section 23; in 1840, at David H. Pear- son's; in 1841-42, at Robert Ireland's; in 1843, at Anthony Clark's, on section 28; in 1844, at school-house in District No. 4; in 1845, at Nathaniel Smith's; in 1846, at Nathan A. Townsend's; in 1847, at Nathaniel Smith's; in 1848, at Nathaniel Daven- port's; in 1849, at Mr. Fletcher's, on Ziba Stone's place; in 1850, at Dudley VVoodworth's ; in 185 i, at Benjamin Crawford's; in 1862, at school-house near Mr. Crawford's ; in 1853, at Chemungville ; in 1854-55, at Nathan Grant's ; and so it continues to shift about to the present day. * Justus. The following list contains the names of all the officers of the town from its organization in 1838 till the present )'ear of 1879: CIVIL LIST OF COHOCTAH. 1838. — Supervisor, Alva Preston; Town Clerk, Mason Pheli)s; Collector, James Sanford; Justices of the Peace, Lott Pratt (four years), Alva Preston (three years), Calvin \V. Hart (two years), Ezra Sanford (one year) ;t Assessors, Justus Boyd, James S.inford, Hiram Rix; School Inspec- tors, Calvin W. Hart, Hir.im Rix, Alva Preston. J 1839. — Supervisor, Calvin W. Hart ; Town Clerk, Robert .Sowders ; Collector, Ezra .Sanford ; Treasurer, Jared L. Cook ; Jus- tice of Ihe Peace, Sylvester .Stoddard ; Assessors, Jared L. Cook, Isaac Pratt, Nicholas F. Dunkle; School In- spectors, Jared L. Cook, Calvin W. Hart, Lott Pralt. 1840. — Supervisor, Noah Ramsdell; Town Clerk, Sylvester .Stod- dard; Collector, William Jenks; Treasurer, Jared L. Cook; Justices of the Peace, Orrin Stoddard (full term), Benjamin Crawford (vacancy) ; Assessoi^, Alva Preston, Isa.ac Pratl, Jared L.Cook; School Inspectors, Hiram Rix, John Jones, Orrin Sloddard. 1841. — Supervisor, Noah Ramsdell; Town Clerk, William H. Ram.sdell; Collector, Orville H.Jones; Treasurer, Jared L. Cook ;g Justice of the Peace, John Jones ; Asse>sors, Alva Preston, Jared L. Cook, Isaac Pratt; School In- spectors, Orrin Stoddard, John Jones, Hiram Rix. -Supervisor, Jared L. Cook ; Town Clerk, David Sanford ; Treasurer, Benjamin Crawford; Justices of the Peace, Chester Townsend (full term), Isaac Pratt (vacancy) ; Assessors, Thomas Goldsmith, Warren Hitchins; School Inspectors, Thomas E. Jeffries, Warren Hitchins, An- drew T. Green. 1843. — Supervisor, William Chase ;|| Town Clerk, Thomas Gold- smith ; Treasurer, Sylvester Stoddard ; Justices of the Peace, Benjamin Crawford (full term), Isaac Pratt (va- cancy) ; Assessors, Alva Preston, Ezra Sanford, Jr.; School Inspectors, Homer L. Townsend (one year), Warren Hitchins (two years) ; Fence-Viewers, Sylvester .Stoddard, Noah Ramsdell, Chester Townsend. 1844. — Supervisor, Jared L. Cook; Town Clerk, Thomas Gold- smith ; Treasurer, Sylvester Stoddard ; Justice of the Peace, Nathaniel Smith ; .\ssessors, .\lva Preston, Hiram L. Stoddard; School Inspector, William Knapp.^ 1845. — Supervisor, Jared L. Cook ; Town Clerk, Thomas Gold- smith; Treasurer, James Sanford; Justice of the Peace, William L. Jones ; Assessors, Alva Jones, Chester Town- send ; School Inspector, Warren Hitchins. -Supervisor, Jared L. Cook ; Town Clerk, Thomas Gold- smith ; Treasurer, Nathan A. Townsend ; Justice of the Peace, Chester Townsend; Assessors, Alva Preston, Hiram L. .Stoddard ; School Inspector, Horace L. Cook. -Supervisor, Chester Townsend ; Town Clerk, Thomas Goldsmith ; Treasurer, Nathan A. Townsend ; Justice 1842.— S 1846.- 1847.- f Pleld over, being a justice of Huwell towmsbip at the time the towns were divided. \ In the summer of this year, Justus Boyd was lost on a steamer burned on Lake Erie, and M.ason Phelps moved from the town. The vacancies thus created in the town offices were filled on the 5th of August, by the ap|x)intmcnt of Abram K.anouse to the office of assessor, and Robert Sowders to that of town clerk. I The treasurer's office became vacant for some reason, and the Town Board, on November 1st, appointed Sylvester Stoddard to fill the vacancy. II Died in office, and on August 23d Noah Ramsdell was ap- pointed to fill the v.acancy. ^ Removed from town, and on Feb. 15, 1845, Horace L. Cook was a|>poinled to fill the vacancy. 57 4SO HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. of the Peace, Benjamin Crawford ; Assessors, Joseph B. Jackson, Jr., Jared L. Cook; School Inspector, Warren Hitchins. 1S48. — Supervisor, Jacob Kanouse ; Town Clerk, Hiram L.Stod- dard; Treasurer, John N. Boyd; Justices of the Peace, Thomas Goldsmith (full term), Jacob Kanouse (long vacancy), Aaron Brunson (short vacancy) ; Assessors, John Jones, William P. Laing ; School Inspector, Horace L. Cook. 1849. — Supervisor, Jacob Kanouse; Town Clerk, Hiram L. Stod- dard ; Treasurer, John N. Boyd ; Justice of the Peace, Jacob Kanouse ; School Inspector, Lewis B. Boyd. 1850. — Supervisor, Jacob Kanouse; Town Clerk, Hiram L. Stod- dard ; Treasurer, John N. Boyd ; Justice of the Peace, Warren Chase ; School Inspector, Horace L. Cook. 1851. — Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith; Town Clerk, Hiram L. Stoddard ; Treasurer, David L. Winton ; Justices of the Peace, Guy N. Roljerts (full term), Lott Pratt (vacancy) ; School Inspector, Jared L. Cook. 1852. — Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith;* Town Clerk, William E. Winton ; Treasurer, David L. Winton ; Justices of the Peace, Thomas Goldsmith (full term), John N. Boyd (vacancy) ; School Inspector, Joel A. Chapman. 1853. — Supervisor, Jacob Kanouse; Town Clerk, Joel A. Chap- man ; Treasurer, Holland C. Hosley; Justices of the Peace, Luther Pratt (full term), Benjamin Crawford (one year), Conrad Hayner, (two years); School Inspector, Lewis B. Boyd. I 1854. — Supervisor, Horace L. Cook; Town Clerk, William E. Winton; Treasurer, Holland C. Hosley; Justice of the Peace, Dudley Woodworth ; School Inspector, Joel A. Chapman. 1855. — .Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith; Town Clerk, William E. Winton; Treasurer, Holland C. Hosley; Justices of the Peace, John D. Blank (full term), Dudley Woodworth (vacancy) ; School Inspector, James A. Preston. J 1856. — Supervisor, Hiram L. Stoddard;^ Town Clerk, Thomas Goldsmith ; Treasurer, Alva Preston ; Justices of the Peace, Joshua D. Sheffield (full term), Thomas Gold- smith (vacancy) ; School Inspector, Joel A. Chapman. 1857. — Supervisor, Jacob Kanouse; Town Clerk, William E. Winton; Treasurer, Alva Preston; Justices of the Peace, Luther Pratt (full term), Isaac V. D. Cook and Charles Drum (vacancies) ; School Inspector, Bradford Cook. 1858. — Supervisor, Horace L. Cook; Town Clerk, William Pal- mer; Treasurer, Alva Preston; Justices of the Peace, Seaman O. Soule (full term), Jacob Kanouse (vacancy); School Inspector, Joel A. Chapman. 1859. — Supervisor, Horace L. Cook; Town Clerk, William E. Winton ; Treasurer, Alva Preston ; Justice of the Peace, Charles Drum; School Inspector, Bradford Cook. i860. — Supervisor, Van Rensselaer Durfee; Town Clerk, Michael Thatcher ; Treasurer, Orrin F. Sessions ; Justice of the Peace, Robert J. McMillan ; School Inspector, Joel A. Chapman. 1861. — Supervisor, Van Rensselaer Durfee; Town Clerk, Michael * Being disabled by sickness, Jacob Kanouse was appointed, April 24th, to act as supervisor until his recovery. The treasurer, Daniel L. Winton, was also prevented by sickness from attending to the duties of his office, and Jan. 18, 1853, Joseph Brown was appointed in his stead. February 9th he resigned, and Mr. Win- ton was appointed. I Resigned, and April 9th Horace L. Cook was appointed to fill the vacancy. J Lewis B. Boyd was appointed school inspector, April i6th, in place of J. A. Preston, who did not qualify. J The supervisor being disabled by sickness, Jacob Kanouse was appointed to that office, October 3d. April i8th, William E. Win- ton was appointed to the office of school inspector. Thatcher ; Treasurer, Orrin F. Sessions ; Justice of the Peace, Luther Pratt ; School Inspector, Joseph L. Cook. 1862. — Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith ; Town Clerk, Ezra Fris- bee; Treasurer, Joel A. Chapman; Justice of the Peace, Seaman O. Soule; School Inspector, Amos Pratt. || 1863. — Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith ; Town Clerk, Alonzo T. Frisbee ; Treasurer, Joel A. Chapman ; Justice of the Peace, Michael Thatcher ; School Inspector, Joseph L. Cook. 1864. — Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith; Town Clerk, George E. Houghtaling; Treasurer, Joel A. Chapman; Ju.stice of the Peace, Thomas Goldsmith ; School Inspector, Wm. C. Randall. 1865. — Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith; Town Clerk, George E. Houghtaling; Treasurer, James A. Preston; Justice of the Peace, Luther Pratt; School Inspector, Schuyler E. Randall. 1866. — Supervisor, Thomas Goldsmith; Town Clerk, Julius D. Smith ;^ Treasurer, James A. Preston ; Justices of the Peace, Seaman 0. Soule (full term), George Cameron (to fill vacancy of Luther Pratt, who resigned March 30th) ; School Inspector, Luther C. Kanouse. 1867. — Supervisor, Alonzo T. Frisbee; Town Clerk, Augustus W. Britten; Treasurer, Lyman V. D. Cook; Justice of the Peace, Michael Thatcher; School Inspector, James A. Preston. 1868. — Supervisor, Alonzo T. Frisbee; Town Clerk, Augustus W. Britten ; Treasurer, Lyman V. D. Cook ; Justice of the Peace, William McMillan ; School Inspector, Albert D. Thompson.** 1869. — Supervisor, Alonzo T. Frisbee; Town Clerk, Martin L. Davis ; Treasurer, Lyman V. D. Cook ; Justices of the Peace, Charles A. Potter (full term), Oliver Sprague (vacancy) ; School Inspector, James A. Preston. 1870. — Supervisor, Luther C. Kanouse; Town Clerk, Martin L. Davis; Treasurer, Frank Purdy; Justices of the Peace, Richard Wrigglesworth (full tenii), Isaiah Goodenough (vacancy) ; School Inspector, Oscar T. Keller. 1871. — Supervisor, Luther C. Kanouse; Town Clerk, Abel S. Austin; Treasurer, Amos M. Eager ;ff Justices of the Peace, William O. Hendricks (full term), George O. Austin (vacancy) ; Drain Commissioner, Michael Thatcher (appointed May 20th) ; School Inspector, Winfield Kanouse. 1872. — Supervisor, Alonzo T. Frisbee; Town Clerk, Abel S. Austin; Treasurer, George E. Houghtaling; Justice of the Peace, William McMillan; Drain Commissioner, Michael Thatcher; School Inspector, Oscar T. Keller. 1873. — Supervisor, Roger Sherman; Town Clerk, William Mc- Millan; Treasurer, Alfred F. V. D. Cook; Justices of the Peace, Warren Chase (full term), Hartwell Lewis (vacancy) ; Drain Commissioner, Lewis Grant ; School Inspector, Winfield Kanouse. 1874. — Supervisor, Roger Sherman; Town Clerk, William Mc- Millan; Treasurer, Alfred F. V. D. Cook; Justice of the Peace, Richard Wrigglesworth; Drain Commis- sioner, Lewis Grant; School Inspector, Joseph L. Cook. 1875. — SupeiTisor, Roger Sherman ; Town Clerk, William Mc- Millan; Treasurer, Frank M. Pardee; Justice of the II Enlisted in the Union army, leaving a vacancy, which was filled, October 2d, by the appointment of Joel A. Chapman. H Mr. .Smith resigned on account of his moving from he town, and December 24th Horace L. Cook was appointed. Mr. Ran- dall died, leaving a vacancy in the office of school inspector, and December 15th Thomas Shelton was appointed. ** Mr. Thompson removed from town and, April nth, Charles A. Potter was appointed in his stead. ff Resigned, and George E. Houghtaling was appointed Nov. 6th to fill the vacancy. COHOCTAH TOWNSHIP. 451 Peace, Thomas Goldsmith ; Drain Commissioner, James McKane; School Superintendent, Joseph L. Cook; School Inspector, Winfield Kanouse. 1876. — Supervisor, Joseph Browning; Town Clerk, Martin L. Davis; Treasurer, Luther C. Kanouse; Justices of the Peace, Michael Thatcher (full term), Cyrus G. Hayner (vacancy) ; Drain Commissioner, George E. lloughtal- ing ;* School Superintendent, Joseph L. Cook ; School Inspector, Killmore M. Kanouse. 1877. — Supervisor, Joseph Browning; Town Clerk, Martin L. Davis ; Treasurer, Truman Sprague ; Justices of the Peace, William V. D. Cook (full term), Ames Pratt (vacancy); Drain Commissioner, Michael Thatcher; School Superintendent, Fillmore M. Kanouse ; School Inspector, John Q. Faulk. 1878. — Supervisor, Amos M. Eager; Town Clerk, Cyrus G. Hayner; Treasurer, Alva P. Ellis; Justice of the Peace, Richard Wriggles worth ; Drain Commissioner (for two years), Michael Thatcher; School Superin- tendent (for two years), Fillmore M. Kanouse; School Inspector, John Q. Faulk. 1879. — Supervisor, Michael Thatcher; Town Clerk, Cyrus G. Hayner; Treasurer, Alva P. Ellis; Justice of the Peace, Amos Pratt ; Drain Commissioner, Lyman V. D. Cook;f School Inspector, William H. Erwin. An effort was made in the spring of 1868 to have a town-house built. At the town- meeting a committee, consisting of Jacob Kanouse, Lewis B. Boyd, Arthur F. Field, Wm. Haskell, and Amos M. Eager, was appointed and empowered to locate a site, and post up notices containing specifications for the building, and to institute other necessary proceedings. They were to report at the next annual meeting. Their report stated that they had selected a site on land owned by J. N. Teller, near Mrs. Davenport's. At this stage of the pro- ceedings, for some reason, the project was aban- doned, and was not revived until April 10, 1876, when a petition signed by 21 freeholders was pre- sented, praying for a special town-meeting, to vote a tax of ^600, for the purpose of building a town- house. The meeting was called and held at Daniel Neeiy's, on Saturday, April 29, 1876. The prop- osition to raise the ta.x was voted down, 39 voting for the tax and 96 against it. The first jury list was prepared by the assessors and town clerk, May 21, 1839, and contained three names, — Anthony Clark, Eliel Stoddard, and Ezra Sanford, Jr. In 1837, while yet a part of the town of Howell, an assessment roll was prepared, which was the first one of which any trace now exists. The as- sessors by whom it was prepared were David H. Austin and Peter Brewer. The following portion of it contains the names of the resident ta.K-payers, the non-residents being omitted as of no particular interest in this connection : * Resigned on the 3d of May, and Ezra Frisbec w.-is appointed to fill the vacancy. He resigned May 22, and, June 20, Michael Thatcher was appointed in his stead. f In place of Michael Thatcher, who resigned April 7th. Names. Sections. Acres. Valuation. Baldwin 22 80 ^240 Anthony Clark 28 120 360 Benjamin Crawford 27 320 960 Ephraim Crawford 23 80 240 TJionias Goldsmith 26, 27 200 600 .Miraham Kiker 28 80 240 William Riker 23 240 720 John Sanford 3,^21,27,34 IO46 3138 Ezra Sanford 2,22,27 S?' '7'3 Ziha Stone 22 80 240 William Stroud 23 80 240 Ira Walker 22 40 120 Totals 2937 S8811 Real estate valuation $65,405.00 Personal property 500.00 Total $65,905.00 Tax on resident roll $32.88 Tax on non-resident roll 206.60 Total S239.48 The first complete roll of this town was that of 1840, the names and taxes of the resident tax- payers being as follows : Names. Sections. Acres. Valuation. Lorenzo Boutell 24 25 S37'50 Lewis B. Boyd 31 80 177 Almira Boyd 3'. 6§ 407 890 Bond Bigelow 12 40 80 D.ivid Brown 12 40 60 Joseph Brown John H. D. Blank 10 40 160 Horace L. Cook Samuel Cr.iwford 23 40 120 Isaac V. D. Cook 25, 35, 36 200 376 Benjamin Crawford 27 240 560 Warren Chase 30, 31 180 415 Jared L. Cook 32.5? 37° 744 Anthony Clark 2 50 124 Peter Cramer 5 40 12S Ephraim Crawford i 80 138 Eli Carpenter 35 2 10 James Chambers 20 120 305 Jacob B. Debar 3 25 92 Nathaniel Davenport 10, 15 240 420 Charles Davenport Daniel Develin 28 120 250 Jesse Davis 23 80 190 Willi.im S. Ellis 14 160 300 Michael Fisher 35, 2J 149 279 .Vdam Fisher 35 77 208 David Guile, Jr 10 40 72 David Guile 9 i6o 320 N.athan Grant 5, 7 240 481 Thomas (joldsmith 23,26,27,28 290 705 Francis George 35 160 200 Patrick Gall.ighan 14 80 80 Warren Hilchins 32 160 266 Calvin W. Hart|| 24 160 315 Holland Hosleyll 25,31,^ 36 420 919 I'hom.as Hynes 20 40 69 Luther Houghton I 160 347 John V. & Asa Harmon i, 12 120 31S Samuel Hunt 4 80 156 Conrad Hayner 18 160 341 Ira Hotchkiss 7 80 I44 Alva Jones 3, 10 180 394 William L.Jones 3 40 120 Joseph B. Jackson, Jr 7 72 183 Sallyjenks 5 40 163 John JonesJ 24, 25 230 282 John Kimball 3 80 132 J.acob Kanouse 5 288 576 Winchester Merriam 11 80 120 Joseph Ncely 26 159 363 I In Howell. j Town 3 north, range 4 east. II Increased by school tax. ^ Town 4 north, range 5 east. 452 HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Names. Section. Lott Pratt 30 William Packard 23 Preston & Gay 23 Alva Preston 11, 23, 24 John Powell 9 Joshua Poyer 3, 4 Hiram B. Rathburn 5 Noah Ramsdell 23,24,25, 26 Abraham Riker 28 Nathaniel Smith 3,9. 'O Ezra Sanford I, 2 David Sanford 5 William S;roud 2 Enon Shippey i, 12 Daniel Sculley S Ephraim Starr 3, 9, 10 E. & H. L. Stoddard 2, 3 Benjamin F. Scofield 23 Ziba Stone 21, 22 James Sanford John Sanford Sarah Sanford 22, 27 Elias Stillson* 36 Nathan A. & J. C. Townsend...3f , 27, 34 Michael Thatcher 4. 5 Chester Tovvnsend 31, 32 John C. Townsend Peter Vanderhoof 12 Joseph Whitaker 7 \cres. Valuation. '59 $408 120 270 40 600 190 5" 40 66 ■75 217.50 128 349 ■;8^ 1112.50 80 156 320 635 224 411 40 60 40 60 160 362 200 345 280 342 120 250 80 195 200 305 320 678 40 no 925.S7 1718.29 190 309 ibS 410 120 140 80 180 Total. 10,345.87 $23,429.79 This tax was levied for the following purposes : For township expenses For school taxes For highway purposes For rejected taxes For State and county taxes.. For collector's fees S185.40 66.44 123-23 9.20 3'3-53 1372 S711.52 S337-02 374-5° $711.52 Valuation of real estate $39,679.00 " personal estate 2,125.00 Total. Amount of resident tax and fees Amount of non-resident tax and fees.. Total tax. Total valuation $41,800.00 Total valuation 1879 $724,520.00 From the foregoing statements we learn that in the eight years intervening between the first two assessments mentioned the proportion of resident to non-resident tax increased thirty-four per cent., while at present the non-resident tax is a compara- tively small amount. The valuation has increased in the forty-two years that have elapsed since the first assessment more than one tliousand per cent. The first year's audit of accounts was as follows, part being audited March 19, 1839, and the rest March 26th : Mason Phelps, Town Clerk Sl-38 Robert Sowders. " " Highway Commissioner.. Hiram Bennett Justus Boyd Amos Adams, Surveyor Jared L. Cook Lott Pratt Hiram Rix Ezra Sanford James Sanford J. W. Smith, Town Clerk of Howell 9-32 32-13 4.20 3.00 6.00 4.24 5-07 8.24 4.50 4.00 3.00 * Increased by school tax. f Town 3 north, range 4 east. John Farnsworth, Surveyor $4.32 Abram Kanouse, Jr., for ballot-boxes and services 6. 28 Isaac Pratt 1.40 Tames Rathbun 1.56 B. F. Scofield 1.48 Thos. Goldsmith, Highway Commissioner 1S.25 Calvin W. Hart, " " 9.00 Alva Preston, Supervisor 12. lo Eliel Stoddard 1.34 Josi#%': '\<^ /•■• # ,;;^-.% . '^■■-'^'S, i '^-S, ^ -'life'' "^ •< '■^''•\ < •i -0.' -^.^ * -i Jty ^ . 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